Canidia, or the Witches A Rhapsody. In Five Parts |
 |
|
 | 1. |
| 2. |
| 3. |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. | CANTO XVI. |
| 4. |
| 5. |
|
 | Canidia, or the Witches |  |
CANTO XVI.
But first I'le handle some Law Points,
That are torn and rackt out of Joints.
'Tis the great Design of Law,
To keep us Witches most in Aw.
Laws are good, but manag'd so,
As to manage our deadly Blow.
That are torn and rackt out of Joints.
'Tis the great Design of Law,
To keep us Witches most in Aw.
Laws are good, but manag'd so,
As to manage our deadly Blow.
Then have at some for all their Threats,
For putting us into cold Sweats.
Have at those Pety-Foggers that fright us,
And for our Craft so oft Indict us.
At Tyburn with Halters you make us take Turns,
At Smithfield you furnish us with Faggots and Urns.
Law sleeps, you say, but never dyes,
I wonder when she opens her Eyes;
You take us all for Whores and Spies.
For putting us into cold Sweats.
Have at those Pety-Foggers that fright us,
And for our Craft so oft Indict us.
At Tyburn with Halters you make us take Turns,
At Smithfield you furnish us with Faggots and Urns.
123
I wonder when she opens her Eyes;
You take us all for Whores and Spies.
'Tis for our health to make Discoveries,
If it be possible, of all Recoveries.
But of Recoveries it is complain'd,
Some are True, and some are Feign'd.
A True one, rightly got, is a just Eviction,
A False one, wrongly got, is a bad Fiction.
If it be possible, of all Recoveries.
But of Recoveries it is complain'd,
Some are True, and some are Feign'd.
A True one, rightly got, is a just Eviction,
A False one, wrongly got, is a bad Fiction.
To this pass it is now grown,
We can settle Estates, that are none of our own.
And destroy other mens, without Attainder,
Which are truly theirs in Reversion or Remainder.
For this, enter into the Scene,
The Stage-Players with their Bands starcht clean.
The Demandant, or the Recoverer,
The Vouchee, or the Discoverer.
These two Knavishly agree
With the Knave Tenant, the Recoveree.
We can settle Estates, that are none of our own.
And destroy other mens, without Attainder,
Which are truly theirs in Reversion or Remainder.
For this, enter into the Scene,
The Stage-Players with their Bands starcht clean.
The Demandant, or the Recoverer,
The Vouchee, or the Discoverer.
These two Knavishly agree
With the Knave Tenant, the Recoveree.
If then you would cut off the Entail,
Of Land you give, or put to Sale,
For ever, from the Heirs Male.
For a feign'd Entry, you must be at Cost,
Sur Disseisin en la Post.
This feigned Tenant, Lug him by th' Ears,
Is to appear in the Court of Common Pleas.
Of Land you give, or put to Sale,
For ever, from the Heirs Male.
For a feign'd Entry, you must be at Cost,
Sur Disseisin en la Post.
This feigned Tenant, Lug him by th' Ears,
Is to appear in the Court of Common Pleas.
For a Wilful Default, a Writ of Seisin flyes,
For the Tenant against the Voucher of Lyes.
Who is the poor Bag-bearer unlanded,
To warrant the Heir in Tail, if you understand it,
And you may, when you please Command it.
Ned Hones, the Bag-bearer was He,
That was for Thirty years Common Vouchee.
For the Tenant against the Voucher of Lyes.
Who is the poor Bag-bearer unlanded,
To warrant the Heir in Tail, if you understand it,
And you may, when you please Command it.
124
That was for Thirty years Common Vouchee.
To whom past the greatest part of English Ground,
For his own Lands, which could never be found.
To answer the Remainder in Tail,
That the Recovery might never fail.
Thus for all you have a Warrant,
Which is some pitiful Knight Errand.
To prevent Everlasting War,
This is an Everlasting Bar.
All this passes through the hand
Of the Common Hang-Land.
For his own Lands, which could never be found.
To answer the Remainder in Tail,
That the Recovery might never fail.
Thus for all you have a Warrant,
Which is some pitiful Knight Errand.
To prevent Everlasting War,
This is an Everlasting Bar.
All this passes through the hand
Of the Common Hang-Land.
This is the famous Alienation,
That runs from generation to generation.
The Statute of Westminster the Second, they say,
Was made to hinder, this foul play.
But this is suffered by Men of Parts,
Because of the hardness of mens Hearts.
I wonder before 'um All,
How this passes in Judgment Hall.
That runs from generation to generation.
The Statute of Westminster the Second, they say,
Was made to hinder, this foul play.
But this is suffered by Men of Parts,
Because of the hardness of mens Hearts.
I wonder before 'um All,
How this passes in Judgment Hall.
Things of this Nature long time have proceeded,
'Tis high time such Gardens should be weeded.
Inofficiosi Testamenti Querela,
Iniquæ Præteritionis est Medela.
A Ranting Son must have his Merit,
His Father may him Disinherit.
The Dutiful Son, without Extortion,
May come in for a Childs Portion.
It is Justice in all Laws,
To Disinherit none without a Cause.
'Tis high time such Gardens should be weeded.
Inofficiosi Testamenti Querela,
Iniquæ Præteritionis est Medela.
A Ranting Son must have his Merit,
His Father may him Disinherit.
The Dutiful Son, without Extortion,
May come in for a Childs Portion.
It is Justice in all Laws,
To Disinherit none without a Cause.
125
Minors, Fools, Prodigals and Mad,
From Prætor Guardians and Tutors had.
So to preserve Estates, 'twas fit,
For such as should have more Honesty and Wit.
A Father refuses his Daughter to marry,
At Five and twenty she need not tarry,
In the mean time, she's like to miscarry.
Then, without his consent, her self she may wed,
To a Chaste equal marriage Bed.
And being then in her own Power,
He's bound to allow her a fit Dower,
She may make her Husband a Cuckold each hour.
From Prætor Guardians and Tutors had.
So to preserve Estates, 'twas fit,
For such as should have more Honesty and Wit.
A Father refuses his Daughter to marry,
At Five and twenty she need not tarry,
In the mean time, she's like to miscarry.
Then, without his consent, her self she may wed,
To a Chaste equal marriage Bed.
And being then in her own Power,
He's bound to allow her a fit Dower,
She may make her Husband a Cuckold each hour.
Is the Case rightly stated,
By Bedding Matrimony is consummated.
Reason of Law gives better content,
Marriage is compleated by Consent.
In a Thing Common, at first sight,
The Usurper seems t'have the best Right.
'Twere better said, Hath the most Might,
We may bid all Justice good Night;
Such things as these are very Tight.
By Bedding Matrimony is consummated.
Reason of Law gives better content,
Marriage is compleated by Consent.
In a Thing Common, at first sight,
The Usurper seems t'have the best Right.
'Twere better said, Hath the most Might,
We may bid all Justice good Night;
Such things as these are very Tight.
If an Evil deed be done,
And a bad Consequence thereupon run.
The Post Fact, by Estimation,
Is counted no good Augmentation,
How can this be Rectum in Curia,
Scienti non fit Injuria?
Because I see and feel my Loss,
I must come home by Weeping Cross.
And a bad Consequence thereupon run.
The Post Fact, by Estimation,
Is counted no good Augmentation,
How can this be Rectum in Curia,
Scienti non fit Injuria?
Because I see and feel my Loss,
I must come home by Weeping Cross.
An Obligation by Words alone,
By other Words is overthrown.
This is to give and take a Thing, a Rambling Will,
Runs round like a Horse in a Mill.
But if you go among the Moors,
They'l turn such a Rascal out a Doors.
In some Case, a man may not act in another man's Name,
Tho, with his Consent; Is not this a Shame?
By other Words is overthrown.
126
Runs round like a Horse in a Mill.
But if you go among the Moors,
They'l turn such a Rascal out a Doors.
In some Case, a man may not act in another man's Name,
Tho, with his Consent; Is not this a Shame?
He that shall begin an Action,
May stop it, without a Fraction:
But why is there no Coaction,
To prevent endless Distraction.
To have the Thing, and t'have the Right,
Seem to run parallel at first sight;
But all's overcome by Might.
May stop it, without a Fraction:
But why is there no Coaction,
To prevent endless Distraction.
To have the Thing, and t'have the Right,
Seem to run parallel at first sight;
But all's overcome by Might.
Sued to an Outlary, and never know it,
Pay the Mony, and nothing to shew it.
The Cheating Rogue you shall never find,
Have a care always, before and behind.
This can't be revok't for many a Crown,
As soon turn Westminster Hall upside down;
For this have a care of the Men of the Gown.
Pay the Mony, and nothing to shew it.
The Cheating Rogue you shall never find,
Have a care always, before and behind.
This can't be revok't for many a Crown,
As soon turn Westminster Hall upside down;
For this have a care of the Men of the Gown.
The Law tells you what Fear is Just,
But be a Constant man you must;
But still have a Care whom you trust.
Because my Goods, to a Carrier-deliver'd,
Are sold by him, they can ne're be recover'd.
If an Officer steals the Kings Artillery,
He can only stand in the Pillory:
Or lye in Prison, 'till the next Gaol-Delivery,
Or wear a Paper Livery.
But be a Constant man you must;
But still have a Care whom you trust.
Because my Goods, to a Carrier-deliver'd,
Are sold by him, they can ne're be recover'd.
If an Officer steals the Kings Artillery,
He can only stand in the Pillory:
Or lye in Prison, 'till the next Gaol-Delivery,
Or wear a Paper Livery.
127
An Interest, as we read,
From Law, not from Fact, shall proceed:
Why not from both, if there be need?
It is no part of my Creed.
Is there less Right, Ask the King,
In the Action, than the Thing?
Hallow Boys, make all the Bells ring,
At every Turning and Winding.
From Law, not from Fact, shall proceed:
Why not from both, if there be need?
It is no part of my Creed.
Is there less Right, Ask the King,
In the Action, than the Thing?
Hallow Boys, make all the Bells ring,
At every Turning and Winding.
A Debt is due at such a Time,
When the Cause is in its Prime:
To ask for't, Till that's past it shall be a Crime,
To speak, out of the Nick of Time.
Why should Counsel for Common-Strife,
Be refused for a man's Life?
Why should a Man Swear for the King,
That never knew of such a Thing?
When the Cause is in its Prime:
To ask for't, Till that's past it shall be a Crime,
To speak, out of the Nick of Time.
Why should Counsel for Common-Strife,
Be refused for a man's Life?
Why should a Man Swear for the King,
That never knew of such a Thing?
He hath no Sin, they say,
That Sins because he must Obey:
And because he don't say Nay,
On whom then shall the Fault lay?
He that obeys an unjust Command,
For an Innocent must stand.
'Tis no Justice worth a Straw,
To make Necessity a Law.
That Sins because he must Obey:
And because he don't say Nay,
On whom then shall the Fault lay?
He that obeys an unjust Command,
For an Innocent must stand.
'Tis no Justice worth a Straw,
To make Necessity a Law.
When once by Law a thing is Bad,
Necessity makes it good, O mad!
Non Expressa non nocent,
Tales Honestatem non docent.
Tho Honesty be not exprest,
'Tis the meaning of all the rest.
And we must take the Sense that's Best,
Or else we defile our own Nest.
Necessity makes it good, O mad!
Non Expressa non nocent,
Tales Honestatem non docent.
Tho Honesty be not exprest,
'Tis the meaning of all the rest.
And we must take the Sense that's Best,
Or else we defile our own Nest.
128
Res Iudicata accipitur pro Veritate,
Makes Pro Judicii Majestate.
A Wrong Judgment is took for True,
Not so in Hell, give 'um their Due.
Let Judges look better to their Causes,
Not to be excus'd by such lamentable Clauses.
The Condemn'd Innocents will never cease,
To condemn such Innocent Judges as these.
Makes Pro Judicii Majestate.
A Wrong Judgment is took for True,
Not so in Hell, give 'um their Due.
Let Judges look better to their Causes,
Not to be excus'd by such lamentable Clauses.
The Condemn'd Innocents will never cease,
To condemn such Innocent Judges as these.
Just so the Physician kills by the Book,
As the Lawyer does by hook and by crook.
Ignorance and Bribery destroys
Mens Lives and Fortunes, O brave Boys.
This makes for us, for to these we are Saints,
We never admit of unjust Complaints.
Examine how by Lawyers Skill,
Causes are grounded in a Mill.
As the Lawyer does by hook and by crook.
Ignorance and Bribery destroys
Mens Lives and Fortunes, O brave Boys.
This makes for us, for to these we are Saints,
We never admit of unjust Complaints.
Examine how by Lawyers Skill,
Causes are grounded in a Mill.
The best Rule is, Non remittitur Peccatum,
But least observ'd, Nisi restituatur Ablatum.
It runs in Rhime, and is great Reason,
And the performance ne're out of Season.
