1. In good King Charles's golden days, When Loyalty no harm meant, A zealous high church-man I was And so I gained preferment. To teach my flock I never missed, Kings are by God appointed, And damned are those who dare resist, Or touch the Lord's anointed. Chorus And this is law, I will maintain Until my dying day, sir, That whatsoever King shall reign I'll be the Vicar of Bray, sir! 2. When Royal James possessed the crown, And popery came in fashion; The penal laws I shouted down, And read the Declaration: The Church of Rome I found did fit Full well my constitution, And I had been a Jesuit, But for the Revolution. Chorus 3. When William was our king declared, To heal the nation's grievance, With this new wind about I steered, And swore to him Allegiance: Old principles I did revoke, Set conscience at a distance, Passive obedience was a Joke, A jest was non-resistance. Chorus 4. When gracious Ann became our queen, Then Church of England's glory, Another face of things was seen, And I became a Tory: Occasional conformists base, I scorned their moderation, And thought the church in danger was, From such prevarication. Chorus 5. When George in Pudding time came o'er, And moderate men looked big, sir, My Principles I changed once more, And so became a Whig, sir. And thus preferment I procured From our new Faith's defender, And almost every day abjured The Pope and the Pretender. Chorus 6. The Illustrious house of Hannover And Protestant succession, To these I do allegiance swear, Whilst they can keep possession: For in my faith and loyalty I never more will falter, And George my lawful king shall be, Until the times do alter. Chorus