The ballad describes the journey and circumstances that the cloak has effected, similar to the point of view found in a novel of circulation, more commonly known as an it-narrative.
As is the case in it-narratives, this ballad also employs a satirical voice, similar to the one found in Roman à clef.
The black cloak, which belongs to a person of high political station, is responsible for imprisoning, executing, overthrowing the pope and thereby religion.
It subsequently destroys the Ten Commandments and imposes a villainous, criminal king.
The Covenant reiterated the evils of Roman Catholicism and asserted the Church's independence from the Episcopalianism practised by King Charles I and many of the nobles who supported him.