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The Lion and Albert


There's a famous seaside place called Blackpool,
That's noted for fresh air and fun,
And Mr and Mrs Ramsbottom
Went there with young Albert, their son.

A grand little lad was young Albert,
All dressed in his best; quite a swell
With a stick with an 'orse's 'ead 'andle,
The finest that Woolworth's could sell.

They didn't think much to the Ocean:
The waves, they were fiddlin' and small,
There was no wrecks and nobody drownded,
Fact, nothing to laugh at at all.

So, seeking for further amusement,
They paid and went into the Zoo,
Where they'd Lions and Tigers and Camels,
And old ale and sandwiches too.

There were one great big Lion called Wallace;
His nose were all covered with scars -
He lay in a somnolent posture,
With the side of his face on the bars.

Now Albert had heard about Lions,
How they was ferocious and wild  -
To see Wallace lying so peaceful,
Well, it didn't seem right to the child.

So straightway the brave little feller,
Not showing a morsel of fear,
Took his stick with its 'orse's 'ead 'andle
And pushed it in Wallace's ear.

You could see that the Lion didn't like it,
For giving a kind of a roll,
He pulled Albert inside the cage with 'im,
And swallowed the little lad 'ole.

Then Pa, who had seen the occurrence,
And didn't know what to do next,
Said 'Mother! Yon Lion's 'et Albert',
And Mother said 'Well, I am vexed!'

Then Mr and Mrs Ramsbottom -
Quite rightly, when all's said and done -
Complained to the Animal Keeper,
That the Lion had eaten their son.

The keeper was quite nice about it;
He said 'What a nasty mishap.
Are you sure that it's your boy he's eaten?'
Pa said "Am I sure? There's his cap!'

The manager had to be sent for.
He came and he said 'What's to do?'
Pa said 'Yon Lion's 'et Albert,
'And 'im in his Sunday clothes, too.'

Then Mother said, 'Right's right, young feller;
I think it's a shame and a sin,
For a lion to go and eat Albert,
And after we've paid to come in.'

The manager wanted no trouble,
He took out his purse right away,
Saying 'How much to settle the matter?'
And Pa said "What do you usually pay?'

But Mother had turned a bit awkward
When she thought where her Albert had gone.
She said 'No! someone's got to be summonsed' -
So that was decided upon.

Then off they went to the P'lice Station,
In front of the Magistrate chap;
They told 'im what happened to Albert,
And proved it by showing his cap.

The Magistrate gave his opinion
That no one was really to blame
And he said that he hoped the Ramsbottoms
Would have further sons to their name.

At that Mother got proper blazing,
'And thank you, sir, kindly,' said she.
'What waste all our lives raising children
To feed ruddy Lions? Not me!'

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Comments

1 - 53 of 53

  • Mary Ann Love
    November 5
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    GO POETRY!

    When teaching I often use "The Lion and Albert" alongside a great little poem by Shel Silverstein called "It's Dark in Here". The children love looking at the events inside and out. Poetry is an essential part of a balanced and healthy literary life.
    GO POETRY!


  • November 5
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    GO POETRY!

    From guest Mary Ann (contact)
    I have been enjoying this poem since my childhood and have shared it with many of the children I have taught. I often use it alongside a great little poem by Shel Silverstein called "It's Dark in Here". I think it is so important to make all kinds of poetry (not just narrative verse)an integral part of children's reading from the outset. GO POETRY!!!!


  • October 25
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    My Grandad

    From guest Michelle (contact)
    My Grandad used to recite this to us all the time 30 years ago whilst making his pipes infront of the fire what a lovely memory!


  • July 9
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    I have always loved it

    From guest Tony Bowker (contact)


  • June 12
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    The Lion & Albert

    From guest Phil (contact)
    I read/memorised verses 6&7 at primary school - aged about 9, so 1973. Thought it would be fun to read thi sto my 7 & 3 year olds.


  • June 6
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    "What do you usually pay?"

