I Wish You an Happy New Year

John ENGLISH, who often would speak without thought, Not having the judgment to think as he ought, From custom, let danger be ever so near, Wou'd annually wish you A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Should our coast be in danger, and people afraid, Lest the French, or the Dutch, should our country invade; Give John but his Pipe, and his good Christmas cheer, He'll greet all his friends WITH AN HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Some people call Johnny a national hack, He bears such a national load on his back, Should trade become dull, and should dockets appear, Yet Johnny shall wish you A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Should Monopoly threaten, or Famine surround, And nothing about us but misery found, When at every dwelling long faces appear, Kind Johnny shall wish you A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Without knowing the fate of the following day, Or what heavy demands without money to pay, Tho' the weather be bad, or provisions be dear, Yet Johnny shall wish you A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

'Tis a wish that our ancestors us'd to bestow, In the good times of old we all very well know, But those times are over, all wise people fear, Who laugh when you talk of A HAPPY NEW YEAR!