University of Virginia Library

LINES ON A REPORT THAT DUKE WHARTON WAS EXPELLED A LODGE OF FREE-MASONS.

Duke Wharton, on the tenth of June,
Whistled a treasonable tune;
Nay, more, half-drunk, in merry vein
The health of James the Third began.
This each mysterious Lodge alarms,
And all the Masons rise in arms.
The reverend Deputy acquaints
The Master of a Lodge of saints,
It highly would become their zeal
Their late Grand-Master to expel.
One frantic health thus cost him more
Than all his blasphemies before.
What, though he made hell-fire his mirth,
Devil incarnate upon earth;
The volleys of whose impious tongue
Have through the land with horror rung?
Yet, this consistent was allow'd
With Mastership and Brotherhood.
The prelate-brethren had forgiven
His treasons 'gainst the King of heaven;
Which Presbyterians bore with ease,
For all their tender consciences.
And is it thus, you Masons Free,
You prove your ancient pedigree?
Could acts like these be ever done
By Moses or by Solomon?