    From guest Ruth Henriquez Lyon (contact)
    I first heard this in 1988, in the Canadian Rockies, at Lake O'Hara Lodge, recited by a Canadian (with great feeling!)as part of the weekly guest/staff variety show they would put on. He had everyone in the room roaring with laughter. He did a very good imitation of the dialect the poem was written in, which greatly impressed me, an American. The line "What do you usually pay?" stuck with me all these years, and I often find situations in which to use it.


  • April 22
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    Albert

    From guest Dave (contact)
    Fond memories of Bob Steele WTIC

  • Seasinger gold member
    April 19
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    The Lion and Albert

    Did you know also that Marriott Edgar cheekily named the lion after his older brother [?half-brother] Wallace Edgar, who became famous as a writer of detective stories under the pen name Edgar Wallace.
    As a child I loved and learned to recite The Lion and Albert . It was a delight much later in life to discover the sequel (which is just as good) about Albert's return. The third poem featuring both Albert and Wallace the lion, in which they meet again on a ship headed for Australia, isn't quite of the same standard, but is still fun.

  • daveh
    April 17
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    Source material

    Did you know that Edgar based this on a real-life mauling of a small boy at London Zoo? And that SH was originally very reluctant to perform it for that reason?

    (Source: "The Stanley Holloway Monologues ed. Michael Marshall 1979 ISBN 0 241 10306 1)

    Illustrations by Bill Tidy are good but not a patch on John Hassall's originals as shown here.


  • March 25
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    funny

    From guest kate (contact)
    Ilike this one it is very funny what happened in the end


    • rufina caraid gold member
      March 25
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      for Kate

      Hi Kate the comment below shows 2 links, both of these poems are connected to this original.
      There are however, other poems about Albert, each having his name as part of the title. Enjoy!
      Von - Oldpoetry Team


  • rufina caraid gold member
    February 21
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    for Nikki

    Hi Nikki, this is in fact the whole poem as writen by Edgar in the early 1930's - appearing here in its entirety. However there are other poems which carry on the story of Wallace the Lion and young Albert along the similiar story line but separate poems in their own right. ie: http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/25924-Marriott-Edgar-Albert-Down-Under and: http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/14021-Marriott-Edgar-Albert-s-Return.
    I hope this helps. Von - Oldpoetry


  • February 20
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    !!!

    From guest nikki (contact)
    this is not the full poem. does any body know the rest???

    nikki, I searched for this poem on different websites, and all of them show just as how it reads here.

    MODS


  • January 20
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    From guest m.p.elder (contact)
    m reading this to my year nine students, complete with accent, they will love it


  • December 7, 2008
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    fabulastic

    From guest tania begum (contact)
    this also give memories from the past and i really enjoy readind this book.i will be reading this book when ever i like.i will be reading this book every year to my class.


  • December 7, 2008
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    good

    From guest tania begum (contact)
    this is a very good poem u made i think it is excellent and i think this might be good for little children.


  • November 14, 2008
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    From guest Mrs Betty Jane Crowther (contact)
    This brings back many memories of my many visits to my in laws in dear Yorkshire. I would love to have the compact disc. I miss the dialect. I love England and get very "home sick". No, I am not British, I am American who fell completely in love. I had several happy, interesting, educational years and traveled every moment of my spare time. I feel more British than what I am. Thank you for the joy you have given.


  • November 12, 2008
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    Alert and the lion

    From guest John Saxton-Ward (contact)
    A fantastic remender of my childhood. Am passing this on to a young student of mine who is studying mo nologues. Thank you so mecu....John


  • October 6, 2008
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    BRILLIANT!

    From guest Annie Kirsty and JACK (contact)
    THIS POEM IS amzing I GOT SO EXCITED OVER IT.


  • October 6, 2008
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    Brill

    From guest kirsty,annabelle and JACK!! (contact)
    this poem is AMAZING!!! i can't Believe how much i enjoyed reading it it was so exciting i couldn't wait to see what happened. =D


  • July 30, 2008
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    Brings back memories

    From guest mizdoc (contact)
    Our last name was Ramsbottom and I suffered many and embarrassment by a certain girl who got up in school assembly every year and recited this poem.


