 | The honest ghost |  |
293
Parthenia's Passions.
To the right Honorable Thomas
Viscount
Wentworth
,
Baron of Woodhouse, Oversley and Newmarch,
Lord President of the Councell established in the North, and one of his
Majesties most honourable
Privie Councell: His thrice-honoured Mecaenas.
The western-Knights Pasquill.
Marshall! an halt there! Pray you, Sir, make roome
For us poor Knights, who in the fag-end come.
Mad is my Muse, and now of late affrighted
Out of her wits for feare she should be Knighted.
Knighted defend me, Lord, from such an honour,
I shall not git whole Cloaths to put upon her.
For us poor Knights, who in the fag-end come.
Mad is my Muse, and now of late affrighted
Out of her wits for feare she should be Knighted.
294
I shall not git whole Cloaths to put upon her.
Nay, since with Knights there is so great a doo,
I for my Summons will make ready too.
“Come Masons, come, erect an Hospitall,
Sith wee must all be Knights whom Statutes call:
For England never had unto this houre
More Chevaliers for number, nor more poor.
Whence many of our Russetings deplore it,
That they'r not worth so much as they paid for it.
Yea, Almanacks, I feare, will beare record
In Rubrick Letters, next to th' yeare oth'Lord,
Which by Succeeding times will be recited,
“How long 'tis since ye Commonty was Knighted.
Yea, Justice vows, should she pay twenty five,
She cannot doe't with honesty and thrive;
“For some of her Bench-Whistlers States be such,
Their meanes & vailes will scarce raise halfe so much
Yea I could pick out One of these who might
Be made GRAND SOPHIE full as well as Knight:
“For Justice-sake this imposition wave,
Lest they be forc'd to pay more then they have.
But since my Pinke 'mongst others runns a shelfe,
And ev'ry one is nearest to himselfe,
I must debate my Cause before I go,
Judge whether I speake reason, friends, or no.
“May my State-lov'd MECÆNAS but give way
“To what the meanest of his Knights can say.
Now, my good Lord, your humble Suppliant comes
To know the cause why he should pay these Sums.
‘Object. “Our Princes Coronation by a Statute,
“Inflicts these fines on those that were not at it:
“Provided they have fourty pounds by yeare
“Of free-hold Land, the Statute makes it cleare.
I for my Summons will make ready too.
“Come Masons, come, erect an Hospitall,
Sith wee must all be Knights whom Statutes call:
For England never had unto this houre
More Chevaliers for number, nor more poor.
Whence many of our Russetings deplore it,
That they'r not worth so much as they paid for it.
Yea, Almanacks, I feare, will beare record
In Rubrick Letters, next to th' yeare oth'Lord,
Which by Succeeding times will be recited,
“How long 'tis since ye Commonty was Knighted.
Yea, Justice vows, should she pay twenty five,
She cannot doe't with honesty and thrive;
“For some of her Bench-Whistlers States be such,
Their meanes & vailes will scarce raise halfe so much
Yea I could pick out One of these who might
Be made GRAND SOPHIE full as well as Knight:
“For Justice-sake this imposition wave,
Lest they be forc'd to pay more then they have.
But since my Pinke 'mongst others runns a shelfe,
And ev'ry one is nearest to himselfe,
I must debate my Cause before I go,
Judge whether I speake reason, friends, or no.
“May my State-lov'd MECÆNAS but give way
“To what the meanest of his Knights can say.
Now, my good Lord, your humble Suppliant comes
To know the cause why he should pay these Sums.
295
“Inflicts these fines on those that were not at it:
“Provided they have fourty pounds by yeare
“Of free-hold Land, the Statute makes it cleare.
Answ. Tis true; but this reflecteth not on me,
For I was at that high solemnitie,
And I'ch best note my rurall Muse could sing,
Tendred my Poemes to my gratious King,
For I was at that high solemnitie,
And I'ch best note my rurall Muse could sing,
Tendred my Poemes to my gratious King,
Object. “Yea but the Proclamation did forbid it,
“You were not well advis'd then, when you did it.
“You were not well advis'd then, when you did it.
Answ. 'Slid, should I neither then be here nor there
But like a Ball hang hovering in the ayre?
But like a Ball hang hovering in the ayre?
Object. No; though the Coronation wil'd you come
“The Proclamation wish'd you stay at home,
“You should not have come up Sir;
“The Proclamation wish'd you stay at home,
“You should not have come up Sir;
Answ. No more did I,
For I, as fortune fell, was there allready;
Where my ambitious Muse did Knighthood crave,
But what I had I hold, no more I have.
Discusse my Lord, then each particular,
I shall be found in nought irregular.
“I came not up; I broke not th' Proclamation;
“The Statute's kept; I was at Coronation;
At which (I'le justify with heart and hand,)
I joy'd as much as any Knight ith' Land.
These duely weigh'd, your Honour Umpire be,
Whether I pay the King, or King pay me.
His regall rites receiv'd this Muse of mine,
And were this reason, think you, for my rime?
I sung, my Sov'reigne heard me, now wee say
The Hearer, not the Singer, usd to pay.
I judge then what soe're to me is done,
Is by that figure Usteron, Proteron.
You for the King demand of me a fee,
When it is meant that He should pay it mee.
But lest this should by me too much be thought,
So I goe free, my Song shall go for nought.
But husht! no more; with this approv'd Position;
Your constant Servant closeth his Petition;
“More Knights, my Lord, your State has little need on,
“Let me be a poore Country Squire to breed on.
Now if these Reasons take no place, my Lord,
I must Obey if you but speake the word:
A Knights fee for your Honour I have heere;
“Knight and no Knight; the Purchase is too deere:
But I 'm resolv'd, my Reasons are so plaine,
Your squire may with his Coine go back againe.
For I, as fortune fell, was there allready;
Where my ambitious Muse did Knighthood crave,
But what I had I hold, no more I have.
Discusse my Lord, then each particular,
I shall be found in nought irregular.
“I came not up; I broke not th' Proclamation;
“The Statute's kept; I was at Coronation;
At which (I'le justify with heart and hand,)
I joy'd as much as any Knight ith' Land.
These duely weigh'd, your Honour Umpire be,
Whether I pay the King, or King pay me.
His regall rites receiv'd this Muse of mine,
And were this reason, think you, for my rime?
I sung, my Sov'reigne heard me, now wee say
296
I judge then what soe're to me is done,
Is by that figure Usteron, Proteron.
You for the King demand of me a fee,
When it is meant that He should pay it mee.
But lest this should by me too much be thought,
So I goe free, my Song shall go for nought.
But husht! no more; with this approv'd Position;
Your constant Servant closeth his Petition;
“More Knights, my Lord, your State has little need on,
“Let me be a poore Country Squire to breed on.
Now if these Reasons take no place, my Lord,
I must Obey if you but speake the word:
A Knights fee for your Honour I have heere;
“Knight and no Knight; the Purchase is too deere:
But I 'm resolv'd, my Reasons are so plaine,
Your squire may with his Coine go back againe.
297
Upon his Hon. Election of Deputation for Ireland.
For
Ireland, Lord! what will become of me?
For Conscience-sake looke on my Familie.
Would you receive more honour then you have;
And so relinquish those whom you may save?
Is any one more earthly-blest then you?
Firme friends, faire fates, brave Bards, corrivals few.
And who is hee that is so richly blest
Will hatch his Airy in a forraine nest?
There the best Hawkes, indeed, they say are bred,
But there High-flyers oft have perished.
