woodcut of pelican feeding its young with crown and scepter 
Qu●is p●rio, p●re●.    

THE PRINCELY pelican.  
royal RESOLVES PRESENTED In sundry choice OBSERVATIONS, Extracted from His MAJESTIES Divine Meditations: WITH Satisfactory REASONS to the whole kingdom, That His Sacred-Person was the onely Author of them.  Epict. in Enchirid. 
Subditis regere, Regibus subjici!  
quid iniquius?  
Printed in the year, 1649.   

TO ALL faithful AND Loyally-affected SUBJECTS; Whose Thoughts are Strangers to Division; Whose Hearts are zealous pursuers after Union, AND A peaceful sovereignty to this distracted kingdom.   

The Contents.  Chap. I. His Grounds inducing Him to this work. page. 1. Chap. II. The Conference He had with some of His intimatest and apprehensivest Courtiers, touching some particular passages in that work. p. 4. Chap. III. His resolution of proceeding with it; after his serious debate of those doubts. p. 8. Chap. IV. His reason of concluding every distinct Section with a Meditation, or Devotionall psalmody. p. 10. Chap. V. The Comfort He conceived in it, and received from it. p. 13. Chap. VI. What choice houres He reserved for this Exercise. p. 17. Chap. VII. How this work, so far as He had continued it, came to be taken at Nas●by; w●th other Papers, and private Letters of high concern in His Cabinet: and how recovered. p. 21. Satisfactory Reasons to rectify their judgement, and evince their error, who entitle these His Majesties pious Princely Devotions to any other Author. p. 25. Chap. IX. His divination of the miseries that should befall this kingdom by these Distractions. p. 28.  

The PRINCELY-PELLICAN, &c.  

CHAP. I.  
His Grounds inducing Him to this work.  
UPon the instance of s●ndry Persons of account and quality, to whose ample favours I must ever aclowledge myself highly obliged; having such influence over me, at no amicable respects could more endear me: I was induced to return them some Satisfactory Reasons concerning divers particulars mainly reflecting upon His Majesties Divine essays lately Published: and for a Living memorial of Princely piety, and devotion, to all Posterities recommended.  
Now, their Reason of importuning my Pen to this Task, proceeded from their long knowledge of me for many yeares, to be a Constant Servant to His Sacred Person: and to whom( without arrogance be it spoken) His Majesty was oft-times pleased to communicate His private Councells and Addresses. Neither was the Service I did Him( so much out of an integrious and sincere Spirit, I dare avouch) at any time since these unhappy distractions, prejudicial to the Peace of the public; or the unsettling of those High affairs, which at first sight pretended safety to the State: and satisfaction to every loyal and well disposed Subject.  
Neither, indeed,( to decline all prejudicate Censures touching His Majesties gracious disposition that way) would His Sacred ear lend the least attention to any suggesting Instrument of Division: but with a pious aversion, or distaste to such fomenters, return them a sharp reproof; though their advice might seem never so conducing to the vindication of His wrongs; or re-investing Him in His own.  
This I dare confidently attest for truth, as one who had remained constantly in my Attendance upon His Majesties Person, even to the last Man: when we were all expressly enjoined to be removed from our Gracious Master: whose love to His own was so great, as this Injunction of our departure from Him, estranged us from our personal attendance; but never from the memory of His goodness: nor the individual tie of our cordial allegiance. For I dare confidently assert, that this awful Command was so grievous to some of us, as the Sentence of death had been with more cheerfulness received by us; then our removal from His presence, whose gracious aspect operated so powerfully on all our motions.  
Hence you receive the Reasons, whence I was pitched upon this task; which I shall no less succinctly then sincerely return to the honour of my Just Master: with clear satisfaction to all such, as stand doubtful of the reality of so princely and imparallell'd an Author.  