  • May 6, 2008
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    From guest Nathan (contact)
    A Great poem, that I'll be reading to people in a competition

    Good Luck Nathan - The Mods


  • January 30, 2008
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    The Lion And Albert

    From guest Joyce Pascoe (contact)
    How I love this,and I can,t wait to read it to my Grandaugters.Love the Humour,it is the first time I have seen it.Must have led a sheltered life! Joyce


  • December 9, 2007
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    The Lion and Albert

    From guest jackie Stothard (contact)
    My grandad used to narrate this every Christmas and I always enjoyed it. I'm now a grandma and want to tell this story to my granddaughter this Christmas. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did. Also going to narrate Brown Boots as well, if I can find the words.


  • December 1, 2007
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    the lion and albert

    From guest Anne (contact)
    I loved this monologue as a child but had almost forgotten about it when my 11 year old was asked to perform it , on behalf of his school, at a 75th village hall celebration. He brought the house down and people I don't know, but where there on the night recognise me and say " it was your son that performed "The Lion AND Albert, wasn't it?" Fame? Any way now that he is at another school he is planning to perform it again, in a talent contest. We are not sure how it will go down with younger people of this generation but he says that the judges are adults and he is sure that it will be appreciated by some even if he doesn't win. A good enough reason to give it a go don't you think?


    • rufina caraid gold member
      December 1, 2007
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      for guest Anne

      Any reason for a child to appreciate the written word is a positive for me. Being a huge fan of the comedic monologue myself I applaud your son; first of all for having the ability to remember the words and secondly to have the guts to stand in front of his peers and recite this. All the very best to him. Has he checked out the other monologues by Marriott the Master? He may find something else he likes there too. Von - Oldpoetry


  • November 21, 2007
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    Albert and the Lion

    From guest Sharon Morgan (contact)
    My father would quote this to us as kids. I am now going to quote this to my kids at a family meal we will be having. Sadly, my father is no longer with us but I know he would have loved to hear this.


  • October 31, 2007
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    Albert & the Lion

    From guest Vic Ives. (contact)
    Have always been a fan of Stanley Holloway and have oft given my version of this monologue around the family. Used to quote it to the kids in the car when they were younger and they still like to hear it with their kids as well.


  • October 17, 2007
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    Albert and the Lion

    From guest Albert Graham (contact)
    All my life I have heard that the lion ate poor Albert but its taken 64 years to get to read the whole poem. thank you.


  • October 13, 2007
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    Albert and the Lion

    From guest RC.Buswell (contact)
    I am grew up in Blackpool, and love this poem, which I think is hilarious. It's such a treat to find it. Years ago I used to be able to recite it all, but needed a memory prompt, Thanks....RCB


  • October 8, 2007
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    Albert & the lion

    From guest John T (contact)
    Reet graadlee


  • September 29, 2007
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    The monologue revival

    From guest David Seddon (contact)
    We have sought and found to our great pleasure 'Brown Boots' through your site. We are members of a small Church fellowship that often gets together to support worthwhile causes. Monologues recited are always received well. Thank you for giving us access to this great material.


  • June 5, 2007
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    The Lion and Albert

    From guest Barbara Guisbourne-Hilton (contact)
    it was lovely to read it all (out loud at that) it brings back memories of sunday afternoons in the palour when place standing n a chair would recite it for those visiting and receive applause (no TV) we made our own amusments then.

  • Weedygumption
    May 25, 2007
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    The Lion & Albert

    I love this,
    Brings back so many fantastic childhood memories
    Weedy x


  • yassmin
    May 8, 2007
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    nie one


  • May 6, 2007
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    Ramsbottoms

    From guest rob whiter (contact)
    this is the most wonderful piece ever to come out of Yorkshire and should be recited using that accent for it to be fully enjoyed


    • I-Like-Rhymes gold member
      May 6, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Whilst I entirely agree that this is a wonderful piece that is best recited if one wants to get the full effect; even as a proud Yorkie I must point out that Marriott Edgar was a Scot and this monologue is set in Lancashire, and is best delivered in the accents of the red rose county.


