The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker Edited from the original manuscripts and annotated copies together with a prefatory notice and bibliography by Alfred Wallis |
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THE SONG OF THE WESTERN MEN. |
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 | The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker |  |
1
THE SONG OF THE WESTERN MEN.
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When Sir Jonathan Trelawney, one of the Seven Bishops, was committed to the Tower, the Cornish men rose, one and all, and marched as far as Exeter in their way to extort his liberation.
I
A good sword and a trusty hand!A merry heart and true!
King James's men shall understand
What Cornish lads can do!
II
And have they fix'd the where and when?And shall Trelawny die?
Here's twenty thousand Cornish men
Will see the reason why!
III
Out spake their Captain brave and bold,A merry wight was he:
“If London Tower were Michael's hold,
“We'll set Trelawny free!”
IV
“We'll cross the Tamar, land to land,The Severn is no stay—
All side by side, and hand to hand,
And who shall bid us nay?
2
V
“And when we come to London Wall,A pleasant sight to view,
Come forth! Come forth, ye Cowards all,
To better men than you!
VI
“Trelawny he's in keep and hold,Trelawny he may die;
But here's twenty thousand Cornish bold,
Will see the reason why!”
| The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker | |