Lyr. Add: SPORTING HERO, or, Whiskey in the Jar

I am a sporting hero, I never yet was daunted,
In treating of pretty girls at places where I haunted.
In rum, gin & brandy, I would spend all my store,
And when that is done I would boldly rob for more.

Mush a ring a ding a da, ri too ral la,
Ri too ral laddy O, there's whiskey in the jar.

As I was crossing over Mulberry mountain,
I met with Col. Pepper whose money he was countin
It's first I draw my pistol, my broadsword and rapier
Saying stand and deliver, for I am your deceiver.

I picked up the money it was a pretty penny,
I took it home to Molly for she had not away,
I took it home to Molly, she swore she'd never deceive me,
But the devil's in the woman for the never can be easy.

I being wet and weary and for to take a slumber,
I laid myself down all in my Molly's chamber,
She unloaded my pistols & loaded them with water
I was taken like a lamb going to the slaughter.

Early in the morning between six and seven,
The strong guards surround me, likewise Capt. Nevin,
I flew to my pistols but I found I was mistaken,
When I fired off the water I was a prisoner taken.

I stood in the hall while the turnkeys were rolling,
I stood in the hall while the names they were callin
I drew up my metal bolts & knock'd the sentry down
And made good my way out of Melbrow town.

I have got two brothers and they are in the army,
The one is in Cork and the other in Kilkenny,
If I had them ere tonight I would be brisk & jolly
I would rather have em ere than you deceitful Molly

Some take great delight in their fishing and their fowling,
And others take delight in their carriage rolling,
But I take great delight in being brisk and jolly,
Filling up strong liquors for you deceitful Molly.

I have not corrected the printing errors. From Bodleian Collection, Ballads Catalogue, 2806 C16(329), J. Cadman, Manchester; Andrews, Leeds, between 1850-1855.
Also printed in Bradford, no date.