Classic Poem

Tax has tenet us alle,
probat hoc mors tot validorum,
The kyng therof hade smalle,
fuit in manibus cupidorum;
Hit hade harde honsalle,
dans causam fine dolorum;
Revrawnce nede most falle,
propter peccata malorum.

In Kent this kare began,
mox infestando potentes,
In rowte the rybawdus ran,
sua pompis arma ferentes;
Folus dred no mon,
regni regem neque gentes,
Churles were hor chevetan,
vulgo pure dominantes.


Laddus loude thay loge,
clamantes voce sonora,
The bisschop wen thay sloge,
et corpora plura decora;
Maners down thay drowge,
in regno non meliora;
Harme thay dud inoge,
habuerunt libera lora.


Owre kyng hadde no rest,
alii latuere caverna,
To ride he was ful prest,
recolendo gesta paterna;
Jak Straw down he kest
Smythfield virtute superna.
Lord, as thou may best,
regem defende guberna.