< Previous |
Index |
Next > |
by Stanley Holloway (1930)
Illustrations by John Hassall
The colloquial expression "Who do you think you are?" usually means "Why are you being so arrogant?" or "You are being far too presumptious".
In the 7th verse of this poem, Sam's Lancashire translation is "Who'se thee, does tha' suppose?"
This colourful Northern toungue, we find in the poem, is also shared not only by the Duke of Wellington, but also King George IV.
The story ends after the Duke once more picks up the musket for Sam (see Old Sam) and then goes off in search of him.
Stanley Holloway wrote and performed this monologue in 1930.
Old Sam first came to London The troops were lined up on parade So off goes Sam to palace gates | |
A crowd soon thronged around him Sam stood there cold and haughty-like When suddenly from out of crowd Old Sam says "Alt! And who goes there? Old Sam says "Does think I'm daft? "That's right," says King. "That's right enough, |
Cuppa char |
"Oh well," said Sam, "Ah suppose you're right "I'd like a cup of tea," said Sam, They chatted there for 'alf an hour "Good Afternoon," says Duke of Wellington, "Well that's a pretty thing," says Duke, Sam comes to door all jumpy like "Ah thought as there was summut up," "Some clumsy chap had knocked it down "You stooped and picked me musket up?" said Sam, "I'll not wait for second cup," said Sam, |