POLITICAL BALLADS 
 
 PUBLISHED IN ENGLAND 
 
 DURING 
 
 THE COMMONWEALTH. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 THOMAS WRIGHT, E^q. M.A. F.S.A. &c. 
 
 OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 LONDON : 
 PRINTED FOR THE PERCY SOCIETY, 
 
 BY C. RICHAUDS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE. 
 
 MDCCCXLI.
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS.
 
 o 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS 
 
 PUBLISHED IN ENGLAND 
 
 DURING 
 
 THE COMMONWEALTH 
 
 EDITED BY 
 / 
 
 THOMAS ^ WRIGHT, Esq. M.A. F.S.A. &c. 
 
 OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 LONDON : 
 PRINTED FOR THE PERCY SOCIETY, 
 
 BY C. RICHAKDS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE. 
 
 MDCCCXLI.
 
 PR 
 
 COUNCIL 
 
 OP 
 
 Pi-esident. 
 The Rt. Hon. LORD BRAYBROOKE, F.S.A. 
 
 THOMAS AMYOT, Esq. F.RS. Teeas. S.A. 
 
 WILLIAM HENRY BLACK, Esq. 
 
 J. A. CAHUSAC, Esq. F.S.A. 
 
 WILLIAM CHAPPELL, Esq. F.S.A. Treasurer. 
 
 JOHN PAYNE COLLIER, Esq. F.S A. 
 
 T. CROFTON CROKER, Esq. F.S.A. M.R.l.A 
 
 REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. 
 
 JAMES ORCHARD HALLIWELL, Esq. F.RS M.R.l.A. 
 
 G. P. R. JAMES, Esq. 
 
 WILLIAM JERDAN, Esq. F.S.A. M.R.S.L. 
 
 CHARLES MACKAY, Esq. 
 
 T. J. PETTIGREW, Esq. F.R.S. F.S.A 
 
 E. F. RIMBAULT, Esq Secrelarij. 
 
 JAMES WALSH, Esq. 
 
 THOMAS WRIGHT, Esq. M.A. FS.A. 
 
 /;29?'
 
 TO 
 
 MONSIEUR aUIZOT, 
 
 Ministre Secretaire d'Etiit tlu Roi des Fian9aisau departeraent des 
 Affaires Etiangeres, 
 
 IN ADMIRATION 
 
 NOT ONLY OF THE GREAT AND HONEST STATESMAN, 
 
 BUT OF THE PROFOUND HISTORIAN 
 
 AND THE ENLIGHTENED. PATRON 
 
 OF LITERATURE AND SCIENCE, 
 
 THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 
 
 BY THE EDITOR.
 
 I
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 The following selection of ballads has been made 
 under the impression, that, while they form a valu- 
 able portion of the materials of the historian for 
 this most important period of our annals, they 
 will not be devoid of interest to the general reader. 
 It is more especially in such documents as these 
 that we can observe the spirit which moves the 
 masses in great revolutions like that which tore 
 our country in what is most fitly characterized as 
 the Age of Cromwell ; — in them we may contem- 
 plate the lesser feelings which were at work be- 
 neath the surface, while the greater motives of 
 action are displayed to us by the more dignified 
 historical memorials of the age. They are valu- 
 able also as illustrating many less important cir- 
 cumstances of history, which were passed over in 
 silence by more serious writers. 
 
 Our little volume contains those most worthy of 
 being reprinted among the Political Ballads which 
 issued from the press during the agitated period 
 from the Civil Wars to the Restoration. It will 
 be seen that they belong chiefly to two distinct 
 
 r
 
 phases of the great political struggle, and they may 
 therefore be convenientlyarranged in two divisions. 
 The first relates to the period between the close 
 of the Civil Wars (when Charles the First fell 
 into the hands of the victorious parliament) and 
 the king's execution. During this period, the 
 intrigues of the royalists (from whom a large 
 portion of these ballads emanated) were more 
 dangerous to the safety of the parliament than 
 their arms had been in the field. Charles ruined 
 himself by his dishonest evasions and his indirect 
 and underhand mode of acting. The following 
 ballads show that even the royalists themselves 
 were convinced of the sincerity of the parliament- 
 ary leaders in the intention of restoring the king 
 on conditions which should eflfectually guarantee 
 their liberties ; yet they were in the mean time busy 
 fomenting jealousies between the two great parties 
 of the Independents and the Presbyterians ; and 
 the king with singular fatuity received the propo- 
 sitions of the parliament with one hand, and de- 
 clared almost publicly his treacherous intentions 
 with the other. The parliamentary leaders soon 
 saw that the restoration of the king must be the 
 signal of their own ruin, and they perceived at 
 the same time that, so long as he lived unrestored, 
 the state could hope for no tranquillity — they then 
 resolved to bring him to the block.
 
 XI 
 
 The second portion of these ballads relates to 
 a posture of affairs which in many respects bore 
 a close resemblance to the former. The powerful 
 hand of Cromwell no longer kept in control the 
 rage of partyism ; his son Richard had been 
 obliged to retire from the scene ; and the contend- 
 ing parties in the restored Commonwealth made 
 room for the renewed intrigues of the royalists. 
 Instead of a king at home and in captivity, there 
 was one free, but in a foreign land. Most of the 
 skilful hands who had guided the vessel of the 
 state through so many troubles, were departed ; 
 and the man who became suddenly master by 
 the chances of the moment, conscious of his own 
 incapacity, and unable to foresee the future, be- 
 trayed the cause which he pretended to support, 
 to secure his own personal impunity. The conse- 
 quence was, after twenty-eight years of misgovern- 
 ment, the more effectual, though less bloody, 
 revolution of eighty-eight. 
 
 With three exceptions only, these ballads have 
 been printed from copies preserved in the large 
 collection in the British Museum, known by the 
 name of the King's Pamphlets. The times 
 of the Commonwealth and the Protectorate were 
 remarkable for the immense number of pamphlets 
 and printed broadsides which continually issued 
 from the press, many of them filled with libels and
 
 XII 
 
 personal abuse.* Some individual, who lived 
 through this period, purchased nearly every one 
 of these tracts as they appeared, and carefully 
 wrote on each the date of the day on which it 
 was bought ; and these, having been bound in 
 several series of volumes, according to their sizes, 
 and having been preserved during the two reigns 
 which followed the Restoration, were at a more 
 recent period given by King George III to the 
 British Museum, where they afford an inexhaust- 
 ible fund of materials for the history of that im- 
 portant period of our annals. Twenty-four volumes 
 of " folio broadsides" contain the numerous pro- 
 clamations and other writings issued in single 
 sheets, interspersed with a considerable number 
 of ballads of different kinds ; and the ballads in 
 particular are rendered doubly valuable by being 
 endorsed with the date at which they were circu- 
 lated. Most of these broadside ballads are of 
 the gi-eatest rarity ; t some of them were afterwards 
 
 * The satirical tracts of the Commonwealth contain frequent 
 allusions to the great licence of the press. In one, the ques- 
 tion is asked, " Whether the booksellers (those rascally pedlers 
 at the worst-end of St. Paul's) would not do better (at the 
 How) in the Berbados, than they do the Commonwealth of 
 England by selling of pamphlets ; and if so, whether the 
 trade woidd not be much better T'— Select City Quwries, 4 to. 
 Lend. 1660. 
 
 t There are copies of the originals of many of the ballads
 
 xin 
 
 reprinted, but in general very incorrectly, in the 
 collections of "Loyal Songs," " Rump Songs," &c. 
 which are now also rare books. 
 
 In printing the following ballads, the Editor 
 has thought it necessary to take a few trifling 
 liberties. In the first place it seemed to him that 
 one who edits such documents from printed broad- 
 sides, ought to consider himself placed in the 
 position of a corrector of the press at the time 
 they were printed : this, however, is a privilege 
 which he has exercised seldom, and with great 
 caution. In the second place, he has considered it 
 his duty to expunge as much as possible the gross 
 expressions which sometimes occur in the originals, 
 and which were less obnoxious to the ears of our 
 forefathers than to those of our contemporaries. 
 This is a liberty which some readers will perhaps 
 think ought to have been extended even beyond 
 the bounds within which the editor has confined 
 himself. This duty has obliged him to alter in some 
 cases a line, or a word, and in others to omit a 
 few lines of the original. On the whole, the 
 ballads which were composed before the Restor- 
 ation are far more free from such defects than 
 those which appeared at the period immediately 
 following. 
 
 printed in the present volume in the curious Colloction of 
 Balkfls in the possession of [Mr. Thorpe of I'lofmlilly.
 
 XIV 
 
 The notes to the present volume are of a very 
 unpretending character, and have only^been added 
 with the hope of making the volume a little more 
 popular and amusing. The circumstances under 
 which the work w^as projected and executed, were 
 such as would not allow the Editor to attempt 
 anything more. His object has been to explain 
 briefly allusions with which the general reader 
 might not always be acquainted ; and as the bal- 
 lads themselves are a kind of popular illustration 
 of history, he hoped to increase their value by 
 embodying in the notes a few illustrations of a 
 similar character from other songs of the same 
 age, and from the satirical portion of the King's 
 Pamphlets. These numerous satirical tracts are 
 worthy of a more careful perusal by those who 
 take an interest in the social history and the 
 popular antiquities and literature of our forefa- 
 thers ; they are full of illustrations of the manners 
 and customs of the seventeenth century, and they 
 contain not only curious allusions to the popular 
 writers of the day, but also here and there a tra- 
 ditionary notice of those of the earlier part of the 
 century, or even of those of the Elizabethan age.* 
 
 * Thus, in a tract entitled the " Pigs Corantoe," 4to. Lond. 
 1642, mention is made of " Old Tarltons Song, 
 
 " The King of France with forty thousand men, 
 Went up a hill, and so came down agon."
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 The Clown's Complaint ..... 1 
 
 A Panegyrick, &c. ...... 8 
 
 A new Ballad, called a Review of the Rebellion . . 13 
 
 Have amongst yon, my Masters . . . .2.5 
 
 The Penitant Traytor . . . . .30 
 
 Strange and True Newes . . . . .38 
 
 The Cities Loyaltie to the King . . . .42 
 
 The Members Justification . . . . .45 
 
 Prattle your Pleasure . . . . .49 
 
 I thank you t-svice . . . . . .51 
 
 The Dagonizing of Bartholomew Fa;yTe . . .53 
 
 The Poore Committee-Mans Accompt . . .55 
 
 The Committee-Mans Complaint and the Scots honest Usage 60 
 A la Mode . . . . . . .64 
 
 The Cities Thanks to Southwarke for giA^ng the Ai'my 
 
 entrance . . . . . . .70 
 
 A Justification of the Synod of Siou Colledge against 
 
 those who say they have sate long and done nothing . 76 
 The braggadocia Souldier and the civill Citizen . . 84 
 
 A loyal Song, of the royal Feast kept by the Prisoners in 
 
 the Towre . . . . . .87 
 
 Truth flatters not . . . . . .99 
 
 Mad Tom a Bedlams desires of Peace . . .101 
 
 Colonell Rainsborowes Ghost .... 107 
 
 The Anarchic, or the blest Reformation since 1640 . 112 
 
 A Coffin for King Chai-les : a Crowne for Cromwell : a Pit 
 
 for the People . . . . .117 
 
 Strange Predictions . . . . . .122 
 
 The Parliament routed : or, Here's a House to be let . 126 
 A Total Rout . . . . . .131 
 
 The new Lctany ...... 135 
 
 The Arraignment of the Divel for stealing away President 
 
 Bi-adshaw . . . . . . .139 
 
 A proper new Ballad on the old Parliament . . 146
 
 XVI 
 
 The noblo English Worthies . . . .163 
 
 Tlic Cities New Toots Mock Show . . . .168 
 
 A New- Years-Gift for the Rump . . . .174 
 
 A Ilymne to the Gentle-Craft, or Hewson's Lamentation . 179 
 A new Ballade . . . . . .183 
 
 The Gang: or, the Nine Worthies and Champions . 188 
 
 Vanity of Vanities : or. Sir Harry Vane's Pieture . 194 
 
 Tlic Breceh Wash'd by a Friend to the Rump . . 198 
 
 The I'arliament-Complement : or, the Re-admission of the 
 secludtid ]\Iembers to the Discharge of their long-re- 
 tarded trust . . . .201 
 
 Saint George and the Dragon, Anglice Mercurius Poeticus 205 
 The Second Part of St. George for England . .21.5 
 
 News from Hell, or the Relation of a Vision . .219 
 
 The Glory of these Nations : or, King and Peoples Ilappinesse 223 
 The Lamentation of a bad Market : or, the Disbanded Souldier 229 
 The Phanatics Plot discovered .... 234 
 
 A Relation of the Ten grand infamous Traytors, &e. . 237 
 Hugh Peters last Will and Testament : or the Haltering 
 of the Divell . . . . . .242 
 
 A Psabn of Mercy . . . . . .248 
 
 The Cavaliers Complaint ..... 257 
 
 The Cavaleers Letany ..... 261 
 
 A Countrey Song, intituled the Restoration . . 265 
 
 Adilitional Notes . . . . .269
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 
 
 THE CLOWNS COMPLAINT. 
 
 [Beginning of the year 1647.] 
 
 The following ballad is by Alexander Brome, a celebrated 
 royalist poet of this period, and is taken from his " Songs," 
 London, 1664. It appears to have been written soon after 
 the king delivered himself to the Scots, perhaps in 1646 or 
 early in 1647 ; and deserves insertion, not only as a true pic- 
 ture of the sufferings of the country people during the civil 
 wars, but as a specimen of the dialect of the west of England 
 at that period. 
 
 Ah, surra, is't a come to this, 
 That all our weez-men do zo miss ? 
 
 Esdid think zo much avore. 
 Have we kept veighting here zo long, 
 To zell our kingdom vor a zong ? 
 
 that ever chowr a bore ! 
 
 Echave a be a cavaliero, 
 
 Like most weeze-men that escood hear-o; 
 
 And shoor sdid wish 'lun well. 
 But within sdid zee liow the did go 
 To cheat the king and countroy too, 
 
 Esbid 'iiin all vorwdl.
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1G47 
 
 Thoo wliuu the club-men* wor so thick, 
 Esput my zive upon a stick, 
 
 And about eswent among 'urn : 
 And by my troth esdid suppose 
 That they were honester then those 
 
 That now do zwear they'l hang 'um. 
 
 Was't not enow to make men vite, 
 ^Vlien villains come by de and nig) it 
 
 To plunder and undoe 'um ; 
 And garizons did vet all in, 
 And steep the countrey to the skin; 
 
 And we zed nothing to 'um ? 
 
 But we had zoon a scurvy pluck ; 
 The better men the worser luck ; 
 
 We had knaves and vools among us. 
 Zome turn'd, zome cowards run away, 
 And left a vew behind to try, 
 
 And bloudy rogues to bang us. 
 
 * The club-men were an irregular force of armed men who 
 rose in the west of England in 1645, about the time of the battle 
 of Naseby. They pretended first to be of neither party, but 
 their purpose appears to have been chiefly to defend the coun- 
 try from the barbarities and licentiousness of the royalists 
 employed under Goring in those parts. They afterwards 
 acted more or less in favour of the king, and they were sup- 
 pressed by Fairfax and Cromwell, in the autumn of the year 
 just mentioned. They appear to have been armed at first 
 only with clubs and such rustic weapons. The parliament 
 issued an ordinance against " malignant clubmen."
 
 1G47] POLITICAL BALLADS. 'S 
 
 But now 'tis a come to a scurvy matter, 
 Cliam ill tlie house of the surgan-strater* 
 
 That have no grace nor pitty, 
 But here they peel and pole and squeeze, 
 And when cha' paid them all their fees, 
 
 They turn me to the mittee.f 
 
 Like furies they zit three and three, 
 And all their plots to hegger we, 
 
 Like Pilate and the Jews ; 
 And zome to ze that both do know, 
 Of thick above and those below, 
 
 'Tis not a pin to chose. 
 
 But tho echood redeem my grown, 
 Es went to London to compoun,| 
 
 And ride through ween and weather ; 
 Estaid there eight and twonty week. 
 And chowor at last zo much to zeek 
 
 As when es vurst come thither. 
 
 There whun's zeed voke to church repair, 
 Espi'd about vor Common-Prayer, 
 But no zuch thing could zet; : 
 
 * ? Sequestrator. 
 
 f The Committee of .sequestration of the estates of tho 
 royalists who were in arms. They were held in every county 
 clurin;^ the war, and for some time afterwards. 
 
 J The Committee of compounders sat in London, to trans- 
 act with tliose who wen,' williny to compound for their estates. 
 
 15 2
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 The zed the common'st that was there 
 Was vrom a tub i)r a wicker chair, 
 They call'd it stumpere.* 
 
 Es hur'd 'um pray, and every word 
 As the wor sick they cri'd " O Lord !" 
 
 And thoo ston still agen ; 
 And vor my life escould not know 
 Wliun they begun or had ado, 
 
 But when they zed, Amen. 
 
 They have a new word, 'tis not preach, 
 Zdo think zome o'me did call it teach, 
 
 A trick of their devizing ; 
 And there zo good a nap sdid vet, 
 Till 'twas a doo that's past zun-zet, 
 
 As if 'twor but zun-rising. 
 
 At night zo zoon's chwar into bed, 
 Sdid my prayers without book read, 
 
 My Creed and Pater-noster ; 
 Methink zet all their prayers to thick, 
 And they do goo no more a leek. 
 
 Then an apple's like an oyster. 
 
 Chad nead to watch zo well as pray, 
 Whun chave to do with zuch as they, 
 
 Or else es may go zeek ; 
 They need not bid a monthy vast, 
 Vor if zoo be these times to last 
 
 TavooI come to zeav'n a weak. 
 
 * Extempore.
 
 Ifi47] POLITICAL BALLADS. 5 
 
 Es waited tliere a hiiges time, 
 
 And brib'd thick men to know my crime,. 
 
 That esmed make my peace ; 
 At last esvown my purse was vat. 
 And if chwonld be reform'd of that, 
 
 They wood give me a release. 
 
 Esgid 'um bond voor neenscore pown, 
 Bezides what chad a paid 'um down, 
 
 And thoo they made me swear ; 
 Whun chad a reckon'd what my cost are, 
 Es swear'd chood ene zit down aloster. 
 
 Vor by my troth chawr weary. 
 
 Thoo when scome home esbote some beass, 
 And chowr in hope we should ha' peace, 
 
 Case here's no cavaliers ; 
 But now they zed's a new quandary, 
 Tween Pendents and the Presbytary,* 
 
 Cham agast they'i go by the ears. 
 
 Esbore in hon 'twould never last, 
 The mittees did get wealth zo vast, 
 
 And gentlemen undoo ; 
 Uds wonderkins ! toold make one mad ! 
 That three or four livings had 
 
 Now can't tell whare to goo. 
 
 * Alluding to the dissensions and rivalry between the two 
 great religious parties after the conclusion of the war, which 
 ended in the triumph of the; Jndependtmts over the I'resby- 
 terians, and the elevation of Cromwell.
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. [104: 
 
 Cha zced the time Avlien cscood gee 
 My (later more then zix of the, 
 
 But now by bribes and stortions 
 Zome at our wedden ha bestow'd 
 In gloves more then avore this wood 
 
 A made throe daters portions. 
 
 One o'm ow'd mc three liundred pown ; 
 Es zend for zome, he paid it down, 
 
 But within three daies ater 
 Ech had a ticket to restore 
 The same agen and six times more ; 
 
 Isn't this a couzning matter ? 
 
 Whun chood not do't, smot to black-rod, 
 A place was ne'r a made by God, 
 
 And there chowre vain to lye 
 Till chad a gidd'n up his bon, 
 And paid a hundred more in hon. 
 
 And thoo smed come awy. 
 
 Nay now they have a good hon made, 
 What if the Scots should play the jade, 
 
 And keep awy our king ?* 
 War they not mad in all these dangers, 
 To go and trust the king with strangers ? 
 
 Was ever such a thing ? 
 
 * The king deUvered himself to the Scots on the 5th of 
 May 1046, and was given up by them to the parliament in 
 the" beginning of the year following, arriving at Iloldenby 
 about the middle of February.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 7 
 
 We ha' nor scrip nor scrole to show 
 Whether it be our king or no, 
 
 And if they should deny an, 
 They'l make us vight vor'n once more, 
 As well's agenst'n heretovore, — 
 
 How can we else come by 'n ? 
 
 We had been better paid 'um down 
 Their vorty hundred thousand pown,* 
 
 And zo a zet 'um gwine ; 
 Vor cham agast avore the goo, 
 The'l have our grown and mony too, — 
 
 Cham sore afeard of mine ! 
 
 Another trick they do devize. 
 
 The vive and twonty part and size ;f 
 
 And there at every meeting 
 We pay vor wives and chilch'ens pole, 
 More then they'l ever yield us whole, — 
 
 'Tis abomination cheating ! 
 
 * The Scots, who had been called into England, demanded 
 four hundred thousand pounds, for arrears, &c. due to them 
 from the Parliament. 
 
 f Tlie excise, of which the idea was borrowed from the 
 financial system of the Dutch, was one of the principal taxes 
 levied by the Long Parliament, and was first introduced by 
 Pym, in the year 1643. It was much cried against by the 
 opponents of the governing powers. 
 
 " Free quarter is a tedious thing, 
 And so is Uie excise : 
 NoiK! can deliver us, but the king, 
 From tliis danin'd Dutch device." 
 
 Mercurius J'rwjmaticus, No. 2, Sept. 21-38, 1647.
 
 S POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 We can nor eat, nor drink, nor lye 
 We our own wives by and hy, 
 
 We pay to knaves that couzen ; 
 My dame and I ten children made, 
 But now we do gee off tlie trade, 
 
 Vor fear should be a douzen. 
 
 Then lets to clubs agen and vight ; 
 Or let's take it all out right ; 
 
 Vor thus they mean to sai'e : — 
 All thick be right they'l strip and use. 
 And deal with them as bad as Jews, 
 
 AU custen voke, beware ! 
 
 A PANEGYRICK, 
 
 FAITHFULLY RKPRESENTING THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PAR- 
 LIAMENT AT WESTMINSTER SINCE THEIR FIRST SESSIONS TO 
 THIS PRESENT, AVHEREIN THEIR WONDERFULL ACTS ARE 
 TRULY DECLARED AND WHAT IS FURTHER BY THEM TO BE 
 EXPECTED. 
 
 [London, June 5, 1(547.] 
 
 This ballad is preserved lunonjij the King's Pamphlets in the 
 British Museum, Folio Broadsides, vol. 5. It was written in 
 the heat of the dissensions between the army and the parlia- 
 ment, or between the Independents and the Presbyterians, 
 immediately after the house had voted that the army should 
 be disbanded, and after Cromwell had withcb-awn to the latter 
 body.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 9 
 
 Most gracious, omnipotent, 
 And everlasting Parliament, 
 
 "Whose power and majestic 
 Is greater then all kings by odds ; 
 Yea, to account you lesse then Gods 
 
 Must needs be blasphemie. 
 
 Moses and Aaron ue're did doe 
 
 More wonders then are wrought by you 
 
 For Englands Israel ; 
 But through the Red-sea we have past, — 
 If you to Canaan bring's at last, 
 
 Is't not a miracle ? 
 
 In sixe yeares space you have done more 
 Then all our Parliaments before, — 
 
 You have quite done the worke ; 
 The cavaliers, the king, the pope, 
 You have o'erthrowne, and next we hope 
 
 You will confound the Turke. 
 
 The heads of Strafford and of Laud 
 You did cut off, because by fraud 
 
 They would have made us slaves ; 
 But sure you were ten times more just. 
 Who Carew and the Hothams trusst,* 
 
 For they were arrant knaves. 
 
 * Sir Alexander Carew, member of Parliament for the 
 roimty of Cornwall, was beheaded on the 2.'Jrd of December, 
 1644, for eiideavourin{;to betray the town of Plymouth to the
 
 10 I'OLlTICAl, I5ALLADS. [1047 
 
 By you we have deliverance 
 
 From the designes of Spaine and France, 
 
 Ormond, Montrose, the Danes ;* 
 You, aided by our brethren Scots, 
 Defeated have malignant plots, 
 
 And brought their swords to canes. 
 
 AVliat wholsome lawes have you ordain'd, 
 "VMiereby our propertie's maintain'd 
 
 'Gainst those would us undoe ! 
 Yea, both our fortunes and our lives. 
 And, what is dearer, e'en our wives, 
 
 Are wholly kept by you. 
 
 what a flourishing church and state 
 Have we enjoy 'd ere since you sate ! 
 
 Wliat a glorious king, God save him ! 
 Have you made his majesty. 
 Had he the grace but to comply 
 
 And doe as you would have him ? 
 
 When heU was not enough to fright 
 And make the royall party right. 
 You wisely did invent 
 
 ■king. The two Hothams, father and son, were executed on 
 the first and second of January following ; they had entered 
 into a plot to betray Hull to the king. 
 
 * The Earl of Ormond was the main support of the royal 
 cause in Ireland ; and the Marquis of Montrose had fre- 
 quently raised the drooping spirits of the king by his victories 
 in Scotland. The Danes were to have given their assistance 
 to the house of Stuart, allied as it was by blood to the reigning 
 family in Denmark, but were hindered by wars at home.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 11 
 
 That dreadfim Tophet GoMsmiths-haU,* 
 And committees worse than devil and all, 
 For their fuU punishment. 
 
 Your directory liow to pray 
 
 By th' spii'it, shewes the perfect way ; 
 
 In zeale you have abolisht 
 That Dagon of the Common-prayer ; 
 And next we see you wiU take care 
 
 That churches be demolisht. 
 
 \Vliat midtitudes in every trade 
 
 Of painfull preachers you liave made, 
 
 Learned by revelation ? 
 Oxford and Cambridge make poore preachers, 
 Each shop affordeth better teachers, — 
 
 Oh blessed Reformation ! 
 
 Your godly wisedomes have found out 
 The true religion, without doubt ; 
 
 For sure amongst so many 
 ("We have five hundred at the least — 
 Is not the gospeU well increast ?) 
 
 One must be pure, if any. 
 
 Could you have done more piously, 
 Then sell church-lands the king to buy,f 
 And stop the cities plaints ; 
 
 * The Committee for compounders for delinquency sat at 
 Goldsmiths' Iliill. 
 
 t From the Scots, who delivered him to the Parliament on 
 condition of being satisfied in their pecuniary demands.
 
 12 POLITICAL BALLADS, [1647 
 
 Paying the Scots church-militant, 
 That the new gospel! help to plant ; — 
 God knowes they are -poore saints ! 
 
 Because the Apostles Creed is lame, 
 Th' assembly do a better frame, 
 
 Wliich saves us all with ease ; 
 Provided still we have the grace 
 To beleeve th' two houses i'th' first place. 
 
 Let our works be what they please. 
 
 'Tis strange your power and holinesse 
 Can't the Irish Devill dispossesse,* 
 
 His kind is very stout ; 
 That though you doe so often pray, 
 And every moneth keep fasting-day. 
 
 You cannot get him out, 
 
 IVho wiU not pay with all his heart 
 Excise, the fifth and twentieth part, 
 
 Assessements, taxes, rates? 
 'Tis easie what both houses leavy ; 
 Our duties to the king were heavy, 
 
 But all we have 's the state's. 
 
 * During the war in England, the parliament was not 
 able to give sufficient attention to the affairs of Ireland; 
 but they appointed frequent fasts and prayers to obtain the 
 help of heaven for the cruelly persecuted Protestants of the 
 sister island.
 
 1647] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 1 3 
 
 For all your sufferings and your paines, 
 A^Tiat in the end shall be your gaines 
 
 You never did regard ; 
 Some twenty thousand pounds a man, 
 An office too ; alas ! who can 
 
 Thiuke that a fit reward ? 
 
 Wherefore, as soon as you're dissolv'd, 
 To shew our thanks we are resolv'd ; 
 
 The king himselfe engages 
 Another Parliament to call, 
 Which your deserts consider shall, 
 
 And surely pay your wages. 
 
 A iS^EW BALLAD, 
 
 CALLED A REVIEW OF THE REBELLION, IN THREE PARTS. 
 
 To the Tune of " When the king enjoyes his rights againe." 
 
 [June 15, 1647.] 
 
 This ballad is given from the fifth volume of the folio broad- 
 sides, King's Pamphlets, Brit. Mus. The original words of 
 the popular tune to which it was sung, " When the king en- 
 joys his own again," are said to have been composed by Martin 
 Parker. See ChappcU's " Collection of National English 
 Airs," p. 177. 
 
 Britainp:s, awake from your six yoares dreame, 
 And listen to this deare-bought theame,
 
 14 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1G47 
 
 Which shewes how you fast a sleep were lullde, 
 Aiul by what magick spells so gullde. 
 
 Then give attentive eare 
 
 To what I make appeare, 
 In that wliicli I shall here for your sakes relate; 
 
 For now you have in print 
 
 (And you may believe me in't) 
 The histori(} of your present state. 
 
 When Charles first call'd this Pai'liament, 
 He did it with a full intent 
 Our grievances for to remove, 
 And to settle us in peace and love; 
 
 What e're we did desire, 
 
 Or justly could require, 
 He granted, 'twas but aske and have; 
 
 And yet (woe and alas!) 
 
 It's now so brought to passe, 
 That the free-borne is become a slave. 
 
 For of late the treacherous Scots and wee 
 On a nationall Covenant did agree, 
 And bound ourselves by solemne oath 
 Ne're after to keep faith and troatli; 
 
 And well may we sweare 
 
 They're but brethren deare, 
 For th' have cost us many a thousand pound; 
 
 And for all that, we have got 
 
 But this advantage from the Scot, 
 We ai-e turn'd rebellious and I'ound.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 15 
 
 All playes and play-houses ai'e o're-tlvrowne,* 
 That now the two houses may act alone; 
 Of which each member, with so much art, 
 Playes the king, the lord, knave, or fooles part. 
 
 The pope or parasite, 
 
 The Turke or jesuite, 
 That coidd one but get in by stealth, 
 
 There he might plotted see. 
 
 And act the tragedie 
 Of this poore church and common-wealth. 
 
 In all the ecclesiastique storie. 
 
 Who e're sawe such a directorie 
 
 As ours, which leaves us wholly in the lurch? 
 
 Whilst they seeme to constitute a church; 
 
 The Lords prayer and the creed. 
 
 And (that which all should read) 
 The ten conamandements are out quite; 
 
 It seemes our synod would 
 
 Not that our people should 
 Pray, practise, or believe aright. 
 
 Religion once so purely taught. 
 And protestant, now's set at naught; 
 
 * In the year 1647, a general interdict was established 
 against stage-plays, as having been " condemned by ancient 
 heathens, and by no means to be tolerated among professors 
 of the Christian religion." These exhibitions had always been 
 an object of the attacks of the puritans, and at the beginning 
 of the war they had been temporarily suppressed, as unfitting 
 to be tolerated during a period of great public calamity.
 
 16 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 Most of our old clergy martyrs be 
 For loving God and their loyaltie; 
 
 And new in -lighted sects 
 
 Have now found out such texts, 
 As none of the fathers e're could dearo; 
 
 Yet these the brethren round 
 
 By the spirit so expound, 
 That it would doe ones heart goo<l to heare. 
 
 Those that were once birds of the night, 
 Now in the sun-shine take their flight; 
 And such as scarce durst shew their face. 
 Are now the onely babes of grace. 
 
 Lay Levites are iUlow'd 
 
 To vent in every crowd 
 Such stuife as the pure assembly mold. 
 
 And so it be but new. 
 
 Yet the Round-head cries 'tis true, 
 Because it contradicts the old, 
 
 Gods due, the churches rights and lands, 
 Are ingross'd by sacrilegious hands ; 
 The City Atheist will never rest. 
 Till th' alter-coale have fir'd their nest ; 
 
 They will have store of gold. 
 
 Though for it must be sold 
 Their God, theii-king, their church and nation; 
 
 All these they never prise, 
 
 Because they count them lyes, 
 As they do their Saviour :uk1 salvation.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 17 
 
 The once renowned common -law 
 Is made by votes not worth a straw; 
 And ordinances* in its roome 
 Give lojall hearts their deadly doome. 
 
 A sad thing for to think ! 
 
 We're at destructions brincke, 
 Because rul'd by legislative power; 
 
 And therefore now if ever 
 
 This kingdome may assever 
 That this of darknesse is the hower. 
 
 Our liberty, whicli cost so deare, 
 In lesse then yet full seven yeare 
 Is lost, for which such worthies died, 
 And tyrants now at will us ride; 
 
 Our persons and our purse 
 
 Are now under such a curse, 
 As never yet this land befell ; 
 
 Of which I am afraid 
 
 E're long it will be said, 
 Tliat it cannot be much Avorso in hell. 
 
 THE SECOND PART. 
 
 To thf same 'rune. 
 
 The properties of our estates 
 Is spoyl'd l)y ai'})itrarie rates, 
 
 * Ordinances were acts passed by tho; two houses, and 
 iniidc valal)l(' witliimt tlic royal sanction and sic^naturc 
 
 C
 
 18 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 Anil no man holds life, goods, or lands, 
 Free from the lust of their commands. 
 
 The state (if't stand in need) 
 
 Will force us for to bleed; 
 So long as any one drop is left. 
 
 All must goe for the cause. 
 
 Though quite against the lawes 
 Of God and man we are bereft. 
 
 Tlien what have you gain'd by all these warres 
 But shame and beggerie and scarres? 
 In all your zeale (O peevish elves!) 
 Whom have you conquer'd but yoiu-selves? 
 
 Your itch against the king, 
 
 The bishop, and the ring; 
 (For which now stands so ingag'd the nation), 
 
 Hath brought you to this passe, 
 
 That you are ridden like an asse; — 
 Behold your blessed reformation ! 
 
 They've taken away th' Ecclesiastique Courts, 
 And given th' Apprentices dayes for sports;* 
 
 * Since the old holidays, (Christmas, Easter, Whitsuntide, 
 &c.) had been laid aside, as being superstitious, the appren- 
 tices, who were very busy during the present year (1647), had 
 begun early in the year to stir themselves to obtain other days 
 in their place. Among the King's Pamphlets in the British 
 Museum (vol. 308, small 4tos.), there is inserted one of the 
 original notices, in manuscript, stuck up against the walls in 
 London by the apprentices, which is worded as follows. 
 " Fellow Apprentices, 
 
 " You arc desired on Tuesday y'' 20th of Ap. 1647, at 7 of
 
 1G47] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 19 
 
 Some of which that adventured out for the cause, 
 Tliey make freemen and tlieir masters jack-dawes, 
 
 Wliom they note as the train'd band, 
 
 Every day by them to stand, 
 That the houses may securely sit; 
 
 Wliilst that they do reward 
 
 The wittalls that them guard, 
 With the blessins: of Issachar to teach them wit. 
 
 » 
 
 Thus while you thought all to ingrosse. 
 You must sit downe by weeping crosse, 
 For yom' lawes, religion, libertie, 
 Reputation, peace, and propertie; 
 
 Which you might still have had, 
 
 But that you fell starke mad; 
 And the father now to his sonne may tell, 
 
 How th' Parliament and the Scot 
 
 Shar'd betweene them all wee'd got. 
 And so the glory did depart from our Israel. 
 
 ye clocke, to meet in Covent Garden for y^ prosecution of o'' 
 late pesented petition for Recreation, and yt we may better 
 succeed, all ci\dlity is required, &c." 
 
 On the 8th May following, as we learn from the News- 
 papers of the time, the House of Commons agreed to an 
 ordinance " for recreation of schollars, ap])rentices, and serv- 
 ants," whereby thu second Tuesday in every month was 
 appointed to be kept as a holiday. The masters seem to have 
 been unwilling to acc-cdc to this arrangement, and it was the 
 cause of mucii dispute between them and their apprentices 
 during the rest of the year. 
 
 The London apprentices were very ac^tivc; this year, and many 
 ballads and tracts were published about th(!m, because the 
 parliament and the city reckoned on their assistance in tiunr 
 dispute with the ami}-. 
 
 c 2
 
 20 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 Wliat christian heart next dotli not akc 
 To see the poore Irish laid at th' stake? 
 For their lives and lands, the ordinance saith, 
 May be bought for summs on the publick faith. 
 
 And some men are so wise, 
 
 To thinkc them lawful! prise, 
 Because they're voted rebells by our state ; 
 
 But, were it not a sinne, 
 
 Yet they divide the skinne 
 Of the beare among them e're they lia't. 
 
 Our people (who were once so mad 
 To be all of the tribe of Gad, 
 Whose idolatry nothing could content 
 But this everlasting Parliament 
 
 And a posture of warre) 
 
 Shall find they've gon so farre 
 That now they cannot well come off; 
 
 And when they have wasted all. 
 
 On the crowne and churches fall, 
 They'l be awarded with a scoffe. 
 
 How many feares and jealousies 
 And plots (abhominable lies!) 
 Have fill'd our pulpits and our braines, 
 Onely to cheate us into chaines; 
 
 Which never will be broke. 
 
 But onely by a stroke 
 Given to th' ring-leaders of the faction; 
 
 Without it we may straine 
 
 Our wits, yet sill in vaine, 
 For nought can doe us good but action.
 
 1G47] POLITICAL BALLADS. 21 
 
 Conunittees sit in most great townes, 
 To awe both the gentry and the clownes; 
 They keepe the peace in every sheire, 
 By ferretting the cavalier. 
 
 Yea, these men are so just, 
 
 In discharging of their trust, 
 Impos'd upon them by the state, 
 
 That none shall dare to quatch. 
 
 Though for lying at the catch 
 They deserve both of God and men the hate. 
 
 He whom the warres leaves worth a grote, 
 Shall be delinquent made by vote; 
 Ai-e we not like to be bravely reform'd? 
 Who are sure to be througlily worm'd? 
 
 Quarterings, excise, and taxe, 
 
 Expect untill the axe 
 And halter claime by law their due; 
 
 'Till then 'tis hard to show 
 
 The ready way to know 
 A rebell from a subject true. 
 
 The army which was once so fear'd. 
 Most gallant men have now appear'd. 
 By standing for laAv and libertie, 
 And continuance of the monarcliie; 
 
 And as they fought to bring 
 
 To th' Parliament the king, 
 For settling of our happy peace, 
 
 So still (thougJi some men kick) 
 
 To their principles they stick, 
 To purchase his, their owne, and our release.
 
 22 I'OLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 THE THIRD PAKT, 
 OF THE PKIVILIDGES OF THE TWO HOUSES OF PAKLIAMENT. 
 
 Ti) hate idl good ami hugge sill evill, 
 111 an angels shape to out-act the Devill, 
 With all kinds of basenesse to comply, 
 And make the whole realme a monopoly, 
 
 To laugh at conscience, 
 
 And be quite void of sence, 
 Now church and state they've in peices rent. 
 
 To breake all kind of trust, 
 
 And to do nothing that is just, 
 Ai"e some priviledges of this Parliament. 
 
 And to abuse the king by protestations, 
 Remonstrances, and declarations; 
 To leavy armes against him, and pull downe 
 AU the fairest flowers of his crowne ; 
 
 To seize on his ships and ports, 
 
 His revenue and his forts; 
 And to revile his queene and progenie; 
 
 To counterfeict his scale. 
 
 And his letters to reveall, 
 And to keepe him prisoner at Holdenby.* 
 
 And to countenance tumults, publish fictions, 
 Vote and order contradictions; 
 
 * The king arrived at Holdenby on the 16th of Februai-y, 
 1647, and was removed from thence on the 4th oi' .Tune, by a 
 party sent from the army.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 23 
 
 To set up an idoll nam'd the cause, 
 
 And make all bowe to't in spight of the lawes; 
 
 The conscience to inforce, 
 
 And go on without remorse ; 
 And that (which yet is worse) to apostatize 
 
 From God and all that's good, 
 
 And to shed innocent blood, 
 And to stope their eares against our cryes. 
 
 And (as the members decay) to pack new elections; 
 And to give to whom they list protections; 
 To roote out Episcopacy, and to ordaine 
 A fast to palliate the same, 
 
 And an humiliation 
 
 To busie the nation. 
 Whilst they the Bishops-lands do sell;* 
 
 Which so men will but buy, 
 
 They'l give security 
 Unto them that there is no hell. 
 
 And the learned clergy to disgrace; 
 The conscientious to displace; 
 And in their rooms for to advance 
 Schisme, sedition, and ignorance; 
 
 Informers to reward. 
 
 Without any regard 
 
 * Episcopacy havinp^ been entirely abolished, a commission 
 was employed diirin<;- the present year to proceed with the 
 sale of the bishops' lands.
 
 2J< POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 To th' persons whom they fidsuly 'peach ; 
 
 And to promise them good pay, 
 
 So that enough they'l say 
 To l)ring th' ill-aftected within their reach. 
 
 And to (luestion the pei'sons in the Trinitic; 
 
 And to make the sence of the house divinitie; 
 
 To roote out reverence, and declare 
 
 That bivrnes as good as churches are; 
 The truth to persecute, 
 And to make good ministers mute, 
 
 And to keep half our churches without preaching ; 
 And (to avoide controules, 
 Though it starves the peoples soides) 
 
 To sutfer none but Eound-head teaching.* 
 
 And the two Universities to infect. 
 And sacramentaUs to neglect; 
 All workes of piety to pull downe, 
 With tlie monuments of great renowne; 
 
 And hospitalls to rob, 
 
 And makes us all sigh and sob, 
 And worse, if worse they could invent; 
 
 And to vote all sence and reason 
 
 That's against them, to be treason, 
 Ai-e priviledges of this Piuiiament. 
 
 And so are but I conclude my song; 
 
 For truth (though short) e're seemes too long. 
 
 * See before, p. 4, 1. 10.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 25 
 
 If now you would know Avhat remetlie 
 There may for all these uiischiefes be, 
 
 Then must king Charles alone 
 
 Be set upon his throne, 
 For wliicli let's joyne in one with might and maine; 
 
 For the times will never mend, 
 
 Till the Parliament do end, 
 And the king injoyes his right againe. 
 
 HAVE AMONGST YOU, MY MASTERS. 
 
 [Juno 19, 1647.] 
 
 The ori.::iin;il of the following ballad is preserved in the fifth 
 volume of the folio broadsides in the King's Pamphlets. It 
 was written when the army was continually moving its quar- 
 ters nearer to the city, and when the parliament was issuing 
 orders forbidding it to approach within a given distance. 
 
 Give eare, give eare unto my ditty. 
 All you good people that love this city ! 
 
 'Tis high time you repent ; 
 For if th' offended army come. 
 This city will be quite undone, — 
 
 Your cases I lament. 
 
 Wlien yon your outworks should defend, 
 Some villaine whom you think your fnen<! 
 May set the town on fire;
 
 26 POLITICAL BALLADS. [i(;4r 
 
 Then will they straight to plunder fall. 
 And in an instant rob you all, — 
 Then they have their desire. 
 
 If once the army doe appeare 
 Within ten miles, they come too neare, 
 
 They have so many friends ; 
 Send all they call for with new ropes 
 About their necks, there may be hopes 
 
 That may make some amends. 
 
 For thus much from me understand, 
 Wliat e're they aske they may commande, 
 
 Take heed you doe not dally ; 
 If they shall finde with them you halt. 
 And take you tripping in a fault. 
 
 You'll pay deare for your folly. 
 
 Make ready those who laid the plot, 
 (Who e're they were) to call the Scot, 
 
 They have undone the nation ; 
 Then make the synod ready next, 
 Who have so much abus'd the text 
 
 For th' churches reformation.* 
 
 To bring the Scotch Presbytery in 
 They with rebellion did begin. 
 Then preacht the myter downe ; 
 
 * The Presbyterian synod had shown a disposition to act 
 with rinour aj^aiiist all who presumed to differ from them in 
 their reiif^ious opinions.
 
 lf,47] POLITICAL BALLADS. 27 
 
 These new popes thought they could dispence 
 With treason, or the like offence, — 
 Especially their owne. 
 
 Or else (methinks) they durst not sure 
 The king and bishops both abjure, 
 
 Wlien they the covenant took ; 
 Though many oathes they aU have taken, 
 By this they have the king forsaken. 
 
 If they be pleas'd to look. 
 
 Next bring in those who did devise 
 Your sequestrations and excize, — 
 
 Down with their Goldsmiths haU ! 
 Or rather hell, for none comes there, 
 But he himselfe must first forsweare. 
 
