Dear Soldier- Topper (OH) pre1939 Eddy C
[My title. From Ballads and Songs from Ohio, version B, 1939. Eddy lists this and two other versions under Earl Brand (Child No. 7), as a secondary version. This is Version C, no title.
R. Matteson 2014]
C. "Dear Soldier" From Mrs. S. T. Topper, Ashland, Ohio.
1. A lady, a lady, a lady of late
Who was courted by a soldier whose fortune was so great, [1]
Whose fortune was so great that it never had been told;
This lady loved the soldier because he was so bold.
2. "Dear soldier, dear soldier, I would freely be your wife,
But my father is so cruel I fear he would take my life."
He drew his sword and pistol and hung them by his side,
And said that he would get married if she would be his bride.
3. So early they were married, and on returning home
She espied her father coming with seven armed men.
"Oh, yonder comes my father, I fear I shall be slain;"
"Fear nothing at all," cried the soldier again.
4. So up steps the old man and boldly he did say,
"If this is your intention, my daughter dear, I pray,
If this is your intention to be a soldier's wife
All in this lonely valley I'll end your sweet life."
5. "Stop," cries the soldier, "It's no time to tattle,
I am a gallanteer just fitted for the battle,"
He drew his sword and pistol, and caused them for to rattle,
The lady held the horse while the soldier fought the battle.
6. "Stop," cries the old man, "you are carrying on so bold,
You shall have my daughter and half of all my gold."
"Fight on," cries the lady, "the portion is too small:"
"Oh, spare me my life, and you shall have it all.
7. "Stop," cries the old man, "spare me my life,
And you shall have my daughter and she shall be your wife."
He took them to his own home, and called them son and dear,
It was not out of good will, but only out of fear.
8. Come, all young ladies, who have laid up in store,
And never slight a soldier because they're ofttimes poor;
They are so good a nature, so kind and so free,
How oft they will fight for their love and liberty.
1. It's supposed to be that the lady is wealthy and the soldier is poor:
A soldier, a soldier, a soldier of late
Who courted a lady whose fortune was so great. . .