EDWARD VI's SHILLING

 

About my circle, I a Posie have

The title God unto the King first gave.

The circle that encompasseth my face

Declares my Soveraigne's title, by God's grace.

 

You see my face is beardless, smoothe and plaine.

Because my soveraigne was a child 'tis knowne

When as he did put on the English Crowne.

But had my stamp been bearded, as with haire,

Long before this it had beene worne and bare.

For why? With me the unthrifts every day,

With my face downwards do at shove-board play . . .

 

-- John Taylor

 

 Note: During Henry VIII's reign, the shilling had become debased. In his son's reign, new ones were issued and were quite popular until they also became debased.