Those that doe love my Lord, doe hold it fit,
As th' Country honours him, so should he it.
Admit, my Lord, that you entitled be
Yorks President, and Irelands Deputie;
Where you are five yeers onely to remaine,
Which time expir'd you'r to return againe!
Nay more then that, when ev'ry third Month ends,
You may revisit here your constant friends;
What's this to me? while you at distance stand,
I'm forc'd to write my sorrows in the sand.
“It is a weeke agoe since I did dreame,
How you and I were swimming in a streame;
Rough were the Billows, for the water swell'd
While I for safety by a Willow held;
Which you catch'd at, but, 'las, it would not be,
That failed you what had supported me,
For when you strove to save your selfe from Wrack,
Rude-chattring Reeds (me thought) still held you back.
“Now such as are Expositors of Dreames
Might thus interpret it; “These troubled Streames
Betoken danger; Willowes, friends (indeede)
But such as faile us most, when most we need;
Rude chattring Reeds, such as doe make a sport
To blemish Honour with a base report.
But dreams are dreams, & such as rightly know them
Will nere give trust nor confidence unto them.
But why, my Lord, should you transplanted be,
And reave me of that hope supported me?
'Zlid, all the world knows you to be wise,
And play'd ith' Parl'ament your Master prize:
But whats all that? God knows what some will say
In heat of hate, when you are gone away
Excuse me, Lord, my zeal conceits the worst,
If I should silent be, my gall would burst.
No Sycophant am I, upon my word;
Ile speak as Servants should unto their Lord.
Then taxe not my discretion for the matter,
But praise his honesty that cannot flatter.
For Conscience-sake looke on my Familie.
Would you receive more honour then you have;
And so relinquish those whom you may save?
Is any one more earthly-blest then you?
Firme friends, faire fates, brave Bards, corrivals few.
And who is hee that is so richly blest
Will hatch his Airy in a forraine nest?
There the best Hawkes, indeed, they say are bred,
But there High-flyers oft have perished.
Those that doe love my Lord, doe hold it fit,
As th' Country honours him, so should he it.
Admit, my Lord, that you entitled be
Yorks President, and Irelands Deputie;
Where you are five yeers onely to remaine,
Which time expir'd you'r to return againe!
Nay more then that, when ev'ry third Month ends,
You may revisit here your constant friends;
298
I'm forc'd to write my sorrows in the sand.
“It is a weeke agoe since I did dreame,
How you and I were swimming in a streame;
Rough were the Billows, for the water swell'd
While I for safety by a Willow held;
Which you catch'd at, but, 'las, it would not be,
That failed you what had supported me,
For when you strove to save your selfe from Wrack,
Rude-chattring Reeds (me thought) still held you back.
“Now such as are Expositors of Dreames
Might thus interpret it; “These troubled Streames
Betoken danger; Willowes, friends (indeede)
But such as faile us most, when most we need;
Rude chattring Reeds, such as doe make a sport
To blemish Honour with a base report.
But dreams are dreams, & such as rightly know them
Will nere give trust nor confidence unto them.
But why, my Lord, should you transplanted be,
And reave me of that hope supported me?
'Zlid, all the world knows you to be wise,
And play'd ith' Parl'ament your Master prize:
But whats all that? God knows what some will say
In heat of hate, when you are gone away
Excuse me, Lord, my zeal conceits the worst,
If I should silent be, my gall would burst.
No Sycophant am I, upon my word;
Ile speak as Servants should unto their Lord.
Then taxe not my discretion for the matter,
But praise his honesty that cannot flatter.
299
Here then a tatterd Knight comes sneaking in,
And jeers the Honour you bestow'd on him;
And swears that Diotolph Brand who look't so big,
Being made Knight for rosting of a Pig,
Was ne're to more desertlesse honour hurl'd,
“For hee's scarce worth a Pig in all the World.
Here a rack-rent Recusant cryes amaine
O my deere Conscience! and repeats your name;
And vowes since Abbies were dissolved heere,
A Romish Conscience never cost so deere:
So as you must not be, till they be freed,
E're in their Pater-noster or their Creed.
Some say you'r grown to that resistless might,
He is not wise dare be your opposite;
For you will crush him be he nere so great,
Having such free accesse to Cæsars Seat;
Whose gracious rayes are such, as they impart
Verdure and vigour to your known desart.
And jeers the Honour you bestow'd on him;
And swears that Diotolph Brand who look't so big,
Being made Knight for rosting of a Pig,
Was ne're to more desertlesse honour hurl'd,
“For hee's scarce worth a Pig in all the World.
Here a rack-rent Recusant cryes amaine
O my deere Conscience! and repeats your name;
And vowes since Abbies were dissolved heere,
A Romish Conscience never cost so deere:
So as you must not be, till they be freed,
E're in their Pater-noster or their Creed.
Some say you'r grown to that resistless might,
He is not wise dare be your opposite;
For you will crush him be he nere so great,
Having such free accesse to Cæsars Seat;
Whose gracious rayes are such, as they impart
Verdure and vigour to your known desart.
These and such like reports they 'l spread on you;
Which, though I'm confident, are far from true;
For in that equal Scale your actions stand,
As Ile avouch you just with heart and hand.
Yet too maliciously will some men deem,
When the wide Sea hath sever'd you from them.
Nought's left to answer for you but report,
Which good men know you by, and love you for't.
Which, though I'm confident, are far from true;
For in that equal Scale your actions stand,
As Ile avouch you just with heart and hand.
Yet too maliciously will some men deem,
When the wide Sea hath sever'd you from them.
Nought's left to answer for you but report,
Which good men know you by, and love you for't.
Alas my Lord, for Ireland! many one
Have gone forth laughing, that come weeping home.
Our Modern Stories have sufficient
To shew, wee need no other President.
“Nor can you there doe service to your King,
For, as I heare, there breaths no venemous thing:
What then can Justice finde it selfe to doe?
Plant rather here where there be snakes enow,
“Such as deserve a Censure: “Hee that's just
Must finde offenders, or his Sword will rust.
Some from the height of their concealed hate
Doe much maligne the fulness of your State,
And say, “One day a Parliament will come,
And then we hope Some will be payed home,
If these, while you live here, so envious be;
Judge what they'l doe when you'r beyond the Sea?
Your Presence then 's the way to make you strong,
“Just men have oft through absence suffred wrong,
“Pardon my boldness, Lord, the Case is such
Did I not love you, Ide not speak so much.
Oft to your Honor have I made resort,
Yet nere Petition'd ought unless in sport;
It was your selfe I sought, whose love I gain'd
And that was th'only marke at which I aimd.
Your choice discourse and judgement I confess,
Made mee all yours, I could be nothing less.
Have gone forth laughing, that come weeping home.
Our Modern Stories have sufficient
To shew, wee need no other President.
300
For, as I heare, there breaths no venemous thing:
What then can Justice finde it selfe to doe?
Plant rather here where there be snakes enow,
“Such as deserve a Censure: “Hee that's just
Must finde offenders, or his Sword will rust.
Some from the height of their concealed hate
Doe much maligne the fulness of your State,
And say, “One day a Parliament will come,
And then we hope Some will be payed home,
If these, while you live here, so envious be;
Judge what they'l doe when you'r beyond the Sea?
Your Presence then 's the way to make you strong,
“Just men have oft through absence suffred wrong,
“Pardon my boldness, Lord, the Case is such
Did I not love you, Ide not speak so much.