But you shall find men of the best Constitution,
Never guilty of so good a Conclusion.
Alas, it would be counted Intrusion,
To bring into the World such monstrous Confusion.
But least observ'd, Nisi restituatur Ablatum.
It runs in Rhime, and is great Reason,
And the performance ne're out of Season.
But you shall find men of the best Constitution,
Never guilty of so good a Conclusion.
Alas, it would be counted Intrusion,
To bring into the World such monstrous Confusion.
Shall a Cause be cast, for lack of a Letter,
Or a false Name by a Rascally Setter?
Or the misdating a Minute of Time,
Be counted an Incorrigible Crime?
'Cause solemn Forms must not be chang'd,
Therefore a True man must be hang'd?
By a Mistake Truth is Confuted,
So is many an honest Man basely Cornuted.
Or a false Name by a Rascally Setter?
Or the misdating a Minute of Time,
Be counted an Incorrigible Crime?
'Cause solemn Forms must not be chang'd,
Therefore a True man must be hang'd?
By a Mistake Truth is Confuted,
So is many an honest Man basely Cornuted.
129
Why do Jurisconsults tell such Stories,
Durior est Causa Petitoris.
The wronged Supplicant hath favour Lesser,
Than the cursed Oppressor.
And all, because he is Possessor,
As if thereby his Crime were Lesser.
If these things be done by these Law Rooks,
The Devil sends Meat, and the Devil sends Cooks.
Durior est Causa Petitoris.
The wronged Supplicant hath favour Lesser,
Than the cursed Oppressor.
And all, because he is Possessor,
As if thereby his Crime were Lesser.
If these things be done by these Law Rooks,
The Devil sends Meat, and the Devil sends Cooks.
In Causes of Gain, 'tis much observ'd,
The Rule is, First come, first serv'd.
Should it be so in Justice too,
Then run Boys for Game, Alas, Aloo.
Righteous Dealing shall never find room,
When Justice and Charity begins at home.
A man of Estate, and flourishing Condition,
Shall never be taken upon Suspicion.
But a poor Honest man is ever neglected,
And without cause is ever suspected.
The Rule is, First come, first serv'd.
Should it be so in Justice too,
Then run Boys for Game, Alas, Aloo.
Righteous Dealing shall never find room,
When Justice and Charity begins at home.
A man of Estate, and flourishing Condition,
Shall never be taken upon Suspicion.
But a poor Honest man is ever neglected,
And without cause is ever suspected.
If a good Cause be not put in a right state,
Shall a Judge therefore put it out of Date?
For a small failure, that may be Recruited,
Shall an Honest man forthwith be Nonsuited?
In Formâ Pauperis to Sue,
Is the same as to come short of your Due.
If a Process by a Knave be unduly took,
An Honest man for his Cause may go look.
Shall a Judge therefore put it out of Date?
For a small failure, that may be Recruited,
Shall an Honest man forthwith be Nonsuited?
In Formâ Pauperis to Sue,
Is the same as to come short of your Due.
If a Process by a Knave be unduly took,
An Honest man for his Cause may go look.
Estates, we may say, without Suspicion,
Are Absolute, or on Condition:
That is to say Allode or Fee,
As Goths and Vandals did agree.
Littleton labours Tooth and Nail,
To make them Fee Simple or Fee Tail.
Are Absolute, or on Condition:
That is to say Allode or Fee,
As Goths and Vandals did agree.
Littleton labours Tooth and Nail,
To make them Fee Simple or Fee Tail.
130
Fee Simple is a Contradiction,
And for the Tail it lacks Friction.
Simple and Absolute are all one,
As is a Fee and a Condition.
Whip'um soundly, my Maid Alecto,
For a Contradiction in eodem Adjecto.
And for the Tail it lacks Friction.
Simple and Absolute are all one,
As is a Fee and a Condition.
Whip'um soundly, my Maid Alecto,
For a Contradiction in eodem Adjecto.
When there is most need of Reges,
Inter Armasilent Leges.
It is the Burden of a Song,
A Post Fact shall increase no Wrong.
In all my Spells past and gone,
I ne're met with the Spirit Formedon.
The Romans never heard of Battels,
As now there are, 'twixt Lands, Goods and Chattels
Inter Armasilent Leges.
It is the Burden of a Song,
A Post Fact shall increase no Wrong.
In all my Spells past and gone,
I ne're met with the Spirit Formedon.
The Romans never heard of Battels,
As now there are, 'twixt Lands, Goods and Chattels
An Heir and an Executor divided,
For this our Law is much derided.
What is that horrid Affidavit,
Of Felonice Murderavit?
If the Law be the bare Letter,
How shall Equity fare better?
I like well the word Habendum,
I can't endure his Fellow Reddendum.
For this our Law is much derided.
What is that horrid Affidavit,
Of Felonice Murderavit?
If the Law be the bare Letter,
How shall Equity fare better?
I like well the word Habendum,
I can't endure his Fellow Reddendum.
To abate a lawful Writ,
To make causeless Demurrer, is not fit.
To be judg'd by old Reports,
Are the Benches Dernier Resorts.
Tho there's variety in Cases,
As much or more as there is in Faces.
To kill a Thief se Defendendo,
Deserves not a Reprimendo.
But what if Ego me Suspendo,
Then of a Fool there is an Endo.
John an Okes and John a Stile,
Dwell but within half a Mile.
To make causeless Demurrer, is not fit.
To be judg'd by old Reports,
Are the Benches Dernier Resorts.
Tho there's variety in Cases,
As much or more as there is in Faces.
To kill a Thief se Defendendo,
Deserves not a Reprimendo.
But what if Ego me Suspendo,
Then of a Fool there is an Endo.
131
Dwell but within half a Mile.
Baron and Feme, Felons together,
Shall not both hang in wind and weather.
The Man is streightned with a Rope,
But the good Wife shall have her Scope.
Shees reckoned nothing at all,
Accessory nor Principal.
Because she must be always at hand,
To obey her Husband's Command;
He bids her steal, let him bid her be Hang'd.
Shall not both hang in wind and weather.
The Man is streightned with a Rope,
But the good Wife shall have her Scope.
Shees reckoned nothing at all,
Accessory nor Principal.
Because she must be always at hand,
To obey her Husband's Command;
He bids her steal, let him bid her be Hang'd.
Tho a Feme doth steal or kill,
She is suppos'd to have no Will.
We can't come off so when we do harm,
Tho we be under Covert Barn.
What is the Action upon the Case?
He seems to have a broad brazen Face.
He looks to be always the same,
Yet he ever lackt a Name.
She is suppos'd to have no Will.
We can't come off so when we do harm,
Tho we be under Covert Barn.
What is the Action upon the Case?
He seems to have a broad brazen Face.
He looks to be always the same,
Yet he ever lackt a Name.
Reason, Reason of Law, Reason of State,
How it swells to a wondrous Rate?
To be condemned for Fraud or Theft,
To lose his Right hand, of which he was bereft;
What think you, Shall he lose his Left?
Murder and Manslaughter,
Which is which, Mother or Daughter?
We shall not know them asunder hereafter.
How it swells to a wondrous Rate?
To be condemned for Fraud or Theft,
To lose his Right hand, of which he was bereft;
What think you, Shall he lose his Left?
Murder and Manslaughter,
Which is which, Mother or Daughter?
We shall not know them asunder hereafter.
Chance-medly to Murther is no near Kin,
'Tis a Misery, no Sin.
In Natures Laws they are not skilful,
That say, all other Homicide is not Wilful.
Is it not a sudden Passion?
Excuses for Life lost in such a fashion.
Tho there were no Malice Prepense,
To aggravate so great Offence.
'Tis a Misery, no Sin.
In Natures Laws they are not skilful,
That say, all other Homicide is not Wilful.
132
Excuses for Life lost in such a fashion.
Tho there were no Malice Prepense,
To aggravate so great Offence.
Because every mad Fool is crost,
A wise Man's life must not be lost.
Malice, Passion, and Pride shews,
By giving of such fatal Blows.
Omnia quæ movent ad mortem,
Must undergo the same sortem.
A wise Man's life must not be lost.
Malice, Passion, and Pride shews,
By giving of such fatal Blows.
Omnia quæ movent ad mortem,
Must undergo the same sortem.
The Law requires Life, Lands and Goods,
For the Wilful spilling of Bloods.
No Life, but Goods only for Manslaughter,
'Tis pity it should be so hereafter.
Tho it be Se Defendendo,
It shall have the same Reprehendo.
But that which is of all the Core,
Felo de se suffers no more.
For the Wilful spilling of Bloods.
No Life, but Goods only for Manslaughter,
'Tis pity it should be so hereafter.
Tho it be Se Defendendo,
It shall have the same Reprehendo.
But that which is of all the Core,
Felo de se suffers no more.
If a Thief rob and break no door,
Is he no Felon therefore?
And if he chance in fear to fly for't,
Doth he then deserve to dye for't?
Fear no harm shall come near ye,
Idem est non esse, & non apparere.
Trust Aristotle's Ipse dixit,
Qui benè latuit, benè vixit.
Is he no Felon therefore?
And if he chance in fear to fly for't,
Doth he then deserve to dye for't?
Fear no harm shall come near ye,
Idem est non esse, & non apparere.
Trust Aristotle's Ipse dixit,
Qui benè latuit, benè vixit.
The Eldest Male must sole Inherit,
Tho the rest have much more Merit.
What shall they do for better or worse,
But Beg, or Steal, or take a Purse?
This will extort many a Curse.
This makes them march, against their Will,
Along with us, up Holborn Hill:
With many a Jack and many a Gill,
Who all at Tiburn hang their fill.
Tho the rest have much more Merit.
What shall they do for better or worse,
But Beg, or Steal, or take a Purse?
This will extort many a Curse.
133
Along with us, up Holborn Hill:
With many a Jack and many a Gill,
Who all at Tiburn hang their fill.
We never wear Purple-Gowns,
But we command Scepters and Crowns.
The Men that most converse in Books,
Look upon us with wry Looks;
Because we prove them the greatest Rooks.
Whether a Custom may break a Law,
Whether I stumble at a Straw.
But we command Scepters and Crowns.
The Men that most converse in Books,
Look upon us with wry Looks;
Because we prove them the greatest Rooks.
Whether a Custom may break a Law,
Whether I stumble at a Straw.
Elopement from a Husbands Bower,
Forfeits clearly the Wives Dower.
The Man loses nothing, though by wilful Mistake
He from his Wife Elopement make.
Why should the Man only be free,
From Matrimonial Treachery?
Ask the Fair rich Lady Pomona,
If Lands as well as Chattels be not Bona.
Forfeits clearly the Wives Dower.
The Man loses nothing, though by wilful Mistake
He from his Wife Elopement make.
Why should the Man only be free,
From Matrimonial Treachery?
Ask the Fair rich Lady Pomona,
If Lands as well as Chattels be not Bona.
Magna Charta & de Foresta,
Statute of Marlebridge are the Best-a.
The great Petition of Right,
We get no benefit by't.
No Habeas Corpus can shent us,
Latitat, or Non est Inventus.
Exigents or Certioraries,
We are in the Land of Fairies.
Statute of Marlebridge are the Best-a.
The great Petition of Right,
We get no benefit by't.
No Habeas Corpus can shent us,
Latitat, or Non est Inventus.
Exigents or Certioraries,
We are in the Land of Fairies.
Our Distringas's at the Tree,
Where the Hangman gets his Fee.
The worst of all that can befall us,
Is at the Gallows to Enstall us.
Nil Factum, quod non factum Prius,
Seldom such Justice you deny us.
Where the Hangman gets his Fee.
The worst of all that can befall us,
Is at the Gallows to Enstall us.
134
Seldom such Justice you deny us.
How sometimes is a Service choakt,
Interlocutory Judgment Revok't?
Many Escheats and Primer Seisins,
Are contrary to Sense and Reasons.
Prodigals, Madmen, Fools by Right,
Should have their Guardians all alike:
And their Estates by Publick Cares,
Prescrib'd for their wiser Heirs.
Interlocutory Judgment Revok't?
Many Escheats and Primer Seisins,
Are contrary to Sense and Reasons.
Prodigals, Madmen, Fools by Right,
Should have their Guardians all alike:
And their Estates by Publick Cares,
Prescrib'd for their wiser Heirs.
If my stollen Goods be dropt or waiv'd,
For me they never shall be sav'd.
The Reason why I am defeated,
Is, because they are Escheated.
I am risen on the wrong side,
I must not take them, if brought by the Tide:
For help, I know not who shall be my Guide,
And which is worse, I must not Chide.
For me they never shall be sav'd.
The Reason why I am defeated,
Is, because they are Escheated.
I am risen on the wrong side,
I must not take them, if brought by the Tide:
For help, I know not who shall be my Guide,
And which is worse, I must not Chide.
Buyers of Justice must sell at last,
The Devils do not, all so fast.
