Poem by Anonymous

The British Grenadiers

1
Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules; 
Of Hector and Lysander, and such great names as these; 
But of all the world’s brave heroes, there’s none that can compare 
With a tow row, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadier.

2
Those heroes of antiquity ne’er saw a cannon ball, 
Or knew the force of powder to slay their foes withal; 
But our brave boys do know it, and banish all their fears, 
Sing tow row, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadiers.

3
Whene’er we are commanded to storm the palisades,
Our leaders march with fusees, and we with hand grenades;
We throw them from the glacis about the enemies’ ears,
Sing tow row, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadiers.

4
And when the siege is over, we to the town repair,
The townsmen cry, Hurrah, boys, here comes a Grenadier, 
Here come the Grenadiers, my boys, who know no doubts or fears, 
Sing tow, row, row, row; row, row, row, for the British Grenadiers.

5
Then let us fill a bumper, and drink a health to those 
Who carry caps and pouches, and wear the loupèd clothes: 
May they and their commanders live happy all their years, 
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadiers.

1. The Flower of Yarrow
2. Gathering of Atholl
3. Ettrick Banks
4. Fare Ye Weel, My Auld Wife
5. Carlisle Yetts

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