Pretty Polly - Shirley Collins

Way down in yonder valley Pretty Polly did dwell

And she was courted by a captain who loved her so well

But when her cruel parents came thisfor to know

They parted Pretty Polly and her own true love

One night she lay musing on her bed

And a sudden strange fancy come to Polly’s head

'No father no mother shall make me forsooth

I’ll list for a soldier and follow my love'

coat and breaches she put on

And did agree she looked like a man

She went to a stable six horses she found

And saddled a mare could travel aground

And with a brace of pistols swung by her side

Like a United States soldier Pretty Polly did ride

She rode she rode and she come to the town

And there she pulled up at the sign of the crown

And the first’un she met with was an Englishman lord

And the next’un was captain Pretty Polly’s true love

What news from the country what news do you bring

She handed him a letter from Polly old dear

He opened the letter two pages he found

Saying Polly is a soldier with men all around

Now Polly did being weary she hung down her head

And she called for a candle to light her to bed

The captain said 'I've

And you may lie with me kind sir if you please'

Well to lie with a captain is to lie with a king

I’m a United States soldier from George Washington

I’ll fight for my liberty by sea and by land

If you be my captain I’ll be your

Now Polly is married she lives

She goes out when she’s ready returns when she please

She left her old parents to weep and to mourn

Saying 'Polly oh Polly when will you return?'