1805.2
Song
Anon
The Gentleman's Magazine, LXXV (February 1805), p. 158

Tune, "Why Moses, why Aaron."

Here's a health to right honest John Bull!
    When he's gone we shan't find such another;
With hearts and with glasses brimful,
    Here's a health to Old England his mother!
                  CHORUS—Here's a health, &c.

She gave him a good Education,
    Bade him keep to his Church and his King;
Be loyal and true to the nation,
    And then go, be merry, and sing;
                             Here's a health, &c.

Now John is a good-humour'd fellow,
    Industrious, honest, and brave;
Not afraid of his betters when mellow,
    Since betters he knows he should have.
                             Here's a health, &c.

For there must be fine Lords and fine Ladies;
    There must be some little, some great;
Their wealth the supply of our trade is,
    Our hands the support of their state.
                             Here's a health, &c.

Some are born for the court and the city,
    And some for the village and cot;
But, oh! 'twere a dolorous ditty,
    If all became equal by lot.
                             Here's a health, &c.

If our ships had no pilots to steer,
    What would come of poor Jack in the shrouds?
If our troops no commanders to fear,
    They'd soon be arm'd robbers in crouds.
                             Here's a health, &c.

Then the plough and the loom must stand still,
    If they made us gentlemen all;
Or all clodhoppers, then who wou'd fill
    The Parliament, Pulpit, and Hall?
                             Here's a health, &c.

"Rights of man" makes a very fine sound,
    Equal riches, a plausible tale;
But whose labour would then till the ground?
    All would drink, but who'd brew the best ale?
                             Here's a health, &c.

When half naked, half starv'd in the street,
    We were wand'ring about sans culottes;
Would Equality go fetch us meat,
    Or Liberty lengthen our coat?
                             Here's a health, &c.

That knaves are for lev'lling, no wonder;
    'Tis easy to guess at their views;
'Tis they who'd get all by the plunder,
    'Tis they who have nothing to lose.
                             Here's a health, &c.

Then away such nonsensical stuff,
    Full of treason, confusion, and blood!
Every Briton has freedom enough,
    To be happy as long as he's good.
                             Here's a health, &c.

To be rul'd by a merciful King,
    To be guarded by Juries and Laws;
And when the work's finish'd to sing,
    "This, this is true Liberty's cause."
                             Here's a health, &c.

Then halloo, boys, halloo boys, ever,
    For just such a nation are we;
'Tis our pleasure, O may it cease never!
    'Tis our pride to be loyal and free.
                             Here's a health, &c.