Remembered fragments

[Edengland]

Two remembered fragments from a long-ago childhood: 1) I love it, I love it, and who shall dare to chide me for loving that old armchair.
2) If I were king I'd swing upon a gate all day, and eat fat bacon.
Anyone know them?

[Octavius]

The Old Arm-Chair - by Eliza Cook

I love it, I love it; and who shall dare
To chide me for loving that old Arm-chair?
I've treasured it long as a sainted prize;
I've bedewed it with tears, and embalmed it with sighs.
'Tis bound by a thousand bands to my heart;
Not a tie will break, not a link will start.
Would ye learn the spell? - a mother sat there!
And a sacred thing is that old Arm-chair.

In Childhood's hour I lingered near
The hallowed seat with listening ear;
And gentle words that mother would give,
To fit me to die, and teach me to live.
She told me that shame would never betide,
With truth for my creed and God for my guide;
She taught me to lisp my earliest prayer,
As I knelt beside that old Arm-chair.

I sat and watched her many a day,
When her eye grew dim and her locks were gray;
And I almost worshiped her when she smiled,
And turned from her Bible to bless her child.
Years rolled on; but the last one sped -
My idol was shattered; my earth-star fled:
I learned how much the heart can bear,
When I saw her die in that old Arm-chair.

'Tis past, 'tis past, but I gaze on it now
With quivering breath and throbbing brow:
'Twas there she nursed me; 'twas there she died;
And Memory flows with lava tide.
Say it is folly, and deem me weak,
While the scalding drops start down my cheek;
But I love it, I love it; and cannot tear
My soul from a mother's old Arm-chair.

[dundurn]

2 was a cartoon (Gilray?) that sort of time period - something to do with dear old Napoleon making his relaitives kings all over Europe

[cancross]

The quote appears to have been based upon a painting by W. Collins - see:

http://books.google.ca/books?id=SFMDAAAAYAAJ&p g=PA67&lpg=PA67&dq=%22swing+upon+a+gate%22+kin g&source=web&ots=mLkgGeLeGi&sig=SY1zZOXfO38DSS cm6BtwJfj0bHY&hl=en#PPA66,M1

See pp. 66-67

and the print itself is at:

http://fr.easyart.com/posters/William-Collins/ Happy-As-A-King-Restrike-Etching-36087.html

[Edengland]

Octavius - You were very kind to give me chapter and verses from the inestimable Eliza Cook. I have them printed, and was much impressed.

Dundern - You were surely on the right track.

Cancross - Truly comprehensive, illustrated information. The painting, as you say,was based on an already known anecdote which seems to be shrouded in mystery. No matrter. Of its origins I am intrigued but not fussed

Grateful tthanks to you all.