An Original Collection of Songs :: :: University of Virginia Library

Since all the world, my worthy friends,
Are now Electioneering—
Let me, too be a Candidate,
That you'll give me a Hearing!
I wish to say a few words,
On the Candidates and Backers,
In joke for still Election Squibs,
We know oft turn out Crackers!
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

The Barber swears 'tis he best knows
The true state of the Poll, sirs,
That we must bring the Whigs a head,
If we'd the Crown control, sirs!
While Quince, the loyal Fruiterer,
Who at opposition sorrows,
Vows only good for nothing Meddlars
Rail at rotten Boroughs.
Tol lol lol, &c.

The up to snuff Tobacconist,
Each strong entreaty spurns, sir,
He will not vote, until he sees,
How they make their returns, sir.
The Tinker vows the state wants mending
That he well can judge it,
And that his member must look
Very sharp about the Budget!
Tol lol lol, &c.

The Glover will not rest content
Without a shew of hands, sir;
The Linen Draper says, he best
The Canvas understands, sir.
The Oilman to his colours sticks,
An enemy to mutiny;
The Surveyor and Exciseman,
Meantime, demand a scrutiny!
Tol lol lol, &c.

The Glazier o'er his glass, cries he
Enlightened takes the field, sir;
He'll vote for no man, who'll not see
The Window tax repeal'd, sir.
An equal representative is
Still the Tailors' plan, sir—
He'll no more be considered, but
The ninth part of a man, sir.
Tol lol lol, &c.

Old Grits the Chandler votes when he
Has given all their hearings
For him who says he'll guard the
Candles ends and the cheese parings.
But the Poulterer will not poll, sir,
For the Ministry 'tis funny,
Because he says they Ducks and Drakes make
Of the nation's money.
Tol lol lol, &c.

Your Doctors that men to be kill'd
No more abroad may roam, sir,
Want motions made for they
Can kill them fast enough, at home, sirs!
'Gainst Parliaments Triennial
Our Innkeepers rail like Romans;
Long let's bring in our bills, they cry
We're no friends of short Commons.
Tol lol lol, &c.

The Pugilist says he has but one
Vote, but, that's a thumper;
The Scavenger cries burn me but
I'll give my man a Plumper.
Pickpockets join the throng too,
Crying let's be in the vogue, sir—
We've every year our sessions
Which we every year prorogue, sir.
Tol lol lol, &c.

The Miller and the Baker for
The Corn laws stick out still, sir;
Give us the man they say who will
Bring more grist to our mill, sir.
To get you in e'en strolling Actors still
Your measures greet sir,
If for their Benefit's, you ll
In their house try for a seat, sir.
Tol lol lol, &c.

Poor Authors and Booksellers now
Each Members praise berhyme
Because they can get their pro-ductions
Read a second time, sir.
Your Hosier and wool Stapler, too,
Think in these times of peace sir,
They may support the woolsack,
And not the public fleece, sir.
Tol lol lol, &c.

The Brewer, a good fellow, says
'Tis his strong resolution
With genuine malt and hops still
To support the Constitution!
The Aldermen think they should
Have the power to frank, and witty
Cry “Why friends should our
Freedom be confin'd to our own City?”
Tol lol lol, &c.

Support the freedom of the Press,
Each wife cries, as you seek her,
And pray bring in a Bill that
There should be a female Speaker.
Your daughter cries she'd like to have
A seat—nay, do not scoff, sir.
“Why, Hussey?” “'Cause Pa in the House,
There's so much pairing off, sir.
Tol lol lol, &c.

Now, to conclude, I'll only say,
They'll well deserve our thanks, sir,
Who will reduce the sinking fund,
Encrease the saving banks sir.
Let's hope the best man still may win,
And wish, without detraction,
That each general election, may
Give general satisfaction!
Tol lol lol, &c.