The Old Colonel

Now, 'twas on a summer's morning,
In the county town of Ross,
The colonel was walking this morning
With a feather in his hat;
This old lady stepped out beside him
And she spoke with a feebling voice, saying,
"Your honour I'd like to see you in private
For I got a troubled mind."

"Go straight unto my office with the burden on your mind,
And you'll see me there at nine;
And if I'll consider my duty,
I'll see you write a fine."

"Your honour, I have an only daughter
And I think she's a foolish lass,
She's courting one of your eldest soldiers,
Dressed up in his lovely brass;
I 'm afraid he'll take her from me,
She swears he's a sporting lad,
And, your honour, you'll have my blessing,
If you'll banish him out of Ross."

The trumpet was sounded next morning,
And called up Johnny Hart,
He bowed before the colonel,
And he spoke with an honourable voice, saying,
"Your honour, I courted that woman's daughter there,
And that same I'll never deny.
And, your honour, I'd court the colonel's daughter,
If I could but gain her mind.
If I could but gain her mind."

"Well done, my gallant soldier,
I like your courage well,
And I'll have you promoted
For these very words you've said;
And when you are promoted
I think you're an equal match,
You'll be fitted for a farmer's daughter
Goin' into the town of Ross."

This young couple they got married,
So I hear the people say,
Great nobles did attend them
Upon their wedding day;
Now they are married and happy,
And their parents know it not,
And they dwelt with the highest farmers,
The last time I was in Ross.

The Old Colonel

####.... Author unknown ....####