Oft to your Honor have I made resort,
Yet nere Petition'd ought unless in sport;
It was your selfe I sought, whose love I gain'd
And that was th'only marke at which I aimd.
Your choice discourse and judgement I confess,
Made mee all yours, I could be nothing less.
I should write more, But Seas begin to rise,
And with their brinie waves o'reflow mine eyes.
Thus then with firme resolve, my knee I bend,
So you thereto be pleas'd to condescend:
Mount to the Moon, you cannot mount from me
My Muse and I will keep you companie.
“Only vouchsafe a line, for if you go,
England farewell, I'le be for Ireland too.
And with their brinie waves o'reflow mine eyes.
Thus then with firme resolve, my knee I bend,
So you thereto be pleas'd to condescend:
Mount to the Moon, you cannot mount from me
My Muse and I will keep you companie.
“Only vouchsafe a line, for if you go,
England farewell, I'le be for Ireland too.
301
Upon his Hon. returne from Ireland.
Vpon his attendance.
My Lord, I thinkeI have more hours attended
Then pearled Rills
From Taurus ere descended.
Still have those rising waters troubled him,
But when He strove a greater man stept in.
Scotch, Irish, English in such numbers came,
As none would deigne to tell your Servants name:
“Well, my good Lord, though you'r the Heir of time,
“That I'm the same, peruse this troth-plight ryme,
Vpon his admittance.
Blessed Patrick, are you comeTo your long-expected home?
None I sweare ere came here
To my leaping heart more deere
Saving my dread Soveraigne
In his wish'd returne from Spaine.
Saile not from us back againe,
Unlesse it bee your Princes aime,
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“This is the Prayer of your Swaine.
‘'Zlid you've discharg'd that taske for which you went,
Live now unto your owne a President.
For the Right Honorable Charles Hovvard, Commander in chiefe over Cumberland, Westmerland, and Northumberland,
Upon the Decimation.
Deign Sir, in your perusall of these lines,
“To cleare their Score, who'r cleare of all Designes:
“Which crowns your Honor; when those Shires that beare
“Your fair Commands, are only now found cleare.
Though change of State, no doubt, some level'd at,
Twixt hopes & feares: But husht! no more of that.
Assess'd afresh! what have we done or said
That this new Taxe should on our States be laid?
Deare Goldsmiths Hall six tedious yeares ago
Brought the Revenues of our State so low’
As with Rent-Charges, we may safe aver,
Some of our Lands ly now in Lavender.
Such is the Burthen our condition feeles,
As we can scarcely keepe our Cart oth' Wheeles.
Weigh our calme temper too, how all our time
We made the Muses Ward-robe our designe:
And those who were not qualifide that way,
For Grazing or for Culture made assay.
No Project nor State-action plundg, our braine,
“To know God and our selves was our sole aime.
And merits this a Censure, pray you say!
Must our Retirement this Assesment pay?
To th' world we appeale!—where we doe live,
Our precious Minutes are contemplative.
Our thoughts act not for Changes: our content
Is to dispose our Soules to th' government
Of their affections: They that have arriv'd
And seene as many yeeres as we have liv'd,
Should make 't their onely taske their souls to save:
And in e'ch pace to measure out his Grave.
This, is our Warfare: if 't be held unfit
Teach us some other Trade, weel practise it.
But to finde out a safer way then this
Trace Heaven and Earth, we know not where it is.
This all Saints us'd, where were we joyn'd in one,
Wee 'd hold our Passage happy to be gone.
Weake be our nerves and arteries to fight,
“Heav'ns Ord'nance is the Shot gives us delight:
And in these aged-deafned Eares sound louder
Then any Shot that takes his Charge from Pouder.
From the first
Warre some have not struck astroke
But from the Campe betook them to their booke.
Or if their profit did not that way look,
They plide the Plough-share or the Sheepheards Crooke,
For we collected by our Conquering Foes,
What Heav'n decreed 't was folly to oppose.
“To cleare their Score, who'r cleare of all Designes:
“Which crowns your Honor; when those Shires that beare
“Your fair Commands, are only now found cleare.
Though change of State, no doubt, some level'd at,
Twixt hopes & feares: But husht! no more of that.
Assess'd afresh! what have we done or said
That this new Taxe should on our States be laid?
Deare Goldsmiths Hall six tedious yeares ago
Brought the Revenues of our State so low’
303
Some of our Lands ly now in Lavender.
Such is the Burthen our condition feeles,
As we can scarcely keepe our Cart oth' Wheeles.
Weigh our calme temper too, how all our time
We made the Muses Ward-robe our designe:
And those who were not qualifide that way,
For Grazing or for Culture made assay.
No Project nor State-action plundg, our braine,
“To know God and our selves was our sole aime.
And merits this a Censure, pray you say!
Must our Retirement this Assesment pay?
To th' world we appeale!—where we doe live,
Our precious Minutes are contemplative.
Our thoughts act not for Changes: our content
Is to dispose our Soules to th' government
Of their affections: They that have arriv'd
And seene as many yeeres as we have liv'd,
Should make 't their onely taske their souls to save:
And in e'ch pace to measure out his Grave.
This, is our Warfare: if 't be held unfit
Teach us some other Trade, weel practise it.
But to finde out a safer way then this
Trace Heaven and Earth, we know not where it is.
This all Saints us'd, where were we joyn'd in one,
Wee 'd hold our Passage happy to be gone.
Weake be our nerves and arteries to fight,
“Heav'ns Ord'nance is the Shot gives us delight:
And in these aged-deafned Eares sound louder
Then any Shot that takes his Charge from Pouder.
304
But from the Campe betook them to their booke.
Or if their profit did not that way look,
They plide the Plough-share or the Sheepheards Crooke,
For we collected by our Conquering Foes,
What Heav'n decreed 't was folly to oppose.
For this, our Composition has beene payd,
Wherein his GRACE afforded One such ayd,
That even in Gold-smiths Hall He did apply
His hand, and sought their fine to qualify:
Had not a Ridge of Hasles stood ith' way
And with a rough obstruction rais'd his pay.
“Burn't Child fire dreads: Our pennance has beene such,
We acted little, but wee suffer'd much.
Had no mans hand beene Conscious of more guilt,
Much blood had beene preserv'd, that has been spilt.
Some of us may be Hermits for our yeares,
There's no occasion then from us of feares.
Besides, SOME Justices were call'd of late,
Which would sound harshly to a ruin'd State.
Doe not Assesse us then, vnlesse 't be showne;
That we enjoy more fortunes then our owne;
Much lesse, I'me sure, then we might justly claime:
“Heav'ns steere our Bark in this tempestuous Maine.
‘Your self 's the North-Starre yt directs our Saile,
Cleere our Land-voyage with a prosperous Gale.
Pensions, Debts, Portions have our States so reft,
Like Banbery Cheese, there 's nought save pairings left:
And if we must both Crum and Crust forgo
Wee'l welcome want, because heav'n order'd so;
In hope, when you these Golden Mines obtaine,
These Taxes shall be paide us back againe
Wherein his GRACE afforded One such ayd,
That even in Gold-smiths Hall He did apply
His hand, and sought their fine to qualify:
Had not a Ridge of Hasles stood ith' way
And with a rough obstruction rais'd his pay.
“Burn't Child fire dreads: Our pennance has beene such,
We acted little, but wee suffer'd much.
Had no mans hand beene Conscious of more guilt,
Much blood had beene preserv'd, that has been spilt.
