The Cavalier Songs and Ballads of England from 1642 to 1684 · Chapter 48As Close As a Goose
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By Samuel Butler.—(A.D. 1657.) This ballad ridicules the tender of the Crown of England to Oliver Cromwell by Alderman Pack, M.P. for London.
As close as a goose Sat the Parliament-house, To hatch the royal gull; After much fiddle-faddle The egg proved addle, And Oliver came forth Noll.
Yet old Queen Madge, [43] Though things do not fadge, Will serve to be queen of a May-pole; Two Princes of Wales, [44] For Whitsun-ales, And her grace, Maid Marion Claypole. [45]
In a robe of cow hide Sat yeasty Pride, [46] With his dagger and his sling; He was the pertinenst peer Of all that were there, T’ advise with such a king.
A great philosopher Had a goose for his lover That follow’d him day and night: If it be a true story, Or but an allegory, It may be both ways right.
Strickland [47] and his son, Both cast into one, Were meant for a single baron; But when they came to sit, There was not wit Enough in them both to serve for one.
Wherefore ’twas thought good To add Honeywood, But when they came to trial Each one proved a fool, Yet three knaves in the whole, And that made up a pair-royal.