University of Virginia Library

A new Answer to an Argument against a Standing-Army.

Would they who have nine years look'd sour
Against a French and Popish Power,
Make Friends with both in half an hour?
This is the time.
Would they directly break the Sword
By which their Freedom was restor'd,
And put their Trust in Lewis' Word?
This is the time.
Would they leave England unprotected,
To shew how well they are affected,
And get themselves next bout elected?
This is the time.
Would they preserve their Wives and Pullets
Against the Soldiers Lusts and Gullets,
And break our Guns to save our Bullets?
This is the time.
Would they oblige a Winter-Sea
Their prudent Orders to obey,
And keep a standing Wind in pay?
This is the time.
Would they but say what they're pursuing,
Whom they're advancing, whom undoing,
What pack of Knaves shall prove our Ruin?
This is the time.
A-God's Name let 'em shew their Games,
And fix to one of these Extremes,
A Commonwealth, or else King James;
For now's the time.