The Valiant Soldier- Patton (Missouri) 1928 Randolph A
[Randolph's title, not taken from the text. From Ozark Folksongs, Vol. 1, ballads, version A.
R. Matteson 2014]
A. [Valiant Soldier]- Sung by Mrs. W. A. Patton, Jane, Mo., Nov 7, 1928.
I'll tell you of a soldier that lately come from war,
He courted a lady so rare an' so fair,
Her riches was so great that they scarcely could be told,
But still she loved her soldier because he was so bold.
As they went to church an' returned home again,
She saw her old father an' seven armed men,
Oh, says the lady, I fear we'll both be slain,
Fear nothin' at all, says the soldier again.
Up rode her father an' says is this the way
You bring such a scandal in my family?
You might have been some young gentleman's wife,
But now in yonders valley I aim to end your life.".
He drew his sword an' pistol, he hung 'em by his side'
He swore he would get married whatever could betide,
He drew his sword an' pistol an' caused 'em for to rattle,
The lady held the horses while the soldier fought the battle.
The first one he come to he run it through his brain,
The next one he come to he served him the same,
Let's run, says the rest, for I fear we'll all be slain,
To fight a valiant soldier, I see it's all in vain'
Hold on, says the old man, an' don't you be so bold,
An' you can have my daughter an' five thousand pounds of gold,
Fight on, says the lady, the sum it is too small,
Hold your hand, says the old man, an' you can have it all.
He took the soldier with him, an' called him his heir,
It was not through a willin' mind, but only out of fear,
Here's my land an' money, an' here's my house an' home'
It shall all be at your command when I am dead an' gone.
Come all you young ladies that has gold laid up in store,
An' never slight a soldier because he is so poor.
For a soldier he's a gentleman both jolly, brave an' free,
An' he'll fight for his true love as well as liberty.