I'll Tell You of a Soldier- Collected by Miss Martha Davis, Rockingham, Virginia 1915
[This is added as an appendix to Earl Brand by Arthur Kyle Davis editor of the book, Traditional Ballads of Virginia.
R. Matteson 2011, 2014]
I'LL TELL YOU OF A SOLDIER- Sung by a mountain woman, collected by Miss Martha Davis, Rockingham, Virginia; 1915.
1. I can tell you of a soldier, who late returned from war,
Who courted a lady with honor and great store.
Her fortune was so great it scarcely could be told,
And yet she loved the soldier because he was so bold.
2 Now said the lady, "I'll freely be your wife;
But for my cruel father, I fear him for my life."
He drew his sword and pistol and swung them by his side
And swore that he'd get married, let what would betide.
3. They went to the parson and returned home again,
They met her cruel father and seven armed men.
"O now," said the lady, I fear we shall be slain."
"Fear nothing in the world," said the soldier again.
4. "Now," said the soldier, "there's no time to prattle,
I am but a small man not fitten for a battle."
He drew his sword and pistol which caused them to rattle,
And the lady held the horse while the soldier fought the battle.
5. The first one he came to he ran it through the man;
The next one he came to he ran it through again.
"O run," said the rest, "I find it all in vain,
Fight a gallant soldier, I never will again."
6. Up spoke the father, "Please spare my life,
You may have my daughter, five thousand pounds in hand."[1]
"Fight on," said the lady, "the portion is too small,
"O hold you hand, brave soldier, and you may have it all."
7. "Run," said the rest, "We all shall be slain,
For fighting of a soldier, we know we are to blame."
8. They mounted their horses, and home they did ride,
And a fine wedding supper at home they did provide.
1. Usually it's: You may have my daughter and five thousand pounds in gold,