"Malbrough s'en va-t-en guerre" (French folk song, ca 1709) - Fife & Drum

This is a little gem that I've had long in the making. I heard the tune played on guitar in a version by Fernando Sor, and immediately thought - "Isn't that 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow'?" Well, yes, in a way, as those lyrics have been sung to the tune since the 19th century. But this song originated in France in 1709, after the Battle of Malplaquet. The anti-French alliance lead by the Duke of Marlborough had won the fight, but at a ghastly cost of 22 000 dead and wounded - double the amount of the French casualties. A rumour spread in the French ranks that the British commander had died in the battle, which eventually led to this song being composed. The title literally means "Marlborough Has Gone Off to War", and revolves around his widow waiting in vain at home for his return.
Despite the rumour being false (John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough would live on for yet another 13 years) this tune became immensely popular, though remained unprinted until the late 18th century. This is my arrangement, which draws heavily on the lyrics' allusions of drumming ("mironton, mironton...").
The image shows Marlborough and the Earl of Cadogan at the Battle of Blenheim (Blindheim/Höchstädt) in 1704, Marlborough's greatest military achievement. It was painted by the Flemish artist Pieter van Bloemen in 1714.
Enjoy!