 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
9
A DARK-LANTERNE,
OFFERING A Dim Discovery, in Riddles, Parables, and Semi-riddles, intermixt with Cautions, Remembrances, and Predictions, as they were promiscuously, and immethodically represented to their Author, in his solitary musings, the third of November 1652. about midnight.
And, concluding with the Result of a Contemplative Vision, revealing a probable means of making, even this present Parliament, to be both perpetuall, and acceptable to these Nations to the end of the World.
He, that goes with this LIGHT, his way may find:
Him, that against it comes, it maketh blind.
Him, that against it comes, it maketh blind.
He, from whose perfect Light, all true Lights come,
Spake Parables; yea, spake nought els, to some;
And, Providence, by many various wayes,
Of dispensation, to the world convayes
The means, of carrying on, those works which tend
To man's perfection, at his later end;
And, to the wonderfull accomplishment,
Of what, eternally is his intent;
Bringing oft times about, the self-same things,
(Or, such like) towards their accomplishings;
That, prudent men, might understand thereby
What he designs, and therewithall comply.
Spake Parables; yea, spake nought els, to some;
And, Providence, by many various wayes,
Of dispensation, to the world convayes
The means, of carrying on, those works which tend
To man's perfection, at his later end;
And, to the wonderfull accomplishment,
Of what, eternally is his intent;
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(Or, such like) towards their accomplishings;
That, prudent men, might understand thereby
What he designs, and therewithall comply.
When Jacobs Off-springs (who, for many ages
Were figures, types, examples, and presages
For future times, and states) became perverted,
And, grew to be so blind, and stubborn hearted,
As to despise the warnings, precepts, cautions,
And good advise, which for their preservations
Their Prophets had perspicuously declar'd;
GOD, justly, sent unto them afterward,
His mind in Parables, whereof but few
The meanings, or interpretations knew:
And as they more and more, from him declin'd,
(And, from the truth) the more he couch'd his mind
In dark expressions, till they nothing saw
But what their pleasure made to be a Law.
Were figures, types, examples, and presages
For future times, and states) became perverted,
And, grew to be so blind, and stubborn hearted,
As to despise the warnings, precepts, cautions,
And good advise, which for their preservations
Their Prophets had perspicuously declar'd;
GOD, justly, sent unto them afterward,
His mind in Parables, whereof but few
The meanings, or interpretations knew:
And as they more and more, from him declin'd,
(And, from the truth) the more he couch'd his mind
In dark expressions, till they nothing saw
But what their pleasure made to be a Law.
Prince, Prophet, Priest, and People, then, became
Wholly corrupt; a scandall, and a shame
To their Professions, and to all their Nation,
By an unlimited prevarication;
Whereby, the means ordained to recure them,
Was rendred instrumentall to obdure them,
By their own fault, and those hypocrisies,
Which, justly, drew a vail, before their eyes.
For, whereas, usually in times preceding,
GODS errands, were made plain, at their first heeding,
So, also, were their Priests, and Prophets, then,
Renowned, wise, and honorable men,
Ev'n in their outward being; which, did add
Repute to that, which in command, they had:
But, Heardsmen, and fruit-gatherers, afterward
(With such as brought no motives of regard,
According to the flesh) were sometime sent;
Which, in their hearers, did but scorn augment.
Wholly corrupt; a scandall, and a shame
To their Professions, and to all their Nation,
By an unlimited prevarication;
Whereby, the means ordained to recure them,
Was rendred instrumentall to obdure them,
By their own fault, and those hypocrisies,
Which, justly, drew a vail, before their eyes.
For, whereas, usually in times preceding,
GODS errands, were made plain, at their first heeding,
So, also, were their Priests, and Prophets, then,
Renowned, wise, and honorable men,
Ev'n in their outward being; which, did add
Repute to that, which in command, they had:
But, Heardsmen, and fruit-gatherers, afterward
(With such as brought no motives of regard,
11
Which, in their hearers, did but scorn augment.
And, thus, contempt increas'd: the truths then told,
Were not alone, wrapt up in manifold
Strange ambiguities, obscure expressions,
Dark Metaphors, or much beclouded Visions,
Which few could understand; but, some, likewise
Illustrated their words, and Prophecies,
(Or, rather vailed them) with circumstances,
Which, did inlarge their hearers ignorances;
As also their disdains: for, otherwhile,
They personated things, absurd, and vile,
In vulgar apprehension: such as seem
Deserving rather slighting, then esteem;
Yea such, sometimes, as wicked did appear
To those, who morally men righteous were:
As when, they were made signes, unto that Nation,
Of their shame, nakednesse, or desolation,
And of GODS lasting love, although they had,
By their adulteries, him jealous made.
Were not alone, wrapt up in manifold
Strange ambiguities, obscure expressions,
Dark Metaphors, or much beclouded Visions,
Which few could understand; but, some, likewise
Illustrated their words, and Prophecies,
(Or, rather vailed them) with circumstances,
Which, did inlarge their hearers ignorances;
As also their disdains: for, otherwhile,
They personated things, absurd, and vile,
In vulgar apprehension: such as seem
Deserving rather slighting, then esteem;
Yea such, sometimes, as wicked did appear
To those, who morally men righteous were:
As when, they were made signes, unto that Nation,
Of their shame, nakednesse, or desolation,
And of GODS lasting love, although they had,
By their adulteries, him jealous made.
As with the Jewes, he, formerly hath done,
GOD will proceed with us; and hath begun
Already, so to judge (and visit here)
As he did them, when they rebellious were.
He, so, by changes, moves us to repent;
And, judgements blends with mercies, to th'intent
That, he, into capacity might wooe us
Of that great good, which he desires to do us.
This, makes him, sometime smile, and sometime frown;
Now, raise us up; to morrow, pull us down:
This day, he, to our strongest enemies,
Renders us dreadfull: They, whom we despise
That night triumph; and make us glad to fly
Into our chambers, and there sneaking lie;
Whil'st they deride, insult, affront and jeer us,
Who, some few hours before, did greatly fear us.
GOD will proceed with us; and hath begun
Already, so to judge (and visit here)
As he did them, when they rebellious were.
He, so, by changes, moves us to repent;
And, judgements blends with mercies, to th'intent
That, he, into capacity might wooe us
Of that great good, which he desires to do us.
This, makes him, sometime smile, and sometime frown;
Now, raise us up; to morrow, pull us down:
This day, he, to our strongest enemies,
Renders us dreadfull: They, whom we despise
That night triumph; and make us glad to fly
Into our chambers, and there sneaking lie;
12
Who, some few hours before, did greatly fear us.
This, makes him often fool our wisdome so,
That, we are at a non-plus, what to do;
And, then, in our distresse, to make our want,
Weaknesse, and failings, more predominant
For our deliverance, in a fatall hour,
Then all our wealth, our wisdome, and our power.
That, we are at a non-plus, what to do;
And, then, in our distresse, to make our want,
Weaknesse, and failings, more predominant
For our deliverance, in a fatall hour,
Then all our wealth, our wisdome, and our power.
This, makes him lead us through the wildernesses
Of doubts, dispairings, troubles, and distresses
To our desired Canaan, as he led
His Chosen heretofore; and, as he did
To them in their respective aberrations,
So hath he done, and will do, with these Nations.
Of doubts, dispairings, troubles, and distresses
To our desired Canaan, as he led
His Chosen heretofore; and, as he did
To them in their respective aberrations,
So hath he done, and will do, with these Nations.
As their, right so, our Princes, for oppressions
Are driven from their Thrones, and their possessions,
To eat (ev'n with confusion of their faces)
Their bread with scarcity, in uncouth places;
Where, peradventure, they were mindfull made
Of those forewarnings, which they timely had.
Are driven from their Thrones, and their possessions,
To eat (ev'n with confusion of their faces)
Their bread with scarcity, in uncouth places;
Where, peradventure, they were mindfull made
Of those forewarnings, which they timely had.
Our Lords (as their Remembrancer, foretold,
When they had greatest likelyhood to hold,
And to encrease their greatnesse) this day, see,
Their House of Parliament, destroy'd to be,
Ev'n by it self; and, that they are become
Vagrants abroad, or, els despis'd at home.
Some of their Pallaces and Piles of State,
Are ras't, defac't, or left quite desolate,
For Zim, and Jim; for Vermine and such fowls,
As Dawes, and Ravens; great and little Owls.
When they had greatest likelyhood to hold,
And to encrease their greatnesse) this day, see,
Their House of Parliament, destroy'd to be,
Ev'n by it self; and, that they are become
Vagrants abroad, or, els despis'd at home.
Some of their Pallaces and Piles of State,
Are ras't, defac't, or left quite desolate,
For Zim, and Jim; for Vermine and such fowls,
As Dawes, and Ravens; great and little Owls.
Our Priests, that were the glorioust Hirarchy,
And proud'st in Europe, next the Papacy;
(Who, by the same pen warned, did return
Sharp persecutions, injuries and scorn)
Are now despoil'd of all the pomp they had,
Dishonor'd, poor, and despicable made.
Their fair Cathedrall Temples stand forsaken,
With still increasing ruines, rent and shaken;
And, in their steeds, those persons are deputed,
Whom they most hated, and most persecuted.
The Threats long since pronounced, now prevail,
The Priest and Prophet, are become the tail;
And meer Mechanicks made dispensers are
Of those things, which to them committed were:
Persons, of so mean guifts, and small respect,
That, truth out of their mouths, gets but neglect;
Except with such, as nndervalue not
Good wine, though offered in an earthen pot.
And proud'st in Europe, next the Papacy;
(Who, by the same pen warned, did return
Sharp persecutions, injuries and scorn)
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Dishonor'd, poor, and despicable made.
Their fair Cathedrall Temples stand forsaken,
With still increasing ruines, rent and shaken;
And, in their steeds, those persons are deputed,
Whom they most hated, and most persecuted.
The Threats long since pronounced, now prevail,
The Priest and Prophet, are become the tail;
And meer Mechanicks made dispensers are
Of those things, which to them committed were:
Persons, of so mean guifts, and small respect,
That, truth out of their mouths, gets but neglect;
Except with such, as nndervalue not
Good wine, though offered in an earthen pot.
For our unthankfulnesse, and disregard
Of nobler Teachers, whom, we long have heard,
Without improvement; for, hypocrisies,
Meer outside worship, and formalities,
In prayers, fasts, and praises; and, for, giving
That which cost nothing, for great boons receiving:
For our backslidings, and, then, persevering
In frequent sinning, after frequent bearing:
For actions, not agreeing with our saying:
For painting, guilding, and for overlaying
Our Carnall structures, with fain'd piety:
(False gold, producted by our Chymestry)
For falsifying, with a brazen brow,
The serious promises, which we did vow
To GOD and men, before the face of heaven,
When we into extremities were driven:
For adding to devouring flames, more fuell:
For being, in our very mercies, cruell:
For turning carelesly, our eyes, and ears,
From Widdows prayers, and from Orphans tears:
Yea, though Remembrancers did (as it were)
In publike, often pull us by the ear,
To mind it; yea, where many standers by,
Observ'd it; and, our grosse stupidity.
