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 |
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 | A Metrical History of England |  |
What the Metropolis befel,
From lawless villains who defame,
To grace their guilt, religion's name:
“No Popery,” the fact ous cry
That led to deeds of blackest dye;
“No Popery” the signal dire
To light up Discord's fiercest fire;
And London sees, in pale amaze,
Her palaces and temples blaze;
Her magistrates stand idly by,
While conflagration braves the sky.
See retribution now advance;
Then caution, 'camp'd beneath our walls,
At length the rabble rout appals;
And Gordon nearly pays with life,
The forfeit of the lawless strife
Which, with most inconsiderate head,
And frantic zeal of late he led.
These riots, the worst that ever disgraced a civilized nation, lasted from the 30th of May till the 8th of June, during which time the rioters were absolute masters of the metropolis and its environs; many chapels and houses were demolished, and their contents committed to the flames; Newgate, the King's Bench, and the Fleet Prisons, were set on fire, and the prisoners liberated. The Bank was twice attacked, but without effect; and 36 fires were visible at one time, from an eminence near Hampstead. The numbers killed and wounded in the streets and on Blackfriars bridge, amounted to six hundred, independent of many whose wounds were privately attended, from their not wishing to have it known they had been concerned in the tumult. Several of the principal rioters were hanged at, or near the places where outrages were committed. Lord George was committed to the Tower for high treason, at first a close prisoner, but, after some time had clapsed, he had more indulgence, and was eventually acquitted on his trial.
| A Metrical History of England | |