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| This is also known as Boney's Abdication, and abdication may be used to replace the word lamentation. Older versions of the song retained the sequence of events for Napoleon's rise and fall, but corrupted the names. Broadwood restored the correct names in this version. Broadwood collected this in Sussex in 1893.
Because the song ends with Napoleon's abdication and does not mention Waterloo it is probable the words were composed in 1814. The air is a variant of The Princess Royal, by Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738). The tune appeared in print in Walsh's Complete Dancing Master (circa 1730). The tune was also used by Shield for his song The Arethusa (1796) and it was later used for Bold Nelson's Praise (see links below). |
Attend, you sons of high renown, To these few lines which I pen down: I was born to wear a stately crown, And to rule a wealthy nation. I am the man that beat Beaulieu, And Wurmser's will did then subdue; That great Archduke I overthrew. On every plain My men were slain. Grand treasures, too, I did obtain, And got capitulation. I did pursue the Egyptians sore, Till Turks and Arabs lay in gore; The rights of France I did restore So long in confiscation. I chased my foes through mud and mire Till in despair my men did tire. Then Moscow town was set on fire, My men were lost Through winter frost; I ne'er before received such blast Since the hour of my creation. To Leipsic town my soldiers fled, Montmartre was strewed with Prussian dead, We marched them forth, inveterate, To stop a bold invasion. Farewell, my royal spouse, once more, And offspring great, whom I adore! And may you that great throne restore, That is torn away, Without delay! Those kings of me have made a prey, And caused my lamentation. |
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| From English Traditional Songs and Carols See Bibliography for full information. |
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