The Sheffield Apprentice  
early 1800's

Lyrics courtesy of www.sailorsongs.com

I was brought up in Sheffield
But not of high degree
My parents doted on me,
They had no child but me
I roamed about for pleasure
Where'er my fancy led
Till I was bound apprentice
Then all my joys were fled

I did not like my master
He did not use me well
I made a resolution
Not long with him to dwell
A wealthy rich young lady
From London met me there
And offered me great wages
To serve her for a year

I had not been in London
Scarce one month two or three
Before my honoured mistress
Grew very fond of me
She said I've gold I've silver
I've houses and I've land
If you will marry me
They shall be at your command

0 no dear honoured mistress
I cannot wed you now
For I have lately promised
Likewise a solemn vow
To wed with dearest Polly
Your handsome chambermaid
Excuse me honoured mistress
She has my heart betrayed

She flew into a passion
And turned away from me
Resolved within herself
She would be revenged on me
Her gold ring from her finger
As she was passing by
She slipped it in my pocket
And for it I must die

For that before the justice
The justice I was brought
And there before the justice
I answered for my fault
Long time I pleaded innocent
But that was all in vain
She swore so false against me
That I was sent to gaol

On the day of execution
All on that fatal day
I prayed the people round me
0 pray come pity me
Don't laugh at my downfall
For I bid this world adieu
Farewell my dearest Polly
I died for love of you

Lyrics courtesy of www.sailorsongs.com