Rhadamanthus, a brave Lad,
Scorns to do a Deed so bad.
Politick and Personal Capacities,
Are contrary to all Veracities.
An Outlary you may stick, if you will,
As you do a Bear or Bull.
The Devils do not, all so fast.
Rhadamanthus, a brave Lad,
Scorns to do a Deed so bad.
Politick and Personal Capacities,
Are contrary to all Veracities.
An Outlary you may stick, if you will,
As you do a Bear or Bull.
He that to kill is an Instigator,
Deserves death as much as the Perpetrator.
What think you of Writs of Error,
To Innocent Sufferers, a Terror?
Supersedeas, Procedendo's,
Rules of Court are no Amendo's.
Never Question Pope Joan-a,
Moritur Actio cum Personâ.
Deserves death as much as the Perpetrator.
What think you of Writs of Error,
To Innocent Sufferers, a Terror?
135
Rules of Court are no Amendo's.
Never Question Pope Joan-a,
Moritur Actio cum Personâ.
Writs of false Date, The Via Lata,
False Charges of Rata pro Ratâ;
Or, if you please, Pro Re natâ.
Corpus cum Causa, I ken well,
Corpus cum Causa, I can't tell.
Mala Grammatica non vitiat Chartam,
Sed Mala Causa spoliat Partem.
'Tis true, as they say at Falerno,
Beato il Filiolo qui Padro in Inferno.
False Charges of Rata pro Ratâ;
Or, if you please, Pro Re natâ.
Corpus cum Causa, I ken well,
Corpus cum Causa, I can't tell.
Mala Grammatica non vitiat Chartam,
Sed Mala Causa spoliat Partem.
'Tis true, as they say at Falerno,
Beato il Filiolo qui Padro in Inferno.
I've made my self a great Dictator,
A Magisterial Arbitrator.
I censure Lawyers and Sophies,
Vaunting with Triumphant Trophies.
Not without just Cause, I'le assure you,
We have no Reason to endure you.
We tell them their own more clearly,
Than they that pretend to love'um so dearly.
Others are Meal-mouth'd, dare not speak,
We fear no Vengeance to wreak.
Tho we don't do, we dare tell Truth,
More than the best that cry, Your Servant forsooth.
A Magisterial Arbitrator.
I censure Lawyers and Sophies,
Vaunting with Triumphant Trophies.
Not without just Cause, I'le assure you,
We have no Reason to endure you.
We tell them their own more clearly,
Than they that pretend to love'um so dearly.
Others are Meal-mouth'd, dare not speak,
We fear no Vengeance to wreak.
Tho we don't do, we dare tell Truth,
More than the best that cry, Your Servant forsooth.
We hold not fit to deal Cum Regibus,
Nemo debet esse Sapientior Legibus.
I may venture into Curiam,
Actus Legis non facit Injuriam.
There's no Writ ad Procedendum,
A Communi observantiâ, non est Recedendum.
How can there be a Legitimation,
Of a Bastard Generation?
Nemo debet esse Sapientior Legibus.
I may venture into Curiam,
Actus Legis non facit Injuriam.
There's no Writ ad Procedendum,
A Communi observantiâ, non est Recedendum.
136
Of a Bastard Generation?
Can Edicts, Seals, or Decrees,
Purge the Dross of a Spurious Disease?
When Blood in Nature is polluted,
How can it be by Law diluted?
The Law grants Priviledges when none due,
But no Law can make Falshood true.
Civils, not Morals change, I am a Dotard,
Once a Bastard, and ever a Bastard.
Purge the Dross of a Spurious Disease?
When Blood in Nature is polluted,
How can it be by Law diluted?
The Law grants Priviledges when none due,
But no Law can make Falshood true.
Civils, not Morals change, I am a Dotard,
Once a Bastard, and ever a Bastard.
We find in Classical Records,
The Lawyers then were Roman Lords.
As Noble Patrons they did plead
For poor Clients, but scorn to be Fee'd.
No Mercenary Tongues there,
When Justice was Mistress of the Chair.
'Tis an intolerable Abuse,
When hackney Tongues and Pens are in use.
The Lawyers then were Roman Lords.
As Noble Patrons they did plead
For poor Clients, but scorn to be Fee'd.
No Mercenary Tongues there,
When Justice was Mistress of the Chair.
'Tis an intolerable Abuse,
When hackney Tongues and Pens are in use.
Then Justice freely had its play,
Equity, Rigor did allay.
All were punish'd that went astray,
The Righteous Case got the Day.
The Common Judge was Prætor, and then,
Able to give Right to all kind of Men.
By this, in glory, peace and health,
Florisht that famous Commonwealth.
Equity, Rigor did allay.
All were punish'd that went astray,
The Righteous Case got the Day.
The Common Judge was Prætor, and then,
Able to give Right to all kind of Men.
By this, in glory, peace and health,
Florisht that famous Commonwealth.
The Law sleeps, but never dyes,
Teach me a new way to make Lyes.
'Tis a dangerous Innovation,
To revive Truth by Reformation.
By no means, let all Ill lye quiet,
'Tis dangerous to change Diet.
Whether Ingratitude make void a Gift,
When lowzy, whether I want a Shift?
Teach me a new way to make Lyes.
'Tis a dangerous Innovation,
To revive Truth by Reformation.
137
'Tis dangerous to change Diet.
Whether Ingratitude make void a Gift,
When lowzy, whether I want a Shift?
Before a Monk creeps to his Cell,
He makes his Will, then ring the Bell:
For the Razor passing his Crown,
Into Hades sends him down.
And now he's dead, he can't Revoke,
The last Words that e're he Spoke.
How can this be Rectum in Curia,
Summum Jus, Summa Injuria?
He makes his Will, then ring the Bell:
For the Razor passing his Crown,
Into Hades sends him down.
And now he's dead, he can't Revoke,
The last Words that e're he Spoke.
How can this be Rectum in Curia,
Summum Jus, Summa Injuria?
The Heir shall meddle with the Land,
But of Goods he has no Command;
For the Reason, I am at a stand.
The Abating of a Writ,
Is the Abating of Wit.
Elegits, Fieri, Scire facias,
Ad satisfaciendum Capias.
But of Goods he has no Command;
For the Reason, I am at a stand.
The Abating of a Writ,
Is the Abating of Wit.
Elegits, Fieri, Scire facias,
Ad satisfaciendum Capias.
For Twelve-pence stole out of Box, a Thief must dye.
For less, if taken from a Person; Why?
I'le be an Honest man, live or dye.
I am for the Custom of Gavel-kind,
By which no Child is left behind.
The youngest 'fore the Eldest I never saw
Prefer'd, but by Nottingham Law.
He that's best born, is call'd a Mulier,
Is not this a Common Law Peculiar?
For less, if taken from a Person; Why?
I'le be an Honest man, live or dye.
I am for the Custom of Gavel-kind,
By which no Child is left behind.
The youngest 'fore the Eldest I never saw
Prefer'd, but by Nottingham Law.
He that's best born, is call'd a Mulier,
Is not this a Common Law Peculiar?
138
Shall a Judge condemn by a Process right sent,
The Man that he knows to be Innocent?
Justice is ever in Laws well meant.
For this find out an Expedient,
Forms must not hinder a good Intent.
Shall the Discoveror for a Warrant stay,
'Till the Thief or the Murderer be quite run away?
When the false Witness 'gainst the true Man cries,
Which shall the Judge believe, his Ears or his Eyes?
The Man that he knows to be Innocent?
Justice is ever in Laws well meant.
For this find out an Expedient,
Forms must not hinder a good Intent.
Shall the Discoveror for a Warrant stay,
'Till the Thief or the Murderer be quite run away?
When the false Witness 'gainst the true Man cries,
Which shall the Judge believe, his Ears or his Eyes?
When there is matter of Law to act,
The shift is, to plead matter of Fact.
The Deed is wrong, the Cause is right,
So Justice bids us all Good Night.
If then this way of Reasoning hold,
To do all wrong we may be bold.
A brave Rule, much for their Credit,
Factum valet fieri non debuit.
The shift is, to plead matter of Fact.
The Deed is wrong, the Cause is right,
So Justice bids us all Good Night.
If then this way of Reasoning hold,
To do all wrong we may be bold.
A brave Rule, much for their Credit,
Factum valet fieri non debuit.
So the grand Sophs by such false Rules,
Make selves and others Knaves and Fools.
They talk much of Womens Reasons,
But when did we justifie Treasons?
And slubber Crimes so slightly o're,
Suffer Hypocrisie to keep the Door.
That we are wicked, we can't deny,
Yet we're not so much given to lye;
In this they give us the Go-by.
Make selves and others Knaves and Fools.
They talk much of Womens Reasons,
But when did we justifie Treasons?
And slubber Crimes so slightly o're,
Suffer Hypocrisie to keep the Door.
That we are wicked, we can't deny,
Yet we're not so much given to lye;
In this they give us the Go-by.
Matter of Fact, Matter of Right,
Ever maintain a deadly Fight.
O the Rogueries and Cheats,
That Men can work by such damn'd Feats.
They say Women cannot dispute,
But our Honesty can Men confute.
We profess no good, therefore defie it;
They profess all good, and deny it.
Ever maintain a deadly Fight.
O the Rogueries and Cheats,
That Men can work by such damn'd Feats.
They say Women cannot dispute,
But our Honesty can Men confute.
139
They profess all good, and deny it.
Surely we have as good Brains
As they, and do take as much Pains.
But they exceed us in the Main,
Because they get all the Gain.
Philosophy and History,
And every profound Mystery.
We dare agree with them for their Bones,
For all their Philosophers Stones.
As they, and do take as much Pains.
But they exceed us in the Main,
Because they get all the Gain.
Philosophy and History,
And every profound Mystery.
We dare agree with them for their Bones,
For all their Philosophers Stones.
They hide all Ill by their Gravity,
We discover all by our Pravity.
Why cannot we be given to Reading,
Tho they take up all the Pleading?
They're glad to come to us a woing,
We're more for knowing, they for doing.
Video meliora proboque,
We can kill ye, so can they and stroke ye:
We discover all by our Pravity.
Why cannot we be given to Reading,
Tho they take up all the Pleading?
They're glad to come to us a woing,
We're more for knowing, they for doing.
Video meliora proboque,
We can kill ye, so can they and stroke ye:
We stand aloof from sacred Ares,
Because our guilt creates our Fears.
They draw nigh to holy Fires,
To sacrifice with foul Desires.
We offer at the Devil's Shrine,
Because to serve him we combine.
We'l not compare with Men for Lungs,
But dare outvy them all for Tongues.
Because our guilt creates our Fears.
They draw nigh to holy Fires,
To sacrifice with foul Desires.
We offer at the Devil's Shrine,
Because to serve him we combine.
We'l not compare with Men for Lungs,
But dare outvy them all for Tongues.
We can contrive, and boldly charge,
And send them to look out at large.
As Underlings they act our parts,
While we study the Curious Arts.
We can do more with a Words speaking,
Than they with all their pains in seeking.
We cut out, they do the rest,
They are but our Apes at best.
And send them to look out at large.
As Underlings they act our parts,
While we study the Curious Arts.
140
Than they with all their pains in seeking.
We cut out, they do the rest,
They are but our Apes at best.
We conquer and get the Day,
They carry all the Credit away.
Sic vos non vobis fertis aratra Boves,
Sic vos non vobis vellificatis Oves.
When all comes to all, you Men are dull,
A great Cry, but a little Wool.
All the Wit is on our side,
But you Men take all the Pride.
They carry all the Credit away.
Sic vos non vobis fertis aratra Boves,
Sic vos non vobis vellificatis Oves.
When all comes to all, you Men are dull,
A great Cry, but a little Wool.
All the Wit is on our side,
But you Men take all the Pride.
Mira vox aures meas percrepuit,
Factum valet Fieri non debuit.
The Man was hang'd wrongfully for good and all,
'Tis well done, tho it should not have been done at all.
The Man's turn'd out of Home and House,
Lands, Goods and Chattels, and's not worth a Lowse.
He must bear it now 'tis done,
The Constable cannot be out-run.
Factum valet Fieri non debuit.
The Man was hang'd wrongfully for good and all,
'Tis well done, tho it should not have been done at all.
The Man's turn'd out of Home and House,
Lands, Goods and Chattels, and's not worth a Lowse.
He must bear it now 'tis done,
The Constable cannot be out-run.
In a dark stormy Night, what hope?
My Life and Estate lies at the end of a Rope.
Save me from the Turk and Pope.
And Land me at the Cape of good Hope.
I had rather be knockt o'th' head at the Altar,
Than basely to dye like a Dog in a Haltar.
Hearken well what the New Law saith,
Pay Debts by Debenturs or Publick Faith.
My Life and Estate lies at the end of a Rope.
Save me from the Turk and Pope.
And Land me at the Cape of good Hope.
