Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
A Song Dickens Liked: Old Clem
"Old Clem"
.
Hammer boys round – Old Clem,
With a thump and a sound – Old Clem,
Beat it out, beat it out – Old Clem,
With a cluck for the stout – Old Clem,
Blow the fire, blow the fire – Old Clem,
Roaring drier, soaring higher – Old Clem.
.
"A custom prevailed at Chatham of holding a
procession on St. Clement's day, and the saint,
who was irreverently designated 'Old Clem,' was
personated by a young smith disguised for the
occasion.
.
"Charles Dickens and Music", by James T. Lightwood,
Haskell House Pub. Ltd., N.Y., N.Y.
1970, SBN: 8383-1080-X, LC: 76-119084, p. 151