A Metrical History of England :: :: University of Virginia Library

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

Dibdin, Thomas (1771-1841)

II.

RICHARD III. surnamed CROOKBACK.

10.

11.

12.

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And now, disunion's cause to aid,
“Lord of Misrule,” comes famed Jack Cade;
And thus the essence of his doctrine ran,
And, thus inscribed, his standard graced the van:
“When Adam delv'd,
“And Eve span,
“Who was then
“A Gentleman?”
With Johnny decent dress or education
Were 'clep'd high treason 'gainst the nation;
And every mortal that could read or spell,
By axe or halter swang or fell.
For taking peoples nobs off, Jack took pride in:
Yet changed his tone,
Just as his own
Was going to be cropp'd by Mister Iden;

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Who for the death of this high, low, Commander,
Was, by King Henry, dubb'd Sir Alexander.

“Now am I master of London.” said Cade, striking his staff upon London-stone. He had been a dependant on Sir Thomas Dacre, in Sussex, and lately returned from France, whither he had fled in consequence of having murdered a woman and her child. Rymer.