Some of us may be Hermits for our yeares,
There's no occasion then from us of feares.
Besides, SOME Justices were call'd of late,
Which would sound harshly to a ruin'd State.
Doe not Assesse us then, vnlesse 't be showne;
That we enjoy more fortunes then our owne;
Much lesse, I'me sure, then we might justly claime:
“Heav'ns steere our Bark in this tempestuous Maine.
305
Cleere our Land-voyage with a prosperous Gale.
Pensions, Debts, Portions have our States so reft,
Like Banbery Cheese, there 's nought save pairings left:
And if we must both Crum and Crust forgo
Wee'l welcome want, because heav'n order'd so;
In hope, when you these Golden Mines obtaine,
These Taxes shall be paide us back againe
But Grace appeares!—th' Instructions give consent
That those who entertaine this Government
With a Composed and Submissive will
Should be exempt from this Assessing Bill:
And, sure, Experience taught us so much wit
To know what Soveraignty is, and to submit.
Wee'r now become Good Boyes (thanks be to God)
First take correction, after kisse the Rod.
“They who intend t'improve their Means at Court
“Must take a wrong and give a Congie for 't.
Tender the favour these instructions shew,
“So yours prey not on us, wee'l pray for you:
Wishing with all our hearts, Heav'n would decre
Our Purse as full, as wee'r of Charitie.
That those who entertaine this Government
With a Composed and Submissive will
Should be exempt from this Assessing Bill:
And, sure, Experience taught us so much wit
To know what Soveraignty is, and to submit.
Wee'r now become Good Boyes (thanks be to God)
First take correction, after kisse the Rod.
“They who intend t'improve their Means at Court
“Must take a wrong and give a Congie for 't.
Tender the favour these instructions shew,
“So yours prey not on us, wee'l pray for you:
Wishing with all our hearts, Heav'n would decre
Our Purse as full, as wee'r of Charitie.
If all this will not doe, we hope our Zeale
Unto the State will grant us an Appeale;
Wherein by plea if we appeare not free,
May this same Grand Assesse re-doubled bee.
But rather then offend, wee'l meekly fall
Under your Doome, without Appeale at all.
—This renders no disgust; So you reprive us,
Wee'l try what benefit the Law may give us;
Wherein if we unfortunately slip,
Wee'l hold th' Adventure worse then HAMDENS Ship.
Should none of all these Arrows hit the marke,
But like Tiresias Shafts be shot ith' darke;
Unto the State will grant us an Appeale;
Wherein by plea if we appeare not free,
May this same Grand Assesse re-doubled bee.
But rather then offend, wee'l meekly fall
Under your Doome, without Appeale at all.
—This renders no disgust; So you reprive us,
Wee'l try what benefit the Law may give us;
306
Wee'l hold th' Adventure worse then HAMDENS Ship.
Should none of all these Arrows hit the marke,
But like Tiresias Shafts be shot ith' darke;
Our onely way to cement this Division
Is to officiate and take th' Commission.
Which, if it may with your affection sute,
To th'Tenure of that Writ, wee'l execute:
And doe as justly too, or wee'd be sory,
As wee were dealt withall,—so ends the story.
Is to officiate and take th' Commission.
Which, if it may with your affection sute,
To th'Tenure of that Writ, wee'l execute:
And doe as justly too, or wee'd be sory,
As wee were dealt withall,—so ends the story.
Nonne major nobis concedenda est gratia, amplior Clementia primo a Bello cessantibus & pacifice degentibus, quamiis, qui in Castris assidue fuerunt versati usque ad ultimum Worcestriæ certaminis exitum?
Should a Case of Necessity he urged; the like was in that Argument of Ship-money pretended: and by some of our judicioust and sincerest Judges evinced and held illegall.
After his Assesse at Penrith;
Addressed to his Honour.
January 31. 1655.
“How now! Mount I to twenty pounds Assesse,
“When my Rint-charges rise to such a rate
“As no inferiour Judgement could hold lesse
“Then free indulgence to my squiezed State?
“You doom, I melt; shall I the Cause impart?
“Your Honours civill usage won my heart.
“Yet that those Grounds were good I stood upon,
“Peruse these Reasons, Sir, and I have don.
What's twenty pounds Assesse to him that may
Improve the State more by his Pen then Pay;
When He to forraine Nations shall make knowne
The Bounty and great Pity you have showne
To State-Delinquents! when with face to face
They'r look'd upon like Children of Grace.
As th'late Act of Oblivion seem'd to approve,
That we were all One Familie of love.
Thrice Sacred Cement! when Revenge must cease;
And Patience smile on forepast Injuries.
By which your Fame might to Successions ring;
“To have Power and not to doe, 's a noble thing:
A Princely-Lyon Ire: when hostile force
Puts off the Roabs of Rage, and donns Remorce.
No Marble, Topaz, Ivory, Thracian Stone
Could reare you Shrines more to be look't upon;
Nor more admir'd: Statues are works of time,
True worth admits no period nor decline.
“When my Rint-charges rise to such a rate
“As no inferiour Judgement could hold lesse
“Then free indulgence to my squiezed State?
“You doom, I melt; shall I the Cause impart?
“Your Honours civill usage won my heart.
307
“Peruse these Reasons, Sir, and I have don.
What's twenty pounds Assesse to him that may
Improve the State more by his Pen then Pay;
When He to forraine Nations shall make knowne
The Bounty and great Pity you have showne
To State-Delinquents! when with face to face
They'r look'd upon like Children of Grace.
As th'late Act of Oblivion seem'd to approve,
That we were all One Familie of love.
Thrice Sacred Cement! when Revenge must cease;
And Patience smile on forepast Injuries.
By which your Fame might to Successions ring;
“To have Power and not to doe, 's a noble thing:
A Princely-Lyon Ire: when hostile force
Puts off the Roabs of Rage, and donns Remorce.
No Marble, Topaz, Ivory, Thracian Stone
Could reare you Shrines more to be look't upon;
Nor more admir'd: Statues are works of time,
True worth admits no period nor decline.
Now to my selfe;—Should I in briefe relate
The forme of th' Spartan or the Theban State
In their necessitous times; you might perceive
What Priviledges they to Pen-men gave:
For by their Annals I shall make 't appeare
From all Assessments They exempted were.
First, that their Writings might disperse their Fame;
Next, that their Penns more gingerly might blame
The Errors of those times: and Palliate
In a smooth Style th' Abuses of the State:
Seeking by artfull secret mists to smother
The Soile of Sinne, but to display the Other.
The forme of th' Spartan or the Theban State
In their necessitous times; you might perceive
What Priviledges they to Pen-men gave:
For by their Annals I shall make 't appeare
From all Assessments They exempted were.
308
Next, that their Penns more gingerly might blame
The Errors of those times: and Palliate
In a smooth Style th' Abuses of the State:
Seeking by artfull secret mists to smother
The Soile of Sinne, but to display the Other.
Sometimes have I extoll'd you in this sort,
And if too much, pray God forgive me for't.
Nor did I onely in that Land-skip show
State-virtues, but emergent vices too.
“Good faces are with Moals much beautifide;
“Venus seem'd fair'st, when Nais sat beside.
“Vice setts off Vertue best:—No Pearls spread
“Their Lustre more, then when they 'r set in Lead.
There's none that ever knew me One of those
That for a Diadem could learn to gloze.
For had I practised the Art to Flatter
“Th' increase of Fortune had deprav'd my Nature.
