Gentleman Soldier

Steeleye Span

Oh, it's of a gentleman soldier as a sentry he did stand

He saluted a fair maid with a waving of his hand

So boldly then he kissed her and passed it off as a joke

Then he drilled her into the sentry box wrapped up in a soldier's cloth

Chorus

And the drums did go ratter-tat-tat and the fifes so loudly play

Saying ``Fare thee well, Polly me dear, I must be going away''

All night they tossed and tumbled till daylight did appear

The soldier rose, put on his clothes, said ``Fare thee well me dear

For the drums they are a-beating, the fifes still loudly play

If it weren't for that, Polly me dear, with you I'd long to stay''

Chorus

``Oh come, me gentleman soldier, now won't you marry me?''

``Oh no, me dearest Polly, such things they never can be

For married I am already and children I have three

Two wifes are allowed in the army but one's too many for me''

Chorus

``Oh, if anyone come a-courting you, you treat him to a glass

If anyone come a-courting you, you say you're a country lass

You needn't even tell them that ever you've laid a joke

That ever you went into a sentry box and toppin' the soldier's cloth''

Chorus

``Oh come, me gentleman soldier, why didn't you tell me so?

Me parents they'll be angry when this they come to know''

When nine long months were up and past, the young girl she brought shame

She had a little malicious boy and she couldn't tell his name

Chorus