Miscellaneous works of George Wither

Though hereof I have just occasion had,
I do not meerly for mine own sake add
This Crum; but likewise here, for your avail
Insert it, lest my Sland'rers may prevail,
(By bringing me into your disrespect)
To make my Cautions take the less effect.
Give therefore heed to what I now express,
And let GOD move belief as he shall please.

As David said, The wrongs of open foes
I could have born, but near my heart it goes,
When I am grosly injured by them,
Who did my loving Friends and Brethren seem,
And cannot chuse (although I do sustain
Ev'n that with patience) but thereof complain,
In hope, it may occasion give to some
Who fail'd in that kind, henceforth to become
So sensible of what was heretofore
Mis-done, that they will so offend no more:

For, unto them, this is the worst design
Which I intend by this Complaint of mine.

Two sorts of men there are, with both of which
I've had to do; and (though not very much)
More than enough it seems. One sort of these,
Those Persons are, by whose maliciousness,
Most, who are conscientious men reputed,
Are for that cause traduc'd and persecuted;
And (when they thereunto shall be inclin'd)
A staff to beat a dog, who may not find?
'Tis care to scape the venom of their tongue,
So impudent they are in doing wrong,
And brutish in their Censures: yet but few,
Except some like themselves, believe that true
Which they report; and they themselves do know,
That they asperse me with what is not so.
Of such men therefore, here complain I not;
Because, by these, I have not often got
A disadvantage, which would equal'd be
With what might happen by their praising me.

The poysnings of the other, more infect,
Because, receiv'd they are without suspect,
And, vented with a counterfeited shew
Of better ends than those which they pursue.
Some of these being partners with those sinners,
Who were of our late Troubles first beginners,
Did, with a mask of Piety and Zeal
To GOD, the King, and to the Commonweal,
Drive on their own designs; And (having made
Of seeming Godliness, a gainful Trade)
Their opportunities now being gone,
Of preying upon those they prey'd upon,
Would make a prey of them, whom they pretended
In times preceding, much to have befriended.

So feeds the Pickrel, when he cannot find
A Roach or Dace, on fish of his own kind.
And, some of these, because I will not be
Inslav'd to that, from which I should be free,
Have (thereto mov'd by Avarice and Pride)
Without just cause, me lately vilifi'd
To some of my best Friends; ev'n unto them
Whose Charity supports me at this time:
And, should it be believed, might much more
Undo me, than all they who heretofore
Have been my open Foes. Moreover, some,
That I might wholly succourless become,
Are pleas'd to say, I am not so bereft
Of my Estate, but that enough is left
For my support. Wherein, if they speak right,
They render me so gross an Hypocrite,
That I deserve no Friend; And if I am
By them beli'd, then much are they to blame,
VVho have, as far as in them lies, to starving
Exposed me and mine, without deserving.

But, this I fear not: for, if that supply
Shall fail, which I have had by Charity,
He, who by other hands, hath Mercy shown,
VVill from henceforth relieve me by his own:
And, these are thus confuted, without feigning,
If they know ought of mine, that's yet remaining
VVithin my power; Or, but so much as may
(If ever it be mine) my Debts repay,
Save what's yet wholly lost, I give it all
To him, who thereof make discov'ry shall;
And hereby, both confirm this Gift for ever;
And urge him that Discov'ry to endeavour
VVho raised that Report; so he thereby
Shall have some profit, if it be no lye.

I do perceive, to have me quite destroy'd
The Devil many Agents hath imploy'd
In sev'ral modes; which that prevent I may,
Nought more or better have I now to say,
Or do, which will avail me, but to fly
To my Protector, to your Charity
VVho know me, and unto that Evidence
VVhich I have given of my Innocence
To you who know me not; in hope you'l do
As in like case you would be done unto:
And that when their malevolence hath wrought
Till it shall purge its own corruption out,
It will abate, and some effects produce,
VVhich both to them and me may be of use.
If me you judge, as you would judged be,
No more needs to be said thereof by me;
Especially to him who truly knows,
VVho giveth deeper wounds, than open foes.

This Case of mine concerneth now and then,
Not me alone, but other honest men.
Such like false brethren, in all Ages were
Among the Saints, and such-like still there are.
Therefore these Lines at this time were bestown,
As justly for their sakes, as for mine own,
Since, of what here I for my self do plead,
Some other, thus abus'd, may stand in need.

II. A causual Meditation on Faith, Hope, Fear and Love.

To keep me watchful, whilst my Foes
My person here shall fast inclose,
By Meditations I assay
To keep the dread of them away;

And whilst my Contemplation flew
At various Objects, in her view,
(Among such Musings as were brought
Into my mind) this came to thought.

Faith, Hope, and Fear, and Love are that,
VVhich renders ev'ry mans Estate
To be exceeding good or bad,
Extreamly pleasureful or sad,
According as that Object proves,
VVhich he believes, fears, hopes, or loves.

Make GOD the bottom and the top
Of thy Fear, Love, Belief and Hope,
And thou art then safe, whatsoere
Thou dost believe, hope, love, or fear:
But, if the World their Object be,
Or, any other thing but He,
Thou art destroy'd: For, by these four,
Misplac'd, thou givest them a pow'r
To ruine thee, who else had none
VVhereby a mischief might be done.

If on the World thy hopes depend,
Despair will be their latter end;
VVhen her fair-speakings are believ'd,
Thou wilt be certainly deceiv'd;
If her thou love, she will for that
Requite thee with despiteful hate;
And, if thou fear her, she'l endeavour
To make thee slave to fears for ever.
This by experience I found true,
And thereof thus forewarn I you.

Affect no Pleasure; for 'tis vain,
And terminates at last in pain.
Fear not, when thou shalt be opprest
In doing well; for, such are blest.

Trust not in Wealth; for, it hath wings,
And flies away like other things:
Nor Honour; for, it often spends
Its stock, and in dishonour ends.
Rely not upon Prodigies;
For, they are partly Truths and Lyes;
And, Signs and Wonders can afford
No such assurance as GOD's Word.
Place not your trust in Kings; for, when
They speak like Gods, they act like men.
No, nor your best Works trust you in,
For all mans Righteousness is sin.

Your Faith, Fear, Hope, and Love on none
Ground therefore, but on GOD alone;
And, when thus, you have learn'd to do,
Perswade all other men thereto;
Not terminating Meditations,
In meer unactive speculations;
For, they but like those flashes are,
VVhich we mis-call a shooting-Star.

Here, whilst my Flesh is in restraint,
Lest else my Soul grow dull and faint,
Her, with such thoughts I entertain,
And find them not to be in vain;
Though more I needed, I confess,
These Musings, when I suffered less.
I might be safely rich agen,
Could I be still imployed then
As I am now. But, who is able,
To thread a Needle with a Cable?
They, who in Winter keep at home,
In Summer-time abroad will come;
And, though a Prison seems a curse,
Our Liberty oft makes us worse.

We pray, when Winds and Seas do roar;
When calm, do as we did before.
Ev'n GOD's choice Worthies, when releast
From Suffrings, fouly have transgrest;
If in this, or some other kind,
They were not often disciplin'd.

