Page:A century of Birmingham life- or, A chronicle of local events, from 1741 to 1841 (IA centuryofbirming01lang).pdf/29

 Birmingham became a term of reproach for him, his assumed title, and his faction in general. There are numerous allusions to this in the libels of the age. Thus in 'Old Jemmy, an Excellent new Ballad,'

"In another ballad bearing the same title, the same phrase occurs :—

"These are in Mr. Luttrell's collection; where there is another Tory song, entitled 'A proper new Birmingham Ballad, to the tune of Hey, Boys, Up Go We.'

"In another Grubstreet performance, entitled 'A Medley on the Plot, by Mathew Taubman:'

North, however, gives rather a different derivation."

In the Gentleman's Magazine, July, 1757, the following illustrative poem appeared:—

UPON A BIRMINGHAM HALFPENNY.

Hence! false, designing cheat, from garret vile

Or murky cellar sprung! thy spurious birth

And mix'd embrace thy pallid hue proclaims.

Thrust thou 'mongst those of pure and generous stamp,

To pass unknown, and by dissembling face

And mimic form, to gull me, credulous,