This has been an interesting read. I'd never seen the actual lyrics in print before. We were taught them at RenFaire as, "ease me on your pearly prow" Then there's the verse where he "was oft between her knees and soon gave out his gravy." It ended with...

"Had I gold or Had I land, It would all be at his command, For I'll never forget what he put in my hand, It was his Dainty Davey."

It sounded quite beautiful sung a capella in 4-part harmony. The ladies who regularly sang it got a kick out of folks saying, "Oh that was beautiful." when it was a song about a penis!

And to think I found this whole thread just because I was searching for the lyrics. ; )