Of nobler Teachers, whom, we long have heard,
Without improvement; for, hypocrisies,
Meer outside worship, and formalities,
In prayers, fasts, and praises; and, for, giving
That which cost nothing, for great boons receiving:
For our backslidings, and, then, persevering
In frequent sinning, after frequent bearing:
For actions, not agreeing with our saying:
For painting, guilding, and for overlaying
Our Carnall structures, with fain'd piety:
(False gold, producted by our Chymestry)
For falsifying, with a brazen brow,
The serious promises, which we did vow
To GOD and men, before the face of heaven,
When we into extremities were driven:
For adding to devouring flames, more fuell:
For being, in our very mercies, cruell:
For turning carelesly, our eyes, and ears,
From Widdows prayers, and from Orphans tears:
14
In publike, often pull us by the ear,
To mind it; yea, where many standers by,
Observ'd it; and, our grosse stupidity.
For these things; and, for many such as these
God, having spoken to us, in our dayes,
By ordinary Preachers; now, begins
By others, to reprove us for our sins:
Not only such, as reason may allow,
Though called from the Shop board, or the Plough;
But, such, as we seem justly to contemn,
As making truths adhor'd, which come from them.
God, having spoken to us, in our dayes,
By ordinary Preachers; now, begins
By others, to reprove us for our sins:
Not only such, as reason may allow,
Though called from the Shop board, or the Plough;
But, such, as we seem justly to contemn,
As making truths adhor'd, which come from them.
In steed of Teachers, train'd up in the Schools
Of Arts, and of the Prophets; children, fools,
Women and madmen, we do often meet,
Preaching, and threatning Judgements, in the street:
To some, pronouncing blessings; to some, woe;
Scatt'ring their bread, and money, as they goe,
To such as need; (though, in appearance, none
Can poorer be, then they, when that is gone:)
Yea, by strange actions, postures, tones, and cryes,
Themselves they offer to our ears and eyes,
As signs unto this Nation, of some things
Thereby portended; which (although this brings
Contempt upon their persons) may be so,
For ought, the wisest of us, yet doth know;
As were those actions, personated by
Some Prophets, whom the Jewes did vilifie.
Of Arts, and of the Prophets; children, fools,
Women and madmen, we do often meet,
Preaching, and threatning Judgements, in the street:
To some, pronouncing blessings; to some, woe;
Scatt'ring their bread, and money, as they goe,
To such as need; (though, in appearance, none
Can poorer be, then they, when that is gone:)
Yea, by strange actions, postures, tones, and cryes,
Themselves they offer to our ears and eyes,
As signs unto this Nation, of some things
Thereby portended; which (although this brings
Contempt upon their persons) may be so,
For ought, the wisest of us, yet doth know;
As were those actions, personated by
Some Prophets, whom the Jewes did vilifie.
It may be on that darknesse, which they find,
Within their hearts, a suddain light hath shin'd,
Reflexions making, of some things to come,
Which leave within them, musings troublesome
To their weak spirits; or, too intricate
For them to put in order, and relate;
As they will easily believe, on whom,
Such, more then naturall, out-beamings, come)
And, that, hath peradventure, thrust them on
To act, as men in extasies have done;
Striving, their Cloudy Visions to declare
(And, of what consequence, they think they are)
Till they have lost the Notions, which they had,
And, want but few degrees, of being mad.
Within their hearts, a suddain light hath shin'd,
Reflexions making, of some things to come,
Which leave within them, musings troublesome
To their weak spirits; or, too intricate
For them to put in order, and relate;
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Such, more then naturall, out-beamings, come)
And, that, hath peradventure, thrust them on
To act, as men in extasies have done;
Striving, their Cloudy Visions to declare
(And, of what consequence, they think they are)
Till they have lost the Notions, which they had,
And, want but few degrees, of being mad.
This, Providence permitteth, to correct
Our deafnesse, and our former disrespect
Of nobler instruments, whose lights did shine
More clearly; and, who, laying line, to line;
Precept, to Precept; in and out of season,
Taught reasonably, ev'n truth's, transcending reason:
Or, els, it hath permitted been, to make us
Lesse heedfull, of the plague, that may or'etake us;
By tokens, and by symptoms, to us giving,
That, seem not worth our heeding, or believing.
Our deafnesse, and our former disrespect
Of nobler instruments, whose lights did shine
More clearly; and, who, laying line, to line;
Precept, to Precept; in and out of season,
Taught reasonably, ev'n truth's, transcending reason:
Or, els, it hath permitted been, to make us
Lesse heedfull, of the plague, that may or'etake us;
By tokens, and by symptoms, to us giving,
That, seem not worth our heeding, or believing.
And, I, perhaps, among these, may be one,
That was let loose, for service to be done.
In order to such kinds: (as, I believe
I am; as when I am gone, some will perceive,
Though, none observe it now) For, though I dresse
The mind, and matter, of my messages,
In measur'd words, with some such other fancies,
As are allowed in Poetick frenzies,
And, passe for sober garbs: yet, now and then,
I blunder out, what worldly prudent men
Count madnesse; and, what, oft, the best men, too,
Dislike awhile, and wish me not to do.
That was let loose, for service to be done.
In order to such kinds: (as, I believe
I am; as when I am gone, some will perceive,
Though, none observe it now) For, though I dresse
The mind, and matter, of my messages,
In measur'd words, with some such other fancies,
As are allowed in Poetick frenzies,
And, passe for sober garbs: yet, now and then,
I blunder out, what worldly prudent men
Count madnesse; and, what, oft, the best men, too,
Dislike awhile, and wish me not to do.
But, I best know my warrant; and proceed
As I am mov'd, with little fear, or heed,
What others judge: for, till some slips, or errors
Expose me, to be liable to terrors,
Ther's nothing, to my hurt, can dreadfull be,
Save my own flesh, and he that gave it me.
And, as this makes me, madly seem to dare;
Ev'n so, that seeming madnesse, doth prepare,
And draw some, out of novelty, to heed,
What, they had never, els, vouchsaf'd to read:
And, these my ridlings now, are an invention
Designed partly, unto that intention;
And, partly likewise, to amaze those Readers,
Who, to my purposes, are counter-pleaders.
As I am mov'd, with little fear, or heed,
What others judge: for, till some slips, or errors
Expose me, to be liable to terrors,
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Save my own flesh, and he that gave it me.
And, as this makes me, madly seem to dare;
Ev'n so, that seeming madnesse, doth prepare,
And draw some, out of novelty, to heed,
What, they had never, els, vouchsaf'd to read:
And, these my ridlings now, are an invention
Designed partly, unto that intention;
And, partly likewise, to amaze those Readers,
Who, to my purposes, are counter-pleaders.
When, others think, the times afford me may
Enough to speak of, I have nought to say:
When my heart calls upon me, I cast by
My own affairs, and to that call apply,
As I occasions find, uttring sometimes,
My thoughts in prose, another while in rimes;
One while, by sharp, and bitter strains reproving;
Sometimes, by admonitions, calm, and loving;
Yea, Jigs of recreation, sometimes fidling;
And, now, I'm faln into a fit of Ridling.
Enough to speak of, I have nought to say:
When my heart calls upon me, I cast by
My own affairs, and to that call apply,
As I occasions find, uttring sometimes,
My thoughts in prose, another while in rimes;
One while, by sharp, and bitter strains reproving;
Sometimes, by admonitions, calm, and loving;
Yea, Jigs of recreation, sometimes fidling;
And, now, I'm faln into a fit of Ridling.
Riddle my Riddles, then, you, that have heard
Truths, oft, and plainly spoke without regard,
(Except it were in mischiefs, to combine
Against their peace, who cast their Pearles to swine)
Riddle them if you can: For, in them lies,
A dim character of our destinies.
Within these Problemes, those things couched are,
Which I once thought, more plainly to declare:
But, from that purpose, have now chang'd my mind,
That, seeing, you might see, yet still be blind:
That, you might read, and yet not understand
The work, which GOD and men, have now in hand:
Or, which of those things will be first, or last,
Lest, future fates appear by what is past:
And, that, your misinterpretations may
Produce those good effects, which you delay:
For, to that purpose, all, which I unfold,
Histerologically shall be told.
Truths, oft, and plainly spoke without regard,
(Except it were in mischiefs, to combine
Against their peace, who cast their Pearles to swine)
Riddle them if you can: For, in them lies,
A dim character of our destinies.
Within these Problemes, those things couched are,
Which I once thought, more plainly to declare:
But, from that purpose, have now chang'd my mind,
That, seeing, you might see, yet still be blind:
That, you might read, and yet not understand
The work, which GOD and men, have now in hand:
Or, which of those things will be first, or last,
Lest, future fates appear by what is past:
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Produce those good effects, which you delay:
For, to that purpose, all, which I unfold,
Histerologically shall be told.
You, likewise, who oft read, in serious wise,
Shiptons Predicts, and Merlins Prophecies;
Or, vain conjectures, from the constellations,
Wherewith, Impostors, have long fool'd these Nations,
Neglecting that, the while, which both foreseen,
And, brought to passe, in your own dayes, hath been:
Riddle these Riddles; or, at least peruse them,
And, if you find them frivolous, refuse them.
Shiptons Predicts, and Merlins Prophecies;
Or, vain conjectures, from the constellations,
Wherewith, Impostors, have long fool'd these Nations,
Neglecting that, the while, which both foreseen,
And, brought to passe, in your own dayes, hath been:
Riddle these Riddles; or, at least peruse them,
And, if you find them frivolous, refuse them.
Riddle these Riddles too, ev'n you, that seek
The common peace, with hearts upright and meek:
You, that have understanding to discern
The present times; and, willing are to learn
Good lessons from a Pismire: For, to you,
By this Dark Lantern, I shall give a view,
Of things far off, and rubs now in your way,
Whereat, through want of light, you stumble may:
And, likewise, of effects, whereto, perchance,
You, by these glimmerings, may raise advance.
The common peace, with hearts upright and meek:
You, that have understanding to discern
The present times; and, willing are to learn
Good lessons from a Pismire: For, to you,
By this Dark Lantern, I shall give a view,
Of things far off, and rubs now in your way,
Whereat, through want of light, you stumble may:
And, likewise, of effects, whereto, perchance,
You, by these glimmerings, may raise advance.
Observe them well, without enquiring, what
Their Authors meaning was, in this, or that,
Till, you your selves, have search'd, how they in reason,
Suit our affairs, our persons, and the season,
According to your judgements: for, that, shall
Be somewhat to the purpose, though not all.
But, where no sense that's likely, you can rear,
Leave it, as that, which lies without your sphear;
For, that, which SHALL BE, will receive a being,
From each dissenting Readers disagreeing;
From that mans knowledge, who the sense hath got;
From that mans ignorance, who knowes it not;
And he that would, and he that would not too,
Shall help effect, what GOD intends to do.
