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Florus Britannicus

Or, an Exact Epitome of the History of England, From William the Conquerour to the Twelfth Year of the Reign of his Sacred Majesty Charls the Second, now flourishing. Illustrated with their perfect Portraictures ... By Mathew Stevenson

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15

John, King of England.

O what a lushie morsell is a Crowne?
That right or wrong Princes will gusle 't downe,
John to the Throne will o're his Nephews neck,
Although his own in the attempt he break.
What follow'd this Vsurper at the Helme?
A three years Curse on him, and his whole Realme.
At last base fears impossibles foresees,
And to the Pope bends his unprincely knees:
In Swinstead Abbey death did him besiege
In Sacramentall Masse; Wassall my Liege.
Who pities him a safe estate that scorns,
And wounds his Temples with a Crowne of Thorns?