University of Virginia Library

Scene, the View of a Village, with a Bridge: on one Side, near the Front, a Cottage; on the other, at the Foot of the Bridge, an Ale-house. When the Curtain rises, two Light-horse Men, supposed to be on their march, are discovered, sitting at the Ale-house Door, with their Arms against the Wall; their Horses at some distance. The Serjeant then passes with his Party over the Bridge, Drums and Fifes playing; and afterwards the Countryman, his Wife, and his Mother come out from the Cottage.
QUARTETTO.
SERJEANT.
All gallant lads, who know no fears,
To the drum-head repair:
To serve the king for volunteers,
Speak you, my boys, that dare.
Come, who'll be a grenadier?
The listing money down,
Is three guineas, and a crown,
To be spent in punch, or beer.

COUNTRYMAN.
Adds flesh, I'll go with him.

MOTHER.
Oh no.

WIFE.
Dear Joe.

COUNTRYMAN.
Adds flesh, I'll go with him.

A. 2.
Oh no!

COUNTRYMAN.
Adds flesh, but I will:
So hold your tongues still.
Nor mother, nor wife,
Thof they strive for their life,
Shall baulk't; an my fancy be so.

SERJEANT.
Come beat away a Royal March.
Rub, rub, rub a dub;
Rub, rub, rub a dub:
Of no poltroons I come in search,
Who cowardly sneak;
When the tongues of war speak:
But of noble souls, who death dare stand,
Against the foes of old England.

COUNTRYMAN.
I'll be a soldier, so that's flat.

A. 2.
You won't, you won't.

COUNTRYMAN.
I'll be dead, an I don't;
What wou'd the teazing toads be at;

MOTHER.
You graceless rogue,
Is your heart a stone?

WIFE.
I'm flesh of your flesh,
And bone of your bone.

COUNTRYMAN.
Zounds, let me alone.

SERJEANT.
Drums strike up a flourish, and follow me now
All honest hearts and clever;
Free quarters and beer at the sign of the Plow:
Huzza! King George for ever.