 And that's the worst of all. 
 
 Besides he must himselfe confesse 
 A grand malignant, that's no less 
 
 Then traitor in their sence ; 
 And make Idmselfe a traitor more 
 Then he was ever yet before, 
 
 By a farre worse offence. 
 
 He must use their forg'd seale, ere he 
 From their committees can be free, — 
 
 That's treason paramount ; 
 This favour they to us afford, 
 To make us traytors on record 
 
 And in the lawes accornpt.
 
 28 POLITICAL BALLADS. [ig47 
 
 But, oh ! these subtile men must not 
 (Above all others) be foi'got, 
 
 We Jewes of Malta call ;* 
 Who lately have a new ti-iek found, 
 To make men for their owne compound ; — 
 
 These get the Devill and all. 
 
 The state we know it lately hath 
 Borrowed too much on piiblique faith ; 
 
 These jugling Jewes, they say, 
 By ordinance of Parliament 
 Get threescore pounds at least per cent, 
 
 And they have present pay. 
 
 Th' abused, who the money lent. 
 Axe with this great losse well content 
 
 They may some part secure ; 
 Thus are their private stocks imploy'd, 
 And all their creditors destroy 'd, 
 
 By those their loans ensure. 
 
 Brave souldiers, couple these together 
 
 Like hell-hounds, and then send them hither, 
 
 Try them but in the Tower ; 
 Let brave judge Jenkins give them law,f 
 
 * " The Jew of Malta" was the title of a play by Chris- 
 topher Marlowe, founded on the same story as Shakespeare's 
 " Merchant of Venice." It would appear by this ballad that 
 Marlowe's play was then the more famous of the two. 
 
 f Judge Jenkins, who was a prisoner in the Tower (see a 
 note on a subsequent page), issued a considerable number of 
 pamphlets during this year, to pi'ove the unlawfulness and
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 29 
 
 And honest Will the inditements draw, 
 They'll dispatch in an houre. 
 
 Yet I dare sweare that they should finde 
 I'th' good old Judge a noble minde. 
 
 And shovild more justice have, 
 With mercy and with judgment mixt, 
 (For so true justice should be fixt) 
 
 Then ever yet they gave. 
 
 If th' army doe their soveraigne owne, 
 And shall restore him to his crowne, 
 
 'Twill be a glorious thing ; 
 Tliough in their hearts the prophets ly'd, 
 It wUl prove true they prophecy'd, 
 
 Hee'll be a glorious king. 
 
 Thou wilt deserve immortall glory, 
 And famous be in every story, 
 
 If this be done by thee ; 
 Though th' English were well-neere as bold 
 As the Scots, when they their soveraigne sold, 
 
 Fairfax* will glorious be. 
 
 nullity of the proceedings of the parliament, and designed to 
 ^viden the breach between the parliament and the army. He 
 is said to have undertaken to instruct his fellow-prisoner 
 (though in a different cause), J(jhn Lilbiirne, in the subtleties 
 of the law (in which he was himself very skilful), to enable 
 him to foil and evade the proceedings of his political an- 
 tagonists. 
 
 * Sir Thomas Fairfax, who it was hoped would bring in 
 the king by the? assistance of the army.
 
 .so POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 We'll bonefires make, our bells shall ring, 
 Our c'liiklron shall thy praises sing, 
 
 I hope that clay to see, 
 That we who now thy prisoners are,* 
 Shall have in thee so great a share, 
 
 To love and honour thee. 
 
 THE PENITENT TIIAYTOR : 
 
 OK, THE HUMBLE CONFESSION OF A DEVONSHIRE GENTLEMAN, 
 WHO WAS CONDEMNED FOR HIGH TREASON, AND EXECUTED 
 AT TYBORNE FOR THE SAME, IN THE RAIGNE OF KING HENRY 
 THE THIRD, THE NINETEENTH OF JULY 12G7. 
 
 You may sing this if you please to the Tune of " Fortune, 
 
 my Foe." 
 
 [Jimc 28, 1647.] 
 
 The perils of the present, made people look back with interest 
 to the history of the past ; and we find the events of the 
 barons' ivars in the thirteenth century, and the dethronement 
 of Kichard II, frequently brought forward as subjects of com- 
 parison by the pamphleteers of the days of the commonwealth. 
 In the ballad here given, the story of the civil wars of Cluirles 
 I. are told by a roj'alist, under the cover of a narrative of the 
 older baronial contest. On the 27th l\Iay, 1647, appeared a 
 4to. prose tract, written much in the same spirit as the present 
 ballad, entitled, " The Present Warre Parallel'd. Or, a briefe 
 Relation of the five yeares ci^'il warres of Henry the Third, 
 King of England," &c. There can be little doubt that the 
 person chiefly aimed at in this ballad was Pym, who, though he 
 was of a Somersetshire family, was member for Tavistock, in 
 
 * This ballad was perhaps written by Sir Francis Vi'orllcy, 
 then a prisoner in the Tower, and the aclvnowledged writer 
 of two other ballads in the present volume. See further on.
 
 1647] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 31 
 
 Devonshire. Oliver St. John and Strode were also Devon- 
 shire members. Godwin, in his History of the Commonwealth 
 (vol. ii. p. 364), has observed that "many of the most valuable 
 characters engaged in the cause of the parliament, spirits 
 highly anxious for the success of that cause, drew their birtli 
 from the western counties." 
 
 This ballad is taken from the same volumes of folio broad- 
 sides which furnished those which precede it. It was printed, 
 with great variations and omissions, in the " Collection of 
 Loyal Songs written against the Rump Parliament," under 
 the title of " The penitent Tray tor. The humble petition of 
 a Devonshire Gentleman, who was condemned for Treason 
 and executed for the same, anno 164L" The famous old 
 tune of "Fortune, my foe," dates from the time of Queen 
 Elizabeth, and is frequently alluded to in the popular tracts 
 of the earlier part of the seventeenth century. See Chappeil's 
 " National English Airs, p. 63. 
 
 Attend, good Christian people, to my stoiy, 
 A sadder yet did never come before ye ; 
 'Wliat I have beene and am now like to bee, 
 I will declare, whilst you give eare to me. 
 
 Love, griefe, and zeale doth make me sing this dittie, 
 To warn my brethren of each close committee. 
 That each of them learn, like a good disciple, 
 To shun foule treason and the tree that's triple.* 
 
 Long time I liv'd i' th' country next to Cornwall, 
 And there my chihh-en were both bred and borne all; 
 Great was my credit (as my debts did speake), 
 And now De shew you why my necke must breake. 
 
 * The gallows, which was formed of three upriglit posts, 
 pliK-ed at the points of a triangle, wi(h throe horizontal beams 
 at top, forming the triangle.
 
 32 POLITICAL BALLADS. [\M7 
 
 A Parliamont was called in November,* 
 I for the commons was cry'd up a member ; 
 Witli coyne and cogging I got peoples voyces. 
 Whereby I was elected with loud noyses. 
 
 My wicked life I do lament with teares; 
 I was in debt quite over head and eares, 
 But when I purchast a committee chaire, 
 My broken state I quickly did repaire. 
 
 I had the art to threaten or insinuate, 
 And (as I pleas'd) encrease faults or extinuate ; 
 My frowne or smile was forcible and mighty, 
 As cold as ice or hot as aquavitie. 
 
 I got some two and twenty of my factionf 
 
 (All witty members and all men of action), 
 
 We (as we pleas'd) made all our brethren widgeons, 
 
 We wink'd at tumults and at strange religions. 
 
 For though (by tale) we sat above foure hundred,:}: 
 Yet I myselfe was for the first part numbred; 
 Most of the rest were crowned men of Gotam, 
 And I was almost Dominus Factotum. 
 
 * The famous Long Pai'liament opened its first session on 
 Tuesday the .3rd of November 1640. 
 
 t The Committee of Safety, which consisted of twenty -two 
 members of the House of Commons. 
 
 X The ntmibt>r of members in the Long Parliament, after 
 the secession of those who went to the king at Oxford, was 
 about four hundred.
 
 1G47] POLITICAL BALLADS. 33 
 
 Faire seeming piety I made my mantle, 
 
 But of good conscience I ne're had one cantle ;* 
 
 My fellow knaves and I conglutinated 
 
 So fast, we ne're thought to be separated. 
 
 Thus by my faction the whole house was sway'd, 
 But (most) to me the people flock'd for ayd; 
 I promis'd ease for all their griefs most troublesome. 
 Yet wrack'd them more then ten times twice the 
 doublesome. 
 
 'Twas in the hope my raigne should be perpetuall, 
 Wliich made me proud and very bold to cheat you all ; 
 The kingdome groan'd, and under slavery lingers, 
 "V\liilst like a cunning cooke I lick'd my fingers. 
 
 Those who were griev'd, I gravely did advise 
 They should petitions bring in humble wise, 
 "Which I did frame myself e, and thus did cooke 'um ; 
 They paid me when I gave and when I took 'um. 
 
 The king himselfe with slanders I disgraced ; 
 His faithfull servants from him I displaced; 
 Taxes on taxes on the people passes. 
 And they did beare the burdens like tame asses. 
 
 I purehast land for plough and pasture ground, 
 As iHucli as cost me nei'e ten thousand pound; 
 
 * An old word, nifaniii}^' :i jmrl m- iKirtioii, a pioco, a hit. 
 It occurs in Slialiospcarc. 
 
 U
 
 34 POLITICAL BALI- ADS. [1647 
 
 I waxed rich, my state was mighty made, 
 Which proves a chaireman was a thriving trade. 
 
 Thus did I rise when better men did fall; 
 My wealth encreas'd, I got the Devill and all: 
 Fooles brought me gold and plate in hugger-mugger, 
 Besides eight hundred pounds worth of loafe sugger. 
 
 The twentyeth part the weekly fixsting dayes. 
 The seazement for the lots and subsydycs, 
 The weekly seazements for the trained bands. 
 The crownes revenue and the churches lands; 
 
 The contributions, sequestrations, plunder. 
 The sale of offices, inforc'd loanes, 'tis wonder: 
 This all is true, as true records dothe sing, 
 Wlien as Third Henry was this kingdomes king. 
 
 Thus I gain'd much, and by my money-pole. 
 And something like excize, these made me whole. 
 My children portions, too, with much content 
 I payd in state by act of parliament. 
 
 And least my plots should after be unmask'd. 
 And how I got such wealth might chance be ask'd, 
 I cast about how I might gaine such power 
 As might from future justice me secure. 
 
 Then first I labour'd to devest the crowne 
 
 Of all prerogatives, and to bring them doAvne, —
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 35 
 
 First, to both houses; then, but one should have it; 
 Five members next,* and hist my selfe would crave it. 
 
 But I did know the state would not admit 
 Such change, unlesse the church did usher it; 
 I left the old religion for advantage. 
 Endeavouring to elect one which did want age. 
 
 ^Vhich when the learned Levites did withstand, 
 Regarding Gods word more than my command. 
 Such I supprest, and made (for which I woe am) 
 The basest people priests, like Jeroboam. 
 
 Then each profession sent out preachers moe 
 
 Then both the Universities coidd doe; 
 
 T'handle a text the goodwifes fingers itches. 
 
 She dares preach with her husband for the britches. 
 
 I first committed sacrilegious hansells, — 
 I rob'd both chappell, church, and chancells; 
 I said Gods table was a popish alter. 
 For which you see that my reward's a halter. 
 
 By this new godlinessc but few did gaine. 
 The rest for want of trading did complaine ; 
 
 * An allusion to the five members wlionitlic kingimpeaclieil, 
 among whom were Pym and Strod(,'. 
 
 1)2
 
 or. 
 
 G POLITICAL BALLADS. [1G47 
 
 I told them 'twas a wicked councellors plot,* 
 And till his head went off, tlieii* wares Avould not. 
 
 This gi-eat mans guilt was loyalty and wisdome, 
 Wliich made me cast about me to work his doome; 
 The sword of justice was too short to do't, 
 Ten thousand clubs must therefore inch it out. 
 
 He thus knock'd down, some others (for like crime) 
 Were sent to prison, some escap'd in time; 
 Thus law and equity in awe were kept here, 
 And clubs were taught how to controle the scepter. 
 
 We tooke from the upper house votes five times five,f 
 And then aym'd at the kings voyce negative ; 
 IVliich to effect, we did an order make. 
 That what he would not give ourselves would take. 
 
 &' 
 
 Then we petitioned that the forts and tow'rs, 
 And all the strength o' th' kingdome might be ours; 
 This was to save the king from foraigne dangers,^ 
 As if h' had better fall by us than strangers. 
 
 * An allusion to the impeachment of Lord Strafford. Pym 
 conducted the prosecution. 
 
 f The bishops' votes were taken away by the Long Par- 
 liament. 
 
 J " The tpieen was then a French woman ; she was daugh- 
 ter to the Earle of Provence, in the 20 yeare of the king's 
 raigne. Stow, page 184." Note in the Margin of the origttial 
 Broadside.
 
 »1l-r 
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 3 
 
 Whilst lie denyes, they legtxlly ai'e seiz'cl on, 
 By a law call'd " resolv'd upon the questiqn" : 
 But still his chiefe strength was above our arts, — 
 His righteous cause and's loyall subjects hearts. 
 
 The king at Evesham gave the rebells battle,* 
 Wliereas he made bones in their skins to rattle; 
 Leicester was slaine, who was their generall, 
 And sixteene lords with him likewise did fall. 
 
 Thus was their army all to shatters shaken, 
 Ten thousand men slaine, and as many taken ; 
 Some hundi-eds suffered punishment condignant, 
 For being as I am a foule malignant. 
 
 Thus did the wheele of fortune turne quite round. 
 And my misdeeds my conscience deepe doth wound; 
 I had bin better to have liv'd in beggery, 
 Then thus to fall into the hands of Gregory, j 
 
 Oh, Tyborne ! Tyborne ! oh, thou sad triangle ! 
 A viler weight ne're under thee did dangle ; 
 See here I'm come, at last, with hempe so new, 
 To give thee what was (long before) thy due. 
 
 * " This battle was fought at Evesham in Worcestersliire, 
 on fryday the 5. of August, 1265. Stow, p. 195." 3Iarginal 
 Note. 
 
 f " There was a wag-halter living in tliose times, whose 
 name was Gregorie. lien. Mcmmouth. page 2000." Marginal 
 Note.
 
 38 rOTJTlCAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 How would I blesse thee, couldst thou take away 
 My life and infamie both in one day ; 
 But this in ballads will survive, I know, 
 Sung to that solemne tune. Fortune, my foe. 
 
 Then marke,'good Christian people, and take heed, — 
 Use not religion for an upper weed, 
 Serve God sincerely, touch not his anoynted. 
 And then your necks shall never be disjoynted. 
 
 God blesse the king, thequeene, and all their children 
 (And pardon me what I 'gainst them have ill done); 
 May one of that brave race still rule this nation ! 
 So I beseech you sing the lamentation. 
 
 STRANGE AND TRUE NEWES, 
 
 OF AN OCEAN OF FLIES DROPPING OUT OF A CLOUD, UPON THE 
 TOWNE OF BODNAM, IN CORNWALL. 
 
 To the Tune of " Chevy Chacc." 
 
 When kings have lost their reignes and power. 
 Then clouds upon us judgements showTe. 
 
 [July 27, 1647.] 
 
 From the King's Pamphlets, fol. broadsides, vol. 5. I have 
 not been able to trace any account of the pretended prodigy 
 Avhich is made the subject of this ballad. It was evidently 
 written by some one of the royalists who were busy in trying 
 to tuni the minds of the army from the parliament to the 
 king. On the popularity of the tune and words of "Chevy 
 Chace," sec Chappell's "National Airs," p. 21. The whole
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 39 
 
 appears to be a satii'e on the marvellous prodigies which were 
 at that time so commonly hawked about. In spite of their 
 enmity to the prejudices of their forefathers, the Common- 
 wealth men were superstitious enough to believe that the 
 bii'th of monstrous childi'en, the catching of wonderful fish 
 or animals, meteors in the air, &c. were signs of political 
 movements and revolutions. 
 
 Some talke of battailes in the aire 
 
 And comets in the skies, 
 But now wee'll tell a tale more rai'e 
 
 Of great and monstrous flies. 
 
 In Cornwall this strange sight was seen, 
 
 At Bodnam town by name. 
 Which will be justified stiU 
 
 By a lawyer of great fame. 
 
 At mid-day when the skie was cleare 
 
 A thick cloud did arise, 
 Which, falling downe upon the earth, 
 
 Dissolved into flies. 
 
 This hell-bred cloud did look so big. 
 
 So black, and did so loure, 
 It could not rest untiU her paunch 
 
 Those flies all out did poure. 
 
 They in such mighty numbers fell 
 Upon the green grasse ground. 
 
 And did so cover all the earth. 
 That nought else could be found.
 
 40 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 Their nunibers did increase so fast, 
 
 Almost a whole hours space, 
 That they a foot and more were seen 
 
 To cover all that place. 
 
 No grasse nor flowers for the time 
 
 Were seen for to appeare ; 
 The like was not in England knowne, 
 
 God knowes ! this many a yeare. 
 
 Their bodys green, their wings were white, 
 
 As it appeares most true. 
 By letters sent from Bodnam towne 
 
 By those we never knew. 
 
 These flies, as soon as they were borne 
 
 Fell dead upon the ground ; 
 And, to say truth, they lay so thick, 
 
 The like was never found. 
 
 Which made the people all to muse, 
 
 To see that gastly sight, 
 Which did continue on the ground 
 
 All that whole day and night. 
 
 THE SECOND PART. 
 
 To the same Tune. 
 
 So when the Lord was pleas'd to frowne, 
 And shew his powerfull hand,
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 41 
 
 He rained frogs and lice upon 
 AE the Egyptian land. 
 
 All wliich Avas for their sinnes so great, 
 
 So wicked, fowle, and dire, 
 They did deserve the judgement just 
 
 Of brimstone and of fire. 
 
 And yet they never did rebel 
 
 Against their king and crown ; 
 Nor had such vices in their streets, 
 
 As hath our London towne ; 
 
 "Who hath maintain'd this bloudy warre 
 
 Against a cause so just, 
 And have desti'oy'd their gracious prince, 
 
 For to maintaine their lust. 
 
 Wherefore repent, you citizens, 
 
 And take you warning all. 
 Lest that the heavens, in discontent, 
 
 Li thunder on you fall. 
 
 In lice and locusts, worms and frogs, 
 
 In raine, in haile, and stormes. 
 In lightning, plague, and pestilence, 
 
 In poxes and in homes. 
 
 Now if these plagues you will prevent, 
 Wliich will your corne destroy,
 
 42 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1(143 
 
 See that you presently repent, 
 And sing "Vive le Eoy !" 
 
 God grant us peace, which will not be, 
 
 Unlesse our gracious king 
 Enjoy his rights and dignities, 
 
 His queen, and every thing. 
 
 God send Sir Thomas Fairfax right. 
 
 And send us our areares ;* 
 And bring the king to towne againe, 
 
 Sans jealousies and feares. 
 
 T. W. 
 
 Printed in the year of Miracles, 1647. 
 
 THE CITIES LOYALTIE TO THE KING. 
 
 [Aug. 13. 1647.] 
 
 The city of London was the stronghold of the Presbyterians, 
 and during the summer and autumn of the present year made 
 several demonstrations to support their party in the parliament 
 against the Independents and the army. In the hitter end of 
 September, after the army had marched to London, and the 
 parliament acted under its influence, the lord mayor and a 
 large part of the aldermen were committed to the Tower on 
 the charge of high treason ; and a new mayor for the rest of 
 the year was appointed by the parliament. The following 
 baUad is printed from the King's Pamphlets, fol. broadsides, 
 vol. 5. 
 
 * The payment of their arrears was one of the demands of 
 the army.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 43 
 
 Why kept your ti'ain-bands such a stirre ? 
 
 why sent you them by ckisters ? 
 Then went into Saint James's Parke ? 
 
 why took you then their musters ? 
 Wliy rid my lord up Fleet-street 
 
 with coaches at least twenty, 
 And fiU'd they say with aldermen, 
 
 as good they had been empty. 
 London is a brave towne, 
 
 yet I their cases pitty ; 
 Their mair and some few aldermen 
 
 have cleane undone the city. 
 
 The prentices are gallant blades, 
 
 and to the king are clifty ; 
 But the lord mair and aldermen 
 
 are scarce so wise as thrifty. 
 He pay for the apprentices, 
 
 they to the king were hearty ; 
 For they have done all that they can 
 
 to advance their soveraignes party. 
 London, &c. 
 
 What's now become of your brave Poyntz ? 
 and of your generall Massey ?* 
 
 * Poyntz and Massey were Ktauach Presbyterians, and 
 their party counted on their assistance in opposing the army ; 
 but they withdrew, when the (jiiarrel seemed to be near 
 coming to extremities.
 
 44 POLITICAL BALLADS. [164/ 
 
 If you petition for a peace, 
 
 these gallants they wiU slash yee. 
 
 Where now are all your reformadoes ? 
 to Scotland gone together, 
 
 'Twere better they were fairly trusst, 
 then they should bring them thither. 
 London, &c. 
 
 But if your aldermen were false, 
 
 or Glyn, that's your Recorder !* 
 Let them never betray you more, 
 
 but hang them up in order. 
 All these men may be coach't as well 
 
 as any other sinner, 
 Up Holborne, and ride forwarde still 
 
 to Tyburne to tlieir dinner. 
 London, &c. 
 
 God send the valiant Generall may 
 
 restore the king to glory !f 
 Then that name I have honoured so, 
 
 will famous be in story ; 
 While if he doe not, I much feare 
 
 the ruine of the nation, 
 And (that I should be loth to see) 
 
 his houses desolation. 
 
 * Glynn was one of the eleven members impeached by the 
 army. See further on. 
 
 ■f- It was believed at this time that Fairfax was favourable 
 to the restoration of the king.
 
 1647] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 45 
 
 London is a brave towne, 
 
 yet I their cases pitty; 
 Their raair and some few aldermen 
 
 have cleane undone the city. 
 
 THE MEMBERS JUSTIFICATION. 
 
 [xVug. 13, 1647.] 
 
 In June, the officers of the army had framed articles of im- 
 peachment against eleven members of the House of Commons 
 who were most strongly opposed to their demands, and whom 
 they charged with conspiring against the liberties of the sub- 
 ject, and with fomenting jealousies between the parliament 
 and the army. These members were Denzil Hollis, Sir 
 Philip Stapleton, Sir "William Lewis, Sir John Clotworthy, 
 Sir \Yilliam \YalIer, Sir John Maynard, ^lujor-General Mas- 
 sey, IVIr. Glynn (Recorder of London), Colonel Walter Long, 
 Colonel Edward Harley, and Anthou}- Nichols, Esq. Li July, 
 when the armj' approached towards London, these eleven 
 members obtained leave to absent themselves on condition of 
 returning at a certain time to answer to the chai'ges exhibited 
 against them, and the greater number of them crossed the 
 sea to Calais, and went thence to Holland. Tliis ballad is 
 printed from the Iving's Pamphlets, fol. broadsides, vol. 5. 
 
 Den. Hollis is a gallant man, 
 
 and was for them too crafty ; 
 What he pretended for the king, 
 
 was for the members safety. 
 Sir Stapleton's* a stern brave boy, 
 
 ahlioiigh his spouse be courtly ; 
 
 * Sir Philip Stapleton, a Yorkshire knight, liad been dis- 
 tinguished by his activity in the service of tlie ParliamenI,
 
 46 POIJTICAL BALLADS. 
 
 to Yorke He went, and's labour lost, — 
 he could not bring Frank Wortley,* 
 The Parliament hath sitten close, 
 as ere did knight in saddle ; 
 
 [1647, 
 
 both in the house and in the army, from the beginning of the 
 troubles, and was one of the ' five members.' He represented 
 tho borough of Iloydon, in Yorkshire, and was one of tliosc 
 ^vlio went to Calais, and ho died there of the plagiu' soon after 
 his arrival. On the 28th Sept. 1647, was published in 4to. 
 " A Short and True Narrative of the Departure from Eng- 
 land, Sickness, and Death, of that late worthy Knight Sir 
 Philip Stapleton." 
 
 * Sir Francis Wortley, Bart, of Wortley in Yorkshire, was 
 at that time a prisoner in the Tower. He had been distin- 
 guished from the beginning of the war by his zeal for the 
 king's cause. In 1642, he presented a petition of the York- 
 shire gentry to the king, which gave lunbrage to the par- 
 liament, and he was accused of being rude to the parliament's 
 committee. He published a defence of his conduct, entitled 
 " A Declaration from York, by Sir Francis Wortley, knight 
 and baronet. In \indication of himself from divers aspersions 
 and rumours, concerning the drawing of his sword and other 
 actions, wherein he desires to give the world satisfaction." 
 4to. London, 1642. After the king had raiswl his standard, 
 Sir Francis Wortley raised a troop of horse, fortified his own 
 house, and continued for some time a series of vexatious 
 depredations on the parliament's garrisons. The mission of 
 Sir Ralph Stapleton, is alluded to in a ballad published in the 
 Loyal Songs, ed. 1731. (i. 56.)— 
 
 " I went down, quoth Sir Ralph Stapleton, with niusquet, pike, 
 and drum, 
 To fetch Sir Francis Wortley up, but truly he'd not come." 
 
 Sir Francis Wortley was made a prisoner in 1644 at the 
 taking of Walton House, near Wakefield, by Sir Thomas 
 Fairfax. While in the Tower, he amused himself with 
 writing ballads against the governing powers, of which the 
 present is perhaps one. He also published, "Characters and 
 Elegies. By Francis Wortley, knight and baronet." 4to. 
 1646. The subjects of the elegies are chiefly distinguished 
 royalists who fell in battle.
 
 IG47] POLITICAL BALLADS. 47 
 
 For they have sitten full six yeares, 
 and now their eggs prove addle. 
 
 Brave Fairfax did himself besiege 
 
 poore Franke, and him hath undone ; 
 Yet lost more men in taking him, 
 
 then he did taking London. 
 Now whither is Will. Waller gone 
 
 to sea with Prince Elector ?* 
 Will he forsake his lady so, 
 
 and leave her no protector ? 
 The Parliament, &c. 
 
 Jack Maynardf is a loyaU blade, 
 
 yet blind as any beetle ; 
 He purchases the bishoj)S lands, 
 
 yet scarce can see Pauls steeple. 
 Both Glyn and Harlow are for Wales, | 
 
 and Lewis for his madams ;§ 
 These Brittaines will not change their bloods, 
 
 with Noah's, no, scarce with Adams, 
 The Parliament, 8fc. 
 
 * Sir William Waller, the well-known parliamentary gene- 
 ral, was one of those who escaped over the sea. 
 
 f Sir John Maynard, ^vith Glynn, remained in London after 
 they had obtained leave of absence IVom the house. In the 
 September followinr;- they were expelled the house, and botli 
 committed to the ToM^er on the charge of high-treason. 
 
 J (.'ol. Edward llarley, brother of Sir Robert Ilarley, was 
 one of tiie members for Herefordshire, then considered almost 
 as much Welsh as English. .Tolin («lynn, serjeant-at-arms, 
 and recorder of London, was memljcr lor Carnarvon. 
 
 § Sir William Le\vis was one of those who fled over sea. 
 He was mc^mber for Petersfield, in Hampshire.
 
 48 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 Clotworthy* is a zealous man, 
 
 yet hath his purse •well lined ; 
 So hath Wat Long,| yet he's, we know, 
 
 religiously inclined. 
 But Nicholsj is for Pluto's court, 
 
 in inquest of his father, 
 Or's unckle Pym, and there he found 
 
 Strowd, Hambden, Pym together. 
 The Parliament, &c. 
 
 These thi-ee have Pluto's Mercury sent, 
 and wonder they prove such men. 
 
 To make three kingdomes one poor state, 
 and doe it worse then Dutchmen. 
 
 Their synod § now sits in great feare, 
 and so does Jack Presbyter, || 
 
 * Sir John Clotworthy also passed the sea. He was an 
 active parhamentarian, and was one of the committee who 
 framed the charge against the Earl of Straftbrd. During the 
 present year he acted on several occasions as one of the com- 
 missioners sent by the parliament to treat with the arm}'. 
 
 f Walter Long escaped to France. 
 
 J Anthony Nichols was member for the borough of Bossinoy, 
 in Cornwall. He attempted to pass the sea, but was arrested 
 on the way, and brought back. 
 
 § The synod for the suppression of heresies, blasphemies, 
 sects, &c. 
 
 II The name Jack Presbyter, or Sir John Presbyter (to 
 characterise the cause of the Presbyterians), had become pro- 
 verbial. Among the King's Pamphlets in the British ]\Iu- 
 seum are several satirical tracts on the " death" of Sir John 
 Presbyter. Sanderson, in his " History of the Eeign of King 
 Charles," speaking of the religious aftiurs of the year 1 643, 
 says, " then began Jack Presbyter (so styled) to be baffled 
 in every pamphlet, iind they [the Presbyterians] again to 
 return encounters."
 
 1647] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS, 49 
 
 That we shall have a king againe, 
 and once more see a miter. 
 
 Yet they have sitten wondrous close, 
 
 as ere did knight in saddle ; 
 For they have sitten full seven yeeres, 
 and now their eggs prove addle. 
 
 PRATTLE YOUR PLEASURE 
 
 (under the rose.) 
 
 [Aug. 21, 1647.] 
 
 P^'om the King's Pamphlets, fol. broadsides, vol. 5. 
 
 There is an old provei-b which aU the world knowes, 
 Any thing may be spoke, if't be under the rose. 
 TJien now let us speake, whilst we are in the hint, 
 Of the state of the land and th' enormities in't. 
 
 Under the rose belt spoke, there is a number of knaves, 
 More then ever were known in a state before ; 
 But I hope that their mischiefs have digg'd their 
 
 own graves. 
 And wee'l never trust knaves foi- their sakes anymore. 
 
 Under the rose be it spoken, the citie's an asse 
 So long to tin; [jublicjue to let their gold run, 
 To keep the king out ; but 'tis now come to passe. 
 I am sure they will lose, wliosoever has wonnc
 
 50 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1047 
 
 Under the rose be it spoken, there's a company of men, 
 Traine bands* they are called, a plague confound 'em; 
 And when they are waiting at Westminister-hall, 
 May their wives be beguiled and begot with child all ! 
 
 Under the rose be it spoken, there's a damn'd com- 
 mittee,! 
 
 Sits in hell (Goldsmiths hall) in the midst of the city ; 
 
 Only to sequester the poore cavaliers : — 
 
 The Devil take their soules, and the hangman their 
 ears !| 
 
 Under the rose be it spoke, if you do not repent 
 Of that horrible sin, your pure Parliament ; 
 Pray stay till Sir Thomas doth bring in the king, 
 Then Derrick § may chance have them all in a string. 
 
 Under the rose be't spoke, let the synod now leave 
 
 To wrest the whole Scripture, poore soules to deceive; 
 
 For all they have spoke or tatight will ne'er save 'em, 
 
 Unless they will leave that fault, hell's sure to have 
 
 'em. 
 
 Mr. Finis. 
 Ml-. An. Dom. 1647. 
 
 * The trained bands of the city had been drawn out to 
 support the Presbyterian interest. 
 
 •f The Committee of Sequestrators. 
 
 J Under the Stuarts, the cutting otf the ears by the exe- 
 cutioner was a very common punishment for trifling political 
 offences. 
 
 § Probably the name of the hangman.
 
 1C47J POLITICAL BALLADS. 51 
 
 I THANK YOU TWICE ; 
 
 OR, 
 
 The city courting their owne ruine, 
 
 Thank the parliament twice for their treble undoing. 
 
 [Aug. 21, 1647.] 
 
 From the King's Pamphlets, folio broadsides, vol. 5. 
 
 The hierachy is out of date ; 
 Our monarchy was sick of late ; 
 But now 'tis grown an excellent state ; 
 Oh God-a-mercy, parliament ! 
 
 The teachers knew not what to say ; 
 The prentices have leave to play ;* 
 The people have all forgotten to pi'ay ; 
 Still God-a-mercy, parliament ! 
 
 The roundhead and the cavalier 
 Have fought it out almost seven yeare, 
 And yet ( methinks) they are never the neere ; 
 Oh God &c. 
 
 The gentry are sequestred all ; 
 Our wives you find at Goldsmiths-hall, 
 For there they meet with the divell and all : 
 Still God &c. 
 
 * See before, tin- nr)U' on p. 18. 
 
 e2
 
 52 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1G47 
 
 The parliament are grown to that height, 
 They care not a pin what his majesty saith ; 
 And they pay all their debts with tlie publicpie i'aitli ; 
 Oh God &c. 
 
 Though all we have here is brought to nought, 
 III Ireland we have whole lordships bought,* 
 And there we shall one day be rieh 'tis thought ; 
 StiU God &c. 
 
 AYe must forsake our father and mother, 
 And for the state undoe our own brother, 
 And never leave murthering of one another ; 
 Oh God &c. 
 
 Now the king is caught, and the divell is dead ; 
 Fairefax must be disbanded, f 
 Or else he may chance to be Hotliamed4 
 StiU God &c. 
 
 They have made king Charles a glorious king ; 
 He was told (long a-goe) of such a thing ; 
 Now he and his subjects have reason to sing. 
 Oh God-a-mercy, parliament ! 
 
 Mr. Finis. 
 Mr. An. Dom. 1647. 
 
 * The rebels' lands in Ireland were confiscated and put to 
 sale at low rates, in order to people the country with Englisli 
 planters. 
 
 t The parliament had voted the disbanding of the army. 
 
 J See before, the note on p. 9.
 
 1647] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 53 
 
 THE 
 
 DAGONIZING OF BARTHOLOMEW FAYRE, 
 
 CAUSED THROUGH THE LORD MAIORS COMMAND FOR THE 
 
 BATTERING DOWNE THE VANITIES OF THE GENTILES 
 
 COMPREHENDED IN FLAG AND POLE APPERTAINING 
 
 TO PUPPET-PLAY. 
 
 [The 23. of August, being the day before the Apostolick 
 
 Fayre.] 
 
 The following satirical ballad is given from the fifth volume 
 of the folio broadsides, among the King's Pamphlets, Brit. 
 Mus., as a curious picture of the times. 
 
 On August, foure and twentieth eve, 
 The cities soveraigne and the shrieve 
 To Smithfield came, if you'l beleeve, 
 
 to see th' ungodly flagges. 
 The livery men were sore put to't ; 
 Though some wore shoe, and some wore boot, 
 They w're all constrained to tramp on foot, — 
 
 God save 'em ! 
 
 Entring through Duck-lane at the Crowne, 
 The soveraigne cit began to frowne, 
 As if 't abated his renowne, 
 
 the paint did so o'retop him, 
 " Downe with these dagons !" then quoth he, 
 " They outbrave my dayes regality." 
 For's pride and partiality, 
 
 Jove crop him ! 
 
 " I'le have no puppet-playes," quoth he, 
 " The harmlesse-mirth displeaseth me, 
 Hegiiii oil August twenty-three, — - 
 'tis full twelve hoares too eai'ly."
 
 54 POLITICAL BALLADS. [164: 
 
 A yonker then began to laugh ; 
 'Gain.st whom the major advanc't white stafFe, 
 And sent him to the compter safe, 
 sans parly. 
 
 Another mortall had a clout, 
 Which on a long pole did hang out ; 
 At which the maior turnd up his snout, 
 
 for he was then advancing. 
 Mounted with him came both the shrieves. 
 And catchpoles with their hanging sleeves, 
 They shew'd much like a den of theeves, 
 
 though prauncing. 
 
 With that my lord did silence breake, 
 
 He op'd his mouth, and thus did speake, — 
 
 '• Tis fittest" quoth he, " that the wealce 
 
 unto the walls should goe." 
 There was a vai-let (close at hand) 
 To execute gold chaine's command, 
 Pull'd wight away straight, notwithstand- 
 ing fowle 'twas. 
 
 He that shew'd wonders made of wax, 
 Spoke in behalfe of his fine knacks, 
 Quoth he, "we spit no fire of flax, 
 
 nor such like puppet showes. 
 Besides we show his excellence." 
 Quoth maior, "that is a faire pretence:
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 00 
 
 God's-nigs ! tis time that I were hence !" 
 s' away h' goes. 
 
 On top of booth sat Pudding John,* 
 (Lord would be loath to sit thereon,) 
 I'me sure he wisht his lordship gone, 
 
 yet durst not tell him so. 
 But when his lordship left the fayre, 
 John set up throat did rend the ayre, 
 And glad he was, he lowd did sweare, 
 he was gone. 
 
 So was Mr. Finis. 
 
 THE POORE COMMITTEE-MANS ACCOMPT, 
 
 AVOUCHED BY BRITANNICUS. 
 
 [Aug. 26, 1647.] 
 
 The large sums of money required to support the great ex- 
 ertions of the rarliament, particularly in the present year, 
 when the Scots, who had been brought into England, demanded 
 
 * Pudding John, or Jack Pudding, was a proverbial ex- 
 pression (jf th(! times for a Morry-Andrew. In an old English- 
 German Dictionary it is explained thus: — " Jack-Fudding, un 
 buffonde theatre, delicia; populi, einHanswurst, Pickelhering." 
 The term was applied as a soubri(iuet to any man who jdayed 
 the fool to serve another person's ends. — " And first Sir 
 Thomas Wrothe (Jack Pudding to Prideaux the post-master) 
 had his cue to go high, and fecle the pulse of the hous." 
 History of Independency, p. 69 (4to. 1648).
 
 56 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 tlifir pay, uiul tlu' Eiiglisli army wus rryiiig out for its arrears, 
 formi'd a fruitful subject of discontent. Some of the par- 
 liament's taxes, particularly the excise, were of a novel 
 character. jNIuch money was raised about this time by the 
 sequestrations and compositions of the royalists, bj' selling- 
 Irish lands, disposinp; of th(> lands l)elon<;ino- to the bishops' 
 sees in England, and by other means, which drew forth bitter 
 invectives from those who were sufferers, and from political 
 opponents. The two ballads which I'ollow, both preserved in 
 the fifth volume of the folio broadsides, refer to this subject. 
 
 yes! behold, here's my accompt, 
 I'm ready for to make it; 
 
 If any man who loves the king 
 will please to come and take it. 
 
 1 am not as the cavaliers 
 
 are pleas'd to call me, tray tor; 
 I am a poore committees clerke, 
 
 a simple harmlesse creature. 
 That this is true you need not doubt, 
 
 examine Mr. Needham;* 
 Hee'l tell vou true, and sweare it too, 
 
 'tis for the kingdomes frcedome. 
 
 * Marchamont Nedham, or Needham, a very prolific writer 
 of pamphlets in the days of the Commonwealth, who has been 
 characterized as " a model of political prostitutes." He pub- 
 lished, from 1643 to 1646, ascurrilous republican weekly paper, 
 entitled " Mercurius Britannlnis ;" after the stoppage of this 
 paper, he commenced the " Mercurius Pragmaticus," a royalist 
 paper, which was continued till 1649, in M'hich year he began 
 the "Mercurius Politicus," which went on and supported 
 the protectorate till 1660. The first of these publications 
 caused him to be commonly spoken of under the name of 
 Brilannicus.
 
 1647] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. ^7 
 
 Free pole-money; free money lent 
 
 upon the propositions; 
 Free money rais'd for Irish lands, 
 
 but Grod knowes the conditions ! 
 Free money lent on ordinance; 
 
 free subsidies full fifty; 
 If our committees grow not rich, 
 
 lie never think them thrifty. 
 That this is true, &c. 
 
 The fifth-and twentieth part, excise, 
 
 customes and sequestrations; 
 The kings revenues too we have, 
 
 besides the great taxations; 
 And that great taxe is monthly laid 
 
 upon the associated. 
 Which comes to threescore thousand-pounds 
 
 a month, if rightly stated. 
 That this is true, &c. 
 
 But, OI that Tophet, Goldsmiths-hall, 
 
 where men make composition, 
 Which gets (they say) the devill and all, 
 
 that Spanish inquisition ! 
 If any Uives should fall sicke 
 
 and dye (as men are sickly), 
 They would his heire a Lazarus make, 
 
 and they woidd doe it quickly. 
 That this is true, 8fc.
 
 )8 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1047 
 
 They say they f'oiireseore thousand luul, 
 
 some make it up a hundred; 
 Suppose foure hundred pound a man, 
 
 a sum scarce to be numbred. 
 The bishops lands are but a toy, 
 
 with such great summes compared; 
 Yet those we hope will one day come 
 
 amongst us to be shared.* 
 That this is true, &c. 
 
 Ship-money was a hideous thing ;t 
 
 these payments are but trifles; 
 That was injoyned by the king, 
 
 all law and justice stifles: 
 These toyes the Parliament injoynes, 
 
 therein all subjects share too; 
 Yet they who at the stern doe sit. 
 
 for this will take a care too. 
 That this is true, &c. 
 
 Alas! why should such men pay debts, 
 
 the cavaleeres did plunder ? 
 If not, yet they their charges beare: 
 
 then is it not a wonder 
 The wicked should say they grow rich, 
 
 who but contrive the payments. 
 
 * The bishops' lands were brought to sale at the latter end 
 of this year, and in the year following. 
 
 t It is scarcel}- necessary to observe that the illegal levying 
 of ship-money by the king was one of the immediate causes 
 of the civil war.
 
 1647] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 59 
 
 And of the publike stock take care? 
 
 their gains scarce finds them rayments. 
 That this is true, &c. 
 
 These men defie all wicked tongues, 
 
 that challenge close committees. 
 Let them throw stones have don no wrong. 
 
 is't not a thousand pitties, 
 Such carefull pious men as those 
 
 who have done their endeavors 
 To purge the church and wicked state, 
 
 shovild now be thought deceivers? 
 That this is true, &c. 
 
 Suppose they have a publick stock, 
 
 sure that must be concealed; 
 It was but for the publike rais'd, 
 
 and it shall be revealed. 
 We know that were the stock as great 
 
 as Davids, which amounted 
 To such a summe, we have such men, 
 
 it need not to be counted. 
 That this is true you need not doubt, 
 
 examine Mr. Needame; 
 Hee'l tell you true, and sweare it too, 
 
 'tis for the kingdomes freedome.
 
 60 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1G4: 
 
 THE COMMITTEE-MANS COMPLAINT AND 
 THE SCOTS HONEST USAGE. 
 
 [London, Aug-. 2G, 1647.] 
 
 This ballad relates to the samo subject as the foregoing. Tlie 
 Scots army had been called in to the aid of the parliament in 
 the latter part of the war. Their discipline was not equal to 
 that of the English army, and, fretpiently labouring under 
 want of money and provisions, their behaviour had in some 
 instances given considerable dissatisfaction. This was at 
 the present time much increased by the strong Tresbyterian 
 bias of the Scots, and the jealousy thereby excited amoog 
 the English Independents. 
 
 I am a poore committee-man, 
 
 (although there be not many); 
 Yet where the bonny blue-caps come, 
 
 those sure are poore, if any. 
 The north was call'd the barren land, 
 
 we pittied were at London; 
 To us the plagues of Egypt came, 
 
 and have our countries undone. 
 You need not goe too farre to aske; 
 
 examine Mr. Needam, 
 Ilee'le sweare all that the Scots have done, 
 
 is for the kingdomes freedome. 
 
 '»^ 
 
 That money was first sent to them, 
 but summon'd them together; 
 
 The next great sum Avas for them rays'd, 
 that was to bring them hither;
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 61 
 
 Our loyall friends who call'd tlie Soots, 
 
 now heai'tily abhorre them; 
 But that Sir Thomas Fairfax came, 
 
 they had not now sent for them. 
 You need not, &c. 
 
 Then northern locusts to us came 
 
 in swarmes like bees together; 
 But they may thanke their generall King, 
 
 or they had nere raught hither. 
 Had he beene like Sir Marmaduke,* 
 
 we then had struck a battell. 
 And made the bonny blue-cap run 
 
 to Tweede like summer cattell. 
 You need not, &c. 
 
 But they into our country came; 
 
 and will you know the reason: 
 'Twas for our gades they came, they say, 
 
 and that could be no treason. 
 No sooner were they come, but they 
 
 our glides began to plunder, f 
 And left us nothing but our soyle, 
 
 that they could beare or sunder. 
 You need not, &c. 
 
