THE POPULAR LAURIE BALLAD
There is a song to which we have alluded before, called "Annie Laurie," being sung at all the Mansion House dinners; and though Annie is the name in common use, there can be no doubt that Peter is the party whom the ballad is designed to flatter. We have therefore engaged our own Laureate in the graceful task of fixing on the head of the Lauries the honour which had been conferred on Annie, by a poet evidently unconscious of the "coming" Alder-"man."
The Mansion House is bonnie when dinners are not few;
And it's there that Peter Laurie gave me his promise true,
Gave me his promise true that I his guest should be;
And for Old Sir Peter Laurie I'd lay me doun and dee.
His neckcloth's like the snaw-drift; his frill like down of swan;
His watch-chain is the smartest electro e'er shone on,
Electro e'er shone on! And green is his coatee;
And for Old Sir Peter Laurie I'd lay me doun and dee.
Like lead on the pavement dropping is the fa' of his heavy feet;
And like winds in winter blowing, his voice on the judgment seat,
His voice on the judgment seat! And, though he frightens me,
For Old Sir Peter Laurie I'd lay me doun and dee.