[1] The poem describes a cow that was seen by different political figures of the time period. King Philip rode upon the cow's back while feeling unhappy or discontent. [2] The Queen of England fed the cow hay to help support her during a time of distress and need. [3] The Prince of Orange milked the cow and used her udders as a purse. While holding the cow's tail, the cow defecated in the prince's hand.