Page:Recruit's farewell to his wife and three children.pdf/2



Arewell to you dear Nancy,

likewise my children three,

Behold I am come to take my leave

of friends and family;

I have just now inlisted, and

must for a soldier go,

Abroad to foreign countries

to face our daring foe.

Dear Jack my heart does tremble

at this sad news you bring.

To say you wou’d leave your family

and go and serve the king,

I will sell my cloak, and rather

than you should go/away,

And likewise all our furniture

your smart money to pay.

Dear Nancy I’m now attested,

and smart money won’t do,

I would not rue my bargain,

only for parting you ;

Let not my absence grieve you,

though I must cross the main,

You’ll fee me roll in splendor,

when I return again.

Dear Jack now do not leave me,

and my poor helpless train,