The death of General Wolfe on the plains of Abraham during the taking of Quebec provided the ballad-mongers with a great subject which they seized gladly. This text contains the curious idea that Wolfe and the French general Montcalm walked together chatting like brothers before retiring to their own lines to let battle commence. This song (not to be confused with Bold General Wolfe) has not been found in England, but in America, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, from where this version comes. (Martin Carthy) With Acknowledgement : www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/~zierke/watersons/songs/bravewolfe.html
Come all ye young men all let this delight you
Come all ye young men all let nothing fright you
Never let your courage fail when you're brought to trial
Nor let your fancy move at the first denial
This brave undaunted youth has crossed the ocean
To free America was his intention He landed at Quebec with all his party
The city to attack being brave and hearty Bold Wolfe drew up his men in a line so pretty
On the Plains of Abraham before the city
The French came marching down in hopes to meet them
With a double number round resolved to beat them
Montcalm and this brave youth together walked
Between two armies they like brothers talked
Till each one to his post then did retire
Twas then these numerous hosts commenced their fire
The drums did loudly beat and the colours flying
The purple dawn did stream and men lay dying
And shot from off his horse fell that brave hero We'll long lament his loss in tears of sorrow
He lifted up his head when the guns did rattle
And to his aide said, How goes the battle?
Quebec is all our own none can prevent it
Oh then, replies bold Wolfe, I die contented
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