The Dubliners - Gentleman Soldier lyrics

Well it's of a gentleman soldier as
A sentry he did stand
He saluted the fair maid by
A waving of his hand
So boldly then he kissed her and he
Passed it off as a joke
He drilled her up in the sentry-box
Wrapped up in a soldier's cloak
And the drums they go with a rat-a ta
Tat and the fifes they loudly play
Fare thee well, Polly me dear
I must be going away

All night they tossed and tumbled
Till daylight did appear
The soldier rose, pulled on his
Clothes, saying, "Fare ye well, me dear
For the drums they are a sounding
And the fifes they sweetly play
If it weren't for that, dear Polly
Then along with you I'd stay"

"Oh come, ye gentleman soldier
Won't you marry me?"
"Oh, no, me dearest Polly
Such things never can be
For I've a wife already and
Children I have three
Two wives are allowed in the army
But one's too many for me

If anyone comes a courting you can
Treat them to a glass
If anyone comes a courting you can
Say you're a country lass
You don't have to tell them that
Ever you played this joke
That you were drilled in a sentry box
Wrapped up in a soldier's cloak

"Oh come ye gentleman soldier
Why didn't you tell me so?
My parents will be angry when
This they come to know"
And when nine long months
Had come and passed
This poor girl she brought shame
She had a little militia-boy and
She didn't know his name