AN IMPROVEMENT Of Imprisonment, Into Real Freedom; Of Disgrace, Into Honest Reputation; Of Poverty, Into Perdurable Riches; Evidenced in a few Crumbs & Scraps Lately found in a PRISONERS-BASKET AT NEWGATE; And Saved together, by a Visitant of Oppressed Prisoners, for the refreshing of himself and those who are either in a worse Prison, or (who loathing the dainties of the Flesh) hunger and thirst after Righteousness.  

HE, who, five thousand hungry Souls had fed  
With two small Fishes, and five Loaves of Bread,  
Would have the Fragments saved; for, that is sweet  
To some, which others trample under feet;  
This Prisoners late Experiments may be,  
Of use to them, who know much more than he:  
For, men to credit those, are soon moved;  
Whose Words to be sincere, by Deeds, are proved.   
By GEORGE WITHER.  
London, Printed in the Year, 1661.   

THE AUTHOR OF THESE Fragments, TO THE Humble, the Poor in Spirit, and to all those Afflicted-Ones, who disdain not these CRUMMS.  
EXperience, though to Fools it Mistress be  
Oft, makes men Wise; For, some effects on me  
To that end it hath had: & though with mocks  
Most entertain my Triple-Paradox,  
It will, by what ensues (I hope) appear  
That, Truths, by me, therein averred were;  
And, that, whatever shall succeed thereon,  
My Words, and Actions, do concur in One.  
Those few, who did here visit me, in love,  
Seemed, with so much contentment to approve  
Their homely Entertainment with these Scraps,  
That, they were pocketed; and some, perhaps,  
Them, will Communicate: Which if they do,  
So let it be, and much good do't them too:  
I wish, for their sakes, that they better were,  
But, if, as they did mine, their hearts they cheer,  
I, may to Constancy, encouraged be  
By their Example, more than they by me  
At present are: and mutual Ayd's, ere long,  
Shall make the weakest of us, to grow strong;  
For, by GOD's Providence, (not seldom) springs  
Noblest Effects, from most contemned things.  
" Let, all, who of these Fragments, Copies had  
" These Lines (to be perfixt before them) add.   

CAPTIVITY IMPROVED INTO FREEDOM By the Grace of God.  
GEORGE WHITHER, to his Friends, who have inquired after him, since the late seizure of his Person, Books and Papers.  
WHere I now am, you much desire to hear,  
What, I am blamed for; what, I want, or fear;  
Which, this will briefly tell you: I am well,  
(In Purgatory, between Heaven and Hell.)  
My Fact, (which I acknowledge, in good sooth,  
May some offend) is only writing Truth;  
And, that is, in prevaricating times,  
Much more offensive, than some heinous Crimes.  
I nothing Want, that's truly needful, save,  
Due thankfulness to GOD, for what I have,  
Who hitherto, in an unusual wise,  
Without my care, vouchsafeth me supplies;  
Which hereby, I acknowledge, to this end,  
That, others may in straits, on him depend.  
All, I need now to fear, is, that before  
I shall be freed,, I way be made so poor  
The Messenger, will hardly get his fees,  
Or,, that the Remnant of a Loaf and Cheese,  
Which at my now forsaken Chamber lies,  
Will mouldy be, or eaten by the Mice.  
I do not fear, that what I have expressed  
Or published, will not abide the Test,  
Unless my Judges, do, by looking back  
The Gen'ral-Pardon, ineffectual make:  
For, that, which I last wrote, was but fruit torn  
Out of the Mother's Womb before 'twas born,  
Which, whether Life, or Death receive it should,  
No man with certainty, determine could;  
And, if (according unto my Appeals)  
That, which I purposed for the Publick-weal,  
And honour of the King, may be perused  
Entirely, and not palpably abused,  
By taking from, or adding thereunto,  
I do defy the worst, this World can do;  
Well knowing, that, if she conceal what's done,  
From Public view, yet passeth dooms thereon  
Which may be to my wrong, 'twill be revealed  
And judged by GOD, to whom I have appealed.  
Though now there be not left with me, one Line  
Of what I last wrote, I no whit repine:  
For, Providence will further my intent,  
Thereby, much better, than the course I meant;  
Or, else will raise up, if that be calcined,  
A sprightlier Product of the selfsame kind,  
Which to obliterate, none shall presume,  
Nor time abolish, nor the flame consume,  
Till it hath took effect to that good end,  
For which I did at first, the same intent;  
And, Joseph-like, when I shall tried be,  
Either the King, or GOD, will set me free,  
To whose Free-mercies only, I appeal  
Even in those things, which I intended well:  
For, extreme Justice, is a dreadful thing,  
Whether pronounced by GOD, or by a King:  
And, otherwhile, men of an upright-way,  
Permitted are, in somethings to mis-say,  
That Spirits may be tried, and those things known  
Which are of GOD, from that, which is our own.  
I have not purposely, one Paper hid  
To cloak the worst, that ere I said or did;  
And if men would but at my frailties wink,  
I'll tell them, when they please, even all I think,  
Although against my Life it might offend  
So, their Demands to public welfare tend:  
For, to that purpose, if it needful were,  
I dare say more, than many dare to hear,  
(As would be known by what is now surprised,  
might it be read in public, undisguised)  
Yet, not exceed my limits ne'ertheless,  
Or, bounds of Reason, or of Soberness.  
I have discharged my Conscience, as I thought  
The present times required that I ought,  
Considering, that otherwise, such Tools  
May be of use; and, men reputed Fools  
Speak things, as pertinently in some cases  
As they, who are employed in Wise men's places.  
I am not ignorant, with what disdain  
Our Pantaloons my Poems entertain;  
Nor ought displeased, that what I have writ  
Seemed Frothy-stuffe, unto a Flashy-wit,  
My sour Herbs are as pleasing to some palates  
As Apricocks, Muskmillions, or sweet Salads  
To wanton Appetites; and wholesomer  
Than that, wherein they more delighted are.  
My Verse, to them, seems Vanity to be;  
So seem They, and all Earthly things to me.  
By them, I numbered with fanatics am,  
And they, by me, reputed are the same.  
My Muse, harsh sounds unto their ears applies,  
Their Manners do as much offend mine eyes;  
And, if I merit Punishment, who chid them  
For things misdone, what merit they who did them?  
Should none Reprove, but persons wholly free  
From Sinfulness, no Sin Reproved should be;  
And where our general Reproofs offend,  
Few men, their private Errors will amend.  
All that is in my Thoughts, my Words or Deeds  
Approvable, from GOD's free Grace proceeds,  
And none deserveth blame, but I alone  
(If I do) for what now is thought misdone.  
Yet, come not at me, till you may be sure  
Your Visits may no detriment procure  
Unto yourselves; for (though that I am zealous  
Of public Safety) many are so jealous  
Of our Sincerity, whom they shall find  
From them, in some things, of a differing mind,  
That they, who walk by Gospel and by Law,  
May chance to suffer like Jack Fletcher's Daw,  
Which taken among Pigeons, Pies and Crows  
For whom a Net was laid, did speed like those:  
And, to help keep an Innocent from starving  
May censured be, by some an Ill-deserving,  
Which paradventure may be now my Lot.  
(If Christian Charity prevent it not)  
More to their shame than mine, who, now have here  
Been their Remembrancer, nigh fifty year.  
But, for me, take you neither care nor grief;  
Death, will much more advantage me than Life:  
I walk not blindly, in the Paths I tread,  
And they will make me safe, alive, or dead.  
I am assured, that his Providence  
Which orders things of much less consequence  
(Whether concealed or published) will make  
That which I've written, good effects to take;  
And also by their means, perhaps, who be  
As yet displeased, both with my Book and me.  
Grant me but NATURE'S Freedoms, and let then  
The Privilege of COURTS and SINGLE-MEN  
Do what they can: for, I have broke no Law  
Whereof, a sober Man should stand in awe;  
Nor need I Patrons; nor ought have I done  
To make me be afraid, through want of one.  
ay, reverence the Powers that are Supreme,  
And, know so well, what doth belong to them,  
That, I cannot offend by Libelling  
Either against the Parliament, or King  
As many may suppose; for, VICE may be  
Reproved, yet, they kept from Aspersions free;  
As will appear, when I have open laid  
What, for my Vindication may be said.  
I love and honour more, a Foe, that's just  
Than him, who saves my life, and breaks his trust:  
And, will not thank them, who, shall see wherein  
I merit blame, yet palliate my sin;  
Or, shall excuse me from due punishment,  
When I shall know my fault, and not repent.  
Nor will they be excused, in future times,  
(Though yet they may) who make our DUTIES crimes  
Mine, is (if any) no more but Omission  
Of somewhat; or, at worst, but a Misprision:  
And, my Case now, may be resembled well,  
By what, unto a Northern Lass befell,  
Who, having been corrected very sore  
For calling of her younger Sister Whore,  
Which was indeed untrue; her Mother, said  
Unto the lesser Girl, tell truly Maid,  
Did she not call thee Whore? She answered, NO,  
(She did not) but, she thought to call me so.  
I know there are those, who consider can  
What use there may be of an honest Man  
Who seeketh not for Honours, or for Pelf;  
Hates none; affects his Neighbour as himself;  
Fears nought but GOD, and his own heart; his King  
Doth reverence, and can in Prison sing:  
When more desire to be affected thus,  
It will be better both for them and us:  
And, he who makes these things his chief ambition  
Though Wrongs he feel, can never fear Perdition.  
If less than formerly, I am befriended,  
I, and my Sufferings, quickly shall be ended.  
If I find favour, you shall hear that from me  
Which, to acknowledge, it will well become me:  
Till then therefore Adieu; and hereby know  
That I am pleased, and well, if you be so.  
Chr. oUr reDeeMer LIVeth.  
Aug. 12. 1661. From Mr. Northrops, one of the King's Messengers in Westminster, where I am civilly used.   

George Whither, His first Meditation, upon his Commitment to Newgate, Aug. 22. For his Poem called Vox Vulgi, neither Published nor Finished.  

I.  
SO; I do now begin to be preferred;  
And from an Owl within an Iviebush,  
Advanced am, to be a Newgate-Bird,  
As fast incaged, as my foes need wish.  
My Feathers have so plucked already been  
That, no more I can lose now, but my skin,  
And when that's torn away, I may presume  
My Flesh and Bones, in short time, will consume.   

II.  
I was restrained before, but, not so straight  
Was my Restraint, nor in so close a place;  
I had my load, but not such overweight,  
Nor seemed I, so exposed to disgrace.  
My Friends were overcharged with me before,  
And will, this way, be now oppressed more:  
For, that whereof my Judges me condemn,  
Falls not so much on me, as upon them.   

III.  
But, is this Newgate, whereof so afraid  
Offenders are? Is this the dismal place,  
Wherein, before I came, I heard it said  
There's nothing, but grief, horror, and disgrace?  
I find it otherwise; and, doubtless, either  
It is belied; or, they who are sent hither,  
Within themselves, when to this house they come,  
Bring that, which makes it seem so troublesome.   

IV.  
I no worse here, then where I was before  
Accommodated am: for, though confined  
From somethings, which concern my Body more  
Then formerly, it hath enlarged my mind.  
Here, by degrees, with what the world most fears  
(With Tormeuts, and their Executioners)  
I may be so acquainted, if I please,  
That, things which threaten pain, shall bring me ease.   

V.  
Here, I can see the bottom of that Pit  
Which gapes to swallow me: here, I can view  
What some, who have more prospect, see not yet,  
Nor will, till they their fears cannot eschew.  
Here, I find Objects to prepare me for  
That, which my Flesh and Blood, doth most abhor;  
And, am assured, that, to what place soe'er  
I, hence am sent, that GOD, will meet me there.   

VI  
Though here, my outward-being, seems no better,  
But, in appearance daily worse to grow,  
My Inward comforts and my hopes are greater,  
And, will be greatest when they make least show▪  
Although my Oil and Meal doth not increase  
Since I came hither, 'tis no whit the less:  
Yea, though I am at more charge every day,  
Then did of late, a weeks expense defray:   

VII.  
For that cost, they supplied have, to whom  
My life, it seems, is dearer, then to me;  
And, they engaged for me are become;  
LORD! whence proceeds this kindness, but from thee?  
So is it, that, I now can hardly tell  
Whether, my Friends, to save me, show more zeal  
Or they more malice, who have sought of late  
To ruin both my Person, and Estate.   

VIII.  
I find already, by what I have noted,  
My best Expressions will concealed be.  
My Verses (as the Devil Scripture quoted)  
Produced by Scraps, to disadvantage me.  
I see myself opposed by no small odds,  
Frowned on, by mighty men, and mortal Gods  
Who sit so high, that they nor feel, nor know  
What things are suffered, by poor-men below.   

IX.  
Not only Railing Foes, on every side,  
But my Acquaintance also, and mere Strangers,  
Unjustly, me defame, Jeer, and deride;  
Threats follow me behind, before, lie dangers.  
Yet to no mortal for support I send,  
Nor make complaints by Letter, or by Friends;  
Nor will, except to them, to whom belongs  
The Judging of my Actions, and my wrongs.   

X.  
My soul, these things consider well, and whence  
They do proceed: consider why, likewise;  
Who, puts into thy heart, this confidence;  
Who, by unknown hands, each days want supplies;  
Who, comforts doth augment as griefs increase;  
Who, clothes and feeds thee in this Wilderness,  
And, when Terrestrial aids, are quite bereaven  
Rains on thee, Quails and Manna down from heaven.   

XI.  
Mark, how this Realm is here Epitomised,  
As to a Blessed, and Reprobate condition:  
How Mercies, and how Judgements are despised,  
By most men, at the brinck of their perdition;  
How few, be wrought upon, in either place,  
By threatenings, or by promises of Grace.  
How many, laugh, sing, swear, curse and Blaspheme  
Even when, Hell, ready seems to swallow them.   

XII.  
Here, thou shalt see, that mere Stupidity  
And gracelesness, transporteth many a man  
To outface Death, with less Timidity  
Than some with all their Moral Virtues can:  
Here, thou shalt learn, that if thy Prosecutions,  
Thy zeal, thy Courage and thy Resolutions  
Spring only, from a Natural Estate,  
Thou, with all these, mayst be a Reprobate.   

XIII.  
Let therefore, these Experiments, which are  
Be enteraained; and, if henceforth God should  
(As he perhaps will) common helps withdraw,  
Let them quite go, and catch on him fast hold.  
For, if thou then despair, or shalt distrust  
His Love, who never was to thee unjust,  
This, will then prove to be a carnal-boast,  
And, thou, with all thy vain hopes wilt be lost.   

XIV.  
Since also, thou dost feel thy heart more prone,  
By smiles and favours, to be drawn aside,  
Then by harsh usage, to be wrought upon,  
Let thy weakest Bulwarks be most fortified,  
Lest, they, who have not strength enough to win  
The Fort by force, by Stratagems get in;  
And, thou then ruined, be past all repair,  
As many are, by those, who speak them fair.   

XV.  
That Spirit, try, which thy Resolves begets;  
For, other while, as resolute are they  
Who are possessed but with Ranting-Fits,  
As any, in whom Passion bears no sway.  
Contempt of Torment, sometimes springs from Madness,  
Stoutness, from Anger, or despairing-sadness:  
Martyrs, and men, of Reprobated sense,  
Bear sufferings, with small outward difference.   

XVI.  
Search thou thy heart, therefore, with prudent care,  
That, Malice, Pride, nor Vengeance lurk therein:  
That Love of GOD, and all mankind be there,  
Linked with a detestation of all Sin;  
And, if thou find it so, be not afraid  
What e'er against thee shall be done or said:  
For, Resolutions built upon that Rock,  
Will, of all raging Storms, endure the Shock.   

XVII.  
Though Princes in their Supreme Councils blame thee,  
And such as are profane, FANNATICK call thee;  
They shall not able be, to fright or shame thee,  
By any consequent which may befall thee:  
And, if so prudently thou guide, thy Pen  
That, when it strikes at faults it spares the men,  
The Wise will form the Fools, themselves divide,  
And, every Just-mans' Vote, be on thy side.   

XVIII.  
Though it always proves not, do not grieve  
Nor vex thereat: for, what GOD calls thee to,  
To put in Execution thou shalt live,  
In spite of all this froward world can do;  
And future times, will laugh to scorn the storms  
And Mountains, raised by Giants, against worms  
When they shall see, (which they will see at last)  
The Towers of Babel on their Bvilder's cast.   

XIX.  
Make Jesus Christ, to be the sole Foundation,  
Of thy Affection, of thy Hope and Trust,  
Of thy Belief, of thy Sanctification,  
Of all thy Muse, and of all thou dost:  
For, nothing Justifies, but, doth Condemn,  
That is not, In, for, from, and by him,  
Without respect to any Interest,  
Except, what, with his Glory, may consist.   

XX.  
LORD, thou hast, by renewing, in some measure  
My much depraved Will, inclined me,  
In all things, to submit to thy good pleasure,  
Let what's defective, now, made perfect be,  
That, known it may be to this Generation,  
Man may attain to such a Resignation,  
That, he shall more delight, thy will to do,  
Then, that, which his own will, provokes him to.   

XXI.  
Praised be thy Blessed Name, who, as thou didst  
For Joseph (when he was in Prison bound)  
For me, in my Imprisonment providest,  
And, by thy servants, every where art found:  
Be with me, as to be thou hast begun,  
Until my Generation Work is done,  
And, when that's finished, for which I was born,  
Let me with Joy, into thine Arms return.    

To the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, and the rest of the Commissioners of the Peace and Jail-delivery, for the City of London, now Assembled in a General Sessions.  
The Humble Petition of George Wither.  
THe said Petitioner, having six and thiry years now past (before the great Pestilence raged) lived in this City (about half that time, after he came to mature Age) did in Affection thereunto, make here, his Voluntary Residence, when hundreds of thousands forsook their Habitations, that if GOD spared his life during that mortality, he might be a Remembrancer of his Judgements and Mercies, both to this City, and the whole Nation; which he performing according to his ability, hath hitherto (with his life only, and a good Conscience) escaped the Plagues of War, Poverty, Pestilences, and Parliaments; and is now a Prisoner in your Jail of Newgate, in order to be tried, by the House of Commons, at their next Meeting, for intending to offer to the private consideration of the Lord Chancellor of England, a Poem called Vox Vulgi, surprised (before it was finished) in this Petitioners hands; who being lately so Totally deprived of a considerable estate as not to be left worth this piece of Paper, is in danger through want of necessaries, to perish within your Walls, before the time of his Trial will come, unless GOD (as he hath lately done) shall Extraordinarily provide him his daily bread, by the Charity of some, who, perhaps are scarce able to provide for themselves and Families.  
The said Petitionor therefore, (conceiving himself obliged by the Law of Nature, to do what he can to preserve his life (though there be nothing therein considerable, for its own sake) humbly prays your Honours that, if he can procure Bail, it may be accepted for his appearance, when it shall be required, before the said House of Commons; who being the Representative of them, whose welfare he hath preferred before his own, and the Court to whose doom he seems to be referred by the Warrant for his Commitment hither, the said Petitioner, will patiently submit thereunto.  
If it be in your Power, and may stand with your good pleasure to vouchsafe him this humble request, the said Petioner thankfully acknowledging your Justice and compassion, will pray for you as in duty he is bound.  
George Wither.   