Yet had I prov'd Proficient in that Art,
I'le tell you, Sir, the secrets of my Heart,
(For I dare venture to unrivet it
To one of Honour, Judgement, Worth and Wit,)
I'm confident, I had not so long waited
On your Commission to be Decimated.
Since SELDAN that Authentick Instrument
And constant Servant to the Parlament,
Directly prov'd no Tenths at all were due
Unto the Clergy; then much lesse to you.
Whom though our Rabbies labour'd to confute,
They might have Silence kept with more repute:
For such Antiquity and Reason met
As his Assertions were not answer'd yet.
BESIDES all this; the Spartan State decree'd
That all such Parents as their Children breed
In Arts and Studies of Philosophie
From all Assessments should exempted be:
And by deductions from Rint-charges granted
Supply those Tacklings Education wanted.
Which Law one day when Cleon did oppose,
Tyrtæus in defence oth' Edict rose,
Saying; “If these so neare us might not share
“In our Provision and Parentall care;
“May this strict opposition be obey'd
“And al Male-children henceforth Eunuchs made.
Which smart Reply drove th'Court to such a laughter
As the like Motion ne're was heard of after.
To those object, “'Tis folly to delay
“This Grand Assesse, our Souldiers must have pay;
My answer is; “I'm Natures deepest debter;
“I love a Souldier well, but Children better.
But since I must their Benefactor prove,
Their prayers, me thinks, should gratify my love.
But though I pay them more then does become me.
They pray not for me, but they prey upon me.
And if too much, pray God forgive me for't.
Nor did I onely in that Land-skip show
State-virtues, but emergent vices too.
“Good faces are with Moals much beautifide;
“Venus seem'd fair'st, when Nais sat beside.
“Vice setts off Vertue best:—No Pearls spread
“Their Lustre more, then when they 'r set in Lead.
There's none that ever knew me One of those
That for a Diadem could learn to gloze.
For had I practised the Art to Flatter
“Th' increase of Fortune had deprav'd my Nature.
Yet had I prov'd Proficient in that Art,
I'le tell you, Sir, the secrets of my Heart,
(For I dare venture to unrivet it
To one of Honour, Judgement, Worth and Wit,)
I'm confident, I had not so long waited
On your Commission to be Decimated.
309
And constant Servant to the Parlament,
Directly prov'd no Tenths at all were due
Unto the Clergy; then much lesse to you.
Whom though our Rabbies labour'd to confute,
They might have Silence kept with more repute:
For such Antiquity and Reason met
As his Assertions were not answer'd yet.
BESIDES all this; the Spartan State decree'd
That all such Parents as their Children breed
In Arts and Studies of Philosophie
From all Assessments should exempted be:
And by deductions from Rint-charges granted
Supply those Tacklings Education wanted.
Which Law one day when Cleon did oppose,
Tyrtæus in defence oth' Edict rose,
Saying; “If these so neare us might not share
“In our Provision and Parentall care;
“May this strict opposition be obey'd
“And al Male-children henceforth Eunuchs made.
Which smart Reply drove th'Court to such a laughter
As the like Motion ne're was heard of after.
To those object, “'Tis folly to delay
“This Grand Assesse, our Souldiers must have pay;
My answer is; “I'm Natures deepest debter;
“I love a Souldier well, but Children better.
But since I must their Benefactor prove,
Their prayers, me thinks, should gratify my love.
310
They pray not for me, but they prey upon me.
When aged Priam or'e Sackt Troy did reigne,
Never had he more Children to maintaine;
Must I dis-owne whom Nature bids me owne,
To furnish Those, to whom I am unknowne?
The case is Ours: let Application draw
From th' Spartan Act, life to an English Law:
For if such Masters worse then Ethnicks be
Provide not for a private Familie;
Those Fathers, surely, should be held unfit
To live, who take no care of those they git.
“Those wild Oats youth has sowne, Old age must reap thē.
“And what we got, an other must not keepe them.
Deare Sir give eare; what Native Love alledges
Concerns us all; the tender of our Pledges.
But you 'r so truly Noble; as no feare
Of your just Care dares put in Anchor heere.
Never had he more Children to maintaine;
Must I dis-owne whom Nature bids me owne,
To furnish Those, to whom I am unknowne?
The case is Ours: let Application draw
From th' Spartan Act, life to an English Law:
For if such Masters worse then Ethnicks be
Provide not for a private Familie;
Those Fathers, surely, should be held unfit
To live, who take no care of those they git.
“Those wild Oats youth has sowne, Old age must reap thē.
“And what we got, an other must not keepe them.
Deare Sir give eare; what Native Love alledges
Concerns us all; the tender of our Pledges.
But you 'r so truly Noble; as no feare
Of your just Care dares put in Anchor heere.
Your most devotionall decimated Servant R. B.
[_]
With your HON. Certificate, let me partake this noble favour from your approved Goodnesse: To have my Assesse (after the merit of my Cause) respited, till my repair to London, which I purpose (God willing) early next Month. Where I hope by application and your HON. assistance, to mitigate, if not wholly mediate my Assesse.
Panorm. de Jure Civili. C. X. Conrad. de Magistrali discip. C. 5. Palud. de Antiq. Leg. L. 3. C. 6. Carnead. de Princip. Regim. C. 8. Paragraph. 7. Pelarg. in Quæst. Aristocrat. fol. 30. Camerar. de Gest. Orient. Li. Z. C. 6.
Sundry Places of Corresponsive esteeme and benefit proffer'd me if my retired Condition would have entertained any such Remora's to Privacy and Contemplation: or could have stoop'd to that servile lure of Assentation.
311
Upon his additionall Assesse;
continued in addresse to his Honour.
February 2. 1655.
“What Bill's here posted on our Tything door!
“Five pounds to the State-advance—And who bids more?
“Not one Scotch Plak; 'tis fear'd the State at length,
“Will seize nine parts, and leave us but a tenth.
“Five pounds to the State-advance—And who bids more?
“Not one Scotch Plak; 'tis fear'd the State at length,
“Will seize nine parts, and leave us but a tenth.
Sir I was lately bit, but knows not how,
Nor whether they be friends to th'State or no.
For surely those who represent such zeale,
And constant service to the Commonweale;
Should not be used so.—I'm lately cast
By your Grave Synod, since th' Assessement last
In five pounds more: if this be not a Shelfe
(I must appeal unto your Honour'd selfe)
Of dangerous consequence;—when hearts and hands
Become addressed to your faire commands,
Must these be made State-Martyrs? Where should we
But in Committees look for unitie
In their harmonious Votes? How does this show,
When one day acts, what next day does undoe?
This strange dis-union held a partiall Sin,
Caus'd old Sysambris sacrifice his skin
In brave Cambises time; who wisely saw
How it oppos'd the levell of the Law;
And that it alien'd much the hearts of those
Who were his Friends to be his private Foes.
Affection is of such transcendent price,
Assesse should not eclipse it nor Excise,
Redresse this, Sir, for unto you I ow
Such cordiall Service and devotion too,
As you, I'm sure, on whom I doe depend,
In my just Cause will prove a faithfull Friend.
Which done, if there be Springs in Helicon,
I'le fame your honour in our Albion:
And make her Face so terrible to Spaine,
As if our Army were all-Charlemaine.
This Pibrac freed from Taxes in his time,
Why may it not to this low Muse of mine?
Whose wings so richly plum'd, as She can fly
And meet Occurrents with an Eagles eye:
And make those grant who 'r ill-opinion'd on us,
That we doe nought, but what may well become us.