I had rather be knockt o'th' head at the Altar,
Than basely to dye like a Dog in a Haltar.
Hearken well what the New Law saith,
Pay Debts by Debenturs or Publick Faith.
Panormitan, Hottoman, Bartolus,
Wesembeck, Godofred, joyn to Cajole us.
Navar, Duns, Covarvias School us,
Masters of Sentences befool us.
When cold they can heat us, when hot they can cool us.
The Doctors, be the Case good or bad,
Can make Clients merry, or sad.
Make them sober, or make them mad,
St. Thomas of Aquine was a pretty Lad.
Wesembeck, Godofred, joyn to Cajole us.
141
Masters of Sentences befool us.
When cold they can heat us, when hot they can cool us.
The Doctors, be the Case good or bad,
Can make Clients merry, or sad.
Make them sober, or make them mad,
St. Thomas of Aquine was a pretty Lad.
St. Thomas of Becket was a man of great Fame,
But Aristotle was the Cock of the Game.
A Company of Witches shall get the Day,
Rout 'um, and make 'um all run away.
Infatuate 'um, besot 'um and blind 'um.
And make 'um leave all their Wits behind 'um.
Every Bufflehead and Pickeroon,
Gets him a Name, and lyes a Bed till Noon;
As Famous as the Man in the Moon.
But Aristotle was the Cock of the Game.
A Company of Witches shall get the Day,
Rout 'um, and make 'um all run away.
Infatuate 'um, besot 'um and blind 'um.
And make 'um leave all their Wits behind 'um.
Every Bufflehead and Pickeroon,
Gets him a Name, and lyes a Bed till Noon;
As Famous as the Man in the Moon.
The Man of the Dwarfs or Giants Statures,
The Man of two Names, and the Man of two Natures.
You need not for Lawyers and Schoolmen call,
For we know as much as the best of 'um all.
Intelligent Spirits are the Masters that teach us,
In nothing but Law can you over-reach us.
'Tis that Letter alone that strikes us dead,
Tho all the Arguments we knock on the head.
The Man of two Names, and the Man of two Natures.
You need not for Lawyers and Schoolmen call,
For we know as much as the best of 'um all.
Intelligent Spirits are the Masters that teach us,
In nothing but Law can you over-reach us.
'Tis that Letter alone that strikes us dead,
Tho all the Arguments we knock on the head.
By murdering Weapons, for want of good Reasons,
You may make what you please Felonies or Treasons.
So when a Cuckold is Cornuted,
Send him to the Hangman to be confuted,
Your Tutors can never be so wise, or so good,
Because they, at the best, are but Flesh and Blood.
They understand by clear Intuitions,
You fetch a Compass by blind Propositions.
You may make what you please Felonies or Treasons.
So when a Cuckold is Cornuted,
Send him to the Hangman to be confuted,
142
Because they, at the best, are but Flesh and Blood.
They understand by clear Intuitions,
You fetch a Compass by blind Propositions.
If a Thief in the Way that is called High,
For a Purse of Gold makes me Promise or Dye,
Must I perform it, Tell me the Reason why?
You say a Nude Pact's of no more force than a Lye.
And yet I am bound my Gold to bring,
As if it were the Word of a King;
Will Reason allow of any such thing?
For a Purse of Gold makes me Promise or Dye,
Must I perform it, Tell me the Reason why?
You say a Nude Pact's of no more force than a Lye.
And yet I am bound my Gold to bring,
As if it were the Word of a King;
Will Reason allow of any such thing?
You say, Fallere fallentem non est Fraus,
But Honesty forbids such a Cause.
For I must not Cheat, tho I be cheated,
But I may defeat, rather than be defeated;
I hope my Promised Gold is not Escheated.
I presume, if I have any Skill,
A forced Will, is no Will,
Especially, if you threaten me to kill.
But Honesty forbids such a Cause.
For I must not Cheat, tho I be cheated,
But I may defeat, rather than be defeated;
I hope my Promised Gold is not Escheated.
I presume, if I have any Skill,
A forced Will, is no Will,
Especially, if you threaten me to kill.
When Questions are put for matter of Fact,
Should we not mind the Justice of the Act?
Should only Custom and Prescription,
Make good or bad against Jurisdiction?
How are wise Men out in this Cause,
When Wrongs are done contrary to Laws?
And yet because done, in this Case,
The Fact before the Right takes place.
Should we not mind the Justice of the Act?
Should only Custom and Prescription,
Make good or bad against Jurisdiction?
How are wise Men out in this Cause,
When Wrongs are done contrary to Laws?
And yet because done, in this Case,
The Fact before the Right takes place.
Farewel then all that's good and just,
When wicked Customs prevail must.
Is it enough, because they are acted?
Then bad need ne're be retracted.
Then all past Evils may keep their station,
Then there needs be no Reformation.
Let Wrongs be still, say they, for hear ye.
We must not Quieta movere.
When wicked Customs prevail must.
Is it enough, because they are acted?
Then bad need ne're be retracted.
143
Then there needs be no Reformation.
Let Wrongs be still, say they, for hear ye.
We must not Quieta movere.
To remove Dun Thiefs take no care,
For fear of Infecting the Air.
Leave the Sick to dye amain,
For fear you should put them to pain,
Or for fear they should come again.
Take no Physick, 'swage no Tumors,
For fear of stirring the Humors.
For fear of Surfets leave eating or drinking,
Use no Close-stool, for fear of stinking.
For fear of Infecting the Air.
Leave the Sick to dye amain,
For fear you should put them to pain,
Or for fear they should come again.
Take no Physick, 'swage no Tumors,
For fear of stirring the Humors.
For fear of Surfets leave eating or drinking,
Use no Close-stool, for fear of stinking.
If this be Honest, or good Sense,
In Arts I never will Commence.
Farewel for ever studying Laws,
If we must make so many Flaws.
And whatsoever Wrong is done,
It shall be made right at the Long run.
How can that, that ne're was True,
Be made True? Give every thing its due.
A Spade's a Spade, all's Right or Wrong,
Else all we say, or do, is but a Song.
In Arts I never will Commence.
Farewel for ever studying Laws,
If we must make so many Flaws.
And whatsoever Wrong is done,
It shall be made right at the Long run.
How can that, that ne're was True,
Be made True? Give every thing its due.
A Spade's a Spade, all's Right or Wrong,
Else all we say, or do, is but a Song.
There are more Leaden Lesbian Rules,
Usual in Courts and Schools.
Distinctions without difference,
Sentences, Proverbs without Sense.
Juvenile Wits they make quick,
But mature Judgments downright sick.
But the old driveling doating Dunces,
Will never leave their old Mumpsimusses.
Usual in Courts and Schools.
Distinctions without difference,
Sentences, Proverbs without Sense.
Juvenile Wits they make quick,
But mature Judgments downright sick.
But the old driveling doating Dunces,
Will never leave their old Mumpsimusses.
144
For want of sound Argumentation,
Even Laws fail of a good Foundation.
Where right Reasoning is wanting,
The idle Smatterers fall a Canting:
But we are of a clearer mind,
Our Intellects far more refin'd.
As for our Wills, we'l have the Day,
Tho by never so much foul Play.
Even Laws fail of a good Foundation.
Where right Reasoning is wanting,
The idle Smatterers fall a Canting:
But we are of a clearer mind,
Our Intellects far more refin'd.
As for our Wills, we'l have the Day,
Tho by never so much foul Play.
We plead best Right from first Possession,
Time out of mind, 'tis our Profession.
We had it first, call it not Fury,
Qui prior est tempore, potior est Jure.
Upon our Bounds you make Invasions,
We'l be reveng'd on all occasions.
Dolus malus, mala Fides,
So the Devil gets up and Rides;
And so we pull down all their Prides.
Time out of mind, 'tis our Profession.
We had it first, call it not Fury,
Qui prior est tempore, potior est Jure.
Upon our Bounds you make Invasions,
We'l be reveng'd on all occasions.
Dolus malus, mala Fides,
So the Devil gets up and Rides;
And so we pull down all their Prides.
Our Female Tempers have no more Malice,
Than will fill Flagon or Chalice.
And for profound Understanding,
In Obeying or Commanding.
For all exactest Regulation,
None compare with our Corporation.
Your Laws are always turning and winding,
Our Charms are Everlastingly binding.
Than will fill Flagon or Chalice.
And for profound Understanding,
In Obeying or Commanding.
For all exactest Regulation,
None compare with our Corporation.
Your Laws are always turning and winding,
Our Charms are Everlastingly binding.
No Devils endure more Blows,
No Carrions can kill Crows.
Alas! Men are but a Blast,
All our Generations last.
Where are the old Sects of Plato,
Zeno, Aristotle, Cato?
They quickly marched o're the Stall,
But we out-live the Devil and all.
No Carrions can kill Crows.
Alas! Men are but a Blast,
All our Generations last.
Where are the old Sects of Plato,
Zeno, Aristotle, Cato?
145
But we out-live the Devil and all.
We never flatter, give us but scope,
Nothing stops us, but a Rope.
O this ugly Hemp withstands our Spell,
Sends us, before our time, to Hell.
We conjure all things, but that Grass,
The basest Plant that ever was.
So true it is, Contra vim Mortis,
Non est Medicamen in Hortis.
Nothing stops us, but a Rope.
O this ugly Hemp withstands our Spell,
Sends us, before our time, to Hell.
We conjure all things, but that Grass,
The basest Plant that ever was.
So true it is, Contra vim Mortis,
Non est Medicamen in Hortis.
This ugly Hemp's a worser Weed,
Than Colchis, or Thessalick Breed.
So may a Mouse destroy a Boar,
A Cock make a Lion roar.
A Sword Fish conquer a Whale,
A well stretcht Haltar will never fail.
We bear swimming, scratching, banging,
Endure every thing, but hanging.
Than Colchis, or Thessalick Breed.
So may a Mouse destroy a Boar,
A Cock make a Lion roar.
A Sword Fish conquer a Whale,
A well stretcht Haltar will never fail.
We bear swimming, scratching, banging,
Endure every thing, but hanging.
The Judge pronounceth Right, they say,
Tho it be Wrong; How or which way?
A Blot's no Blot till it be hit,
'Tis neither Honesty nor Wit.
A Fiction's taken for Truth, they say,
A Ship in Cheapside's cast away.
Possession is twelve Points of Law,
'Tis like the prating of a Jack-Daw;
And thus Fools are kept in Aw.
Tho it be Wrong; How or which way?
A Blot's no Blot till it be hit,
'Tis neither Honesty nor Wit.
A Fiction's taken for Truth, they say,
A Ship in Cheapside's cast away.
Possession is twelve Points of Law,
'Tis like the prating of a Jack-Daw;
And thus Fools are kept in Aw.
A Promise naked, without a Consideration,
Is Conscience of the newest fashion.
A Servant's dead and hath no Will,
Such a Lawyer hath no Skill.
They are Fools that Reason thus,
Communis Error facit Jus.
He that confesseth must be hang'd,
He that denies shall be but bang'd.
Is Conscience of the newest fashion.
A Servant's dead and hath no Will,
Such a Lawyer hath no Skill.
146
Communis Error facit Jus.
He that confesseth must be hang'd,
He that denies shall be but bang'd.
Inheritances must not ascend, I pray,
Then hang poor Parents out of the way.
To what Absurdities will you hale us?
Semel malus semper præsumitur esse malus.
There is a saying that we have,
Once a Knave, and ever a Knave.
It is a Saying of the Devil,
Once Evil, and ever Evil.
It is a Saying of Robin-Hood,
Once good, and ever good.
Then hang poor Parents out of the way.
To what Absurdities will you hale us?
Semel malus semper præsumitur esse malus.
There is a saying that we have,
Once a Knave, and ever a Knave.
It is a Saying of the Devil,
Once Evil, and ever Evil.
It is a Saying of Robin-Hood,
Once good, and ever good.
When will Follies have an End,
If that which is bad can never mend?
'Tis a Saying of as good Delivery,
Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit vivere.
Vox Populi, vox Dei; How so?
Then they may let all Truth go.
If that which is bad can never mend?
'Tis a Saying of as good Delivery,
Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit vivere.
Vox Populi, vox Dei; How so?
Then they may let all Truth go.
If Husband live within four Seas,
The Wife may play Whore as she please.
'Tis a Saying but to half,
He that keeps the Cow must keep the Calf.
He needs no Cow, says pretty Jenny,
That can have a penny worth of Milk for a Penny.
Fallere Fallentem, non est Fraus,
Fallere Clientem, non est Laus.
The Wife may play Whore as she please.
'Tis a Saying but to half,
He that keeps the Cow must keep the Calf.
He needs no Cow, says pretty Jenny,
That can have a penny worth of Milk for a Penny.
Fallere Fallentem, non est Fraus,
Fallere Clientem, non est Laus.
At this Rate the World's undone,
The Mother must not breed the Son.
