On receiving news of the death of Charles I
 (Sung text for setting by F. Scott)
 Matches original text
Language: English 
Great, Good, and Just, could I but rate
My grief with thy too rigid fate,
I'd weep the world in such a strain
As it should deluge once again.

But since thy loud-tongued blood demands supplies
More from Briareus' hands than Argus' eyes,
I'll sing thine obsequies with trumpet sounds
And write thine epitaph in blood and wounds.

Confirmed with Scottish Poetry of the Seventeenth Century, Edited by George Eyre-Todd, Sands and Company, London and Edinburgh, 1891-96, Page 246.

Notes:
"Briareus" - One of three Greek mythological giants with incredible strength
"Argus" - A Greek mythological giant with a hundred eyes set by Hera to watch over Io.

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Researcher for this page: Iain Sneddon [Guest Editor]

This text was added to the website: 2019-04-08
Line count: 8
Word count: 58