University of Virginia Library

A Speech intended for the generall Training, being appointed for the Tuesday next ensuing the Uisitation of the Springs, but vpon some occasion, the Day deferred.

Vpon discontinuance, and to excite them to practise.

Pallas
on Horsebacke, on her Helmet the figure of a Cocke, her proper Crest, thus should haue greeted the L. Generall the L. Mayor Sir William Cokaine, at his entrance into the Field, the worthy Colonels, the right Generous Mr: Alderman Hamersley, President of the Noble Councell of Warre, for the Martiall Garden; the Captaines, &c.
Why here's my wish, the Ioy I liue vpon,
Wisedome and Valour when both meet in one,
Now tis a Field of Honor, Fames true Sphere,
Me thinks I could eternally dwell here;
Why here's perfection, tis a place for me,
Pallas delights in such community;
This Bird of Courage, (Enemy to Feare)
Whose Figure on my Helmet now I weare,
And haue done euer from my Birth in Heauen
Is consecrate to Me, as to Thee giuen,
Our Crest's alike, and fits both warre and peace,
The Vertues are, Valour and Watchfulnesse,
And both shine cleare now in thy present State,
Field-Generall, and City-Magistrate:
As I from Arts and Armes deriue my name;
So thou suppliest two Offices, with Fame:
Why here the Ancient Romane Honor dwels,
A Prætor, Generall; Senators, Colonels;
Captaines, graue Citizens; so richly inspir'd,
They can assist in Councell, if requir'd,
And set Court-Causes in as fayre a Forme,
As they doe Men, here, without Rage or Storme:
Lieuetenants, Ensigners, Seriants of Bands,
Of worthy Citizens the Army stands,
Each in his place deseruing faire respect;
I can complaine of nothing but Neglect,
That such a noble Cities Arm'd Defence
Should be so seldome seene; I could dispence
With great occasions, but alasse, whole yeares
To put off exercise, giues cause of feares;
“In getting wealth all care should not be set,
“But some, in the defending what you get:
There's fewe but haue their prouidence so pure,
(Blest with a faire estate) to make it sure,
By strength of writings, and in good mens hands
Putting their Coyne, secur'd by Lifes and Lands,
This is the common Fort to which all flye,
Euery man labours for Security;
But what's all this? (I speake in Truths behalfe)
If neither Men, City, nor Deeds be safe;
Where's now Security of State? that day,
When life stands doubtfull of her house of clay;
A ruine, which neglect of glorious Armes
H'as brought on many a Kingdome, rockt with charmes
Of lazy dulnesse, by vnpractis'd men
Fit for no seruice; I resolue you then;
This is Security, if you'le rightly know,
And do's Secure that Word which you call so:
Let not a small pecuniary Expence
(Which is but drossie dotage) keepe you hence,
You lose all that you saue, after that manner,
What i'st to rise in riches, fall in honour?
Nay to your Safeties to commit selfe-treason,
Which euery thing prouides for, blest with reason,
Let this graue Lord's Example, (in its Prime)
Who perfects all his Actions with his Time,
Makes euen with the Yeare, to his faire Fame,
Giues His Accounts vp with a Glorious Name
In Field and Court, moue all men to discharge
Their manly Offices and paines at large;
Let euery Yeare (at least) once in his Round,
See you like Sonnes of Honour tread this Ground;
And Heauen that both giues, & secures iust welth,
The City blesse with Safety, You with Health.