University of Virginia Library

An vnworthie Bishop. 11.

A bastard that the Ephod doth abuse,
And is of faythfull Pastors the Refuse;
Hee's th'Out-cast, the Scroose, the Scumme, & the Shame,
Yea, th'Ignominie, of a worthie Name.
A Dog that is dumbe; a Drudge, and a Drone,
Vnworthie the Charge hee is chosen one.
When sparing of Paines, of Knowledge misuse,
Vnfaythfull Effects, but Profit, produce.
Idolatrous Seeds hee seminates, so
Sowes in the Soule, a Furie, and a Foe.
Vnhappie, forlorne, and light-lesse the Sheepe,
That Bishops so bad, haue credite to keepe.
When these they shall, for wanting Food bee found
To perish, pastring in a barren Ground
Hee breeds a Warre, Distrust, and Diffidence.
Into the Wittes of all his Audience.
Good Pastors aye, hee preasseth to supplant,
A Devill indeede, and bot in show a Sainct
Hee makes Religion bot a Cloake of Sinne,
That covertly hee walks, and walloweth in.
And with a feign'd Humilitie doth hyde,
A passing and imcomparable Pryde.
His Flesh doth fret, and all his Bones doe itch,
To raze the Poore, and for to rob the Rich.
Ev'n Wise-mens Eyes, hee leades, blind-folded foorth,
Bot with Conceit of his imagin'd Worth.
And drawes their thoughts to call Accompt, esteeme
(Tho hee bee not) him such as hee doth seeme.
Hee lookes lyke a Lambe, hee liues lyke a Foxe,
And cruellie, craftie, kils all his Flocks.
Hee is the person of Hypocrisie,
Th'vnpure Spirit and Heart of Heresie.
Griefe to the Good, to the Faythfull a Foe,
Crosse to the Church, and to the World a Woe.