Which, though it seeme a Paradox to Some,
They will acknowledge it when I have done:
For that Bards Genius is not fit to write,
That cannot make white black, & black of white.
For since Pharsalians Fields were never in
More mouths, than our late Civile Wars have bin;
If home-bred Triumphs purchase such renoune,
Much more when We have forraine Nations won.
“You must my Patron be in this addresse,
“Your Pension my Exemption from Assesse.
Nor whether they be friends to th'State or no.
For surely those who represent such zeale,
And constant service to the Commonweale;
Should not be used so.—I'm lately cast
By your Grave Synod, since th' Assessement last
In five pounds more: if this be not a Shelfe
(I must appeal unto your Honour'd selfe)
Of dangerous consequence;—when hearts and hands
Become addressed to your faire commands,
Must these be made State-Martyrs? Where should we
But in Committees look for unitie
312
When one day acts, what next day does undoe?
This strange dis-union held a partiall Sin,
Caus'd old Sysambris sacrifice his skin
In brave Cambises time; who wisely saw
How it oppos'd the levell of the Law;
And that it alien'd much the hearts of those
Who were his Friends to be his private Foes.
Affection is of such transcendent price,
Assesse should not eclipse it nor Excise,
Redresse this, Sir, for unto you I ow
Such cordiall Service and devotion too,
As you, I'm sure, on whom I doe depend,
In my just Cause will prove a faithfull Friend.
Which done, if there be Springs in Helicon,
I'le fame your honour in our Albion:
And make her Face so terrible to Spaine,
As if our Army were all-Charlemaine.
This Pibrac freed from Taxes in his time,
Why may it not to this low Muse of mine?
Whose wings so richly plum'd, as She can fly
And meet Occurrents with an Eagles eye:
And make those grant who 'r ill-opinion'd on us,
That we doe nought, but what may well become us.
Which, though it seeme a Paradox to Some,
They will acknowledge it when I have done:
For that Bards Genius is not fit to write,
That cannot make white black, & black of white.
For since Pharsalians Fields were never in
More mouths, than our late Civile Wars have bin;
313
Much more when We have forraine Nations won.
“You must my Patron be in this addresse,
“Your Pension my Exemption from Assesse.
Your Hon. most affectionately devoted re-decimated Servant
A parcell of partiall-guilt Justice.
How! a Commission! Pray thee from what ground?“To salve th' Assessement of three hundred pound.
Well, GIB. though this device thy Coffers ease,
The Cure may prove farre worse than the disease.
I could, but dare not whisper in thine Eare,
Lest some Eve-droppers for the State draw neare;
One day there may a Fowler come to set
And catch a Timing Baron in his Net.
No Scottish Style will leave thee Scot free than,
Fames Pencile shall ingrave:—Lo there's the man
Who spar'd no time with Conscience to dispute,
But roundly undertook to Execute;
“Whom? Justice; “How? To hang her? No, to Save;
“What? His Assesse.—So dyed this worldling Slave.
“Was e're wealth worse bestowed?—Stay, Sun's not set;
“More's to be done:—Last Sceane's not acted yet.
314
For Colonell Robert Waters, Upon his Yorkshire Summons.
“These late Inquisitions have So my Senses Confouunded,
“I am now in a Strait, as if I had never Compounded.
“I am now in a Strait, as if I had never Compounded.
The
Laity ought to pay their Tenths; 'tis true;
But they of old were to the Altar due.
If th' Altar be supprest, the Offering dies,
For where no Altar, there no Sacrifice.
Yet though Delinquents Fatlings be exhaust,
Their poore Remains must be the Holocaust:
And tho in them small fat be left to fry,
Some must be Squiezed forth untill they dy.
So as Jobs Maxim will admit no doubt,
“Nak't came they in, and nak't must they goe out:
And stript of State, well were't if they from sin,
Might go as naked forth as they came in:
But Cæsar with his Power can ne're impose
More outward Mulcts, then they have inward foes:
Which They by temp'rate dyet may represse,
And this Assesse will keepe them from Excesse.
Thus Sinnue-shrunk all rising Statists shun us,
“Our Crosse oth' Doore cryes—Lord have mercy on us.
But should all th'Elements combine to faile me,
There's One at Cundale, sure I am would baile me.
But they of old were to the Altar due.
If th' Altar be supprest, the Offering dies,
For where no Altar, there no Sacrifice.
Yet though Delinquents Fatlings be exhaust,
Their poore Remains must be the Holocaust:
And tho in them small fat be left to fry,
Some must be Squiezed forth untill they dy.
So as Jobs Maxim will admit no doubt,
“Nak't came they in, and nak't must they goe out:
And stript of State, well were't if they from sin,
Might go as naked forth as they came in:
But Cæsar with his Power can ne're impose
More outward Mulcts, then they have inward foes:
Which They by temp'rate dyet may represse,
And this Assesse will keepe them from Excesse.
315
“Our Crosse oth' Doore cryes—Lord have mercy on us.
But should all th'Elements combine to faile me,
There's One at Cundale, sure I am would baile me.
Excuse me, Sir, I am not ev'ry where,
My Person 's One, and that One Summond here;
Nor doe I feare, though I with Others Share,
So just's my Judge, but I shall carry faire.
For my increase is not in Coine but cares,
Aches, Reumes, Tisicks, Children, and Gray-haires:
Wherein, if th' State take Tithes in ev'ry part,
I wish them th'Tenths of these with all my hart.
My Person 's One, and that One Summond here;
Nor doe I feare, though I with Others Share,
So just's my Judge, but I shall carry faire.
For my increase is not in Coine but cares,
Aches, Reumes, Tisicks, Children, and Gray-haires:
Wherein, if th' State take Tithes in ev'ry part,
I wish them th'Tenths of these with all my hart.
From him, who In Storms, Winds, and Showres, Subscribes him truly yours. December 28. 1655.
In ostium, Rubræ Crucis si figamus characterem, perniciosæ pestis Spectantium oculis ominatur indicium. Cordel.
For Mr. Ralph Rimer, a discreet State Commissioner.
Rimer
, Me thinks thou should'st a Poet love,
Though more then Rhime's requir'd in Poetry;
A word in season's precious; Pray thee move
That I from decimation may be free,
So shall Swales Banks fame thy Civilitie:
For such a friendly-Office done in Season
May store Musæus both with Rhime and Reason.
Though more then Rhime's requir'd in Poetry;
316
That I from decimation may be free,
So shall Swales Banks fame thy Civilitie:
For such a friendly-Office done in Season
May store Musæus both with Rhime and Reason.
Rhime gives the Close and Accent to our verse,
My deerest Ralph approve thee one of those
Who may deserve Inscriptions on their Hearse,
And gaine more Friends then others gather Foes;
By cloathing such as Imposts doe unclose;
So to thy Line such honor may be won
Time shall Enshrine thy Fame at Brafferton.
My deerest Ralph approve thee one of those
Who may deserve Inscriptions on their Hearse,
And gaine more Friends then others gather Foes;
By cloathing such as Imposts doe unclose;
So to thy Line such honor may be won
Time shall Enshrine thy Fame at Brafferton.
Since this was writ, good news from th' Parlament,
Our Decimations are quite ta'ne away,
God grant this Ease raise not our discontent
And rack us more then we before did pay,
Which would make up th'Malignants holy-day,
But if our shoulders must Atlantick be,
Let thine owne, Cæsar, beare as well as we.
