 | Songs and other poems (1664) |  |
EPISTLES.
262
XLIX. To his Friend Thomas Stanley, Esq; on his Odes Set and Published by Mr. John Gamble .
Stanley the Darling of Apollo, thouThat mak'st at once both Verse and Musick too;
So sweet a Master of so sweet a Muse,
Whom not to name with honour, were t'abuse.
How thy words flow! How sweetly do they Chyme,
When thy pure Couplets do imbrace in Rhyme!
How quick, how lovely, and how full of Sence
Thy Fancy is, and all that springs from thence!
Which Gamble has enliv'ned by his Art,
And breath' an Active Soul through every part:
And so deduc'd thy Mind to us, that we
May feast our Ears and Souls with rarity.
How much to Thee, how much to Him we owe,
We can conceive, but cannot make you know;
Nor have we thanks proportion'd to your worth,
Thou that didst make, and He that set them forth,
In such a lively Dress too, We admire
What we cann't praise, what we cann't do, Desire;
And therefore turn our praises into prayers,
That Thou'lt make more such Odes, He more such Ayres.
263
I. On the famous Romance, called The innocent Impostor .
'Twill be expected now that I should raiseSome Monument unto the Author's praise,
The Works, or the Translators; else I fear,
The Reader 'll wonder what I do make here.
'Tis grown Apocryphal, and by the Wits
Quite voted down; Who hold it not befits
A true-born Fancy, to be Smith-field-wise
Put off with Toll and Vouchers; this defies
Such Crutches; for 'tis of so clear a Nature,
'Twill pass without the Chaplains Imprimatur,
Or our Certificates: Besides I carry
Such a dislike to all things Customary,
I'll cheat all expectation, and will be
Thankful to them, but chiefly unto thee.
In these Self-ended times we only do,
Or thank or praise those we're beholding to:
So call our Justice Charity, and say
We do bestow, when we do only pay:
For though the work be rare; yet should it be
Still in its dress, what had it been to me?
And though translated by this worthy pen,
If not exposed to the view of Men,
I had ne'r seen't perhaps, But since all three
Have clubb'd in this production, I must be
Grateful to all, and to give all your right,
Must praise, and love, and thank Bellay, Dod, Wright.
326
From our Society must be banished:
Let none by drinking do or suffer harm,
And while we stay, let us be alwaies warm.
LIV. Cromwell's Panegyrick, upon his riding in triumph over the baffled City of L.
Shall Presbyterian bells ring Cromwel's praise,While we stand still and do no Trophies raise
Unto his lasting name? Then may we be
Hung up like bells for our malignity:
Well may his Nose, that is dominical,
Take pepper in't, to see no Pen at all
Stir to applaud his merits, who hath lent
Such valour, to erect a monument
of lasting praise; whose name shall never dye,
While England has a Church, or Monarchy.
He whom the laurell'd Army home did bring
Riding Triumphant o'r his conquer'd King,
He is the Generals Cypher now; and when
He's joyn'd to him, he makes that one a Ten.
The Kingdomes Saint; England no more shall stir
To cry St. Geooge, but now St. Oliver:
He's the Realms Ensign; and who goes to wring
His Nose, is forc'd to cry, God save the King.
He that can rout an Army with his name,
And take a City, ere he views the same:
His Souldiers may want bread, but ne'r shall fear
(While he's their General,) the want of Beer;
327
(Helicon-like) makes Poets Laureat:
When Brains in those Castalian liquors swim,
We sing no Heathenish Pean, but an Hymn;
And that by th'Spirit too, for who can chuse
But sing Hosanna to his King of Jews?
Tremble you Scottish zealots, you that han't
Freed any Conscience from your Covenant:
That for those bald Appellatives of Cause,
Religion, and the Fundamental Laws,
Have pull'd the old Episcopacy down;
And as the Miter, so you'll serve the Crown:
You that have made the Cap to th'Bonnet vail,
And make the Head a servant to the Tail.
And you curst spawn of Publicans, that sit
In every County, as a plague to it;
That with your Yeomen Sequestrating Knaves,
Have made whole Counties beggarly, and slaves.
You Synod that have sate so long to know
Whether we must believe in God, or no;
You that have torn the Church, and sate t'impaire
The Ten Commandements, the Creed, the Prayer;
And made your honours pull down heavens glory,
While you set up that Calf, your Directory:
We shall no wicked Jews-ear'd Elders want,
This Army's made of Churches Militant:
These are new Tribes of Levi; for they be
Clergy, yet of no University.
Pull down your Crests; for every bird shall gather,
From your usurping backs a stolen feather:
Your Great Lay-Levite P. whose Margent tires
The patient Reader, while he blots whole quires,
Nay reams with Treason; and with Nonsence too,
To justifie what e'r you say or do:
328
Ripe for another Persecution:
He must to Scotland for another pair;
For he will lose these, if he tarry here.
Burges that Reverend Presby-dean of Pauls,
Must (with his Poundage) leave his Cure of Souls,
And into Scotland trot, that he may pick
Out of the Kirk, and nick-nam'd Philoprick.
And Will the Conquerour in a Scottish dance,
Must lead his running Army into France.
And that still-gaping Tophet Goldsmiths-Hall,
With all its Furies, shall to ruine fall.
We'll be no more gull'd by that Popish story,
But shall reach heav'n without that Purgatory:
What honour does he merit, what renown
By whom all these oppressions are pull'd down:
And such a Government is like to be
In Church and State, as eye did never see:
Magicians think he'll set up Common-Prayer;
Looking in's face, they find the Rubrick there:
His Name shall never dye, by fire nor floud,
But in Church-windows stand, where pictures stood:
And if his soul loathing that house of clay,
Shall to another Kingdome march away,
Under some Barns-floor his bones shall lye,
Who Churches did, and Monuments defie:
Where the rude Thrasher, with much knocking on,
Shall wake him at the Resurrection.
And on his Grave, since there must be no Stone,
Shall stand this Epitaph; That he has none.
329
LV. A Record in Rhythme, Being an Essay towards the Reformation of the Law, offer'd to the Consideration of the Committee appointed for that purpose. Written by some men of Law, at a time when they had little else to do.
By A. B.
London, ss.
