I have two albums of old vinyl 78rpm records. One has Sarie Marais in English. My mother had typed out the words long ago and they were in the album. I understand there are two versions of words. I like this one:

SARIE MARAIS

My Sarie Marais is so far from my heart
And I'm longing to see her again.
She lives on a farm, on the Mooi River's bank,
Before I left on this campaign.

Chorus:

O bring me back to the old Transvaal
That's where I long to be
'Way yonder mongst the mielies by the green thorny tree
Sarie is waiting for me.
I wonder if I'll ever see that green thorny tree
There where she's waiting for me.

Verse 2:
I feared that the soldiers would get hold of me
They would send me away o'er the sea.
I fled over land to the Orange River sand.
In Upington I would be free.

Verse 3:
At last there was peace and I started for home,
To the Transvaal I'll always adore.
My Sarie Marais will be waiting there for me.
Her kiss will be my best reward.

(You were very close, as far as you went!)