Miscelanea Meditations. Memoratiues. By Elizabeth Grymeston |
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| THE BALLAD, OR; Some Scurrilous Reflections In Verse,
On the PROCEEDINGS of the Honourable HOUSE of COMMONS:
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| II. |
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| VI. |
| VII. |
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| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
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| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. |
| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. |
| XXIX. |
| XXX. |
| XXXI. |
| XXXII. |
| XXXIII. |
| XXXIV. |
| XXXV. |
| XXXVI. |
| XXXVII. |
 | Miscelanea |  |
THE BALLAD, OR; Some Scurrilous Reflections In Verse, On the PROCEEDINGS of the Honourable HOUSE of COMMONS:
ANSWERED STANZA by STANZA. WITH THE Memorial, Alias Legion, REPLY'D TO Paragraph by Paragraph.
1
I.
Ye True-born Englishmen proceed
Our trifling Crimes Detect,
Let the Poor Starve, Religion Bleed,
The Dutch be damn'd, the French succeed,
And all by your Neglect.
Our trifling Crimes Detect,
Let the Poor Starve, Religion Bleed,
The Dutch be damn'd, the French succeed,
And all by your Neglect.
ANSWER.
Ye Slaves who make it your PretenceTo seek the Nations Good,
And cant, and snarl, and give Offence
To Men of Honesty and Sense,
As all Dissemblers shou'd.
2
II.
Your Actions all the World disgust,
The French are only glad,
Your Friends your Honesty distrust,
And while you think you're Wise and Just,
The Nation thinks you mad.
The French are only glad,
Your Friends your Honesty distrust,
And while you think you're Wise and Just,
The Nation thinks you mad.
ANSWER.
Speak Truth for once, and feeely ownThe Justice of their Cause
That never Parliament was known
To be more faithful to the Throne,
Or made more wholesom Laws.
III.
Are these the ways your Wisdom takes.
To raise our Reputation?
To Quarrel at a few Mistakes
While France their own Advantage makes,
And laughs at all the Nation.
To raise our Reputation?
To Quarrel at a few Mistakes
While France their own Advantage makes,
And laughs at all the Nation.
3
ANSWER.
If evil Councillors preside,And publick harms propose,
The way to humble France's Pride
Is certainly to have 'em try'd
That we may know our Foes.
IV.
You are the People who of Old
The Nations Troops disbanded,
And now you should your Friends uphold,
Your Friends and you are bought and sold,
As always was intended.
The Nations Troops disbanded,
And now you should your Friends uphold,
Your Friends and you are bought and sold,
As always was intended.
ANSWER.
When all the Fears of War were pass'dAnd Peace was dearly gain'd
Our Money ran away so fast,
We must have sold our selves at last,
Had we those Troops maintain'd.
4
V.
There's none but Fools in Time to come
Will Trust the English Nation;
For if they do they know their Doom,
That we'll be falling out at Home
And baulk their Expectation.
Will Trust the English Nation;
For if they do they know their Doom,
That we'll be falling out at Home
And baulk their Expectation.
ANSWER.
However when a Neighbr'ing ShoreDemanded promis'd Aid,
They sent ten thousand Warriors o're,
Keeping the Faith they gave before,
And whom they sent they pay'd.
VI.
You are the Nations Grand Defence
Against Illegal Power;
And yet against both Law and Sense,
And sometimes too without pretence
You send Folk to the Tower.
Against Illegal Power;
And yet against both Law and Sense,
And sometimes too without pretence
You send Folk to the Tower.
5
ANSWER.
And as the Dutys of their PlaceWere to detect Abuses,
Corruption durst not shew its Face,
Or Monies spent in any Case
In Bribes or evil Uses,
VII.
Some Lords your Anger have incurr'd
For Treaty of Partition,
But if you'll take the Nations word,
Most People think it was Absurd
And empty of Discretion.
For Treaty of Partition,
But if you'll take the Nations word,
Most People think it was Absurd
And empty of Discretion.
ANSWER.
The Treaty of Partition mustWithout all Doubt have faults,
If we can Lord or Commons trust
Who voted Both it was unjust,
And spoke the Nations thoughts.
6
VIII.
For if that Treaty as 'tis fam'd,
Gave part of Spain to Gaul,
Why should those Gentlemen be blam'd
When you your selves are not asham'd
To let 'em take it All?
Gave part of Spain to Gaul,
Why should those Gentlemen be blam'd
When you your selves are not asham'd
To let 'em take it All?
ANSWER.
Then how can they be faultless who,Gave Counsel to divide,
Or it in any sense be true,
That Senators French steps pursue,
That take the Austrian side
IX.
