THE MESSAGE OF John Lambert Esq, In ANSWER to the PROCLAMATION.  
I Have not been so long versed in the Interest and Concern of this State, (in whose greatest Affairs (since a Commonwealth was imagined, and accordingly framed by an Army) I have deserved the name of a Second) as to startle at the sound of a Proclamation, and quit my hopes and designs, or surrender at the first Summons, which scars none but Cowards and men unprovided: I see 'tis oftentimes the fortune of Greatness and Ambition to be clouded and eclipsed, as 'tis likewise the more eximious and conspicuous lustre of such grandeur to redeem and recover its self from its ruins and obscurity. The great Marius tasted of this vicissitude while he lurked in the Fens of Minturnae, and yet a more popular person great Rome afforded not.  
Shall I gratify by the meanness of a never yet dejected Spirit, the impossible intrigues of my Rival? and must I and my Fame be, prostituted to the pleasure and Lubet of a Treaty victory? Shall I disarm my mind, and abandon myself and my Friends (whose number and courage lacked but its proportion of wisdom,) and kneel at a Bar, that have passed the Pikes and defied artillery? Rather let as much reproach stick on my achievements in the Camp, as on my wife's Feats in the Bed.  
Of how much and great importance the very Name of a General is, this last half year hath amply informed the Nation: and can it be rationally thought that I will forgo that Title, and become a private person, further than this my present retirement? I know I am designed a Sacrifice to the people's Liberty, whom the interruption and violation of this present Parliament most highly displeaseth. But am I thereforc only to be blamed? why not Fleetwood, Whitlock? all the burden must (it seems) rest upon my shoulders, that have more than I can well bear already on my head? or else is it but a fetch, and a specious pretence, thereby utterly to disable and weaken my interest in the Army, and so to make room for a new Gamester.  
Well, my Fates, (for I scorn to whine with my Friend Desborow) do you pardon me. I disdain mercy, 'tis a word not befitting a great mind; if I have betrayed or slighted the good and common benefit of three Kingdoms, I have undone myself, and so may others, and that's some part of satisfaction to my Country. Yet, why may there not be a lucky reserve, and a fortunate aftergame for me, while I have the long Legs of the Anabaptists instead of fortune's Forelock to hold by.  
Sir George Booth and I are now in the same predicament (saving my inviolable Liberty, that Nolime tangere, for all general monks fierceness) my comfort is the Ananias will not purchase my estate, no more than the Presbyters will Sir George's, and I do not know who else will or can, for the Cavaliers have no money, and besides are no such good State-Husbands: Well, adieu, Fare ye well, if any one inquire after me, I am in the pursuit of Sir Thomas Midleton.  
John Lambert.   

LONDON Printed for James Dukeson. 1660.