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228 Ballads and Songs of Michigan
89
BONTS LAMENT
There is a slight resemblance between this text and "Napoleon's Farewell to Paris," Greenleaf and Mansfield, p 167. For a text more similar to the Michigan version see JFSS, I,14, and II, 183.
The present version was recited by Mr. Duncan MacAlpine, Bad Axe, in 1935. He had learned the song from hearing people sing it in Lampton County, Ontario, when he was a boy.
1 Come all ye splendid city dells, metropolis called Paris, Where bright Phoebus every morn shines forth in brilliant
beams, As early as the day doth dawn arising from the horizon, Those clear lights a-dawning, those clear, purling streams.
2 When at evening it retires, the ocean wave gilds like fire Our universe'U admire its merchandise in stores.
With flowers and with fragments the fatal field to decorate Reminds me of that hero great at the close of the French war.
3 My name it is Napoleon Bonaparte, the conqueror of nations. I've conquered German legions, drove kings from off their
throne; I've whipped Austria and Proosians, both Portuguese and Roo-
sians, But now I am transported to St. Helenee's isle.
4 I've climbed o'er gorgeous mountains and still the laurel more, And now I'm on this desert isle; the devil itself it would
affright, But I hope to shine in armor bright in Europe once more.
5 Eden's golden images in thousands down I've tore, I've stolen all those golden gates.
The works of God I did disgrace, but if he'll give me time and
place, I will them back restore.
6 It's now I sorely feel the rod for meddling with the house of
God; But now my sword is sheathed, and battle comes no more. |
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