THE DUCHESS AND MAYORESS.
Reading edition
Written in September, 1819.
Ye Northumberland lads and ye lasses, Come and see what at Newcastle passes, Here's a damnable rout, At a tea and turn out, And no one knows how to bring matters about. It seems, at our summer Assizes, (Or at least so the present surmise is) The wife of the Mayor Never offer'd her chair At the Ball when the Duchess from Alnwick was there. Then 'tis said, too, by way of addition, To the Mayoress's turn for sediton, That, in right of her place, With her impudent face, She march'd out to tea at the head of her Grace. So our vigorous young Lord Lieutenant, Next day, when the Grand Jury were present, Disclos'd to their view, (In enigma, 'tis true) The plot of the Mayoress and all her d—d crew. When his health was propos'd as Lieutenant, He bow'd to the company present; Then, with tears in his eyes, And to all their surprize, "My office, (his Grace said) too heavily lies. I had firmly imagin'd till now, sirs, That our county was free from all row, sirs; But what has occurr'd, Though I sha'n't say a word, Till the voice of yourselves and the county is heard. All at present I wish yon to know is, That my Duchess and Dame Lady Powis, Have receiv'd such a blow, That thy never can go To your ball, at Newcastle, while things remain so. A high rank has its weight in the nation, If you hold it in due estimation; Then the Duchess and I For redress must apply, Tho' at present I mention no name—no, not I. All I wish is to find out your pleasures, And hope to avoid all harsh measures; Yet I always foresaw This Republican jaw Would sooner or later produce Martial Law." Thus ended the young Lord Lieutenant, When the terrified company present, Cried, "Name, my Lord, name Who's to blame—who's to blame;" But the Duke said, the County must smother the flame. And the Duchess and he, the next morning, Fulfill'd my Lord Lieutenant's warning; Then up before day, And to Alnwick away, Their faces have ne'er since been seen to this day.