Their Authors meaning was, in this, or that,
Till, you your selves, have search'd, how they in reason,
Suit our affairs, our persons, and the season,
According to your judgements: for, that, shall
Be somewhat to the purpose, though not all.
But, where no sense that's likely, you can rear,
Leave it, as that, which lies without your sphear;
For, that, which SHALL BE, will receive a being,
From each dissenting Readers disagreeing;
From that mans knowledge, who the sense hath got;
From that mans ignorance, who knowes it not;
18
Shall help effect, what GOD intends to do.
Thus, through a long lane, I have drawn you in,
Where my new Grove of Riddles doth begin,
With, now and then, a plain Lawn intermixt,
And, here and there, a small sherewood betwixt;
With such digressions, that, you'l sometimes doubt,
Whether I lead you, further in, or out:
But, 'tis a wild plot, where are walks, and bowers,
Made for my own content, as well as yours:
And, if they tedious seem, you may be gone
At next low gap, you see, and no harm done.
Where my new Grove of Riddles doth begin,
With, now and then, a plain Lawn intermixt,
And, here and there, a small sherewood betwixt;
With such digressions, that, you'l sometimes doubt,
Whether I lead you, further in, or out:
But, 'tis a wild plot, where are walks, and bowers,
Made for my own content, as well as yours:
And, if they tedious seem, you may be gone
At next low gap, you see, and no harm done.
The harvest of our Æra now drawes near,
And, faithfull Labourers will then appear
To order that fair field, wherein was sown
The Corn, which now with tares is overgrown:
And, to distinguish Wheat, from that which had
Resemblance of it, both in stalk, and blade.
Yet, ev'ry day, Impostors creeping in,
Will, by pretended holinesse, begin
To plant themselves; seeking their lusts to feed,
By scattering adulterated-seed;
And lab'ring, to destroy those means, whereby
Truth may appear in perfect purity.
And, faithfull Labourers will then appear
To order that fair field, wherein was sown
The Corn, which now with tares is overgrown:
And, to distinguish Wheat, from that which had
Resemblance of it, both in stalk, and blade.
Yet, ev'ry day, Impostors creeping in,
Will, by pretended holinesse, begin
To plant themselves; seeking their lusts to feed,
By scattering adulterated-seed;
And lab'ring, to destroy those means, whereby
Truth may appear in perfect purity.
In little time, shall many changes be,
And interchanges, which will make men see
Their wisdome to be folly; their chief might,
Flat feeblenesse; their high esteemed light
Meer darknesse; and, that, most things by them done,
Will have effects, which they nev'r thought upon.
And interchanges, which will make men see
Their wisdome to be folly; their chief might,
Flat feeblenesse; their high esteemed light
Meer darknesse; and, that, most things by them done,
Will have effects, which they nev'r thought upon.
In that Catholicon, or Mithridate,
Which Providence, confected hath of late,
To temper, or dispell, what hath diseas'd
The Body Politike; it hath been pleas'd
(As finding it, a mixture requisite)
Vipers, and mortall poysons, to unite
With wholesome things; yea, mineralls and mettle,
Sulphur, and Steel, fixt matter, to unsettle:
The Serpents brains, with faithfull Turtles hearts:
Of Lions, Lambs, and Foxes, some choice parts:
Somewhat of Hares, that swift and fearful be:
Somewhat of Snailes, in whom we nothing see,
But slownesse, and, by well compounding these,
A cure preparing is, for our disease.
Which Providence, confected hath of late,
To temper, or dispell, what hath diseas'd
The Body Politike; it hath been pleas'd
19
Vipers, and mortall poysons, to unite
With wholesome things; yea, mineralls and mettle,
Sulphur, and Steel, fixt matter, to unsettle:
The Serpents brains, with faithfull Turtles hearts:
Of Lions, Lambs, and Foxes, some choice parts:
Somewhat of Hares, that swift and fearful be:
Somewhat of Snailes, in whom we nothing see,
But slownesse, and, by well compounding these,
A cure preparing is, for our disease.
Fire, Water, Earth, and Ayr, (though disagreeing,
In qualities) if well mixt, give a being
To that, which cannot be, by any one
Or, any two, or three of these alone:
And, so, at last, shall ev'ry contradiction,
Among us, add some Dos, to our perfection:
Yea, they who pull down, and they who erect
Shall in the close, concur in one effect;
That, he, who's all in all, may have due praise
By ev'ry contradiction in our wayes;
And, that, out of their discords, he may bring
A Diapason, making ev'ry thing
Assent together, in the consummation
Of his designment, at the worlds creation.
In qualities) if well mixt, give a being
To that, which cannot be, by any one
Or, any two, or three of these alone:
And, so, at last, shall ev'ry contradiction,
Among us, add some Dos, to our perfection:
Yea, they who pull down, and they who erect
Shall in the close, concur in one effect;
That, he, who's all in all, may have due praise
By ev'ry contradiction in our wayes;
And, that, out of their discords, he may bring
A Diapason, making ev'ry thing
Assent together, in the consummation
Of his designment, at the worlds creation.
For, whil'st this medicine fermenting lies,
The wheels of temp'rall contrarieties
Move on; and, ev'ry day, abroad will send
Productions, few, discerning to what end:
And, yet, each individuall circumstance,
Somewhat, the Grand-designment, shall advance.
Yea, foolings, failings, fraud, and treachery
As well as truth, and true sincerity,
Shall add thereto; and, herein, will alone,
The diff'rence be; such, as have justly done
Their duties; and, in doing them persever,
(Or, willingly, and knowingly endeavour
As they are able) will enjoy the blisse,
Which, they who counter-operate shall misse.
The wheels of temp'rall contrarieties
Move on; and, ev'ry day, abroad will send
Productions, few, discerning to what end:
And, yet, each individuall circumstance,
Somewhat, the Grand-designment, shall advance.
Yea, foolings, failings, fraud, and treachery
As well as truth, and true sincerity,
Shall add thereto; and, herein, will alone,
The diff'rence be; such, as have justly done
20
(Or, willingly, and knowingly endeavour
As they are able) will enjoy the blisse,
Which, they who counter-operate shall misse.
I. G. N. R. N. S. with, other some,
Such like, confederated are become,
To ruine this Republike; and, have laid
Designes, whereby it may be soon betray'd,
And, infamous, insensibly, become,
With all wise men abroad, and here at home.
These (though but few observe it) have, long, had
A purpose these three Ilands to invade;
And, to possesse them, with a people far
More barbarous then Kernes, and Redshanks are.
Some of their Party, to promote their ends,
Do yet appear to be our faithfull friends;
And, into every place of Power, and Trust,
Themselves, and their confederates have thrust.
In Townes and Boroughs, Cittadells and Cities,
In Courts, and Councells, and in all Committees;
In offices of profit, and command,
Throughout the Commonwealth, at Sea, and Land
They have Abettors; and, so bold they grow
That, every man almost, their aimes may know;
And, their attempts, although but fools they are
Are at this present time, improv'd fo far
That, they have shaken that, wherein consists,
Our honor, and our noblest interests;
And into practise, they begin to draw
Among us here, the Clagefurtian Law.
Such like, confederated are become,
To ruine this Republike; and, have laid
Designes, whereby it may be soon betray'd,
And, infamous, insensibly, become,
With all wise men abroad, and here at home.
These (though but few observe it) have, long, had
A purpose these three Ilands to invade;
And, to possesse them, with a people far
More barbarous then Kernes, and Redshanks are.
Some of their Party, to promote their ends,
Do yet appear to be our faithfull friends;
And, into every place of Power, and Trust,
Themselves, and their confederates have thrust.
In Townes and Boroughs, Cittadells and Cities,
In Courts, and Councells, and in all Committees;
In offices of profit, and command,
Throughout the Commonwealth, at Sea, and Land
They have Abettors; and, so bold they grow
That, every man almost, their aimes may know;
And, their attempts, although but fools they are
Are at this present time, improv'd fo far
That, they have shaken that, wherein consists,
Our honor, and our noblest interests;
And into practise, they begin to draw
Among us here, the Clagefurtian Law.
M. N. O. P. Demas, Diotrophes,
Peripateticks, Stoicks, Pharisees,
With others, who, in judgement diff'ring be,
Will, altogether, as one man agree,
To fortifie their private interest,
Indangering (by what shall be possest
Unduly) that, which is to others due:
Untill the faithfull Shepherds do pursue
Their claim aright; the same deriving from
Their Foster-Fathers, whence, it first did come;
And, of whom, it was long since propheci'd
That, GOD, by them, a portion would provide
For those, he sends forth, to preserve the beauty
Of holinesse, when, man, forgets his duty.
Peripateticks, Stoicks, Pharisees,
With others, who, in judgement diff'ring be,
Will, altogether, as one man agree,
21
Indangering (by what shall be possest
Unduly) that, which is to others due:
Untill the faithfull Shepherds do pursue
Their claim aright; the same deriving from
Their Foster-Fathers, whence, it first did come;
And, of whom, it was long since propheci'd
That, GOD, by them, a portion would provide
For those, he sends forth, to preserve the beauty
Of holinesse, when, man, forgets his duty.
Some other accidents, time will beget
Which may be mark'd out, by our Alphabet:
By, and for envy, jealousie, and pride,
Shall, A. B. C. be laid awhile, aside.
Despised also, V. and I. shall be
P P. and S. against C S. and P.
Shall then conspire; and, for a Salve employ
That, which it self, and all things, doth destroy,
If Alpha and Omega, help not more
Then all the other letters, did before:
For, common helps, will be apply'd in vain,
The fury of their madnesse, to restrain.
Which may be mark'd out, by our Alphabet:
By, and for envy, jealousie, and pride,
Shall, A. B. C. be laid awhile, aside.
Despised also, V. and I. shall be
P P. and S. against C S. and P.
Shall then conspire; and, for a Salve employ
That, which it self, and all things, doth destroy,
If Alpha and Omega, help not more
Then all the other letters, did before:
For, common helps, will be apply'd in vain,
The fury of their madnesse, to restrain.
The causes, whence this hazard will arise,
Are such as this; observe it, and be wise.
The Temple of the Gods, which heretofore
Stood open to the prayers of the poor,
Is closed up, and few admitted in,
But, such as are conveyed by a gin,
Contriv'd so narrow, that the people say
It was choak'd up, the first, or second day:
And, with distemper, they exclaim, that this
Of all their grievances, the greatest is:
Because it puts their patience, to more trialls,
Then, if of Justice, they had quick denialls:
Turnes hopes into despairs; converts their lives
To living deaths, their balmes to corosives.
Are such as this; observe it, and be wise.
The Temple of the Gods, which heretofore
Stood open to the prayers of the poor,
Is closed up, and few admitted in,
But, such as are conveyed by a gin,
Contriv'd so narrow, that the people say
It was choak'd up, the first, or second day:
And, with distemper, they exclaim, that this
Of all their grievances, the greatest is:
Because it puts their patience, to more trialls,
Then, if of Justice, they had quick denialls:
22
To living deaths, their balmes to corosives.
