 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
The Result, occasioned by the preceding Theam.
Away with self-respects; For now of late
My Private, and this Publick Weals Estate
Are much alike; and both of them, to me
Seem in their Crisis, at this day to be,
Threatning a Sudden Ruine, if much further
Confusion spreads, before reduc'd to Order.
My Genius therefore, doth my Heart incline
To seek that Weal, whereon dependeth mine,
Lest, whilst for Private welfare, I endeavor,
That, and the Publick Peace, be lost for ever.
My Private, and this Publick Weals Estate
Are much alike; and both of them, to me
Seem in their Crisis, at this day to be,
Threatning a Sudden Ruine, if much further
Confusion spreads, before reduc'd to Order.
My Genius therefore, doth my Heart incline
To seek that Weal, whereon dependeth mine,
Lest, whilst for Private welfare, I endeavor,
That, and the Publick Peace, be lost for ever.
This to prevent, (though some will think I dream)
There is occasion couched in this Theam:
And (notwithstanding, much it may be fear'd,
That, what it shall produce, will not be heard,
Among the tumults and confusedness
Which now abound) it will have some Success:
For, otherwhile, by Trifles, that is wrought,
Which could not by great Powers, to pass be brought.
A small shrill whistle, in a Storm, becoms
More signal then the beating of great Drums:
And, who knows not, (he breathing thereinto)
What, by a Ramshorn Trumpet, GOD, may do?
There is occasion couched in this Theam:
And (notwithstanding, much it may be fear'd,
That, what it shall produce, will not be heard,
Among the tumults and confusedness
Which now abound) it will have some Success:
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Which could not by great Powers, to pass be brought.
A small shrill whistle, in a Storm, becoms
More signal then the beating of great Drums:
And, who knows not, (he breathing thereinto)
What, by a Ramshorn Trumpet, GOD, may do?
Our late loss, doth on me to call begin,
As if I somewhat were concern'd therein,
And had a part to Act, wherein I may
Supply, at least, a Fools part in the Play.
And, since occasion given there is none,
I, of my own accord have taken one,
Which, if a causless anger, it provoke
To mischieve me, the care's already took;
I am too low a mark for Supreme Pow'rs,
Too high, to dread an equal when he low'rs.
As if I somewhat were concern'd therein,
And had a part to Act, wherein I may
Supply, at least, a Fools part in the Play.
And, since occasion given there is none,
I, of my own accord have taken one,
Which, if a causless anger, it provoke
To mischieve me, the care's already took;
I am too low a mark for Supreme Pow'rs,
Too high, to dread an equal when he low'rs.
The main prop, of this Government is gone,
The Stone, our Master-builders built upon
Is now remov'd; and, either I mistake,
Or, all that's built thereon begins to shake,
And quite asunder too, will fall at length,
Unless upheld, with more then humane strength.
No former Prince, whose Actions yeelded matter
So worthy of a Muse that would not flatter,
Di'd at a time, wherein there liv'd so few
To give him that, which justly was his due,
(Without a diminution or excess,
Either of which, makes great things, to seem less)
For, having view'd most paper-monuments,
Whereby the Fancie of this Age presents
His Fame to memorie; I finde their Rimes
Are so distracted, as if with these times
Their Authors sympathized in their wit,
And knew not what they meant, nor what they writ:
Else, doubtless, none had fail'd so in expressing
His purpose, as to curse, instead of blessing;
As he, whose Poëm-elegiacal
Is clos'd up, with the name of Jerubbaal.
The Stone, our Master-builders built upon
Is now remov'd; and, either I mistake,
Or, all that's built thereon begins to shake,
And quite asunder too, will fall at length,
Unless upheld, with more then humane strength.
No former Prince, whose Actions yeelded matter
So worthy of a Muse that would not flatter,
Di'd at a time, wherein there liv'd so few
To give him that, which justly was his due,
(Without a diminution or excess,
Either of which, makes great things, to seem less)
For, having view'd most paper-monuments,
Whereby the Fancie of this Age presents
His Fame to memorie; I finde their Rimes
Are so distracted, as if with these times
Their Authors sympathized in their wit,
And knew not what they meant, nor what they writ:
10
His purpose, as to curse, instead of blessing;
As he, whose Poëm-elegiacal
Is clos'd up, with the name of Jerubbaal.
Some, so malitiously Invectives write,
As if their Pens, in Juice of Aconite
Were dipt (or rather in more venom'd matter)
So opposite to that, which they who flatter
Hide underneath their tongues, that, in the stead
Of shewing hatred only to the dead,
They, living men impoyson through the ear
When their uncharitable Charms they hear:
For, these have not alone in scurrile Verse,
Blur'd him with what their malice could asperse
True, or untrue; but, also, take GOD's roome,
Dare to pronounce his everlasting Doome;
And, wickedly, with Damned souls in Hell,
(As others do with Saints) him parallel:
Which argues an Intention, to defame
The person, though he merited no blame.
As if their Pens, in Juice of Aconite
Were dipt (or rather in more venom'd matter)
So opposite to that, which they who flatter
Hide underneath their tongues, that, in the stead
Of shewing hatred only to the dead,
They, living men impoyson through the ear
When their uncharitable Charms they hear:
For, these have not alone in scurrile Verse,
Blur'd him with what their malice could asperse
True, or untrue; but, also, take GOD's roome,
Dare to pronounce his everlasting Doome;
And, wickedly, with Damned souls in Hell,
(As others do with Saints) him parallel:
Which argues an Intention, to defame
The person, though he merited no blame.
Some others, on that subject wantonize
As if their Muse were hawking Butterflies:
Some, are all Oyl: some, have but this one fault,
The want of Sulphur, Mercurie, and Salt:
And, few of them, save he, whose lines preceding,
I make my Text, afford ought worth the reading:
And, they now put me into such a fit
That, if I have not much more Grace then wit,
It may to harsher Censures me expose
Then any one of them, yet undergoes.
As if their Muse were hawking Butterflies:
Some, are all Oyl: some, have but this one fault,
The want of Sulphur, Mercurie, and Salt:
And, few of them, save he, whose lines preceding,
I make my Text, afford ought worth the reading:
And, they now put me into such a fit
That, if I have not much more Grace then wit,
It may to harsher Censures me expose
Then any one of them, yet undergoes.
Except Obscene Verse, (and strong lines, from whence
Are hardly screw'd intelligible sense)
Strains like to this, these Times, best prize to praise;
And, 'tis a smart neat Peece, ΘΡΙΚΙΟΝ sayes:
Which, I deny not; for, it mounts as high
As any English Pegasus can flie,
And, is as well-pac'd: But he feels the Reins
Lie loose upon his Crest, and overstrains,
To know, what best the season doth befit
With his own Ends, this Author wants not wit,
And, I believe, takes much more care then I,
What will best please, and wherewith to complie;
Though I, have more then forty years and five
Found, that my Course, is not the Course to thrive.
Are hardly screw'd intelligible sense)
Strains like to this, these Times, best prize to praise;
And, 'tis a smart neat Peece, ΘΡΙΚΙΟΝ sayes:
11
As any English Pegasus can flie,
And, is as well-pac'd: But he feels the Reins
Lie loose upon his Crest, and overstrains,
To know, what best the season doth befit
With his own Ends, this Author wants not wit,
And, I believe, takes much more care then I,
What will best please, and wherewith to complie;
Though I, have more then forty years and five
Found, that my Course, is not the Course to thrive.
These Verses, which to make my Theam I chuse
Are but the sportings, of their Authors Muse,
And seem to me like Knacks which in a Hall,
I've seen hung up, for Flies to play withall.
These are Wits bubbles, blown up with a Quill,
Which watrie-Circles, with weak-Air doth fill;
Or, like a squib, which fires, and cracks, and flies,
And, makes a noise, that little signifies.
Are but the sportings, of their Authors Muse,
And seem to me like Knacks which in a Hall,
I've seen hung up, for Flies to play withall.
These are Wits bubbles, blown up with a Quill,
Which watrie-Circles, with weak-Air doth fill;
Or, like a squib, which fires, and cracks, and flies,
And, makes a noise, that little signifies.
I, envie not his Fame, who is deceast,
Nor ought, whereby, it may be more encreast:
I, never suffred ought by his Displeasure;
But, did enjoy his Favour, in some measure,
Which he knows, unto whom all things are known,
I, more employ'd for his weal, then mine own,
And, disadvantaged my self, to do him
Such services, as, I thought, I did owe him.
Nor ought, whereby, it may be more encreast:
I, never suffred ought by his Displeasure;
But, did enjoy his Favour, in some measure,
Which he knows, unto whom all things are known,
I, more employ'd for his weal, then mine own,
And, disadvantaged my self, to do him
Such services, as, I thought, I did owe him.
For these respects, none justly can suppose
I grudge him ought, which may by Verse or Prose,
Be added to his Fame; or, that the Mome
I'll play, by carping, or detracting from
Another's contributions, if I see
They are in truth, what they may seem to be.
I, should be pleas'd that those Lines, which precede,
(With what else doth relate to him that's dead)
Whereby, some think, he may be honor'd much,
To all who hear, or view them, might prove such,
That, no occasion might from them be took,
Of what, to his dishonour, will be spoke;
Or, to encrease those Vanities which are
Already, multiplied, over far.
I grudge him ought, which may by Verse or Prose,
Be added to his Fame; or, that the Mome
I'll play, by carping, or detracting from
Another's contributions, if I see
They are in truth, what they may seem to be.
I, should be pleas'd that those Lines, which precede,
(With what else doth relate to him that's dead)
12
To all who hear, or view them, might prove such,
That, no occasion might from them be took,
Of what, to his dishonour, will be spoke;
Or, to encrease those Vanities which are
Already, multiplied, over far.
I, therefore, now expect to be excus'd
Although at this time, I have nothing mus'd,
That, may concern him, in the common mode;
For, in that place, he, now hath his abode
Where he regards not Bawbles. Praises, there,
Or Flatteries, no whit regarded are;
The most inchanting Charms, there, cannot charm him:
Detractions, or Invectives cannot harm him;
To write those Truths, which might have done him shame
Whilst here he liv'd; or gain'd the Writer blame,
Ought, now to be declar'd as well as those
From whence his highest commendation flowes;
And, that may settle Peace, now being spoken,
Which in his life-time, might the Peace have broken.
Although at this time, I have nothing mus'd,
That, may concern him, in the common mode;
For, in that place, he, now hath his abode
Where he regards not Bawbles. Praises, there,
Or Flatteries, no whit regarded are;
The most inchanting Charms, there, cannot charm him:
Detractions, or Invectives cannot harm him;
To write those Truths, which might have done him shame
Whilst here he liv'd; or gain'd the Writer blame,
Ought, now to be declar'd as well as those
From whence his highest commendation flowes;
And, that may settle Peace, now being spoken,
Which in his life-time, might the Peace have broken.
The sacred-Pen-men, future times acquaints,
Not only with the merits of the Saints,
But also, with their Failings; and as great
By th'one, as th'other, is mans benefit:
For, which respect, I will not be afrayd:
To speak, what to good purpose, may be sayd;
Nor, from my Text (as now) to wheel about
To fetch in that, which others needless thought;
For, Method, is not so much my intent,
As by good means, a mischief, to prevent:
And, my digressions, may advance my end,
As much as that, which I did first intend.
Not only with the merits of the Saints,
But also, with their Failings; and as great
By th'one, as th'other, is mans benefit:
For, which respect, I will not be afrayd:
To speak, what to good purpose, may be sayd;
Nor, from my Text (as now) to wheel about
To fetch in that, which others needless thought;
For, Method, is not so much my intent,
As by good means, a mischief, to prevent:
And, my digressions, may advance my end,
As much as that, which I did first intend.
'Tis now, high time, for us to spend our hours,
In gath'ring Fruits, and not in picking Flow's.
I love to see truth, in her nakedness;
And, that, she should sometimes, put on a Dress,
With such Poetick Flourishes adorn'd,
That safe may keep her, and from being scorn'd;
To which end, I my self, compell'd have been
To mask and vail her, when I have foreseen
Apparent Dangers; and another time
To cloath her, in that fashionable Trim
Which most affect; that, therewith brought acquainted,
True Beauty, may be known from what is painted.
