From The musical repository, pp220-2, 1799.

listen to the tune (midi file)

LITTLE THINKS THE TOWNSMAN'S WIFE.

 Little thinks the towns-mans wife,
 While at home she tarries,
 What must be the lassie's life,
 Who a soldier marries;
 Now with weary marching spent,
 Dancing now before the tent;
 Lira lira la, lira lira la,
 With her jolly soldier.
 
 In the camp at night she lies,
 Wind and weather scorning,
 Only griev'd her love must rise,
 And quit her in the morning:
 But the doubtful skirmish done,
 Blyth she sings at set of sun,
 Lira lira la, lira lira la,
 With her jolly soldier. 

 Should the captain of her dear
 Use his vain endeavour,
 Whisp'ring nonsense in her ear,
 Two fond hearts to sever;
 At his passion she will scoff;
 Laughing she will put him off,
 Lira lira la, lira lira la,
 For her jolly soldier.