A new loyal song, upon King William's Progress into Ireland facts for kids
A new loyal song, upon King William's Progress into Ireland is an old English song from around the 1690s. It was printed on a single sheet of paper, called a broadside ballad. You can find copies of this song online and even listen to how it was sung back then.
This song praises King William III and talks about the great things he was expected to do in Ireland. It especially focuses on a big battle called the Battle of Boyne. The song was likely written around 1690, just a year after William became king instead of King James II. The title, "A new loyal song," clearly shows that the person who wrote it supported King William and the big change in power known as the Glorious Revolution.
What the Song is About
This song was sung to a popular tune called "Valiant Jockey's Marched Away." It starts by praising King William: "Now our Mighty William goes / To Ireland to Subdue His Foes."
The song always shows King William III as a hero who not only wins battles but also brings freedom. It says he frees people from "Irish Rebels." The song also supports William's religious beliefs, which were Protestant. It shows his wish to change the strong Roman Catholic beliefs in Ireland. For example, it says: "Rebels fly, and quit your Arms, / King Williams Name your Camp Alarms; / Now your Preists, & good St. Patricks Cross / Will both be quickly at a loss." This means the song believed William would defeat the rebels and change their religious practices.
The song ends, like many praise songs, by wishing the king and queen a long and happy life. It says: "Heaven bless our King and Queen, / Who have our Nations safe-guard been, / Wheresoe’re They do Their Banner spread, / May Larwels Crown their Royal Head." This shows hope for their continued success and protection of the country.
How the Song is Made
The song has a simple structure. It is divided into six parts, called stanzas. The first two parts have 12 lines each. Then there are two parts with 6 lines each. The song finishes with two more 12-line parts. The lines often rhyme in pairs, which are called couplets.