First then, To the Ground which induced His Grace to this work; He expresseth himself in the very first Entrance, or Introduction to those His Divine essays: The Cause of His remove or recede from this Parliament: wherein He lays down the Motives of His Departure; with His integrious desires of all concurrency with that Great council of State; in whatsoever might hold consistence with the peaceful Governments of His kingdoms; without the least intention of trenching upon the Liberty of His Subjects, or imposing any illegal burdens upon their shoulders. This I have heard Him oft-times second, with this pathetical express: O that My Subjects knew but the integrity of mine Heart towards them! But understanding upon what desperate hazards He run, and how all His royal intendments for the public were mis-construed: Nay, that His own Person could hardly be Secure without Securing; after sundry private Addresses( to divert more open and dispersing jealousies) He resolved, having found all His endeavours and proposals unsatisfactory, to withdraw himself for a season from His Parliament; hoping by that means to make Them His, with His absence and sweet tempered indulgence; which to His great grief, as He professed, He could not procure by His presence. But contrary to His expectance, This revived that wound, which He hoped, might have been partly, if not perfectly cured; For this desertion of His Two Houses, by the aggravation of some Incendiaries, whom God forgive, cried up His designs to be nothing less then aiming at a Tyrannicall Government: to make His People Slaves: and enrich His Exchequer by His Subjects ruin. And too many credulous ears were ready to give attention to these unjust and injurious Aspersions; receiving for truth whatsoever the poison of viperous tongues had maliciously suggested: and to bring an Odium upon His Sacred Person, publiqucly dispersed.  
Was it not then high time to vindicate His traduced Honour by His Pen, which He could not with safety do in Person? It was the Maxim of a serious Moralist; who had found by experience, that Innocence summoned before a Seat of Injustice, was a sufficient object for Sufferance: If it were sufficient to accuse, who could be innocent?  
This was my royal Masters condition: His breast could not be so transparent, as to eye His integrity: nor His Person without mis-prision, to pled His own Apology.  
Many yeares Debates drawn out by the lines of our cunningest Projectors, had resolved what they meant to do with Him: before they acted this fearful and horrid Tragedy upon Him. They meant to make Him a Glorious King, and so they have made Him: but to unking Him first, to discover the Zeal and allegiance they bore Him.  
But to omit these, let us give a little more clear satisfaction to such, whose prejudicate eyes be not wholly unfilmed, touching His moderate composure and carriage after His recess from His Parliament. Take a full survey of His Princely demeanour: and you will not find any predominant passion, or intemperate spleane working on Him. Though many odious, scurrilous, and treacherous libels were daily by an un authentic privilege poasted up, and published against Him: So oft as they came to His hand, He perused them with a modest smile, pitying their indiscreet boldness, for mis-spending their time on such scandalous Subjects.  
But I intend to wipe off these( such were His words) with a sponge of Truth. It shall be my task, at spare houres( and many such it seems, My Parliament will admit m) to undeceive My People; and to rectify their mis-guided judgements, who are not lead away by the spirit of error.  
These were the Grounds that ●nduced Him to this work. The pursuit whereof, as it conduced highly to the content of His mind, and inward peace in the penning: So may it render no less satisfaction to any unprepossessed judgement in the reading.   

CHAP. II.  
The Conference He had with some of His intimatest and apprehensivest Courtiers, touching some particular passages in that work.  
HAving entred thus far upon His purposed task: and in a private address for the public interest, ingenuously laid himself open, how, and upon what Grounds He was moved to call the last Parliament; being a council so useful( as He conceived) for disposing and rectifying the Constitution of a distempered S●ate; as He was not more induced thereto by others advice, and necessity of His affairs, then His own choice and inclination: as one, who always thought the right way of Parliaments most safe for His crown, and best pleasing to His People. He was pleased some few dayes after He had retired from his Parliament to communicate his thoughts in his Garden at Theobalds, to some of his Gentlemen, who were nearest to Him; and of whose intimacy and abilities He stood most confident; how he had set his hand to Paper, to vindicate his innocency in the first place; by showing the reasons he had of receding from his Parliament; which he hoped could not choose but render full Satisfaction to all his Subjects; unless they were of such a temper, as had pertinaciously asserted a dis-affection to his Person; and that not so much as one line had fallen from his Pen, which with Honour he might not confirm, were it racked by never so rigid or uncharitable a construction.  
