Part 12
Than Glasgow town there is not one, In a’ your great and glorious lan’, Who’d turn out a truer ban’, To guard their Royal Geordie.
And, by the powers aboon, we swear If any traitor come you near, The fause loon we’ll in pieces tear, A’ for our love to Geordie.
For weel we ken your title’s gude, And shall maintain it with our blude, If any foreign foemen should Dispute the right of Geordie.
Then haste ye, Geordie, come awa-- We’ll dress our wives and weans fu’ braw, They’ll rend the lift wi’ loud huzza To welcome their ain Geordie.
In Edinbro’ too, time will pass sweet, Frae far and near they’ll Geordie greet, And you shall get braw lodgings meet, To house ye, Royal Geordie.
Your Court you’ll haud in Holyrood, Where aft your ancestors have stood, All anxious for the public good, As now is Royal Geordie.
The Castle’s ancient wa’ you’ll view, The old Scotch Crown and Sceptre too, To wear them nane has right but you, So come awa, King Geordie.
And at Dalkeith with Duke Buccleugh, Your people a’ will round ye bow, Wi’ hearty love and fealty true To you their ain kind Geordie.
In Perthshire ye’ll get Athole Brose, And Muir fowl frae the great Montrose, Wi’ us, my lad, ye’ll be jocose, So haste ye here, King Geordie.
And, by my troth, there’s not a belle, Even ’mangst the rare ones of Pall Mall, To match the ladies of Dunkeld, Then hie ye north, King Geordie.
And we shall dance a Highland Reel, ’Twill please you weel my Royal Chiel, On Scotia’s heath to shake your heel, Wi’ some braw lass, King Geordie.
Then haste, my cock, and come awa,’ We’ll welcome you with loud huzza! And auld and young shall crouseley craw, “Long live our ain King Geordie.”
_THE DEATH OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR ROBERT PEEL, BART., M.P._
BORN FEBRUARY, 1788; DIED JULY 2, 1850, AGED 62.
BRITANNIA! Britannia! what makes thee complain, O, why so in sorrow relenting, Old England is lost, we are borne down in pain, And the nation in grief is lamenting. That excellent man--the pride of the land, Whom every virtue possessed him, Is gone to that Home, from whence none return, Our dear friend, Sir Robert, God bless him.
The Rich and the Poor all did him adore, Admired, beloved, and respected, For his Country’s right, he struggled with might, And nothing by him was neglected. He nobly guided the Helm of State, The poor long have praised and blessed him, Now tears wet each eye, while in sorrow they sigh, He is gone, is Sir Robert, God rest him.
Sad, sad was the day, when misfortune that way, From health, strength and vigour had tossed him, Upon the hard ground, to receive his death wound.[58] Oh mourn! mourn! Britannia, we’ve missed him. His equal again sure we never shall find, For every goodness possessed him, Britannia shall weep by the tomb where he sleeps, The patriot, Sir Robert, God rest him.
Our Queen sighed in tears, when the tidings she heard, And her children, with hearts full of sorrow, Saying England is done, oh! where shall we run To meet with his equal to-morrow? He’s not to be found upon England’s ground, Already, already, we’ve missed him, Britannia deplore, we’ll behold him no more, The Glory of England, God rest him.
Talk of Canning and Pitt, for their talents and wit, And all who upheld that high Station, Oh! has there been e’er, such a noble Premier, As Sir Robert before, in the Nation? He’d by no one be led, he’d by no one be said, No Government feared to trust him, In every way, he carried the sway, For the good of his country: God rest him.
At Sixty-two years of Age, cruel death did engage, Britannia to move from her station, From her councils and land, called that excellent man, Sir Robert the pride of the nation. Oh! the tears that were shed by Sir Robert’s death bed, Some hours before life had left him, Caused hearts to complain, in grief sorrow and pain, He is gone, is Sir Robert, God rest him.
In the tomb where he sleeps, many thousands will weep, And his virtuous deeds lay before ye, And he will receive, in the regions of bliss, A coronet braided with glory. Though we part from him with pain, it’s no use to complain, He is for ever gone, and we’ve missed him, In peace may he sleep, while Britannia does weep, For her servant, Sir Robert, God bless him.
