  Ye freeholders of Stockton-town, Who follow your several occupations, Once more I’ll sing, and raise my tune, On flourishing Stockton’s commendations. Our bridge with pleasure I behold, Our shambles gain great approbation; And neighb’ring towns agree with me, In singing Stockton’s commendation. From East and West the graziers bring Fat flocks of each denomination; And o’er a glass they freely sing Great is Stockton’s commendation. Full thirty miles some butchers ride; Fat goods are their expectation; At Stockton they are well supplied; They sing Stockton’s commendation. Our shews proclaim a thriving town, And fortnight-days to admiration, To see Stockton improve so soon, Daily to her commendation. Our spacious streets each stranger views, And fairly gives his approbation,— Stockton’s the place that I do choose, So great is Stockton’s commendation. Our gardens, orchards, river, plains, All join to raise our contemplation; While hand in hand we other join, In singing Stockton’s commendation. Our merchants cast a noble shew, Rich goods as any in the nation; Great is their trade with high and low, Makes them sing Stockton’s commendation. All trades shall flourish now I see, In their several occupation; And our song shall ever be Stockton’s lasting commendation. Our ships well stor’d with merchandize, Come trading here from ev’ry nation; Our neighb’ring towns with goods supply, Makes them sing Stockton’s commendation. Our wool-trade daily does increase, The staple of the British nation: And farmers come, with cheerful pace, To join in Stockton’s commendation. Our lead in piles in plenty lie, Sent by shipping to each nation. Behold all trades on Stockton smile, Makes me sing Stockton’s commendation. Our races they are fifties three, Where Darlington, of noble station, Our Steward he approves to be, To honour Stockton’s commendation. May Darlington be Stockton’s friend, And Stockton give their approbation In favour of the House of Vane, For raising Stockton’s commendation. Now, freeholders, I take my leave, Success to the British nation, These lines to you I freely give, In praise of Stockton’s commendation. |
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