Mary And The Soldier

Come all you lads of high renown
That will hear of a fair young maiden
And she roved out on a summer’s day
For to view the soldier’s parading

They march so bold and they look so gay
The colours was fine 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
And Mary to herself did say
“At last I’ve find my treasure”

But oh how cruel her parents must be
To banish my darling so far from me
Well, I’ll leave them all and I’ll go with thee
My bold and 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 it surely

Perhaps in battle I might fall
From a shot from an angry cannonball
And you’re so far from your daddy’s hall
Be advised by a gallant soldier

And I have fifty guineas in bright gold
Likewise a heart that’s bolder
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
And we’ll march together to and fro
And 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 nothing but death will part us

And when we’re in a foreign land
I’ll guard you, darling, with my right hand
And hopes that God might stand a friend
To Mary and her gallant soldier