Classic Poem

Against the king, sir, now why would ye fight?
Forsooth, because he dubb'd me not a knight.
And ye, my lords, why arm ye 'gainst King Charles?
Because of lords he would not make us earls.
Earls, why do ye lead forth these warlike bands?
Because we will not quit the church's lands.
Most holy church-men, what is your intent?
The king our stipends largely did augment.
Commons, to tumult thus why are you driven?
Priests us persuade it is the way to heaven.
Are these just cause of war, good people, grant?
Hoe! Plunder! thou ne're swore our covenant.

Give me a thousand cov'nants, I'le subscrive
Them all, and more, if more ye can contrive
Of rage and malice; and let every one
Black treason bear, not bare rebellion.
I'le not be mock't, hiss'd, plunder'd, banish'd hence
For more years standing for a prince.
His castles all are taken, and his crown,
His sword and scepter, ensigns of renown,
With that lieutenant fame did so extol,
And captives carried to the capital;
I'le not die martyr for a mortal thing,
'Tis enough to be confessor for a king.
Will this you give contentment, honest-men?
I've written rebels, pox upon the pen.