Be it remembred now that formerly,
To wit, last Term o'th' holy Trinity,
Before the Keepers of the liberty
Of England, by the full authority
Of the long Parliament at Westminster,
Priscilla Morecrave widow came, by her
Atturney M. B. and prefers,
I'th Court of Upper Bench, a bill of hers,
Against one Roger Pricklove, who doth lye
A prisoner in the Marshalls Custody
Et cætera, and 'tis upon a plea
Of trespass on the Case, Pledges there be
To prosecute the suite, to wit, John Doe
And Richard Roe. And the said bill also
Doth follow in these very words, to wit
In legal manner, London, Scilicet.
330
Declaration.
By M. B.
Priscilla Morecrave Widow, doth complain
Of Roger Pricklove, who doth now remain,
Prisoner to th'Marshal of the Marshalsie,
Of the said Keepers of the Liberty
Of England, by authority and power
Of Parliament, i'th' Bench superiour,
Before the same Keepers themselves that be,
For that (to wit) whereas the aforesaid she
Priscilla Morecrave, is a person just,
Honest, and faithful, one that never durst
Give the least cause for to be thought unchast,
But hath liv'd ever modest, and was grac't,
With godly education, and demurely,
Behav'd her self; and all her life most purely,
Hath with the zealous and precise consorted;
And free from all uncleanness was reported,
Who never was amongst the well affected,
Stain'd with a Crime, or in the least suspected;
But with the pious people of this Nation,
Hath had good fame, credit, and reputation;
By which good reputation, she hath gain'd
Not only love, and favour, but obtain'd
A plentiful estate, by which most freely
She manag'd her Affairs; And that Ralph Seely,
One of the Assembly late at Westminster,
A godly-Gospel-preaching-Minister,
Was earnest suiter in the way of Marriage,
To have her for his yoke-fellow; his carriage;
331
Had her consent to all that he beseeches.
And she agreed to give him all content,
To wed him by the Act of Parliament:
Three times the Contract publish't, then their trust is
That all shall be compleated by the Justice:
But this said Roger all aforesaid knowing,
Maliciously intending her undoing,
To blast her reputation, and dishonour
Her unstain'd Chastity; to cast upon Her
Infamous obloquy, to dis-repute Her;
And to deprive her of her foresaid Suiter;
By breaking of the marriage was intended;
To leave her to the world lost, and unfriended;
In month September, day of the same Eleven,
One thousand six hundred fifty and seven,
Of our Lords year, as by our computation,
Our Common-wealth reckons from th'incarnation,
At London in the parish of St. Mary
Bow, in the ward of Cheap, he then contrary
To truth most falsly and maliciously
In hearing of right worthy Company,
And honourable persons, Noble Lords,
Did speak these false, and most reproachful words,
To and off her the Plaintiff; that's to say,
You are a Pockie Whore, and at this day
You have three Bastards living, which do dwell,
Two in Pick-hatch, and one in Clarkenwell:
By reason of which false malicious speaking
Of the said Roger, to her great heart-breaking;
The godly Gospel-Minister, her Suiter,
Forbears his former suit, and for the future,
Did make profession he would never take her
To be his Consort, but did quite forsake her;
332
Do now esteem her for a Prostitute;
Whereby she is the worse, and damnifi'd,
One thousand and five hundred pounds, beside;
And thereupon she doth her suit produce,
In th'Upper Bench, because of this abuse.
Imparlance.
By A. B.
And now until this day, that is to say,
On Munday three weeks after Michaels day
In this same Term, which very day until
Roger had leave t'emparl unto that Bill,
And then to answer it; before the same
Keepers, as well the said Priscilla came,
I'th Court of Upper Bench, at Westminster
By that Attourney nam'd before, for her,
As the aforesaid Roger, who doth come
By his Attourney A. B.
And doth defend the force and injurie,
When, where, et ceæera. And said that she,
The said Priscilla, ought not maintain, nor
Have thereupon her Suit against him, for
Protesting, not acknowledging that she
Is half so honest as she'ld seem to be;
Nor is her body, or her life so clear,
Nor so unspotted, as she would appear;
Nor is she of so chaste a reputation,
As is pretended by her Declaration:
Protesting also that the said Ralph Seely
(Though oft together did both he and she lye)
Ne'r meant to Marry her, but all his power,
Of love was quench'd in less then half an hour.
Besides he'ld quite undo her; if he had,
His learning was so small his life so bad.
On Munday three weeks after Michaels day
In this same Term, which very day until
Roger had leave t'emparl unto that Bill,
And then to answer it; before the same
Keepers, as well the said Priscilla came,
I'th Court of Upper Bench, at Westminster
By that Attourney nam'd before, for her,
As the aforesaid Roger, who doth come
By his Attourney A. B.
And doth defend the force and injurie,
When, where, et ceæera. And said that she,
The said Priscilla, ought not maintain, nor
Have thereupon her Suit against him, for
Protesting, not acknowledging that she
Is half so honest as she'ld seem to be;
Nor is her body, or her life so clear,
Nor so unspotted, as she would appear;
Nor is she of so chaste a reputation,
As is pretended by her Declaration:
Protesting also that the said Ralph Seely
(Though oft together did both he and she lye)
333
Of love was quench'd in less then half an hour.
Besides he'ld quite undo her; if he had,
His learning was so small his life so bad.
For Plea he saith that at the time, wherein
She does suppose these slandrous words t'have bin
Spoke by th'aforesaid Roger, she the said
Priscilla was nor Widow, Wife, nor Maid;
And though she pass'd for an unbroken Virgin,
She catch'd th'aforesaid Presbyter in her gyn;
And with his wall-ey'd Saintship plaid the sinner,
Who b'ing inspir'd by a Thanksgiving dinner,
Did carnally her body know, to wit
The crime of Fornication did commit;
In the same Ward, and Parish, to his Honour,
He at one clap got three great Boyes upon her.
All which for privacy were put to feeding
At Bridewell and Pick-hatch, to learn good breeding:
And she in recompence clap'd him so sore,
With Anglice French-POX, it made him rore;
And put his Genitals in such a pickle,
That all his Parish women did article,
And out him of his Benefices twain,
And into Scotland made him trot again:
Wherefore (as lawful 'twas) on this occasion,
He spake the words laid in the Declaration.
