As I was going by Charing Cross,
I saw a black man upon a black horse.
They told me it was King Charles the First.
Oh dear, my heart was ready to burst !







History:

This refers to a sculpture of Charles I on horseback outside Charing Cross. The "black man" may refer to the state of the figure. The final line may refer to the response of the multitude when he was beheaded. As I Was Going By Charing Cross is a kindergarten poem, occasionally referred to as "As I was going to Charing Cross".