 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
The Speech of the Wel-affected, to their perfidious-Trustees, dishonouring the Parliament, by deserting the same, or, by not acting cordially therein.
Stand
off, ye Traitors; that, me may not smutch
A Blameles-Member, whilst your faults we touch:
Stand further off, we say; lest, whilst we speak,
Some Foolish-fellow may our words mistake;
And, think; we have a purposed intent
To lay aspersions on the Parliament.
Stand, yet a little further, from among them;
That, every man may see we would not wrong them,
But, rather, do them honour by assayng
To helpe prevent their scandall and betraying,
By making, ev'ry wronged Subject know
From whom, their troubles, and oppressions flow.
A Blameles-Member, whilst your faults we touch:
Stand further off, we say; lest, whilst we speak,
Some Foolish-fellow may our words mistake;
And, think; we have a purposed intent
To lay aspersions on the Parliament.
Stand, yet a little further, from among them;
That, every man may see we would not wrong them,
But, rather, do them honour by assayng
To helpe prevent their scandall and betraying,
By making, ev'ry wronged Subject know
From whom, their troubles, and oppressions flow.
So; being singled out, as you are, now,
None, but a Brainlesse-Foole, or, some of You,
Can be so impudent, as to apply
Our Checks, to that High-Courts indignity;
Or, seem displeas'd, because, our minds we say
As fearlesly, as honest Freemen may;
Since, we presume no further, then to do,
That, which necessity compels us to;
And, that, which being longer time delayd,
May come too late; and, quite in vain, be said.
None, but a Brainlesse-Foole, or, some of You,
Can be so impudent, as to apply
Our Checks, to that High-Courts indignity;
Or, seem displeas'd, because, our minds we say
As fearlesly, as honest Freemen may;
Since, we presume no further, then to do,
That, which necessity compels us to;
And, that, which being longer time delayd,
May come too late; and, quite in vain, be said.
When first this Parliament conveen'd together,
Who cal'd for such as you? How came you hither?
Confesse the truth; are not you some of those,
Who made the Burgers drunk, when you were chose?
Or, bribed them, with hopes, that, when you dye,
You would bequeath their Towne a Legacie?
Or, be, at least, so neighbourly unto them,
As none of those discourtesies to do them,
Which, must, undoubtedly, have been expected,
If, they your profer'd service, had neglected?
Who cal'd for such as you? How came you hither?
Confesse the truth; are not you some of those,
Who made the Burgers drunk, when you were chose?
Or, bribed them, with hopes, that, when you dye,
You would bequeath their Towne a Legacie?
Or, be, at least, so neighbourly unto them,
As none of those discourtesies to do them,
Which, must, undoubtedly, have been expected,
If, they your profer'd service, had neglected?
Though now you look upon us, as if we
Your Vassals, and your slaves, e're long should be;
Are not you some of those, who came, and went
And spake, and wrote, and su'd for our consent?
Were not you they, who trotted up and down,
To every Inne, and Alehouse in the Town,
To gain a Voice? Did not you, for your ends,
Crouch to your equals; importune your Friends;
Court your Inferiors; scrape acquaintance, with
Meer Strangers; Feast, the Cobler, and the Smith?
Nay more; upon the drunken Tapster fawne,
And, leave your word and promises in pawne
With Chamberlaines, and Hostlers, that, they might
Be Factors for you, being out of sight;
To move the Customers, who had a Voice,
To make you Objects, of their servile choice?
Sure, you are some of them, although we see,
A Metamorphosis in you to be,
Which puts great distances, 'twixt what you are,
And, what, but some few years agoe, you were:
For, we, that were your equals, or your betters,
Are, to your courtesie, no common debters,
If you will condescend, to let us know,
We do not out of your acquaintance grow;
Which we shall hazard, too, unlesse we seem
To have your wisdome in most high esteem;
And in your sayings, doubtlesly, confide;
Although, you know, we know, your Worships li'd.
Your Vassals, and your slaves, e're long should be;
Are not you some of those, who came, and went
And spake, and wrote, and su'd for our consent?
Were not you they, who trotted up and down,
To every Inne, and Alehouse in the Town,
To gain a Voice? Did not you, for your ends,
Crouch to your equals; importune your Friends;
Court your Inferiors; scrape acquaintance, with
Meer Strangers; Feast, the Cobler, and the Smith?
Nay more; upon the drunken Tapster fawne,
And, leave your word and promises in pawne
With Chamberlaines, and Hostlers, that, they might
Be Factors for you, being out of sight;
15
To make you Objects, of their servile choice?
Sure, you are some of them, although we see,
A Metamorphosis in you to be,
Which puts great distances, 'twixt what you are,
And, what, but some few years agoe, you were:
For, we, that were your equals, or your betters,
Are, to your courtesie, no common debters,
If you will condescend, to let us know,
We do not out of your acquaintance grow;
Which we shall hazard, too, unlesse we seem
To have your wisdome in most high esteem;
And in your sayings, doubtlesly, confide;
Although, you know, we know, your Worships li'd.
When, first, your Fellowes left us, you, are they
Who, having not the grace to run away,
Abode behind, to see that service done,
Which, had been mist, if all the Knaves had gone.
For, (give the Devill his due) had you not staid,
Our Counsels, and our Cause to have betrayd,
This Warre, whose date, as yet, we do not know,
Had quite been ended, nigh four years ago:
Which, whilst such Vipers, we, among us, cherish,
Will have no end, till You, or VVe, shall perish.
Heare, therefore, now, a sober word or twain,
Lest, you repent your wilfulnesse, in vain.
Stop your Career, before it be at height,
And, face about, ye Madmen, to the right.
We wish not your destruction or your shame,
Nor, take we pleasure to divulge your blame,
Though you maligne our weal: Take therefore, heed
To what we say; and, wherein you proceed.
Be not so overdaring in your sin;
Let, such your pay be, as your work hath bin.
Or, lest, you rowle your selves, if you persever,
Down to that pit, whence no man can deliver.
For, though you think your walkings are conceal'd;
Your secret paths and courses be reveald.
Your private Aymes, your Avarice, your Pride,
Your fraud, and double-dealings are espide;
And, we perceive the guildings, and the paint,
Wherewith, your cursed Projects you be-saint.
Who, having not the grace to run away,
Abode behind, to see that service done,
Which, had been mist, if all the Knaves had gone.
For, (give the Devill his due) had you not staid,
Our Counsels, and our Cause to have betrayd,
This Warre, whose date, as yet, we do not know,
Had quite been ended, nigh four years ago:
Which, whilst such Vipers, we, among us, cherish,
Will have no end, till You, or VVe, shall perish.
Heare, therefore, now, a sober word or twain,
Lest, you repent your wilfulnesse, in vain.
Stop your Career, before it be at height,
And, face about, ye Madmen, to the right.
We wish not your destruction or your shame,
Nor, take we pleasure to divulge your blame,
Though you maligne our weal: Take therefore, heed
To what we say; and, wherein you proceed.
Be not so overdaring in your sin;
Let, such your pay be, as your work hath bin.
Or, lest, you rowle your selves, if you persever,
Down to that pit, whence no man can deliver.
For, though you think your walkings are conceal'd;
Your secret paths and courses be reveald.
Your private Aymes, your Avarice, your Pride,
Your fraud, and double-dealings are espide;
And, we perceive the guildings, and the paint,
Wherewith, your cursed Projects you be-saint.
Though some of you, your selves have falsly nam'd
The Godly; and some other of you sham'd
The Honest-partie, by pretending to
What, you had never, yet, the thought to do,
Your grand Hypocrisie, the people notes,
Both in your Vowes, and selfe-denying-Votes;
And how you cheat, delude us, and oppresse
With mock-showes, of dissembled Holinesse.
They mark, how you perform your Declarations;
Your Orders, Covenants, and Protestations;
And, when your turnes are served, with what pride,
You cast your Promises, and Friends aside.
The Godly; and some other of you sham'd
The Honest-partie, by pretending to
What, you had never, yet, the thought to do,
Your grand Hypocrisie, the people notes,
Both in your Vowes, and selfe-denying-Votes;
And how you cheat, delude us, and oppresse
With mock-showes, of dissembled Holinesse.
They mark, how you perform your Declarations;
Your Orders, Covenants, and Protestations;
And, when your turnes are served, with what pride,
You cast your Promises, and Friends aside.
They have observed, what Designes you drive;
Whose game you play; whose profit, you contrive;
How, though with with faces toward us you row,
Quite from us, your intentions are to go:
And, by the preparations, for the Scœne,
We finde what, you to put in action mean.
It is observ'd, how, some of you desire
'Twixt us and Scotland to renew the fire;
And, how you wish occasions may be given,
That, they by force of Arms might hence be driven,
Whom you invited in: As if, God tooke
No notice, when your Covenant were broke
In wishes and desires, whilst you are free
From breaches of your Faith that actuall be:
Whereas, in vain an outward Truth, you shew;
Unlesse, the purpose of the heart be true.
Whose game you play; whose profit, you contrive;
How, though with with faces toward us you row,
Quite from us, your intentions are to go:
And, by the preparations, for the Scœne,
We finde what, you to put in action mean.
It is observ'd, how, some of you desire
'Twixt us and Scotland to renew the fire;
And, how you wish occasions may be given,
That, they by force of Arms might hence be driven,
Whom you invited in: As if, God tooke
No notice, when your Covenant were broke
In wishes and desires, whilst you are free
From breaches of your Faith that actuall be:
Whereas, in vain an outward Truth, you shew;
Unlesse, the purpose of the heart be true.
They have observ'd, how, some of you, as wide
From Moderation, on the other side,
Have by pretending fairly with the Scot,
Endeavor'd how those plagues may be begot,
Which in appearance, you would fain prevent;
And, how, you sow the seeds of discontent.
You work upon the weakest of both Nations,
By secret ties, or open Aggravations
Of those discouragements, which they have had;
Or, of those failings, which by them were made,
By those Decoyes, which best can use the wing,
The foolish Ducks into your snares ye bring;
And, whatsoever way your Grandees go,
Your Party takes, like Wild-geese, in a row.