_DEATH OF WELLINGTON._[59]
ON the 14th of September, near to the town of Deal, As you may well remember, who have a heart to feel, Died Wellington, a general bold, of glorious renown, Who beat the great Napoleon, near unto Brussels town.
_Chorus._
So don’t forget brave Wellington, who won at Waterloo, He beat the great Napoleon, and all his generals, too.
He led the British Army on through Portugal and Spain, And every battle there he won, the Frenchman to restrain, He ever was victorious in every battle field, He gained a fame most glorious because he’d never yield.
He drove Napoleon from home, in exile for to dwell, Far o’er the sea, and from his home, and all he lov’d so well, He stripped him quite of all his power, and banish’d him away, To St. Helena’s rocks and towers, the rest of his life to stay.
Then on the throne of France he placed Louis, the King, by right, In after years he was displaced all by the people’s might; But should the young Napoleon threaten our land and laws, We’ll find another Wellington should ever we have cause.
He’s dead, our hero’s gone to rest, and o’er his corpse we’ll mourn, With sadness and with grief oppress’d, for he will not return, But we his deeds will not forget, and should we, e’er again, Follow th’ example that he set, his glory we’ll not stain.
THE following, although not a ballad, was popularly sold in the streets, and will serve as a good introduction to the question of Reform. I have omitted passages which were irrelevant to the matter. I find Reform _Street_ Ballads very scarce.
_THE CHRONICLES OF THE POPE._
1 NOW it came to pass that the land had rest for seventeen years.
2 For the Britons had subdued their enemies, even the French, and restored peace to all the Continent.
3 Nevertheless the people groaned by reason of oppression, and of the multitude of taxes which was laid upon them to support the rich and the great with pensions and rewards.
4 And they cried and petitioned for redress, but their prayers were not heard.
5 And George the Fourth was gathered to his fathers, and William reigned in his stead.
6 Now there was at this time a mighty man of renown called Arthur.
7 And he gained the confidence of the King, and abused his ear with falsities respecting the people.
8 And the people were much displeased with the power of this man of war, for he ruled them as he had done his soldiers.
9 And their eyes were turned towards a certain nobleman whose possessions lieth north of the Tyne.
10 Arthur feeling that he could rule no longer, resigned his authority, and the King elected that nobleman, even Grey, whose possessions lieth north of the Tyne, to be ruler under him over the people.
11 And he stood before the King, and said, O King, live for ever, thy people have been long afflicted with heavy burdens which they cannot bear, and their cries and lamentations ascend to heaven.
12 And the King was troubled in his mind at these sayings, and he caused the records of the realm to be brought before him, and then he found that his subjects were not fairly represented; and he was in much agitation of mind, and trembled exceedingly and cried with a loud voice, What shall I do?
13 And the noble, even Grey, said unto him, We must endeavour to amend these things; and, oh King, if thou wilt give me permission, such a law shall be framed that all the land will rejoice.
14 And the King said, Do as it pleaseth thee best in this matter.
15 Then Grey called all the representatives of the people together, and shewed them the new law which he had framed for the people’s benefit.
16 But several of those who were interested with regard to money, lifted up their voices against it.
17 Nevertheless the thing did prevail, in that house, the Assembly of the People, called the House of Commons.
18 But when this same law was brought before the Lords, they laughed it to scorn, saying amongst themselves, Shall we be deprived of all the good things we have enjoyed so long? Shall we divide the spoil amongst those we despise? And, as it were, with the voice of one man, they said, No!
19 Now the High Priests of the nation consulted amongst themselves, and said, Alas! what will become of us if this law passeth? We must then bid farewell to all that we have held so dear.
20 And the lamentation amongst the High Priests was very great, for every one of them lamented as if he had lost his first born.
21 And they came unto the Council of the Nation, even the House of Lords, and said, We will not have this law to pass.
22 For, although we are paid, and well paid, to teach the people, yet in our wisdom it seemeth good unto us to keep them ignorant.
