Classic Poem

On this day our Countrymen, ages before ye,
Have sung of St. George, long remember'd in story,
The Patron of England, resplendent in Glory.
Then Huzza for St. George and Old England!
St. George and Old England, huzza!

Some Wits have pretended that George, like old Dagon,
Had little of Courage and Glory to brag on;
Himself a tame Priest, and a Faction the Dragon.

And Dick , of good fellows the pride and the life,
Imagined, to keep up the whimsical strife,
St. George was a Bully — the Dragon his Wife.

Tho' this explanation may now raise your laughter,
Could he punish a Wife, he can punish a Daughter,
And all his bad Children, we'll show you hereafter.

He can punish his children connected with France,
Who exulting Rebellion's striped Standard advance:
Repenting they soon must submit to his Lance.

And when to their Duty recover'd again,
And humbled the Pride of France, Holland and Spain,
His Flag spread in triumph shall govern the Main.

Then Clinton and Rodney and all gallant Souls,
Whose zeal for their country her fortune controuls,
On this day we'll honour with full flowing Bowls.

And while of St. George with fresh ardour we sing,
We'll pledge his great Namesake, our patriot King,
And loud with his Praise may the Universe ring.
So huzza for St. George and Old England!
St. George and Old England, huzza!