University of Virginia Library

The Protestant Litany.

From Religion that's Nonsence, and larded with lyes;
From shutting the Cupbord, and chinking the Keys;
From Light that ascendeth like smoak to the Skies;
Good Lord deliver us.
From a Pope that's in Passion, and bendeth his Wits
For Plots, and Conspiracies, digging of Pits;
From a people that crameth their God in their Guts;
Good Lord deliver us.
From Spain's Inquisition, and Scarlet attire;
From zeal that is kindled with Faggot and Fire;
From a Priest that Dispenseth his Pardons for Hire;
Good Lord deliver us.
From Wine that's Converted to poison for blood;
From the Dragon's breath, and venemous flood;
From Babylon's Brats, and all the Beasts brood;
Good Lord deliver us.

36

From a Feminine Pope, of the Epicene Gender,
From Joan who did drink to the Devil her attender;
From him who's of fopperies (for faith) the Defender;
Good Lord deliver us.
From unprofitable Servants, who Heaven do merit,
Who Preach the true Gospel, denying the Spirit;
And think by their fool'ries Salvation t'inherit;
Good Lord deliver us.
From a Queen clad in Scarlet, that looks like a Witch;
From those who for Penance must whip their own Breech;
From her that needs brimstone to cure her old itch;
Good Lord deliver us.
From a Beast that is spotted, and snuffs up the Air,
With a Mouth like a Lion, and Feet like a Bear;
From Garments deceitful, composed of Hair;
Good Lord deliver us.
From Beggars who're Rich, and beg for the poor;
From Kings without Kingdoms, that Reign but an hour;
From the Grape of Gomorrha, that's sweet, and yet sower;
Good Lord deliver us.
From Leo the Coward, and Clement the Clown;
From Pius the wicked, that's veil'd with a Gown;
From fools out of fashion, and shav'd in the Crown.
Good Lord deliver us.
From Roma diu titubans, ready to spue;
From Locusts and Frogs, and Babylons crew;
From the Prophet, or tail which the Stars backward drew;
Good Lord deliver us.

37

From a Shepherd whose crook is knob'd like a Club,
The one end to catch, the other to rub;
And one who his Sheep of their Fleece does rob:
Good Lord deliver us.