When mighty Roast Beef was the Englishman's…

When mighty Roast Beef was the Englishman's food, It enobled our veins, and enriched our blood; Our soldiers were brave, and our courtiers were good. O the roast beef of Old England! And Old English roast beef.

But since we have learnt from all conqu'ring France To eat their ragouts as well as to dance, We're fed up with nothing—but vain complaisance; O the roast beef, &c.

Our fathers of old, were robust, stout and strong, And kept open house with good cheer all day long Which made their plump tenants rejoice in this song: O the roast beef, &c.

But now we are dwindled to—what shall I name? A sneaking poor race, half begotten—and tame, Who sully those honours that once shone in fame; O the roast beef, &c.

When good Queen Elizabeth sat on the throne, Ere coffee, or tea, or such slip-slops were known, The world was in terror, if e'er she did frown; O the roast beef, &c,

In those days, if fleets did presume on the main, They seldom or never return'd back again; As witness the vaunting Armada of Spain. O the roast beef, &c.

Oh! then they had stomachs to eat and to fight, And, when wrongs were a cooking, to do themselves right; But now we're a pack of—I could—but good night. O the roast beef of Old England! And Old English roast beef.