Song II. Row, Dow, Dow

On Entick's green meadows where innocence reigns, Where pleasure and plenty forever preside, I romp'd with the maidens and pretty young swains, And Ralph fancy'd soon he should call me his bride; When I first heard the drum, with the row, dow, dow, Its music was sweeter than soft serenade: I scorn'd all the rest for the row, dow, dow, And sigh'd for the Captain with a smart cockade.

The first I e'er saw, he march'd over our green, His men all behind him, by two and by two; Such a sight in our village had never been seen, The men all in ranks were drawn out to view; When I first heard the drum, with a row, dow, dow, Young Cupid awak'd, such a bustle he made, My heart beat a march, with a row, dow, dow, And went o'er to the Captain with a smart cockade.

My face took his fancy—he swore at my feet All his laurels he'd lay, if I'd give him my hand; No maid could refuse a lover so sweet; To the church then I march'd by the word of command: Now I follow the drum, with a row, dow, dow, Nor e'er have repented the vow that I made; No music's to me like the row, dow, dow, No youth like the Captain with a smart cockade.