The Saints likewise, that must propitiate,
On their behalfs, and offer at the gate
Of justice and of mercy, their petitions
Are not so sensible of their conditions;
Nor from all partiality so free
As Mediators alwayes ought to be.
On their behalfs, and offer at the gate
Of justice and of mercy, their petitions
Are not so sensible of their conditions;
Nor from all partiality so free
As Mediators alwayes ought to be.
This, makes one grumble in his privacies;
Another, gapes out open blasphemies:
Some, with such indignation filled are,
As, if they Giant-like, would make a warre
Against their GODS (if, lookers on, may guesse,
By their distempers, of their purposes)
And, universally, there is a cry
So lamentable, and rais'd up so high,
That, if these Deities, shall not in time,
With due compassion, bow their ears to them,
And, their just Prayers, and requests fulfill,
A higher power, these plaints examine will,
And these inferiour Gods, shall tumble then,
From heav'n like Lucifer, and die like men.
Riddle this Riddle, and resolve me whether
This Temple, be Pantheon, or some other,
Wherein Subdeities, invoked are:
What Temple e're it be; we wish it were
More open; lest upon those Gods, it bring
Contempt, or worse, and ruines ev'ry thing
To them subordinate: for, hence doth flow
Most other grievances, complain'd of now;
And, hence rise those confusions, which increase
Our troubles, and procrastinate our peace.
From hence is it, mens suits prolonged are
Beyond their lives; and after twice five year,
As far from ending, as when they begun;
Yea, endlesse, till poor Suiters are undone,
Another, gapes out open blasphemies:
Some, with such indignation filled are,
As, if they Giant-like, would make a warre
Against their GODS (if, lookers on, may guesse,
By their distempers, of their purposes)
And, universally, there is a cry
So lamentable, and rais'd up so high,
That, if these Deities, shall not in time,
With due compassion, bow their ears to them,
And, their just Prayers, and requests fulfill,
A higher power, these plaints examine will,
And these inferiour Gods, shall tumble then,
From heav'n like Lucifer, and die like men.
Riddle this Riddle, and resolve me whether
This Temple, be Pantheon, or some other,
Wherein Subdeities, invoked are:
What Temple e're it be; we wish it were
More open; lest upon those Gods, it bring
Contempt, or worse, and ruines ev'ry thing
To them subordinate: for, hence doth flow
Most other grievances, complain'd of now;
And, hence rise those confusions, which increase
Our troubles, and procrastinate our peace.
From hence is it, mens suits prolonged are
Beyond their lives; and after twice five year,
23
Yea, endlesse, till poor Suiters are undone,
At these words, an Illusion cry,d, take heed;
And, further do not in this strain proceed;
Lest, some Interpreters, interpret, so,
Thy Riddles, that the Ridler they undo.
The suddain caution, startled me a while;
Yet, back return'd it with a strong recoil;
Suggesting, that I over-much bewray'd
Their nakednesse; and them too open laid
Whose shame I ought to hide, and, that so far
It may provoke them, who soon angry are,
As thereby to indanger at the least,
My quiet, and my private interest.
How, therefore, this objection I past over,
E're further I proceed, I'le here discover.
And, further do not in this strain proceed;
Lest, some Interpreters, interpret, so,
Thy Riddles, that the Ridler they undo.
The suddain caution, startled me a while;
Yet, back return'd it with a strong recoil;
Suggesting, that I over-much bewray'd
Their nakednesse; and them too open laid
Whose shame I ought to hide, and, that so far
It may provoke them, who soon angry are,
As thereby to indanger at the least,
My quiet, and my private interest.
How, therefore, this objection I past over,
E're further I proceed, I'le here discover.
Against these doubts, my Genius up arose,
And, quite out of my heart, their poyson throws;
Assuring me, I had no cause to fear
What other mens interpretations were;
Or, to suppose the safety of this Nation
Were not more worthy of a preservation
Then their repute, who are quite senslesse growne,
Both of the publike danger, and their owne.
Or think it better that a generall
Disease o'respread us, rather, then to call
A Scab, a Scab, or, timely to declare
The cure of these things, which destructive are.
And, quite out of my heart, their poyson throws;
Assuring me, I had no cause to fear
What other mens interpretations were;
Or, to suppose the safety of this Nation
Were not more worthy of a preservation
Then their repute, who are quite senslesse growne,
Both of the publike danger, and their owne.
Or think it better that a generall
Disease o'respread us, rather, then to call
A Scab, a Scab, or, timely to declare
The cure of these things, which destructive are.
It told me, (and with arguments not weak)
The cause, and time, requir'd me now to speak
Without respect of persons; and, that, I
Was bound unto it by my fealty.
It told me, 'twas a duty whereunto
I was ordain'd; and, which I'm kept to do.
It represents unto me, from what strong
And spitefull Adversaries; and, how long,
I have preserved been, since I begun
To do such works, when they were to be done.
It bids me to record, by what strange wayes,
(And means unlikely) I have all my dayes,
Deliverances obtain'd; ev'n when I had,
Oppressions, that might make a wise man mad;
And, not one friend, me, in those streights to own,
But, such as GOD still rais'd me up unknown.
The cause, and time, requir'd me now to speak
Without respect of persons; and, that, I
Was bound unto it by my fealty.
It told me, 'twas a duty whereunto
I was ordain'd; and, which I'm kept to do.
24
And spitefull Adversaries; and, how long,
I have preserved been, since I begun
To do such works, when they were to be done.
It bids me to record, by what strange wayes,
(And means unlikely) I have all my dayes,
Deliverances obtain'd; ev'n when I had,
Oppressions, that might make a wise man mad;
And, not one friend, me, in those streights to own,
But, such as GOD still rais'd me up unknown.
It bids me mind, how oft (when I have had
No other help) his Providence hath made
The malice of my foes, things to project
Against me which my succour, did effect;
And, without which, I probably had lost
Just expectations, with much pain and cost.
No other help) his Providence hath made
The malice of my foes, things to project
Against me which my succour, did effect;
And, without which, I probably had lost
Just expectations, with much pain and cost.
It bids me mark, how many there are still,
(Who, without cause, have born me evill will)
That daily do expect to see me stumble,
When they may add a kick, to make me tumble:
How, in those High Assemblies, where they deem,
It may most disadvantage my esteem,
They whisper out detractions; or, speak loud
Those things, which cannot justly be avow'd:
How enviously, they often make relations
Of what GOD gives, beyond their expectations;
With such periphrases, as may infer
That, my supplies, were got as ill as their.
(Who, without cause, have born me evill will)
That daily do expect to see me stumble,
When they may add a kick, to make me tumble:
How, in those High Assemblies, where they deem,
It may most disadvantage my esteem,
They whisper out detractions; or, speak loud
Those things, which cannot justly be avow'd:
How enviously, they often make relations
Of what GOD gives, beyond their expectations;
With such periphrases, as may infer
That, my supplies, were got as ill as their.
It wills me, likewise, seriously to heed,
How, they in other things, with me proceed;
How, by their spight, all publike favours done me.
Bring nought, as yet, but cost, and troubles on me,
Which had e're this destroy'd me, had I not
Preventions, from a Power above them got:
And, by these mercies, it conjures me to
What, conscience, and my judgement, bids me do.
How, they in other things, with me proceed;
How, by their spight, all publike favours done me.
Bring nought, as yet, but cost, and troubles on me,
Which had e're this destroy'd me, had I not
Preventions, from a Power above them got:
25
What, conscience, and my judgement, bids me do.
It minds me to be mindfull of that powre,
Which hath preserv'd in every evill hour.
How plentifully, I have still been fed,
Ev'n when I saw not means, of next dayes bread
But, what was in their hands, who would not spare,
The least supply, when most distrest we were.
Which hath preserv'd in every evill hour.
How plentifully, I have still been fed,
Ev'n when I saw not means, of next dayes bread
But, what was in their hands, who would not spare,
The least supply, when most distrest we were.
How, my repute, with good men, was maintain'd,
When with unjust aspersions, I was stain'd:
And, when our Princes, on their Judgement Seats,
Thundred against me, nothing lesse then threats.
When with unjust aspersions, I was stain'd:
And, when our Princes, on their Judgement Seats,
Thundred against me, nothing lesse then threats.
It charmes, to observe, that, though I get
Little or nothing, of that publike debt
Which was assign'd, and which hath now been due
Ten years (by claimes approved just and true,
On treble trialls) and, though ever since,
It yeelds me nought, but troubles and expence;
That GOD, hath naythelesse, improv'd of late,
My Mite, into a competent estate;
Meerly, by such unlikely means, as those
Which Jacob us'd, when in the watering troughs,
He laid his whitled sticks, till he was paid
The wages, which his Master had delaid.
Little or nothing, of that publike debt
Which was assign'd, and which hath now been due
Ten years (by claimes approved just and true,
On treble trialls) and, though ever since,
It yeelds me nought, but troubles and expence;
That GOD, hath naythelesse, improv'd of late,
My Mite, into a competent estate;
Meerly, by such unlikely means, as those
Which Jacob us'd, when in the watering troughs,
He laid his whitled sticks, till he was paid
The wages, which his Master had delaid.
It calleth on me, to look back upon
Those works, which have within my dayes been done;
(And chiefly those, which stand in some relation
Unto my self, together with this Nation)
What strange effects, and unbelieved things,
Have followed my fore conjecturings:
What risings, and what fallings, I have heeded:
What mercies, and what judgements have succeeded
Our various paths. It urgeth me to weigh,
What may bety'd me, if I disobey
The motions of my heart, and what event
He may expect, who shall be negligent
To do his duty, when his eye perceives
What GOD intends; and, when his heart believes,
He dreams not; but, is really required
To act, according, as he is inspired:
And, somewhat tells me, that, if after all
These mercies, and remembrances, I fall
From my resolves; GOD justly may expose,
And leave me, to the malice of my foes.
Those works, which have within my dayes been done;
(And chiefly those, which stand in some relation
Unto my self, together with this Nation)
What strange effects, and unbelieved things,
Have followed my fore conjecturings:
What risings, and what fallings, I have heeded:
What mercies, and what judgements have succeeded
Our various paths. It urgeth me to weigh,
What may bety'd me, if I disobey
26
He may expect, who shall be negligent
To do his duty, when his eye perceives
What GOD intends; and, when his heart believes,
He dreams not; but, is really required
To act, according, as he is inspired:
And, somewhat tells me, that, if after all
These mercies, and remembrances, I fall
From my resolves; GOD justly may expose,
And leave me, to the malice of my foes.
Lest, yet, my frailties, or self interest,
Or carnall reasons, somewhat might suggest
To blow all this away; it, comes sometimes,
At midnight (as it did of late) and chimes
Dreadfull Alarms, which, do awaking keep
Mine eyes, when other men are fast asleep:
From darknesse, then, it fresh advantage taking,
(And from vain thoughts, which too oft keep me waking)
Thus, it invades me; what is that, which thou
Li'st muzing on, and ruminating now?
