For other versions of this work, see The Soldier's Adieu (Dibdin).
The Soldier's Adieu.
ADIEU! adieu! my only life,
My honour calls me from thee:
Remember thou'rt a soldier's wife—
Those tears but ill become thee.
What though by duty I am call'd
Where thund'ring cannons rattle,
Where Valour's self might stand appall'd!
When on the wings of thy dear love,
To heaven above
Thy fervent orisons are flown;
The tender prayer
Thou putt'st up there,
Shall call a guardian angel down,
To watch me in the battle.