(502 NATIONAL SONG. 



They were merry days for England, 



When peasants brew'd good beex, 

 And Sir John Barleycorn was free 



To glad them all the year. 

 When Sir John Barleycorn was free, 



Our peasants were content, 

 Nor envied men of high degree 



Their wealth and proud descent. 



They were happy days for England, 



As we read in song and tale, 

 When we 'd neither Whigs nor Tories, 



But the merry nut-brown ale. 

 When Sir John Barleycorn was free, 



He cheer'd both high and low ; 

 And, instead of sickly pale-faced tea, 



We 'd the drink that makes hearts glow, 



We M have merry days in England, 



In spite of care and toil, 

 If Sir John Barleycorn were free, 



For the men who till the soil. 

 When Sir John Barleycorn is free, 



We '11 fear no foreign foe ; 

 Nor sip slow death in poison'd lee, 



For the malt's pure juice shall flow. 



They'll be merry days in England 



For the farmer and his man, 

 When Sir John Barleycorn is free 



To fill the earthen can. 

 When Sir John Barleycorn is free, 



And pays no tax at all, 

 Then merry will our counties be, 



From the cottage to the hall.* 



* The music of this song, by J. Blewitt, will be published by T. E. 

 Purday, 50, St. Paul's Churchyard. 



