Author: Anon

Publication: Five Excellent Songs

Publisher: J M'Nairn

Place of publication: Newton Stewart, Scotland

Publication type: Chapbook

Featured individuals:
King William IV (1765-1837)

A full copy of this poem is available.

This poem has a set tune, and its title is:
Blue Bonnets over the Border.

Archive/Library: Glasgow University Library
Classmark(s): Special Collections: Bh.13-d.34
Pages(s): 2-3

No date appears for this poem but it is safe to say that it is written at some point between 1830 and 1832, most likely before the 1831 election when reform was the key issue and the Whigs won by a landslide.  The poem notes that the King is leading the cause of reform and asks Scots to get behind reform in the upcoming election. The speaker states that refom will ensure 'good order' and that Scotchmen 'ever revolt at disorder'.  The poem states that 'Reform's steady banner' is spreading from England, and also tries to tempt people to support reform by saying that posterity will judge them to be loyal and glorious.