[REIGN OF EDWARD II. 1307–1327.]
Edward the First quitted the stage at a period when wars from without and internal troubles were gathering fast over his country. His son and successor, a weak and ill-advised prince, was little calculated to repel the one or to calm the other; and the following song shows us that, contrary to the general rule in such cases, the people were more sorrowful for their loss than pleased with the novelty of a new monarch.
LAMENT ON THE DEATH OF EDWARD I.
[MS. Bibl. Publ. Cantab. Gg. I. 1, fol. 489, of the reign of Edw. II.]
Seigniurs, oiez, pur Dieu le grant,
Chançonete de dure pité,
De la mort un rei vaillaunt;
Homme fu de grant bounté,
E que par sa leauté
Mut grant encuntre ad sustenue;