And, that, they who were drawn in, by the Signe,
Might Guests be, for the goodness of the Wine.
In gath'ring Fruits, and not in picking Flow's.
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And, that, she should sometimes, put on a Dress,
With such Poetick Flourishes adorn'd,
That safe may keep her, and from being scorn'd;
To which end, I my self, compell'd have been
To mask and vail her, when I have foreseen
Apparent Dangers; and another time
To cloath her, in that fashionable Trim
Which most affect; that, therewith brought acquainted,
True Beauty, may be known from what is painted.
And, that, they who were drawn in, by the Signe,
Might Guests be, for the goodness of the Wine.
My Reverence to the Muses, is not small;
For, all true Poets are Prophetical,
And had a Preparation in the Womb,
Before they forth into the World did come;
Not, that their Faculty, should be appli'd
To stir up Carnal Lust, or puff up Pride;
But, that they should to Pietie invite,
And make Mankinde in Virtues more delight;
From which, prevaricating, they have lost
Their Honour; and are quite despis'd almost.
They should not strive for words to please the ear,
In which, no solid Matter doth appear;
But, write so plainly, that, the meanest Wit
Might from their Musings, reap some benefit.
They should not weave their Webs of Stuffs that be
So, diff'ring, that, they never can agree;
Nor, when our Sin, for Sober-Mourning calls,
Play us a Jigg, or sing us Madrigals.
Meer verbal Whimseys, in a Serious Cause,
Which most part of the Readers more amaze
Then edifie; (by that which never was,
Nor is, nor shall hereafter come to pass)
Look like solemnizing an Ordinance
In Pious Duties, with a Morrice-Dance;
Or, like their actings, who, against the Forces
Of well-arm'd Foes, bring Troops of Hobby-horses.
For, all true Poets are Prophetical,
And had a Preparation in the Womb,
Before they forth into the World did come;
Not, that their Faculty, should be appli'd
To stir up Carnal Lust, or puff up Pride;
But, that they should to Pietie invite,
And make Mankinde in Virtues more delight;
From which, prevaricating, they have lost
Their Honour; and are quite despis'd almost.
They should not strive for words to please the ear,
In which, no solid Matter doth appear;
But, write so plainly, that, the meanest Wit
Might from their Musings, reap some benefit.
They should not weave their Webs of Stuffs that be
So, diff'ring, that, they never can agree;
Nor, when our Sin, for Sober-Mourning calls,
Play us a Jigg, or sing us Madrigals.
Meer verbal Whimseys, in a Serious Cause,
Which most part of the Readers more amaze
Then edifie; (by that which never was,
Nor is, nor shall hereafter come to pass)
14
In Pious Duties, with a Morrice-Dance;
Or, like their actings, who, against the Forces
Of well-arm'd Foes, bring Troops of Hobby-horses.
What, in the Theam foregoing, is there said
Which honours him deceased, if well weigh'd?
And hath not rather into question brought
Things, which to question, few men would have thought?
There, at his Death, a Storm, is fain'd to roar,
Which was o'er-blown almost a week before;
And, had it not been so, some would from thence
Have drawn, perhaps, an evil Consequence;
More Fancies, forming in the People's Brain,
Then two such Storms, would have blown out again.
Allusions, too, are made, as if surmiz'd
That, He, henceforth should be Idolatriz'd,
As more then Man, whom we this day perceive
Laid lower then the meanest Men that Live.
To teach us, that, in Princes, there's no trust;
That, all meer Human-Glories, are but dust;
And, that, Death will, their Vanity discover,
At whatsoe'er cost, Double-Guilded over.
Which honours him deceased, if well weigh'd?
And hath not rather into question brought
Things, which to question, few men would have thought?
There, at his Death, a Storm, is fain'd to roar,
Which was o'er-blown almost a week before;
And, had it not been so, some would from thence
Have drawn, perhaps, an evil Consequence;
More Fancies, forming in the People's Brain,
Then two such Storms, would have blown out again.
Allusions, too, are made, as if surmiz'd
That, He, henceforth should be Idolatriz'd,
As more then Man, whom we this day perceive
Laid lower then the meanest Men that Live.
To teach us, that, in Princes, there's no trust;
That, all meer Human-Glories, are but dust;
And, that, Death will, their Vanity discover,
At whatsoe'er cost, Double-Guilded over.
So, did His last Breath shake this Isle of our,
As Pellets from a Pot-Gun, shake a Tow'r.
For, all her Shakings, to my best perceiving,
Rise from our own Distempers who are Living.
So, for his Funeral-Pile, un-cut Trees fell;
So, Romulus and He were Parallel;
So, New-Rome, in a Tempest, mist her King,
Then, from obeying, fell to worshipping;
And, so, on Oeta, Hercules lay dead,
As Chalk's like Cheese, and Beer is like to Bread.
So, from the Continent, He Towns hath torn,
As he, who tears a Hedge, and gets a Thorn
Which wounds his hand, and when he dreads no harm,
Doth gangrene, to the losing of his Arm.
So, are our Freedoms, and our Bounds inlarg'd,
As his, who, from a small Debt, is discharg'd,
To re-oblige himself, in that, which may
Sweep Liberty, and all he hath, away;
And, if our Endings prove like our Beginnings,
Our Losses, vvill be greater then our Winnings.
As Pellets from a Pot-Gun, shake a Tow'r.
For, all her Shakings, to my best perceiving,
Rise from our own Distempers who are Living.
So, for his Funeral-Pile, un-cut Trees fell;
So, Romulus and He were Parallel;
So, New-Rome, in a Tempest, mist her King,
Then, from obeying, fell to worshipping;
And, so, on Oeta, Hercules lay dead,
As Chalk's like Cheese, and Beer is like to Bread.
So, from the Continent, He Towns hath torn,
As he, who tears a Hedge, and gets a Thorn
15
Doth gangrene, to the losing of his Arm.
So, are our Freedoms, and our Bounds inlarg'd,
As his, who, from a small Debt, is discharg'd,
To re-oblige himself, in that, which may
Sweep Liberty, and all he hath, away;
And, if our Endings prove like our Beginnings,
Our Losses, vvill be greater then our Winnings.
What Comfort yields it, to impose a Yoke
On others, if our Fetters be not broke?
VVhat Pleasure brings it, if our Confines be
Inlarged, if in them, vve are not free?
VVhat Profit, is it unto us at Home,
That some in Forraign Parts, inrich'd become,
If, vve mean vvhile are Beggars? or else more
At least, impov'rish'd, then we vvere before?
VVhat Honour is it, that, both Tropicks hear
Our Language, if to speak Truth, few men dare?
Or vvhat by Conquests, vvill be got or sav'd,
If they vvho Conquer'd, are at last inslav'd?
On others, if our Fetters be not broke?
VVhat Pleasure brings it, if our Confines be
Inlarged, if in them, vve are not free?
VVhat Profit, is it unto us at Home,
That some in Forraign Parts, inrich'd become,
If, vve mean vvhile are Beggars? or else more
At least, impov'rish'd, then we vvere before?
VVhat Honour is it, that, both Tropicks hear
Our Language, if to speak Truth, few men dare?
Or vvhat by Conquests, vvill be got or sav'd,
If they vvho Conquer'd, are at last inslav'd?
Not unto us, not unto us, be given,
(Or to our Chiefs) but to the GOD of Heaven,
The thanks and honour, that, both our Late Wars
VVith Neighb'ring Foes, and our Domestick Jarrs
Are Superseded: VVould GOD, I could say,
VVere vvholly ended: (as I hope I may)
For, had not He, with our Protector stood,
VVe, till this day, had wallow'd in our Blood;
Yea, had not GOD, a timely ayd brought in,
Destroy'd long since, both He, and vve had bin.
(Or to our Chiefs) but to the GOD of Heaven,
The thanks and honour, that, both our Late Wars
VVith Neighb'ring Foes, and our Domestick Jarrs
Are Superseded: VVould GOD, I could say,
VVere vvholly ended: (as I hope I may)
For, had not He, with our Protector stood,
VVe, till this day, had wallow'd in our Blood;
Yea, had not GOD, a timely ayd brought in,
Destroy'd long since, both He, and vve had bin.
Our Antient Way of Conquering abroad,
VVhich this Muse, doth implicitely applaud)
VVhat got vve by it, but a Cursed Game,
Atchiev'd vvith Blood, and lost vvith Blood again?
I know not vvhat the Conscience of a State
Or Policy by Law, may tolerate;
VVith that I vvill not meddle: But to me
It seemeth not to Quadrate or agree
VVith Moral Honesty, or Sacred Laws,
(Unless there be unquestionable Cause,
And Pow'r apparent, vvhich doth vvarrantize
GOD's calling us to such an Enterprize)
That, vve, into our Neighbours Lot, should fall
VVith Fire and Sword; and Honourable call
Those Deeds, for vvhich, LAVV, to their Actors gives
The stiles of Pyrats, Murtherers and Thieves:
Or, that, a few, should vvithout free assent
Of all the People in a Parliament,
Ingage them by a Quarrel, which may cost
Their Lives, and all that may vvith Life be lost:
I know no Law or Gospel, vvarranting
So hazzardous or reasonless a thing;
Or, that, vve vvho subjection do profess
Unto the King of Righteousness and Peace,
Should take the Wages, and the Colours carry
Of him, that's both His and our Adversary.
Nor can I understand, how vve then do
As we would willingly be done unto,
VVhen to accomplish the ambitious ends
Of Princes, vve have hazzarded our Friends,
To trouble, and infringe the Peace of those,
VVho vvould not vvillingly have been our Foes;
Till many hundred thousands are undone,
To satisfie the boundless Lust of One;
Squandring away those Blessings to th'increase
Of Discord, which we might have kept in Peace.
VVhich this Muse, doth implicitely applaud)
VVhat got vve by it, but a Cursed Game,
Atchiev'd vvith Blood, and lost vvith Blood again?
16
Or Policy by Law, may tolerate;
VVith that I vvill not meddle: But to me
It seemeth not to Quadrate or agree
VVith Moral Honesty, or Sacred Laws,
(Unless there be unquestionable Cause,
And Pow'r apparent, vvhich doth vvarrantize
GOD's calling us to such an Enterprize)
That, vve, into our Neighbours Lot, should fall
VVith Fire and Sword; and Honourable call
Those Deeds, for vvhich, LAVV, to their Actors gives
The stiles of Pyrats, Murtherers and Thieves:
Or, that, a few, should vvithout free assent
Of all the People in a Parliament,
Ingage them by a Quarrel, which may cost
Their Lives, and all that may vvith Life be lost:
I know no Law or Gospel, vvarranting
So hazzardous or reasonless a thing;
Or, that, vve vvho subjection do profess
Unto the King of Righteousness and Peace,
Should take the Wages, and the Colours carry
Of him, that's both His and our Adversary.
Nor can I understand, how vve then do
As we would willingly be done unto,
VVhen to accomplish the ambitious ends
Of Princes, vve have hazzarded our Friends,
To trouble, and infringe the Peace of those,
VVho vvould not vvillingly have been our Foes;
Till many hundred thousands are undone,
To satisfie the boundless Lust of One;
Squandring away those Blessings to th'increase
Of Discord, which we might have kept in Peace.
How many a goodly City, Town and Field,
VVhich did a comfortable Dwelling yeild
To Millions, who were no way interested
In Tyrants Quarrels, have of late been wasted?
And, what a sad Accompt to make have they
Upon whose heads, that Blood and Spoil doth lie?
Believe it; though to keep from Violation
Those Laws, which have respect to every Nation,
GOD's Universal Justice, doth engage
The Nations on each other, War to wage;
Yet, use they should not make of His Commissions
To satisfie their Vengeance, their Ambitions,
Or Avarice; nor any vvay extend them
Beyond those Ends for which he doth intend them.
VVhich did a comfortable Dwelling yeild
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In Tyrants Quarrels, have of late been wasted?
And, what a sad Accompt to make have they
Upon whose heads, that Blood and Spoil doth lie?
