Henry and Nancy

Henry and Nancy, Or, the Lover’s Seperation

As I walked out one morning in the spring time of the year,
I overheard a sailor bold, likewise a lady fair:
They sung a song together that made the vallies ring,
Whilst birds on sprays and meadows gay proclaim’d a lovely spring
Then Henry said to Nancy, I soon must sail away,
It is lovely on the water to hear the music play,
The Queen she does what seamen so I’ll not stay on shore.
So I’ll brave the wars for my country’s cause cannons loudly roar.
Oh, then said pretty Nancy pray stay at home with me,
Or let me go along with you to bear your company,
I’ll put on a pair of trowsers and leave my native shore,
Then let me go along with you where cannons loud do roar.
It will not do said Henry, it’s vain for you to try,
They will not ship a female, young Henry did reply:
Besides your hands are delicate, the ropes will make them sore,
‘Twould be worse if you should fall where the cannons loudly roar.
Four is the bounty, and that will do for thee,
To help thy aged parents while I am far at sea;
Come, change your ring with me, my love, for we may meet once more
For one above may guide your love where cannons loudly roar.
Poor Nancy fell and fainted but soon they brought her too.
They then shook hands together and took a fond adieu,
The Tower hill was crowded with mothers weeping sore,
For sons that’s gone to face the foe where cannons loudly roar.
There’s many a mother’s darling has entered for the main,
And in the dreadful battles what numbers will be slain;
For many a weeping mother and widow will deplore.
For those who fall by cannon balls where cannons loudly roar.

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BBO Roud Number: V3409

Other website link: National Library of Scotland