In several stories I have read, including "Treasure Island"
characters are said to be singing or whistling "Lillibullero". This is said to have been a satire on James II and his appointment of Talbot to govern Ireland. "Lillibullero" is part of the refrain, and apparently an English approxiamation of a Gaelic phrase.
Can any of our Gaelic speakers explain it?
"Dare was an old prophesy found in a bog,
Lilli burlero, bullen a-la
"Ireland shall be ruled by an ass and a dog."
Lilli burlero, bullen a-la
Lero, lero, lilli burlero, lero, lero,
bullen a-la,
Lero, lero, lilli burlero, lero, lero,
bullen a-la.
And now dis prophesy is come to pass,
Lilli burlero, etc.
For Talbot's de dog and Ja . . s is de ass.
Lilli burlero, etc."