A Song For Ballina Amateur Theatricals

A Song For Ballina Amateur Theatricals

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THOUGH my voice is not very melodious,

Still, when called on, I cannot be off,

For I think it both vulgar and odious

To refuse on the plea of a cough.

I have talked without barking before you,

Like any ‘stage hero,’ ha! Ha!

So I hope that the subject won’t bore you,

As it’s all about sweet Ballina.

Our ladies in beauty transcendent,

None in fashion with them can compare,

While out merchants by trade independent,

Have plenty to spend and to spare.

We’ve two banks in one street, I declare it,

Who have both the means and the will,

Gold and silver, and ready to share it

With such as present a good bill.

Then our shops with their goods so enticing,

Where every one finds a supply,

Nor trouble their heads at the pricing,

But take out their purses and buy.

While shoppers so very persuading—

So ready to hand you a chair,

And the windows look so engaging,

Ah! there’s no withstanding the fair.

We are not above earning a penny,

And can say it is honestly got,

While out amusements, various and many,

We try to enjoy, and why not?

We’ve cricket clubs, races, regattas,

Pleasures recherché, and refined,

But the many things often may fret us,

We will cast all our cares to the wind.

But tho’ last, not the least in our favour,

We can boast of the old River Moy

And its beautiful salmon, whose flavour

The first monarch on earth might enjoy.

May it furnish the head of my table,

To my taste ’tis the best of all fish,

And, boys, may I always be able

To have such a thing on my dish.

And now, for your sport, as I cater

As an amateur theatrical here,

And have helped to get up a theatre,

Pray for us, good townsmen, a cheer—

A cheer for the land of our birth, boys,

For our dearly loved Erin-go-bragh,

The best and the first upon earth, boys,

And our flourishing town, Ballina.

                      H. M. B.