(REPRINTED VERBATIM.)
COME to Fairlop Fair; we good fellows invite;
So partake of that day, which is our delight;
For we have spirits like fire; our courage is good;
And we meet with the best of respect on the road;
When you see us, you’ll say we are mounted quite gay;—
Success to the lads, that delight in that day.
Haste away, haste away; all nature seems gay,
Let us drink to the joys of old Fairlop so gay!
Our horses are all of the very best blood;
Our boat is well built, and her rigging is good.
With our boats and our badges we unanimous declare,
And join hand in hand, to support the old Fair;
We’ll jovially sing, and our music shall play,
And a set of staunch ponies will tow us away.
Haste away, haste away, &c.
’Twas one Daniel Day, that first founded this Fair,
And as hearty a fellow as ever was there;
The Lord of the Manor a Charter did gain,
And all true sons of Neptune will uphold the same;
We’ll enjoy all the pleasure that springs from that day,
And ever remember good old Daniel Day.
Haste away, haste away, &c.
From Wapping Old Stairs, away then we drive,
When the first Friday in July does arrive;
We breakfast at Woodford; at Loughton we lunch,
And at our old friend’s house we’ll dine and drink punch;
When our Boatswain will start us away for the Fair,
While Phoebus does shine on our Colours so clear.
Haste away, haste away, &c.
It’s when from the Forest to Ilford we steer,
Every town we go through, we will give them three Cheer!
Then on our way home we will still get refreshed;
Then return back to Wapping, to sup of the best;
Where we’ll dance and we’ll sing so cheerful and gay,
And ever remember good old Daniel Day.
Haste away, haste away, &c.
Now having described our boat, horses, and crew,
And old Fairlop so gay, which you all may review,
Our boat now comes home by the winding of caul;—
And so you are welcome unto Fairlop Hall!—
Our boat we’ll put by for another Fair-day,
And ever remember good old Daniel Day.
Haste away, haste away; all nature seems gay,
Let us drink to the joys of old Fairlop so gay!