 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
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VERSES Intended to the King's Majesty,
BY Major GEORGE WITHER, Whilst he was Prisoner in NEVVGATE:
Which being found Written with his own Hand, among his loose Papers, since his Commitment close Prisoner to the TOVVER, Are now Published, as pertinent both to his Majesty, and to Him.
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Sir, though I neither of your Grace despair,
Nor lack sufficient Faith, to make a Prayr
In Court: yet, wanting means to prosecute,
I'le trouble you at this time, with no Suit;
But, treat of somewhat, that no more will cost,
Save Labour, which I many times have lost,
And, thereby, not been made a jot the worse,
Either in mind, in body, or in purse.
Nor lack sufficient Faith, to make a Prayr
In Court: yet, wanting means to prosecute,
I'le trouble you at this time, with no Suit;
But, treat of somewhat, that no more will cost,
Save Labour, which I many times have lost,
And, thereby, not been made a jot the worse,
Either in mind, in body, or in purse.
When Rebels did King Davids flight constrain,
And, GOD was pleas'd to bring him home again,
They, who to drive him out, had forwardst been,
Made hast to joyn with those who brought him in.
And, he, with GOD, in Mercy so comply'd,
That, not one man for that Rebellion dy'd,
VVho follow'd Absalom, that had contriv'd
The Treason, and well-meaning men deceiv'd.
A traitrous Child's life, that Rebellion cost;
But, by our War, a Fathers life was lost:
And therfore, though some bloodshed that produc'd,
In humane Reason you may be excus'd,
VVhom natural Affection mov'd to shed
The blood of some, by whom your Father bled;
Since you more Mercy freely have bestown
Than Davids, or your Foll'wers would have shown.
Which much augments your Honour: For, no Jem
So beautifies a Royal Diadem,
As Mercy, when it is enameled
VVith Justice, and with Prudence riveted.
And, GOD was pleas'd to bring him home again,
They, who to drive him out, had forwardst been,
Made hast to joyn with those who brought him in.
And, he, with GOD, in Mercy so comply'd,
That, not one man for that Rebellion dy'd,
VVho follow'd Absalom, that had contriv'd
The Treason, and well-meaning men deceiv'd.
A traitrous Child's life, that Rebellion cost;
But, by our War, a Fathers life was lost:
And therfore, though some bloodshed that produc'd,
In humane Reason you may be excus'd,
VVhom natural Affection mov'd to shed
The blood of some, by whom your Father bled;
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Than Davids, or your Foll'wers would have shown.
Which much augments your Honour: For, no Jem
So beautifies a Royal Diadem,
As Mercy, when it is enameled
VVith Justice, and with Prudence riveted.
I had presum'd a personal Address
Long since; but, difficult is an Access
For such as I appear, who hazard blame,
And disrespect enough, where I now am;
Because, what Conscience chargeth me withal,
Is by some judged to be criminal.
In that regard, this Paper must make way
For gaining an admittance, as it may;
And will, I hope, presented be, by some
VVho shall have entrance, where I cannot come.
Long since; but, difficult is an Access
For such as I appear, who hazard blame,
And disrespect enough, where I now am;
Because, what Conscience chargeth me withal,
Is by some judged to be criminal.
In that regard, this Paper must make way
For gaining an admittance, as it may;
And will, I hope, presented be, by some
VVho shall have entrance, where I cannot come.
I am despoiled so of ev'ry thing,
That nothing for a Present I can bring
Except (of Grace) your Majesty shall please
To daign acceptance to such Gifts as these;
Which (though but mean, and in an homly dress)
VVill then illustrate your true Worthiness,
As amply, as the candid Acceptation,
Of what may seem of greater valuation.
That nothing for a Present I can bring
Except (of Grace) your Majesty shall please
To daign acceptance to such Gifts as these;
Which (though but mean, and in an homly dress)
VVill then illustrate your true Worthiness,
As amply, as the candid Acceptation,
Of what may seem of greater valuation.
I cannot write strong Lines, with swelling words,
VVhose Elegancy scarcely room affords
For sober sense; nor muster up their Names,
Whom History, and whom Tradition fames
For brav'st Atchievements, since time first begun,
And then say, you have all of them outgone;
As if my foolish words, might add unto
Your Honour, more than your own Deeds can do.
Or, as if any Wise-man would give creed
To what they in a flatring Poem reade.