And this he Justifies, and judgement crave,
If she this suit ought to maintain or have.
She does suppose these slandrous words t'have bin
Spoke by th'aforesaid Roger, she the said
Priscilla was nor Widow, Wife, nor Maid;
And though she pass'd for an unbroken Virgin,
She catch'd th'aforesaid Presbyter in her gyn;
And with his wall-ey'd Saintship plaid the sinner,
Who b'ing inspir'd by a Thanksgiving dinner,
Did carnally her body know, to wit
The crime of Fornication did commit;
In the same Ward, and Parish, to his Honour,
He at one clap got three great Boyes upon her.
All which for privacy were put to feeding
At Bridewell and Pick-hatch, to learn good breeding:
And she in recompence clap'd him so sore,
With Anglice French-POX, it made him rore;
And put his Genitals in such a pickle,
That all his Parish women did article,
And out him of his Benefices twain,
And into Scotland made him trot again:
Wherefore (as lawful 'twas) on this occasion,
He spake the words laid in the Declaration.
And this he Justifies, and judgement crave,
If she this suit ought to maintain or have.
334
Replication.
By I. H.
And she the said Priscilla doth maintain her
Said Action, against all that's said to stain her;
And saith this Court nor will nor can forejudge her,
For ought that's pleaded by the foresaid Roger;
But though by his said Plea, she's forc'd to tarry,
Her suit against him, yet she ought to carry;
Protesting therefore she's not such a liver,
Nor of such Fame, as the said Plea doth give her
Out for to be, but that she hath not vary'd
One jot in life from what she hath declared:
And on the said Ralphs part protesting farther,
That of the Kirk he was a Godly Father;
And of as pure and chaste a conversation,
As any Presbyter within the Nation:
And free from any lustful act committing,
With her, or any other deed unfitting:
For Replication saith, she was not knowing
Of the said Ralph but three years last foregoing:
During which time, and till the said words spoke were
By the said Roger (that almost have broke her)
She liv'd a Matrons life, chaste, grave, and thrifty,
And came unto the Age of three and fifty;
And the said Ralph all the said time, by reason
Of his much preaching in and out of season;
And of his fasting long, and longer praying,
And from his peoples not their duties paying,
In the same Ward and Parish, grew so weakly,
That of his life he did despair weekly:
335
That in his bed he was not able turn him;
Till that a learned Doctor of the Colledge
Who of his sickness had full perfect knowledge,
For gaining of his health did much exhort him,
To wed an honest Matron to Comfort him:
Which the said Ralph well liking, and well knowing
The honour to the said Priscilla owing,
And thinking that delayes might greatly worse him,
With Zeal, did Court her for a wife to nurse him:
And she in pity to his weak Condition,
Did condescend to be his she Physician,
And for their joynt desires better carrying,
A day by both appointed was for marrying:
But on the sudden off the same was broken
By the said Roger's words aforesaid spoken;
By means whereof, he the said Ralph, endure
Could not the said Priscilla for a Cure,
But of relief his expectations failing,
And his long sickness more and more prevailing;
In Month October, day thereof that first is,
In the Lords year that formerly exprest is;
At the said Ward, the said Ralph much in trouble,
Did dye, to's loss, possess'd of living double:
And left the said Priscilla to bemoan her,
For that no other man would after own her;
And that she truly doth reply and don't lye,
She prays may be inquired by the Country.
336
Rejoynder.
By A. B.
And the aforesaid Roger saith the Plea
By her the said Priscilla formerly
Put in and pleaded by her Replication,
In the aforesaid manner, form, and fashion,
And the whole matter that's contained there,
Are not sufficient in the law, for her
The said Priscilla, to maintain her aforesaid
Suit against him, and there need be no more said:
Nor by the laws of England is it fit,
That he should make answer unto it;
This to averr he's ready. Whereupon
For want of better Replication
In this behalf, he doth a judgment pray,
And that she from having her action may
Be barr'd, for this against him; And for
The causes why he doth in Law demurr
Upon that Replication, he the said
Roger according to the Statute made,
And in such case provided, doth declare
And shew to th'Court of Upper Bench that's here,
These causes following, to wit, that this
Said Replication insufficient is,
Negative, pregnant, and uncertain, rude,
Double, wants form, and does not conclude
Rightly, according to the legal way.
337
Joyning in Demurrer.
By A. B.
And she the said Priscilla here doth say,
That the said Plea which by reply has been
Pleaded by her, and what's contain'd therein,
In point of Law, good, and sufficient be,
Her suit against him to maintain; And she
That Plea and matter, pleaded as above,
Is ready here both to maintain and prove,
As this Court shall consider, and think fit,
And 'cause he does not answer it, nor yet
Deny the Replication any way,
The said Priscilla (as before) doth pray
Judgement, and dammages to be judg'd to her,
For all this injury which he did do her:
But 'cause this Court here not advised is
Of giving judgment of the premises,
A day's giv'n to both parties to appear
I'th Upper Bench, before the Keepers here
At Westminster, till Munday after eight
Dayes of St. Hillary, for the receipt,
And hearing of their Judgment upon it,
For that the Court is not advis'd as yet.
338
LVI. To the Kings most Sacred Majesty, on his miraculous and glorious return 29. May, 1660 .
Now our Spring-royal's come, this cursed ground,
Which for twelve years with Tyrants did abound,
Bears Kings again, a memorable Spring!
May first brought forth, May now brings home our King;
Auspicious Twenty ninth! this day of Mirth
Now gives Redemption, which before gave Birth.
Which for twelve years with Tyrants did abound,
Bears Kings again, a memorable Spring!
May first brought forth, May now brings home our King;
Auspicious Twenty ninth! this day of Mirth
Now gives Redemption, which before gave Birth.
Hark, how th'admiring people cry, and shout,
See how they flock and leap for joy; the Rout,
Whose Zeal and Ignorance, for many years,
Devis'd those Goblins Jealousies and Fears,
And fighting blindfold in those puzling Mists,
Rais'd by the conjuring of their Exorcists,
Wounded, and chas'd, and kill'd each other while
Their Setters-on did share the prey, and smile.
Now the delusion's o'r, do plainly see
What once they were, what now they ought to be.