  • rufina caraid gold member
    May 5, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I've been here a hundred times and I never tire of the story of Albert and Wallace. It's a definite pick-me-up when needed.
    Guaranteed smiles.
    Von


  • May 4, 2007
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    this poem is aight but not tha best.

    From guest killa kal (contact)
    i like it you need more kool details.


  • March 28, 2007
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    The lion and albert

    From guest Catherine (contact)
    My mum loves this poem. She had a copy of the book from when she was young and leant it to someone and unfortunately never got it back. I really want to get another copy for her for her birthday but have no idea where I could find one. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks


    • rufina caraid gold member
      March 28, 2007
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      I have a copy of Marriott Edgars' wonderful monologues. I actually found it last year some time on e-bay. It didn't cost a great deal but it's priceless to me. Might be worth a try for your Mother.
      Vonnie


  • February 28, 2007
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    The Ramsbottoms

    From guest Charlene Sunderland (contact)
    My grandmother was from Birmingham and came to America in the 1910's. My mother was born after they immigrated. Both of them used to recite this poem to me as well as Albert's Return. It was the most asked for story in my childhood. I even memorized it from their recitals before I read it in a book which, unfortynately, was lost in the ensuing years. I can still recite it to this day!


  • December 29, 2006
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    Albert

    From guest Nuala Gallagher (contact)
    This were right funny


  • November 18, 2006
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    Albert & the Lion

    From guest Diana Jones (contact)
    P.S. It's also a bit like Eysops fables in that there is a grain of truth - a lesson to be learnt. My Father used it to teach me that one should always respect others, not only people, but animals as well, a lesson I have learnt and hold with me to this day. If you respect them - they will respect you. (and hopefully not eat you!!)


  • November 18, 2006
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    Albert & the Lion

    From guest Diana Jones (contact)
    What a wonderful poem! My Father used to recite it to me when I was a child, often. My Mother was an elocution teacher (born 1907)and thought that everyone should speak 'the Queen's English'. She hated regional accents and I think that's why my Father learnt it - just to annoy her! My Father and his family always had a rather black sense of humour, which I still do as well. Mother couldn't understand it - why is it so funny if a little boy has been eaten by a lion? Of course, in reality it's not - but it's the picture it paints in the mind, the what if? It's all in the imagination! The superficial claptrap from beaurocracy - we still get it now. That's what's funny!


  • September 2, 2006
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    Absolutely classic

    Based on the 1937 Francis, Day & Hunter edition (from which the illustration is taken), the proper name of this is "The Lion and Albert." Line 10 should read "They didn't think much to the ocean" instead of "of the ocean."


  • Sharcu silver member
    August 3, 2006
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    Very funny write! Completely awesome!


  • sanmdr
    July 24, 2006
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    hilarious write... yet dont quite understand why the dramatic exaggeration... which could be apt only for kindergardners...
    good flow of words and rhyme...


    • I-Like-Rhymes gold member
      July 25, 2006
      Edit | Reply
      Marriot Edgar, Stanley Holloway and all the other great monologists wrote for a live audience. In this case it was for a Music-Hall audience and the over-the-top phrases and emphasis were an essential part of the comedy of the piece.
      It also helped to place the piece as Lancastrian (or oop-north) in the minds of audiences from other parts of the country.
      Jim


  • angelica silver member
    March 30, 2006
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    it was a mighty tale

    I enjoyed reading about Albert and the lion, Thank you for posting it and I enjoyed the recitation of his poem, it brings it alive, but poor Albert, did they get him back? Did the Lion cough him up? I'll be back to read more adventures about Albert.

    Joan Benecke.


  • Charley Noble silver member
    March 26, 2006
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    The Moral to the Poem?

    Best to let sleeping lions lie!

    Charley Noble


  • Sunshine Always
    March 7, 2006
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    Absolutely brilliant.

    Very easy to read and superb in it's content. Humour oustanding and written in a true dialect. Nothing awkward here it's all brilliant.


