University of Virginia Library

The King, together with his Parliament,
May pardon every kinde of punishment
For faults against themselves; or any one,
Except for what is wilfully misdone
Against our Maker: but, nor he nor they,
Can take the guilt of any sin away;
And though hee may connive at some offences,
Or be deceiv'd as to mens innocencies,
Who by their cunning have found means of late
Themselves with him to re-indintegrate:
Yet, thousands know so well what they have done,
And felt so much of what ensu'd thereon,
That, though in charity, they do forgive
Their falshood, they'l remember't whilst they live.
Let them remember too, what they have done,
Lest GOD bring Vengeance when we call for none,
Can any Peer or Commoner suppose,
Who, in the supream Council, sate with those
Who did the late unhappy war begin,
And by their Declarations drew us in,
(As men oblig'd in duty, to adhere
To them, in what they prosecuting were)
That, they are guiltless, though now blamed lesse
Than others, who the same Cause did professe?
Can they be blamelesse, who did with the first
Begin the Quarrel, and till nigh at worst
Continue it; not leaving on Record
Ought, whereby their dissent might be declar'd?
Nor sought for them, a saving, or protection,
Who might be ruined by their defection?
Doth it not greatly their crime aggravate,
That they vouchsaf'd not to capitulate,
That, Innocents, by their default abus'd,
Might to some safe condition be reduc'd?
But rather, to their own designs made way,
By leaving them, to be the Spoilers prey?