"The Fine Old English Gentleman" (1836)
A Song of the Olden Time
As Sung and Composed by
Henry Russell
And Respectfully Dedicated to the Members of
The New York Mirror.

[Source: 047/027@Levy]

1.
I'll sing you an old ballad that was made by an old mate,
Of a poor old English gentelman who had an old estate,
He kept a brave old mansion at a beautiful old rate[?]
With a good old porter to relieve the old poor at his gate
  Like a fine old English gentleman, all of the olden time.

2.
His hall so old, was hung around with pikes, and guns, and bows,
With swords, and good old bucklers, that had stood 'gainst many foes;
And there his worship sat in state, in doublet, and trunk-hose
And quaffed a cup a good old wine, to warm his good old nose,
  Like a fine old English gentleman, all of the olden time.

3.
When winter cold brought Christmas old, he opened house to all,
And, though three score and ten his years, he fondly led the ball;
Nor was the houseless wanderer then driven from the hall,
For, while he feasted all the great, he never forgot the small,
  Like a fine old English gentleman, all of the olden time.

4.
But time, though old, is strong in flight, and years roll'd swiftly by,
When autumn's falling leaf foretold this poor man must die!
He laid him down right tranquilly, gave up life's latest sigh,
While heavy sadness fell around, and tears bedewed each eye,
  For this good old English gentleman, all of the olden time.