Text divider from 'The Happy Stranger, or, The Fortunate Meeting', a chapbook printed in Glasgow in 1802
THE FEMALE SOLDIER.
When I was a young girl, at the age of fifteen,I was courted by a young man most rare to be seen;But now to my grief, for a soldier he's gone,And what to do for my love I will make known.
I dress'd myself up in some men's array,And went to the captain without more delay,Where I listed myself for a drummer so strong,In the very same regiment where my love belong'd.
The very next morning the route it came,That the same regiment to Jamaica was bound;And over the plain as we marched along,I charmed my love by the sound of the drum.
Beat up my little drummer, the colonel reply'd,You shall be advanc'd from a drummer this day;The very next day a lieutenant I was made,For to handle my pen I never was afraid.
The very next day my love's trial came on,For missing of his duty, as you may understand,When I begg'd his forgiveness & did him embrace,And before the whole reg'ment I op'ned my case.
The very next morning my love and I was wed,The colonel made him lieutenant in any stead;And now, for my courage, as plain you may fee,This has been the upmaking of my love and me.
GLASGOW, Printed by J. and M. Robertson, Saltmarket, 1802.
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