As I was a-walking one morning in May
A-viewing wild flowers, all Nature seemed gay
I spied a young couple on Erin's green shore
They were viewing the ocean where the wild billows roar
He said "Pretty Polly you're the girl I adore
For to be parted from you it grieves my heart sore
Your parents are rich love and angry with me
And if I tarry with you, I ruined will be
"She's dressed herself up in a suit of men's clothes
And to her old father immediately goes
She's purchased a ship and laid down the demand
It was little he knew it was his own daughter's hand
She went to her true love and this she did say
"Rise up lovely Johnny, there's no time to stay
They've hoisted their topsails and hurrahed with joy
And away o'er the ocean sailed the Lady Leroy
"When her father found out how he cursed and did swear
He sent for his captain and bid him prepare
For to seek them and find them and their lives destroy
For they ne'er should enjoy his proud Lady Leroy
The captain was pleased with his orders to go
For to seek them and find them like some wandering foe
He spied a fair vessel with her colours let fly
He hailed her and found she was the Lady Leroy
He's bade them return to old Ireland once more
Or broadside and broadside upon them would pour
This brave Irish hero has made this reply
"We will never surrender, We'll conquer or die"
So it's broadside and broadside each other did pour
And louder and louder the cannons did roar
This brave Irish hero has gained victory
Hurrah for true lovers - may they always run free
They've landed in Boston that city of fame
Of the other shop's commander I'll mention no name
Here's a health to pretty Polly, long may she enjoy
Her bravest of heroes and her Lady Leroy