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 | The Ingratitude of a Common-Wealth : Or, the fall of Laius Martius Coriolanus |  |
And English Swords with English Blood were Stain'd,
When out of Zeal Religion was expell'd,
And Men for Conscience 'gainst their Prince Rebell'd,
(On Purposes too deep for Reason's Line)
Gave Rebell-Arms Success, and seem'd to bring
Distress at once upon our Saint and King.
Not Jesse's Son seem'd better form'd to Reign,
Nor were his Worthies of a Nobler Strein!
But what Relief can bravest Valour lend,
When Heroes, not with Foes, but Fate Contend?
The Age's Crimes for no less Curse did Call,
And 'tis Decreed the Royal Cause must Fall!
Of Conquest thus by Destiny Bereft,
Our blasted War has yet one Garland Left.
Alone the Foes united Strength to Fight,
And Strike the last Fam'd Blow for Royal Right.
This Honour to the Noble Worcester Fell,
Who, alwayes Brave, Himself did now Excel,
His Friends, his Troops, his House, his Cittadel!
Here, tho' reduc'd to last Extreams He Lies,
His cheerful Cannon still the Foe Defies;
The more Distres't, the more his Virtue Shines,
His Courage Rising as his Strength Declines:
Oft from Unequal Force he Guards his Walls,
Oft in fierce Sallyes on the Leaguer Falls.
Thus while Expir'd the other Members Lye,
Worc'ster Stirs Last the Heart of Loyalty.
| The Ingratitude of a Common-Wealth : Or, the fall of Laius Martius Coriolanus | |