The Newcastle Hackneys

The Londoners long for example we've chose,
and imported each fashion as fast as it 'rose;
Bur the best hit of all, in our awkward approaches,
Is St. Nicholas' Square and the new hackney coaches.

The ladies have long had advantage of man,
In that easy conveyance, a walking sedan;
Now the tables are turn'd on he opposite side,
For the ladies must walk while the gentlemen ride.

When our beaux are dress'd out for a rout or a ball,
They've nothing to do but a hackney to call--
Consult not the weather, nor muffle their chins--
No danger of breaking, o'er scrapers, their shins.

When a couple's resolv'd on a trip to the church,
Wheree a lady has sometimes been left in the lurch;
To prevent a misfortune like this, for the future,
Pack up in a hackney your amiable suitor.

When impertinent tradesmen you're likely to meet,
Or a bailiff descry at the end of the street--
Press into your service a hackney and pair,
For the devil himself would not look for you there.

To many things else they'll apply, I've a notion,
They'll even be found to assist your devotion;
The doctors will find them most useful, no doubt on't,
In peopling the world, or to send people out on't

Then success to the hackneys, and long may they roll--
Of balls and assemblies the life and the soul:
Since so useful they are, and so cheap is the fare,
Pray who would not ride in a carriage and pair?

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