Classic Poem

1

Where England's Damon us'd to keep,
In peace and awe, his flocks
Who fed, not fed upon, his sheep,
There Wolves and Tygres now do prey,
There Sheep are slain, and Goats do sway,
There raigns the subtle Fox
While the poor Lamkins weep.

2

The Laurell'd garland which before
Circled his brows about,
The spotlesse coat which once he wore,
The sheep-hook which he us'd to sway,
And pipe whereon he lov'd to play,
Are seiz'd on by the rout,
And must be us'd no more.

3

Poor Swain how thou lament'st to see
Thy flocks o're-rul'd by those
That serve thy Cattle all like thee,
Where hatefull vice usurps the Crown,
And Loyalty is trodden down;
Down skrip and sheephook goes,
When Foxes Shepheards be.