He, that with troubles hem'd about,
The Battels of the LORD had fought
Unfoil'd; assoon as he had ease,
(Neglecting such like means as these)
Did grofly fall; and so shall we,
When idle and secure we be.
Had he been musing on GOD's Law
When in her Bath, he naked saw
Uriahs Wife; or, at that time
Composing of a Psalm or Hymn,
It had secur'd him from that sin,
Which let a lustful Devil in.

LORD! that I be not so surpriz'd,
(Though these my Musings are despis'd)
Preserve me, (whether weal or wo
Befalls me) still imployed so;
Or, in what else thou please, that's tending
To keep me alwayes from offending:
And to thy Glory, and to my Salvation,
Vouchsafe to sanctifie this Meditation.

III. To those who enquire, why this Author is now imprisoned in Newgate?

Into this Jayl, you ask me, why I'm thrown?
But to my self that is not fully known;
Unless it may be charged as a Crime,
For putting Truth and Reason into Rime;

Or, giving unto some, for doing wrong,
Such Epithites as unto them belong;
Which is by very few thought criminal,
And, by most men, to be no fault at all.

Yet, since you are my Friends, I bold will make
To give you Counsel, which I could not take:
Touch not a gald Jades back, although it be
To cure him, if you will be rul'd by me;
And if your Conscience force you not thereto,
No notice take, when other men misdo.
For, they, who most ungodly courses run,
(And boast of what they wickedly have done)
So rage at him, who dares to reprehend
Their Actions, howsoever they offend,
That oft-times by their pow'r they bring on him,
Those Penalties which were deserv'd by them.

A Whore profest, though she would have men know
She is a Whore, will not be called so.
(Yea, though she could not live, were it not known
She lived by abusing of her own)
But, be fo wroth with him, who so shall say,
That she will scratch his eyes out, if she may:
At least, if she can do no more, will rayl;
Or, had she pow'r, commit him to the Jayl,
And for a Sland'rer prosecute him there,
As justly, as they do, who keep me here.

IV. A Hymn of Thanksgiving, for deliverance from a dangerous and sharp Sickness, during his Imprisonment.

[1]

LORD! they who thy Affection measure
By what thou givest into their possessings,
Of Riches, Honours, or of Pleasure,
Or, of such other Temporary Blessings,

And mark how here thou deal'st with me,
May think I am despis'd of thee;
For, when I seem'd opprest before
With losse of Liberty and Wealth,
So that I could well bear no more,
Thou thereto addedst loss of health,
Imbitter'd and made sharp, with as much pain
As Flesh and Blood were able to sustain.

2

Yet neither was thy Love impaired,
Whilst in that manner I afflicted was,
Nor doubted I, nor ought despaired
Of thy continuing and assisting Grace;
But, as the violence and length
Of pain deprived me of strength,
My Spirit thereby stronger grew;
Yea, so thou didst my Faith encrease;
(So Fortitude and hope renew)
That Suffrings were not pleasureless;
Because I knew I underwent thy Rod,
Who art as well my Father, as my GOD:

3

I know thee not alone by hearing,
But, also by thy being in my heart,
And, by thy thereunto declaring,
How just, wise, good, and merciful thou art:
Thou tak'st no pleasure in our pain,
Nor dost, nor ever didst constrain
The soul of any to a path,
Which leads him from a happy course,
To Sin, Shame, Sorrow, or to Death,
Or, renders his condition worse.
For, that thou more delighted art to save,
Than to destroy, I good assurance have.

4

For ever, let thy Name be blessed;
For, when my patience did begin to fail,
And pain, a cold-sweat forth had pressed,
As if in me, fire had been mixt with hail;
Thou in my first Fit, easedst me
By means, lest means despis'd might be:
And when I was shut up alone,
Of all external helps depriv'd,
(Where means of Cure or Ease was none)
Then, by thy Self I was reliev'd;
That I might alwayes confident be made
Of thy help, when no other can be had.

5

When so extreamly I was pained,
That I could hardly for one minutes space,
Endure the torment I sustained,
In any posture, or in any place,
Thou hug'dst me fast asleep; and then
Gav'st Ease, I know not how, nor when;
Which so amazed me, when I awak't,
That, I at first, could hardly tell
Whether, I for a Dream might tak't,
Or, whether I were sick or well;
For, in the fire I thought assoon I might
Have slept (erewhile) as in my bed that night.

6

Therefore, to thee, for this Compassion
I do now consecrate a Hymn of Praise:
Be pleas'd, O GOD of my Salvation,
To be thus my Physician all my dayes.
Let this preserve me from the fear
Of what I may yet suffer here:
And when this Mercy shall be known,
Thereby assur'd let others be

That such Compassion shall be shown
To them, as was vouchsaf'd to me,
If in thy Truth and Fear they shall abide,
And, without wavering, in thee confide.

V. To them who say, or suppose, that a vain desire of Fame, was this Authors principal motive, to the Composure of what he hath written and published.

I hear, some think (and, for their sakes am sorry
They think so) that Ambition of vain glory
Is that, which principally moves my Pen
To dare more than the Quills of wiser men;
And, that an itch for popular Applause
Was of my bold Reproofs the chiefest cause.
If this be true, I am as mad as they
Who think so, and take the nearest way
To my destruction, for a windy puff,
Which in a moment will be quite blown off,
And leave me comfortless, in that condition
Which threatens inavoidable perdition.
But, these will find their error, when they know
By tryal, from what Root my Actings flow;
And that I had in what I have exprest,
A nobler Aim, than meer self-Interest,
Or any outward ends, although in them,
My own well-being I shall not contemn.

I am not ignorant that whatsoever
I actively or passively endeavour,
To honour GOD, or for my Countries good,
May, to my dammage, be misunderstood;
Nor that most men, mis-censure what I've writ
To be Composures without fear or wit;

And that, if I should be thereby undone,
(Which likely seems) I may be thought upon
With very small regard, alive or dead;
Or any way at all be mentioned,
Except by some few, who perhaps will say,
I fool'd my Liberty and Life away.

But should I minded be, when I shall have
My portion among other in the Grave,
What greater share shall I have in that Fame,
Which after Death might memorize my Name,
Than they, who in Oblivion lie forgot,
Where Pen nor Tongue their Actions mention not?
In my time, sixteen persons I have known
Who did my Christian and my Surname own,
And one

Captain George Wither, a man valiant and witty, and one of the sixteen here mentioned, was hewed to death at Kingston upon Hull by his own Soldiers in their fury, because he had killed one of their fellows in the like fury.

of them oft guilty prov'd to be
Of Crimes, imputed falsly unto me,
By those who knew us not; and he, whilst here
He lived, had in my repute a share:
But, after few years, none will know, among
All these, to which of us, those things belong
Which we have acted. Nay, though ten times more
I had deserv'd (than any heretofore,
Made memorable by a glorious Fame)
A feigned person, who no real Name
Or Being ever had, save what, perchance,
Was thereunto ascrib'd in some Romance,
May seem to be more honour'd by that fiction,
Than any who attain'd the high'st perfection

In Piety or Morals: For, I've seen
Some Readers, with such Legends to have been
So far transported, that it them could move
More sighs and tears, compassion, honour, love,
Esteem and admiration, to confer
On those Idea's, than bestowed are
On real Suff'rers, who, did undertake
To do and suffer freely for their sake.
And what a trivial prize or purchase then
Is an esteem, or vain applause of men?

