 | Poems on Several Occasions |  |
The Litany.
I
From a Ruler that's a curse,And a Government that's worse;
From a Prince that rules by awe,
Whose Tyranick Will's his Law;
From an armed Councel board,
And a Scepter that's a Sword,
Libera nos, &c.
II
From a Kingdom, that from healthSickens to a Common-wealth;
477
And are neither wise; nor good;
From a Gentry steept in Pots,
From unkennellers of Plots,
Libera nos, &c.
III
From a Church without Divines,And a Presbyter that whines;
From John Calvin, and his Pupils,
From a Sentence without Scruples,
From a Clergy without Letters,
And a Free-State bound in Fetters,
Libera nos, &c.
IV
From the bustle of the Town,And the Knavish Tribe o'th' Gown,
From long Bills where we are Debters,
From Bum-Bailiffs, and their Setters,
478
And Thanksgivings for Protectors,
Libera nos, &c.
V
From ill Victuals when we dine,And a Tavern with ill Wine;
From vile Smoke in a short Pipe,
And a Landlord that will gripe,
From long Reck'nings, and a Wench
That Claps in English; or in French,
Libera nos, &c.
VI
From Demeans whose barren soilNe're produc'd the Barley Oyl;
From a Friend for nothing fit,
That nor Courage has; nor Wit:
From all Lyars, and from those
Who write nonsence Verse; or Prose,
Libera nos, &c.
479
VII
From a Virgin that's no Maid,From a kicking, stumbling Jade,
From false Servants, and a Scold,
From all Women that are old,
From loud Tongues that never lye,
And from a domestick Spy,
Libera nos, &c.
VIII
From a domineering Spouse,From a smoky, durty House,
From foul Linnen, and the noise
Of young Children, Girls or Boys,
From ill Beds, and full of Fleas,
From a Wife with Essences,
Libera nos, &c.
| Poems on Several Occasions | |