Mary and the Soldier

Come all you lads of high renown

That would hear of a fair young maiden

And she roved out on a summer's day

For to view the soldiers paradin'

They marched so bold and they looked so gay

Their colors flyin' and the bands did play

And it caused young Mary for to say

"I'll wed you my gallant soldier."



She viewed the soldiers on parade

And as they stood at their leisure

Mary to herself did say

"At last I've found my treasure."

"But oh, how cruel my parents must be

Banishing my true love so far from me

Well I'll leave them all and I'll go with thee

My bold undaunted soldier."



"Oh Mary dear, your parents' love

I pray don't be unruly

For when you're in a foreign land

Believe me you'll rue surely

Perhaps in battle I might fall

From a shot from an angry cannonball

And you so far from your daddy's hall

Be advised by a gallant soldier."



"If I have fifty guineas in bright gold

Likewise a heart that's blunder

And I'd leave them all and I'll go with you

My bold undaunted soldier

So don't say no but let me go

And I will face the daring foe

We'll march together to and fro

I'll wed you my gallant soldier."



And when he saw her loyalty

And Mary so true-hearted

He said, "My darling, married we'll be

And nothin' but death will part us

And when we're in some foreign land

I'll guard you, darling, with my right hand

Hopes that God might stand a friend

To Mary and her gallant soldier."