  • Serene
    January 6, 2006
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    seem like a hearty one of fond memories that draw from many that have come across it, while i have never read anything like it, and thought I have been around for quite sometime, and to have missed ones like these is truly a loss, and solely delightful to have come by only to enjoy every line~


  • January 6, 2006
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    i like the fact that you can read cool poetry online
    i am 12 and love The Lion And Albert
    i am doing the poem in english


  • January 4, 2006
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    Thank you, thank you, thank you! Granpa-in-law left Blighty at age 14, recited "Albert" at The British Society in New Bedford, Mass. during the '30s. Passed in the '70s.
    I don't need a stick, but I have a back-scratcher wi' an 'orse's 'ead 'andle that would give Wallace a thrill!


  • December 23, 2005
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    An uncle used to recite it at family Christmasses. In the days before television was widespread (1940s/50s) the entertainment consisted of recitations and musical turns by those present. I have today purchased a stick with a horseshead handle so shall be on the lookout for lions!


  • December 4, 2005
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    I greww up in England and my mother used to recite these poems to us to pass the time when we were in the car driving long distances. There is also a poem "The Return of Albert." I was given a book with several poems in published by Francis, Day and Hunter, London, 138 Charing ross Rd, London, W.C.2.
    Copyrighted in 1937 and published again in 1986 I think.
    ISBN 0 86175 037 3 Order Ref. 10117


  • November 6, 2005
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    Thanks a million for this poem it has allways amused me,but being able to find it at the touch of a button is fantastic. Thanks for sharing this jem with everyone.


  • September 10, 2005
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    Excellent. A certainty for our drama group here in France..


  • August 18, 2005
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    I was delighted to find these wonderful poems once again.I once had a book that contained many of the poems and was illustrated with delightful drawings of the characters but the book was lost or stolen. The illustration on 'Albert & the Lion' is from a copy of this book - I recognised it straight away. The poem brings back many happy memories.


  • August 13, 2005
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    well this is a very gud poem brings back memories my great-grandad used to tell me this wen i woz a young child n he could resite it of by heart he even had a horses head handle sadly he passed away august 1999 but everytime i hear or read this poem it reminds me of him


  • August 6, 2005
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    Has anyone got the words of Old Noah, a Yorkshire poem? It begins "'Ast heard tell on Old Noah? Aye, him that built t'ark, tha knows."


  • June 18, 2005
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    Does anyone know where I could get the poem about Albert swallowing a coin or coins? I had it at one time. I, too have recited Albert and the Lion for many years now. I have an english friend who just got married for the first time at 65 and I want to give her the poems.


  • June 16, 2005
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    A friend of mine used to recite this all the time. He is gone now so it is wonderful to find this here.


  • May 6, 2005
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    Alison (I think) read this for her entertainer's badge, around 1976, at our guides, St James, Styvechale, Coventry. It was so funny and a delight. I found it especially to read to my three boys.


  • March 28, 2005
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    A few minor variations, as rendered by Stanley Holloway - as an ex-Mancunian,I think I have the accent right. Verse starting Line 9..They didn't think much TO the ocean, The waves they was PIDDLIN' and small, ...no wrecks and nobody DROWNING..In fact NOWT to laff at all... Line 28 ...SHOVED it in Wallace's ear; Line 36 Mother said "EE, I am vexed.."


  • March 25, 2005
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    My dad (Sidney Royce) who has passed 3 years since used to recite this poem to me and my two young girls and also mum and dad's "pot luck" friends and had them all in fits of laughter. My eldest daughter wanted to learn it, so thanks for sharing and bringing back such lovely memories of my dad and the fun we had.


