LINES ATTRIBUTED TO ADMIRAL BYNG.
The following lines are copied, verbatim et literatim, from a window pane in an upstairs room of the Talbot Inn, Ripley. The tradition is that they were written by Admiral Byng, who was confined in the room as a prisoner when on his way to Portsmouth; that sentinels were placed on the staircase outside; that during the night the admiral walked past the sleeping guard, gathered some flowers from the inn garden, and returned to his room; and that on leaving the following morning, he told the Inn Lady he should see her on his way back to London, when he was acquitted.
"Come all you true Britons, and listen to me;
I'll tell you the truth, you'll then plainly see
How Minorca was lost, why the kingdom doth ring,
And lay the whole blame on Admiral Byng.
Sing tantararara, rogues all, rogues all.
"Newcastle, and Hardwick, and Anson did now
Preside at the helm, and to whom all must bow;
Minorca besieged, who protection will bring;
They know 'tis too late, let the victim be Byng.
Sing tantararara, rogues all.
"With force insufficient he's ordered away;
He obeys, and he sails without any delay;
But alas! 'tis too late: who shall say to the king
Minorca must fall, why, accuse Mr. Byng.
Sing tantararara, rogues all.
"Minorca now falls, and the nation enraged;
With justice they cry, let all who engaged
In traterous deeds, with curst infamy swing:
What! none to be found but poor Admiral Byng.
Sing tantararara, rogues all."
Is there any reason to doubt the truth of this tradition, or that the verses were written by the unfortunate admiral?
A. C. G.
Ripley, Nov. 10, 1851.