Social Commentaries

Northumberland Free o' Newcassel

by Robert Gilchrist 1797–1844

From The Newcastle Song Book (1842)

Social Commentaries

To that far-ken'd and wondrous place, Newcassel town,
Where each thing yen lucks at surprises,
Wiv a head full o' fancies, and heart full o' fun,
Aw'd com'd in to see my Lord Sizes.
In byeth town and country aw glowrin' beheld
Carousin' laird, tenant, an' vassal;
On axin' the cause o' sic joy, aw was tell'd,
'Twas Northumberland free o' Newcassel.

The guns frae the Cassel sent monny a peal--
My hair stood on end, a' confounded--
The folks on Tyne-brig set up monny a squeel,
And the banks o' Tyneside a' resounded.
In the Mute Hall, Judge Bayley roar'd out, "My poor head!--
Gan an' tell them not to myek sic a rattle."
Judge Wood cried out, "No--let them fire us half dead,
Since Northumberland's free o' Newcassel!"

The Duke e'er has been byeth wor glory an' pride,
For dousely he fills up his station;
May he lang live to hearten the lads o' Tyneside,
The glory and pride o' their nation.
Brave Prudhoe triumphant shall plough the wide main,
The hash o' the Yankees he'll sattle;
And ages hereefter but sarve to proclaim
Northumberland free o' Newcassel.

May it please Heav'n to grant that the sweet Flower o' Wales,
Wi' Northumberland's roses entwinin',
May its fragrance shed forth i' celestial gales,
In glory unceasin'ly shinin',
In defence o' wor country, wor laws, an' wor King,
May a Peercy still lead us to battle;
An' monny a brisk lad o' the nyem may there spring
Fra Northumberland, free o' Newcassel.

MLA

Gilchrist, Robert. “Northumberland Free o' Newcassel.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/gilchrist_r/13/.

Chicago

Gilchrist, Robert. “Northumberland Free o' Newcassel.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/gilchrist_r/13/.

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