From the recording Mary & the Soldier / The Bugle

This is an oft recorded traditional song - I like any song with a strong-willed woman in it!  Thanks to Hilari and Benedict for finding the perfect march to pair with this song.

Lyrics

Mary and the Soldier
Come all you lads of high renown that will hear of a fair young maiden
And she roved out on a summer's day for to view the soldier's parading
They march so bold and they look so gay
The colors were flying and the bands did play
And it caused young Mary for to say
"I'll wed you me gallant soldier"
She viewed the soldiers on parade and as they stood at their leisure
And Mary to herself did say: "At last I’ve found my treasure
But oh how cruel my parents must be
To banish my true love from me
And I'll leave them all and I'll go with thee
My bold undaunted soldier"
"Oh Mary dear, your parents' love I pray don't be unruly
For when we're in a foreign land, believe you’ll rue it surely
Perhaps in battle I might fall
From a shot from an angry cannonball
And you so far from your daddy's hall
Be advised by a gallant soldier."
"Oh I have fifty guineas in bright gold, likewise a hearth that's bolder
And I'd leave them all and I'd go with you my bold undaunted soldier
So don't say no but let me go
And I will face the foreign foe
And we'll march together to and fro
And I'll wed you, my gallant soldier"
And when he saw her loyalty and Mary so true-hearted
He said: "My darling, married we'll be and nothing but death will part us
And when we're in a foreign land
I'll guard you, darling, with my right hand
In hopes that God might stand a friend
To Mary and her gallant soldier"