Art thou contriving, how to lay foundations
For thine own family, when Kings, and Nations,
Are tumbling down? and, when impartiall fates,
Are overthrowing Monarchies, and States?
Is this a time to settle, when there are
Earthquakes, that shake the mountains, ev'ry where?
Is this a time to plant, when thunder-strokes,
Root up high Cedars, and break down strong Okes?
Is this a time to purchase, when the trouble,
And hazards, make the payments more then double?
Or wheel thee (as by triall thou hast found)
Into a fruitless and a tedious round?
Or carnall reasons, somewhat might suggest
To blow all this away; it, comes sometimes,
At midnight (as it did of late) and chimes
Dreadfull Alarms, which, do awaking keep
Mine eyes, when other men are fast asleep:
From darknesse, then, it fresh advantage taking,
(And from vain thoughts, which too oft keep me waking)
Thus, it invades me; what is that, which thou
Li'st muzing on, and ruminating now?
Art thou contriving, how to lay foundations
For thine own family, when Kings, and Nations,
Are tumbling down? and, when impartiall fates,
Are overthrowing Monarchies, and States?
Is this a time to settle, when there are
Earthquakes, that shake the mountains, ev'ry where?
Is this a time to plant, when thunder-strokes,
Root up high Cedars, and break down strong Okes?
Is this a time to purchase, when the trouble,
And hazards, make the payments more then double?
Or wheel thee (as by triall thou hast found)
Into a fruitless and a tedious round?
But, if a seasonable time, it be
For others, can it so befall to thee,
Whil'st thou delayest his affairs, from whom,
The means to make thy purchases, must come?
When, GOD, to build thy house, hath now begun,
Wil't then, to finish it to others run?
As if, he, who from nothing, heretofore
Thus far, hath brought thee, now, could do no more?
Oh take good heed, what course, thou dost pursue,
(And, what neglect) lest els, thy course, thou rue.
For others, can it so befall to thee,
27
The means to make thy purchases, must come?
When, GOD, to build thy house, hath now begun,
Wil't then, to finish it to others run?
As if, he, who from nothing, heretofore
Thus far, hath brought thee, now, could do no more?
Oh take good heed, what course, thou dost pursue,
(And, what neglect) lest els, thy course, thou rue.
God, hath already, made thee to possesse
The gates of those that were thine enemies:
And by a means unlooked for, restor'd
That, which was taken from thee by the Sword:
Houses, by others built, to thee are granted,
Orchards and Gardens, which thou hast not planted,
He gives, in recompense for what was lost
In publike service; yea, without the cost
Of this Republike; and, had more bestowne
E're now, perhaps, if thou to do thine owne
Had'st not delay'd his work, and, to thy hope
For this (it may be) he will put a stop.
The gates of those that were thine enemies:
And by a means unlooked for, restor'd
That, which was taken from thee by the Sword:
Houses, by others built, to thee are granted,
Orchards and Gardens, which thou hast not planted,
He gives, in recompense for what was lost
In publike service; yea, without the cost
Of this Republike; and, had more bestowne
E're now, perhaps, if thou to do thine owne
Had'st not delay'd his work, and, to thy hope
For this (it may be) he will put a stop.
Why, then, with fruitlesse musings, busied are
Thy thoughts, on what, must be anothers care?
Deferring that, which thou art call'd unto,
And seeking daily, somewhat els to do?
Art thou afraid, lest thou thereby may'st lose
Thy late recruits? or, reinrage thy foes?
Or, marr thy quiet? cursed is that fear;
And, thou too, if therein thou persevere:
For, when a temp'rall blessing, makes us worse,
It is a plague, beyond a tem'prall curse
And, if thou take not heed will quite deprive thee
Of that which Providence, did freely give thee.
Thy thoughts, on what, must be anothers care?
Deferring that, which thou art call'd unto,
And seeking daily, somewhat els to do?
Art thou afraid, lest thou thereby may'st lose
Thy late recruits? or, reinrage thy foes?
Or, marr thy quiet? cursed is that fear;
And, thou too, if therein thou persevere:
For, when a temp'rall blessing, makes us worse,
It is a plague, beyond a tem'prall curse
And, if thou take not heed will quite deprive thee
Of that which Providence, did freely give thee.
But, who are they? or, where inhabit those
Who dare to take away, what, GOD, bestowes
If thou adhere to him? whom need'st thou fear,
If in thy duty, thou shalt persevere?
Nay, rather, which of those, that seem to be
Most dreadfull, shall not be afraid of thee
If he be guilty? and, who (though on high
He bears his head) shall not, in privacy,
Think on thy lines, with trembling, when he hears
What they declare, and what his conscience fears?
Who dare to take away, what, GOD, bestowes
28
If in thy duty, thou shalt persevere?
Nay, rather, which of those, that seem to be
Most dreadfull, shall not be afraid of thee
If he be guilty? and, who (though on high
He bears his head) shall not, in privacy,
Think on thy lines, with trembling, when he hears
What they declare, and what his conscience fears?
If thou, said my good Angell, hast not, yet,
Quite shaken off, thy fears, and fanting fit;
Consider, wisely, of this Generation,
In those things, which have thereto, nigh relation:
Sum up together, that, which thou hast heeded
In those thou fear'st: mark, how they have proceeded;
What, they have been; what, at this time, they are;
What, they may be, before they are aware;
What, they design, in what paths they are going;
What, they have done; what, they are daily doing;
What Labyrinths involve them; what, confusions
Enclose them round, as also what conclusions
Are following; and, then, thou wilt not fear
Their power as foes, nor for their friendship care.
Quite shaken off, thy fears, and fanting fit;
Consider, wisely, of this Generation,
In those things, which have thereto, nigh relation:
Sum up together, that, which thou hast heeded
In those thou fear'st: mark, how they have proceeded;
What, they have been; what, at this time, they are;
What, they may be, before they are aware;
What, they design, in what paths they are going;
What, they have done; what, they are daily doing;
What Labyrinths involve them; what, confusions
Enclose them round, as also what conclusions
Are following; and, then, thou wilt not fear
Their power as foes, nor for their friendship care.
If, still, some outward interest, be that
Which thou desir'st to save; consider, what
Thereto conduceth: for, sometimes, the thing
We fear to loose, is kept by hazarding:
And, lost in seeking to preserve the same,
By other means, then that, through which it came.
Which thou desir'st to save; consider, what
Thereto conduceth: for, sometimes, the thing
We fear to loose, is kept by hazarding:
And, lost in seeking to preserve the same,
By other means, then that, through which it came.
If, thou, permit the proud, without a check
To follow their career, they'l break, their neck.
And, with themselves (as our affairs, now stand)
Indanger all the people of this Land.
Where, then, wilt thou be safe? or, where wilt thou
Injoy with peace, what thou possessest now?
But, if a word in season, thou shalt speak,
Who knows, what instruments despis'd and weak
May compasse? and, who knows, but that, of them,
Who, heretofore thy cautions did contemn.
Some, touch'd may be, with sense of their condition,
And, turn back, from the path-wayes of Perdition?
And, who knows not, that many may be found
(Whose actions blamelesse are, whose faiths are sound)
That, by these hints, may hart and courage take,
Their Neighbours, from their dreamings, to awake?
At least, therein thy duty having done,
If any be secur'd, thou shalt be one.
To follow their career, they'l break, their neck.
And, with themselves (as our affairs, now stand)
Indanger all the people of this Land.
Where, then, wilt thou be safe? or, where wilt thou
Injoy with peace, what thou possessest now?
29
Who knows, what instruments despis'd and weak
May compasse? and, who knows, but that, of them,
Who, heretofore thy cautions did contemn.
Some, touch'd may be, with sense of their condition,
And, turn back, from the path-wayes of Perdition?
And, who knows not, that many may be found
(Whose actions blamelesse are, whose faiths are sound)
That, by these hints, may hart and courage take,
Their Neighbours, from their dreamings, to awake?
At least, therein thy duty having done,
If any be secur'd, thou shalt be one.
When these things were inspir'd, and duly weigh'd,
My heart, which was a little while dismay'd
From prosecuting, what I had begun,
Assum'd new courage, and went boldly on:
And, these expostulations, may perchance,
Some others, to the like resolves advance
On like occasions; unto which intent,
These few short steps, beside my way I went:
For I confesse, my theam I following not,
Have rambled out, as if I had forgot
What I at first proposed; and insteed
Of Riddles, to plain language do proceed.
But, I will wheel about, and with the rein
Turn Pegasus, into his path again;
Though, he, in his digressions (as we say
Of Beggers) never is beside his way.
My heart, which was a little while dismay'd
From prosecuting, what I had begun,
Assum'd new courage, and went boldly on:
And, these expostulations, may perchance,
Some others, to the like resolves advance
On like occasions; unto which intent,
These few short steps, beside my way I went:
For I confesse, my theam I following not,
Have rambled out, as if I had forgot
What I at first proposed; and insteed
Of Riddles, to plain language do proceed.
But, I will wheel about, and with the rein
Turn Pegasus, into his path again;
Though, he, in his digressions (as we say
Of Beggers) never is beside his way.
Once on a time (thus did old tales begin,
E're I was born, or thought I should have been)
A foolish people, over much at ease,
Their wantonnesse, and vanity to please,
Among their may-games, brought home from the wood,
Trees, which had els, till now, unheeded stood.
Of these, they made, by hewings, knocks, and smoothing,
That, look like something, which resembled nothing.
And, out of knotty, shapelesse logs, did hew
Some statues not uncomely to the view.
These, e're quite shaped, with some jeers, and mocks,
They set up higher, upon other blocks.
Then, them repolished, and painted so,
That, of what stuffe they were, few men could know.
Beginning then, their own work, to admire,
They rais'd them higher ev'ry day and higher,
Till Idols they became; with whom, they grew
At first, familiar, and did them bestrew
With flowers and garlands: shortly after, they
Bow'd humbly down before them, ev'ry day;
Till custome, had their judgement more befool'd;
But, then (when these, mishrin'd they did behold,
Sparkling with Jewells, and with gold aray'd)
They, of their own Creations, grew afraid.
And, at the last, (as at the last, all do
That whoring after their own fancies go;)
These fools, repented of their superstition;
Bewail'd the slavery, of their condition;
With some appearances, of an intent
To grow more wise, as well as to repent:
Yea, to blaspheme, their new made GODS they spar'd not,
And, would have pul'd them down again, but dar'd not.
E're I was born, or thought I should have been)
A foolish people, over much at ease,
Their wantonnesse, and vanity to please,
Among their may-games, brought home from the wood,
Trees, which had els, till now, unheeded stood.
30
That, look like something, which resembled nothing.
And, out of knotty, shapelesse logs, did hew
Some statues not uncomely to the view.
These, e're quite shaped, with some jeers, and mocks,
They set up higher, upon other blocks.
Then, them repolished, and painted so,
That, of what stuffe they were, few men could know.