The foregoing Petition, being delivered to the Lord Mayor at the Sessions, and no Bail allowed to the Petitioner, he forthwith composed this Epigram.  
To the City of London.  
Were I, a Person, who had power to better  
Thy Trade, or make thy Privileges greater,  
Or take away the Citizens Estates,  
Thy Walls dismantle, or break down thy Gates,  
I had been looked upon, though I had done  
To thee no kindness, neither meant thee one.  
But, of his love, there is no value made  
Who nought can to to thy wealth or greatness add,  
Though he his life should hazard for thy sake,  
That, thee for ever, he might happy make.  
BAII, will not be vouchsafed; but, I must lie  
Among thy Rogues, exposed to live or die;  
To starve or beg; and wholly be debarred  
Of Liberty, unpitied and unheard  
For doing what was honestly intended;  
And, wherein, I against no Law offended.  
This is, I must confess, nor less nor more,  
Then, I had reason to expect before:  
Yet, all my labour, is not cast away,  
For, it occasion gives me, thus to say.  
I wished thee well, and will, what ever shall  
To me, in my extremities befall;  
For, here's a number yet within this place,  
Who are of those in whom the Seeds of Grace  
So fructify, that GOD hath superseded  
For their sakes, that for which his Justice pleaded;  
And I have in my personal distress  
So tasted of their Charitableness,  
That, thereby I, enjoying health, and life  
(My self not seeking, but thy peace in chief)  
Expect that Justice only, from thy hands  
Whereon thine honour and thy welfare stands;  
Which neither is thy Riches, or thy Power  
For, these may come to nothing, in one hour;  
And, if to them, thou overmuch incline,  
I will not change my poor estate for thine.  
Among the Prodigies, by many seen  
This year, I, might for one, have numbered been,  
If I, should all Particulars relate  
Which do concern my Person and Estate:  
But, they must now fanatics counted be  
Who, either do believe what they shall see,  
Or dare take notice, of those things that vary  
From GOD's proceed, in courses ordinary;  
And, therefore, I think fitting to conceal them,  
Till that, which is to follow, doth reveal them,  
To manifest, without all Dubitation,  
That, God hath spoken to this Generation.  
Mean while, I'll suffer: for, our Peace must now  
Not from our Actings, but, from sufferings flow.  
Yet, whether, I deserve respect or blame,  
Know LONDON, since I now thy Prisoner am,  
That, if I have not wherewith to subsist  
Thou art obliged, to find me bread, at least,  
Whilst here I shall confinement undergo,  
Though I had always been thine open foe;  
And, that 'tis Tyranny (what ere they are)  
To lay on any, more they can bear.  
Know likewise, that, if here I shall miscarry  
Through lack of what, for life is necessary  
Thou, thereby forfeitest, (as I conceive)  
A better Charter, than the King can give:  
Because, through want of Charity to foes,  
Much more to Friends, our part in Christ we lose.  
What I have been to thee, it hath been shown;  
What thou to me art, it will now be known.  
And, possibly, another Creation  
Will heed, that I am somewhat to this Nation,  
Deserving better, than that lie I should  
Within a Jail, at seventy three years old,  
For acting and designing nothing worse  
Then, how to save them from a greater curse.  
Look to yourselves; For, whether bond or free  
I am; I know, my GOD, will look to me;  
And, I and mine, shall be both clothed and fed,  
When they who slieghted us, want Robes & bread.  
So believeth George Wither.   

Another Meditation, (or Ballad as the World perhaps, will call it) composed by the same Prisoner since his Commitment to Newgate.  

I.  
MY Soul, since we are left alone,  
In our Confinement here,  
Where we disturbed are of none,  
To God, come, draw we near.  
For, part of his three dreadful WOES,  
Are now, so carrying on,  
That, if to him, we cling not close  
We may be quite undone.   

II.  
Ourselves, let us examine so,  
That though our foes condemn,  
We may, for what we did misdo,  
Make now our Peace with him;  
Lest, when the world hath fully tried,  
How, here we may be vexed,  
We, greater miseries must abide  
Where, she will throw us next.   

III.  
SIN, to full ripeness, is not come,  
nor malice, to her heights;  
And, we e'er they receive their Doom  
May look for more despites.  
These, which we have endured yet,  
Have been sustained with ease;  
But, GOD, it may he will permit  
Much harder things than these.   

IV.  
'Tis but the Suburbs unto Hell,  
whereto, we now are sent;  
And (for the future) none can tell  
What, hereto us is meant.  
To better men, worse things befall  
Then seem to be our Meed;  
And, our Afflictions are but small,  
To those, which may succeed.   

V.  
We have not that dark Dungeon seen  
Wherein, is endless Night;  
Nor in those, Lousy lodgings been  
Which every sense affright;  
We feel not that, which many lack;  
Nor Bolts, nor Gives we wear,  
Fit things for Belly and for Back,  
As yet, supplied are.   

VI  
With sickness, we are not oppressed,  
In body, or in mind;  
No outward cares disturb our rest  
No Inward fears we find.  
For, all the sufferings wherewith we  
As yet, afflicted seem  
Are only such as grievous be,  
In other men's esteem.   

VII.  
But, should I, (being old and poor)  
Diseased grow within,  
With Aches, have my Limbs made sore,  
Or, with an Ulcered skin  
Be turned into the Common Jail  
To lie upon the ground,  
And, all those outward helps quite fail  
Which I have lately found.   

VIII.  
Should this befall us, where might then  
Our hope and courage be?  
This, happens oft to Righteous men,  
And, this, may fall on me.  
What, but complaints and mournful cries  
Would then, be in this place;  
Hearts aching, or still weeping eyes,  
Scorns, and despair of Grace?   

IX.  
These will be then the best Reliefs,  
That, Flesh and Blood can see,  
To cure or Mitigate their Griefs  
Where such Desertious be.  
Yet, be of nought (my Soul) afraid,  
For, by his Angels, then,  
Shall GOD's Assistance be convaid  
When thou art left of men.   

X.  
They came unto the Rich man's doer  
At which the Lazar died,  
And, him to rest Eternal bore  
To whom, he Crumbs denied;  
And when Elias had of bread  
The means deprived quite,  
He by the Ravenous Fowls was Fed  
At Morning, and at night.   

XI.  
Their GOD is mine; and if in him,  
My Trust, I still repose,  
He, will to me, be as to Them,  
To save me from my Foes.  
Or, if of that deprived I am  
which fed me to this day,  
I know he will supply the same  
As well, another way.   

XII.  
The Earth is his, with her increase,  
And wasted were her store,  
He hath within a Richer place,  
Enough, to send me more;  
And, till it comes; That which doth starve,  
Discomfort and destroy;  
My life (whilst useful) shall preserve,  
And more increase my Joy.   

XIII.  
The Plagues, which others to Despair,  
And to Blaspheming move,  
Shall stir me up, to Praise, and Prayer,  
And fill my heart with Love.  
Yea, that which on the Kings of Earth  
Will dreadful horrors bring,  
Shall make me with Triumphant Mirth,  
A HALLELUJAH Sing.   

XIV.  
The Purging Fire, which them doth burn,  
Who, therein Raving, lie,  
Thy Dross (my Soul) to Gold shall turn,  
Thy Silver, Purify.  
And, when thy Fiery-tryal's past,  
No loss will come to thee,  
If thy works Fixed on CHRIST, thou hast,  
Though built of Straw they be.   

XV.  
Resolves, which I had not before,  
These Muse do beget;  
And though, her Furnace seven times more,  
The World, henceforth shall heat,  
My Soul, return thou to thy Rest;  
For, GOD, hath me assured,  
That, where I ten times more oppressed,  
It should be well endured.   

XVI.  
How blessed is that Heavenly Place,  
Where thou, Oh CHRIST, doth dwell!  
If thou canst bring such Joy and Peace,  
Into this Earthly Hell?  
He, with whom, thou still present art,  
What ere on him is laid,  
If, thee he loves with all his heart,  
Needs, no where be afraid.   
Mewgate, Sept. 3. 1661.   

A Return, in Answer to some of them, who sent to know how it fares with me in my Imprisonment.  
GOD, gave me Grace; by Grace I did conceive  
A saving Faith; by saving Faith I live.  
My life of Faith, hath had a preservation,  
By Hearing, Acting, and by Meditation.  
By Meditation, I reduce to Words  
What my Experience in this life affords.  
By that Experience which I have attained,  
A Patience in my troubles I have gained;  
My Patience hath such hopefulness begot,  
That, this disgraceful Prison shames me not.  
Though I am poor (and, as our Proverb says)  
As poor as Job) unto my God be praise,  
I am no Beggar; for, I have not yet,  
Been forced to ask for Money, Clothes, or Meat;  
Nor tempted (having daily bread) to borrow  
Through fear of wants, that may befall to Morrow:  
And, well remembering, who was pleased to say  
There's Care enough belonging to each Day,  
I, for a day to which I may not live,  
Will not of what I have, myself deprive.  
With my Condition, I am pleased, and merry,  
Of my long-suff'rings I am not grown weary.  
And wish those who pursue me with most hate  
No worse, then to enjoy the like estate,  
Except my Bands. I have acquired this rest,  
By those Means and Degrees, afore expressed,  
And, this, unfeignedly, to you declares  
How, at this present time, with me it fares.  
Sept. 7. 1661. from Newgate. George Wither.   

A Passby, in Relation to those, who seem offended at my Frequent-scribling, as they call them.  
ME thinks, I hear some say, who look upon  
These Papers; will this fellow ne'er have done?  
Which Questionists, I, with a smile contemn,  
Supposing, labour lost, in answering them:  
For, nothing is more pleasing to their ears  
Then Scurril Pamphlets, Bawdy Rhymes, and Jeers.  
To them alone, therefore, who take delight  
In wholesome words, I'll show why still I write;  
Presuming, that my Reasons will not seem  
To merit, altogether, disesteem.  
Although my former Poems, and my Muse  
Had not until of late Days, those perusing  
Which I expected, nor now valued be  
Of many, they have much refreshed me;  
And, otherwile, for supplements have stood  
Instead of sleep, of Raiment, and of Food.  
In Troubles, me, they more content have made  
Then Wealth, Repute, and all the Friends I had.  
They cause me to be fearless of my Foes;  
When I am vexed, my spirit they compose;  
When I am Poor, they are in stead of Wealth.  
When I am Sick, they help repair my Health;  
When I am Well, they are my Recreation,  
When tempted to Despair, Hope's Reparation.  
Thereby, when Sadness comes, to Mirth I turn it;  
When I am slieghted, they do make me scorn it.  
In Prisons, when my Body is confined  
They do so many ways enlarge my Mind  
That, doubting whether will for me prove best,  
The Freedom lost, or that which is Possessed,  
I use the means of Both; but, wholly leave  
The choice to GOD; and what he gives receive.  
They are Companions, when I'm left alone;  
They find me work to do, when I have none.  
By day, me from ill Company they keep;  
Make nights less tedious, when I cannot sleep.  
They ease me, when I am oppressed with wrongs;  
When I want Music, they do make me Songs.  
To Friends, who like them (where's no better cheer)  
They, acceptable Entertainments are:  
Oft, likewise, I make use of them, instead  
Of Charms, when, I of Fools would fain be rid;  
For, if I read them, but a page or two,  
They straight, grow weary, and away they go.  
They fix thoughts, which would quite slip out of mind,  
And, when writ down, I them, know where to find;  
Yea, other men, thereby, have oft received  
Refreshments, if their words may be believed:  
And (which is more than all this) to GOD's praise,  
They are, and may be useful, sundry ways.  
For these respects, whoever shall appear  
Pleased or displeased, to me my Muse are  
Considerable; and if any one  
They do offend, them, he may let alone;  
For, though they have been tendered unto many,  
I never, yet, enforced them on any,  
Against their wills; except perhaps it were  
To save them, whose destruction I thought near;  
And, (I will not be shy the Truth to say)  
No men, have worse requited me, than they:  
But peradventure, if that dead I were,  
None daring to be their Remembrancer,  
(As I have been) they may more mischiefed be  
Through want of one, then troubled now by me.   

