University of Virginia Library

But, though we got not that, whereat we aim,
We thereto will continue still our Claim,
And plead our cause; in hope, that truth and reason
May at this present, be declar'd in season.
If prudent men collect, and weigh the matters
Which here my Muse confusedly now scatters,
(Because at once within me I retain
More Notions, then by words I can make plain)
They may by them, if put together well
And duly heeded, my true meaning spell.
They, who with no side factiously, took part,
And onely, in sincerity of heart,
Came to secure the Soveraign Magistrate,
VVhen call'd by those, who were co-ordinate,
VVith him in pow'r: they, who had no intent
To make a breach 'twixt King and Parliament,
But, faithfully did serve them both together,
To have preserved their lawful Rights to either,
And cannot be by conscience law or reason;
Delinquents any way (much less for Treason)
Against their Prince, for giving aid to those
VVhom he himself authoriz'd to be chose
For his chief Councell, and whom likewise, he
Made everlasting Senators to be,
Impowr'd to make Laws everlasting too,
Until their own Act should themselves undo:
They, who did those obey, whom to withstand,
(although made active by the Kings command)
Hath punish't been with Death; ev'n some of these
Though acting also, with good Consciences,
For this Obedience, suffer'd with the first,
And may have also Lots amongst the worst
On both sides; which to me appears, at least
Injustice, or no Mercy, at the best.
GOD may correct us thus, and justly too,
Though to our King and Countrey we have true
Continued in the Main: for, in his sight
There are demerits in the most upright,
VVhich needs the Rod; and he chastises those
Whom he befriended, by their greatest Foes;
Because, not seldome times they gave to them
VVho were his Foes, occasions to blaspheme;
His grace and his long-sufferings much abus'd
His timely Premonitions oft refuse