I was concerned that I might be criticed for conning people into reading my thread or for lowering the tone, but now must offer
thanks to all who responded to my light hearted tho' genuine request to identify this song, and also found time to illuminate on the subject of the disease during the late 17th and early 19th century. Mudcat Cafe is always an excellent forum for for further education, and never ceases to suprise us. I was particularly suprised and somewhat worried at the depth of your knowledge however and hope you all get better soon!!!   

Thanks in particular to ANGLO for coming up with a possible solution. I have not located the lyrics in the database here but will undoubtedly find them elsewhere.