Malcolm Douglas provided a capsule history of this song in thread 65185: Lady of Carlisle speechless
Here is one of the broadside versions (with mistakes and bad composition) from which later singers took versions and mis-hearings. I have inserted parenthetically a few words for clarity.
^^
Lyr. Add: BOLD LIEUTENANT 1

1.
In London city there lived a lady who possessed a vast estate,
She was courted by men of honour, dukes and earls did on her wait,
This lady made a resolution to join in wedlock with none but he,
Who signalised hims. if by honour 'all in the wars by land or sea.
2.
There were two brothers who became lovers, they both admired this lady fair,
They did endeavour to gain her favour, likewise to please her was all their care;
One of them bore a captain's commission, under the command of bold Colonel Carr,
The other was a noble lieutenant on board of the Tiger man of war.
3.
The eldest brother (who) was a captain great protestations of (love) did make.
The yongest brother swore he would venture his life and fortune for her sake,
Now said she I will find a way to try them, to see which of them first from danger start,
And he that shall behave the bravest shall be the governor of my heart.
4.
She desired her coachman for to be ready as soon as he could see the break of day,
And she and her two warlike heroes to Tower-hill they rode away,
When she arrived unto the Tower she threw her fan into the lion's den,
Saying he that wishes to gain a lady shall bring to me my fan again.
5.
Then well bespoke the faint-hearted captain, who was distracted all in his mind,
To hostile danger I'm no stranger, to face my foe I'm still inclined,
But to hear the lions and the wild beasts roaring, for to approach them I do not approve,
So therefore madam forbear of danger some other champion must gain your love.
6.
And well bespoke the bold lieutenant with voice like thunder so loud and high,
To hostile danger I am no stranger, I will bring you back, love, your fan or die,
He drew his sword and went in amongst them, the lions fawned and fell at his feet,
It was then he stooped for the fan and brought it and left the lions all asleep.
7.
The gallant action now being over, unto the lady he took his way,
While she sat in the coach a trembling, thinking he might become lions' prey,
But when she saw her bold hero coming, unto him there was no harm done,
With open arms she did embrace him, saying take your prize, love you have won.

Bodleian Library, Harding B 16 (29a). No date, no data.

I will post another later.