T'abused Trumpet that was only taught
To inspire Rebellion, now corrects its fault;
Tun'd by your Fame; and with more chearful voyce,
Contributes sounds, and helps us to Rejoyce:
The Guns which roar'd for your best subjects bloud,
Disown their cause now better understood;
The Bells that for sedition long chim'd in,
As if themselves too, Rebaptiz'd had been,
Convert their notes ecchoing with louder peal,
The harmony of Church and Common-weal:
While in contiguous Bon-fires all the Nation
Paint their late fears, and sport with Conflagration;
'Bout which rejoycing Neighbours friendly meet,
And with fresh wood the kind devourer greet.
See how they flock and leap for joy; the Rout,
Whose Zeal and Ignorance, for many years,
Devis'd those Goblins Jealousies and Fears,
And fighting blindfold in those puzling Mists,
Rais'd by the conjuring of their Exorcists,
Wounded, and chas'd, and kill'd each other while
Their Setters-on did share the prey, and smile.
Now the delusion's o'r, do plainly see
What once they were, what now they ought to be.
T'abused Trumpet that was only taught
To inspire Rebellion, now corrects its fault;
Tun'd by your Fame; and with more chearful voyce,
Contributes sounds, and helps us to Rejoyce:
The Guns which roar'd for your best subjects bloud,
Disown their cause now better understood;
The Bells that for sedition long chim'd in,
As if themselves too, Rebaptiz'd had been,
339
The harmony of Church and Common-weal:
While in contiguous Bon-fires all the Nation
Paint their late fears, and sport with Conflagration;
'Bout which rejoycing Neighbours friendly meet,
And with fresh wood the kind devourer greet.
Mean while, th'old Subjects, who so long have slept
In Caves, and been miraculously kept
From Rage and Famine; while the only thing
That fed and cloath'd them, was the hope of King,
Do all New-plume themselves to entertain
Your long'd-for Majesty, and welcome Train.
In Caves, and been miraculously kept
From Rage and Famine; while the only thing
That fed and cloath'd them, was the hope of King,
Do all New-plume themselves to entertain
Your long'd-for Majesty, and welcome Train.
And (as in Job's time 'twas) those Spuricus things,
Who look like Subjects, but did ne'r love Kings,
Appear among your Subjects in array
That's undiscernable, unless more gay.
All with loud hallows pierce the smiling skies,
While brandish'd Swords please and amaze our eyes.
Who look like Subjects, but did ne'r love Kings,
Appear among your Subjects in array
That's undiscernable, unless more gay.
All with loud hallows pierce the smiling skies,
While brandish'd Swords please and amaze our eyes.
Why then should only I stand still? and bear
No part of triumph in this Theatre?
Though I'm not wise enough to speak t'a King
What's worth his ear, nor rich enough to bring
Gifts worthy his acceptance; though I do
Not ride in Buff and Feathers, in the show;
(Which Pomp I did industriously eschew,
That Cost being more to me, than th'shew to you)
Nor do I love a Souldiers garb to own,
When my own Conscience tells me I am none.
Yet I'll do duty too, for I've a mind
Will not be idle, but will something find
To bid my Sgveraign Welcome to his own
Long-widow'd Realm, his Scepter, Crown & Throne;
And though too mean and empty it appear,
If he afford a well-pleas'd Eye and Ear,
His pow'r can't by my Weakness be withstood,
Bee't what it will, he'll find, or make it good.
No part of triumph in this Theatre?
Though I'm not wise enough to speak t'a King
What's worth his ear, nor rich enough to bring
Gifts worthy his acceptance; though I do
Not ride in Buff and Feathers, in the show;
(Which Pomp I did industriously eschew,
That Cost being more to me, than th'shew to you)
Nor do I love a Souldiers garb to own,
When my own Conscience tells me I am none.
Yet I'll do duty too, for I've a mind
Will not be idle, but will something find
To bid my Sgveraign Welcome to his own
Long-widow'd Realm, his Scepter, Crown & Throne;
And though too mean and empty it appear,
If he afford a well-pleas'd Eye and Ear,
340
Bee't what it will, he'll find, or make it good.
Hail long-desired Soveraign! you that are
Now our sole joy and hope, as once our fear!
The Princely Son of a most pious Sire
Whose Precepts and Example did inspire
Your tender years with virtues, that become
A King that's fit to rule all Christendome:
Which your great Soul hath so improved since,
Europe can't shew such an accomplish'd Prince:
Whose whole life's so exemplary, that you
Convinc'd those foes, which we could not subdue;
And those that did t'your Court t'abuse you come,
Converted Proselytes returned home:
Such strong and sympathetick virtues lye
In your great name, it cures when you're not nigh,
Like Weapon-salve; If fame can reach up to
This height of Cures, what will your person do?
Your Subjects high'st Ambition, and their Cure,
Bold Rebels terrour, you that did endure
What e'r the Wit or Malice of your foes
Could lay on you or yours, yet stoutly chose
To suffer on, rather than to requite
Their injuries, and grew Victorious by't;
And by your patient suffering did subdue
The Traytors fury, and the Traytors too.
Now our sole joy and hope, as once our fear!
The Princely Son of a most pious Sire
Whose Precepts and Example did inspire
Your tender years with virtues, that become
A King that's fit to rule all Christendome:
Which your great Soul hath so improved since,
Europe can't shew such an accomplish'd Prince:
Whose whole life's so exemplary, that you
Convinc'd those foes, which we could not subdue;
And those that did t'your Court t'abuse you come,
Converted Proselytes returned home:
Such strong and sympathetick virtues lye
In your great name, it cures when you're not nigh,
Like Weapon-salve; If fame can reach up to
This height of Cures, what will your person do?
Your Subjects high'st Ambition, and their Cure,
Bold Rebels terrour, you that did endure
What e'r the Wit or Malice of your foes
Could lay on you or yours, yet stoutly chose
To suffer on, rather than to requite
Their injuries, and grew Victorious by't;
And by your patient suffering did subdue
The Traytors fury, and the Traytors too.
The great King-makers favourite, a Prince
Born to a Crown, and kept for't ever since.
