Lamentation (Music Ian Inkster 2016, Lyrics Charles Sylvester 1797) Poem by Dr Ian Inkster

Lamentation
Here come I a vagabond, ragged and forlorn
An object of pity, or rather of scorn
Deploying my heart-sinking troubles in vain
I've lost all I had but oppression and pain.

Patiently War after War I've endured
Till I to this despotic yoke am inured
I now am so pestered with taxes and loans
That my hopes of redemption are turned into groans.

But what I most dread is the blood-sucking Priest
Whose sight strikes more terror than Daniel's huge Beast
Declaring my Soul must eternally perish
If I his unsatisfied guts do not cherish


Must I try to be FREE or be lost in despair
Will supporting oppression be always my care?
Shall I Slavery always fro Freedom mistake?
Or for ever remain as a Bull at a Stake.

Stars, ribbons and garters, thrones, sceptres and crowns
I'm taught to behold with wry faces and frowns
And priest-craft I plainly perceive's all a bite
I gladly would part with them all for my rights.

This series of troubles in which I've been tossed
Will speedily be in oblivion Lost

Carniverous Monsters,Oh Bone-picking Knaves!
I shall splendidly shine while you rot in yr graves.