The NOTORIOUS
Robbers Lamentation,
OR,
Whitneys Sorrowful Ditty
In the Gaol of Newgate: Together, with an Account
of his Dream that Morning before he was taken.
Tune of, Russels Farewel.
Licensed according to Order.
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I On the Roads have Reigned long,
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in open Villainy,
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But now, with Iron Fetters strong
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in prison close I lye.
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Farewel to all my Jovial Crew,
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Couragious, Stout and Bold;
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I now must bid you all adieu,
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stout Whitney lyes in hold.
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I, that have taken many a purse,
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must now submit to Fate;
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The Frowns of Fortune here I curse,
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to see my wretched state:
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The liberty which once I had,
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by Law is now controul'd,
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And many thousands now is glad
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that Whitney is in hold.
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The Lyons heart which once I bore
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within this Breast of mine,
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Is now with sorrows grieved sore,
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that life I must Resine:
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The stoutest hearts will shrink at death,
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and wax with sorrow cold,
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E're long I must yield up my Breath,
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since I am here in hold.
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Oh! why was I so void of fear,
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when wait I knew was laid,
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To Sieze and Apprehend me here,
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for pranks which I have plaid,
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It was my harden'd impudence
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which made me sure so bold,
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But for my former cross offence,
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stout Whitney lyes in hold.
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Near Hounsditch I was known by one,
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who watcht me where I went,
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Then for an Officer did run;
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I finding his intent,
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Did draw my naked Sword in hand,
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being Couragious bold,
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But I their force could not withstand,
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but soon was laid in hold.
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My sword and pistols were in vain,
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they could not clear the way,
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Hundreds and thousands flock'd amain,
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intreating me to stay,
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They being glad to see my Fate,
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as I was often told,
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And they did guard me to this place,
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where now I lye in hold.
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My very Ears they did annoy,
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for the tumultuous throng,
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With shouts and loud Huzzas of Joy,
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conducted me along.
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Thus have I ended the Old Year,
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with heart both chill'd and cold,
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The hand of Justice now I fear,
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since being in strong hold.
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Straitways I found a New-Years-Gift,
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they did on me bestow,
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Almost as much as I could lift,
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O this was love you know,
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A pair of Fetters strong and stout,
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of Barrs of Iron cold,
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As much as I could drag about,
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to keep me in strong hold.
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I find that dreams are Ominous,
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for just the Night before,
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Methoughts I see old Hercules
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fighting with thousands more,
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Yet at the length he was subdu'd,
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tho' Valliant stout and Bold:
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This meant myself I do conclude,
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who now am in strong hold.
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My Glory now is at an end,
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I nothing see but shame,
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For since I did the laws offend,
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I suffer for the same,
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I never do expect to find
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mercy from them, not I,
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To Villainy I was inclin'd,
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For which I now must dye.
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