His next Essay, as he  told us, He intended should take its discourse from the faithfullest Servant and incomparablest Statesman that any Christian Prince could possibly rely on. One, said he, whom I cannot without a pious& religious sorrow remember: condemning myself in nothing more, then suffering my hand to thwart the resolution of my heart: having so expressly delivered my thoughts, and in so public a manner; as beside my own conscientious fears, which incessantly awaken me, the relation of so ungrateful an action cannot but to succeeding times redound highly to my dishonour.  
To this a Gentleman of his Privy Chamber( and one now eminent in the Eye of the public) made answer; That this could not be for imputed an error of His, but to Their doctrinal Assurance, who maintained the conveniency of it; and made good his Subscription to it. O said he( and this he delivered with a deep sigh) but it is not safe for Princes to pin their faith● upon timing Prelates sleeves! Though their knowledge make them unexcusable of error; their future account shall neither lessen my Guilt, nor salue mine Honour.  
Hereto presently replied one( whose late arrest by death, has freed Him from encountering with sadder Fortunes) Sir, if the sense of that Action have such strong influence o'er your thoughts; that the dispersing thereof abroad may so much accrue to your dishonour, I should hold it an act of more Princely policy in you, rather to close then to lay open such a wound, as may wound your famed.  
O no, in no case ( N E D) said His Majesty. The way to cure wounds, is not to close but discover them. They rankle by being closed before they be cured. As for Princely policy, I hold none better then sincere piety. This it is will onely secure Him: and subject his outward affections to the sovereignty of the inward Man. For my part, this shall be my constant Resolve( and it shall be my daily prayer, that no earthly Object may weaken it in me) that my sins may be ever before me. For there is such a precious eye-pleasing in a pious tear,( being properly called the Wine of the Angells) as it alleys the distempers of an afflicted Spirit. And truly, Gentlemen, weigh but my present condition in this particular, and you cannot choose but conclude, that this Balm● of Gilead may prove more truly cordial, and sovereign for me, then the best Court-solace, or Civet-advice, were I in the cheerfullest and securest estate that any worldly Prince can enjoy. Our Scholists tell us( and our own Synderisis attests no less) that to sin against ones Conscience, even in matters of indifferency, edifies to Hell. What may we then think of Actions partaking of an high and criminal nature? The loss of a mans life( said that Absolute Commander) cannot be recompensed, nor made good by any benefit, or act of Grace that may be conferred upon his Survivour. Gentlemen, you may believe it,( for out of a deep and impressive remorse do I speak it) that the disgusts of our Grand Senate, nor all the injurious affronts they can put upon me, may in reason so much perplex me, as the least thought of that inexcusable wrong I did to my faithful Servant; whose high Ablilities, as they were more to be admired then paralleled: So his industrious Service was in civill thankfulness to endear me more, then ever any Subject( if I may properly speak it) obliged his sovereign. For his safety, with whatsoever else was most dear unto him, he engaged for my improvement. His want of health, at such time as he lay sick at my Lord of Leisters, witnessed how much his enfeebled body had suffered by rough and tempestuous Seas, and intemperate weather in his late Irish passage hither.  
All which, with much cheerfulness, he not onely encountered but slighted. Having arrived here, and left the cost of Ireland, where he was both feared and loved: was he not afterwards questioned for his life, even upon those Commands, which my Commission enjoined him to act upon his allegiance? And can I r●teine these less then with a thankful sorrow, not onely to lose a Loyall-knowing Servant: but to gratify him with an Injunctive Sentence of death for his faithful Service? In the sad recollection of these, I may seriously protest, and with a clear conscience avouch it, that there is not so much as the least tincture or sprinkling of blood besides this, that can be deservingly laid on my soul; though the fury of my malicious Enemies causelessly labour to impeach me with one of an Higher Nature. But one day it will appear unto the world, that These, who thus guiltlesly accuse me, be the onely Incendiaries of a civill mischief; imbroylers of the State: and such Seditious Innovatours, as their only design, in their pursuit after private ends, will tend to the ruin of this kingdom.  
