_Gloucester Ballads_ (Vol. iv., p. 311.).--Since I inserted these ballads,
I have been informed, that the one entitled a "Gloucester Ditty" was from
the pen of Charles Dibdin, who, paying a visit to the "fair city," was
pressed by some friends to leave them a memento of such. Of my own
knowledge, I cannot vouch for the truth of this story; my informant's
veracity is, however, unquestionable. I have recently obtained another
copy; like the former, it is without a date, but bears the well-known
imprint, "Raikes, Southgate Street."
The "Old Harry" is intended for one "Harry Hudman, King of the Island," a
low district in Gloucester, a mock officer chosen by the lower orders.
Harry kept the throne many years, but was at length outvoted; but resolving
to retain by stratagem what he could not by free choice, invited his
competitor to a glass; and while the latter was taking his draught, Harry
jumped into his seat, was chaired through the island, and was thus king
another year. There was a ballad relating to this worthy, commencing--
"There was a man of renown,
In Gloucester's fam'd town."