If a Rogue Swears to a Lye,
The honestest Man in the World must dye.
Twelve Godfathers, good Men and True,
Give or take from every Man his due.
Infallible is a Parliament,
And which is more, Omnipotent.
The Mother must not breed the Son.
147
The honestest Man in the World must dye.
Twelve Godfathers, good Men and True,
Give or take from every Man his due.
Infallible is a Parliament,
And which is more, Omnipotent.
Lords and Lands must pay no Debts, Alas!
The justest Law that ever was.
The Timber-Trees may walk there stanches,
From Title, their Bodies excuse their Branches:
Wills Nuncupate, at second hand,
By no means can convey Land:
A Souldier's Will may, tho wrote in Sand,
For a Priviledg'd Will shall stand.
The justest Law that ever was.
The Timber-Trees may walk there stanches,
From Title, their Bodies excuse their Branches:
Wills Nuncupate, at second hand,
By no means can convey Land:
A Souldier's Will may, tho wrote in Sand,
For a Priviledg'd Will shall stand.
A Murderer may fly to an Altar,
But a Thief must not miss a Haltar.
Stop Thief, he is undone,
Let the cruel Murderer run.
Steal a Horse, it is a Rape,
Steal a Man you shall escape.
I never heard a Reason, why
A man that cannot Read should dye.
But a Thief must not miss a Haltar.
Stop Thief, he is undone,
Let the cruel Murderer run.
Steal a Horse, it is a Rape,
Steal a Man you shall escape.
I never heard a Reason, why
A man that cannot Read should dye.
I may not cheat a Private man,
But rob the Commonwealth all I can.
My Shipwrackt Goods, I claim no more,
Because the Sea brought them ashore.
If in the Ship be Dog or Cat,
I may challenge them for that.
What if by chance there should be Mouse or Rat,
I must lose them for all that.
But rob the Commonwealth all I can.
My Shipwrackt Goods, I claim no more,
Because the Sea brought them ashore.
If in the Ship be Dog or Cat,
I may challenge them for that.
What if by chance there should be Mouse or Rat,
I must lose them for all that.
148
If Servant steals, he may be bang'd,
If Stranger robs, he must be hang'd.
You may not presume to Arrest
A Debtor, in his own Nest.
It is his Castle, let him lye,
Tho Creditor for want must pine and dye:
Or least the Debt you should retrench,
He'l put himself into the Kings-Bench,
Drink Sack there; or to the Indies Sail:
Such Payments will never fail.
If Stranger robs, he must be hang'd.
You may not presume to Arrest
A Debtor, in his own Nest.
It is his Castle, let him lye,
Tho Creditor for want must pine and dye:
Or least the Debt you should retrench,
He'l put himself into the Kings-Bench,
Drink Sack there; or to the Indies Sail:
Such Payments will never fail.
When Justice is for none a Factor,
Why is Reus favour'd more than Actor?
That Janus's Rule was made to vex,
Salus Populi suprema Lex.
Would these Sages strike us blind,
How can a forced Promise bind?
Why is Reus favour'd more than Actor?
That Janus's Rule was made to vex,
Salus Populi suprema Lex.
Would these Sages strike us blind,
How can a forced Promise bind?
Is there no Reason left behind,
For all men to use in their kind?
Prophets and Lawyers of State,
Obtrude any thing at any Rate;
So all things come to pass by Fate.
Except Aristotle's Brain
Universal Learning should contain;
I am sure we are all couzened in the main.
For all men to use in their kind?
Prophets and Lawyers of State,
Obtrude any thing at any Rate;
So all things come to pass by Fate.
Except Aristotle's Brain
Universal Learning should contain;
I am sure we are all couzened in the main.
What's Ipse dixit to me,
Take it for a He or She;
If with Reason it can't agree?
Aristotle for a time's my Friend,
But the Truth to the World's End.
Those Scholars are in their Minority,
That prove all by Authority.
That do all their work by Samples,
Leave Laws, live only by Examples.
Then Trunk Britches, Vardingals, Ruffs,
Pickadillo's come up, with double Cuffs.
Take it for a He or She;
If with Reason it can't agree?
Aristotle for a time's my Friend,
But the Truth to the World's End.
Those Scholars are in their Minority,
That prove all by Authority.
149
Leave Laws, live only by Examples.
Then Trunk Britches, Vardingals, Ruffs,
Pickadillo's come up, with double Cuffs.
Why should a dead Corps be Arrested?
Keep him till the Cause be Attested:
Let him be sure put in good Bail,
Or send him forthwith to the Gaol:
And when he is gone to the Pot,
Let him pay the Debt, or let him Rot.
'Twill put Creditors to the Frets,
To have such Payments of Debts.
Keep him till the Cause be Attested:
Let him be sure put in good Bail,
Or send him forthwith to the Gaol:
And when he is gone to the Pot,
Let him pay the Debt, or let him Rot.
'Twill put Creditors to the Frets,
To have such Payments of Debts.
A Farmer as freely pay Tithes,
As he would pluck out his Eyes.
Hercules kept Heathens in Aw,
Made them pay Tithes by Club-Law.
Against Tithes there's no Prescription,
But they may be cut off by Composition.
'Tis a rare Effatum of Ferdinandi,
'Tis a good Modus Decimandi.
As he would pluck out his Eyes.
Hercules kept Heathens in Aw,
Made them pay Tithes by Club-Law.
Against Tithes there's no Prescription,
But they may be cut off by Composition.
'Tis a rare Effatum of Ferdinandi,
'Tis a good Modus Decimandi.
In Books strong Reasons you may see,
Tithes are new born, a Lay-Fee.
Or if you'l have it more at large,
You may count them a Rent-Charge.
The Templars or Cistercian Rout,
Ravisht all Tithing at one Bout.
I look upon Momus, that sate in a Corner,
As a pitiful Mopus Informer,
A Law Jyppo, a Hangby Retainer,
Ever complaining, but never a Gainer.
Tithes are new born, a Lay-Fee.
Or if you'l have it more at large,
You may count them a Rent-Charge.
The Templars or Cistercian Rout,
Ravisht all Tithing at one Bout.
I look upon Momus, that sate in a Corner,
As a pitiful Mopus Informer,
A Law Jyppo, a Hangby Retainer,
Ever complaining, but never a Gainer.
150
It is the Common Law Conditions,
To haunt Courts Christian with Prohibitions.
Are you a Smock Sinner, or so,
Commute soundly, and you shall be let go.
Fee Ogg the great Comissary before and behind,
Then Sin on, you know my mind:
To Females, all Males must be kind,
But Poor Whores no favour find.
To haunt Courts Christian with Prohibitions.
Are you a Smock Sinner, or so,
Commute soundly, and you shall be let go.
Fee Ogg the great Comissary before and behind,
Then Sin on, you know my mind:
To Females, all Males must be kind,
But Poor Whores no favour find.
Norfolk Swains, that drive the Cows,
Whistle Littleton at their Plows.
Essoins, Withernams, Vouches,
Recapia's, are stuffed in Leathern-Slowches.
The Salick Law is a rare Tool,
Excludes Females from all Rule.
Let no-Woman Fee Inherit,
Because in Wars they cannot Merit.
Whistle Littleton at their Plows.
Essoins, Withernams, Vouches,
Recapia's, are stuffed in Leathern-Slowches.
The Salick Law is a rare Tool,
Excludes Females from all Rule.
Let no-Woman Fee Inherit,
Because in Wars they cannot Merit.
As freely Father goes to the Bow,
As the Son handles the Plow.
From the Females, or Heirs Male,
A Fine past, cuts off the Entail.
For a Recovery you may Rail,
No stopping a Ship under Sail.
Pantomimi Histriones,
Wizards Egregii Nebulones.
As the Son handles the Plow.
From the Females, or Heirs Male,
A Fine past, cuts off the Entail.
For a Recovery you may Rail,
No stopping a Ship under Sail.
Pantomimi Histriones,
Wizards Egregii Nebulones.
Vox Populi, vox Dei, 'tis confest,
Is as True as all the rest.
A Populo ad Legem,
Modus & Conventio vincunt Legem.
It drives Shopkeepers into Nets,
When Priviledg'd men must pay no Debts.
Anaxarchus had the heart of a Porter,
That could endure to be bray'd in a Mortar.
Is as True as all the rest.
A Populo ad Legem,
Modus & Conventio vincunt Legem.
It drives Shopkeepers into Nets,
When Priviledg'd men must pay no Debts.
Anaxarchus had the heart of a Porter,
That could endure to be bray'd in a Mortar.
151
Customs of contrary Feature,
Should they be call'd a Second Nature?
To say this Point is Law, is in dark to grope,
Unless it agree with the whole Scope.
From Truth how can Falshood come?
Or Lyes harbour in Truths Room?
If all are inevitable Fate,
All Good or Bad's quite out of Date.
Should they be call'd a Second Nature?
To say this Point is Law, is in dark to grope,
Unless it agree with the whole Scope.
From Truth how can Falshood come?
Or Lyes harbour in Truths Room?
If all are inevitable Fate,
All Good or Bad's quite out of Date.
Whether it be fair or just,
Men, more than Brutes, continual Lust?
How does Reason rule the Rost.
When Lasciviousness rides Post?
They couple only for a Brood,
Men for every wanton Mood.
They take their times for Generation,
Men at all times without Moderation.
Men, more than Brutes, continual Lust?
How does Reason rule the Rost.
When Lasciviousness rides Post?
They couple only for a Brood,
Men for every wanton Mood.
They take their times for Generation,
Men at all times without Moderation.
What Witches were at the taking of Troy?
Fair Helena stole by the Roaring Boy.
Paris was that unlucky Toy,
Both fit to be call'd, the Witches Joy.
Two contrary Parties, Hallow Boys, Hallow,
Jupiter in Troiam pro Trojâ stabat Apollo.
Fair Helena stole by the Roaring Boy.
Paris was that unlucky Toy,
Both fit to be call'd, the Witches Joy.
Two contrary Parties, Hallow Boys, Hallow,
Jupiter in Troiam pro Trojâ stabat Apollo.
'Tis good, well sung in Catches or Canto's,
Πλεον ημισυ του παντος.
Which with a Pipe of Smoke to blow to,
Is Dimidium plus Toto.
'Tis time to bid your Companions be gone,
The Farthest about's the nearest way home.
The Whole is greater than the Part, That's safe;
But the Contrary, Thou lyest Ralph.
Πλεον ημισυ του παντος.
Which with a Pipe of Smoke to blow to,
Is Dimidium plus Toto.
'Tis time to bid your Companions be gone,
The Farthest about's the nearest way home.
The Whole is greater than the Part, That's safe;
But the Contrary, Thou lyest Ralph.
152
Every Effect hath a Cause.
There should be Reason in all Laws.
Clerks, if you rightly apprehend 'um,
Hold Dignities in pure Commendam.
'Cause men of Parts cannot be found,
(While they are living) above ground.
No harm for Wrong done shall come near ye,
Idem est non esse & non apparere.
There should be Reason in all Laws.
Clerks, if you rightly apprehend 'um,
Hold Dignities in pure Commendam.
'Cause men of Parts cannot be found,
(While they are living) above ground.
No harm for Wrong done shall come near ye,
Idem est non esse & non apparere.
A Minor acts not without a Tutor,
An old Incumbent hath a Coadjutor.
And a Mistress hath a Suitor.
Status Naturæ, status Belli,
Is worse than Cock-broth in Gelly.
Jus unicuique ad omnia, O rare,
Look out sharp, the World's a great Fare.
An old Incumbent hath a Coadjutor.
And a Mistress hath a Suitor.
Status Naturæ, status Belli,
Is worse than Cock-broth in Gelly.
Jus unicuique ad omnia, O rare,
Look out sharp, the World's a great Fare.
Nothing's good, but wha'ts Commanded,
Why should any man be hang'd or branded?
Nothing's bad, but whats Forbidden,
Let Thieves and Rogues do as they're bidden.
It should seem by all these Flaws,
Definitions are dangerous in Laws.
Go and be bound, and pay the Debt,
You're just taken in a Net;
I am all in a Sweat.
Why should any man be hang'd or branded?
Nothing's bad, but whats Forbidden,
Let Thieves and Rogues do as they're bidden.
It should seem by all these Flaws,
Definitions are dangerous in Laws.
Go and be bound, and pay the Debt,
You're just taken in a Net;
I am all in a Sweat.
Come hang Laws, they that have Brains,
To know or do them will take no pains;
For to be sure, they'l get no gains.
And they have many unlucky Strains,
For they keep us all in Chains.
'Tis better to be free, and then
We may be said to live like Men.
Reason of State, Reason of Law,
Right or Wrong keeps all in Aw.
To know or do them will take no pains;
For to be sure, they'l get no gains.
And they have many unlucky Strains,
For they keep us all in Chains.
'Tis better to be free, and then
We may be said to live like Men.
