University of Virginia Library

TO THE FRIENDLY, VNFRIENDLY, PREJUDICATE, or Indifferent Reader, or Hearer, and so consequently to all, and every body.

I (with applause) have writt, neere seavenscore Books,
Yet never fear'd base words, or scurvy looks:
Though some detracting spirits snarle and hisse,
I (with mine owne hand) doe acknowledge this:
Let Rake-hells raile, and Rebels kick and spurne;
The Bush shall be unburnt, when they shall burne:
Such as would sink the Arke (which doth denote
That then Gods Church was in that sacred Boate)
More barbarous than the barbarous souldiers were
That did refuse Christs seam-lesse Coate to teare;
To such as these, and none but such as these,
My lines may have a rellish to displease;
And I doe say (as better men have said)
God is my record, I am not affraid
Of Force or Fraude; for he that feareth such,
Will never dare t'abide the Test or Tutch:
Nor is it flatt'ry that doth cause me write,
(My Climactericall doth say, Good Night)
And 'tis a Court-like adulating sinne,
Which I ne're us'd, nor will I now beginne;
He that's offended, let him tell wherefore,
And shew some reason why he hath therefore;
And where my error is, but shew me it,
In all Humility I will submit.
Some sattin Momus, or some silken Zoylus,
Or Midas puft in plush, or musky Troylus;
This was not writt to doe them any pleasure,
Nor can their Wisedomes take of it true measure;
If such as understand not, are offended,
I bid them all come kisse my Muse, and mend it.
But sure, as long as God is on my side,
What need I care if raskals doe deride;
My deere, deere Mother, Englands Church, 'tis she,
(In humble duty) drawes these lines from me;
For though I am no Clergie-man, I know,
That I obedience unto Her doe owe;
In Her, I was baptised, and in Her
I have been shew'd Truth, and to shun to erre;
In Her th'eternall food (most excellent)
I have receiv'd, in th'Word and Sacrament,
And for Her sake (to vindicate her cause)
Expecting neither proffit nor applause,
These following lines unto the world I send,
Which (I am sure) shall last, till time shall end.