 * Sir Marmaduke Langdale. 
 
 •f The Scots, who had been callc^d in to the aid of the jiar- 
 liament, were ill-disciplined, .and committed ninnj' d('i)re<la- 
 tions and vexations on the country throuf;h which they had 
 to pass, or where they were stationed.
 
 02 POLITICAL BALLADS. |igi; 
 
 Tlioj left us sicknesses and sinnes, 
 
 (the darlings of that nation ;) 
 The flux, the nastie pestilence, 
 
 lust, pride, dissimulation. 
 Besides they have infected us 
 
 Avith strange religious treasons ; 
 And maskt them with a covenant,* 
 
 more to abuse our reasons. 
 You need not, &c. 
 
 Besides their money monthly rays'd, 
 
 our lands were sequestrated, 
 Two hundred thousand povuids they got 
 
 and all their demands stated. 
 All what they likt, our horse and armes 
 
 they tooke, so they disarm'd us ; 
 And left the north as poore as Job, 
 
 and swore our wealthe but harm'd us. 
 You need not, &c. 
 
 They out of Yorkshire carry ed more 
 
 than would have bought two Scotlands ; 
 Yet could not keepe our horse alive, 
 
 they have lesse grass than oat-lands. 
 Our men in Scotland dy'd like dogs, 
 
 with change of ayre and dyet. 
 With gude oatmeale, long and short keale, 
 
 yet will they not be quiet. 
 You need not, &c. 
 
 * The Scots, when they were called in, demanded, as one 
 «f the conditions, a covenant for the establishment and sup 
 jiort of the IVosbytfriim cliurch f;oyornmeiit.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. GS 
 
 This Needam is Britannicus,* 
 
 so they mis-name the creature ; 
 There's scarce a car-man in the towue, 
 
 but dares proclaime hira traytor. 
 And for the bonny Blue-Cap, 
 
 we'll be so bold to tell him, 
 Had he his gude king Charles againe 
 
 for siller he would sell him.f 
 But since the south to save themselves, 
 
 the royall north have undone. 
 We hope there is a northern man 
 
 may now come even with London, 
 You need not goe too far to aske, 
 
 examine INIr. Needam ; 
 Hee'le sweare all that the Scots have done, 
 
 is for the kingdomes freedome. 
 
 * Needham's pseudonyme of Britannicus (see oin- former 
 note, p. 56), is of frequent occurrence in tlie political writings 
 of the day. Among the Rump Songs (Ed. 1665) we have a 
 poem entitled, " On Britannicus his leap three story high, and 
 his escape from London," of which the opening lines are, — 
 
 " Paul from Damascus in a basket slides, 
 Cran'd by the faithful brethren down the sides 
 Of their emliattel'd walls, Britannicus, 
 As loath to trust the brethren's God with us. 
 Slides too, but yet more desp'ratu, and yet thrives 
 In his descent ; needs must ! the devil drives !" 
 
 f The Scots had sold the king to the parliament, or at 
 least they had delivered him up on an understood condition 
 of receiving satisfaction to their pecuniary demands.
 
 G-i POI.ITK'AI. BALLADS. [1G47 
 
 A LA MODE. 
 
 THE CITIKS PROFOUND POLICIE IN DELIVERING THEMSELVES, 
 
 THEIR CITIE, THEIR WORKS AND AMMUNITION, INTO 
 
 THE PROTECTION OF THE ARM IE. 
 
 [AuR-. 27, 1647.] 
 
 The city of Loudon, after mtiny threats and preparations for 
 defence, submitted to the demands of the army, then quar- 
 tered in the neif;hbourliood of Brentford, in the bef!;inning of 
 August, and sht)rtly afterwards the; army advanccnl to the 
 city. The two following ballads relate to these events. They 
 are taken from the fifth volume of folio broadsides. 
 
 Beave citizens, you have done well, 
 To make your slaves your masters ; 
 Your policie it doth excell, — 
 Your groomes will be your tasters. 
 My lord mayor and the aldermen, 
 Your gownes must make them breeclies ; 
 And if you do retort agen, 
 They'l make you eat your speeches. 
 
 brave common counsell men ! 
 
 O brave trained-bands ! 
 
 When do you thinke to get agaiiic 
 
 The staffe in your own hands ? 
 
 The apprentices did vapour much, 
 They'd bang the army soundly ; 
 And yet their valour proved such, 
 They durst not go to't roundly. 
 Massey was made the generall 
 Of all your mighty forces ;
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 65 
 
 But when he on the foe should fall, 
 He wanted men and horses. 
 
 O brave common-counsell men ! 
 
 O brave trained-bands ! 
 
 Wlien do you thinke to get againe 
 
 The staff in your owne hands ? 
 
 Wliere's Hollis, now, and Stapleton ? 
 
 Jack Maynard, and Clotworthy ? 
 
 And where is Prynne and Poyntz* now gone. 
 
 To purge them of the scurvy ? 
 
 And Glyn and Lewis have left all 
 
 Within at six and sevens ; 
 
 And Waller's gone to Glocester-Hall, 
 
 To visit Mrs. Stevens. 
 
 O brave common-counsell men, &c. 
 
 The soldiers now, even where they wish. 
 Will in your citie quarter ; 
 And 'fore you taste of eveiy dish, 
 And for your wives will barter ; 
 Your dainty ducks whose soles nere treads 
 Upon the earth that bears them. 
 They now will towse upon your beds. 
 Your antlers nothing scares them. 
 O brave common-counsell men, &c. 
 
 * I'ointz, one of the Presbyterian commanders, followed 
 Massey to Holland. Prynne is well known as a hot Presby- 
 terian ; he was one of those who advocated most warmly the 
 forcing of the other sectaries to conformity.
 
 66 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 Sir Tliomas now will make his peace, 
 Even as his owne selfe listeth ; 
 And meanes to stew you in your grease; 
 The army with him twisteth 
 New halters manie for to hang, 
 Those that meant to oppose liim. 
 Tell truth, do not your hearts cry twang, 
 Tliat ere at first you chose him? 
 O brave common-counseU men, &c. 
 
 And now the royallists wiU sing 
 
 Aloud, Vive le Roy; 
 
 The commons will imbrace their king 
 
 With an unwonted joy. 
 
 And Where's noAv all your coine and toile? 
 
 'Tis vanish'd into aire; 
 
 You may get more, if that you moil(> 
 
 Now at S. Bartholmew's faire. 
 
 O brave common-counseU men, &c. 
 
 If Fairfax now his soveraigne bring 
 To London to his people,* 
 Each parish bells for joy shall ring, 
 Till they knock downe the steeple. 
 And Sir Thomas his renown 
 WiU like S. Georges hallow; 
 
 * The Iving was at this time with the army : but he was 
 already meditatinf>- his escape, and soon afterwards fled to the 
 Isle of Wight.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 67 
 
 Tom May* shall all his acts write downe, 
 Or Withers! that Apollo. 
 
 O brave common-counseU men, &c. 
 
 The Scots do whine that they have lost 
 Their hopes at once; — deare Jockey, 
 Thy fine presbyterie quite is crost, 
 The English doe but mock yee. 
 The coine that is behind of pay 
 For selling of the king, 
 You'l have the cleane contrary way, — 
 Sir Thomas wiU it bring. 
 
 brave common-counseU men, &c. 
 
 The trained bands, alas! are tyr'd, 
 Their works they cannot man them; 
 And therefore have the army hyr'd, 
 Who like to chaffe doe fan them. 
 The tower too great a trouble was, 
 They wanted a constable; 
 And therefore they did bring't to passe 
 Sir Thomas might be able. 
 
 O brave common-counsell men, &c. 
 
 * Thomas May was a poet and dramatist of eminence at 
 this period. 
 
 t George Withers, the celebrated and prolific poet of the 
 Commonwealth. 
 
 f2
 
 (J8 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 Case* now doth iluultt ciUamitie 
 Will seize on the presbyterie; 
 Cjilamief doubts the case will bee, 
 So as to see't were pitie. 
 The synod now doth greatly doubt, 
 That bishops and the service 
 Will once again be brought about, 
 Before it please Tom Gei'vice. 
 
 O brave common-counsell men, &c. 
 
 OvertonJ now may widke abroad; 
 Stone walls are weak to hold him, 
 As Lilburne§ that same demie-god 
 Prophetickly hath told him. 
 
 * Thomas Case, an eminent Presbyterian preacher and 
 writer of the city. lie wrote many tracts, and published 
 numerous sermons, particularly during the years 1644, 1646, 
 and 1647. He is alluded to in another song- of the time, — 
 
 " This made Mr. Case, with a pittiful face, 
 In the pulpit to fall a weeping; 
 Though his mouth utter' il lyes, truth fell from Ills eyes, 
 Wliich kept our Lord Mayor from sleeping." 
 
 t The celebrated Dr. Edmund Calamy, one of the most 
 voluminous of the Presbyterian writers of this age. 
 
 f Richard Overton, is spoken of in one of the newspapers, 
 published in February of the present year, as a " prerogative" 
 prisoner in Newgate. He was the author of many political 
 pamphlets against the Presbyterians, several of which are 
 dated from Newgate. 
 
 § John Lilburne was at this time a prisoner in the Tower, 
 for publishing pamphlets against Cromwell, against whose life 
 hi' luul been engaged in a conspiracy.
 
 1G47] POLITICAL BALLADS, 69 
 
 And you may goe and shake your eares, 
 Wlio had, and could not hold it, 
 Wliat you had strove for many yeares 
 And got, you now have sold it. 
 
 O brave common-counseU men, &c. 
 
 You need not now to Westminster 
 To march with fife and drumme, 
 The army soe your goods preferre 
 They will supply your roome; 
 The modells now and you may lie 
 Abed tiU noone, and please yee; 
 The armie will your place supplie, 
 All this is done to ease yee. 
 
 O brave common-counseU men, &c. 
 
 And now what doe yee lack, fond men? 
 Alas! you wanted knowledge! 
 Who would have thought when you had been 
 So long at Gotham CoUedge,* 
 
 * The " Merry Tales of the wise Men of Gotham" were 
 remarkably popular at this period, and are frequently quoted 
 in the songs and satires of the time. In one of Alexander 
 Brome's poems, " On the demoUshing the Forts," after the 
 city had submitted to the army in 1 647, one of these Gothamite 
 stories is applied to the citizens' fortifications, — 
 
 " They went to make a Gotham on't, 
 For now (hey did begin 
 To build these niinbty banks about, 
 To keep the cuckols in. 
 
 " Alas! what need they take such pains? 
 For why, a cuclco hero 
 Might iind so many of his mates, 
 Hee'l sing here all tlic year "
 
 70 T'OMTICAL liALLADS. [1647 
 
 You should not know to bargaine well, 
 But so to maime your chai'ter; 
 The after-ages will you tell, 
 You did not wisely bai'ter. 
 
 O brave common-counsell men ! 
 
 O brave trained bands! 
 
 When do you thinke to get againe 
 
 The staffe in your owne hands. 
 
 Printed in the year 1647. 
 
 THE CITIES THANKES TO SOUTHWARKE 
 FOR GIVING THE ARMY ENTRANCE. 
 
 We thank you more than we will say, 
 But tis the cleane contrary way. 
 
 [Sept. 1. 1647.] 
 
 The army was first received into Southwark. The following 
 account of its advance to the city is given by Sanderson, 
 " History of the Life and Raigne of King Charles." 
 
 " On Ilounslow Heath they rendezvouz, twenty thousand 
 men, horse and foot, with a great train of artillery to astonish 
 the city : and therefore such of the parliament as trusted to 
 the soldiers were there present, the earls of Northumberland, 
 Salisbury, and Kent, the lords Wark, Howard, Wharton, Say, 
 and IMoulgrave and others, fourteen in all, the speaker Mr. 
 Lenthal of the Commons, and above a hundred more of their 
 members. The city stand in a maze, unresolved and inconstant : 
 Tlie army in the meantime send a brigade under command of 
 Kainsborough and Hewson over I^ngstone bridge, and all 
 night march to Southwark, being called thither in opposition to 
 the city. Massey was busie, and knowing his own case desperate, 
 sent out his scouts, and are met with and taken prisoners. 
 Some of the train men would needs march out, and were
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 71 
 
 worsted and lost their colours : for the general was now near 
 Brainford. 
 
 " And therefore the city meet him with humble messages : 
 that finding that his desires of marching so near, is to settle 
 the members of the Lords and Commons in their liberties of 
 parliament, to which the city wiU contribute all their power 
 and service, and pray with all submission that he will please 
 to send such a guard of several regiments as may conduct 
 them to the parliament in safety, and that the passes and 
 ports shall be set open for them, and what else to his excel- 
 lencies command. 3. Aug. 
 
 "But on came the brigades into Southwark to encompass the 
 city, and Rainsborough, Hewson, Pride, and Thistlewel 
 marched without opposition, but rather heartily welcome, 
 till they came to the Bridge-gate of the city, which was shut 
 and the portcullis let down, and a guard within. They make ' 
 a stand and plant two pieces and set a guard without : then 
 Hewson marched into St. George's Fields, sends a summons 
 to the great fort in the highway to Lambeth, which was sud- 
 denly surrendered by eight a clock that morning. 
 
 " The Common Councel now sitting, post away messages 
 to the general, who slowly comes on, and demands all the 
 forts of the west side of the city to be commanded by him 
 before six a clock at night. To which the city submit, pro- 
 fessing how ready they are to comply with the army, and 
 have given order to their militia for drawing off all forces and 
 ordnance accordingly, and speedily to be eifectcd. And that 
 now next under Almighty God, we doe rely upon your excel- 
 lencies honourable word for our safety and protection. 4 Aug. 
 
 " But he comes on, and at Kensington is met by the city 
 commissioners, by the members of both houses who had been 
 driven away by tumult, and forthwith a declaration is pub- 
 lished of the mutual joyning of the parliament and army, 
 making null all acts passed by the members at Westminster, 
 since the 26 of July last, and so all march together towards 
 Westminster. 
 
 " And by the way in Hide Park waits the Lord Mayor and 
 his brethren to congratulate thi; good composurt! between the 
 army and the city, and then to Westminster tlius, 
 
 " First Ilamond's regiment of foot, and Kich his horse.
 
 72 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 next thi' Lord CleuiTiil Cromwels ivf^inu'iil ol' liorse, and 
 tlu'ii till" general on horseback with his life guard, the lords 
 in coaehes mth the spcudu-r of the eoninioiis and their mem- 
 bers. Tomlinsons regiment of horse brought up the rear 
 guard ; and you must note that each soldier had a green 
 branch in his hat, and at Charing Cross stood the common 
 eouncil. liumbly ducking to his excellency, and so went on to 
 the I'arlianuMit. And being sat in both houses, their first 
 duty was to enact the general to be high constable of the 
 Tower of London. The next was for a festival day on all 
 sides, which the sorrowful city must nevertheless pay for. 
 Then was the general sent for to receive the thanks of both 
 houses for his preservation of their liberties. And to caress 
 the army, a months pay is given to them as a largess for this 
 great grace and favour. 
 
 " And the next day tlie general with the wholi' army, horse 
 and foot, marched in triumph through the city, from eleven 
 a clock till eight at night, the generals quarters went to 
 Croyden, and the army all about in Essex and Kent from this 
 day, being Saturday till Monday." 
 
 We thanke you, neighbours, for your love, 
 
 For sending for the army; 
 
 Which cannot prejudicial! prove, — 
 
 Alas ! they'l never harme ye ; 
 
 Nor to the city will they doe 
 
 But what is good and faire; 
 
 They will help all the suburbes too, 
 
 When frogs flie in the ayre. 
 
 You clownes and fooles that nothing know, 
 
 But are made for the slaughter, 
 
 By you our feares doe dayly grow, 
 
 Wee'l fit you for't hereafter.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 73 
 
 Did ever men before like you 
 Send for their bane unto them; 
 And court their presence, whom they knew 
 Would but at best undoe them? 
 And give possession of their workes 
 To those whose undertakina;s 
 Show tliey will force men, like the Tui-kes, 
 To serve gods of their makings? 
 You knaves and dolts that, &c. 
 
 May those that on the Thames doe ]ilow. 
 And unto our side fei'ry, 
 Breake oares and armes, as they doe row, 
 And each man split his wherry! 
 May the huge porpoise swaUow them, 
 And neer like Jonas shore them ! 
 And may their sinnes still follow them, 
 And, dead, no man deplore them! 
 You skabs and varlets, nothing, &e. 
 
 D'ee think the army will regard 
 Men that are so perfidious? 
 And not at length give you reward 
 That shall be home and hideous? 
 They wisely doe the treason love. 
 But yet the traytors hate; 
 And may you them to mercy move, 
 When it shall be too late! 
 You lumpish elves that, &c.
 
 74 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 Did wo make you our trustees, to 
 Doe as you thought fitting? 
 And did we give our lives to you, 
 Unto our selves unwitting? 
 If not, how dui'st you be so bold 
 Our foes for to invite. 
 And with them treatie for to hold, 
 Ere we thought requisite? 
 Ye trayterous guls, &c. 
 
 May boystrous Thames swell high with rage, 
 And cause an inundation, 
 Wliich nothing but your lives may swage ! 
 Let Boreas take his station 
 Upon your houses, and with them 
 Into the river sweep you, 
 AMiere slaves to Neptunes diadem 
 May he for ever keepe you ! 
 Ye cravens that doe, &c. 
 
 And what now have you gained since that 
 
 You did that sordid action ? 
 
 You may expect you know not what 
 
 In way of satisfaction. 
 
 But shall we tell you what it is 
 
 That we for thanks intend you ; 
 
 We know you for our foes in tliis, 
 
 And let the divell mend you. 
 
 Ye sordid coxcombes, who nought know, &c.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. / O 
 
 Alas ! jou wanted those would swill, 
 And drinke youi" hogsheads dry;* 
 That made you have so good a will 
 To send for the army. 
 They payd you ready money then, 
 But they'l doe so no more. 
 We owe you, and time will be when 
 We will wipe off our score ! 
 You scoundrels that doe, &c. 
 
 Now to conclude, we give you thankes 
 For that your kinde intention ; 
 And those many other prankes, 
 "^^^lich now we wiU not mention. 
 And we assure you when time serves. 
 We amply wiU requite you. 
 Even as it at our hands deserves, 
 But so as it shall spite you. 
 
 And so, ye rogues that nothing know. 
 
 But are made for the slaugliter. 
 
 We shall to you your owne play show. 
 
 And fit you for't hei'eafter. 
 
 * Southwark was particularly remarkable for its numerous 
 inns. Several of them still remain, as curious examples of 
 the public-houses of our forefathers.
 
 76 POLTTICAL BALLADS. [104: 
 
 A JUSTIFICATION 
 
 OF THE SYNOD OF SION COLLEDGE AGAINST THOSE WHO SAY 
 THEY HAVE SATE LONG AND DONE NOTHING. 
 
 [Sept. 6, 1G47.] 
 
 The synod or committee of divines, appointed to consider the; 
 aifairs of th(! cliurch, and the establislinient of religion, had 
 been appointed in the summer (if lf)4;i, and lield its meetings 
 at Syon College. A number of the petty sects which had 
 arisen in and distracted (jlermany and the Low Countries 
 during so many years, had been at dilVcrent times imported 
 into England, first, by the refugees in Elizabeth's time, and 
 afterwards by missionaries who found ready hearers amid 
 the agitations of the times. Among numerous tracts written 
 to expose the practices and belief of the various sects in 
 London and other parts of England, two of the most curious 
 are " A Discovery of 29 Sects here in London, all of whidi, 
 except the First, [i.e. the Protestant] are most Divilish and 
 Damnable," 4to. 1641, and a broadside in verse, with a plate 
 representing figures of the professors of the different creeds, 
 and the title, " Catalogue of the Severall Sects and Opinions 
 in England and other Nations. With a briefe Eehearsall of 
 their false and dangerous Tenets." Lond. Jan. 19, 1G46-7. 
 The celebrated Gangrtena, by P^tlwards, was also a violent 
 attack upon the sectarians (and under cover of them on the 
 Independents and the army), but they are attacked in it 
 chiefly with scandalous tales, as was the manner of the time, 
 most of which we may hope were false. The doctrines of 
 the more objectionable sects aimed generally at the same 
 result, self-justification and the substitution of \\ild abstract 
 notions for practical doctrines. Their opponents of all kinds, 
 and in all countries, took hold of certain expressions, and 
 took advantage of the privacy to which they were compelled 
 by persecutions, to lay to their charge vices of which they 
 were without doubt generally innocent, but which were but 
 too much countenanced by the violence and irregidarities oi" 
 some of the wilder sectarians on the continent. 
 
 During the present year, the attention of the parliament 
 was frequently called to the increase of religious sects and
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. / / 
 
 heresies. The 10th of March had been "set apart as a 
 solemne day of Publicke Humiliation to seeke God's as- 
 sistance for the suppressing and preventing- of the growth 
 and spreading of Errours, Heresies, and Blasphemies." On 
 the 29th of April, 1646, a bill was introduced for the pre- 
 vention of heresies and blasphemies, and, after having been 
 laid aside on account of the press of other business, it was 
 reproduced in September, and passed in the following month. 
 The following ballad is taken from the fifth volume of the 
 foHo broadsides, Brit. Mus. 
 
 The synod who dare to controule. 
 They sit in Sion house ; 
 The people look'd for mountaines, but 
 They have brouglit forth a mouse. 
 Each man four shillings hath a day ; 
 And do you think they'l lack-ho ? 
 When every man has so much pay, 
 To drink wine and tobacco. 
 
 The synod have fidl four years sate, 
 
 To find out a religion ; 
 
 Yet to conclude they know not what, 
 
 They want a new edition. 
 
 Say all wise men what shall we be ? 
 Brownists* or else Presbyters ? 
 
 * The Brownists, sometimes called Separatists, were an 
 old sect in England: the following description of them is 
 given in the "Discovery of 29 Sects." "This is a fellow 
 which is all wit but the heade, lie had rather heare a coblcr 
 or a feltmaker preacli, so he(' doth it extempore, then heare 
 a premeditated sermon, pen'd and prcach'd by a schollar who
 
 7(S POLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 Of the Antinomian heresie ?* 
 Or Iiulejiendent fighters ?f 
 Shall we be harmlesse Adamites, ;{: 
 And weare no clothes upon us ? 
 Or shall we be base Catamites, 
 And damne religion from us. 
 The synod have, &c. 
 
 Shall we be brave Apostolicks ? 
 Or else all turne mad Arrians ? 
 Or shall we leave all cursed tricks, 
 And bee Episcoparians ? 
 Shall wee be of the Sect of Love,§ 
 And meet in upper roomes, 
 
 can distinguish and unlocke the secrets of the Scripture." 
 The following satirical observation occurs in another political 
 pamphlet of the time, — " And 'tis thought that if she were 
 but admitted into a conventicle, she woidd make all the 
 Brownists dance after her pipe to the tune of, Sweete sister 
 Ruth, come kisse me now." 
 
 * The Antinomians taught an equality of persons, and they 
 held the doctrine of justifying faith or free grace, entirely 
 independent of works. 
 
 f The army supported the Independents. 
 
 J The Adamites were a sect which arose amid the religious 
 dissensions in Holland and Germany. They are said to have 
 taught that the use of clothing was a corruption of man's 
 nature and brought on by Adam's sin, and to have so far put 
 this doctrine into practice that at their private meetings they 
 all stripped themselves naked. In 1641 was pubKshed a 4to. 
 pamphlet, entitled " A Nest of Serpents discovered. Or, a 
 Knot of old Heretiques Revived, called the Adamites. Werein 
 their originall, increase, and several ridiculous tenets are 
 plainly laid open." 
 
 § The Family of Lo\e was very famous in England in the
 
 1G47] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 79 
 
 And doe as doth the spirit move 
 Wlien as the sisters comes ? 
 The synod have, &c. 
 
 Or shall we bee as late we were, 
 For government and order ? 
 And have a king and monarchie, 
 With courts the truth to further ? 
 Shall we have musick now and copes, 
 And kneel as we were wonted ? 
 Instead of Presbyterian popes, 
 Have common prayer chaunted ? 
 The synod have, &c. 
 
 Pray tell us what do you intend, 
 For wee'd be something faine. 
 Will you our former errours mend ? 
 Or for one give us twaine ? 
 Pray something now unto us shew ; 
 Give us the bad or better ; 
 Or what is old, or what is new ; 
 And each will be your debtor. 
 The synod, &c. 
 
 time of thu Commonwealth and during the Protectorate, and 
 formed the subject of many pamphlets. The name alone, 
 misinterpreted by political and religious opponents, was a 
 fertile subject of satire and abuse. In the "Discovery," 
 under the head of the " familie of love," we have the following 
 account: — "Here's a loving sect presented to you: they 
 thinkc that a man may gaine salvation by shewing himselfe 
 loving, especially to his neighbours H'ifo ; for by their law it 
 is allowed for one man to lye witii another mans wife whilst 
 he sleepeth."
 
 so POLITICAL BALLADS. [164( 
 
 I wonder much that you shoukl want, 
 Your learning being huge, 
 You having that same usurer 
 Ycleped doctor G — .* 
 But he, good man ! is neare his end, 
 The bell now for him toles ; 
 Black Friers poore have i)raid tor him, 
 Ere since he sold them coles. 
 The synod, &c. 
 
 Me tliinks the place should help you make 
 Some truth for to relic on, 
 How heavenly king David spake, 
 When as he dwelt in Sion. 
 But it may be in that your place, 
 Things cannot well be scan'd ; 
 Wliy then I wish you fiU'd that house 
 Is in the Holy Land. 
 The synod, &c. 
 
 The Anabaptists! ai-e content 
 You should sit there for ever. 
 
 * Dr. Gouge, who was at this time an active member of the 
 synod, and was remarkable for his usurious disposition. He 
 is thus noticed in a contemporary publication : — " Dr. Gouge 
 will never give ore buzing, so long as his foure shillings a 
 day is continued, which with his selling of coales, for halfe in 
 halfe proffit, together with his interest on interest, for the 
 money he hath out at use, will at length cram his bags up to 
 the very throat, and himselfe be invironed with thousands of 
 angels.' — 3Iercurmx Pmgmaticus, No. 2 (Sept. 21-28, 1647). 
 
 f The Anabajjtists were particularly famous in the church
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 81 
 
 And say as't please the Parliament, 
 "NMiile they dip in the river ; 
 The Brovvnists sure well pleased are 
 To adde unto your fray ; 
 The Familists* do domineere, 
 Because you nothing say. 
 The synod have, &c. 
 
 The Independents do rejoyce. 
 They now have won the field ; 
 They say it is the ax'mies voice 
 The Presbyters must yeeld. 
 
 history of the first half of the seventeenth century, on account 
 of the troubles they had created in Holland and at Munster. 
 They advocated the baptism of adults, by dippmg in the river ; 
 and as persons of both sexes were stripped naked for this 
 purpose, it opened a fertile field of scandalous imputations. 
 
 * The Familists were a German sect, said to have been 
 founded about the middle of the sixteenth century by one 
 Henry Nicolas. They are thus described in the " Catalogue 
 of the several Sects," 1647, — 
 Familists 
 " "WTiere all things gospell that H. N. hath said, 
 
 A strange confused vrorke were newly laid : 
 
 A perfect state, like Adams, is pretended, 
 
 Whilst outwardl}- each day God is oflended ; 
 
 No sabboth, but alike all daies shall be, 
 
 If Familists may have their liberty." 
 
 One of the characteristics of the doctrines of this sect was the 
 turning the practical parts of scripture into mere allegories. In 
 1 645, appeared a 4to. tract, entitled, " A brief Discovery of 
 the blasphemous Doctrine of FamiUsmo, first conceived and 
 brought forth into the world by one Henry Nicolas of the 
 Low Coimtries of Germany about an hundred years agoe ; 
 and now very boldly taught by one Mr. Kandall and sundry 
 others in and about the Citie of London," &c.
 
 82 I'OLITICAL BALLADS. [1647 
 
 Now Case must unto Goodwin stoop,* 
 And Calamie to Uoll ;j" 
 The Presbyters like rushes droop, — 
 O this is wond'rous well ! 
 The synod, &c. 
 
 Some say, like tinkers you have dealt, 
 Who mending of a kettle 
 Do make two holes where one was felt, 
 Or else thi ngs wiU not whittle ; 
 And under a most good pretence 
 That we should find much ease. 
 Religion is quite fled from hence, — 
 Pray cure us this disease. 
 The synod, &c. 
 
 Dub-dapper Sydrach Sympsonij: now 
 Like unto Simla flickers ; 
 A deep and dread revenge doth vow 
 On the schoolmaster Vicars. § 
 
 * Thomas Goodwin was one of the leading writers of the 
 party of the Independents. Another minister, John Good- 
 win, was a zealous writer on the same side. 
 
 f William Dell was a writer on the side of the Independents. 
 He was master of Caius College, Cambridge, and had pub- 
 lished various tracts, on the subject of uniformity in rehgious 
 belief, during the year 1646. 
 
 J Sydrack Simpson, a divine of the Independent party, 
 was master of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge. In 1644 he had 
 published a 4to. book, entitled, " The Anatomist anatomized ; 
 or an Answer to the Anatomy of Independency." 
 
 § John Vicars was a zealous Presbyterian, now best known 
 by his Parliamentary Chronicle. In 1648, he wrote a fierce 
 book against John Goodwin.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 83 
 
 And Edwai'ds,* that same Hercules, 
 Will now write his Gangraena ; 
 And therein praise the sectaries, 
 The like was never seen-a. 
 The synod, 8ec. 
 
 The army sweare they will have none 
 But Independents sway; 
 And that the Presbyters each one, 
 In office t'other day. 
 And voted one day, and then nul'd, 
 And then voted againe, 
 Shall all out of the house be pul'd, — 
 The others onely raigne. 
 The synod, &c. 
 
 And now farewell, O synod brave! 
 
 It is in vaine to think 
 
 We a religion ere shall have, 
 
 Wliile that your pockets chink. 
 
 Four shillings ev'ry day, besides 
 
 Your greazie benefices. 
 
 Makes you to have inlarged sides, 
 
 But puis the truth in pieces. 
 
 * Thomas Edwards, a very zealous Presbyterian, and min- 
 ister of Christ's-church, London, was an active controversialist 
 at this time, and had recently (in lG4fi) published a bitter 
 treatise against the " sectarians," under the title of " Gan- 
 grzena." Edwards died in 1647. 
 
 g2
 
 84 POLITICAI, BALLADS. [1047 
 
 The synod have full Ibure yeares sate, 
 To finde out a religion; 
 Yet to conclude they know not what, 
 They want a new edition. 
 
 Printed in the year 1647. 
 
 THE BRAGGADOCIA SOULDIER AND THE 
 CIVILL CITIZEN. 
 
 [Sept. 14, 1647.] 
 
 From the fifth volume of folio broadsides, Kind's I'amplilets. 
 Brit. Mus. The subject of this ballad is the siibiiiissioii of 
 the city to the army. 
 
 See how the sectists bustle now ! 
 The Independents sturre! 
 London is tam'd, say they, as once 
 Prince Rupert with his cui're.* 
 
 * Prince Rupert's dog (like his monkey) was celebrated in 
 its day. The prince seems to have been partial to animals. 
 Among the King's Pamphlets in the British Museimi, the fol- 
 lowing relate particularly to this subject. " The Humerous 
 Tricks and Conceits of Prince Roberts Malignant She-Mon- 
 key," &c. 4to. 1642. " An exact description of Prince Ruperts 
 malignant She-Monkey, a great Delinquent : having approved 
 her selfe a better Servant than his white Dog called Boy." 
 4 to. 1643. In both these works is printed a short song, of 
 which one of the stanzas is, — 
 
 " Prince Ruperts monkey is a toy, 
 Tliat doth exceed his dog call'd Boy, 
 Whicli, through dogged folly, 
 
 Both barkes and bites, 
 
 But this delights 
 The Prince, when 's melancholy."
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 85 
 
 See how they prick their eares and cry, 
 " Wee'l knock down all our foes!" 
 But spare the Divell, pray, for hee 
 Do'es not your side oppose. 
 
 Bi'ave sparkes, indeed, brave cocks o'th game; 
 
 Gramercy, gun and sword! 
 
 They throw down aU, and yet pretend 
 
 To advance the purer word. 
 
 On, sectists, on, and do your best. 
 To vindicate the Divell; 
 Away with reformation now. 
 And call her dirty snivell! 
 Up, prince of darknesse ! come and raigne, — 
 Thy loyall subjects wayt; 
 Then call them, Satan, round about, 
 And sit againe in state. 
 Brave sparkes, indeed, &c. 
 
 Come hither. Pope, we give thee leave. 
 Thou hast no cause to feare; 
 Jingle thy keyes in England now, 
 The Divell raigneth here. 
 
 "Observations upon I'rince llupert's White Dog called Boy: 
 carefully taken by T. B. for that purpose imployed by some 
 of ([uality in the City of London." 4to. 1643. A poem on the 
 Dog appeared after the fatal battle of Marston Moor, with 
 the title, — " A Dog's Elegy, or Rupert's Tears, for the late 
 Defeat given him at Marston- Moore. . . . Where his beloved 
 Dog, named Boy, was killed by a valiant Souldier, wlio had 
 skill in Necromancy." 4to. London, July 27, 1644.
 
 M) POLITICAL BALLADS. [IG4: 
 
 Religion's to the block eondeninM, 
 But none conies to relieve it; 
 Wliilst hell unloads its gorge, and wee 
 Stand ready to receive it. 
 Brave sparkes, indeed, &c. 
 
 The sectists now are jolly men, 
 They've brought about their plot ; 
 They say they will confute us now 
 With powder and with shot. 
 But stay! their cannons may bee crack'd, 
 Their shot cashier'd, and then 
 Their argument, I feare, will faile, 
 And lye i'th dust agen. 
 
 Brave sparkes, indeed, &c. 
 
 The Pope and Divell have engag'd, 
 
 The Independent too; 
 
 For what I know not, 't may bee this, 
 
 Our kingdome to undoe. 
 
 Heav'ns keep our soveraigne, king Charles, 
 
 From being rul'd by them! 
 
 Mee thinks the helmet is too neere 
 
 The princely diadem. 
 
 Brave sparkes, indeed, when they may thus. 
 
 With canon and with sword, 
 
 Un-king our state, un-church us too. 
 
 And yet advance the word. 
 
 But whither doth our kingdome run 
 With such precipitation,
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 87 
 
 As if it would go visit faine 
 
 The pit of desolation? 
 
 Heav'ns stop it quick, and lieale our sicke 
 
 Forlorne distracted City! 
 
 Then give us hearts to play oiu- parts, 
 
 And sing a gratefull ditty. 
 
 Would Heav'ns throw down these cocks o'th game, 
 
 That cry, Gramercy, sword! 
 
 Then should we hope to see againe 
 
 The purity o'the word. 
 
 Printed for J. L. 1647. 
 
 A LOYALL SONG, 
 
 of the rovall feast kept by the prisoners in the 
 
 towre, august last, with the names, titles, 
 
 and characters of every prisoner. 
 
 By Sir F. W., Knight and Baronet, Prisoner. 
 
 [Sept. 16, 1647.] 
 
 In the negotiations between the king and the parliament 
 during the summer and autumn of this year, the case of the 
 royalist prisoners in the Tower was frequently brought in 
 question. The latter seized the occasion of complaining against 
 the rigours (complaints apparently exaggerated) which were 
 exerted against them, and on the 16th June, 1647, was pub- 
 lished " A True Relation of the cruel! and unparallel'd 
 Oppression which hath been illegally imposed upon the Gen- 
 tlemen Prisoners in the Tower of London." The several 
 petitions contained in this tract have the signatures of Francis 
 Howard, Henry Bcdingfield, Walter Blount, Giles Strang- 
 waies, Francis Butler, Henry Vaughan, Thomas Lunsford, 
 Richard Gibson, Tho. Violet, John Morlcy, Francis Wortley
 
 88 POLITICAL 15ALLADS. [1647 
 
 Eihv. Bishop, John Hewot, Wingfieltl Bodenlum), [Itiiry 
 WaiTen, W. Morton, John Slau,^hter, Gilbert Swinhow. 
 
 On the 19tli of August (according' to the Moderate Intelli- 
 gencer of that date) the iving sent to the royal prisoners in the 
 Tower two fat bucks for a feast. This circumstance was the 
 origin of the present ballad. It was written by Sir Francis 
 Wortley, one of the prisoners, and the author of at least 
 two other ballads in this volume. This ballad, as we learn by 
 the concluding lines, was to be sung to the popular tune of 
 " Chevy Chace." 
 
 God save the best of kings, king Charles ! 
 The best of queens, queen Mary ! 
 The ladies all, Gloster and Yorke, 
 Prince Charles so like old Harry !* 
 God send the king his own again, 
 His Towre and all his coyners ! 
 And blesse all kings who are to reigne, 
 From traytors and purloyners ! 
 
 The king sent us poore traytors here, 
 
 (But you may guesse the reason) 
 Tavo brace of bucks to mend the cheere, 
 
 Ts't not to eat them treason ? 
 
 Let Selden search Cottons records, 
 
 And Royley in the Towre, 
 
 They cannot match the president. 
 
 It is not in their power. 
 
 Old Collet would have joy'd to've seen 
 
 * Old Harry is of course Henry the Eighth. The com- 
 parison is made again in other ballads of the age. At the 
 present time the expression appears rather equivocal.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 89 
 
 This president recorded ; 
 For all the papers hee ere saw 
 Scarce such an one afforded. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 But that you may these traytors know, 
 I'le be so bold to name them ; 
 That if they ever traytors prove, 
 Then this record may shame them. 
 But these are well try'd loyaU blades 
 (If England ere had any); 
 Search both the houses through and through 
 You'ld scarcely finde so many. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 The first and chiefe a marquesse* is. 
 Long with the state did wrestle ; 
 Had Oglef done as much as he, 
 Th'ad spoyld Will. Wallers castle. 
 Ogle had wealth and title got, 
 So layd down his commissions ; 
 The noble marquesse would not yield. 
 But scorn'd all base conditions. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 * The Mar(]uis of "Winchester, the brave defender of his 
 house at Basing, had been made prisoner by Cromwell at the 
 storming of that house in 1645. Waller had been foiled in 
 his attempt on this place in the year preccnling-. 
 
 t Sir John Ogle, one of the Royalist commanders, who 
 was entrusted with the defence of Winchester Castle, which 
 he surrender(!d on conditions, just before the siege of Basing 
 House.
 
 DO POLITICAL JJALLADS. [itu; 
 
 The next a worthy bishop* is, 
 Of sdiismaticks was hated ; 
 But I the cause could never know, 
 Nor see the reason stated. 
 The cryes were loud, God knowes the cause ; 
 They had a strange committee, 
 Which was a-foot well neei'e a yeare. 
 Who would have had small pitty. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 The next to him is a Welsh judge,| 
 Durst tell them what was treason ; 
 Old honest David durst be good, 
 AVlien it was out of season. 
 He durst discover all the tricks 
 The lawyers use, and knaveiy ; 
 And shew the subtile plots they use 
 To enthrall us into slavery. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 Frank WortlyJ hath a jovial soule. 
 Yet never was good club-man ; 
 
 * Wren, bishop of Ely, was committed to the Tower in 164L 
 accused with high " misdemeanours " in his diocese. 
 
 f David Jenliins, a Welsh judge, who had been made 
 prisoner at the taking of Hereford, and committed first to 
 Newgate and afterwards to the Tower. He refused to ac- 
 knowledge the authority of the parliament, and was the 
 author of several tracts published during the year (while he 
 was prisoner in the Tower) which made a great noise. 
 
 X Sir Francis Wortley, Bart.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 91 
 
 Hee's for the bishops and the church, 
 But can endure no tub-man. 
 He told Sir Thomas in the Towre, 
 Though he by him was undone, 
 It pleas'd him that he lost more men 
 In taking liim, then London.* 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 Sir Edward Haylesf was wonderous rich ; 
 No flower in Kent yeilds honey 
 In more abundance to the bee 
 Then they from him suck money ; 
 Yet hee's as chearfull as the best ; 
 Judge Jenkins sees no reason 
 That honest men for wealth should be 
 Accused of high treason. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 Old Sir George StrangwaysJ he came in ; 
 
 Though he himself submitted, 
 
 Yet as a traytor he must be 
 
 Excepted and committed. 
 
 Yet they th' exception now take off, 
 
 But not the sequestrations. 
 
 * See before, p. 46. 
 
 t Sir Edward Hales, Bart, of Woodchurch, in Kent, had 
 been member for Qneenborougli in the Isle of Sheppey. He 
 was not a royalist. 
 
 J Sir George Strangways, Bart., according to the marginal 
 note in the original. Another of the name, Sir John Strang- 
 ways, was taken at the surrender of Sherborne Castle.
 
 02 I'OLITICAL BALLADS. [1G47 
 
 Hee must forsooth to Goldsmiths-hall, 
 The place of desolatitm. 
 The kin": sent us, &c. 
 
 Ilouest Sir Ben's* a reall man, 
 As ere was lapt in leather ; 
 But he (God blesse us) loves the king, 
 And therefore was sent hither. 
 He durst be sheriffe, and durst make 
 The Parliament acquainted, 
 AVhat he intended for to doe, 
 And for this was attained. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 Sir Benefield,t Sir Walter Blunt, 
 Are Romishly aifected ; 
 So's honest Frank of Howards race, 
 And slaughter is suspected. :j: 
 But how the Devill comes this about, 
 That papists are so loyall. 
 And those that call themselves Gods saints 
 Like Devils do destroy all ? 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 * I have not been able to ascertain who was the person here 
 alkicU'd to. 
 
 f Sir Henry Bedingfield, Bart, of Norfolk ; Sir Walter 
 Blount, Bart, of Worcestershire ; and Sir Francis Howard, 
 Bart, of the North, were committed to the Tower on the 22nd 
 of Januarv, 1 046. 
 
 J Tlie honil)le barbarities committed by the Irish rebels had 
 made the Catholics so much abhorred in Enjjland, that ever\-
 
 1(547] POLITICAL BALLADS. do 
 
 Jack Hewet* will have wholesome meat, 
 And drink good wine, if any ; 
 His entertainment's free and neat, 
 His choyce of friends not many ; 
 Jack is a lovall hearted man, 
 "WeU parted and a scholar; 
 Hee'l grumble if things please him not, 
 But never grows to choUer. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 Gallant Sir Thomasf, bold and stout, 
 (Brave Lunsford) childi-en eateth; 
 But he takes care, where he eats one, 
 Tliere he a hundred getteth; 
 When Harlows wife brings her long bills, 
 He wishes she were blinded; 
 ^Vhen shee speaks loud, as loud he swears, 
 The woman's earthly minded. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 English member of that community was suspected of plotting 
 the same massacres in England. 
 
 * Sir John Hewet, of Huntingdonshire, was committed to 
 the Tower on the 28th of January 1645(-6) 
 
 f Sir Thomas Lunsford, Bart, the celebrated royahst otticer, 
 was committed to the Tower on the 22nd of Jan. 1646. The 
 \ iolence and barbarities which he and his troop were said to 
 have perpetrated, led to the popular belief that he was in the 
 habit of eating children. 
 
 " From Fielding and from Vavasour, 
 Both ill iifrcctcd men ; 
 From Lunsford eke deliver us, 
 That eateth up children, 
 
 {Loyal Hung», ed. 1731, i. 38.;
 
 94 I'OJJTRAL li.VLLAUS. [ig47 
 
 Sir Lewis* hath an able pen, 
 Can cudgell a committee j 
 lie makes them doe him reason, though 
 They others do not pitty. 
 Brave Cleavehnid liad ;i willing minde; 
 Frank Wortley was not able; 
 But Lewis got foure pound ])er weeke, 
 For's childien and his table. 
 The king sent us, &e. 
 
 Giles Strangwayes| has a gallant soul, 
 A brain infatigable; 
 Wliat study he ere undertakes. 
 To master it hee's able; 
 He studies on his theoremes. 
 And log-arithmes for number; 
 He loves to speake of Lewis Dives, § 
 And they are neer asunder. 
 The king sent us, 8cc. 
 
 Sir John Marlow's|| a loyall man 
 (If England ere bred any); 
 
 * Sir William Lewis, one of the eleven members who had 
 been impeached by the army. 
 