It is observ'd what mischiefes you intend,
By seeming friendlie, where you are no Friend;
By slandring of their Pietie and Zeale,
Whose valour, hath preserv'd the Common-weal;
And, by contriving, and dispersing lies,
To breed distrusts and softer Jealousies.
Apparent are, your Projects on the City;
Your Arbitrarie straines, in each Committee.
To worke the people into discontent,
And bring an Odium on the Parliament.
'Tis seen, how, needlesly, you oft protract
By long delayes, what, you with speed, might act.
'Tis seen, how, to accommodate each other,
Ev'n you that are at odds, can joyn together
Against the publike, and exchange as friends,
Your curtesies, to further private ends.
How, in Petitions, you confound and cumber
Your selves, and us, by taking without number,
Or order, Causes in; and, heeding neither
Right wrong or method, shuffle all together
Into a Chaos; where, we find our grief,
Increased, by endeavouring for relief.
And, otherwhile, your malice doth make void
Those Orders, too, whereby might be injoy'd
The Parliaments intentions, to relieve
Those, whom the Foe, or, our own Party grieve;
And, by pretending justice, dares abuse
The justice, and the wisdome of the House.
For, when their order shall concern the right
Of any man, to whom you bear a spight,
'iTs but an Order (sleighting it) you say,
Got from the House upon some busie day,
Without Commitment, or Report thereon,
As if, all right were at Committees done:
Or, as if you impli'd, that, times there are,
Or, opportunities, (if watch'd they were)
In which, your Houses well considered not,
VVhat we petitioned, or what they vote:
Whereas, indeed, there's nothing done amisse
In Parliament, but that which granted is
On those Reports, which false Committees make:
For, every man almost, doth notice take,
How, they are managed; how, they are made,
By those, who are Crafts-Masters in the trade:
How, they are brought to meet, or keep away,
As, this, or that man, it advantage may:
And, how, when their debates are at an end,
You can, when up Reports are drawn and pen'd,
Insert a sentence, word, or circumstance
VVhich may' the Cause mar, hinder, or advance
As you shall please: And, by this cunning way,
The Parliament, to scandalls you betray,
VVhen manifold affairs compell them to
Commit some, to such hypocrites you.
From Moderation, on the other side,
Have by pretending fairly with the Scot,
Endeavor'd how those plagues may be begot,
Which in appearance, you would fain prevent;
And, how, you sow the seeds of discontent.
You work upon the weakest of both Nations,
By secret ties, or open Aggravations
Of those discouragements, which they have had;
Or, of those failings, which by them were made,
By those Decoyes, which best can use the wing,
The foolish Ducks into your snares ye bring;
And, whatsoever way your Grandees go,
Your Party takes, like Wild-geese, in a row.
It is observ'd what mischiefes you intend,
By seeming friendlie, where you are no Friend;
By slandring of their Pietie and Zeale,
Whose valour, hath preserv'd the Common-weal;
And, by contriving, and dispersing lies,
To breed distrusts and softer Jealousies.
Apparent are, your Projects on the City;
Your Arbitrarie straines, in each Committee.
16
And bring an Odium on the Parliament.
'Tis seen, how, needlesly, you oft protract
By long delayes, what, you with speed, might act.
'Tis seen, how, to accommodate each other,
Ev'n you that are at odds, can joyn together
Against the publike, and exchange as friends,
Your curtesies, to further private ends.
How, in Petitions, you confound and cumber
Your selves, and us, by taking without number,
Or order, Causes in; and, heeding neither
Right wrong or method, shuffle all together
Into a Chaos; where, we find our grief,
Increased, by endeavouring for relief.
And, otherwhile, your malice doth make void
Those Orders, too, whereby might be injoy'd
The Parliaments intentions, to relieve
Those, whom the Foe, or, our own Party grieve;
And, by pretending justice, dares abuse
The justice, and the wisdome of the House.
For, when their order shall concern the right
Of any man, to whom you bear a spight,
'iTs but an Order (sleighting it) you say,
Got from the House upon some busie day,
Without Commitment, or Report thereon,
As if, all right were at Committees done:
Or, as if you impli'd, that, times there are,
Or, opportunities, (if watch'd they were)
In which, your Houses well considered not,
VVhat we petitioned, or what they vote:
Whereas, indeed, there's nothing done amisse
In Parliament, but that which granted is
On those Reports, which false Committees make:
For, every man almost, doth notice take,
How, they are managed; how, they are made,
By those, who are Crafts-Masters in the trade:
How, they are brought to meet, or keep away,
As, this, or that man, it advantage may:
And, how, when their debates are at an end,
You can, when up Reports are drawn and pen'd,
Insert a sentence, word, or circumstance
VVhich may' the Cause mar, hinder, or advance
As you shall please: And, by this cunning way,
The Parliament, to scandalls you betray,
VVhen manifold affairs compell them to
Commit some, to such hypocrites you.
VVe likewise more then jealousies have had
That some of you, have Agents here been made,
For Royalists: And, that, you had at Court,
Your Factors, and your Leagers to report
Your services, for them performed here;
And, to the King, your persons to endear.
We hear, whose peace was made; who also made it,
VVith what respect, and on what terms he had it;
VVho did his lodging at the Court provide;
And guesse we do, why here he doth abide.
VVe could declare, which of you had intentions
To fly to Oxford, and, by what preventions
You stayed, when you purposed to have went,
VVe know who raised horse; who, money sent;
And who did other services which you
Are loath to heare of, least we prove them true.
For, of such things, you guilty know other;
In private, you discourse of them together;
And, hear them spoken of from day to day,
Yet question not the speakers; nor give way
To those that would; except, it may be, there,
VVhere, you who are accus'd permitted are
To hear, examine, and debate the cause,
Contrary both to conscience, and the Laws:
That some of you, have Agents here been made,
For Royalists: And, that, you had at Court,
Your Factors, and your Leagers to report
Your services, for them performed here;
And, to the King, your persons to endear.
We hear, whose peace was made; who also made it,
VVith what respect, and on what terms he had it;
VVho did his lodging at the Court provide;
And guesse we do, why here he doth abide.
VVe could declare, which of you had intentions
To fly to Oxford, and, by what preventions
You stayed, when you purposed to have went,
VVe know who raised horse; who, money sent;
And who did other services which you
Are loath to heare of, least we prove them true.
For, of such things, you guilty know other;
In private, you discourse of them together;
And, hear them spoken of from day to day,
Yet question not the speakers; nor give way
To those that would; except, it may be, there,
VVhere, you who are accus'd permitted are
To hear, examine, and debate the cause,
Contrary both to conscience, and the Laws:
By which means, some have traitors been so long,
That, now, to question them, it seems a wrong,
Because, they were not question'd heretofore;
As if that 'took off guilt, which makes it more;
Or, as if 'twere a clearing men from sin,
To let them live unquestioned, long, therein.
But, doubtlesse, if the blood of one man spilt
Ten years ago, makes nothing lesse his guilt,
Who did the murther; we no reason see
How, they, who traytors, to the publike bee,
Excusable, or innocent should grow,
By having many years continued so;
And, who by scaping their just doome, so long,
Encrease our private, and the publike wrong.
That, now, to question them, it seems a wrong,
Because, they were not question'd heretofore;
As if that 'took off guilt, which makes it more;
Or, as if 'twere a clearing men from sin,
To let them live unquestioned, long, therein.
But, doubtlesse, if the blood of one man spilt
Ten years ago, makes nothing lesse his guilt,
Who did the murther; we no reason see
How, they, who traytors, to the publike bee,
Excusable, or innocent should grow,
By having many years continued so;
And, who by scaping their just doome, so long,
Encrease our private, and the publike wrong.
Can ever we have hope, that such as you,
VVill to the Common-Liberties be true;
VVho, to infringe our Freedoms did begin
Ere into Trust, you had admitted bin?
And screwed your selves into it by those wayes,
Which neither are our profit, nor your praise?
You thought it not enough, that, you had got,
(By practises, which Law alloweth not)
Your selves, made Members of this Parliament;
But, also, for the better settlement,
Of your Designes; you seek to bring in those
Who in your purposes with you may close:
And, to that end, intrude upon the right,
Of other men, with all your wits and might.
You ride, and send; you promise and intreat;
Feast some; speake others faire; some others threat;
And, many other diligences use,
The soon deceived people to abuse;
That, you may draw them to confer their Voices,
On men, who are not their, but your own choices.
From which high impudence, and bold intrusion,
We make this undeniable conclusion;
That, now, the ordring of the Common-Cause,
Our Liberties, Lives, Liveli-hoods, and Lawes,
Is in the power of many, who were chose
Not, by our Countries friends; but by her Foes;
And, such as had nor wit, nor care to know,
On whom, the Publike-trust, they did bestow.
And, if in this proceeding you go on,
What can we hope will follow thereupon?
But, that, if long this Parliament should sit,
Your Members, still, new-members would beget
On ev'ry Corporation, Shire, and Towne,
Till they had made their Members so their own,
That, our free choise were generally lost,
As at this present day it is almost.
VVill to the Common-Liberties be true;
VVho, to infringe our Freedoms did begin
Ere into Trust, you had admitted bin?
And screwed your selves into it by those wayes,
Which neither are our profit, nor your praise?
You thought it not enough, that, you had got,
(By practises, which Law alloweth not)
17
But, also, for the better settlement,
Of your Designes; you seek to bring in those
Who in your purposes with you may close:
And, to that end, intrude upon the right,
Of other men, with all your wits and might.
You ride, and send; you promise and intreat;
Feast some; speake others faire; some others threat;
And, many other diligences use,
The soon deceived people to abuse;
That, you may draw them to confer their Voices,
On men, who are not their, but your own choices.
