George Pope Morris (Джордж Поуп Моррис)
The Origin of Yankee Doodle
Once in a time old Johnny Bull Flew in a raging fury, And swore that Jonathan should have No trials, sir, by jury; That no elections should be held Across the briny waters: "And now," said he, "I'll tax the tea Of all his sons and daughters." Then down he sate in burly state, And blustered like a grandee, And in derision made a tune Called "Yankee doodle dandy." "Yankee doodle"--these are the facts-- "Yankee doodle dandy; My son of wax, your tea I'll tax-- You--Yankee doodle dandy!" John sent the tea from o'er the sea With heavy duties rated; But whether hyson or bohea, I never heard it stated. Then Jonathan to pout began-- He laid a strong embargo-- "I'll drink no tea, by Jove!"--so he Threw overboard the cargo. Next Johnny sent an armament, Big looks and words to bandy, Whose martial band, when near the land, Played--"Yankee doodle dandy." "Yankee doodle--keep it up! Yankee doodle dandy! I'll poison with a tax your cup-- You--Yankee doodle dandy!" A long war then they had, in which John was at last defeated; And "Yankee doodle" was the march To which his troops retreated. Young Jonathan, to see them fly, Could not restrain his laughter: "That tune," said he, "suits to a T, I'll sing it ever after!" Old Johnny's face, to his disgrace, Was flushed with beer and brandy, E'en while he swore to sing no more This--"Yankee doodle dandy." Yankee doodle--ho! ha! he! Yankee doodle dandy-- We kept the tune, but not the tea, Yankee doodle dandy! I've told you now the origin Of this most lively ditty, Which Johnny Bull pronounces "dull And silly!"--what a pity! With "Hail Columbia!" it is sung, In chorus full and hearty-- On land and main we breathe the strain, John made for his tea-party. No matter how we rhyme the words, The music speaks them handy, And where's the fair can't sing the air Of "Yankee doodle dandy!" "Yankee doodle--firm and true-- Yankee doodle dandy, Yankee doodle, doodle doo! Yankee doodle dandy!"
George Pope Morris’s other poems:
892