From Open force, from all the Close designs
Of all your Foes, and all our Catilines,
From all th'insatiate malice of that bold
Bloud-thirsty Tyrant, from his sword, and gold,
Which hurt you more; and from your own false Friends,
Whom he still kept in pay to serve his ends
Yet you're deliver'd out of all these things,
By your Protector, who's the King of Kings.
No more that proud Usurper shall proclame
Those partial Conquests which but brand his name,
To all posterity, no more remember,
His thrice auspicious third day of September;
Since he fought not for victories, but paid;
Nor were you conquer'd by him, but betray'd:
And now your May, by love, has gotten more,
Than his Septembers did, by bloud, before.
Born to a Crown, and kept for't ever since.
From Open force, from all the Close designs
Of all your Foes, and all our Catilines,
From all th'insatiate malice of that bold
Bloud-thirsty Tyrant, from his sword, and gold,
Which hurt you more; and from your own false Friends,
Whom he still kept in pay to serve his ends
341
By your Protector, who's the King of Kings.
No more that proud Usurper shall proclame
Those partial Conquests which but brand his name,
To all posterity, no more remember,
His thrice auspicious third day of September;
Since he fought not for victories, but paid;
Nor were you conquer'd by him, but betray'd:
And now your May, by love, has gotten more,
Than his Septembers did, by bloud, before.
Thanks to that Glory of the West, that Star,
By whose conductive influence you are
Brought to enjoy your own, whose em'nent worth
These Islands are to small to Eccho forth:
Whose courage baffled fear, whose purer soul
No bribes could e'r seduce, no threats controul,
But strangely cross'd the proverb, & brought forth
The best of Goods from th'once-pernicious North,
To whose Integrity, your Kingdomes owe
Their restauration, and what thence does flow,
Your blest arrival; with such prudence still
He manag'd these affairs, such truth, such skill,
Such valour too, he led these Nations through
Red Seas of Bloud, and yet ne'r wet their shoe.
Blest be the Heavenly pow'rs, that hither sent
That Noble Hero, as the instrument,
To scourge away those Furies, and to bring
To's longing subjects our long absent King.
By whose conductive influence you are
Brought to enjoy your own, whose em'nent worth
These Islands are to small to Eccho forth:
Whose courage baffled fear, whose purer soul
No bribes could e'r seduce, no threats controul,
But strangely cross'd the proverb, & brought forth
The best of Goods from th'once-pernicious North,
To whose Integrity, your Kingdomes owe
Their restauration, and what thence does flow,
Your blest arrival; with such prudence still
He manag'd these affairs, such truth, such skill,
Such valour too, he led these Nations through
Red Seas of Bloud, and yet ne'r wet their shoe.
Blest be the Heavenly pow'rs, that hither sent
That Noble Hero, as the instrument,
To scourge away those Furies, and to bring
To's longing subjects our long absent King.
Welcome from forein Kingdoms, where you've been,
Driv'n by hard-hearted Fate, and where you've seen,
Strange men and manners; yet too truly known,
No Land less Hospitable than your own;
From those that would not, those that durst not do
Right to themselves, by being kind to you;
From profess'd foes, and from pretended friends,
Whose feigned love promotes their cover'd Ends.
“Kings treating Kings, springs not from love, but state,
“Their love's to policy subordinate.
From banishment, from dangers, and from want,
From all those mischiefs that depend upon't,
You're truly welcome, welcome to your throne,
Your Crowns and Scepters, and what ere's your own,
Nay to what's ours too, for we find it true,
Our wealth is gotten and preserv'd by you.
Welcome 't your Subjects hearts, which long did burn
With strong desires to see your bless'd Return.
Welcome t'your friends, welcome t'your wisest foes,
Whose bought Experience tells them now, that those
Riches they've got by plunder, fraud, and force,
Do not increase, but make their fortunes worse,
Like Robbers spoyls, just as they come, they go,
And leave the wretches poor and wicked too.
They see their error, and that only you
Can give them pardon, and protection too.
Since you're come out o'th fire, twelve years refin'd,
With hardned body, and Experienc'd mind.
Driv'n by hard-hearted Fate, and where you've seen,
Strange men and manners; yet too truly known,
No Land less Hospitable than your own;
342
Right to themselves, by being kind to you;
From profess'd foes, and from pretended friends,
Whose feigned love promotes their cover'd Ends.
“Kings treating Kings, springs not from love, but state,
“Their love's to policy subordinate.
From banishment, from dangers, and from want,
From all those mischiefs that depend upon't,
You're truly welcome, welcome to your throne,
Your Crowns and Scepters, and what ere's your own,
Nay to what's ours too, for we find it true,
Our wealth is gotten and preserv'd by you.
Welcome 't your Subjects hearts, which long did burn
With strong desires to see your bless'd Return.
Welcome t'your friends, welcome t'your wisest foes,
Whose bought Experience tells them now, that those
Riches they've got by plunder, fraud, and force,
Do not increase, but make their fortunes worse,
Like Robbers spoyls, just as they come, they go,
And leave the wretches poor and wicked too.
They see their error, and that only you
Can give them pardon, and protection too.
Since you're come out o'th fire, twelve years refin'd,
With hardned body, and Experienc'd mind.
Only that crew of Caitiffs, who have been,
So long, so deeply plung'd in so great sin,
That they despair of pardon, and believe,
You can't have so much mercy to forgive,
As they had villany t'offend, and so
They to get out, the further in do go.
So long, so deeply plung'd in so great sin,
That they despair of pardon, and believe,
You can't have so much mercy to forgive,
As they had villany t'offend, and so
They to get out, the further in do go.
These never were, and never will be true
(What e'r they say or swear) to God or you.
The scum and scorn of every sort of men;
That for abilities, could scarce tell ten;
And of estates proportion'd to their parts;
Of mean enjoyments, and of worse deserts,
Whom want made bold, and impudence supply'd
Those gifts, which art and nature had deny'd;
And in their practice perfect Atheists too,
(For half-wit, and half-learning makes men so).
(What e'r they say or swear) to God or you.
343
That for abilities, could scarce tell ten;
And of estates proportion'd to their parts;
Of mean enjoyments, and of worse deserts,
Whom want made bold, and impudence supply'd
Those gifts, which art and nature had deny'd;
And in their practice perfect Atheists too,
(For half-wit, and half-learning makes men so).