Believe it; though to keep from Violation
Those Laws, which have respect to every Nation,
GOD's Universal Justice, doth engage
The Nations on each other, War to wage;
Yet, use they should not make of His Commissions
To satisfie their Vengeance, their Ambitions,
Or Avarice; nor any vvay extend them
Beyond those Ends for which he doth intend them.
It is but little less then Blasphemy
The Works of Nature, so to mis-apply
As this Muse doth, who in a Strain doth write,
As if none could express a Glow-Worm's light
Unless he did Hyperbolize, so far,
At least, to equalize it to a Star.
He seems, as if he would insinuate
That Nature, at his Death was passionate;
And makes that Creature speak, which never Flatters
Or Speaks at all, save onely in such Matters,
As do concern GOD's glory, or, may shame
Those Wits who grossly mis-apply the same.
So, Nature, hath took Notice of His Death,
And, sighing, swel'd the Ocean with her breath,
The Death of her great Ruler to foreshew,
As 'twas presaged when my Cat did Mew:
For, Nature, never heed in such wise, took
Of any Princes Death, but, when it shook
The Universe, to see the SON OF GOD
Dead on the Cross, with Arms display'd abroad:
And from the Reverence that's due to such
High Mysteries, this, hath detracted much.
Of this kinde, and of such-like Airy-Puffs,
Of such deceivable, vain, empty stuffs,
Are most of all those Books, and Trophies made,
Which Princes, to eternize them have had:
And, so small credit, is attributed
To what is either to their Honour sed,
Or their Dishonour, that, wise Men reject it,
As of no Value; or at least, suspect it,
As an effect of Flatterie, or of Hate,
Though many set it at a higher Rate.
For, their Praise, whom we finde most prodigal
Of Praises, merits no respect at all;
But, rather, from the Hearers, back returns
On him that's Prais'd, and on the Praiser, Scornes:
And, seldom, shall you finde much worth in them,
That have immodest Praises, in esteem.
Yet, these vain Blasts of Fame, oft, sound as loud
As Cannons, or as Thunder from a Cloud:
The People entertain them with Applause;
Of much Expense, they are the needless Cause:
By these, wise Men, are otherwhile bewitch'd;
By these, are Fools and Flatterers inrich'd:
But, thereby, such effects alone are got,
As Powder hath, when fired without shot.
Yet, so to prize them, many men are given,
As if, without them, none could climb to Heaven;
Or, as if he, of whom most Lies we tell,
Should find least Torments, in the Pains of Hell.
The Works of Nature, so to mis-apply
As this Muse doth, who in a Strain doth write,
As if none could express a Glow-Worm's light
Unless he did Hyperbolize, so far,
At least, to equalize it to a Star.
He seems, as if he would insinuate
That Nature, at his Death was passionate;
And makes that Creature speak, which never Flatters
Or Speaks at all, save onely in such Matters,
As do concern GOD's glory, or, may shame
Those Wits who grossly mis-apply the same.
So, Nature, hath took Notice of His Death,
And, sighing, swel'd the Ocean with her breath,
The Death of her great Ruler to foreshew,
As 'twas presaged when my Cat did Mew:
For, Nature, never heed in such wise, took
Of any Princes Death, but, when it shook
The Universe, to see the SON OF GOD
Dead on the Cross, with Arms display'd abroad:
And from the Reverence that's due to such
High Mysteries, this, hath detracted much.
18
Of such deceivable, vain, empty stuffs,
Are most of all those Books, and Trophies made,
Which Princes, to eternize them have had:
And, so small credit, is attributed
To what is either to their Honour sed,
Or their Dishonour, that, wise Men reject it,
As of no Value; or at least, suspect it,
As an effect of Flatterie, or of Hate,
Though many set it at a higher Rate.
For, their Praise, whom we finde most prodigal
Of Praises, merits no respect at all;
But, rather, from the Hearers, back returns
On him that's Prais'd, and on the Praiser, Scornes:
And, seldom, shall you finde much worth in them,
That have immodest Praises, in esteem.
Yet, these vain Blasts of Fame, oft, sound as loud
As Cannons, or as Thunder from a Cloud:
The People entertain them with Applause;
Of much Expense, they are the needless Cause:
By these, wise Men, are otherwhile bewitch'd;
By these, are Fools and Flatterers inrich'd:
But, thereby, such effects alone are got,
As Powder hath, when fired without shot.
Yet, so to prize them, many men are given,
As if, without them, none could climb to Heaven;
Or, as if he, of whom most Lies we tell,
Should find least Torments, in the Pains of Hell.
The Principle I own, is to adhere
To that Power, which Supremacy doth bear,
And I'll (without an Oath) be true to those
VVho are by GOD, and by this People chose,
Till they advance another, whom I see
Invested with Pow'r-Absolute, to be;
And, whether he comes in, by Right or Wrong,
Leave that, to them, to whom it doth belong.
Him, I will serve, not with base Flatteries
VVhich blind his Judgement, or put out his eyes.
In my Addresses, I will never tell
To him, what I may fear he knowes too well:
Nor further then I know him, magnifie him,
Lest his own conscience knowing I belie him,
(Or speak more then my knowledge can acquire)
He, hereby know, I am a fawning Lyar.
Before him, I will those things onely set,
VVhich I think, he may possibly forget,
Or, vvhich unto his knowledge are not brought,
Or (if known) not consider'd as they ought;
And, do it so, that he shall not despise
VVhat's done, if he be either Good, or Wise:
If not, yet vvhen my Duty I have done,
I'll bear with Patience, vvhat ensues thereon.
To that Power, which Supremacy doth bear,
And I'll (without an Oath) be true to those
VVho are by GOD, and by this People chose,
Till they advance another, whom I see
Invested with Pow'r-Absolute, to be;
19
Leave that, to them, to whom it doth belong.
Him, I will serve, not with base Flatteries
VVhich blind his Judgement, or put out his eyes.
In my Addresses, I will never tell
To him, what I may fear he knowes too well:
Nor further then I know him, magnifie him,
Lest his own conscience knowing I belie him,
(Or speak more then my knowledge can acquire)
He, hereby know, I am a fawning Lyar.
Before him, I will those things onely set,
VVhich I think, he may possibly forget,
Or, vvhich unto his knowledge are not brought,
Or (if known) not consider'd as they ought;
And, do it so, that he shall not despise
VVhat's done, if he be either Good, or Wise:
If not, yet vvhen my Duty I have done,
I'll bear with Patience, vvhat ensues thereon.
In all the Changes, vvhich have been of late,
I have preserv'd this Rule inviolate,
Though some think not, vvhen one Pow'r vvas made two,
And, wiser Men, knew not vvhich vvay to go.
For, so far as my conscience vvould permit,
I serv'd that Pow'r vvhich in the Throne did sit
Most visibly; in every change that came,
Siding vvith none in changing of the same:
And vvhen the Soveraignty, on him vvas plac'd
By GOD's permission, vvho enjoy'd it last,
I did, accordingly, employ my Force
To keep vvhat might be naught, from being worse;
Adventuring, sometimes, so far therein,
That, to my disadvantage, it hath bin.
I, was to him, in all things, alwayes true,
VVhich nothing took from his Superiors due.
I did so far forth as it would consist
VVith GOD's Praise, with the Publick Interest,
And his true Honour, do what in me lay
All those Obstructions to remove away,
VVhich, by disabling him, might heretofore
Have made his Dangers, and our Mischieves more.
And, though those Services which I could do him
Some will deride, they have been useful to him:
For, 'tis at present, known, to more then One,
Yet living, (and was known to him that's gone)
That, in the greatest hazzard he e'er had,
I, seas'nably, by Providence was made
An Instrument of Safety, when th'intention
VVas almost rip'ned, beyond all Prevention.
Yea, to prevent them, vvho by his Disgrace,
Endeavour'd to destroy the publick Peace:
His Actings, too, I praised as I ought,
In what, I, them to be Praise-worthy thought,
Consider'd in themselves: But, his Desart
Left in the main, to Him, who knew his Heart:
And knowing it to be GOD's priviledge,
(Even his alone) of Secret things to judge,
No further ever did, (nor ever will)
Of him, or any man, judge well or ill,
Since first this Principle to me was known,
And by Consideration, made mine own.
I have preserv'd this Rule inviolate,
Though some think not, vvhen one Pow'r vvas made two,
And, wiser Men, knew not vvhich vvay to go.
For, so far as my conscience vvould permit,
I serv'd that Pow'r vvhich in the Throne did sit
Most visibly; in every change that came,
Siding vvith none in changing of the same:
And vvhen the Soveraignty, on him vvas plac'd
By GOD's permission, vvho enjoy'd it last,
I did, accordingly, employ my Force
To keep vvhat might be naught, from being worse;
Adventuring, sometimes, so far therein,
That, to my disadvantage, it hath bin.
I, was to him, in all things, alwayes true,
VVhich nothing took from his Superiors due.
20
VVith GOD's Praise, with the Publick Interest,
And his true Honour, do what in me lay
All those Obstructions to remove away,
VVhich, by disabling him, might heretofore
Have made his Dangers, and our Mischieves more.
And, though those Services which I could do him
Some will deride, they have been useful to him:
For, 'tis at present, known, to more then One,
Yet living, (and was known to him that's gone)
That, in the greatest hazzard he e'er had,
I, seas'nably, by Providence was made
An Instrument of Safety, when th'intention
VVas almost rip'ned, beyond all Prevention.
Yea, to prevent them, vvho by his Disgrace,
Endeavour'd to destroy the publick Peace:
His Actings, too, I praised as I ought,
In what, I, them to be Praise-worthy thought,
Consider'd in themselves: But, his Desart
Left in the main, to Him, who knew his Heart:
And knowing it to be GOD's priviledge,
(Even his alone) of Secret things to judge,
No further ever did, (nor ever will)
Of him, or any man, judge well or ill,
Since first this Principle to me was known,
And by Consideration, made mine own.
It is enough, that Princes whilst they live
Are borne withal; and that vvhilst they survive
VVe hide their failings, that, none might through them
That Pow'r, and that Authority contemn
By which they Govern: for, a Tyranny,
Is somewhat better then an Anarchy.
If, I suspect my Prince a vvicked man,
To make him better, I'll do what I can;
Lest, he that's next be worse: As once by Paul
Agrippa courted was, him court, I shall,
If, need be: or, vvill flatter him so far
As by our Servants, Children flatter'd are,
To make them do their Duties: but, not vvo him
For my own ends, to that which may undo him:
(VVhich I conceive, is such a Pious fraud
As GOD allows, and honest men applaud.)
In Life, I serv'd him thus; now Dead he lies
I'll speak no more of him, then may suffice
To make those better, and take better heed
VVho shall henceforward, in his Room succeed.
Are borne withal; and that vvhilst they survive
VVe hide their failings, that, none might through them
That Pow'r, and that Authority contemn
By which they Govern: for, a Tyranny,
Is somewhat better then an Anarchy.
If, I suspect my Prince a vvicked man,
To make him better, I'll do what I can;
21
Agrippa courted was, him court, I shall,
If, need be: or, vvill flatter him so far
As by our Servants, Children flatter'd are,
To make them do their Duties: but, not vvo him
For my own ends, to that which may undo him:
(VVhich I conceive, is such a Pious fraud
As GOD allows, and honest men applaud.)
In Life, I serv'd him thus; now Dead he lies
I'll speak no more of him, then may suffice
To make those better, and take better heed
VVho shall henceforward, in his Room succeed.
Examples, we from Holy-Writ, may take,
That of the Dead we nothing ought to speak
But, vvhat is true; and that we are as well
Oblig'd, their failings as deserts to tell.
That, GOD, may have due Praise by every one;
That Men, by knowing truly, what is done,
In those things, vvhich concern them; (and by whom
Their Mischieves, or their Benefits do come)
May actuate accordingly, in season,
The Dictates of their Conscience, and sound Reason.
It vvas not then thought (as now in these times
Perhaps, it may be) that, to blaze the crimes
Of Eli, David, or Jehosaphat,
Or Hezekiah; (though unto the State
Some of them had respect) vvas sawciness,
Or vvant of Manners, though they did express
Both to those times, and future Generations
Their Failings, vvith their proper aggravations.
