East India Company 1600
The great ‘John Comp’ny’ now began
Its fine career without a plan.
Great! The Elizabethan Age.
In History’s book a glorious page.
Somewhere or other we’ve heard snuff
Came in the days of frill and ruff;
And here’s a noble ill at ease
Giving the first recorded sneeze.
James I. 1603–1625
JAMES Six of Scotland, miscalled a ‘fule’
As James One of England comes to rule.
Gramercy! ’tis a canny thing
To be a ‘double-barrelled’ King.
The son of Mary Queen of Scots
Of learning he had lots and lots,
Writing sundry ponderous books
’Gainst ’bacca, witches and their spooks.
James thought his kingly power divine
And, loathing Puritanic ‘whine,’