Society, "the case of the royalist prisoners in the Tower was
frequently brought into question. The latter seized the occasion
of complaining against the rigours (complaints apparently
exaggerated) which were exerted against them, and on the 16th June,
1647, was published 'A True Relation of the cruell and unparallel'd
Oppression which hath been illegally imposed upon the Gentlemen
Prisoners in the Tower of London.' The several petitions contained
in this tract have the signatures of Francis Howard, Henry
Bedingfield, Walter Blount, Giles Strangwaies, Francis Butler,
Henry Vaughan, Thomas Lunsford, Richard Gibson, Tho. Violet, John
Morley, Francis Wortley, Edw. Bishop, John Hewet, Wingfield
Bodenham, Henry Warren, W. Morton, John Slaughter, Gilbert
Swinhow."

On the 19th of August (according to the MODERATE INTELLIGENCER of
that date) the King sent to the royal prisoners in the Tower two
fat bucks for a feast. This circumstance was the origin of the
present ballad. It was written by Sir Francis Wortley, one of the
prisoners. This ballad, as we learn by the concluding lines, was
to be sung to the popular tune of "Chevy Chace."


God save the best of kings, King Charles!
The best of queens, Queen Mary!
The ladies all, Gloster and Yorke,
Prince Charles, so like old harry! (5)

God send the King his own again,
His towre and all his coyners!
And blesse all kings who are to reigne,