You're welcome, Charlie Stewart

"This song, beginning " O Lovely Polly Stewart," was written by Burns for the Museum. The words are adapted to an old favourite tune, called " Miss Stewart's Reel," to which some Jacobite verses, written about the year 1748, were adapted when the tune received the new name of "You're Welcome Charlie Stewart." These verses were printed in the Collection of Loyal Songs, Poems, c. 1750, and are now annexed to give the reader an idea of the spirit of those times.

"Under the general feeling of irritation left in Scotland by the behavior of the victorious army of Cumberland, a warm welcome was given, beyond Jacobite circles, to a song which then came into circulation, being set to a tune called Miss Stewart's Reel."

"Upon the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden in 1749, some military officers attending the theatre in the Canongate, Edinburgh, called to the musicians for the tune of Culloden; whereupon the audience, in resentment, demanded You're Welcome, Charlie Stuart, and had their request complied with. A riot, ending in the complete humiliation of the officers, was the consequence."

Had I the power as I've the will,
I'd make thee famous by my quill,
Thy foes I'd scatter, take, and kill,
From Billingsgate to Duart.

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Thy sympathising complaisance
Made thee believe intriguing France;
But woe is me for thy mischance!
Which saddens every true heart.

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Hadst thou Culloden battle won,
Poor Scotland had not been undone,
Nor butcher'd been with sword and gun,
By Lockhart and such cowards.

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Kind Providence, to thee a friend,
A lovely maid did timely send,
To save thee from a fearful end,
Thou charming Charlie Stewart.

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Great glorious prince, we firmly pray,
That she and we may see the day,
When Britons all with joy shall say,
You're welcome, Charlie Stewart.

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Though Cumberland, the tyrant proud,
Doth thirst and hunger after blood,
Just Heaven will preserve the good
To fight for Charlie Stewart.

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When e'er I take a glass of wine,
I drink confusion to the swine;
But health to him that will combine
To fight for Charlie Stewart.

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The ministry may Scotland maul,
But our brave hearts they'll ne'er enthrall;
We'll fight like Britons, one and all,
For liberty and Stewart.

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Then haste, ye Britons, and set on
Your lawful king upon the throne;
To Hanover we'll drive each one
Who will not fight for Stewart.

Chorus