Peggy and the Soldier

traditional Irish song
[also known as "Mary and the Soldier"]

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 bands did play,
It caused lovely Peggy to smile and say,
"I will go with my gallant soldier."

She watched the soldiers to and fro
and 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 we're in some foreign land,
I'll guard you, my darling,
with my right hand,
And pray the God a friend might stand
to Peggy and her gallant soldier."