Classic Poem

I have lived to see such wretchednesse,
When none but Honesty are Crimes,
That my Ropes are turn'd into Rimes,
I and my Gallows groan .

Things are so carried I can't tell how,
There's as many above still as are below,
I have hang'd such in shirts as white as snow.
I and my Gallows groan .

Oliver he lived by a Plot,
The Parliament sits still, and why not?
And I fared well by a bow-knot.
I and my Gallows groan .

All my delight was in a Jayl,
My estate was got at a Carts tayl,
I know not what these people ayle.
I and my Gallows groan .

Oliver he a Coach would drive,
And was honey in the Parliaments Bee-hive,
Neither he nor I lov'd a reprive.
I and my Gallows groan .


I wish I had had his Protectors rest,
I'de have laid it an earnest for a jest,
But Sir Harry Vane's worth all the rest.
I and my Gallows groan .

I have chopt off many a worthy Head,
And thanks to the Sheriffs have been well fed.
But that I can dock must never be sed.
I and my Gallows groan .

Lambert I knew was troubl'd with the yellows,
And more perplexed with his fellows.
Had I liv'd I'de cur'd him at the Gallows:
I and my Gallows groan .

Never was any so bad as my Trade,
The Nine Worthies would have made,
As a Drudge before something a Jade.
I and my Gallows groan .

But I had got nothing by the thing,
There's indempnity against the string,
But my heir may get by a forward Spring.
I and my Gallows groan .

I see John Lilburn at a bar,
And Sir George Booth that man of war,
But could get neither in my Car.
I and my Gallows groan .

I think the Ordinaries long Prayer,
Hath spoyl'd frequenting of my fair,
Till all long-winded R — — are there.
I and my Gallows groan .

For half thirteen pence half penny wages
I would have cleared all the Town cages,
And you should have been rid of all the Sages.
I and my Gallows groan .

There was much climbing among the Grandees,
Yet they all I see know the wood from the trees,
And all to cousin me of my fees.
I and my Gallows groan .

The High Court of Justice was out of use,
The Thieves and the Bench had made a Truce,
For want of Authority, a lean excuse.
I and my Gallows groan .

'Twould vex any body to keep an Axe
As long as there are any Alderman Packs ,
Or Desborough eke with his wide Sacks.
I and my Gallows groan .

That Duckenfield, Packer , and Major Creed ,
Of my helping hand should have such need,
When I am not able to do the deed,
I and my Gallows groan .

Lambert would also borrow the Block,
As well as my Lady did Olivers Cock,
But like him I must patiently bear this mock.
I and my Gallows groan .

Fleetwood also lacks some of my skill,
And that I can't do't Folks take it ill,
I'de hang um all, if I could have my will.
I and my Gallows groan .

'Tis vain to look for old mens shooes,
Else I had had Hewson in a noose,
But my Successor won't him loose.
I and my Gallows groan .

Tyburn was once in mourning clad,
For a great Man, and I also very sad,
A full bunch will make you all glad.
I and my Gallows groan .