A-Roving (in Caid)

A filk of the sea shanty A-Roving, by Mora Ottavia Spadera

In Fair Caid there lived a maid,

Mark well what I do say,

In Fair Caid there lived a maid,

She was a lover of the Blade

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

Chorus, between each verse:

A-Roving, A-Roving,

Since roving's been my Ru-I-N,

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

A Young Man took her for a walk,

Mark well what I do say,

A Young Man took her for a walk,

She said she'd rather fight than talk.

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

She drew her skirt above her knee.

Mark well what I do say,

She drew her skirt above her knee.

Those socks she wore looked businessey.

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

She slid her hands below his waist,

Mark well what I do say,

She slid her hands below his waist,

And loosed his rapier from its place.

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

His steely blade did she caress,

Mark well what I do say,

His steely blade did she caress,

And asked to put it to the test.

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

They quickly settled into stance,

Mark well what I do say,

They quickly settled into stance,

Said he, 'My Lady, shall we dance?'

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

She touched him first, her hand was quick,

Mark well what I do say,

She touched him first, her hand was quick,

His blood flowed fast into the prick.

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

Her arms went wide, he held not back,

Mark well what I do say,

Her arms went wide, he held not back,

The invitation was a trap.

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

The measure closed, she him constrained.

Mark well what I do say,

The measure closed, she him constrained.

The point went home, his courage drained.

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

His blade went slack, and he did yield,

Mark well what I do say,

His blade went slack, and he did yield,

And thanking him, she left the field.

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

Caidan Ladies know their art,

Mark well what I do say,

Caidan Ladies know their art,

I'm warning you, defend your heart.

I'd go no more a-roving with yon fair maid.

Chorus, followed by

Final Chorus:

A-roving, a-roving,

Yes, roving's been my Ru-I-N,

But come with me a-roving, and bring your blade!