A Metrical History of England Or, Recollections, in Rhyme, Of some of the most prominent Features in our National Chronology, from the Landing of Julius Caesar to the Commencement of the Regency, in 1812. In Two Volumes ... By Thomas Dibdin |
 | I. |
| II. |
 | A Metrical History of England |  |
A.
Most shamefully, and Sheriffs were required
But to return what men the Court desired;
Who, acquiescing with obsequious bow,
Projected taxes, high as they are now.
The rich the taxes wou'd'nt pay,
The poor the taxes cou'd'nt pay;
And middle ranks might rightly say,
(As sang a poet of that day):
Most shamefully, and Sheriffs were required
But to return what men the Court desired;
Who, acquiescing with obsequious bow,
Projected taxes, high as they are now.
The rich the taxes wou'd'nt pay,
The poor the taxes cou'd'nt pay;
And middle ranks might rightly say,
(As sang a poet of that day):
265
“Duce ace non possunt, et sise cinque solvere nolunt,
“Est igitur notum, Cater-tray solvere totum.”
“Est igitur notum, Cater-tray solvere totum.”
Camden.
| A Metrical History of England | |