George Wither's appology for composing the Poem called Vox Vulgi; being a Welcome home from the Counties, Cities and Burroughs, to their Prevaricating Members; saving the honour of the House of Commons, and of every faithful and discreet Individual member thereof; which Poem was surprised before quite finished.  
The Contents.  
The Author, here makes his defence;  
Clears his asspersed Innocence;  
And frees himself, from Just suspicion,  
Of acting aught, without Commission.  
HEre, I have time to meditate upon,  
What, I myself, and other men have done,  
Occasioning my suffering, at this time,  
And, in relation to what's thought my Crime:  
Lest, therefore, I may him offend who gave it,  
I will improve this Leisure, whilst I have it;  
For, when my Muse, are expressed in words,  
The better means to Scan them it affords;  
And to declare, what I shall now express,  
I may hereafter, want both Time, and Place;  
Or, being dead, before my Tryal-day,  
My false Accusors', to my charge may lay,  
What they shall please; and none be certain, why  
I was committed in this Jail to die.  
GOD give me strength, to finish this; and than,  
Let all my foes, do, and say, what they can.  
I am not only questioned, for a thing,  
Presumed misdone, but also, for the Spring  
Whence 'tis derived; and pleased some are, to say  
That rending of my whole Estate away,  
Had me provoked unto an angry-fit,  
Which was the Cause, of what I lately writ;  
And, that I had a scurrilous intent.  
To cast asspertions on the Parliament.  
To make it so appear, deprived I am,  
Of what best proves, that, I deserve no blame.  
My last Conception, (which, before to Light  
It could be brought, was snatched out of my sight)  
May forced be to speak, what I ne'er thought,  
Or, else, be smothered, as a birth'worth nought:  
Or, (that an ill intention may appear)  
Some Verses may be picked out here and there,  
(Without those Qualifying, which precede,  
Or follow, to illustrate what they read)  
Whereby, some Inferences may be made,  
That, on Good-manners, I, entrenched had,  
In summing up, and personating that  
Which I have heard, the Common-voice relate:  
Thus much to be intended doth appear,  
By what, I do already see and hear.  
Which falsehood, if, but barely I deny  
I shall in words alone, retort the Lie;  
And, Reason may be born down by the noises,  
Arising from plurality of Voices,  
Yield forth by them, who shall intrude to do,  
That, which nor GOD, nor Goodmen calls them to.  
ay, therefore, will produce a Vindication,  
That may be justified by demonstration;  
Or, by such Reasons as will do me right;  
Unless they shall be kept from open sight,  
Or clipped; or, I not suffered be to say  
That, which to clear, myself produce I may:  
And, if so; by the consciences of them  
I shall be quit, whose words will me cendemn.  
My Cause, may for the present, injured be;  
But, all the World can do no harm to me.  
Though that which is without me, wronged hath been  
And may be still, all shall be safe within,  
So long as GOD, assisteth me, by whom  
I, with this confidence, am armed become;  
And peradventure, they who think to spoil,  
This confidence, may give themselves the foil.  
Their scandal, in the first place, I'll assay,  
To wipe off, who suppose my losses may  
Provoke me, or, that my oppressions had  
Prevailed, to make me grow a little mad;  
But, they mistaken are in that surmise;  
For, to the world-ward, I am so wise,  
To be by them distempered, in a mood  
Like those, who trust in Riches more than GOD;  
And, by what I am like to undergo,  
It will be proved, whether it be so.  
I am not so in love, as men conceive,  
With that, whereof the World can me bereave,  
As to engage, for such poor Interests,  
My quiet in this life, by those contests  
Which I adventure on, if I saw nought,  
That much more worth such hazards, I had thought:  
And, this mind, if my Actions did not show,  
In former times, those will that shall ensue,  
When, more undoubtedly those things appear,  
Which of my Writings, the chief motives were.  
And will show whether, I did aught intend  
To drive on an ignoble, or self-end.  
It may he known, by what was heretofore  
Divulged, that, nothing now befalls me more  
Than I expected; That, I did foresee  
What lately seized on other men and me:  
That, having been here, in the World's great School  
So long a time, I was not so much Fool,  
As not to know, how, Friends, and means to make  
In seasonable time to save my stake  
And mend my Game; if I unto that end  
Had played it, which most other men intent;  
Or, if I thought those men, who look on me  
With most contempt, were better than they be.  
I knew as well as any, how to Fawn,  
And flatter; what to give, and what to Pawn  
For my advantage, if I could have thought  
That, worth my seeking, for which most men sought.  
But though I find it an imperfect Light  
Whereby at first, I walked, it gave me sight  
Of much more than the World believed, I saw,  
And, kept me of mine own heart so in awe,  
That, notwithstanding I did for a season  
Oft stagger to and fro, 'twixt Faith and Reason,  
(And stumbled otherwhile, into those things  
Which Ruin, unless Grace prevention brings)  
I, in the main, pursued a Good Design;  
(Not, I confess, by any power of mine)  
And by some Symptoms, at the last, perceived,  
That, till of my Estate, I was bereaved,  
My work, would neither well be carried on  
(When that time came, wherein it should be done)  
Nor, take so good effect, as it would then,  
Upon my Self, or upon other men.  
For, which cause, when I saw it must be so,  
Without reluctancy, I, let all go,  
And without nourishing, a secret spleen  
Against their persons, who my foes have been.  
This, future things, much better will display  
Then all which at this present, I can say;  
As also, that, they who from me of late,  
Have torn unmercifully, my Estate;  
By far worse motives thereunto were led,  
Then those, which me inclined to what I did.  
Loss to prevent, or to regain what's lost,  
I did adventure no more pains or cost,  
Then Reason warranted, and obligations  
Which bound me to have care of my Relations;  
Or might, then, by pursuing of that course  
Assure me, how much bettered, or grown worse  
Men, by those Judgements and those Mercies were,  
Which GOD, had variously dispensed here;  
And, having thereby learned what GOd meant  
I, with my losses was as well content  
As is a Christian when by Turks pursued  
(Who overpower him by their multitude)  
He wracks his Vessel on a friendly shore,  
Where, he hath Life and Freedom, though no more.  
Why, should I angry be to see that gone  
Which if I had not lost, had me undone?  
Which also, will undo them, who now have it,  
And (if good heed he take not) him that gave it?  
Or, which will be restored again to me,  
If, for GOD's Glory, and my good it be?  
Why, should I be displeased to be bereft  
Of that, whose loss hath an assurance left  
Of better things? Of that, which, whilst possessed,  
Increased my troubles, and disturbed my rest?  
Of that, which I must shortly leave (though mine)  
And, know not (when the same I must resign)  
Whether, it to their Weal or Woe, shall tend,  
To whom, when I am dead, it will descend?  
These things considered, all wise men know  
That, nor these, nor my former Muse flow  
From discontentments, or from wrath that springs  
From loss of inconsiderable things:  
And Wiseman's, good esteems, if keep I may,  
A rush I care not, what fools think or say,  
On whom, the less impression it will make,  
The more I rationally write, or speak.  
But, that, whereby most blame to me may come,  
(And, which will probably be charged home)  
Is an Impeachment for a heinous thing  
That some are pleased to call a Lybelling  
Against the COMMONS; which, if proved true  
I'll ask no favour: For, I think none due;  
And, if it be an unjust imputation  
I for my sufferings claim a Reparation,  
Expecting (which ought not to be refused)  
That, what is called a Lybel be produced  
To open view, and sight of every one  
Who may concerned be, in what is done:  
And, that, none may usurp a Privilege  
Thereon to pass a Sentence as my Judge,  
Who shall not read, or hear the same throughout▪  
For, Solomon hath freed it so from doubt  
That, to aver, I shall not be a feared,  
He, that doth Censure what he never heard,  
Deserveth shame; And I shall rather laugh  
And Jeer thereat, then either grieve or chafe;  
Because, (at worst) I, than a Doom shall have,  
Much like as if, a Fool had called me Knave.  
If left to Public view, my Poem be,  
And finished as intended was by me  
No worse construction, thereof can be made  
Then this, that, I have called a Spade a Spade;  
And, means devised, whereby men may appear  
Unto themselves, what others know they are.  
By feigned speakers, I have only said  
What was to me by Common-fame conveyed  
And murmured in most places, to worse ends  
Than that, wheteto my harmless Poem tends:  
And, if I may presume the Truth to tell  
I am rewarded ill, for doing well:  
For, thereby, I not only turned aside  
That general reproach which was applied  
To all the House of Commons, and, alone  
To them confined it, who brought blame thereon;  
But, likewise, without personally blaming  
(Or marking any forth) to their defaming,  
Have sought to bring it to their Cognisance,  
Who might thereby, the Public weal advance;  
And, who, if it proved worthy Approbation  
Might useful make it for the Reformation  
Of that, which else, will have a Consequence  
More hurtful, than my Innocent-Offence,  
For, though by publication, I had done  
What might have seemed a fault; (and now is none)  
The Generality but little more  
Had thereby known, than what most known before,  
When to worse ends, and more apparent wrongs  
'Twas tossed, upon the Rackets of men's Tongues;  
Who, so dissatisfied seem to be  
By what, they lately feel, and hear and see,  
That very frequently they are offended  
Even with what for their welfare, seems intended;  
Because, they having often been deceived  
Suspect, some future mischiefs then conceived:  
Yea, then, are things, when plausibly projected,  
The less believed, and the more suspected;  
Not by those only, who now called are  
fanatics, but, by those likewise that were  
Distinguished by the name of Cavalier;  
Yea, and our Jacks indifferent, do begin  
To be more Talkative than they have been,  
Because, they find themselves in danger (whether  
They are of this, or that side, or of neither)  
So long, as things which Reason order might,  
Shall pass by number only, without weight.  
To intimate, that, Parliaments had been  
Disturbed, by some of those, who were brought in  
A surrepticious way; and, that by them  
The People were abus ', d is no great crime;  
Nor is affirming, that they were deceived  
Unfitting to be spoken, or believed,  
When generally avowed; nor to aver  
A Parliament in gross, may sometimes err,  
Since, neither to be wise, or Innocent,  
Is, an inseparable Accident  
Of Parliaments; as hath apparent been,  
By that, which we in our own days have seen:  
For, that, they may with Treason, and with Murder,  
Be charged, we shall need to look no further  
Then, unto those Transactions which have past,  
Both in this Parliament, and in the last.  
What have I then misdone in making known  
How foolish, mad, or wicked some were grown?  
How much oppressed men are; how grieved; and how  
Exasperated, more and more, they grow?  
What fault commit I, when I hear men say  
What's done, and what I see done every day,  
If I declare (sedition to prevent)  
That I perceive most men are discontent,  
And froward? since I neither made them such,  
Nor, therein am concerned half so much  
As other men? nor did intend a course  
Thereby, to make what's evil, to be worse?  
And, since, by that, which lately written was  
By me, no mischief can be brought to pass,  
Unless, by accident befall it may,  
As when Heat melteth Wax, and hardens Clay.  
It seems hard usage (therefore) to be thrown  
Into a Jail; of all that was mine own,  
In my old Age despoiled; shut up alone,  
Where, sick or well (attended on by none)  
I must in longest nights the hazards take  
Of what may happen, sleeping or awake;  
Not impudent enough, to beg or borrow,  
Nor having certainty of bread, to morrow,  
If Charity should fail: which, is a case  
Much worse, than oft befalleth in this place,  
To Thieves and Murderers: yet, this is not  
Here mentioned as repining at my Lot;  
For, whereas I am only lodged there,  
Where Murderers and Thiefs confined are,  
The Son of GOD, who for my Ransom died  
Was 'twixt a Thief and Murderer crucified:  
And, in my present sufferings I am eased,  
By being well assured, that GOD is pleased  
With what befalls; and that I shall at last  
Be filled with sweetness, by what had a taste  
Of Bitterness at first; and, that to them  
Who, me and my endeavour now contemn,  
Things may hereafter profitable be,  
Which are at present, mischievous to me.  
Despised Instruments will be of use  
To bring to mind, that which will help reduce  
Confusion into order, when applied  
By Meekness, and not spurned at by Pride;  
And, things which by the world, as much were Jeered  
As Josuah's Rams-horns, when he first appeared  
Surrounding Jericho, will bring about  
As great a Miracle, as then was wrought;  
Though no Examples, yet, nor good advice,  
Nor private Admonitions make those wise,  
Who have not Eyes to see, what they behold  
Nor Ears, to hear a Truth, when it is told.  
The hour is not yet come, which I expect  
May probably give this a good effect.  
But, there are times wherein that will content  
For which, we shall at other times be shent.  
My Poem, styled OPOBALSAMUM,  
(Though) more offensive, than my last, to some)  
The Commons (named the Long Parliament)  
Did wink at, without show of discontent:  
Yea, though in plain terms, I made bold to tell  
Wherein, their faulty-members did not well.  
ay, then (as in the last) had so divided  
The Goats from Sheep; and had so well provided  
To save their honour, who least guilty were  
That (though when that first Poem, did appear,  
I was to them a Prisoner, for telling  
What some of them to hear of, were unwilling)  
They me enlarged, and vouchsafed me more  
Respect in show, than e'er they did before.  
For, prudently observing, that the shame  
Which they in chief deserved, who were to blame,  
Was upon all, without distinction flung,  
(Till, unto those to whom it did belong,  
I had confined it) not one word was spoken  
To me, which their displeasure might betoken;  
And, some good use was made, (though I confess  
Not very much) of what I did express:  
And, when, by time, that out of mind was wore,  
I, had as little favour as before.  
And, so I have had also, ever since;  
For, still, some at my writings took offence,  
And more my wrongs, by one foe, one day, were  
Then all my Friends, could right in twenty year.  
I may have hope, the Commons before whom  
I must be tried, as prudent will become.  
The Privilege of WATERFORD affords,  
The Freedom of explaining their own words  
To all her Citizens. If my words are  
Allowed but that Sense only, which they bear  
Grammatically, I no more desire,  
So that my Poem be preserved entire,  
And perfected with my last thoughts thereon  
According to my mind when 'twas begun.  
For, no great credit again thereby they shall  
Who weigh a matter, till they hear it all,  
And, they will much bewray their ignorances',  
Who heed not Causes, with their Circumstances.  
There was before my Book, as Epigram  
Whereby, I wholly Vindicated am  
From that which is pretended; and, I hear  
That will not be permitted to appear.  
If so, I find it, there is mischief meant  
Which I shall find a Medium to prevent,  
Unless there be, in some an impudence  
Much more deserving blame then my offence.  
That Epigram did evidently show  
My Book designed for the private view  
Of Clarendon, (supposed so wise and just,  
That, him, the King is pleased to intrust  
Even with his Conscience) to receive his Doom  
Before, that forth in Public it should come:  
Because, that, I was hopeful it might bring  
By means of him, some notions to the King  
Whereof his Wisdom, would have made some use  
To further, what shall to his Weal conduce;  
And, if that Epigram concealed be  
It both dishonours him, and injures me.  
For, liable it makes him, to suspect  
That, me, in Ill designs, he doth protect;  
The wrong to me is without precedent,  
For, ere I had expressed what I meant  
With my imperfect Poem, I was seized;  
Accused of whatsoever others pleased,  
And here, unto an ignominious Jail  
Committed am unheard, and without Bail.  
I hope for better usage, when the Ring  
Of sufferings I have trod, till me it bring  
Before my Judges: (for what e'er is thought)  
Their honour, I have not infringed in aught.  
Their charge, against me, ay, yet know not how  
May honestly be proved; but, this I know,  
The House of Commons may much honour get  
By well approving that which I have writ  
(Considering, I therein have appealed,  
To GOD, and men) if, it be not concealed.  
From open view, and mulcts upon me laid  
For mentioning in private, what was said,  
In public by the People; who, thereby  
And, therein, are concerned as much as I;  
Because, my purpose, in that Poem, tends  
To common good, without sinister ends.  
And, if we to ourselves, may not relate,  
Our thoughts in words, and them Communicate  
To Peers entrusted by the Supreme Power,  
(For Preservarion of their peace and our)  
We are in danger, shortly, to become  
The veriest slaves throughout all Christendom.  
But, (as I said in that which was surprised)  
The Prudent Commons, will be so advised  
When they with seriousness, have that perused  
Whereby, they are supposed by me abused,  
That, finding none reproved save only those,  
Who them in their debatings did oppose;  
And, that they likewise (after next October,  
Who were half mad in June) wise, and grown sober,  
Will mend their former manners, and become  
As helpful, as they have been troublesome;  
Both Parties then, will, peradventure be  
Thenceforth, as fully, reconciled to me  
As I to all men am; and, what was not  
Ill-meant, shall be well taken, or forgot.  
If, it be so; It will a Symptom prove  
Of an abatement, if not of remove,  
Of some oppressions, to prepare the way  
For what's reserved, until another day.  
But, to what end is this Apology?  
Not merely, from this place wherein I lie,  
To free my Person; or, from that, which may  
To me befall upon my Tryal-day.  
No; those effects, must from an abler spirit  
Proceed: All I can say, or do, or merit,  
To add a contribution thereunto,  
So, little, will to such a purpose do,  
That, rather, provoke more my Foes, I shall  
And deeper, into their displeasure fall:  
For, 'tis not pleading in the fittest Season  
A Righteous Cause, with Arguments Reason;  
Nor is it our well-doing; or our saying  
The Truth; nor Preaching; nor unto them, Praying;  
Nor our long-suff'rings; nor (when past they are)  
Good services to them, how great so e'er,  
That so much moves, as Flattery, making Friends,  
Large Gifts, and serving of their present ends.  
ay, therefore, have but an occasion took  
Thereby, to mention somewhat, yet unspoken  
A Nobler Cause concerning then mine own,  
(And whereon, Words will better be bestown)  
Wholly to GOD committing the success  
Make that, the chief aim of what I express.  
For, hearing what is done, (by common Fame)  
And partly knowing, that, obliged I am  
Not by my Natural faculties alone,  
On me conferred for that end, (or none)  
But, also, by my Christianity,  
(And, not a little, by a Moral-Tie)  
To speak, and write, and do the best I may,  
To bring them who are out, into their way;  
And, I'll express, what e'er to that effect  
I do believe may tend; without respect  
To Persons of a high or low degree;  
Or, any Powers on Earth, who e'er they be.  
Councils and Parliaments, and Sovereign Kings,  
I do acknowledge to be Sacred things,  
Whose Reputation, whilst (at least) they are  
In being, aught with conscientious care  
To be preserved; because on them depends,  
That, which to public woe or welfare tends.  
Yet, He, from whom all Powers their Being had,  
And they, for whose sakes only they were made  
Aught so to be preferred, that, nought be waved  
Whereby their deuce, and honours, may be saved.  
We have oft seen and felt, in our own times,  
That, they of such Confusions, and such Crimes  
Hath been the cause at least in letting in  
Much more destructive Plagues, than all the Sin  
Of Privare Persons; and, that which we know  
Was heretofore, may be hereafter so.  
Yea, may and will, in every Age grow worse  
Unless there be provision of some course  
To regulate them; and, a free confession  
(To Persons qualified with discretion)  
To mind them of their duties, who have dared  
When they to Public places were preferred,  
Employ those Privileges as their own  
Which were for Public services bestown;  
And, often do abuse them, to the wrong  
Of them, to whom of right, they do belong.  
'Tis now high time, that Earthly Kings & Judges,  
Should wiser grow; and use their Peiviledges,  
To better purposes then heretofore:  
For, his great Kingdom, now is at the door,  
Which will destroy those Empires that begun  
In NIMROD, and through various forms did run  
Until the Tyrannies, beginning than  
Shall have an end in that Misterious-man,  
Who, by the Dragon, Scarlet-Whore and BEAST,  
(Though mystically) truly is expressed.  
Then, shall those Tyrannies, and Usurpations  
Whereby he, long time, hath oppressed the Nations,  
And therewith, every Branch that sprung therefrom,  
Unto an everlasting Ruin come;  
Though some of them are seemingly Besainted,  
And with fair shows of Holiness Bepainted.  
For, I believe (although it doth appear  
To few men, yet) Divine Records declare  
Aswell the Term of NIMROD'S Emperies  
As of Mysterious Babel's Tyrannies,  
Whose time, Six hundred sixty six is known  
To number out: and, which must be ov'rthrown  
With that, from whence it sprung, when ripe 'tis grown.  
That, to be All in all, GOD, may be known. (grown.  
And (as I've oft inferred) they, who belong  
To that new Empire, which will then grow strong,  
Shall now way need their Persons, to engage  
By violent Actings; but, to bear the rage  
Of their opposers with a patient heart;  
For, suffering only, will be their chief part.  
And, he who in the Assyrian host did smite  
Fourscore five thousand Persons, in one night,  
Shall by the Power and virtue of his Word  
Perform that work, without their hand or sword.  
The CUP of Fornication, so bewitches  
With love of Pleasures, Honours, and of Riches  
The great men of the Earth, that, they think none  
Are sober men, unless they dote upon  
Those Vanities, and prosecute those Ends  
To which, their Policy and Power tends,  
Until they grow as mad or drunk as they;  
And, then perhaps, for wise men, pass they may.  
As David says, They will not Understand;  
They will not heed what GOD hath now in hand;  
But, obstinately still adhere to those  
Who, tempt them on, unto their ov'rthrowes,  
Till Ruin comes: For, they are not aware  
How cheated by those Mountebanks they are;  
Nor how those Parasites increase their store,  
Even to excess, by making of them poor:  
Nor heed they, how, these cause them to destroy  
Those men, by whom they safety might enjoy  
With Love and Honour, if they did not lend  
Their Ears to those, who no Goodmen befrened.  
They shut their Eyes, and therefore cannot see  
Into what dangers they approaching be;  
And, those as much they hate who cross their will  
To save them, as if they did come to kill.  
That, which they call, the Reason of the State,  
Too far insisted on, is often that  
Which proves the bane of Kingdoms; & yet still  
Either false Prophets, Priests, or their self-will  
Therewith besots them; though they have been told,  
What thereon hath ensued in times of old  
When, Princes, GOD's directions had despised;  
And acted that, which their own hearts devised  
Although they by experiments had seen,  
What, of their Policies, the fruits have been.  
These were of old examples: Saul, thereby  
Deprived was of Life and Sovereignty.  
King Solomon, by something like that Knack  
(To please his Wives) in honour suffered Wrack.  
So, Jeroboam, though, GOD promised him,  
And to his seed, a lasting Diadem,  
By that State-policy, whereby he sought  
To keep the Throne, the loss thereof was wrought.  
Jehu, regardless of GOD's promises  
The same course following, had the like success.  
High places, Altars, Groves, and Priests of Baal  
Were chief occasions of King Ahabs fall,  
The bringing of the Gods of Edom home,  
In hope that they a strengthening might become  
Unto his Kingdom, was the overthrow  
Of Amaziah, and of many more.  
State-Policy, made Judah's King contemn  
The Prophet's Counsel, when Jerusalem  
Was first destroyed, and the Jews enslaved  
Who, might then, from that Bondage have been saved;  
And, they who truly sought their preservation  
Reputed were (as now) Foes to their Nation,  
Disloyal to their King, seized as supitious,  
And punished as Factious or Seditious.  
State-Policy, caused breaking of that Oath  
For which GOD was with Zedekiah wroth,  
And punished in such a Signal wise  
That he lost both his Kingdom and his Eyes:  
And, Politic enlarging of Possessions  
Or Power, by loading Nations with Oppressions,  
To further State-Designs (until it wracks  
Their Loyalties, and then their patience cracks)  
Hath been, and will be, in all times, and Nations,  
The cause of Wars, Rebellions, desolations  
And changing Governments: But, now ere long  
When human Policy, hath made most strong  
The MISTRESS of Terrestrial Potentates,  
By Counsel, Strength, and by Confederates,  
Combined as they intent (and when their might  
Hath raised Expectation to the height)  
Then; She, and They, shall be unto each other  
A mutual Plague, and be destroyed together,  
With every Person, Family, and Nation,  
Which is a Member of that Corporation:  
And then, those PEDLAR'S who are now so jolly,  
Shall, packing up the Tokens of their folly  
Run to seek out where they their heads may hide,  
From that, whereby, they shall be terrified.  
Let him, that hath an ear to hear this, hear it;  
Let proud men tremble; Let the mighty fear it;  
And let the Meek rejoice; For, GOD will turn  
Their Sorrows into Gladness, who now Mourn.  
It is not only, now, of much behoof,  
But, necessary too, that sharp Reproof  
Advice and Admonition, should be given  
To all Estates and Princes under Heaven,  
Yea, and particularly be applied  
By some, and in some cases, when aside  
They from the way of safety, stray so far  
That, to apparent danger, nigh they are;  
(How ere they take it, or what ever shall  
Thereby, to their Premomters befall)  
Because, by States, if wickedly inclined,  
The greatest Plagues do fall upon mankind.  
This made Elia's to become so bold  
When Ahab, of his wickedness he told  
Unto his face; and when, to like intent,  
A Writing, he to King Jehoram sent.  
This, to reprove King Asa, without dread,  
The SEER Hanani encouraged.  
This, made the Prophet Samuel so to School  
King Saul, that in effect, he called him Fool;  
And, John the Baptist, speak as plainly too,  
Of Herod, as now they termed Quakers do  
To some with us: This, also, did induce  
King David, who observed the abuse  
Of Courts and Councils, to cry out on them  
To this effect; how long! will ye condemn  
The poor and Innocent? how long! oppress  
The man, afflicted, and the Fatherless?  
How long! will ye unrighteously neglect  
The cause that's just, for personal respect?  
Do Justice, and vouchsafe compassion more  
Hereafter, than ye have done heretofore;  
For, (if it be not) to you, be it known  
You walk in darkness; you have overthrown  
The world's Foundations; wilfully enforce,  
All things to move out of their proper course;  
And, that, though GOD himself hath called you Gods  
A difference making (with no little odds)  
'twixt you and common men, yet, die you shall  
Like them; yea, die such Death's, as did befall  
To wicked Princes, who, unto their place  
Went down, with greatest horror and disgrace.  
Although such rough Reprooss on silken Ears  
Grate harshly, and are thought by Flatterers  
To sound like Blasphemy: This in old times  
The Language was, in which great Princes crimes  
Rebuked were; This was the usual mode,  
Till slavish men, feared mortals more then GOD.  
Thus, David spoke unto the Congregations  
Of mighty men; Thus, through all Generations  
To them should Truth be told, as need required,  
By those who, to that purpose are inspired:  
Republics, Kings, and Councils, Objects are  
Of such Reproofs, and so reproved were,  
And, how enraged soever they are grown  
GOD, will be King; his pleasure he'll make known  
By whom soever he pleases, that their crimes  
May now, as well as in preceding times  
Reproved be; For, States and private men  
Are every whit as guilty, now, as then.  
The same at this time, or, the like Omissions,  
The like Exorbitances, and Oppressions  
In this our Generation may be found;  
And more and more, are likely to abound  
If not prevented; for, the things we should:  
We neither do, nor suffer those who would,  
And, if we can but force men to profess  
As we do, though against their Consciences,  
We think we have secured them to our side;  
Whereas, when such men's Truths come to be tried,  
Who are for fear, or for advantage won  
To act what is against their Conscience done,  
(They, being both to GOD, and Men unjust)  
In them, there's of all other, the least trust:  
For, how long? or to whom? or unto what  
Will they be true, who Conscience violate?  
Doubtless, without a speedy Reformation,  
It wholly, will corrupt this Generation,  
Fit us for nothing, but, for what is Evil,  
And, to be serviceable to the Devil.  
As therefore 'tis unfit that every one  
Should States, reprove, 'tis as unfit that none  
Perform that Work, and brutish, to conceive  
That, GOD, the World's last and worst Age, should leave  
Without Premonitors; or, that the days  
Most wicked grown, required not stranger ways  
Of Admonition, then have been in use  
When, of GOD's Grace there was much less abuse:  
For, Providence, that nothing doth omit  
Which, either Work or Season, may befit,  
(Although, but little heed thereof be took)  
Hath lately, to this Generation spoke  
By many Prodigies: Each Element  
Hath very plainly Preached GOD's intent:  
Yea, many Dispensations, which to us  
Seem to be wicked, or ridiculous,  
Have somewhat in them, which relates unto  
That, which we have done, or else aught to do  
Or have Omitted; or else to be Signs  
Of that, whereto this later Age declines:  
And, that such things as those, in these last Ages  
Should be, we have Authentical Presages.  
But, Visions, Revelations, Prophecies  
Or such like, now, the common-voice decries  
As at an end: which I, confess, is true  
As they concern revealing Doctrines new  
To saving Faith relating: yet, of that,  
Which may concern the Temporary State  
Of CHRIST'S Church Militant, or his Elect  
In Actings or in Sufferings to direct;  
Or, of unfolding Prophecies to them,  
Which were sealed up, till an appointed time,  
GOD, hath vouchsafed in season, Revelations  
As need required in all Generations,  
By whom he pleased; and frequently, by such  
As, by the world, were not esteemed much.  
Some think, that nothing meriteth regard  
Save what by Ancient Prophets, was declared,  
Who were immediately inspired from Heaven,  
By special Warrant and Commission given.  
Be not deceived; the same Commission, still,  
Is extant with us, under hand and Seal,  
In Execution to be put, by all  
Whom, for time being, GOD shall please to call  
To be his Prophets; who, aswell may now  
As heretofore, be called from the Blow,  
From Herds, Fruit gathering, Fishing, from a Trade  
Which, in the World small reputation had,  
Or (as when Christianity began)  
From being an extorting Pablican;  
This, may believed be; for, what is else  
The meaning of that Scripture which foretells  
Their Sons and Daughters in the later times,  
Should Prophesy? That, old men should have Dreams,  
And young men Visions? Mind too (if forgot  
It be) and know it, if you know it not,  
That every one, who hath in Interest  
In CHRIST, is now, King, Prophet and a Priest,  
(Anointed, at renewing of his Birth,  
To do him services here upon Earth;  
And stands obliged, as he occasion sees  
To execute all these three Offices  
According to the measure of GOD's Grace  
Bestown, and in his proper Time and Place;  
And, these impower'd by his Commissions are  
To Parliaments, and Councils to declare▪  
(At least in general terms) what may prevent  
Dishonouring God, or common Detriment;  
And be Remembrancers, of such like things,  
As need requires, unto the greatest Kings.  
Kings, also, should have still attending them  
Such SEERS, as to David in old time  
The Prophet Nathan was. But, in the stead  
Of such, Baffoons, or Jesters do succced,  
In Prince's Courts; by whom, they sometimes are  
Informed of useless truths, by way of Jeer;  
And, other while, perhaps, a formallist,  
So far as it with Courtship may consist,  
Will mind them of such duties as they see  
By them performed; but, such as wholly be  
Neglected, and by whose neglect they may  
Be quite destroyed, they, not a word will say.  
On many Kings; their lies a heavy charge;  
Their Kingdoms are both Populous and large;  
There, likewise, are so many thousand cases  
Which do concern their Persons, or their places  
Or other men; and such a few there are  
To represent them to a Royal Ear  
And, likewise of those few, there are so few  
Who represent unto them what is true,  
That, whilst a freedom is allowed to none  
To show them what's destructively misdone,  
Or, what is famed; All their Prerogatives  
May not secure their Honours and their lives:  
Especially, at such a time as this  
Wherein GOD searcheth after what's amiss;  
And, hath already, both begun to cast  
Into his fiery Furnace, and to blast  
All Humane Wisdom, Power and Righteousness  
(Yea all, wherein their confidence men place)  
That, they may know, all Evils do from them  
Proceed, and all things, that are good, from him.  
Moreover, that, which long since was foretold,  
Some of this Generation shall behold,  
In differing States, and with as different Passions  
According to their differing Inclinations;  
And by the Men, and means the world despises,  
In spite of all that Hamane wit devices  
It shall be brought to pass; And, they who did  
Defend the noblest Cause, then, best shall speed.  
Obliged, for these respects, is every one  
To do, what in his place is to be done,  
That GOD's Will, so far forth as Power is given,  
May here be done on Earth, as 'tis in Heaven:  
A safe condition, they are always in  
Who trust not in their merits; hate their Sin;  
And their endeavours labour to improve  
In Faith, and Meekness, Patience, Hope and Love;  
That this may be effected, whatsoever  
It costs them, in pursuing that endeavour.  
For, Privileges of the Humane Nature,  
More Sacred are then those of any Creature  
Beneath the GODHEAD; and, to all Mankind  
He is a Traitor, who hath aught designed.  
Against that Interest; and therefore, I  
Vow, in defence thereof, to live and die.  
In order thereunto, I now employ,  
The Faculty and Talon I enjoy,  
Which, GOD hath made proportionable to  
The works, and men, with whom I have to do.  
That, which I suffer for, on this Account  
Was done; By GOD's Commission I have done't.  
If truth I write, I am no whit to blame,  
If it be false, I an Imposter am;  
And, let the Commons, when that next they meet,  
Deal with me for it, as GOD shall permit.  
I have discharged my Conscience: And, if me,  
He will not save, I, saved will not be;  
Nor will I, in this Cause plead one word more,  
Then, this, and what I've written heretofore.  
I know the World; she also knows her own  
And, we shall both ere long be better known:  
Mean while, this my Imprisonment to me  
Will my Teipsum nosce, prove to be.  
This also, and what's formerly expressed  
Of me, and of this Age, will be a TEST.  
Now, I'll retire unto myself, and sing  
To GOD, be glory; and God save the King.  
They, who are wise will observe these things; and shall understand the Loving kindness of the LORD.  Psal. 104.43.  

