Author: Anon

Publication: Reform Songs and Squibs

Publisher: Printed by Peter Brown

Place of publication: Edinburgh, Scotland

Publication type: Book

Featured individuals:
James Aytoun (1797-1881)

A full copy of this poem is available.

This poem has a set tune, and its title is:
Auld Rob Morris.

Archive/Library: Aberdeen University Library
Classmark(s): 82 (41) 17 Ref
Pages(s): 53-54

This poem appears in a collection of poems connected to the 1832 Reform campaigns and subsequent elections by the reformer Peter Brown, who eventually settled in Toronto and founded the Toronto Banner.  This poem is a dialogue between Bobby J---n and Auld Reekie.  'Bobby' supports James Aytoun, the radical candidate for the Edinburgh seat in the 1832 and 1834 General Elections and we are told that he has 'fourscore ten-pounders, and fourscore too' - it is not clear what is meant by this but 'ten-pounders' is a reference to the newly-enfranchised citizens, following the passing of the Reform Bill in 1832.  'Reekie', on the other hand, virulently attacks Aytoun; he states: 'I ken him fu' weel, / His arse it sticks out like an ill-made coal creel'.