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Jack Williams I am a boatman by my trade, Jack Williams is my name; And by a false deluding girl I was brought to grief and shame. In London town where I did dwell The people did me know; I fell in love with a handsome girl That proved my overthrow. I went a-robbing night and day To maintain her fair and gay; And what I got I valued not, I brought to her straightway. At length to Newgate I was sent, Bound down in irons strong, With a rattling chain around my leg, And she longed to see it on. I wrote a letter to my love Some comfort for to find; Instead of proving friend to me She proved to be unkind. "You robbed and stole to keep me gay; The truth I don't deny. You made your bed, young man," said she, "Down on it you must lie." 'Twas then I stood my trial And boldly made my plea; And then I was transported Far away to Botany Bay. If ever I do return again, A solemn vow I'll make To shun all evil company For that false woman's sake. From Ballads and Sea Songs from Nova Scotia, Mackenzie collected from Richard Hines DT #572 Laws L17 oct96