LORD MELBOURNE
(The Duke of Marlborough)>br>

collected by Percy Grainger from Mr George Wray, Brigg, Lincolnshire, July 28th, 1906.

I am an English man born by birth, Lord Melbourne is my name.
In Devonshire I first drew breath, that place of noble fame.
I was beloved by all my men, my (by) kings and princes likewise;
I never failed in anything but one great victory.

Then good Queen Ann sent us on board, to Flendre (Flanders?) we did go;
We'd left the banks of Newfoundland to face the daring foe.
We'd climbed those lofty idells awoi (isles away?)with broken guns, shields likewise,
And all those famous towns we took, to all the world's surprise.

King Charles the second we did reserve, to face our foaming French,
And to the battle o Elements, we boldly did advance.
The sun was down, the earth did shake, and I so loud did cry
'Fight on my lads, for Old England's sake, we'll gain the field or die.'

And now this glorious victory's won, so boldly keep the field;
When prisoners in great numbers took, which forced our foe to yield.
That very day my 'orse was shot, all by a cannon ball;
As soon as I got up again, My head in camp did fall.

Now on a bed of sickness lie, I am resigned to die,
You generals all and champions bold, stand true as well as I.
Stand to your men, take them on board, and fight with courage bold
I've led my men through smoke and fire, but now to death must yield.
Stand to your men take them on board, and fight with courage bold
I've led my men through smoke and fire, but now to death must yield.

This is pretty much as it appears in JFSS 12 (1908) pp200-204) where the tune is beautifully transcribed with every nuance by Percy Grainger. The song can be heard being performed by Mr Wray on the LP 'Unto Brigg Fair' Leader LEA 4050 issued quite a few years ago but perhaps available in sound libraries. Also Nic Jones recorded it on his first LP 'Ballads and Songs' Trailer LER 2014 (1970) where he called it The Duke of Marlborough. Regards