Wee have been Asses made while they were freed,
Leane not too much upon a bruized-Reed.
Our Decimations are quite ta'ne away,
God grant this Ease raise not our discontent
And rack us more then we before did pay,
Which would make up th'Malignants holy-day,
But if our shoulders must Atlantick be,
Let thine owne, Cæsar, beare as well as we.
Wee have been Asses made while they were freed,
Leane not too much upon a bruized-Reed.
317
For Captain Aitee and L. Bolland.
When young Leontio was so straitly set
As all his State would scarce discharge his debt;
Decius the Serjant was injoyn'd to come,
And seize of all his Moveables in Rome:
Who dealt so fair and mildly in his place,
From th' Mace he vow'd he never found like grace.
As all his State would scarce discharge his debt;
Decius the Serjant was injoyn'd to come,
And seize of all his Moveables in Rome:
Who dealt so fair and mildly in his place,
From th' Mace he vow'd he never found like grace.
That I may render every one their due,
This Story might be instanced in you;
Though Some professe themselves your mortall haters,
I'le justifie you Civil Sequestraters.
Such Atteus was in honest Appius dayes;
Hold on; mild Spirits merit highest praise.
“Your Temperance, no doubt, retein'd a sense
Of honest Ned Crofts cordiall Innocence:
Who without Boots or Armes was prov'd to be,
Which were strange Habits for hostilitie.
If his resolvs had beene addrest that way,
He would have marcht in a more martiall 'ray.
But of his Case if there be no remorse,
“His sentence may conclude,—Gramercy Horse:
For if he might have got his price at home,
He had not felt the weight of such a Doome.
This Story might be instanced in you;
Though Some professe themselves your mortall haters,
I'le justifie you Civil Sequestraters.
Such Atteus was in honest Appius dayes;
Hold on; mild Spirits merit highest praise.
“Your Temperance, no doubt, retein'd a sense
Of honest Ned Crofts cordiall Innocence:
Who without Boots or Armes was prov'd to be,
Which were strange Habits for hostilitie.
If his resolvs had beene addrest that way,
He would have marcht in a more martiall 'ray.
But of his Case if there be no remorse,
“His sentence may conclude,—Gramercy Horse:
318
He had not felt the weight of such a Doome.
Trust me, high-valued friends, had this beene so,
Horse-Faires had beene Sequestred long ago.
Malton and Rippon might have sent us Newes
That both their Markets were remov'd to th'Mews.
In Smythfield no Horse-Couper to be seene,
But vanish'd quite as if they had not beene.
Though fire and faggot, and a sterne Commission
Denounce his ruine, if a late Petition
Or a Milde Parl'ament beget not sence
In steeled Spirits by their influence:
Horse-Faires had beene Sequestred long ago.
Malton and Rippon might have sent us Newes
That both their Markets were remov'd to th'Mews.
In Smythfield no Horse-Couper to be seene,
But vanish'd quite as if they had not beene.
Though fire and faggot, and a sterne Commission
Denounce his ruine, if a late Petition
Or a Milde Parl'ament beget not sence
In steeled Spirits by their influence:
But I am confident, though Durance tye him,
It is not meant to crush him, but to try him.
It is not meant to crush him, but to try him.
Ith' Recluce of a pure-heroick brest.
Candour and Valour claime like interest.
To have a Power to doe, and not a will,
Has beene the Signall of true Honour still.
Candour and Valour claime like interest.
To have a Power to doe, and not a will,
Has beene the Signall of true Honour still.
Really yours, Peregrine Strangevvais.
319
To Captaine Sadler; a rare Scarlet dyer.
Noble Sir, I am here, Neare unto your proper Sphere:
Visit Him who holds you deare.
Visit Him who holds you deare.
Dearest Friend, who all thy time
Hast been blest in each designe;
And hast Colour for thine ends,
To improve and right thy Friends:
Mayst thou live in Honours Eye,
Till thy Scarlet lose her dye.
“Love' s a Colour dyde in graine,
Whose reflexe admits no staine.
Neque dives, nec egenus,
Neque satur, neque plenus;
Nec agrestis, nec amœnus,
Nec silvestris, nec serenus:
Palmis nec mulcendus pænis,
At in omni sorte lenis.
Neque satur, neque plenus;
Nec agrestis, nec amœnus,
Nec silvestris, nec serenus:
Palmis nec mulcendus pænis,
At in omni sorte lenis.
320
Upon the Commissioners sitting at the Wildman in York.
At th' Wildman for Commissioners to sit
Some hold it strange, but I doe think it fit.
We have been Wildmen all; and we 'r to git
From a Wild-man meanes to re-gaine our wit,
But not our Meanes: who can recover it?
This made Alcides wise, was wild before;
Some hold it strange, but I doe think it fit.
We have been Wildmen all; and we 'r to git
From a Wild-man meanes to re-gaine our wit,
But not our Meanes: who can recover it?
This made Alcides wise, was wild before;
O that I had his Limms, I'de aske no more!
For so might I re-gaine my Means at length,
Though by no force of pleading, yet by strength.
For so might I re-gaine my Means at length,
Though by no force of pleading, yet by strength.
The Quaker.
Witches
were Seers call'd in antient time,
And Speakers now are held to be divine.
But why call'd Quakers can I not deliver,
Unlesse their Spirit turne an Hectick fever.
I rather think this Name of Tophet smells,
Where quaking, shaking shame and horror dwels.
But if Community their Title prove,
'Tis all in all with Family of love.
Where like our wandring Gipsies in mixt seedes
Without distinction One with other breedes.
No marvaile then if we have Mungrells many
When Fox Breeds Cubbs, and unrestrain'd by any
Nay priviledg'd in their impostur'd Service
Like Soules inspir'd: but what's all this to Jarvis?
And Speakers now are held to be divine.
But why call'd Quakers can I not deliver,
Unlesse their Spirit turne an Hectick fever.
I rather think this Name of Tophet smells,
Where quaking, shaking shame and horror dwels.
But if Community their Title prove,
'Tis all in all with Family of love.
Where like our wandring Gipsies in mixt seedes
Without distinction One with other breedes.
No marvaile then if we have Mungrells many
When Fox Breeds Cubbs, and unrestrain'd by any
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Like Soules inspir'd: but what's all this to Jarvis?
Thus Folly with a Cuppe of fornication
Deludes the Saintlings of our English Nation.
But Coal or Walker with their zeale, no doubt,
Will either hunt or smoak these Foxes out.
Or some choyce Archer will their Legions sever
With pile-head Arrows from a Justice quiver:
Or clothe them in a Suite of durance ever,
Till th' Act of Reformation them deliver.
Deludes the Saintlings of our English Nation.
But Coal or Walker with their zeale, no doubt,
Will either hunt or smoak these Foxes out.
Or some choyce Archer will their Legions sever
With pile-head Arrows from a Justice quiver:
Or clothe them in a Suite of durance ever,
Till th' Act of Reformation them deliver.
In Answer to this Paper of Verses, intitled The Quaker; whereof He was reported to be the Author.
Hold thy penurious Pen, injurious Elfe,
In taxing Quakers, I might touch my selfe.
These last seven yeares I lived in this Clime
And shew'd my selfe a Quaker all that time.
For when I saw a sterne Committee-man
I from that Sight a Quaker streight became;
For Fox I hold him a magnetick Sead;
In taxing Quakers, I might touch my selfe.
