Vive Le Roy

Melody - Air, "Love Lies Bleeding"

What though the zealots pull down the prelates,
Push at the pulpit, and kick at the crown,
Shall we not never once more endeavour,
Strive to purchase our royall renown?
Shall not the Roundhead first be confounded?
Sa, sa, sa, say, boyes, ha, ha, ha, ha, boyes,
Then wee'le return with triumph and joy.
Then wee'le be merry, drink sack and sherry,
Then we will sing, boys, God blesse the King, boys,
Cast up our caps, and cry, VIVE LE ROY! 2. What though the wise make Alderman Isaack
Put us in prison and steal our estates,
Though we be forced to be un-horsed,
And walk on foot as it pleaseth the fates;
In the King's army no man shall harm ye.
Then come along, boyes, valiant and strong, boyes,
Fight for your goods, which the Roundheads enjoyes;
And when you venture London to enter,
And when you come, boys, with Phife and drum, boyes,
Isaack himself shall cry, VIVE LE ROY!
3. If you will chuse them, 'twill not excuse him,
Since honest Parliament never made theeves,
Charles ne're did further, 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;
Paul's not rejected, shall be respected,
And in the quire, voices sing hire,
Thanks to Jehovah, then, VIVE LE ROY!

From a collection of songs, 1640 to 1660. It is also to be found in the additional MSS., No. 11, 608, p. 54, in the collection in the British Museum. It was "the God save the King" of Charles I., Charles II., and James II.

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