When the King Enjoys His Own Again
Music File
Lesley Nelson
Information
Lyrics

According to The Scottish Student's Songbook (1891) this was a traditional air from the 17th century. It was sung during the English Civil War by the Cavaliers (see links below). It became popular again during the Jacobite Uprisings. It was sung by Jacobites in Ireland in 1688 and during the later uprisings in Scotland.

According to the Ballad Index it was printed on broadsides circa 1640. There is no record of the printer because they were doubtless circulated secretly. According to Songs that Made History by H. E. Piggot, the words were written by Martin Parker in 1643.

The original words have the first line, "What Booker doth prognosticate." This refers to a famous astrologer of the time who foretold the "downfall of the King and Popery."* Swallow, Dove and Dade were also astrologers of the time.

Let rogues and cheats prognosticate
Concerning king's or kingdom's fate
I think myself to be as wise
As he that gazeth on the skies
My sight goes beyond
The depth of a pond
Or rivers in the greatest rain
Whereby I can tell
That all will be well
When the King enjoys his own again
Yes, this I can tell
That all will be well
When the King enjoys his own again

There's neither Swallow, Dove, or Dade
Can soar more high or deeper wade
Nor show a reason from the stars
What causeth peace or civil wars
The man in the moon
May wear out his shoon
By running after Charles his wain
But all's to no end,
For the times will not mend
Till the King enjoys his own again
Yes, this I can tell
That all will be well
When the King enjoys his own again

Full forty years this royal crown
Hath been his father's and his own
And is there anyone but he
That in the same should sharer be?
For better may
The scepter sway
Than he that hath such right to reign?
Then let's hope for a peace,
For the wars will not cease
Till the king enjoys his own again
Yes, this I can tell
That all will be well
When the King enjoys his own again

Though for a time we see Whitehall
With cobwebs hanging on the wall
Instead of gold and silver brave
Which formerly was wont to have
With rich perfume
In every room,
Delightful to that princely train
Yet the old again shall be
When the time you see
That the King enjoys his own again
Yes, this I can tell
That all will be well
When the King enjoys his own again

Then fears avaunt, upon the hill
My hope shall cast her anchor still
Until I see some peaceful dove
Bring home the branch I dearly love
Then will I wait
Till the waters abate
Which now disturb my troubled brain
Then for ever rejoice,
When I've heard the voice
That the King enjoys his own again
Yes, this I can tell
That all will be well
When the King enjoys his own again
Related Links
From The Scottish Students' Songbook and
*Songs That Made History
See Bibliography for full information.