Note 46 — Simon of Montfort and the English Parliament 1258–1265

“End, O Earl of Gloster, what thou hast begun! Save thou end it fitly, we are all undone. Play the man, we pray thee, as thou hast promised, Cherish steadfastly the cause of which thou wast the head. He that takes the Lord’s work up, and lays it down again, Shamed and cursed may he be, and all shall say Amen. Earl Simon, thou of Montfort, so powerful and brave, Bring up thy strong companies thy country now to save, Have thou no fear of menaces or terrors of the grave, Defend with might the nation’s cause, naught else thine own needs crave.” —Rishanger, Political Songs.