A new Ballad, composed in commendation of the Society, or Company of the Porters.  
To the tune of, In Edenbrugh, behold.  

At the first went we, as here you see. But since our Corporation, on this fashion. And to our Hall, thus we go all.   

Thrice blessed is that Land  
where King and Rulers be.  
and men of great Command  
that careful are to see,  
〈…〉  
〈…〉  
is ●nto all extended  
rich, poor, both great and small,  
are by his care defended.   

As plainly doth appear,  
by that was lately done,  
for them that burdens b●are,  
and do on business run:  
the Porters of this City,  
so●e being men of Trade,  
but now the more, the more the pity  
by crosses are decayed.   

Yet bearing honest minds,  
their charge for to maintain,  
as Gods command them ●indes,  
with travel and with pain:  
they all have wisely joined,  
for that they have effected,  
their company to Lined  
and make it more respected.   

Now they that were before  
of meanest estimation,  
by suit have sa●ude that sore,  
and gained a Corporation:  
excludes, and shuts out many  
that were of base esteem,  
and will not suffer any  
such person bide with them.   

But such as well are known,  
and honest Acts embrace:  
among them they'll have none  
that have no biding place:  
among them they'll have none  
(as near as they can find)  
but such as well are known  
to bear an honest mind.   

For now unto their hall  
they pay their quarterage ●owne,  
attending masters call,  
and fearing masters frown,  
there seeking for redress  
and right if they have wrong,  
there, they that do transgress  
have that to them doth long.   

〈…〉  
〈…〉  
then that they had before,  
when as the malefactor  
was on a coultstaffe bore:  
for th' owner 'tis much better,  
but for th' offender worse,  
to taste this new made order,  
then ride a wooden horse.   

That shame was soon slipped over,  
soon in oblivion drowned,  
and then again, another  
would in like fault be found:  
not caring for their credit,  
and trust another time,  
this orders therefore as a bit  
to hold them from that crime.   

They that are rash, and rude,  
and obstinately run  
as their own wills conclude,  
and cannot well be won  
to condescend, and stand  
to orders they have made,  
by the Rulers out of hand,  
have f●●es upon them laid.   

All jars and brawls are bard  
that 'mongst them might arise,  
first comer, first is served,  
where as a burden lies,  
if one be ready there  
he must his profit take:  
all other must forbear  
and no resistance make.   

Such as have long been known  
to use this bearing trade,  
and into years are grown,  
(so that their strengths decayed)  
they can no longer labour  
as they have done before,  
the Company doth secure  
and maintain evermore.   

These and a many more  
good orders they have, sure,  
to make rude fellows know  
their stoutness, doth procure.  
but their own detriment  
〈…〉  
〈…〉  
but things will be amiss  
as oft it hath been known,  
the number of them is,  
a thousand forty one.   

They all met together.  
m●st handsomely arrayed,  
at Christ church, to hear there  
a sermon, for them made.  
There marks of Admittaince  
made out of tin, they ba●e  
about their necks in ribbons:  
the chief, of silver wear.   

To have seen them so, you'● wonder,  
so many should maintain  
themselves, by such a labour,  
but that, that's got with pain,  
God doth increase and bless:  
for good himself hath said,  
with pain and weariness,  
we all should get our bread.   

Thus therefore I conclude,  
more happy men are they,  
than many that delude  
the world, and bear away  
the sweet of poor men's labour  
their chests to cram and stuff,  
not caring for God's favour,  
so they have gold enough.   

Our royal King and Queen  
thou King of Kings defend,  
as thou to them hast been  
most merciful and kind:  
thy love to them increase,  
bless all they undertake:  
His Counsel's counsel, bless,  
even for thy dear sons sake.   Tho. Brewer. 
FINIS.   

Imprinted at London by Thomas Cre●●, and are to be sold at the sign of the Eagle and child, in the old Change. 〈◊〉