University of Virginia Library

The Introduction.

We read in profane and sacred Records
Of Beasts, that have utter'd Articulate Words;
When Magpies and Parrots cry, Walk, Knaves, walk,
It is a clear Proof that Birds too may talk.
And Statues without either Wind-pipes or Lungs
Have spoken as plainly as Men do with Tongues:
Livy tells a strange Story, can hardly be fellowed,
That a sacrific'd Ox when his Guts were out, bellow'd.
Phalaris had a Bull, which as grave Authors tell you,
Would roar like a Devil with a Man in his Belly.
Friar Bacon had a Head that spake, made of Brass;
And Balaam the Prophet was reprov'd by his Ass.
At Delphos and Rome, Stocks and Stones, now and then, Sirs,
Have to Questions return'd Articulate Answers.
All Popish Believers think something Divine,
When Images speak, possesseth the Shrine:
But they that Faith Catholick ne'er understood,
When Shrines give Answer, a Knaves on the Rood.
Those Idols ne'er spoke, but are Miracles done
By the Devil, a Priest, a Friar or a Nun.
If the Roman Church, good Christians, oblige ye
To believe Man and Beast have spoke in Effigie.
Why should we not credit the publick Discourses
In a Dialogue between two Inanimate Horses?
The Horses, I mean, of Wool Church and Charing,
Who told many Truths worth any Man's Hearing,
Since Viner and Osborne did buy, and provide 'em,
For the two Mighty Monarchs that now do bestride 'em.
The stately brass Stallion, and the white marble Steed,
One Night came together by all 'tis agreed:
When both Kings being weary of Sitting all Day,
Were stollen off Incognito each his own way.
And then the two Jades, after mutual Salutes,
Not only discours'd, but fell to Disputes.