She was in the flowery garden when first she caught my eye

And I just a marching soldier she smiled as I passed by

The flowers she held were fresh and fair, her lips were full and red

And as I passed that shady bower, these words to me she said



"Last night we spoke of love, now we're forced to part

You leave to the sound of a marching drum and the beat of a lovers heart

She was by the shore in the evening when next I saw my dear

Running barefoot by the waterside, she called as I drew near

The sunlight glanced at the water's edge making fire of her auburn hair

My young heart danced at her parting words that hung in the evening air



She was on the Strand next morning when orders came to sail

And as we slipped our ropes away I watched her from the rail

She threw me a rose, which fell between us, and floated on the Bay

And as our shippulled from the shore, I heard her call and say



Now the soldier's life won't suit me, sweet music is my trade

For I'd rather melt the hardest heart than pierce it with a blade

Let the time be short till I return to my home in the mountains high

And the loving girl who stole my heart with these words as I passed by