The Cavalier Songs and Ballads of England from 1642 to 1684 · Chapter 76The Loyal Subjects’ Hearty Wishes to King Charles II
This chapter is not translated yet. You are reading the original.
From Sir W. C. Trevelyan’s Broadsides in the British Museum.
He that write these verses certainly Did serve his royal father faithfully, Likewise himself he served at Worcester fight, And for his loyalty was put to flight.
But had he a haid of hair like Absolom, And every hair as strong as was Samson, I’d venture all for Charles the Second’s sake, And for his Majesty my life forsake.
To the tune “When Cannons are roaring.”
FIRST PART.
True subjects, all rejoice After long sadness, And now with heart and voice Show forth your gladness. That to King Charles were true And rebels hated, This song only to you Is dedicated; For Charles our sovereign dear Is safe returned True subjects’ hearts to cheer, That long have mourned: Then let us give God praise That doth defend him, And pray with heart and voice, Angels, attend him.
The dangers he hath past From vile usurpers Now bring him joy at last, Although some lurkers Did seek his blood to spill By actions evil; But God we see is still Above the Devil: Though many serpents hiss Him to devour, God his defender is By His strong power: Then let us give him praise That doth defend him, And sing with heart and voice, Angels, defend him.
The joy that he doth bring, If true confessed, The tongues of mortal men Cannot confess it; He cures our drooping fears, Being long tormented, And his true Cavaliers Are well contented; For now the Protestant Again shall flourish; The King our nursing father He will us cherish: Then let us give God praise That did defend him, And sing with heart and voice, Angels, attend him.
Like Moses, he is meek And tender-hearted; And by all means doth seek To have foes converted; But, like the Israelites, There are a number That for his love to them ’Gainst him doth murmur: Read Exodus,—’tis true The Israelites rather Yield to the Egyptian crew Than Moses their father: So many phanaticks, With hearts disloyal, Their hearts and minds do fix ’Gainst our King royal.
SECOND PART.
Like holy David, he Past many troubles, And by his constancy His joys redoubles; For now he doth bear sway By God appointed, For Holy Writ doth say, Touch not mine Anointed. He is God’s anointed sure, Who still doth guide him In all his wayes most pure, Though some divide him. Then let us give God praise That doth defend him, And sing with heart and voice, Angels, attend him.
Many there are, we know, Within this nation, Lip-love to him do show In ’simulation; Of such vile hereticks There are a number, Whose hearts and tongues, we know, Are far asunder; Some do pray for the King Being constrained; Who lately against him Greatly complained; They turn both seat and seam To cheat poor tailors, But the fit place for them Is under strong jailors.
Let the King’s foes admire Who do reject him; Seeing God doth him inspire, And still direct him, To heal those evil sores, And them to cure By his most gracious hand And prayers pure. Though simple people say Doctors do as much, None but our lawful King Can cure with a touch; As plainly hath been seen Since he returned,— Many have cured been Which long have mourned.
The poorest wretch that hath This evil, sure May have ease from the King And perfect cure; His Grace is meek and wise, Loving and civil, And to his enemies Doth good for evil; For some that were his foes Were by him healed; His liberal cause to bless Is not concealed; He heals both poor and rich By God’s great power, And his most gracious touch Doth them all cure.
Then blush, you infidels, That late did scorn him; And you that did rebel, Crave pardon of him; With speed turn a new leaf For your transgresses; Hear what the preacher sayes In Ecclesiastes,— The Scripture’s true, and shall Ever be taught; Curse not the King at all, No, not in thy thought: And holy Peter Two commandments doth bring,— Is first for to fear God, And then honour the King.
When that we had no King To guide the nation, Opinions up did spring By toleration; And many heresies Were then advanced, And cruel liberties By old Noll granted. Even able ministers Were not esteemed; Many false prophets Good preachers were deemed. The Church some hated; A barn, house, or stable Would serve the Quakers, With their wicked rabble.
And now for to conclude: The God of power Preserve and guide our King Both day and hour; That he may rule and reign Our hearts to cherish; And on his head, good Lord, Let his crown flourish. Let his true subjects sing With hearts most loyal, God bless and prosper still Charles our King royal. So now let’s give God praise That doth defend him, And sing with heart and voice, Angels defend him.
London, printed for John Andrews, at the White Lion, near Pye-Court.