Fly Bold Rebellion

Fly, bold rebellion, make baste and be gone!

Victorious in counsel great charles is returned,

The plot is displayed and the traitors, some flown

And some to avernus by justice thrown down.

Then with heart and with voice prepare to rejoice,

All you that are loyal and true:

They nobly contend

Who maintain to the end

Those honours to majesty due.

Rivers from their channels turned

Other plains and meadows bless,

And those tow'rs from whence they cease

Ruined lie and unadorned;

'tis the prince's presence graces

And his absence that defaces,

Seats of monarchs naked look

By the monarch once forsook,

For majesty moves like the season's bright king,

Appears and withdraws, restores and gives life

Both to places and men.

Lf then we've found the want of his rays,

Thank wicked contrivance

And ambition as vain

That sought t'have shortened our sovereign's days.

But kings, like the sun, sometimes have their clouds

To make them shine more bright,

Their greatness exhales the vapour that shrouds

And seeks to eclipse their light.

But heaven has now dispelled those fears

And here once again our monarch appears,

The delight of our eyes

To try if his subjects at length will grow wise.

Come then, change your notes, disloyal crowd,

You that already have been too loud

With importunate follies and clamours;

'tis no business of yours

To dispute the high powers,

As if you were the government framers;

But with heart and with voice

Join all to rejoice

With welcomes redoubled to see him appear,

Who brings mercy and peace

And all things to please

A people that knew not how happy they are.

Be welcome then, great sir, to constant vows

Of loyalty never to vary more.

Welcome to all that obedience owes

To a prince so mild and gentle in pow'r.

Welcome to all those wishes fulfilled

That thrones of monarchs firmly build,

Welcome to all the blessings of a long reign;

Thus united duty pray and never pray in vain.