Farewell, Archy

Tune- Chapter of Donkies

Now, Archy, my boy, drop the civical gown,
For none ever fill'd it with half your renown,
For wisdom and valour so glorious you shine,
You're the pride, boast and bulwark of old coaly Tyne.
O brave Archy, miraculous Archy!
The pink o' the wise, and the wale o' the brave.

To recount all your virtues a volume 'twould swell,
So we'll just name a few, sir, in which you excel;
Your reign's been eventful, the times have gone mad,
And well might have puzzled more brains than you had;
But sufficient was Archy, well able was Archy,
To crush the sedition and treason of Tyne.

Sure Machiavel's self was a fool to our Mayor,
so honest he seem'd--then he promis'd so fair,
To reform all abuses, give justice to all,
And regulate watchmen, blood-suckers and all.
O specious Archy! legitimate Archy!
The firm, staunch supporter of things as they are.

Then the Great Meeting* by Jove, what a jest!
The rads set you down for their chairman at least;
But the yoemen and specials in court you kept hid,
Then sent off that precious epistle to Sid.
O rare Archy! sly old Archy!
Archy's the boy for the word or the blow!

O thou first of inditers, thou brightest of scribes,
Thy invention how fertile, in infamous lies!
How assin-like was it to stab in the dark,
and from trugh and from justice so far to depart.
O serpent-like Archy! O fiend-like Archy!
O Archy! but that was a damnable deed.

Next you went on a voyage of discovery to Shields,
Andgot handsomely pepper'd for meddlingwith keels;
Then for refuge you fled to Northumberland's Arms,
Who till now has defended your paper from harms,
Else down had gone Archy, thy paper dear Archy,
Down stairs might have gone for the public good.

Then, for raising a riot, and reading the act,
Your honour against all opponents I'll back;
And to crown you with laurels, and finish my song.
You're a Colonel of Noodles, and nine makes a man,
Such as Archy and Cabbage,
Canny Jack Dixon, and thief-taking Tom.
 

*Held on Newcastle Town Moor, Oct 11, 1819 relating to the Manchester Massacre.

-Written 1820, -In: The Newcastle Song Book or Tyne-Side Songster., W&T Fordyce
Newcastle Upon Tyne.