The Politicians

Last Setterday, as we were gannin
Frae Newcassel, Dick Martin and I,
We caw'd at the sign o' the Cannon,
Because we byeth turn'd varry dry.

They were tauking o' reedin the papers,
Bout Cobbett and his politics,
How fine he exposes the capers
Of Government's comical tricks.

He tauks o' the millions expenses
Browt on us by gannin te war:
But he maun be a man o' greet senses,
Or he cuddent hae reckon'd sae far.

He tauks o' the National Debt,
O' sinequeers, pensions and such;
Wey, aw think how wor Mally wad fret,
If she'd awn just a quarter as much.

Mister Government mun hae greet credit,
Or he ne'er wad get intiv debt;
But they tell yen he hez sike a spirit,
Aw's fish that comes intiv his net,

Says Dick If aw wanted a shillin,
Want, then, yor certain aw must;
For, if yen was ever sae willin,
Ye divent ken where to seek trust.

We expected that when it cam Peace,
wor sowgers and sailors reduc'd,
Wor burdens they quickly wad cease,
But, smash! man, we've been sair seduce'd.

Says Dicky, The taxes this year,
Myeks yen cry, iv a rage, Devil hang them!
For the backey an' yell they're sae dear--
Wey, it's just a cologuin amang them.

Good folks! aw wad hev ye beware
Of some that in Parliament sit;
For they're not hauf sae good as they waur,
Sin' that taistrel they caw'd Billy Pit.

If ye 'loo them te de as they please,
Believe me a'm shure, aye an' sartin,
They'll bring us syef doon te  wor knees!
So ended byeth Dick and Jack Martin.
 

-In: The Newcastle Song Book or Tyne-Side Songster., W&T Fordyce
Newcastle Upon Tyne.