23 For, be it known unto you, that, unless they are kept ignorant, and deprived of power, no man can govern them.
24 And the Lords listened unto these speeches, and would not allow the good law to pass.
25 Then stood the great and good noble, even Grey, before the King, and said, thou knowest thy nobles and the high priests of the land will not allow this law to pass.
26 Therefore I lay my commission at thy feet.
27 And the king answered and said, do as it seemeth best to thee.
28 And Grey bowed himself to the earth, and departed from the presence of the King.
29 And the King was troubled in spirit, and he sent in haste for Arthur, even the mighty man of renown.
30 And Arthur arose, and girded up his loins, and stood before the King.
31 And the King said unto him, Arthur, I know thee to be a man in whom is the spirit of wisdom and of valour, I am sorely troubled in mind respecting this affair. What shall I do?
32 Arthur answered and said, be not troubled, neither let thy spirit be cast down, for I can rule these people easily, and with a rod of iron must they be ruled: grant unto me the commission, and I will make them obedient.
33 And the King said, do as seemeth good in thine own eyes.
34 But when the people heard these things they were sorely grieved; and became exceedingly enraged.
35 And said, shall this man of war, who is an enemy to liberty, reign over us?
36 And the people from the land’s end, even unto Johnny Groat’s house, rose up, as it were with one consent; and in every village, and every city, and in every town, did they rise up and meet together in the open air to shew their hatred of Arthur, and of his oppression, and their determination to be free.
37 And the multitudes were exceeding great, that no man might number them, and they bore banners, having on them painted various devices.
38 And the cry of the people was great, and the noise of their shouting was like the sound of many waters.
39 And they cried, if Arthur is to rule us, to thy tents, O, Britons!
40 Now, the great, and the just men, and the good amongst the people, stood up, and spake with a loud voice, saying,
41 Be it known unto you, O, Britons, that Arthur can do nothing without money, therefore refuse you to pay taxes till you are made free.
42 And the people shouted, and cried, We will give no money till we are free; and having sung a war-like song, every man went to his own house.
43 Now, when the king heard of these things he was sore afraid, and he told Arthur to depart from his presence, and he called Grey before him.
44 And he said, thy wisdom is great, get this bill passed, else we be all dead men.
45 And the thing was done in haste, for great fear and trembling had fallen upon them.
46 And the Nobles and the high priests agreed unto the bill, for they were sore afraid, and quaked much.
_THE HAPPY REFORM._
LET us sing this aloud to the joy shouting crowd, That once were going to arm; Let all parties rejoice, and sing with one voice, And join in the Happy Reform.
My name is John Bull, and with joy I am full, I have something to say that will charm; Come, Sandy, along, and with Pat join my song, Let us sing of the Happy Reform.
Brother Pat, you and Sandy, I know are quite handy To assist your John Bull in a storm: Brothers Sandy and Paddy, you’ll now be as ready To join me and sing the Reform.
But a few years ago, we durst not sing so, Such a song, then, was counted a harm; But now we may sing, O, long live our King, Who has joined in the Happy Reform.
But this I must shew, for some do not know, It is proper I should them inform, So I will explain to them in my strain, What’s meant by the present Reform.
O, it is to ease, and the people to please, And to keep them from raising a storm: ’Tis that all Ten pound Renters may choose Parliamenters, To give us the happy Reform.
This sure they will do, as their hearts will be true, When bribery can do us no harm; They will shew with true spirit what the Corn Bill does merit, And turn it to Happy Reform.
Rotten Boroughs all now ’a tottering must fall, And the Corn Bill, the great eating worm; And the bull must be fell’d, and the despots expell’d, To give way to the Happy Reform.
Oppressions hard grip will soon get the slip, Which a long time has done us much harm: O, then we will rise from the taxes and tithes, To enjoy all the Happy Reform.
This to all will soon give, a good way to live, And the farmer will have a cheap farm; Then the rents will come down in the country and town, By the brave and the Happy Reform.
