Roy Palmer prints a slightly different version:

The Rambling Soldier

I am a soldier blythe and gay,
That's rambled for promotion.
I've laid the French and Spaniards low;
Some miles I've crossed the ocean.
I've travelled England and Ireland too,
I've travelled bonny Scotland through,
I have caused some pretty girls to rue,
I'm a roving, rambling soldier.

When I was young and in my prime
Twelve years I was recruiting
Through England, Ireland, and Scotland, too,
Wherever it was suiting.
I led a gay and a splendid life,
In every town a different wife;
And seldom was there any strife
With the roving, ramblng soldier.

In Woolwich town I courted Jane,
Her sister and her mother;
I mean to say, when I was there,
They were jealous of each other.
My orders came, I had to start,
I left poor Jane with a broken heart,
Then straight to Colchester did depart,
The roving, rambling soldier.

Thwe King permission granted me
To range the country over.
From Colchester to Liverpool,
From Plymouth down to Dover;
And in whatever town I went,
To court all damsels I was bent,
And marry none was my intent,
But live a rambling soldier.

And with the blooming lasses in each town
No man was ever bolder;
I thought that I was doing right,
For the King did want young soldiers.
I told them tales of fond delight,
I kept recruiting day and night,
And when I had made all things right,
Off went the rambling soldier.

And now the wars are at an end
I am not afraid to mention
The King has given me discharge
And granted me a pension.
No doubt some lasses will me blame,
Butnever once they can me shame,
And if you want to know my name,
It's Bill, the rambling soldier.

Copied from: The Rambling Soldier Ed Roy Palmer (Kestrel Books, London, 1977).

Any use?

Walrus