These first contriv'd, and then promoted all
Those troubles, which upon your Realm did fall;
Inflam'd three populous Nations, that they might
Get better opportunity and light
To steal and plunder, and our goods might have,
By robbing those, whom they pretend to save,
Our new commotions new employments made,
And what was our affliction grew their trade:
And when they saw the plots, th'had laid, did take,
Then they turn'd Gamesters, and put in their stake,
Ventured their All; their Credit which was small,
And next their Conscience which was none all,
Put on all forms, and all Religions own,
And all alike, for they were all of none:
A thousand of them han't one Christian soul,
No Oathes oblige them, and no Laws controul
Their strong desires but pœnal ones; and those
Make them not innocent, but cautelous.
Crimes that are scandalous, and yield no gain,
Revenge or pleasure, they perhaps refrain;
But where a crime was gainful to commit,
Or pleas'd their lust or malice, how they bit!
This did invade the Pulpit, and the Throne,
And first made them, then all that's ours, their own.
Depos'd the Ministers and Magistrates,
And in a godly way, seiz'd their estates;
Then did the Gentry follow, and the Rich,
Those neutral sinners, by omission, which
Had good estates, for it was not a sin
To plunder, but t'have ought worth plundring.
And by religious forms, and shews and paints,
They're call'd the godly party, and the Saints.
By crafty artless Oratory, they
Vent'ring to make Orations, preach, and pray,
Drew in two silly souls, that were
Caught with vain shews, drawn on by hope and fear,
Poor undiscerning, all believing Elves,
Fit but to be the ruine of themselves;
Born to be couzen'd, trod on, and abus'd;
Lov'd to be fool'd, and easily seduc'd:
These beasts they make with courage fight and dye,
Like Andabates, not knowing how, nor why,
Till they destroy'd King, Kingdome, Church, and Laws,
And sacrificed all to Molochs Cause:
While those possess the fruit of all the toils
Of these blind slaves, and flourish with their spoils,
Plum'd with gay feathers stoln, (like Æsops Crow)
They seem gay birds, but it was only show.
Those troubles, which upon your Realm did fall;
Inflam'd three populous Nations, that they might
Get better opportunity and light
To steal and plunder, and our goods might have,
By robbing those, whom they pretend to save,
Our new commotions new employments made,
And what was our affliction grew their trade:
And when they saw the plots, th'had laid, did take,
Then they turn'd Gamesters, and put in their stake,
Ventured their All; their Credit which was small,
And next their Conscience which was none all,
Put on all forms, and all Religions own,
And all alike, for they were all of none:
A thousand of them han't one Christian soul,
No Oathes oblige them, and no Laws controul
Their strong desires but pœnal ones; and those
Make them not innocent, but cautelous.
Crimes that are scandalous, and yield no gain,
Revenge or pleasure, they perhaps refrain;
But where a crime was gainful to commit,
Or pleas'd their lust or malice, how they bit!
This did invade the Pulpit, and the Throne,
And first made them, then all that's ours, their own.
Depos'd the Ministers and Magistrates,
And in a godly way, seiz'd their estates;
344
Those neutral sinners, by omission, which
Had good estates, for it was not a sin
To plunder, but t'have ought worth plundring.
And by religious forms, and shews and paints,
They're call'd the godly party, and the Saints.
By crafty artless Oratory, they
Vent'ring to make Orations, preach, and pray,
Drew in two silly souls, that were
Caught with vain shews, drawn on by hope and fear,
Poor undiscerning, all believing Elves,
Fit but to be the ruine of themselves;
Born to be couzen'd, trod on, and abus'd;
Lov'd to be fool'd, and easily seduc'd:
These beasts they make with courage fight and dye,
Like Andabates, not knowing how, nor why,
Till they destroy'd King, Kingdome, Church, and Laws,
And sacrificed all to Molochs Cause:
While those possess the fruit of all the toils
Of these blind slaves, and flourish with their spoils,
Plum'd with gay feathers stoln, (like Æsops Crow)
They seem gay birds, but it was only show.
Now publique lands and private too, they share
Among themselves, whose mawes did never spare
Ought they could grasp; to get the Royal lands,
They in Bloud Royal bath'd their rav'nous hands.
With which they shortly pampered grew, and rich,
Then was their bloud infected with the itch
Of Pomp, and Power, and now they must be Squires,
And Knights and Lords, to please their wives desires,
And Madam them. A broken tradesman now,
Piec'd with Church-Lands, makes all the vulgar bow
Unto his honour, and their Bonnets vail
To's worship, that sold Petticoats, or Ale.
In pomp, attire, and every thing they did
Look like true Gentry, but the Soul, and Head,
By which they were discern'd, for they were rude,
With harsh and ill-bred natures still endu'd;
Proud, and penurious. What Nobility
Sprung in an instant, from all trades had we!
Such t'other things, crept into t'other House,
Whose Sires heel'd stockings, and whose Dams sold sowse.
These were Protectors, but of such a crew,
As people Newgate, not good men, and true:
These were Lord Keepers, but of Cowes and Swine,
Lord Coblers, and Lord Drawers, not of Wine.
Fine Cockney-pageant Lords, and Lords Gee-hoo,
Lords Butchers, and Lords Butlers, Dray-Lords too.
Among themselves, whose mawes did never spare
Ought they could grasp; to get the Royal lands,
They in Bloud Royal bath'd their rav'nous hands.
With which they shortly pampered grew, and rich,
Then was their bloud infected with the itch
Of Pomp, and Power, and now they must be Squires,
And Knights and Lords, to please their wives desires,
And Madam them. A broken tradesman now,
Piec'd with Church-Lands, makes all the vulgar bow
345
To's worship, that sold Petticoats, or Ale.
In pomp, attire, and every thing they did
Look like true Gentry, but the Soul, and Head,
By which they were discern'd, for they were rude,
With harsh and ill-bred natures still endu'd;
Proud, and penurious. What Nobility
Sprung in an instant, from all trades had we!
Such t'other things, crept into t'other House,
Whose Sires heel'd stockings, and whose Dams sold sowse.
These were Protectors, but of such a crew,
As people Newgate, not good men, and true:
These were Lord Keepers, but of Cowes and Swine,
Lord Coblers, and Lord Drawers, not of Wine.