This will happiness bring to the subject and king, And save all from dreadful alarm-- Which once gave a peep--but now is asleep In the bosom of Happy Reform.
Our king in the fray, the Sceptre did sway, And our foes did completely disarm; Wellington and great Peel to the left he did wheel, For joining us not in Happy Reform.
Grey, Russell, and Brougham, our thanks we give to them, For fighting for us in the storm; Round them and our king, we will dance in a ring, And sing--Success to the Happy Reform.
Reformation of Laws we will hail with applause, With a hearty grand welcome so warm; And with Heaven to save King William the Brave, For joining us all in Reform.
We now need not fear, while the helm he does steer, With a heart for our welfare so warm; For his colours now fast he has nail’d to the mast, And is bound for the Happy Reform.
_THE OPERATIVES’ MARCH._
MARCH! march! Comrades in Freedom now, On let us march to the music of Order! Arms we have none--for no one can need ’em now-- Peace is the word from John Groat’s to the Border.
Long have we wearied, and waited to see it, Now it is come--with its blessing and pride; In the hearts of our Sons unforgotten shall be it, The King and the Country are both on our side. Our banners are glancing--our section advancing, The pipe and the trumpet are pealing above, Shout with the voice of men--yet once again! again! The Cause--and the King that a People can love. March! March! etc.
A cheer for the Queen too, and one--be it seen to-- For Sussex, who ne’er was to Freedom untrue; Shout away--shout away! ’tis for Russell and Grey, And Lord Harry--and all of our Admiral’s crew! We vow to stand by them--their foes we defy them-- For, honestly--firmly--they’ve weathered the storm; And these were their watch words, as they’ll be our catch words, The cause of the People, the King, and Reform! March! March! etc.
AT Manchester, on September 18, 1838, an Association called the “Anti-Corn-Law League” was formed, having for its object the abolition of the duties on the importation of corn, avowedly to cheapen the food of the people. The principal agitators were Richard Cobden, John Bright, Charles Villiers, etc., and by holding meetings all over the country, lecturing, and distributing handbills and ballads, the Corn Importation Bill was eventually passed, June 26, 1846, when, there being no further occasion for its existence, the League was dissolved. Cobden was richly rewarded for his efforts, as a national subscription was raised for him, which realized nearly £80,000.
_A NEW ALPHABETICAL SONG ON THE CORN LAW BILL._
GOOD people draw near as you pass along, And listen awhile to my alphabetical song. A. is Prince Albert once buxsom and keen, Who from Jermany came and got spliced to the Queen.
_Chorus._
For their all a spinning their cause in triumph springing, And the poor man he is a singing since the Corn bill is repailed.
B. Stands for Smith O Brien, he an Irishman so true, He hammered at Coersion till he beat them black and blue. When he got out of prison that bill he did oppose, With the fright he gave old welington, he fell and broke his nose.
C. is brave cobden one night it is said, Threw a quarter Loaf at old Buckinghams hed, Concerning the Corn laws he laid it down strong, And he spun out yarn seventeen hour long.
D. for the duncomb who helpt the plan, To give full and plenty to each true the land. E. Stands for Evans who would Starve us again, Because he beat 40 thousand old woman in Spain.
F. Stands for ferrand a protectiones Tool, He spoke seven hours and raved like a fool; G. Stands for graham who early and late, Breaking seals at the post office a repealer for to take.
H. is old hume he is clever do you see, He subtracted 2 from 1 and got the corn duty free; I. is bob Inglis against free trade Blue and blast, He was seven hours in the stericks when the corn bill did pass.
J. Stands for jerry who spoke till he was hoarse, In the middle of the fight his fair daughter he lost; She followed a soldier, and off she went slap, With gun and a nap-sack slung over her back.
K. is for Kelly, he kept up the jaw, Till he got the corn Free and brought into law; L. Stands for lindhurst with his Brushes, Paints and Pots, Guess how he was born or how that he was got.
M. Is Lord Morpeth who nobly fought, Each night in succession for the corn law; N. is old nosey who opposes him its true, For to loose 15 thousands he is quite in the blues.
