Classic Poem

Upon a Coyne Stamp't at Newarke

Upon a Coyne Stamp't at Newarke dureing seige there of the valew of 9d

Whilst Newarke lay beseig'd twas nothing strange
Her nobles she to ninepences should change
For being belegred by each nation
She durst not stampe a shilling, marke, or Pun
For feare of trechyrie as I suppose
Knowing that thistles prick soe doth the rose
And therefore all such mintage to confound
A coyne created is, thats square not round
For so it signifies thus cornerd seene
To manifest the straights that she was in
C: R: a Crowne imperiall, the reverse
O. B. S. Newarke and the date reharse
Soe that besides condicon without doubt
Those letters spell, obedient, bowld, and stout
Which with the Governour soe well agrees
As that hee's rightly stild Lord Bellassize
For what can more of beautyfull than this
When Royaltie to prowesse coupled is
Valour with love so spun on vertues wheel
That mildnesse and good nature shine through steele
And to these added all that nature can
Compass to frame a goodly faire yong man
Thus though this be but ninepence I'le averr
It must remaine a noble Character.English