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380 Ballads and Songs of Michigan
156
THE VALIANT SOLDIER
(Secondary form, Child, No. 8)
Although this ballad bears considerable resemblance to "Earl Brand" (Child, No. 7,1, 88-105), it has more in common with "Erhnton" (Child, No. 8, 1, 106-111), a tragic old ballad of which it may be a humorous successor. For texts and references see Barry, Eckstorm, and Smyth, pp. 377--382; Eddy, No. 23; Flanders and Brown, pp. 232-233; Henry, JAFL, XLV, 114-116; Pound, p. 14; The Roxburghe Ballads, VI, 229-231; Scarborough, pp. 201-203; and Sharp, I,
333-337-
Version A was obtained in 1916 by Mr. H. Parkes Pinson, a student at Michigan State Normal College, Ypsilanti, from the singing of Mrs. Mary Ellen Kenyon Baker.
A
1 Tis of a valiant soldier that lately came from war, He courted a lady for her riches and her store, She being so wealthy, it scarcely could be told, But yet she loved a soldier because he was so bold.
2 She said, "My valiant soldier, I am feared of being your wife; My father is so cruel I fear he will take your life."
He drew his sword and pistol and hung it by his side,
He swore that he would marry her; at once he would be tied.
3 They had just been to church and returning home again; She met her own father with seven armed men,
"O dear," savs the ladv, "I fear we shall be slain." |
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