Song. the Rights of Man. by His Lordship

The Rights of Man I will maintain, Upon the old foundation; And those who venture to complain, Shall hear a proclamation.

For kings and lords, the Rights of Man Were first of all intended; And since the reign of kings began, The Rights of Man are ended.

Now take me right, as we proceed, 'Tis needful I should mention, I am a son of noble breed, And hold a little pension. For kings and lords, &c.

Kings have a right divine to be Your Lords, and Gods, and masters; And commons, peers, and priests agree, To laugh at your disasters. For kings and lords, &c.

You have a right to all the toil, And while it ne'er relaxes, We eat the dainties of the soil, And feed you well with taxes. For kings and lords, &c.

You have a right to chain your tongue, When sore you feel oppression; Nor check nor call our measures wrong, So wide is our commission. For kings and lords, &c.

You have a right to live and breathe, And answer your creation; But mark—your fathers did bequeath, To us—to rule the nation. For kings and lords, &c.

You have a right to wear your rags, And pay your debts in limbo, While we, like Judas, keep your bags, And boldly after him go. For kings and lords, &c.

In fine, the nation is our own; And let me further tell you, The powerful right is in the throne, By which we buy and sell you.

For kings and lords, the Rights of Man Were first of all intended; And since the reign of kings began, The Rights of Man are ended.