The Gallant Soldier- Richardson (VT) 1953 Flanders E
[From Flanders, Ancient Ballads, 1966; Coffin introduction notes follow.
R. Matteson 2014]
The Bold Soldier
(Laws M27, possibly related to Child 7 and Child 8)
"Erlinton," Child 8, is not known in America. However there is a song called "The Bold Soldier," "The Soldier's Wooing," "The Valiant soldier," and so forth, that may in one way or another be related to the tradition of Child 7, "Earl Brand," and "Erlinton." As the ending of this urban piece is sentimental and happy, it seems to have greater affinity to "Erlinton" than to Earl Brand," though Child, I, 88, 106, notes that the traditions of his 7 and 8 may well be one see also the definitive study of the song by David M. Greene in JAF, LXX, 22. Greene sees only the remotest connection, and that through print, between the Child songs and "The Bold Soldier."
"The Bold Soldier," as it is known in the New World, probably dates from after the time of the American Revolution. There is a broadside printed by Nathaniel Coverly of Boston, now to be found as No. 22 of the Isaiah Thomas Collection of Ballads in the American Antiquarian Society's library at Worcester, Massachusetts, which, with others like it, is the source for the American tradition of the song. This broadside, according to Greene, was based on an earlier British printer's version. Greene gives an extensive bibliography of "The Bold soldier" and songs, such as "The Seaman's Renown" and "The Masterpiece of Love songs," that are associated with its history. The story, almost always in the same general form, has been popular with the Anglo-
American press since at least the late 1600's.
The story in "The Bold Soldier" tells of a handsome fellow who elopes with a rich girl. Her father and seven men pursue them. During the scuffle which occurs, the lover fights so bravely he is about to kill all his opponents. At this point, the father decides to agree to the marriage and offers the couple a large sum of money. The girl, rather crassly, refuses to let her champion stop fighting until the father pledges them all his wealth. She reasons she will get the entire estate anyway if her father is slain. The father, thus, has little choice but to give in to her, and he takes the couple home to "happiness ever after," although fear and not love motivates him. A bibliography for Child 7, "Earl Brand," has been given in connection with texts of that song printed above. beyond the exhaustive references by Greene, see Laws, ABBB, 193-94; Coffin, 37-38; Belden, 103; and Phillips Barry, British Ballads from Maine, 377-82, for discussion and bibliography concerning "The Bold Soldier."
The five tunes given here are closely related, thus the information on related tunes is given here instead of in the notes for the individual tunes. They are part of group A in BC1. For rnelodic relationship see Sharpk, 334(C), 335 (D and E), and 337(G and H); Louis E. Chappell, Folk-Songs of Roanoke and the Albemarle, 88; and L.C. record 1735 B (Indiana). Note that the Richards version is slightly outside the group, and that its line 1 is similar to lines 2 and 3 of the others.
E. "Gallant Soldier" Words copied by Mrs. Alice Richardson of R.F.D. Manchester Depot, Vermont, as sung by her aunt who lived in Swanton, Vermont, and in Ellenburg Depot, New York. She called it "The Gallant Soldier." Visited by H.H.F., May 27, 1953, she was unable to sing its tune. Copied literatim et punctatim. H. H. F., Collector. May 12, 1953
The Gallant Soldier
It was of a gallant soldier, who lately came from war
Who courted a lady both beautiful & fair;
Her riches were so great they scarcely could be told
But she loved the soldier dearly because he was so bold.
"Oh, soldier! Oh, soldier! I would become your wife
But I fear that my old father might end a pleasant life":
The soldier took his swords & pistols & hung them by his side;
He swore that he would marry her whatever might betide.
Going to the church & on returning home
They met the old man, with several armed men-
Say since you've been so foolish to become a soldier's wife
Down in this lonesome valley, I mean to end your life.
Stop! Stop! said the soldier, I do not like such prattle
Although I am a bride-groom, I am prepared for battle.
He drew forth his sword, which caused his pistols to rattle;
The lady held the horse, whilst the soldier fought the battle.
The first man he came to, he slew him through the main
The next one he came to, he served him the same.
Let us flee said the Captain, I fear we'll all be slain
For to fight this gallant soldier is altogether in vain.
Stop! Stop! said the old man, you make my blood run cold
And you shall have my daughter & 5000 pounds in gold.
Fight on, said the lady, the portion is too small
Fight on & kill the old man & you shall have it all.
Then up stepped the old man & acknowledged him his heir,
It was not because he loved him, but out of dread & fear!
There was never a soldier fit to carry a gun,
That would flinch or give one inch till the battle he had won.
Then don't despise the soldier because that he is poor,
For he's happy in the field or in the barrack's door,
He is tall, he's brisk, he's jolly; he's manfully & free
And he rather fight for love than for liberty.