The Glory of the WEST,
or, the Virgins of Taunton Dean,
Who ript open their Silk-Petticoats, to make Colours for
the late D. of Ms. Army, when he came before the Town.
A SONG.
To the Tune of the Winchester Wedding.
This may be Printed, July the 31. 1685. R.LS.
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I.
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IN Lime began a Rebellion,
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For there the Rebells came in;
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Rebells almost a Million,
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Came there to proclaim M. King:
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The News being usher'd about,
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The Virgins of Taunton Dean,
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With joyful surprizing a croud;
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They summon'd up all their men,
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And sent them to meet his Grace,
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Their Protestant Prince of the West,
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While the Girls from each corner did trace,
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With Ornaments fit for their Guest.
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II.
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Round the Market-Cross in the Town,
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Their Petticoats down did fall,
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Without either Blush or Frown,
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They had like to pull'd up all
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Their Petticoats they rip'd open,
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Some Yellow, some Red, some Green,
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Tho' ne're a Commandment broken,
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Yet all things were there to be seen:
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Of these they made Ensigns of War,
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Alexander the like never bore,
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The Motto, Embrodered with Hair,
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Such Colours was never before.
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III.
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Then Notice was given the Army
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Was within a Mile of the Gate;
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The Maids then came to a Parly,
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Which should be the Captain in State:
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They Twenty Seven in Number
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That all in White did appear,
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The Collonels Daughter tho' Younger
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Made Captain, and Colours did bear;
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All cover'd in Cambrick and Lawn,
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With Garlands march'd out of the Town,
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Their Skins through their Veils were shown,
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Some Tawney, some White, & some Brown.
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IV.
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But when they appear'd on the Downs,
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Proud Perkin they did surprize,
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And all his Country Clowns,
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Draw'd Lustre from their bright Eyes;
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Then at his most Gracious Feet,
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They threw down their Garlands & Crown,
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With Colours fit for Field or Fleet;
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Or School-Boys about the Town:
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They being upon their Knees,
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He kindly saluted them round;
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With Congies, and touches and squeze,
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He took them up from the Ground.
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V.
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Three Vollies of Shot were given,
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To wellcome the Maids in the West;
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As if they had dropt from Heaven,
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And by whom the Army was blest:
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Their Captain was first saluted,
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By their mighty Monarch o' th' croud;
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And Katy did not dispute it,
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But Courched, and turned about:
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He Carress'd them every one,
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As they were drawn up a part,
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Both Betty, and Molly, and Jone,
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Yet Kate was the Lass had his Heart.
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VI.
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Each Officer took his place,
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His choice he kindly drew forth;
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They all were as free to Embrace,
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As Maidens of meaner Worth,
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Each couple into their Tent;
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They merrily did retire,
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Where all the sweet Night was spent,
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The Virgins had their desire:
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They learn'd the Discipline of War,
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To excercise Musquet or Pike;
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Next Morning did freely declare,
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They ne're had so pleasant a Night.
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