Fine Cockney-pageant Lords, and Lords Gee-hoo,
Lords Butchers, and Lords Butlers, Dray-Lords too.
And to transact with these was hatch'd a brood,
Of Justices and Squires, nor great, nor good,
Rays'd out of plunder, and of sequestration,
Like Frogs of Nilus, from an inundation;
A foundred Warrior, when the wars did cease,
As nat'rally turn'd Justice of the Peace,
And did with boldness th'office undertake,
As a blinde Coach-horse does a Stallion make.
Of Justices and Squires, nor great, nor good,
Rays'd out of plunder, and of sequestration,
Like Frogs of Nilus, from an inundation;
A foundred Warrior, when the wars did cease,
As nat'rally turn'd Justice of the Peace,
And did with boldness th'office undertake,
As a blinde Coach-horse does a Stallion make.
These fill'd all Countreys, and in every Town
Dwelt one or more to tread your Subjects down.
And to compleat this Stratagem of theirs,
They use Auxiliary Lecturers;
Illiterate Dolts, pickt out of every Trade,
Of the same metal, as Jeroboams, made,
That ne'r took Orders, nor did any keep,
But boldly into others Pulpits creep,
And vent their Heresies, and there inspire
The vulgar with Sedition, who desire
Still to be cheated, and do love to be
Mis-led by th'ears, with couzning Sophistrie,
These sold Divinity, as Witches do
In Lapland, Winds, to drive where e'r you go.
The Sword no action did, so dire and fell,
But that some Pulpiteers pronounc'd it, Well.
Dwelt one or more to tread your Subjects down.
And to compleat this Stratagem of theirs,
They use Auxiliary Lecturers;
Illiterate Dolts, pickt out of every Trade,
Of the same metal, as Jeroboams, made,
That ne'r took Orders, nor did any keep,
But boldly into others Pulpits creep,
346
The vulgar with Sedition, who desire
Still to be cheated, and do love to be
Mis-led by th'ears, with couzning Sophistrie,
These sold Divinity, as Witches do
In Lapland, Winds, to drive where e'r you go.
The Sword no action did, so dire and fell,
But that some Pulpiteers pronounc'd it, Well.
With these ingredients, were the Countreys all
Poyson'd, and fool'd, and aw'd, while they did call
Themselves the Cities, or the Counties, and
Do in their names, what they ne'r understand
Or hear of. These did that old Dry-bone call
Up to the Throne, (if he were call'd at all)
And vow'd to live and dye with him; and then
Address'd to Dick, and vow'd the same agen.
And so to Rump; but these vowes were no more
Then what they vow'd to Essex long before,
And so perform'd; they dy'd alike with all,
Yet liv'd on unconcerned in their fall:
So as these Corks might swim at top, they ne'r
Car'd what the liquor was, that them did bear.
Poyson'd, and fool'd, and aw'd, while they did call
Themselves the Cities, or the Counties, and
Do in their names, what they ne'r understand
Or hear of. These did that old Dry-bone call
Up to the Throne, (if he were call'd at all)
And vow'd to live and dye with him; and then
Address'd to Dick, and vow'd the same agen.
And so to Rump; but these vowes were no more
Then what they vow'd to Essex long before,
And so perform'd; they dy'd alike with all,
Yet liv'd on unconcerned in their fall:
So as these Corks might swim at top, they ne'r
Car'd what the liquor was, that them did bear.
These taught the easie people, prone to sin,
And ready to imbibe ill customes in,
To betray trusts, to break an Oath, and Word,
Things that th'old English Protestants abhorr'd.
And ready to imbibe ill customes in,
To betray trusts, to break an Oath, and Word,
Things that th'old English Protestants abhorr'd.
And lest these Kingdoms should hereafter be
Took for inchanted Islands (where men see
Nothing but Devils haunt, as if God and
All virtuous people had forsook the land,
And left it to these Monsters) these took care,
To make us match and mix our bloud with their
Polluted issue; and so do, as when
Gods sons did take the daughters once of men.
To fright men into this, they did begin
To decimate them, for Orig'nal Sin.
Children that were unborn, in those mad times,
And unconcern'd in what they Voted crimes,
If guilty of Estates, were forc'd to pay
The tenth to those, who took nine parts away.
Took for inchanted Islands (where men see
Nothing but Devils haunt, as if God and
All virtuous people had forsook the land,
And left it to these Monsters) these took care,
To make us match and mix our bloud with their
Polluted issue; and so do, as when
Gods sons did take the daughters once of men.
347
To decimate them, for Orig'nal Sin.
Children that were unborn, in those mad times,
And unconcern'd in what they Voted crimes,
If guilty of Estates, were forc'd to pay
The tenth to those, who took nine parts away.
The Law was made a standing pool, and grew
Corrupt, for want of current; thence a crew
Of monstrous Animals out daily crawl'd,
Who little knew, but impudently ball'd;
And made the Law the Eccho of the Sword,
With such lew'd Cattel were the Benches stor'd,
That made the Gown ridiculous, Now and then
The Malefactors were the wiser men,
Most times the honester; these did dispence,
And rack the Laws, 'gainst equity and sence,
Which way the Buff would have them turn; by which
They long continued powerful and Rich.
Corrupt, for want of current; thence a crew
Of monstrous Animals out daily crawl'd,
Who little knew, but impudently ball'd;
And made the Law the Eccho of the Sword,
With such lew'd Cattel were the Benches stor'd,
That made the Gown ridiculous, Now and then
The Malefactors were the wiser men,
Most times the honester; these did dispence,
And rack the Laws, 'gainst equity and sence,
Which way the Buff would have them turn; by which
They long continued powerful and Rich.
Now they'l all wheel about, and be for you,
For (like Camælions) they still change their hue,
And look like that that's next them; they will vow,
Their hearts were alwaies for you, and are now.
'Tis no new Wit, 'tis in a Play we know,
Who would not wish you King, now you are so?
For (like Camælions) they still change their hue,
And look like that that's next them; they will vow,
Their hearts were alwaies for you, and are now.
'Tis no new Wit, 'tis in a Play we know,
Who would not wish you King, now you are so?
Yet you can pardon all, for you have more
Mercy and love, than they have crimes, in store.
