As I was a-walking down Radcliffe highway   A recruiting party came a-beating my way   They enlisted me and treated me till I did not know   And to the Queen's barracks they forced me to go      When first I deserted, I thought myself free   Until my cruel comrade informed against me   I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed   I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me      Court martial, court martial, they help upon me   And the sentence passed upon me, three hundred and three   May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty   For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me      When next I deserted, I thought myself free   Until my cruel sweetheart informed against me   I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed   I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me      Court martial, court martial, then quickly was got   And the sentence passed upon me, that I was to be shot   May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty   For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me      Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage and sticks   Saying "Where is that young man whose coffin is fixed?   Set him free from his irons and let him go free   For he'll make a good soldier for his Queen and country