A COPY OF VERSES, Presented To all my Loving MASTERS and MISTRESSES, In the Town of LAMBETH.  By THOMAS OULDMAN, Belman For that Part of the Parish. 
 depiction of bell-ringer  

The PROLOGUE.  

My Masters all, these lines I do present  
In hopes that they will give you all content;  
But if I fail in what I do intend,  
Next Year i'll strive my Verses to amend.   

But if these lines from you acceptance find,  
'Twill be great satisfaction to my mind;  
And to you all I hearty thanks will give,  
Remaining your poor Servant while I live.    

For Christmas Day.  
THe Angels to the Shepherd's tidings brings,  
In Bethlehem was born the King of Kings:  
Shall earthly Monarch's birth-days be esteemed  
And shall not this, who all the world redeemed  
He who descended from his Heavenly Throne  
To save both thee and I and every one.   

For Innocents' Day.  

NO sooner born, but in his infantsie  
By cruel Herod he is doomed to die;  
And l●st his bloody hand should miss the right  
Slew a●l the Babes in Bethlehem in one night;  
Through all the world no City can present  
So many Martyrs, and so innocent.   

LOrd, turn to us thy countenance of Grace,  
And with thy Mercy in this our Trials place  
Vouchsafe to shadow us, and lay not to  
●●r charge the sins which we do daily do.    

On the Day of Judgement.  
GRieve not because the Kingdom is at hand,  
It's said the Righteous before the Lord shall stand.  
Upon thy promis● (Lord) we do depend,  
Then teach us for to make an happy end.   

On justice.  
JUstice gives to every one their due and right,  
Judging according un●o reasons right;  
Censuring none wilfully on no condition  
Without the Lawful Warrant of Commission.   

At any Time.  
THe great Creator having made mankind,  
Made him acquainted with his will and mind;  
Which was to worship, serve him, and obey,  
And meditate his Laws both night and day:  
Prepare thyself to act what he expects,  
He'll call thee to account for thy neglects.   

For Christmas Eve.  
HEre is old doings Neighbours, such a slaughter  
Would make a body wonder what's the matter  
The butchers hew their Bullocks out in bits,  
Heating of Ovens, cleaning of pots and spits;  
The Poulterers as busy as the rest,  
With Turkeys, Geese, and Capon for the Feast:  
Feast did I say; and now 'tis in my mind,  
Pray leave a Bone to pick when you have dined.   

On St. Paul's day  
IF we believe the Almanacs Assertion,  
This was the very day of Paul's Conversion;  
He to the Gentiles afterwards was sent  
To preach the Gospel, teaching to repent.   

On St. Mathias Day.  
HOly Mathias maketh up the twelfth,  
Chosen in Judas room, who hanged himself,  
Whose Virtuous Piety, and goodness rare,  
Though last in number, with the foremost were.   

The Fifth of November.  
TRaitors conspired and Treason did invent  
To ruin Kingdom King and Parliament;  
But God in mercy did prevent the same,  
Then let us praise and magnify his name.   

On a blustering Rainy night.  
HArk how it blows and Rains, 'tis dirty weather,  
Therefore be ruled by me, lie close together;  
Were I as you are now between the sheets,  
I would not rise to walk about the streets.   

In Long nights▪  
I Walk abroad at nights and ring my Bell  
To give you notice (Masters) all is well;  
Though with the noise some people I offend,  
Yet others still my care they will commend:  
I hope you'll all excuse me for the wrong,  
You may have sleep enough the nights ●e long.   

On King Charles the I. Martyrdom  

HOw, how can Britain's Loyal subjects sleep?  
Have you not cause to mourn, lament and weep  
For Britain's loss? this was the fatal day  
When Rebe●s took their Prince's life away;  
He was both Charles the great, and Charles' the good,  
He sealed his Princely Virtues with his blood.   

O M●n that art oppressed with sad despair,  
Strive f●r t● get the strongest Art of Prayer,  
Then pray with fervent faith and not with ceasing,  
Restless as jacob did until you get a Blessing.   

UNfit for action are short days and cold,  
Rest and warm Diet please the Soldier bold;  
The Statesman's care no season doth neglect  
Neither night nor day his designs to effect.  
Heavens bless his Projects whose ends are just  
And Vengeance blast him that betrays his trust.   

SO to conclude, and for to make an end  
I hope that God will these bad times amend;  
Lord grant that we may see that happy day,  
That we the Gospel sweetly may enjoy;  
God bless our King and Queen and all the Land  
And keep us safe out of our Enemy's hands.    

The EPILOGUE.  

Now noble Masters, ere I do conclude,  
Your Servant will express his gratitude;  
To serve my Masters both by day and night  
Your poor obedient Servant takes delight;   

He knowing that he shall requited be,  
He doubts not of the generosity  
Which you have always strived to make appear;  
And so God send you many a happy year.     

LONDON: Printed by H. Brugis in Green Arbour Little old Bailie. 1685.