Beginning then, their own work, to admire,
They rais'd them higher ev'ry day and higher,
Till Idols they became; with whom, they grew
At first, familiar, and did them bestrew
With flowers and garlands: shortly after, they
Bow'd humbly down before them, ev'ry day;
Till custome, had their judgement more befool'd;
But, then (when these, mishrin'd they did behold,
Sparkling with Jewells, and with gold aray'd)
They, of their own Creations, grew afraid.
And, at the last, (as at the last, all do
That whoring after their own fancies go;)
These fools, repented of their superstition;
Bewail'd the slavery, of their condition;
With some appearances, of an intent
To grow more wise, as well as to repent:
Yea, to blaspheme, their new made GODS they spar'd not,
And, would have pul'd them down again, but dar'd not.
For, by their flattring attributes (long, given)
They had advanc'd them, to a sphere, or heav'n,
Where, uncontroul'd, a power they exercis'd
According to their lust; and those despis'd
Whose hands had made them, & whose breath had blown them
Too high, for their ambitiousnesse, to own them.
Yea, by their incantations, these, had brought
Strong spirits, into what their hands had wrought;
Inliv'ning, and enabling them unto
Those actions, which their makers might undo.
Yet, persevere, this blockish people will
To make such idols, and advance them still;
Till both they, and their idols are destroy'd
Unlesse the GOD of Gods, my fears makes void.
For, most men being of a slavish mind,
Are nat'rally to slavishnesse inclin'd:
And to fulfill their bruitish lust will fawn
Upon a Dog, and lay their souls to pawn.
Riddle this Riddle, if you can, and tell
What People, this may be, and where they dwell:
Which I believing you with ease may do,
Will add this following Parable thereto.
They had advanc'd them, to a sphere, or heav'n,
Where, uncontroul'd, a power they exercis'd
According to their lust; and those despis'd
Whose hands had made them, & whose breath had blown them
Too high, for their ambitiousnesse, to own them.
Yea, by their incantations, these, had brought
Strong spirits, into what their hands had wrought;
31
Those actions, which their makers might undo.
Yet, persevere, this blockish people will
To make such idols, and advance them still;
Till both they, and their idols are destroy'd
Unlesse the GOD of Gods, my fears makes void.
For, most men being of a slavish mind,
Are nat'rally to slavishnesse inclin'd:
And to fulfill their bruitish lust will fawn
Upon a Dog, and lay their souls to pawn.
Riddle this Riddle, if you can, and tell
What People, this may be, and where they dwell:
Which I believing you with ease may do,
Will add this following Parable thereto.
There was a time, when silly Bees could speak,
(A people, of much industry, though weak)
And, these, among themselves, made grievous moans,
As being much oppressed, by their drones;
Who (having made intrusions among those
That had an uncontroulable dispose
Of their Republike) did in sundry wise,
Incroachments make on their proprieties;
And, greedily, unto themselves derive,
The fatnesse, and the sweetnesse of the hive.
(A people, of much industry, though weak)
And, these, among themselves, made grievous moans,
As being much oppressed, by their drones;
Who (having made intrusions among those
That had an uncontroulable dispose
Of their Republike) did in sundry wise,
Incroachments make on their proprieties;
And, greedily, unto themselves derive,
The fatnesse, and the sweetnesse of the hive.
Complaints in private, no redresse obtaining,
Increast to open, and avow'd complaining:
Which finding like successes, they begun
To buz, as when their swarming time, draws on:
Then, to shut up their cells, to shake their wings,
To leave their wonted work, and shew their stings.
Increast to open, and avow'd complaining:
Which finding like successes, they begun
To buz, as when their swarming time, draws on:
Then, to shut up their cells, to shake their wings,
To leave their wonted work, and shew their stings.
The Drones, at first, were startled much thereat;
But, being not so wise, as they are fat;
Neglected still, the course which might prevent
The mischief then appearing imminent:
Which, when I saw, I would no longer stay;
But, said, GOD help them; and so come away.
This Parable, if rightly moralliz'd,
Affords a meaning not to be despis'd.
But, being not so wise, as they are fat;
Neglected still, the course which might prevent
The mischief then appearing imminent:
32
But, said, GOD help them; and so come away.
This Parable, if rightly moralliz'd,
Affords a meaning not to be despis'd.
And so doth this which follows: as I went
On Pilgrimage unto the Parliament,
Dispersed in my way, I saw the cocks,
(Which kept the hens, and capons from the fox)
With broken wings, with backs, without a feather
To hide their naked bodies, from the weather;
With plumelesse tails, with scarred necks and brests;
With empty bellies, and with combs, and crests,
Cut quite away; and scraping with their feet
On dunghills, for their food, and in the street,
So despicably, that it could appear
By nothing save their spurs, what once they were:
And, Popinjaies, and Parrets, cloath'd and fed,
By what the valour of these purchased,
(And, trim'd with ill got feathers) strutted by,
Casting upon them a disdainfull eye:
Which when I saw, methought (I tell you true)
It was no good presage; pray, what think you?
On Pilgrimage unto the Parliament,
Dispersed in my way, I saw the cocks,
(Which kept the hens, and capons from the fox)
With broken wings, with backs, without a feather
To hide their naked bodies, from the weather;
With plumelesse tails, with scarred necks and brests;
With empty bellies, and with combs, and crests,
Cut quite away; and scraping with their feet
On dunghills, for their food, and in the street,
So despicably, that it could appear
By nothing save their spurs, what once they were:
And, Popinjaies, and Parrets, cloath'd and fed,
By what the valour of these purchased,
(And, trim'd with ill got feathers) strutted by,
Casting upon them a disdainfull eye:
Which when I saw, methought (I tell you true)
It was no good presage; pray, what think you?
News, if you look for, I but little know,
Save, such as this next Parable doth show.
A fair ship, now lies floting on the floods,
Well fill'd with Passengers, well fraught with goods,
Labring to fix an Anchor on the strand
Of her wish'd harbor, which lies neer at hand.
By many stormes, much tackling, she hath spent;
Her Masts are shater'd; and her shrowds are rent:
Her ammunition, and her stores are wasted,
Her bread and bevorage is evill tasted:
Her keel springs leaks, through her uncawked seams;
Her knees are weakned, bruized are her beams:
Her Pump is broke, no Cable sound hath she;
And, Anchors have been slipt, till none there be:
Her Helm hangs loose, her Cards have great defects;
Her compasse likewise often misdirects:
And ev'ry where, she crazinesse doth feel,
From Prow to Stern, from topmast, to the Keel.
Save, such as this next Parable doth show.
A fair ship, now lies floting on the floods,
Well fill'd with Passengers, well fraught with goods,
Labring to fix an Anchor on the strand
Of her wish'd harbor, which lies neer at hand.
By many stormes, much tackling, she hath spent;
Her Masts are shater'd; and her shrowds are rent:
Her ammunition, and her stores are wasted,
Her bread and bevorage is evill tasted:
Her keel springs leaks, through her uncawked seams;
Her knees are weakned, bruized are her beams:
33
And, Anchors have been slipt, till none there be:
Her Helm hangs loose, her Cards have great defects;
Her compasse likewise often misdirects:
And ev'ry where, she crazinesse doth feel,
From Prow to Stern, from topmast, to the Keel.
In this condition, too and fro she drives,
And, on the waves, with much ado, yet lives:
For, now of late again, the Seas go high;
A stiff gale blows, and she expos'd doth lye
To many hazards, close without the Bar,
Betwixt two Forelands, which in kening are:
If she were fitted, forth again to stand
To Seaward, Pyrats threaten; if to Land
She makes; the rocks lye scattered, here and there,
In which, as great, or, greater dangers are:
And, which is worse, they, who in her abide,
Are mutinous; and, somwhat els beside:
Some ignorant, some trecherous, and, some
Ambitious, how, possessors to become
Of what is other mens: yea, some of those
Who, have this goodly ship at their dispose,
Have in delayes, their time, and stores, mispent,
For private ends; or, for accomplishment
Of worse designes: and, in this great distresse,
(In part through fear, in part through guiltinesse)
So much amuz'd, and so amuzed are,
That, they are at a losse, what course to steer,
Themselves to save; and compasse their design;
Without which, to no course, they will incline
And, on the waves, with much ado, yet lives:
For, now of late again, the Seas go high;
A stiff gale blows, and she expos'd doth lye
To many hazards, close without the Bar,
Betwixt two Forelands, which in kening are:
If she were fitted, forth again to stand
To Seaward, Pyrats threaten; if to Land
She makes; the rocks lye scattered, here and there,
In which, as great, or, greater dangers are:
And, which is worse, they, who in her abide,
Are mutinous; and, somwhat els beside:
Some ignorant, some trecherous, and, some
Ambitious, how, possessors to become
Of what is other mens: yea, some of those
Who, have this goodly ship at their dispose,
Have in delayes, their time, and stores, mispent,
For private ends; or, for accomplishment
Of worse designes: and, in this great distresse,
(In part through fear, in part through guiltinesse)
So much amuz'd, and so amuzed are,
That, they are at a losse, what course to steer,
Themselves to save; and compasse their design;
Without which, to no course, they will incline
The Owners, and the Passengers, have waved
No means, whereby this Vessell might be saved:
For, to that purpose, they have not alone,
Put hand, to all things needfull to be done;
And, faithfully, unto their labour stood;
(Ev'n with the frequent hazard of their blood)
But also, willingly away have cast
Their goods; yea, some have thrown forth to the last
Of all their outward visible estates:
Few of her Masters, or her Masters Mates,
In her extremities, adventring ought;
Although their Cabbins, with rich goods are fraught.
No means, whereby this Vessell might be saved:
For, to that purpose, they have not alone,
Put hand, to all things needfull to be done;
34
(Ev'n with the frequent hazard of their blood)
But also, willingly away have cast
Their goods; yea, some have thrown forth to the last
Of all their outward visible estates:
Few of her Masters, or her Masters Mates,
In her extremities, adventring ought;
Although their Cabbins, with rich goods are fraught.
The danger still increaseth; and those few
In place of trust, who to their trust are true,
Perceiving all endeavours rendred vain
By their decrease, to whom doth appertain
That Vessells charge; they labour'd seriously
To find out an expediment, whereby
Some other Pilots might be timely sent
Their neer approaching shipwrack, to prevent.
And, that by making of their Canons roar,
They might invite help, from the neighbring shore.
In place of trust, who to their trust are true,
Perceiving all endeavours rendred vain
By their decrease, to whom doth appertain
That Vessells charge; they labour'd seriously
To find out an expediment, whereby
Some other Pilots might be timely sent
Their neer approaching shipwrack, to prevent.
And, that by making of their Canons roar,
They might invite help, from the neighbring shore.
The motion pleased all, save such as had
Self-ends to fear; and, these a faction made
So strong against it, that, this Vessell, yet
Hulls there, with many perills, round beset;
Not knowing (without hazard) either how
To ride safe, tack about, or venture through
The narrow Channell; whose hid winding lies
Obscured from their knowledge, and their eyes:
And, one dark night, or, but one tempest more,
Might wrack her on the sands, or on the shore.
