A Song or Vive le Roy
The text of this old Royalist favorite is drawn from
the collection Rump Songs which was published in London in 1662.
A Song
To the tune of Vive le Roy
What though the Zealots, pull down the Prelates,
Push at the Pulpit, and kick at the Crown,
Shall we not ever, strive to endeavour,
Once more to purchase our Royal Renown?
Shall not the Roundhead first be confounded?
Sa, sa, sa, sa boyes, ha, ha, ha, ha boyes,
Then wee'le return home, with Triumph and
Joy,
Thenweel'e be merry, drink Sack and Sherry,
And we will sing Boys, God blesse the
King Boys,
Cast up our Caps, and cry, Vive Le Roy.
What though the wise, make Alderman Isaack,
Put us into Prison, and steal our Estates;
Though we are forced, to be un-horsed,
And walk on foot, as it pleaseth the Fates,
In the Kings Army, no man shall harm ye;
Then come along Boyes, valiant and strong
Boys,
Fight for your Goods, which the Roundheads
enjoyes;
And when you venter, London to enter,
And when you come Boys, with Phife and Drum
Boyes,
Isaack himself shall cry, Vive
Le Roy.
If not then, chuse him, 'twill not excuse
him,
Since honest Paliaments never made them Theeves;
Charles ne're did furder, Theeves
dipt in Murder,
Never by Pardon, long Lease, or Reprieves;
For such Conditions, and Propositions
Will not be granted, then be not daunted,
We will our honest old Customes enjoy:
Pauls now rejected, shall be respected,
And in the quire, Voyces sing hire,
Thanks to Jehovah, then Vive Le
Roy.
Return
to the Blackletter Ballad Page.