My Actings have expos'd me, during life,
To hazards, losses, much reproach and Grief;
And, what shall I the better be, or worse,
When I am dead, whether men bless or curse,
Speak well or ill, that I should quite destroy,
For such toyes, what in life I might enjoy?
By being silent, I preserv'd from blame
Might be, and more esteem'd than now I am.
If I could for advantage swear and lie,
And flatter Fools and Knaves in Elegy:
Sure, he who shall observe, as I have done,
What scorns, and what despights I've undergone;
What I have felt, and what I do fore-see
Will probably on Earth my Wages be,
Yet thinks I run these hazards for vain Fame,
Must likewise, either think, that mad I am,
Or, that I've only learned in the School
Of long Experience, to be more than Fool.

But, though most are deceiv'd in their Design,
And in their thoughts, I am not so in mine.
I know my Work; I likewise know that End
Whereto it doth, or at least, ought to tend:
And, therefore hope, that till my lifes conclusion,
I shall be kept from such a gross delusion.

He, that for GOD's Cause, or for his Elects,
Pretends to do, or suffer; yet, expects
More honour, or ought else, than his just share
With them, who of the same Communion are;
Expects more than his due; Exceeds the bound
Of that self-love which in true Saints is found,
And, what he acts, or suffers, no Reward.
Can merit; for, he forfeits his Reward.
All, that he shall endeavour, on that score,
When Rich he thinks to be, will make him Poor;
And, by what he expected to be fam'd,
He shall become contemptible and sham'd.

GOD's Mind, I therefore study to fulfill,
Seeking no Pay, but what, and when he will:
And, knowing that's my Aim, much care I not
What, in this world, he gives to be my Lot.
I no more value Praises, than Reproach;
And, whether in a Carr, or in a Coach,
I ride to my last home, I little care,
So with a quiet Conscience I come there.
If well in life I use them, 'tis no matter,
How far asunder men my Limbs do scatter,
Or in what Publick place they set my Head,
To terrifie some fools, when I am dead:
For, ev'ry part of me will meet together,
When GOD shall pleased be to call me thither,
Where CHRIST now sits inthron'd; and whither he
Ascended to prepare a place for me.
I prize nor Life, nor Death, but, as thereby,
I, more or less, GOD's Name may glorifie.
And, whilst my own heart knows this to be so,
I care not, whether 'tis believ'd or no
By any man, unless, that, to infuse
The like mind into him, it may conduce.

If, I have acted for a worthless prize,
Learn by my foolishness to be more wise.
If I have aim'd to suffer, or to do
For such ends as I should, do ye so too.
Because then, what you heretofore of me
Misdeem'd, will thenceforth your advantage be;
And, no more harm to me, than that man found,
Who had an Ulcer cured by a Wound.

VI. A Meditation, occasioned by considering the manifold Temptations to distrust in GOD, whereby his best Servants are otherwhile proved and exercised.

The best of men, some failings have; and I,
Not only many; through Infirmity;
But, flowing also from those Negligences,
Which very much have heightned my offences;
Because I know, what pow'r to me he gave,
To do those things which I neglected have:
Especially, when my Distrustfulness
Hath made me doubtful of GOD's Promises.
Who, to assure them, hath vouchsafed both
A written Word, and seal'd it with an Oath;
And, also, new experiments, which may
Ascertain it, vouchsafeth ev'ry day.

David, the most couragious Combatant
Against such-like Temptations, did oft want
That Confidence, which was by him profest,
And, thereby hazarded his Interest
In GOD's free Promises. By Saul, said he,
One time or other I destroy'd shall be;
And, what was promised, had so outright
Forgotten, in his carnal pannick fright,

That to GOD's Foes he for protection ran,
The part there acting of a frantick man,
And of a drivling fool; yea, worse than so,
Dissembled then, yet scap'd with much ado.
That Course, whereby he thought to be assur'd
Of safety, an indangerment procur'd
Beyond all former hazards; for, he lost
Not only Goods, Wives, and all hope almost
Of Rescue, but was also like to lose
His Life, and to be ston'd by some of those
(In their distemper) who inrag'd became,
To see their Habitations in a flame,
Their dear'st Relations captiv'd, and to those
Inslav'd, who were their old malignant Foes.
In which strait, if GOD had not him befriended,
Whom he distrusted, there, his Life had ended.

There is our Case; for, though that many times,
Our Fears, our Foes, our Troubles, and our Crimes
We have, beyond hope, been deliver'd from,
And promised in ev'ry time to come,
That like deliverance; yet, when ought fails
Which we expected, or a Foe prevails,
(For our probation) we are hurried streight
Into a causless, and a foolish fright;
GOD's promised Assistance we decline,
Catch hold of any politick Design,
Run this, and that way, to the World, the Devil
For help and Counsel, or act any evil
In such a giddy fit, though we have seen,
And often felt, what those effects have been
Which will ensue. Nay, if long time we bear
A present suffring, and new troubles fear,
Our Faith is at a stand, and we begin
Immediately to let Despairings in;

Make Principle of Faith, give way to Reason,
And seem Phanatick Whimsies, out of season,
Or airy Refuges, beseeming none
In straits, but meer Fools, to depend upon.

Though in the Saints of old to fall off thus,
It was a Crime; 'tis greater sin in us,
By so much, as the sinning against Grace
Doth our transgressions of the Law surpass:
And, neither Theft, Adultery, or Murder,
From GOD and Penitence will draw us further,
If we avoid it not: For, to be made
More cautelous, we have not only had
Examples of old times, and seen since then,
What hath befallen many thousand men
In such defections, but, we likewise are
Experienc'd in our own particular
Estates and persons, what will them betide,
Who in the dayes of Tryal start aside,
And, by the Gospel are enlightned more,
Than other Generations heretofore.
This, makes me, in my present troubles, wave
Those wayes, whereto I some Temptations have,
My person to redeem; and to prevent
The future mischiefs, that seem eminent,
This makes me scorn, to creep, or fawn, or sneak,
Or, (whatsoere I threatned hear) to speak
To an unworthy person, though I could
Prevail, perhaps, upon him, if I would:
For, were my Poverty ten times as much,
The King of Sodom shall not make me rich;
Nor, were I sick to death, would I implore
Those false Gods, which most men do now adore
For health or life, though I thought they could give
That, which I most desired to receive.

This, among other Notions of this kind,
(Which needful are to fortifie my mind
Amid my Suffrings) makes me muse on these
Our common failings, that, if GOD so please,
They may be by his Grace, with my endeavour,
A means to keep me firm to him for ever;
And, by declaring what Experiment
Hath taught to me, make others confident
In suffrings for his Cause: and, not afraid
What is, or what can here on them be laid:
For, as where many Cowards are together,
They still beget more terrours in each other;
So men of Courage, more couragious grow,
When, to each other, they example show
Of Christian Fortitude: To which good end,
These fruits of my spare howers I intend.

VII. Another Scrap, to them, who carp at this Author's frequent writing.

VVhy should you be displeas'd, and have a loathing,
Of that which may do good, and cost you nothing?
Or, which you may pass by, without offence,
Or, giving you occasion of expence,
Unless you please? For, that which I compose,
On no man, I against his will, impose.

