Wi' quaffing and laughing,
They ranted and they sang,
Wi' jumping and thumping
The very girdle rang.
I lastly was with Curtis, among the floating batt'ries,
And there I left for witness an arm and a limb;
Yet let my country need me, with Elliot to head me,
I'd clatter on my stumps at the sound of a drum.
I once was a maid, tho' I cannot tell when,
And still my delight is in proper young men....
Full soon I grew sick of my sanctified sot,
The regiment at large for a husband I got,
From the gilded spontoon to the fife I was ready,
I asked no more but a sodger laddie.
A fig for those by law protected!
Liberty's a glorious feast!
Courts for cowards were erected,
Churches built to please the priest!
What is title? What is treasure?
What is reputation's care?
If we lead a life of pleasure
'T is no matter how or where.
With the ready trick and fable
Round we wander all the day,
And at night, in barn or stable,
Hug our doxies on the hay.