State Tracts Containing Many Necessary Observations and Reflections on the State of our Affairs at Home and Abroad; With some Secret Memoirs. By the Author of the Examiner [i.e. William Oldisworth] |
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VOLPONE, OR THE FOX. |
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VOLPONE, OR THE FOX.
In Times of Yore, when Brutes were Speakers
And Men were only reckon'd Sneakers,
There was a Fox of great Renown,
One of th'Supporters of the Crown,
Which kept the meaner Beasts at odds,
About their Worshipping their Gods,
And set the others at defiance,
Because he had such near Alliance
With a strong Neighb'ring Lyon made
That was brought up to th'fighting Trade.
And had procur'd immortal Fame,
As had the Lyoness his Dame:
For she was Sly and always near
The Regal Lyon's gentle Ear,
And did observe the subtle Fox,
Much taken with her goldy Locks.
And Men were only reckon'd Sneakers,
There was a Fox of great Renown,
One of th'Supporters of the Crown,
Which kept the meaner Beasts at odds,
About their Worshipping their Gods,
And set the others at defiance,
Because he had such near Alliance
With a strong Neighb'ring Lyon made
That was brought up to th'fighting Trade.
And had procur'd immortal Fame,
As had the Lyoness his Dame:
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The Regal Lyon's gentle Ear,
And did observe the subtle Fox,
Much taken with her goldy Locks.
Sir Ren (quoth she) I hope't's no Sin,
Since you and I're so near a kin,
To talk in private now and then,
And settle Matters where, and when?
For you know what a Charge we bear,
That we must manage with great care,
While my dear Spouse is at the War.
Since you and I're so near a kin,
To talk in private now and then,
And settle Matters where, and when?
For you know what a Charge we bear,
That we must manage with great care,
While my dear Spouse is at the War.
I must confess I bear a weight
Enough to sink the Richest State,
While you pour in such unheap'd Measure,
As will consume a Nations Treasure.
Alas you think not what you do,
We cannot now much further go;
Let us pursue our Ease and Sport,
You rule the Country, I the Court:
We need no Foreign Dangers fear,
The Noble Lyon hunts the Bear,
And makes us safe and happy here.
While you prevent the Panther's Race,
From what they aim at Pow'r and Place;
For tho' they're beautiful, it's true,
We have some other things in view,
The World knows not, 'twixt I and you.
Enough to sink the Richest State,
While you pour in such unheap'd Measure,
As will consume a Nations Treasure.
Alas you think not what you do,
We cannot now much further go;
Let us pursue our Ease and Sport,
You rule the Country, I the Court:
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The Noble Lyon hunts the Bear,
And makes us safe and happy here.
While you prevent the Panther's Race,
From what they aim at Pow'r and Place;
For tho' they're beautiful, it's true,
We have some other things in view,
The World knows not, 'twixt I and you.
Madam, quoth Ren, 'tis by your Grace,
I smile with such a Court Grimace,
For who can frown, that sees your Face?
Your Features fair, inspire me still,
I'm but a Slave to act your Will;
If you're Religious, I am so,
And whom you hate, I'll make my Foe.
See if the Panthers dare complain,
Or any murmur at your Reign.
While I this Magick Wand controul,
Which is the Nations better Soul;
The Panthers are a suppliant brood,
That own the golden Calf's their God,
And they'll pay Homage to my Rod.
As for the Geese they are our Friends,
Tho' it is all for their own ends;
They think I'm Godly, 'cause I Preach,
And that I will Religion teach;
I shall do so while in their reach.
But if they'd read old Æsop o'er,
They might have thought on this: Before
The Fox begins his Prey to seize,
He Preaches, then beware the Geese.
I smile with such a Court Grimace,
For who can frown, that sees your Face?
Your Features fair, inspire me still,
I'm but a Slave to act your Will;
If you're Religious, I am so,
And whom you hate, I'll make my Foe.
See if the Panthers dare complain,
Or any murmur at your Reign.
While I this Magick Wand controul,
Which is the Nations better Soul;
The Panthers are a suppliant brood,
That own the golden Calf's their God,
And they'll pay Homage to my Rod.
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Tho' it is all for their own ends;
They think I'm Godly, 'cause I Preach,
And that I will Religion teach;
I shall do so while in their reach.
But if they'd read old Æsop o'er,
They might have thought on this: Before
The Fox begins his Prey to seize,
He Preaches, then beware the Geese.
There are some Wolves that grin and fleer,
To see the Fox exalted here,
And to your Lyonship ally'd so near.
