MY BONNY BLACK BESS
(John Ashton - 1888 Street Ballad)






Dick Turpin bold! Dick, hie away
Was the cry of my pals, who were startled, I guess
For the pistols were levelled, the bullets whizzed by
As I leapt on the back of Black Bess
Three Officers mounted, led forward the chase
Resolv’d in the capture to share
But I smil’d on their efforts, tho’ swift was their pace
As I urg’d on my bonny Black Mare
So when I’ve a bumper, what can I do less
Than the memory drink of my bonny Black Bess

Hark away, hark away! still onward they press
As we saw by the glimmer of morn
Tho’ many a mile on the back of Black Bess
That night I was gallantly borne
Hie over, my pet, the fatigue I must bear
Well clear’d! never falter for breath
Hark forward, my girl, my bonny Black Mare
We speed it for life or for death
But when I’ve a bumper, what can I do less
Than the memory drink of my bonny Black Bess

The spires of York now burst on my view
But the chimes, they were ringing her knell
Halt! Halt! my brave mare, they no longer pursue
She halted, she staggered, she fell
Her breathing was o’er, all was hushed as the grave
Alas! poor Black Bess, once my pride
Her heart she had burst, her rider to save
For Dick Turpin, she lived, and she died
Then the memory drink of my bonny Black Bess
Hurrah for poor bonny Black Bess!






(Contributed by Mel Priddle - December 2013)