On the King’s Return

By Alex. Brome.

Long have we waited for a happy end
   Of all our miseries and strife;—
But still in vain;—the swordmen did intend
   To make them hold for term of life:
That our distempers might be made
Their everlasting livelihood and trade.

They entail their swords and guns,
   And pay, which wounded more,
Upon their daughters and their sons,
   Thereby to keep us ever poor.

But when the Civil Wars were past,
   They civil government invade,
To make our taxes and our slavery last,
   Both to their titles and their trade.

But now we are redeem’d from all
   By our indulgent King,
Whose coming does prevent our fall,
   With loyal and with joyful hearts we’ll sing:

Chorus

Welcome, welcome, royal May,
   Welcome, long-desired Spring.
   Many Springs and Mays we’ve seen,
   Have brought forth what’s gay and green;
But none is like this glorious day,
   Which brings forth our gracious King.