From which high impudence, and bold intrusion,
We make this undeniable conclusion;
That, now, the ordring of the Common-Cause,
Our Liberties, Lives, Liveli-hoods, and Lawes,
Is in the power of many, who were chose
Not, by our Countries friends; but by her Foes;
And, such as had nor wit, nor care to know,
On whom, the Publike-trust, they did bestow.
And, if in this proceeding you go on,
What can we hope will follow thereupon?
But, that, if long this Parliament should sit,
Your Members, still, new-members would beget
On ev'ry Corporation, Shire, and Towne,
Till they had made their Members so their own,
That, our free choise were generally lost,
As at this present day it is almost.
For, on the VVrits injuriously you seize;
You put them back or forward as you please;
And, whereas, if they had come forth together,
And, been within some little time sent thither
Where choise was to be made; more satisfaction,
It would have given us; and drown'd that Faction
Whose manifold corruptions made you doubt
Those new Elected-ones, would purge them out:
But you contriv'd it so, that they must come,
By one and one, or else by some and some,
That they the better may be prepossest
(Before they know the publike-Interest)
By you to your advantage; who intend
By making show, of a Religious end,
And holding up two Factions to abide
The safer; till, you better can provide.
You put them back or forward as you please;
And, whereas, if they had come forth together,
And, been within some little time sent thither
Where choise was to be made; more satisfaction,
It would have given us; and drown'd that Faction
Whose manifold corruptions made you doubt
Those new Elected-ones, would purge them out:
But you contriv'd it so, that they must come,
By one and one, or else by some and some,
That they the better may be prepossest
(Before they know the publike-Interest)
By you to your advantage; who intend
By making show, of a Religious end,
And holding up two Factions to abide
The safer; till, you better can provide.
And, you are they, who when you in are taken,
Had rather three whole Kingdoms should be shaken
Then your least Priviledge dispens'd withall,
What reasonable barre soe're befall.
No men are halfe so zealous in that cause
As you, by whom our liberties and Lawes
Are most infring'd. Oh! how you, ride and run
And plot, when Informations are begun
Against a Member! Be it right, or wrong,
How you consult together! how, you throng,
To that Committee, whither they are brought!
How speedily exceptions, forth are sought
Against th'informers? what severity
Are they examin'd with? how partially
Are proofes considered? how slur'd and sleighted!
How, are the persons wronged and despighted?
How, inhumanly, are they, oft reviled?
How, of their Liberties are they dispoiled?
How are they scandall'd by false imputations,
Of base Conspiracies, and subornations?
How frequently are spread, to their disgrace
(By men of seeming gravity, and place)
Injurious rumors? which ev'n they who speak them,
Know to be false; because, they first did make them?
Had rather three whole Kingdoms should be shaken
Then your least Priviledge dispens'd withall,
What reasonable barre soe're befall.
No men are halfe so zealous in that cause
As you, by whom our liberties and Lawes
Are most infring'd. Oh! how you, ride and run
And plot, when Informations are begun
Against a Member! Be it right, or wrong,
How you consult together! how, you throng,
To that Committee, whither they are brought!
How speedily exceptions, forth are sought
Against th'informers? what severity
Are they examin'd with? how partially
Are proofes considered? how slur'd and sleighted!
How, are the persons wronged and despighted?
How, inhumanly, are they, oft reviled?
How, of their Liberties are they dispoiled?
How are they scandall'd by false imputations,
Of base Conspiracies, and subornations?
How frequently are spread, to their disgrace
(By men of seeming gravity, and place)
Injurious rumors? which ev'n they who speak them,
Know to be false; because, they first did make them?
Thus you have used us; and, drawn in some
Your partners, in injustice, to become,
Because they thought you good, and, us as bad
As by your fly deportments, we were made:
And, by these practises, with many moe,
(VVhich, we by dear experience, come to know)
You have almost improved them so far,
That, men may be as wicked as you are
VVithout reproofe: Because, but few or none
Dare, now, to speake, of what you have misdone.
Your partners, in injustice, to become,
Because they thought you good, and, us as bad
As by your fly deportments, we were made:
And, by these practises, with many moe,
(VVhich, we by dear experience, come to know)
You have almost improved them so far,
That, men may be as wicked as you are
VVithout reproofe: Because, but few or none
Dare, now, to speake, of what you have misdone.
These things, with wrath, and scorn, the people heed;
And, how in other matters you proceed,
To that High-Courts dishonour, which, in show,
You seem to serve, but, seek to overthrow.
They notice take, with whom you do comply;
VVhat Stars and Compasse you have steared by;
For whom, you oftnest at Committees are;
Against what Persons, you do most appear;
VVhat great Rewards, and Titles you propose
To pay a debt, which King nor Kingdome owes;
How, you accompt; and, what Accompts you take
VVhom you displace; whom Officers you make;
On whom the richest places you confer;
How, to your selves, Delinquents you endeare;
And, how you vexe them, with affronts and braves,
Who, have preserved you from being slaves.
And, how in other matters you proceed,
To that High-Courts dishonour, which, in show,
You seem to serve, but, seek to overthrow.
They notice take, with whom you do comply;
VVhat Stars and Compasse you have steared by;
For whom, you oftnest at Committees are;
Against what Persons, you do most appear;
VVhat great Rewards, and Titles you propose
To pay a debt, which King nor Kingdome owes;
How, you accompt; and, what Accompts you take
VVhom you displace; whom Officers you make;
On whom the richest places you confer;
How, to your selves, Delinquents you endeare;
18
Who, have preserved you from being slaves.
The People, your indulgence, likewise, marks
To your dependents, and malignant Clarks;
To what a height of pride, and wealth they clime
By serving the corruptions, of the time;
To what a vastnesse their estates are growne,
By that, which hath the publike, overthrowne;
What Priviledges, are by some, enjoy'd,
Whilst they who suffred for them, are destroyd;
Whilst they are sleighted, and without regard,
Whose better service, merits best reward;
Whose Bountie, hath enabled you to give;
Whose valour, was the means, by which you live;
And, by whose perseverance, you possesse
The hopes of all your earthly happinesse.
For, 'tis by them, whose blood you cast away
That, you have bread and rayment, at this day;
And, that within your Parlers, you may sit
Of all your braveries, unplunder'd, yet,
Whilest your Deliverers are like to sterve,
Through want of what you wast, and they deserve.
It is from you, whence all these mischiefes come,
Which, to this Nation, are so troublesome.
The Priviledges upon you bestowne
For publike ends, are used for your owne.
The Duties, which have been injoyn'd unto us,
Are made, by you, but engines to undo us,
Or, to betray us, to the spight of those,
Whom, for the publike safety, we oppose.
The Power, which we to save our Freedomes, gave,
You have imployed, Freemen to inslave;
And, would, should others act as you have done,
Set many Tyrants up, instead of one.
To your dependents, and malignant Clarks;
To what a height of pride, and wealth they clime
By serving the corruptions, of the time;
To what a vastnesse their estates are growne,
By that, which hath the publike, overthrowne;
What Priviledges, are by some, enjoy'd,
Whilst they who suffred for them, are destroyd;
Whilst they are sleighted, and without regard,
Whose better service, merits best reward;
Whose Bountie, hath enabled you to give;
Whose valour, was the means, by which you live;
And, by whose perseverance, you possesse
The hopes of all your earthly happinesse.
For, 'tis by them, whose blood you cast away
That, you have bread and rayment, at this day;
And, that within your Parlers, you may sit
Of all your braveries, unplunder'd, yet,
Whilest your Deliverers are like to sterve,
Through want of what you wast, and they deserve.
It is from you, whence all these mischiefes come,
Which, to this Nation, are so troublesome.
The Priviledges upon you bestowne
For publike ends, are used for your owne.
The Duties, which have been injoyn'd unto us,
Are made, by you, but engines to undo us,
Or, to betray us, to the spight of those,
Whom, for the publike safety, we oppose.
The Power, which we to save our Freedomes, gave,
You have imployed, Freemen to inslave;
And, would, should others act as you have done,
Set many Tyrants up, instead of one.
But, You, and Hee, whose wilfull ignorance,
Of our just Rights, hath made him follow France
In his Designes; and, hope in imitation,
Of that French-Tyrant, who inslav'd his Nation,
To bring our English-necks to that base Yoke;
Ev'n You and Hee, shall know you much mistooke;
And, that, if too sharpe curbs, our courses check,
We, shall go neer to break the Riders neck.
Of our just Rights, hath made him follow France
In his Designes; and, hope in imitation,
Of that French-Tyrant, who inslav'd his Nation,
To bring our English-necks to that base Yoke;
Ev'n You and Hee, shall know you much mistooke;
And, that, if too sharpe curbs, our courses check,
We, shall go neer to break the Riders neck.
Our Nation much can bear; and, now and than
Brook somewhat more, then at all times it can;
But, tread not on us: For, you will not find,
In English-Yeomen, your French-Peasants mind.
Our Citizens, have served to be free;
So born our Nobles, and our Gentry be:
And, though French-Spaniels fawne, when they are beat
Our true-bred English-Mastives, scorne it, yet.
Brook somewhat more, then at all times it can;
But, tread not on us: For, you will not find,
In English-Yeomen, your French-Peasants mind.
Our Citizens, have served to be free;
So born our Nobles, and our Gentry be:
And, though French-Spaniels fawne, when they are beat
Our true-bred English-Mastives, scorne it, yet.
We hated Tyrannie, though in the King;
And, will not brook, in you, the selfe-same thing
Presume; not, therefore, to provoke too far,
Abused patience, lest, deceiv'd you are.
By Iustice, and by Kindnesse, you may take us;
But, e'er by force, you bend us, you will break us.
To keep us Freemen, we have you elected;
Our rights we claime; and, more is not expected
Nay, so far are we from desiring more,
That, we, will, freely, back again restore
What e're you give us, if it shall be known
You give us any more then is our own.