But, Madam, on my brutish Word,
I value not the Beasts a T****d;
But will, with all industrious Care,
Still pay my chief Devotions here:
I'll set the Geese to gabble at 'em,
For tho' I fear 'em not, I hate 'em;
They are such strange insulting Cattle,
Tho' they can't hurt, they'll give you Battle,
And joyn with the wild Panther's Race,
If they can bring me to Disgrace;
Tho' Wolves and Panthers ne'er agreed,
They will Unite to make me bleed.
To see the Fox exalted here,
And to your Lyonship ally'd so near.
But, Madam, on my brutish Word,
I value not the Beasts a T****d;
But will, with all industrious Care,
Still pay my chief Devotions here:
I'll set the Geese to gabble at 'em,
For tho' I fear 'em not, I hate 'em;
They are such strange insulting Cattle,
Tho' they can't hurt, they'll give you Battle,
And joyn with the wild Panther's Race,
If they can bring me to Disgrace;
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They will Unite to make me bleed.
But I have got some Swans that Sing
Louder than a Church-Bell can Ring,
Those I'll imploy to deaf the Cry,
That 'mong the Wolves and Panthers fly,
For they're so hot, they miss the Scent,
And then repine with Discontent.
They cannot gain what they design,
Because the Fox soon springs the Mine,
And so discovers the Deceit
They lay to catch him as a Bait;
But all their Nets are yet too thin
To hold me, shou'd I once get in.
Louder than a Church-Bell can Ring,
Those I'll imploy to deaf the Cry,
That 'mong the Wolves and Panthers fly,
For they're so hot, they miss the Scent,
And then repine with Discontent.
They cannot gain what they design,
Because the Fox soon springs the Mine,
And so discovers the Deceit
They lay to catch him as a Bait;
But all their Nets are yet too thin
To hold me, shou'd I once get in.
They may perhaps some Geese ensnare,
Who are too heedless to beware,
And think the Panthers shou'd be kind,
'Cause once they met a civil Hind.
The Wolves, for sure they hate and fly,
You know the Cause as well as I:
If they'd succeeded, as they thought,
Then you and I had come to nought,
So we have reason to look shy,
And put on Airs, when they are by.
Who are too heedless to beware,
And think the Panthers shou'd be kind,
'Cause once they met a civil Hind.
The Wolves, for sure they hate and fly,
You know the Cause as well as I:
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Then you and I had come to nought,
So we have reason to look shy,
And put on Airs, when they are by.
The Geese despise 'em, you may Swear,
They love a Beast with a long Pray'r;
And Wolves are said to be profane,
Because they were so the last Reign,
Tho' now they're Godly without gain.
They love a Beast with a long Pray'r;
And Wolves are said to be profane,
Because they were so the last Reign,
Tho' now they're Godly without gain.
But pray, Sir Ren, what can it be,
That makes the Geese so shy of me,
Since I espouse, with you, their Cause,
And save them from the Panther's Laws?
I wonder why they shou'd not join
Me, with your Lordship, in their Wine;
Or Sing the wond'rous Things I've done,
Since my auspicious Reign begun.
How I've a Treasury of Pelf,
That I have hoarded up my self;
And tho' the Lyon gain great store,
I get, less dang'rous ways, much more.
If Honour's purchas'd I'm the Spring,
If 'tis rewarded, you're the King;
What wou'd we more, we cannot have,
Life we preserve, from Death we save;
But Gratitude to none bestow:
That is the only Debt we owe.
That makes the Geese so shy of me,
Since I espouse, with you, their Cause,
And save them from the Panther's Laws?
I wonder why they shou'd not join
Me, with your Lordship, in their Wine;
Or Sing the wond'rous Things I've done,
Since my auspicious Reign begun.
How I've a Treasury of Pelf,
That I have hoarded up my self;
And tho' the Lyon gain great store,
I get, less dang'rous ways, much more.
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If 'tis rewarded, you're the King;
What wou'd we more, we cannot have,
Life we preserve, from Death we save;
But Gratitude to none bestow:
That is the only Debt we owe.
Well, Madam, we'll pay off the Score
At once, 'twill make the Favour more,
When Panthers are turn'd out o'th' Door.
The Geese will Triumph then, and say,
Who wou'd not such a Beast obey,
As guards with safety all our Flocks?
Henceforth we'll ever chuse a Fox.
Then let 'em, if they dare deny,
To own your Beastly Majesty.
For my part I shall ever show,
What to the Lyonness I owe,
My Love, and Duty both bestow.
