The familiar folksong charmingly elucidated by Anita Lobel's fresh and lively pictures, each a framed portrait of the bustling old-time town. Her ""sweet maid"" is a small child in old fashioned bonnet and ribboned gown who answers the jaunty soldier's every objection (""Oh no, sweet maid, I cannot marry you/ For I have no hat/ shirt/ tie/ coat/ boots/ gloves to put on"") by running off (over flowered fields and cobblestone streets) to the appropriate shop for a plumed hat, scarlet coat, etc. -- and then, after the clinching ""Oh, no, sweet maid, I cannot marry you/ For I have a wife at home,"" is seen on the last page, her tears already dried, returning the lot to the merchants. Musical score appended, rhythm and bounce throughout.