And therefore, if a just occasion be,
Expect the like plain-dealing novv from me:
For to the same End, I vvill do mine Arrants,
And make good my Commission, by their Warrants.
That of the Dead we nothing ought to speak
But, vvhat is true; and that we are as well
Oblig'd, their failings as deserts to tell.
That, GOD, may have due Praise by every one;
That Men, by knowing truly, what is done,
In those things, vvhich concern them; (and by whom
Their Mischieves, or their Benefits do come)
May actuate accordingly, in season,
The Dictates of their Conscience, and sound Reason.
It vvas not then thought (as now in these times
Perhaps, it may be) that, to blaze the crimes
Of Eli, David, or Jehosaphat,
Or Hezekiah; (though unto the State
Some of them had respect) vvas sawciness,
Or vvant of Manners, though they did express
Both to those times, and future Generations
Their Failings, vvith their proper aggravations.
And therefore, if a just occasion be,
Expect the like plain-dealing novv from me:
For to the same End, I vvill do mine Arrants,
And make good my Commission, by their Warrants.
22
I, grant it Thanklesness, as he infers,
If we for Benefactors have no tears
When they are dead: For, I desire we may
Their Dues, both to the Dead and Living pay:
But, I conceive it more ingratitude,
Upon the World, our Fictions to obtrude,
And, let that as impertinent pass by,
Which GOD permits, or acts, to glorify
His Justice, or his mercie, whose neglects
Make other things, to want their due effects.
GOD, make us grateful for what is bestown,
In such wise, that to every one his own
We may ascribe, and, not to any give
So much, that, of his dues, we him deprive;
Nor so much to one man, that, they may be
Defrauded, who, deserv'd as well as He.
If we for Benefactors have no tears
When they are dead: For, I desire we may
Their Dues, both to the Dead and Living pay:
But, I conceive it more ingratitude,
Upon the World, our Fictions to obtrude,
And, let that as impertinent pass by,
Which GOD permits, or acts, to glorify
His Justice, or his mercie, whose neglects
Make other things, to want their due effects.
GOD, make us grateful for what is bestown,
In such wise, that to every one his own
We may ascribe, and, not to any give
So much, that, of his dues, we him deprive;
Nor so much to one man, that, they may be
Defrauded, who, deserv'd as well as He.
Such Partialities, at first, brought in
All Tyrannies: By such, Free-men have bin
Enslaved by degrees, and thereunto
Our Fawnings add more, then all else can do;
And 'tis impossible a means to finde
To keep those Free, who have a slavish minde,
Or Currish nature; For, the first want courage,
And give their Birth-rights, for a Mess of Porrage:
The other, must like Bandogs chained be,
Else none who live among them, can be free.
GOD, grant us grace, so to bewail his Fate,
Who is deceast, as to rejoyce in that
Which is thereby design'd: and, to take heed
We do not complementally proceed
In formal mournings, till the Counterfeit
Makes us, those Christian mournings to forget
Which are now cal'd for; and till we have more
True Cause of sorrow then we had before;
And, for the Dead, pursue a formal grieving
Destructive to the welfare of the Living:
Lest, when the Dead, their Dead, in earth shall cloth,
One day, become a mourning-day to both.
For, to suspect, just cause enough I find
Some mischief, for that day would be design'd
And acted too, if Vengeance could raise pow'r
To do, what might be done at such an hour:
As those despights, do questionless assure
Which on his Scutcheon and his Portraiture
VVere lately acted, if believe we may
VVhat seems believ'd, and common Fame doth say.
All Tyrannies: By such, Free-men have bin
Enslaved by degrees, and thereunto
Our Fawnings add more, then all else can do;
And 'tis impossible a means to finde
To keep those Free, who have a slavish minde,
Or Currish nature; For, the first want courage,
And give their Birth-rights, for a Mess of Porrage:
The other, must like Bandogs chained be,
Else none who live among them, can be free.
GOD, grant us grace, so to bewail his Fate,
Who is deceast, as to rejoyce in that
Which is thereby design'd: and, to take heed
We do not complementally proceed
In formal mournings, till the Counterfeit
Makes us, those Christian mournings to forget
Which are now cal'd for; and till we have more
True Cause of sorrow then we had before;
23
Destructive to the welfare of the Living:
Lest, when the Dead, their Dead, in earth shall cloth,
One day, become a mourning-day to both.
For, to suspect, just cause enough I find
Some mischief, for that day would be design'd
And acted too, if Vengeance could raise pow'r
To do, what might be done at such an hour:
As those despights, do questionless assure
Which on his Scutcheon and his Portraiture
VVere lately acted, if believe we may
VVhat seems believ'd, and common Fame doth say.
Interments of the Dead, were first intended
Lest by them, they who live, might be offended
If not remov'd from sight: Therefore, by giving
Things to the Dead, belonging to the living,
Doth injure both; and neither get, nor give
Such honour, as we may perhaps conceive:
But are occasions rather of Disgraces
And of returning durt in our Faces.
So Cynical my humor never was
To think, men should be buried like an Ass;
Nor shall I Judas-like, be discontent
To see a box of pretious Odors spent
In burying him; though for a while the Poor
May want it; if, their wants it make not more
Then they can bear; And, mends be made for that
Which they have suff'red ere it be too late.
But, I abhor it, when I do behold
Walls clothed, and poor men expos'd to cold
And nakedness: or at their needless cost
Another honour'd whilst their credit's lost
VVhich is more worth then Life; and which to save,
They many times, their Lives adventur'd have.
Lest by them, they who live, might be offended
If not remov'd from sight: Therefore, by giving
Things to the Dead, belonging to the living,
Doth injure both; and neither get, nor give
Such honour, as we may perhaps conceive:
But are occasions rather of Disgraces
And of returning durt in our Faces.
So Cynical my humor never was
To think, men should be buried like an Ass;
Nor shall I Judas-like, be discontent
To see a box of pretious Odors spent
In burying him; though for a while the Poor
May want it; if, their wants it make not more
Then they can bear; And, mends be made for that
Which they have suff'red ere it be too late.
But, I abhor it, when I do behold
Walls clothed, and poor men expos'd to cold
And nakedness: or at their needless cost
Another honour'd whilst their credit's lost
VVhich is more worth then Life; and which to save,
They many times, their Lives adventur'd have.
24
Small honour, by that Fun'rall-Pomp, is got
VVhere they who bear the charge approve it not.
To bring a Prince, with glory to his grave,
Is not to make his lifeless Image brave;
To give as great a reverence thereunto
As Pagans, to their Idols, us'd to do,
Or, as they, who like worship have appli'd
Unto his Image who was crucifi'd.
It is not to make Pageants at their cost
(VVho think they have too much already lost)
VVith those vain Ceremonial Rites attended,
VVhereby, the sober-minded are offended;
And till Spectators, Jeeringly do say,
It is a very costly Puppet-Play.
Or, till it gives them cause to be afear'd
That, way thereby, to worse things is prepar'd:
For, this way, was Idolatry brought in;
This way, most Superstitions did begin;
And, this way, if GOD let it be pursu'd
A little further they will be renew'd
Till that day comes, in which, what men endeavor
To build up, shall destroyed be for ever.
VVhere they who bear the charge approve it not.
To bring a Prince, with glory to his grave,
Is not to make his lifeless Image brave;
To give as great a reverence thereunto
As Pagans, to their Idols, us'd to do,
Or, as they, who like worship have appli'd
Unto his Image who was crucifi'd.
It is not to make Pageants at their cost
(VVho think they have too much already lost)
VVith those vain Ceremonial Rites attended,
VVhereby, the sober-minded are offended;
And till Spectators, Jeeringly do say,
It is a very costly Puppet-Play.
Or, till it gives them cause to be afear'd
That, way thereby, to worse things is prepar'd:
For, this way, was Idolatry brought in;
This way, most Superstitions did begin;
And, this way, if GOD let it be pursu'd
A little further they will be renew'd
Till that day comes, in which, what men endeavor
To build up, shall destroyed be for ever.
Philip of Spain, the Second (as 'tis sayd)
Did, of a Funeral-Pageant, thus arayd,
A Patern leave; which is resembled much
By this; one circumstance, (and some few such)
Excepted, (and for ought that I yet know,
That might be privately, performed too.)
Those Anti-roomes of State, with Blacks beclad,
Through which, men to th'Effigies passage had,
And, wherein they were forced to stand bare,
Became a property unuseful there:
For, Pater-nosters, they should there have sed,
And Ave-Maries, for the Soul that's dead,
If they that Ceremonie had observed
For which those places were at first reserved;
And, whereto (though unpractis'd at this day)
Such Innovations, will perhaps make way.
Did, of a Funeral-Pageant, thus arayd,
A Patern leave; which is resembled much
By this; one circumstance, (and some few such)
Excepted, (and for ought that I yet know,
That might be privately, performed too.)
Those Anti-roomes of State, with Blacks beclad,
Through which, men to th'Effigies passage had,
And, wherein they were forced to stand bare,
Became a property unuseful there:
For, Pater-nosters, they should there have sed,
And Ave-Maries, for the Soul that's dead,
25
For which those places were at first reserved;
And, whereto (though unpractis'd at this day)
Such Innovations, will perhaps make way.
VVe are already, drawing very nigh
To superstitions, and Idolatrie;
And, at the Back-door, that is coming in,
VVhich at the Fore-door, hath expelled bin.
Who, would have thought, that we, who do neglect
One of the goodliest Piles of Architect
In all the Christian World, because, long since,
It seem'd profan'd, by things which gave offence?
That we, should raise up Trophies, in its stead,
Of Straws and Sticks, and Kexes to the Dead?
And with exploded Vanities, defile
The Palaces and Temples of this Isle?
Who, having seen what zeal expressed was
In pulling down of Crosses, painted Glass,
Old Altars, Images of Saints and Kings,
(And with these, of some inoffensive things)
Did then suppose, he should have liv'd to see
An Idol, in that place advanc'd to be,
Where heretofore, an Altar, and a Rood
To be adored by the People stood?
To superstitions, and Idolatrie;
And, at the Back-door, that is coming in,
VVhich at the Fore-door, hath expelled bin.
Who, would have thought, that we, who do neglect
One of the goodliest Piles of Architect
In all the Christian World, because, long since,
It seem'd profan'd, by things which gave offence?
That we, should raise up Trophies, in its stead,
Of Straws and Sticks, and Kexes to the Dead?
And with exploded Vanities, defile
The Palaces and Temples of this Isle?
Who, having seen what zeal expressed was
In pulling down of Crosses, painted Glass,
Old Altars, Images of Saints and Kings,
(And with these, of some inoffensive things)
Did then suppose, he should have liv'd to see
An Idol, in that place advanc'd to be,
Where heretofore, an Altar, and a Rood
To be adored by the People stood?
Who can believe, that HE, who vilifide
Not long ago, the vanitie and pride
Of former Princes? That, HE, who had spoke
Against the heavie burthens, and the yoak
By them impos'd, and was himself the Rod
And sword assum'd into the hand of GOD,
To root them out? That HE, who but of late,
VVhen he dismist the Counsellors of State
Sayd to their Sergeant, Take away that Bable;
(His Mace at that time, lying on the Table)
Should ever of his own accord, think fit
Those Trinkets which he sleighted to admit?
And, when he down into the Grave descended,
Should thither, with more vain pomps be attended
Then any English Prince, that heretofore
A Soveraign Scepter, in these Islands bore?
Not long ago, the vanitie and pride
Of former Princes? That, HE, who had spoke
Against the heavie burthens, and the yoak
By them impos'd, and was himself the Rod
And sword assum'd into the hand of GOD,
To root them out? That HE, who but of late,
VVhen he dismist the Counsellors of State
Sayd to their Sergeant, Take away that Bable;
(His Mace at that time, lying on the Table)
26
Those Trinkets which he sleighted to admit?
And, when he down into the Grave descended,
Should thither, with more vain pomps be attended
Then any English Prince, that heretofore
A Soveraign Scepter, in these Islands bore?
Oh! times, oh manners! how exceeding vain
Is mans Heart, and how giddy, is his Brain?
Who thinketh not, that such a Change hath seen,
And, heeds what they seem'd who so chang'd have been?
