Banks Of The Bann

When first unto this country a stranger I came
I laid my affections on a maid that was young
She being young and tender, her waist small and slender
Cruel nature had formed her for my overthrow
Twas on the banks of the Bann, it was there I first met her
She appeared like some Venus or Egypt's fair queen
Her eyes like the diamonds in the dew softly shining
She's the fairest of all in this wide world I hold
It was her cruel parents that caused us such varience
Because I am poor and of low degree
But I'll do my endeavour to gain my love's favour
Although she is come from a high family
Had I but the jewels that are in the Indies
Or had I but riches and money in store
It's there on the banks of the lovely Bann river
In all kinds of splendour I'd live with my dear
My name it is Delaney, it's a name that won't shame me
And if I'd had money, I'd ne'er had to roam
But drinking and sporting, night rambling and courting
Are the cause of my ruin and absence from home