  TO THE OLD TUNE. By Benjamin Pye, L.L.D. ARCHDEACON OF DURHAM. “Upon the stately river Tees, A noble castle there was placed, Nigh joining to the ocean seas, Whereby our country was much graced; Affording rich commodities, Of corn and lead unto the nation; Which makes me sing in cheerful wise, Of ancient Stockton’s commendation.” But now I’ll tell you news prodigious, My honest friends, be sure remark it, Our ferries are transform’d to bridges, And Cleveland trips to Stockton market. Our causeways rough, and mirey roads, Shall sink into a navigation, And Johnny Carr shall sing fine odes, In modern Stockton’s commendation. O what a scene for joy and laughter, To see, as light as cork or feather, Our pond’rous lead, and bulky rafter, Sail down the smooth canal together! Whilst coal and lime and cheese and butter, Shall grace our famous navigation; And we will make a wond’rous clutter, In modern Stockton’s commendation. Our fairs I next will celebrate, With scores of graziers, hinds and jockeys; And bumpkins yok’d with Nell and Kate, Who stare like any pig that stuck is: Fat horned beasts now line our streets, Which Aldermen were wont to pace on; And oxen low, and lambkins bleat, And all for Stockton’s commendation Our races too deserve a tune, The northern sportsmen all prefer ’em, For Dainty Davy here did run Much better then at York or Durham. O ’twould take up a swingeing volume, To sing at large our reputation; Our bridge, our shambles, cross and column, All speak fair Stockton’s commendation. Fill then your jovial bumpers round, Join chorus all in Stockton’s glory; Let us but love our native town, A fig for patriot, whig, or tory; Whate’er they say, whate’er they do, Their aim is but to fleece the nation; Let us continue firm and true To honest Stockton’s commendation. |
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