The Protector A poem Briefly illustrating the Supereminency of that Dignity; Rationally demonstrating, that the Title of Protector, providentially conferred upon the Supreme Governour of the British Republike, is the most Honorable of all Titles, and, that which, probably, promiseth most Propitiousness to these Nations; if our Sins and Divisions prevent it not. Composed by George Wither |
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 | The Protector |  |
LORD, of the noblest of all Soveraign Stiles,
Of BRITAN's Empire, Provinces, and Isles:
Bright Load-star of the North; who (for Director
As well, through future times, as for PROTECTOR
Of us who now survive) hast raised bin
By Providence, that Great Work to begin,
Which hath been long in hope; and which, henceforth
Shall spread such Influences from the North
Throughout the earth, as will their souls amaze,
Who, on thy late Ascention, stand at gaze:
Descend a little, and cast down thine eyes
On this, which at thy feet displayed lyes;
And, let thy great Humility, dispence
With what, may seem in me a Confidence
Above my Sphere: for, to the highest things,
The lowest, otherwhiles, additions brings,
If not obstructed by those dire Aspects,
Which menace, now, malevolent Effects.
Of BRITAN's Empire, Provinces, and Isles:
Bright Load-star of the North; who (for Director
As well, through future times, as for PROTECTOR
Of us who now survive) hast raised bin
By Providence, that Great Work to begin,
Which hath been long in hope; and which, henceforth
Shall spread such Influences from the North
Throughout the earth, as will their souls amaze,
Who, on thy late Ascention, stand at gaze:
Descend a little, and cast down thine eyes
On this, which at thy feet displayed lyes;
With what, may seem in me a Confidence
Above my Sphere: for, to the highest things,
The lowest, otherwhiles, additions brings,
If not obstructed by those dire Aspects,
Which menace, now, malevolent Effects.
Some days, before that Parliament was past,
Which, may, yet, called be, your first, and last;
This Poeme, (and the Lines which next ensue,
To usher it) was fitted for your view,
And, their perusal; who, might then have bin
(As I supposed) much concern'd therein.
But, somewhat intervening, which did seem
To make it out of season, at that time,
It was six months delay'd, to wait upon
That subsequence which would ensue thereon
And, now, a better Oportunity
Appearing, This, in all humility,
Moves toward you again, in ev'ry thing
The same it was, except this prefacing,
Which here concludes. Let the Contents be weigh'd,
As they deserve: for, this, was that I said.
Which, may, yet, called be, your first, and last;
This Poeme, (and the Lines which next ensue,
To usher it) was fitted for your view,
And, their perusal; who, might then have bin
(As I supposed) much concern'd therein.
But, somewhat intervening, which did seem
To make it out of season, at that time,
It was six months delay'd, to wait upon
That subsequence which would ensue thereon
And, now, a better Oportunity
Appearing, This, in all humility,
Moves toward you again, in ev'ry thing
The same it was, except this prefacing,
Which here concludes. Let the Contents be weigh'd,
As they deserve: for, this, was that I said.
| The Protector | |