Adventures of Valentine O'Hara
the
Flying Highway-man

I am a daring highwayman, my name is Val O'Hara.
I come of decent honest friends near to the Hill of Tara.
For getting a fair maid with child, to England I sailed over.
Leaving my parents almost wild, whilst I became a rover.

To London City I did go, where I became a soldier,
Resolved to fight against Briton's foe, great Hector ne’er was bolder.
I was sent to a foreign coast where cannons loudly rattle.
Believe me that I do not boast, I well behaved in battle.

In many battles I have been Thro’ Holland and French Flanders.
I always fought with courage keen, led on by bold commanders.
Brave and undaunted I behaved, for I being valiant hearted
But thro’ base usage I received, alas I soon deserted.

Then to old England I did sail, as fast as wind could drive me,
Resolved that of my liberty no man could e're deprive me,
When I arrived on England’s shore, and found my name gazetted
At which my heart was grieved sore, and there at was much fretted

How to behave I did not know, being void of friends and money
Desertion caused it to be so, and brought these troubles on me
In open fields I lurked night, lest I should be suspected
And dare not travel in daylight, for fear of being detected

I being resolute and bold, and likewise able-bodied,
To stand the road I then resolved, with pistols heavy loaded.
To rob upon the King’s highway, was my determination
Then to the road without delay, nor further hesitation

The very first I e’er did rob, was a great lord of honour
That nobleman I did assault, all in a robust manner
Said I ‘My Lord I demand your coin, make no delay but give it
If you refuse ’tis my design, by powder and ball to have it.

I cocked my pistol to his breast, which caused him for to shiver
Five hundred Guineas as I protest, to me he did deliver
His gold repeating watch likewise, to me he did surrender
I thought it was a gallant prize, when he his gold did tender

Then, with part of that money, I procured a famous gelding,
That o’er a five-bar gate could fly, I bought of a Mr. Shelding.
When mounted on my flying steed, I looked right bold and daring
Then to the road I went with speed, for, I no man was fearing

One night I robbed Lord Anglesey, not far from Covent Garden
And in three hours after that, I kopt at Attorney Harden
Balls and plays, road, street and lane, I robbed Lords Dukes and Earls
Myself in grandeur to maintain, and to support my girls

I never yet did stop a man, but those in high character
At Limehouse church one night, I robbed a revenue collector
From him I took five hundred pound, in Smiling Rhino ready
One hundred guineas of that prize, I did return his lady

When e’er I met distressed poor, when poverty did grieve them
I always found myself inclined, with money to relieve them
I laid upon the rich and great, to rob the poor I scorn
But that won’t prevent my fate, this day at old Tyburn

Now here in Newgate close confined, and by the laws convicted.
To Tyburn tree I am destined, and great I’m much afflicted.
Farewell my country and my friends, and the ancient Hill of Tara!
Kind providence may rest the soul of Valentine O'Hara.
Transcribed from the chapbook in the Royal Irish Academy, in Dawson St. in January of this year. Dated Newry 1802