The Political Songs of England: From the Reign of John to That of Edward II

by Unknown

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The general hatred to the Scots did not hinder the people from feeling grieved by the heavy taxes which were raised to support the war, and more particularly the expeditions into Flanders, (which latter were ill managed, and produced no results,) or from showing their dissatisfaction. The King’s measures of ambition were often thwarted by the stern opposition of the barons and the commons. The following song was directed more particularly against the unconstitutional seizure of wool, and generally against all the taxes raised for the Flemish war.

SONG AGAINST THE KING’S TAXES.

[MS. Harl. No. 2253, fol. 137, v^o, written in reign of Edw. II.]

Dieu, roy de magesté, ob personas trinas,

Nostre roy e sa meyné ne perire sinas;

Grantz mals ly fist aver gravesque ruinas,

Celi qe ly fist passer partes transmarinas.

Rex ut salvetur, falsis maledictio detur!