whoivver’s ta’en them childer dahn, Away fra poor owd Dick, Desarves his heead weel larapin, Wi’ a dahn gooid hazel stick.

T’lad seein’ Joe froth aght o’ t’maath, He sooin tuke to his heels, Fer asteead o’ t’Ostler’s Monument, He’d shown ’em Bobby Peel’s.

p. 91The Veteran.

p. 91

I left yon fields so fair to view; I left yon mountain pass and peaks; I left two een so bonny blue, A dimpled chin and rosy cheeks. For an helmet gay and suit o’ red I did exchange my corduroy; I mind the words the Sergeant said, When I in sooth was but a boy.

“Come, rouse my lad, be not afraid; Come, join and be a brave dragoon: You’ll be well clothed, well kept, well paid, To captain be promoted soon. Your sweetheart, too, will smile to see Your manly form and dress so fine; Give me your hand and follow me,—  Our troop’s the finest in the line.

“The pyramids beheld our corps Drive back the mighty man of Fate! Our ire is felt on every shore, In every country, clime, or state. The Cuirassiers at Waterloo We crushed;—they were the pride of France! At Inkerman, with sabre true, We broke the Russ and Cossack lance!

“Then come, my lad, extend your hand, Tame indolence I hold it mean; Now follow me, at the command, Of our Most Gracious Sovereign Queen! p. 92A prancing steed you’ll have to ride; A bonny plume will deck your brow; With clinking spurs and sword beside,—  Come! here’s the shilling: take it now!”

p. 92

The loyal pledge I took and gave,—  It was not for the silver coin; I wished to cross the briny wave, And England’s gallant sons to join. Since—many a summer’s sun has set, An’ time’s graved-care is on my brow, Yet I am free and willing yet To meet old England’s daring foe.

Address to the Queen, june 20th, 1887.

june

To the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty.

Most Gracious Sovereign Lady, Victoria Alexandra Guelph, Queen of the hearts of her people throughout all civilisation, one of your Majesty’s loyal and faithful subjects desires most respectfully to approach your Majesty to congratulate you upon the completion of the fiftieth year of your reign. In the same year of your Majesty’s coronation, in a wild part of old Yorkshire, 

 Prev. P 51/83 next