University of Virginia Library

II.

He having now paid to Jehovah High

1644.

His Vows and Thanks for his first Victory,
In Triumph hence doth march, bent to set free
The neighbouring Places that in Thraldom be,
(Assisted by stout Pye from Essex sent,
That Peer renown'd, in Arms so eminent)
To that strong Castle founded by King Ine,
Of Saxon Race, seated as 'twere on Rhine,
Or rather Eden sweet, a Land so blest,
Call'd vulgarly, the Garden of the West.
And herein yet more happy, that brave Blake,
His first Breath in this fertile Soil did take;
'Gainst this strong Hold, call'd Taunton, that fair Town,
(By high born Stawel kept) he sitteth down,
Soon forcing the Besieged to submit
To his Conditions; They forthwith do quit
A Princely Garison, stor'd plenteously
With all Provisions, here he worthily
Is now ordained Governour; but he,
As born to high Atchievements, will not be
Embas'd with Rest and Sloth, but prudently
Foresees approaching Storms; for suddenly
Great Forces under Wyndham are drawn out,
This growing Garison to quell and rout:
Whilst with few Men, but by him spirited,
And by his Fortitude and Wisdom led,
With Sallies strong, the potent Foe he plies,
That with great Loss, and greater Shame he flies.