But 'tis most strange among the Herd
You shou'd be neither lov'd, nor fear'd,
That all your fighting Lord has done,
Of Friends shou'd not engage you one:
'Tis Malice all, and Wolfish Spite,
Let 'em grin on, they cannot bite:
We both shall live to mock their Folly,
And raise their Spleen and Melancholly;
I'll dress me spruce, begin to spark it,
Among the Racers at New-market,
I know the Geese such Fools-caps are,
To think I do it for the Air:
But you and I know better things,
For we are rais'd upon their Wings,
And for them have good cause to Pray,
But we shall all their Favours pay,
And clear their Score another way.
At once, 'twill make the Favour more,
When Panthers are turn'd out o'th' Door.
The Geese will Triumph then, and say,
Who wou'd not such a Beast obey,
As guards with safety all our Flocks?
Henceforth we'll ever chuse a Fox.
Then let 'em, if they dare deny,
To own your Beastly Majesty.
For my part I shall ever show,
What to the Lyonness I owe,
My Love, and Duty both bestow.
But 'tis most strange among the Herd
You shou'd be neither lov'd, nor fear'd,
That all your fighting Lord has done,
Of Friends shou'd not engage you one:
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Let 'em grin on, they cannot bite:
We both shall live to mock their Folly,
And raise their Spleen and Melancholly;
I'll dress me spruce, begin to spark it,
Among the Racers at New-market,
I know the Geese such Fools-caps are,
To think I do it for the Air:
But you and I know better things,
For we are rais'd upon their Wings,
And for them have good cause to Pray,
But we shall all their Favours pay,
And clear their Score another way.
I hope, my Lord, you do not mean
That e'er the Geese should Rule again,
They are such noisy, foolish Fowls,
I'd rather you'd promote the Owls;
Who tho' they can i'th' Dark see Light,
When th'Sun shines brightest, have no Sight.
The Panther is a Noble Brute,
And fit for Pow'r without dispute,
And tho' they strive all to offend you,
'Tis because the Geese commend you;
They all suppose you are their Creature,
Not thinking 'tis against your Nature,
For tho' you love to see them Fat,
It is, that you may kill and eat.
That e'er the Geese should Rule again,
They are such noisy, foolish Fowls,
I'd rather you'd promote the Owls;
Who tho' they can i'th' Dark see Light,
When th'Sun shines brightest, have no Sight.
The Panther is a Noble Brute,
And fit for Pow'r without dispute,
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'Tis because the Geese commend you;
They all suppose you are their Creature,
Not thinking 'tis against your Nature,
For tho' you love to see them Fat,
It is, that you may kill and eat.
The Panther knows you can't destroy him,
But you have Power to annoy him,
Therefore he won't submit to those
Severe Commands you wou'd impose.
Now, I desire, your Beastship wou'd
Consider th'best, for both our good,
Since, as a Brute, you do profess
Such kindness for the Lyoness.
But you have Power to annoy him,
Therefore he won't submit to those
Severe Commands you wou'd impose.
Now, I desire, your Beastship wou'd
Consider th'best, for both our good,
Since, as a Brute, you do profess
Such kindness for the Lyoness.
Madam, you have advis'd aright,
For to the Panther I've no Spite,
No other rival Brute I fear,
The Wolf's too near a kin to th'Bear,
And cannot gain much Favour here.
Therefore, it is my Policy
To be to all the Panthers shy.
As for the Geese, I am their Ward,
And they believe me their Safe-guard;
So that I am in Conscience bound,
To keep 'em from the greedy Hound;
Not, but I always did design
To pick their Feathers off as mine,
And, I'm in hopes, you'll not disdain,
To add them to your Peacock Train.
For to the Panther I've no Spite,
No other rival Brute I fear,
The Wolf's too near a kin to th'Bear,
And cannot gain much Favour here.
Therefore, it is my Policy
To be to all the Panthers shy.
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And they believe me their Safe-guard;
So that I am in Conscience bound,
To keep 'em from the greedy Hound;
Not, but I always did design
To pick their Feathers off as mine,
And, I'm in hopes, you'll not disdain,
To add them to your Peacock Train.
A Swan came to me t'other Day,
And told me he expected Pay,
For he had well deserv'd Reward,
Being he was the Fox's Bard;
That, he had Sung so long for me,
The Beasts began to Mutiny,
And threaten'd they wou'd clip his Wing,
If e'er again they heard him Sing.
At last a Goose set up her Quill,
And did the Fields with Musick fill,
When soon the Ass began to Bray,
Said, he'd as much as Geese to say:
Then all the Brutes with wonder gaz'd,
To know what had this Hubbub rais'd.
