The Poor Soldier; Josiah Kennison, Townshend, VT from the Helen Hartness Flanders Collection 1930; Version F
[From Helen H. Flanders & George Brown; Vermont Folk Songs and Ballads, Folklore Associates, Bk (1968/1931), p.156, dated August 29, 1930. Flanders, following Barry, Coffin and others, calls this a secondary ballad of Child 8. Erlinton. In Ancient Ballads, this is version F and Coffin (his notes) mentions the relationship to Earl Brand as well. It's been covered by Debra Cowen (see link below).
R. Matteson 2014]
Listen: Debra Cowan: Dad's Dinner Pail and Other Songs From the Helen Hartness Flanders Collection; http://music.debracowan.com/track/the-poor-soldier
A POOR SOLDIER- Josiah Kennison August 29, 1930 Townshend Vermont.
I'll tell you of a soldier who lately came from sea
He courted a lady of high frisk o' free [1]
Her riches were so great they scarcely could be told
But yet she loved the soldier because he was so bold
She said "My brave soldier I would be your wife
But I fear my cruel father will surely take your life."
He drew his sword and his pistol and he hang them by his side
And he swore that he would marry her, whatever might betide.
As they were going to church one day and on returning home again
Up steps her cruel father with seven arm-ed men[2]
“Oh then” cries the lady “I fear we shall be slain”
Fear nothing, my jewel” the soldier says again.
Then up stepped the old man, in form he did say,
“Is this your behaviour or is it your wedding day?
Although you've been as silly as to be a soldier's wife
All in this pleasant valley, I will end your sweet life.”
Then up stepped the soldier, “I do not like this rattle
Although I am a bridegroom and not prepared for battle.”
He drew his sword and pistol and he caused them to rattle
The lady held the horse while the soldier fought the battle
The first man he came to, he soon had him slain.
The second one he came to, he served him the same.
“Oh run,” cries the rest, “I fear we shall be slain
For a fight with a soldier, is altogether in vain”
“Stay your hand” the old man cries, “Don't carry on so bold.
And you can have my daughter and ten thousand pound in gold”
“Fight on,” cried the lady, “My portion is too small”
“Oh stay your hand,” the old man cried “and you can have it all!”
The old man took him home with him and treated him as an heir [3]
Tis not because he loved him but it was for dread and fear
There never was a soldier twas fit to carry a gun
That would either flinch or stir[4] one inch 'til the battle he had won
Despise not a soldier because he is poor
He's as happy on the battlefield as at the barracks door
His brave, brisk and bold and sociable and free
And willing to fight for his love and for his liberty
________________________
1. highest degree
2. originally: They met the old man with seven arm-ed men,
3. originally there is only one more stanza, which replaces this and the last stanza:
There never was a soldier twas fit to carry a gun
That would flinch or [flit] one inch, 'til the battle he had won
Despise not a soldier because he is poor
He's as happy on the battlefield as at the barracks door
The source of the last two stanzas is unknown, probably from Mudcat Forum.
4. This word was not printed in Vermont Folk-Songs & Ballads but was found pencilled into this copy.