VVhose Elegancy scarcely room affords
For sober sense; nor muster up their Names,
Whom History, and whom Tradition fames
For brav'st Atchievements, since time first begun,
And then say, you have all of them outgone;
As if my foolish words, might add unto
Your Honour, more than your own Deeds can do.
Or, as if any Wise-man would give creed
To what they in a flatring Poem reade.
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It is not in the pow'r of any other
By Pen or Tongue to clear up, or to smother
Your true Deserts; For, in your self that lies,
VVhich either them beclouds, or dignifies.
No other Thoughts I entertain of You,
But such as I may think, and you allow:
Yet, to extol your Worth I shall not dare,
Till I know truly what your Vertues are.
For, though to Flatrers all Kings seem to be
Of like desert, they seem not so to me.
I'le serve you faithfully in what I may,
And, as my King, love, honour and obey.
I would conceal, not publish your defects,
If I knew any; and give due respects
To all your Merits; but, I will not own
One Line that praises them, till they are known:
For, till I know, I give but what is due,
I am a Lyar, though my words be true;
Since equally, both good and evil things,
Are famed of the best of men, and Kings.
By Pen or Tongue to clear up, or to smother
Your true Deserts; For, in your self that lies,
VVhich either them beclouds, or dignifies.
No other Thoughts I entertain of You,
But such as I may think, and you allow:
Yet, to extol your Worth I shall not dare,
Till I know truly what your Vertues are.
For, though to Flatrers all Kings seem to be
Of like desert, they seem not so to me.
I'le serve you faithfully in what I may,
And, as my King, love, honour and obey.
I would conceal, not publish your defects,
If I knew any; and give due respects
To all your Merits; but, I will not own
One Line that praises them, till they are known:
For, till I know, I give but what is due,
I am a Lyar, though my words be true;
Since equally, both good and evil things,
Are famed of the best of men, and Kings.
A Stranger likewise, you have been long time
To most of your own Subjects in this Clime,
And, I was never where I did behold
Your face, since you were two or three years old:
VVhat Good soever therefore I aver
Of you, I shall but seem a Flatterer;
Yea, you your self would think so, should I add
Those Virtues, which you know you never had;
And, Praise, which is ascrib'd to any one
In that mode, is a little less than none.
But, little Credit also hath a Poet,
To celebrate your Worth, when he shall know it,
Or counterpoize, or silence Contradictions,
Since most esteem his Writings to be Fictions;
And you will be more honor'd, than in them,
By these blunt Lines, if they have your esteem.
I therefore, so shall study to increase
Your Honour, that I may not make it less;
And whatsoever I can say or do,
(Although you give a Countermand thereto)
I'le say, and do it; when I shall be sure
Your Life, or Peace, or Honour 'twill secure:
And, if this be a fault, I do intend
To be thus faulty, till my life shall end.
To most of your own Subjects in this Clime,
And, I was never where I did behold
Your face, since you were two or three years old:
VVhat Good soever therefore I aver
Of you, I shall but seem a Flatterer;
Yea, you your self would think so, should I add
Those Virtues, which you know you never had;
And, Praise, which is ascrib'd to any one
In that mode, is a little less than none.
But, little Credit also hath a Poet,
To celebrate your Worth, when he shall know it,
Or counterpoize, or silence Contradictions,
Since most esteem his Writings to be Fictions;
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By these blunt Lines, if they have your esteem.
I therefore, so shall study to increase
Your Honour, that I may not make it less;
And whatsoever I can say or do,
(Although you give a Countermand thereto)
I'le say, and do it; when I shall be sure
Your Life, or Peace, or Honour 'twill secure:
And, if this be a fault, I do intend
To be thus faulty, till my life shall end.
I know, most Royal Sir, who 'tis that saies,
To please great men, deserves not meanest praise:
I see how 'tis approv'd, and what they gain
Who can that thriving Faculty attain.
Yet, I shall wave their Art, and will assay
To do you honour in another way,
By giving you occasion to express
Your Justice, Mercy, and your Prudentness;
So that your self may make the world to see
Your Virtues more, than words can say they be.
To that end, much might in my case be shown:
But, rather for your sake, than for mine own
Is this Address; Yea, rather to prevent
What may be your harm, than my detriment;
Ile therefore wave that too; that no self-end
May frustrate what I chiefly do intend.