But, that, far greater Changes, will appear,
If GOD, prevents not, that which we may fear?
For that old Leven, which aside was lay'd,
Into the lump, is secretly convey'd:
And now corruptions, do so over-spread
The Body Politick, from foot to head,
That swarms of Hornets, and of Butterflies,
Produc'd and fed, by new-sprung Vanities,
Are like to multiply, till they shall drive
The lab'ring Bees, quite out of every Hive.
Is mans Heart, and how giddy, is his Brain?
Who thinketh not, that such a Change hath seen,
And, heeds what they seem'd who so chang'd have been?
But, that, far greater Changes, will appear,
If GOD, prevents not, that which we may fear?
For that old Leven, which aside was lay'd,
Into the lump, is secretly convey'd:
And now corruptions, do so over-spread
The Body Politick, from foot to head,
That swarms of Hornets, and of Butterflies,
Produc'd and fed, by new-sprung Vanities,
Are like to multiply, till they shall drive
The lab'ring Bees, quite out of every Hive.
Excuse my zeal, if over-tart I seem
In this point; For, from no disgust of him,
For whose pretended honour this is done,
Nor from malevolence to any one
Who did design it, this expression flows;
Nor from what Prejudice, may mis-suppose;
But, from the Cause that's given of offence,
And, what I fear may be the Consequence.
In this point; For, from no disgust of him,
For whose pretended honour this is done,
Nor from malevolence to any one
Who did design it, this expression flows;
Nor from what Prejudice, may mis-suppose;
But, from the Cause that's given of offence,
And, what I fear may be the Consequence.
What Meteors, Windes, and Tempests do foreshow
I know not, neither take much care to know;
Because, they rather warn us, to take heed
What's doing, then declare what will succeed:
But, by our Flatteries, and by other things
Which Pride produces; by what daily springs,
From our self-seekings; from our Avarices,
And, from our many other sordid Vices,
This, I am sure's presag'd, that if we run
Much farther, in the Course that's yet hel'd on,
(And, GOD, our folly to take place permits)
We shall ere long run quite out of our wits;
And, be at last destroyed all together,
By that Storm, which I see approaching hither.
I know not, neither take much care to know;
Because, they rather warn us, to take heed
What's doing, then declare what will succeed:
But, by our Flatteries, and by other things
Which Pride produces; by what daily springs,
27
And, from our many other sordid Vices,
This, I am sure's presag'd, that if we run
Much farther, in the Course that's yet hel'd on,
(And, GOD, our folly to take place permits)
We shall ere long run quite out of our wits;
And, be at last destroyed all together,
By that Storm, which I see approaching hither.
But, who am I, that say I do foresee
A Storm, that you should credit give to me?
How can such things, to me, you say be known?
How know you, when the Sun is almost down
That, Night will follow? and the Day draw near
When you behold the morning-Star appear?
Look not on him, who tells what may ensue,
But look to that, whereby you may eschew
The threatned Plague, which (as God's threatnings all
Are for the most part) is conditional.
To that intent, your old neglected Friend
Amongst you, one Remembrance more, will send
To second this, before perceive he shall
A MENE TEKEL, written on your Wall,
Unless he sees GOD's patience out of date,
And all fore-warnings, like to come too late.
Mean while, take this that follows: For he knows
You look for Signs, of that which he fore-shows;
And, these (although they trivial may appear)
Are true Fore-tokens of what's drawing near.
A Storm, that you should credit give to me?
How can such things, to me, you say be known?
How know you, when the Sun is almost down
That, Night will follow? and the Day draw near
When you behold the morning-Star appear?
Look not on him, who tells what may ensue,
But look to that, whereby you may eschew
The threatned Plague, which (as God's threatnings all
Are for the most part) is conditional.
To that intent, your old neglected Friend
Amongst you, one Remembrance more, will send
To second this, before perceive he shall
A MENE TEKEL, written on your Wall,
Unless he sees GOD's patience out of date,
And all fore-warnings, like to come too late.
Mean while, take this that follows: For he knows
You look for Signs, of that which he fore-shows;
And, these (although they trivial may appear)
Are true Fore-tokens of what's drawing near.
Black Clouds, are now ascending o're these Lands,
Whose Figures do portend some humane hands
Promoting that great Storm; But, when abroad
It spreads, you will perceive the hand of GOD,
Who, by a slow-approaching doth express,
He comes to punish, with unwillingness.
Each man, who is not wilful, plainly sees,
He enters into Judgement, by degrees,
To move us to Repentance, that the Doom,
But threatned yet, might vanish ere it come.
Whose Figures do portend some humane hands
Promoting that great Storm; But, when abroad
It spreads, you will perceive the hand of GOD,
Who, by a slow-approaching doth express,
He comes to punish, with unwillingness.
28
He enters into Judgement, by degrees,
To move us to Repentance, that the Doom,
But threatned yet, might vanish ere it come.
GOD, hath made known unto us, in some measure,
By every Element, his just Displeasure:
Those things, without which, nothing is enjoy'd,
Have of our late Enjoyments much destroy'd.
By sudden Fires, our dwellings are consum'd,
And, into smoak, our pretious things are fum'd.
The Waters, in their Wombs, have swallow'd up
No little Portion of the Merchants hope,
And, overflowing new, and Antient Bounds,
Swept Flocks and Herds out of the lower Grounds.
The Air, by Storms and Blastings, Frosts and Snows,
Destroy'd our last Crops, in their fairest shows;
Yea, after publickly we made Confessions
That, GOD, accepting our Humiliations,
Had thereupon, vouchsafed pregnant Hopes
Of Future Health, and of more Plenteous Crops;
Even since that likely hope, we, for our Sin,
Depriv'd of that Expectancy have bin.
The Earth which bears us, too; for our Offences
With-holds her Bounty. Their sweet Influences
The Heavens withdraw. Death, when unlook'd for, seizes
More oft then formerly, by New-Diseases;
And, they, to give Accompt, are call'd upon,
Who liv'd, as if accomptable to none.
By every Element, his just Displeasure:
Those things, without which, nothing is enjoy'd,
Have of our late Enjoyments much destroy'd.
By sudden Fires, our dwellings are consum'd,
And, into smoak, our pretious things are fum'd.
The Waters, in their Wombs, have swallow'd up
No little Portion of the Merchants hope,
And, overflowing new, and Antient Bounds,
Swept Flocks and Herds out of the lower Grounds.
The Air, by Storms and Blastings, Frosts and Snows,
Destroy'd our last Crops, in their fairest shows;
Yea, after publickly we made Confessions
That, GOD, accepting our Humiliations,
Had thereupon, vouchsafed pregnant Hopes
Of Future Health, and of more Plenteous Crops;
Even since that likely hope, we, for our Sin,
Depriv'd of that Expectancy have bin.
The Earth which bears us, too; for our Offences
With-holds her Bounty. Their sweet Influences
The Heavens withdraw. Death, when unlook'd for, seizes
More oft then formerly, by New-Diseases;
And, they, to give Accompt, are call'd upon,
Who liv'd, as if accomptable to none.
Hereto, the Naturalist, perhaps will say,
Such things do happen to us every day,
Or, in a short time, either more or less:
Which I will grant; but notwithstanding, this
He must grant too, that from the Worlds beginning
These vvere, and are, the known Rewards of Sinning:
That they are also Signes, GOD vvill bring greater
And more Afflictions, if we grow not better:
That Judgements, (though they be not general)
On Families, and Private Persons fall
Ev'n day by day: That, we have lately seen
Large Vials of GOD's Wrath, powr'd forth have been
Upon the stubborn Irish, and the Scot,
To warn us what will also be our Lot;
And that none should GOD's Patience, therefore slight,
Because a long time, He forbears to smite;
Or, pass by timely Warnings, when he sends them,
Because this way, to us he recommends them:
For, this way, they declared were of old,
And, this way, they shall now again be told.
Such things do happen to us every day,
Or, in a short time, either more or less:
Which I will grant; but notwithstanding, this
He must grant too, that from the Worlds beginning
These vvere, and are, the known Rewards of Sinning:
29
And more Afflictions, if we grow not better:
That Judgements, (though they be not general)
On Families, and Private Persons fall
Ev'n day by day: That, we have lately seen
Large Vials of GOD's Wrath, powr'd forth have been
Upon the stubborn Irish, and the Scot,
To warn us what will also be our Lot;
And that none should GOD's Patience, therefore slight,
Because a long time, He forbears to smite;
Or, pass by timely Warnings, when he sends them,
Because this way, to us he recommends them:
For, this way, they declared were of old,
And, this way, they shall now again be told.
But, hear me further, and relate I shall
Some things, which do not ev'ry year befall;
Our ablest Horse, (ev'n those perhaps, wherein
More trust reposed was, then should have bin)
Die suddenly, and Ditches are bestrow'd
With those Bones, whereupon our Gallants rode:
Their Stink (as once a Prophet said) ascends,
Yet, still, his hand against us, GOD, extends.
Those Leggs, likewise, which are our Second-Strength
Do reel already, and will sink at length
That Body which they bear: the Wings by which
We flew from Shoar to Shoar, and were made rich,
Begin to flag, and fly not to and fro,
With such Success, as they were wont to do.
Some, whose new Honours bloomed but last Spring,
Fell with the Leaf, to shew, how vain a thing
Ambition is, and let them understand
VVho flourish yet, their Winter is at hand.
Much, of our pretious Life-Blood up is drunk,
The Sinews of our Pow'r are crack'd and shrunk;
Our Honour, vvith our Publick Faith is lost;
Our Private Credits are destroy'd almost:
And, hard it is to say, whether the Debtor
Or Creditor, is in Condition better.
The Parliaments Securities are slighted,
And, He, whom they have by their Acts invited
To purchase, (and, of paying whose just Dues
An Ordinance, and Orders made fair shews)
Though, more then ten years, are elapsed since,
Gets neither Mony, Land, nor Recompence,
Nor hope of Justice; but, Suits, to the wasting
Of his Estate, which may be everlasting:
And, they, who should, from these Oppressions clear him,
Either regard him not, or sit and jeer him;
Though both by Law, and Oath, they stand oblig'd
To see the Publick Credit dis-engag'd.
That which is due to Poor Men, is delay'd
Till they have lost it twice, ere 'tis once pay'd.
He that hath Lent, till he can lend no more,
Is sure to lose all, that he lent before;
And, that which to be given, hath been thought,
Proves dearer otherwhile, then vvhat we bought.
All which things, being rightly understood,
Are Signes (if not of much ill) of small good.
Some things, which do not ev'ry year befall;
Our ablest Horse, (ev'n those perhaps, wherein
More trust reposed was, then should have bin)
Die suddenly, and Ditches are bestrow'd
With those Bones, whereupon our Gallants rode:
Their Stink (as once a Prophet said) ascends,
Yet, still, his hand against us, GOD, extends.
Those Leggs, likewise, which are our Second-Strength
Do reel already, and will sink at length
That Body which they bear: the Wings by which
We flew from Shoar to Shoar, and were made rich,
Begin to flag, and fly not to and fro,
With such Success, as they were wont to do.
Some, whose new Honours bloomed but last Spring,
Fell with the Leaf, to shew, how vain a thing
Ambition is, and let them understand
VVho flourish yet, their Winter is at hand.
Much, of our pretious Life-Blood up is drunk,
The Sinews of our Pow'r are crack'd and shrunk;
30
Our Private Credits are destroy'd almost:
And, hard it is to say, whether the Debtor
Or Creditor, is in Condition better.
The Parliaments Securities are slighted,
And, He, whom they have by their Acts invited
To purchase, (and, of paying whose just Dues
An Ordinance, and Orders made fair shews)
Though, more then ten years, are elapsed since,
Gets neither Mony, Land, nor Recompence,
Nor hope of Justice; but, Suits, to the wasting
Of his Estate, which may be everlasting:
And, they, who should, from these Oppressions clear him,
Either regard him not, or sit and jeer him;
Though both by Law, and Oath, they stand oblig'd
To see the Publick Credit dis-engag'd.
That which is due to Poor Men, is delay'd
Till they have lost it twice, ere 'tis once pay'd.