Bribes and ill Practices you found
And some few felt your Power,
But soon you run your selves aground
For had you push'd the Matter round,
You all had gone to th' Tower.
And some few felt your Power,
But soon you run your selves aground
For had you push'd the Matter round,
You all had gone to th' Tower.
7
ANSWER.
Shepherd, and the Tooth-drawing SquireWho'd be a Legislator,
When Burgesses let out to Hire
Would gratify a Knaves desire
Know quite another Matter.
X.
Some Reformation has from you,
In vain been long expected,
For when you should your Business do,
Your private Quarrels you pursue,
And the Nation lies neglected.
In vain been long expected,
For when you should your Business do,
Your private Quarrels you pursue,
And the Nation lies neglected.
ANSWER.
The Rights of those they representShould ne're be yielded by 'em.
And as they Articles have sent,
The Peers might hold themselves content,
And by known Rules to try 'em.
8
XI.
Long has the Kingdom born the weight
Of your deficient Funds,
That Parliamentary publique cheat.
Pray where's the difference of that
And Plundering with Dragoons?
Of your deficient Funds,
That Parliamentary publique cheat.
Pray where's the difference of that
And Plundering with Dragoons?
ANSWER.
Long has the Kingdom shewn its Zeal.And been at vast Expences.
To forward good of Common-weal
And given Money, Hand and Seal,
To prove 'twas in its Senses.
XII.
Are you the People that complain
Of Arbitrary Power?
Then shew the Nation if you can,
Where Kings have been, since Kings began,
Such Tyrants as you are.
Of Arbitrary Power?
Then shew the Nation if you can,
Where Kings have been, since Kings began,
Such Tyrants as you are.
9
ANSWER.
Yet have some Miscreants ta'ne the parts.Of Patriots misguided,
And curs'd the Men that had the Hearts
To take to those, who studied Arts,
That with their Country sided.
XIII.
When Kings with right and Law dispense,
And set up Power despotick,
It has been counted Law and Sense
To take up Arms against our Prince,
And call in aids Exotick.
And set up Power despotick,
It has been counted Law and Sense
To take up Arms against our Prince,
And call in aids Exotick.
ANSWER.
It's thought a Business now of great,And wond'rous Reputation,
To ruin us and help the State,
While Nobles Sin at any Rate,
And Beggar half the Nation.
10
XIV.
But you, although your Powers depend
On every Plowman's Vote,
Beyond the Law that Power extend,
To ruin those you should defend,
And sell the Power you bought.
On every Plowman's Vote,
Beyond the Law that Power extend,
To ruin those you should defend,
And sell the Power you bought.
ANSWER.
And as their Priviledge takes RiseFrom Men of Low Condition,
To study ev'ry thwarting Vice,
That may bring twelve Pence to a Sice,
And hinder Coalition.
Is it for this we must be thought,
Strange insolent Pretenders,
Whilst poor unthinking Lords are caught
And vindicate that sorry thought
That clears impeach'd Offenders.
11
XV.
The King Religion did Commend
To you his Law-Explainers,
We know not what you may intend,
Nor how you should Religion mend,
Unless you will your Manners.
To you his Law-Explainers,
We know not what you may intend,
Nor how you should Religion mend,
Unless you will your Manners.
ANSWER.
A Pious King may recommendGood Statutes to Law-givers;
But how can Nobles who pretend
Religious Matters to befriend,
Do good while such Bad Livers?
XVI.
You are the Nations darling Sons,
The Abstract of our Mobb,
For City Knights and Wealthy Clowns,
Stock Jobbers, Statesmen and Buffoons,
You may defie the Globe.
The Abstract of our Mobb,
For City Knights and Wealthy Clowns,
Stock Jobbers, Statesmen and Buffoons,
You may defie the Globe.
12
ANSWER.
It's true the Common's all are Chose,By Common-People's Charters.
But every living Creature knows,
No Souls are thought such Common Foes,
As Coronets and Garters.
XVII.
Toland insults the Holy Ghost,
Brib'd S---r bribes accuses,
Good Manners and Religion's lost,
The King who was your Lord of Host,
The Raskal H---w abuses.
Brib'd S---r bribes accuses,
Good Manners and Religion's lost,
The King who was your Lord of Host,
The Raskal H---w abuses.
ANSWER.
S---rs to his Immortal FameHas heard his Crimes repeated,
And naval O---d to his Shame,
Has got a Conscientious Name
By being false acquitted.
13
XVIII.
Your Statesmen G---lle with intent
To cultivate with Care,
The dignity of Parliament,
Plyes closely at the Dancing tent,
And manages May-Fair.