To please great men, deserves not meanest praise:
I see how 'tis approv'd, and what they gain
Who can that thriving Faculty attain.
Yet, I shall wave their Art, and will assay
To do you honour in another way,
By giving you occasion to express
Your Justice, Mercy, and your Prudentness;
So that your self may make the world to see
Your Virtues more, than words can say they be.
To that end, much might in my case be shown:
But, rather for your sake, than for mine own
Is this Address; Yea, rather to prevent
What may be your harm, than my detriment;
Ile therefore wave that too; that no self-end
May frustrate what I chiefly do intend.
Some, questionless, before your Restoration
Contributed for your Accommodation
In true sincerity; and some, no doubt,
Thereby to work their own Salvation out;
And many a one, perhaps, like Ziba speed,
VVho merited no better than he did.
Some other would have done as much as they,
But, neither had the means, nor knew the way;
And many, who against You then combin'd,
Are now, so truly of another mind,
That, you in them are safe: for, Love in such
Will much abound, who were forgiven much.
Contributed for your Accommodation
In true sincerity; and some, no doubt,
Thereby to work their own Salvation out;
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VVho merited no better than he did.
Some other would have done as much as they,
But, neither had the means, nor knew the way;
And many, who against You then combin'd,
Are now, so truly of another mind,
That, you in them are safe: for, Love in such
Will much abound, who were forgiven much.
I, who obeyed late preceding Pow'rs
Compulsively; now, willingly to yours
Profess Allegiance; and, as true as those
Will be, who of their Truth make fairest shows.
For, when I saw GOD on your side appear,
I was reclaim'd by Conscience, not by Fear;
Yea, I foresaw, and likewise did foretel
(To them who were in pow'r) what since befell;
Attending passively, what I expected,
By Providence divine would be effected:
And my professed Loyalty to you
Is not alone unquestionably true,
But also, may appear to be more free
From self-ends, than their Loyalty can be
In whom you most confide: For, they from Bands
Exempted are; have Honours, Goods and Lands,
Pensions or Offices, wherein you do
Protect them; and, they have your Favour too.
But, all these wholly are to me destroy'd,
And I by your Protection have enjoy'd
Nought, save a dying-life, a living-grave,
Or that, whereof so small esteem I have,
That, if my Work were done, and GOD would say
Amen, I would resign my Life this day.
Compulsively; now, willingly to yours
Profess Allegiance; and, as true as those
Will be, who of their Truth make fairest shows.
For, when I saw GOD on your side appear,
I was reclaim'd by Conscience, not by Fear;
Yea, I foresaw, and likewise did foretel
(To them who were in pow'r) what since befell;
Attending passively, what I expected,
By Providence divine would be effected:
And my professed Loyalty to you
Is not alone unquestionably true,
But also, may appear to be more free
From self-ends, than their Loyalty can be
In whom you most confide: For, they from Bands
Exempted are; have Honours, Goods and Lands,
Pensions or Offices, wherein you do
Protect them; and, they have your Favour too.
But, all these wholly are to me destroy'd,
And I by your Protection have enjoy'd
Nought, save a dying-life, a living-grave,
Or that, whereof so small esteem I have,
That, if my Work were done, and GOD would say
Amen, I would resign my Life this day.
Yet, so far am I from repining at
My Portion, or my seeming sad estate,
That, in this Posture I will serve as long,
As to endure it GOD shall make me strong;
Not doubting, but when all things come to proof,
My Suffrings will be much to my behoof:
Mean time, left otherwise, my good intent
To you, some causualty may prevent,
I will, so far forth as my Chain will stretch,
(And mine now shortned arm and hand will reach)
Exhibit such Expedients, as from Time,
And other Herbs, I've suckt within your Clime;
And, wanting better Gifts, will offer you
This little Cluster of those Grapes, which grew
Upon my wither'd Vine: For, though they are
But sowre, your Kingdom yeelds none wholsomer,
If you shall seasonably press out the Juice,
And then assume it without prejudice.
