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A DESPERATE BOXING MATCH (From a 19th century broadsheet.) For staunch and firm bottom, there never was known A contest more worthy of fame and renown Than one fought 'tween Griffiths and Baylis, of late, On conquest both bent and for vict'ry elate. (Chorus:) And it's come all ye who listen to me, And never to scorn of the Black Country. October the fifteenth at one in the day, Began this most bloody and terrible fray. Determined they both were on ent'ring the field, To forfeit their lives before ever they'd yield. Two hundred and thirteen hard rounds were displayed. Not one nor the other e'er once seemed afraid. For more than four hours did the contest prevail, And vict'ry, o'er both, still held level her scale. No shuffling ner tricks, ner a moment's delay, Of cowardice once gave the smallest display. For half-minute rests were all the rests giv'n, To such severe fighting the contest was driv'n. The seconds and umpires, unable to say On which side the contest the victory lay, Declared a drawn battle, as th'only sure road, To stop the two heroes from shedding more blood. May Birmingham and Wednesb'ry henceforth agree, And friends their inhabitants evermore be. When they meet, be they social and pleasant inclined, And give their old grievances all to the wind. [Full title: "Song, on a Desperate Boxing Match: Fought between Henry Griffiths of Birmingham and Benjamin Baylis of Wednesbury near the Town of Sutton on Tuesday, October the 15th, 1816."] @sport filename[ DESPBOX XX  8note Sheet |
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