 J Col. Giles Strangwaies, of Dorsetshire, taken with Sir 
 Lewis Dives, at the surrender of Sherborne, was committed 
 to the Tower on the 28th of August, 1645. He was member 
 for Bridport in the Long Parliament, and was one of those 
 who attended Charles's ' mongrel' parliament at Oxford. 
 
 § Sir Lewis Dives, an active and brave royalist, was 
 Governor of Sherborne Castle for the king, and had been made 
 a prisoner by Fairfax in August, 1645, when that fortress was 
 taken by storm. He was brother-in-law to Lord Digby. 
 
 II Sir John Morley, of Newcastle, committed to the Tower 
 on the 18th of July, 1645.
 
 1647] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 95 
 
 He bang'd the pedlar back and side, 
 Of Scots he killed many. 
 Had generall King* done what he should, 
 And given the blew-caps battail, 
 Wee'd made them all run into Tweed, 
 By di-oves like sommer cattell. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 Will. Morton'sf of that Cardinalls race, 
 Who made that blessed maryage; 
 He is most loyall to his king. 
 In action, word, and carry age; 
 His sword and pen defends the cause; 
 K king Charles thinke not on him, 
 Will, is amongst the rest undone, — 
 The Lord have mercy on him ! 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 Tom Conisbyl is stout and stern. 
 
 Yet of a sweet condition ; 
 
 To them he loves his crime was great, 
 
 He read the kings commission. 
 
 And required Cranborn to assist; 
 
 He charg'd, but should have pray'd him; 
 
 * King was a royalist general, in the north, who was slain 
 in July, 1643. A passage closely resembling the one above 
 has already occurred at p. 61 of the present \olume. 
 
 f Sir William Morton, of Gloucestershire, committed to the 
 Tower on th(! 17th of August, 1644. Cardinal Morton, Arch- 
 bishop of Canterbury, brought about the marriage between 
 King Henry VII and the daughter of J^dward IV, and thus 
 effected the union of the rival houses of York and Lancaster. 
 
 J Thomas Coningsby, Esq. of Northmyns in Hertfordshire, 
 committed to the Tower in November 1642, for reading the 
 king's commission of array in that county.
 
 9() I'OMTK'AL BALLADS. 
 
 Tom was so bold he did require 
 All for the king should aid him. 
 The king sent us, he. 
 
 But I Win. Bodnam* had forgot, 
 Had suffered so much hardship; 
 Thei'e's no man in tlu; Towre had left 
 The king so young a wardship; 
 Hee's firme both to the church and crowne. 
 The crown law and the canon ; 
 The houses put him to his shifts, 
 And his wifes father Mammon. 
 The king sent us, &e. 
 
 Sir Henry Vaughanf looks as grave, 
 As any beard can make him; 
 Those come poore prisoners for to see. 
 Doe for our patriarke take him. 
 Old Hai-ry is a right true blue, 
 As valiant as Pendraggon; 
 And would be loyall to his king, 
 Had king Charles neer a rag on. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 John Lilburne| is a stirring blade. 
 And understands the matter; 
 
 [1047 
 
 * Sir Wingfield Bodenham, of the county of Rutland, 
 committed to the Tower on the .31st of July, 164,3. 
 
 t Sir Henry Vaughan, a Welsh knight, committed to the 
 Tower on the I8th July, 1645. 
 
 J Lilburn was, as has been observed, in the Tower for his 
 practices against the present order of things, he being an
 
 1G47] POLITICAL BALLADS. 97 
 
 He neither will king, bishops, lords, 
 Nor th' House of Commons flatter; 
 John loves no power prerogative, 
 But that deriv'd from Sion; 
 As for the mitre and the crown, 
 Those two he looks awry on. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 Tom Violet* swears his injuries 
 Are scarcely to be numbred; 
 He was close prisoner to the state 
 These score dayes and nine hundi'ed; 
 For Tom does set down all the dayes. 
 And hopes he has good debters ; 
 'Twould be no treason (Jenkins sayes) 
 To bring them peaceful! letters. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 Poore Hudsonf of all was the last, 
 For it Avas his disaster, 
 
 advocate of extreme democratic principles ; and he was there 
 instructed in knotty points of law by Judge Jenkins, to en- 
 able him to torment and baffle the party in power. It was 
 Jenkins who said of Lilburne that, " If the world were emp- 
 tied of all but John Lilburne, Lilburne would quarrel with 
 John, and John with Lilburne." 
 
 * Mr. Thomas Violet, of London, goldsmith, committed to 
 the Tower, Jan. 6th, 1643(-4), for carrying a letter from the 
 king to the mayor and common council of London. 
 
 f Dr. Hudson had been concerned in the king's transactions 
 with the Scots, previous to his delivering himself up to them, 
 and he and Ashburnham had been his sole attendants in his 
 flight from r).\f((rd for that purpose. 
 
 H
 
 98 POLITICAL BALLADS. [164: 
 
 lie met a turncout swore that lie 
 Was once king Charles his master; 
 So lie to London soon was brought, 
 But came in such a season, 
 Their martiall court was then cry'd down, 
 They could not try his treason. 
 The king sent us, 8fc. 
 
 Else Hudson had gone to the pot; 
 Who is he can abide him? 
 For he was master to the king, 
 And (which is more) did guide him. 
 Had Hudson done (as Judas did), 
 Most loyally betray 'd him, 
 The houses are so noble, they 
 As bravely would have paid him. 
 The king sent us, &c. 
 
 Wee'l then conclude with hearty healths 
 
 To king Charles and queen Mary; 
 
 To the black lad in buff (the Prince), 
 
 So like his grandsire Harry; 
 
 To York, to Gloster; may we not 
 
 Send Turk and Pope defiance, 
 
 Since we such gallant seconds have 
 
 To strengthen our alliance? 
 
 Wee'l drink them o're and o're again. 
 
 Else we're unthankfuU creatures; 
 
 Since Charles, the wise, the valiant king. 
 
 Takes us for loyaU traytors.
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 99 
 
 This if you will rime dogreU call, 
 
 (That you please you may name it), 
 One of the loyall traytors here 
 
 Did for a ballad frame it; 
 Old Chevy Chace was in his minde, 
 
 If any sute it better. 
 All thse concerned in the song 
 
 Will kindly thank the setter. 
 
 TRUTH FLATTERS NOT. 
 
 PLAINE DEAI>ING THE BEST, LFV^ELY DEMONSTRATING THE 
 TRUE EFFIGIES, LIFE, AND HABITE OF A SELFE EXACTING 
 CLERGIE, NOTED DOWN IN ENGLISH AND ROMAN CHARAC- 
 TERS, EASILY SPELLED AND CONSTRUED BY A MEANE CA- 
 PACITY. 
 
 The wise its truth well knowes. 
 
 The ignorant may learne. 
 The guilty snuffes his nose. 
 
 And prickt thereat will spume. 
 
 [Oct. 12, 1647.] 
 
 From the fifth volume of the folio broadsides, King's Pamphlets. 
 It is aimed against the Presbyterians. 
 
 POPE. 
 
 Who will honours and renown, 
 
 resort to me; 
 Riches and honour is my gown 
 
 and livery. 
 The world well know my servants grow 
 
 great potentates, 
 
 h2
 
 100 POLITICAL BALLADS. [uu: 
 
 Tliougli busie wights their force unites 
 
 to work their fates. 
 Who shall my holy lawes observe, 
 
 and church obey, 
 A dwelling place in heaven shaU have, 
 
 or hell for aye. 
 
 PRELATE. 
 
 Your proffers faire and promise large 
 
 if they were true. 
 Your oath and promise once discharge, 
 
 give me my due, 
 And helpe me now, who beares for you 
 
 so much disgrace. 
 Mock, scorn, and flout, yea casting out 
 
 of name and place. 
 If this be heaven, or entrance in 
 
 Where they shall dwell, 
 Who loves, obeyes, your church and lawes, — 
 
 what place is hell? 
 
 PRIEST. 
 
 I hate the pope, his poysoned cup, 
 
 and trinkets all; 
 The bishops deeds, and romish weeds, 
 
 to mee are gall. 
 Yet well I know, what layickes owe 
 
 unto our coat; 
 Reverence all way, good livings pay, 
 
 is our j ust lot. 
 
 1
 
 1647] POLITICAL BALLADS. 101 
 
 Sects and unlearned up-start jackes 
 
 doth us defraud, 
 TVTio, to our shame, our power and name 
 
 have over-aw'd. 
 
 TRUTH. 
 
 Your bitter seeds, ambitious deeds, 
 
 declares your heart; 
 On such ill weedes eagerly feedes 
 
 a spirit tart. 
 Wealth, rule, and fame, hath such a name 
 
 with you obtain'd, 
 ^Yliat's taught or worn, may well be borne, 
 
 if those be gain'd. 
 Tlu-ow off that caj), let drop that bagge, 
 
 put up that sword; 
 Learn of me to be meeke and low, 
 
 preach free this word. 
 
 By T. P. a Well-wilier of Verity and honourer of Humility. 
 Imprimatur G. M. London Printed by J. Coe, 1647. 
 
 MAD TOM A BEDLAMS DESIRES OF PEACE : 
 
 OR HIS BENEDICITIES FOR DISTRACTED ENGLAND'S RESTAUBA- 
 TION TO HER WITS AGAIN. 
 
 By a constant, though unjust, sufferer (now in prison) for his 
 
 Majesties just Regality, and his Countreys Liberty. 
 
 S F W B. 
 
 [June 27, 1648.] 
 
 The following ballad, as we learn from tiie initial loiters in 
 the title, was written by S[ir] F[rancis] W[ortley,] B[art.]
 
 102 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1C48 
 
 (See bet'oro, pp. .'30 uiul 4().) It is oontiiiiicd in llie sixth 
 volume of the folio broadsidt^s, King's Pamphlets. Diirinj^- 
 the first half of the seventeenth century there were many 
 sonj;s and ballads ^\^■itten under the title of, or tune of, "Tom 
 of Bedlam," of which seviu'al have been printed by I'ercy and 
 Kilson. The original idea of the name and subject was 
 perhaps taken from the " poor Tom" of Shakespeare's " King 
 Lear." See Chappell's "National Airs," p. 118. There is 
 another ballad to the tune of " Tom of Bedlam" in the pre- 
 sent volume; and in the Collection of Loyal Songs, 1731, ii. 
 272, is one entitled, "The Cock-Crowing at the approach of 
 a Free Parliament : or, 
 
 Good news in a balliit, 
 
 More sweet to your pallat 
 Than fig, raison, or stewed prune is : 
 
 A country wit made it, 
 
 AVho ne'er got the trade yet ; 
 And mad Torn, of Bedlam the tune is." 
 
 Poor Tom hath been imprison'cl, 
 
 With strange oppressions vexed; 
 
 He dares boldly say, they try'd each way, 
 
 Wlierewith Job was perplexed. 
 
 Yet still he cries for .the king, for the good king, 
 
 Tom loves brave confessors, 
 
 But he curses those dare their king depose, 
 
 Committees and oppressors, 
 
 Tom prayes for good king Charles, 
 
 The best of queens, queene Mary ; 
 
 Prayes the prince may advance in safety from France, 
 
 Victorious as old Harry. 
 
 Those have been false to the king, to the good king. 
 
 All those durst dissemble,
 
 1648] POLITICAL BALLADS. 103 
 
 Tom smiles but to think, how the rogues will stink, 
 And like stout Atkins tremble.* 
 
 Next he prayes for him in Holland, 
 
 IVTio his keeper so deceived, f 
 
 Got the speakers passe for a pretty lasse, 
 
 And so he was received. 
 
 'Twill be great joy to the king, to the good king^ 
 
 To hear of his safety ; 
 
 But he taught them a trick, at hide and seek, 
 
 They think hee's plaguy crafty. 
 
 Blesse the hopefuU duke of Gloster, 
 
 And the princesse royall Mary, 
 
 May shee fruitfull prove, to increase his love, 
 
 A Charles first, then a Harry: 
 
 Blesse those have stood for the king, for the good king. 
 
 And the ofF-spring royall: 
 
 * iyderman Atkins had shown some want of courage in 
 raising the trained bands, or reviewing them (perhaps at the 
 time of the city tumults of the April of the year 1648), which 
 became proverbial. In the Rump Songs, (ed. 16G5) there is a 
 poem, entitled " Upon Alderman Atkins bewraying his slops 
 on the gi'eat Training day." And in a song of the same 
 period we have the following lines : 
 
 " When Alderman Atkins did lieiiiar 
 Ills hose through a panick I'ear, 
 And captain Rea that man of war, 
 oh, what a hogo was tlierfe !" 
 
 Loyal Songs, i. 100 (cd. 17:^1.) 
 
 J The Duke of York made his escape in the siunmer of 
 this year in the dress of a girl, and was carried to Dort, in 
 Holland, to repair to his sister, the Princess of Orange.
 
 104 POLITICAL BALLADS, 
 
 [1648 
 
 Tom ])rayes heaven blessc sweet princcsse Besse, 
 Loves none she thinks disloyall. 
 
 Blesse those few lords are honest, 
 
 From the armies adjutators, 
 
 Saints sent from heaven, to make all even, 
 
 Both church and state translaters: 
 
 Those stood not firm to the king, to the good king, 
 
 But have him forsaken, 
 
 Let the crownets they weare, and supporters should 
 
 bcare, 
 Their arms from them be taken. 
 
 Blesse the reverent suffering bishops, 
 
 P2ach parson, vicar, curate. 
 
 From the Presbyter plots and subtile Scots, 
 
 Wliose hearts are so obdurate. 
 
 Blesse those stood fast to the king, to the good king. 
 
 Masters, fellows, proctors; 
 
 Plague take the fool went with his counsell of Trent 
 
 To visit Oxford doctors.* 
 
 Blesse the loyall hearted gentry, 
 
 In country, towns, and cities. 
 
 From the bane of us all (base Goldsmiths hall). 
 
 And ij-om their close committees. 
 
 * The parliamentary visitation of the University of Oxford, 
 by the Earl of Pembroke, took place in the April of 1648, and 
 many of the masters, feUows, &f. were deprived and expelled.
 
 1648] POLITICAL BALLADS. 105 
 
 Those who were false to the king, to the good king, 
 L-ish, Scot, or English; 
 
 Some marks may they beare or colours weare 
 May them from us distinguish. 
 
 Blesse the city from their lord mayor. 
 
 From close committee treasons; 
 
 From those ai'e unjust to the cities trust, 
 
 From traytors watch their seasons: 
 
 Now make amends to your king, to your good king. 
 
 For you have undon him; 
 
 Your coyne to the Scots, your strength and their plots 
 
 Have brought these ills upon him. 
 
 By poore Tom be advised, 
 
 As you at White -hall tryed. 
 
 So as stoutly call for a common hall. 
 
 It cannot be denyed. 
 
 Call on the states for your king, for your good king. 
 
 Wish them to deliver 
 
 Unto justice those who the peace oppose. 
 
 You strike it dead for ever. 
 
 Blesse us all, 'tis a mad world, 
 
 Tom's heart is struck with pitty 
 
 To think how of late this tiling call'd a state 
 
 Hath wrought upon this city. 
 
 'Tis time you call for the king, for the good king. 
 
 Else you will be undone; 
 
 If the army should bring to ruin your king. 
 
 What will become of London?
 
 lOG POLITICAL BALLADS. [1648 
 
 Blesse the valiant lionest souldicrs 
 
 From the hands of base commanders, 
 
 From those spirits employ 'd so many destroy 'd, 
 
 For want of pay in Flanders. 
 
 Those have been false to the king, to the good king, 
 
 May they ship at Dover, 
 
 Thence to Rnpert in France, who will lead them a 
 
 dance 
 They hardly shall recover. 
 
 Blesse the printer from the searcher* 
 
 And from the Tibuses takers ! 
 
 Blesse Tom from the slash; from Bridewel's lash, 
 
 Blesse all poore ballad-makers ! 
 
 Those who have writ for the king, for the good king 
 
 Be it rime or reason, 
 
 If they please but to look through Jenkins his book, 
 
 They'le hardly find it treason. 
 
 * The immense nimiberof seditious publications had obliged 
 the Long Parliament to adojjt means foi' restraining the liberty 
 (or licence) of the press ; and the publishers of objectionable 
 papers or pamphlets began to be visited with severity, when 
 they could be discovered. Such pubUcations were considered 
 as libels on the parliament. The book of Judge Jenkins, 
 alluded to below, was probably his " Lex Terrse," published 
 in English in 1647, and in Latin in 1648.
 
 1648] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 10 
 
 >-r 
 
 COLONELL RAINSBOROWES GHOST : 
 
 OR A TRUE RELATION OF THE MANNER OF HIS DEATH, WHO 
 WAS MURTHERED IN HIS BED-CHAMBER AT DONCASTER, BY 
 THREE OF THE PONTEFRACT SOULDIERS WHO PRETENDED 
 THAT THEY HAD LETTERS FROM LIEUTENANT GENERALL 
 CROMWELL, TO DELIVER UNTO HIM. 
 
 To the Tune of " My bleeding heart with grief and care." 
 
 [1648.] 
 
 Rainsborough was one of the most energetic and faithful of 
 CromAveH's officers, and bad been very active in suppressing 
 the royalist insurrections during the present year. He was 
 considered as one of those most opposed to treating mth the 
 king ; and he was murdered by three desperadoes of the 
 royalist party, at Doncaster, on the 29th October of this year. 
 The following ballad, which gives a tolerably correct account 
 of that event, is preserved in the seventh volume of the foho 
 broadsides, Iving's Pamphlets. 
 
 You gallant blades of Mars his traine, 
 who serve the state for wealth and fame, 
 
 Such by respects will be your baine, 
 if onely at such things you aime. 
 
 My name was Rainsborow, slaine of late, 
 whose troubled ghost can take no rest, 
 
 Untill some things I doe relate, 
 
 which to the world must be exprest. 
 
 Then know fro whence ray baine did spring, 
 vaine-glory and my thirst of blood, 
 
 I hated them that lov'd my Icing 
 as by his friends was understood.
 
 108 POLITICAL BALLADS. [UA» 
 
 Witnesse the bloody fights in Kent, 
 the siege at Colchester likewise,* 
 
 1 served well the Parliament, 
 all deeds of mercy did dispise. 
 
 For when the towne they did surrend, 
 
 I ploted all against them then: 
 I quickly brought unto an end, 
 
 the lives of two brave gentlemen. 
 
 T would not give the generall rest, 
 till he unto their deaths had seal'd; 
 
 My troubled ghost hath here exprest, 
 what to the world should be reveald. 
 
 Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle, 
 two worthy men whom I did hate, 
 
 The glory of the British Isle, 
 whom I did make unfortunate. 
 
 With resolution stout they died, 
 and call'd me traytor to my face: 
 
 It did no whit abaite my pride, 
 I saw them fall in little space. 
 
 The death of them reveng'd hath bin 
 on me, by those that lov'd them well: 
 
 * The incidents connected with the siege of Colchester, in 
 this year, will be familiar to most readers. Sir Charles Lucas 
 and Sir George Lisle were shot, after the surrender of the 
 town, as rebels.
 
 1648] POLITICAL BALLADS. 109 
 
 Sweet Jesus Christ forgive my sin ! 
 for by my meanes tliose worthies fell. 
 
 October last the twenty nine, 
 
 it being then the Sabbath day, 
 Twenty seven Cavaliers combine, 
 
 to Doncaster they take their way. 
 
 Those were from Pontefract-castle sent, 
 
 which on their resolution stood, 
 And feining of a faire iiitent 
 
 to speake with me, but spilt my blood. 
 
 The centinell did bid them stand, 
 
 and fain would know from whence they came; 
 From him they said that did command, 
 
 they presently this sense did frame. 
 
 THE SECOND PART. 
 To the same Tune. 
 
 From Generall CromweU we are sent 
 with letters to your colonell; 
 
 This is our businesse and intent, 
 the truth whereof to you we tell. 
 
 The centinell did them believe, 
 
 which was the cause of this my woe; 
 
 To three of them they leave did give, 
 unto my chamber for to goe.
 
 IIU I'ULITICAL BALLADS. [1G4S 
 
 They entering were I lodged was, 
 who little thought of any hju-me ; 
 
 For what so soone would come to passe, 
 for in my l>pd T Isiy full warme. 
 
 Where's Colonell Rainsborow, quoth they ? 
 
 I am the man, kind friends, said 1; 
 AVTiat is your businesse, I pray, 
 
 that you come in so hastely? 
 
 Our businesse you soone shall know, 
 and wherefore we were put in trust. 
 
 As we to you will straigthway show, 
 for Lucas and Lisle dye you must. 
 
 At these same words I then did start, 
 when they to me those men did name; 
 
 It then did strike me to the heart, 
 that I consented to the same. 
 
 Reviling me with bitter words, 
 to murther me they did intend; 
 
 And then they di-ew their bloody sAvords, 
 I nothing liad me to defend. 
 
 Then they did vow that I should dye, 
 for now they had me at command; 
 
 Yet I withstood them manfully, 
 as long as ever I could stand.
 
 1648] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. Ill 
 
 Thorough my body eight times they 
 with bloody swords they me did gore, 
 
 As it was scene whereas I lay, 
 being found dead upon the flore. 
 
 This being done the doore they lockt, 
 and in their pockets put the key ; 
 
 None could come in although they knockt, 
 so they took horse and rid away. 
 
 The guard mistrusting no such thing, 
 
 did let them freely passe along ; 
 Supposing they did letters bring, 
 
 believing their dissembling tongue. 
 
 There's none can tell what men those were, 
 nor yet which way that they did ride; 
 
 Themselves they cunningly did beare, 
 and closely they themselves doe hide. 
 
 But blood no doubt for blood doth cry, 
 
 as we by daily proofs doo see; 
 Tis true, and peirceth through the sky, 
 
 if that my ghost believ'd may be. 
 
 My corpes it is to be convey'd, 
 
 to London on the fourteene day, 
 Where in the grave it shall be layd, 
 
 in peace, and have no more to say. 
 
 Printed at London, 1648.
 
 112 I'OMTICAL IJALLADS. [1G48 
 
 THE ANAllCIIIK, OR THE BLEST REFORMA- 
 TION SINCE l(i40. 
 
 BEING A NEW SONG, WIIERKIN THE PEOPLE EXPUESSE THEIR 
 THANKES AND PRAY FOR THE REFORMERS. 
 
 To be said or sunp^ of all the well affected of the kingdoiTK^ of 
 
 England, and dominion of Wales, before the 
 
 breaking up ()f this unhappy Parliament. 
 
 To a rare new Tunc. 
 
 [Oct. 24, 1648.] 
 
 This ballad, preserved in the seventh volume of the fuiin 
 broadsides, King's Pamphlets, was written after all hopes of 
 making an arrangement between the parliament and the king- 
 seem to have been laid aside. It is printed very incorrectly 
 in the "Rump Songs," ed. 1665, under the title of "The 
 Rebellion." 
 
 Now that, thankes to the powers below! 
 We have e'ne done out our doe, 
 
 The mitre is downe. 
 
 And so is the crowne. 
 And with them the coronet too; 
 Come clownes, and come boyes. 
 Come hober-de-hoyes, 
 
 Come females of eacli degree ; 
 Stretch your throats, bring in your votes, 
 
 And make good the anarchy. 
 And "thus it shall goe," sayes Alice; 
 "Nay, thus it shall goe," sayes Amy; 
 "Nay, thus it shall goe," sayes Taffie, "I trow;" 
 "Nay, thus it shall goe," sayes Jamy.
 
 1648] POLITICAL BALLADS. 113 
 
 Ah ! but the truth, good people all, 
 
 The truth is such a thing; 
 For it wou'd undoe both church and state too 
 
 And cjit tlic throat of our king. 
 Yet not the spirit, nor the new light, 
 
 Can make this point so cleare, 
 But thou must bring out, thou deified rout, 
 
 What thing this truth is and where. 
 •Speak Abraham, speak Kester, speak Judith, speak 
 Hester, 
 
 Speak tag and rag, short coat and long; 
 Truth's the spell made us rebell, 
 
 And murther and plunder, ding-dong. 
 "Sure I have the truth," sayes Numph; 
 "Nay, I ha' the truth," sayes Clemme; 
 "Nay, I ha' the truth," sayes reverend Ruth; 
 "Nay, I ha' the truth," sayes Nem. 
 
 Well, let the truth be where it will, 
 We're sure all else is ours; 
 Yet these divisions in our religions 
 May chance abate our powers. 
 
 Then let's agree on some one way, 
 
 It skills not much how true; 
 Take Pryn and his clubs; or Say and his tubs*, 
 Or any sect old or new ; 
 
 * The copy in the " Rump Songs" has " Smec and his 
 tub." 
 
 I
 
 114 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1648 
 
 The devil's i'th' pack, if choyce you can lack; 
 
 We're fourescore religions strong; 
 Take your choyce, the major voyce 
 Siiall carry it, right or wrong. 
 
 " Then wee'le be of this," says Megg; 
 " Nay, wee'le be of that," says Tibb; 
 "Nay, wee'le be of all," sayes pitiful! Paul; 
 " Nay, wee'le be of none," sayes Gibb. 
 
 Neighbours and friends pray one word more, 
 There's something yet behinde; 
 And wise though you be, you doe not well see 
 In Avhich dooi'e sits the winde. 
 As for religion to speake right, 
 
 And in the houses sence, 
 The matter's all one to have any or none, 
 
 If 'twei'e not for the pretence. 
 But herein doth lurke the key of the worke, 
 
 Even to dispose of the crowne, 
 Dexteriously, and as may be. 
 For your behoofe and our owne. 
 " Then let's ha' King Charles," sayes George; 
 "Nay, let's have his son," sayes Hugh; 
 "Nay, let's have none," sayes jabbering Jone; 
 " Nay, let's be all kings," sayes Prue. 
 
 Oh we shall have (if we go on 
 
 In plunder, excise, and blood) 
 
 But few folke and poore to domineere ore, 
 
 And that will not be so good;
 
 1648] POLITICAL BALLADS. 115 
 
 Then let's I'esolve uii some new way, 
 
 Some new and happy course, 
 The Country's growne sad, the City horne-mad, 
 
 Aiid both the houses are worse. 
 The synod hath writ, the generall hath spit, 
 
 And both to like purpose too; 
 Religion, lawes, the truth, the cause, 
 Are talk't of, but nothing we doe. 
 "Come, come, shal's ha' peace?" sayes Nell; 
 "No, no, but we won't," sayes Madge; 
 " But I say we will," sayes firy-fac'd Phill; 
 " We will, and we won't," sayes Hodge. 
 
 Thus from the rout who can expect 
 Ought but division? 
 Since unity doth with monarchy 
 Begin and end in one. 
 
 If then when all is thought their owne, 
 
 And lyes at their behest, 
 These popular pates reap nought but debates, 
 
 From that many round-headed beast; 
 Come, royalists, then, doe you play the men, 
 
 And cavaliers give the word; 
 Now let us see at what you would be, 
 And whether you can accord. 
 "A health to king Charles!" sayes Tom; 
 " Up with it," sayes Ralph, like a man; 
 " God blesse him!" sayes Doll; "and raise him!" 
 sayes Moll; 
 
 i2
 
 116 I'OLniCAT, T?.\I,I,\DS. [1048 
 
 *' And send him his owne!" sayes Nan. 
 NoAv for these prudent things that sit 
 Witliout end and to none, 
 And their Committees, that townes and cities 
 Fill with confusion; 
 
 For the bokl troopes of Sectaries, 
 The Scots and their partakers. 
 Our new British states, Col. Burges and his 
 mates. 
 The covenant and its makers; 
 For all these weele pray, and in sucli a way, 
 As if it might granted be. 
 Jack and Gill, Mat and Will, 
 
 And all the world would agree. 
 " A plague take them all!" sayes Besse; 
 " And a pestilence too?" sayes Margery; 
 " The Devill!" sayes Dick; " and his dam,t too!" 
 sayes Nick; 
 
 Amen! and Amen! say I. 
 
 It is desired that the Knights and Burgesses would take 
 especiall care to send downe full numbers hereof, to their 
 respective Counties and Borroughs, for which they have 
 served Apprenticeship, that all the people may rejoyce as one 
 man for their freedom. 
 
 f The old proverbial expression of " the devil and his dam," 
 was founded on an article of popular superstition which is now 
 obsolete. In 1598, a Welshman, or borderer, writes to Lord 
 Burghley for leave " to drive the deviU and his dam" from 
 the castle of Skenfrith, where they were- said to watch over 
 hidden treasure : " The voyce of the countrey goeth there is 
 a dyvcll and his dame, one sitts upon a hogshed of gold, the
 
 1649] POLITICAL BALLADS. 117 
 
 A COFFIN FOR KING CHARLES: 
 
 A CROWXE FOR CROMWELL : A PIT FOR THE PEOPLE. 
 
 You may sing this to the Tune of " Faine I would." 
 
 [April 23, 1649.] 
 
 The following ballad, of which the original will be found in 
 the eighth volume of the folio broadsides, King's Pamphlets, 
 was written by a zealous royalist some weeks after the Iving's 
 death. Charles I was beheaded at Whitehall, on the 30th of 
 Januar}', 1649, at two o'clock in the afternoon. 
 
 This is an earlier mention of the tune of " Parthenia, or 
 Fain I woidd," than any mentioned by Mr. Chappell, who 
 gives an aecoimt of the air in his " National Airs," p. 75. The 
 original words to tlie tune were probably composed in the 
 time of Elizabeth. 
 
 c^ 
 
 Cromwell on the throne. 
 
 So, so, the deed is done, 
 
 the I'oyall head is severed 
 As I meant, when I first begunne 
 
 and strongly have indeavord. 
 Now Charles the I. is tumbled df)wn, 
 
 the second, I not feare: 
 I graspe the septer, weare the crown, 
 
 nor for Jehovah care. 
 
 other upon a liog.shed of silver." (Queen Elizabeth and her 
 Times, ii. 397.) The expression is common in our earlier 
 dramatic poets : thus Shakespeare, — 
 
 " I'll have a liout with thee ; 
 
 Devil, or devils dam, I'll conjure thee : 
 Blood will I draw on tlice, tlmn art a witch." 
 
 [Ili-.n. V. part I, act i. sc. 5 )
 
 118 I'OUTICAI, BALLADS. [ICM'.i 
 
 K. CllAKLKS /// ///.v Cojfi?! 
 
 Thinkst tlioii base slave, though in my grave, 
 
 like other men I lie? 
 My sparkling fame and royall name 
 
 fan (as thou wishest) die? 
 Know, caatiffe, in my sonne I live 
 
 (the black prince call'd by some), 
 And he shall ample vengeance give 
 
 to those that did me doome. 
 
 T/ie people in the Pit. 
 
 Supprest, deprest, involv'd in woes, 
 
 great Charles, thy people be 
 Basely deceivd with specious showes, 
 
 by those that murtherd thee. 
 We are enslavd to tyrants bests, 
 
 who have our freedome wonne: 
 Our fainting hopes, now only rests 
 
 on thy succeeding sonne. 
 
 Cromwell on the throne. 
 
 (Base vulgar) know the more you stirre 
 
 the more your woes increase. 
 Your rashnessc will your hopes deter; 
 
 (tis we) must give you peace. 
 Black Charles a traytor is proclaimed 
 
 unto our dignity: 
 He dies (if ere by us hees gaind) 
 
 without all remedie.
 
 1649] POLITICAL BALLADS. 119 
 
 K. Charles in his cojfiti. 
 
 Thrice perjurd viUaine, didst not thou 
 
 and thy degenerate traine, 
 Bj mankinds saviours body, vow 
 
 to me thy soveraigne, 
 To make me the most glorious king 
 
 that ere ore England raignd: 
 That me and mine in every thing 
 
 by you should be maintained. 
 
 The people in the pit. 
 
 Sweet prince, O let us pardon crave 
 
 of thy beloved shade, 
 Tis we that brought thee to the grave, 
 
 thou wert by us betraid. 
 We did beleeve, 'twas reformation 
 
 these monsters did desire: 
 Not knowing that the degradation 
 
 and death should be our hire. 
 
 Cromwell on the throne. 
 
 Ye sick braind fools, whose wit doth lie 
 
 in your small guts; could you 
 Imagine our conspiracy, 
 
 did claime no other due, 
 But for to spend our dearest bloods, 
 
 to make rascalians flee. 
 No, we fought for your lives and goods, 
 
 and for a mouarcliie.
 
 120 POUTIC'AI. UAIJ.ADS. [iti4'.» 
 
 K. Charles in his coffin. 
 
 But there's a thunderer above, 
 
 who though he winke a while, 
 Is not with your black deeds in love; 
 
 he hates your damned guile: 
 And though a time you pearche upon 
 
 the top of fortunes wheele, 
 You shortly unto Acharon, 
 
 (drunke with your crimes) shall reele. 
 
 The people in the pit. 
 
 Meanetime (thou glory oi" the earth) 
 
 we languishing doe die: 
 Excise doth give free-quarter birth, 
 
 ^Ifiile souldiers multiply. 
 Our lives we forfeit every day, 
 
 our money cuts our throats: 
 The lawes are taken cleane away, 
 
 or shrunke to traytors votes. 
 
 Cromwell on the throne. 
 
 Like patient mules resolve to beai'e 
 
 what ere we shall impose, 
 Yoiir lives and goods you need not feare 
 
 wee'l prove your friends not foes. 
 We the elected ones must guide 
 
 a thousand years this land, 
 You must be props unto our pride, 
 
 and slaves to our command.
 
 1649] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 121 
 
 K. Charles in his coffin. 
 
 But you may faile of your faire hopes, 
 
 if fates propitious be, 
 And yeeld your loathed lives in ropes, 
 
 to vengeance and to me. 
 When as the Swedes and Irish joyne, 
 
 the Cambrian and the Scot, 
 Do with the Danes and French combine, 
 
 then look unto your lot. 
 
 The people in the pit. 
 
 Our wrongs hath arm'd us with such strength, 
 
 so bad is ovu- condition. 
 That could we hope that now at length 
 
 we might finde intermission. 
 And have but halfe we had before, 
 
 ere these mechanicks swaid, 
 To our revenge knee deepe in gore 
 
 we would not feare to wade. 
 
 Cromwell on the throne. 
 
 In vaine (found people) doe you grutch, 
 
 and tacitely repine. 
 For why, my skiU and strength is such, 
 
 both poles of heaven are mine. 
 Your hands and purses both coherd, 
 
 to raise us to this height: 
 You must protect those you have reard, 
 
 or sinke beneath their weight.
 
 122 roiJTiCAr. ballads. [kud 
 
 K. Charles in his coffin. 
 
 .Singing with Angels, neere the thiune 
 
 of the Almighty three, 
 I sit, and know perdition 
 
 (base Cromwell) waites on thee. 
 And on thy vile associates: 
 
 twelve moneths* shall full conclude 
 Your power; thus speake the powerful! fates, 
 
 then vades your interlude. 
 
 The people in the pit. 
 Yea, powerfull fates, haste, haste, the time 
 
 the most auspicious day. 
 On which these monsters of our clinic 
 
 to hell must poste away. 
 Meanetime so pare their sharpued clawes 
 
 and so imi)are their stings. 
 We may no more fight for the cause, 
 
 nor other novell things. 
 
 STRANGE PREDICTIONS; 
 
 OR A PROPHECY FORETELLING WHAT ALTERATION SHALL UK 
 IN THE YEAR ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY THREE. 
 
 The Tune is " Packington's Poxind." 
 
 [Novemb. 3, 1652.] 
 
 The object of the following ballad is to ridicule one of the 
 superstitions which still clung to the English people, — the 
 
 * It need hardly be slated thut this prophecy was far from 
 being fulfilled ; but it was one of the modes used for the pur- 
 pose of acting upon people's minds and imag-in.ations.
 
 1652] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 123 
 
 belief in prophecies and prognostications. William Lilly was 
 a famous astrologer and almanack-maker of the time of the 
 Commonwealth and the Protectorate. It appears that, during 
 the present year, 1652, Lilly's prognostications had been 
 unusually fearful, and had struck the common people with 
 e.xtraordinary terror. Evelyn (in his Diary) speaks of an 
 eclipse in this same year 1652, which had given rise to un- 
 usual specidations among the astrologers,—" 29 (April), was 
 that celebrated eclipse of the sun so much threatened by 
 the astrologers, and which had so exceedingly alarm'd the 
 whole nation, that hardly any one would worke, nor stir out 
 of their houses. So ridiculously were they abus'd by knavish 
 and ignorant star-gazers." And on the .3rd Sept. 1 699, alluding 
 probably to the same event, he observes, — " There was in this 
 weeke an eclipse of the sun, at which many were frighten'd 
 by the predictions of the astrologers. I remember 50 yeares 
 ago that many were so terrified by Lilly that they durst not 
 go out of their houses." Lilly sviffered a brief imprisonment 
 a short time before the date of this ballad, for having inserted 
 in his almanack for the year ensuing things unpalatable to 
 the parliament. 
 
 " Packington's Pound," was an old and once very popular 
 tune : the original words however appear not to be known. 
 See Chappell's " National Airs," p. 113. This ballad is taken 
 from the tenth volume of the folio broadsides. King's Pamphlets. 
 
 Will. Lilly being taken as prisoner of late, 
 Most strange alterations doth prognosticate; 
 How things shall be carried in fifty and three, 
 And how they shall happen in every degree. 
 So you need not doubt this year will bring out 
 All things in an excellent manner about: 
 One thousand six hundred fifty and three 
 \V\\\ [)roduce what we hoped this long time to see. 
 
 The land shall be fi'ced from all kind of taxations, 
 And ini'ii in tlicir minds shall be eased of \-exations;
 
 12t POMI'ICAL HAM, ADS. [1(;52 
 
 vSorrow and care shall torment us no more; 
 Some men shall grow rich, whilst others grow poore. 
 You need not to fear, you shall see the next year 
 All things in an excellent shape to appear. 
 One thousand six hundred, &c. 
 
 The country-man may his commodities bring 
 Up to London to sell, 'tis an excellent thing; 
 His customers flock both before and behind him. 
 He needs not to feare, there is no man shall minde him ; 
 And there he may stand, with his cap in his hand, 
 And may carry his Avare home again in his maud. 
 One thousand six hundred, &c. 
 
 Brabbles and quarrels shall all be quite ended; 
 All things in a very good time shall be mended; 
 There shall be such love betwixt brother and brother 
 They will do all they can to cheat one another. 
 But yet all the while, I cannot but smile. 
 To think how the times mens fancies beguile. 
 One thousand six hundred, &c. 
 
 If you go but next terme unto Westminister-Hall, 
 You may see the brave judges and gentlemen all; 
 The lawyer so neatly trickt up in his gown 
 Will not be asham'd to wait on a clown; 
 The lawyers shall be so frank and so free, 
 They'l be ready to plead a mans cause for a fee. 
 One thousand six hundred, &c.
 
 1652] POLITICAL BALLADS. 125 
 
 Poverty now shall be banisht the land; 
 And he that hath got an estate in his hand 
 Shall unto the poor be liberall grown, 
 He will strive for to save all he can that's his own. 
 Thus in my minde, a poor man shall finde, 
 The x'ich to themselves evermore shall be kinde. 
 One thousand six hundred, &c. 
 
 Men shall the next year be so kind to their wives. 
 That women shall live most excellent lives; 
 In bed and at board they still shall agree, — 
 This would be an excellent thing for to see. 
 That a man and his wife should live such a life. 
 An excellent thing to prevent future strife. 
 One thousand six hundred, 8fc. 
 
 If a traveller chance to be weary he may 
 Call at the first ale-house he finds in his way, 
 And then for his money he welcome may be ; 
 All this the next year you are certain to see. 
 Then tell me, kind friend, are not times like to mend, 
 When a man shall be welcome his money to spend ? 
 One thousand six hundred, &c. 
 
 Bakers shall now be so free to the poor, 
 
 They will give them whole six-penny loaves at their 
 
 door; 
 And all men in generall shall be so kinde. 
 If a poor man wants money no comfort hee'l finde. 
 Is not this a brave thing, such tidings to bring ? 
 It would make a whole kingdom with joy for to ring. 
 One thousand six hundred, &c.
 
 126 I'OLITICAl, IJAM.ADS. [IGfri 
 
 Tlius we who have lived in sorrow and care, 
 Shall now be released, we used not to iear; 
 And men such a strange alteration shall finde, 
 'Tis enough for to comtbrt a dying mans mind. 
 And thus you shall see, how all things sliall be. 
 In one thousand six hundi'cd lifty and tlu-ee. 
 
 For all that is spoken is oertaine and true; 
 
 Come buy my new almanacks, new, new, new ! 
 
 London, Printed for R. E«los. 
 
 THE PAKLIAMENT ROUTED. OR, HERES A 
 HOUSE TO BE LET. 
 
 I hope that England, after many jarre.s, 
 Shall be at peace, and give no way to warres : 
 O Lord, protect the general], that he 
 May bo the agent of our unitie. 
 
 To the Tune of " Lucina, or, Merrily and Cherrily." 
 
 [June 3, 1653.] 
 
 The following ballad, preserved in the eleventh volume of the 
 folio broadsides (King's Pamphlets), was written upon the 
 violent dissolution of the Long Parliament by Cromwell, on 
 the 20th April, 16.53. 
 
 In " The English Dancing Master," 1651, there is a tune 
 entitled " Cherrily and IMerrily," which is in all probability 
 the same as that alluded to in the title of this ballad. 
 
 Cheare up, kind country-men, be not dismayd, 
 true newes I can tell ye concerning the nation, 
 
 Hot spirits are quenched, the tempest is layd, 
 (and now we may hope for a good reformation.)
 
 1653] POLITICAL BALLADS. 127 
 
 The Parliament bold and the counsell of state 
 doe wish them beyond sea, or else at Virginie; 
 
 For now aU their orders are quite out of date, 
 twelve pai'liament men shall be sold for a peny. 
 
 Full twelve yeares and more these rooks they have sat, 
 
 to guU and to cozen aU true-hearted peoj^le; 
 Our gold and our silver has made them so fat, 
 
 that they lookt more big and mighty then Pauls 
 steeple: 
 The freedome of subject they much did pretend, 
 
 but since they bore sway we never had any; 
 For every member promoted self end, 
 
 twelve parliament men are now sold for a peny. 
 
 Their acts and their orders which they have contriv'd, 
 was stiU in conclusion to multiply riches; 
 
 The common-wealth sweetly by these men have thriv'd, 
 as Lancashire did with the juncto of witches:* 
 
 * In the seventeenth century, Lancashire enjoyed an lui- 
 happy pre-eminence in the annals of superstition, and it was 
 regarded especially as a land of witches. This fame apj)ears 
 to have originated partly in the execution of a number of 
 persons in 1012, who were pretended to have been associated 
 together in the crime of witchcraft, and who held their un- 
 earthly meetings at theMalkin Tower, in the forest of Pendle. 
 Tn 1613, was published an account of the trials, in a thick 
 pamphlet, entitled " The WoiiderfuU Discoverie of Witches 
 in the Countie of Lancaster. With the Arraignement and 
 Triall of nincteene notorious Witches, at the Assizes and 
 general Goale deli\erie, holden in the Castle of Lancaster, 
 on Monday the seventeenth of August last, 1612. Published
 
 128 POLITICAL HAI,LA1)S. [k;-,;} 
 
 ( )li I our freedome was chain'd to the J^gyptiaii yoak, 
 as it liatli been felt and endured by many, 
 
 Still making religion tlieir author and cloak, 
 twelve parliament men shall be sold for a peny. 
 
 Both eitie and countrey are almost undone 
 
 by these caterpillars, which swarm'd in the nation ; 
 Their imps and their goblins did up and downc run, 
 
 Excise-men I meane, all knaves of a fashion: 
 For all the great treasure that dayly came in, 
 
 the souldier wants pay ,'tis well knowne by a many ; 
 To cheat and to cozen they held it no sinne, 
 
 twelve parliament men shall be sold for a peny. 
 
 The land and the livings which these men have had, 
 
 'twould make one admire what use they've made of it, 
 With plate and with jewels they have bin well clad, 
 
 the souldier far'd hard whilst they got the profit: 
 Our gold and our silver to Holland they sent, 
 
 but being found out, this is knowne by a many, 
 That no one would owne it for feare of a shent, 
 
 twelve parliament men ai'e sold for a peny. 
 
