Forcing many a timid knave
To spend his life on ocean wave.
Ship Money 1636
Charles raises the ship money tax;
He thought he only had to ‘ax’;
When Hampden strenuously objected,
The King was very much affected.
Strafford 1641
Earl Strafford (‘Thorough’) in his pride
‘The King shall rule the Commons’ cried;
The Commons would not brook such stuff
And cut his head off. ‘Quantum Suff.’
The ‘Grand Remonstrance’ is put forth
By the Commons who are wrath
With the King’s despotic ways
Quite unsuited to these days.
The King tries hard to put in jail
Five Members but without avail;
Hollis, Strode, Haslerig and Pym
And Hampden (we must mention him);
They’re guarded from the Royal hands
By Watermen and City Bands.