The Cavalier Songs and Ballads of England from 1642 to 1684 · Chapter 93The Soldier’s Delight
This chapter is not translated yet. You are reading the original.
(Made in the late times.)
From the Loyal Garland, 1686. Reprinted for the Percy Society, and edited by J. O. Halliwell.
Fair Phydelia, tempt no more, I may not now thy beauty so adore, Nor offer to thy shrine; I serve one more divine And greater far than you: Hark! the trumpet calls away, We must go, lest the foe Get the field and win the day; Then march bravely on, Charge them in the van, Our cause God’s is, though the odds is Ten times ten to one.
Tempt no more, I may not yield, Although thine eyes a kingdom may surprise; Leave off thy wanton tales, The high-born Prince of Wales Is mounted in the field, Where the loyal gentry flock, Though forlorn, nobly born, Of a ne’er-decaying stock; Cavaliers, be bold, ne’er let go your hold, Those that loiters are by traitors Dearly bought and sold.
Phydelia.—One kiss more, and so farewell. Soldier.—Fie, no more! I prithee fool give o’er; Why cloud’st thou thus thy beams? I see by these extremes, A woman’s heaven or hell. Pray the King may have his own, That the Queen may be seen With her babes on England’s throne; Rally up your men, one shall vanquish ten, Victory, we come to try our valour once again.