It is not known what tune this British song was set to. It was printed in the London Magazine in 1778, but reference to a tune to which it should be set was not made in that publication.
What though America doth pour Her millions to Britannia's store,
Quoth Grenville, that won't do - for yet, Taxation is the etiquette.
The tea destroy'd, the offer made That all the loss should be repaid -
North asks not justice, nor the debt, But he must have the etiquette.
He'd stop their port - annul their laws- "Hear us," cried Franklin, "for our cause!"
To hear th' accus'd, the senate met, Decreed 'twas not the etiquette.
At Bunker's Hill the cause was tried, The earth with British blood was dyed;
Our army, though 'twas soundly beat, We hear, bore off the etiquette.
The bond dissolv'd, the people rose, Their rulers from themselves they chose;
Their Congress then at naught was set - Its name was not the etiquette.
Though 'twere to stop the tide of blood, Their titles must not be allow'd, (Not to the chiefs of armies met,) One Arnold was the ettiquette.
The Yankees at Long Island found That they were nearly run aground;
Howe let them 'scape when so beset- He will explain the etiquette.
His aide-de-camps to Britain boast Of battles - Yankee never lost;
But they are won in the Gazette - That saves the nation's etiquette.
Clinton his injur'd honor saw, Swore he'd be tried by martial law,
And kick Germaine whene'er they met - A ribbon sav'd that etiquette.
Though records speak Germaine's disgrace, To quote them to him to his face, (The Commons now are - si honnete,) They voted not the etiquette.
Of Saratoga's dreadful plain - An army ruin'd; why complain?
To pile their arms as they were let, Sure they came off with etiquette.
Cries Burgoyne, "They may be reliev'd, That army still may be retriev'd,
To see the king if I be let;" "No sir! 'tis not the etiquette."
God save the king! And should he choose His people's confidence to lose,
What matters it? they'll not forget To serve him still - through etiquette.
