The Religious Turncoat

The text of the song itself is

!		Explanatory Notes
I lov'd no king in forty-one
A cloak and band I then put on,
And preached against the Crown.
Chorus:
:A turncoat is a cunning man,
: That cants to admiration,
: And prays for any side to gain
: The people's approbation.
When brewer Noll with copper nose
The stinking Rump dismounted,
I wisely still adher'd to those
Who strongest were accounted.
I preached and prayed for Oliver,
And all his vile abettors,
But curs'd the King and Cavalier,
And cried 'em down for traitors.
When Charles returned unto the land,
The English Crown's supporter,
I shifted off my cloak and band
And then became a Courtier
The King's religion I profest,
And found there was no harm in't ;
I coged and nattered like the rest,
Till I had got preferment.
When Royal James began his reign,
And Mass was used in common,
I shifted off my Faith again,
And so became a Uoman.
When William had possess'd the throne,
And cur'd our country's grievance,
New principles I then put on,
And swore to him allegiance.
I then preached up King William's right
Pray'd for his foes' confusion,
And so remained a Willianiite,
Till another Revolution.
But when Queen Anne the throne posses't,
I then, to save my bacon,
Turn'd High Church, thinking that was best,
But found myself mistaken
For soon discerning very plain,
The Whigs had got the better,
I turn'd Low Churchman, so remain
A Trimming Moderator.
Therefore all you, both high and low,
Let me for once direct you, —
Serve no cause longer than you know
The party can protect you.