To cultivate with Care,
The dignity of Parliament,
Plyes closely at the Dancing tent,
And manages May-Fair.
ANSWER.
Bold H---m has utter'd words,Audacious in Committee,
And giv'n Affronts to those whose Swords,
Were full as sharp as any Lords,
And Sentences as witty.
XIX.
The True-Born Heroes diligence
For publique good appears,
There he refines his Wit and Sense
That the next day in our defence
May fill Committee Chairs.
For publique good appears,
There he refines his Wit and Sense
That the next day in our defence
May fill Committee Chairs.
14
ANSWER.
Tho' G---lle has been lately boughtAnd Country left for Court,
And C---tts to shew he valued nought,
That was Unparliamentary thought
Attended Lords Report.
XX.
The limitation of the Crown
Is your Immediate care,
If your Wise Articles go down,
Your Power will be so Lawless grown,
'Tis no matter who's the Heir.
Is your Immediate care,
If your Wise Articles go down,
Your Power will be so Lawless grown,
'Tis no matter who's the Heir.
ANSWER.
If the Succession Bill restrain'sAll Arbitrary Notions,
Had Men, or Gratitude, or Brains,
They'd fairly thank 'em for their Pains,
And praise such useful Motions.
15
XXI.
Did we for this depose our Prince,
And Liberty assume,
That you should with our Laws dispense,
Commit Mankind without Offence,
And Govern in his Room?
And Liberty assume,
That you should with our Laws dispense,
Commit Mankind without Offence,
And Govern in his Room?
ANSWER.
Our Prince has been depos'd for thingsOf fatal Consequences;
But he that this poor inference brings
That they who chose one since, are Kings,
Must needs be out of's Senses.
XXII.
You shou'd find out some other word
To give the Crowns Accepter,
To call him King wou'd be Absurd,
For tho' he'll seem to wear the Sword,
'Tis you have got the Scepter.
To give the Crowns Accepter,
To call him King wou'd be Absurd,
For tho' he'll seem to wear the Sword,
'Tis you have got the Scepter.
16
ANSWER.
Senates think fit for publick goodTo bridle Regal Power,
And make Kings act as Monarchs shou'd,
That spare their Subjects Wealth and Blood,
Not those they Rule devour.
XXIII.
And now your wrath is smoaking hot
Against the Kent Petition,
No Man alive can tell for what,
But telling Truths which pleas'd you not,
And taxing your Discretion.
Against the Kent Petition,
No Man alive can tell for what,
But telling Truths which pleas'd you not,
And taxing your Discretion.
ANSWER.
If Men of Kent Petitions draw,And idly vote Supplies,
Instead of those who make the Law,
The Gate House, or some Bedlam Straw,
Must serve to make 'em Wise.
17
XXIV.
If you those Gentlemen detain
By your unbounded Power,
'Tis hop'd you'l never more complain
Of Bishops in King James's Reign,
Sent blindly to the Tower.
By your unbounded Power,
'Tis hop'd you'l never more complain
Of Bishops in King James's Reign,
Sent blindly to the Tower.
ANSWER.
The Bishops were close Prisoners made,By reason of their Conscience,
But these Impertinents, affraid
A War would spoil their Owling Trade,
Are shut up for their Nonsence.
XXV.
A strange Memorial too there came,
Your Members to affront,
Which told you Truths you dare not Name,
And so the Paper scap'd the Flame,
Or else it had been burnt.
Your Members to affront,
Which told you Truths you dare not Name,
And so the Paper scap'd the Flame,
Or else it had been burnt.
18
ANSWER.
The House had other Fish to fry,When Legions Libel came,
Then to sit talking o're a Lye,
Which had been punish'd, by the By,
Had th' Author sent his Name.
XXVI.
Some said the Language was severe,
And into Passion flew,
Some too began to curse and swear,
And call'd the Author Mutineer,
But all Men said 'twas true.
And into Passion flew,
Some too began to curse and swear,
And call'd the Author Mutineer,
But all Men said 'twas true.
ANSWER.
The Language certainly was suchAs shew'd the Writers breeding,
And for Civility kept touch
With those, it would defend, the Dutch,
That use such rough Proceeding.
19
XXVII.
But oh! the Consternation now
In which you all appear!
'Tis plain from whence your terrors flew,
For had your guilt been less you knew,
So would have been your fear.
In which you all appear!
'Tis plain from whence your terrors flew,
For had your guilt been less you knew,
So would have been your fear.
ANSWER.
And since such falshoods were giv'n out,By those who wish'd 'em Evil,
Twas time for them to look about,
And to prevent the Rabble Rout,
Since Mob's a very Devil.