But, maugre all these hazards; she at last,
In her wish'd harbour, shall an anchor cast;
For, to the Leeward, lies an unseen Bay,
Where, through the soft Ouze, run aground she may
Without a bruize; and, shall recruits take in,
Ev'n where 'twas fear'd, she should have splitted bin.
You therefore, who conceive your interest
To be concern'd by what is here exprest,
Praise God alone, when fafe this Ship shall be,
For none could have secured her, but he.
Self-ends to fear; and, these a faction made
So strong against it, that, this Vessell, yet
Hulls there, with many perills, round beset;
Not knowing (without hazard) either how
To ride safe, tack about, or venture through
The narrow Channell; whose hid winding lies
Obscured from their knowledge, and their eyes:
And, one dark night, or, but one tempest more,
Might wrack her on the sands, or on the shore.
But, maugre all these hazards; she at last,
In her wish'd harbour, shall an anchor cast;
For, to the Leeward, lies an unseen Bay,
Where, through the soft Ouze, run aground she may
Without a bruize; and, shall recruits take in,
Ev'n where 'twas fear'd, she should have splitted bin.
35
To be concern'd by what is here exprest,
Praise God alone, when fafe this Ship shall be,
For none could have secured her, but he.
And let not those, to whom the same relates
Slight what this Parable insinuates,
Which next ensueth: for, it hath an use,
That much to their advantage may conduce.
A homebred Lion (of a hair unknown
In Africa) by being overgrown,
And dreadfull to his Keepers, will thereby
Awake the rage of smother'd jealousie,
And lose his tail; except between his pawes,
He couch his head, and hide his teeth and clawes;
Or Rampant grow; and what will follow then?
Ask those you credit, they are Cunning men:
Of me you ask in vain; for 'tis my fate,
Seldome to be believ'd, till 'tis too late.
But that stout Lion by his prudency
May easily improve this jealousie,
Both for the Publike safety, and th'increase
Of his own honor, also, if he please;
And I do probably presume he will,
If my well-wishes, have not fool'd my skill.
Slight what this Parable insinuates,
Which next ensueth: for, it hath an use,
That much to their advantage may conduce.
A homebred Lion (of a hair unknown
In Africa) by being overgrown,
And dreadfull to his Keepers, will thereby
Awake the rage of smother'd jealousie,
And lose his tail; except between his pawes,
He couch his head, and hide his teeth and clawes;
Or Rampant grow; and what will follow then?
Ask those you credit, they are Cunning men:
Of me you ask in vain; for 'tis my fate,
Seldome to be believ'd, till 'tis too late.
But that stout Lion by his prudency
May easily improve this jealousie,
Both for the Publike safety, and th'increase
Of his own honor, also, if he please;
And I do probably presume he will,
If my well-wishes, have not fool'd my skill.
Before that time, they who have took delight
In deeds of darknesse, will put out the light
By which the footsteps of their foes are known,
And whereby they might see to guide their own:
Insteed whereof, perhaps erect they shall
An ignis fatuus, which will hazard all.
To each man then shall Providence dispose
That, which for his chief happinesse he chose:
The dogs, who to their vomit do retire,
And swine (who love to wallow in the mire)
Themselves with their beloved filth shall fill;
And they that are unclean, shall be so still.
In deeds of darknesse, will put out the light
By which the footsteps of their foes are known,
And whereby they might see to guide their own:
Insteed whereof, perhaps erect they shall
An ignis fatuus, which will hazard all.
To each man then shall Providence dispose
That, which for his chief happinesse he chose:
The dogs, who to their vomit do retire,
And swine (who love to wallow in the mire)
36
And they that are unclean, shall be so still.
The wilfull Adder, who doth stop his ears,
And will not heed the Charmer whom he hears,
Shall feel a voice within him, that will shake him
Out of his dumps; and from his deafnesse wake him,
When 'tis too late to hear what might prevent
The dint of his forewarned detriment.
The Leaches shall by salt a vomit take;
Or els continue sucking, till they break.
The Bubbles, who in emptinesse do find
Their pleasure, shall be puffed up with wind
Till (being blown to nothing) there appear
No signes, that in the world such bladders were.
The sons of earth, who with the Gods make war,
Shall heap up hills on hills, till crusht they are
Ev'n by their own Designes; the Dogs that prey
Upon their Flocks, and tear their wool away,
Shall bark no more, but only snarle and grin,
And run about the fields without a skin.
The shrubs and Briars, which more proud are grown,
Then were the Cedars, lately broken down;
Among their leaves and thornes, a fire do hide,
Which on a suddain will consume their pride.
And will not heed the Charmer whom he hears,
Shall feel a voice within him, that will shake him
Out of his dumps; and from his deafnesse wake him,
When 'tis too late to hear what might prevent
The dint of his forewarned detriment.
The Leaches shall by salt a vomit take;
Or els continue sucking, till they break.
The Bubbles, who in emptinesse do find
Their pleasure, shall be puffed up with wind
Till (being blown to nothing) there appear
No signes, that in the world such bladders were.
The sons of earth, who with the Gods make war,
Shall heap up hills on hills, till crusht they are
Ev'n by their own Designes; the Dogs that prey
Upon their Flocks, and tear their wool away,
Shall bark no more, but only snarle and grin,
And run about the fields without a skin.
The shrubs and Briars, which more proud are grown,
Then were the Cedars, lately broken down;
Among their leaves and thornes, a fire do hide,
Which on a suddain will consume their pride.
The grubs and maggots, but e'rewhile so small,
So poor and weak, that they could hardly crawl,
Have got bulk, strength, new formes, aspiring wings;
Yea dreadfull teeth, and horns, and claws, and stings:
But, by a storm, whereof they have no dread,
They shall consume as fast as they were bred:
So poor and weak, that they could hardly crawl,
Have got bulk, strength, new formes, aspiring wings;
Yea dreadfull teeth, and horns, and claws, and stings:
But, by a storm, whereof they have no dread,
They shall consume as fast as they were bred:
Within the circuit of our Northern Clime
Not long before, or after these, in time,
Out of the putrified barbed steed,
Shall generated be a num'rous breed
Of noysome hornets, which abroad will fly,
Much mischief doing, and next winter die.
Not long before, or after these, in time,
Out of the putrified barbed steed,
Shall generated be a num'rous breed
37
Much mischief doing, and next winter die.
Friends possibly may meet (our Proverb sayes)
But mountains never; yet in these our dayes,
That Proverb's crost: for hills have often met,
With purpose on each other to beget
A long'd for issue; and it is believ'd
By many, that they somewhat have conceiv'd
Of great concernment: but you'l see the birth
Prove nothing, but a moldring lump of earth;
(As they themselves will be, till clay and dust,
Seek better things, then to fulfill their lust:)
For none can answer now our expectation,
But that great hill, whence cometh our salvation.
But mountains never; yet in these our dayes,
That Proverb's crost: for hills have often met,
With purpose on each other to beget
A long'd for issue; and it is believ'd
By many, that they somewhat have conceiv'd
Of great concernment: but you'l see the birth
Prove nothing, but a moldring lump of earth;
(As they themselves will be, till clay and dust,
Seek better things, then to fulfill their lust:)
For none can answer now our expectation,
But that great hill, whence cometh our salvation.
All this from objects which are found within
Our British Orb, hath preconjectur'd bin;
But those that follow next, to me appear
By things which I observe without our sphere.
Our British Orb, hath preconjectur'd bin;
But those that follow next, to me appear
By things which I observe without our sphere.
The blasted Orange, and the crooked Vine,
With many trees on either side of Rhine
Shall twist together, that beneath their shade,
A shelter for the Thistle may be made,
Till they perceive what curse is in pursuit
Of that rejected plant, root, branch, and fruit;
And then they'l wiser grow; lest they may become
Exposed justly to the self-same doom.
With many trees on either side of Rhine
Shall twist together, that beneath their shade,
A shelter for the Thistle may be made,
Till they perceive what curse is in pursuit
Of that rejected plant, root, branch, and fruit;
And then they'l wiser grow; lest they may become
Exposed justly to the self-same doom.
Mean while, the tawny Olive shall assay
His roots into those Vallies to convay,
From whence it was displanted; and effect
His purpose, by a Wile which few suspect;
Except the Willow, and the Oke foresee
What for their mutuall good should thought on be:
And both the frogs and mice, which are in sight,
Be wary what is watch'd for by the Kite.
By which means they shall break a grand design
Which is on foot, their States to undermine;
And they who of this Peace first movers are,
Shall of that blessing reap the greatest share.
His roots into those Vallies to convay,
From whence it was displanted; and effect
His purpose, by a Wile which few suspect;
Except the Willow, and the Oke foresee
What for their mutuall good should thought on be:
And both the frogs and mice, which are in sight,
Be wary what is watch'd for by the Kite.
38
Which is on foot, their States to undermine;
And they who of this Peace first movers are,
Shall of that blessing reap the greatest share.
Observe this well: if ever you shall see
(As possibly it may permitted be)
That from it height, the RED-CROSSE shall decline,
The half moon for that time shall Northward shine,
(With an ill influence upon the Seas)
Beyond the Pillars of great Hercules,
And Southward not be retrograde again,
Till that a reascension shall attain.
But losses are sometimes a gainfull prize;
By over-sights, men grow to be more wise;
And they who know not yet what may concern
Their welfare, will perhaps more wisdome learn,
When more experience makes their judgment stronger,
By suffering losse and scorn a little longer.
(As possibly it may permitted be)
That from it height, the RED-CROSSE shall decline,
The half moon for that time shall Northward shine,
(With an ill influence upon the Seas)
Beyond the Pillars of great Hercules,
And Southward not be retrograde again,
Till that a reascension shall attain.
But losses are sometimes a gainfull prize;
By over-sights, men grow to be more wise;
And they who know not yet what may concern
Their welfare, will perhaps more wisdome learn,
When more experience makes their judgment stronger,
By suffering losse and scorn a little longer.
We, on this side the water, are not yet
Confus'd enough that Order to beget,
Which must estadlish us; and shall therefore
Pursue self-interest, a little more.
With new wine our old bottle must be fil'd,
(Endangring wine and bottle to be spil'd)
Till such as are in powre be pleas'd to hear
The counsell of a slighted engineer:
With new cloth our old garment patch'd must be,
(Whereby the rents made wider ye shall see)
Till every old rag be worn out, and then
The Robe so rent, shall be renew'd agen:
And they that own it, be secured more,
And much more dignifi'd, then heretofore;
If they who must compleat it make their choice,
By lot divine, as well as humane voice:
Whereto self-seekers never will agree,
Untill inforced by some streights it be.
Confus'd enough that Order to beget,
Which must estadlish us; and shall therefore
Pursue self-interest, a little more.
With new wine our old bottle must be fil'd,
(Endangring wine and bottle to be spil'd)
Till such as are in powre be pleas'd to hear
The counsell of a slighted engineer:
With new cloth our old garment patch'd must be,
(Whereby the rents made wider ye shall see)
Till every old rag be worn out, and then
The Robe so rent, shall be renew'd agen:
And they that own it, be secured more,
And much more dignifi'd, then heretofore;
If they who must compleat it make their choice,
By lot divine, as well as humane voice:
39
Untill inforced by some streights it be.
