Miscellaneous works of George Wither

VVere I, a Person, who had power to better
Thy Trade, or make thy Priviledges greater
Or take away thy Citizens Estates,
Thy Walls dismantle, or break down thy Gates,
I had been lookt upon, though I had done
To thee no kindness, neither meant thee one.
But, of his love, there is no value made
Who nought can to to thy wealth or greatness add,
Though he his life should hazzard for thy sake,
That, thee for ever, he might happy make.

BAI[illeg.], wlll not be vouchsaf'd; but, I must lie
Among thy Rogues, expos'd to live or die;
To starve or begg; and wholly be debar'd
Of Liberty, unpitied and unheard
For doing what was honestly intended;
And, wherein, I against no Law offended.
This is, I must confesse, nor less nor more,
Then, I had reason to expect before:
Yet, all my labour, is not cast away,
For, it occasion gives me, thus to say.

I wish'd thee well, and will, what ever shall
To me, in my extremities befall;
For, here's a number yet within this place,
Who are of those in whom the Seeds of Grace
So fructifie, that GOD hath superseded
For their sakes, that for which his Justice pleaded;
And I have in my personal distresse
So tasted of their Charitableness,
That, thereby I, enjoying health, and life
(My self not seeking, but thy peace in chief)
Expect that Justice only, from thy hands
Whereon thine honour and thy welfare stands;
Which neither is thy Riches, or thy Power
For, these may come to nothing, in one hour;
And, if to them, thou overmuch incline,
I will not change my poor estate for thine.

Among the Prodigies, by many seen
This year, I, might for one, have numbred been,
If I, should all Particulars relate
Which do concern my Person and Estate:
But, they must now Phanaticks counted be
Who, either do believe what they shall see,
Or dare take notice, of those things that vary
From GOD's proceed, in courses ordinary;

And, therefore, I think fitting to conceal them,
Till that, which is to follow, doth reveal them,
To manifest, without all Dubitation,
That, God hath spoken to this Generation.
Mean while, I'le suffer: for, our Peace must now
Not from our Actings, but, from suff'rings flow.

Yet, whether, I deserve respect or blame,
Know LONDON, since I now thy Prisoner am,
That, if I have not wherewith to subsist
Thou art oblig'd, to find me bread, at least,
Whilst here I shall confinement undergo,
Though I had alwayes been thine open foe;
And, that 'tis Tyranny (what ere they are)
To lay on any, more they can bear.
Know likewise, that, if here I shall miscarry
Through lack of what, for life is necessary
Thou, thereby forfeitest, (as I conceive)
A better Charter, then the King can give:
Because, through want of Charity to foes,
Much more to Friends, our part in Christ we lose.

What I have been to thee, it hath been shown;
What thou to me art, it will now be known.
And, possibly, another Generation
Will heed, that I am somewhat to this Nation,
Deserving better, then that lie I should
Within a Jail, at seventy three years old,
For acting and designing nothing worse
Then, how to save them from a greater curse.

Look to your selves; For, whether bond or free
I am; I know, my GOD, will look to me;
And, I and mine, shall be both cloath'd and fed,
When they who slieghted us, want Robes & bread.

So believeth

George Wither.

University of Virginia Library

To the City of London.