[A Soldier] The Soldier's Wooing- Sung to Miss Eddy by Mrs. Virginia Summer, Canton, Ohio. published 1922 JOAFL
[From JAFL, 1922, only one verse is given with the tune in the JOAFL 1922; additional verses are found in Ballads and Songs from Ohio, version A, 1939 which lists the name Mrs. Galen W. Summer- melody is the same but in the key of D major.
Eddy lists this and two other versions under Earl Brand (Child No.7). This is Version A, titled, A Soldier. This version was probably learned by at least the 1860s. The mother was born circa 1824 and surely taught it to her daughter while she lived at home. No information was provided about when the ballad was transmitted.
R. Matteson 2011, 2014]
THE SOLDIER'S WOOING[1]
Part I, 188. A text in JAFL xxiii, 447. English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians, No. 41. See also JAFL xxx, 363.1 Pound, American Ballads and Songs, 1922, 68 f. "Roxburghe Ballads," ed. Ebsworth, vi, 230 f., seems to be an early form of this piece. The lover is a Keeper. In the same collection, vii, 559 ff., he becomes a Seaman.
This air was sung to Miss Eddy by Mrs. Virginia Summer, Canton, O. The latter learned it from her mother, who died eleven years ago, aged eighty-four.
1. Soldier, oh, soldier just coming from the plain,
He courted a lady of honor and fame.
Her riches were so great that they scarcely could be told,
And yet she loved a soldier for being so bold.
2. "Soldier, oh, soldier, it's I would be your bride,
But fear of my father some danger might betide;"
He pulled out his sword and pistol and hung them by his side,
And he swore he would be married let what would betide.
3. They had been to the parson and coming home again,
There they met her farther and seven armed men;
'Let us run," said the Lady, "I fear we shall be slain,"
"Come along," said the soldier, "and never fear again."
4. Then he pulled out his sword and pistol and caused them to rattle,
And the lady held the horse while the soldier fought the battle;
"Oh stop," said the old man, "and do not be so bold,
And you shall have my daughter and a thousand pounds of gold."
5. "Fight on," said the Lady, "the portion is too small,
"Hold your hand," said the old man and you shall have it all."
He then took them home and called them son and dear,
'Twas not because he loved them, 'twas only through fear.
6. Come all the ladies, and a pattern take by me,
And never slight a soldier of any degree;
For although he may be poor, he is jolly, brisk and free,
And so boldly he will fight for his wife and liberty.
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Footnote: [Printed ca. 1800 or earlier in The Echo: or, Columbian Songster. 2d ed., Brookfield, Mass., pp. 150-151]