[The Little Soldier] Lady and The Dragoon- Mary Sands (NC) 1916 ; Sharp A
[My title. From English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians; Sharp/Campbell, 1917 and Sharp/Karpeles I, 1932. Sharp published eight versions A-H in his EFFSA in 1932.
R. Matteson 2014]
[Little Soldier] The Lady and the Dragoon- Sung by Mary Sands; Allanstand, NC, 1916
1. There was a little soldier boy who came lately from over[1],
He courted a rich lady who'd money and store;
And her riches was so great that they scarcely could be told,
But yet she loved a soldier boy because he was so bold.
2 She says: "My little soldier, I would freely be your wife,
If I knowed my cruel old father would surely spare your life."
He drew his pistol and sword and hung them by his side,
And swore he would get married, let what would be tried.
3 As they had been to church and returning home again,
Out slipped her cruel old father and seven armed men.
Saying: "Since you are determined to be the soldier's wife,
Way down in the valley I will surely take his life."
4 "O," says the little soldier, "I have no time to tattle;
I am here in this world in no fix for battle."
But he drew his pistol and sword and caused them to rattle,
And the lady held the horse while the soldier fought the battle.
5 The first one he come to he run him through the main,
And the next one he come to he served him the same.
Let's run, says the rest, I'll see we'll all be slain,
To fight the valiant soldier I see it all in vain.
6 Up step this old man, speaking mighty bold;
You shall have my daughter and a thousand pound of gold.
Fight on, says the lady, the pile is too small.
O stop, says the old man, and you shall have it all.
Footnotes:
1. There was a little soldier boy who came lately from war,