Little Soldier- Wallin (NC) 1980 Yates
[From Far in the Mountains: Volumes 3 & 4 of Mike Yates' 1979-83 Appalachian Collection. Wallin's version also found at Digital Appalachia. Yates notes follow. This version is considerable older than 1980.
R. Matteson 2014]
Originally a mid 17th century song The Master Piece of Love Songs which was reprinted by John Ashton in his book A Century of Ballads (1887). A version that I collected from the English gypsy Harry Brazil of Gloucestershire can be heard on volume 18 of The Voice of the People (Topic TSCD 668). However, despite there being numerous English versions, it does not appear to have been sung in Scotland or Ireland, and the song seems to have survived best in America, with Cecil Sharp alone finding eight versions in the Appalachians, including sets from the area around Sodom Laurel. For other Appalachian versions, see Everett White's set on Augusta Heritage cassette 007, and Fields Ward's Sweeet William on either County LP 534 or New World LP NW 245.
Little Soldier- Sung by Cas Wallin at his home in Sodom Laurel, Madison County, NC. 26.8.80
There was a little soldier who had lately 'turned from war,
He courted a handsome lady, she had money laid in store.
Her riches was so great they could scarcely be told,
But yet she loved that soldier boy because he was so bold.
She says, 'My little soldier, I'd freely be your wife,
If I know'd my cruel father would only spare my life.'
He drew his sword and pistol, he placed them by his side.
He said, 'We'll get married, let what might be tried.'
They had been to church and was returning home that day.
They met her cruel father and seven armed men.
Way down in this valley we've got no time to tatter (tattle?).
The lady held the horse while the soldier fought the battle.
The first one come running, he run him through the main.
The second came running, he served him just the same.
'Let's run', says the rest, 'for we're sure to be slain.
To fight this little soldier we find it's all in vain.'
Up stepped her old father speaking mighty bold.
Says, 'You can have my daughter, ten thousand pound of gold.'
'Fight on', says the lady, 'your (palate?) [1] is too small.'
'Oh stop', says the old man, 'and you can have it all.'
1. usually it's "portion."