SSB antecedent

[David Casseres]

O yes.  The amazing thing is that it's actually just as bad as the
Star Spangled Banner.  Has anyone heard the new Spanish version,
Nuestro Himno?

On 5/5/06, mikebailey at speakeasy.net <mikebailey at speakeasy.net> wrote:
> http://www.contemplator.com/america/anacreon.html
>
> Besides in the beginning of M&D, I'd heard off and on over the years that the SSB was based on Anacreon's something (leading to musing on the name A-nacreon - not pearly?)
>
> Yes this can be sung to the same tune
>
> To Anacreon in heaven where he sat in full glee,
> A few sons of harmony sent a petition,
> That he their inspirer and patron would be,
> When this answer arrived from the jolly old Grecian:
> Voice, fiddle aud flute, no longer be mute,
> I'll lend you my name and inspire you to boot!
> And besides I'll instruct you like me to entwine
> The myrtle of Venus and Bacchus's vine.
>
> The news through Olympus immediately flew,
> When old Thunder pretended to give himself airs,
> If these mortals are suffered their scheme to pursue,
> The devil a goddess will stay above stairs,
> Hark! already they cry, in transports of joy,
> A fig for Parnassus, to Rowley's we'll fly,
> And there my good fellows, we'll learn to entwine
> The myrtle of Venus and Bacchus's vine.
>
> The yellow-haired god, and his nine fusty maids,
> To the hill of old Lud will incontinent flee,
> Idalia will boast but of tenantless shades,
> And the biforked hill a mere desert will be,
> My thunder, no fear on't, will soon do its errand,
> And, damn me I'll swinge the ringleaders, I warrant
> I'll trim the young dogs, for thus daring to twine
> The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.
>
> Apollo rose up and said, "Prythee ne'er quarrel,
> Good king of the gods, with my votaries below
> Your thunder is useless - then showing his laurel,
> Cried, Sic evitabile fulmen, you know!
> Then over each head my laurels I'll spread,
> So my sons from your crackers no mischief shall dread
> Whilst snug in their club-room, they jovially twine
> The myrtle of Venus and Bacchus's vine.
>
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