153
Right or Wrong keeps all in Aw.
Trust no Man, if you would live brave,
Keep a good Word for a Knave.
Oblige all the World, please every Man,
By hook or by crook, Catch that catch can.
Study Men more than Books,
That will make you gentile Rooks.
Keep a good Word for a Knave.
Oblige all the World, please every Man,
By hook or by crook, Catch that catch can.
Study Men more than Books,
That will make you gentile Rooks.
Get a Picklock for the Law,
To open every Crevise and Flaw.
Get Pincers and a lusty Screw,
To wrest from every Man his due.
Where Rocks are, get Axes and Hammers,
Spades, Pickaxes and Rammers.
Let all your Implements be ready,
And be sure to hold your hand steady.
Look big, stand all in your Robes,
Like a Conqueror of both Globes.
From you every Line or Word,
Cuts more than a Two-handed-Sword.
To open every Crevise and Flaw.
Get Pincers and a lusty Screw,
To wrest from every Man his due.
Where Rocks are, get Axes and Hammers,
Spades, Pickaxes and Rammers.
Let all your Implements be ready,
And be sure to hold your hand steady.
Look big, stand all in your Robes,
Like a Conqueror of both Globes.
From you every Line or Word,
Cuts more than a Two-handed-Sword.
Truth must not be spoke, you say at all times,
The way to huddle up the basest Crimes.
To be an Informer, is thought a Disgrace,
Then how shall Capital Laws take place?
Never of any Tale-bearer tell,
Tho you love me never so well.
But if I get a Friend in a Corner,
He will tell me the false Informer.
The way to huddle up the basest Crimes.
To be an Informer, is thought a Disgrace,
Then how shall Capital Laws take place?
Never of any Tale-bearer tell,
Tho you love me never so well.
But if I get a Friend in a Corner,
He will tell me the false Informer.
He that is an Inventor of Lyes,
By him many an Innocent dyes,
Deserves to be made a Sacrifice.
For shall not the good Law punish him sore,
And not suffer him to live, to kill any more?
Is it not good for the Common-weal,
To reward him that shall Felons reveal?
By him many an Innocent dyes,
Deserves to be made a Sacrifice.
154
And not suffer him to live, to kill any more?
Is it not good for the Common-weal,
To reward him that shall Felons reveal?
Is he my Friend that will see me misus'd,
Or behind my back, not tell me by whom I'am abus'd?
Consider this Case better, and try,
And do as you would be done by.
'Tis come to a fine pass, you'l say, when Witches with Maces,
Authoritatively must Resolve Conscience-Cases.
For this call us no more Brazen Faces,
Nor load us with foul Disgraces;
We understand some Common Places.
Or behind my back, not tell me by whom I'am abus'd?
Consider this Case better, and try,
And do as you would be done by.
'Tis come to a fine pass, you'l say, when Witches with Maces,
Authoritatively must Resolve Conscience-Cases.
For this call us no more Brazen Faces,
Nor load us with foul Disgraces;
We understand some Common Places.
Marcus his Scholars loosely taught,
That tho by all kind of Vice debaucht:
Yet no more tainted by these ugly Steams,
Than are by Dunghils the Suns Beams.
That tho by all kind of Vice debaucht:
Yet no more tainted by these ugly Steams,
Than are by Dunghils the Suns Beams.
Sesostris was first Institutor of Fees,
To Souldiers he gave the best Ægyptian Lees.
He fed them and taught them all in Warring,
And by this Tye restrain'd them from Jarring.
They must keep strict to Military Art,
From which Mechanicks might never depart.
And to preserve Families from falling,
The Son must be of his Father's Calling.
To Souldiers he gave the best Ægyptian Lees.
He fed them and taught them all in Warring,
And by this Tye restrain'd them from Jarring.
They must keep strict to Military Art,
From which Mechanicks might never depart.
And to preserve Families from falling,
The Son must be of his Father's Calling.
And so a Captain, as well as a Cook,
His Father's Profession ne're forsook,
If he dye, for his Inheritance he might go look.
'Twere good, if Scholars were so kept to their Book,
But our Laws would never this Custom Brook.
To Souldiers and Priests so much good Land,
Preserv'd them close to the Kings Command,
Better than the old Prætorian Band.
His Father's Profession ne're forsook,
If he dye, for his Inheritance he might go look.
'Twere good, if Scholars were so kept to their Book,
But our Laws would never this Custom Brook.
155
Preserv'd them close to the Kings Command,
Better than the old Prætorian Band.
He also freed them from Taxes and Gabels,
Whose Names were listed in Warlike Tables.
So much Bread and Flesh he daily did award,
To all the Yeomen of his Guard.
They served their Master, the rather,
Because he was their Foster Father.
Nomus Thebæus assign'd to Regiments,
Panopolitus, or Chemnitus all in their Tents.
Whose Names were listed in Warlike Tables.
So much Bread and Flesh he daily did award,
To all the Yeomen of his Guard.
They served their Master, the rather,
Because he was their Foster Father.
Nomus Thebæus assign'd to Regiments,
Panopolitus, or Chemnitus all in their Tents.
Turk to this day prosecutes the same Intents,
For Love and Gratitude strong Arguments.
So Janizaries and Timariots,
Are hindred from Rebellious Plots,
The Roman Agrarian Law,
Kept Souldier and People all in Aw.
The Linotrophi, not for Name,
With the Feudatories were much the same.
Δελτα divided into Nomi Pannels,
Betwixt Nilus and Ostia Channels.
For Love and Gratitude strong Arguments.
So Janizaries and Timariots,
Are hindred from Rebellious Plots,
The Roman Agrarian Law,
Kept Souldier and People all in Aw.
The Linotrophi, not for Name,
With the Feudatories were much the same.
Δελτα divided into Nomi Pannels,
Betwixt Nilus and Ostia Channels.
A wise Lady was once in hope,
To get License from the Pope.
For Women, as well as Men, to hear Confessions,
Resolve Cases and pardon Transgressions,
His Holiness his Answer did delay,
And bid her wait till such a day:
And gave her a Box, to bring with her own hand,
But not to open it by strict Command.
To get License from the Pope.
For Women, as well as Men, to hear Confessions,
Resolve Cases and pardon Transgressions,
His Holiness his Answer did delay,
And bid her wait till such a day:
And gave her a Box, to bring with her own hand,
But not to open it by strict Command.
The good Lady and her Sisters all glad,
But to open the Box were stark mad.
Much ado, they venture to open't at last,
And out flew a rare Fly, all so fast.
The Lady returns to deliver her Charge,
But no Fly, for which she was chid at large:
How could she be trusted with Souls Secrecy,
That could not be faithful in keeping a Fly?
And so this vain Motion did dye.
But to open the Box were stark mad.
156
And out flew a rare Fly, all so fast.
The Lady returns to deliver her Charge,
But no Fly, for which she was chid at large:
How could she be trusted with Souls Secrecy,
That could not be faithful in keeping a Fly?
And so this vain Motion did dye.
Manzers and Slaves had no Prohibition,
From any Incestuous Coition;
Because they were of a vile Condition,
They were never taken upon Suspicion.
No Matrimony 'mongst them, no Possession,
Not free of any Profession.
Tho ne're so nobly born or bred,
To all Rights they must be dead.
From any Incestuous Coition;
Because they were of a vile Condition,
They were never taken upon Suspicion.
No Matrimony 'mongst them, no Possession,
Not free of any Profession.
Tho ne're so nobly born or bred,
To all Rights they must be dead.
Did this Curse come from Cham,
Or from the Devil and his Dam?
Or is it not a mere Sham?
Most contrary to Nature's stand,
To be made Brutes, to be unman'd.
'Tis well Man and Wife are sure to hold,
That were by Rome's Law bought and Sold.
Or from the Devil and his Dam?
Or is it not a mere Sham?
Most contrary to Nature's stand,
To be made Brutes, to be unman'd.
'Tis well Man and Wife are sure to hold,
That were by Rome's Law bought and Sold.
'Tis a Rul'd Case in Bardish Rhimes,
Truth must not be spoke at all times.
The like for Punishment of all Crimes,
Such Laws would run well with Chimes.
'Twill rise high, when 'tis upon the Fretts,
There shall be no time for paying of Debts.
Patriarchs were no Judges, but Doctors,
In those days when no Courts with Attorneys or Proctors.
Punishments were by War, not Law,
The Sword, no Word, kept all in Aw.
Truth must not be spoke at all times.
The like for Punishment of all Crimes,
Such Laws would run well with Chimes.
'Twill rise high, when 'tis upon the Fretts,
There shall be no time for paying of Debts.
Patriarchs were no Judges, but Doctors,
In those days when no Courts with Attorneys or Proctors.
Punishments were by War, not Law,
The Sword, no Word, kept all in Aw.
157
Επι τοις Σωμασι μη δανιζειν,
Εν Νεομηνια μη χρονιζειν.
Æs Alienum quando Remittitur,
Acceptilatio in Lege dicitur.
Σεισαχθεια shakes off the Onus,
Usuram non facit vir bonus.
‘We Withces, no body will own us,
‘If we fall, no body will bemoan us.
Εν Νεομηνια μη χρονιζειν.
Æs Alienum quando Remittitur,
Acceptilatio in Lege dicitur.
Σεισαχθεια shakes off the Onus,
Usuram non facit vir bonus.
‘We Withces, no body will own us,
‘If we fall, no body will bemoan us.
Stepsiades brought a Thessalian Hag,
To shut up the Moon in a Box or a Bag.
To excuse Debtors from paying their Fine,
Because no Proof that the Moon does shine,
This was never no Practise of Mine.
Usurers reckoned, every Night and Noon,
To the coming of the New Moon.
A Burning-Glass to scorch a Letter,
In Court, to disprove a Deed the better.
To shut up the Moon in a Box or a Bag.
To excuse Debtors from paying their Fine,
Because no Proof that the Moon does shine,
This was never no Practise of Mine.
Usurers reckoned, every Night and Noon,
To the coming of the New Moon.
A Burning-Glass to scorch a Letter,
In Court, to disprove a Deed the better.
Culpam in Jovem rejicias,
Say 'twas the Gods, not you that were Vicious,
Try, if for that they will be Propitious.
Ουκ εγω αλλα Σευς, Μοιρα, where's all your Law,
If in an Indictment they find such Flaw.
'Twas Εριννος και Ειμαρμενη,
And her own Self, Madam Σεληνη.
Choak'um with this Bolus at last,
Try, if they can recover in haste.
Say 'twas the Gods, not you that were Vicious,
Try, if for that they will be Propitious.
Ουκ εγω αλλα Σευς, Μοιρα, where's all your Law,
If in an Indictment they find such Flaw.
'Twas Εριννος και Ειμαρμενη,
And her own Self, Madam Σεληνη.
Choak'um with this Bolus at last,
Try, if they can recover in haste.
If thou beest a Thief or Unchaste,
The Gods did as much, Let them be Cast.
Nay, they decreed me to do so, and more,
I cannot be guilty therefore;
It must be put upon the Score.
For I was forc't behind and before,
Let no Serjeant come near my door.
Gods hid themselves in Caves and Groves,
To prosecute Murders and vilest Loves.
The Gods did as much, Let them be Cast.
Nay, they decreed me to do so, and more,
I cannot be guilty therefore;
It must be put upon the Score.
158
Let no Serjeant come near my door.
Gods hid themselves in Caves and Groves,
To prosecute Murders and vilest Loves.
Why then, if Mortals commit such Rapes,
May they not plead, as just Escapes.
Curse us Witches be sure, Bite our Noses,
Et Conspergitis nos Rosis.
Son prov'd it just, to beat his Father, if wild,
Because he beat him, when he was a Child.
Socrates taught him to come off,
With Bis Pueri Senes, a Scoff.
May they not plead, as just Escapes.
Curse us Witches be sure, Bite our Noses,
Et Conspergitis nos Rosis.
Son prov'd it just, to beat his Father, if wild,
Because he beat him, when he was a Child.
Socrates taught him to come off,
With Bis Pueri Senes, a Scoff.
He made Λογον ηττονα και κρειττονα a Clause,
For an Inferiour and Superiour Cause.
Lawyer like, 'twas very sad,
A bad Cause good, or a good Cause bad.
Apollo his Malice could not smother,
Urging Orestes to kill his Mother.
For which the poor Soul complains,
He was clearly left in the Lurch for his pains.
For an Inferiour and Superiour Cause.
Lawyer like, 'twas very sad,
A bad Cause good, or a good Cause bad.
Apollo his Malice could not smother,
Urging Orestes to kill his Mother.
For which the poor Soul complains,
He was clearly left in the Lurch for his pains.
But the Conscious Numen made him amends,
Made him and Menelaus Friends.
Repair'd his Throne for his own Ends.
Never learn Justice from Jove above,
Nor Chastity from the God of Love.