GOD is our Shield, our Fortress, and that Friend
On whom alone we alway should depend;
Yet, he expects an Activeness in those,
On whom a Christian Armour he bestows;
And, that we put it on, when there's occasion
Of War defensive, or, of an Invasion;
As also, that, we alwayes keep it clean,
And our selves ready, by good discipline:

For, of their Talents they will be bereav'd,
Who make not use of what they have receiv'd:
Yea, they will be surpriz'd, who, times and places
Neglect, wherein to exercise their Graces,
When means is offred; since it will make room
And entrance for Temptations when they come,
If we are negligent in doing that,
Which to our Perseverance doth relate.
The Roman Legions, which resided here,
(When no foes to oppose them did appear)
Bestow'd their spare hours with much diligence,
In making Preparations for defence
In times of need; New Fortresses did raise,
Built Bridges, Causeys, and made easie wayes
For future Marches, whereby, to and fro
In safety, they, and other men might go.
And, we must do the like, if we would be
From future dangers and surprizals free;
To which end, things that seem of little use
At present, may hereafter much conduce.

Our Patience will wear out, our Courage slack;
Our Spirits faint, and cause us to draw back
From needful Suffrings, unless in some measure
VVe daily shall improve spare time and leasure,
To fortifie our hearts by meditation,
VVhich is the nourishment and preservation
Of Hope and Faith. This, when my Friends are gon,
(VVhose Consolations I do feast upon
VVhilst they are present) if I those can void,
VVith whose Impertinences I am cloyd,
Moves me to gather up, that, into words,
VVhich their and my Experiment affords;
Lest that be lost, which else might serve in stead
Of Cordials at a sudden time of need.

This, moves me, when my Foes threat and revile,
To muster thus (as 'twere in rank and file)
My scatter'd thoughts; and then to march up close
Ev'n to the Vanguard of my furioust Foes:
For, when we look grim Terrors in the face
Without dismay, it makes them to give place.
And, though the Champions of the world do laugh
To see my weapons, but a Sling, a Staff,
And Peble-stones; they will prevail, when they
Shall either perish, or else run away.

This moves me (when alone) lest else the Devil,
Or my own Flesh may tempt me to some evil,
(VVhen they shall idling find me) to retire
Into my self, and search what vain desire,
VVhat hope, or fear, or doubtings there do lurk,
VVhich either may advance, or counterwork
Those Principles of Grace, which by good use
And practice, I to habits may reduce.

This, that those Notions may not fly away,
VVhich I find helpful, makes me oft imploy
My leasure times, in what, it seems, hath so
Increast my Scriblings, that they nauceous grow
To many Readers; and, perhaps to some,
VVho might by them advantaged become.
But I am pleas'd; for, that, my tast delights,
Which is disgustfull to their Appetites;
And what at this time they disrelish, may
Yeeld profit with delight, another day.

VIII. An Eccho from the Thunders, in the celestial Temple, reverberating, in part, the effect of what was uttered by their Voices.

Six Trumpets have been sounded forth,
Six Vials poured on the Earth,

Six Thunders have their Voices spent;
Yet, they blaspheme, who should repent,
And night and day a direfull cry,
Still beating on my ears have I,
Of men opprest between their paws,
Whose God is Gain, whose Lusts are Laws;
And, dreadful sounds of Vengeance too
Are eccho'd wheresoev'r I go.

Though men are deaf, yet speak I must:
Hear therefore, lifeless forms of dust,
And sensless things, that ye may bear
Your Witness to what I declare:
For, what hereafter shall ensue
Will make deep stamps on some of you.
Wo, wo, ere long to C. C. C.
To P. P. P. P. P. and P.
Like Wo to S. to M. and L.
For, they have made this Earth a Hell,
Wherein, unless Christ quickly comes,
Few Good men shall have resting rooms;
And little Faithfulness will here
Be found, when he shall next appear.

But Time hath almost wheel'd that round,
Wherein the seventh Trump will sound.
And then shall Righteousness alone,
With Pow'r and Glory fill the Throne,
That JESUS, who (when by his Birth
He was first visible on Earth)
Much troubled Herod, and with him
The City of Jerusalem;
And is that Universal Prince,
Of whom all Tyrants ever since
Have been afraid, will come ere long,
To set that right, which now is wrong,

And put an end to their Oppression,
VVho charge his Subjects with Sedition:
For, though some slighted them when they were seen,
His Harbengers have here already been.

IX. A brief Reproof of them, who take pleasure in Scandalous Invectives, whereby others are personally defamed.

There is a mangie Humour and an Itch,
(At this day very troublesome) with which
Most men are so infected, that unless
We find a speedy cure, 'twill so increase,
And leave so few from this Contagion free,
That we shall all appear meer Scabs to be.
Now, there is nothing more delights the ear,
Than when it shall those vilified hear,
Whom they affect not, whether they are blam'd
Without just cause, or worthily defam'd;
Especially, if those in ought dissent
From their Opinions, (Although eminent
For many Virtues, and with them agree
In all things, which with Truth essential be.)
And, since our Diffrences did us divide,
Few men there are of note on either side,
Of good or ill desert; but (right or wrong)
They so aspersed are by Pen or Tongue;
And Truth, if spoke, so blended is with lyes,
With fraud, or else with Ambiguities,
That, if what is in Pamphlets published,
Should be hereafter by our Children read,
They'l think this Age (if they do credit it)
Had neither Honour, Honesty, nor Wit;
So scurrilous, and so malevolent
Are their Invectives, and so impudent.

There are of Truths and Falshoods put together,
Such medlies made, without respect to either,
And misappli'd in such a barbrous wise,
Mens Persons or their Cause to scandalize,
That, whether they did wickedly, or well,
They, in their outward Fames are parallel;
And, frequently, by seeming to intend
That, which may their Antagonist befriend,
A Foe disguiz'd, destruction doth devise
For them, whom he pretends to patronize:
Shews make of Peace, where they bear no Goodwill,
And, those to save, whom they intend to kill.

This Bitterness and Falshood multiplies
Those Discords and those Animosities,
Which have thus far undone us, and this course
Will make that which is bad, grow daily worse,
Until it shall exasperate this Nation
Beyond all means of Reconciliation;
For, till there shall as much respect be shown
To other mens Good-names, as to our own,
And, we are pleas'd to hear good spoke of those
Who well deserve, although they are our Foes,
We never shall be Friends; nor friendship merit
From any, till we qualifie this spirit.
'Tis gentle speaking that appeaseth Wrath;
A bitter language, no such virtue hath.

Yet, let none think, this means to usher-in
A Reprehension of reproving Sin,
Or, that, it well beseems not any man
To render Vice as odious as he can:
For, no debasement can make Wickedness
More ugly, than essentially it is.
Though just Reproofs have not allowed been,
Where persons are more aim'd at, than their sin.

Their Practice, Justice doth to none allow,
Who at their Neighbours, from an unseen Bow,
Shoot poysned Arrows; and, Bandetti-like,
The Passengers from such a Covert strike,
That none can truly know how they are nam'd,
Or where those dwell, by whom they are defam'd.

