University of Virginia Library

Remember what of old the English Nation
Hath been to you; and with how much compassion
They, your Protection timely undertook
When you extreamly by the Spanish yoke
Oppressed lay; and whether the pursuing
Of those things which are at this present doing,
May not at last reduce you back to that
Deplor'd condition, or a worse estate;
And bring you once again, inslav'd to lie
Beneath such an unbounded Monarchy
As you abhor: Your Senators are wise,
They in their heads, I know do bear their eyes
And, if they be not hoodwinckt, need by none
Be minded, what should be consider'd on:
Yet, since but men, let them not be offended
With what is by a stranger recommended
Unto their serious heed, and let my caution
Be acceptable unto your whole Nation.
Consider, whether all they who pretend
Your Country, Cause, and Intr'st to befriend
May not more complemental prove then real,
When time shall bring their Friendship to a tryal,
And be as false to yon, as you have seen
Most States and Princes, often to have been
Unto each other, though aly'd by blood,
By Aides in times of need, Leagues, neighbourhood,
And all ingagements whatsoere, which might
Devised be, them, firmly to unite.
Think, whether such have not a party now
Among you, which as things to ripeness grow,
Will help improve them, to set up a power
Tending to their advantage more then your:
Yea, whether, you already may not see
That, some to such a purpose, active be,
This day among you; and, take timely heed,
That, what you would prevent, may not succeed.