Age of This was the age, aye verily,
Chivalry Of ryghte goode noble chivalry,
When Knights went forth through storm and stress
To rescue beauty in distress.
[Illustration: IRON JELLOIDS The Great Tonic.]
Or sallied out in valiant way
A monster dragon for to slay,
Or with lance or trusty blade
Defend from harm the hapless maid.
Henry IV. Henry Four, called 'Bolingbroke'
1399-1413 In Richard's wheel puts many a spoke;
Compels him to resign the throne
Which thereupon he makes his own.
Through John of Gaunt, Lancastrian famed,
His title to the crown he claimed;
The Parliament confirms his right
And thus he's king without a fight.
In this reign persecution's turned
Lollards Against the Lollards--Cobham's burned.
1401 Incredible! The records show
A statute 'de Comburondo.'
Henry V. From fourteen-thirteen, Henry Five,
1413-1422 For many years with France did strive;
His Widow founds the Tudor House
By taking Owen for her spouse.
Henry VI. Henry Six, next in our rhymes,
1422-1461 For fifty years had troublous times;
Wars of Roses, Wars with France,
The poor man never had a chance.
Joan of Arc Joan of Arc the peasant Maid
1430 Inspired the French with Mystic aid;
Disunited, we make peace,
All France but Calais we release.
Constantinople Constantinople's seized by Turks
1453 Causing Greek Scholars (with their works)
To fly to Italy; and thence
Learning's reborn--'The Renaissance.'
Edward IV. In Edward Fourth, fourteen-six-one
1461-1483 The House of York obtains the Throne.
He wins at Towton's bloody fray,
No quarter given on that day.
Guy, Earl of Warwick in these frays
Was always turning different ways;
Barnet On Barnet Field he met his doom
1471 The Rose of York's now well abloom.
The Barons, Church and Commons fall,
The King emerges Boss of all.
Benevolences he exacts,
An early form of Super Tax.
Earl of 'Kingmaker' was Earl Warwick styled
Warwick With his manner scarcely mild
He set Kings up and bowled them down
Playing at ninepins with the Crown.
[Illustration: IRON JELLOIDS The Great Tonic]
Wars of Roses White and Red Rose warring madly
1485 Bled the country very sadly,
Three-and-thirty years contending;
At Bosworth Field we see the ending.
Printing First in fourteen-seventy-three
1473 We print from type in this Countree.
Now it is that time's first measured
By monster watches greatly treasured.
Thomas Parr this centurie
His hundred-fifty years did see;
But Henry Jenkins, so 'tis said,
In age was seventeen years ahead.
Hoary patriarchs were these
Retaining p'raps their faculties;
What a comfort 'tis to mention
Neither drew the old age pension.
[Illustration: IRON JELLOIDS The Great Tonic