It is not our desire, that, for our sake,
You, ought that is the Kings, from him should take
Or any Trust of our, but, what abused
By him hath been; or, what may be misused,
Both to his harme and our: nor are we bent
Either to keep, or change the Government,
But, as God pleaseth, and shall move the Nations
To do, hereafter upon just occasions;
And, as it seemes expedient: For, we see
Things-lawfull, inexpedient, sometime, be;
Especially, when we shall snatch at them,
Before they either have stood out their time,
Or, we are fitted for them: This, rash course,
Instead of mending; maketh matters worse:
And, therefore, till, God, plainer shall disclose
Those purposes of his, which no man knowes;
We seriously, endeavour, and desire,
Our King, unto his people, should retire;
And, by Repenting, burnish up that Crowne,
Which, for our sinnes and his is rustie grown.
For, though our Cause be better; yet, since we
Are in our selves, as blameable as he;
And, unto God-ward, in Offences even;
We could as well forgive, as be forgiven.
And, will not brook, in you, the selfe-same thing
Presume; not, therefore, to provoke too far,
Abused patience, lest, deceiv'd you are.
By Iustice, and by Kindnesse, you may take us;
But, e'er by force, you bend us, you will break us.
To keep us Freemen, we have you elected;
Our rights we claime; and, more is not expected
Nay, so far are we from desiring more,
That, we, will, freely, back again restore
What e're you give us, if it shall be known
You give us any more then is our own.
It is not our desire, that, for our sake,
You, ought that is the Kings, from him should take
Or any Trust of our, but, what abused
By him hath been; or, what may be misused,
Both to his harme and our: nor are we bent
Either to keep, or change the Government,
But, as God pleaseth, and shall move the Nations
To do, hereafter upon just occasions;
And, as it seemes expedient: For, we see
Things-lawfull, inexpedient, sometime, be;
Especially, when we shall snatch at them,
Before they either have stood out their time,
Or, we are fitted for them: This, rash course,
Instead of mending; maketh matters worse:
And, therefore, till, God, plainer shall disclose
Those purposes of his, which no man knowes;
We seriously, endeavour, and desire,
Our King, unto his people, should retire;
And, by Repenting, burnish up that Crowne,
Which, for our sinnes and his is rustie grown.
For, though our Cause be better; yet, since we
Are in our selves, as blameable as he;
And, unto God-ward, in Offences even;
We could as well forgive, as be forgiven.
But, in this point, your hearts are not upright
Yea, and among your selves, you differ quite;
For, some of you, mistaking the intent,
And, loyall purpose of the Parliament,
(Who leaves no means untride, whereby, it may
Reduce the King unto the regall-way,)
Have, out of Policy and (and, hope of that
Which we were ever, far from ayming at)
Appear'd desirous to contrive it so,
That, he, and we might more asunder go,
Untill our differences might increase
Into impossibilities of Peace.
Yea, and among your selves, you differ quite;
For, some of you, mistaking the intent,
And, loyall purpose of the Parliament,
(Who leaves no means untride, whereby, it may
Reduce the King unto the regall-way,)
19
Which we were ever, far from ayming at)
Appear'd desirous to contrive it so,
That, he, and we might more asunder go,
Untill our differences might increase
Into impossibilities of Peace.
Some other of you, to the King adhere,
Not out of loyalty, but, out of fear,
To whether side, you may most safely go,
To save your selves; still, staggring, to and fro,
Inconstantly, from th'one, to th'other side,
According to the Current of the Tide;
Not caring, whether Partie thriveth best,
But, as it may advance your interest.
And, this, hath made you otherwhile, assay
How, you might either Him, or Vs betray.
Whereas, if you were faithfull to that end,
Which, outwardly, to favour you pretend;
And, in the means, with patience, would await
Gods leisure, without wav'ring, or deceit;
(Endeavouring, as we have truly done,
That, Hee, and We might meet againe in one)
God, who, at pleasure, turnes the hearts of Kings,
And, light, out of the greatest darknesse, brings;
Might make this Breach, a means, perhaps, become,
To knit a True-Love-knot through Christendome;
Occasion give, to make this King endeavour
To banish Tyrannie, from hence, for ever;
And, be the first of Kings, who, truly, shall
Lay down his Crowne, his Dignitie, and all
At Christ his feet; and, take them up again,
To act his will; and by his Law to raigne.
Not out of loyalty, but, out of fear,
To whether side, you may most safely go,
To save your selves; still, staggring, to and fro,
Inconstantly, from th'one, to th'other side,
According to the Current of the Tide;
Not caring, whether Partie thriveth best,
But, as it may advance your interest.
And, this, hath made you otherwhile, assay
How, you might either Him, or Vs betray.
Whereas, if you were faithfull to that end,
Which, outwardly, to favour you pretend;
And, in the means, with patience, would await
Gods leisure, without wav'ring, or deceit;
(Endeavouring, as we have truly done,
That, Hee, and We might meet againe in one)
God, who, at pleasure, turnes the hearts of Kings,
And, light, out of the greatest darknesse, brings;
Might make this Breach, a means, perhaps, become,
To knit a True-Love-knot through Christendome;
Occasion give, to make this King endeavour
To banish Tyrannie, from hence, for ever;
And, be the first of Kings, who, truly, shall
Lay down his Crowne, his Dignitie, and all
At Christ his feet; and, take them up again,
To act his will; and by his Law to raigne.
For, though the Kings late failings do exceed,
And, though God, peradventure, hath decreed,
To cast both him and His, down from the Throne,
Or, do to him, as justly he hath done
To many Kings and Tyrants; yet, this Nation
Hath hitherto, receiv'd no Revelation
Of such a purpose; nor command, that they
Should cast him, of their own accord, away.
And, therefore, very wisely doth our State
Gods own proceedings seek to imitate,
In prosecuting him, and his offences,
As, God doth us, in our impenitences:
That, if the King, still frowardly go on,
He, by own Designes, may be undone,
And, God himselfe remove him: So, shall we
Of our own suffrings, no avengers be,
Ought further, then good conscience, and our lawes,
May justifie our progresse in the Cause.
And, though God, peradventure, hath decreed,
To cast both him and His, down from the Throne,
Or, do to him, as justly he hath done
To many Kings and Tyrants; yet, this Nation
Hath hitherto, receiv'd no Revelation
Of such a purpose; nor command, that they
Should cast him, of their own accord, away.
And, therefore, very wisely doth our State
Gods own proceedings seek to imitate,
In prosecuting him, and his offences,
As, God doth us, in our impenitences:
That, if the King, still frowardly go on,
He, by own Designes, may be undone,
And, God himselfe remove him: So, shall we
Of our own suffrings, no avengers be,
Ought further, then good conscience, and our lawes,
May justifie our progresse in the Cause.
For, by this patient waiting on his will,
VVhether God bring him back, or let him, still
Proceed and fall; yea, whether unto him,
Or unto none, he give that Diadem
VVhich he abus'd: God, shall so bring to passe
VVhat, for his glory, pre-ordained was;
That, it shall likewise, to our VVeal, redound,
And, we with David, shall be blamelesse found
Of hastning our deliverance, e're the day,
According to our own devised way,
As some have done; and, thereby mixt the Blessing
VVith many bitternesses, in possessing.
This patience, and this prudence would bring on
That work, which is desired should be done.
And, here should be that look't-for Kingdome then,
VVhich will advance, all good and honest men.
A Kingdome, wherein, they who are unjust;
VVhere Parasites; were they who faile their trust,
And men of wicked hearts, and shamelesse faces,
Shall have nor credit, Offices, nor Places.
VVhether God bring him back, or let him, still
Proceed and fall; yea, whether unto him,
Or unto none, he give that Diadem
VVhich he abus'd: God, shall so bring to passe
VVhat, for his glory, pre-ordained was;
That, it shall likewise, to our VVeal, redound,
And, we with David, shall be blamelesse found
Of hastning our deliverance, e're the day,
According to our own devised way,
As some have done; and, thereby mixt the Blessing
VVith many bitternesses, in possessing.
This patience, and this prudence would bring on
That work, which is desired should be done.
And, here should be that look't-for Kingdome then,
VVhich will advance, all good and honest men.
A Kingdome, wherein, they who are unjust;
VVhere Parasites; were they who faile their trust,
And men of wicked hearts, and shamelesse faces,
Shall have nor credit, Offices, nor Places.
This, this is that, ye Rebels which ye fear;
This, makes you so enraged as you are:
This, makes you, in vain projects to persist,
And, drive a Factorage for Antichrist;
VVhilst you are persevering, to fulfill
The fleshly longings, of your private will.
This, makes you so enraged as you are:
This, makes you, in vain projects to persist,
And, drive a Factorage for Antichrist;
VVhilst you are persevering, to fulfill
The fleshly longings, of your private will.
But, know, that, on your paths God hath an eye;
An open-eare, to ev'ry poore mans cry:
An able-hand, a stretcht-out-arme, to fetch
Your Policie and Power within his reach:
And, that though for a season you may thrive,
In acting what you wickedly contrive;
Yet, e're it shall befall as you fore-think,
The Floods shall rise, and make the Mountaines sink.
An open-eare, to ev'ry poore mans cry:
An able-hand, a stretcht-out-arme, to fetch
Your Policie and Power within his reach:
And, that though for a season you may thrive,
In acting what you wickedly contrive;
Yet, e're it shall befall as you fore-think,
The Floods shall rise, and make the Mountaines sink.
Then, turn back to your Vowes, e're 'tis too late;
By Justice, help repaire this ruin'd state;
Unite your selves, unfainedly, to those,
VVhom, seeming to assist, you, still, oppose.
Be warn'd oh Judges: and oh King be wise,
And, sweeten so your daily sacrifice,
VVith Justice, and with Mercy, that, God may
From these three Kingdomes, turne his wrath away:
That all the long-long sufferings he hath daign'd;
That all the victories we have obtain'd;
That all the counsels, vows, cries, prayers, and tears,
Of trusty Commoners, and faithfull Peers,
And all that wealth, and blood, this cause hath cost,
May not, through want of unity, be lost.
Make not this Parliament, without effect,
By which, our greatest good we did expect.
