  The two following productions of some local muse, written in the year 1822, are intended to do honour to a young pedestrian of Derby, who no doubt was thought famous in those days of foot-racing and pugilism. Of all your modern Heroes That rank so high in fame, There's one that takes the lead of all, For when he takes the field So nimbly he doth run, His feet is at the destin'd mark Ere the race is well begun! Fol de rol, &c. This youth's been lately tried Against a man of great renown, And to run the Stafford hero He was back'd for fifty pounds; O he is the bravest lad That ever eyes did see, For he won the race quite easy, When the bets were five to three! Fol de rol, &c. Now ye men of sporting talent I would have you all to know, On the eighteenth day of March You've a chance to see him go, For this Hero he is match'd to run Three hundred yards we're told, Against the Stafford Bragger For one hundred guineas in gold! Fol de rol, &c. Then keep your spirits up, my lads, For he will show the way, He is as swift as Mercury, For Wantling's of such good mettle, And his honour is as good, He is sure not to deceive you, As some other Runners would. Fol de rol, &c. Of all the Runners now in vogue Young Wantling takes the lead; You would think him jealous of the wind When you view him in his speed: He will make that Braggadocia Afraid to show his face, To be beat by an apprentice boy— It will be such disgrace. Fol de rol, &c. We've another Hero on the list That runs but now and then, But he's well known upon the turf By the name of Little Ben; He's lately been to try his strength Some miles from Derby town, And there he well confirmed his name As a youth of some renown. Fol de rol, &c. Then drink success to Derby town, For it stands high in fame, Its lads will yield to none, Their strength has oft been tried By men both far and near, But they never yet was beat, For their hearts are void of fear. Fol de rol, &c. |
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