"Croppy Boy" lyrics

'Twas early, early all in the spring
The small birds whistled and did sweetly sing
Changing their notes from tree to tree
And the song they sang was 'Old Ireland Free'

'Twas early, early on Tuesday night
The Yeoman Cavalry gave me a fright
To my misfortune and sad downfall
I was taken prisoner by Lord Cornwall

I bear no hate against living things
But I love my country above the King
I alone am left of my native race
I will go to Wexford and take their place

When I was marching o'er Wexford Hill
Oh, who could blame me for to cry my fill?
I looked behind and I looked before
But my gentle mother I could see no more

When I was mounted on the gallows high
My aged father, he was standing by
My aged father did me deny
And the name he gave me was 'The Croppy Boy'

'Twas in old Ireland, this young man died
And in old Ireland his body lies
All you good people who do pass by
Pray the Lord have mercy on the Croppy Boy