Permit not that, which our chief praise hath had,
A scorn, by your corruptions, to be made.
Sad not their hearts, who in their trust are true;
VVho had ere this, prevailed, but for you;
VVho, undeservedly, share, now, among them,
The blame, wherewith, your guiltines doth wrong them,
And, wil do so, til Justice, forth shal thrust,
The wicked, from th'Assemblies of the just.
By Justice, help repaire this ruin'd state;
Unite your selves, unfainedly, to those,
VVhom, seeming to assist, you, still, oppose.
Be warn'd oh Judges: and oh King be wise,
And, sweeten so your daily sacrifice,
VVith Justice, and with Mercy, that, God may
From these three Kingdomes, turne his wrath away:
That all the long-long sufferings he hath daign'd;
That all the victories we have obtain'd;
That all the counsels, vows, cries, prayers, and tears,
Of trusty Commoners, and faithfull Peers,
20
May not, through want of unity, be lost.
Make not this Parliament, without effect,
By which, our greatest good we did expect.
Permit not that, which our chief praise hath had,
A scorn, by your corruptions, to be made.
Sad not their hearts, who in their trust are true;
VVho had ere this, prevailed, but for you;
VVho, undeservedly, share, now, among them,
The blame, wherewith, your guiltines doth wrong them,
And, wil do so, til Justice, forth shal thrust,
The wicked, from th'Assemblies of the just.
Make not more Breaches: For, alas! there are,
More then enough, already, ev'ry where:
And, yet perhaps, no more then shall promote
GOD'S glory; who, can presse an Antidote,
Out of those poisonous fruits, and banefull things,
VVhich forth from our corrupted nature springs;
And, teacheth us oft times, ev'n by offences,
The knowledge of approved Excellencies.
More then enough, already, ev'ry where:
And, yet perhaps, no more then shall promote
GOD'S glory; who, can presse an Antidote,
Out of those poisonous fruits, and banefull things,
VVhich forth from our corrupted nature springs;
And, teacheth us oft times, ev'n by offences,
The knowledge of approved Excellencies.
That Independent-Presbyterian-Ginn,
Which of Divisions hath occasion been,
Shall never move to propagate that end,
VVhich many fear, and many do intend:
For, by his providence, and grace preventing,
GOD, shall at last, extract from our dissenting,
A wholsomer production, to these Nations,
Then, yet, arides the vulgar expectations:
Unlesse; a crying Epidemick-sin,
To mar the blessing, cast some poyson in.
Which of Divisions hath occasion been,
Shall never move to propagate that end,
VVhich many fear, and many do intend:
For, by his providence, and grace preventing,
GOD, shall at last, extract from our dissenting,
A wholsomer production, to these Nations,
Then, yet, arides the vulgar expectations:
Unlesse; a crying Epidemick-sin,
To mar the blessing, cast some poyson in.
Good-men, to both opinions do belong;
Truth, is in both, with error mixt among;
The face of both opinions, you put on,
Or off, as your designs are to be done.
Somtime, an Independent-Garbe you chuse;
Somtime, you Presbyterian-vizards use,
Untrue to both: and, when they see your scope,
They, will become as uselesse, to your hope,
Whom you deceive; as, to their hopes you are,
Of whose opinions, you, a while appeare.
Truth, is in both, with error mixt among;
The face of both opinions, you put on,
Or off, as your designs are to be done.
Somtime, an Independent-Garbe you chuse;
Somtime, you Presbyterian-vizards use,
Untrue to both: and, when they see your scope,
They, will become as uselesse, to your hope,
Whom you deceive; as, to their hopes you are,
Of whose opinions, you, a while appeare.
We, who the WELL-AFFECTED, termed be,
Are they, who in the Common-Cause agree,
Although our judgemens varie; we, are loath
To quarrell, to the ruining of both
Opinions; or, the ruining of all,
For differing, but in points dogmaticall:
Lest, whilst for chaffe, and straw, we make a Fray,
Our neighbours come, and steale the corn away.
Are they, who in the Common-Cause agree,
Although our judgemens varie; we, are loath
To quarrell, to the ruining of both
Opinions; or, the ruining of all,
For differing, but in points dogmaticall:
Lest, whilst for chaffe, and straw, we make a Fray,
Our neighbours come, and steale the corn away.
Some of us like one Party; some, the other;
Some of us, are not much in love with either;
Nor so displeas'd with either, as to joy
In ought, which their due comfort may destroy.
For, Patriots with both of them are found;
Both, build their faith, and hope, upon one ground
And, we believe, that, when GOD, from our eyes
Hath scrap'd the scales, purg'd out our maladies
(And, brought us by his grace, to treat together
VVithout prejudicating one another)
VVe, then, who, (being somwhat out of tune)
Do, for the present, harsh divisions runne;
Shall, when our notes, are tim'd, and rightly plac'd
Joyne in a Diapason, at the last:
Which, to our great contentment, will disclose
That Perfect-Musicke from some discords flowes
Some of us, are not much in love with either;
Nor so displeas'd with either, as to joy
In ought, which their due comfort may destroy.
For, Patriots with both of them are found;
Both, build their faith, and hope, upon one ground
And, we believe, that, when GOD, from our eyes
Hath scrap'd the scales, purg'd out our maladies
(And, brought us by his grace, to treat together
VVithout prejudicating one another)
VVe, then, who, (being somwhat out of tune)
Do, for the present, harsh divisions runne;
Shall, when our notes, are tim'd, and rightly plac'd
Joyne in a Diapason, at the last:
Which, to our great contentment, will disclose
That Perfect-Musicke from some discords flowes
VVe, therfore hope, (though yet your fraud prolongs
Our jealousies, & multiplieth wrongs)
That, all your Engineers, and cunning plots
Shall nor divide the English, from the Scots;
Nor separate those English from each other,
VVho by their Covenant are knit together;
Till they have done their work, and you are pai'd
VVhat they deserve, who have their trust betrai'd
Or, else, till they or we commit that act
VVhich totally disso veth our contract:
And, woe to them, who, shall unjustly take,
Or, give the cause, that cursed Breach to make.
Our jealousies, & multiplieth wrongs)
That, all your Engineers, and cunning plots
Shall nor divide the English, from the Scots;
Nor separate those English from each other,
VVho by their Covenant are knit together;
Till they have done their work, and you are pai'd
VVhat they deserve, who have their trust betrai'd
Or, else, till they or we commit that act
VVhich totally disso veth our contract:
And, woe to them, who, shall unjustly take,
Or, give the cause, that cursed Breach to make.
But, whatsoever Blessing my ensue,
No portion of it, can belong to you,
In this estate: For, plainly, we descry,
That, in the gall of bitternesse you lye;
VVe see, although we cannot hinder it,
VVhat you pursue, whilst in the House, you sit,
VVhat things abroad, you practise, and allow;
VVhat, you in secret, favour and avow;
And, to effect, your purposes to bring,
How, you abuse both Parliament, and King.
No portion of it, can belong to you,
In this estate: For, plainly, we descry,
That, in the gall of bitternesse you lye;
VVe see, although we cannot hinder it,
VVhat you pursue, whilst in the House, you sit,
VVhat things abroad, you practise, and allow;
VVhat, you in secret, favour and avow;
And, to effect, your purposes to bring,
How, you abuse both Parliament, and King.
We know the means, by which you entred in
Upon what Principles, you did begin:
What course you took, before you were elected
What fame you had; of what you were suspected
In what base projects, you a hand have had;
How poor some of you were; how rich, now mad
By publike ruins; and, what follow must
If you be long continued in your Trust.
Upon what Principles, you did begin:
What course you took, before you were elected
What fame you had; of what you were suspected
In what base projects, you a hand have had;
How poor some of you were; how rich, now mad
By publike ruins; and, what follow must
If you be long continued in your Trust.
We have observ'd, though many crooks it hath
The turnings, and the windings of your path:
How you divide the Clergie, by your sidings;
How your divisions, and your sub-dividings,
You multiply, and manie waies foment
To work destruction to the Government
In Church & Common-wealth; and, how, your tricks
(Extracted from the Jesuits politicks)
Do shake the Fundamentalls, whereon stand
The safety, wealth, and honour of the Land.
The turnings, and the windings of your path:
21
How your divisions, and your sub-dividings,
You multiply, and manie waies foment
To work destruction to the Government
In Church & Common-wealth; and, how, your tricks
(Extracted from the Jesuits politicks)
Do shake the Fundamentalls, whereon stand
The safety, wealth, and honour of the Land.
We see, although we cannot, yet prevent
Or, well expresse the same, how you have spent
The Publike-Treasures; how the Publike Pow'r
Is brought, it self to weaken, and devour:
How, you oppresse the Countrey without pity;
How, you abuse the Bounty of the City;
Her valiant sons, how you have wrong'd and sleighted;
Their faithfull service how you have requited;
And, what, unlesse both you and we amend,
Will be our portion, and your later end.
Or, well expresse the same, how you have spent
The Publike-Treasures; how the Publike Pow'r
Is brought, it self to weaken, and devour:
How, you oppresse the Countrey without pity;
How, you abuse the Bounty of the City;
Her valiant sons, how you have wrong'd and sleighted;
Their faithfull service how you have requited;
And, what, unlesse both you and we amend,
Will be our portion, and your later end.
Yea, we grow sensible, with what delay,
Our suits are trifled off, from day to day:
How long we wait, to have Petitions heard;
And, when committed, how you dis-regard
Our charge, by keeping witnesses in town;
Our tedious pains in trotting up and down,
To wooe for meetings; that our time and cost,
In seeing Clerks, and Councell, be not lost:
All these, with other hind'rances, unnam'd,
(For which, the Houses are not to be blam'd)
We suffer, to our bitter discontent,
And, to the scandall of the Parliament
Through your defaults; who, have, by sitting long,
Learn'd new contrivances, for doing wrong;
And, such obstructive, and destructive waies,
As were to us unknown in former daies.
