Down in Carlisle there lived a lady
Being most beautiful and gay
She was determined to stay a lady
No man on earth could her betray
Unless it was a man of honour
The man of honour, and high degree
And there approached two loving soldiers
This fair lady for to see
One being a brave lieutenant
A brave lieutenant and a man of war
The other being a bold sea captain
Captain of a ship that had come from afar
And then out spoke that brave young lady
Saying, "I can be but one man's bride
If you'll come back tomorrow morning
On this case we will decide"
She ordered her a span of horses
A span of horses at her command
And down the road, these three together
They rode till they come to the lion's den
And there they stopped, and there they halted
Those two soldiers stood gazing round
And for the space of half an hour
That young lady lay speechless on the ground
And when she did recover
Threw her fan in the lion's den
Said, "Which of you to gain a lady
Will return my fan again?"
And then up spoke that brave lieutenant
He raised his voice both loud and clear
He said, "I know I am a dear lover of women
I will not risk my life for love"
And then up spoke that bold sea captain
He raised his voice both loud and high
He said, "I know I am a dear lover of women
I will return your fan or die"
In the lion's den he boldly entered
The lions being both wild and fierce
He walked unharmed and in a moment
He did return her fan again
And when she saw he lover coming
Seeing no harm to him was done
She laid her head all upon his bosom
Saying, "Here is the prize that you have won"