In 1640 Laud was committed to the Tower, an event which was hailed as the first grand step towards the overthrow of the bishops. As an example of the feeling of exultation displayed on this occasion by his enemies, we may quote a few lines from a satirical song, published in 1641, and entitled “The Organs Eccho. To the Tune of the Cathedrall Service.” It is a general attack on the prelacy, and opens with a cry of triumph over the fall of William Laud, of whom the song says—
As he was in his braverie,
And thought to bring us all in slaverie,
The parliament found out his knaverie;
And so fell William.
Alas! poore William!
His pope-like domineering,
And some other tricks appearing,
Provok’d Sir Edward Deering
To blame the old prelate.