And you can love, or pity them, which none
But you could do; you can their persons own,
And with unconquer'd patience look on them,
Because your Nature knows not to condemn.
You'll let them live, and by your grace convince
Their treach'rous hearts, that they have wrong'd a Prince,
Whom God and Angels love and keep; whose mind
Solely to love and mercy is inclin'd;
Whom none but such as they would hurt, or grieve,
And none but such as you could e'r forgive
Such men and crimes. Those feathers ne'rtheless
Pluck'd from your Subjects backs, their own to dress,
Should be repluck'd, or else they should restore,
They'll still be left Crows, as they were before.
But if you trust them, ------
Mercy and love, than they have crimes, in store.
And you can love, or pity them, which none
But you could do; you can their persons own,
And with unconquer'd patience look on them,
Because your Nature knows not to condemn.
You'll let them live, and by your grace convince
Their treach'rous hearts, that they have wrong'd a Prince,
348
Solely to love and mercy is inclin'd;
Whom none but such as they would hurt, or grieve,
And none but such as you could e'r forgive
Such men and crimes. Those feathers ne'rtheless
Pluck'd from your Subjects backs, their own to dress,
Should be repluck'd, or else they should restore,
They'll still be left Crows, as they were before.
But if you trust them, ------
And now you are returned to your Realm,
May you sit long, and stedfastly at th'Helm,
And rule these head-strong people: may you be
The true Protector of our Libertie.
Your wisdome only answers th'expectation
Of this long injur'd, now reviving Nation.
May you sit long, and stedfastly at th'Helm,
And rule these head-strong people: may you be
The true Protector of our Libertie.
Your wisdome only answers th'expectation
Of this long injur'd, now reviving Nation.
May true Religion flourish and increase,
And we love virtue, as the ground of peace;
May all pretences, outward forms, and shewes
Whereby we have been gull'd, give way for those
True act of pure religious, and may we
Not only seem religious, but be.
And we love virtue, as the ground of peace;
May all pretences, outward forms, and shewes
Whereby we have been gull'd, give way for those
True act of pure religious, and may we
Not only seem religious, but be.
Of taking Oathes, may you and we be shy,
But being ta'ne think no necessity
O power can make us break them! may we ne'r
Make wilful breach of promises! nor e'r
Basely betray our trusts! but strive to be
Men both of honour, and of honestie!
And may those only that are just, and true,
Be alwaies honour'd, and imploy'd by you.
But being ta'ne think no necessity
O power can make us break them! may we ne'r
Make wilful breach of promises! nor e'r
Basely betray our trusts! but strive to be
Men both of honour, and of honestie!
And may those only that are just, and true,
Be alwaies honour'd, and imploy'd by you.
Next let our sacred Laws in which do stand
The wealth, the peace, and safety of our Land,
be kept inviolable, and never made
Nets to the small, while the great Flies evade!
May those that are intrusted with them be
Men of sound knowledge, and integrity,
And sober courage; such as dare, and will,
And can do Justice! We have felt what ill
Comes by such Clarks and Judges as have been,
For favour, faction, or design put in,
Without respect to Merit, who have made
The Law to Tyrants various lusts a Bawd,
Perverted Justice, and our Rights have sold,
And Rulers have been over-rul'd by Gold:
Then are the people happy, and Kings too,
When, they that are in power, are good, and doe.
The wealth, the peace, and safety of our Land,
be kept inviolable, and never made
Nets to the small, while the great Flies evade!
349
Men of sound knowledge, and integrity,
And sober courage; such as dare, and will,
And can do Justice! We have felt what ill
Comes by such Clarks and Judges as have been,
For favour, faction, or design put in,
Without respect to Merit, who have made
The Law to Tyrants various lusts a Bawd,
Perverted Justice, and our Rights have sold,
And Rulers have been over-rul'd by Gold:
Then are the people happy, and Kings too,
When, they that are in power, are good, and doe.
On these two Bases let our peace be built
So firm and lasting, that no bloud be spilt,
No Countrey wasted, and no treasure spent
While you and yours do reign; no future rent
Disturb your happiness; but may we strive
Each in his sphere, to make this Nation thrive,
Grow plentiful, and pow'rful, and become
The Joy or Terror of all Christendome.
And those, who lately thought themselves above us,
May, spite of fate, or tremble at, or love us,
May no incroaching spirit break the hedge
Between Prerogative, and Priviledge.
So firm and lasting, that no bloud be spilt,
No Countrey wasted, and no treasure spent
While you and yours do reign; no future rent
Disturb your happiness; but may we strive
Each in his sphere, to make this Nation thrive,
Grow plentiful, and pow'rful, and become
The Joy or Terror of all Christendome.
And those, who lately thought themselves above us,
May, spite of fate, or tremble at, or love us,
May no incroaching spirit break the hedge
Between Prerogative, and Priviledge.
And may your sacred Majesty enjoy
Delights of Mind, and Body, that ne'r cloy!
Not only be obey'd, but lov'd at home,
Prais'd and admir'd by all that near you come!
And may your Royal Fame be spread as far
As valiant, and as virtuous people are!
Delights of Mind, and Body, that ne'r cloy!
Not only be obey'd, but lov'd at home,
Prais'd and admir'd by all that near you come!
And may your Royal Fame be spread as far
As valiant, and as virtuous people are!
And when you're Majesty shall be inclin'd,
To bless your Realms with heirs, oh may you find
A Spouse that may for Beauty, Virtue, Wit,
And royal birth, be for your person fit!
May you abound in hopeful heirs, that may
Govern the Nations, and your Scepters sway,
Till time shall be no more, and pledges be
Both of your love, and our felicity.
To bless your Realms with heirs, oh may you find
A Spouse that may for Beauty, Virtue, Wit,
And royal birth, be for your person fit!
350
Govern the Nations, and your Scepters sway,
Till time shall be no more, and pledges be
Both of your love, and our felicity.
May you live long and happily, and find
No pains of body, and no griefs of mind:
While we with loyal hearts Rejoyce, and Sing
God bless your Kingdoms, and God save our KING.
No pains of body, and no griefs of mind:
While we with loyal hearts Rejoyce, and Sing
God bless your Kingdoms, and God save our KING.
THE END.
| Songs and other poems (1664) | |