Socrates but one Supreme Power own'd,
For which like a Fool he had like t'have been Ston'd.
But by favour that he might swallow no more,
They wo'd him to drink Hellebore.
Made him and Menelaus Friends.
Repair'd his Throne for his own Ends.
Never learn Justice from Jove above,
Nor Chastity from the God of Love.
Socrates but one Supreme Power own'd,
For which like a Fool he had like t'have been Ston'd.
But by favour that he might swallow no more,
They wo'd him to drink Hellebore.
This frighted Aristotle and Plato,
Seneca, Cicero, and Cato.
The Country Gods must not be deny'd,
When once the Senate had them Cry'd.
The Poets were all Rogues, in the Letter,
They spake Wars, but understood better;
Apollo was a good Bone-Setter.
Seneca, Cicero, and Cato.
159
When once the Senate had them Cry'd.
The Poets were all Rogues, in the Letter,
They spake Wars, but understood better;
Apollo was a good Bone-Setter.
‘Now I have my Cu, and I must come in,
‘For me and mine, to prove there can be no Sin.
‘Tho in Wickedness you be up to the Chin,
‘Never complain, go through thick and thin.
‘Over Shoes and over Boots,
‘Pluck up Liberty by the Roots.
‘For me and mine, to prove there can be no Sin.
‘Tho in Wickedness you be up to the Chin,
‘Never complain, go through thick and thin.
‘Over Shoes and over Boots,
‘Pluck up Liberty by the Roots.
‘In Witches, such as we be,
‘'Cause we are forc't by a Decree.
‘I am of Opinion, as such,
‘We can ne're play Rogues or Whores too much.
‘I am afraid of a Rod,
‘If I take in Vain the Name of God.
‘'Cause we are forc't by a Decree.
‘I am of Opinion, as such,
‘We can ne're play Rogues or Whores too much.
‘I am afraid of a Rod,
‘If I take in Vain the Name of God.
‘The Chain of Fates is so wonderful strong,
‘Against our Wills drives us all along.
‘We try sometimes, but all's but a dream,
‘There's no striving against the Stream.
‘There's a violent Motion, above our own,
‘Whereby our free Actions are all overthrown.
‘Against our Wills drives us all along.
‘We try sometimes, but all's but a dream,
‘There's no striving against the Stream.
‘There's a violent Motion, above our own,
‘Whereby our free Actions are all overthrown.
‘Tis in vain to use a Lanthorn and Candle,
‘When we take up Things with a wrong Handle,
‘We talk of Free-will at a monstrous high Rate,
‘But all's over-rul'd by Fortune or Fate;
‘Nothing can Post or Antidate.
‘Things must be, it seems, as they must be,
‘Do your best or your worst, all's Destiny.
‘When we take up Things with a wrong Handle,
‘We talk of Free-will at a monstrous high Rate,
‘But all's over-rul'd by Fortune or Fate;
‘Nothing can Post or Antidate.
‘Things must be, it seems, as they must be,
‘Do your best or your worst, all's Destiny.
160
‘Puppets above dance nimbly and skip,
‘But the Hand below takes 'um upon the Hip;
‘If the Ass be lazy come up with a Whip.
‘It must come to pass all you do or say,
‘But the clean contrary way.
‘All this is Deceptio Visûs,
‘The Wires below makes all the Devices.
‘But the Hand below takes 'um upon the Hip;
‘If the Ass be lazy come up with a Whip.
‘It must come to pass all you do or say,
‘But the clean contrary way.
‘All this is Deceptio Visûs,
‘The Wires below makes all the Devices.
‘Alas, Alas! we're all in a Dream,
‘When we think 'tis Whey, 'tis Curds and Cream.
‘We are mistaken in every Theme,
‘There is a Mote in the clearest Sun Beam.
‘The Wind drives the Ship, and the Water the Mill,
‘Paint what you can 'twill be a Rose still.
‘If Blood be spilt, tho you do not kill,
‘'Twill be Manslaughter do what you will.
‘When we think 'tis Whey, 'tis Curds and Cream.
‘We are mistaken in every Theme,
‘There is a Mote in the clearest Sun Beam.
‘The Wind drives the Ship, and the Water the Mill,
‘Paint what you can 'twill be a Rose still.
‘If Blood be spilt, tho you do not kill,
‘'Twill be Manslaughter do what you will.
‘For none of us have Wit at will,
‘Pour in the Wines, the Pot must fill.
‘Wrong must be done, and the Wronger shall gain,
‘Ne're put the Conscience to too much pain.
‘The man is dead, but he was not slain,
‘Every way turn to and again.
‘An Honest man must endure the smart and the loss,
‘No body wrong'd him, 'twas his Cross.
‘Pour in the Wines, the Pot must fill.
‘Wrong must be done, and the Wronger shall gain,
‘Ne're put the Conscience to too much pain.
‘The man is dead, but he was not slain,
‘Every way turn to and again.
‘An Honest man must endure the smart and the loss,
‘No body wrong'd him, 'twas his Cross.
‘Never cry nor roar, Poor Baby,
‘Sorte tuâ Contentus Abi.
‘There's a Lottery, wipe your Eyes,
‘Ten thousand Blanks for one Prize.
‘Venter you may, live or dye,
‘'Tis but the turning of a Dye.
‘Whatever haps, if you be wise,
‘Forbear Murmurs, Tears or Cries.
‘Sorte tuâ Contentus Abi.
‘There's a Lottery, wipe your Eyes,
‘Ten thousand Blanks for one Prize.
‘Venter you may, live or dye,
‘'Tis but the turning of a Dye.
‘Whatever haps, if you be wise,
‘Forbear Murmurs, Tears or Cries.
161
‘For all you do or suffer, there are Spyes,
‘Few tell Truths, and most speak Lyes;
‘I can't endure to think of Sacrifice.
‘'Tis an idle, needless thing,
‘To tye an Ox to an Altars Ring.
‘The harmless Beast must rost and fry,
‘Because I deserve to dye.
‘And for telling of a Lye,
‘I'le be judg'd by the Standers by.
‘Few tell Truths, and most speak Lyes;
‘I can't endure to think of Sacrifice.
‘'Tis an idle, needless thing,
‘To tye an Ox to an Altars Ring.
‘The harmless Beast must rost and fry,
‘Because I deserve to dye.
‘And for telling of a Lye,
‘I'le be judg'd by the Standers by.
‘I had spoke Truth, I'le try, by my Troth,
‘'Tis either good, or bad, or both.
‘'Twas the Lot that was own'd then, in good Sooth.
‘If it be bad, and better haps,
‘It is your good luck, Boys throw up your Caps;
‘But have a care of After-claps.
‘Hallow Boys, one and all,
‘We shall either Rise or Fall.
‘'Tis either good, or bad, or both.
‘'Twas the Lot that was own'd then, in good Sooth.
‘If it be bad, and better haps,
‘It is your good luck, Boys throw up your Caps;
‘But have a care of After-claps.
‘Hallow Boys, one and all,
‘We shall either Rise or Fall.
‘Never bemoan Man, never be sad,
‘We shall have a living, a good or a bad.
‘Whatever it be, once it will fall,
‘Nothing venture nothing have, the Devil take all.
‘We shall have a living, a good or a bad.
‘Whatever it be, once it will fall,
‘Nothing venture nothing have, the Devil take all.
‘Why then should any just Laws be us'd,
‘When Good or bad can't be chose, or refus'd,
‘And still no body can be abus'd.
‘I'le sin out my Sin, if it must be so,
‘No Body knows which way 'twill go.
‘But 'tis a hard Fate, to be forc't to do Evil,
‘And for that, to be forc't to go to the Devil.
‘In vain then to Cry or Snivel,
‘To blow Meat, the Butcher must have a Scyvel.
‘When Good or bad can't be chose, or refus'd,
‘And still no body can be abus'd.
‘I'le sin out my Sin, if it must be so,
‘No Body knows which way 'twill go.
‘But 'tis a hard Fate, to be forc't to do Evil,
‘And for that, to be forc't to go to the Devil.
‘In vain then to Cry or Snivel,
‘To blow Meat, the Butcher must have a Scyvel.
162
‘I'le take no more care then, I'le do what I please,
‘I shall have Trouble, or I shall have ease.
‘But still do or suffer, there's no Body minds me,
‘Yet still some Body stands behind me.
‘I move like a Puppet to and fro,
‘And know not whether I move or no.
‘The Satyr blows hot and cold,
‘'Tis all alike to young and old.
‘I shall have Trouble, or I shall have ease.
‘But still do or suffer, there's no Body minds me,
‘Yet still some Body stands behind me.
‘I move like a Puppet to and fro,
‘And know not whether I move or no.
‘The Satyr blows hot and cold,
‘'Tis all alike to young and old.
‘When Waters are crost with a contrary Wind,
‘The Ship is tost before and behind.
‘It should then either stop or stay,
‘Or be mov'd to a contrary way.
‘There's Will, or no will, Reason or none,
‘Then leave me to my self alone,
‘And I'le leave'um now to pick this Bone.
‘If I thought I were not a Witch or a Whore,
‘I should never endure my Self any more.
‘The Ship is tost before and behind.
‘It should then either stop or stay,
‘Or be mov'd to a contrary way.
‘There's Will, or no will, Reason or none,
‘Then leave me to my self alone,
‘And I'le leave'um now to pick this Bone.
‘If I thought I were not a Witch or a Whore,
‘I should never endure my Self any more.
They come off with a Certiorari,
Res noluit male Administrari.
'Tis no Thanks to the Administrators,
When they themselves are the Judge Arbitrators,
'Tis long of their Causes in these Cases,
That puts things thus all out of their Places.
'Tis much to Wise mens Disgrace,
That dare Reason so much deface.
Res noluit male Administrari.
'Tis no Thanks to the Administrators,
When they themselves are the Judge Arbitrators,
'Tis long of their Causes in these Cases,
That puts things thus all out of their Places.
'Tis much to Wise mens Disgrace,
That dare Reason so much deface.
In vain they hope to be Excus'd,
When Reason is by Reason abus'd,
And against all Reason refus'd.
They that have given the deadly Draught,
Tho it kill not, 'tis naught, 'tis naught.
These men to true Reason will ne're be brought,
The Reason is, they are better fed than taught.
When Reason is by Reason abus'd,
And against all Reason refus'd.
They that have given the deadly Draught,
Tho it kill not, 'tis naught, 'tis naught.
These men to true Reason will ne're be brought,
The Reason is, they are better fed than taught.
165
‘I know better than so, the unlucky Bird sings,
‘'Tis true, nor do I believe such Gins,
‘That screw my Soul to worser things.
‘In plain terms, 'tis to deny
‘Justice, and all Deity.
‘And therefore such false Rules I defie,
‘Tho fault is my own, I deserve to dye.
‘'Tis true, nor do I believe such Gins,
‘That screw my Soul to worser things.
‘In plain terms, 'tis to deny
‘Justice, and all Deity.
‘And therefore such false Rules I defie,
‘Tho fault is my own, I deserve to dye.
‘I am a Witch, I tell you the Reason why,
‘Because I did wilfully Vertue deny.
‘'Tis neither better nor worse,
‘I have justly invok'd my Curse.
‘'Tis in vain to use any more Discourse,
‘Set the Saddle on the right Horse.
‘Because I did wilfully Vertue deny.
‘'Tis neither better nor worse,
‘I have justly invok'd my Curse.
‘'Tis in vain to use any more Discourse,
‘Set the Saddle on the right Horse.
‘Alas, some Sciolists do but prate,
‘'Tis just as the Stars would ha't.
‘We are all bewitcht, when plain Bitchery,
‘Is called Conjuring, or Witchery.
‘The Dog (they say) excuses the smell,
‘The Lady is perfum'd very Well:
‘But the Toad Cur stinks like Hell.
‘For Right Reason ring out the Bell,
‘There's many such a Develish Spell.
‘'Tis just as the Stars would ha't.
‘We are all bewitcht, when plain Bitchery,
‘Is called Conjuring, or Witchery.
‘The Dog (they say) excuses the smell,
‘The Lady is perfum'd very Well:
‘But the Toad Cur stinks like Hell.
‘For Right Reason ring out the Bell,
‘There's many such a Develish Spell.
Thieves, Murderers, Witches, Burn'um, Stone'um,
De Mortuis nil nisi Bonum.
Gavelkind Land, de Hæreditate dividendâ,
To younger Brothers, Familia Erciscenda.
‘Take your Conge, make your Leg,
‘To them that have brought you to Beg.
‘If you be of a good Constitution,
‘Rob all you can, and make no Restitution,
‘Take all good Turns, and make no Retribution.
‘Do all Harm, ther's no Prohibition,
‘All fare alike, there's no Præterition.
De Mortuis nil nisi Bonum.
Gavelkind Land, de Hæreditate dividendâ,
To younger Brothers, Familia Erciscenda.
