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