From the recording The Lady LeRoy
I learned this from the album "Over the Moor to Maggie" by the Irish group Oisin. In the "Sam Henry" music book it states that it was collected from Tony Holleran, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Again, a woman who isn't afraid to go after what she wants!
Lyrics
The Lady LeRoy
As I was a-walking one morning in May
A-viewing wild flowers, all Nature seemed gay
I spied a young damsel on Erin's green shore
She was viewing the ocean where the wild billows roar
I said "Pretty Polly you're the girl I adore
And parting with you lass it grieves my heart sore
Your parents are rich love and angry with me
Oh if I tarry with you, its ruined I’ll be"
So she's dressed herself in a suit of men's clothes
Straight to her old father immediately goes
She's purchased a vessel, laid down its demand
Oh, but little he thought it was his own daughter's hand
When her father found out he did cursed and did swear
He sent for his captain and bade him foreswear
To seek them and find them, their lives to destroy
Oh they ne'er will enjoy the proud Lady Leroy
The captain was pleased with his orders to go
To seek them and find them like some foreign foe
He spotted a fair vessel, her colours let fly
He hailed her and found she was the Lady Leroy
He bade them return to old Ireland once more
Or broadside and broadside upon them would pour
This brave Irish hero has made his reply
"We will never surrender, We'll conquer or die"
So it's broadside and broadside each other did pour
And louder and louder the cannons did roar
This brave Irish hero has gained victory
Hurrah for true lovers - may they always run free
They sailed into Boston that city of fame
Of the other ship's commander I'll mention no name
Here's a health to pretty Polly, long may she enjoy
Her proudest of heroes and her Lady Leroy
Here's a health to pretty Polly, long may she enjoy
Her proudest of heroes and her Lady Leroy