 'Tis judg'd by most people, that they were the cause 
 of England and Holland their warring together,* 
 
 and set forth by Commanclement of his Majesties Justices of 
 Assize in the North Parts. By Thomas Potts, Esqiiier." 
 " The famous History of the Lancashire Witches," continued 
 to be popular as a chap-book up to the beginning ol'the nine- 
 teenth century. 
 
 * An aUusion to the Dutch \var of 1051 and 16.52.
 
 1653] POLITICAL BALLADS. 129 
 
 Both friends and dear lovers to break civill lawes, 
 and in cruell manner to kill one another: 
 
 What car'd they how many did lose their dear lives, 
 so they by the bargain did get peoples money, 
 
 Sitting secure like bees in their hives? 
 
 but twelve pai'liament men are now sold for a peny. 
 
 THE SECOND PART. 
 To the same Tune. 
 
 They voted unvoted, as fancy did guide, 
 
 to passe away time, but increasing their treasure, 
 ("Wlien Jack is on cock-horse hee'l galloping ride, 
 
 but falling at last, hee'l repent it at leisure). 
 The widow, the fatherlesse, gentry and poore, 
 
 the trades-man and citizen, with a great many. 
 Have suffered full dearly to heap up their store; 
 
 but twelve parliament-men shall be sold for a peny. 
 
 These burdens and grievances England hath felt, 
 
 so long and so heavy, our hearts are e'en broken. 
 Our plate, gold and silver, to themselves they've dealt, 
 
 (All this is too true, in good time be it spoken). 
 For a man to rise high and at last to fall low, 
 
 it is a discredit: this lot fals to many, 
 But 'tis no great matter these men to serve so, 
 
 twelve parliament-men now are sold for a peny. 
 
 K
 
 l.SO POLITICAL BALLADS. [1653 
 
 The general!* perceiving their hi.stl'uU desire, 
 
 to eovet more treasure, being piift with ambition, 
 By their acts and their orders to set all on fire, 
 
 pretending religion to rout superstition; 
 He bravely commanded the souldiers to goe 
 
 in the Parliament-house, in defiance of any; 
 To which they consented, and now you doe know 
 
 that twelve parliament-men may be sold for a peny, 
 
 The souldiers undaunted laid hold on the mace, 
 
 and out of the chaire they removed the speaker; 
 The great-ones was then in a pittifuU case, 
 
 and Tavee cryd out, All her cold must forsake her. I 
 Thus they were routed, pluckt out by the eares, 
 
 the house was soone empty and rid of a many 
 Usurpers, that sate there this thirteen long yeares; 
 
 twelve parliament-men may be sold for a peny. 
 
 To the Tower of London away they were sent, 
 
 as they have sent others by them captivated; 
 O what will become of this old parliament 
 
 and all their compeeres, that were royally stated? 
 What they have deserved I wish they may have, 
 
 and 'tis the desire I know of a many; 
 For us to have freedome, O that will be brave ! 
 
 but twelve parliament-men may be sold for a peny. 
 
 * Oliver Cromwell. 
 
 f The Welsh were frequently the subject of satirical allu- 
 sions during the civil-wars and the Commonwealth.
 
 1653] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 131 
 
 Let's pray foi- the generall and all kis brave traine, 
 
 he may be an instrument for England's blessing, 
 Appointed in heaven to free us againe, — 
 
 for this is the way of cm" bm-dens redressing: 
 For England to be in glory once more, 
 
 it woidd satisfy, I know, a great many ; 
 But ending I say, as I said before, 
 
 twelve parliament-men now are sold for a peny. 
 
 s. s. 
 
 A TOTAL llOUT, 
 
 on A BRIEF DISCOVERY OF A PACK OF KNAVES AND DRABS, 
 INTITULED PIMPS, PANDERS, HECTORS, TRAPANS, NAPPERS, 
 MOBS, AND SPANNERS : THE DESCRIPTION OF THEIR QUALI- 
 TIES IS HERE SET DOWN IN BRIEF. 
 
 [Sept. 26, 1653.] 
 
 The following ballad, printed from the eleventh volume of 
 the folio broadsides, is given as a singularly striking picture 
 of the times. Precision and outward sanctity in the Puri- 
 tanical party, that is in the great body of the people, was 
 made an object of derision by the other party ; and in their 
 contempt for the " saints," the " sinners" pushed into the 
 farthest bounds of the opposite extreme, and indulged in 
 swearino: and licentiousness of the most fearful kind. The 
 swearing of the cavalier troopers, and their terrible oaths, 
 were proverbial for many years afterwards. 
 
 You princely hectors of the town, 
 
 Who like the Devil strut up and down, 
 
 Come leave your God-dammees, and herken to me, 
 
 O ! 'tis pitty that fuel for heU you shotild be : 
 
 k2
 
 182 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1653 
 
 Yoiii' spirits hcroick, will quickly be quell'd 
 T\naen once the generall sessions ai"e held, 
 
 For hee's not a gentleman that wears a sword, 
 And fears to swear dammee at every word. 
 
 No justice of peace nor constables bill 
 Can move your brave courages for to be still. 
 Superiour spirits, which know not to bow. 
 Like Pompey no equal can pleasing allow ; 
 'Twere sin to be subject, go courages brave, 
 Subjection does only but christen a slave. 
 
 For hee's not a gentleman that wears a sword. 
 And fears to swear dammee at every word. 
 
 But hark, my poor ranter, I'le tell thee a tale. 
 Thy cursings and bannings will buy thee no ale: 
 I'le bring thee a broom-stick, or an orange-taild slut, 
 (With eight-pence in pock, ready dried and cut). 
 Shall out-vapour thee more with a confident iace, 
 And sooner be trusted in a desperate case. 
 
 Then prethee, poor Hector, go pawn 'w^ ay thy sword, 
 And cease to swear dammee at every w^ord. 
 
 For why ! the ale-brokers have vowed and protested, 
 (And I think they will keep it, unless they be basted), 
 To trust you no longer resolved they be. 
 For building of sconces both one, two, and three. 
 Damne, damne ye, you'l pay 'um to day, or to morrow, 
 But next day is come, yet they do still borrow: 
 Fie, fie, sir, a gentleman and wear a sword. 
 Yet break your God-dammees at every word.
 
 1653] POLITICAL BALLADS. ISo 
 
 The taylor comes oft with a pestilent bill, 
 And faith he may come as oft as he will, 
 But be little the better, unless for his pains 
 With dammees, and rammees, you addle his brains: 
 Poor snip does return as light as he came, 
 Home goes, and complains to his stomachy dame, 
 Who rants, and tears, not afraid to be heard. 
 And straps him, and raps him, with top of the yard. 
 Then prethee, my ranter, that wearest a sword, 
 Turn honest, and once be as good as thy word. 
 
 The Turn-ball* whores cry they are undone. 
 And must to Virginia pack one by one, 
 And in truth they'l inrich that beggerly nation, 
 For never such planters came to a plantation. 
 You stole 'way their smocks, and petticoats all; 
 Besides did not pay 'um for what you did call. 
 Fie, fie, my base ranter, this is but a poor, 
 A shabbed come off, to plunder a whore. 
 
 But this is not all that I have to say, 
 I heard a complaint the other day, 
 Of a gentleman walking in Lincolns-Inne fields. 
 Whom basely you took and kickt up his heels, 
 Div'd into his pocket, and took ten and three pence. 
 You would not have spar'd it if it had bin but fipence. 
 Tlius poverty makes you gentlemen bold 
 Turn leveUers all, for another mans gold. 
 
 * About the time of tlie Restoration, Turnball Street, in 
 Loiuloi), was a noted place of ill-fame.
 
 IM POLITICAL BALLADS. [1653 
 
 But tarry, yon spar'd not his cloak, as I talve it; 
 
 'Twere sinne, I confess, as yon hectors do make it, 
 
 To suffer superfluous coats on another, 
 
 Wlien he that hath two must give one to his brother. 
 
 But then to the brokers this garment must march. 
 
 Ami woe to the fellow if there come a search. 
 Thus one, two, and three are ruind together, 
 Wliilst you at the tavern crak knaves of a feather. 
 
 And if it falls out the constable snaps ye. 
 How many twice doubled God-dammees out raps ye, 
 That the constable and his train shall pay 
 For abusing such gentlemen, cleer as the day, 
 Who scorn to own ignoble designes, 
 But have meanes and have mannors to satisfie fines. 
 But hang't, my poor ranter, thou canst not devise 
 To daube up the constables mouth Avith thy lyes. 
 
 Away you are guarded to Newgate, and then 
 Y'are sure of a lodging, when honester men 
 Exposd to the weather contentedly want one. 
 And you to your minds, I do believe, han't one: 
 But patience perforce, my ranters, you know, 
 Is medicine for mad dogs, and very well so: 
 
 And now my good reader, canst tell me what ayle 
 
 My ranter to be coopt up in a gaile. 
 
 Now off goes the silver lace from the coat, 
 The buttons so needless, and the points to boot; 
 Two shirts are too many, and, rather than faile, 
 One must be chang'd for tobacco and ale.
 
 1653] POLITICAL BALLADS. 135 
 
 These hats are but toyes superfluous; come, 
 Our heads may be cold, not Avet, in this roome; 
 Then hang't, call a broker, and let him bring chink, 
 Wee'lselhimour hats, yeaour heads for good drinke. 
 
 But oh, my jjoore ranter, thus tatterd and torne, 
 And almost as naked as ere thou wert borne: 
 What meanst thou to live so damnably base, 
 And die in a gaile, 'tis a desperate case: 
 Damnation and heU comes posting together. 
 And without repentance thou slialt suffer either. 
 Thy cursed God-dammees, and damnable cheats, 
 Ungodly endeavours, and horrible feats. 
 Are all cable ropes, to di-aw thee to hell, 
 But yet, prithee ranter, repent; so farewell. 
 London, Printed for E. E. 1653. 
 
 THE NEW LETANY. 
 
 [Sept. 22, 1659.] 
 
 The following ballad is taken from the fourteenth volume of 
 the folio broadsides, in the King's Pamphlets. It belongs to a 
 class of poems which were very common under the Common- 
 wealth and during the next half century. 
 
 From a senseless Mayor not fit to rule hoggs, 
 From such as obey him like Spaniel doggs. 
 From summers heat, and winters foggs. 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 From the Anabaptists, and shivering Quakers,* 
 * The sect of the Quakers, resembling in some respects
 
 136 POLITICAL BALLADS. 
 
 [1659 
 
 From such as rule us like bow-legged bakers, 
 From those that undo us, yet are good law -makers, 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 From being taken in a disguise, 
 From sir George Booth, and his Cheshire lyes,* 
 From such as brought hither that devil, excize, 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 From dissembling presbyters, and their plots. 
 From English forty times worser than Scots, 
 From those that for our estates cast lots, 
 
 LJbera nos, Domifie. 
 
 Fi-om such as learnedly teU us of fights, 
 And eke of their valour like errant knialits. 
 But from a battel will run like sprites, 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 the older sect of the Family of Lo\ e, is the only one of these 
 rehgious parties of the age of Cromwell which has preserved 
 its distinguishing characteristics up to tlie present day. The 
 violence of Fox, the founder of the sect, and of his early 
 partizans, gave great umbrage to the Protector: many of 
 them were little better than madmen, and the contemporary 
 press abounds ti ith the most extraordinary anecdotes of their 
 proceedings. The prosecution of several members of the 
 sect, Piobins, Naylor, &c. for blasphemy, gave to the sect of 
 the Quakers great celebrity during the latter years of the in- 
 terregniun. 
 
 * Sir George Booth, Bart, had headed a formidable insur- 
 rection against the Parliament in Cheshire, and issued many 
 declarations, &c. of his proceeding and intentions, which were 
 the " Cheshire lies" here alluded to. He was soon afterwards 
 defeated and taken bv Lambert.
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 137 
 
 From such as in drink rout men and horse too, 
 From those that can prate, yet nothing dare do, 
 From a ranting, swearing drunken crew, 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 From the city militia that stares like Hectors, 
 From such as are the state projectors. 
 From taxes, red-coats, and collectors. 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 From such as wound us with their tongues. 
 From the Anabaptists poysonous lungs. 
 Those beasts that would cast our bells into guns, 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 From Goldsmiths-hall chairman and committee, 
 From the luke-warmness of a j^eijured city. 
 From sequestrators that nere knew pity 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 From such as value their trades, not religion, 
 From those that believe every ignorant widgion. 
 Hate kings, yet love the Mahometan pidgeon,* 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 * It was an old story, prevalent in Europe during the 
 Middle-A^t's, that the impostor Mahomet had accustomed a 
 pigeon to fetch grains of corn from his ear, and that he de- 
 ceived his disciples, by pretending that this pigeon was the 
 messenger of God, through whom he derived inspiration of 
 God's will.
 
 1*]8 POLITICAT, RALLADS. [1059 
 
 From steelen heroes that ride us with rods, 
 From such as value not mans law, or Gods, 
 From those that have no more life than logs, 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 P^'rom empty purses, and cloathes tliat are rent, 
 From the pul)lique faith -whose credit is shent, 
 From Olivers fiery tenement. 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 From a country justice that looks very bigg. 
 From a chancery-suit, and a common-law jigg, 
 From the Earl of Essex's Italian figg. 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 From dissembling sects and their gogle-eyes, 
 From beleeving of the printed lyes. 
 From rogues and from re-publique spyes, 
 
 Libera nos, Domine. 
 
 From such as can run, yet are covmterfeit creeples, 
 From those that threaten to pull down steeples, 
 From such as stand by as dull as beetles, 
 
 Libera nos, Domine.
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 139 
 
 THE 
 
 ARRAIGNMENT OF THE DIVEL FOR STEAL- 
 ING AWAY PRESIDENT BRADSHAW. 
 
 To the Tune of " Well-a-daj, weU-a-ck}." 
 
 [Nov. 7, 1659.] 
 
 John Bradshaw, who had presided over the court of justice 
 ■•.vhich condemned Charles I to the scaffold, and who by his 
 extreme republican principles had rendered himself obnoxious 
 to Cromwell, began a,2:ain to be distinguished in public affairs 
 after the Protector's death, and was elected president of the 
 council of state. He did not live long to enjoy this honour, 
 but died according to some authorities on the 31st October 
 1659. Chalmers places his death incorrectly on the 22nd of 
 November, in that year. 
 
 A ballad on the Death of the Earl of Essex in 1601, 
 printed in Mr. Collier's " Old Ballads" (published by the 
 Percy Societj"), p. 124, is, like this, set to the tune of " Well- 
 aday," and bears a close resemblance in structure to the 
 ballad given below. I am informed by Mr. Rimbault that, 
 in a ^18. in the Library of Trinity College, Dubhn, (D. J. 
 21,) this air is set in tablature for the lute. The present 
 ballad is taken from the fifteenth volume of the folio broad- 
 sides. 
 
 If you'l hear news that's ill, 
 gentlemen, gentlemen. 
 
 Against the Divel, I will 
 be the relator: 
 
 Arraigned he must be. 
 
 For that feloniously, 
 
 'thout due solemnity, 
 he took a tray tor; 
 
 Julin liradshaw was his name, 
 how it stinks I how it stinks !
 
 10 POLlllCAL BALLADS. [1659 
 
 ^Vlio'l mal<c with blacker fame 
 
 Pilate unknown. 
 This worse than worst of things 
 Condemu'd the best of kings, 
 And what more guilt yet brings, 
 
 knew 'twas his own. 
 
 Virtue in Charles did seem 
 
 eagerly, eagerly, 
 And villainy in him 
 
 to vye for glory. 
 Majesty so compleat, 
 And impudence so great, 
 Till that time never met: — 
 
 but to my story. 
 
 Accusers there will be, 
 
 bitter ones, bitter ones. 
 More than one, two, or three; 
 
 all fuU of spight; 
 Hang-man and tree so tall. 
 Bridge, tower, and city -wall. 
 Kite and crow, which were all 
 
 robb'd of their right. 
 
 But judges none are fit, 
 
 shame it is, shame it is. 
 That twice seven years did sit 
 
 to give hemp-string dome;
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 141 
 
 The friend they would befriend, 
 That he might in the end 
 To them like favour lend, 
 in his own kingdome. 
 
 Sword-men, it must be you, 
 
 boldly to't, boldly to't, 
 Must give the Divel his due ; 
 
 do it not faintly, 
 But as you rais'd by spell 
 Last Parliament from hell, 
 And it again did quell 
 
 omnipotently. 
 
 The charge they wisely frame, 
 
 (on with it, on Avith it,) 
 In that yet unknown name, 
 
 of supream power; 
 While six weeks hence by vote 
 Shall be or it shall not, 
 When Monk's to London got,* 
 
 in a good hour. 
 
 But twelve good men and true, 
 
 caveliers, caveliers. 
 He excepts against you; 
 
 justice he fears, 
 
 * Monck was with his troops in Scotland, but liud declared 
 himself an approver of the proceedings of the piirlianient.
 
 142 Toi.rncAL ballads. [1059 
 
 From bar and pulpit hee 
 Craves sucli as do for fee 
 Serve all turns, for lic'l be 
 try'd by liis peers. 
 
 Satan, y'are guilty found, 
 
 by your peers, by your peers, 
 And must die above ground ! 
 
 look for no pity; 
 Some of our ministry, 
 Whose spir'ts with yours comply, 
 As Owen, Caryl, Nye.* 
 
 for death shall fit 'ee. 
 
 Dread judges, mine own limb 
 
 I but took, I but took, 
 I was fore'd without him 
 
 to use a crutch; 
 Some of the robe can tell, 
 How to supply full well 
 
 * Dr. John Owen, Joseph Caryl, and Philip Nye, were 
 three of the most eminent di\ines of this eventful age. Caryl, 
 who was a moderate Independent, was the author of the well- 
 known "Commentary on Job." Dr. Owen enjoyed the es- 
 pecialfavourof Cromwell, who made him dean of Christchurch, 
 Oxford ; in his youth he had shewn an inclination to Presby- 
 terianism, but early in the war he embraced the party of the 
 Independents. He was a most prolific writer. Nye was also 
 an eminent writer; previous to 1647, he had been a zealous 
 Presbyterian, but on the rise of Cromwell's influence he 
 joined the Independents, and was employed on several occasions 
 by that party.
 
 leriO] POLITICAL BALLADS. 143 
 
 His place here, but in hell 
 I had none such. 
 
 Divel, you are an asse, 
 
 plain it is, plain it is, 
 And weakly plead the case; 
 
 your wits ai'e lost. 
 Some lawyers wiU out-do't, 
 When shortly they come to't ; 
 Your craft, our gold to boot, 
 
 they have ingross'd. 
 
 Should all men take their right, 
 
 well-a-day, weU-a-day, 
 We were in a sad plight, 
 
 o' th' holy party ! 
 Such practise hath a scent 
 Of kingly government, 
 Against it Ave are bent, 
 
 out of home-char'ty. 
 
 But if I die, who am 
 
 king of heE, king of heU, 
 You will not quench its flame, 
 
 but find it worse; 
 Confused anarchy. 
 Will a new torment be; 
 Ne'r did these kingdoms three 
 
 feel such a curse.
 
 144 POLITICAL IJALLADS. [1659 
 
 To our promotion, sir, 
 
 there as here, there as here, 
 Through some confused stir 
 
 doth the liigh-road lie; 
 In hell we need not fear 
 Nor king, nor cavalier. 
 Who then shall dominere 
 
 but we the godly ? 
 
 Truth, then, sirs, which of old 
 was my shame, was my shame. 
 
 Shall now to yours be told; 
 you caus'd his death; 
 
 The house being broken by 
 
 Yourselves (there's burglary), 
 
 "Wrath enter'd forcibly, 
 and stopt his breath. 
 
 Sir, as our president, 
 
 taught by you, taught by you, 
 
 'Gainst the king away went 
 most strange and new, — 
 
 Charging him with the guilt 
 
 Of all the blond we spilt, 
 
 With swords up to the hilt, 
 so we'le serve you. 
 
 For mercy then I call, 
 
 good my lords, good my lords, 
 
 And traytors I'le leave all, 
 duly to end it;
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 145 
 
 Sir, sir, tis frivolous, 
 As well for you as us, 
 To beg for mercy thus, — 
 our crimes transcend it, 
 
 You must die out of hand, 
 
 Satanas, Satanas, 
 This our decree shaU stand 
 
 without conti-oll; 
 And we for you will pray, 
 Because the scriptures say; 
 When some men curse you, they 
 
 curse their own soul. 
 
 The fiend to Tiburn's gone, 
 
 there to die, there to die, 
 Black is the north, anon 
 
 great storms wiU be; 
 Therefore together now 
 I leave him and th' gallow. — 
 So, newes-man, take 'em thou, 
 
 soon they'l take thee. 
 
 Finis, Fustis, Funis.
 
 14() POLITICAL BALLADS. [1659 
 
 A PROPER NEW BALLAD ON THE OLD 
 PARLIAMENT; 
 
 OR, THE SECOND PART OF KNAVE OUT OF DOORES. 
 
 To the Tune of " Hei ho, my honey, my heart shall never rue ; 
 Four and tw(Mity now for your niony, and yet a hard penny- 
 worth too.'" 
 
 [December 11, 1659.] 
 
 The events which gave occasion to the following ballad (taken 
 from the 15th vol. of the folio broadsides), may be summed 
 up in a few words. After the death of Cromwell, his son 
 Kichard was without opposition raised to the protectorate ; 
 but his weak and easy character gave an opening to the in- 
 trigues of the royalists, and the factious movement of the 
 republican party. Fleetwood, who had been named com- 
 mander-in-chief of the army under the Protector, plotted to 
 gain the chief power in the state, and was joined by Lambert, 
 Desborough, and others. The republicans were streng-thened 
 by the return of Vane, Ludlow, and Bradshaw, to the par- 
 liament called by the new Protector. Lambert, the Protec- 
 tor's brother-in-law, was the ostensible head of a party, 
 and seems to have aimed at obtaining the power v\ hich had 
 been held by Oliver ; they formed a council of officers, who 
 met at Wallingford House; and on the 20th April, 1059, 
 having gained the upper hand, and having obtained the dis- 
 solution of the parliament, they determined to restore the 
 old Long Parliament, which they said had only been inter- 
 rupted, and not legally dissolved, and to set aside the Protector, 
 who soon afterwards resigned. On the 2lst April, Lenthall, the 
 old speaker, with as many members of the Long Parliament 
 as could be brought together, met in the house, and opened 
 their session. The parliament thus formed, as being the fag- 
 end of the old Long Parliament, obtained the name of the 
 Rump Parliament. Lambert's hopes and aims were raised 
 by his success against Sir George Booth in the August fol- 
 lowing, and jealousies soon arose between his party in the 
 army and the Rump. The parliament would have dismissed 
 him, and the chief officers in the cabal with him, but Lambert 
 with the army in October hindered their free meeting, and
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 147 
 
 took the management of the government into the hands of a 
 council of officers, whom they called the Committee of Safety. 
 Towards the latter end of the year, the tide began to be 
 changed in favour of the parliament, by the declaration of 
 Monk in Scotland, Henry Cromwell with the army in Ire- 
 land, and Hazeli-igge and the officers at Portsmouth, in favour 
 of the freedom of the parliament. This ballad was written 
 at the period when Lambert's party was uppermost. 
 
 The tune of "Hei ho, my honej'," may be found in the 
 edition of " The English Dancing- Master" printed in 1686, 
 but in no earlier edition of the same work. 
 
 Good morrow, my neighbours all, what news is this 
 
 I heard tell. 
 As I past through Westminster-hall by the house 
 
 that's neer to hell? 
 They told John Lambert* was there with his bears, 
 
 and deeply did swear 
 (As Cromwell had done before) those vermin should 
 sit there no more. 
 Sing, hi ho, Wil. Lenthall,| who shall our generall 
 
 be? 
 For the house to the Divell is sent all, and follow, 
 guid faith, mun ye ! 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 * Lambert and " his bears" are frequently mentioned in the 
 satirical writings of this period. Cromwell is said to have 
 sworn "by the living God," when he dissolved the Long 
 Parliament. 
 
 f William Lcnthall had been speaker of the Long Par- 
 liament. In Cromwell's last parliament he had enjoyed the 
 office of Master of the Kolls in Chancery, and was a member 
 of the " other house." 
 
 l2
 
 148 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1659 
 
 Then, IMiise, strike up a sonnet, come, piper, and ])lay 
 
 us a spring; 
 For now I think upon it, these Rs.turn'd out their king; 
 But now is come about, that once again they must 
 
 turn out, 
 And not without justice and reason, that every one 
 home to his prison. 
 Sing, hi ho, Hany Martin,* a burgess of the bench. 
 There's nothing here is certain, you must back 
 and leave your wench. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 * Harry Marten was member for Berkshire in the Long 
 Parliament. He was a man of a very equivocal private cha- 
 racter, and a violent republican. In the heat of the civil 
 wars, he had been committed to the Tower for a short time 
 by the parliament, for speaking too openly against the person 
 of the king. When he attempted to speak against the violent 
 dissolution of the Long ParUament by Cromwell, the latter 
 reproached him with his licentiousness : this circumstance is 
 alluded to in a contemporary ballad, — 
 
 " Harry Martin wond'red to see siicli a thing 
 Done by a saint of such degree ; 
 'Twas au act lie did not expect from a king, 
 Much less from such a dry bone as he. 
 
 " But Oliver laid his hand on his sword, 
 And upbraided him with his adultery; 
 To which Harry answer'd never a word, 
 Saving, humbly thanking his majesty." 
 
 He is constantly jeered for his licentious life in the contem- 
 porary songs. At the calling together of the Long Parlia- 
 ment, when this song was written, he and Lord Monson, 
 the " two chaste cock-sparrows" (as they are called in a con- 
 temporary pamphlet), were brought out of prison (where they 
 had been committed for debt), to resume their seats in the
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 149 
 
 He there with the buflle head, is called lord and of 
 
 the same house, 
 Who (as I have heard it said) was chastised by his 
 
 ladye spouse; 
 Because he ran at sheep, she and her maid gave him 
 
 the whip, 
 And beat his head so addle, you'd think he had a 
 knock in the cradle. 
 Sing, hi ho, lo)-d Munson,* you ha' got a park of 
 
 the kings; 
 One day you'l hang like a hounson, for this and 
 other things. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 house. Marten has been designated as " the droll of the Long- 
 Parliament ;" and he retained his gaiety to the last. He was 
 one of those selected to satisfy the vengeance of the restored 
 house of Stuart, though he escaped execution after condem- 
 nation. He is frequently called Henry Marten, and he ex- 
 cepted to the indictment against him on his trial, on the 
 ground that that name, which was there given to him, was 
 not his. 
 
 * William Lord Monson, Viscount Castlemaine, was mem- 
 ber for Ryegate in the Long Parhament. He was degraded 
 from his honours at the Restoration, and was condemned to 
 be drawn on a sledge with a rope round his neck from the 
 Tower to Tyburn, and back again, and to be imprisoned there 
 for life. It appears, by the satirical tracts of the day, that he 
 was chiefly famous for being beaten by his wife. In one, 
 entitled " Your Servant, Gentlemen," 4to. 1659, it is asked, 
 " Whether that member who lives nearest the church, ought 
 not to ride Skimmington next time my Lady Mounson cud- 
 gels her husband ?" And in another (" The Riuup Despair- 
 ing," 4to. London, March 26, 1660) we And the following- 
 passage : — " To my Lord Monson. A scepter is one thing, 
 and a ladle is another, and tbougli his wife can tell bow to 
 use the one, yet lie is not tit to hold the other."
 
 150 POLITICAL BALLADS. [165!) 
 
 It was by their uuisters oi'tler at lir.st together they met, 
 "Whom piously they did murder, and since by their 
 
 own they did set. 
 The cause of this disaster is 'cause they were false to 
 
 their master; 
 Nor can they their gens-d'armes blame for serving 
 them the same. 
 Sing, hi ho, Sir Artliur,* no more in the house 
 
 you shall prate; 
 For all you kept sucli a quarter, f you are out of 
 the coimcell of state. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 Old Noll once gave them apurge (forgetting Occidisii), 
 (The furies be his scourge!) so of the cure must he; 
 And yet the diaig he well knew it, for he gave it to 
 
 Dr. Huit;| 
 Had he given it them, he had done it, and they had 
 
 not turn'd out his son yet! 
 
 * Sir Arthur Haselrigge. He was member for Leicester- 
 shire in the Long Parliament. 
 
 f The word quarter was used at this period to signify a 
 noise or disturbance, or, in more common language, a row. 
 
 J Dr. John Hewit, an episcopal clergyman, was executed 
 for high treason in 1658, for having held an active cori'espond- 
 ence with the royalists abroad, and having zealously contri- 
 buted to the insurrection headed by Penruddock in that year. 
 His case was now brought up as a subject of party reproach. 
 Two or three months after the pubUcation of the present 
 ballad, appeared a tract entitled, " Beheaded Dr. John Hewet's 
 Ghost pleading yea urging for exemplary Justice against the 
 arbitrary miexampled Injustice of his late Judges," 4to. 
 March 27, 1660.
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS, 151 
 
 Sing, hi ho, brave Dick, L. Hall, and lady Joane, 
 AVTio did against loyalty kick is now for a new- 
 years-gift gone. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 For had old Noll been alive, he had pul'd them out 
 
 by the ears. 
 Or else had fired their hive, and kickt them down 
 
 the staires; 
 Because they were so bold, to vex his righteous soul. 
 When he so deeply had swore, that there they should 
 never sit more. 
 But, hi ho, Nol's dead, and stunk long since above 
 
 ground. 
 Though lapt in spices and lead that cost us many 
 a pound. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 Indeed, brother burgeis, your ling did never stink 
 half so bad. 
 
 Nor did your habberdin when it no pease-straw had; 
 
 Ye both were chose together, 'cause ye wore stuff- 
 cloaks in hard weather. 
 
 And Cambridge needs would have a burgeis fool 
 and knave. 
 Sing, hi ho, J. Lowry,* concerning habberdine 
 No member spake before ye, yet you ne're spoke 
 againe. 
 
 * John Lowry, Esq. was one of the members for Cam- 
 bridge in the Long- Parliament.
 
 ]52 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1G59 
 
 Sing, hi ho, my honey, my heart shall never rue, 
 Here's all piekt ware for the money, and yet a 
 hard pennyworth too. 
 
 JsTed Prideaux* he went post to tell the protector the 
 
 news, 
 That Fletwood ruld the rost, having tane off Dickes 
 
 shoes. 
 And that he did believe, Lambert would him decieve. 
 As he his brother had guld, and Cromwell Fairfax 
 
 bul'd. 
 Sing, hi ho, the attorney was still at your command; 
 In flames together burn ye, still dancing hand in 
 
 hand! 
 
 Who's that would hide his face, and his neck from 
 
 the coUar pull? 
 He must appear in this place, if his cap be made of 
 
 wool. 
 Who is it? with a vengeance! it is the good lord St. 
 
 Johns, f 
 
 * Sir Edmuud Prideaux, Bart, represented Lyme Regis, in 
 Dorsetshire, in the Long Parliament. He was Cromwell's 
 Attorney General. 
 
 t Oliver St. John, member for Totness, in Devonshire, in 
 the Long Parliament, and Lord Chief Justice of the Upper 
 Bench. He was a member of Cromwell's "other house," 
 under the title of Oliver Lord St. John, and \vas made by the 
 Protector Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. He 
 is said to have pulled down some part of Peterborough Ca- 
 thedral to build his own house. " He hath a great kindness
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 153 
 
 VHio made Gods house to fall, to build his own withall. 
 Sing, hi ho, Avho comes thei-e ? who 'tis I must not say ; 
 But by his dark-lanthorn I sweare he's as good in 
 the night as day. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 Edge, brethereu, room for one that looks as big as 
 
 the best; 
 Tis pitty to leave him alone, for he is as good as the 
 
 rest ; 
 No picklock of the laws, he builds among the daws. 
 If you ha' any more kings to murder, for a President 
 look no further. 
 Sing, hi lio, J. Bradshaw, in blood none further 
 
 engages; 
 The Divel, from whom he had's law, will shortly 
 pay him his wages. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 Nex t, Peagoose wild,* come in to shew your weesle face, 
 
 for that saint (St. Peter), not because of his keys (which he 
 knew he should never make use of), but in reference to Peter- 
 borough ^Vlinster, the stones of which built his new house." 
 Original marginal note to a ballad printed in the "Loyal 
 Songs," ii. 95. He was in temper retired and morose ; and 
 was frequently characterised by the title of the " dark-lan- 
 tern-man." 
 
 * John Wilde was one of the members for Worcestershire 
 in the Long Parliament. In Cromwell's last parliament he 
 represented Droitwich, and was made by the Protector " lord 
 chief baron of the publick exchequer." In a satirical pam- 
 phlet, contemporary with the present ballad, he is spoken of 
 as, " Serjeant Wilde, best known by the name of the Wilde
 
 154 rOLlTlCAL BALLADS, [1639 
 
 And tell us Burleys sin, whose blood bought you 
 
 your place; 
 "WHien loyalty was a crime, he lived in a dangerous time, 
 "Was forc'd to pay his neck to make you barou of the 
 cheque. 
 Sing, lii ho. Jack Straw, we'l put it inthemargent; 
 'Twas not for justice oi' law that you were made a 
 sergeant. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 Noll serv'd not Satan faster, nor with him did bet- 
 ter accord; 
 
 For he was my good master, and the Divel was his 
 good lord. 
 
 Both Slingsby, Gerrard, and Hewet,* were sure 
 enough to go to it. 
 
 According to his intent, that chose me President. 
 Sing, hi, ho, L. Lisle, | sure law had got a wi-ench. 
 
 Serjeant." Another old song describes his personal appear- 
 ance in terms not luilike those used above : — 
 
 " But baron Wild, come out here, 
 Shew your ferret face and snout here, 
 For you, being both a fool and a knave, 
 Are a monster in the rout here." 
 
 Loyal Songs, ii. 55. 
 
 * Sir Henry Slingsby and Dr. Hewet were executed for 
 treason against the government of Oliver Cromwell in 1658. 
 (See before, p. 150). Colonel John Gerard was brought to 
 the block at the beginning of the Protectorate, in 1654, for 
 being engaged in a plot to assassinate Cromwell. 
 
 f John Lord Lisle represented Yarmouth in the Long 
 Parliament. He sat for Kent in the parliament of 1653 ; and 
 was afterward a member of Cromwell's " other house," and
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 155 
 
 Aiid where was justice the while, when you sate 
 on the bench. 
 Sing hi, ho, &c. 
 
 Next comes the good lord Keble, of the triumAdrate, 
 Of the seal in the law but feeble, though on the bench 
 
 he sate; 
 For when one puts him a case, I wish him out of the 
 
 place, 
 And, if it were not a sin, an abler lawyer in. 
 
 Sing, give the seal about, I'de have it so the rather. 
 Because we might get out the knave, my lord, my 
 father. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 Pull out the other tkree, it is Nathaniel Fines* 
 (Who Bristol lost for fear), wee'l not lea\e him be- 
 
 hind's ; 
 Tis a chip of that good old block, who to loyalty 
 
 gave the first knock, 
 
 held the office of Lord Commissioner of the Great Seal. He 
 was president of the high courts of justice which tried Ge- 
 rard, Slingsby, and Hewet. 
 
 * In the Long Parliament Nathaniel Fiennes, was member 
 for Banbury, in Oxfordshire. In the Parliament of 1654, he 
 represented Oxfordshire. He was afterwards, as Nathaniel 
 Lord Fiennes, a member of Cromwell's " other house." 
 Fiennes was accused of cowardice in surrendering Bristol (of 
 which he was governor) to Prince Rupert somewhat hastily, 
 in 1643. His father, Lord Say and Sele, opposing CromweU, 
 was obliged to retire to the Isle of Lundy.
 
 156 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1659 
 
 Then .stole away to Luiuley, whence the foul fiend 
 ietclies him one day. 
 Sing, hi ho, canting Fines, you and tlic rest to 
 
 mend 'uni, 
 Would ye were serv'd in youi- kinds, with an ease 
 rescidendion. 
 Sing, hi ho, he. 
 
 He that comes down staires, is Lord Chief Justice 
 
 Glin;* 
 If no man for liim cares, he cares as little again: 
 The reason too I know't, he helpt cut Straffords 
 
 throat, 
 And take away his life, though with a cleaner knife. 
 Sing, hi ho, Britain bold, straight to the bar you get, 
 Where it is not so cold as where your justice set. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 He that shall next come in, was long of the council 
 of state. 
 
 * John Lord Glynn, member of Cromwell's " other honse," 
 was " chief justice assigned to hold pleas in the upper bench." 
 He was engaged in the prosecution of the Earl of Strafford. 
 He was one of the eleven members impeached by the army 
 in 1647 (seep. 45); and was a Welshman (see p. 47). In 
 the Long Parliament, as well as in Cromwell's parliaments 
 he -was member for Carnarvon. An old ballad speaks thus of 
 
 him ; — 
 
 " But my gonfl lord Glynn, man, 
 Pride is a fleiidly sm, iii;!n, 
 Cots pliittir a.nails 1 lew traylors hv 
 Like you III' all ynur kin, man."
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 157 
 
 Though hardly a haii- on his eliin, when first in the 
 
 council he sate; 
 He was sometime in Italy, and learned their fashions 
 
 prettily, 
 Then came back to's own nation, to help up reforma- 
 tion. 
 Sing, hi ho, Harry Nevil,* I prethee be not too rash 
 AVith atheism to court the Divel, you'r too bold 
 to be his bardash. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 He there with ingratitude blackt is one Cornelius 
 Holland,! 
 
 * Henry Nevil was member for Abingdon, in Berkshire, 
 in the Long Parliament. In Cromwell's last parliament he 
 represented Reading. In a satirical tract before alluded to, 
 he is spoken of as " religious Harry Nevill ;" and we find in 
 Burton's Diary, that some months before the date of the 
 present song (on the 16th Feb. 1658-9), there was " a great 
 debate" on a charge of atheism and blasphemy which had 
 been brought against him. 
 
 f In the satirical tract before mentioned (entitled " Eng- 
 land's Confusion"), this member is described as " hastily rich 
 Cornelius Holland." He appears to have risen from a low 
 station, and is characterised in the songs of the day as having 
 been a link -bearer. Thus one addresses him, — 
 
 " Cornelius, thou wert a liiik-boy, 
 And born, 'tis like, in a sink, hoy ; 
 I'll tell thy knavery to the world, 
 But thy pitch sticks in my ink, boy." 
 
 And another speaks of him thus, — 
 
 " nnlland the liiili-boy's ii worshipful wight, 
 For he must stand by to hold them a iii;ht, 
 While tlipv do tlieir works of darkness and niclit."
 
 158 POLITICAL BALLADS. [leSQ 
 
 Who, but for tlie king's house, lackt wherewith to 
 
 appease his colon; 
 The case is wel amended since that time, as I think, 
 When at court -gate he tended with a little stick and 
 a sliort link. 
 Sing, hi ho, Cornelius, your zeal cannot delude us; 
 The reason pray now tell ye us, why thus you 
 playd the Judas. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 At first he was a gi'ocer, who now we major call. 
 Although you would think no, sir, if you saw him in 
 
 White-hall; 
 Wliere he has great command, and looks for cap in 
 
 hand, 
 And if our eggs be not addle, shall be of the next new 
 moddel. 
 Sing, hi ho, J\Ir. Salloway,f the Loi'd in heaven 
 doth know. 
 
 * INInjor Salwey was an oflicer in the parliamentary army ; 
 on the 17th Jan. 1660, he incurred the displeasure of the 
 house, and was sequestered from his seat and sent to the Tower. 
 In a satirical pamphlet of the time (" England's Confusion," 
 4to. May 30, 1659), he is described as "a smart, prating 
 apprentice, aiewly set up for himself." He appears to have 
 been originally a grocer and tobacconist : a ballad of the time 
 speaks of him as, 
 
 " Salloway with tobacco 
 Inspired, turn'd state quack o ; 
 And got more by his feigned zeal, 
 Then by his, What d'ye lacko V 
 
 In another he is introduced thus,
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 159 
 
 When that from hence yon shall away, where to 
 the Divel you'l go. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 Little IliU,* since set in the house, is to a mountain 
 srown : 
 
 Not that which brought forth the mouse, but thou- 
 sands the year of his own. 
 
 The purchase that I mean, where else but at Taun- 
 ton Dean; 
 
 Five thousand pounds per annum, a sum not known 
 to his grannam. 
 Sing, hi, the good old cause, f tis old although not 
 true, 
 
 " The tobacco-man Salway, witli a heart full of gall, 
 Pufl's flown bells, steeples, priests, churches, and all, 
 As old superstitious relicks of Baal." 
 
 A third ballad, alluding- to his attitude in the house, couples 
 
 together 
 
 " Mr. William Lillj''s astrological lyes, 
 And the meditations of Salloway biting his thumbs." 
 
 * Eoger Hill was member for Bridport, in Dorsetshire. 
 He bought a grant of the Bishop of Winchester's manor of 
 Taunton Dean, valued at £1,200 a year. A ballad, written 
 towards the end of 1659, says of him, 
 
 " Baron Hill was but a valley, 
 And boru scarce to an alley ; 
 But now is lord of Taunton Dean, 
 And thousands he can rally." 
 
 f With the revival of the Long Parliament, the old repub- 
 lican feelings arose again, under the denomination of the 
 " Good Old Cause." Innumerable pamphlets were published 
 for and against " The Cause." Even Pi-ynne, the fierce old 
 Presbyterian, who was new turning against the patriots, lifted
 
 160 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1659 
 
 You got more by that, then the hiws, so a good 
 old cause to you. 
 Sing, hi ho, he. 
 
 Master Cecil,* pray come behind, because on your 
 
 own accord 
 The other house you declin'd, you shall be no longer 
 
 a lord; 
 The reason, as I guess, you silently did confess, — 
 Such lords deserved iU the other house to fill. 
 
 Sing, hi ho, Mr. Cecil, your honour now is gone; 
 Such lords are not worth a whistle, we have made 
 better loi'ds of our own. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 Luke Robinsonf shall go before ye, that snarling 
 
 northern tike: 
 Be sure hee'l not adore ye, for honour he doth not 
 
 Hke; 
 He cannot honour inherit, and he knowes he can 
 
 never merit, 
 
 up his pen against it, and published, " The Kepnblicans and 
 others spurious Good Old Cause briefly and truly Anato- 
 mized," 4to. May 13, 1659. 
 
 * Robert Cecil, Esq. was one of the members of the old 
 Long Parliament who were now brought together to form the 
 Rump. He represented Old Sarum, Wilts. 
 
 f Luke Robinson, of Pickering Lyth, in Yorkshire, was 
 member for Scarborough. An old ballad says of him, 
 
 " Luke Robinson, that clownarlo, 
 Though his heart be a granarln. 
 Yet a high shoe with his hand in his poke 
 Is his most perfect shadow."
 
 16.59] POLITICAL BALLADS. ] () I 
 
 And therefore he cannot bear it, that any one else 
 should wear it. 
 Sing, hi ho, envious lown, you'r of the beagles kind. 
 Who ahvays barked at the moon, because in the 
 dark it shin'd. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 'Tis tills that vengeance rowses, that, while you make 
 
 long prayers. 
 You eat up widows houses, and drank the orphans 
 
 tears ; 
 Long time you kept a great noise, of God and the 
 
 good old cause; 
 But if God to you be so kind, then I'me of the In- 
 dians mind. 
 Sing, hi ho, Sir Harry*, we see, by your demeano]*, 
 If longer here you tarry, you'l be Sir Harry Vane, 
 Senior. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 Now if your zeal do warme ye, pray lowd for fairer 
 
 Aveather; 
 Swear to live and die with the army, for these birds 
 
 are flown together; 
 The house is turn'd out a door (and 1 think it was 
 
 no sin, too); 
 If we take them there any more, wee'l throw the 
 
 house out of the window. 
 
 * Sir Harry Vane. 
 
 M
 
 1(12 rOLlTlCAL BALLADS. [1659 
 
 Sing, hi ho, Tom Scot,* you lent the Divel your 
 
 hand; 
 I wonder he helpt you not, but sufFred you t'bc 
 
 trapand. 
 Sing, hi lio, &c. 
 
