Ballad of Master M'Grath

Eighteen sixty-nine was the date of the year,
The Waterloo sportsmen and more did appear,
For to gain the prize, and to bear it away
With the champion of England, against Master M'Grath

On the 12th December, that day of renown,
M'Grath and his keeper they left Lurgan town;
A gale on the channel it soon drove them o'er -
On the 13th they landed on Fair England's shore.

And when they arrived in big London town;
The great English sportsmen they all gathered round,
And some of the gentlemen gave a "ha-ha,"
Saying is that the great dog you call Master M'Grath.

Then one of the gentlemen standing around,
Said what about you and your Irish greyhound,
For you or your greyhound we don't give a straw,
And we'll humble the pride of your Master M'Grath.

Lord Lurgan came forward, and said - gentlemen,
If there's any amongst you has money to spend,
For your noble of England I don't give a straw,
Here's 5,000 to 1 upon Master M'Grath.

Then M'Grath he looked up, and he wagged his big tail
Informing his lordship - I know what you mean!
But, noble Brownlow, don't fear them, agra.
For I'll tarnish their laurels, said Master M'Grath.

Then Rose stood uncovered - the great English pride,
The master and keeper they stood by her side,
The hare was left off, and the crowd did Hurrah-
There's the pride of all England against Master McGrath.
One hundred & forty

As Rose and the Master they both ran along,
Now I wonder, said Rose, what took you from your home;
You should have stopped there in your Irish demesne,
And not come to gain laurels on Albion's plain.

Well, I know, said M'Grath, we have wild heathen bogs,
But you will find in old Ireland there's good men and dogs;
Lead on, bould Britannia, give non of your jaw-
Snuff that up your nostrils, said Master McGrath.

Then the hare she went on just as swift as the wind,
He was sometimes before her and sometimes behind;
Rose gave the first turn, according to law
But the second was given by Master McGrath.

The hare she led on, with a beautiful view,
And swift as the wind o'er the green field she flew;
But he jumped on her back, and held up his paw-
Three cheers for ould Ireland, said Master M'Grath