The Happy Stranger, or, The Fortunate Meeting/The Female Soldier

by Anonymous

For other versions of this work, see The Female Soldier.

Text divider from 'The Happy Stranger, or, The Fortunate Meeting', a chapbook printed in Glasgow in 1802

THE FEMALE SOLDIER.

 When I was a young girl, at the age of fifteen,
I was courted by a young man most rare to be seen;
But now to my grief, for a soldier he's gone,
And what to do for my love I will make known.

 I dress'd myself up in some men's array,
And went to the captain without more delay,
Where I listed myself for a drummer so strong,
In the very same regiment where my love belong'd.

 The very next morning the route it came,
That the same regiment to Jamaica was bound;
And over the plain as we marched along,
I charmed my love by the sound of the drum.

 Beat up my little drummer, the colonel reply'd,
You shall be advanc'd from a drummer this day;
The very next day a lieutenant I was made,
For to handle my pen I never was afraid.

 The very next day my love's trial came on,
For missing of his duty, as you may understand,
When I begg'd his forgiveness & did him embrace,
And before the whole reg'ment I op'ned my case.

 The very next morning my love and I was wed,
The colonel made him lieutenant in any stead;
And now, for my courage, as plain you may fee,
This has been the upmaking of my love and me.

GLASGOW,
Printed by J. and M. Robertson, Saltmarket, 1802.