In this sort was His Majesty pleased at that time to communicate his griefs unto us: and with that passionate innocency, as it wrought strongly upon our attention.  
After this, he took into his serious Consideration, all such doubts, as might object themselves to his second thoughts, in the divulging that Essay touching the earl of Strafford: whether the world might not worthily tax him either of levity or pusillanimity in the survey of that Action. At likewise in his Declaration of the Moving Cause of his recede from the Parliament: whether such Reasons as He alleged, would bear weight in the scale of equal judgements. Which, after due deliberation, He concluded would not onely appear satifactory to his People, but necessary in his own particular; forasmuch as those Corrupt Members that had begot a distemper in the whole Body, striven to lay an Odium upon his Person; for his desertion of the House without just cause.   

CHAP. III.  
His resolution of proceeding with it; after his serious debate of those doubts.  
WE know well that mens sufferings receive the liveliest impressions from the draft, or Representative of their Sufferers. It was the saying of a wise Greek, Any mans pe● b●● my own, is a stranger to my pain. In which sense may that moral Position in this place hold proper relation.  
He who recommends those Annals or Memorials of his Actions, Sufferings or Indignities to a succeeding Remembrancer, when his own abilities may perform that task, and accomplish the work in his own Time; may be compared to an ●●wise T●stator; who leaves large Legacies to be bestowed on such Persons after his death: but the Estate from whence those Legacies should arise, falls into the hand of a prodigal Disposer: who long before those flowers which were bestowed on the Testators Corpse are withered, has quiter forgot the tenor or purport of his Will. He finds whatsoever was bequeathed to others, little enough for his own expense.  
Such was the folly of this Testator, to depend upon the honesty of a profuse and careless Executor.  
These Considerations( questionless) wrought infinitely upon His Majesty, He retained a deep sense of those insupportable affronts and indignities he had suffered: and how even those Persons, on whom since the first beginning of his reign, he had amply conferred his royal favours( though since paid home in their own coin) expressed themselves most ungratefully bitter in the pursuit of their malicious designs. Albeit, so tender was he of their Honour, and so hopeful of the future recognition of their allegiance; as his desire was rather to shadow them, then name them.  
Howsoever, in this proposed Task, which at spare houres he intended to prosecute, according to the issue of his proceedings, whether good or bad, He continued his resolution: that Posterity might witness for him, whether his demeanour merited any such disesteem as the Assemblies of his two Houses had of Him.  
Many times, and in some of our hearings, would he expostulate the Grounds of these distastes. How any of those Grandees, Some whereof he had undeservingly advanced to the Highest and most Commodious Places in his Courts of Judicature; should entertain such jealousies touching his Person: and why they should proceed with such an empowering Command, without so much as the least reflex, or loyal relation to his Prerogative royal.  
Must their plausive promises( said he) conclude in this; to estrange me from their councils by their harsh& uncivil usage; to bar me from that Negative Vote which my regal interest may justly exact of them; to brand me with an ignominious Note of intending to infringe their privileges: and in an hostile way of surprising their Persons, whose endeavours( as they pretended) had no other aim then redress of an abused State?  
Is this the way they meant to go, when they  told me, They would make me the most Glorious Prince that ever reigned? Well; it shall be my Supreme Care to rely on his Sacred Providence; which I am confident will never fail Me: for, full of deceit is the heart of Man.  
The groundless Jealousies of those of the Lower Rank; nor the settled designs of the Higher, who have set their hearts to do mischief, shall never discourage Me from the Conscientious Execution of that regal Office whereto HE hath called Me. He it is, in whom I trust; and he it is, under whose wings I shall be safe, should those Enemies of Peace, who persecute my Soul without a cause, never so subtly, nor maliciously labour to entrap Me. For God is good unto Israel: and to all those who walk in sincerity of heart before him.  