 They'r once again conduced, and wo freed from tlie 
 
 evil, 
 To which we long were used, God hlesse us next 
 
 from the Divel ! 
 If they had not been outed, the army had been routed ; 
 And then tliis rotten Rump, had sat until the last 
 trump. 
 But, hi ho, Lambert's here, the protectors instru- 
 ment bore, 
 And many there be, who swear that he will do it 
 no more. 
 Sing, hi ho, &c. 
 
 Come here then, honest Peters, | say grace for the 
 
 second course, 
 So long as these your betters must patience have 
 
 upon force. 
 Long time he kept a great noise, with God and the 
 
 good old cause; 
 
 * Thomas Scott was member for Aylesbury, in Bucking- 
 hamshire, in the Long Parliament. 
 
 f Hugh Peters, the celebrated fanatic. In the margin of 
 the original, opposite to the words " the devil's fees," is the 
 following note — " his numps and his kidneys."
 
 1659] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 1 63 
 
 But if God own such as these, then where's the Di- 
 vels fees ? 
 Sing, hi ho, Hugo, I hear thou art not dead; 
 Where now to the Divel will jou go, your patrons 
 being fled? 
 Sing, hi ho, my houy, my heart shall never rue, 
 Four and twenty now^ for a penny, and into the 
 bargain Hugh. 
 
 THE NOBLE ENGLISH WORTHIES. 
 
 [December 28, 1659.] 
 
 The following ballad (preserved in the 15th vol. of the folio 
 broadsides, King's Pamphlets), was composed after the par- 
 liament had been delivered from the sway of the army, in the 
 latter part of the month of December. The " noble worthies" 
 were the officers who had declared for the parliament, in op- 
 position tu Lambert. Monck was on his way towards London, 
 stiU declaring his intention to support the Rump. 
 
 Tis not saint Geoi'ge Ave sing of here. 
 Nor George the fatal duke Villier,* 
 Nor George a Green, nor Castriot, 
 Nor Buchanan the learned Scot; 
 
 * George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, slain at Ports- 
 mouth by Felton. George-a-Green, " Pindar of the town of 
 Wakefield," a famous heroof English popular romance. George 
 Castriot, better known by the name of Scanderbeg, a celebrated 
 Grecian hero of the fifteenth century. George Buchanan, the 
 weU-known schoolmaster of King James VI of Scotland 
 (James I of England). 
 
 M 2
 
 IG-i rOLlTlCAl. liALLADS. [1659 
 
 But 'tis of George the valiant Monck, 
 That iiiade Van Trump in's blood dead drunk, 
 And in the seas his navy sunck; 
 Oil ! this is our brave George ! 
 
 He made the Dutch-men vale their topjis, 
 And humble be as their sack-slops; 
 The English fleet he did advance, 
 To th' terrour of proud Spain and France ; 
 And when amongst the Scots he came, 
 He did their furious spirits tame. 
 For which e're since all love his name; 
 Oh ! this is our brave George ! 
 
 Renown by sea and land he got; 
 Old Noll for him would do what not; 
 There's none ere boded him ill-will, 
 That valour had, or martial skill. 
 This is the noble generall. 
 Who fights to rescue us from thrall. 
 And that we may be free-men all; 
 Oh ! this is our brave George ! 
 
 Such gallant worthies are most rare; 
 Yet many more at Portsmouth are; — 
 Noble Sir Ai-thur Hasekigg* 
 Resolves to lead a Scottish gigg, 
 
 * In December 1659, Hazelrigge was commanding at Ports- 
 moTith, where he and the other officers here mentioned de- 
 clared for a free parliament, in opposition to the schemes of
 
 16.J9] POLITICAL BALLADS. 165 
 
 Witli IMorley, ^Valton, Wallop, and 
 Renowned Whetham, whose command 
 For all our liberties do stand, 
 As well as our brave George. 
 
 Sir Ashley-Cooper,* Scot, and more, 
 Such honest hearts there are good store, 
 The famous Law son and the fleet, f 
 And London lads in every street, 
 
 Fleetwood and Lambert. By "leading- a Scottish jig," is 
 meant that they would follow the example of Monck -with the 
 army in Scotland, in supjiorting the Parliament. Pepys has 
 the following entry in his Diary, on the 1st May 1661,— 
 " Then we set forth again, and so to Portsmouth, seeming to 
 me to be a very pleasant and strong place ; and we lay at the 
 Ked Lyon, where Haselrigge and Scott and Walton did hold 
 their councill, when they were here, against Lambert and the 
 Committee of Safety." 
 
 * The names of Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper and Thomas 
 Scott, occur among the signatures to a declaration of officers 
 of the army in favour of the parliament. The former was a 
 very acti-\'e man at this time, and was a member of the House 
 of Commons. He had formerly been a royahst. A ballad, 
 written in 1659, says of him, 
 
 " Ashley Cowppv knew a reason, 
 That treachery was in season, 
 AVlien at the first he turned his coat 
 from loyalty to treason." 
 
 He afterwards made another turn, and contributed much 
 to^vards the restoration, and in reward for his ser\ices ^vas 
 raised to the peerage by Charles H, and became famous by 
 the title of Earl of Shaftesbury, a title still held by his de- 
 scendants. 
 
 t Sir John Lawson, admiral of Cromwell's fleet, a brave 
 and abl(? officer, who had risen fi'om a low station of life, 
 having been the son of a poor man at Hull. He was at heart
 
 166 I'OLITICAL BALLADS. [1051) 
 
 Wlio vow to make subverters stare 
 At Tyburne in the open air, 
 For doing what no king did dare: — 
 And thus vowes our brave George. 
 
 The honest soukliers (though some be 
 Sadly mis-led) resolve to see 
 The Parliament restor'd again,* 
 And run away to Monck amain; 
 Who pay's them well, as well they may 
 Expect, for Lambert has no pay; 
 And thus the newes is every day 
 In honour of brave George. 
 
 Hackerj" and other men resolv'd, 
 Deny the members are dissolv'd, 
 Though their apostatising brothers 
 Pretend to be more Avise than others; 
 But when their folly re-appeares, 
 And their iU-fortune like those years, 
 When Noll steep'd all the land in tears, 
 Then, hey ! for our brave George ! 
 
 I 
 
 a zealous republican, and had brought the fleet into the river 
 at this conjunction to support the parliament against the 
 Lambertians. He was at Gravesen.d. 
 
 * The soldiers about London, on the 22nd of December, 
 had declared that they would have the parliament sit again, 
 and hold its debates freely and without interruption. 
 
 f Colonel Francis Hacker. He had commanded the guards 
 at the execution of Charles I, and was one of the regicides 
 executed after the Restoration.
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 167 
 
 The writs for a new j^arliainent 
 Axe to return the way they went; 
 For no elections can be made 
 In freedom, whilst the cobling trade* 
 Can vamp, set up, or them translate; 
 And this necessity of state 
 (As wise men say) breeds all the bate; — 
 And thus sayes our brave George. 
 
 The noble city will be wise, 
 And their sweet liberties dear prize; 
 Religion, lawes, and freedom, are 
 The stakes for which all parties dare ; 
 But yet our better hopes appear. 
 Against the new approaching year, 
 We shall be quited all from fear, 
 By the help of our brave George. 
 
 Let them that please, sit still at ease, 
 Whilst heaven in mercy sends us peace; 
 But may our noble worthies be 
 Successful in their policy, 
 That order may return again 
 In church and state, and right may reign, 
 And aU subverters have their pain ! 
 And God bless our brave George ! 
 
 London, Printed by Thomas Milbourn, and ai'e to be sold at 
 his house in Jewen-Street, 1659. 
 
 * John Hewson, very active among the officers at this time, 
 had been a shoemaker.
 
 1(><S POLITICAL BALLADS. [ir.r.O 
 
 THE CITIES NEW POETS MOCK SHOW. 
 
 [Deci'iiib. .•?!, 165!).] 
 
 From tho tiftconth voluino of the iblio broadsides, King's 
 I'liinphli'ts, British Museum. 
 
 Hkauken, good i^eople, in coiinti'cy and city; 
 
 For I do intend to be very witty, 
 
 And Londons lord mayor sliall be my ditty. 
 
 Of the Skinners-hall* was this man of might; 
 He Avallieth by day, and sleei)cth by night, 
 And with his fine sword the bakers doth fright. 
 
 Scarce had the ruddy morning broke, 
 
 When my lord mayor out of his dream awoke, 
 
 Quoth he, " hatli Will to the barber spoke?" 
 
 His voice made his wife her eyes to unlock, — 
 Quoth she, " where is Maiy, to bring me my smock?" 
 With that my lord mayor with his slippers did knock. 
 
 When he was shaved, and all things were fit. 
 He sent for a pound of beef from the spit, 
 And hastily eat it up every bit. 
 
 Tlien away went he to his galley -foist ; 
 
 He rode on a horse, 'cause the weather was moist. 
 
 At which the women and childi-en rejoyc't. 
 
 * Sir Ricliard Chiverton, of the Skiniiers' Company, was 
 elected lord mayor in 16.58. Perhaps he was re-elected the 
 year following; otherwise the date of this ballad must be wrong.
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 169 
 
 Who all ill sciillers did go straightway, 
 
 For to behold a most gallant fray, 
 
 "VYhich Criple-gate men pei'formed that day. 
 
 The Criple-gate men did notable feats; 
 The EngKsh man the Spaniard beats. 
 And all the way merrily piped the waights. 
 
 The drums did ratle, the guns did thunder, 
 Some i5eople did laugh, and others did wonder. 
 And all the poor fish lay trembling under. 
 
 Then landed the mayor and his aldermen old, 
 With scarlet gowns and chains of gold, — 
 Yet none of them could a dream xuifold. 
 
 Before and behinde were the dung-boats all drest 
 With flags and pendants of the very best, 
 And in them sate the wise men of the east. 
 
 To westward they went, both Jack and Tony, 
 To show the Protector they had yet more mony, 
 For which he thanked them from a bellcony. 
 
 Now comes the mayor to the bar of course, 
 
 To the judge he made legs like Banks's horse; — 
 
 He could do no better, 'twas well 'twas no worse. 
 
 Then s])ake the recorder, wise man he, 
 
 " At length, my Lord Baron, are come we, 
 
 Your honours worship for to see.
 
 170 I'OLITICAL BALLADS. [1659 
 
 *' But that the people did throng so fast, 
 Indeed, my lord, we had made more ha^te; — 
 P)Ut wlio can remedy Avhat is past. 
 
 " Therefore to avoid this mischief hereafter, 
 Pray let our green-men come with us by water; 
 They'l open the croud, and make you much laughter. 
 
 " And now, Mr. Baron, if I be not too bold, 
 
 I think here's a mayor worth his weight in gold, — 
 
 Pray swear him cpuckly, for 'tis very cold." 
 
 Then answer'd the Baron o'th' Exchequer, and said, 
 " ]My lord, to see you in truth I am glad, 
 You seem a gentleman proper and staid." 
 
 Then he went on, not at all flustcr'd, 
 
 " God bless your lordship, and your custard. 
 
 And may your justice sting like mustard !" 
 
 But now he's come to the city again. 
 And home to dinner he must amain, 
 AVith capon-broth to wash his new chain. 
 
 Against the old Change a pageant did meet him. 
 And there a gyant also did greet him, 
 There was no house in London could fit him. 
 
 This gyant he walked upon stilts. 
 
 With his tricks he tickled the peoples milts, 
 
 And he had a sword with fifteen hilts.
 
 1659] POLITICAL BALLADS. 171 
 
 He tln-eatened the Tower away to bear, 
 With all the new silver that w^as there; 
 But, quoth the lord mayor, " Sir, if you dare !" 
 
 With that he fell down, to set forth ambition, 
 For no man is safe in fortunes tuition, 
 Therefore good people walk in submission. 
 
 I'th' pageant then were leopards two; 
 
 In them sat two ]\Ioors as black as a shooe; — 
 
 Now guess if the people had nothing to do. 
 
 At every corner a virgin sat; 
 They lookt each one as sad as a cat. 
 For they did mourn for I know not what. 
 
 Before there sate an old man in bhxck; 
 He seem'd as if he something did lack, — 
 Sure he wanted a cup of my lord mayors sack. 
 
 But when he did see my lord mayor come, 
 He threw off his cloak, and scratched his bum. 
 And out of his throat his flegm did hum. 
 
 Quoth he, " my lord, and one o'th' four and twenty. 
 
 To tell you the truth my belly is empty, — 
 
 To stay so long at Westminster what meant ye?" 
 
 Swearing and chaffing then came the cook; 
 
 Quoth he, " what a stir's here to swear on a book !" 
 
 T thought his wits woukl have his brains forsook.
 
 172 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1695 
 
 My lord convinced by logick so strong, 
 His grccn-men caused to open the tlirong, 
 That he the more quickly niiglit pass along. 
 
 But as if the Devil did owe him a spiglit, 
 
 And resolv'd to keep him from victuals till night, 
 
 At Soaper-lane end behold another sight. 
 
 The pageant it was a very fine toy, 
 
 'Twas invented sure by some Pauls school boy, 
 
 It made my lord mayors heart leap for joy. 
 
 First Pan with his horns himself descries, 
 Next him sat Orpheus, on a seat that did rise, 
 Behind sate four Satyrs with hairy thighs. 
 
 Wilde beasts there was of many a sort, 
 Most lively done, thank Jermine for't; 
 But, heaven be prais'd! they did nobody hurt. 
 
 Pan did set forth a cuckoldy clown, 
 
 Of which there are many in London town; — 
 
 Would I had as many pounds of my own. 
 
 There prentices were set forth by the satyrs. 
 Who often do prove themselves no women-haters, 
 Wlien they nui away Avith their masters daughters. 
 
 This made my lord mayor earnestly gaze, 
 
 Alas! his lordship was in an amaze, 
 
 Whne up stept Orpheus, and spake in this phrase:
 
 1639] POLITICAL BALLADS. 173 
 
 Quoth he, " Man of might, that rul'st with a mace, 
 For which the taylor did make a green case, 
 Welcome the comfort of thy new shaven face! 
 
 " At Soaper-lane end stand watchmen mighty, 
 "WTiich maketh us in this place to greet ye, 
 Wlio are the chief watchmen of our city. 
 
 " For I know no man, as I am a sinner, 
 Fitter then you, who are a skinner. 
 To be our cities Wakefield pinner. 
 
 " For easiest are by you to be seen. 
 
 The knaves that would get our walls within, 
 
 Cloth'd in the lambs and foxes skin. 
 
 " Besides the city is a great beai'. 
 
 And wickedness like a skin doth wear, — 
 
 I pray you flea it off, good my lord mayor. 
 
 " Let justice also, that mighty vertue. 
 Before you go like green-men that sport you, 
 With fire in her mouth, that vice may not hurt you." — 
 
 More would he have said, but the cook in hast 
 Sent one to ask mayor why time he did waste, 
 To hear a fool prate in a pageant plac'd. 
 
 With that to his home most nimbly he traces. 
 Where Criple-gate men stood in their due places, 
 With muskets cock't and leopard faces.
 
 174 POLITICAL BALLADS. [icno 
 
 The mayor in his liouse they did not refuse, 
 
 To give liiin many peals, — to give 'em their dues, 
 
 Th(^y valu'd their [)Owder as the dirt of their shooes. 
 
 Tims was luy lord mayor of his chain of state seiz'd, 
 
 Thus were the men of Criple-gate eas'd, 
 
 And thus were the women and prentices pleas'd. 
 
 Now maids in your smocks look well to your locks,* 
 Your fire and also your candle-light; 
 
 For when the belly is full, men are sleepy and dull; 
 Good night my masters all, good night. 
 
 ]\r. T. 
 
 I 
 
 A NEW-YEARS-GIFT FOR THE RUMP. 
 
 [,Lan. 5, l().J9(-60.)] 
 
 The state of affairs at the period when this ballad was pub- 
 lished is best described in the words of Pepys, who began 
 his Diary on the first of January 1659-60. — "The condition 
 
 * These conchiding Knes are one of the songs, or at least an 
 imitation of them, which were formerly known by the name 
 of " Bellman's Songs." The first line is verbally the same 
 as the commencement of the Belman's Song in the "Mad 
 Pranks and IVIerry Jests of Kobin Goodfellow," edited by Mr. 
 Payne Collier for the Percy Society, p. 37. 
 
 " Maydes in your smockes, 
 
 Looke well to your lockes, 
 
 And your tinder boxe, &c 
 * * * 
 
 When the Bellman knoekes, 
 
 Put out your fire and candle light." 
 
 Another Bellman's Song is printed in Mr. Mackay's " Songs 
 and Ballads relative to the London Pi-entices," p.151.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 17o 
 
 of the state was thus : ^iz. the Rump, after being disturbed 
 by m}- Lord Lambert, was lately returned to sit again. The 
 officers of the army all forced to yield. Lawson lies still in 
 the ri\er, and [Monk is with his army in Scotland. Only my 
 Loi'd Lambert is not yet come in to the parliament, nor is it 
 expected that he will without being forced to it. The new Com- 
 mon Council of the City do speak \ery high ; and had sent to 
 Monk their sword-bearer, to acquaint him with their desires 
 for a free and lull parliament, which is at present the desires, 
 and the hopes, and the expectations of all. Twenty-two of 
 the old secluded members having been at the house-door the 
 last week to demand entrance, but it was denied them ; and 
 it is believed that neither they nor the people will be satisfied 
 till the house be filled." This was wiitten on the first day 
 of January. 
 
 The following ballad is preserved in the fifteenth volume 
 of the folio broadsides, King's Pamphlets. 
 
 You may have heard of the politique snout, 
 Oi' a tale of a tub with the bottom out, 
 Btit scarce of a parliament in a dirty clout ; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 'Twas Atkins* first serv'd this Rump in with mustard ; 
 The sawce was a compound of courage and custard; 
 Sir Vane bless'd the creature, Noll snufled and blus- 
 ter'd; J, 
 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 The right was as then in old Olivers nose; 
 But when the Devil of that did dispose, 
 
 * Alderman Atkins has been mentioned on a former occa- 
 sion (see p. 103). In the satirical tract entitled " England's 
 Confusion," he is described as " wise Alderman Atkins."
 
 17(i POLITICAL DALLAOS. [ICC.i) 
 
 Tt (loccndcd from thence to the Hump in the close; 
 Which no l)ody can deny. 
 
 Noi' i.'s it likely thei*e to stay long, 
 The retentive faculties being gone, 
 The juggle is stale, and money there's none; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 The secluded members made a trial 
 To enter, but them the Rump did defy all, 
 By the ordinance of self-denial; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 Our politique doctors do us teach, 
 That a blood-sucking red-coat's as good as a leech. 
 To relieve the head, if appli'd to the breech ; 
 Wliich no body can deny. 
 
 But never was such a worm as Vane ; 
 AVlien the state scour'd last, it voided him then, 
 Yet now he's crept into the Rump again ; 
 "V^Hiich no body can deny. 
 
 Ludlow's f — was a phrophetique trump,* 
 (There never was any thing so jump); 
 'Twas the very type of a vote of this Rump; 
 Wliich no body can deny. 
 
 * Ludlow is well known as a staunch republican. The 
 incident alhided to was a subject of much merriment, and 
 exercised the pen of some of the choicest poets of the latter 
 half of the seventeenth century.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 177 
 
 They say, 'tis good luck when a body rises 
 With the rump upward, but he that advises 
 To live in that posture, is none of the wisest; 
 Which no Ijody can deny. 
 
 The reason is worse, though the rime be untoward, — 
 IVlien things proceed with the wrong end forward; 
 But they say there's sad news to the Rump from the 
 nor 'ward;* 
 WHiich no body can deny. 
 
 'Tis a wonderfuU thing, the strength of that part; 
 At a blast it will take you a team from a cart, 
 And blow a man's head away with a f — ; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 When our brains are sunck below the middle, 
 And our consciences steer'd by the hey-down-diddle, 
 Then things will go round without a fiddle; 
 AVliicli no body can deny. 
 
 You may order the city with hand-granado. 
 Or the generall with a bastonado, — 
 But no way for a Rump like a carbonado; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 * Lambort, with his army, was in the nortii, and amid the 
 contradictory intelligence which daily came in, we find some 
 people who, according to Pepys, spread reports that Lambert 
 was gaining strength. 
 
 N
 
 178 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 To make us as famous in council as wars, 
 Here's Lenthal a speaker for mine — , 
 And Fleetwood is a man of Mars; 
 AMiicli no body can deny. 
 
 'Tis pitty that Nedham's* fall'n into disgrace; 
 For he orders a bum with a marvellous grace, 
 And ought to attend the Rump by his place; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 Yet this in spight of all disasters, 
 Although he hath broken the heads of his masters, 
 'Tis still his profession to give 'em all plasters; 
 A^Hiieh no body can deny. 
 
 The Rump's an old story, if well undei'stood; 
 'Tis a thing dress'd up in a Parliaments hood. 
 And like't, but the tayl stands where the head should; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 'Twoidd make a man scratch where it does not itch. 
 To see forty fools heads in one politique breech, 
 And that, hugging the nation, as the devil did the 
 witch ; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 From rotten members preserve our wives ! 
 From the mercie of a Rump, our estates and our lives ! 
 For they must needs go whom the devil drives; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 Printed at Oxford for G. H. 
 
 * Marchamont Nedham. See before, p. 56.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 179 
 
 A HYMXE TO THE GENTLE-CRAFT, OR 
 HEWSONS LAMENTATION. 
 
 To the Tune of " The Blind Beggar." 
 
 [Jan. 11, 1659.] 
 
 This ballad is taken from the fifteenth volume of the folio 
 broadsides. Hewson, as has been already observed, was 
 originally a shoemaker, and he had lost one of his eyes. He 
 took part vrith the Lambertians, and made himself very ob- 
 noxious to the city. About the middle of January appeared 
 a pamphlet, with the title, "The Out-Cry of the London 
 Prentices for Justice to be executed upon John Lord Hewson; 
 with their Desires and Proposalls touching his Arraignement, 
 and also A Hue-and-cry, or Proclamation," 4to. Lond. 1659 
 (Jan. 16, 1659-60). In this tract is the following curious al- 
 lusion to our great poet : — " The one good eye he hath left, 
 wee'l take out of his head, and bestow it upon blind IMilton, 
 that it may still be worn as an ornament in a knaves coimte- 
 nance, and when he leaves it, it shall be gi^en to Surgeons 
 HaU for a rarity." Pepys observes, on the 25th Jan., 
 " Coming home heard that in Cheapside there had been but a 
 little before a gibbet set up, and the picture of Huson hung 
 upon it in the middle of the street." 
 
 The time of "The Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green" is well 
 known to every reader. 
 
 Listen a while to what I shall say, 
 Of a blind cobler that's gone astray 
 Out of the Parliaments liigh way ; 
 Good people, pity the blind. 
 
 His name you wot well, is Sir John Hewson, 
 AVhom I intend to set my Muse on; 
 As great a warrior as Sir Miles Lewson; 
 Good people, &c.
 
 180 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 He'd now give all the shooes in his shop 
 The Parliaments fury for to stop, 
 ■\Vliip cobler like any town-top; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 He hath been in many a bloody field, 
 And a succesful sword did wield, 
 But now at last is forced to yield; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 Oliver made him a famous lord. 
 That he forgot his cutting bord; 
 But now his thread's twisted to a cord; 
 Good people, 8fc. 
 
 Crispin and he were neer of kin ; 
 The gentle craft have a noble twin. 
 But he'd give Sir Hughs bones to save his skin ; 
 Good people, 8fc. 
 
 Abroad and at home he hath cut many a hide, 
 A dog and a beU must now be his guide; 
 They'l lash him smartly on the blind side ; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 Of all his warlike valiant feats. 
 Of his calves leather and his neats, 
 Let him speak'um himself when he repeats, 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 I'le only mention one exploit. 
 For which when he begs I'le give him a doit. 
 How he did the city vex and annoy't; 
 Good people, &c.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 181 
 
 He marcht into London with red-coat and drum,* 
 During the time we had no bum, 
 Being right for the army as a cows thum ; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 And there he did the prentices meet, 
 Who jeered him as he went through the street; 
 But he did them very wel-favouredly greet; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 Bears do agree with their own kind. 
 But he was of such a cruel mind. 
 He kild his brother cob, before he had din'd; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 He strutted then like a crow in a gutter. 
 That no body durst once more mutter; 
 The capon-citizens gan to flutter; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 After he had them thus defeated, 
 To his old quarters he retreated, 
 And was by Fleetwood nobly treated; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 * After Lambert had interrupted the sitting of the RumiJ, 
 while he was with the army appointed to oppose Moncli, the 
 citizens of London began to show their determination to 
 support the parliament. On the fifth of December, some 
 disturbances took place in London, and wlien the soldiers 
 were sent into the city, under Ilewson's orders, they were in- 
 sulted, and a slight collision taking place, two of the mob were 
 killed.
 
 182 POLITICAL HALLADS. [1660 
 
 lie is for this, I hear, indited. 
 Though the week before by them invited; 
 lint wise men say they are bcniglited; 
 Good people, he. 
 
 He cares not for the sessions a lowse, 
 They reach not ;i \)oev of the "other house;" 
 He's frighted to see that he is a parliament chouse; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 And now he's gone the Lord knows whither, 
 He and this winter go together; 
 If he be caught, he will loose his leather; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 H'ad best get in some country town, 
 And company keep with Desbrow the clown; 
 You see how the world gets u]) and down ; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 His coach and his horses are gone to be lost; 
 He must vamp it, and cart it, and thank thee, mine host; 
 There's no more to be said of an old toast; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 Sing, hi ho, Hewson, the state ne're went upright. 
 Since coblers could pray, preach, govern, and fight; 
 We shall see what they'l do, now you'r out of sight; 
 Good people, &c. 
 
 London, Printed for Charls Gustavus.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 183 
 
 A NEW BALLADE. 
 
 To an old Tune,—" Tom of Bedlam." 
 
 [Jan. 17, 1659.] 
 
 This ballad, taken from the fifteenth volmne of the folio 
 broadsides, relates to the same jealousies between the army 
 and the, city, that had given rise to the incident which 
 formed the subject of the pi-eceding. The tune of " Tom of 
 Bedlam" has been mentioned ah-eady. See p. 102. 
 
 ]Make room for an honest red-coat, 
 
 (And that you'l say's a wonder); 
 
 The gun and the blade 
 
 Are his tools, — and his trade 
 Is for pay to kill and plunder. 
 
 Then away with the lawes 
 
 And the good old cause; 
 Ne'r talk o'the Rump or charter; 
 
 'Tis the cash does the feat, 
 
 All the rest's but a cheat, 
 Without that there's no faith nor quarter. 
 
 'Tis the mark of our coin, God with us,* 
 
 And the grace of the Lord goes along with't; 
 AVhen the Georges are flown, 
 Then the cause goes down. 
 For the Lord is departed from it. 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 * The coins of the Commonwealth had on one side tlu' 
 inscription, the cojmoNWf:ALTH of England, and, on the 
 reverse, god with us.
 
 18-i POT,ITirAL BALLADS. [ICtiO 
 
 For Rome, or for Geneva, 
 For the table, or tlie altar, 
 
 This spawn of a vote 
 
 He cares not groat — 
 For the pence hee's your dog in a halter. 
 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 Tho' the name of king, or bishop, 
 To nostrils pure may be loathsome, 
 
 Yet many there are 
 
 That agree with the mayor, 
 That their lands are wondrous toothsom. 
 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 When our masters are poor, we leave 'em; 
 'Tis the golden calf we bow too, — 
 
 We kill and we slay, 
 
 Not for conscience, but pay. 
 Give us that, we'll fight for you too. 
 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 'Twas that, first turn'd the king out. 
 The lords next, then the commons; 
 
 'Twas that kept up Noll, 
 
 Till the Devil fetch'd his soul. 
 And then it set the bum on's. 
 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 Drunken Dick was a lame Protector,, 
 And Fleetwood a back-slider;
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 185 
 
 These we serv'd as the rest, 
 But the city's the beast 
 That will never cast her rider. 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 "Wlien the mayor holds the stirrop. 
 
 And the shreeves cry, God save your honours; 
 
 Then 'tis but a jump, 
 
 And up goes the rump 
 That will spur to the Devil upon us. 
 
 Then away, &c 
 
 And now for a fling at your thimbles, 
 Your bodkins, rings, and whistles; 
 
 In truck for your toyes 
 
 We'll fit you with boys, 
 ('Tis the doctrine of Hugh's Epistles.*) 
 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 When your plate is gone, and your jewels. 
 You must be next entreated 
 
 To part with your bags. 
 
 And strip you to rags. 
 And yet not think y'are cheated. 
 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 * A note in the margin adds, — " to the butchers wife." It 
 refers to a scandalous lil)el a<,^ainst Hugh Peters, which is al- 
 hided to in other satirical pamphlets of the day.
 
 18b' POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 The tnitli is, the town deserves it, 
 'Tis a brainless heartless monster; 
 At a club they may bawl. 
 Or declare at their hall, 
 And yet, at a push, not one stii". 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 Sir Arthur vowd he'll treat 'em 
 
 Far -worse than the men of Chester; 
 
 He's bold now they're cow'd, 
 
 But he was nothing so lowd. 
 When he lay in the ditch at Lester. 
 
 Then aw^ay, &c. 
 
 The Lord hath left John Lambert, 
 And the spirit Feak's* anointed, 
 But why, oh Lord, 
 
 Hast thou sheathed thy sword? 
 Lo thy saints are disappointed. 
 Tlien away, &c. 
 
 * John Feake was an enthusiast and preacher ; after the 
 overthrow of the Eump Parliament, he published, " A Word 
 for All ; or the Rump's Funeral Sermon," 1660. In a sati- 
 rical publication, entitled " A Perfect Diurnal" (Numb. i. 
 Mai-ch 19, 1659-60, 4to.), is the foUowina: allusion to him : 
 " Kesolved, That the pattent concerning Sion Colledge de- 
 livered unto Mr. Manton, be construed, deemed, and taken 
 for a Millenary Lease unto William Kiflfin and John Feako 
 of their respective meeting houses, as a Court for King 
 Jesus."
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 18^ 
 
 Tho' Sir Henry be departed; 
 
 Sir John makes good the phiee now, 
 
 And to help out the work 
 
 Of the glorious kirk, 
 Our brethren march apace too. 
 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 Wliile divines and statesmen wrangle, 
 Let the rump-ridden nation bite on't; 
 
 Thei'e are none but we 
 
 That are sure to go free, 
 For the souldier's still in the right on't. 
 
 Then away, &c. 
 
 If our masters wont supply us 
 With mony, food, and clothing, 
 
 Let the state look to't, 
 
 We'll find one that will do't, 
 Let him live — we'll not damn for nothing. 
 
 Then away with the laws; 
 
 And the good old cause, 
 Ne'r talk o'the Rump or the charter; 
 
 'Tis the cash does the feat, 
 
 All the rest's but a cheat, — 
 Without that tliere's no faith nor quarter.
 
 188 POLITICAL BALLADS. [iggo 
 
 THE GANG : 
 
 OH, THE NINK -WOKTHIES AND CHAMPIONS, LAMBERT, ETC. 
 
 To the Tune of " l^ohin Hood." 
 
 [Jan. 17, 1G59.] 
 
 After the return of the Kump to power, and the depression 
 of Lambert's party, nine of the leading officers, who had 
 been active nienihers of the Committee of Safety, were by 
 the parliament deprived of their commissions. According 
 to one of the j^amphlets of the day, they were Colonels 
 John Lambert, John Desborongh, James Berry, Thomas 
 Kelsey, Kiciiard Ashtield, Ralph Cobbet, '\^■i]liam I'acker, 
 and Kobert Barro\\', and Major Kichard Creed. The list 
 given in the present ballad (from the folio broadsides, vol. L^) 
 differs a Uttle from the foregoing. On the 9th of January in 
 the present year, Pepys informs us, " I heard Sir H. Vane 
 was this day voted out of the House, aTid to sit no more there ; 
 and that he woidd retire himself to his house at Raby ; as 
 also all the rest of the nine officers that had their commissions 
 formerly talven away from them, were commanded to their 
 furthest houses from London during the pleasure of the par- 
 liament." This last-mentioned circumstance gave rise to our 
 ballad. 
 
 It was at the birth of a winters luorn, 
 
 With a hey down, down a down, down, 
 
 Before the crow had hist, 
 That nine heros, in scorn 
 Of a Parliament forlorn, 
 
 WaUc'd out with sword in fist. 
 
 Johnnie Lambert was first, a dapper squire. 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 A mickler man of might
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 189 
 
 "Was ne're in Yorksliii'e, 
 And he did conspii'e 
 With Vane Sir Harry, a knight. 
 
 Desbrow* next, a goodlier swain, 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 An Easter sun ne're see; 
 He drove on amain, 
 Without any brain, 
 vSuch a jolthead knave was he. 
 
 Kelsey was a brave button-maker. 
 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 As ever set mould upon scewer; 
 
 And tliis wise-aker 
 
 Was a great pains taker, 
 T' make Lambert's nose look blewer. 
 
 The devout and holy Major Creed, 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 
 * Major-General John Desborough was Oliver Cromwell's 
 brother-in-law, and was made by Richard Cromwell Chan- 
 cellor of Ireland. He had occupied himself with agTicidture, 
 before the breaking out of the poUtical troubles called him 
 into a more active sphere of life. A similar circumstance 
 was made a subject of satire against Lambert, as in the following 
 passage of a tract, entitled " A brief Account of the Meeting, 
 Proceedings, and Exit of the Committee of Safety," 4to. Jan. 
 28, 1659-60: — '■'■Lambert. Truly, gentlemen, I have a right 
 also to what I seek, as I am a person that delights in garden- 
 ing ; for so I am more particularly the son of Adam, then 
 any of ye all. For Adam was a gardener, and lord of the 
 whole earth ; now if I can't be lord of the whole earth, I 
 intend to be lord of as much as I can get."
 
 190 POLITICAL BALLADS, [1660 
 
 I known't of what faith or sect, 
 
 Had mounted a steed, 
 
 And vow'd he would bleed, 
 'Fore Lambert should be check 't. 
 
 Dukenfield (steel was ne'rc so true), 
 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 And as wise as e're was Toby, 
 
 Lay in the purlew. 
 
 The cock -pit avenue, 
 To hinder the speakers go-by. 
 
 A man of stomack in the next deal. 
 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 Was hungry Colonel Cobbet; 
 
 He would eat at a meale 
 
 A whole commonweale, 
 And make a joint but a gobbet. 
 
 The following champion is Bai-row, 
 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 An ominous name for a swine-herd; 
 
 He flew like an arrow. 
 
 Thither whence lord Harry, 
 But durst not draw his whinyard. 
 
 Eoom for Packer, a toyling ditcher, 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 He had set his spade on edge,
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 191 
 
 He hop't to be richer 
 By being a britcher, 
 And Lambert liis stake in the hedge. 
 
 For nobilities sake Ave may not forget, 
 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 That valiant Mars his true son ; 
 
 His cobling feat 
 
 Lack't a Parliament seat. 
 That marks-man one eyed Hewson. 
 
 These being aided with red coat and ci-eepers. 
 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 After a short dispute, 
 
 The liberty keepers 
 
 Were made boo-peepers, 
 And the speaker stucken mute. 
 
 But well said Sir Arthur,* what time of the day. 
 With a hey down, &c. .-. 
 
 The Parliaments' now in their pi'ime; 
 They stand at a bay. 
 And have mist their prey. 
 
 And cowardly curse the time. 
 
 * Sir Arthur Haselrigge.
 
 192 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1600 
 
 THE SECOND PART. 
 
 Now Johnnie is gone to the nortli eoiinti-y, 
 With a liey down, &c. 
 And glad he is to retire; 
 
 He cries, " Gramme O Cree ! 
 Have mercy on me, 
 My tail is set a fire !" 
 
 And Desborough gotten into his tarme, 
 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 Untill they doe him need, 
 
 'Meant the house no harm, 
 
 But took it for a barn, — 
 His lord and he's not agreed. 
 
 Kelsey is praying for the dole, 
 With a hey do^vn, &c. 
 
 Of the hospital that's Buttons; 
 He is out of the roll, 
 And hath ne're a loop-hole, 
 
 And now he's making buttons. 
 
 And Creed will now believe Sir Arthui-, 
 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 His steed is chop't for a jade; 
 
 He will be a carter 
 
 Before a martyr. 
 And is turned renegade.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 193 
 
 Dukenfeld's in a pitiful case, 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 The speakers horses and coach 
 Were at stake with the mace, 
 And he's thrown aums-ace; — 
 Tyburn owes him a reproach. 
 
 By being too greedy, Colonel Cobbet, 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 Has got a bone in his throat; 
 He hath sighed and sobbed. 
 And grievously throbbed. 
 But it will not help the choak. 
 
 Pray take your turn, too, Mr. Barrow, 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 What think you of your plot? 
 Your sow would not farrow, 
 The hang -mans harrow 
 That hurdle will be your lot. 
 
 Tye him up, Don, 'tis goodman Packer, 
 With a hey down, &c. 
 That would set up another nose; 
 Had he been a backer, 
 As Colonel Hacker, 
 H'ad liv'd in spight of his foes. 
 
 Hewson's companions, as scabby as coots. 
 With a hey down, down a down, down. 
 
 o
 
 IL>I I'OIJTICAL HA I. LADS. 
 
 Have infected liiiii with the mange; 
 
 They have dirtied his boots, 
 
 He must ciy roots, 
 And turn out to turnup must change. 
 
 Liiiuloii, Printed for Charles Gustavus. 
 
 [IGGO 
 
 VANITY OF VANITIES : or, SIR HA11R\- 
 VANE'S PICTURE. 
 
 To the Tune of " The Jews Corant.'" 
 
 [Jan. 18, 16.59.] 
 
 The following ballad, printed from the fifteenth volume of 
 the folio broadsides, relates to the seijuestration of Sir Henry 
 Vane from the House of Commons, and his retirement to his 
 house at Raby, in the county of Durham. See the introduc- 
 tion to the preceding ballad. He did not remain long there ; 
 for, on the elc\enth of February, ]\Ionck, then at London, 
 made a formal complaint " that Lambert and Vane are now 
 in town, contrary to the vote of Parliament." (Pepys' Diary.) 
 The air of " The Jew's Corant," is to be found in a curious 
 collection of old tunes, published by John Playford in 1670, 
 entitled "Apollo's Banquet; for the Treble Violin." It is 
 there classed among the French dances. 
 
 Have you not seen a Barthol'mew baby, 
 A pageant of policy as fine as may be. 
 That's gone to be shown at the manner of Raby; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 There never was such a prostitute sight, 
 That e're profan'd this purer light; 
 A hocus pocus jugling knight; 
 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 I
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 195 
 
 He was taken for a Delphick tripus, 
 Another doubt-solving Oedipus, 
 But the Parliament made him a very quibus; 
 Wliich no body can deny. 
 
 His cunning state tricks and orakles, 
 His lying wonders and miracles, 
 Are turned into parliament shackles; 
 Wliich no body, &c. 
 
 Goodly great Sir Onesimus Vane, 
 The anointed king of saints not reign ? 
 
 "O 
 
 I see aU frodlinesse is not gain 
 
 &' 
 
 Wliich no body, &c. 
 
 John a Leyden,* that Munsters jing. 
 Was a fool and an asse to this pretty thing. 
 But the Parliament hated the name of a king ; 
 Wliich no body, &c. 
 
 This holy saint hath pray'd till he wept, 
 Prophesied, and divin'd while he slept; 
 But feU in the dirt when aside lie stept; 
 AVhich no body, &c. 
 
 He sate late in the house so discontent. 
 With his arms folded, and his brows bent. 
 Like Achitophel to the Parliament; 
 Which no body, &c. 
 
 * .John Bcccoltl, more commonly known as John of Leyden, 
 was the head of tlie AnabaptistH of Minister, in 1633. 
 
 o 2
 
 196 POLITICAL BALLADS. [ICGO 
 
 He durst not speak of a concubine, 
 Nor gave more councel to any design; 
 But was musing on a hempen line; 
 Wliifli n(j body, &c. 
 
 He see Mr. Prin* take a great deal of pain 
 To get in with the rest as members again, 
 But they were voted as uselesse as Vane; 
 Wliich no body, &c. 
 
 They gave him a conge with such a vote, 
 'Twas thought they had learned it by rote. 
 Ever since he went down to Graves-end by bote ; 
 Which no body, &c. 
 
 For all his ceremonious cringing. 
 He shall undergo a notable swindging; 
 There is now no more need of his engine ; 
 Which no body, &c. 
 
 Wlien first the English war began. 
 His father was a court trepanf 
 And 'rose to be a parliament-man; 
 Which no body, &c. 
 
 * William Prynne, tbe lawyer, who had been so active a 
 member of tbe Long Pai'liament, when the Presbj'terians 
 were in power, was one of the secluded members. He returned 
 to the House on the 21st of January, this year. Pepys says, 
 " Mr. Prin came with an old basket hilt sword on, and had 
 a great many shouts upon his going into the Hall." 
 
 f Sir Henry Vane the elder had been in favour at com't, 
 and held office ixndor Charles I, and was said to have joined 
 the patriotic party from personal motives.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 197 
 
 So from the father, came unto the son; 
 Whom woe and mis'ry now do wait upon, 
 For counselling Protector John;* 
 "\^^lich no body, &c. 
 
 A gemini they were, PoUux and Castor, 
 One was a teacher, the other a pastor; 
 And both like rogues betrayed their master; 
 Which no body, &c. 
 
 The Devil ne're see such two Sir Harry's, 
 Such a pest'lent pair nor neer nor far is; 
 No, not at the Jesuits Sorbon of Paris ; 
 WTiich no body, &c. 
 
 They talk't of his having a cardinall's hat. 
 They'd send him as soon, I know not what ! 
 For turning in pan there was ne're such a cat; 
 Wliich no body, &c. 
 
 His dainty project of a select senate. 
 Is damned for a blasphemous tenet; 
 T'was found in the budget ('tis said) of monk Bennet; 
 Wliich no body, &c. 
 
 Of this state and kingdoms he is the bane. 
 He shall have the reward of Judas and Cain, 
 
 * John Lambert, who was said to have aimed at maldnf>- 
 himself Protector, in the place of his brother-in-law, Richurd 
 Cromwell.
 
 198 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 And 'twas he that overthrew Charles his wain; 
 Wliich no body, &c. 
 
 Should he sit where he did, with his mischievous brain. 
 Or if any of his councels behind do remain, 
 The house may be called the Labour in Vain; 
 Which no body, &c. 
 
 London, Printed for Chiu'ls Gustavus. 
 
 THE BREECH WASH'D BY A FRIEND TO 
 THE RUMP. 
 
 [Jan. 19, 1659.] 
 
 From the sixteenth vohime of the folio broadsides. King's 
 Pamphlets. It was written amid the dissensions between the 
 parliament and the city ; when the part which Monck would 
 eventually take remained still very doubtfull. 
 
 In an humor of late I was, 
 
 Ycleped a dolefull dump; 
 Thought I, we're at a fine passe, — 
 
 Not a man stands up for the Rump. 
 But lets it be lash'd o'r and o'r. 
 
 While it lies, like a senselesse fop ; 
 'T would make a man deplore. 
 
 To see a tail tew'd like a top. 
 Though a rump be a dangerous bit. 
 
 And many a knave runs mad on't; 
 Yet, verily, as it may hit. 
 
 An lionest man may be glad on't. 
 
 4
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 19!) 
 
 To abuse u poor blind creature, 
 
 I liad like to have said, aud a dunil); 
 But now it has gotten a speaker, 
 
 And Say* is the mouth of the bum. 
 \Vlien Besse rul'd the land, there was no man 
 
 Complain'd; and yet now they rail, — 
 1 beseech you, what difters a woman 
 
 From a thing that's all tongue and tail? 
 Tliough a rump, &c. 
 
 The charter we've sworn to defend, 
 
 And propagate the Cause, — 
 What call you those of the rump end 
 
 But fundamental laws? 
 The case is as clear as the day, 
 
 There had been no reformation. 
 If the rump had not claw'd it away. 
 
 You had had no propagation. 
 Though a rump, &c. 
 
 As a body's the better for a purge, 
 
 Tho' it may be troubled with gripes, 
 So the nation will mend with a scourge, 
 
 Tho' the tail may be sick of the stripes. 
 Ill humors to conveigh. 
 
 When the state hath taken a loosnesse, 
 (Wlio can hold what will away). 
 
