The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #107741   Message #2236324
Posted By: Liz the Squeak
14-Jan-08 - 02:55 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: The farmers anthem
Subject: Lyr Add: THE SUSSEX TOAST
Commonly known as the Sussex Toast, here's one version of it.

Check in the Digital Tradition above for others.

Come all jolly fellows that long to be mellow,
Attend unto me and sit easy,
For a pint when it's quiet, my boys let us try it,
Dull thinking will drive a man crazy.

        I have lawns I have bowers,
        I have fruit, I have flowers,
        And the lark is my morning alarmer.
        So jolly boys now,
        Here's God speed the plough,
        Long life and success to the farmer.

Draw near to my table, my boys when you're able,
Let me not hear one word of complaining.
For the clinking of glasses, all music surpasses,
And I love to see bottles a-draining:

O here I am king, I can dance, drink and sing,
Let no man approach as a stranger,
But show me the ass, who refuses a glass,
And I'll treat him to hay in a manger:

Let the wealthy and great roll in splendour and state,
I envy them not, I declare it.
For I eat my own ham, my own chicken and lamb,
And I shear my own fleece and I wear it:

With ploughing and sowing, and reaping and mowing,
Kind Nature provides me with plenty.
I've a cellar well stored, and a beautiful board,
And a garden affords every dainty:


I can't help with the tune but it may be in the DT as a Midi.

LTS