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With shouts and cries, in cheerful wise,
The country all about them dwelling,
They did say that very day,

That Stockton-men were far excelling.
When first I did it understand,

It was told to me as a true relation, Then I took my pen and ink in hand,

And I writ brave Stockton's commendation.

SONG IV.

A NEW SONG

IN PRAISE OF STOCKTON, FOR THE YEAR 1764.

BY MR. WILLIAM SUTTON.

On the banks of the Tees, at Stockton of old,
A Castle there was of great fame we are told,
Where the Bishops of Durham were wont to retreat,
And spend all their summers at that gallant seat.
Derry Down, &c.

'Twas once on a time, that King John being there, The chiefs of Newcastle did thither repair;

Humbly pray'd that his Highness would deign for to grant

Them a charter, of which they were then in great want.

The King highly pleas'd with the Bishop's grand treat,
Abounding in liquors, and all sorts of meat
Their prayer comply'd with, the charter did sign,
Owing then, as 'twas said, to the Bishop's good wine.

Old Noll, in his day, out of pious concern,
This castle demolish'd, sold all but the barn
When Nilthorp and Hollis, with two or three more
Divided the spoils, as they'd oft done before.

The town still improving became the delight
Of strangers, and others, so charming its sight;
That a Bridge cross the river being lately propos'd,
The cash was subscribed, and the bargain soon clos'd.

The King, Lords, and Commons approving the scheme, The bridge was begun, and now's building between Two counties, when finish'd no doubt 'twill produce, Fairs, markets for cattle, and all things for use.

Let us drink then a bumper to Stockton's success; May its commerce increasing ne'er meet with distress; May the people's endeavours procure them much wealth,

And enjoy all their days the great blessing of health.

Derry Down, &c.

SONG V.

THE NEW WAY OF

STOCKTON'S COMMENDATION.

To the old Tune.

BY BENJAMIN PYE, LL.D.

ARCHDEACON OF DURHAM.

"UPON the stately river Tees,

"A noble castle there was placed, "Nigh unto the ocean seas,

"Whereby our country was much graced ;

66 Affording rich commodities,

"Of corn and lead unto the nation; "Which makes me sing in cheerful wise, "Of ancient Stockton's commendation.

But now I'll tell you news prodigious,
My honest friends be sure remark it,
Our ferries are transform'd to bridges,

And Cleveland trips to Stockton market.

Our causeways rough, and miry roads,
Shall sink into a navigation,

And Johnny Carr shall sing fine odes,
In modern Stockton's commendation.

O what a scene for joy and laughter,
To see, as light as cork or feather,
Our ponderous lead, and bulky rafter,
Sail down the smooth canal together.
Whilst coal and lime, and cheese and butter,
Shall grace our famous navigation,
And we will make a wondrous clutter,
In modern Stockton's commendation.

Our fairs I next will celebrate,

With scores of graziers, hinds and jockeys; And bumpkins yok'd with Nell and Kate, Who stare like any pig that stuck is : Fat horned beasts now line our streets, Which Aldermen were wont to pace on ; And oxen low, and lambkins bleat, And all for Stockton's commendation.

Our races too deserve a tune,

The Northern sportsmen all prefer 'em, For Dainty Davy here did run

Much better than at York or Durham.

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