Of the Great and Famous

"As I Was Going"

As I was going by Charing Cross,

I saw a black man upon a black horse;

They told me it was King Charles the First;

Oh dear, my heart was ready to burst!

Ever to be honoured Knight, Sir Francis Drake, and of my little-little selfe.

The Dragon that our Seas did raise his Crest

And brought back heapes of gold unto his nest,

Unto his Foes more terrible than Thunder,

Glory of his age, After-ages' wonder,

Excelling all those that excelled before;

It's feared we shall have none such any more;

Effecting all he sole did undertake,

Valiant, just, wise, milde, honest, Godly Drake.

This man when I was little I did meete

As he was walking up Totnes' long street.

He asked me whose I was? I answered him.

He asked me if his good friend were within?

A faire red Orange in his hand he had,

He gave it me whereof I was right glad,

Takes and kist me, and prayes God blesse my boy:

Which I record with comfort to this day.

Could he on me have breathèd with his breath,

His gifts, Elias-like, after his death,

Then had I beene enabled for to doe

Many brave things I have a heart unto.

I have as great desire as e're had hee

To joy, annoy, friends, foes; but 'twill not be.

Robert Hayman