Play/Download Music File Lesley Nelson |
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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 |
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From
The Scottish Students' Songbook and *Songs That Made History See Bibliography for full information. |