Another Meditation in Newgate, somewhat alluding to this old verse in Seneca, 
Nunquam non Potest, esse Virtuti locus . Which implies, that no Place, or Time can disadvantage an Honestman.  
THere's difference in the self same Times and Places,  
As GOD conferreth, or withdraws his Graces;  
Or, as our Cause is; or, as we shall find  
Our hearts, to be aught more or less inclined,  
To bring the Flesh into a due subjection,  
Unto the Spirits Dictates and direction.  
For, this Place, I perceive to be the same  
To me, which I unto myself, now am,  
And, not that, which it is to most of them  
Who are with me confined at this time.  
By Burdens (though as great) are made more light,  
Then theirs are unto them; The day or night,  
Are no whit tedious; nor unpleasing make  
My sleep, nor Cares renew, when I awake:  
But, I as well contented am become,  
In all respects, as e'er I was at home;  
Although, as well by my Intelligence,  
I, my Afflictions feel, as by my Sense:  
For, even those things, which in themselves are bitter,  
To cure Distempers, prove not only fitter,  
But sweeter too, then that which in times past  
Was more desired, and did most please my taste.  
The want of sleep here, and of such like things  
As else where, and at other Seasons, brings  
Pain to the Flesh, and to the Soul vexations,  
Are either made to me sweet Recreations,  
Or give Instruction, in another mode,  
And more effectually, than things abroad.  
Last night, as in my Bed I musing lay  
How Time and Life, and all things pass away;  
How needlessly ourselves we vex and pother,  
Destroy, afflict, and persecute each other;  
What cost, and pains, and time, we spend to build  
That, which will in a little while be spoiled;  
And, how, the quiet of our lives we trouble  
About our structures of wood, straw and stubble;  
Which, when our several Fiery Trials come,  
Will into smoke and Ashes, quite consume;  
It made me take into consideration  
What I had Built, and upon what Foundation,  
That, I myself, might therein be secure  
Although my Works, the flame should not endure.  
And, thereof, having an assurance got  
The loss of all my Works disturb me not:  
For, I, a thousand times more pleased am grown  
With his on whom I Build, then with mine own.  
My Soul then, (which in her complanting,  
Flies like an Eagle mounted on her wings  
Through ways, which to no other can appear)  
To various Objects, scattered here and there,  
Her Flights directing; at the last descried  
That Flame, whereby the works of men are tried;  
To which, mine Eye of Contemplation turning,  
To see each single humane structure burning,  
It was to me, a much more pleasing sight  
Then Bonfires on a Solemn Day at night  
When young and old men round them in a Ring  
Do sit and hear a Fiddler play and sing;  
And, 'mongst all things, which to the Fire then yielded,  
The Paper works which have been lately builded  
Did make the greatest Blaze; and to mine eyes  
Appeared to be the best Burnt-sacrifice  
That had been offered in this Age by men,  
By, at the least, nine and a half in ten;  
Because, they have a prime occasion been  
Both of our present Plagues, and of much Sin:  
And, grieved I was not, that, some of mine own  
Must into that refining fire be thrown,  
For, though that useful they might be some way,  
Much of them, have (I fear) too much allay.  
There are among our Papers-Edifices,  
Some useful, sanctified, and harmless Pieces  
Which may be helpful to preserve those Notions  
Whereby, our Faith, our manners and Devotions  
May be improved, and likewise to clear  
The Lantern, which the saving Light doth bear,  
From those bedaubing, which the Fogs of Time,  
And mists of Ignorance, have made so dim,  
That, many things, it very dubious makes  
And doth occasion manifold mistakes:  
But, they are buried so in heaps of trash,  
So choked, with intermixed Balderdash,  
And, so suppressed by them who hate the Light,  
(Or, persecute the Authors with despite)  
That, they are but like here and there a spark,  
Which lies at Bopeep, twinkling in the dark;  
And, would be quite quenched, if not oft revived.  
By him, from whom, they were at first derived.  
Yet (like the Fire which in a Wat'ry-Pit,  
(Was hid) although such sparks be clouded, yet  
They will break forth; and kindled by the blast  
Of GOD's out-breathing, raise a flame at last,  
That shall quite burn up, those huge Piles of vain  
And Pestilent contrivements of the Brain.  
For, they are, and have long time, been the Tinder  
Of Pride and Lust, and Discord. They, do hinder  
The Public Peace; The growth of Truth and Love  
They do obstruct; All wickedness promove,  
And all Profaneness; Ignorance they cherish,  
Destructive animosities they nourish:  
Yea, have so filled the world with Books of lies,  
Patched up with forged probabilities,  
That, 'tis impossible the Time succeeding  
Should know the Truth of any thing by reading,  
Without a more than common Intellect  
Or, some Divine Assistance to direct.  
For, they have put on most things, such disguises,  
That, Virtues, hardly can▪ be known from Vices,  
Or Truths from Heresies, or wit from folly,  
Or things profane discerned from what is holy;  
Nor cheating Sophistries, from soundest Reason,  
Nor Right from wrong, nor Loyalty from Treason;  
Nor Reprobates from Saints; nor Saints from Devils,  
Nor saving Doctrines from destroying Evils,  
Except some help which hath vouchsafed been  
From GOD, shall much improve the Light within.  
This notwithstanding, pleased be to know,  
(Although there is to them pronounced a Woe  
By whom offences come) it fitting were  
That, if an Evil be, it should appear:  
And, (since GOD doth permit it for Probation  
That good and evil in each Generation  
Sholdu manifest itself) that by the Crimes  
Of others, men Approved may know the Times,  
We with a sanctified heart should heed them  
And, to those ends improve them when we read them  
For which they were permitted. Thus, from Acts  
That evil are, the prudent man extracts  
Good uses, as Physicians when it needs,  
Extracteth Physic out of poisonous Weeds.  
Thus far, my Muse before I was aware  
Had rambled; But, I'll cast the Lure up, here.  
These, & such thoughts as these, me waking kept  
Whilst, many Dreamed of other things, and slept.  
This, of the last night's Muse, portion was;  
(Which, if you please, may for a Vision pass)  
And, when the morning came, thus, into words  
I put, as much as memory affords.  
Newgate, the 27th. day of the 7. Month, 1661.   

A Meditation, occasioned by the same Prisoners calling to mind, Jeremy's Prophecy to Ebedmelech, the Blackmore, Jerem. 39.15.  
I Am obliged, as much as I am able,  
To be to other men as comfortable  
As they have been to me; and, though (as John  
And Peter said long since) Gold I have none  
Nor silver) what I have, I will repay,  
And, that, perhaps, may useful be some way.  
What was Ebedmelech, but, one of those  
Who, Nationally, were esteemed Foes,  
To GOD, and to his Church? which way, can we  
By what is writ of him, advantaged be  
More than by other Common Histories,  
If, from what's mentioned in such Peophesies,  
We may not with good warranty, apply  
The same rewards of Faith and Charity,  
(To every man in every Generation)  
Which was recorded by the Jewish Nation,  
Both to infuse and warrant, the same hope  
Which was confirmed to this Aethiope?  
But, doubtlessly we may; since, for our learning  
For our direction, comfort and forewarning,  
All those things, principally, were ordained  
Which, in the holy Scriptures are contained.  
This person, represents to us, our state  
By nature, and as men regenerate.  
The life of Jeremiah he preserved,  
Who, else, within a Dungeon had been starved:  
Him, forth out of a loathsome Pit he drew,  
When, nor Prince, Peer, or Priest, nor any Jew  
To him vouchsafed mercy: he, alone,  
Did more than any Isra'lite had done,  
Although a Gentile, and a Courtier too,  
Who, seldom, works of Charity, will do.  
And, this, was so accepted of the LORD,  
That by the self same Prophet, he sent word  
(Even whilst that he detained in Prison was  
As I am now) that, when upon the place  
Of his abode, the dreadful doom foretold  
Inflicted was, he should the same behold;  
And, that, to him, on their destruction day  
His life, should be vouchsafed, for a prey.  
This Signal Mercy to my mind was brought,  
In this place, pertinently, (as I thought)  
Why, from this Pattern therefore, may not I  
Who, for declaring truth, imprisoned lie,  
Show forth that mercy which I have received  
And whereby, I am hitherto reprieved  
From what to me, might probably have been  
As bad, as that which Jeremy was in?  
For, Age and Poverty, in such a place,  
Might quickly have destroyed one in my case.  
My Soul, for this Compassion, praise thou him  
Who hath vouchsafed it; and bless thou them  
My gracious GOD, who were the Instruments  
In that, which my destruction here prevents:  
Although, they of a foreign Nation are not  
They, Neighbours, Kinsmen, or Familiars were not  
But all of them (except a very few)  
Such, as until of late, I neither knew  
In Person, or by name; some of them be  
In judgement also, differing from me  
In some points; which, infallibly doth prove  
Their Faith is true, and perfected by Love.  
Their Charity. (This I dare boldly say)  
GOD, will reward, upon their Trial day;  
And, in those future dreadful Visitations  
Which, likely are, to come upon these Nations  
Preserve their lives, to see them, who oppress,  
Receive their portions with the merciless.  
As sure, as I yet live, it will be thus;  
Or, they, at least, when Christ calls them, with us,  
Before his Judgement-throne; repaid will be  
What they have here vouchsafed unto me;  
For, mercy, though extended to a Beast  
(Much more to man) with some reward is blest,  
And, though I were a more unworthy wretch  
Then was by Nature, that Ebedmelech,  
Yet, forasmuch, as me they have received  
As one of Christ's Disciples, and relieved,  
(What ere I am) he, Charity regards,  
And, they, accordingly shall have rewards.  
Newgate, Sept. 26. 1661.   