Our suits are trifled off, from day to day:
How long we wait, to have Petitions heard;
And, when committed, how you dis-regard
Our charge, by keeping witnesses in town;
Our tedious pains in trotting up and down,
To wooe for meetings; that our time and cost,
In seeing Clerks, and Councell, be not lost:
All these, with other hind'rances, unnam'd,
(For which, the Houses are not to be blam'd)
We suffer, to our bitter discontent,
And, to the scandall of the Parliament
Through your defaults; who, have, by sitting long,
Learn'd new contrivances, for doing wrong;
And, such obstructive, and destructive waies,
As were to us unknown in former daies.
GOD, be your speed, as your designes are just:
Els, let them thrive, as we believe they must.
Our hope, you were; but now, our Fear, you be:
And, kept, by you, as lambs by wolves, are we.
Regardlesse, of our wellfare, you are grown;
Gods cause pretending, you pursue your own;
Increasing, by the Common-wealths decrease;
Improoving, by the ruin of our Peace;
And, making to your selves, ev'n as you list,
A Priesthood, Lawes, a Gospell, and a Christ.
Els, let them thrive, as we believe they must.
Our hope, you were; but now, our Fear, you be:
And, kept, by you, as lambs by wolves, are we.
Regardlesse, of our wellfare, you are grown;
Gods cause pretending, you pursue your own;
Increasing, by the Common-wealths decrease;
Improoving, by the ruin of our Peace;
And, making to your selves, ev'n as you list,
A Priesthood, Lawes, a Gospell, and a Christ.
We that have been your first, and fastest friends,
(If, ever, you had honourable ends
In order to the publike) have, of late,
But serv'd your turns, in serving of the State.
This, having, for our forwardnesse enjoy'd,
That, we are most opprest, and first destroy'd:
And, through your fault, are griev'd by their neglect,
Whom we most honour, and do best affect.
Nay, which is worse, you who on us have brought
This mischief, must, the Publike-friends, be thought,
And we Delinquents; for no other cause,
But seeking execution of the Lawes;
Or, for endeavouring how to break ope
Some necessarie passage, to our hope,
VVhen we are almost stifled in the throng
Of miseries, which have opprest us long.
(If, ever, you had honourable ends
In order to the publike) have, of late,
But serv'd your turns, in serving of the State.
This, having, for our forwardnesse enjoy'd,
That, we are most opprest, and first destroy'd:
And, through your fault, are griev'd by their neglect,
Whom we most honour, and do best affect.
Nay, which is worse, you who on us have brought
This mischief, must, the Publike-friends, be thought,
And we Delinquents; for no other cause,
But seeking execution of the Lawes;
Or, for endeavouring how to break ope
Some necessarie passage, to our hope,
VVhen we are almost stifled in the throng
Of miseries, which have opprest us long.
If, as our VOW injoyns us, we accuse
Your Fellowes, who, have seemed to abuse
Their Publike-Trust; Though, by our Information,
VVe, only, seek the Kingdoms Reformation;
Yet, such is your injustice, that, instead
Of suffering us to have a faire proceed,
(According to the merit of the Cause,
The Subjects Priviledges, and the Lawes)
You fall on us, as if that we were they
VVho were accus'd, the Kingdom to betray:
At leastwise, we are us'd, and look'd upon,
As if some great offences we had done.
The men inform'd against, you do permit
In their own cause, Examiners to sit;
To hear debates; our witnesses to see,
And speak with them, ere they examin'd be;
To act as Judge and Party; To enlarge,
The guilty; to condemn, without a charge,
Us, that are innocent; and to pursue us,
As, if unquestionable Rogues, they knew us.
Your Fellowes, who, have seemed to abuse
Their Publike-Trust; Though, by our Information,
VVe, only, seek the Kingdoms Reformation;
Yet, such is your injustice, that, instead
Of suffering us to have a faire proceed,
(According to the merit of the Cause,
The Subjects Priviledges, and the Lawes)
You fall on us, as if that we were they
VVho were accus'd, the Kingdom to betray:
At leastwise, we are us'd, and look'd upon,
As if some great offences we had done.
The men inform'd against, you do permit
In their own cause, Examiners to sit;
To hear debates; our witnesses to see,
And speak with them, ere they examin'd be;
To act as Judge and Party; To enlarge,
The guilty; to condemn, without a charge,
Us, that are innocent; and to pursue us,
As, if unquestionable Rogues, they knew us.
And, if you were not, yet, more impudent,
It might be borne: But, to the Parliament,
You seek to make us odious; and to leave us
Nor friend, nor bread, nor ought that ease may give us.
And, which is worse then this, by having thus
Thus impudently, made a scorn of us;
(Whose good affections gen'rally are knowne)
The people so discouraged are growne,
That, had not some, a love unto the State,
Which will out-live your tyranny, and hate;
The Parliament, would be deserted so,
And their Just-Quarrell so defamed grow,
That Traytors would be traitors without feare;
And, none be bold to say, they Traytors are.
It might be borne: But, to the Parliament,
You seek to make us odious; and to leave us
Nor friend, nor bread, nor ought that ease may give us.
And, which is worse then this, by having thus
Thus impudently, made a scorn of us;
(Whose good affections gen'rally are knowne)
The people so discouraged are growne,
That, had not some, a love unto the State,
Which will out-live your tyranny, and hate;
The Parliament, would be deserted so,
And their Just-Quarrell so defamed grow,
That Traytors would be traitors without feare;
And, none be bold to say, they Traytors are.
A multitude of other wayes you grieve us,
Through misinforming them, who should relieve us,
Through mis-reports, and making outward showes,
Of better fruit, then on your dunghill growes:
And, we have little hope of gaining ease,
Till GOD himself, by miracle shall please,
(Or, by some extraordinary way)
To change your minds, or root you quite away:
For, our most just-complaints, do nought asswage,
Your cruelty, but, more encrease your rage.
Our Patience, no repect at all hath won us,
But, rather, makes you more insult upon us;
Yea, and the more, your wills we stoop unto,
The more we have to suffer, and, to do.
Through misinforming them, who should relieve us,
22
Of better fruit, then on your dunghill growes:
And, we have little hope of gaining ease,
Till GOD himself, by miracle shall please,
(Or, by some extraordinary way)
To change your minds, or root you quite away:
For, our most just-complaints, do nought asswage,
Your cruelty, but, more encrease your rage.
Our Patience, no repect at all hath won us,
But, rather, makes you more insult upon us;
Yea, and the more, your wills we stoop unto,
The more we have to suffer, and, to do.
If we seeme forward for the Common-weal,
With popularity, you brand our zeal.
If we contribute more then some of you,
With enviousnesse, our bounty you pursue.
And, whereas, we should favour'd be, therefore,
You do not only make our burthens more
Then other mens, when ablenesse have we,
But, lay them on, when we unable be;
And, for our being first in contribution,
Intend to make us last in restitution.
Nay, some of us, have cause to be affraid,
Well-doing, shall with evill be repay'd:
For, we, whilst you proceed; as yet you do,
Have more then symptoms that it will be so.
With popularity, you brand our zeal.
If we contribute more then some of you,
With enviousnesse, our bounty you pursue.
And, whereas, we should favour'd be, therefore,
You do not only make our burthens more
Then other mens, when ablenesse have we,
But, lay them on, when we unable be;
And, for our being first in contribution,
Intend to make us last in restitution.
Nay, some of us, have cause to be affraid,
Well-doing, shall with evill be repay'd:
For, we, whilst you proceed; as yet you do,
Have more then symptoms that it will be so.
If want, compell us for our own to pray,
With empty hands you send us, oft away;
With long delayes, our patiences are tri'd,
Ere we can get our suits heard or deni'd;
And, then, lest too much grace, you should afford,
You seldome, give us one respective word;
But, looke upon us, with such pride, and scorn,
As if to be your vassalls, we were born.
With empty hands you send us, oft away;
With long delayes, our patiences are tri'd,
Ere we can get our suits heard or deni'd;
And, then, lest too much grace, you should afford,
You seldome, give us one respective word;
But, looke upon us, with such pride, and scorn,
As if to be your vassalls, we were born.
Meanwhile your Favourites, forsooth, and they
That, humour you in your imperious way,
Are, for small merits, largely gratifi'd:
(Or, such as nearly are to you alli'd)
Their suits (if they petition) are preferr'd:
If they complain, ere long, they may be heard:
And, (though it were by chance) if well they do,
They get for trifles, thanks, and money too.
That, humour you in your imperious way,
Are, for small merits, largely gratifi'd:
(Or, such as nearly are to you alli'd)
Their suits (if they petition) are preferr'd:
If they complain, ere long, they may be heard:
And, (though it were by chance) if well they do,
They get for trifles, thanks, and money too.
If nearer pinch'd, our suits, we do renew;
And, being sleighted, some distemper shew,
Your zeale, one hasty word, of ours, more heeds,
Then all our good, and well-deserving deeds;
And, well we scape, if to an empty purse,
You adde not somwhat else, that shall be worse.
And, being sleighted, some distemper shew,
Your zeale, one hasty word, of ours, more heeds,
Then all our good, and well-deserving deeds;
And, well we scape, if to an empty purse,
You adde not somwhat else, that shall be worse.
Thus, we with our poor children, and our wives
Are forc'd to live uncomfortable lives;
Whilst you, and they, whom open foes, we call,
Piece up, your tatter'd fortunes, by our fall.
For, of one Moity, they have us bereft;
And, you, have robbed us, of what they left.
By our opposing them, we shall be sure,
Of their despight, ev'n whilst our lives endure:
By persevering, to our Country, true,
We are in danger of the like from you;
And so, which side soever shall prevaile,
We have a mischief on us, by intaile
To us, and to our heirs. For, you in heart
United are; though, corp'rally, apart;
And, joyn, by close compliances, in one,
In hope to finish, what you have begun;
Which is nor worse, nor better; but, to raise
Your houses, both by good, and evill wayes;
And, for this end, to ruine, you would bring
Law, Gospell People, Parliament and King;
But, ere your hopes effected you shall see,
Hark Traiters, what your destinie shall be.
