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Sir Alexander Leslie

from Land and Sea (2017) by Bob Leslie

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about

Sir Alexander Leslie of Auchintoul was the founder of the Russian Army. This story of his surprising encounter with the Turkish Grand Vizier is one I heard many years ago and tucked away for future reference. It is true for a given value of truth - to quote Sir Terry Pratchett. :)

lyrics

Sir Alexander Leslie, younger son of Auchintoul,
Wi a letter frae King Cherles tae Russia came
Wi Adolphus and for Poland he had proved his martial skill
And pledged that for the Czar he'd dae the same.

Mony Scots and Swedish companies he called tae Russia's cause
And Alexei named him General of his men
Till, in 1654, at Smolensk he breach'd the wa's
And the Governor of that city he became

And it only goes tae show ye that there's really nothin new
In a Scotsman rising in a foreign land
Like Sir Alexander Leslie, younger son o Auchintoul,
We jist get oan an dae the best we can


Said Alexei Mikhaelovich, wha wis nae courtly fool
"Alexander, ye're a sodjer through and through
But there comes a time for peace and noo a treaty is ma will
Wi the Sultan on his throne in Istanbul"

He appointit him Ambassador and dressed in fine array
He set aff tae meet the Michty Ottoman
Through the Black Sea tae the Golden Horn he sailt upon his wey
Resolvit he'd fufil his Maister's plan

In a bonny arched pavilion the negotiators met,
Alexander and the Sultan's Grand Vizier
Through twa skeelie interpreters the treaty's terms they'd set
In a manner either side thocht fair and clear

Then the Grand Vizier in guid Scots said "Dae Ah no ken yersel?"
Alexander thocht he must hae loast his mind
"Ah'm Geordie frae Kirkcaldy, him that rang the auld kirk bells
And it gleds ma hert tae see we've baith done fine!"

credits

from Land and Sea (2017), released August 1, 2017

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Bob Leslie Glasgow, UK

Bob Leslie's music is now available on a "NAME YOUR OWN PRICE" basis!
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“I can think of no other songwriter who has mined this rich vein
with such lyrical ease and with no mean ear for melody. ”
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