There was one Octavian,
Octavian of Rome Emperour,
As bookès old doe specify,
Of all the wide world truëly
He was lord and governour.
III
The Jews that time lackèd a king,
They lackèd a king to guide them well,
The Emperour of power and might,
Chose one Herod against all right,
In Israel.
IV
This Herod then was King of Jews
Was King of Jews, and he no Jew.
Forsooth he was a Paynim born,
Wherefore on faith it may be sworn
He reignèd King untrue.
V
By prophecy one Isaï,
One Isaï at least did tell
A child should come (wondrous news)
That should be born true King of Jews
In Israel.
VI
This Herod knew one born should be,
One born should be of true linàge,
That should be right heritour;
For he but by the Emperour
Was made by usurpage.