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Various

"Cavalier Songs and Ballads of England from 1642 to 1684"


Let us all stand bare; -
In the presence we are,
Let our noses like bonfires shine;
Instead of the conduits, let the pottles run wine,
To perfect this new coronation;
And we that are loyal
In drink shall be peers,
While that face that wears
Pure claret, looks like the blood-royal,
And outstares the bones of the nation:
In sign of obedience,
Our oath of allegiance
Beer-glasses shall be,
And he that tipples ten is of the nobility.
But if in this reign
The halberted train
Or the constable should rebel,
And should make their turbill'd militia to swell,
And against the King's party raise arms;
Then the drawers, like yeomen
Of the guards, with quart pots
Shall fuddle the sots,
While we make 'em both cuckolds and freemen;
And on their wives beat up alarums.
Thus as each health passes
We'll triple the glasses,
And hold it no sin
To be loyal and drink in defence of our King.

Ballad: Upon The Cavaliers Departing Out Of London

By Alex. Brome.

Now fare thee well, London,
Thou next must be undone,
'Cause thou hast undone us before;
This cause and this tyrant
Had never play'd this high rant
Were't not for thy ARGENT D'OR.
Now we must desert thee,
With the lines that begirt thee,
And the red-coated saints domineer;
Who with liberty fool thee,
While a monster doth rule thee,
And thou feel'st what before thou didst fear.
Now justice and freedom,
With the laws that did breed 'em,
Are sent to Jamaica for gold,
And those that upheld 'em
Have power but seldom,
For justice is barter'd and sold.


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