And told me he expected Pay,
For he had well deserv'd Reward,
Being he was the Fox's Bard;
That, he had Sung so long for me,
The Beasts began to Mutiny,
And threaten'd they wou'd clip his Wing,
If e'er again they heard him Sing.
At last a Goose set up her Quill,
And did the Fields with Musick fill,
When soon the Ass began to Bray,
Said, he'd as much as Geese to say:
Then all the Brutes with wonder gaz'd,
To know what had this Hubbub rais'd.
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They all concurr'd, and spake as one,
What is the Fox so gen'rous grown,
That Geese and Asses change their Tone?
A little Weasel standing by,
Soon gave them all a Reason, why
These Brutes were of the Fox so fond,
Because he'd drawn them into Bond;
And did design the rest to Fleece,
By kind assistance of the Geese.
The Ass disdain'd to come behind
The Swan, or Geese, in any kind,
And so began the Fox to praise,
In hopes he shou'd have got the Bays.
But as ill luck wou'd have it be,
I had retain'd a Goose in fee,
Both void of Wit, and Poetry;
Jove knows my Income is too poor
To give a better Poet more.
What is the Fox so gen'rous grown,
That Geese and Asses change their Tone?
A little Weasel standing by,
Soon gave them all a Reason, why
These Brutes were of the Fox so fond,
Because he'd drawn them into Bond;
And did design the rest to Fleece,
By kind assistance of the Geese.
The Ass disdain'd to come behind
The Swan, or Geese, in any kind,
And so began the Fox to praise,
In hopes he shou'd have got the Bays.
But as ill luck wou'd have it be,
I had retain'd a Goose in fee,
Both void of Wit, and Poetry;
Jove knows my Income is too poor
To give a better Poet more.
But shortly, now, the Brutes will meet:
I fear all those that have Four Feet
Will quite expunge who have but Two,
And then I know not what to do.
If Geese be voted as unfit,
Among Four-footed Beasts to sit,
And Judge of either Sense, or Wit;
Then all the labour I have ta'en
Is lost, and I'm undone again.
Or if the Panthers find it out,
That to the Geese I'm so devout,
I must be forc'd to Tack about.
I fear all those that have Four Feet
Will quite expunge who have but Two,
And then I know not what to do.
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Among Four-footed Beasts to sit,
And Judge of either Sense, or Wit;
Then all the labour I have ta'en
Is lost, and I'm undone again.
Or if the Panthers find it out,
That to the Geese I'm so devout,
I must be forc'd to Tack about.
I thought you'd scorn'd that filthy Name,
Wou'd lose your Life, to save your Fame;
But I must recollect your'e Wise,
And can discern without glass Eyes,
The Fox's Interest is his Prize.
But still, my Lord, the Wolves are sly,
And Brutes who're given much to Lye:
So, if your Honour, take not care,
They'll neither you, nor I, much spare.
Wou'd lose your Life, to save your Fame;
But I must recollect your'e Wise,
And can discern without glass Eyes,
The Fox's Interest is his Prize.
But still, my Lord, the Wolves are sly,
And Brutes who're given much to Lye:
So, if your Honour, take not care,
They'll neither you, nor I, much spare.
If they against you shou'd inform,
'Twou'd bring on me a dreadful Storm,
And therefore, Sir, provoke them not,
For they are dang'rous at a Plot,
And you know we have made a blot:
I wou'd not have the Wolves to hit,
For all that we have got by it.
The Panthers do suspect a cheat,
Which makes them manage with such heat,
But dare not trust the Wolves, because
They are obnoxious to the Laws.
'Twou'd bring on me a dreadful Storm,
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For they are dang'rous at a Plot,
And you know we have made a blot:
I wou'd not have the Wolves to hit,
For all that we have got by it.
The Panthers do suspect a cheat,
Which makes them manage with such heat,
But dare not trust the Wolves, because
They are obnoxious to the Laws.
Now if the Brutes shou'd all consent,
To chuse a Panther-Parliament,
What must we think, will be th'event?
But that the Wolves will quite untwist,
The Quill thro' which we both have Pist,
And then, Sir, I must bid adieu,
To all Affairs 'twixt me, and you.
To chuse a Panther-Parliament,
What must we think, will be th'event?
But that the Wolves will quite untwist,
The Quill thro' which we both have Pist,
And then, Sir, I must bid adieu,
To all Affairs 'twixt me, and you.
Madam,—
You touch me in the tend'rest Part,
Both of my Int'rest, and my Heart,
And what you say, I can't deny,
It does perplex my Policy:
Yet I have still a Card to play,
Will please the Wolves another way,
Since they are greedy after Prey.