An Antidote against Fear, composed upon the Citizens being unexpectedly in Arms, Sept. 28. 1661. at night.  
GOD, keep all safe abroad; I'm in my Bed,  
And, see no danger yet, or cause of dread.  
Emanuel my Protector is become,  
He, keeps all Pannick-fears out of this Room,  
And, though the Devil and my Foes together  
Confederated, they can bring none hither.  
Here's nought, that any way doth me disease,  
Unless, it be a few poor starveling Fleas,  
Which, I perceive are more afraid of me,  
Then cause I have of them afraid to be:  
For, if I do but shrug, where it doth itch,  
They skip into a hole, and there they couch.  
No Thief, I think, to rob me dares appear,  
Within these Walls, the Gallows are so near;  
And, likewise, I believe, 'tis known full well,  
I've nought to lose, nor ought for them to steal.  
I no Backbiters had, since to this house  
I my Commitment had, except, one Louse  
Which now is dead, (not having left behind  
A son or daughter, that I yet can find)  
And, though I were assaulted with a score  
(As here, some are ofttimes with many more)  
I am assured, my Landress hath a gift  
To rid them; and it is a cleanly shift.  
I do suspect, that, thus it doth not far  
With all men, who rejoice that I am here;  
But, that, although they speak big words and grin,  
They have more fears without them, or within;  
And, that, some thousands who yet walk the street  
With more, and with worse misadventures meet:  
For, Terrors are abroad, and every where  
It doth in Language, or in looks appear.  
ay, just now, hear a sound like to Alarms;  
Drums beating, and the ●lattering of Arms;  
I (as they pass along, hear Soldiers voices,  
Words of Command, and Military Noises,  
Which, by the time, and darkness of the night,  
Doth many of the Neighbourhood affright,  
And makes me think (although I cannot tell  
What is amiss) that, all things go not well.  
What should the matter be? I hope, the men  
Whom we saw dead, are not alive again;  
For, though I live yet, (and live longer may)  
I did expect to rise, assoon as they.  
Most hoped, they, ere now should have been free,  
From that, wherewith disturbed they still be;  
But, many see, here's daily an increase  
Of what, may more infringe the Common-peace.  
The Citizens, I hear, strict watch do keep  
This night, in Arms: I hope, were they asleep  
We should be safe; and that, this will hereafter  
Yield much less cause of sorrow, then of laughter:  
For, all our Factions are now of each other  
So fearful, that they'll hardly come together,  
Unless affrighted in the dark they are,  
And fall foul on each other, unaware.  
Men might (if there withal they could be pleased)  
Of pains and cost and troubles, be much eased,  
(With much more safety, and more, honour too)  
Yet, make no night Alarms as now they do.  
He, that's a pious, and an honest liver,  
Needs not the Moors Bow, nor the Parthians Quiver,  
Nor, to be singly, much less double guarded:  
For, Innocence is by itself, well warded;  
And, when she's most maliciously surrounded,  
Then, soon, her Oppressors are confounded.  
Of all the Foes, that are, or ever were,  
There's none so bad, or ●●ngerous as Fear:  
For, it not only many a man distresses,  
When Plenty, Power, and Honour, he possesses,  
(And all the pleasures of his life destroys,  
Whilst every thing he seemingly enjoys)  
But, makes Plagues also, which will never come  
To be a greater torment unto some,  
Then they are, or, than they can be, if all  
Whereof they are afraid, should them befall.  
Moreover, it is such a foe as none  
Can easily escape when seized upon.  
Nor Power nor Policy, nor Walls of Brass  
To keep it out, can strengthen any place;  
Nor Flesh and Blood, by Sratagem, or Ginn  
Expel it can, when it hath broken in.  
Were all the Wealth and Weapons in the Land,  
And all the People, at one Man's Command,  
They could not fortify his heart from fears;  
For, Terrors will creep in even at the ears,  
And passage make through every other Sense,  
In spite of all resistance and defence.  
That Fear is such a Terror, I well know  
For I have felt it, though I do not now,  
Save, as a natural passion, which, if well  
We moderate, is, what a Sentinel  
Is to an Army; and by Flesh and Blood,  
Though, possibly, it cannot be withstood,  
(Especially, when by a wilful Sin,  
Against Good Conscience acted, it breaks in  
And grows enraged) yet, by Grace we may  
Subdue it; And, this, is the only way.  
Take Fear and Love, well tempered together,  
(As much, as may sufficient be of either)  
Fire quencheth Fire; The oil of Scorpions, heals,  
The Scorpion's sting; and, if, of all things else  
You would be fearless, you must fear GOD, so  
As man ought; Do, as to be done unto  
You would expect, and to that Fear, add Love;  
For, Love expelleth every other Fear  
(If placed on right Objects, and sincere)  
Plucks up all Vices, and plants in their places  
Habitual Virtues, and Celestial Graces.  
The Love of GOD, with Filial Fear begins,  
And with a detestation of all sins.  
The knowledge of our Natural Estate,  
In us, Desires to cure it will Create.  
The Love of GOD in Christ, then, being known,  
(And, what, when we incurable were grown  
He hath done for us) will more Love beget  
If we no false suggestions do admit;  
That Love, will also, daily stronger grow  
If we GOD's nature truly learn to know.  
And, not as Eve did, him suspect of Evil;  
Ascribe to him, what's proper to the Devil;  
Suspect the Promises which he doth give us;  
Nor think that he intendeth to deceive us.  
For, if we love him, we will then believe him,  
In all his Attributes due Glory give him.  
We then will do, and not disputing stand,  
Of that which he forbids, or doth command.  
Nor fear, nor stagger, from that Resolution  
(Who ever countermands their execution)  
But, love him so, as having understood  
That all his Works, and his Commands are good:  
So love him, that, we love his whole Creation,  
Nought hating, but what's his abomination.  
We will not then permit Humane Tradition  
With his known will, to stand in competition;  
Lay bonds on them, whom he from Bondage frees;  
Charge him, with Ordinances and Decrees  
Which he did never make; but forged were  
By him, who, lays for every Soul a snare;  
Or, by his Instruments, whose Merchandizes  
And Pomp, are much advanced by those devises:  
We will not, when he graciously invites,  
To penitence, reject him with despites,  
And, foes implacable, to them appear  
Who zealous of their Weal and Safety are.  
These are the Well-springs of those many errors  
Distractions, miseries, and Panic Terrors  
Which are among us. That, which chiefly here  
Begetteth troubles and augmenteth fear,  
Is, want of such a Fear, and such a Love,  
As may become effectual to improve▪  
Those Judgements & these Mercies, which our eyes  
Have seen; & whereby, (though we see GOD tries  
These Nations to this day) nor Prince, nor Peer  
Nor Priest nor People, doth as yet appear  
So mindful as they ought to be of that  
Which, was, for, or against them, done of late:  
Nor see I any Fruit which thence proceeds,  
Save Thorns & Brambles, Thistles, tares or weeds.  
But, they who stop their Ears and shut their Eyes,  
Against those Wonders and those Prodigies,  
Which have been lately sent to startle them  
From that security, wherein they Dream;  
And they who are not much displeased alone  
With Publication of what God hath done,  
But, also with his Word; shall see and hear,  
Those things, ere long, with trembling & with fear,  
Which will not be concealed; but, befall  
So openly, as to be known to all.  
These, have the causes been, that Christendom  
Is lately, an Acheldama become;  
For, these are those things, which advance the works  
Of Antichrist, and make way for the Turks.  
Let us repent therefore, whilst we have space,  
Lest Fields of Blood, be turned to Golgotha's.  
Let us, in this our Visitation day  
Give ear unto GOD's Voice, whilst yet we may;  
Not like Bruit Beasts pursuing one another,  
But, lincking fast in Charity together,  
Be reconciled to GOD, with Loving-awe:  
For, that sums up the Gospel, and the Law.  
Do this, and if of aught your fearful be,  
Let all, that you can fear, fall upon me.   

A short Excuse, rendering some Reasons why this Prisoner makes no Addresses for his Release, to great Persons for their Favour in his Cause.  
I Am informed, by men of good report,  
That, there are Noble Pers'nages in Court  
Who hate Injustice, and, are of their Tribe,  
Who love not baseness, flattery, or a Bribe;  
And, that, should I myself to these Address,  
I might perhaps obtain a quick release.  
'Tis possible; But, I may much endanger  
Their Quiet; and, am now grown such a stranger  
To Courtship, that I cannot Compliment,  
Or, act effectually, to that intent;  
Nor think it prudence (were I moved that way)  
To seek a Needle, in a Truss of Hay.  
'Tis not my Principle (though other while  
I have been overruled, to beguile  
My understanding) that course to endeavour;  
And, having found it unsucesful ever  
Resolve now (be it for my gain or loss)  
To signify my Cause, to them in gross,  
In open Courts, to whom it doth belong,  
To be my Judges of what's right or wrong:  
For, if impartially, they will not hear  
My cause at large, and do me Justice there,  
I will not be obliged to any one  
To do for private ends, what should be done,  
For Justice-sake; because, where one man shall  
Be so corrupt, it may corrupt them all;  
And in each Case, by turns, for unjust ends,  
They may Bribe one another for their Friends,  
As heretofore they did, and, as they may  
Hereafter, whatsoever I do or say.  
Not much esteem of any thing I make,  
Which other men, can either give or take.  
Nor Safety, Wealth, or Honour pleaseth me  
But that which will inseparable be  
From me; and which I may attain unto,  
And, also keep, whether men will or no.  
virtue's the Fountain whence true honour springs;  
Not Popes, Grand Segniors, Emperors or Kings,  
For, what they give to make men Honourable,  
To me appears to be so dispicable  
That, though most men, do their chief darling, make it  
If they would give it me, I would not take it:  
What, is there likely for me to be done,  
By those, who suchlike Baubles dote upon?  
ay, never hitherto, a kindness had  
By any Friend, which I myself have made;  
But, by such only, as God had inclined  
(Without a by-respect in any kind)  
To do me Justice, or to show compassion,  
Moved by their own Heroic inclination:  
And, to that end, GOD, often heretofore,  
Hath from among mere strangers, raised me more  
True Friends at need, my cause to undertake,  
Then I deserved, or had power to make;  
And, as it me contented much the better  
So, thereby, was their honour made the greater▪  
Most seek the Judge; but, I believe his word,  
Who said, The Judgement cometh from the LORD;  
And, unto me, it seems an indirect  
Aspersion, or a Symptom of suspect,  
A Judge, in private to preoccupate,  
And, him by Friends, or Gifts to captivate;  
For, in great Counsels, men should nothing do  
In love to Friends, or hatred to a Foe.  
I have observed, that, Judicial Courts  
Whether they be of good or bad reports,  
(Or, whether, what is actually there done,  
Seem just, or to the wrong of any one)  
Are guided by a Spirit, which directs  
To what is always Righteous, in respects  
Unto GOD's Justice, though perhaps it may  
A Humane Righteousness infringe some way;  
Or, though they, to whom Judgement is referred,  
Through Ignorance, or Wickedness, have erred.  
I'll therefore, make no Friend, nor fear a Foe,  
But, when the COMMONS call me I will go  
To hear their Charge, for which I have begun  
To suffer, ere 'tis known what I have done;  
That, lest I break or die before the time  
In which I must make payment for my crime,  
(If crime it prove) they, rather, overweight  
May lay; then, that, which is a Dram too light;  
For, punishments are usually well paid,  
Though other debts till Dooms Day are delayed:  
And, Innocence, is oft pursued further  
Upon suspect, then real Theft or Murder.  
In that, for which unheard, some precondemn  
My Person hither; I, TO GOD and them  
Whom it may most concern, Appeals have made  
Whereon, I ought a Trial to have had  
Before I suffered. My Appeal preferred  
To GOD, hath betwixt him, and me, been heard  
Within his Court of Conscience in my heart;  
And, there am quit of what may on his part  
Be brought against me for what I have writ.  
He sees it, though the world concealeth it;  
And, read it must be by the Commons too,  
Even quite throughout (if Justice they will do)  
Before they censure it; Needless it were,  
If just and conscientious men they are,  
To Court them to their Duties; and so strong  
No Charm of mine can be, whereby a wrong  
May be prevented, if to take that ill  
They be resolved, which flowed from goodwill.  
At all adventure, wholly to the Laws,  
And to their Conscience, I'll refer my Cause;  
Allege for my defence, what I can say,  
And bear that, which will follow, as I may.   

A Composure, for his private Refreshment made by the same Prisoner, upon considering the said outward Condition of his Dearest Relations in the Flesh: after which is added the Narrative of a sudden distemper thereupon ensuing.  
MY Contemplation every hour so travels,  
In new pursuits, and into all things Ravels  
With so much restlessness, as if she meant  
The whole world in a Map to represent.  
One while she maketh inroads on my Foes,  
To bring me some Intelligence from those;  
That, I considering what they go about  
Their malice, may the better weather-out.  
Another while, to me she represents,  
What mischiefs, troubles, fear and discontents  
There are abroad; that, I may thereby see  
How, they are troubled, who have troubled me;  
How 'twixt the two shores, Pharohs Army reels;  
How, GOD hath taken off their Chariot Wheels  
How, he obdures the Insolent and proud;  
How dreadfully, he looks out of the Cloud  
Which he hath placed, betwixt them and those,  
Whom they pursue to their own overthrows.  
Sometime, she brings to my consideration  
GOD's Love, and inexpressible compassion,  
Who, in an extraordinary wise,  
Not only hath vouchsafed me supplies  
By those who to my Person strangers are,  
But also, with such love and tender care  
Of my safe-being, that I may of them  
(As Christ did, when his kindred asked for him)  
Say, These my kindred are; These, are my Mothers;  
These, are my real Sisters and my Brothers.  
My Dearest Relations in the Flesh, among  
Those Friends, this day, appeared in the throng  
To be considered; and, I must confess  
My Bowels yern'd, to think on their distress,  
And, moved with pity, it compelled my Muse,  
To cloth in words, that, which now next ensues.  

I.  
All sufferings, that have tended  
To my probation, here,  
Cannot be comprehended  
In what my words declare;  
For, though to help expression  
I have a knowing-sense,  
The sum of my Condition  
Cannot be gathered in thence.   

II.  
In Pleasures, and in Sorrows,  
I have had no small share;  
Sad Nights, and joyful Morrow's,  
My Portion often were;  
That, which with Joy affects me,  
Is far above the Sky,  
And, that, which yet afflicts me  
As deep as Hell doth lie.   

III.  
My nearest, and dearest Relations,  
Unmentioned though they be,  
Among my Meditations,  
Are not forgot by me.  
For, though I would not mind them,  
My heart, them so retains,  
That, there, I still shall find them,  
As long as life remains.   

IV.  
Lest that might have miscarried  
Which, to neglect I feared,  
Like one, quite dead and buried,  
I have to them appeared:  
And by my late employments,  
Despairful they are made,  
Of me, and those enjoyments  
Which else, they might have had.   

V.  
Reciprocal Endearments,  
Are by my troubles crossed;  
The means of their Preferments  
With my Estate are lost.  
These times, have quite bereft them  
Of that which gave content,  
And, in their power nought left them,  
New mischiefs to prevent.   

VI  
My Blossoms are quite withered,  
My Leaves are much decayed;  
My Fruits, by those are gathered  
Who nothing for them paid;  
I, from whom (when they need them)  
They should supplies have had,  
Have neither Fruits to feed them,  
Nor boughs to give them shade.   

VII.  
We could, when we were troubled,  
Each others hearts have eased;  
Converse, our pleasures doubled,  
When we with aught were pleased;  
Such Comforts, now to give them,  
Companion they have none,  
But, they (what ere doth grieve them)  
Must sit, and grieve alone.   

VIII.  
In Mercy, LORD, look on them,  
And pity their Estate;  
The wrongs that I have done them,  
Proceeded not from hate;  
I did, what I conceived  
Doth to thy work belong,  
But, that's thereby bereft,  
Which is to them a wrong.   

IX.  
Thereof, be therefore heedful,  
Them, favour not the less,  
Supply with all things needful,  
In this their great distress;  
And, when thou me shalt gather  
Out of this Land of life,  
Be thou my children's Father,  
A Husband to my Wife.   

X.  
When I with them must never  
Speak more, by Tongue or Pen,  
And, they be barred for ever,  
To see my face again.  
Thy Loving kindness show them,  
Lost comforts to receive,  
Instead of what I owe them,  
And pay not whilst I live.   

XI.  
Let all my former failings,  
Through frailties, in time past,  
And, what may cause bewailings,  
Quite out of thought be cast;  
And, only recordation  
Of those things be expressed,  
Whereby their consolation  
May daily be increased.   

XII.  
Preserve them from each Folly,  
Which ripening into Sin,  
Makes Root and Branch unholy,  
And brings destruction in.  
Let not this World bewitch them,  
With her besotting Wine,  
But, let thy Grace enrich them,  
With Faith, and Love Divine.   

