  The following ballad has not, as far as I am aware, been "in print" before. I here give it from a MS. copy in my own possession. The Duke of Devonshire alluded to in the ballad as having acted so nobly in saving the life of "his countryman," Hugh Stenson, was, I presume, William, fourth Duke of Devonshire, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1756. Then oh, Hugh Stenson is my name, From Ashborne in the Peak I came, And at the age of seventeen She is a beauty I do declare, She came from Highchurch in Shropshire; She was an angel in my eye, Which caused me from my colours to fly. Long time I courted her for her love, But she would never constant prove; A thought then I did entertain, To cross the roaring ocean main. But when I was upon the seas, I could not have one moment's ease; For she was daily in my sigh, Which made me from my colours to fly. But when I did return again, I went unto this youthful dame, Desiring she would not disdain A bleeding heart and dying swain. "Stenson," said she, "I pray forbear, I know that you a deserter are, And if my parents come to know, They sure would prove your overthrow." When I heard she made this reply, I from her arms did swiftly fly, And with a kiss I took my leave, Although I'm bound a captive slave. At Woolaton near Nottingham I put my trust in a false man, I took him for my friend to be, Then a court marshall there was call'd, And I was brought amongst them all, And for deserting they did me try, And they condemned me for to die. Oh Lord, oh Lord, it grieved me sore To lay my bones on an Irish shore; One General Pearcey he did cry, "It's by the Law that you must die." From January to July Upon the boards and stones I did lie, Praying to Heavens both night and day To take this thread of life away. Oh then bespoke the President, Hoping of me for to repent, "I have done the best for you I can, But O you are a dying man." Twenty-five days I had to live, And bread and water I did receive; The Clergyman came twice a day, And for my soul did daily pray. But at that time from England came The Duke of Devonshire by name, Our Lord Lieutenant for to be, And he from death did set me free. And when this Lord appeared in land, I wrote to him with my own hand, Desiring that his Grace would save But when he looked these lines upon, And saw I was his own countryman, He said, "I'll ease him of his care, And send him home into Derbyshire." Oh then he gave a strict command For to release me out of hand; A free discharge to me he gave, And so his Grace my life did save. So whilst I live I'm in duty bound To kneel and pray upon the ground, That when I die without control, Sweet Jesus may receive my soul. You soldiers all, where e'er you be, And hear of this my misery, I beg you'll warning take by me, And so I end my tragedy. Finis. |
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