But not with skill enough endued
To ’scape their King’s ingratitude.
Despotical the King’s power grew.
He’s England’s Pope by Act of Su-
Premacy; as, to gain divorce,
The foreign Pope is banned perforce.
1537
Now Bluff King Harry gives the Monks
A series of most awful funks;
Three thousand odd of their domains
He ‘collars’ for his Courtiers’ gains.
Edward VI. 1547–1553
EDWARD Six to the throne succeeds
A pious youth of goodly deeds;
One, well known in the Capital,
The Blue Coat School (Christ’s Hospital).
Mary 1553–1558
QUEEN Mary One, in Smithfield Square,
At Oxford, Gloucester and elsewhere,
Burned poor Martyrs by the score;
The Romish faith she would restore.
Elizabeth 1558–1603
HAIL now to thee our good Queen Bess,
Garbed in the puffed and padded dress,