The mention of Admiral Rodney in this song dates it to the latter part of the Eighteenth Century. Baring-Gould was given it by Sam Fone of Mary Tavy in 1892 and published an unnecessarily modified version in A Garland of Country Song. Baring-Gould was not able to find a broadside or any other published version of the song.

 

One night at ten o'clock

As I from my dream awoke

Letters of love I'd received from my dear

Then someone at the door

As a Jacky-Tar did roar

It drove my poor senses I cannot tell where

 

 By in by, the door unlock'd

Amazing was I shocked

I saw what I never before did behold

With britches white as snow

With buckles at the toe

A cockade in his hat that was all laced in gold

 

Then with no more ado

To his breast he me drew

And then in my lap cast a handful of gold

Saying, Will you object

To wear gold on your neck

O I have been sailing with Rodney the bold

 

Now let each lad and lass

Come and drink off a glass

Drink the health of the lads that ‘l′d sail on the sea

And pray they may come

All safe to their home

What a joy and a comfort to maidens t'would be