O. Is O Connell to them told the Law, And is still bideing time for old Erin Gobraugh. P. Stands for Peel who is acting upright, And between you and me he has got a long sight.
Q. Is the question of Coersion they say, So their stuck in the trap bob cut away. R. Is Lord Russell whoes making all haste, To run down to Windsor to fill Boby’s place.
To ride in Peel’s saddle he’l find it a job, For he shakes on his legs like a staggering bob. S. is Lord Stanley, who shaking with fear, For his tenants payed him their rent with a bullet this year.
And swore if they catch him he’ll never elope, Till they well oil his body with flails of good oak. T. Is the teasel that comb them all down, U. is for uxbridge who wonders have done.
V. Stands for Villiers whom the farmers detest, For to Slaughter the corn law he did do his best; For free trade he struggled by day and by night, He is next in command to cobden and bright.
W. Stands for wakley a docter so bold, Who swore on the corn bill an Inquest he’d hold; When the Jury he charged he let them all see, A verdict was returned for the corn to be free.
X. Is a letter which puts me in mind Of a ship load of land lords that sail’d against wind; Now over the ocean they must all away To spend their last days in botane bay.
Y. Stands for york the archbishop so big, Who loves for to dine on a little tithe pig: Free trade on last Sunday (_did_) so him perplex, That he sang rule britania and thought it the text.
Z. Is for Zetland an old English pere, Who swore he (_’d_) have bread and potaties so dear. The corn bill is past the landlords are very bad, They must be muzeled in the dog day for fear they might go mad.
_A NEW SONG ON THE CORN BILL._
HURRAH, my boys, a bumper fill, And drink success, with heart and will, To those that pass’d the Corn Bill, Long may they be victorious. Cheap food from every foreign shore, In shiploads will sail in galore, The landlords now are wounded sore; They’ll have to sell both sow and boar, To keep their great big paunches up They’ll scarcely have a bite or sup; Too long, my boys, they’ve sucked the honey cup, But soon they’ll lose the swarm. Hurrah, etc.
The landlords cry, Oh, Bobby P----l, You have a heart as hard as any steel, Sure, for the landlords you should feel, And not be so hard hearted. Oh dear, oh dear, the landlords cry, The time is fast approaching nigh, When neither barley, oats, nor rye, The merchants will not from us buy, For they can get both flour and grain From France, America and Spain, Enough to rack us on the brain, And set John Bull distracted. Hurrah, etc.
The bread will shortly get a fall, The bakers will go to the wall, No ’taters they must use at all, But sell the best and cheapest. Too long it has been on the rise, But now they’re struck with much surprise They’ll have to look with both their eyes, And with the poor man compromise. Good bread will be a penny a pound, And beef and mutton safe and sound, Well earned, too, that I’ll be bound, Will daily be imported. Hurrah, etc.
The monopolists have cause to weep, They cannot lull themselves to sleep, Their rams, and wethers, yews, and sheep, They may send off to market. Too long they have fattened on the spoil, They’d fain to work your bones to oil, Their greasy pots did often boil Upon the poor man’s sweat and toil. The time is now approaching fast, Free trade will fly on every mast, The bonded stores will then, at last, Cry out, the ports are open. Hurrah, etc.
Tom Duncombe, Cobden, and Dick Bright In Parliament, on Thursday night, They did kick up the devils fight, And chased the Duke of R----d Poor B----m he did lose his wig, Old Nosey gave him such a dig, And called him an old grunting pig, And Bobby danced the Polka jig; Says Bob, I surely will resign, I tell you, Arthur, now in time, You’d better get a piece of line, And hang the Duke of R----d. Hurrah, etc.
May Cromwell’s ghost, of whom they talk, Come jumping with a piece of chalk, And mark a road for Bob to walk, Right to the town of Tamworth. Sure, little John, I’ve heard it said, Is planted now in Bobby’s stead, He’ll give you plenty of cheap bread For ten years after you are dead. The whigs are getting into power, The tories are all looking sour, The very thoughts of foreign flour Will make them cut their wison. Hurrah, etc.