My Portion, or my seeming sad estate,
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As to endure it GOD shall make me strong;
Not doubting, but when all things come to proof,
My Suffrings will be much to my behoof:
Mean time, left otherwise, my good intent
To you, some causualty may prevent,
I will, so far forth as my Chain will stretch,
(And mine now shortned arm and hand will reach)
Exhibit such Expedients, as from Time,
And other Herbs, I've suckt within your Clime;
And, wanting better Gifts, will offer you
This little Cluster of those Grapes, which grew
Upon my wither'd Vine: For, though they are
But sowre, your Kingdom yeelds none wholsomer,
If you shall seasonably press out the Juice,
And then assume it without prejudice.
This Time is critical; The wayes be ruff,
And many of those Chariot-wheels fly off,
By which your Marches expedited seem'd,
And lost Advantages must be redeem'd,
Lest when you think that they are come to hand,
Your main Expectances be at a stand,
Or, put so far back, that you may survive
Your hopes, and your own happiness outlive.
I wish it otherwise; and know it may
Be as I wish, if you the means assay,
Not giving ear to those, who will withstand
Your Good, & that which GOD hath now in hand.
I have discharg'd my Conscience; and so shall,
VVhatever for so doing doth befall,
In hope that will not wholly be dispis'd,
Which now shall be in faithfulness advis'd.
And many of those Chariot-wheels fly off,
By which your Marches expedited seem'd,
And lost Advantages must be redeem'd,
Lest when you think that they are come to hand,
Your main Expectances be at a stand,
Or, put so far back, that you may survive
Your hopes, and your own happiness outlive.
I wish it otherwise; and know it may
Be as I wish, if you the means assay,
Not giving ear to those, who will withstand
Your Good, & that which GOD hath now in hand.
I have discharg'd my Conscience; and so shall,
VVhatever for so doing doth befall,
In hope that will not wholly be dispis'd,
Which now shall be in faithfulness advis'd.
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To those men do not over-much adhere,
Who think all Wisdom lies within their sphear;
For, Honours, Riches, and self-Interest
Have made wise-men as brutish as a Beast.
Heed otherwhile, what Common Fame doth say.
Aswel as what your Courtiers whisper may;
Lest you be ignorant of many things,
Whose cognizance is pertinent to Kings.
Make no man your chief Confident, but he
That's both discreet, and honest known to be;
Lest he deceives your trust, and in the close
Destroyes your old Friends, or begets new Foes.
Let Justice be your Scepter, let your Crown
Be Mercy; and, if you would keep your own,
Give that to others, which to them belongs,
And free the Poor and Fatherless from wrongs:
Especially, your main Endeavours bend
To make and keep your Sov'reign Lord your friend.
And if you would be setled on your Throne,
Take care that His usurped be by none.
Enjoy your Conscience, whatsoere it be;
So other men may have their Conscience free;
And, hang me for a Traitor, if thereby
You then enjoy not more Security,
Than what your Strength by Sea and Land now gives,
And all that humane Policy contrives.
Let Truth and Error fight it out together,
Whilst Civil Peace disturbed is by neither;
Which may be so provided for, that none
Shall justly be displeas'd with what is done;
Nor you hereafter be (for evermore)
Disturbed, as you have been heretofore.
Who think all Wisdom lies within their sphear;
For, Honours, Riches, and self-Interest
Have made wise-men as brutish as a Beast.
Heed otherwhile, what Common Fame doth say.
Aswel as what your Courtiers whisper may;
Lest you be ignorant of many things,
Whose cognizance is pertinent to Kings.
Make no man your chief Confident, but he
That's both discreet, and honest known to be;
Lest he deceives your trust, and in the close
Destroyes your old Friends, or begets new Foes.
Let Justice be your Scepter, let your Crown
Be Mercy; and, if you would keep your own,
Give that to others, which to them belongs,
And free the Poor and Fatherless from wrongs:
Especially, your main Endeavours bend
To make and keep your Sov'reign Lord your friend.
And if you would be setled on your Throne,
Take care that His usurped be by none.
Enjoy your Conscience, whatsoere it be;
So other men may have their Conscience free;
And, hang me for a Traitor, if thereby
You then enjoy not more Security,
Than what your Strength by Sea and Land now gives,
And all that humane Policy contrives.
Let Truth and Error fight it out together,
Whilst Civil Peace disturbed is by neither;
Which may be so provided for, that none
Shall justly be displeas'd with what is done;
Nor you hereafter be (for evermore)
Disturbed, as you have been heretofore.
If You neglect this, and I disobey,
Twill be with much grief, and no other way,
But only passively, and whatsoever
I suffer, will your Welfare still endeavour.