XXVIII.
In Fifteen Articles you're told
You have our Rights betray'd,
Banter'd the Nation, bought and sold
The Liberties you shou'd uphold;
No wonder you're afraid.
You have our Rights betray'd,
Banter'd the Nation, bought and sold
The Liberties you shou'd uphold;
No wonder you're afraid.
20
ANSWER.
Five Hundred Articles might shewWhat Malice could devise,
But had those Articles been true,
And worthy of a Publick view,
Their Votes had made 'em Lyes.
XXIX.
And now to make your selves appear
The more Impertinent,
A wise Address you do prepare,
To have His Majesty take care
Rebellion to prevent.
The more Impertinent,
A wise Address you do prepare,
To have His Majesty take care
Rebellion to prevent.
ANSWER.
Addresses at a time when thoseThey wisely represent,
Are threatn'd by the Kingdoms Foes,
Who wou'd have Brethren come to Blows,
Are needful by Consent.
21
XXX.
No doubt His Majesty will please
To take your Cause in hand,
Besides the work is done with ease,
Full Seven thousand Men he has
The Nation to defend.
To take your Cause in hand,
Besides the work is done with ease,
Full Seven thousand Men he has
The Nation to defend.
ANSWER.
His Majesty has taken careTo Guard us at their Motion,
And where we've Fleets without compare,
Seven thousand Men are very fair,
When they command the Ocean.
XXXI.
Our Hundred Thousand Heroes more
Do our Train'd Bands compose,
If foreign Forces shou'd come o're,
Plant them and you upon the Shoar,
How bravely you'l oppose.
Do our Train'd Bands compose,
If foreign Forces shou'd come o're,
Plant them and you upon the Shoar,
How bravely you'l oppose.
22
ANSWER.
There's no great likelihood appearsOf Forreigners Invasion,
Since Rook around the Channel steers,
And Troops enough to quell those Fears,
Are ready on Occasion.
XXXII.
Then blush ye Senators to see
How all Men stand dismay'd,
The Nation shou'd so patient be,
To bear withal your Villany,
And see themselves betray'd.
How all Men stand dismay'd,
The Nation shou'd so patient be,
To bear withal your Villany,
And see themselves betray'd.
ANSWER.
Then blush, vile, murm'ring Scribe at sightOf what you cannot prove,
And see whilst you Invectives write,
How Senators contemn your spight,
And gain the Nations Love.
23
XXXIII.
It was our Freedom to defend,
That We the People chose you,
And We the People do pretend
Our power of Choosing may extend
To punish and depose you.
That We the People chose you,
And We the People do pretend
Our power of Choosing may extend
To punish and depose you.
ANSWER.
We Apples cry'd the Horse-Turds,Were nought, but common Dung,
So We the People's us'd by you,
Who never had perhaps to do
With Choosing Right or Wrong.
XXXIV.
For since in vain our Hopes and Fears,
Petitions too are vain,
No Remedy but this appears,
To pull the House about your Ears,
And send you home again.
Petitions too are vain,
No Remedy but this appears,
To pull the House about your Ears,
And send you home again.
24
ANSWER.
But softly, Friend, 'twixt you and me,This would for Truth be known
Shou'd any be so bold, he'd see
Their Ear would stand, and such as he,
Would probably have none.
XXXV.
These are the Nations Discontents,
The Causes are too true,
The Ploughman now his Choice repents,
For tho' he values Parliaments,
He's out of Love with You.
The Causes are too true,
The Ploughman now his Choice repents,
For tho' he values Parliaments,
He's out of Love with You.
ANSWER.
That Ploughman neither must have WitOr sense of growing Favours,
Who does not wish and think it fit,
Such Patriots shou'd for ever sit,
And perfect their Endeavours.
25
XXXVI.
When to be chose with Caps in hand
You courted every Voice,
You were our Servants at Command
By which it seems you understand,
Until we made our Choice.
You courted every Voice,
You were our Servants at Command
By which it seems you understand,
Until we made our Choice.
ANSWER.
If things were rightly understood,You'd be in other Story,
And freely own, as Sinners shou'd,
They're forced to beg to do us Good,
And forward Englands Glory.
XXXVII.
If that be true, we let you know
Upon that very Score,
You'd best your present Hours bestow
In all the Mischiefs you can do,
For we'll ne're choose you more.
Upon that very Score,
You'd best your present Hours bestow
In all the Mischiefs you can do,
For we'll ne're choose you more.
26
ANSWER.
Scriblers may Write what Scriblers please,And threatning Periods use,
But such poor Animals as these
Are of such Pennyless Degrees,
They have no Right to Chuse.
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