Note 61 — Chapter III · (continued 2)
Reading edition
Published therefore in the reign of Charles II., “Our most undoubted and lawful King.” We have most of us formed an opinion on the character of this wearer of the spotless ermine; and the fulsome verse of Winstanley, written, not when the reign was commencing and the national hopes were high, but as it neared its end, is somewhat startling:—
“Long may he live who now doth wear the Crown To tread all Heresies and Schismes down. Great God, let not his prayers e’er return empty, But Crown his Head with Years and Years with plenty.”