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School: Ballinagore (C.) (roll number 16341)

Location:
Ballynagore, Co. Westmeath
Teacher:
Miss A. Heduan
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0734, Page 227

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0734, Page 227

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    “An Orange man from beyond the river.”

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    An Orange man from beyond the river
    Died from congestion of the liver
    His name was William though he's stil
    thought of and spoken of as "Bill,,
    He could talk of Heaven by the hour
    And prove that on it's topmost tower
    An Orange flag was waving free
    Whereon was traced no popery
    Well as I said Bill died
    Because of a strike in his inside
    His inner parts they held a meeting
    To regulate the hours of eating
    And as the delegates not nettled
    Bill died before the stroke was settled
    Arrived at last at Heaven's gate
    To his surprise he had to wait
    For Priests and Nuns were gathered there
    Thick as shillalahs at a fair
    Well, well, says Bill then am I dreaming
    Or is this more of priestly scheeming
    When I get in I'll twart that dodge
    I'll start an Angels Orange lodge
    Our glorious Orange Institution
    Will rescue Heaven from this pollution
    At length the Priests and nuns were past
    And Bill got to the gate at last
    Hello says Peter who are you
    What Holy Father franks you through
    Who was your founder or your head
    William the third of memory pious
    Is looked upon as founder by us
    O well then replied the Saint I fear
    We can't admit his followers here
    My friend you must your steps retrace
    You'l find him in the other place
    Bill turned muttering "By the powers
    I thought that Heaven at least was ours
    O crafty Rome how can we beat her
    When Heaven's porter is St Peter
    While musing thus Bill came to Hell
    And boldly rang the outer bell ;
    Satan himself threw wide the portal
    And promptly asked "Who art though mortal,,
    May it please thee Prince I'm an Orange Brother.
    What, thundered Beelyebub another
    Get out he cries with frowning brow
    My Kingdom is crowded with you now
    I swear I won't admit one more
    So saying Satan slammed the door
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit
    Language
    English
    Informant
    Mr Menton
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    87
    Address
    Ballynagore, Co. Westmeath