The Naked Highwayman Fairport Convention

As I rode out one summer's day for profit and for pleasure
I planned to rob the London coach and take it at my leisure
A brace of pistols duly primed, a saber fit to shave on
I waited underneath the trees that lined the banks of Avon

I didn't hear her dainty step as she appeared before me:
A face to charm a singing bird with words that did implore me
"Can you help me sir?" she said, "I fear the time is near run
For me to cross before the tide swells the banks of Avon."

(chorus)
All you roving fellows listen, while you can
Of the time that I became a naked highwayman
All you roving fellows listen, while you can
Of the time that I became a naked highwayman

So gallantly I did dismount and walked into the water
As she told me that she was a wealthy merchant's daughter
So I thought I'd try my luck and do my best to charm her
Said I was the only son of a country farmer

"Your hands they are a smooth as silk, they never touched a plough sir
And I suppose these pistols help you milking of your cows."
She looked at me with mocking eyes as coal-black as a raven
And then she fell into my arms beside the banks of Avon