This then, shall be my resolve; with a strict and impartial Scrutiny will I examine my heart: and in the Search of it, I will suffer no discomposed thought to reign over it; but wholly dedicate it to him who gave it. By him Princes rule: may his Rule be my Guide through all My reign. He deserves not the style of a Prince, who amid the greatest trials that humanity can encounter, submits not himself to the Will of his Highest sovereign. Nothing can befall me, that may equal those indignities which HE suffered for me. May all I go about be undone, rather then his Will undone.  
In this manner, no less fervently then frequently would His Majesty at set times usually deliver himself: and in His recollection of these, return to His Study: where he addressed his happy pen to these pious Devotions.   

CHAP. IV.  
His reason of concluding every distinct Section, with a Meditation or devotionall Psalmody.  
IT hath been observed by his chaplains in Ordinary; and by us too, who by our Places, were nearer Attendants to his Person; that though his desires were to be constantly versed in all parts of Sacred writ, yet he took such infinite comfort in the psalms of David, as he would usually upon occasion repeat Sundry Psalms by heart from beginning, to ending. And in Conclusion thereof, would call to mind that Observation of Saint Augustine touching that Book: 
Aug. sup. Psal.  In every part of Scripture I find usefully Something; but in the Book of Psalms I find a Store-house of all things. A rich Store-house of all spiritual Provision. cordials for the afflicted; corrosives for the impenitent; Salves for all Sores; Cures for all griefs; balms for all wounds; Solaces for all souls; 
Ibid.  Medicines for all Maladies: Receipts for all Infirmities. Armed with this divine furniture, His Majesty amid his Greatest trials( as never Prince grappled with more for number, nor more grievous for measure) could with a resolved patience talk with his Enemy in the Gate. Nay, amid all those disgraces and indignities put upon him, he had learned in imitation of that Princely prophetical Patient, to possess his Soul in Patience: and to stop his mouth in the presence of the unrighteous. He frequently reflected upon Davids troubles: and in the Survey of them, upon Davids courage and constancy; how he stuck fast to Gods promise: and with much spiritual comfort relied on His providence. He had found by Experience, that the Lord, on whom he depended, was stronger in fighting for Him, then all such as fought against Him. He had been Young, and now was Old, yet did he never see the Righteous forsaken, nor their Seed begging their bread.  
This our religious Josias duly observed: and in his Sufferings became thankful. For( said he) if David, a Man after Gods own heart were thus afflicted: if his Enemies imagined such mischief against him: nay, if his familiar Friends, and Acquaintance who fed at his Table, made his Table a Snare to catch Him: What might his Soul expect in these evil dayes, where impiety had so far prevailed, as schisms& Divisions had invaded and embroil the peace of the Church: Rebellion threatened a fearful massacre to a flourishing State: where Loyalty was held Delinquency: orthodoxal Divinity, doctrine of an apocryphal quality: Sincere Devotion, heathenish Superstition: Ornaments of decency approved by Antiquity, to beauifie the Sanctuary; ragged relics of pollution, profaneness and idolatry: What could he( I say) expect ought less then a ruined State, with an unsecur'd Guard to his own Person? Complaints He heard daily: and his desires were to redress them: but, alas, his desires were in the worst sense interpnted. Those, who, were principal Actors in these Combustions, suggested to his deluded People, that His Majesties pertinacy was the ground of their misery. How his desertion of the council of State, assembled for the safety and prosperity of the public: with his attention to Corrupt councillors, would endanger the whole kingdom. These, and such reports usually came to his Ear, and in their relation wounded his Princely compassionate heart. mean time, his frequent addresses to his Parliament,( and in a character below himself; with such a wooing mildness and sweet humility was he endued) witnessed the desire he had that the House might retain that opinion of him, as his intentions towards them justly merited. And that such a right sense and understanding might be got amongst them, as all groundless jealousies might be removed: and that Great work for which they were assembled, seasonably promoted and accomplished. But when his assiduate addresses might produce no fruit; He held Devotion the onely Refuge and Anchor-hold to calm the storm of a troubled Spirit. Which, is he many times professed, wrought so heavily upon him, as for divers nights, Sleep was a stranger to his Eyes. But such was Gods goodness ever to him, as his afflicted Soul was never so much d●press●d, but by repairing to those Rivers of Divine Comfort, the psalms of David, he became infinitely refreshed: So as, the burden of his griefs was nothing so heavy, as the Solace which that Book afforded him, was delightfully stored with all Spiritual Melody.  
