THE HERBAGE COMMITTEE[53],
Reading edition
THE HERBAGE COMMITTEE[53],
(That is, The Jewel of a Committee).
BY R. GILCHRIST.
Not composed over the midnight oil, but amid the noon-day broil of the Barge-day, May 8, 1834.
ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN.
While others of great deeds may dream, Yet still commend to me, sir, A subject rare, and prouder theme, The Herbage Committee, sir: This Committee a jewel was, From truth that never swerv'd sir, And gain'd much glory and applause, And well they both deserv'd, sir. The time has been when bread and cheese Was wont to be their fare, sir, What think ye now of turkeys, geese, A partridge, or a hare, sir! Well I remind their many joys, And many happy days, sir, For O they were the bonny boys For getting up surveys, sir. I have seen gallant Mister Woods, And Mr Grainger, too, sir, Approach us—though dress'd in our duds— With an obsequeous bow, sir; For Martin, Miekle, and Maggall, Calbreath, friend Charles, and me, sir, Wanless and Angus, Garrett—all Were in the Committee, sir! Who then wad wish to be a Mayor, Recorder, or Town Clerk, sir? To serve in office, send me there, To hear each sage remark, sir; And O, indeed, I fear it much, Their like there never will be, sir— No, never, never more be such An Herbage Committee, sir.