Are forc'd to live uncomfortable lives;
Whilst you, and they, whom open foes, we call,
Piece up, your tatter'd fortunes, by our fall.
For, of one Moity, they have us bereft;
And, you, have robbed us, of what they left.
By our opposing them, we shall be sure,
Of their despight, ev'n whilst our lives endure:
By persevering, to our Country, true,
We are in danger of the like from you;
And so, which side soever shall prevaile,
We have a mischief on us, by intaile
To us, and to our heirs. For, you in heart
United are; though, corp'rally, apart;
And, joyn, by close compliances, in one,
In hope to finish, what you have begun;
Which is nor worse, nor better; but, to raise
Your houses, both by good, and evill wayes;
And, for this end, to ruine, you would bring
Law, Gospell People, Parliament and King;
But, ere your hopes effected you shall see,
Hark Traiters, what your destinie shall be.
Hark, and observe it: For, it is the doome,
That, shall, without all peradventure, come
Upon their heads, who have their trust betray'd
Oppressions on their faithfull servants laid;
Or, multipli'd their wealth, with greedinesse,
By preying on their Countrey, in distresse.
And, it is this; He that such wrongs requites,
Shall give you portions with damn'd hypocrites:
Your pride, by shame, shall suddenly be follow'd;
You shall spew up the gobbets, you have swallow'd
Your way shall perish: you, shall quite be thrust
Forth, from that Congregation of the Just,
VVhich you pollute: GOD, in your steads will place
Men, rich in wisdom, honesty, and grace:
Such, as are truly called, duly sent:
Such, as befit an English-Parliament:
And, able, then, that Senate shall become,
To curb their Foes abroad; and, Knaves, at home
That, shall, without all peradventure, come
Upon their heads, who have their trust betray'd
Oppressions on their faithfull servants laid;
Or, multipli'd their wealth, with greedinesse,
By preying on their Countrey, in distresse.
And, it is this; He that such wrongs requites,
Shall give you portions with damn'd hypocrites:
Your pride, by shame, shall suddenly be follow'd;
You shall spew up the gobbets, you have swallow'd
Your way shall perish: you, shall quite be thrust
Forth, from that Congregation of the Just,
VVhich you pollute: GOD, in your steads will place
Men, rich in wisdom, honesty, and grace:
Such, as are truly called, duly sent:
Such, as befit an English-Parliament:
And, able, then, that Senate shall become,
To curb their Foes abroad; and, Knaves, at home
So, having utter'd what we had to say;
Now, you among the Faithfull-members may
Go shrowd your selves again: For, pleas'd are we
You should be thought, as honest, as they be,
If, you will yet, repent; and, justly, do
The Publike-worke, which you are call'd unto.
Now, you among the Faithfull-members may
Go shrowd your selves again: For, pleas'd are we
You should be thought, as honest, as they be,
If, you will yet, repent; and, justly, do
The Publike-worke, which you are call'd unto.
We, likewise, could be very well content,
That, none shoud say, or think, these lines were meant
Of any one, within the Senate-doore,
If, cause there were, of no such thought before,
As we do intimate: For, we are come
Not with a sword, but, OPOBALSAMUM
To cure your Vlcers, and to make you clear
From all those Blots, which, now, on you, appear.
That, none shoud say, or think, these lines were meant
23
If, cause there were, of no such thought before,
As we do intimate: For, we are come
Not with a sword, but, OPOBALSAMUM
To cure your Vlcers, and to make you clear
From all those Blots, which, now, on you, appear.
VVe, no man, individually, disclose,
But, speake, what almost ev'ry Reader knowes;
And, whereof each man tattles to his friend,
(It may be) to a lesse commodious end.
VVe speak in Generalls, that, men to blame
Might be reprooved, without open shame;
And, by themselves, in private, take occasion
To seek their safety, with our preservation;
And, these things, to their own amendment marke,
Before those Mastives bite, which, yet, but bark.
We charg you, here, with nought, but what we know,
And, what is known to many thousand moe:
Nay, here is nothing mention'd, but what you
And, your own Consciences, do know is true.
VVe were advis'd hereof, before we spake it;
VVe are not ignorant, how some will take it;
Nor, with what secret malice, and despight,
They will pursue it, to their utmost might:
For, some of us, already, though unheard,
Are censured; nay, many have not spar'd,
Of one yet living, publikely, to say
He executed was; and, nam'd the day.
Yet, we resolved were, Elihu-like,
Without respect of Persons, truth to speak.
But, speake, what almost ev'ry Reader knowes;
And, whereof each man tattles to his friend,
(It may be) to a lesse commodious end.
VVe speak in Generalls, that, men to blame
Might be reprooved, without open shame;
And, by themselves, in private, take occasion
To seek their safety, with our preservation;
And, these things, to their own amendment marke,
Before those Mastives bite, which, yet, but bark.
We charg you, here, with nought, but what we know,
And, what is known to many thousand moe:
Nay, here is nothing mention'd, but what you
And, your own Consciences, do know is true.
VVe were advis'd hereof, before we spake it;
VVe are not ignorant, how some will take it;
Nor, with what secret malice, and despight,
They will pursue it, to their utmost might:
For, some of us, already, though unheard,
Are censured; nay, many have not spar'd,
Of one yet living, publikely, to say
He executed was; and, nam'd the day.
Yet, we resolved were, Elihu-like,
Without respect of Persons, truth to speak.
If you desirous be, that none should lay
These matters to your charge; your surest way,
Is not, to rage; or, furiously to turne
Upon the Writer; or, the Booke to burne:
But, rather, to repent; and make a show
That, of these free reproofes you do allow;
And, of our setting thus before your eyes,
A perfect draught of your deformities.
Yet, best of all your shame would be prevented,
If, order you procure, to have it printed,
And, some Reward, bestowed upon those,
Who have character'd thus, their Countries Foes:
For, none can think, that they, who guilty be,
To such a motion, ever would agree;
Or, that, a prudent-honest man will frown,
To see the wickednesse of Knaves made known.
However it succeeds; we say, and swear,
We neither for your frownes, or favours care:
Which protestation, if you think untrue;
Make tyrall; do your worst, and so adieu.
These matters to your charge; your surest way,
Is not, to rage; or, furiously to turne
Upon the Writer; or, the Booke to burne:
But, rather, to repent; and make a show
That, of these free reproofes you do allow;
And, of our setting thus before your eyes,
A perfect draught of your deformities.
Yet, best of all your shame would be prevented,
If, order you procure, to have it printed,
And, some Reward, bestowed upon those,
Who have character'd thus, their Countries Foes:
For, none can think, that they, who guilty be,
To such a motion, ever would agree;
Or, that, a prudent-honest man will frown,
To see the wickednesse of Knaves made known.
However it succeeds; we say, and swear,
We neither for your frownes, or favours care:
Which protestation, if you think untrue;
Make tyrall; do your worst, and so adieu.
Thus, ended they their Speech; But, e're 'twas done,
A sullen murmuring, began to run
Throughout the guiltie-party; yea, they all
With anger looked either red, or pale.
Some snuft, some puft, some grin'd; the mouth some wride;
Some bit their lips, some hung their heads aside.
Some, jeerd, some fleerd, some rag'd; and they who had
Least honesty and wit, appear'd most mad.
Some, ran into the Hall, in discontent,
To see, if they had put their Speech in Print:
Some, home; some, to the Taverne walked back,
(From whence they came) and drunke a quart of Sack.
Some, swore; and cursed all the Well-affected:
Some threatned him whom justly they suspected
To be the Penner of it, and they swore
If they could helpe it, he should write no more.
Some, did advise to apprehend, and call him,
To some Committee, and, there soundly maul him,
That, others may take warning, how they dare
Speake truth to them, who love no truth to heare.
But, others minding what a Vote had past,
On that Committee, which abus'd him last,
And, being fearfull, that his good intent,
Would e're long time, unto the Parliament,
So evident be made, that their despight
Would rather on their heads then his alight;
They waved that, and, being at a stand,
In thinking, what they best might take in hand,
At length; Come let us smite him with the tongue,
Said one of them, who knew what doth belong
To deep revenge; and let us daily strow,
Some scandals of him, wheresoe're we go.
Another of them, wiser then the rest,
(In earnest, partly, partly too, in jest)
Perswaded much, to let him quite alone,
And mend, what they themselves amisse had done.
A few, approv'd the Motion; but, not all:
VVe therefore, know not, yet, what will befall.
But, you shall heare, within a day or two,
(If you have patience) what they meane to doe.
A sullen murmuring, began to run
Throughout the guiltie-party; yea, they all
With anger looked either red, or pale.
Some snuft, some puft, some grin'd; the mouth some wride;
Some bit their lips, some hung their heads aside.
Some, jeerd, some fleerd, some rag'd; and they who had
Least honesty and wit, appear'd most mad.
Some, ran into the Hall, in discontent,
To see, if they had put their Speech in Print:
Some, home; some, to the Taverne walked back,
(From whence they came) and drunke a quart of Sack.
Some, swore; and cursed all the Well-affected:
Some threatned him whom justly they suspected
To be the Penner of it, and they swore
If they could helpe it, he should write no more.
Some, did advise to apprehend, and call him,
To some Committee, and, there soundly maul him,
That, others may take warning, how they dare
Speake truth to them, who love no truth to heare.
But, others minding what a Vote had past,
On that Committee, which abus'd him last,
And, being fearfull, that his good intent,
Would e're long time, unto the Parliament,
So evident be made, that their despight
Would rather on their heads then his alight;
They waved that, and, being at a stand,
In thinking, what they best might take in hand,
At length; Come let us smite him with the tongue,
Said one of them, who knew what doth belong
To deep revenge; and let us daily strow,
Some scandals of him, wheresoe're we go.
Another of them, wiser then the rest,
(In earnest, partly, partly too, in jest)
Perswaded much, to let him quite alone,
And mend, what they themselves amisse had done.