  • February 12, 2005
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    This is simply amazing, as here I am on a short vacation to friends of mine in Naples Florida, and they have organized a party for Saturday night, today. My friend informed me yesterday that he wanted me to recite Albert and the Lion, which I have been doing for forty years or so, but not recently.
    Since my memory is going, and I didn't bring my Albert books with me, I could only remember 12 of the 18 verses, so what a suprise to be able to get the rest over the Internet.Thank you so much for sharing these works with us all, and if anyone is interested I have three original Albert original books, which are beautifully illustrated. Since I am originally from Lancashire, and having retained some of my accent, I try to duplicate Stanley's presentations, with only moderate success of course. Anyway, what a wonderful website..
    Ian Kerr, Collingwood, ontario, Canada. iankerr@aol.com


  • February 9, 2005
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    Keith Britton - try Gerard Hoffnung 'The Bricklayers Story'

  • Sunshine Always
    January 31, 2005
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    This takes me back years!!! Absolutely brilliant. ..mal


  • Diamond
    January 30, 2005
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    I always love a good children's story and this one is no exception. I thought it funny how the dad was ready to settle the matter and accept the money offered for Albert; but the wife just wouldn't have it that way. I have to agree with her though, "what a waste to raise children only to feed them to the lions. Avril


  • December 30, 2004
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    As a child in Connecticut (USA) I remember hearing this story done by WTIC radio personality Bob Steele who for 66 years delighted children and adults with this story, the Return and other quirky and delightful stories.


  • December 7, 2004
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    Really took me back to a kid used to sit by the radio on sat morning and hope it came on Any one know the way with the pulley with the bricks in a barrow that shoots the man in the air then the bricks fall out on hitting the ground and dops him


  • November 2, 2004
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    My aunt used to amuse us with wee Albert when I was a child. So happy to have found you!


  • October 12, 2004
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    My mother is from Manchester England and has recited this poem to me since I was a small child. She memorized it and even performed it on the ship that brought her to America in 1946. Terrific to see it's history.


  • rufina caraid gold member
    September 30, 2004
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    www.monologues.co.uk/Albertandthe_Lion.htm

    The above link is believed to contain the original version of this poem - I friend of mine in New Jersey confirmed this for me as he has been a Marriott Edgar Fan for many years and had studied his work and also written similar verse inspired by Edgar.
    Check it out it may be what you are looking for.
    ~Von~
    Edited on Sep 30, 7:45 p.m. because ''.


  • September 30, 2004
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    i'm 26 and i love Albert & The Lion as my dad used to recite it (based onn Stanley Holloway's rendition. I have tried to find the definitive version but every one on the internet seems to be different - does anyone know where the absolutely completely correct version is on-line?


  • August 30, 2004
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    At the age of 71+ I could remember quite a bit of this poem but was glad to have my memory jogged for the remainder.


  • April 23, 2004
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    My mom just passed away at age 84. she used to recite many old English poems to us as kids and entertained many friends with her huge repertoire of poems. Albert and the Lion was one of our favourites as she did it with a Cockney accent. I am so happy to find this website as I am hoping to gather some of mom's poems to make a Gran Memory Book.


  • xShadowedxAngelx
    March 4, 2004
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    We are doing this in drama at school and plastered a big grin on my face when i first read it it is a very funny poem also i agree with oneroleofmany it is a VERY british attidude of eating a child i should know i am a british child Jacqui


  • February 1, 2004
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    I have an old 78 rpm of Albert and the Lion by Stanley Halloway which I have loved since I was a child. The British have such a sense of humor. "Britcoms" are some of my favorite TV viewing.

  • Angelie
    January 30, 2004
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    I was certain that Albert was going to be rescued somehow. Must admit I didn't really like this sort of humour.

  • oneluckygirl
    January 18, 2004
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    I have to laugh at the idea of the cap being proof of the eating and the idea of the family bored by a lack of disasters on their trip. A hoot!


  • agazeley gold member
    January 11, 2004
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    Fun . .

    This is a very famous Poem (1940) and was made famous be a British comedian – STANLEY HOLLOWAY . . .he also sang Brown Boots . . .

    Brown Boots . .

    Our Aunt Hannah's passed away;
    We'd her funeral today,
    And it was a posh affair -
    Had to have two p'licemen there!

