Poems and Songs by Thomas Flatman. The Fourth Edition with many Additions and Amendments |
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The CORDIAL.
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 | Poems and Songs |  |
141
The CORDIAL.
SONG.
In the Year 1657.
I.
Did you hear of the News (O the News) how it thunders!Do but see, how the block-headed Multitude wonders!
One fumes, and stamps, and stares to think upon
What others wish as fast, Confusion.
One swears w'are gone, another just agoing,
While a third sits and cries,
'Till his half-blinded eyes,
Call him pitiful Rogue for so doing.
Let the tone be what 'twill that the mighty Ones utter,
Let the cause be what 'twill why the poorer sort mutter;
I care not what your State-confounders do,
Nor what the stout repiners undergo:
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Let the Swede beat the Dane,
Or be beaten again,
What am I in the Croud of the Nations?
II.
What care I if the North and South Poles come together;If the Turk, or the Pope's Antichristian, or neither;
If fine Astræa be (as Naso said)
From Mortals in a peevish fancy fled:
Rome, when 'twas all on fire, her People mourning,
'Twas an Emperour could stand
With his Harp in his hand,
Sing and play, while the City was burning.
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