My Bonny Black Bess
Dick Turpin bold! Dick, hie away,
Was the cry of my pals, who were startled, I guess,
For the pistols were levelled, the bullets whizzed by,
As I leapt on the back of Black Bess.
Three Officers mounted, led forward the chase,
Resolv’d in the capture to share;
But I smil’d on their efforts, tho’ swift was their pace,
As I urg’d on my bonny Black Mare.
So when I’ve a bumper, what can I do less,
Than the memory drink of my bonny Black Bess?
Hark away, hark away! still onward they press,
As we saw by the glimmer of morn,
Tho’ many a mile on the back of Black Bess,
That night I was gallantly borne;
Hie over, my, pet, the fatigue I must bear
Well clear’d! never falter for breath,
Hark forward, my girl, my bonny Black Mare,
We speed it for life or for death.
But when I’ve a bumper, what can I do less,
Than the memory drink of my bonny Black Bess?
The spires of York now burst on my view,
But the chimes, they were ringing her knell,
Halt! Halt! my brave mare, they no longer pursue,
She halted, she staggered, she fell!
Her breathing was o’er, all was hushed as the grave,
Alas! poor Black Bess, once my pride,
Her heart she had burst, her rider to save,
For Dick Turpin, she lived, and she died.
Then the memory drink of my bonny Black Bess,
Hurrah for poor bonny Black Bess!