 | Original Songs (1861) |  |
62
BRITANNIA HAD A MILLION SONS.
I
Britannia had a million sons, who till'd her dales and downs;She also had two million more, who labour'd in her towns.
From plough and mine, and forge and loom, she call'd them-all one day,
And when they gather'd round her, these words to them did say:—
II
“You've long been working hard, my lads; I'm pleased at what you've done;I'll give you now a holiday, and buy you each a gun:
There are owls, and kites, and bats abroad, and just to keep us clear,
I think you'd better learn to shoot, in case they should come here.”
63
III
She drove up to Threadneedle Street, and such a sum she drew.As made her sons' eyes wink again, for all the gold was new;
She threw it broadcast o'er the land, they gather'd it with cheers,
Spent it in arms, and so she form'd our British Volunteers.
IV
And now they're firing night and day all over her broad lands,And lest they shouldn't make noise enough, have military bands.
“Why, bless their hearts!” Britannia said, as she awoke one morn,
And saw her sons go marching by, “they all seem soldiers born.”
T. M.
| Original Songs (1861) | |