University of Virginia Library

Hereof I would be his Remembrancer,
If in the place of some of those I were
VVho ought to do it: yea, as now I am,
I had adventur'd to perform the same,
But that I lately have conceiv'd a thought,
These Lines will timely to his view be brought,
By such a hand, as from it with respect
It may be taken, and have good effect.
And, if these Cautions he shall not contemn,
(Expressed in true Loyalty to him)
I may have hope, that Justice to obtain
VVhich I have elsewhere sought long time in vain;
And finde it to be made a real sign
Of his, and publick peace, as well as mine.
For, all I shall expect will be no more
But, that, he make me neither rich nor poor;
And mee within that Grace would comprehend,
VVhich he to some of those doth yet extend,
VVho both by their Examples and Command
First drew mee with his Opposites to stand;
And who, if I mis-acted, did thereby
Contract ten times a greater guilt than I.
But, so the publick peace advanc'd may be
Hereby, let what GOD will befall to mee.
To make their merits and demerits even,
They should love much, to whom much is forgiven:
Yet, some to whom he hath forgiven least,
May love as well as they who love him best;
And, better too perhaps, when they behold
Hee executes that Jnstice which he should;
With constancy pursuing, what, more tends
To publick Welfare, than to serve his ends.