The Ridotto of Holyrood-house

from Chambers' Traditions of Edinburgh, 1829 ed. :

The refrain is repeated between each verse.

I sing the Ridotto in Holyrood-house,
Where Cochrane and Squire Eccles the ladies did souce.

And Welcome, all of you, all of you, all of you,
Welcome, all of you in Holyrood-house.

There was Duke Hamilton, with his turned coat -
Why wore you't, my lord, ere the ribbon you got?

And there was his Duchess, whose beauty excels,
Who dazzles the beaux and darkens the belles.

And there was our General, with his young wife,
The pride of his heart and joy of his life.

And there was Beau Seton, the quality squire,
Who's sure to catch cold if he misses a chair.

And there was Glenorchy, that delicate youth,
Who ventures abroad when the wind's in the south.

And there was fine Johnstone, retired to a nook,
Despising the fair ones, he read on a book.

And there was Bob Murray, who's married, alas!
But still rivals johnstone in beauty and grace.

And there was a lady, well known by her airs,
Who ne'er goes to revel but after her prayers.

And there were the Stuarts of every degree
As braw and as comely as lasses could be.

Miss Wedderburn there was doubly armed -
Who sees her or hears her are doubly charmed.

Seven virgins laid hold of one man, woe's me!
Alas for the ladies, Monboddo was he!

 

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