Valentine O'Hara - Traditional Irish Ballad

An Irish ballad believed to be from the early 1800s, also known as 'Alan Tyne of Harrow’ as it is sung across the pond in England. I learned it from a Frank Harte recording.
lyrics below:
I am a valiant highway man, called Valentine O'Hara
I come of poor but honest folk, nigh to the Hill of Tara
For getting of a maid with child, to England I sailed over
I left my parents and became a wild and daring rover.

Well straight to London I did go where I became a soldier
Resolved to fight Britannia's foes; not Hector great was bolder
They sent me to a foreign land where the cannon loud did rattle
And believe me, boys, I do not boast how I behaved in battle

Well many's the battle I have seen, in Holland and French Flanders
I always fought with courage keen, led on by brave commanders
But a cruel ensign found me out and I was flogged and carted
oh Cruel the usage they gave me, and so I soon deserted

And straight to England I did sail as fast as wind could drive me
Resolved that of my liberty no man should e'er deprive me
I slept out in the fields at night, by all my friends forsaken
I dared not walk the roads by day for fear I might be taken

But I being of a courage keen and likewise able bodied
I robbed Lord Nouce on the King's Highway with pistols heavy loaded
I placed my pistols to his breast which caused his heart to quiver
Five hundred pounds in ready gold to me he did deliver

Well With part of my new store of gold I bought a famous gelding
That could leap o'er a five-bar gate, I bought it from Ned Fielding
Lord Arkinstone all in his coach I robbed near Covent Garden
And two hours later that same night I robbed the Earl of Warren

At Turnham Green I next did rob a revenue collector
And what I took from him I gave to a widow to protect her
I always robbed the rich and great, to rob the poor I scorn-ed
And now in iron chains I'm bound and do I now lie born-ed

It's straight in Newgate I have come and by the law convicted
To hang upon the Tyburn tree of which I'm much affrighted
Farewell, my friends and comrades all and my native Hill of Tara
Kind providence may test the soul of Valentine O’Hara

Видео Valentine O'Hara - Traditional Irish Ballad канала Paddy Boyle