In taxing Vices, let nor Tongue nor Pen
Act sparingly; but spare alone the men,
(As much as possible) unless they shall
Ingage themselves, by quarrels personal
Against the Truth; Then spare them only so,
That thereby Truth may not receive a blow.
A causless Scandal, nor a Lie, admit,
Though thereby Truth may some advantage get;
For, she or they, will honour lose thereby,
Who think to do her service by a Lie.

Some Good-men (not a little to their shame)
I fear are this way otherwhile to blame,
As much as they whose refuge is in Lyes,
(And care not by what means they gain their Prize)
For, when that an Impostor doth express
What some-way suiteth with what they profess;
Oft-times by that Wile, guilded Pills are swallow'd
As wholsom, which are poysned and unhallow'd,
And, them deprive, who are deluded so,
Of outward peace, and Peace of Conscience too.

Take therfore heed of those, who by their mingling
Truths with apparant Falshoods, and by gingling
Some Silver among Counters, may by shows
Of their befriending that, which they oppose,
Obtrude upon you somewhat that is evil,
Relating unto things Divine or Civil;
At least, to make you hearken with content,
To what brings undeserv'd Disparagement

On other men: For, all things baneful prove,
Wherein there's want of Prudence, Faith, or Love.

X. A Disclaim, by way of Advertisement, of a Paper, falsly imputed to this Author.

[_]

There are Verses printed on one side of a sheet, Intituled, The Wheel of Time turning round to the Good Old Cause; which many, who know not me, nor my Principles, nor my Writings from other mens, have ascribed unto me, who do abhor publishing any thing without my Name, which may be scandalous; especially to individual persons, either by name, or by marking them out in such manner, that the Vices I reprove can be justly appropriated to them, and to no other: Neither did I ever purposly compose ought which might endanger the publick Peace, or hazard the quiet of private persons, whereof that Paper is suspected. And indeed, I conceived it at the first view, to have been the composure of a malicious person, who thereby intended to make those in Authority jealous of some Innovation intended by sober and conscientious men, who I hope will make patient suffering their Refuge, in all their Probations. Therefore, as soon as I had perused it, I wrote these following Verses on the backside thereof, and gave it unto a Friend, to communicate thereby my sense thereof, to others, if he pleased.

He, that divulgeth ought without a Name,
Which individual persons doth defame,
Although the Truth he writes, deserveth blame:
Yea, he, that without soberness and reason,
Speaks what is true, and speaks it out of season,

Against the Dignity of Truth speaks Treason.
Yet, Saints, may by oppressions, now and then
Be so provoked (for they are but men)
That, they may thus offend by Tongue or Pen.
If it be so, let him who forth hath sent
Those Lines, his folly heartily repent;
For, they portend an Evil-Consequent.

G. W.

XI. To them who object it as a fault, that this Author hath written several Poems, since he resolved to write no more.

I sometimes think my work is done, and then
Resolved am to lay aside my Pen;
Yet, when I do discover some remain
Unfinished, I take it up again:
For, when I promise, what concerneth none
(In any manner) but my self alone,
'Tis alwayes in mine own pow'r, to dispense
With ev'ry such Resolve, without offence;
Then, specially, when else, perhaps, I may
To GOD, my self, or others in some way
Infringe my Duty, by the prosecution
Of that unprofitable Resolution.

For this cause therefore, I now think it fit,
Not only such Resolvings to remit,
But, also, by these Presents, to declare
That, whensoere a just Cause doth appear,
To write, or speak, or do, what I believe
GOD may have honour by, or Men receive
A future benefit, I will assay
(Whilst I have life) to do it as I may.

This Promise binds me; and, I must confess,
That, if in time to come, I shall transgress

Against this Resolution, there's in me
No pow'r whereby I from it can be free.
Reprove me therefore, if at any time
I break this Promise; for it is a crime.

XII. Of Governours and Governments; and how we ought to demean our selves toward them.

All Pow'r is of the Lord, the GOD of Heav'n;
And Man hath none, but, that which he hath giv'n:
To raise, pull down, to change or innovate,
In governing a Kingdom, or a State,
Belongs to Him alone; and nought to do
Have private men, but to submit thereto
When He a Change hath made, whether he hath
Vouchsafed it in Mercy, or in Wrath.
Therefore, the Persons, or the Government,
To change I never sought, nor had intent;
But, to submit to that, what ev'r it be,
Which GOD was pleased to set over me.
Both Men and Forms, if well compar'd together,
Do prove so like, and so unlike each other,
That oft the Constitution which at first
Appear'd the best, becomes at last the worst;
And, as the Elements do change into
Each other, so the Governments will do,
According to th'Affections, and the Pow'rs
Of those, who are the present Governours.
All kinds of Government, in some respect,
Are but one and the self-same in effect,
And, when refined, will corrupt agen,
So long as actuated by meer men,
Who, overswayed by their Lusts and Passions,
Are alwayes subject to Prevarications,

And so oft also, as the People's sin
Compels GOD's Justice to bring Changes in.

This, when the Supream Pow'r was here divided
(So, that some this way, and some that way sided)
Made many Wise-men, both in resolution,
As also in their wayes of prosecution,
Exceeding doubtfull, that a sad Result
Might follow, in a path so difficult;
I therefore, then, endeavoured to adhere
To that, wherein most Justice did appear
When I had cause of doubt; and did comply
Where I saw with most visibility
That Pow'r did then reside: For, so I thought
(And still believe) I was divinely taught
By Precept and Examples; and I joyn'd
Therein, to those, who seeming of that mind
And judgment, did in shew the same profess
With zeal, and with much conscienciousness.
And, some few, doubtless, acted to that end
Sincerely, which the rest did but pretend.
But, I was cozned by the greater part:
Yet, went on in simplicity of heart,
Till I so far into a snare was run,
That, back I could not go, nor further on
Without a Mischief; or, a breach had made
Upon that Faith which I engaged had.
For, few I saw pursuing any thing
Concerning GOD, the People, or the King,
With true integrity, to which-soere
Of those three they pretended to adhere,
With whether side soever they then closed,
Or, whatsoever they in shew proposed.

I saw, that either by an open scuffling,
Or, by a politick and secret shuffling,

Both sides had so the Knaves and Court-cards laid,
That cheating Games were likely to be plaid,
And, that our Losses, who intended best,
Would be the losing of our Stakes at least.
Some, for Religion did pretend to fight;
Some, for the Royal, some for Common-Right;
But, I perceiv'd Self-Interest was that
Which principally most men aimed at;
And had not thereof a bare jealousie,
For, 'twas apparant by that Policy
With which they prosecuted their Intent.
What else by them could probably be meant,
Who jugling with both sides, to none were true,
But as their own advantage might ensue?
Who, siding with one Party, sent a Brother,
A Son, or else a Nephew to the other;
Who mutually did their Designs advance
With Correspondence, and with Maintenance?
With Counsels and with Treasure strengthning those
Unseen, whom they did openly oppose?
And otherwhile, by murdring their own Friends,
Made bloody passages to their self-ends?
Thus did they, yet, some of those now appear
In better case, than we, whose Actings were
Most innocent. But, though we suffer first,
The better seeming Game will prove the worst.
For my part, though it cost me all I had
To keep my Conscience clear, a shift I made;
And, am as well contented with my Lot,
As they are, who have by my Losses got.

