The Loyal Hexham Volunteers
A New Song
WRITTEN BY JASPER POTTS.
Britannia scarce had planted the olive on our isle,
Ere French insidious policy our future hopes beguile;
Regardless of their former league, bent on despotic sway,
Each British subject’s property they think to make their prey.
But may each loyal Briton
Now offer hand and heart,
To frustrate their intention,
And humble Bonaparte.
Our island still was loyal when dangers were at hand,
Uniting in one common cause to guard our native land:
Amongst the rest, the gallant sons of Hexham’s worth record,
Our sea girt isle, for to protect, and peace to have restor’d.
And may each faithful subject
Profess the same intent,
Our lives and properties to guard
In peace and sweet content.
The oath that we have taken, which some seem much to fear,
Is the duty of each subject as well as volunteer,
Tho’ we may have no property to fall a prey to France,
Yet for our friends and families our service should advance.
Ye loyal lads of Hexham,
Since danger now appears,
Join the arm’d association
Call’d the Hexham Volunteers.
While Captain Carr commands we will stand firm and true,
His knowledge as an officer will stand a strict review,
In spite of party slander, our oath we will maintain,
Obedient to our officers, and peace for to regain.
And if an opportunity
Of courage for to shew,
I hope the Hexham Volunteers
Will to their oath stand true.
So to conclude these lines I’ve made, I hope you’ll all agree,
And drink a health to Captain Carr, and all his family,
And to our other officers, much praise to whom is due,
And to the Hexham Volunteers, so loyal and so true.
British courage once again
To England peace restore,
And plant the olive in a soil
More lasting than before.