Isle of France, The

The Isle of France

Roud 1575

VWML Online lists a considerable number of occurrences - both printed ballads, and in oral tradition (including in Australia).

see http://www.nls.uk/broadsides/broadside.cfm/id/15842 for a typical broadside version.

"The Isle of France" probably refers to Mauritius - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauritius

Collected versions

Collected by H.E.D. Hammond from Joseph Elliott, Todber, Dorset, 1905.

1. This coastguard waited on the beach
   Till the convict drove within his reach
   His tears did fall like drops of rain
   Young man I fear you’re on Shamrock Green
   
   
2. I am a shamrock this convict cried
   That have been tossed on the ocean wide
   For being unruly I do declare
   I’m doomed a transport for seven long year
   
   
3. Now six of them being gone and passed
   I was coming home for to make up one
   Where the stormy winds do blow and roar
   Shipwrecked I was on the foreign shore
   
   
4. Then the coastguard played his noble part
   and with some brandy he cheered his heart
   Although the night it is far advance
   You shall find a friend on the Isle of France
   
   
5. Then a speedy letter went unto the Queen
   ‘Bout the dreadful fate of the Shamrock Green
   His freedom cam back by the speedy post
   To this young man who they thought was lost
   
   
6. God bless this coastguard this convict cried
   You saved my life from the ocean wide
   I’ll drink your health in a flowing glass
   So here’s success to the Isle of France