Trust rather therefore thine own Conscience, then
Upon the Counsel of sev'n wiser men:
For, in a dubious path, no humane light
So well directs us how to walk upright,

If so far forth as GOD doth means provide,
We take his Word and Spirit for our Guide.
Be faithful to the present Government
That GOD permits, to whatsoere intent
He doth permit it, or what-ere it be;
For, (as I said) LORD of all Pow'r is He;
And, ev'ry Government is good, save when
It is usurped by unrighteous men;
And, we must bear it then, till he shall please
Who laid it on us, to vouchsafe us ease;
Because (though He permitteth it) our Sin
Was that, yea that alone, which brought it in.

We may, and must endeavour in our places,
(According to those Talents and those Graces
Which GOD bestows) to offer that which may
Help keep them in a safe and Righteous way,
For their sakes and our own; and, without fear,
Speak to that end, what we shall know or hear,
(Though they offended be) so we apply
Our Balm with prudence and sobriety.
Our seeking to reform it, by a course
Not lawful, will but make it much the worse;
Whereas, if we with patience do attend
On GOD, he'l better, what we cannot mend,
Or, else, with His own hand, destroy it quite,
Ev'n when their Tyranny is at the height.

These are my Principles: These, without fear,
Have kept me, and will keep me still, who ere
Shall govern me; and whether Right or Wrong.
Be done me either little-while, or long.

XIII. A Scrap added to the former, since the sending of the Authors Remonstrance to the house of Commons.

Though Liberty I've lost, with my Estate,
Yet, as things are, I wonder not thereat;
Nor marvel that my Poem, for which here
I suffer, to the World must not appear:
For, I confess, it speaks not in a strain,
Which Flatt'rers with esteem can entertain;
And they by whom I have accused been,
Would miss their Aim, were that in Publick seen;
Occasion likewise I should not have had,
Of that advantage, which is thereby made.

But, one thing (which till now I thought not fit
To mention) I admir'd at, and do yet;
Ev'n this, That, being of all else bereft,
The same Tools in my pow'r should still be left,
VVhereby offence was given, and by which
My Vindication will be further'd much.
It was a Mercy, but, sure, not of men,
That, I bereaved was not of my Pen
When I was first restrain'd, and also sent,
(As many are) to close Imprisonment;
Which, at this time had greater mischief done,
Than all that I, till now have undergone.
And this, I here express, not to outbrave
Mans fury, but, that GOD may Glory have
By that Assurance, wherewith, me he arms
In present suffrings, against future harms.

For that cause, in this manner, is reveal'd
That, which a wiser man would have conceal'd;
And, though, I somewhat over peremptory
May seem; yet, when Truths honour, and GOD's Glory

Do lie at stake, I know a servile speaking
To be a foolish and uncomly sneaking;
Not onely disadvantaging the speaker,
But, rendring also righteous Causes weaker.

All men to Casualties exposed be,
And, things befall to others, as to me;
Ev'n unto them, who are above my sphear,
And, were occasion of my lodging here.
When I had been above six months, debar'd
Of Liberty, unpitti'd, and unheard;
Accus'd for Libelling, because I had
A private Recapitulation made
Of what I knew, as well by sight as fame,
(And, for which, yet, unheard, confin'd I am)
Five Persons, of no mean degree, were sent
To be my Fellows by Imprisonment
Within this Jayl; and, at this present are
Charg'd with suspition of no less Crimes here
Than Theft and Murder; And, there's one among
That number, which at this time doth belong
To that Society, which I am said
To have defam'd, and therefore here was laid;
Though I in private only, had declar'd
In genral terms, what common fame aver'd.
And, which now seem not so incredible
As they were thought, nor things impossible.
Yet, with unfeignedness, desire I do,
They may be guiltless found, if they be so,
And quit, without endeavouring to smother
Two Crimes, by perpetrating of another:
For, guilt to cover, and damn Innocents,
Is not in these dayes without Presidents:
And, Presidents (although not worth a straw)
By some are made equivolent to Law.

Their Youth I greatly pitty, though the Rage
Of my Oppressors pitty not my Age,
Nor care to what straights I may be exposed,
Whilst here, despis'd of all, I am inclosed.

Now they, and I, until we shall be try'd
All scandalous conjectures must abide;
And, if upon the Test, their Act appears
Mistook; why may not mine as well as theirs
Mistaken be? since I more likely am
Than they, by Prejudice to suffer blame?
And have lesse outward means of vindication,
From an unjust and causless imputation?
But, they, and I, shall have, when our time's come,
That, which GOD hath appointed for our Doom.
He will be Righteous, though men are not so;
Whatere He pleases, therefore let Him do.
We, by the Justice, which will then be done,
Shall know, what's likely to ensue thereon
To other men, who live in expectation
Of Justice, or of due Commiseration.
And, if with meekness, upon GOD we rest,
That, which threats worst things, will produce the best.

They whom I have displeas'd, may now be merry;
For, I have scribled until I am weary:
And shall, perhaps, no more be troublesome
This way, when what's conceiv'd to light shal come;
But, then permit them from thenceforth, to do
What they intend, till they are weary too.
In this mode I have little more to offer,
To say, or do, but down to lye and suffer;
Assur'd, that (if no good effects that have
Which I have writ) A Poem in my Grave
Compos'd and hither sent, would be no more
Effectual, than my Writings heretofore.

I have exprest enough to men of Reason,
Who know when sober Truths come forth in season:
Now, therefore, if GOD please, let them who shall
Desire them, take Pen, Credit, Life, and all;
But let them therewith know, that they will be
So dealt withall, as they shall deal with me.
'Tis now known, what I've done, what I can say,
And, what I suffer, but not what I may.

Qui jacet in Terrâ, non habet undé cadet.

“The World can him undo no more,
“Whom she hath quite undone before:
“But, he whom GOD shall smile upon,
“May lose all, yet not be undone.

A few Lines more I'le add: I hear some say,
This will occasion rending quite away
All Liberties at once, and many think,
That henceforth neither Paper, Pen, nor Ink
Will be allow'd me, nor a Visitant,
Which may supply me with what I shall want:
Yea, that I may be thither sent, where none
Shall see, or hear, what must be undergone;
And, that nought can be hop'd for, but Perdition
In such a place, and such a sad condition.
Yet, this I fear not: For, there is no place
On Earth, or any such distressed case,
As no Redress admits. There's not alone
For ev'ry Grief, a Cure, for ev'ry one
In ev'ry Country; But, each man about him
Hath also that, within him, or without him,
Which known, and by GOD's aid applied, cures
All Maladies, and all Distemperatures.
The greatest Tyrants pow'r extends not to
All those things, which he hath a Will to do.