To be of this mind, thousands are believ'd,
VVho are not into favour yet receiv'd:
And whilst they are excluded (though in peace
They live) suspitions daily will encrease;
And from their Malice, who nor GOD, nor King,
Much care for, some ill consequence may spring,
By which You may have trouble, and they blame,
VVho shall be no way guilty of the same.
Twill be with much grief, and no other way,
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I suffer, will your Welfare still endeavour.
To be of this mind, thousands are believ'd,
VVho are not into favour yet receiv'd:
And whilst they are excluded (though in peace
They live) suspitions daily will encrease;
And from their Malice, who nor GOD, nor King,
Much care for, some ill consequence may spring,
By which You may have trouble, and they blame,
VVho shall be no way guilty of the same.
Your taking timely Opportunities
Now offred (and, of what before You lies)
May render You a blessed Instrument,
In making passage to that Government
VVhich Tyrants fear; more glorious make Your Throne
Than ever any King yet sate upon:
And make Your Name a terror to all those
VVho to that Kingdom shall continue Foes.
Herein I've spoke according to my creed,
Wishing my just hopes may thereon succeed;
And that upon Your heart it may work more,
Than what I've spoke to others heretofore.
Now offred (and, of what before You lies)
May render You a blessed Instrument,
In making passage to that Government
VVhich Tyrants fear; more glorious make Your Throne
Than ever any King yet sate upon:
And make Your Name a terror to all those
VVho to that Kingdom shall continue Foes.
Herein I've spoke according to my creed,
Wishing my just hopes may thereon succeed;
And that upon Your heart it may work more,
Than what I've spoke to others heretofore.
But GOD's time is at hand; within his pow'r
Are all mens ways; yea, both your hearts & our;
And I will patiently subject unto
VVhat either He or You shall please to do,
Not asking (whatsoere I seem to want)
Ought more, than you spontaneously shall grant:
For, what I may expect, if you denie,
So far as need shall be, GOD will supply.
Are all mens ways; yea, both your hearts & our;
And I will patiently subject unto
VVhat either He or You shall please to do,
Not asking (whatsoere I seem to want)
Ought more, than you spontaneously shall grant:
For, what I may expect, if you denie,
So far as need shall be, GOD will supply.
These words, when I was young, my Motto were,
I neither have, nor want, nor do I care:
So are they now I'm old; yea, somewhat more
Essentially than ever heretofore;
And thereof I will not abate one Letter,
Till GOD and You dirrect me to a better.
I neither have, nor want, nor do I care:
So are they now I'm old; yea, somewhat more
Essentially than ever heretofore;
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Till GOD and You dirrect me to a better.
The Liberty I covet to enjoy,
Is that which no man living can destroy.
The Wealth I aim at, is nor less, nor more,
But to be well contented, Rich or poor:
And, if I had a mind my Wits to strain,
That I to earthly Honours might attain,
I should to no such common heights aspire,
As now are objects of most mens desire;
Or, to a stile of so mean consequence,
As is an Earl, a Marquess, Duke or Prince;
Or, to be call'd your Cousin: For, no less
VVould satisfie my large Ambitiousness,
But so much worth, at least, as did commend
His Loyalty, whom David call'd his Friend,
And wit enough to make a parallel
Of ev'ry Traytor, with Achithophel.
For, then you should in very short time see,
That no man more deserves esteem'd to be
Your Majesties loyal Subject
Than, Geo. Wither.
Is that which no man living can destroy.
The Wealth I aim at, is nor less, nor more,
But to be well contented, Rich or poor:
And, if I had a mind my Wits to strain,
That I to earthly Honours might attain,
I should to no such common heights aspire,
As now are objects of most mens desire;
Or, to a stile of so mean consequence,
As is an Earl, a Marquess, Duke or Prince;
Or, to be call'd your Cousin: For, no less
VVould satisfie my large Ambitiousness,
But so much worth, at least, as did commend
His Loyalty, whom David call'd his Friend,
And wit enough to make a parallel
Of ev'ry Traytor, with Achithophel.
For, then you should in very short time see,
That no man more deserves esteem'd to be
Your Majesties loyal Subject
Than, Geo. Wither.
Newgate, Mar. 22. 1662.
FINIS.
| Miscellaneous works of George Wither | |