Folk and Traditional Song Lyrics:
Kelly the Pirate II

Kelly the Pirate II

Kelly the Pirate II

Our Admiral gave orders on the same day
To cruise in the Channel for our enemy,
To protect all our merchants from the brave foe,
And all interiopers, as you may suppose.

On the twenty-first of January so clear was the day,
A man from our masthead a sail he spied.
"A sail! O a sail!" he loudly did cry,
"She is a large cutter, and seems to lay by."

Our noble commander he pulled out his glass,
So did our lieutenant to see what she was.
Our captain jumped up and surveyed her all round:
"It's Kelly the Pirate" I'll lay fifty pounds!

"Do you see that proud villain?" he cried, "Make sail!
We'll soon overhaul him, my boys, I'll give bail!
Jump up and shake out your bags all snug and clear,
And up with your helm, and after them steer."

We sailed till we came within gunshot.
Bold Kelly he seemed to value us not.
With a loud voice like thunder bold Kelly did say,
"Board your guns, blow your matches, my boys, and fire away!"

We engaged this cutter for four hours and more,
Till the blood from the scuppers like water did pour.
With round and grape metal we peppered his hull
Till down came her ensign, staff, colours, and all.

We have taken this prize all on the same day,
And straight to our prison sent Kelly away.
Here's a health to our captain, and lieutenant too,
Likewise the Hart frigate and all her crew!

From Ballads and Sea Songs from Nova Scotia, Mackenzie
Collected from Alexander Harrison
DT #566
Laws K32
RG
oct96