Three Songs (Edinburgh)/The Constant Shepherd, etc./Jack Munroe

For other versions of this work, see Jack Munro.

Jack Muuro.

In Chatham town their liv'd a worthy merhantman,
He had an only daughter as you shall understand,
This lady she was courted by many a noble night,
But there was none but Jack the Sailor could gain her hearts delight.
     Could gain, &c.
 Her waiting maid standing by, unto her father went,
And told him the secret, his daughter's whole intent.
He called on his daughter with pride & disdain,
Saying, good morrow Mrs Frazer, this was her true love's name.
 It is the news, my daughter, that I have heard of thee,
Young Jack he shall be pressed and you confined be:
It's here is my body, you may it then confine,
But there is none but Jack the Sailor can gain this heart of mine.
 It's here is twenty guineas I give to thee,
If that you'll press young Jack to the wars of Germany.
As Jack he's gone on board he'll never more
I'll wed at your disposal if you will set me free.
 It's now she's set at liberty, dress‘d up in man‘s array,
Looking for an officer to carry her away;
Jack he's now on board with a sore and troubled mind,
For the leaving of his country and darling close confined.
 Your name we must have Sir, before on board you go,
That you shall have quickly, it is Jack Munro.
This lady's gone on board with a troubled mind
To land in French Flanders it is her wish'd design.
 Now she's landed over reviewed for to be,
Standing in the ranks her own true love did see
She stepped up unto him, and thus to him did say,
By your features an Englishman you be.
 If that you be willing whatever may betide,
I'll be your loyal comrade, and lie down by your side.
The drums did beat, and trumpets did sound,
Unto the field of battle they were called along.
 They fought on with valour, they fought couragiously,
Until two officers and a private by her did lie;
The officers took notice and unto her did say
For the valour you have shewn prefered you shall be.
 A major's commission on you we will bestow,
And you may push your fortune brave Jack Munro.
Looking through the wounded men, her own true live did see,
She says my loving com‘rade they have preferred me.
 A major‘s commission unto me they will bestow,
The doctor that can cure you, shall be paid by Munro.
She called for a minister and bade them step aside,
And would call them up again when she woo‘d her bride.
 It‘s I‘ll not be groom, but groom's man I‘ll be,
For I never will be married till my Molly I do see.
She stripped down her snow white breasts some private mark to shew,
Saying Jack won‘t you marry me dear Jack don't you know?
 The drums did beat and the trumpets did sound
And home to old England they were all call‘d along,
It‘s now they're landed over, the people all went to see,
Saying yonder comes the heroes from the wars of Germany.
 As they walked up the streets her father she did know,
Saying, good old merchant will you list with Munro.
It's out bespoke her mother I had a daughter gay,
There‘s not a feature in her face but resembles she,
 It‘s now they are got married and she lies by his side,
The officers and privates begrudge Jack of his bride,
When the Queen she heard of this she laughed heartily,
Saying here is 50 guineas I‘ll give to this lady.