Poem by George Binns

The Chartist Mother’s Song

TUNE — “THE ROSE OF ALLENDALE”

Yon starry light, that rules the night,
	In yonder distant sky; 
It sheds its bright and bonnie light
	On thee, my Chartist Boy. 
In silent flight o’er hills at night
	It never ask’d who wander’d past 
But lit my Chartist Boy.

		Chorus.

For all yon king — a gilded thing,
	Robs poverty of joy, 
It shines as free and bright on thee
	My honest Chartist Boy. 
Then, on! away! be blithe and gay,
	And climb the mountain high; 
And take the vow of freemen now,
	My gallant Chartist Boy. 

		Chorus.

Away! away! no longer stay;
	For freedom live or die! 
The heart that’s true shall have its due —
	Away, my Chartist Boy. 
Away, my brave, forsake thy grave,
	Forget each slavish tie, 
And raise a light on England’s night;
	Be free, my Chartist Boy. 

		Chorus.

Be free — be free! and let them see
	Who Heaven’s law defy; 
Their Baal shrine shall ne’er be thine,
	My own, my Chartist Boy. 
Thy father’s gone; then, on, my son!
	My heart will beat with joy, 
To see the foe in death laid low
	By thee, my Chartist Boy.

			Chorus.

Sunderland

          The Northern Liberator, February 29, 1840.

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