Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DESERTER, by ANONYMOUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DESERTER, by                    
First Line: As I was awalking along the highway
Last Line: For he will make a soldier for his queen and country
Subject(s): "courts & Courtiers;cruelty;desertion, Military;soldiers;


As I was awalking along the highway,
The recruiting party came beating that way,
They enlisted me and treated me, till I did not know,
Then to the queen's barracks they forced me to go.

When first I deserted I thought myself free,
Until my cruel comrade informed against me,
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed,
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons on me.

When next I deserted I thought myself free,
Until my cruel sweetheart informed against me,
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed,
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons on me.

Court Martial, court martial then quickly was got,
And the sentence passed on me was to be shot,
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
For now the queen's duty lays heavy on me.

Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage and six,
Saying, where is that young man whose coffin is fixed,
Set him free from his irons and let him go free,
For he will make a soldier for his queen and country.





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