He that hath Lent, till he can lend no more,
Is sure to lose all, that he lent before;
And, that which to be given, hath been thought,
Proves dearer otherwhile, then vvhat we bought.
All which things, being rightly understood,
Are Signes (if not of much ill) of small good.
Should I here mention all Prevarications,
Which have been offer'd to my Observations
By being fifteen Years together, tide
(As by the Leg) near London to reside,
They vvould fill up a Volume: and, but that
Thousands can vvitness vvhat I might relate,
It vvould be thought, I did Untruths aver,
And, that, I vvere a shameless slanderer;
For, our Abominations have exceeded
All Measure, and are more then can be heeded.
Which have been offer'd to my Observations
By being fifteen Years together, tide
(As by the Leg) near London to reside,
They vvould fill up a Volume: and, but that
Thousands can vvitness vvhat I might relate,
It vvould be thought, I did Untruths aver,
And, that, I vvere a shameless slanderer;
For, our Abominations have exceeded
All Measure, and are more then can be heeded.
31
It can by no true Englishman be born,
Without much Indignation, and more scorn,
To see Foot-walkers, vvhen on Horse-back set,
So much their late Condition to forget,
As, superciliously to look on those
By whom, out of Obscurity they rose;
And when men seek but Justice, and their own,
How these, (as if to have an Alms bestown
They vvere implor'd) provoke vvith harsh replies
The suff'ring-Suppliant, till his Blood doth rise,
The Words are spoken, vvhereon doth ensue
Another Wrong, because he spoke vvhat's true.
Without much Indignation, and more scorn,
To see Foot-walkers, vvhen on Horse-back set,
So much their late Condition to forget,
As, superciliously to look on those
By whom, out of Obscurity they rose;
And when men seek but Justice, and their own,
How these, (as if to have an Alms bestown
They vvere implor'd) provoke vvith harsh replies
The suff'ring-Suppliant, till his Blood doth rise,
The Words are spoken, vvhereon doth ensue
Another Wrong, because he spoke vvhat's true.
Sometimes, from vveek to vveek, from year to year,
Suits are defer'd, vvhich they vvith speed should hear;
Yet, nothing then effected, but expence,
More adding to a former indigence.
Both Means and Time, vvhich fully might enable
To do their Work; they spend in Bibble-babble,
Or needless Complements; and vvill not vvave
A Feast or Visit, though it vvere to save
A man from Ruine; and when Plaints are long,
By long Oppression, they away are flung.
Their Suppliants are forc'd to hunt them thorough
Their starting-holes, like Rabbets through their Borough.
Yet, hardly come to speak with them, before
They (as it were) set Purse-Nets, at each door;
And then, unless they likewise, get a Hay
Pitch'd round about them, they will slip away.
That, which is absolutely in their Pow'r,
And, might be finished in half an hour,
Is made a Business during term of life;
And, then, the Suitor dies without relief:
For, Suppliants are oft defer'd so long,
That, they at last, vvho should redress the Wrong
Are puzzel'd too; and such as have been griev'd
So num'rous grow, that few can be reliev'd.
No marvail; for the Body-Politick
In every part almost, is Lame or Sick;
So, that, those Limbs, which in themselves are able,
Are render'd by the rest unserviceable;
For, though the Foot be whole, it cannot go
Because, the Great Gout, lames the greatest Toe.
And, very mean performances are found
Where, in both Hands, there's but one finger sound.
Suits are defer'd, vvhich they vvith speed should hear;
Yet, nothing then effected, but expence,
More adding to a former indigence.
Both Means and Time, vvhich fully might enable
To do their Work; they spend in Bibble-babble,
Or needless Complements; and vvill not vvave
A Feast or Visit, though it vvere to save
A man from Ruine; and when Plaints are long,
By long Oppression, they away are flung.
Their Suppliants are forc'd to hunt them thorough
Their starting-holes, like Rabbets through their Borough.
Yet, hardly come to speak with them, before
They (as it were) set Purse-Nets, at each door;
And then, unless they likewise, get a Hay
Pitch'd round about them, they will slip away.
That, which is absolutely in their Pow'r,
And, might be finished in half an hour,
Is made a Business during term of life;
And, then, the Suitor dies without relief:
For, Suppliants are oft defer'd so long,
That, they at last, vvho should redress the Wrong
32
So num'rous grow, that few can be reliev'd.
No marvail; for the Body-Politick
In every part almost, is Lame or Sick;
So, that, those Limbs, which in themselves are able,
Are render'd by the rest unserviceable;
For, though the Foot be whole, it cannot go
Because, the Great Gout, lames the greatest Toe.
And, very mean performances are found
Where, in both Hands, there's but one finger sound.
If, it objected be, that such Delayes
May justly be occasion'd many vvayes;
'Tis granted, that, it may be so in some;
But not till twice seven years elaps'd become,
Without apparent wrong: And, that abuses
Are this way offer'd, for which no excuses
May be allow'd, some thousands living are,
VVho, if need be, thereof can vvitness bear.
VVhen Publick-Debts have many yeers been due,
And Creditors compel'd for them to sue
Till they, in Labour, time, and other Cost,
The Principal, and so much more have lost,
The Shameless Officers instead of paying,
Put off the Creditors, with this harsh saying,
'Tis an old Debt; as if men did them wrong
To ask for that vvhich had been due so long;
And, that, the way to right them, vvho implore
Redress for old wrongs, vvere to do them more.
Nay, there is so much falsehood and deceit
In many, that, they make poor men to vvait
From day to day, from morning untill noon,
From noon till night, Delay, still spinning on,
(Till many dayes and nights, and weeks are spent)
As if to grant their Suits they truly meant,
Although they from the first hour, did intend
To give them flat denial in the end.
And, usually, when they speak fair and smile,
They pick your Purse, or cut your Throat the while.
May justly be occasion'd many vvayes;
'Tis granted, that, it may be so in some;
But not till twice seven years elaps'd become,
Without apparent wrong: And, that abuses
Are this way offer'd, for which no excuses
May be allow'd, some thousands living are,
VVho, if need be, thereof can vvitness bear.
VVhen Publick-Debts have many yeers been due,
And Creditors compel'd for them to sue
Till they, in Labour, time, and other Cost,
The Principal, and so much more have lost,
The Shameless Officers instead of paying,
Put off the Creditors, with this harsh saying,
'Tis an old Debt; as if men did them wrong
To ask for that vvhich had been due so long;
And, that, the way to right them, vvho implore
Redress for old wrongs, vvere to do them more.
Nay, there is so much falsehood and deceit
In many, that, they make poor men to vvait
From day to day, from morning untill noon,
From noon till night, Delay, still spinning on,
(Till many dayes and nights, and weeks are spent)
As if to grant their Suits they truly meant,
33
To give them flat denial in the end.
And, usually, when they speak fair and smile,
They pick your Purse, or cut your Throat the while.
They, who are guilty of such things, and know
That I, and thousands, know them to be so,
Will say, perhaps, I Rail; but 'tis no matter;
To Rail, is somewhat better then to Flatter.
None but a Fool will term it Railing, when
Reproaching Vices, we conceal the Men.
None, but a Brazen-fac'd-Offender dares,
Exceptions take to that, which truth avers;
And none but Mad-men cast reproach on those
Who chide them, to prevent their overthows.
That I, and thousands, know them to be so,
Will say, perhaps, I Rail; but 'tis no matter;
To Rail, is somewhat better then to Flatter.
None but a Fool will term it Railing, when
Reproaching Vices, we conceal the Men.
None, but a Brazen-fac'd-Offender dares,
Exceptions take to that, which truth avers;
And none but Mad-men cast reproach on those
Who chide them, to prevent their overthows.
I will proceed to further Demonstration
Of those Signes, which portend a Desolation.
Strange Prodigies, which not so oft have been
In this our Clymate, are now often seen.
By Looks, or Language, it is hard to know
VVhom you may now repute your Friend or Foe:
They, who have but one Head, have now two Faces,
And two Tongues: Both their Offices and Places,
The Members of the self-same Body shift;
Though neither of them, hath the others gift.
The Little Toe, although to be a Thumb
It hath been rais'd, will not content become,
Unless it may obtain that both the Hands
Shall be subjected under his commands.
The Head's cut off; and though that in its stead,
The Foot, may have admittance to be Head,
It (quite forgetting what it vvas before)
VVill scarce be pleas'd, unless it may be more.
Nay, from Ambition, Vermine are not free;
The nasty Body-Lice, would Head-Lice be.
Of those Signes, which portend a Desolation.
Strange Prodigies, which not so oft have been
In this our Clymate, are now often seen.
By Looks, or Language, it is hard to know
VVhom you may now repute your Friend or Foe:
They, who have but one Head, have now two Faces,
And two Tongues: Both their Offices and Places,
The Members of the self-same Body shift;
Though neither of them, hath the others gift.
The Little Toe, although to be a Thumb
It hath been rais'd, will not content become,
Unless it may obtain that both the Hands
Shall be subjected under his commands.
The Head's cut off; and though that in its stead,
The Foot, may have admittance to be Head,
It (quite forgetting what it vvas before)
VVill scarce be pleas'd, unless it may be more.
Nay, from Ambition, Vermine are not free;
The nasty Body-Lice, would Head-Lice be.
34
Those wicked Spirits that engender strife,
Among us, more then ever, are now rife.
Stupidity, Distraction, Giddiness,
VVith such-like, many thousands do possess;
And, haunted now, our Habitations are
VVith vvorse Hobgoblins, then the Faires vvere.
To their own Principles, but very few,
Save Enemies and wicked Men are true.
Those Changes, which but rarely did befal,
Are in these Islands Epidemical.
The Servant rides, the Master goes on foot,
And, is his Servant's Servant, too, to boot:
The silly School-Boyes do presume to teach;
The Foxes pray, the foolish Geese do preach;
And, most things are so turned topsy-turvy,
That what looks best, methinks, is very scurvy.
Among us, more then ever, are now rife.
Stupidity, Distraction, Giddiness,
VVith such-like, many thousands do possess;
And, haunted now, our Habitations are
VVith vvorse Hobgoblins, then the Faires vvere.
To their own Principles, but very few,
Save Enemies and wicked Men are true.
Those Changes, which but rarely did befal,
Are in these Islands Epidemical.
The Servant rides, the Master goes on foot,
And, is his Servant's Servant, too, to boot:
The silly School-Boyes do presume to teach;
The Foxes pray, the foolish Geese do preach;
And, most things are so turned topsy-turvy,
That what looks best, methinks, is very scurvy.
Not onely those Ægyptians, among whom
We live, oppressors of us are become,
But Brethren also strive; yea, Saints, with ire
Are so inflam'd, that they call out for fire
From Heaven, on those, who onely disagree
From them, in things that but indiff'rent be;
And, we are told, by one whom I believe,
VVhat it portends, where such things we perceive.
By Natural Experience, we have found
That, Instruments which yeild a diff'ring sound,
(And Tones, and Voices, though they various be)
In Consort, do melodiously agree.
So, we should likewise, finde these Differences
In Judgement, whereat we now take Offences,
VVould make true Harmony, if we to Him
Did leave it, who knows how to order them;
And took more care (then most of us have done)
To set our own Tongues, and our Hearts in tune.
We live, oppressors of us are become,
But Brethren also strive; yea, Saints, with ire
Are so inflam'd, that they call out for fire
From Heaven, on those, who onely disagree
From them, in things that but indiff'rent be;
And, we are told, by one whom I believe,
VVhat it portends, where such things we perceive.
By Natural Experience, we have found
That, Instruments which yeild a diff'ring sound,
(And Tones, and Voices, though they various be)
In Consort, do melodiously agree.
So, we should likewise, finde these Differences
In Judgement, whereat we now take Offences,
VVould make true Harmony, if we to Him
Did leave it, who knows how to order them;
And took more care (then most of us have done)
To set our own Tongues, and our Hearts in tune.
35
Our Friends in Forraign Parts, and here at home,
Each of the other jealous are become;
And should there be a Breach, no Mortal knows
VVhether our old Friends, or our elder Foes,
VVould prove our greatest Enemies; or, whether
They, would to mischieve us, joyn all together.
