University of Virginia Library

To the Haters of Popery, by what Names or Titles soever dignify'd or distinguish'd.

Thus 'twas of old; then Israel felt the Rod,
When they obey'd their Kings, and not their God:
When they went whoring after other Loves,
To worship Idols in new-planted Groves.
They made their Gods of Silver, Wood and Stone,
And bow'd and worship'd them when they had done.
And to compleat their Sins in every way,
They made the things call'd Priests; Priests, I say,
A Crew of Villains more profane than they.
Hence sprung the Romish Crew, that Spawn of Hell!
Who now in Vice their Pedagogue excel.
Their Church is rul'd by vitious Popes: the rest
Are whoring Nuns, and baudy bug---ing Priests.
A noble Church! daub'd with religious Paint,
Each Priest's a Stallion, ev'ry Rogue's a Saint.
Come you that loath this Brood, this murd'ring Crew,
Your Predecessors well their Mercy knew.
Take Courage now, and be both bold and wise;
Stand for your Laws, Religion, and Liberties:
You have the odds, the Law is still your own;
They are but Traitors, therefore pull 'em down.
They, struck with Fear, seek to destroy the Laws:
On them, you see, they raving fix their Paws,
Because from them they fear their fatal Fall,
Knowing that they to death subject them all.
Then keep your Laws, the Penal, and the rest,
And yield your Lives rather than yield the Test.
And thou, great Church of England, hold thy own,
Force you they may; otherwise give up none:
Robbers and Thieves must count for what they've done.
Let all thy mighty Pillars now appear
Zealous and brave, void both of Hate and Fear.
The Popish Fops may grin, lye, cheat and whine;
And curse their Faith, while all submit to thine.
And you, brave Oxford, Cambridge, and the rest,
Great Hough and Fairfax, who dare beard the Beast;
Let all the Just with Thanks record your Name
On standing Pillars of Immortal Fame.