1793.14
The Favorite Song
Anon
The Star (September 21, 1793), p. 4

Sung in the Character of a French Cook,
by Mr. Wallis,

(Belonging to the well-known and capital Inn, Called Le Grand Saumon,)

In the Famous Siege of Valenciennes,

Now performing at Astley's with unbounded Applause.

                         I.

O, dear! what consternation
Is in this mad French nation!
And mine a pretty station,
    In Valenciennes me Cook!
But Diable a ting to dress—
Indeed I do confess:
My saucepans are all dusty,
My spit is blunt and rusty;
And I'm not very lusty—
    Am I, now pray but look?

                         II.

Hark! how the cannons roaring
Hot balls and bombs are pouring,
Poor Valenciennes devouring,
    Now mine's a pretty lot!
Each corner of the street,
A bomb or ball I meet;
Besides there be great matter,
For all this noise and clatter;
Has torn me all to tatter,
    Sans habit—Sans Culotte!

                        III.

Tho' I my country righting,
This firing and this fighting,
To me is not inviting,
    I'd rather run away:
Those people that they call
L'Assembly National;
They make such great deal bother
About von thing or t'other,
I fear my very brother
    Will cut my throat von day.

                       IV.

I hope to this confusion
There will be von conclusion;
Ne'er be the like delusion,
    Oh! I would dance and sing
May ev'ry Frenchman own
Young Louis on the Throne,
And may we ever cherish
Our Sovereign—love and nourish;
How can a nation flourish
    Without Von Royal King?[1]

Notes

1. [Author's note]: "This character, which breathes a spirit of pleasantry, loyalty, and fear, exhibits also the horrors experienced by the inhabitants of Valenciennes, with which the writer seems to have had a more than ordinary knowledge."