In the thread "Help: Harry Clifton songwriter", Steve Gardham posited that Clifton based "My Rattling Mare and I" on another song of his, "My Old Wife". It turns out that the two not only have a similarity of chorus, but the tune is the same. What put Steve on the scent was this telling line ending the first verse of "Rattling Mare":
   It's not my wife, upon my life, but a rattling old bay mare.

Here, then, is the precursor to "My Rattling Mare and I":


My Old Wife
   [Written and composed by Harry Clifton, 1866 or earlier]
   [Tune also used for Clifton's "My Rattling Mare and I"]

[1] I merrily sing from morn till night,
   And misery I defy,
And I've a wife who, with delight,
   Sings just as happy as I.
She is the comfort of my life,
   My darling and my pride,
For twenty years together, my boys,
   We've travell'd it side by side.

        CHORUS.
   Round goes the world,
      Trouble I defy,
   Jogging along together, my boys,
      My dear old wife and I.

[2] When homeward I'm returning, why,
   She'll greet me with a smile;
Her dear old face beams with delight
   In such a happy style.
"Sit down by the fireside,"
   She'll say, "and take your tea."
She laughs and jokes on t'other side,--
   A picture, boys, to see.

[3] In winter, when the snow is down,
   She'll meet me at the door,
With :Come in, lad, and warm yourself,
   You must be cold, I'm sure."
She brings my slippers, warm and dry,
   And lays them by my side;
I never could find her equal, though
   I search the world so wide.

[4] I smoke my pipe, and sing my song,
   Content to stay at home,
As happy as the day is long,
   And ne'er inclined to roam.
There's many talk of single bliss,
   And for their freedom sigh;
But that will never be the case
   With my old wife and I.


Source: The Bodleian Library ballads site: Harding B 11(2576); between 1840 and 1866.
Printers: J. Harkness, Preston; Hopwood and Crewe, London.
Imprint: Words and Music published by Hopwood and Crew, 42, New Bond-st., London. Sec. 28.

Some information about Clifton's break with his wife (in order to take up with his co-performer Fanny Edwards) is posted in the Clifton thread. Dating information we have so far puts the writing of both songs in 1866.