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This song often appears as Halcyon Days Of Old England. The song was subtitled: Or The Wisdom Of Administration Demonstrated. It was first published in the London Evening Post in 1778.
Old England was set to the tune of another ballad: Ye Medley Of Mortals.
Give ear to my song, I'll not tell you a story; This is the bright era of Old England's glory!
And though some may think us in pitiful plight, I'll swear they're mistaken, for matters go right!
Sing tantararara, wise all, wise all, Sing tantararara, wise all.
Let us laugh at the cavils of weak, silly elves! Our statesmen are wise men! they say so themselves,
And tho' little mortals may hear it with wonder, 'Tis consummate wisdom, that causes each blunder!
They are now engaged in a glorious war! It began about tea, about feathers and tar;
With spirit they push what they've planned with sense! Forty-millions they've spent, for a tax of three pence.
The debts of the nation do grieve them so sore, To lighten our burden, they load us the more!
They aim at th' American's cash, my dear honey! Yet beggar this kingdom, and send them the money.
What honors we're gaining by taking their forts, Destroying bateaux, and blocking up ports!
Burgoyne would have work'd 'em but for a mishap, By Gates and one Arnold, he's caught in a trap!
But Howe was more cautious and prudent by far, He sail'd with his fleet up the great Delaware;
All summer he struggled and strove to undo 'em, But the plague of it was, he could not get to them.
Oh! think us not cruel, because our allies Are savagely scalping men, women and boys!
Maternal affection to this step doth move us! The more they are scalped, the more they will love us!
Some folks are uneasy, and make a great pother For the loss of one army, and half of another;
But, sirs, next campaign by ten thousands we'll slay 'em, If we can find soldiers, and money to pay 'em.
I've sung you a song, now I'll give you a prayer; May peace soon succeed to this horrible war!
Again may we live with our brethren in concord, And the authors of mischief all hang on a strong cord.
Sing tantararara, wise all, wise all, Sing tantararara, wise all.
Note: The midi file that is linked to this page was sequenced by ----- -----, and included on the website, Mudcat Cafe, located at: http://www.mudcat.org/