 The rump must doe the businesse. 
 Tho' a rump, &c. 
 
 * Say was elected spcaKcr of the House, duriiifj; the tempo- 
 rary absence of Lcntliall.
 
 200 POLITICAL HALLADS. [1660 
 
 The l)ol(l cavalier in tin; tieid. 
 
 That hiughs at your sword and gunshot, 
 An ordinance makes him to yield, 
 
 And he's glad to turn tayl to bum-shot. 
 Old Oliver was a teazer, 
 
 And waged warr with the stump; 
 But Alexander and Caesar 
 
 Did both submit to the rump. 
 Tho' a rump, &c. 
 
 Let no man be further misled, 
 
 By an errour past debate, 
 For Sedgwick* has prov'd it the head 
 
 As well of the church as the state. 
 Honest Hugh,f that still turnes up the tippets, 
 
 Wlien he kneels to administer, 
 Sayes, a rump with Skippons sippets, 
 
 Is a dish for a holy sister. 
 Tho' a rump, &c. 
 
 Through pride of flesh or state 
 
 Poor souls are overthi-own, 
 How happy then is our fate, 
 
 Wee've a rump to take us down ! 
 In matters of faith, 'tis true. 
 
 Some differings there may be; 
 
 * Obacliah Sedgwick, a favourite divdne and active partizan 
 of the Commonwealth-meu. Chahuers places his death in 
 Jan. 1 658, which appears to be an error. 
 
 f Hugh Peters.
 
 1660] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 201 
 
 But give the saints their due, 
 In the rump they all agree. 
 Tho' a rump, &c. 
 
 'Tis good at bed and at bord, 
 
 It gives us pleasui'e and ease; 
 Will you have the rest, in a word, 
 
 'Tis good for the new disease, 
 (The tumult of the guts); 
 
 'Tis a recipe for the kings evil; 
 Wash the members as sweet as nuts, 
 
 And then thi-ow them all to the Devil. 
 Though a rump be a dangerous bit. 
 
 And many a knave runs mad on't, 
 Yet, verily, as it may hit. 
 
 An honest man may be glad on't. 
 
 Printed at Oxford for Carolus Gustavus. 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT-COMPLEMENT : 
 
 OR, THE RE-ADMISSION OF THE SECLUDED MEMBERS TO THE 
 DISCHARGE OF THEIR LONG RETARDED TRUST. 
 
 [Feb. 22, 1659.] 
 
 After Monck had made himself master of the parliament, 
 one of his first measures was to restore the Presbyterians to 
 power, as the only means of bringing about the revolution in 
 the state which he now began to contemplate. For this pur- 
 pose, he determined to restore to their seats the members of 
 the Long Parliament wlio had been driven out of the house 
 by the army before the trial of Charles I; and on the 21st 
 of February the secluded members took their seats in the
 
 202 POLITICAL BALLADS. [16G0 
 
 lioiisi'. From (hat moment the purliamciit made Iiasty slriiU's 
 towards the restoration. 
 
 Tlie following- ballad, published the day after the adndssioii 
 of the seeliuleil mendjers, is I alien from the sixteenth xohuue 
 of the folio broadsides. 
 
 Since sixteen hundred forty and odd, 
 "We have soundly been hisht with our own rod; 
 And have bow'd ourselves down at a tyrants nod; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 We have seen a new thing, cal'd a Council of State, 
 Upheld by a power that's now out of date, 
 Put to th' question by th' members of forty-eight; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 We have seen what we hope we shall ne're see again. 
 Now Lambert and Desbrow are snar'd in the gin, 
 The tail cunningly pieced unto the skin; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 A sword that has frighted our laws out of dore, 
 A back-sword, I wot, that must cut so no more. 
 By th' honour of Monck, now quitting that score; 
 WTiich no body can deny. 
 
 A vote lately called the judgment of th' house, 
 To be esteem'd and reputed not worth a louse, 
 And the grandee of Portsmouth* made a fine chouse ; 
 Wliich no body can deny. 
 
 * Sir Arthur Haselrigge, who headed the insurrection of 
 the troops at Portsmouth against the party of Lambert.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 203 
 
 We have seen an assessement, a thing for taxes; 
 Though the common -wealth waine, the private waxes ; 
 Swords into plowshares, and such bills to axes; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 Another new story of qualification ; 
 That belong'd to no honest man of the nation ; 
 Like the ill contriv'd authors, quite out of fashion ; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 Original sin was damn'd by that law; 
 The son of a caviller made a jack-straw, 
 To be chewed again by their i-av'nous jaw; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 To fill up the house, and to shuffle the deal, 
 New Avrits issued out for theire new commonweal; 
 But its not worth asking who is't payes the seal; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 I wonder who pays the late parliament printers; 
 That place they may hold as many summei's as winters. 
 And wish their presses were broken in splinters; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 A great many traytors by them lately made. 
 Makes ti'eason be thought a common trade; 
 Sir George Booth and Jack Lambert, a Avhile in the 
 shade; 
 Which no body can deny.
 
 204 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 We sliall now sure give over that word sequester, 
 Now the tail is cured of their rankling fester; 
 'Die twentieth of April is much about Easter; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 How many thanks of the house have been idlely spent 
 Upon people that still have been malecontent; 
 But they must fast from those dainties in this shriving 
 Lent; 
 Wliich no body can deny. 
 
 That honorable favour no more shall be given 
 To the factious merit of a party hell-driven, 
 For now our twenty years odds will be even; 
 "Wliich no body can deny. 
 
 Then room for our prisoners detain'd in the Tower, 
 And away with the new lieutenants power, 
 Wlio's minting the widdowed good old causes dower; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 Sir George Booth* shall not think this a hit of fate, 
 Nor excuse his keeper, whose warrants out 'f date; 
 We shall see them all cry peccavi too late; 
 Wliich no body can deny. 
 
 Eleven years mischiefs, tumults, and rage, 
 Are the only memorials of this Common-wealths age; 
 And all to be thank't be Hazih-igg the sage; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 * Sir George Booth had been a prisoner in the Tower, since 
 his defeat in Cheshire.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 205 
 
 Let our liberty-keepers be chang'd to restorer, 
 Let our peace carry truth and duty before her, 
 He's a fool and a knave, that else will adore her; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 This Janus-like freedom, though it please not us all, 
 And aversly doth look on the scepter and ball, 
 Will shut up its temple at next common-haU; 
 Which no body can deny. 
 
 Thenlets pray to great Jove, that made Monck so kind. 
 To our desperate estate to put him in mind. 
 With the rest of our worthies of the great thing behind; 
 ^Yliich no body can deny. 
 
 London, Printed for James Nidall. 1660. 
 
 SAINT GEORGE AND THE DRAGON, ANGLICE 
 MERCURIUS POETICUS. 
 
 To the Tune of " The Old Souldjour of the Queens," &c. 
 
 [Feb. 28, 1659.] 
 
 The following ballad was written on the occasion of tho 
 overthrow of the Rump by Monck. lie arrived in London 
 on the third of February, and professed lamself a determined 
 supporter of the party then uppermost. On the ninth and 
 tenth, he executed their orders against the city; but suddenly 
 on the eleventh he joined the city and the pi'esbyterian party, 
 and demanded the readmission of the members who were 
 secluded formerly from tlie Long Parliament. This measure 
 put an end to th(! reign of the Rump, and immediately after- 
 wards the parliament dissolved itself, and a new one was 
 called.
 
 206 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 This balhul is tuki'U tVoiu the sixtet'Utli voiuino oi' the i'oUo 
 broadsides, Kinj^'s Pamphlets. The tune of the " Old Soldier 
 of the Queen's" is very well known. 
 
 News, news, — here's the occurrences and a new Mer- 
 
 curius, 
 A dialogue betwixt Haseh'igg the bafled, and Arthur 
 
 the furious; 
 With L'eton's* readings upon legitimate and spurious. 
 Proving that a saint may be the son of a whore, for 
 the satisfoctiou of the curious. 
 
 From a Rump insatiate as the sea 
 lAbera nos, Domine. 
 
 Here's the true reason of the cities infatuation, 
 Ireton has made it drunk with the cup of abomination. 
 That is, the cup of the whore, after the Geneva 
 
 interpretation. 
 Which with the juyce of Titchburn's grapesf must 
 
 needs cause intoxication. 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 * Col. John Ireton was the brother of the more celebrated 
 Henry Ireton, and was an alderman of London. He appears 
 to have been clerk of the council of officers at Wallingford 
 House. 
 
 f Col. Robert Tichbourn was also an alderman and had been 
 lord mayor in 1658. He was an enthusiast in religion, of the 
 Independent party, and published several books, among which 
 one was very celebrated, and is often referred to in the tracts 
 of this period, entitled " A Cluster of Canaans Grapes. Being- 
 several! experimented truths received through private com- 
 munion with God by his Spirit, grounded on Scripture, and
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 207 
 
 Here's the whipper whipt, by a friend to George, that 
 whipp'd Jack,* that whipp'd the breech, 
 
 That whipp'd the nation as long as it could stand 
 over it — after which 
 
 It was itself re-jerk'd by the sage author of this speech, 
 
 Methinks a Rump should go as well Avith a Scotch 
 spur as with a switch. 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 This Rump hath many a rotten and unruly member; 
 " Give the General the oath I" cries one — (but his 
 
 conscience being a little tender) 
 " rU abjure you with a pestilence!" quoth George, 
 
 " and make you remember 
 
 presented to open view for publique Edification," Lond. 4to. 
 Feb. 16, 1649. In a satirical tract of the year 1660, he is 
 made to say, " I made my mother the City drunk with the 
 chisters which I broitght from Canaan, and slie in her drink 
 made me a colonel." After the return of the secluded mem- 
 bers to the house, and the triumph of the city and the Pres- 
 byterian partjr, Ii'eton and Tichbourn were committed to the 
 Tower, charged with aiming at the overthrow of the Uberties 
 of the city and other grave misdemeanours. There are in 
 the British Museum two satirical ti'acts relating to their im- 
 prisonment : 1. " The Apology of Robert Tichborn and John 
 Ireton. Being a serious Vindication of themselves and the 
 Good Old Cause, fi-om the imputations cast upon them and it 
 by the triumphing city and nation in this their day of desertion. 
 Printed for everybody but the light -heel'd Apprentices and 
 head-strong Masters of this wincing City of London." March 
 12, 1659-60). 2. "Brethren in Iniquity: or a Beardless 
 Pair: held forth in a Dialogue betwixt Ticliburu and Ireton, 
 Prisoners in the Tower of London," 4to. (April :w, 1660.) 
 * George Monck and John Lambert.
 
 208 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 The 'Iciivcnth of Fchniary* Ioniser tluui the lit'tli of 
 November I" 
 
 From a Kiunp, &c. 
 
 AVitli that, Monk leaves (in Rump assembled) the 
 
 three estates: 
 But oh I how the citizens hugg'd him for breaking 
 
 down their gates, 
 For tearing up their posts and ehaynes, and for 
 
 clapping up their mates, f 
 (When they saw that he brought them plasters for 
 
 their broken pates.) 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 In truth this ruffle put the town in great disorder, 
 Some knaves (in office) smil'd, expecting 'twould go 
 
 furder ; 
 But at the last, "my life on't! George is no Rumper," 
 
 said the recorder, 
 " For there never was either honest man or monk of 
 
 that order." 
 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 * The eleventh of February was the day on which Monck 
 overthrew the Eump, by declaring for the admission of the 
 secluded members. 
 
 f On the tenth of February, Monck by order of the Par- 
 hament had entered the city in a hostile manner. " Mr. Fage 
 told me," says Pepys, "what Monk had done in the city, 
 how he had pulled down the most parts of the gates and 
 chains that he could break down, and that he was now gone 
 back to Whitehall. The city look mighty blank, and cannot 
 tell what in the world to do." The next day he turned from 
 the parUament, and took part with the city.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 209 
 
 And so it prov'd; for, " gentlemen," sayes the general, 
 
 " I'll make you amends: — 
 Our greeting was a little untoward, but we'll part 
 
 friends ; 
 A little time shall show you which way my design 
 
 tends, 
 And that, besides the good of church and state, J 
 
 have no other ends." 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 His excellence had no sooner pass'd this declaration 
 
 and promise. 
 But in steps Secretary Scot, the Rump's man Thomas, 
 With Luke their lame evangelist, (the Devil keep'um 
 
 from us!)* 
 To shew Monk what precious members of church 
 
 and state the Bumm has. 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 And now comes the supplication of the members 
 
 under the rod, 
 " Nay, my lord!" cryes the brewers clerk, "good my 
 
 loi'd, — for the love of God! 
 Consider yourself, us, arid this poor nation, and that 
 
 tyrant abroad; 
 Don't leave us:" — but George gave him a shrugg 
 
 instead of a nodd. 
 From a Rumj), &c. 
 
 * Thomas Scot and Luke Robinson were sent by the par- 
 liament to oxpor.tiilate with Monck, but without effect. 
 
 P
 
 210 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 This mortal .siloiicc was followed with a most liidcoiis 
 
 noyse, 
 Of free parliament bells and Rump confounding boy es, 
 Crying, " cut the rogues! singe their tayles!" when 
 
 with a low voyce, 
 " Fire and sword! by this light," cryes Tom, " let's 
 
 look to our toyes !" 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 Never were wretched members in so sad a plight; 
 
 Some were broyld, some toasted, others burnt out- 
 right;* 
 
 Nay against Rumps so pittylesse was their rage and 
 spite, 
 
 That not a citizen would kisse his wife that night. 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 * Pepys gives the following description of the rejoicings in 
 the city on the evening of the eleventh of Pebrnary : — " In 
 Cheapside there was a great many bonfires, and Bow bells 
 and all the bells in all the churches as we went home were 
 a-ringing. Hence we went homewards, it being about ten at 
 night. But the common joy that was everywh(;re to be seen! 
 The number of bonfires! there being fourteen between St. 
 Dunstan's and Temple Bar, and at Strand Bridge I could at 
 one time tell thirty-one fires. In Iving-strcet seven or eight ; 
 and all along biirning, and roasting, and drinking for rumps ; 
 thei'e being rumps tied iipon sticks and carried up and down. 
 The butchers at the May Pole in the Strand rang a peal ^^ ith 
 then- knives when they were going to sacrifice their rump. 
 On Ludgate Hill there was one turning of the spit that had 
 a rump tied upon it, and another basting of it. Indeed it was 
 past imagination, both the gTeatncss and the suddenness of it. 
 At one end of the street you would think there was a whole 
 lane of fire, and so hot that we wore fain to keep on the 
 further side."
 
 1660] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 211 
 
 By this time death and hell appear'd in the ghastly looks 
 Of Scot and Robinson, (those legislative rooks); 
 And it mnst needs put the Rump most damnably oft' 
 
 the hooks, 
 To see that when God has sent meat, the Devil 
 
 should send cooks. 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 But Providence their old friend brought these saints 
 off at last. 
 
 And through the pikes and the flames undismembred 
 they past, 
 
 Although (God wot) with many struglings and much 
 hast, — 
 
 For, members, or no members, was but a measuring- 
 cast. 
 
 From a Rumj), &c. 
 
 Being come to 'Wliitehall, there's the dismal mone, 
 "Let Monk be damu'd!" cries Arthur in a terrible 
 tone, — * 
 
 * In a satirical tract, entitled " Free Parliament Quseries," 
 4to. April 10, 1660, it is inquired "Whether Sir Ai-thiir did 
 not act the Ragini^ Turk in Westminster Hall, when he saw 
 the admission of the secluded members?" Pepys gives the 
 following account of the reception of Monck's letter from the 
 city on the 11 th of February: — "So I went up to the lobby, 
 where I saw the speaker reading of the letter ; and after it 
 was read. Sir A. Haselrigge came out very angry, and Billing 
 standing by the door, took him by the arm and cried, ' Thou 
 man, will thy beast carry thee no longer? thou must fall !' " 
 
 p2
 
 212 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 " Tliat traytor, and tlioso cuckoltly roji'iies that set 
 
 liim on!" 
 (But tho' the knight spits blood, 'tis observ'il tiiat he 
 
 (IraAvs none). 
 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 " The phague bawle you!" cries Harry Martin, "you 
 have brought us to this condition,* 
 
 You must be canting and be plagued, with your 
 Barebones petition,f 
 
 And take in that bull-headed splay-footed member 
 of the circumsision. 
 
 That bacon fac'd Jew Corbet,| that son of ])ordition !" 
 From a Eump, &c. 
 
 * Hasolric'ge was accused of having been a dupe to Monck's 
 cunning intrigues. 
 
 f Tho celebrated Praise- God Barebone, at the head of a body 
 of fanatics, had (Feb. 9) presented a strong petition to the house 
 in support of the Good Old Cause, winch gave great ofl'eoce to 
 the Presbyterian party and the citizens, although it M'as re- 
 ceived with thanks. According to Pepys, one of Monck's 
 complaints against the jiarUament was "that the late petition 
 of the fonatique people presented by Barebone, for the im- 
 posing of an oath upon all sorts of peopk^, was received by 
 the house with thanks." The citizens did not omit to show 
 their hostility against the presenter of the petition. On the 
 1 2th, Pepys says, " Charles Glascocke. . . told me the boys 
 had last night broke Barebone's windows." And again, on 
 the 22nd, " I observed this day how abominably Barebone's 
 windows are broke again last night." 
 
 J Miles Corbet, as well as Tichbourn, liad sat upon the 
 king in judgment. In a satirical tract, published about the 
 same time as the present ballad, Tichbourn is made to say, 
 " They say I am as notorious as Miles Corbet the Jew." In 
 another, entitled " The Private Debates, &c. of the Rump,"
 
 1660] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 21 
 
 o 
 
 Then in steps driv'ling Mounson to take up the 
 
 squabble, 
 That lord which tirst taught the use of the woodden 
 
 dagger and ladle;* 
 
 He that outdoes Jack Puddingf at a custard or a 
 
 caudle. 
 And were the best fooll in Europe but that he wants 
 
 a bauble. 
 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 More was said to little purpose, — the next news is, 
 
 a declaration 
 From the Rump, for a free state according to the 
 
 covenant of the nation, 
 And a free parliament under oath and qualification, 
 AVhere none shall be elect but members of reprobation. 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 4to. April 2, 1660, we read, "Call in the Jews, cryes Corbet, 
 there is a certain sympathy (cpioth he), methinks, between 
 them and me. Those wandring pedlers and I were doubtless 
 made of the same mould ; they have all such blote-herring- 
 faces as myself, and the devil himself is in 'um for cruelty." 
 He was one of those who Hed on the Restoration, but he was 
 afterwards taken treacherously in Holland, and, being brought 
 to London, was executed as a regicide. In another satirical 
 tract, entitled " A Continuation of the Acts and Monuments 
 of our late Parliament," (Dec. 1659) it is stated that,—" July 
 1, This very day the house made two Serjeants at law, Wil- 
 ham Steele and ^Miles Corbet, and that was wurk enough for 
 one day." And, in a fourth, " Resolved, That Miles Corbet 
 and Robert Goodwin be freed from the trouble of the Chief 
 Register Office in Cliancery." — Mermrius Hanestus, No. 1, 
 (March 21, 16.59-60). 
 
 * See before, p. 14!) of liio present volume, 
 
 ■j" See before, p. 5.").
 
 214 POLITICAL BALLADS. [16G0 
 
 Here's the tail lirk'd, u piece acted lately with great 
 
 ai)plause, 
 With a plea for the prerogative breech and the good 
 
 old cause, 
 Proving that Rumps and members ai-e antienter than 
 
 laws, 
 And that a bumme divided is never the worse for 
 
 the flawes. 
 
 From a Rump, &c. 
 
 But all things have their period and fate. 
 
 An act of parliament dissolves a Rump of state, 
 
 Members grow weak, and tayles themselves run out 
 
 of date, 
 And yet thou shalt not dye (dear breech), thy fame 
 
 I'U celebrate. 
 
 From a Rump, &c, 
 
 Here lies a pack of saints that did their souls and 
 
 country sell 
 For dirt, the de\il was their good lord, him they 
 
 served well; 
 By his advice they stood and acted, and by his 
 
 president they fell, 
 (Like Lucifer) making but one step betwixt heaven 
 
 and hell. 
 
 From a Rump insatiate as the sea 
 Liber asti tws, Domine.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 215 
 
 THE SECOND PART OF ST. GEORGE FOR 
 ENGLAND. 
 
 To the Tune of " To di'ive the cold winter away." 
 
 [March 7, 16.59.] 
 
 The folloning- ballad, on the same subject as the ^Dreceding, 
 is taken from the fourteenth volume of the foUo broadsides . 
 The tune of " To drive the cold winter away," was popular 
 in the seventeenth century. See Chappell's " National Airs," 
 p. 107. 
 
 Now the Rump is confounded, 
 There's an end of the Roundhead, 
 Who hath been such a bane to our nation; 
 He hath now playd his part, 
 And's gone out like a f — , 
 Tosiether with his reformation. 
 For by his good favour. 
 He hatli left a bad savour; 
 But's no matter, wee'l trust him no more; 
 Kings and queens may appear 
 Once again in our sphere. 
 Now the knaves are turn'd out of door, 
 And di'ive the cold winter away. / 
 
 Scot, Nevilj and Vane, ' 
 
 "With the rest of that train 
 Are into Oceana* fled; 
 Sir Arthur the brave. 
 That's as arrant a knave, 
 
 * An uilu.'iion to James lIarriui>lon'.s " Oceana."
 
 216 POLITICAL JiALLAD.S. [1660 
 
 Has Harringtons Rota in's head;* 
 But hee's now full of cares 
 For his foals and his mares, 
 As when he was routed before; 
 But I think he despaii's, 
 By his arms, or his prayers, 
 To set up the Rump any more, 
 And drive tlie cold winter away. 
 
 ! I should never have thought, 
 That a Monk could have wrought 
 Such a reformation so soon; 
 That house wliich of late. 
 Was the jaques of our state, 
 WiU ere long be a house of renown. 
 HoAV good wits did jump, 
 In abusing the Rump, 
 
 AVhilst the house was press'd by the rabble; 
 But our Hercules, Monk, 
 Though it grievously stunk, 
 NoAv hath cleans'd that Augean-stable, 
 And diive the cold winter away. 
 
 * James Harrington, a remarkable political writer of this 
 time, had foiinded a club called the Rota, in 1659, for the 
 debating of poUtical questions. This club met at Miles's 
 coffee-house, in Old Palace Yard, and lasted a few months. 
 At the beginning of the present year was published the result 
 of theii- deliberations, under the title of " The Rota : or, a 
 Model of a Free State, or Equall Common-wealth : once pro- 
 posed and debated in brief, and to be again more at large 
 proposed to and debated by a free and open Society of in- 
 genious Gentlemen," 4to. Lond. 1660 (Jan. 9).
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 217 
 
 And now ]\Ii". Prynne* 
 With tlie rest may come in, 
 And take their places again; 
 For the house is made sweet 
 For those members to meet, 
 Though part of the Rump yet lemain ; 
 Nor need they to fear, 
 Though his breeches be there, 
 Which were wrong'd both behind and before; 
 For he saith 'twas a chance, 
 And forgive him this once, 
 And he swears he will do so no more, 
 And di'ive the cold winter away. 
 
 'Tis true there are some. 
 Who are still for the Bum; 
 Such tax*es will grow up with the wheat; 
 And there they will be, till a parliament come 
 That can give them a total defeat. 
 But yet I am told, 
 That the Rumpers do hold 
 That the saints may swim with the tyde; 
 Nor can it be treason. 
 But scripture and reason. 
 Still to close with the stronger side, 
 And drive the cold winter away. 
 
 Those lawyers o' th' house. 
 As Baron Wild-goose,f 
 
 * See before, p. 196. 
 
 f Serjeant Wilde. See before, p, 1.53.
 
 218 POLITICAL BALLADS. [IGGO 
 
 With treason Hill, Whitlock, and Say, 
 Were the bane of our laws, 
 And our good old cause, 
 And 'twere well if such were away. 
 Some more there are to blame. 
 Whom I care not to name, 
 That are men of the very same ranks; 
 'Mongst whom there is one. 
 That to Devil Barebone* 
 For his ugly petition gave thanks. 
 And drive the cold winter away. 
 
 But I hope by this time, 
 Hee'l confess 'twas a crime. 
 To abet such a damnable crew; 
 Whose petition Avas drawn 
 By Alcoran Vane, 
 Or else by Corbet the Jew.j 
 By it you may know, 
 What the Rump meant to do, 
 And what a religion to frame; 
 So 'twas time for St. George 
 That Rump to disgorge, 
 And to send it from whence it first came; 
 Then drive the cold winter away. 
 
 Finis for the Rumps finis. 
 
 * See before, p. 212. 
 f See before, p. 212.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 219 
 
 NEWS FROxM HELL, OR THE RELATION OF 
 A VISION. 
 
 [March 28, 1660.] 
 
 The Parliament had dissolved itself ou the sixteenth of 
 March, on which the people began " to talk loud of the king." 
 The present ballad, preserved in the seventeenth volume of 
 the foho broadsides, was written during the period of the 
 elections for the new parliament. 
 
 Methought I saw before mine eyes, 
 
 A meagre gliost to stand, 
 And if my fancie judg'd aright, 
 
 'Twas one of Pluto's band. 
 Thou gastly ghost I charge thee speak, 
 
 And shew the reason why 
 Thou waftest through the Stygian lake, 
 
 To fright mortality. 
 
 Yes, mortal wretch, see I am come, 
 
 From our infernal king, 
 From whom to th' English nation 
 
 Strange dolefull news do bring. 
 Such it is that wiU make mens hearts 
 
 To quake for dismal fear ; 
 To what I therefore shall relate. 
 
 Lend an attentive eare. 
 
 A great man lately to us came. 
 And tydings thither brought. 
 
 That treason 'gainst great Pluto's state 
 The English nation wrought.
 
 220 POLITICAL HALLADS. [1660 
 
 Thai very word of treason dicl, 
 
 Belzebub so atfright, 
 That of all courage ibr a while 
 He was bereaved quite. 
 
 At length recover'd he burst forth, 
 
 And thus in fuxy spoke, 
 " Thou wretch, with this thy cursed news 
 
 How durst thou me provoke! 
 What? England, my sweet darling dear, 
 
 Against me treason plot? 
 England, so late by us regain'd ? 
 
 Tush! I believe it not. 
 
 " How many of my trusty sprites. 
 
 Have I therein imploy'd, 
 In whose succesful labours 
 
 These sixteen years have joyed. 
 My first born spirit of pride I sent, 
 
 Who acts so well his part. 
 There's scarce a man but he hath took 
 
 Possession of his heart. 
 
 " The spirit of Mammon also is 
 
 Of all so deified. 
 As if the English nation knew 
 
 No other God beside. 
 The spirit of lust and of tlie Avorld, 
 
 Aye, of envy and of lies, 
 Have also place allotted theui 
 
 For their solemnities.
 
 1660] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 221 
 
 " But what black sugar-candid tricks 
 
 Doth th' spirit of errour play? 
 ~\\lio as the wind, the weather-cock, 
 
 Mens brains turns every way. 
 Now this opinion they embrace, 
 
 And by and by another; 
 Both these dislik'd, a third is best. 
 
 Taught by an holy brother. 
 
 " Shall all this labour, care, and pains, 
 
 (My England to regain), 
 \yhich I and all my spirits have tane, 
 
 Prove fruitlesse and in vane? 
 Will England now from me revolt, 
 
 And plot against my state, 
 Without whose help and council they. 
 
 Themselves wiU ruinate? 
 
 " 'Tis true, they broke their oaths and vows. 
 
 Which they to heaven made; 
 But yet with me to break their league, 
 
 I am sure they are afraid." 
 " May it please your horrid Devilship," 
 
 The new come guest doth ciy, 
 " May not the news I brought disturb, 
 
 Yom- hellish majesty. 
 
 " But if it be not treason too, 
 
 What is the truth to tell. 
 For truth should not (it is confest) 
 
 At all be spoke in hell.
 
 222 POLITICAI, 15ALLADS. [K.fJO 
 
 But truth it is, there is sprung up 
 
 In England late a sect, 
 ^^Hio teach salvation doth belong, 
 
 To all without resi)ect." 
 
 " Make haste now to return again, 
 
 Assume some body straite. 
 And tell some mortall wight, who may 
 
 TVliat I shall speak relate. 
 Tell them although they do prevent 
 
 Me in my great designe. 
 Yet shall they not my vengeance scape, 
 
 For I have rods in brine. 
 
 " I'le muster legions of my spirits, 
 
 And with them council take; 
 How 'mong the Scottish elves I may 
 
 Greatest confusion make." 
 This, mortal wight, 's the news which I 
 
 Come hither thee to tell, — 
 My errand's done, and I must now 
 
 Eeturn again to hell.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 223 
 
 THE GLORY OF THESE NATIONS : 
 
 OK, KING AND PEOPLES HAPPINESSE. BEING A BRIEF RELA- 
 TION OF KING Charles's royall progresse froji dover 
 
 TO LONDON, HOW THE LORD GENERALL AND THE LORD 
 MAYOR, WITH ALL THE NOBILITY AND GENTRY OF THE 
 LAND, BROUGHT HIM THOROW THE FAMOUS CITY OF LON- 
 DON TO HIS PALLACE AT WESTMINSTER, THE 29 OF MAY 
 LAST, BEING HIS MAJESTIES BIRTH-DAY, TO THE GREAT 
 COMFORT OF HIS LOYALL SUBJECTS. 
 
 The Tune is " When the king enjojs his own again." 
 
 The new parliament met on the twenty-fifth of April, and on 
 the first of May the king's letter from Breda was read, and 
 the Restoration determined by a vote of the house. The king- 
 immediately repaired to the coast, and, after meeting with 
 some obstruction from the roughness of the weather, went on \ 
 board the Nazeby on the 23rd of May. On the 25th he J 
 
 landed at Dover. He made his entry into London on the 
 29th. 
 
 The original of the following ballad, (written on this occa- 
 sion) is one of the six curious broadsides found recently in 
 the lining of an old trunk, and now in the British Museum. 
 The tune to which it was to be sung has been already noticed 
 in the present volume. See p. 13. 
 
 Where's those that did prognosticate, 
 
 And did envy fair England's state; 
 
 And said king Charles no more should raign? 
 
 Their predictions were but in vain; 
 
 For the king is now return'd, 
 
 For whom fair England moiii-n'd; 
 
 His nobles royally him entertain. 
 
 Now blessed be the day! 
 
 Thus do his subjects say, 
 
 That God hath brought him home again.
 
 224 POLITICAL BALLADS [1660 
 
 The twenty-second of lovely May, 
 At Dover arrived, fiimc doth say, 
 Wliere our most noble generall 
 Did on his knees before him fall, 
 Craving to kiss his hand. 
 So soon as he did land. 
 Royally they did him entertain, 
 Witli all their power and might, 
 To bring him to his right. 
 And place him in his own again. 
 
 Then the king, I understand, 
 Did kindly take him by the hand. 
 And lovingly did him embrace, 
 Rejoycing for to see his face. 
 Hee lift him from the ground. 
 With joy that did abound. 
 And graciously did him entertain ; 
 Rejoycing that once more, 
 He was o'th' English shore. 
 To enjoy his own in peace again. 
 
 From Dover to Canterbuiy they past, 
 And so to Cobham-hall at last; 
 From thence to London march amain. 
 With a triumphant and glorious train. 
 Where he was receiv'd with joy. 
 His sorrow to destroy; 
 In England once more for to raign,
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 225 
 
 Now all men do sing, 
 God save Charles om- king, 
 That now enjoyes his own again. 
 
 At Deptford the maidens they 
 
 Stood all in white by the high-way, 
 
 Their loyalty to Charles to sliow, 
 
 They with sweet flowers his way to strew. 
 
 Each wore a ribl^in blew, 
 
 They were of comely hue. 
 
 With joy they did him entertain, 
 
 With acclamations to the skye, 
 
 As the king passed by, 
 
 For joy that he receives his own again. 
 
 In Wallworth-Fields a gallant band 
 Of London prentices did stand, 
 All in white dublets very gay. 
 To entertain king Charles that day, 
 With muskets, swords, and pike; 
 I never saw the like, 
 Nor a more youthfuU gallant train; 
 They up their hats did Hiug, 
 And cry, " God save the king ! 
 Now he enjoys his own again." 
 
 At Newington-Buts the lord mayor willed 
 A famous booth for to be builded, 
 Where king Charles did make a stand. 
 And received the sword into his hand;
 
 •226 POLITICAL BALLADS. [I6f,0 
 
 "Which his majesty did take, 
 
 And then returned back 
 
 Unto the mayor with love again. 
 
 A banquet they him make, 
 
 He doth thereof partake, 
 
 Then marcht his triumphant train. 
 
 The king with all his noblemen, 
 Tlirough Southwark they marched then ; 
 First marched Major Generall Brown,* 
 Then Norwich Earle of great renown, | 
 With many a valiant knight 
 And gallant men of might, 
 Riclily attired, marching amain. 
 There lords Mordin, Gerard, and 
 The good Earle of Cleavland,| 
 To bring the king to his own again. 
 
 * Richard Brown, one of Cromwell's major-generals, go- 
 vernor of Abingdon, and member for London in the Long 
 Parliament. He had been imprisoned by the Eiimp. 
 
 f The Earl of Norwich was George Lord Goring, who, 
 with his son, acted a prominent part in the civil wars. He 
 was created Earl of Xorwich in 1644. 
 
 I John ilordaunt, son of the Earl of Peterborough, cele- 
 brated for his exertions to raise insurrections for the king 
 during the Protectorate, was one of the bearers of the letters 
 of the king to Monck. He was created Baron Mordaimt, 
 July 10, 1659. Charles Lord Gerard, afterwards created 
 Earl of ilacclesfield, was a very distinguished royalist officer. 
 Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Cleveland, who had suffered 
 much for his loyalty to Charles I, headed a body of three 
 hundred noblemen and gentlemen in the triumphal procession 
 of Charles 11 into London.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 227 
 
 Near sixty flags and streamers then 
 
 Was born before a thousand men, 
 
 In plush coats and chaines of gold, 
 
 These were most rich for to behold; 
 
 With every man his page, 
 
 The glory of his age; 
 
 With courage bold they marcht amain, 
 
 Then with gladnesse they 
 
 Brought the king on his way, 
 
 For to enjoy his own again. 
 
 Then Liechfields and Darbyes Earles,* 
 
 Two of fair Englands royall pearles; 
 
 Major GeneraU Massey then. 
 
 Commanded the life guard of men, 
 
 The king for to defend, 
 
 If any should contend. 
 
 Or seem his comming to restrain; 
 
 But also joyfull were 
 
 That no such dui'st appear. 
 
 Now the king enjoyes his own again. 
 
 Four rich maces before them went, 
 And many heralds well content; 
 
 * Charles Stuart, a gallant royalist officer, who had been 
 created Earl of Litchfield by Charles I in 1645, and who 
 immediately after the restoration succeeded his cousin Esme 
 Stuart as Duke of Kichmoud. Charles Stanley, Earl of 
 Derby, was son of the Earl of Derby who was beheaded after 
 the battle of Worcester, and of the countess who so gallantly 
 defended Latliam House in 1644. 
 
 (i2
 
 228 POLITICAL BALLADS. [16G0 
 
 The lord mayor ami the generall 
 
 Did inarch before the king withaU. 
 
 His brothers on each side 
 
 Along by him did ride. 
 
 Tlie Southwai'k-waits did play amain, 
 
 Which made them all to smile, 
 
 And to stand still awhile, 
 
 And then they marclied on again. 
 
 Then with drawn swords all men did side, 
 
 And flourishing the same, then cryed, 
 
 " Charles the second now God save. 
 
 That he his lawfull right may have! 
 
 And we all on him attend, 
 
 From dangers him to defend; 
 
 And all that with him doth remain. 
 
 Blessed be God that we 
 
 Did live these days to see, 
 
 That the king enjoyes his own again!" 
 
 The bells likewise did loudly ring, 
 Bonefires did burn and people sing; 
 London conduits did run with wine, 
 And all men do to Charles incline; 
 Hoping now that all 
 Unto their trades may fall. 
 Their famylies for to maintain, 
 And from wrong be free, 
 'Cause we have liv'd to see 
 The king enjoy his own again. 
 
 London, Printed for Charles Tyus, on London Bridge.
 
 1660] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 229 
 
 THE LAMENTATION OF A BAD MARKET: 
 OR, THE DISBANDED SOULDIER. 
 
 [July 17, 1660.] 
 
 The following ballad is taken from the eighteenth volume of 
 the foKo broadsides, King's Pamphlets. It relates to the dis- 
 banding of the parliamentary army. Contrary, however, to 
 what is pretended in this ballad, the writers of the time men- 
 tion with admiration the good conduct of the solcUers after 
 they were disbanded, each betaking himself to some honest 
 trade or caUing, with as much readiness as if he had never 
 been employed in any other way. Not many weeks before 
 the date of the present ballad, a prose tract had been pub- 
 lished, with the same title, " The Lamentation of a bad 
 Iklarket : or, Knaves and Fools foidly foyled, and fallen into 
 a Pit of their own digging," &c. March 21, 1659-60. 
 
 In red-coat raggs attired, 
 I wander up and down, 
 Since fate and foes conspired, 
 thus to an-ay me, 
 or betray me 
 to the harsh censure of the town. 
 My buffe doth make me boots, my velvet coat and 
 
 scarlet, 
 Which us'd to do me credit with many awicked harlot. 
 Have bid me aU adiew, most despicable varlet! 
 
 Alas poor souldier, whither wilt thou march? 
 
 I've been in France, and Holland, 
 
 guided by my starrs; 
 I've been in Spain and Poland, 
 
 I've been in Hungarie; 
 
 In Greece, and Italy, 
 And served them in all their wars.
 
 230 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1G60 
 
 Britain these eighteen years has known my desperate 
 
 slaughter, 
 I've killed ten at one blow, even in a fit of laughter, 
 Gone home again and smil'd, and kiss'd ray landlord's 
 
 daughter ; 
 
 Alas poor souldicr, &c. 
 
 My valour prevailed, 
 
 meeting with my foes. 
 Which strongly we assailed ; 
 Oh ! strange I wondred, 
 they were a hundred; 
 Yet I routed them with few blowes. 
 This fauchion by my side has kill'd more men, I'le 
 
 sv^ear it, 
 Then Ajax ever did, alas ! he ne'er came near it, 
 Yea more than Priam's boy, or all that ere did hear it; 
 Alas poor souldier, &c. 
 
 For king and parliament 
 
 I was Prester John. 
 Devout was my intent; 
 I haunted meetings 
 used zealous greetings, 
 crept full of devotion; 
 Smectymnuus won me first, then holy Nye prevail,* 
 Then captain Kiffinfslops me with John of Leydens tail, 
 
 * Philip Nye. See before, p. 142. 
 
 f William Kiffin was a celebrated preacher of this time, 
 and had liocn an officer in the parliamentary armj'. A little 
 before tiie publication of the present ballad, a tract had 
 appeared, with the title " The Life and Approaching Death
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 231 
 
 Then Fox and Nayloi' bangs me with Jacob Beamonds 
 flail;* 
 
 Alas poor souldier, &c. 
 
 I did about this nation 
 
 hold forth my gifts and teach, 
 Maintained the tolleration, 
 the common story 
 and directory, 
 I damn'd with the word ' preach'. 
 Time was when all trades failed, men counterfeitly 
 
 zealous 
 Turn'd whining snievling praters, or kept a country 
 
 ale-house, 
 Got handsome wives, turn'd cuckolds, howe'er were 
 very jealous. 
 
 Alas, poor souldier, &c. 
 
 of William Kiffin. Extracted out of the Visitation Book by a 
 Church Member," 4to. London, March 13, 1659-60. He is 
 here said to have been originally 'prentice to a glover, and to 
 have been in good credit with Cromwell, who made him a 
 lieutenant-colonel. He appears to have been busy among the 
 sectaries at the period of the Restoration. He is thus men- 
 tioned in a satirical pamphlet of that time, entitled " Select 
 City Quteries": — "Whether the Anabaptists late manifesto 
 can be said to be forged, false, and scandalous (as Politicus 
 terms it), it being well known to be writ by one of Iviffin's 
 disciples ; and whether the author thereof or Politicus may be 
 accounted thi; greater incendiary ?" Kiffin is mentioned in 
 the note to p. 186 of the present volume. 
 
 * Fox and Naylor were the founders of the sect of Quakers. 
 Naylor, in particular, was celebrated as an enthusiast. Jacob 
 Boehmen, or Behmen, was a celebrated German visionary and 
 enthusiast, who lived at the end of the sixteenth and beginning 
 of the seventeenth centuries, and the founder of a sect.
 
 232 POLITICAL BALLADS, [!(;(;() 
 
 The world doth know nie well. 
 
 '5 
 
 I ne're did peace desire, 
 Because I could not tell, 
 of what behaviour 
 I should savour 
 in a field of thundiung fire. 
 When we had murdered king, confounded church 
 
 and state, 
 Divided parks and forests, houses, money, plate, 
 We then did peace desire to keep what we had gat. 
 Alas poor souldier, whither wilt thou march? 
 
 Surplice was surplisage, 
 
 Ave voted right or wrong, 
 Within that furious age, 
 of the painted glass, 
 or pictured brass, 
 and liturgie, we made a song. 
 Bishops, and bishops lands, were superstitious words. 
 Until in souldiers hands, and so were kings and lords. 
 But in fashion now again in spight of all our swords. 
 Alas poor souldier, &c. 
 
 Some say I am forsaken 
 
 by the great men of these times ; 
 And they're no whit mistaken; 
 it is my fate 
 to be out of date, 
 My masters most are guilty of such crimes. 
 Like an old ahnanack, I now but represent 
 How long since Edge-hill fight or the rising was in 
 Kent,
 
 1660] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 233 
 
 Or since the dissolution of the first Long-Parliament. 
 Alas poor souldier, &c. 
 
 Good sirs, what shall I faucie, 
 aniidst these gloomy dayes? 
 Shall I goe court brown Nancy? 
 in a countrey town 
 they'l call me clown, 
 K I sing them my out-landisli playes. 
 Let me inform their nodle with my heroick spirit, 
 My language and worth besides transcend unto merit, 
 They'l not believe one word, what mortal flesh can 
 bear it? 
 
 Alas poor souldier, &c. 
 
 Into the countrey places 
 
 I resolve to goe. 
 Amongst those sun-burnt faces, 
 I'le goe to plough 
 or keep a cow, 
 'tis that my masters now again must do. 
 Soiddiers ye see will be of each religion. 
 They're but like stars, which when the true sun rise 
 
 they're gon; 
 De to the countrey goe, and there ile serve Sir John, 
 Aye, aye, 'tis thither, and thither will I goe. 
 
 London, Printed for Charles Gustavus, 1660.
 
 234 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 THE PHANATICS PLOT DISCOVERED: 
 
 BEING A TRUE RELATION OF THEIR STRANGE PROCEEDINGS 
 IX GLOCESTER-SHIRE AND OTHER COUNTIES, AND WHAT 
 HATH SINCE HAPNED UPON THE APPEARANCE OF THE TWO 
 GREAT BODIES OF FROGS AND TOADS (AS THEY PRETENDED) 
 IN SUNDRY SHAPES AND DREADFUL COLOURS, TO THE GREAT 
 AVONDER OF ALL LOYAL SUBJECTS THAT SHALL SERIOUSLY 
 PERUSE THESE FOLLOWING LINES. 
 
 To the Time of " Packingtons Pound." 
 
 [Aug. 9, 1660.] 
 
 Froji th(i eighteenth volume of the folio broadsides. This 
 biillad relates to one of those manifestations of popular feeling, 
 which, though feeble, showed that the satisftiction of the 
 people at the Restoration was not general. The tune of 
 " Packingtons Pound" has been mentioned before. See p. 122. 
 
 Kind friends, I am resolved to discover a thing, 
 "WTiicli of late was invented by foes to our king; 
 A phanatical pamphlet was printed of late. 
 To fiU honest hearted affections with hate; 
 But here lies the thing, God has sent us a king 
 That hath wisdom enough to extinguish their sting. 
 And therefore I wish all allegiance be given, 
 To him that directly was sent us from heaven. 
 
