The Frolicsome Maid, Who Went to Gibralter

The Duke of Gordon’s Three Daughters. To which are added, John Uproars Chant, and The frolicsome Maid, who went to Gibraltar, and from a single Soldier turn’d a Captain, and yet Chaste.

The Frolicsome Maid, who went to Gibraltar, and from a single Soldier turn’d a Captain, and yet Chaste.

It’s out of a frolic, this love did begin,
I was courted at fifteen by a jolly brisk drum,
He promis’d me marriage, but after refus’d,
My youthful affection tat wretch did abuse.

As soon as I found my love did me slight,
For all his good promises, he bade me good night,
I found by his carriage he only was come,
For no other intention than to beat on my drum.

Then in man’s apparel soon dressed was I,
And straight for the army then I did fly;
So like a bold soldier then enlisted was I,
Resolving on my love, my valoir, t try.

Then to the barracks they ordered me home,
The sergeant conducted me to my lover’s room,
I chose for my comrade that faithless young man,
My secrets I’ll keep from them all if I can.

These three months and better, a soldier I’ve been,
afraid every moment of being betray’d;
When I pull’d off my breeches, to myself I wou’d smile,
To think how I’d lien by a man all the while.

In six months thereafter then draughted were we,
My comrade was draughted, those thoughts grieved me;
I threw down my arms, and said, I would go
volunteer with my comrade, but my Captain said no.

The press-master ask’d me, from whence I came?
I told him from Chester, Johnston was my name;
It’s throw down your arms, for since it is so,
I vow a bold soldier, on board he shall go.

Then I in Gibralter stood guard o’er that tower,
Where every man there stands his own hour,
Our General then told me preferred was I,
From a soldier to an ensign, my colours to fly.

One day in the tavern a drinking of wine,
With many more gentlemen of that same line,
I called for Donald, wher’s Donald, I said?
The answer they made me, he’s gone to be wed.

I call’d for a candle, and likewise a man,
To go and find Donald for me if you can;
The man being ingenious, and searching the town
He quickly conducted me to my loves room.

Then to the barracks I ordered his home,
The guard house, or land post shall sure be his doom,
And convoy’d this damsel quite out of the town,
I gave her a guinea to buy a new gown.

The very next quarters that ever we came,
I married that girl to one of our drums,
And finding the girl both loyal and true,
I gave her my linens to wash and to do.

Seven years and better a Captain I’ve been,
You may know all that while what a fortune I’ve won,
But now my commission I intend to bestow
On my faithless comrade who a private does go.

FINIS.