So that will stop their Throats a while,
And make them sometimes on me smile;
Till I have drawn the Brutes aside,
And soften'd all their Hate and Pride;
That they forsake the Panther's Chace,
And let the Fox go his own Pace;
For 'tis not that I dread them single,
But when they in Assemblies mingle;
They are most fierce, tyrannick Beasts,
And have the subtlest Smell, and Tasts.
They won't be by the Fox then put on,
But will be serv'd with the best Mutton,
So far that I begin to tremble,
Against the time they next assemble;
Least in a rage, when they are vex'd,
And with the Asses much perplex'd,
They shou'd into their Passions fly,
And all the Geese at once destroy.
Both of my Int'rest, and my Heart,
And what you say, I can't deny,
It does perplex my Policy:
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Will please the Wolves another way,
Since they are greedy after Prey.
So that will stop their Throats a while,
And make them sometimes on me smile;
Till I have drawn the Brutes aside,
And soften'd all their Hate and Pride;
That they forsake the Panther's Chace,
And let the Fox go his own Pace;
For 'tis not that I dread them single,
But when they in Assemblies mingle;
They are most fierce, tyrannick Beasts,
And have the subtlest Smell, and Tasts.
They won't be by the Fox then put on,
But will be serv'd with the best Mutton,
So far that I begin to tremble,
Against the time they next assemble;
Least in a rage, when they are vex'd,
And with the Asses much perplex'd,
They shou'd into their Passions fly,
And all the Geese at once destroy.
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For then it is, they break my Measures,
And to be sure they'll search my Treasures,
So that at last I lose my Bacon,
For which such mighty Pains I've taken;
Therefore I labour hard to make
Some Panthers mine, and save my Stake;
And then I'll let the Geese go gabble,
To save themselves among the Rabble.
For 'tis not for the least respect,
That I their Interest protect,
But only to support my own,
Tho' at the hazard of the Crown;
For what are all the Geese to me?
But I gain by their flattery,
And so encrease my Treasury.
And to be sure they'll search my Treasures,
So that at last I lose my Bacon,
For which such mighty Pains I've taken;
Therefore I labour hard to make
Some Panthers mine, and save my Stake;
And then I'll let the Geese go gabble,
To save themselves among the Rabble.
For 'tis not for the least respect,
That I their Interest protect,
But only to support my own,
Tho' at the hazard of the Crown;
For what are all the Geese to me?
But I gain by their flattery,
And so encrease my Treasury.
Let them go seek some other Fools,
I am not theirs, but they're my Tools;
And if they cannot see the Cheat,
They're Geese indeed, without deceit:
But I must keep in my disguise,
As yet, a while, if I am Wise,
Least Wolves, and Panthers shou'd descry
The secret Haunts where now I lye,
And act my sweet Hypocrisie.
Alass, if they cou'd make plain Proof,
With Geese I'm under the same Roof,
I'm sure enough to lose my Head,
Or sent abroad to beg my Bread.
I am not theirs, but they're my Tools;
And if they cannot see the Cheat,
They're Geese indeed, without deceit:
But I must keep in my disguise,
As yet, a while, if I am Wise,
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The secret Haunts where now I lye,
And act my sweet Hypocrisie.
Alass, if they cou'd make plain Proof,
With Geese I'm under the same Roof,
I'm sure enough to lose my Head,
Or sent abroad to beg my Bread.
Nay then, my Lord, if that's the Sport,
The Wolves and Panthers take at Court,
Pray follow your own Policy,
And both with Geese and them agree:
But if you must with One dispute,
Be sure side with the strongest Brute.
It's far from being a Disgrace,
For Beasts that are in your high Place
To be call'd Trimmers now-a-days,
But an addition to your Praise,
That you're not obstinately bent
To thwart and vex a Parliament.
For if they're Panthers, so are You:
If Wolves, you're something of their Hue:
And if they're Geese, you'll be as true.
To ev'ry Party well inclin'd,
But to your self be always kind,
And constant to your faithful Hind.
The Wolves and Panthers take at Court,
Pray follow your own Policy,
And both with Geese and them agree:
But if you must with One dispute,
Be sure side with the strongest Brute.
It's far from being a Disgrace,
For Beasts that are in your high Place
To be call'd Trimmers now-a-days,
But an addition to your Praise,
That you're not obstinately bent
To thwart and vex a Parliament.
For if they're Panthers, so are You:
If Wolves, you're something of their Hue:
And if they're Geese, you'll be as true.
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But to your self be always kind,
And constant to your faithful Hind.
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