Dirk Turpin bold how he did fly away
Was the cry of the (police?) that was startled I guess
Oh the pistols were levelled and the bullets was (to fly?)
As he leapt on the back of Black Bess
So if I've a shilling what can I do less
Than to drink to the memory of Bonnie Black Bess
Three officers are mounted lift forward the chase
Resolved in the catch of this (hare?)
But I smiled on their efforts though swift was their pace
As I urged on my bonnie black mare
So if I've a shilling what can I do less
Than to drink to the memory of Bonnie Black Bess
Hark away hark away still onward they press
As we saw by the glimmer of the (ball?)
Though many a mile on the back of Black Bess
That night I was galloping bore
So if I've a shilling what can I do less
Than to drink to the memory of Bonnie Black Bess
I owned of my pet that fatigue I must a-bear
Well clear never faulted for prayer
Hard forward my gall my bonnie black mare
We speeded for life or d**h
So if I've a shilling what can I do less
Than to drink to the memory of Bonnie Black Bess
The spires of York now burst on my view
But the chimes they were ringing her knell
Of (hoping?) my brave mare they no longer persue
She halted she staggered and she fell
So if I've a shilling what can I do less
Than to drink to the memory of Bonnie Black Bess
Her breathing was all hushed as the grave
Alas for Bess amongst my pride
Her heart she burst her rider to save
But for Dick Turpin she lived and she died
So if I've a shilling what can I do less
Than to drink to the memory of Bonnie Black Bess