Author: Anon

Publication: "Gangin' A' Awry!" or Learmonth's Lamentation

Place of publication: Edinburgh, Scotland

Publication type: Broadside

Featured individuals:
John Learmonth (1789-1858)

A full copy of this poem is available.

Further information:
http://digital.nls.uk/broadsides/broadside.cfm/id/16504/criteria/%22gangin%27%20a%27%20awry%22

This poem has a set tune, and its title is:
Comin' through the Rye.

Archive/Library: National Library of Scotland
Classmark(s): H.17.a.39; ABS.10.203.01(101)

This election poem was most likely published in 1834 or 1835 when John Learmonth contested the Edinburgh parliamentary seats.  The poem mocks the Tory candidate Learmonth, a coachmaker, for knowing much about coaches, but nothing about 'Corn Laws, Ballot, and Reform'.  Learmonth was known for having a pronounced nose, and this is mocked in the poem; the speaker (Learmouth) tells us that the people cry: 'Follow your nose, you Tory ass!'.  Each stanza of the poem finished on 'awry', to highlight Learmonth's incompetence.