The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #715   Message #3754765
Posted By: Jim Dixon
30-Nov-15 - 09:12 PM
Thread Name: Origins: The Ploughboy
Subject: Lyr Add: 'A flaxen-headed cow-boy, as simple as...
This sounds like a version of the song OP originally wanted:

From The New Vocal Enchantress ([London]: C. Stalker, 1791), page 69:

S O N G
Sung by Mr. Blanchard, in the Comic Opera of the Farmer.

A flaxen-headed cow-boy, as simple as may be,
And next a merry plough-boy, I whistled o'er the lea:
But now a saucy footman, I strut in worsted lace,
And soon I'll be a butler, and wag my jolly face.

When steward I'm promoted, I'll snip a tradesman's bill,
My master's coffers empty, my pockets for to fill:
When lolling in my chariot, so great a man I'll be,
You'll forget the little plough-boy, that whistled o'er the lea.

I'll buy votes at elections, but when I've made the pelf,
I'll stand poll for the parliament, and then vote in myself:
Whatever's good for—me, sir, I never will oppose;
When all my ayes are sold off, why then I'll sell my noes.

I'll bawl, harangue, and paragraph, with speeches charm the ear,
And when I'm tir'd on my legs, then I'll sit down a peer.
In court or city honour, so great a man I'll be,
You'll forget the little plough-boy, that whistled o'er the lea.


[A similar song was posted here.]