 The phanaticks do teU us in Glocestershire, 
 A parcel of christians, as they call them there. 
 Did meet for to worship then* unknown ApoUo; 
 But mark, for their baseness hereafter doth foUow. 
 I have taken the pain, without any gain. 
 The truth of this matter to you to explain ; 
 
 And therefore believe not this flattering thing, 
 But stick close to your duty you owe to your king.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 235 
 
 Here now comes the matter which I am to declare, 
 The Anabaptists in Glocestershire, 
 Where brother and sister being privately met. 
 They say a rude multitude did them beset; 
 But villains beAvare, and of this have a care. 
 Lest you with true subjects should have no share. 
 
 For the king is resolved their rights to restore; 
 
 And therefore, phanaticks, j)lot treason no more. 
 
 After this multitude had them beset, 
 They went to a justice his warrant to get, 
 Desiring his aid and assistance therein. 
 But he being honest, disowned their sin. 
 He bid them depart, — if they had their desert, 
 They deserv'd to be whipt at the tail of a cart; 
 But yet through their policie they do us tell, 
 That the judgment of God on that justice befel. 
 
 And for to bring this purpose about. 
 
 One of their own congregation went out 
 
 Into the fields, where by chance he did see 
 
 Of frogs and of toads a great company; 
 
 But this they do say, that in battle array 
 
 To the justice his house they straight took their way. 
 
 O do not believe them, my friends have a care, 
 
 For this is an Anabaptistical snare. 
 
 Yet I'le not deny but that there was store 
 Of frogs and of toads at the Justice his dore,
 
 23(5 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1660 
 
 Wliich was Anabaptists, Brownists, and those 
 
 Which ever were known to be the kings foes. 
 
 But thanks be to God, they are under the rod, 
 
 That never intended to do any good. 
 
 ! do not believe them, my friends, least that they 
 Should delude you into their most damnable way. 
 
 Besides they do tell us the j ustice his maid 
 
 Were the cause that these frogs and these toads were 
 
 convey 'd; 
 Which before at the justice his windows had been, 
 Was after dispierst and never more seen; 
 But let them have a care, it will ftdl to their share 
 That such frogs and such damnable toads as they are 
 E're long will be banisht and never more seen, 
 Wliich too lonjj in this christian nation have been. 
 
 '» 
 
 I wonder methinks how they can be so bold, 
 To continue their impudent actions of old ; 
 It hath been their practice since Olivers days 
 To plot and foment how dissention to raise, 
 Not calling to mind how gracious and kind 
 Our sovereign lord king Charles they do find; 
 And for their pamphlet, I wish you beware 
 How you do believe, and of them have a care. 
 
 O ! I wish you consider their actions of late, 
 How they turn'd a brave kingdom into a base state, 
 Throwing the pillars quite out of the socket. 
 And striving to get the coin into their pocket;
 
 16G0] POLITICAL BALLADS. 237 
 
 No man I'le name, then do not me blame, 
 But, gentlemen, this I do speak to their shame, 
 That all their intentions was only one thing, 
 To hedge in the kin2:dom and murder the kins. 
 
 Come, come. Independent, and cast off thy hate. 
 Consider the workings of God here of late, 
 How miraculously he hath brought it about, 
 To bring in the king whom they thought to keep out. 
 The Presbyter and the Episcopal man 
 May safely rejoyce now, because that they can 
 Freely enjoy what is duly their own. 
 That's to have their estates and the king have his 
 crown. 
 
 Entred according to Order, and Printed for Samuel Burdet. 
 
 1660. 
 
 A RELATION 
 
 OF THE TEN GRAND INFAMOUS TRAYTORS, WHO FOR THEIR 
 HORRID MURDER AND DETESTABLE VILLANY AGAINST OUR 
 LATE SOVERAIGNE LORD KING CHARLES THE FIRST, THAT 
 EVER BLESSED MARTYR, WERE ARRAIGNED, TRYED, AND 
 EXECUTED IN THE MONETH OF OCTOBER 1660, WHICH IN 
 PERPETUITY WILL BE HAD IN REME3IBRANCE UNTO THE 
 WORLDS END. 
 
 The Tunc is " Come let us drinku, the time invites." 
 
 The follomng ballad is one of the six ballads of the Resto- 
 ration preserved in the British Museum, and mentioned al- 
 ready in the present \olume, p. 223. No measure tlirew more 
 disf^ace on the Restoration than the prosecution of the regi-
 
 238 I'OMTirAl, MALLADS. [ICtJO 
 
 cities ; and the heartless and sanguinary manner in which it 
 was oonducted tended more fliau any other t'irennistaiiee to 
 open the eyes of tht; people to the real eharaeter of the govern- 
 ment to which they had been betrayed. Pepys observes on the 
 2()th Oet., "a bloody week this and the last have been ; there 
 being ten hanged, drawn, and (juartered." 
 
 Hee that can impose a thing, 
 
 and shew forth a reason, 
 For what was done against the king, 
 
 from the palace to the prison; 
 Let him here with me recite, 
 For my pen is bent to write 
 
 the horrid facts of treason. 
 
 Since there is no learned scribe, 
 
 nor arithmaticion. 
 Ever able to decide 
 
 the usurped base ambition, 
 Wliich in truth I shall declare, 
 Traytors here which lately were, 
 
 who wanted a phisitian. 
 
 For the grand disease that bred, 
 nature could not weane it; 
 
 From the foot unto the head, 
 was putrefacted treason in it; 
 
 Doctors could no cure give, 
 
 Wliich made the squire then beleeve 
 that he must first begin it.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 239 
 
 And the phisick did compose, 
 
 within a pound of reason ; 
 First to take away the cause, 
 
 then to purge away the reason. 
 With a dosse of hemp made up, 
 "Wrought as thickly as a rope, 
 
 and given them in due season. 
 
 The doctors did prescribe at hist, 
 
 to give 'um this potation, 
 A vomit or a single cast, 
 
 well deserv'd, in purgation; 
 After that to lay them downe, 
 And bleed a veine in every one, 
 
 as traytors of the nation. 
 
 So when first the phisicke wrought, 
 
 the 13th of October,* 
 The patient on a sledge Avas brought, 
 
 like a rebell and a rover. 
 To the execution tree ; 
 Wliere with much dexterity, 
 
 was gently turned over. 
 
 * " (Jet. 13th. I went out to Charing Cross, to see Major- 
 General Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered : which was 
 done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could do in that 
 condition." — Pepys. Thomas Harrison was the son of a 
 butcher at Newcastle-under-Line ; he conveyed Charles I from 
 Windsor to Whitehall, to his trial, and afterwards sat as one 
 of the judges.
 
 240 POLITICAL BALLADS. {xm) 
 
 TIIK SECONB PART. 
 To the same Tune. 
 
 MuNDAY was the loth day, 
 
 as Carew then did follow,* 
 Of whom aU men I tliinke miglit say, 
 
 in tyranny did deeply wallow; 
 Traytor prov'd unto the king, 
 Whicli made him on the gaUowes swiiig, 
 
 and all the people hallow. 
 
 Tuesday, after Peters, Cocke,f 
 
 two notorious traytors, 
 That brought our soveraigne to the blocke, 
 
 for which were hang'd and cut in quarters; 
 'Twas Cooke which wrought the bloody thing. 
 To draw the charge against our king. 
 
 that ever blessed martyr. 
 
 Next on Wednesday foure came, 
 
 for murthur all imputed, 
 There to answer for the same, 
 
 wliich in judgement were confuted, 
 
 * "Oct. 15th. This moi-ning Mr. Carew was hanged and 
 quartered at Charing Cross ; but his quarters, by a great 
 favour, are not to be hanged up." — Pepys. Colonel John 
 Carew, like Harrison, Avas one of the Fifth-monarchy men, 
 a violent and visionary but honest enthusiast. 
 
 f Hugh Peters, for his zeal in encouraging the Common- 
 wealth soldiery, was particularly hated by the royalists. See 
 the next song. John Coke, the able lawyer, conducted the 
 prosecution of the king.
 
 1660] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 241 
 
 Gregorie Clement, Jones, and Scot, 
 And Scroop together, for a plot,* 
 likewise were executed. 
 
 Thursday past and Friday then, 
 
 to end the full conclusion. 
 And make the traytors just up ten, 
 
 that day were brought to execution, 
 Hacker and proud AxteU he,f 
 At Tybiu-ne for their treachery, 
 
 receiv'd their absolution. 
 
 Being against the king and states, 
 
 the Commons all condemnd 'um. 
 And their quai'ters on the gates 
 
 hangeth for a memorandum, 
 
 * Gregory Clement, John Jones, Thomas Scott, and Adrian 
 Scrope, were charged with sitting in the high Court of Jus- 
 tice which tried the king. Scott was further charged with 
 having, during the sitting of the Kump Parliament, expressed 
 his approbation of the sentence against the king. Colonel 
 Scrope, although he had been admitted to pardon, was selected 
 as one of the objects of vengeance ; and was condemned 
 chiefly on a reported conversation, in which, when one person 
 had strongly blamed what he called the "murder" of the 
 king, Scrope observed " some are of one opinion, and some 
 of another." 
 
 I " Oct. 19 th. This morning Hacker and AxteU were 
 hanged and quartered, as the rest are." — Pepys. Colonel 
 Francis Hacker commanded the guards at the king's execution. 
 See before, p. 166. AxteU was captain of the guard of the 
 High Court of Justice, at which the king was tried. 
 
 R
 
 242 POLITICAL BALLADS. [iciio 
 
 'Twixt the heavens and the earth ; 
 Traytors are so little worth, 
 
 to dust and smoake wee'l send 'um. 
 
 Let now October warning make 
 
 to bloody minded traytors, 
 That never phisicke more they take, 
 
 for in this moncth they lost their quarters ; 
 Being so against the king. 
 Which to murther they did bring, 
 
 the ever blessed martyr. 
 
 London, Printed for Fr. Coles, T. Vere, M. Wrig:ht, 
 and W. Gilbertson. 
 
 HUGH PETERS LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT: 
 OR, THE HALTERING OF THE DIVELL. 
 
 [Nov. 29, 1660.] 
 
 HtJGH Peters, avIio was e.xociited with the most savaj^e 
 cruelty, was one of the extraordinary men of the Common- 
 wealth. He was born in 1599, and was the son of a respect- 
 able merchant of Fowey, in Cornwall. He was educated at 
 Cambridge, but was obliged by his religious opinions, which 
 exposed him to persecution, to retire to Holland, and from 
 thence to New England. He returned to his native country 
 at the beginning of the civil wars, and rose to high repute 
 as a preacher, with the parliament, and particularly with 
 Cromwell, attending the parliamentary armies in that capa- 
 city. This circumstance, and his fanaticism, rendered him 
 extremely obnoxious to the royalists, who laid to his charge 
 vices which appear to have had no foundation in truth, and 
 which are not alluded to in his trial. He was charged with 
 being " a chief conspirator with Cromwell, at several times.
 
 1660] POLITICAL BALLADS. 243 
 
 and in several places, and that it (the execution of the king) 
 was designed by them." Shortly after his execution was 
 published a work, entitled " The History of the Life and 
 Death of Hugh Peters, that Arch-traytor, from his Cradell to 
 the Gallowes, with a Map of his prophane Jests, cruell 
 Actions, and wicked Counsels. Published as a warning 
 Piece to all Traytors." 4to. London, Jan. .3, 1660-1. This 
 book is a tissue of falsehoods and calumnies. In 1751, was 
 published "An Historical and Critical Account of Hugh 
 Peters, after the manner of IMr. Bayle," which was reprinted 
 in 1818. The article on Hugh Peters in Chalmers, is very 
 uncritical, and not just. 
 
 In the oi'iginal, preserved in the 19th volume of the folio 
 broadsides, Iving's Pamphlets, this ballad is directed to be 
 sung to a tune which was very popular in the seventeenth 
 century, but of which neither the title nor the words are fitted 
 for modern ears. 
 
 A JOYFUL story I will you teU, 
 
 Of the haltering of the Divel of heU. 
 
 Old Nick, who lurkt this many a year 
 
 In Calvins stool and Luthers chair, 
 
 At Amsterdam in forty-one 
 
 Did hold a convocation. 
 
 And resolved to crosse the brine, 
 
 And enter a herd of English swine. 
 
 Belzebub, that angel of light, 
 (And darknesse too) could hit it right; 
 The zealous wives he enters then, 
 And fits them for their bretheren; 
 The les.ser devils he bids them go 
 Into Millenaries, Anabaptists, Quakers too. 
 Divide but the kingdome, the spoile was his own. 
 For tlien would he plunder the church and the throne. 
 
 H 2
 
 244 POLITICAL BALLADS. [ICGO 
 
 Round, round, round, as a juglers box. 
 
 The Divel walkt his round with the pox, 
 
 The great boss bible under his arm 
 
 For all his mischiefs was the charm; 
 
 And the pulpit he soon descries. 
 
 The fittest place where to play his prise; 
 
 In pantaloons and powdred haire, 
 
 There the mountebank commends his ware. 
 
 " Come buy of my balsome, approved to be* 
 An antedote 'gainst episcopacie; 
 And here is that most precious thing, 
 Frees all my saints from the thrall of a king, 
 And you of all humane laws doth free, 
 And from all manner of jeopardie; 
 The Germans it cost ten millions or mo. 
 But you shall have't for a thimble of two." 
 
 Thus he set up in the preachers stall. 
 
 But soon 'larg'd his shop into Goldsmiths hall;f 
 
 * In a marginal note on this stanza, in the original, we are 
 directed to " sing this through the nose." The sectarians 
 were commonly satirized for speaking through the nose, in a 
 drawling tone. An instance of this will be seen in the title of 
 our next ballad. The following passage occurs in a tract 
 published at the beginning of the war : — " The Puritan. — 
 Here is one which is fluttered from the cage of Amsterdam, 
 striving to poyson, as neare as he can, the truth with liis 
 true-lyes, he holds with conventicles and private meetings, 
 hee speakes through the nose, holding that it was made for 
 the same pm^pose." — A Discovery of 2^ Sects, 4to. Lond. 164L 
 
 f Where the Committee of Sequestrations sat.
 
 166U] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 245 
 
 If he cou'd but sheere the bi'ethren there, 
 
 He knew where to pick the cavaleere. 
 
 And there his voteries in did bring 
 
 Their thimbles and bodkins, their plate and their rings; 
 
 And the sooner to bring their good cause to an end, 
 
 No brother but his wife for a hackny would lend. 
 
 Thus by the sisters a bank was made, 
 
 (For the Divel and's wench) had a thriving trade. 
 
 The fighting Earl then he doth bestride, 
 
 For now he's resolv'd to get up and ride; 
 
 But nobody living was able to discern 
 
 Essex from the Divel, so like was their horn. 
 
 Thus jealous ambition soon did send 
 
 His favourite unto a merciful end. 
 
 Thomas* next at his service was, 
 
 (For the Divell nere wanted a mule or an ass). 
 
 With WilHam and Arthur a coursing he went, 
 
 And his lurcher Noll still foUow'd the scent; 
 
 The royal stag they run so hard, 
 
 That he was forc't to leave the herd. 
 
 And singled him unto London town, 
 
 Where the Divel and's ban-dogs tore him down. 
 
 Hogon Mogon, Divel now, 
 
 To whom all the world doth hail and bow, 
 
 * Sir Thomas Fairfax.
 
 246 POLITICAL BALLADS. [16G0 
 
 His House of Commons next he bestrides, 
 Wliere like George on horse-back he rides. 
 Through church and crown he now makes speed 
 (Tliough he need not have spur'd so forward a steed), 
 And still all our coin runs away by stealth, 
 As the Devil had been in the Common-wealth. 
 
 But here the Common-wealth had a rub. 
 For they would be greater than Belzebub; 
 But that the Divel never could like, 
 And bids beedle Noll to give them a kick. 
 Presto, begon! away then they went. 
 And left behind them a damnable scent. 
 Thus Belzebub, in discontent. 
 Parted with his fundament. 
 
 Now he's advanced from the Peake, 
 To the paUace of an ample beake, 
 Whose roof of copper shineth so, 
 It exceUs saint Peters cupeUo. 
 And he likes his habitation well. 
 For 'twas no one mansion, but al heU; 
 And of furniture there was such store. 
 The De'ele nere met with the like before. 
 
 Noll and the De'ele cop'd many a year, 
 Till the date of's indenture now grew near; 
 Sick, sick, sick, and the pains of hel 
 Upon old Nol as a mortal fel :
 
 1660] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 247 
 
 Though his augurers told him he nere should dye, 
 
 Yet there his prophet Goodwin* did lye; 
 
 The dearest friends they say must part, 
 
 So did Noll and the Divel with a heavy heart. 
 
 Then silly Dick laid claim to the throne, 
 
 But nuncles said 'twas theirs by adoption: 
 
 And now the Divel was put to his trump, 
 
 And once more resolves to set up with the Rump: 
 
 But there the vaiiet did stink so sore, 
 
 England resolv'd to endure't no more; 
 
 And so th'infernal merchant broke; — 
 
 Hel never before receiv'd such a stroke. 
 
 Hews and cryes runs up and down, 
 In every burrough, city, and town; 
 The trayterous murderer is descried, 
 And now he knows not where to hide. 
 Under the lawyers gown he stole, 
 But thence he was fetcht out by the pole; 
 And now not knowing where to be. 
 In Hugh Peters he took sanctuai'ie. 
 
 But thex'e's no fence against a flaile, 
 Hugh Peters could not be his baile; 
 For aU his thefts and regicide. 
 In Hugh Peters he must be tride, 
 
 * Thomas Goodwin, Cromwell's favourite preacher, attended 
 his death-bed. He believed that he had received an intimation 
 from the spirit that Cromwell should recover ; and when his 
 expectation was not verified, on the Protector's death, he 
 addressed himself in prayer to God, and exclaimed, " thou 
 hast deceived us, and we are deceived I"
 
 248 POLITIC AT, BALLADS. [IGGI 
 
 And is cuiulc'iiincd to the guUuvv tree, 
 "Where he paid the hangman his fee, 
 That's executor in trust should be content 
 To fulfil his will and testament. 
 
 Unto the saints he gave his bable, 
 
 Whicli did good service as long as 'twas able; 
 
 And unto the kirk his brains and eyes, 
 
 And unto the queen of Morocco his thighs. 
 
 And this was Peters and Harrisons plight 
 
 (But the mayor brok's word last Tuesday night). 
 
 And so the Divel pai-ted with's train, 
 
 Wlio a thousand years hence means to see you again. 
 
 Harrison promised his people that he should rise again 
 
 the third day, and his maid clens(>d the house with much 
 
 cin-iosity, expecting him the Tuesday, the day after his exe- 
 cution.* 
 
 A PSALM OF MERCY. 
 
 To the Tune of " Now thanks to the powers below !" 
 
 Sing it in the nose. 
 
 [Jan. 26, 1660.] 
 
 The more fanatical portion of the partizans of the " Good Old 
 Cause," were goaded almost to desperation by the persecutions 
 which they saw hovering over their heads, and by the cruel- 
 
 * Pepys observes, " Oct. 13. I went out to Charing Cross, 
 to see Major-General Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered. 
 ... It is said, that he said that he was sure to come shortly 
 at the right hand of Christ to judge them that now had judged 
 him ; and that his wife do expect his coming again."
 
 1661] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 249 
 
 ties which had been exercised on the regicides, or, as they 
 considered them, their sainted leaders. Insurrections were 
 threatened in different parts, and early in January 1661, 
 serious troubles broke out in the city, of which the following- 
 account is collected from the Diary of Pepys : 
 
 " Jan. 7th. This morning news was brought to me to my 
 bed-side, that there had been a great stir in the city this night 
 by the fanatiques, who had been up and killed six or seven 
 men, but aU are fled. My lord mayor and the whole city had 
 been in armes, above 40,000. Tom and I and my wife to the 
 theatre. ... In our way home we were in many places 
 strictly examined, more than in the worst of times, there being 
 great fears of these fanatiques rising again : for the present I 
 do not hear that any of them are taken. 
 
 " 8 th. Some talk to-day of a head of fanatiques that do 
 appear about, but I do not believe it. However, my lord 
 mayor, Sir Richd. Browne, hath carried himself very honour- 
 ably, and hath caused one of their meeting-houses in London 
 to be pulled down. 
 
 " 9th. Waked in the morning about six o'clock, by people 
 running up and down in Mr. Davis's house, talking that the 
 fanatiques were up in armes in the city. And so I rose and 
 went forth ; where in the street I found every body in armes 
 at the doors. So I returned and got my sword and pistol, 
 which, however, I had no powder to charge ; and went to the 
 door, where I found Sir E. Ford, and with him I walked up 
 and down as far as the Exchange, and there I left him. In 
 our way, the streets fuU of train-bands, and great stir. What 
 mischief these rogues have done ! and I think near a dozen 
 had been killed this morning on both sides. The shops shut, 
 and all things in trouble. 
 
 " 10th. . . Mr. Davis told us the particular examinations 
 of these fanatiques that are taken : and in short it is this, 
 these fanatiques that have routed aU the train-bands that 
 they met with, put the king's life-guai-ds to the run, killed 
 about twenty men, broke through the city gates twice ; and 
 all this in the day-time, when all the city was in armes; — are 
 not in all above 31. Whereas we did believe them (because 
 they were seen up and down in every place almost of the city, 
 and had been in Ilighgate two or three days, and in several 
 other places) to be at least 500. A thiug that never was
 
 250 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1661 
 
 hciird of, that so te\\- men should dai'e and do so much mis- 
 chief. Their word was ' The King Jesus, and their heads 
 upon the gates!' Few of these would receive any ijuarter, 
 but such as were taken by force and kept idive ; expecting 
 Jesus to come here and reign in the world presently, and will 
 not believe yet." 
 
 Many tracts relating to these insurrections will be found in 
 the British Sluseuni. The following ballad, is inserted at the 
 end of a satirical pamphlet, entitled " The Holy Sisters Con- 
 spiracy," 4to. London, Jan. 1660-1 (King's Pamphlets, small 
 4tos. vol. 859). It is introduced with the words, " Ursula 
 (who cry's ends of gold and silver) read's, and all the sisters 
 sing — " The female sex, which is easily cari'ied away by 
 religious enthusiasm, was the constant subject of gross satire 
 and calumny by the cavaliers, who laid to their charge the 
 most improbable vices. Some verses at the end of the present 
 ballad, in the original publication, have been omitted in the 
 present edition, on account of their grossness. The song, to 
 the tune of which the present ballad is set, will be found at 
 p. 112 of the present volume. 
 
 What a reprobate crew is here, 
 
 Who will not have Jesus reign, 
 But send aU our saints. 
 To bonds and restraints, 
 
 And kill'um again and again! 
 Let's rise in an holy fear, 
 
 And fight for our heavenly king; 
 We will ha' no power, 
 But Vane in the Tower,* 
 
 * Sir Henry Vane had been committed to the Tower on 
 the Restoration, and was there at the time the present ballad 
 was composed. He was an enthusiast in religion. On the 
 6th June, 1662, he was brought to a trial, and on the 14th 
 was executed. An interesting account of his behaviour on 
 the scaffold is given by Pepys.
 
 1661] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 251 
 
 To rule us in any thing. 
 Come sisters and sing 
 An hymne to our King, 
 
 Who sitteth on high degree; 
 The men at Wliite-liall, 
 And the wicked, shall fall. 
 
 And hey, then, up go we ! 
 " A match! " quoth my sister Joyce, 
 
 " Contented! " quoth Rachel too; 
 Quoth Abigaile, "yea!" and Faith, "verily!" 
 
 And Charity, " let't be so!" 
 
 Our monarchy is the Fift, 
 
 Shall last for a thousand years; 
 O'th' wicked on earth 
 There shall be a dearth, 
 
 When Jesus himself aj)pears! 
 And we are the babes of grace. 
 
 The fruits of an holy seed; 
 For old Father Cann* 
 (That reverend man) 
 
 Begat us in word and deed. 
 The earth is our own, 
 For title there's none 
 
 But in the right heires of Sion; 
 Then let us be free. 
 For verily wee, 
 
 No king ha' but Judah's lion. 
 
 * .John Canno, a celebrated English sectary, was remarkable 
 as one of the Fifth-monarchy preachers, and the author of 
 numerous pamphlets. After the Kestoration, he fled to Holland, 
 and became the head of the English Brownists at Amsterdam.
 
 252 POLITICAL BALLADS, [1661 
 
 " 'Tis verity," quoth old Joane, 
 " And sooth," quoth my sister Pru, 
 
 " 'Tis manifest truth," quoth mortified Ruth, 
 " And the Gospel is so," says Lu. 
 
 The bishops and bels shall down. 
 
 For we have an holy call; 
 The saints are beyond 
 All order and bond 
 
 Of duty to priests of Baal. 
 Their pipes and organs too, 
 
 Their superstitious shirt. 
 Their canons and bvdls 
 (To cozen poore guls), 
 
 Wee'le trample 'um in the dirt. 
 No ordinance shall 
 Command us at all, 
 
 For we are above their thrall; 
 We care not a straw 
 For reason or law, 
 
 For conscience is all in all. 
 " Ay, marry !" quoth Agatha, 
 
 And Temperance, eke also. 
 Quoth Hannah, "it's just ;",and Mary, "it must," 
 
 "And shall be," quoth Grace, " I trow." 
 
 The steeple-house lands are ours. 
 
 Kings, queens, delinquents too. 
 And James's, and all 
 The court at White-hall, 
 
 And Somerset-house also.
 
 1661] POLITICAL BALLADS. 253 
 
 For The'balds it is our right, 
 
 And Marrow -bone Pai'k to boot; 
 And Eltham's our own, 
 At Endiield there's none 
 
 But ourselves that shall grub a root. 
 And Grreenwich shall be 
 For tenements free, 
 
 For saints to possesse Pell-Mell; 
 And where aU the sport 
 Is at Hampton Court, 
 
 ShaU be for ourselves to dwell. 
 '"Tis blessed!" quoth Bathsheba, 
 
 And Clemence, "we're aU agreed;" 
 "'Tis right," quoth Gartrude, "and fit," says 
 sweet Jude, 
 
 And Thomasine, "yea, indeed." 
 
 For husbands we will have none, 
 
 But brothers in puritie; 
 We will not be wives, 
 And tye up our lives 
 
 To viUanous slaverie; 
 But coviple in love and feare. 
 
 When mov'd by the spirit to't, 
 For there is no sin 
 To let a saint in, 
 
 Wlien he has the grace to do't. 
 And thus are we taught. 
 No folly is wrought, 
 
 When brothers will exercise.
 
 2o4 POLITICAL BALLADS. [IGGI 
 
 Both Kiffin and Hills* 
 (No printer of bills), 
 
 Have pi'ov'd it in ample wise. 
 "'Tis true," quoth Elizabeth, 
 
 "And 'tis very good," quoth Pris, 
 And AquUa too will have it be so. 
 
 And so will my sister Sis. 
 
 Wliat though the king- proclaims 
 
 Our meetings no more shall be ; 
 In private we may, 
 Hold forth the right way. 
 
 And be as we should be, free; 
 Our husbands we'ele make believe 
 
 We go but to take the aire. 
 Or visite a nurse. 
 And lighten their purse 
 
 With a little dissembling prayer. 
 Or if they be crosse 
 (Let 'um stand to the losse), 
 
 Wee'le tempt our apprentices, 
 (By writing a dash 
 To cozen the cash). 
 
 And make 'um meer novices. 
 "Oh! very well said!" quoth Con, 
 
 "And so will I do," says Franck; 
 And Mercy cry's "aye," and Mat, "really," 
 
 "And I'm o' that mind," quoth Thank. 
 
 * Kiffin and Hill were preachers. The first has been al- 
 ready mentioned at p. 230.
 
 1661] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 255 
 
 Wee'le cut off tlie wicked rout, 
 
 And bath us all in their bloods; 
 Their houses and land 
 "Wee'le have at command, 
 
 And common upon their goods. 
 No mortal king nor priest. 
 
 No lord, nor duke wee'le have; 
 Wee'le grind'um to grist, 
 And live as we list, 
 
 And we will do wonders brave. 
 Come Dorcas and Cloe, 
 With Lois and Zoe, 
 
 Young Letice, and Beterice, and Jane, 
 Phill, Dorothy, Mawd, 
 Come troup it abroad, 
 
 For now is our time to reign. 
 "Sa, sa!" quoth my sister Bab, 
 
 And, " kill'um!" quoth Margerie, 
 "Spare none!" cry's old Tib, "no quarter!" 
 say's Sib, 
 
 "And hey! for our monarchic!" 
 
 Let's all take the sacrament 
 
 That we to each other be true, 
 And kiU without pitie 
 In country and citie 
 
 The wicked ungodly crew. 
 Wee'le favour no sex, nor age. 
 
 No quality, nor degree; 
 But shall all to pot, 
 I>oth English and Scot,
 
 266 POLITICAL BALLADS. [Kiiil 
 
 That hinder our libertie. 
 The mayor of the town, 
 (That terrible Brown,)* 
 
 And Cox and captains all, 
 Wee'le torture and slay, 
 In a mercilesse way. 
 
 And mince 'um like herbs, as small. 
 "Ay, that is the way!" quoth Emm, 
 
 Quoth Plujcbe, "we conquer shall!" 
 Say's Lucy, "'tis well!" quoth Gylian and Nell, 
 
 "Twill make us amends for all." 
 
 A LOYALL WISH. 
 
 Wlaat faith, hope, and charitie, 
 
 Fanaticks in truth professe, 
 By Germanic's woe, 
 And our rebellsf here too, 
 
 Well may we do more than guesse. 
 Th'are just like the Gadarens swine, 
 
 Wliich the devils did drive and bewitch; 
 An herd set on evill 
 Will run to the devill 
 
 And's dam, when their Jtailes do itch. 
 
 * Sir Richard Browne was Lord Mayor of London. He 
 had been a witness in the trial of the regicides, and was now, 
 with Capt. Coxe, active in repressing the city fanatics. 
 
 f "Or sisters, utruni, horiim, hariim." — Note in the Margin 
 of the Original. 
 
 X "Brains," in the margin of the original. On the " Devil 
 
 and his dam," see the note at p. 116.
 
 1661] POLITICAL BALLADS. 257 
 
 "Then let'um run on!" 
 Says Ned, Tom, and John, 
 
 "Ay! let'um be hang'd!" quoth Mun. 
 "Th' are mine," quoth old Nick, 
 "And take 'um," say's Dick, 
 
 "And weUcome!" quoth woi^shipfull Dun. 
 "And God blesse king Chai-les!" quoth George, 
 "And save him!" say's Simon and Sill, 
 "Aye, aye!" quoth old Cole, and each loyall soul, 
 
 "And amen, and amen!" cry's Will. 
 
 THE CAVALIERS COMPLAINT. 
 
 To the Tune of " I tell thee, Dick," &c. 
 
 [March 15, 1660.] 
 
 The two ballads which follow express the discontent of the 
 now triumphant Cavaliers at the few personal advantages 
 which they reaped from the Eestoration, and at the ingratitude 
 of King Charles to the old supporters of the fortunes of his 
 family. The first is taken from the nineteenth volume of the 
 folio broadsides, King's Pamphlets, British Museum, " I tell 
 thee, Dick," &c. is the fii'st line of Sir John Suckling's 
 famous song on a wedding. 
 
 Come, Jack, let's di'ink a pot of ale. 
 And I shall teU thee such a tale. 
 
 Will make thine ears to ring; 
 My coyne is spent, my time is lost, 
 And I this only fruit can boast, 
 
 That once I saw my king.
 
 258 POLITICAL BALLADS. [l(iGI 
 
 But tliis doth most afflict ray mind: 
 I went to court in hope to find 
 
 Some of my friends in place; 
 And walking there, I had a sight 
 Of all the crew, but, by this light! 
 
 T hardly knew one face. 
 
 'S'life! of so many noble sparkes, 
 Wlio on their bodies bear the markes 
 
 Of their integritie, 
 And suifer'd mine of estate, 
 It was my damn'd unhappy fate, 
 
 That I not one could see. 
 
 Not one, upon my life, among 
 My old acquaintance all along 
 
 At Truro and before ; 
 And I suppose the place can shew 
 As few of those whom thou didst know 
 
 At Yorke or Marston-moore. 
 
 But truly there are swarmes of those 
 Who lately were our chiefest foes. 
 
 Of pantaloons and mulFes; 
 Whilst the old rusty cavaleer, 
 Retires, or dares not once appear. 
 
 For want of coyne and cuifes. 
 
 Wlien none of these I could descry, 
 Who better far deserv'd then I, 
 Calmely I did reflect;
 
 1661] POLITICAL BALLADS. 259 
 
 "Old services (by rule of state) 
 Like almanacks grow out of date, — 
 What then can I expect?" 
 
 Troth! in contempt of fortunes frown, 
 I'U get me faMy out of town, 
 
 And in a cloyster pray, 
 That since the starres are yet unkind 
 To royallists, the king may find 
 
 More faithfuU friends than they. 
 
 AN ECCHO TO THE CAVALEERS COMPLAINT. 
 
 I mai'veU, Dick, that having been 
 So long abroad, and having seen 
 
 The world as thou hast done, 
 Thou should'st acquaint mee with a tale 
 As old as Nestor, and as stale 
 
 As that of Priest and Nunne.* 
 
 Are we to learn what is a court ? 
 A pageant made for fortunes sport, 
 
 Where merits scarce appear; 
 For bashfuU merit only dweUs 
 In camps, in villages, and cells; 
 
 Alas! it dwells not there. 
 
 * An allusion to a popular old story and song. A copy of 
 the words and tune of " The Fryar and the Nun" is preserved 
 in the valuable collection of ballads in the possession of Mr. 
 Thorpe, of Piccadilly.
 
 2(J0 rOLlTlCAL BALLADS. [KiC.l 
 
 Desert is nice in its addi'esse, 
 And merit ofttimes doth oppresse, 
 
 Beyond what guilt would do; 
 But they are sure of their demands, 
 That come to court with golden-hands, 
 
 And brazen-faces too. 
 
 The king, they say, doth still prof esse 
 To give his paity some redresse, 
 
 And cherish honestie; 
 But his good wishes prove in vain, 
 Whose service with his servants gain 
 
 Not alwayes doth agree. 
 
 All princes (be they ne're so wise) 
 Are fain to see with others eyes, 
 
 But seldom hear at all; 
 And coui'tiers find their interest, 
 In time to feather Avell their nest. 
 
 Providing for their fall. 
 
 ^o 
 
 Our comfort doth on time depend, 
 Things when they are at worst will mend; 
 
 And let us but reflect 
 On our condition th' other day, 
 When none but tyrants bore the sway ; 
 
 What did we then expect ? 
 
 Meanwhile a calm retreat is best. 
 But discontent (if not supprest) 
 Will breed disloyaltie;
 
 1661] POLITICAL BALLADS. 261 
 
 This is the constant note I sing,. 
 I have been faithfull to the king, 
 And so shall ever be. 
 
 London, Prmted for Kobert Crofts, at the Crown, in Chancery 
 
 Lane, 1661. 
 
 THE CAVALEERS LETANY. 
 
 [March 25, 1660.] 
 
 The following ballad is taken from the twentieth volume of 
 the folio broadsides, King's Pamphlets. 
 
 From pardons which extend to woods, 
 Entitle theeves to keep our goods, 
 Forgive our rents as well as bloods, 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 From judges who award that none 
 Of oiu" oppressours should attone, 
 (The losses sure were not their own), 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 From christians which can soon forget 
 Our injuries, but not one bit 
 Of self-concernment would remit, 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 From duresse, and their dolefull tale 
 Wlio, famislit by a lawless sale, 
 Compounded it for cakes and ale, 
 
 God bless, &c.
 
 262 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1661 
 
 From persons still to tretul the stage, 
 Who did the drudgeries of our age, 
 (Such counsells are I fear too sage), 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 From maximes which (to make all sure) 
 With great rewards the bad aUure, 
 'Cause of the good they are secure, 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 From cunning gamesters, wlio, they say, 
 Are sure to winne, what-e're they play, 
 In April Lambert, Charles in May, 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 From neuters and their leven'd lump, 
 Who name the king and mean the Rumi), 
 Or care not much what card is trump, 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 From midnight-birds, who lye at catch 
 Some plume from monarchy to snatch. 
 And from fond youths that cannot watch, 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 =•? 
 
 From brethren who must still dissent, 
 Wliose froward gospell brooks no Lent, 
 And who recant but ne'er repent, 
 
 God bless, &c.
 
 1661] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS. 263 
 
 From Levites void of trvith and shame, 
 "WTio to the time theii* pulpits frame, 
 And keep the style but change the name, 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 From men by heynous crimes made rich, 
 Who (though their hopes are in the ditch) 
 Have still th' old fornicatours itch, 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 From such as freely paid th' arrears 
 Of the state-troops for many years, 
 But grudge one tax for cavaleers. 
 
 God bless, &c. 
 
 THE SECOND PART. 
 
 A crown of gold without allay. 
 Not here provided for one day, 
 But fram'd above to last for aye ! 
 
 God send, &c. 
 
 A queen to fill the empty place. 
 And multiply his noble race. 
 Wee all beseech the throne of grace, 
 
 To send, &c. 
 
 A people still as true and kind. 
 
 As late (when for their king they pin'd), 
 
 Not fickle as the tide or wind, 
 
 God send, &c.
 
 264 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1661 
 
 A fleet like that in fifty-three, 
 To re-assert our power at sea, 
 And make proud Flemings bend tlieir knee, 
 
 God send, he. 
 
 Full magazines and cash in store. 
 That such as wrought his fate before, 
 May hope to do the same no more, 
 
 God send, &c. 
 
 A searching judgement to divine, 
 Of persons whether they do joyn 
 For love, for fear, or for design, 
 
 God send, &c. 
 
 A well complexioned parliament, 
 That shall (like Englishmen) resent 
 What loyall subjects underwent; 
 
 God send, &c. 
 
 Review of statutes lately past, 
 
 Made in such heat, pen'd in such hast, 
 
 That all events were not forecast; 
 
 God send, &c. 
 
 Dispatch of businesse, lawes ujariglit, 
 And favour where it stands with right, 
 (Be their purses ne'er so light), 
 
 God send, &c.
 
 1661] POLITICAL BALLADS. SOo 
 
 A raven to supply their need, 
 Whose martyrdom (like noble seed) 
 Sprung up at length and choak't the weed, 
 
 God send, &e. 
 
 The king and kingdoms debts defray'd, 
 And those of honest men Avell pay'd. 
 To Avhich their vertue them betray'd, 
 
 God send, &c. 
 
 Increase of customes to the king 
 May our increase of traffick bring, 
 'Tis that will make the people sing- 
 Long live, &c. 
 
 London, Printed tbi* Robert Crofts, at the Crown, in Chancery 
 
 Lane, 1661. 
 
 A COUNTREY SONG, INTITULED THE 
 RESTORATION. 
 
 [May 1661.] 
 
 This ballad forms an appropriate conclusion to our volnnie. 
 It is taken from the twentieth volume of the folio broadsides. 
 
 Come, come away 
 
 To the temple, and pray. 
 And sing with a pleasant strain; 
 
 The schismatick's dead. 
 
 The liturgy's read. 
 And the king enjoyes his own again. 
 
 T
 
 266 POLITICAL BALLADS. [1661 
 
 The vicar is glad, 
 
 The clerk is not sad, 
 And the parish cannot refrain 
 
 To leap and rejoyce, 
 
 And lift up their voyce, 
 That the king enjoyes his own again. 
 
 The countrey doth bow 
 
 To old justices now, 
 Tliat long aside have been Iain; 
 
 Tlie bishop's restor'd, 
 
 God is rightly ador'd. 
 And the king enjoyes his own again. 
 
 Committee-men fall, 
 
 And majors-generall, 
 No more doe those tyrants reign; 
 
 There's no sequestration, 
 
 Nor new decimation. 
 For the king enjoyes the sword again. 
 
 The scholar doth look 
 
 With joy on his book, 
 Tom whistles and plows amain; 
 
 Soldiers plunder no more, 
 
 As they did heretofore, 
 For the king enjoyes the sword again.
 
 1661] 
 
 POLITICAL BALLADS, 267 
 
 The citizens trade, 
 
 The merchants do lade, 
 And send their ships into Spain; 
 
 No pirates at sea 
 
 To make them a prey, 
 For the king enjoy es the sword again. 
 
 The old man and boy, 
 
 The clergy and lay, 
 Their joyes cannot contain; 
 
 'Tis better then of late 
 
 With the church and the state, 
 Now the king enjoy es the sword again. 
 
 Let's render our praise 
 
 For these happy dayes. 
 To God and our soveraign ; 
 
 Your drinking give ore, 
 
 Swear not as before. 
 For the king bears not the sword in vain. 
 
 Fanaticks, be quiet, 
 
 And keep a good diet, 
 To cure your crazy brain; 
 
 Throw off your disguise. 
 
 Go to church and be wise. 
 For the king bears not the sword in vain.
 
 268 I'OLITICAI, BAM.ADS. [loiji 
 
 Let faction and ))rifle 
 
 Be now laid aside, 
 Tiiat tnitli and peace may reign; 
 
 Let every one mend, 
 
 And there is an end, 
 For the king bears not the sword in \ ain. 
 
 FINIS.
 
 ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 Page 37. — It appears from some of the pamphlets of the age, 
 that there was an executioner in the time of the Long 
 Parliament named Gregory. It is rather curious, that at 
 the trials of the regicides, among the witnesses, " one 
 Abell affirmed that he had heard one Gregory confess that 
 he cut off the king's head." 
 
 P. 50. — Den-ick. Wlien I wrote hastily the note on this name, 
 I was not aware that Derrick, the hangman, was rather 
 famous in the popular literature of this period. 
 
 P. 67. — May wrote the " History of the Parliament of Eng- 
 land," published in 1647, which is no doubt hei'e alluded to. 
 
 P. 82. — Schoolmiixter Vicars. Vicars was "schoolmaster" of 
 Christ's Hospital. 
 
 P. 9.5. The third note is not entirely correct. Thomas Co- 
 nisby, or Coniugsby, was at the time high-sheriff of the 
 county of Hertford, and he went to St. Albans on the mar- 
 ket-day, for the purpose of proclaiming traitors the Earl of 
 Essex and the chief men of the parliament's army, but he 
 was secured by Oliver Cromwell, and committed to the 
 Tower. 
 
 P. 126. — /. 2, used, an error of the press for need. 
 
 P. 1.50. — /. 14, for mnst, read mist. 
 
 P. 168. — The date given to this ballad is certainly wrong. 
 Sir Richard Chiverton was not elected lord mayor in 1658, 
 but was lord mayor in 1657-8. Tlie author of the present 
 ballad, who at the; end signs it M. T., was Matthc^\- Taub- 
 man, afterwards poet to the city, and autlior of the city
 
 ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 pa.^oant for tho year 1685. The olyoct of the ballad, written 
 when Taiibinan Avas young, was to turn into ridiculo the 
 pageant, composed for Chiverton's election to the mayor- 
 alty, by J. Tatham, and which \\'as i)rintod with the title, 
 " London's Triumph, by J. Tatham ; celebrated the 29th 
 of October 1657, in honour of the truly deser\ing Rich. 
 Chiverton, Lord Mayor of London, at the (^osts and Charges 
 of the Right Worshipful Company of Skinners." This 
 book, the first pageant Tatham wrote for the city, is now 
 very rare. 
 
 P. 186. — The tract alluded to in the note, was not published 
 by Feake ; it is a satirical pamphlet issued in his name. 
 
 P. 230.— In the original edition of " Hudibras," is given the; 
 following note on the word Smecti/mnuus : — " Smectymnuus 
 was a club of five parliamentary holders-forth, the characters 
 of whose names and talents were by themselves exprest in 
 that senseless and insignificant word. They wore hand- 
 kerchers about their necks, for a note of distinction (as the 
 officers of the parliament army then did), which afterwards 
 degenerated into carnal cravats." The five were Stephen 
 Marshall, Edmund Calamy, Thomas Young, Matthew New- 
 comen, and William Spurstow. They wrote conjointly 
 against Episcopacy and the Liturgy, at the begining of the 
 Civil Wars. It will be observed that the initial letters of 
 their names make the word smectymnuu(w)s. 
 
 P. 254. — From the pamphlets of the time, it appears that 
 there was a printer named Hill, who printed many of the 
 scurrilous broadsides and other things. 
 
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