Ammon Wrigley - "Saddleworthshire"

The following is a transcription of a work by Saddleworth poet Ammon Wrigley (1861-1946).

Saddleworthshire

Said Jack the shepherd, strong and hale:
“Here’s to the lads o’ Longdendale,”
“And here’s,” said I, as up I stood,
“To lads as jannock, brave and good,
Through rough and smooth, and thick and thin,
They stand their corner, lose or win,
As true as steel, as tough as wire,
The merry lads of Saddleworthshire.”
Then up and spake a comely maid,
In cap and apron white arrayed:
“Here’s health to you,” she smiling said,
“I’d have you know I’m Saddleworth bred;
You praise the lads, but naught you say
Of maids as good in every way;
What greater wealth can lads desire
Than bonnie maids of Saddleworthshire?”’
“Here’s health to you, and here’s to all
That makes me heed my homeland’s call!
The hill and dale, the moorland rough,
The upland green, the stream and clough;
The winding lane, the hamlet fold,
The homely village, brown and old,
And all that burns in me like fire
Among the hills of Saddleworthshire.”