NORTHUMBERLAND FREE O' NEWCASSEL.
Reading edition
Composed extempore, on the Duke of Northumberland being presented with the Freedom of Newcastle.
BY THE SAME.
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[10] 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,[11] 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.