History & Politics

Je Maintiendrai

by William Johnson Cory 1823–1892

From Ionica (1905)

History & Politics

Rise, rise, ye Devon folk!
Toss off the traitor's yoke,
Peer through the rain and smoke,
Look, look again!
Run down to Brixham pier--
Quick, quick, the Prince is near!
All the rights ye reckon dear
He will maintain.

Chorus--
Welcome, sweet English rose!
Welcome, Dutch Roman nose!
Scatter, scatter all the Gospel's foes,
William and Mary!

High over gulls and boats
Bright, free the banner floats;
Hearken, hear the clarion notes!
Lift hats and stare.
Courtiers who break the laws,
Tame cats with velvet paws,
Hypocrites with poisoned claws,
Croppies, beware!

Trust, Sir, the western shires,
Trust those who baffled Spain;
We'll be hardy like our sires.
Down, Pope, again!
Off, off with sneak and thief!
We'll have an honest chief.
England is no Popish fief;
Free kings shall reign.

MLA

Cory, William Johnson. “Je Maintiendrai.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/cory/67/.

Chicago

Cory, William Johnson. “Je Maintiendrai.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/cory/67/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by William Johnson Cory