‘Take your Conge, make your Leg,
‘To them that have brought you to Beg.
‘If you be of a good Constitution,
‘Rob all you can, and make no Restitution,
‘Take all good Turns, and make no Retribution.
166
‘All fare alike, there's no Præterition.
‘Will you call an Eunuch chaste,
‘Or him Patient, that's ty'd in Fetters fast?
‘Had Bajazet no Tyrant Rage,
‘'Cause shut up in an Iron Cage?
‘A Lion may be a Lamb at these rates,
‘Because he is shut up in Grates,
‘So is good or bad by force of Fates.
‘Or him Patient, that's ty'd in Fetters fast?
‘Had Bajazet no Tyrant Rage,
‘'Cause shut up in an Iron Cage?
‘A Lion may be a Lamb at these rates,
‘Because he is shut up in Grates,
‘So is good or bad by force of Fates.
Where sits the Legislative Power,
Ruling in his Majestick Tower?
In the Noble or Vulgar Race,
In the Prince or Populace?
Kings do Jus facere & Jus dare,
Judges Jus dicere, I'le Swear ye.
Did the high Power of Life and Death,
From the lowest Root take breath?
Ruling in his Majestick Tower?
In the Noble or Vulgar Race,
In the Prince or Populace?
Kings do Jus facere & Jus dare,
Judges Jus dicere, I'le Swear ye.
Did the high Power of Life and Death,
From the lowest Root take breath?
What Supremacy is in the Feet?
When, or where could all the World meet?
Tribunes, Ephori represent,
Who knows the Multitudes Intent?
'Tis a few Pragmatical Squires,
That Rule Publick Desires,
Kindle, not quench Everlasting Fire.
These Lead the Vulgars by the Nose,
And do all Business under the Rose.
Who then shall Rebellions compose?
Factions or Seditions disclose?
When, or where could all the World meet?
Tribunes, Ephori represent,
Who knows the Multitudes Intent?
'Tis a few Pragmatical Squires,
That Rule Publick Desires,
Kindle, not quench Everlasting Fire.
These Lead the Vulgars by the Nose,
And do all Business under the Rose.
Who then shall Rebellions compose?
Factions or Seditions disclose?
A Coblar cries, Mio non Consento,
Il Popôlo non Contento.
The Mobile swells all in Waves,
And are driven by Fools and Knaves;
'Til they make themselves Slaves,
And go all Beggars to their Graves.
But when good Princes have their Will,
By Gods Laws, 'tis Freedom still.
So the Rabble is befool'd,
To Rule, and be over-rul'd.
Il Popôlo non Contento.
167
And are driven by Fools and Knaves;
'Til they make themselves Slaves,
And go all Beggars to their Graves.
But when good Princes have their Will,
By Gods Laws, 'tis Freedom still.
So the Rabble is befool'd,
To Rule, and be over-rul'd.
But when Supremacy is lodg'd
In One or Few, the Rout is dodg'd.
They'l cheat themselves, and be cheated,
'Til all there Madness be defeated.
From themseves they can't Appeal,
Where is then their Common-weal?
Who does Liberty from them steal?
In One or Few, the Rout is dodg'd.
They'l cheat themselves, and be cheated,
'Til all there Madness be defeated.
From themseves they can't Appeal,
Where is then their Common-weal?
Who does Liberty from them steal?
When they Rage, Murmur and Grudge,
Who shall Moderate or Judge?
When they Head all in a Riot,
What Power shall the Tumult quiet?
If all croud to steer at the Helm,
The Vessel needs must overwhelm.
Who is able to Rule alone,
When all shall rush upon the Throne?
Who shall Moderate or Judge?
When they Head all in a Riot,
What Power shall the Tumult quiet?
If all croud to steer at the Helm,
The Vessel needs must overwhelm.
Who is able to Rule alone,
When all shall rush upon the Throne?
When all on Power make Intrusion,
It must needs produce Confusion.
All are Slaves, when all Command,
Who can Obedience understand?
Status Belli & Status Naturæ,
Each to his Fellow is a Fury;
None can be tryed by a Jury.
It must needs produce Confusion.
All are Slaves, when all Command,
Who can Obedience understand?
Status Belli & Status Naturæ,
Each to his Fellow is a Fury;
None can be tryed by a Jury.
168
Il Popôlo is a Wide Ring,
Dance in a Circle's an endless thing.
Unicuique Jus ad omnia, Quare,
Get what you can I'le ne're spare ye.
And if I prove the Better Man,
I'le get all agen from you, if I can.
If you invade your Neighbours Lands.
He'l fight you upon Calice Sands:
And then where are your Demands?
Your Right on a ticklish Bottom stands.
Dance in a Circle's an endless thing.
Unicuique Jus ad omnia, Quare,
Get what you can I'le ne're spare ye.
And if I prove the Better Man,
I'le get all agen from you, if I can.
If you invade your Neighbours Lands.
He'l fight you upon Calice Sands:
And then where are your Demands?
Your Right on a ticklish Bottom stands.
Anacreon refus'd five Talents of Gold,
By Polycrates given him, and told,
That for Cares he would not be sold.
Ου Τιμασθαι τας Φροντιδος,
Deserv'd the Title του Οκνειδος.
Another greater Fool than He,
Threw all his Wealth into the Sea.
But few such Fops this day we see,
Yet Fools flock to good Company.
By Polycrates given him, and told,
That for Cares he would not be sold.
Ου Τιμασθαι τας Φροντιδος,
Deserv'd the Title του Οκνειδος.
Another greater Fool than He,
Threw all his Wealth into the Sea.
But few such Fops this day we see,
Yet Fools flock to good Company.
They say, De Mortuis nil nisi Bonum,
Thieves and Murderers never stone'um.
Do all mischief live or dead,
Expect not to be punished,
Nor so much as mentioned.
Why then should Vertue be rewarded,
If Vice must not be regarded?
These are simple, silly Themes,
The Off-spring of idle Dreams.
Thieves and Murderers never stone'um.
Do all mischief live or dead,
Expect not to be punished,
Nor so much as mentioned.
Why then should Vertue be rewarded,
If Vice must not be regarded?
These are simple, silly Themes,
The Off-spring of idle Dreams.
Burn all Histories to Ashes,
Call Plutarch, Tacitus and Livy, Flashes.
For daring to record the Doom
Of Tyrants, in Greece or Rome.
Call Domitians, and Nero's,
After their deaths brave Cavalero's.
He that flatters, living and dead,
Now is the Man that is best bred.
Call Plutarch, Tacitus and Livy, Flashes.
For daring to record the Doom
Of Tyrants, in Greece or Rome.
169
After their deaths brave Cavalero's.
He that flatters, living and dead,
Now is the Man that is best bred.
Of Salick Law Women complain,
'Cause it excludes Females from Reign.
To be reveng'd by Fascinations,
They rule the Rulers of all Nations.
Id tantùm fit, quod Jure fit,
Is more Honesty, than Wit.
By Flattery oblige Mankind,
What true Return hope you to find?
'Cause it excludes Females from Reign.
To be reveng'd by Fascinations,
They rule the Rulers of all Nations.
Id tantùm fit, quod Jure fit,
Is more Honesty, than Wit.
By Flattery oblige Mankind,
What true Return hope you to find?
If Fathers force their Daughters to fast
From Husbands, till Twenty five be past:
They may then take their own measure,
Marry, and Repent at leisure.
But the Father must part with his Treasure,
Not at his own, but the Judges Pleasure.
From Husbands, till Twenty five be past:
They may then take their own measure,
Marry, and Repent at leisure.
But the Father must part with his Treasure,
Not at his own, but the Judges Pleasure.
Pone Legem, fill the Paw,
This is Justice, this is Law:
This is Cheats Clapper-claw,
So they keep the World in Aw.
Your Nose will be out of Socket,
If wise, keep Mony in your Pocket.
The Law is costly, no Trial,
If you make the least Denial,
You must pray, and pay and stay,
And at last make shift to run away.
This is Justice, this is Law:
This is Cheats Clapper-claw,
So they keep the World in Aw.
Your Nose will be out of Socket,
If wise, keep Mony in your Pocket.
The Law is costly, no Trial,
If you make the least Denial,
You must pray, and pay and stay,
And at last make shift to run away.
He that refuses Silver or Gold,
Him for a Natural we hold.
He is wise, and ever was,
That takes the Mony, and lets go the Ass.
The poor Jade is rid amain,
Pity him, put him out of his pain:
When loaded, bid him come again,
Just a Pettifoggers strain.
Him for a Natural we hold.
170
That takes the Mony, and lets go the Ass.
The poor Jade is rid amain,
Pity him, put him out of his pain:
When loaded, bid him come again,
Just a Pettifoggers strain.
In short, I'le describe the Condition,
Of the Bloody Spanish Inquisition.
The Prison resembles exactly well,
All the Cruelties of Hell.
After Seven years Incarceration,
In Chains, and goods Confiscation.
The Judgment passes in dark Rooms,
Like Vaults of Death in Charnel Tombs.
No Accusers are ever shewn,
Nor must Witnesses be known.
Of the Bloody Spanish Inquisition.
The Prison resembles exactly well,
All the Cruelties of Hell.
After Seven years Incarceration,
In Chains, and goods Confiscation.
The Judgment passes in dark Rooms,
Like Vaults of Death in Charnel Tombs.
No Accusers are ever shewn,
Nor must Witnesses be known.
The Prisoner with Fools Cap and Mitred Crest,
Green Taper, Sambenito Vest:
Mounts a Theatre, where stands an Altar,
Priest with Cross, Hangman with Haltar.
The Lords Inquisitors sit on high,
The Bishop and Chapter hard by.
The Magistrates and Nobles next,
The Bloody Preacher takes a Text.
To justifie all the Proceedings,
Of Whips and Racks, and fatal Bleedings.
Green Taper, Sambenito Vest:
Mounts a Theatre, where stands an Altar,
Priest with Cross, Hangman with Haltar.
The Lords Inquisitors sit on high,
The Bishop and Chapter hard by.
The Magistrates and Nobles next,
The Bloody Preacher takes a Text.
To justifie all the Proceedings,
Of Whips and Racks, and fatal Bleedings.
‘After all this, why are Women Witches
‘Cry'd out on more than Dogs or Bitches.
‘All the World of us do ring.
‘Only this Hanging's such a thing.
‘It makes us shrug for not Confessing,
‘It comes sometimes as far as Pressing.
‘Or for want of Right turning,
‘Oftentimes it comes to burning.
‘Cry'd out on more than Dogs or Bitches.
‘All the World of us do ring.
‘Only this Hanging's such a thing.
‘It makes us shrug for not Confessing,
‘It comes sometimes as far as Pressing.
171
‘Oftentimes it comes to burning.
‘Are there no other Witches then?
What are Wizards, but Witches Men?
‘Cunning, Wisemen, Magicians,
‘And by Laws, Mathematicians.
‘Augurs, Sorcerers of old.
‘Pontiffs, Flamens, Priests I'm told.
‘We are Mistresses of Reason.
‘And Wit, for Felony and Treason.
What are Wizards, but Witches Men?
‘Cunning, Wisemen, Magicians,
‘And by Laws, Mathematicians.
‘Augurs, Sorcerers of old.
‘Pontiffs, Flamens, Priests I'm told.
‘We are Mistresses of Reason.
‘And Wit, for Felony and Treason.
‘We only frisk it fine and neat,
‘Ready for every unlucky Feat.
‘We are the Active Party, Men are Lubbars,
‘Dozing at home, like lazy Scrubbars.
‘A Female Eagle is the Bird most brave,
‘The Male's a drunken sottish Slave.
‘And so all Birds of Prey may be,
‘For any thing that I can see.
‘Ready for every unlucky Feat.
‘We are the Active Party, Men are Lubbars,
‘Dozing at home, like lazy Scrubbars.
‘A Female Eagle is the Bird most brave,
‘The Male's a drunken sottish Slave.
‘And so all Birds of Prey may be,
‘For any thing that I can see.
‘So for Witchcraft the World doth find,
‘The Women are the Noblest kind.
‘I look you should send me to make Pudding Pyes,
‘For telling so many Lyes.
‘Choose for your Love, and buy for your Mony,
‘There is good Ale at the Sign of the Cony.
‘Sturbridge Fair, Canterbury Tales,
‘Sung all over England, Scotland, and Wales.
‘At last we are crowded all into Gaols,
‘And hung up by the Crags upon Pales.
‘The Women are the Noblest kind.
‘I look you should send me to make Pudding Pyes,
‘For telling so many Lyes.
‘Choose for your Love, and buy for your Mony,
‘There is good Ale at the Sign of the Cony.
‘Sturbridge Fair, Canterbury Tales,
‘Sung all over England, Scotland, and Wales.
‘At last we are crowded all into Gaols,
‘And hung up by the Crags upon Pales.
| Canidia, or the Witches | |