Nor is there any Misery, or Place
Whereby I can be shut up from GOD's Grace.
What more I may now, or hereafter bear,
Increases not my terrour or my care:
Nay, so far am I from the dread of that
Which may befall in such a sad estate;
That when I think on what the Rage of men
Shall do at worst; And what GOD will do then,
It keeps me pleas'd. For, to deliver me
(What ere betides) a thousand wayes hath he.
He, that can make safe passage through the Seas,
And, through a Fiery Furnace, if He please,
Pre-apprehensions gives me, of that Grace
Which will vouchsafed be in such a Case.
Joseph was long in Prison; yet GOD sent
A means to free him from Imprisonment,
In such a mode, that, if within our Creed
It be, 'twill very well deserve our heed.
The World can neither bring me to dispair,
Nor me deprive of Hope, Faith, Love, or Prayr;
Nor take away, or unto me restore
Ought, making my Assurance less or more.
GOD clothes the Lillies, and doth Sparrows feed;
He can turn Stones to Bread, if there be need:
And, could I down to Hell by men be driven,
When I came thither, I should find it Heaven.

The Bugbears, wherewithall the World assays
To skare me, could not in my childish dayes
Affright me. I was exerciz'd in youth
(For loving Honesty, and writing Truth)
With strict Imprisonments, and made ere since
A Stone (to very many) of offence,
Kickt to and fro, till thereat many broke
Their shins at least, yet harm I never took.

GOD hath preserved me now fifty years,
In his Work, in all troubles, wants and fears;
From Poverty and Shame in worst of times;
From mine own Follies, Vanities and Crimes;
From Famines, Pestilences, raging War,
And Tyrants, worse than those three Judgments are,
Without dismay, ev'n when it so befell,
That men in greatest pow'r sped not so well.

In plain terms I did often represent
Their failings, to the late Long Parliament,
Yet scap't their fury, though I could not scape
Their Fraud, nor Partnership in that mishap,
Which their Improvidence occasion'd then,
Both to themseves, and many better men.
But, that will for my welfare prove at last,
As certainly, as that which in time past,
I told them would befall, is at this day
Fulfill'd upon them, ev'ry sev'ral way;
And, will continue, till their Fiery Tryal,
Hath brought men to that real self-denial,
Which them will qualifie to carry on
The Work which GOD intendeth shall be done.

I likewise did presage to Oliver,
In bold words to his face, and without fear,
What would at last befall him: and I knew
(Though he dissembled it) what would ensue
For such plain-dealing: yea, I soon did find,
By what course my destruction was design'd;
But, whilst he thought, I thought my self befriended,
GOD taught me to prevent what he intended,
That, I might suffer, as now at this time,
What gives more cause of glorifying Him.

By these Experiments confirm'd I am,
My GOD will alwayes be to me the same,

That he hath been, and ratifie that Truth
In my old Age, that I believ'd in Youth,
By making that, which likely seems to double
My sorrows, to help others in their trouble,
VVith constancy and patience to sustain
Their Burdens, whilst upon them they remain.
And, peradventure, they will be so wise,
VVhose Indignation, yet upon me lies,
That, when they heed what GOD for me hath done,
And may do, they'l consider so thereon,
That they who were my Foes, my Friends will be,
And save themselves, by their deliv'ring me.
GOD can effect this for me, if He please:
For, He doth many stranger things than these.
But, let Him do his Will. VVhat ere is done,
He is my Trust, and, Him I'le rest upon.

If such a Famine, as is threatned, comes,
There will be need of such like Scraps and Crums.
But, these, to none can toothsome be, unless
They thirst and hunger after Righteousness:
For, they will relish unto all men els,
Like fleshless bones, or fishless Oyster-shels:
Perhaps, to some few, they will serve instead
Of Physical Receipts in time of need,
If, carelesly they be not cast aside,
But, prudently and seasonably apply'd.
To that end, they endeavoured to save them
From being lost, by whose means ye now have them.
They Relicts are of that continual Feast
My Conscience makes me; and probatum est
To ev'ry one of them subscribe I may;
For I have proved them by night and day.

They are but part of larger Meditations
(Thus worded, for my daily Recreations)
For whilst to write them down, I did assay,
The greatest portion of them flew away.

Verses written by Mr. George Wither upon three Trenchers with Oker, during his close-Imprisonment, and carried to the Lieutenant of the Tower by the said Prisoners Keeper.

George Wither, close Prisoner, to the Lieut. of the Tower.

Sir, I have been a Prisner now six times,
For no worse faults, than just Reproofs of Crimes.
Nigh fifty years acquainted with the pow'r
Of Jaylors; and, shall shortly know the Tower,
To be the best, or else the worst of all
Confinements, which did hitherto befall.

All my defensive Arms are took away,
Now therefore, I assume such as I may;
And, since my Lot affords no better Tools,
A Trencher mark't with Oker, Lead, or Coals,
Shall be my Buckler, Sword, and Advocate
To you, in this my much opprest estate.
These, long experience taught me to provide,
When such a strait was likely to betide;
And, if you take them from me, you will do
More than your Order doth oblige you to,
Or Charity allows: for, I'm not free
To come to you, nor will you come at me;
Though wise, and good, and honourable men,
Have thought me worth a visit (now and then.)

When I was in the much despised Jayl
Of Newgate; some from thence were freed by Bail,
Though charg'd with Theft & Murder; and I may
Expect that Priviledge as well as they:
But, kissing goes by favour; and I lack
The Silver Key, which way thereto doth make,
And by the want whereof, I find this place
Affords not unto me, the common grace
Allow'd to Rogues; nor so much as a Slave
In Turky, or in Barbary may have:
For, they have Bread and Water at the least,
And Place assigned them, wherein to rest,
VVithout extorting more than can be had
(Unless their Flesh could into Coyn be made)
VVhereas the Mercy which this place affords
(In Age and Sickness) had been naked boards,
And stones for bread, had not my Wife, by giving
VVhat Charity bestow'd to keep her living,
Prevented for a week, what was design'd
To me, thence-forward, if we cannot find
Enough beforehand, weekly to bring in,
And save the stripping of me to the skin:
By which means, that Impeachment now intended,
May not be drawn up, till my Life is ended;
So, they will lose their labour, who assay
To mould my Punishment another way;
VVhich I conceiv'd, would more vexation be
To some, than all my Suffrings are to me.

Prisners should gently used be, (if mild)
Not currishly oppressed and revil'd:
For (though neglected) we have still a Law,
VVhereby such Jaylors may be kept in awe.
Know, Sir, that much abuse to me is done;
Which is not an Abuse to me alone,

But likewise to your self, and to the nature
And priviledge of ev'ry humane creature.
For which cause, being willing to prevent,
Both your Dishonour, and my Detriment,
I this way have contrived to declare
My mind; and that, I my Affronts can bear;
Though (to my knowledge) since my name was Wither
I was not Villain call'd, till I came hither;
Nor from ought, for preserving health, debarr'd;
Though, oft my usage hath been very hard.

The mercy of preceding times was such,
That Prisners here, were not opprest so much:
For, all Close-Prisners, (for what Crime soere
Accus'd) suppli'd with all things needful were
In their degrees; ev'n at the Princes cost:
Which Priviledge, though now it seemeth lost,
Custom had made so legally then due,
That, till of late, it was deny'd to few.
And, whensoever claim'd, your Predecessors,
If they denyed it, were thought Transgressors.

They who infring'd that Custom, first, did bring
Dishonour to the Nation, and the King.
Them, closely to imprison, who have nought
To feed them (and thereof, then take no thought)
Is worse than killing them; yea, such a sin
As hath by Infidels abhorred bin.
Where's nothing left, there nothing can be got;
And, to oppress, because men have it not,
Is an inhumane, and a brutish evil,
That's found in none, but an incarnate Devil.

