The Sailor's Return (1806, Glasgow)/The Female Soldier

by Anonymous

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

Text divider from 'The Sailor's Return' a chapbook printed in Glasgow in 1806

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 rigment 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 reigment I op'ned my case.

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