XIII.  
And, whilst we live together  
Let us, upon thee call;  
Help to prepare each other,  
For what, may yet befall;  
So just, so faithful hearted,  
So constant let us be,  
That, when we here are parted  
We may all meet in thee.   
This being writ, and once or twice sung over,  
My Reason, did sufficient strength recover  
Those Passions to repel, which did begin  
Upon my heart at that time to break in:  
But, ere they were allayed, an Accident  
Fell out, which that good issue did prevent;  
I have so much of common Manliness,  
(Which might more profit me if it were less)  
That, all the frailties of the Humane Creature  
(Co-incident since my depraved Nature)  
Still so attend me, that do what I can  
I fall into distemper, now and then;  
And ere that day was wholly overpast,  
I, by a sudden accident was cast  
Into a Passion, which did give occasion  
Of this ensuing sad Ejaculation.  
LORD, help me now; assist me now, to bear  
That, unexpected brunt of Hope and Fear,  
To which I on a sudden am exposed,  
(Whilst other mischiefs have me round enclosed)  
For, great and many, though my troubles be  
They, hitherto have not distempered me.  
But, now I feel my Constancy to shake,  
My Flesh to tremble, my sad heart so ache,  
That, if thou dost not speedily apply  
A Cordial, I may droop, and faint, and die.  
My Treacherous Flesh and Blood, how false are you!  
To me, and to your own selves, how untrue!  
How quickly to revolt do you begin!  
How cowardly have you my Foe let in  
At his first summons? how have you conspired  
To give him that advantage he desired?  
And whilst I for your safety did prepare  
Join to surprise me ere I was aware?  
LORD, let them not prevail; but, help me rally  
My scattered Forces, and to make a sally  
On those who my weak Citadel beset:  
For they have seized but on my Outworks yet,  
And, if but over me, thou please to hover,  
(Though at a distance) I shall soon recover.  
Therefore, at this Assault, for me appear;  
From me, this Black Cloud, by thy presence, clear;  
Renew my courage in this day of trouble;  
Increase my Faith, my former Hope redouble;  
And let thy Spirit teach me so to pray,  
That what I shall request, obtain I may.  
Be likewise pleased the chatterings of the Swallow,  
And mournings of the Turtle, so to hollow;  
That those things which are now expressed by me,  
May be both acceptable unto thee,  
And unto those who hear them not in vain,  
Though to my private sufferings they pertain:  
For peradventure, that which me o'ertakes  
Hath partly been permitted for their sakes;  
That they, by heeding what on them at length  
May fall, might by my weakness gather strength;  
For, what is in itself a single Trouble,  
By circumstances, may be sometimes double.  
My best Friends peradventure, now will wonder  
How, I am thus, as with a clap of thunder,  
Struck suddenly; and my Foes, with a scoff  
Will Jeer, to see me so soon taken off  
From my late courage and high Resolution,  
(Whilst I was putting it in Execution,)  
When they shall know, that, but concerns my Wife,  
Which breaks through all the comforts of my life,  
And thus disorders me: But, when they hear me  
Even some of them, who at the first will Jeer me,  
(If they have any Manhood left in them)  
Shall me of no such levity condemn,  
As yet they may, when all the circumstances  
I have declared to cure their ignorances':  
For, one of GOD's choice Prophets, had a Trial  
Not much unlike this, of his self-denial,  
When he (as I do) in his Generation,  
Bore witness of their great abomination:  
Which (if aught more) had little more effect,  
Then I may, at this present day, expect.  
He (whilst GOD's work he followed) to the heart,  
Was pierced (through his Wife) with sorrows dart.  
She (as the holy Scripture testifies)  
Was unto him, as precious as his eyes,  
The comfort of his life, and far more dear  
(As I believe) then all things transcient were.  
And peradventure he had grieved more  
Than yet I do, had not the day before  
GOD, both foretold her death, and charged him too,  
Not to bewail the Wife he loved so.  
What, this to me doth intimate, I shall  
Forbear to tell now; but, if that befall  
Which I may fear, it will have an effect,  
Whose demonstration, I shall not neglect  
If so long I survive, as to declare  
That Sequel, for which, it will way prepare.  
Mean while (since hope hath taken race with sorrow)  
For some few days, that little time I'll borrow,  
To make it known, how, by a Panic dread  
I am at present, so distempered;  
And in such sober Language will declare it,  
Without Hyperboles, that, if men hear it  
With like sobriety, it will perchance  
Their edifying in some kind advance.  
When, I had finished those Meditations  
Last mentioned (which concern my dearest Relations  
As to the world) A messenger of sorrow  
That very day, (ay, looking for, next morrow  
My Wife's arrival) brought, not news alone  
That sudden sickness, her had seized upon;  
But, that, she likewise in a Fever lies,  
With which are complicated Maladies  
Portending death: and Death desired so  
That, they about her, can with much ado  
Preserve her life. This news, as soon as told,  
Laid instantly, upon me such fast hold,  
That, ere I could into my heart retire  
I seemed to be wholly set on fire:  
And (being for surprisal, the more fit  
By what, that day, for better use was writ)  
Instead of that, which might have quenched the same  
I snatched up oil, and threw't into the flame.  
So frail I am not (though made of such Mettle  
That I am sometime soft and sometime Brittle)  
As to be shaken merely with a fear  
Of things which every day expected are;  
But, many sad concomitants attended  
This Message, not till then so apprehended;  
For, at that instant every thing pressed in  
Which might a doleful Tragedy begin,  
With such confusion, that, what entered first  
I knew not, neither which disturbed me worst.  
So that, I nought could call to mind, but that  
Which my Afflictions, did more aggravate.  
Imprisonment, I felt not till that day,  
Wherein I found, that I was kept away,  
Where, I to her could no assistance give,  
For, whose sake, I did most desire to live;  
My Fancy represented to my sight  
In how disconsolate and sad a plight,  
She there was left, despoiled of all she had,  
Excepting, what might make her heart more sad▪  
With foes surrounded, not one to befriend her,  
Not servants in that weakness to attend her,  
No good Physician living there about,  
Scarce any thing within doors, or without,  
For food or Physic: for, while she had health  
Her courage did supply her want of Wealth,  
And all things else, with help, of what from Heaven  
Was by his providence in all wants given,  
Who hath been my support; By him alone  
She hath in many straits been carried on,  
And all oppressions with such courage bore  
As if she had been rich by being poor:  
Which her despightful neighbours heeding well  
(And, that she fared like trodden Camomel)  
Words unto this effect, were heard to speak  
Will not, with all this loss, her stout heart break?  
GOD, was, and still, her helper he will be;  
But, for all this, what thanks is due to me?  
What help am I who should a help hav● been,  
When such extreme Affliction she was in?  
Dear BETTY, how inhumanly oppressed?  
Art thou? and oh! how is my Soul distressed  
Now, I here think upon thy high desert,  
And, how discomfortably left thou art!  
If it might comfort thee, would thou, didst know  
(Else not) what tears out of mine eyes do flow:  
For, I, from whom the world's despites can strain  
Nor sighs, nor tears, from tears cannot restrain.  
Woe's me (my Dear) my life I would resign  
Might it accepted be, to ransom thine,  
And were at my dispose; for, cause am I  
Of that sad plight, wherein thou now dost lie;  
Since, what the world hath done, is nothing more,  
Then thou hast always looked for heretofore.  
Yet, take it not unkindly; for, to thee  
No ill was meant, in what was done by me:  
He, (as I thought) to whom myself I owe,  
(And, who did thee, and all I had bestow)  
Required the services that brought upon me  
That, which to thy undoing, hath undone me;  
And he will either back again restore  
What's lost, or give us better things, and more  
This, knowing thou believest, and dost confide  
In him, hath much my Passion qualified;  
And makes me hopeful, GOD, will bring thee hither,  
Or, me to thee, that, we once more together  
May praise his Name, and live till we can part,  
Without the least distemperature of heart.  
Whilst this hope lasts, lest notice being taken  
That, I with one small puff of wind am shaken;  
Lest also, this begets a fear in some,  
That I may totally be overcome,  
When the● perceive, that he, who hath professed  
So much, hath with so little been oppressed;  
And, lest they also may discouraged be,  
(If I sink under that which lies on me)  
I will, for that cause, hence occasion take,  
(Aswell, for their, as for mine, and her sake)  
So plainly, what befalls me to express,  
That, no heart which hath any tenderness,  
Beseeming men, shall think a greater Trial  
Of humane patience, in a self-denial  
Can ever in the Flesh be undergone,  
Then this▪ which they suppose a slender one,  
I have a just occasion too, by that  
To render her, that honour in the Gate,  
Which is her due; and whereto I do stand  
Obliged by King lemuel's Command;  
And, from what I express, perhaps, likewise,  
There may some other good effects arise.  
What could the malice of the Devil invent,  
To make more grievous my Imprisonment  
Then at this time, wherein (for aught I know)  
The last, and needful'st duty that I owe  
Unto my dearest Friend, aught to be paid,  
To be unjustly in a Prison stayed?  
Were I detained but from such a one,  
As many have, (a Wife in name alone)  
I should be glad perhaps, I now am here,  
Or, though within a far worse place it were:  
But, if I may with modesty express,  
What I believe, I can affirm no less  
Than this; Though many women have done well,  
Mine, with the best may be a parallel:  
And, since my power to nothing else extends  
Which may, for what she suffers make amends,  
In words, at least, I'll give her what is due  
And say no more, than I believe is true.  
Perhaps, when told, it will so far exceed  
What is according to the common Creed,  
That, many will suspect it; But, know this  
There is in that man very much amiss  
Who, of his consort, doth not so believe  
In some degree, as I of mine conceive.  
For, if he finds her not a helpful Wife,  
Either, for this, or for the other Life;  
The fault's his own, though she may faulty prove;  
And he ingratefully requites GOD's Love.  
GOD gave her not, but, he himself acquired her,  
By some ill means; or, for those ends desired her  
Which make no Marriages, but what are evil,  
And, were made by the World, Flesh and the Devil.  
Else, he would honour Providence Divine,  
By praising of his Wife as I do mine.  
Or, by confessing freely, as he ought,  
That, GOD is just, in giving what he sought.  
Whether mine live or die, let none who hear them  
Grudge her these praises, for her worth will bear them.  
At first, I loved her, for his sake that gave her;  
Of him, I sought her, and from him I have her,  
If she be yet alive, (which I yet hope,  
And, that he to my fear will put a stop.)  
That, we each other might affect the better,  
(And, to be mutual helpers prove the fitter)  
As EVE from ADAM, GOD did, as it were,  
First, make her out of me; then, me by her  
He made more perfect; And since Eve was made  
No man on earth a fitter helper had.  
If any woman may Charactered be  
By lemuel's pattern, I think this is she:  
For, having oftentimes compared them,  
Betwixt them, little difference did seem.  
She is a Prize, worth every precious stone  
In India, were all their worths in One.  
My heart in her hath trusted so, that yet  
I never, since I knew her, felt a fit  
Of Jealousy or doubt, in any kind,  
Which brought the least distemper to my mind.  
She, at all times, much good to me hath done,  
But, evil, in her life time, did me none.  
With courage, her Affairs she went about  
By Day; at Night, her Candle went not out.  
She was among the last, who came to bed;  
The first, who in the Morning raised her head;  
And, that no duty might be left undone,  
Martha, and Mary, she still joined in One.  
In all Domestic Business, she was skilled,  
Both in the house, and likewise in the Field:  
And whilst my time was otherways bestown,  
Dispatched both my affairs, and her own.  
She was no Prodigal, nor basely sparing;  
All things were done without vexatious caring;  
She chid those, who (when chiding was in season)  
Were to be quickened more with noise, than Reason;  
And, when to angry words they did provoke,  
Her anger ended, when the words were spoke;  
When, also, they were grieved, who did misdo,  
She pardoned, and with them, oft, grieved too.  
All her Affairs, she managing with Reason,  
Appointed work and meat, in their due Season  
To every servant; and good notice took  
Both of what was well, or Ill done, or spoke.  
She feared GOD, and honour gave to them  
Who were invested with a Power Supreme;  
Her life, she squared by GOD's holy Word,  
According to the Light he did afford;  
And, had herself so exercised therein,  
That, often she my Concordance hath been;  
Yea, and in Humane Histories, to me  
Been in the stead of my MNEMOSYNE.  
A better Woman, Mistress, Mother, Wife,  
I never saw, nor shall see during life.  
Rebecca like, she gave me still to eat  
Aswell most savoury, as wholesome meat;  
And, when GOD sent me food, good care she took,  
The Devil should not send me in a Cook.  
To me, to mine, and our poor neighbourhood,  
She, in the stead of our Physician stood;  
She, still according to her power was ready  
To give what things were needful to the needy;  
Who did not wilful Beggarship profess,  
That, they might live in sordid Idlenese;  
And, purchasing her own food with her sweat,  
Abhorred the bread of Idleness to eat:  
She could speak well, yet readier was to hear;  
Exceeding Pleasant, and yet as severe  
As Cato. Though Corporeal Beauties be  
Worn out with Age, she is the same to me  
She was at first, and 'twas no mean perfection,  
Which, in my Youth, surprised my Affection.  
This is her Character, and in the word  
Of Truth, this is thereof, a true record.  
In her, I did as much contentment find,  
As if I had enjoyed all Womankind:  
For, though a poor man's Consort she hath been,  
She had a spirit might become a Queen;  
Yet, knowing how to want and to abound,  
Could make it stoop even to the very ground;  
And, if she die, I shall but little care  
For any thing she leaves behind her here,  
Except her Children, and that which relates  
To GOD, and to our Spiritual Estates.  
The deprivation of her company  
And, of that joy in her society  
Which I have had, is far a greater loss,  
Then, all those many Baubles and that dross,  
Whereof the world deprives me; or, of them  
(Had they been mine) which others most esteem.  
This separation is the great'st despite  
That malice could have done me at her height;  
And might we live, where we might live alone  
To talk of that, which GOD for us hath done,  
(And means to do) my Joy would be much more  
With competence, then with the world's whole store,  
Were I deprived of her; who, might be here  
So necessary a Remembrancer.  
Now, Judge (if you or I, do this believe)  
Whether I had not cause enough to grieve,  
That we were so, divided from each other,  
Left hopeless, we again should meet together.  
Though such in every point, she may not be,  
Yet, since that she doth such appear to me;  
Think, if by fear of losing such a Prize,  
A man who is far stronger, and more wise,  
Might not, when thereby suddenly o'ertaken  
As much with like distemp'ratures be shaken:  
And, whether (taking to consideration  
The sense I have of every Humane Passion)  
Ought may befall, as I am Flesh and Blood,  
That could more difficultly be withstood.  
But, notwithstanding what's expressed, let no man  
Suppose I have forgot she is a Woman.  
I am not so Uxorious, or unwise,  
To think that she hath no Infirmities;  
Or, that to any other she doth seem  
So worthy as she is in my esteem.  
The rough hard shells in which rich Pearls do lie,  
Show not their Beauty to a stranger's eye.  
And Virtues, when that they most perfect are,  
Sometimes, like faulty Actions may appear  
To lookers on, who have not means to know  
How done, nor to what end, nor whence they flow;  
And then especially, when their Spectators,  
Are Envious, or their Foes, or virtue's haters.  
The mildest Medicine, sore eyes, diseases,  
A sickly Stomach wholsom'st meat, displeases;  
And so the best and noblest Dispositions,  
Are most disliked by men of base Conditions;  
Because their Virtues, if they neighbours are,  
Do make their Vices greater to appear.  
Her precious Balms, have sometimes made me smart,  
But, I confess, the cause was on my part,  
If she administered a bitter pill  
In love, to make me well, when I was iii.  
And well she might sometimes occasion find,  
To give me wholesome Physic of that kind,  
By cautions and remembrances applied  
In season, when my wit was foolified:  
For, nothing purposely, from her I hid  
That, in my life, I said, or thought, or did.  
And (that she might, at full, be privy to  
My whole Affairs, and all I had to do)  
No Letter unto me in absence came,  
But leave I gave her to break open the same.  
Which freedom (with such) mutually bestown  
Made me to her, and her to me so known,  
That, what the outside of my Actions be,  
My Conscience hardly better knows than she.  
Small use of an Affection can be there,  
Or proofs of Friendship, where no failings are.  
There's hardly possibility of living,  
With any one, who never needs forgiving;  
For, he, who in his Consort finds no blame,  
When he fails, will confounded be with shame.  
By these Expressions, which have shown in part,  
My Passions, I have somewhat eased my heart.  
And, though impertinent, they seem to be  
To others, they are pertinent to me,  
In showing me my weakness, and from whom  
My helps, in all extremities must come.  
My Passion is the same; but, this, makes way  
For Reason, to command, which did obey;  
And, this Divertisement a stop, brings in  
To that, which else, might have destructive been.  
Yet, Instrumental, though my Reason was  
Herein, th' Efficient is Preventing Grace:  
And therefore, Him, from whom this Mercy came,  
I, thus Petition to complete the same.  
My God my heart, thou hast now touched nearly,  
And dost in that, which I affect most dearly,  
Begin to try my Faith; That Faith of mine  
Which (if a true Faith) was a gift of thine;  
It was by thee, upon my Soul begot:  
Into Temptation, therefore lead me not  
Beyond my strength; But LORD deliver me  
From Evil, that, I may not foiled be:  
Thy only Son, to thee, taught me to pray  
In words to this effect, when any way  
I was oppressed; Compassion therefore take  
On me, (though not for mine) LORD, for his sake;  
And me dismiss not, in this sad Condition,  
Without a kind reply to my Petition:  
For, as Lot said of Zoar, LORD, the boon  
I new request is but a little one;  
And, peradventure, should my foes perceive  
Thou dost of every comfort him bereave  
Who hath desired to magnify thy Name,  
It might occasion give them to blaspheme,  
Or, make thy servants to begin to Fear  
That, thou regard'st not how oppressed they are.  
That Helper, which thou didst on me bestow,  
(And, Whose assistance is much needed now)  
Thou seem'st to call upon me to resign,  
As one, who must no longer now be mine.  
Be not displeased LORD, if I shall say  
Thou tak'st the comfort of my life away;  
And that, I do expect thou shouldst not leave me  
Quite comfortless, if thou of her bereave me.  
Why dost thou Dictate to my heart this Prayer,  
If thou intend'st, to leave me in despair?  
It cannot be, thou move me shouldst to crave,  
That, which thou dost not purpose I should have.  
I do depend on thee, and hazarded  
Both her, and all that in this world I had  
For thy Cause, if my heart be not untrue:  
Though therefore, nothing is by merit due,  
Vouchsafe, (if with thy will accord it may)  
Her life with health, and for a longer day,  
That, we with thankfulness, in praises giving,  
May show thy Mercies forth, among the living.  
With Tokens of thy favour, make us glad,  
According to the Troubles we have had.  
And, make thy other servants hopeful be  
Of that Salvation, which thou show'st to me.  
Make it appear unto this Generation  
That, we have the same GOD, the same Salvation  
In these our days, that was in former times,  
Aswell, as such like Tyrrannies and Crimes.  
Make it appear that thou hast love for us  
Aswell as heretofore for Lazarus;  
That, thou, who didst hear Hagar for a Son,  
And, Hannah's Prayer, when she begged for one,  
Dost not despise my Prayer for the life  
Of my beloved and Afflicted Wife;  
Or, hast less pity now then heretofore  
Thou hadst of other some, who did deplore  
Their dead or dying Friends; and when they mourned,  
Had them into their bosoms back returned.  
Let it be known to those who do begin  
To think, thou art not that which thou hast been,  
Because that this Age hath produced occasions  
To show thyself in other dispensations.  
Though to run back to Egypt, we are ready;  
As froward, as Rebellious, and as giddy.  
As they whom thou brought'st thence; though, every way  
As false, as faithless, and as apt as they  
To set up golden Calves: Though, as were then  
There be among us here, such wicked men  
As Jannes, and as Jambres, who resist  
Not Moses, but a greater, JESUS CHRIST;  
And, strive by their Enchantments how to bring  
Us back to bondage, and seduce the King  
By cursed sorceries; yet, make it known;  
That, thou in Britain dost a People own:  
That as when Israel was from Pharaoh saved;  
That, as thou wert with Moses and with David,  
And with thy People who in thraldom were  
At Babel, thou art present with us here.  
(LORD! I beseech thee mind thou not the less  
My private suit, although my zeal to this  
Diverts me from it: for, I'll further yet  
Pursue that, though thou me shouldst quite forget)  
Apparent make it, that, some yet inherit  
A Portion of the self same powerful Spirit  
Which filled Elias; and if need require,  
That thou hast Prophets, who can call down Fire,  
Hail, Thunderbolts, and other dreadful things  
Upon the Troops and Armies of those Kings  
Who Persecute thy Saints; and Heaven constrain  
Either to let fall, or withhold the Rain,  
As to thy service it shall appertain!  
For, this, though, hardly yet believed of any,  
Will shortly be made manifest to many;  
And thy vouchsafeing this request of mine,  
May make it, to this Age, perhaps, a sign  
That, thou, as heretofore, dost lend an ear  
At need, to every private sufferer,  
As well as unto Public Grievances,  
And, that, when ripened are Iniquities  
A greater Conquest will be got by Words,  
Then ever was in any Age, by Swords.  
My Dear Redeemer, if it may be thus,  
Be pleased to Mediate this boon for us.  
That suit, for which this Prayer was begun  
I will renew, now this digressions done;  
Yet, neither this, nor ought else I'll require,  
(Though rather then my life, I this desire)  
But, what, with thy Good pleasure may consist:  
And, thou hast nothing openly expressed  
To make me doubtful that may not be done;  
For, then, I therein thus far, had not gone.  
All, things thou seem'st to will, accord not to  
That, which thou hast decreed for us to do,  
As being absolutely necessary:  
For, some of them are but Probationary:  
Things, by us, rather to be willed, then done,  
As when, to Sacrifice his Only Son  
Thou didst command thy servant Abraham;  
And, when that our obedience is the same,  
With us, it otherwhile, doth so succeed  
That, thou the Will, acceptest for the Deed;  
And, mayst another Sacrifice, this day  
Accept in her stead, for whom I now Pray.  
This, moveth Dust and Ashes, now, to do,  
What Natural Affection prompts me to:  
Make her and me, so perfectly resign  
Ourselves, that our will, may be one with thine;  
And, Pardon this bold pleading; for, had we  
No will, which may be said our own to be,  
There could be no obedience. Good nor Ill,  
Can be, in him, that is not free to will.  
LORD! this my Consort, is as dear to me  
As Isaac unto Abraham could be;  
Yet, if thou wilt resume her at this time,  
(Although with me thou deal not as with him)  
As absolutely, as he did intend  
His Sacrifice; I, her to thee commend.  
From thee I had her; up to thee I give her;  
I, wholly unto thy disposure leave her;  
And, whether thou shalt keep, or give her back,  
I'll wear it as a Favour, for thy sake.  
And, this, is all I'll absolutely crave,  
(Wherein, I know, I may request shall have)  
If, with thine honour, it may to her good  
Conduce, to let her make with me abode  
A little longer time, that time allow;  
Or else with all my heart, resume her now.  
For, save to serve thee, and our Generation,  
According to the end of our Creation,  
(And for thy Glory) neither she, nor I  
(If I do know her) wish to live or die.  
If, her appointed labour now be done,  
(And I must here abide to work alone,)  
Take her into thine Arms before she go;  
Make her not barely, to believe, but know,  
That, this our sad and sudden Separation  
Is for thy Glory, and for our Salvation:  
(For, from the life and Death of greatest Kings  
But seldom so much real honour springs  
To glorify thy Name, as doth from some  
Who fill on earth, a despicable Room.)  
Give her an earnest, that she shall possess  
Thy love, in everlasting happiness;  
And, that, we, whom she leaves afflicted here,  
(Continning in our love to thee sincere)  
Shall by the Mediatorship of him  
Who bought us, meet at thy appointed time,  
Where we shall never part; where, Tyrannies,  
Of others, nor our own Infirmities,  
Nor any thing which is to come, or past,  
Deprives, of what for thine, prepared thou hast:  
And, if she live, so let our deeds express  
Whilst here we live, what we in words profess;  
That others, may, until my dying day  
Believe there's truth, in what I write and say,  
To that end, keep us pleased with our Lot;  
Though little, much, or nothing shall be got  
Of what we had; my GOD preserve us too  
From stumbling, and from reeling to and fro,  
Or stagg'rings in our Trials, whereby they  
Who are in like Afflictions, stagger may:  
But, with true Joy, so let thy Holy Ghost  
Replenish us, that, (although all be lost  
Belonging to this world) thy Saints may see  
That, there is All-sufficiency in thee.  
Now, live or die my DEAR, GOD's will be done;  
He fills my heart, and my Distempers gone.  
Since, GOD hath freed me from this Carnal Fear,  
Let World, and Devil henceforth do what they dare.  
The greater weights they shall upon me lay,  
The sooner, I from them shall scape away.  
If, me, they shall into a Dungeon throw,  
Both dark and deep, that none may come to know  
What, I say, think or do; yet, what's done there,  
By these my Scraps and Crumbs, it will appear,  
Though scribbled hastily, yea, help prevent  
What, peradventure, is the World's intent;  
And hint, that, though Close-Prisoner me they keep,  
I shall not wholly spend my time in sleep.  
For, doubtless, to my GOD, there, speak I shall  
Like Ionas, in the Belly of a Whale,  
And (as the Blood of Abel did) speak then,  
That, which will more prevail then Tongue or Pen.  Isaiah 38. The living, The living (O GOD) shall praise thee as I do this day. (YET) Blessed are they who die in the LORD; for they shall rest from their Labours, and their works follow them. Revel. 14.13. 
Octob. 6.1661.   

