Like all great and tragic events, the death of Charles I inspired many poems. This one was written by Andrew Marvell.

The Execution of King Charles
by Andrew Marvell

While round the armed bands
Did clap their bloody hands:
He nothing common did, or mean,
Upon that memorable scene,
But with his keener eye
The axe's edge did try;
Nor called the gods with vulgar spite

To vindicate his helpless right,
But bowed his comely head
Down, as upon a bed.