But when this comes to passe, there shall appear
A new light shining in our hemisphere,
That will disperse the clouds and fogs, which make
So many crosse each other, and mistake
The way of safety; then we shall perceive
Our Opposites desire to interweave
Their interests with ours; and to have share
In that which God will for these Isles prepare:
Wherein if we accord, we shall possesse
Each other, and the world in Christian peace;
Till he approacheth to ascend the Throne,
Who must unite all Nations into one.
A new light shining in our hemisphere,
That will disperse the clouds and fogs, which make
So many crosse each other, and mistake
The way of safety; then we shall perceive
Our Opposites desire to interweave
Their interests with ours; and to have share
In that which God will for these Isles prepare:
Wherein if we accord, we shall possesse
Each other, and the world in Christian peace;
Till he approacheth to ascend the Throne,
Who must unite all Nations into one.
Then shall the blazing Comets, which have seem'd
Fixt stars, and been by many so esteem'd,
(Ev'n of the greatest magnitude) down from
Their heights be thrown; and more despis'd become
Then Glowormes, or those rotten chips, that glare
In darknesse, as if reall lights they were.
Then ev'ry single person shall be brought
Unto his Test; and that which he hath wrought
Shall passe a fiery Triall, such as were
Made fat with publike spoils; and cloathed are
By ruining of others; will that day
Be hungry, poor, and naked sent away,
And rendred the scorn of ev'ry one,
Whom they opprest, despis'd, and trampled on.
Fixt stars, and been by many so esteem'd,
(Ev'n of the greatest magnitude) down from
Their heights be thrown; and more despis'd become
Then Glowormes, or those rotten chips, that glare
In darknesse, as if reall lights they were.
Then ev'ry single person shall be brought
Unto his Test; and that which he hath wrought
Shall passe a fiery Triall, such as were
Made fat with publike spoils; and cloathed are
By ruining of others; will that day
Be hungry, poor, and naked sent away,
And rendred the scorn of ev'ry one,
Whom they opprest, despis'd, and trampled on.
Then they, who large indulgences contrive
For others, that themselves they may forgive;
Who cunning are, at fast and loose to play;
Who take to morrow, what they give to day;
Who make their seeming favours, means unto
Those mischiefs, which their malice could not do.
Who Spider-like, weave cobwebs, with pretence
To catch the noysome flies which give offence.
When none but harmlesse Bees their engines take,
For, through them wasps and hornets passage make.
They, who do sacrifice unto the dead
That wherewithall the living should be fed;
Ev'n when they (wanting what should life preserve)
Lie naked, harbourlesse, and like to starve.
Then such as Innocencies cause betray,
And justifie the wicked, then shall they
Who add more grease to fatnesse; and where's none
Scrap't off, the flesh that's left unto the bone.
Then shall all these, and such like, to their doom
With fear, with trembling, and amazement come,
And undergo deserved punishment,
Unlesse beforehand timely they repent:
In which condition they may yet receive
Remission, and in future safety live.
For others, that themselves they may forgive;
Who cunning are, at fast and loose to play;
Who take to morrow, what they give to day;
Who make their seeming favours, means unto
Those mischiefs, which their malice could not do.
40
To catch the noysome flies which give offence.
When none but harmlesse Bees their engines take,
For, through them wasps and hornets passage make.
They, who do sacrifice unto the dead
That wherewithall the living should be fed;
Ev'n when they (wanting what should life preserve)
Lie naked, harbourlesse, and like to starve.
Then such as Innocencies cause betray,
And justifie the wicked, then shall they
Who add more grease to fatnesse; and where's none
Scrap't off, the flesh that's left unto the bone.
Then shall all these, and such like, to their doom
With fear, with trembling, and amazement come,
And undergo deserved punishment,
Unlesse beforehand timely they repent:
In which condition they may yet receive
Remission, and in future safety live.
Then also they, who now are forc'd to take
The juicelesse apples of Asphaltis Lake,
(Insted of that which was the price of blood,
Limbs liberty, and of their livelyhood)
Shall better be rewarded; and confesse
There is a GOD that loveth righteousnesse.
Then they who have received stones for bread,
(Scorpions for fish) shall with good things be fed.
Then they, who serv'd like Tantalus have bin
(With fruits and waters, which their lips and chin
Have often touch'd in vain) shall that enjoy,
For which they fruitlesse labours now employ:
Yea, they who got but gall and vineger,
When in their greatest Agonies they were,
Shall see what Sampsons Riddle hath imply'd,
On them, and their oppressors verifi'd:
Out of their eaters carkasses, will meat
Extracted be; and sweetnesse they shall get
Out of the bones and ruines of the strong,
By whom they formerly received wrong.
The juicelesse apples of Asphaltis Lake,
(Insted of that which was the price of blood,
Limbs liberty, and of their livelyhood)
Shall better be rewarded; and confesse
There is a GOD that loveth righteousnesse.
Then they who have received stones for bread,
(Scorpions for fish) shall with good things be fed.
Then they, who serv'd like Tantalus have bin
(With fruits and waters, which their lips and chin
Have often touch'd in vain) shall that enjoy,
For which they fruitlesse labours now employ:
Yea, they who got but gall and vineger,
When in their greatest Agonies they were,
Shall see what Sampsons Riddle hath imply'd,
On them, and their oppressors verifi'd:
41
Extracted be; and sweetnesse they shall get
Out of the bones and ruines of the strong,
By whom they formerly received wrong.
Then ravenous Wolves, shall Lambs and Kidlings feed,
The thistly field shall bring forth pretious seed:
The Crocodile shall tears of kindnesse weep;
The Ramping Lion, to the cross shall creep:
And such things as were noysome heretofore,
Shall make our future benefit the more.
The thistly field shall bring forth pretious seed:
The Crocodile shall tears of kindnesse weep;
The Ramping Lion, to the cross shall creep:
And such things as were noysome heretofore,
Shall make our future benefit the more.
Then, from the buried Oxe, will forth arise,
A swarm of thrifty honey making flies,
That shall with sweetnesse, and with plenty store
These Ilands, from the midland, to the shore;
And, spread their floting hives o're all the Seas,
'Twixt both the Tropicks, to th'Antipodes,
(And all without) that blessings which now are
Somewhere enjoy'd, may then be ev'ry where;
To make preparatives for that which brings
Into one body, all dispersed things.
A swarm of thrifty honey making flies,
That shall with sweetnesse, and with plenty store
These Ilands, from the midland, to the shore;
And, spread their floting hives o're all the Seas,
'Twixt both the Tropicks, to th'Antipodes,
(And all without) that blessings which now are
Somewhere enjoy'd, may then be ev'ry where;
To make preparatives for that which brings
Into one body, all dispersed things.
Other events, that seem of consequence,
I do foresee approachings, not far hence:
But so obscurely, that I cannot say
(Without some doubtings) whereto tend they may
For, far beyond my apprehension lies
The chain of those conceal'd contingencies
Which draw on future things: and that frail glasse
Through which the light, disclosing them, must passe,
Is so defective, that it may perchance
Misrepresent them in some circumstance.
I do foresee approachings, not far hence:
But so obscurely, that I cannot say
(Without some doubtings) whereto tend they may
For, far beyond my apprehension lies
The chain of those conceal'd contingencies
Which draw on future things: and that frail glasse
Through which the light, disclosing them, must passe,
Is so defective, that it may perchance
Misrepresent them in some circumstance.
Yet by th'inlightnings, which the sacred Writ
On sanctified reason doth beget,
If we will weigh, consider, and compare
Those WORDS and works, which past and present are,
To GOD and men relating; we of some
Things future, may aright inform'd become.
Yea, out of question, by these are foreshown
To all intents, as much as need be known,
Relating either to our private fates,
Or unto Kingdomes, Commonwealths, and States:
Jf thereto, for the right end, men apply
Their sense in faith, and with humility.
On sanctified reason doth beget,
If we will weigh, consider, and compare
Those WORDS and works, which past and present are,
42
Things future, may aright inform'd become.
Yea, out of question, by these are foreshown
To all intents, as much as need be known,
Relating either to our private fates,
Or unto Kingdomes, Commonwealths, and States:
Jf thereto, for the right end, men apply
Their sense in faith, and with humility.
To find what sense my Parables contain,
No man that's wise, shall need his wits to strain;
For e're three years, are three moneths past the middle
Most men the meaning of them will unriddle,
Without an Oedipus; and think that he
Who made them, had Cassandra's destiny.
But these meer trifles are, respecting that
Of whose approach I tydings can relate:
For long it shall not be, e're that be done
Which will cut off all tyrannies in one:
Yea that which many thousands have expected,
Hundreds of years, shall fully be effected,
Before the Wheel of Time, now rowling by
Hath past M. D. C. L. X. V. and I.
Which numbers how to calculate aright,
From this that follows take a little light.
First, to begin it, you must learn to find
What year the Roman Empire first declin'd,
All whose Characters, us'd in numeration,
Thus plac'd, according to their valuation,
Explain a mystery: for of that State
Whereto they did belong, they shew'd the date:
And at that season 'twill compleated be,
Jn which Rome looks for her next JUBILEE.
No man that's wise, shall need his wits to strain;
For e're three years, are three moneths past the middle
Most men the meaning of them will unriddle,
Without an Oedipus; and think that he
Who made them, had Cassandra's destiny.
But these meer trifles are, respecting that
Of whose approach I tydings can relate:
For long it shall not be, e're that be done
Which will cut off all tyrannies in one:
Yea that which many thousands have expected,
Hundreds of years, shall fully be effected,
Before the Wheel of Time, now rowling by
Hath past M. D. C. L. X. V. and I.
Which numbers how to calculate aright,
From this that follows take a little light.
First, to begin it, you must learn to find
What year the Roman Empire first declin'd,
All whose Characters, us'd in numeration,
Thus plac'd, according to their valuation,
Explain a mystery: for of that State
Whereto they did belong, they shew'd the date:
And at that season 'twill compleated be,
Jn which Rome looks for her next JUBILEE.
My Ridling fit now leaves me for a time;
And here J'le put a period to my Rhime.
My inward perturbations are past over,
My brains begin, by setling, to recover
Those wits, whereby I may, like other men,
Converse; and follow my affairs agen.
My night adventures I have passed thorow,
And they who meet me in the streets to morrow
Will scarce believe how mad I was this night,
Untill they shall peruse what I now write;
And most of them, will then, (it may be) deem,
That others are more mad, then I yet seem.
And here J'le put a period to my Rhime.
43
My brains begin, by setling, to recover
Those wits, whereby I may, like other men,
Converse; and follow my affairs agen.
My night adventures I have passed thorow,
And they who meet me in the streets to morrow
Will scarce believe how mad I was this night,
Untill they shall peruse what I now write;
And most of them, will then, (it may be) deem,
That others are more mad, then I yet seem.
| Miscellaneous works of George Wither | |