These last seven yeares I lived in this Clime
And shew'd my selfe a Quaker all that time.
For when I saw a sterne Committee-man
I from that Sight a Quaker streight became;
Quercedulæ sumus omnes,
—Alis volitantes vagis.
—Alis volitantes vagis.
Planc.
And NAILER, One that hits the naile oth' Head.
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I turn'd to Quaker, and my Senses lost.
When an Excise-man or an undertaker
For State-assesse; these Sights made me a Quaker.
Tracing those Streets where I did mony ow,
The smell of Mace made me a Quaker too:
For They who on Parnassus build their nest
Are Slaves to Fortune; Subject to arrest.
Now in my age too when I weigh my sin,
I Quake to think Oth'State that I am in.
Cease Critick then, thus to traduce my quill,
I have a Quaker beene and must be still.
My Body is the Court-loft where I live,
From whence no Mortall can me freedome give,
Nor from my Grate procure me a release
Till my arrivall at the Port of Peace;
Where being once infranchis'd in that Citie
I'm priviledg'd from Debt, Assesse, Committee.
For you, my Quaking Sisters, yee doe make
Me when I see your rivell'd beauties, quake;
That you should pine, and spend your Spirits and dy
Like forlorne Sceletons, and know not why.
I wish, deare Ducklings, you would understand
That God requires no such thing at your hand.
How is it that you cry Repent, Repent,
And wast rich houres in fruitlesse discontent?
Why doe you hout and houle and take no rest
As if in HOPE you had no interest?
“Shun such impostur'd fancies; Fly to Him
“Whose light can cleare your cloud and clense your Sin.
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“But judg your selves; for that's the way to Heaven.
“Rend not your Clothes but Hearts: The Saints desire
“That you should try your selves, not Cloaths by fire.
“Make use of what is requisite and fit,
“You should not hate your flesh, but cherish it.
Be frolick then my Girles, and freely feed
And propagate your Doctrin by your seed.
“If Quaking proper be in any Sence
'Tis in the sweet injoyment of a Wench.
This was well knowne to Adam and his Eve;
And what they lov'd, let not their Children leave:
Yet so, as each may reape what he has sowne,
And ev'ry Adam have an Eve of's owne:
For though there were no Statute to forbid it,
God has pronounc'd a Curse 'gainst Him that did it.
A Button-Bung, or, A Westminster Snap.
At
Westminster my Cassock chanc't to find
A Button-Cutter, who was much inclin'd
To medle with our furniture behind;
From whence my native Genius divin'd,
“Though Westminster above no Spiders show,
“It has a brood of Nimmers hatcht below,
Who can Prapan poor Clients where they go,
“Leave them not worth a Button nor a Stro.
A Button-Cutter, who was much inclin'd
To medle with our furniture behind;
From whence my native Genius divin'd,
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“It has a brood of Nimmers hatcht below,
Who can Prapan poor Clients where they go,
“Leave them not worth a Button nor a Stro.
Beware deare Countrey-men of Mollerstang,
Least rurall faction make you sing like Sang;
Contest not where your Foe & Cause prove strang,
Lest you confesse that all things go a-wrang:
For though your Countesse pay, I can assure ye,
When th' Game is plaid, your purse must pay the Jurie.
Desist then, Friends; no more Commissions sit
Unlesse it be at Fleece to quicken wit.
Least rurall faction make you sing like Sang;
Contest not where your Foe & Cause prove strang,
Lest you confesse that all things go a-wrang:
For though your Countesse pay, I can assure ye,
When th' Game is plaid, your purse must pay the Jurie.
Desist then, Friends; no more Commissions sit
Unlesse it be at Fleece to quicken wit.
This short advice comes from a friendly hand
As any you can have in Westmerland.
As any you can have in Westmerland.
Upon the Northern Feast, observed at Salter's-Hall, the sixth of October; 1657. Addressed to his worthy Countrymen, The Northern Society.
Observe the bounty of these Northern Ladds,
And you will say, the North-Part glory adds
Unto the South: and that their Freedome is
An Honour to our great Metropolis;
Whose Union and Communion is such,
They may be ey'd, but not admir'd too much:
Whose fair Comport has raz'd that Proverb forth,
“That no good thing came ever from the North.
For what is good, or free, or friendly rare
Derive their Essence from our Northern ayre.
Your native knowledge is not rank'd with those
Who can bouze Ale, yet wonder where Malt grows
Your Country Cock crows and he does not ney;
You know a Daple from an Iron-gray;
You know that Sun which shews his splendor here,
Is the Same Sun shines in your Hemisphere.
You of your Cloaths have no such Simple care
As to o're-pentise them from hence to Ware.
Your Language, though not curiously refin'd,
It can expresse the dictates of your mind;
And with more brevity and aptnesse too
Then These with their minc'd Dialect can doe.
And you will say, the North-Part glory adds
Unto the South: and that their Freedome is
An Honour to our great Metropolis;
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They may be ey'd, but not admir'd too much:
Whose fair Comport has raz'd that Proverb forth,
“That no good thing came ever from the North.
For what is good, or free, or friendly rare
Derive their Essence from our Northern ayre.
Your native knowledge is not rank'd with those
Who can bouze Ale, yet wonder where Malt grows
Your Country Cock crows and he does not ney;
You know a Daple from an Iron-gray;
You know that Sun which shews his splendor here,
Is the Same Sun shines in your Hemisphere.
You of your Cloaths have no such Simple care
As to o're-pentise them from hence to Ware.
Your Language, though not curiously refin'd,
It can expresse the dictates of your mind;
And with more brevity and aptnesse too
Then These with their minc'd Dialect can doe.
Your Northern warlike Habitants of old,
Inur'd to Sultry heat, and Shuddring cold,
Against Picts, Scots, Saxons, and Lordly Danes
Display'd their valour, memoriz'd their Names.
Such was the Martial prowesse of your Nation,
As it preserv'd your Frontiers from Invasion:
And in one yeer did more joynt hearts combine,
Then Other Countryes did in all their time:
And in composing of their Interests,
Made Savage Foes become their Servile Beasts.
Inur'd to Sultry heat, and Shuddring cold,
Against Picts, Scots, Saxons, and Lordly Danes
Display'd their valour, memoriz'd their Names.
Such was the Martial prowesse of your Nation,
As it preserv'd your Frontiers from Invasion:
And in one yeer did more joynt hearts combine,
Then Other Countryes did in all their time:
And in composing of their Interests,
Made Savage Foes become their Servile Beasts.
Brave gallant Blades! disperse your living Fames
From Twede to Trent, from Trent to prince y Thames
That Times may revell in your Annuall joyes,
And vow, No linage like our Northern Boyes.
May all the Muses, when they dip their lippe
In your rich Bolls, joy in your Fellowshippe.
While precious Nectar cheers your Poets braine,
And gives him hope to visit you again.
From Twede to Trent, from Trent to prince y Thames
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And vow, No linage like our Northern Boyes.
May all the Muses, when they dip their lippe
In your rich Bolls, joy in your Fellowshippe.
While precious Nectar cheers your Poets braine,
And gives him hope to visit you again.
And you may trust him; when joynt votes succeed
For your next Feast, He shall no Ticket need.
These Tickets are Half-Crown-men: Our North Zone
Stands eyther for a Whole-One, or for none.
For your next Feast, He shall no Ticket need.
These Tickets are Half-Crown-men: Our North Zone
Stands eyther for a Whole-One, or for none.
| The honest ghost | |