Another Spiritual Song composed, by occasion of the last mentioned Distemper.  

I.  
When in the Morn we rise,  
Alas! how little think we on,  
What through our ears or eyes,  
May pierce our hearts, ere that day's gone?  
ay, did but borrow  
From what, next Morrow,  
I hoped to have enjoyed;  
And that, hath quite  
The whole delight  
Of both days, now destroyed.   

II.  
My thoughtful heart grew sad,  
And represented unto me,  
Such things as in the shade  
Of Death's approaches use to be:  
With many a doubt,  
(Which Faith keeps out)  
My Fancy fills my head;  
And clouds are come,  
Which with a Gloom  
This day, have overspread:   

III.  
If, whilst the Sun gives light,  
Become so dark, so soon, it may,  
How black will be the Night  
That shall ensue so dark a day?  
My Soul, I see  
Betrayed we'll be,  
By our own want of care,  
To have prepared  
A daily guard,  
To keep out carnal Fear.   

IV.  
No power was in the World  
Whereby a Passion like to this,  
On me could have been hurled,  
Had nought, been in myself amiss:  
By day or night,  
(Be 't black or bright)  
The Devil hath no power  
Which can procure  
distemperature,  
Without some fault of our.   

V.  
How frail a thing is man,  
That, lifeless words, arrayed in white,  
This Morn affright him can  
Who, seemed fearless yester night?  
Dread of ill news,  
Too plainly shows  
That, with us all's not well:  
For, if it were  
We need not Fear,  
Though stormed by Death and Hell.   

VI  
For, if beneath GOD's Wing  
Our safe repose we sought to make,  
None, such Ill news could bring,  
That, much our Courage it could shake▪  
Of, Plagues that smite  
By day or night  
We need not stand in awe  
Of poisonous things,  
Of Serpent's stings,  
Nor of the Lion's Paw.   

VII.  
Therefore, my Spirit rouse  
(Our Foes, we see, are not asleep)  
Let us, no longer drowze,  
But, better watch hereafter keep;  
Come, Courage take,  
And we shall make  
These Bugg-bears take their flight▪  
For, 'tis our Fear,  
No strength of their  
That now doth us affright.   

VIII.  
The Passions of the mind  
Are but the fumes of Flesh and Blood,  
Which make the Reason blind,  
By mispresenting Ill, or Good.  
If, unto these,  
We closely press,  
And, wistly on them look,  
They will appear  
Such as they are,  
And, pass away like smoke.   

IX.  
And, yet, my Soul, beware  
Thou bring not to assault these Foes  
Goliah's shield or Spear,  
Nor in his Head-piece trust repose.  
No, nor unto  
What Self can do,  
But, take thou David's sling,  
And, what he took  
Out of the Brook,  
Of Grace, among them fling.    

A Meditation whilst he was taking a Pipe of Tobbacco.  
THough some, perhaps will think the things I do,  
Much less than Idleness, amount unto;  
Yet, to have no work troubles me, at least,  
As much, as therewith to be overpressed;  
And, then to be quite Idle, I had rather  
Pick straws, catch Flies, or shells, and Pebbles gather,  
Or, (as I sometimes do) the time to pass,  
Number my steps, or tell the panes of glass,  
And often when a trifling act is done,  
Make some good use of that, which promised none.  
Here, all alone, I by myself have took,  
An Emblem of my Self, a Pipe of Smoke:  
For, I am but a little piece of Clay  
Filled with a Smoke that quickly fumes away.  
This Vanity, our Climate never knew  
Till near the time, in which, first breath I drew;  
And otherwhile, it is of wholesome use  
(Though, for the most part subject to abuse:)  
Since first I smookt it, after (it came hither)  
I laid it by, nigh thirty years together,  
And for my health's sake, then, did reassume  
That Bauble wherewith we Tobbacco fume;  
(Not hitherto disabled to forgo it,  
If any way offensive I should know it)  
And, that in mind, as well as bodily  
I might he someway profited thereby,  
Such Meditations come into my thought,  
As these, which now, unto my mind are brought.  
Even as this Pipe was form out of Clay,  
And may be shapeless Earth again this day,  
So may I too. So brittle, that one touch  
May break it, this is; I, am also such.  
When it is broke, made whole it cannot be  
By Humane Art; so will it fare with me  
When I to dust shall be reduced by Death,  
Until revived by an Eternal Breath.  
This brittle ware, we, oft have strangely seen  
Preserved from breaking: and so I have been.  
When foul it grows, it must be purified,  
By Fire; I, in like manner must abide  
Those Fiery-Tryals, which will purge away  
That filth which is contracted every day.  
Moreover, when therein, this Herb's calcined,  
Such things as these, it brings into mind;  
That Custom, by degrees, prevaileth still,  
To draw us, both to what is Good and Ill;  
For, when this customarily is taken,  
It can by very few, be quite forsaken,  
Or, heeded, how they turn unto abuse,  
That, which is otherwise, of some good use;  
Yea, so it them deludes, that oft they think  
That, is well scented, which doth always stink;  
Yet, me it makes, with thankfulness to heed,  
How, GOD wraps up, a Blessing in a Weed:  
And, how (when I have weighed things together)  
He makes one vanity to cure another;  
Turns that to Good, which was, perhaps, for Evil,  
At first, sent in among us, by the Devil.  
It minds me too, that, as this Herb by fire  
Must be consumed, so, must all our desire  
Of Earthly things; and, that wherein we took  
Most pleasure, turn to Ashes and to Smoke.  
When I had writ thus much, of what I thought,  
My Candle, and Tobbacco were burnt out.   

A Hint, of that, which may hereafter (if not despised) conduce to the Settling of Peace and Concord in Church and State.  
This Scrap, though some will not digest,  
Is cast in here, among the rest.  
ELia's like, I thought myself alone,  
A while ago, and of my mind, knew none:  
But, many I now hope, here living be  
Who, join in one Faith, and one love with me.  
My Soul, I long time, seemed to possess,  
As when the Baptist in the Wilderness  
Was to be Disciplined, and there prepared  
For, that, which he performed afterward.  
As when he Preached Repentance, in his days,  
High Priests, nor Lawyers, Scribes nor Pharisees,  
Nor of the gay Herodians, any one  
(Nor many, but the Vulgar sort alone)  
Regarded it; so, likewise, I might say  
Of all my Premonitions, to this day;  
And may (for aught I know) without regard  
Pursue my Work, till I have his reward:  
If so it happen, I am well content  
To follow such a holy Precedent.  
ay, am now (as it were) one in exile,  
Like John, when banished into Pathmos Isle;  
And, to the seven Churches in these Nations  
As he then, to the Asian Congregations  
Had somewhat to express; so, I from HIM  
(As I believe) who sent his mind to them  
By that Disciple, have a needful Errand,  
To be delivered, by Authentic Warrant,  
Which, must lie Dormant, until them to hear it  
GOD, shall prepare, and fit me to declare it.  
Mean while, I cast in this Preoccupation,  
To be a furtherance to that Preparation  
Whereto GOD's Grace will ripen me, and The●  
(Hereafter, in his own appointed time;  
If nothing that shall be Coincedent  
Doth intervene, that purpose to prevent)  
Thus Christ, did to a future time adjourn  
What, he had then spoke, might it have been born;  
And, his example doth instruct my Reason,  
To choose for every work, a proper Season.  
I have a Love for all the whole Creation,  
Much more, for every Christian Congregation:  
I, for each Member of them (whatsoe'er  
Infirmities, I see in them appear)  
Have such a Love, and so enlarged, that  
I can with every Church Communicate,  
In all Essential duties, though they may  
Be sometimes, much abused with an Alloy:  
Because, what me therein offendeth, I,  
Without offending others, can pass by;  
And, at another time, in private, seek  
To make them understand what I dislike;  
And, by a meek compliance in what's good,  
Bear with a failing, not well understood.  
Their Ignorance, or misled Consciences,  
Give me no cause of Personal offences,  
So, they the Fundamental Truths, profess  
Without malicious minds, or wilfulness;  
Or by approving, or continuing in  
Profaneness, and committing open Sin.  
For, since he that knows most, knows but in part  
And, hath a Cloudy Region in his heart,  
They, of my Pity, rather Objects be  
Then of my hate. They, so much hurt not me  
As damnify themselves: And, I, thereby  
Have of my Meekness, Faith and Charity,  
Those Exercises, for which (if I have them  
In true sincerity) GOD, chiefly gave them.  
And, which way can they better be employed  
Then, that a common good may be enjoyed?  
And that we to our Brethren may extend  
That mercy, when we think they do offend,  
Which GOD's long suffering doth vouchsafe to us?  
And, since he did command it should be thus?  
The Church Catholic, is a Corporation,  
Whereof, the several Churches in each Nation  
Are Bodies Corporate, as here we see  
In LONDON, many Corporations be  
Members thereof distinct, governed by Laws  
Peculiar to themselves, as they found cause  
To constitute them; yet, unto all these  
Belong the City's gen'ral Privileges;  
And every Individual Person; there,  
Conforms unto those Laws which proper are  
To this whole City; and they live together  
In Peace, without intruding on each other.  
What hinders (but our Ignorance, Ambition,  
Our Avarice, and Love to Superstition,)  
That, Christian Congregatious may not thus  
Be formed, and regulated so with us,  
That, we may live henceforward in true Peace,  
Morality and Piety increase?  
Profaneness be suppressed? and, no more, here,  
Affairs Divine, and Civil interfere?  
What hinders this, but, want of that true Love  
And meekness, which our knowledge might improve?  
And, whence flows Discord, but from intermeddling  
With what concerns us not? fooling, and Fiddling  
About those things impertinent, which, whether  
Their tendance be to this, or that, or neither  
'Tis not material, so, that may not be  
Infringed, which to all, aught to be free?  
That Peace may be preserved; men kept in awe  
From violating of the moral Law,  
And, GOD permitted to possess alone  
The Conscience as (on earth) his Proper Throne?  
For, he from none, will an account receive,  
According to what other men believe,  
Or shall command; but, answerable to  
What he commands us to believe and do,  
According to the Light he shall afford,  
By his assisting Spirit, and his Word:  
And, therefore, they, who, out of slavish Fear,  
Of those who peaceably inclined are,  
Force Innocents', to any hard Condition  
(Thereby to free themselves from their Suspicion  
Which is incurable) are Tyrannous,  
And foes to GOD, unto themselves, and us.  
In my late Trial, I have had a shake,  
But, it hath deeper driven in the stake;  
And hath, I hope vouchsafed by that FIT,  
An earnest, he so fast will settle it;  
That, all the Tempests which in future days  
The World, the Flesh and Devil have power to raise,  
Shall more increase my courage; and, by mine  
Some other, to the like Resolves incline.  
GOD, give us Grace, with seriousness  
These things in time, with what else may  
There is a way, how that, may yet be done  
Which hitherto, is little thought upon;  
And, thereof, in what is expressed here,  
A Hint, if well observed, may appear.   

A Hymn of Thanksgiving to Almighty GOD; composed by this Prisoner, for the gracious restoration of his Wife's life and health; who, lying mortally sick (as was supposed) at 52. miles' distance during his Imprisonment, in a sad disconsolate condition, and reputed to be dead, about the space of an hour, was miraculously restored.  
To the Tune of the 148. Psalm.  

I.  
HOw soon, my gracious GOD,  
Hast thou my Prayer heard?  
How just, how kind, how Good,  
Hast thou to me appeared?  
Blessed, be this Day:  
For, what did fright my heart last night,  
Thou dost allay:  
The Clouds, that made, this Morning sad,  
Are blown away.   

II.  
As when his moan to thee  
The good Centurion made,  
Though I unworthy be,  
Like favour I have had  
Vouchsafed to me;  
Nay little less, in my distress  
Received I have,  
Then She, whose Son, and only one,  
Was near his grave.   

III.  
At least, I, so much Grace  
Of thee, this day have had,  
As deigned to Jairus was  
Whose Daughter thou foundst dead,  
Upon her Bed:  
For, when my Wife, deprived of life  
Had long time lain,  
Thou, heeding there, our Prayers here  
Gav'st life again.   

IV.  
Thus she, who first was thine  
(And so shall always be)  
Hath now, been twice made mine,  
And, is enjoyed by me;  
For which, to thee  
A double praise, LORD, all my days,  
I ought to give;  
Assist I pray, this due to pay  
Whilst here I live.   

V.  
And, let all, who now hear  
What, thou for me hast done,  
Help me thy praise declare;  
For, not to me alone  
Extends this boon;  
This Act of Grace, vouchsafed was  
That, they thereby  
Might at their need, know where to speed  
As well as I.   

VI  
LORD, I have nought to give  
For all thou hast bestown,  
But, what I did receive  
And was, and is thine own;  
Oh! now therefore  
This Sacrifice, do not despise  
For, I am poor;  
Therewith, I shall give self and all,  
Who can give more?    

A Penitential Hymn, composed by occasion of a Dream the 19th. of Octob. 1661. about Midnight.  

I.  
MY GOD, thou didst awake me,  
This night out of a sad and fearful Dream,  
That, sensible did make me  
Of Sins, which heretofore small Sins did seem;  
And, ere I perfect heed could take,  
Whether I slept, or was awake,  
He, that is watching every hour,  
Whom he may mischief, and devour,  
Sought, how he might thereby advantage make:  
Rebuke him, for my Dear Redeemer's sake.   

II.  
Permit thou no Transgression,  
Whereof, I heretofore have guilty been,  
Nor great, nor small Omission,  
Which I forgotten have, or overseen,  
(Either through want of penitence  
Or of confessing my offence)  
To rise against me, great or small;  
For, LORD, I do repent them all:  
And, likewise, (be it more or less)  
Renounce all trust, in my own Righteousness.   

III.  
As Job complained, such Visions  
To me seemed represented this last night  
Of my faling, and Omissions  
That, sleeping, they did much my heart affright;  
Me thought a Spirit passed by  
Not to be seen with mortal eye;  
And, I was minded by a Voice  
(That, spoke unto me without noise)  
Of things preceding, which (than quite forgot)  
So, as I ought to do, I heeded not.   

IV.  
Oh God most kind, most holy,  
Remember not the errors of my life;  
Call not to mind my folly  
To add a new Affliction, to my Grief.  
World, Flesh and Devil, my foes are,  
And, much more than my strength can bear  
On me, they have already cast,  
Unless, that thou compassion hast;  
Oh! throw my sins out of thy sight therefore,  
That, they may not be seen, or heard of more.   

V.  
My Soul doth now abhor them,  
Thine only Son, hath with his precious blood  
Made satisfaction for them;  
Thou, didst accept it; I believe it good:  
And, therefore, though they sometimes make  
My heart to tremble and to ache,  
My Soul is confident they pardoned are  
As if they ne'er committed were;  
Confirm it so, that, sleeping and awake  
Sweet rest in thee, I may for ever take.   

