Peggy and the Soldier

Traditional

Young lasses often fell in love only to have their men pressed to service.

Nancy: hammered dulcimer, vocals, guitar

Come all ye lads of high renown, Let me tell of a fair young maiden,
As she arose one summer's morn, Just to watch the soldiers parading.
They looked so bold and they marched so gay, Their banners flying as the band did play,
It caused lovely Peggy to smile and say, "I will go with my gallant soldier."

She watched the soldiers to and fro As they were at their leisure,
Then Peggy to herself did say, "At last I've found my treasure.
But oh, how cruel my parents can be, To banish my darling so far from me.
I will leave them all and I'll go with thee, My brave undaunted soldier."

"Oh, Peggy dear," the soldier said, "I pray don't act so unruly,
For when I'm in some foreign land, Believe me you'll rue it surely.
What if in battle I should fall From the shot of an angry cannon ball,
And you so far from your Daddy's hall, Are you wise with your gallant soldier?"

"I have fifty guineas in safe store, Likewise a heart that's bolder,
I will give it all to the lad I adore, My brave undaunted soldier,
So don't say no, but let me go, And together we'll face the fiercest foe,
And pray kind Providence should know Of Peggy and her gallant soldier."

And when he saw she was so true, He could not stay hard hearted.
He said, "My darling, I'll marry you, and none but death shall part us,
And when we're in some foreign land, I'll guard you, my darling, with my right hand,
And pray that God a friend might stand To Peggy and her gallant soldier."