University of Virginia Library

‘ Such is GODS gratiousness, that, wheresoever
‘He finds a Willingness joynd with endeavour
To please or to appease him, though but small,
(And in it self worth no respect at all)
He doth accept it: But, it is not so
With men, what er'e we mean, or say, or do.
For, most so pettish are; that ev'n with that
Which to their own well-being doth relate,
They quarrel; and as much offended are
With what, unto their own particular
Hath no relation, as to any thing
Which may to them a disadvantage bring.
Yea, so inclind are, to be discontent
With Actions, and with words indifferent,
That how to fit all humors no man knows
What ere he writes, be it in Verse or Prose.
Some, are best pleasd with this, and some with that,
With nothing some; or, with we know not what,
Except with that, (and in their own mode drest)
Whereby their Single Fancies are exprest.

If, I may freely, Truth declare in either,
To me, it is indifferent in whether:
Verse cannot be so justly termd unholy
As they, who think so, may be chargd with folly.
The Libertie, I therefore, at this time,
Resume, to vent my mind in Verse and Rime
As heretofore without an affectation
Of what, is this day, with most men in fashion;
And, what I purpose to contribute now,
Shall be such private Sighings as I owe
To Publick sorrowings; not such, as may,
Without true sense thereof, be puft away.
I offer not, now Cures are to be done,
That, which will prove no better then Herb-John
Or Chipps in broth; nor, when provide I should
Apparel to preserve my Friend from cold,
Bring them such thin sleight Garments, as are neither
Good Silk or Cloth, but Bawbles patcht together,
Lace, Points and Ribbands: Nor, to feed them, set
A platter full of Sawces without meat,
Or, with so little, and so trimd about
With Kickshawes, that they cannot pick it out:
Nor give the Sick, when they for health endeavor,
Such Trash, as may beget a mortal Feaver;
Nor Healing Plasters, when I do perceive
The Patient rather needs a Corrosive:
Nor, is there ought improper to that end,
For which, Humiliations we pretend
In that, which I in words have added here:
Either peruse it therefore, or, give ear.