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Come all ye lads of high reknown |
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That will hear of a fair young maiden |
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For she went oot of a summers day |
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To view the soldiers parading |
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And they marched so bold and they looked so gay |
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Their colours a flying and the band did play |
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It caused young Mary for to say: |
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"I'll wed you me gallant soldier" |
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Ah, Mary viewed the soldiers there |
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As they stood at their leisure |
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And Mary to herself did say: |
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"At last I've found me treasure |
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But oh how cruel me parents must be |
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To banish me darling so far from me |
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I'll leave them all and I'll go with thee |
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Me bold undaunted soldier" |
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"Oh Mary dear your parents love |
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I pray don't be unruly |
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For when you're in a foreign land |
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Believe me you'll rue it surely |
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Perhaps in battle I might fall |
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From a shot from an angry cannon ball |
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And you so far from your daddy's hall |
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Be advised by your gallant soldier." |
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"I have 50 guineas in bright gold |
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Likewise a heart that's bolder |
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But I'll leave them all |
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And I'll go with you |
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Me bold undaunting soldier |
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So don't say no-one let me go |
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And I will face the daring foe |
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We'll march together to and fro |
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And I'll wed you me gallant soldier." |
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And when he saw her loyalty |
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And Mary's so true hearted |
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He said: "Me darling married we'll be |
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And nothing but death will part us |
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And when we're in a foreign land |
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I'll guard you darling with my right hand |
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I'm hopes that God will stand a friend |
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To Mary and her gallant soldier" |
