When the black fleet of Norway is come and gone,

England, build houses of lime and stone;

For after, wars you shall have none.

This likewise seems to have a prophetic meaning, if one could but find it out. Fuller supposes it alludes to the Spanish armada, and quotes Sir Francis Bacon to prove that the sur-name of the King of Spain was Norway; but, supposing it was, nothing is explained by it; the number of wars in which England has been since engaged, as well civil as foreign, shew that this prophecy was dictated by a lying spirit.

Entry taken from Provincial Glossary, edited by Francis Grose.

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When our Lady falls in our Lord’s lap
When Hemp is spun
When the black fleet of Norway is come and gone
England is a ringing island
When the sand feeds the clay, England cries well-a-day

Barkshire
He is a representative of Barkshire

Nearby

England in Nuttal Encyclopædia

Antique pictures from England