Classic Poem

A Song

Tune : Hearts of Oak .

When good Queen Elizabeth govern'd the Realm,
And Burleigh's sage Counsels directed the Helm,
In vain Spain and France our Conquests oppos'd;
For Valour conducted what Wisdom propos'd.
Beef and Beer was their Food;
Love and Truth arm'd their Band;
Their Courage was ready —
Steady, Boys, Steady —
To fight and to conquer by Sea and by Land.

But since Tea and Coffee, so much to our Grief,
Have taken the place of Strong Beer and Roast Beef,
Our Laurels have wither'd, our Trophies been torn;
And the Lions of England French triumphs adorn.
Tea and slops are their food;
They unnerve every Hand —
Their Courage unsteady
And not always ready —
They often are conquer'd by Sea and by Land.

St. George views with Transport our generous flame:
— My Sons, rise to Glory, and rival my fame.
— Ancient Manners again in my Sons I behold
— And this Age must eclipse all the Ages of Gold. —
Beef and Beer are our food;
Love and Truth Arm our Band,
Our Courage is steady
And always is ready
To fight and to conquer by Sea and by Land.

While thus we regale as our Fathers of old,
Our Manners as Simple, our Courage as bold,
May Vigour and Prudence our Freedom secure
Long as Rivers, or Ocean, or Stars shall endure.
Beef and Beer are our food;
Love and Truth arm our Band;
Our Courage is steady,
And always is ready
To fight and to conquer by Sea and by Land.