G'day,
Here is my attempt at following your instructions. Don't know if it works though - we seem to end up with a song that wanders aimlessly from verse to verse and goes nowhere, apparently providing no logical reason for people's actions.

On the other hand, maybe that means the instructions do work after all.

When the first white settlers sailed into Botany Bay in 1788 Kurnell was the place they landed. I doubt if many people were transported to Botany Bay because the settlement very quickly moved up the coast to Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour). This entire area is now surrounded by suburban Sydney where I live.

Obviously May is winter here and a coolibah grove is more likely than an ash grove. Scans better in this song too.

A DUMMY'S FOLK SONG As I walked out on a May morning On a cold, grey winter's day At length I came to far Kurnell On the shores of Botany Bay. With a down derry derry derry down And as I wandered down the road An Irish girl I spied I am your long lost love said I But she knew not that I lied. Oh Willie, dearest Willie she said My father ordered you slain When he discovered I was with child - And with you I had once lain. Now you must be my lover's ghost Come back to haunt me so And I will kiss your clay cold lips But with you I cannot go. I am no ghost and if you've a child A lover I ne'er was to thee But if you'll consent I'll walk with you My racehorse for to see. Kind sir you are too bold said she To speek so freely to me For you only wish to remain as free As a lark up in a tree. How many ships sail in the forest said I I've wondered all my life If you can tell me this I said I'll take you for my wife. I cannot be your wife she said For I fear Britannia's huns And by the uniform you wear I see that you are one. I drew my dagger from my cloak And slew my own true love And now she sleeps beneath the green turf Down by the coolibah grove.

Cheers,
Alan