The RECRUIT

Now the trade is so dull, and the town is so full, Of lads that already are undone, my brave boys; Let's be wise by their ills and over the hills, Away for bold soldiers be gone my brave boys. Who lists in his prime is wise in good time, A regiment he'll have very soon my brave boys; Then come my jolly blades and quit your starving trades, For a soldier's the best that's a going brave boys.

Who has a scolding wife, the plague of his life, Or is fearful of Bailiffs or Dunns brave boys, Let him be of the cloth and a fig for them both; When he for a soldier is gone brave boys. Ye menders of soles and patchers up of holes, Quit your stalls and your shops and come on brave boys; Let your Landlords be content with their keys to pay their rent, When you for brave soldiers are gone brave boys

Never fret, grieve or pine, tho' a mistress prove unkind, Since your cure is as sure as a gun brave boys; Only try and you'll prove, that a soldier cannot love, Then away for bold soldiers begone brave boys. Who wou'd be Grenadiers, come join the Fuzileers, A regiment inferior to none brave boys, From care day and night, we fuddle, drink and fight, Then away for bold soldiers be gone brave boys.