There was a rich farmer's daughter that lived in the town of Ross
She courted a private soldier and his name was Johnny Harte
For six long months they courted, her parents they knew it none
He was her only darling dressed up in a Highland plaid. 

Says the mother unto the daughter, "I'll go distracted mad,
If you marry a private soldier dressed up in a Highland plaid
If you marry a private soldier, it's then you'll be  undone
Oh, Daughter dear, be advised by me, and get wed to a farmer's son." 

"Oh mother, dearest mother, oh, do not run him down,
For there's many a private soldier has rose to high renown,
And many a farmer's daughter has followed the pipes and drum,
So I will not part with my soldier lad for any old farmer's son."

'Twas early the next morning her mother she went to Ross
And went up to the Colonel in hopes to find redress.
The Colonel being a modest man did turn to her a smile
And kindly he consented to talk with her awhile

She says, " I've only one daughter and she's a foolish lass,
She's courting one of your soldiers, his name is Johnny Harte,
She is courting one of your soldiers and it really grieves my heart
And I'd be more than grateful if you'd send him away from Ross

The bugle sounded for parade; young Harte he did appear,
And went up to the colonel upon the barrack square,
"If you court this woman's daughter, and me to find it out,
I'll send you to the transports while the regiment's out on rout. 

"Well it's hard enough", young Harte replied, "for courting an Irish lass,
For to send me on transportation and leave my love in Ross,
But I'll court this woman's daughter if for me she is inclined
And I'd court your honour's daughter could I only gain her mind. 

"Well done, well done," the colonel said. "You are a noble lad.
I'll put stripes on your shoulders for these brave words you have said.
I'll put stripes on your shoulders and then you'll be a match
For the foremost farmer's daughter that comes into the town of Ross. 

So now they have got married and their honeymoon is o'er
They are as nice a man and wife as ever was seen before
Young Harte became an officer and with his darling bride
Now they live contentedly down upon the banks of the Slaney side