(Trad) Tune: Drumdelgie (John Grumlie)
And the drums they go with a rat-a-tat-tat
And the fifes do loudly play
Saying, Fare thee well my Polly dear
I must be going away
It's of a gentleman soldier on sentry he did stand
He kindly saluted a fair maid with a waving of his hand
So boldly then he kissed her and he passed it as a joke
Then he drilled her in his sentry-box wrapped up in a soldier's cloak
Oh come you gentleman soldier, and won't you marry me
Oh no my dearest Polly, this thing can never be
Fo married I am already and children I have three
Two wives are allowed in the army but one's too many for me
It's come my gentleman soldier, why didn't you tell me so
My parents will be angry when this they come to know
When nine long months was up and passed,
this poor girl she brought shame
She had a little militia boy and she didn't know his name
If anyone comes a-courting you you treat him to a glass
If anyone comes a-courting you say you're a country lass
You needn't even tell him that you ever played this joke
That ever you drilled in a sentry box wrapped up in a soldier's cloak
(as sung by The Spinners)