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Kay's Originals Vol. 1

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376 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. The irritation of the populace against Sir James gradually subsided ; and latterly vented itself entirely in pasquinadoes and lampoons, in which the humble origin of the Baronet was not spared. Kay contributed his quota to the general fund of amusement by producing the following caricature, which he entitled a “Patent for Knighthood ! ” No. CL. HENRY DUNDAS, AND SIR JAMES STIRLING, BART. THE satirical allusion of this Print will be best understood by reference to the debate in the House of Commons in the month of May prior to the disturbances. The subject of discussion was the King’s proclamation (already alluded to), which the Whigs opposed as tyrannical and unnecessary. After several speakers had delivered their sentiments, MT. Cowtenay said-“ The proclamation was a severe censure on ministers for not having discharged their dutyin not having prosecuted the libels, which they said had existence for several months. He declared his misbelief of the proclamation having been intended for insidious purposes by one of his‘ Majesty’s cabinet ministers, the Home Secretary (Mr. Dundas), whose good nature and civility had always induced him to accommodate himself to every minister; which good nature and civility called to his mind the old man in Edinburgh, who used to go about with a pail and great-coat, calling out-‘ Wha wants me P ’ The honourable Secretary, upon every change of administration, had imitated the old man, by calling out -‘ Wha wants me 3 ’ This readiness to oblige, therefore, did away with all suspicion of malice.” To this sally of humour, Dundas of course made no reply. He was impene- 1 A ballad, founded on this speech, entitled Wha wants n e 1 was sung for months in the streets of Edinburgh. Lord Melville was not unfrequently serenaded with it while there ; but he apparently felt so little annoyance, appeared so much amused, and laughed ao heartily, that the singing was soon stopped. It was sung to the tune of My Daddy is a CanJeer’d Carle, and commenced- The song waa printed and sold at the small charge of “one penny.” “ John Bull, he is a canker’d carle ; he’ll nae twin wi’ his gear ; And Sawney now is ten times waur, gin a’ be true I hear ; Bat let them say, or let them do, it’s 8’ ane to me ; I’ll never lay aside my cloak-my wha wunts me f 0, wha wants me, sin ? Wha wants me ? I’ll take my stand near Downing Street, with aye-Wha wants me 1”
Volume 8 Page 524
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