The Female Smuggler
Now, in sailor's clothing swell Jane did go,
Dressed like a sailor from top to toe;
Her aged father was the only care
Of this female smnggler,
Of this female smuggler
Who never did despair.
With her pistols loaded she went aboard.
And by her side hung a glittering sword,
In her belt two daggers; well armed for war
Was this female smuggler,
Was this female smuggler,
Who never feared a scar.
Now they had not sail-ed far from the land,
When a strange sail brought them to a stand.
"These are sea robbers," this maid did ery,
"But the female smuggler,
But the female smuggler,
Will conquer or will die."
Alongside, then, this strange vessel came.
"Cheer up " cried Jane," we will board the same;
We'll run all chances to rise or fall,"
Cried this female smuggler,
Cried this female smuggler,
Who never feared a ball.
Now they killed those pirates and took their store,
And soon returned to Old England's shore.
With a keg of brandy she walked along,
Did this female smuggler,
Did this female smuggler,
Who sweetly sang a song.
Now Ihey wwe followed by Ihe blockade,
Who in irons strong did put this young maid.
But when they brought her to be tried,
This young female smuggler,
This young female smuggler
Stood dressed like a bride.
Their commodore against her appeared,
And for her life she greatly feared.
When he did find to his great surprise
'Twas a female smuggler,
'Twas a female smuggler
Had fought him in disguise.
He to lhe judge and jury said,
"l cannot prosecute this maid,
Pardon for her on my knees I crave,
For Ihis female smuggler,
For this female smuggler
So valiant and so brave."
Then this commodore to his father went,
To gain her hand he asked his consent.
His consent he gained, so the commodore
And the female smuggler,
And the female smuggler
Are one for evermore.
From Shay, Pious Friends and Drunken Companions
RG
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!