VI  
Dear GOD, of my Salvation,  
Preserve me by thy Love and mighty Power  
From perilous Temptation,  
In Weal, in Woe, and at my dying hour:  
Me, let thy Guardian Angels keep  
When I do wake, and while I sleep,  
From shame without, and fear within;  
From evil thoughts, and Actual Sin,  
That, Friends and Foes and every one may see,  
No man in vain, doth put their trust in thee.    

A Requiem to the Soul.  

I.  
MY Soul, vex not thyself at those,  
Who, to all Godliness are Foes,  
Although they make fair outward shows,  
And spread and flourish like the Bay;  
For, deplorable is their case,  
They, as the scorched Summer Grass,  
Shall soon into oblivion pass,  
And all their Beauty fade away.   

II.  
I have been young, and old am grown  
And, many changes I have known,  
Whereby, it hath to me been shown  
Whereto, their wicked courses tend:  
With Honour I have seen them Crowned,  
With Power and Riches to abound,  
Whose Place no where can now be found;  
For, all their Pomp is at an end.   

III.  
With shadows they themselves beguile,  
And, GOD, doth at their folly smile;  
With patience therefore wait a while,  
And, grudge them not their Portion, here;  
Destruction, toward them is hasting,  
Their Time is short, and daily wasting,  
But, thine will be for everlasting,  
And, Griefs, as if they never were.   

IV.  
Employ thyself in doing well,  
And, GOD, with thee shall kindly deal;  
Thou, in the Land shalt safely dwell,  
Well fed and clothed, all thy days.  
And when the Glory of their Name  
Is blurred out, with an evil Fame,  
Then, shall thy Poverty and shame  
Be mentioned unto thy praise.   

V.  
Let worldlings feed upon their Chaff,  
Their Cups of Fornication quaff,  
And at thy sufferings grin and laugh;  
A midst thy Foes lie down and sleep.  
Whilst in their malice, they persist,  
In GOD's Protection take thy rest,  
For, though thy Body be oppressed  
Thee, safe, in spite of them, he'll keep.   

He, whosoever he be, that speaks this Charm,  
Unto his Soul in Faith, shall have no harm;  
Therefore, as a Receipt approved, take it:  
For, for myself alone, I did not make it.    

A Meditation upon the many Prodigies and Apparitions, which are mentioned by Public writing, or common Fame.  
WE are informed, by questionless Presages  
(Vouchsafed to instruct succeeding Ages)  
That warnings of Christ's coming, should be given  
By signs and wonders manifest from Heaven:  
And, we have seen, in Histories recorded,  
That, Providence, in all times hath afforded,  
Some Premotions of those Desolations  
Which fell on Persons, Places, States and Nations,  
Before they came: For, our most gracious GOD,  
(As doth a loving Father) shows the Rod  
Before he whips, that he thereby may fright  
To Penitence, ere he begins to smite;  
And, frequently, prevail, if that means may,  
Us to reclaim, he flings the Rod away:  
Which kind Indulgence, is in these times, more  
Enlarged then, it hath been heretofore.  
New Prodigies, we hear of every day,  
And, likewise hear, how they are puffed away  
As but mere Fictions. If we find them so,  
This, justly, thereupon infer I do,  
That, more presumptuous we in these times are  
Then ever any other People were:  
For, very much corruption it implies  
To be in those who make and publish Lies.  
If there be Truth, in any of those Visions,  
Or Extraordinary Apparitions,  
Which are affirmed; 'Tis no less wicked daring,  
So to affront GOD's visible appearing  
In Signs and Wonders, as, both to contemn,  
And seek by all means, how to smother them:  
But, it is worst of all, to publish Lies  
Of purpose, to discredit Verities,  
As if we meant, to do the most we can  
To try the Patience both of GOD, and Man.  
If, we believe the things that are averred;  
Why of GOD's Judgements, are we not afeard?  
And, either seek to pacify his Wrath,  
Or, magnify his Mercy, who, so hath  
Forewarned, of what is likely to ensue,  
That, we his Indignation may eschew?  
If we suspect, what publicly is told,  
Why do not they, who are in Power (and should)  
Search out the Truth, that, by due punishment,  
They such like Provocations may prevent?  
For, out of question, to connive at Lies,  
Or smother Truths, worse things presignifies,  
Then all the Apparitions, that have been  
These twenty years, in this our Climate seen;  
(Though nothing doubted of) and will go nigh  
At last, to turn all Truths into a Lye.  
I must confess, that, though unto my Ears  
There have been brought within these twenty years  
So many strange Reports, of sights and Voices,  
Earthquakes and Thunders, dreadful Storms & noises;  
Of Ebbs and Tides, of Suns, and Moons, and Stars,  
And Armies in the Clouds, portending Wars,  
With such like, as would have perhaps, amounted  
Unto a hundred, if I them had counted;  
Not one of those I saw: yet, so unjust  
I am not, as those good men to distrust  
Who have averred them: for, though Prodigies  
And such miraculous Appearances,  
Are deigned in chief, to Infidels, and those  
Who in God's word, no confidence repose;  
Yet, they are likewise, otherwhile, revealed  
To true Believers, lest, they be concealed  
From those whom they concern; or lest, by them  
Quite slieghted, who, the Works of GOD, contemn;  
They, also their own welfare so neglect  
That, they be totally without effect.  
On trust, I therefore take them: for, if we  
Confirmed by their Witness may not be,  
Whose Conversations are to us well known;  
How, can we any Affirmations own  
For Truths, Historically writ, by those  
Whose Conversation, no man living knows?  
For, my part I have with my carnal Eyes,  
And, otherwise, beheld such Prodigies  
In Words and Deeds, that, although none of that  
Were true, which I hear other men relate,  
I (at the least Mysteriously) discover  
All those old Miracles, new acted over,  
In my time, which in Pharaohs days were wrought,  
When Israel out of servitude was brought;  
And, many a such like wonderful proceed,  
As we recorded in the Scriptures read.  
I've seen th' Inchanter's (yea, and Aaron's) Rod,  
Turned into Serpents; Waters into blood.  
I have seen Frogs sent, and removed again,  
And, yet, we as hard hearted still remain.  
I have observed, (at lest once or twice)  
Our Dust, to be transformed into Lice.  
Plagues, which resembled Locusts, Flies, and Hail,  
Yet not a jot upon our hearts, prevail.  
The People, even as Murrains do our Beasts,  
A Sin that's Epidemical, Infests;  
And, so with Blains and Byles we smitten be,  
That, in a moral sense, mere Scabs we be.  
Egyptian Darkness too, hath here, among  
Our other Plagues, continued very long,  
With likelihood to be as gross, as there,  
Unless, the Sun of Righteousness appear;  
Yea, I have seen our Firstborn also slain,  
Yet, still, we in obduracy remain.  
ay, therefore, wonder not, if private Visions,  
Prodigious sights, and Dreadful Apparitions,  
(Discerned but here & there) have nought effected,  
Since, things more Signal, are so much neglected.  
Where, Moses and the Prophets are not heard,  
One from the Dead, will find but small regard.  
In vain are Dumb-shewes, where, a speaking sign  
Can to no heedfulness, men's hearts incline.  
When CHRIST's own Words, will not with credit pass,  
In vain, will be the speakings of an Ass:  
Yet, speak must, when GOD shall his tongue untie;  
And, whatsoe'er succeedeth, so will I.   

A Riddle for Recreation, not impertinent to this Place.  
INto a Park, I lately came,  
Wherein are many herds of Game,  
Whereof the Keepers take no care,  
And yet, they in abundance are.  
They are a Cattle of strange Breed  
Which, on no Browse, nor Grass do feed;  
Are Found, before that they are sought;  
Aswell in sleep, as waking caught:  
So silently, they hunted are  
That, neither Hound nor Horn we hear  
When chatced: They, are the only things,  
Left free for Beggars and for Kings  
To Hunt at will: and, all that we  
Assured of by our Charters be.  
What Park is this? What Game are these?  
Tell me, and Hunt there, when you please.   

A Proclamation made by this Prisoner, with the advice of his Privy Counsel, the Muses.  
OH Yees, Oh Yees, Oh Yees: if any man  
In Country, Court or City tell me can  
Where my last Poem called Vox Vulgi lies,  
(Seized lately in my Chamber by surprise)  
On penalty, of what else follow may,  
Let him produce it, ere my Trial day;  
(Which, yet, I am not certain, when, or where  
It will be, neither do I greatly care.)  
He, who to me, the same will timely bring,  
Shall be rewarded: So, GOD Save the King.  
Given, this 17th. of the 8th. Month, 1661. At my Head Quarters in Newgate, which is, at present, all the places of abode upon earth, which the Prince of this World and his Prelacy have left me. Geo. Whither.   

A Concluding Epigram.  
With these Cards, I, an Aftergame have played,  
But, there's one Card, by shuffling, so mislaid,  
That, now my fore-game's lost; yet, if I may  
Just Dealing find, Fair Gamesters, and Fair-play,  
What ever happens, I no question make  
But, I at last, may thereby save my stake;  
And, when the Sett is ended, win much more  
Then ere I got by Play, or Work before.  
If any good Effects, hereby ensue,  
A Thanks to GOD, is for my Troubles due:  
For, had he not made way to send me hither,  
These Fragments, had not thus been scraped together.  
Those Papers, which are hitherto suppressed,  
Shall that occasion, which will manifest  
(At last) a more effectual operation  
Then, if they might have had free Publication.  
If, also, God, me, here shall exercise  
With greater Trials, better Fruits than these  
They will produce: Therefore, they shall to me  
Be welcome, when, or whatsoe'er they be.  
Yet, for the sakes of other men, well pleased  
I should be, from my Troubles to be eased;  
Because, until mine shall have some redress,  
Their sufferings, are not likely to be less.  
LORD, therefore, if thou please, make it a sign,  
Their Troubles will soon end, by ending mine.  
ay, thereof, am a little hopeful made,  
By some foretokens, which I newly had.  
Three likely signs thereof, he daigned hath;  
For, my Beloved Consort, he from death,  
Was pleased to raise (even whilst within this place  
I have remained, exposed to disgrace  
And Poverty) he, for my Children too,  
Whilst this was writing, hath provided so  
That, without Portions, to their good content,  
They married are, without disparagement;  
All parties, Christian confidence professing  
Of their dependence on GOD's future blessing.  
He, in the presence, and amidst my Foes,  
Hath spread my Table; and, such bounty shows,  
That, these are nothing, but the Scraps and Crumbs  
Of that supply, which, daily, from him comes.  
Appello DEUM, REGEM, POPULUM, PARLIAMENTUM.  
I do, appeal, to judge of my intent,  
To GOD, King, People, and the Parliament:  
For, one of these, I'm sure, my Friend will be,  
And, I hope well, of all the other three;  
But, they know not my heart, so well as he.   

A Postscript to the Readers.  
THese Pieces, being communicated to several Persons in writing, were sent back to me imprinted; by what Printer I know not. Two or three large Cantles, are thrown in among them; which, though you would have disliked, in respect of their Quantity, I should have made no shorter; for, I could with more contentment have lengthened them. So much was necessary to exercise my own spirit, and strengthen my Faith and Patience, during the pressures which lie upon me. Therefore, if they begin to seem tedious, give over the perusal: For, they were intended to be communicated to those only, who were voluntarily desirous of them, to whom I beseech GOD to sanctify them in the reading. They were distilled out of me, by that Fiery-tryal, which will extend to many other before it be ended, and which will evidence that they are no counterfeit or Sophistical Extractions, though they may seem trivial to some, because they relate chiefly to myself; for, they will be found useful to many of them, who, are or shall be, exercised with like Passions and Afflictions.  
That, which tends to the Vindication of the Poem occasioning my Commitment hither, will concern others as well as myself; So, may also that which expresseth my sudden distemper, at the first hearing of my Wife's Sickness, lying at 52. Miles distance in a very disconsolate Condition, as to all outward things: And they who are as truly sensible of a Conjugal and Paternal Affection as I am, will perhaps, think when they read what I have written, that it may be of use to some of them, when they consider well the struggle between my Flesh & Spirit during that Trial; and, in regard it is in probability, the strongest Temptation whereby the world and the Devil shall have power to afflict me. But, whatsoever shall be thought of that, of the rest of these Parcels, or of me, I sent them to those in writing, who desired to have Copies of them, and to pass further, as God should give leave.  
To write no more, I long since did intend;  
But, none but GOD knows now when I shall end,  
For, still, I find, when I think all is done,  
As much to write, as when I first begun.  
Your true Friend, and Brother in the best Consanguinity, who thinks it no dishonour, to subscribe himself, GEORGE WHITHER, of Newgate, in the City of London, Prisoner. The 19th. of the 8th. Month, 1661.   

An Appendix in Relation to what concerns his Wife.  
MY Consort, (who still means what ere she says)  
Perusing what's here mentioned to her praise;  
Protests, her modesty is so offended,  
To find herself in such a strain commended,  
That, she's ashamed to live; and, to be dead  
Had rather, then to see it published.  
To be avenged for this dislike, therefore  
I'll to the rest, add this one Virtue more,  
Which had been also forgot; and if she do  
Therewith find fault, I'll then, ad twenty more.  
For, I forbore her Praises till I feared  
That, them, she never should have seen, or heard,  
And, had exposed them to Publication  
Before I was quite cured, of my Passion.   

A Table of the several things contained in this Book.  

1. THe Epistle of the Author. Pag. 3.  
2. A Missive to his Friends, who enquired for him, after the apprehension of his Person and the seizure of his Books and Papers. Pag. 5.  
3. His first Meditation after his Commitment to Newgate. Pag. 11.  
4. His Petition at the Sessions, that Bail might be accepted. Pag. 17.  
5. An Epigram to the City of London. P. 19  
6. This Prisoners second Meditation in Newgate. Pag. 22.  
7. Answer to some Friends who sent to know how it fared with him after his Commitment. Pag. 27.  
8. A Passby, to them who seemed offended with his frequent scribble (as they call them) Pag. 28.  
9 The Author's Apology, for his writing that Book which occasioned his Imprisonment. Pag. 30.  
10. Another Meditation, alluding to this Verse in Seneca, Nusquam non potest esse Virtuti locus. P. 55.  
11. A Meditation upon Jeremy's Prophecy to Ebedmelech, the Aethiopian. Pag. 59  
12. An Antidote against Fear. Pag. 62.  
13. A short excuse, why he makes no Address to great Persons for their Favour in his Cause. Pag. 68  
14. A Meditation upon his considering the sad outward Condition of his Relations in the flesh. P. 71.  
15. A Passionate expression of a casual and sudden destemper, upon hearing of his Wives being mortally Sick, as he was credibly informed. Pag. 76.  
16. A spiritual Song composed upon the last mentioned distemper. Pag. 95.  
17. A Meditation whilst he was taking Tobacco. Pag. 98.  
18. A Hint, conducing to the Settlement of Peace and Concord in the Church and State. Pag. 101.  
19 A Thanksgiving for his Wife's restauration to life and health. Pag. 105.  
20. A Penitential Hymn. Pag. 107.  
21. A Requiem to the Soul. Pag. 110.  
22. A Meditation upon the late Prodigies and Apparitions. Pag. 112.  
23. A Riddle. Pag. 115.  
24. A Proclamation by the Muses. Pag. 116.  
25. A Concluding Epigram. Pag. 117.  
26. A Postscript. Pag. 118.   
THE END.   

The Author's Dream, the night before the Imprinting of this Book, and (as he believes) the true Interpretation thereof.  
I Am awake: GOD's blessed Name be praised,  
That, he to see the Light, my eyes hath raised:  
For, sleep, I see, which we repute the best  
Of Temporal things pertaining to man's Rest,  
(Next to a quiet Conscience) may become  
A Torment, very near as troublesome,  
If he, that giveth his Beloved sleep,  
Did not, within a Bound, night's terrors keep.  
My Soul, so toiled, and tired out, hath been  
With what, this night, in Dream I have seen,  
That, peradventure, if I waking, had  
Been so oppressed, it might have made me mad:  
For, from the twelfth hour, to the fourth, well nigh,  
I have been struggling, in an Agony,  
With such Confusions, that, if I would tell  
How, I have been turmoiled, I, might aswell  
Another World endeavour to Create  
Out of a Chaos, as the same relate:  
And, not a littie troubled is my mind,  
Now I am waking, how, I forth may find  
What it presignifies: For, I believe  
Those Notions, I did not in vain receive:  
And, therefore, (since no Daniel I do know,  
Who, either can to me my Vision show,  
Or, what it means) Ile, by GOD's Grace, assay  
To make the best use of it, that I may;  
Not doubting, but, that he will condescend  
To show some glimpse, of what, he doth intend.  
It happened (which, forget not to remember)  
The day before the Kalend's of November,  
The first year (and may be the last) wherein  
I had enfranchised in Newgate been,  
For offering to Record, what I have heard  
By common Fame, and, was by me declared  
To no worse end, then, that, prevent it might  
Such like Confusions, as me thought, this night  
To me were represented. And, who knows  
But, that, this Dream, a Consequent foreshows  
To that relating, which, fulfilled will be  
Either, upon these Nations, or on me,  
Or both of us, if God, averts not from  
The best of us, that, which is like to come;  
And, as dreadful our waking Dreams may be  
As this was in my sleep, last night to me.  
This very day, moreover, (as I hear)  
Those Muse, which by me composed were  
Since my Commitment hither, pass the Press;  
And, our confusions, will be more or less,  
As they shall take effect. GOD's Will be done,  
(What ere, he pleaseth shall succeed thereon)  
For, he, who waked me out of this sad Dream,  
Will, when, at their worst, raise me out of them;  
Or, when the Resurrection morning comes,  
Save, me, at least, from all destructive Dooms,  
This, (though my Dream admits no explanation)  
I take to be a true Interpretation.  
But if, that any finds me out a better  
I will approve it, and remain his debtor.   

ERRATA.  
PAge 3. line 17. read Appeal, page 14. line 30. for which are, r. with awe, l. 34. r. entertained, p. 16. l. 13. r. Though so, p. 23. l. 3. r. be for he, p. 26. l. 23. r. dost for doth, p. 32. l. 18. r. not so. p. 36. last l. r. contrived. p. 39 l. 26. r. first, that, p. 42. l. 14. r. grown wise and sober, l. 33. r. more provoke, p. 43. l. 2. r. of Reason, p. 44. l. 5. r. of letting, l. 11. r. concession, l. 28. for is, r. are, p. 59 l. 6. r. extract good. p. 75. l. 22. r, Revive, p. 79. l. 15. for race, r. truce. p. 51. l. 30. r. every for very. l. 26. blot out now, p. 96. l. 13. r. we for we'll. p. 102. l. 9 for their r. them. p. 108. l. 23. blot out my, p. 110. l. 2. r. his trust.