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The Train Song (1910)

Fermanagh sons and daughters fair
To visit Londonderry,
Not apprehending any snare,
Their hearts were blithe and merry.
Lord Innesklllen headed us,
Our well-beloved Grand Master;
And then In God we placed our trust,
And feared no disaster.
All thanks to our Almighty God,
Our Saviour and Defender,
We're still alive, and still shall cry,
"No Popery, no surrender."
Along the line the cheers were raised,
Each loyal heart so willing,
To the union of the apprentice boys,
And the men of Innesklllen.
The cannons fired a royal salute,
The joy-bells rang so merry,
And Orange flags In triumph waved,
From the walls of Londonderry.
We met on Derry's walls that day,
With a peaceful celebration,
Of the vlct'ries our forefathers won,
For our emancipation.
We met all at the festive board,
And drank a toast most willing,
To the union of the apprentice boys,
And the men of Inneskilien.
We were led to Walker's monument,
By the Mayor and Corporation,
And were reminded of the time.
When priestcraft ruled our nation.
When the King of England went ln state,
To a mass-house every Sunday,
And Derry's loyal Protestants,
Were ruled by treacherous Loudy.
The Papists thought to take our town
On the eighteenth of December,
But the apprentice boys soon closed the gates,
And shouted "No Surrender."
Such bravery we surprised our foes.
And made them look and wonder,
While Roaring.Meg stood on her wheels,
And never ceased her thunder."
At last we had to say farewell,
At five o'clock we parted,
Again the cannons thundered forth,
And then for home we started.
We came along in safety.
To near the Trelllck Station,
And there we all were horror-struck,
By our dangerous situation.
The Ribbon Men had made a plot,
On seeing us that-morning,
To send us to Et'ernlty,
Without a moment's warning.
The persecuting spirit, that
Caused Smithfleld's fire to burn,
Possessed those demons when they tried
Our train to overturn.
Although the devil may be strong
Jehovah still is stronger,
And graciously permitted us.
To live a little longer.
The great Jehovah being our guide.
In having His protectlon,
Our enemy's plot was brought to nought,
To their sorrow and dejection.
So ends my song about that day
We spent in Londonderry;
In Innesklllen Lodge we meet again,
Alive, thank God, and merry.
Here's to the brave memory of King William,
Our safe and brave defender;
And let our motto ever be,
"No Popery! No Surrender."
All thanks to our Almighty God,
Our Saviour and Defender.
We're yet alive, and still shall cry,
"No Popery ! No Surrender."

Composed by William Elliot, of Tresney Island. Written from memory, by Mrs. Prentice "Akroydon,"
Walter-street, Waverley, New South Wales.

Notes

From the Sydney Newspaper The Watchman 7 Jul 1910 p. 3.

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australian traditional songs . . . a selection by mark gregory