Digital Tradition Mirror

The Public Spirit of the Women

(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

The Public Spirit of the Women

Though age at my elbow has taken his stand,
And Time has stretch'd o'er me his wrinkling hand;
Our patriot fair like a charm can inspire,
In three-score-and-ten, twenty's spirit and fire.
     Derry down, down, hey derry down,

Boy, fill me a bumper! as long as I live,
The patriot fair for my toast must I give -
Here's a health to the sex of every degree,
Where sweetness and beauty with firmness agree
     Derry down, down, hey derry down,

No more will I babble of times that are past,
My wish is, the present forever may last;
Already I see sulky George in despair,
Should he vanquish the men, to vanquish the fair,
     Derry down, down, hey derry down,
Could time be roll'd backward, and age become young,
My heart swell with ardor, my arm be new strung;
Under Washington's banner I'd cheerfully fight,
Where the smiles of the fair with glory unite,
     Derry down, down, hey derry down,

Fill a bumper again, boy, and let it go round,
For the waters of youth in claret are found;
The younkers shall know, I've the courage to dare
Drink as deep as the best to the patriot fair,
     Derry down, down, hey derry down,

From Songbook of the American Revolution, Rabson
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!