The Discharged Drummer -

In Bristol lived a lady

She was scarce sixteen

Courted she was by many

Her favor for to win

But none of them could suit her

Or please her to her mind

Until there came a drummer

So loving and so kind

This drummer he stepped up to her

And he stole from her one kiss

He said «dear honoured lady,

In the regiment will you enlist?»

«Oh yes,» replied the lady,

«This I’ll surely do,

For while I love your music sweet

Likewise your 'rattatoo' too

And if you’d consent to marry

Or to lie by my side

I’ll buy your discharge my love

In a carriage you will ride"

«Oh yes,» replied the drummer

«How happy I should be,

But I’m afraid that you won’t lie,

with such a poor man as me»

«Oh that you may depend on,»

The lady made reply,

«For if I don’t wed with you young man,

I’ll never be made a bride»

This couple they got married

With servants at their call

And the drummer has knocked off playin'

Among his comrades all

But sometimes when the moon is high

This drummer steals awaya

And plays on his old army drum

'Til the dawning of the day