THE ROAST BEEF OF OLD ENGLAND
(Words & Music : Richard Leveridge, 1735)


When Mighty Roast Beef was the Englishman's Food
It ennobl'd our veins and enriched our Blood:
Our Soldiers were Brave and our Courtiers were Good:
Oh! The Roast Beef of Old England,
And Old English Roast Beef.

But since we have learned from all vapouring France,
To eat their Ragouts, as well as to Dance.
We are fed up with nothing but vain Complaisance,
Oh! The Roast Beef, etc.

Our Fathers, of old, were Robust, Stout and Strong,
And kept open House, with good cheer all day long.
Which made their plump Tenants rejoyce in this Song,
Oh! The Roast Beef, etc.

But now we are dwindled, to what shall I name,
A sneaking poor Race, half begotten ... and Tame,
Who Sully those Honours that once shone in Fame,
Oh! The Roast Beef, etc.

When good Queen Elizabeth sate on the throne
E'er Coffee and Tea and such slip-slops were known;
The World was in Terror if e'er she did frown.
Oh! The Roast Beef, etc.

In those days, if Fleets did presume on the Main,
They seldom, or never, return'd back again,
As witness, the Vaunting Armada of Spain.
Oh! The Roast Beef, etc.

Oh! Then we had stomachs to eat, and to fight:
And when wrongs were a-cooking to do ourselves right,
But now we're a ... I could, but good Night.
Oh! The Roast Beef, etc.