A few, approv'd the Motion; but, not all:
VVe therefore, know not, yet, what will befall.
But, you shall heare, within a day or two,
(If you have patience) what they meane to doe.
Here, thought I, to conclude, conclude; but, hear, ye, now,
Before we part, a word or two, to you,
Ye Worthies of both Houses; and, all ye
VVho, VVell-affected to this Kingdome be.
Now, heare Him, for himselfe, who, hath not spared;
To speake for your availe; nor been out dared
By any danger, to declare his mind,
According as our Cov'nant hath enjoynd.
Before we part, a word or two, to you,
Ye Worthies of both Houses; and, all ye
VVho, VVell-affected to this Kingdome be.
Now, heare Him, for himselfe, who, hath not spared;
To speake for your availe; nor been out dared
24
According as our Cov'nant hath enjoynd.
He is not ignorant, how great a Stake,
He hath among you: Nor, how, course to take
To thrive, as others doe. But, he disdaines,
For any hope on earth, to take the paines;
To vary from his heart, in Word, or Action,
To humour any man, or any Faction.
Be pleased to consider, that, all this
Was penned, for no private end of his;
Nor can procure him ought, save their despight,
Who, in the wrong of harmlesse-men delight;
Unlesse, you faithfully to him adhere,
As by our solemn-Vow, engag'd you are;
Which, doth obliege, that, firme you stand to those,
VVho doe their best, Delinquents to disclose;
And, likely meanes, and lawfull wayes invent
To bring them to deserved punishment.
He hath among you: Nor, how, course to take
To thrive, as others doe. But, he disdaines,
For any hope on earth, to take the paines;
To vary from his heart, in Word, or Action,
To humour any man, or any Faction.
Be pleased to consider, that, all this
Was penned, for no private end of his;
Nor can procure him ought, save their despight,
Who, in the wrong of harmlesse-men delight;
Unlesse, you faithfully to him adhere,
As by our solemn-Vow, engag'd you are;
Which, doth obliege, that, firme you stand to those,
VVho doe their best, Delinquents to disclose;
And, likely meanes, and lawfull wayes invent
To bring them to deserved punishment.
Thus, I, (as heartily, as any One)
According to my Faculties, have done;
And shewne these Times, and, those, perhaps, to come,
That, Poesie, may have an usefull Roome,
In great Affaires; and Poets, fill their place,
VVhether, the times, be generous or base.
Though I no Patron find, assur'd I am,
This VVork, would not have done the Author shame,
In better times: Nay, if an Irish-Bard
Had sung thus much, to them, they would have heard
His Numbers with respect: and many things
Bestow'd; beside a Harp with silver strings.
But, I shall think my game hath well been playd,
If I, with mischiefe, shall not be repayd
For my Good-will; nor, left, when I have done,
To bear the burthen of dispights, alone.
According to my Faculties, have done;
And shewne these Times, and, those, perhaps, to come,
That, Poesie, may have an usefull Roome,
In great Affaires; and Poets, fill their place,
VVhether, the times, be generous or base.
Though I no Patron find, assur'd I am,
This VVork, would not have done the Author shame,
In better times: Nay, if an Irish-Bard
Had sung thus much, to them, they would have heard
His Numbers with respect: and many things
Bestow'd; beside a Harp with silver strings.
But, I shall think my game hath well been playd,
If I, with mischiefe, shall not be repayd
For my Good-will; nor, left, when I have done,
To bear the burthen of dispights, alone.
For your own sakes, take heed, I humbly pray,
It be not so; lest, you repent it may,
VVhen you, by One, and One, opprest shall be,
And, then, forsooke; as, you deserted me.
I am not, for my selfe, of ought afraid,
VVhich can to me, be either done, or said:
For, what my Foes can take, I, well can spare;
And, nothing have to lose, for which, I care.
Ther's VVealth in want, ther's Honour, in Disgrace,
And, Life in Death, for him, that's in my case.
I ask of you nor Riches nor Reward;
(Though, those things, I, sometime, too much regard
Let where you please, your Bounty be bestown;
So I may have, what, justly, is mine own;
That, will suffice, to set me fully free,
From all Engagements, now, oppressing me;
And, leave to those, for whom, I should provide,
Enough, to keep them, both from want, and Pride
It be not so; lest, you repent it may,
VVhen you, by One, and One, opprest shall be,
And, then, forsooke; as, you deserted me.
I am not, for my selfe, of ought afraid,
VVhich can to me, be either done, or said:
For, what my Foes can take, I, well can spare;
And, nothing have to lose, for which, I care.
Ther's VVealth in want, ther's Honour, in Disgrace,
And, Life in Death, for him, that's in my case.
I ask of you nor Riches nor Reward;
(Though, those things, I, sometime, too much regard
Let where you please, your Bounty be bestown;
So I may have, what, justly, is mine own;
That, will suffice, to set me fully free,
From all Engagements, now, oppressing me;
And, leave to those, for whom, I should provide,
Enough, to keep them, both from want, and Pride
I ask no Honours: For, no hope I have
Of honour, here, till I am in my grave:
And, if to me, some share be, then, allow'd,
It will be best; for, 'twill not make me proud;
Nor in my life time, those Corruptions nourish,
VVhich, make of men in honour, Beasts that perish
Of honour, here, till I am in my grave:
And, if to me, some share be, then, allow'd,
It will be best; for, 'twill not make me proud;
Nor in my life time, those Corruptions nourish,
VVhich, make of men in honour, Beasts that perish
I ask not for my selfe, the smallest thing,
VVhich, meerly, to my-selfe, may profit bring;
But, all I shall desire, is, these two Boones,
(Which, I conceive, are just, and equall ones)
First, this; that, I, whose credit, now, appears
To have continu'd seven and fifty yeares,
Without reproach (except it be among
That crew, who cannot slander with their tongue
May not, with you, a Good-opinion lose,
Though that Report, which, my malicious-Foes
Have latelie made to my disreputation;
(By laying to my charge a Subornation)
Till, fully, and impartiallie, you heare
How, I shall make their impudence appeare,
Who have traduc'd me; & what streights the pass
(What open injuries, and what disgrace)
Who, in a conscionable path, shall go;
And, to the Publike, would their duties do,
As I have done: They judge, as cause appears
And, let him perish, that, Right-Judgement, fears
VVhich, meerly, to my-selfe, may profit bring;
But, all I shall desire, is, these two Boones,
(Which, I conceive, are just, and equall ones)
First, this; that, I, whose credit, now, appears
To have continu'd seven and fifty yeares,
Without reproach (except it be among
That crew, who cannot slander with their tongue
May not, with you, a Good-opinion lose,
Though that Report, which, my malicious-Foes
Have latelie made to my disreputation;
(By laying to my charge a Subornation)
Till, fully, and impartiallie, you heare
How, I shall make their impudence appeare,
Who have traduc'd me; & what streights the pass
(What open injuries, and what disgrace)
Who, in a conscionable path, shall go;
And, to the Publike, would their duties do,
As I have done: They judge, as cause appears
And, let him perish, that, Right-Judgement, fears
This, not for mine own honour do I crave;
But, that, your honour, may no blemish have;
And, that, by taking my repute away,
The Divill, (who such plots doth often lay)
Disparage not the Truths, that I have told,
To make them ineffectuall, if he could.
To this end, only, I your Justice crave,
That, now, (with yours) my honour I may save
And, to no other end: For, 'tis to me,
Honour enough, an Innocent, to be.
But, that, your honour, may no blemish have;
And, that, by taking my repute away,
The Divill, (who such plots doth often lay)
Disparage not the Truths, that I have told,
To make them ineffectuall, if he could.
To this end, only, I your Justice crave,
That, now, (with yours) my honour I may save
And, to no other end: For, 'tis to me,
Honour enough, an Innocent, to be.
And, yet, who knowes, but, GOD, may look upon
The wrongs, which have to me of late beene done
Who knowes, but that ere long, receive he may
The Ports of Haman, and of Mordecai?
Or, make, what seems my shame, to be my glory
When future Ages, read this Ages story?
The wrongs, which have to me of late beene done
Who knowes, but that ere long, receive he may
The Ports of Haman, and of Mordecai?
Or, make, what seems my shame, to be my glory
When future Ages, read this Ages story?
My next (oh! Noble Friends) and last request
Is this; that, if I should be so opprest
As is intended, you, would think upon
Those, whom, by serving you, I have undone;
That, Halfe of Me (who, had a share, in that,
VVhich I adventur'd freely, for the State)
And, those, Branch'd from us, who thereby are left,
No meanes of Bread, or Breeding; but, bereft
Of all their outward-helpes: Oh! let them find
More grace, then yet I do: yea, be so kind,
That, unto them, may truly payed be,
What, on the Publike-Faith, you owe to me,
In Debts, on faire account, due from this Nation
By private, and by publike Obligation.
Is this; that, if I should be so opprest
25
Those, whom, by serving you, I have undone;
That, Halfe of Me (who, had a share, in that,
VVhich I adventur'd freely, for the State)
And, those, Branch'd from us, who thereby are left,
No meanes of Bread, or Breeding; but, bereft
Of all their outward-helpes: Oh! let them find
More grace, then yet I do: yea, be so kind,
That, unto them, may truly payed be,
What, on the Publike-Faith, you owe to me,
In Debts, on faire account, due from this Nation
By private, and by publike Obligation.
My Naturall-Affection, makes me fear
This Motion needfull. Therefore, have a care
You sleight it not; For, doubtlesse, if you do,
God will require it; and, requite it, too
Yea, if you shall forget what I prefer,
God, will remember, your Remembrancer;
And, when your Children shall with hunger pine,
Provide abundance of good-things for mine.
This Motion needfull. Therefore, have a care
You sleight it not; For, doubtlesse, if you do,
God will require it; and, requite it, too
Yea, if you shall forget what I prefer,
God, will remember, your Remembrancer;
And, when your Children shall with hunger pine,
Provide abundance of good-things for mine.
| Miscellaneous works of George Wither | |