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FOLK-SONGS OF THE CIVIL WAR. 51 |
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We '11 all drink stone-blind, Johnny fill up the bowl.
The pages of the dime song-books at this time contained a number of songs in opposition to the draft, expressing hatred to the negro, and a demand for the stoppage of the war, of which the following is an example : —
THE BEAUTIES OF CONSCRIPTION.
And this the " people's sovereignty,"
Before a despot humbled, Lies in the dust 'neath power unjust, With crown and sceptre crumbled. Their brows distained — like felons chained
To negroes called "their betters," Their whinings drowned in " Old John Brown," Poor sovereigns wearing fetters. Hurrah for the Conscription,
American Conscription ! Well have they cashed old Lincoln's drafts, Hurrah for the Conscription !
Some think the hideous spectacle
Should move the heart to sadness, That fetters ought — oh silly thought! —
Sting freemen's hearts to madness. When has the stock of Plymouth rock
Been melted to compunction ? As for Provos, the wide world knows
That chaining is their function. Hurrah for the Conscription, American Conscription, |
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