Our New Allies, are likely at our need,
To be to us, but an Ægyptian Reed,
Or, like a costly Armour, by whose weight,
VVe are more tir'd, then guarded in the Fight;
And somewhat sounds from them (unless Fame lies)
VVhich an unpleasing Sequel signifies.
These things, (at least united) do foreshew
That, some foul Weather shortly may ensue:
GOD, also stands, with Arm outstretched still,
The Sentence of His Justice to fulfil.
If we consult but with meer Human Reason,
VVhat's likely to succeed at such a Season
As this appears, by loss of him alone,
VVho lately was removed from the Throne:
VVhat Counsels and what Cost it will require
To keep so many Irons in the Fire
As he hath left unwrought; and what it would
Cost more, to let them lie till they are cold.
If vve consider, That he was of late
The Middle, and, main Pillar, of this State;
The Atlas (as the Attribute that's giv'n
By one, hath term'd Him) of our British Heav'n,
And, into what Confusions, it is thought
All things at his Decease, might have been brought;
Observing therewithal (without concluding
Upon false Theses, or, our selves deluding)
In what apparent Dangers we are left,
By being, at this time, of him bereft,
It may portend, although the Sun shines yet,
A Storm will rise before that he doth set.
Each of the other jealous are become;
And should there be a Breach, no Mortal knows
VVhether our old Friends, or our elder Foes,
VVould prove our greatest Enemies; or, whether
They, would to mischieve us, joyn all together.
Our New Allies, are likely at our need,
To be to us, but an Ægyptian Reed,
Or, like a costly Armour, by whose weight,
VVe are more tir'd, then guarded in the Fight;
And somewhat sounds from them (unless Fame lies)
VVhich an unpleasing Sequel signifies.
These things, (at least united) do foreshew
That, some foul Weather shortly may ensue:
GOD, also stands, with Arm outstretched still,
The Sentence of His Justice to fulfil.
If we consult but with meer Human Reason,
VVhat's likely to succeed at such a Season
As this appears, by loss of him alone,
VVho lately was removed from the Throne:
VVhat Counsels and what Cost it will require
To keep so many Irons in the Fire
As he hath left unwrought; and what it would
Cost more, to let them lie till they are cold.
If vve consider, That he was of late
The Middle, and, main Pillar, of this State;
The Atlas (as the Attribute that's giv'n
By one, hath term'd Him) of our British Heav'n,
And, into what Confusions, it is thought
All things at his Decease, might have been brought;
Observing therewithal (without concluding
Upon false Theses, or, our selves deluding)
In what apparent Dangers we are left,
By being, at this time, of him bereft,
36
A Storm will rise before that he doth set.
And yet, we ought not so much to reflect
Our thoughts on Him, that we those things neglect
Which more concern us; or suppose that we
Depriv'd of any such advantage be,
As is conceived; for, he had not gone,
But, that, the work ordain'd for him vvas done.
GOD, rais'd him, by Destroying, to prepare
A vvay for that which he intends to rear,
And, to that purpose qualifi'd him so,
As they were, vvhom of old he call'd to do
Such Services; and, as it seems, intended
No further use of him, when that vvas ended:
He saw, the Pow'r vvhich vvas on him bestowne
Imployed in Designments of his own;
Then, re-assum'd it: and, they had been troubled
Perhaps, who pray his Spirit might be doubled
On his Successor, if GOD, should have said
AMEN, to that, for which they blindly pray'd.
Our thoughts on Him, that we those things neglect
Which more concern us; or suppose that we
Depriv'd of any such advantage be,
As is conceived; for, he had not gone,
But, that, the work ordain'd for him vvas done.
GOD, rais'd him, by Destroying, to prepare
A vvay for that which he intends to rear,
And, to that purpose qualifi'd him so,
As they were, vvhom of old he call'd to do
Such Services; and, as it seems, intended
No further use of him, when that vvas ended:
He saw, the Pow'r vvhich vvas on him bestowne
Imployed in Designments of his own;
Then, re-assum'd it: and, they had been troubled
Perhaps, who pray his Spirit might be doubled
On his Successor, if GOD, should have said
AMEN, to that, for which they blindly pray'd.
VVe, likewise, (as of late that Parliament
From vvhom he took the Supreme Government)
So Idolized, that, vve thought too little
Confer'd upon him by the Soveraign Title
VVhich, GOD permitted him to undertake,
And, what his Army pleas'd of him to make.
To govern us, vve long'd for such a Thing
As other Nations have; forsooth, a King,
VVith all the former burthensome Aray
Of Kingship, which vvas lately took away:
Though he, as much as Flesh and Blood could do,
Refus'd it, vvith some perseverance too.
And, not content to make him parallel
VVith all who are recorded to excel
In Vertues, by Prophane or Sacred Story;
But plac'd him, in a higher Sphere of Glory.
VVe gave him Attributes, vvhich unto none
Belongs, but to the Deitie alone;
And towards him, our selves oft so behaved,
As if by him alone, we could be saved;
VVhich peradventure, did provoke GOD's vvrath
To do to Him and Us, as done He hath.
GOD's dealing therefore, let us duly vveigh,
To do him all the honour, that we may:
For no respect of Persons, Love, or Fear,
Should from that Duty, flatter or deter.
From vvhom he took the Supreme Government)
So Idolized, that, vve thought too little
Confer'd upon him by the Soveraign Title
VVhich, GOD permitted him to undertake,
And, what his Army pleas'd of him to make.
To govern us, vve long'd for such a Thing
As other Nations have; forsooth, a King,
VVith all the former burthensome Aray
Of Kingship, which vvas lately took away:
Though he, as much as Flesh and Blood could do,
Refus'd it, vvith some perseverance too.
And, not content to make him parallel
VVith all who are recorded to excel
37
But plac'd him, in a higher Sphere of Glory.
VVe gave him Attributes, vvhich unto none
Belongs, but to the Deitie alone;
And towards him, our selves oft so behaved,
As if by him alone, we could be saved;
VVhich peradventure, did provoke GOD's vvrath
To do to Him and Us, as done He hath.
GOD's dealing therefore, let us duly vveigh,
To do him all the honour, that we may:
For no respect of Persons, Love, or Fear,
Should from that Duty, flatter or deter.
To that intent, it will have some Relation,
To know and heed, that his last Visitation
By Sickness, did that Day on him appear,
VVhich made the time compleatly just a Year,
Since he solemnized a Publick Fast
To pacifie GOD's Wrath for Failings Past;
As also for removing from our Clime,
Such Sicknesses, as raged at that time:
And, that, some Cautions, for that day prepar'd,
VVere in their Season, unto him prefer'd,
To minde him vvhat small good could be expected
From Formal-Fasts, vvhere Justice was neglected;
And what at last would follow thereupon,
If Works of Mercy, were still left undone.
At that time, such Pre-Cautions tendred vvere
(As, if need be, hereafter you shall hear)
For, GOD, to offer them, did me incline,
And, to his hands, they were prefer'd by mine:
But, whether he perused them or no,
Since they presented were, I neither know,
Nor vvhat Effect they had, if that be none,
VVhich at the years end, did ensue thereon.
To know and heed, that his last Visitation
By Sickness, did that Day on him appear,
VVhich made the time compleatly just a Year,
Since he solemnized a Publick Fast
To pacifie GOD's Wrath for Failings Past;
As also for removing from our Clime,
Such Sicknesses, as raged at that time:
And, that, some Cautions, for that day prepar'd,
VVere in their Season, unto him prefer'd,
To minde him vvhat small good could be expected
From Formal-Fasts, vvhere Justice was neglected;
And what at last would follow thereupon,
If Works of Mercy, were still left undone.
At that time, such Pre-Cautions tendred vvere
(As, if need be, hereafter you shall hear)
For, GOD, to offer them, did me incline,
And, to his hands, they were prefer'd by mine:
But, whether he perused them or no,
Since they presented were, I neither know,
Nor vvhat Effect they had, if that be none,
VVhich at the years end, did ensue thereon.
38
We should consider too, how on that day,
Just that day twelve-month he was took away,
(Wherein he kept a Formal Celebration
Of Thankfulness, for publike preservation)
That very day, of his chief Triumphs turning
Into a sad and Fatal day of mourning:
How that day, whereon (if Fame hath not lide)
He purpos'd to be crowned King, he dide;
Leaving an Image, with a waxen Face,
To be instal'd, and crowned in his place:
Which, as since we defac'd Crowns, 'twas the first
That wore one, I desire, may be the worst,
Who shall from this time forward, live to bear
A Soveraign Scepter, or a Crown to wear.
Just that day twelve-month he was took away,
(Wherein he kept a Formal Celebration
Of Thankfulness, for publike preservation)
That very day, of his chief Triumphs turning
Into a sad and Fatal day of mourning:
How that day, whereon (if Fame hath not lide)
He purpos'd to be crowned King, he dide;
Leaving an Image, with a waxen Face,
To be instal'd, and crowned in his place:
Which, as since we defac'd Crowns, 'twas the first
That wore one, I desire, may be the worst,
Who shall from this time forward, live to bear
A Soveraign Scepter, or a Crown to wear.
If we consider duly as we ought,
These things; with such like, as to serious thought
Are thereby tendred; more, from thence there might
Inferred be, then I think fit to write.
Or, should I tell, vvhat vvas prepar'd, likewise,
To make compleat his Formal Sacrifize
Last mentioned, and what effects it had,
Some wholsome uses, might thereof be made
Which must deferred be; because my Reason
Perswades me, that they are not, yet in season.
These things; with such like, as to serious thought
Are thereby tendred; more, from thence there might
Inferred be, then I think fit to write.
Or, should I tell, vvhat vvas prepar'd, likewise,
To make compleat his Formal Sacrifize
Last mentioned, and what effects it had,
Some wholsome uses, might thereof be made
Which must deferred be; because my Reason
Perswades me, that they are not, yet in season.
I know a Flatt'rer, feared not to say
That, was the third time, his Victorious day
By conqu'ring Death: But, wisemen, do contemn
That Gloss, because, that day, Death conquer'd him;
And, do believe, and know, that none but he
Who dide for our Redemption on a Tree
(And, rais'd himself, to breathe immortal breath)
Ought to be stil'd the Conqueror of Death.
He onely, vvho, above the Heav'ns doth dwell,
And conquered vvith Death, both Sin and Hell,
Deserves that Attribute: and they, vvho dare,
To others give the same, Blasphemers are,
(Except in that sense, which, makes all who die
In him, partakers of his Victorie.)
He had his share of Honour, and, not little
His Portion was; Let not his Masters Title
Ascribed be to him: For, they, who hear it,
And are his Servants, cannot, will not bear it;
Nor be affraid to speak, vvhat may encrease
GOD's honour, vvhose soe're it maketh less.
That, was the third time, his Victorious day
By conqu'ring Death: But, wisemen, do contemn
That Gloss, because, that day, Death conquer'd him;
And, do believe, and know, that none but he
Who dide for our Redemption on a Tree
(And, rais'd himself, to breathe immortal breath)
Ought to be stil'd the Conqueror of Death.
He onely, vvho, above the Heav'ns doth dwell,
And conquered vvith Death, both Sin and Hell,
39
To others give the same, Blasphemers are,
(Except in that sense, which, makes all who die
In him, partakers of his Victorie.)
He had his share of Honour, and, not little
His Portion was; Let not his Masters Title
Ascribed be to him: For, they, who hear it,
And are his Servants, cannot, will not bear it;
Nor be affraid to speak, vvhat may encrease
GOD's honour, vvhose soe're it maketh less.
GOD call'd him hence that day, to make us heed,
That, he in all his Actings doth proceed
By Number, Weight, and Measure; both to places,
And Times referring them in many cases,
To make observable his Visitations;
As also, to raise up our contemplations
To that, vvhich he Designs: yea, he advances
Their executions, oft, with Circumstances,
Not common; that, by searching, we may finde
His meaning, and conform unto his minde.
That, he in all his Actings doth proceed
By Number, Weight, and Measure; both to places,
And Times referring them in many cases,
To make observable his Visitations;
As also, to raise up our contemplations
To that, vvhich he Designs: yea, he advances
Their executions, oft, with Circumstances,
Not common; that, by searching, we may finde
His meaning, and conform unto his minde.