    The 'earse was luv'ly, all plate glass,
    And wot a corfin! oak and brass!
    We'd fah-sands weepin', flahers galore,
    But Jim, our cousin - what d'yer fink 'e wore?

    Why, brahn boots! I ask yer - brahn boots!
    Fancy comin' to a funeral in brahn boots!
    I will admit 'e 'ad a nice black tie,
    Black fingernails and a nice black eye;

    But yer can't see people orf when they die in brahn boots!
    And Aunt 'ad been so very good to 'im,
    Done all that any muvver could fer 'im,
    And Jim, her son, to show his clarss,

    Rolls up to make it all a farce
    In brahn boots - I ask yer - brahn boots!
    While all the rest
    Wore decent black, and mourning suits.

    I'll own he didn't seem so gay;
    In fact he cried best part the way,
    But straight, he reg'lar spoilt our day
    Wiv 'is brahn boots.

    In the graveyard we left Jim;
    None of us said much to him.
    Yus, we all give 'im the bird,
    Then by accident we 'eard

    'E'd given 'is black boots to Jim Small,
    A bloke wot 'ad no boots at all.
    So p'raps Aunt Hannah doesn't mind;
    She did like people who was good and kind.

    But brahn boots! I ask yer - brahn boots!
    Fancy coming to a funeral in brahn boots!
    And we could 'ear the neighbours all remark,
    'Wot, 'im chief mourner? Wot a bloomin' lark!

    'Why, 'e looks more like a bookmaker's clerk - in brahn boots!'
    That's why we 'ad to be so rude to 'im,
    That's why we never said 'Ow do!' to 'im.
    We didn't know - he didn't say

    He'd give 'is other boots away.
    But brahn boots! I ask yer - brahn boots!
    While all the rest
    Wore decent black, and mourning suits!

    But some day up at Heaven's gate
    Poor Jim, all nerves, will stand and wait
    Till an angel whispers 'Come in, Mate.
    Where's yer brahn boots?'


    • May 5, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Brahn Boots

      An interesting one, this. It is one of the relatively few of Holloway's monologues NOT to be performed in a "North Country" (cod) accent. He was not a north countryman himself, having been born (almost) within the sounds of Bow bells and therefore (almost) a Cockney. I am a public speaker, and two of my talks, which are based on poetry readings, include "The Lion and Albert", "Brahn Boots" and "The Battle of Hastings". My audiences, many of whom are organisations such as the Womens' Institutes, are very appreciative. Comments such as "My Dad used to recite that" abound.

      Incidentally, "Albert's Reunion", written by Stanley Holloway himself in 1958, begins:

      You've heard of Albert Ramsbottom,
      And Mrs Ramsbotton and Dad,
      And the trouble the poor Lion went to
      Trying to stomach the lad.

      Now after the Lion disgorged him
      Quite many a day had gone by;
      The Lion just sat there and brooded
      With a far away look in his eye.

      It ends, after it is discovered that the Lion is brooding for Albert:

      And if you call round any evening
      I'll tell you just what you will see -
      Albert is reading to Lion in bed.
      And what is he reading? BORN FREE

      Sans teeth


      • rufina caraid gold member
        May 5, 2006
        Edit | Reply

        Which one ??

        And if you should go 'round any evening
        When Albert has gone off to rest
        There's the lion, all tucked up beside him
        Asleep, with 'is 'ead on his chest.



        This is the final stanza that seems the most common to end this particular poem I wonder which one is correct.


        • I-Like-Rhymes gold member
          May 6, 2006
          Edit | Reply
          The classic book "The Stanley Holloway Monologues" (Edited by Marshall Hall, Published by Elm Tree Books 1979 with an introduction by Holloway) has the Born Free ending and the date of the poem cited as 1978.
          Jim S


  • rufina caraid gold member
    January 11, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    This is one of the first of the 'Albert'series of poems and begins the 'drama' of Albert and the Lion. I love this type of work that not only rhymes, the meter is perfect and the storyline hilarious. Very British in it's content and word use and very funny.
    Von
    Edited on Jan 12, 4:08 p.m. because ''.

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