The Publicans War Song (1906)
We're very short of arguments,Our case is rather weak ;
But we have brawny muscles,
And well know how to shriek. Then rally friends of "Bung,"
And hoot the speakers down,
Let "Glorious Beer" be sung,
King Bacchus let us crown : Our logic may be poor,
Our stock of wisdom small,
But we can smash the door,
And swarm into the hall. We are not fond of speeches,
We think them rather stale,
But we'll indulge in screeches,
And sing the praise of ale ! Then let us go in crowds,
The meeting let us raid ;
We fight for vested interests--
"Protection" for "the trade." Where will old England be
If they the pubs should close ?
Farewell prosperity,
If beer and whisky goes ! For if the Bill should pass,
We view the end with fear ;
A man must be an ass
To be "robbed of his beer" ! The "orphan" we befriend
, The "widow" we protect.
Who then will comfort send
If once "the trade" is wrecked ? Landlord and "chucker out,"
Potman and barman, and all,
Come, join us in the shout,
And gather at the hall. Britannia rules the waves,
And beer Britannia rules :
Teetotalers are knaves,
Fanatics, bigots, fools. Then rally friends of "Bung," And hoot the speakers down, Let "Glorious Beer" be sung, King Bacchus let us crown ! --ARTHUR WARDEN. Notes From the Perth newspaper the Reformer 14 Oct 1908 p. 3.
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