I know, he vvas upon that day, advis'd
To somewhat, vvhich he should not have despis'd
Whereto he gave small heed, or none at all,
Till vvhat vvas justly feared did befal:
And, vvho knows, vvhat beside that vvas neglected?
VVhat vvas pretended then, vvhat, since projected?
Or, vvhat mis-prosecuted, or mis-done,
Which might provoke the great Almighty-one,
To call him on that very day from hence,
VVhich vvas the day of his magnificence;
And lay the Scepter level with the spade.
Oh! make thereof, such use as should be made;
For, knowing vvhat I know, relates thereto,
I, cannot unobserved let it go.
We know that Death, vvhich is the hire of Sin,
On that day, always payable hath bin,
In vvhich 'tis acted, though, GOD, by reprieve
Defers it oft, or, vvholly doth forgive.
We know there are some sins, for vvhich, ev'n they
VVho are GOD'S chosen ones, are took away
From those Enjoyments, vvhich they might have had,
Until a Forfeiture of them is made.
Moses, for speaking rashly, was denyed
The promis'd Land, and in that Desart dyed,
Where others fell; and, thus, it doth befal
To many of GOD's Saints, if not to all.
To somewhat, vvhich he should not have despis'd
Whereto he gave small heed, or none at all,
Till vvhat vvas justly feared did befal:
And, vvho knows, vvhat beside that vvas neglected?
VVhat vvas pretended then, vvhat, since projected?
Or, vvhat mis-prosecuted, or mis-done,
Which might provoke the great Almighty-one,
To call him on that very day from hence,
VVhich vvas the day of his magnificence;
And lay the Scepter level with the spade.
Oh! make thereof, such use as should be made;
For, knowing vvhat I know, relates thereto,
I, cannot unobserved let it go.
40
On that day, always payable hath bin,
In vvhich 'tis acted, though, GOD, by reprieve
Defers it oft, or, vvholly doth forgive.
We know there are some sins, for vvhich, ev'n they
VVho are GOD'S chosen ones, are took away
From those Enjoyments, vvhich they might have had,
Until a Forfeiture of them is made.
Moses, for speaking rashly, was denyed
The promis'd Land, and in that Desart dyed,
Where others fell; and, thus, it doth befal
To many of GOD's Saints, if not to all.
We either know, or vve should know, likewise,
That, for our National impieties
As vvell as for their own sins, Princes may
In wrath be given, or, be took away.
The Holy-Ghost hath said, that, when to lies
The King gives ear (and such are Flatteries)
The people, there are wicked. And, our sin
The Cause in chief, hath peradventure bin,
VVhich, from his first Intentions, him declin'd,
To that vvhich vvas not for our weal design'd,
Nor for his honour: yea, our selves vve may
Most justly blame, if he forsook the way
VVherein, he by the Publike-Card should steer:
For, some of us thereto his Tempters were,
And, by our servile Flatt'ries, both made voyd
His first Resolves, and our own Hopes destroy'd.
That, for our National impieties
As vvell as for their own sins, Princes may
In wrath be given, or, be took away.
The Holy-Ghost hath said, that, when to lies
The King gives ear (and such are Flatteries)
The people, there are wicked. And, our sin
The Cause in chief, hath peradventure bin,
VVhich, from his first Intentions, him declin'd,
To that vvhich vvas not for our weal design'd,
Nor for his honour: yea, our selves vve may
Most justly blame, if he forsook the way
VVherein, he by the Publike-Card should steer:
For, some of us thereto his Tempters were,
And, by our servile Flatt'ries, both made voyd
His first Resolves, and our own Hopes destroy'd.
As, therefore, when GOD, gave the Jews a King,
He then, did by a dreadful Thundering,
And by a great Rain in their Harvest time,
Declare that they had much displeased him;
So, peradventure, that Storm, which did roar
So universally four days before
He took hence our Protector, was intended
To signifie, that he is much offended
With all this Land, ev'n from him that's on high
Enthron'd, to him, who in the street doth lie:
For, not alone, high Palaces it rock'd,
But, also very dreadfully it knock'd
At ev'ry door; and made a signal spoile,
In ev'ry Shire and Province of this Isle.
Oh! let us therefore search out his intent;
For, when he speaks loud, there is somewhat meant
Deserving more then ordinary heed,
Whereon (if sleighted) mischief will succeed.
He seldom, putteth forth a dreadful Voyce,
Save unto those, whom nothing moves but Noyse:
And, if that, wakes them not, nor makes them fear him,
The next time, they shall feel him, ere they hear him.
Let not a vain respect to Worms and Dust,
Make us to GOD, and to our selves unjust:
For, what he acts, and how he doth proceed,
We ought, in ev'ry Circumstance to heed,
Whomever it concerns, and nothing hide,
Whereby he may be duly glorifide,
Or, men reform'd. Then, let us, since we may
Be dead to morrow, hear his Voyce to day.
He then, did by a dreadful Thundering,
And by a great Rain in their Harvest time,
Declare that they had much displeased him;
So, peradventure, that Storm, which did roar
So universally four days before
41
To signifie, that he is much offended
With all this Land, ev'n from him that's on high
Enthron'd, to him, who in the street doth lie:
For, not alone, high Palaces it rock'd,
But, also very dreadfully it knock'd
At ev'ry door; and made a signal spoile,
In ev'ry Shire and Province of this Isle.
Oh! let us therefore search out his intent;
For, when he speaks loud, there is somewhat meant
Deserving more then ordinary heed,
Whereon (if sleighted) mischief will succeed.
He seldom, putteth forth a dreadful Voyce,
Save unto those, whom nothing moves but Noyse:
And, if that, wakes them not, nor makes them fear him,
The next time, they shall feel him, ere they hear him.
Let not a vain respect to Worms and Dust,
Make us to GOD, and to our selves unjust:
For, what he acts, and how he doth proceed,
We ought, in ev'ry Circumstance to heed,
Whomever it concerns, and nothing hide,
Whereby he may be duly glorifide,
Or, men reform'd. Then, let us, since we may
Be dead to morrow, hear his Voyce to day.
We have had many days, wherein, he hath
Shewn Mercy, and forewarn'd us of his wrath.
Sometimes, in Calm-still voyces, he doth speak;
Sometimes, in whirl-winds, which the Rocks do break:
As once 'twas sayd to Isr'el heretofore,
Then what he hath done, what should he do more?
We have had many days, wherein, we made
Both Vows and Prayers, which acceptance had;
In them we made some shews of penitence
For that, which gave him cause to take offence,
And for an Ahab-like humiliation,
GOD, of his dooms, vouchsaf'd a mitigation;
Yet, still, the very same, our Courses be.
Now, GOD, will have his days as well as we.
He hath decreed a time, wherein, he will
As we have done our pleasure, his fulfil;
And who can tell, how slowly, or how soon,
That, which he hath resolved, shall be done?
Shewn Mercy, and forewarn'd us of his wrath.
Sometimes, in Calm-still voyces, he doth speak;
Sometimes, in whirl-winds, which the Rocks do break:
As once 'twas sayd to Isr'el heretofore,
Then what he hath done, what should he do more?
We have had many days, wherein, we made
Both Vows and Prayers, which acceptance had;
In them we made some shews of penitence
For that, which gave him cause to take offence,
42
GOD, of his dooms, vouchsaf'd a mitigation;
Yet, still, the very same, our Courses be.
Now, GOD, will have his days as well as we.
He hath decreed a time, wherein, he will
As we have done our pleasure, his fulfil;
And who can tell, how slowly, or how soon,
That, which he hath resolved, shall be done?
What look we for? Lo, on a day of note,
Our Shepherd, our Protector, he hath smote.
A Prince, of whom our own and neighb'ring Nations,
Had great proofs, and far greater expectations:
Beyond his set day, if he spar'd not him,
How can we hope, he will defer our time?
Who knows, but that, if it succeeded thus
With him in one yeer, One yeer more to us
May be as fatal, if we still put off
Repentance, and at this fore-warning scoff?
Our Shepherd, our Protector, he hath smote.
A Prince, of whom our own and neighb'ring Nations,
Had great proofs, and far greater expectations:
Beyond his set day, if he spar'd not him,
How can we hope, he will defer our time?
Who knows, but that, if it succeeded thus
With him in one yeer, One yeer more to us
May be as fatal, if we still put off
Repentance, and at this fore-warning scoff?
Protector, and ye Counsellors of State,
Be therefore wise, before it be too late:
Ye Princes, and ye Judges of the Land,
Learn, and observe what GOD hath now in hand:
And all ye people throughout these three Nations,
Take notice of those dreadful Visitations
Which are portended, that, they may be made
Quite voyd, and have Effects to make you glad.
Trust not in Riches, for, they wings have got,
And, will flie off, when you suspect it not.
Trust not in Earthly Power; for 'twill at length,
Break, and be ruined, by its own strength.
Trust not in Princes; For you can of none
Have more hopes, then you had of him that's gone;
But, trust him, who, doth no mans trust deceive;
Of whom nor Death, nor ought else can bereave;
And, vvho, nor Love, nor Power, nor wisdom lacks
To finish, what for you he undertakes.
Be therefore wise, before it be too late:
Ye Princes, and ye Judges of the Land,
Learn, and observe what GOD hath now in hand:
And all ye people throughout these three Nations,
Take notice of those dreadful Visitations
Which are portended, that, they may be made
Quite voyd, and have Effects to make you glad.
Trust not in Riches, for, they wings have got,
And, will flie off, when you suspect it not.
Trust not in Earthly Power; for 'twill at length,
Break, and be ruined, by its own strength.
Trust not in Princes; For you can of none
Have more hopes, then you had of him that's gone;
But, trust him, who, doth no mans trust deceive;
Of whom nor Death, nor ought else can bereave;
43
To finish, what for you he undertakes.
Think, and speak soberly of him that's gone;
For, he the work of GOD hath carry'd on,
So far as his appointed Station vvent;
And, being but a mortal Instrument
Made of the self-same brittle earthen stuff,
That others are, was not, of so much proof
Against the baneful Flatteries of those,
VVho seem'd his true Friends, as against his Foes
In open Field, who could not act the part
Of such as made their Batt'ries on his heart.
For, he the work of GOD hath carry'd on,
So far as his appointed Station vvent;
And, being but a mortal Instrument
Made of the self-same brittle earthen stuff,
That others are, was not, of so much proof
Against the baneful Flatteries of those,
VVho seem'd his true Friends, as against his Foes
In open Field, who could not act the part
Of such as made their Batt'ries on his heart.
I look upon his Failings as mine own,
And neither whilst he lived made them known,
(Nor will disclose them further being dead)
But, that the living may be profited,
And that, GOD may be honour'd as he ought
By that which to remembrance should be brought.
My Conscience bears me witness that I know
No malice, in my heart against a Foe,
Much less against a Friend, vvhom I profest
To serve; and vvho, to his own Interest
(In what he from the right-way did decline)
Did much more injury, then unto mine.
His Words and Deeds, were all the means I had
To know him by; and what Result was made
By me thereon, I did since his decease
Thus briefly in an Epitaph express,
Which here I'll add, the Censures to prevent
Both of the Flatt'rer and Malevolent,
Who (in a manner) crucifie his Name,
Betwixt a Glorious and In-glorious Fame
As much as may be, to advance self-ends,
And nullifie, what GOD, thereby intends.
And neither whilst he lived made them known,
(Nor will disclose them further being dead)
But, that the living may be profited,
And that, GOD may be honour'd as he ought
By that which to remembrance should be brought.
My Conscience bears me witness that I know
No malice, in my heart against a Foe,
Much less against a Friend, vvhom I profest
To serve; and vvho, to his own Interest
(In what he from the right-way did decline)
Did much more injury, then unto mine.
His Words and Deeds, were all the means I had
To know him by; and what Result was made
By me thereon, I did since his decease
Thus briefly in an Epitaph express,
Which here I'll add, the Censures to prevent
Both of the Flatt'rer and Malevolent,
Who (in a manner) crucifie his Name,
Betwixt a Glorious and In-glorious Fame
As much as may be, to advance self-ends,
And nullifie, what GOD, thereby intends.
| Miscellaneous works of George Wither | |