Sir, by profession, you a Christian are,
And, I hope, this mind, is from you so far,
That you all civil usages will daign,
So long as in your keeping I remain.

A Cat no more can yeeld you, but her skin.
If Sheep do pay the Fleeces they are in,
They'l grow again, so you from Curs preserve them,
And shut them not so close up, that you starve them.
That which concerneth other men, and me,
This day, another day your case may be:
For, Changes are not fixt with such a Pin,
But, that those things may happen, which have bin.

Consider it: If Mercy you extend,
'Twill make a better man than I your Friend;
And much more honour you, than all your pow'r,
As Alderman, Lieutenant of the Towre,
And Member of the Commons, if severe
You prove to me, beyond what I can bear:
For, if through want, I perish in these bands,
My Blood will be required at your hands;
And, you will find, that I am own'd by Him,
Who justifieth, when man doth condemn.

Do as your heart inclines: If you deny me
Things needful, GOD himself will then supply me
With strength to bear it, till I shall enjoy
That Freedom, which no mortal can destroy:
And when the World hath done the worst she can,
Good men will say, I was an honest man,
To GOD, Prince, Conscience, and my Country true,
What-ever, on my Tryal, shall ensue;
Yea, though with rigor I may suffer all
That's threatned, and seems likely to befall,
I do not yet perceive, which way GOD can
Be honour'd more by any mortal man,
Than by the Joy and Courage he may give him,
When others think they most extreamly grieve him.

If I had suffred less since I begun
To serve Him; I his Work could not have done;

And, what I now shall suffer, may add more
Unto his Honour, than all heretofore.
And, from that, whereto Conscience doth invite,
My Punishment, will not one man affright
Who owns my Principles; and shall have grace
To act them soberly, in his own place.

Sir, I have twenty times as much to say,
But, here I am compelled to make stay:
For lo, this Trencher will contain no more,
And, Paper must not come within my door.

Your Prisoner, Geo. Wither.

Hearing it reported, that the Diurnal women cryed the news of his Impeachment for Treason, he composed this Epigram.

I am preferr'd from Newgate to the Tow'r;
And, as the Summers heat mends Ale that's sowr,
So, here my state is mended; and what follows,
May be, for ought I yet perceive, the Gallows.

Hark! what is that which now the woman cryes,
Who, this day selleth weekly Truths and Lyes?
How! an Impeachment against Major Wither?
These words, methinks, seem not well put together.
But, let them passe, until I know the reason;
Perhaps, a kind of whisteling of Treason
I am thought guilty of: and if some say
The Fox's ears are horns, who help it may?

These Novels, only please, or else affright,
Children & Fools, who know not black from white,
Nor right from wrong; and quite contrary things
They'l tel next week, to what this week forth brings.

However, Friends, be not thereof afeard,
He that shall stand accused, must be clear'd
Or else condemn'd, before that any one
Can justly say, that right or wrong is done.
The Commons do intend to vindicate
Their Honour; and I am not griev'd thereat,
For, it concerns them; and the Reputation
Of their House is the Honour of the Nation.

If that which I have writ, seditious be,
Or scandalous, 'twas not so made by me:
But, rather, by some Members of their own;
For, to all other men, it is unknown;
And was by me, compos'd with an intent,
Both Scandal and Sedition to prevent,
As that Remonstrance truly hath averd,
Which to their Speaker I long since preferd.
I did but part of that in private write,
Which genrally was fam'd, that make I might
Good use thereof: And, if that be a crime,
I know it was not so in former time,
Nor will be so hereafter, unless we
To universal Ruine destin'd be.

If their Proceed against me be severe,
The more my Innocency will appear
To prudent men; And, if I wronged be,
The more GOD will be merciful to me.
He that beneath his Wings hath his abidings,
Needs not to be afraid of evil tidings,
Though they cry'd, Fire & Brimstone is descending;
For, Angels alwayes are on him attending.
If they, as consciencious be, as wise,
Upon whom now an Imposition lies
To charge me; They, perhaps, when they have weigh'd
What I have done, with what I've writ and said

In my defence; will to that sense incline,
Whereby the Honour of their House, and mine,
May joyntly be preserv'd, and make good use
Of that which hath been deemed an abuse.

I know discreet men cannot be so mad,
To make that worse, which is already bad,
Or, not to leave one single person free
To speak Truth plainly, when just cause may be.
For, they so understand, what doth belong
To Free-men, and to Slaves, to right and wrong;
That, to excuse the breach of any Laws,
I shall not need a Favour worth two straws,
If Justice may take place, (as I conceive
It will, when they my Innocence perceive.)
Yea, peradventure, they, who yet seem Foes,
Will be to me so friendly in the close,
That they will by their Justice, honour gain,
And, me into their favour entertain.
One bitter herb spoils not a pot of Broth,
(Though some the single tast thereof may loath)
But, makes the same perhaps much wholsomer
Than if it totally omitted were.
The best among us, at the best are sinners,
And, in true Penitence, but new beginners,
Who need forgiveness: and, GOD will bestow
Such Mercy, as to other men we show.

'Tis not the cutting-off of one mans ears
Will stop the Voice which ev'ry body hears;
Nor possible, if Tongue and Life they take
From me, to make all men afraid to speak:
Nor is't in Whirlwinds, which the Rocks do rend,
Whereby GOD will into mens hearts descend.
Sunshine makes us those Robes aside to lay,
Which furious Tempests cannot tear away:

And, they whom Threatnings cannot work upon,
By Gentleness and Kindness may be won
To yeeld up their own Judgments, and their Will,
Sometime for good, and otherwhile for ill.
GOD by his Grace, preserve me from that snare,
And then, come what come will, I nothing fear.
For, chiefest causes of the greatest Evils,
Are these; kind Foes, good Witches, and white Devils.

Ingenii Largitor Venter.

Hunger will break Stonewalls, and make Fools witty;
When others will not, we our selves must pitty:
For, he that wholly doth himself neglect,
Cannot his Neighbour heartily affect.
And, if we love not those whom we have seen,
The Love of GOD in us hath not yet been.
By what Expedient, I shall henceforth get
A means to vent my thoughts, I know not yet.
My Black-lead's took away; and worn out quite
My Oker-pensil is; therefore Good-night.
All I can now do, is to sit and think,
What might be writ with Paper, Pen and Ink.

GEO. WITHER, Close-Prisoner.

FINIS.

University of Virginia Library

A Proclamation In the Name of the King of Kings, To all the Inhabitants of the Isles of Great Brittain:

And especially, to those who have Hypocritically pretended to Justice, Mercy, Honesty and Religion; (as also to them who have lived in open Prophaness and Impiety) summoning them to Repentance, by denouncing GOD's Judgements, and declaring his Mercy, offered in the Everlasting Gospel.

Warrantably Proclaimed, and Preached, by GEO. WITHER. Though not by any Humane Ordination.

Whereto are added, some FRAGMENTS Of the same Authors, omitted in the first Imprinting of the Book, Intituled, Scraps and Crums: and a few which were Collected since that Impression, and during his Imprisonment.

I. To those Friends, unto whom this Author hath been scandalously mis-represented in private, by some false Brethren and others.