This it was which induced His Majesty to end every Meditation with a psalm: that as the former lay open to the world his distressed Condition: so by acknowledgement of Gods mercy, and resignation of his will to his all-sufficient Mercy, he might return Comfort to his thirsty Soul in the Conclusion.  
The repetition, or renuall of our griefs, though they may in some measure alloy the bitterness of them by a seasonable discovery, and temperate delivery: yet they necessary require some precious balm, or sovereign Receipt to cure them. Now, what cure more requisite then spiritually to converse with One, who had drunk of the same Cup; and partak't deeply of the like affliction, whereof he himself was become a Sharer?  
This was His Majesties condition; Davids parallel for affliction, in every particular saving onely an Absalon. Indeed a rebel sprung from ones own Bowels, is such a Bowel-sorrow, as it exceeds all others.  
This onely excepted; our late gracious sovereign was in nothing inferior( in the scale of affliction) to that Princely Sufferer.  

And Subjects may be p●operly said to h●ve relation to the●r Soveraig●e, as Children to their Parents: which a●mi●ed, it cannot be denied but His Majest● had many Rebells a rising from his own bowels.  No wonder if the wounded Hart fly to Dittany, having such virtue to cure Him. Seeing psalms minister such variety of spiritual Solace, no marvel if our Afflicted King used them.   

CHAP. V.  
The Comfort He conceived in it, and received from it.  
THe wearied Labourer, who has born the heat of the day, cannot entertain rest with a more cheerful welcome; The Sea-beat master, after he has encountered with Surging Waves, and impetuous winds, cannot with more pleasure strike into his calm and secure Harbour, then an afflicted soul in communicating her perplexed thoughts to a discreet compassionate Friend; who is both willing and able to afford her such counsel as may redound to her comfort.  
It was the saying of a sage and serious Moralist, If a Friend should perform the Office of an affectionate visitant, in presenting himself to his necessitated Friend, and not relieve him; Sick, and apply nothing to him; disconsolate, and not comfort him: Such an one might be rather said to mock him, then accommodate him; scorn him, then supply him.  
It is handsomely observed by One in his address to His Majesty; That he had in his Three kingdoms, three sorts of People: The first, confident and faithful; The second, diffident and fearful; The third, indifferent and doubtful. Which he marshals in order, and distinguisheth them in this manner.  
The first were with Him in their Persons, Purses,( or desires) and good wishes.  
The second were with Him neither in their Purses, nor good wishes, nor( with their desires) in their Persons.  
The third were with Him in their good wishes, but neither in their Persons, nor Purses, nor Desires.  
His Majesty shared in the first and last, in his introduction to these sable and sullen times: but in the close of his mis-fortunes; when the Cup of his Affliction became more fully embittered: He partak't onely in the Seco●d.  
Their dis-allegeance had dried up the stream of their bounty; estranged their good wishes: and disengaged their Persons from any Service that might be consistent to the assistance of His Majesty: or present the least expressive Argument of their Loyalty.  
Now in this deluge of his sorrows, when he was deprived of all outward Supplies; was it not needful for him to have in store some inward Comforts, to refresh his troubled Spirit? And these he found plenteously, and preciously treasured in these Divine Ejaculations: which, as he many times confessed, breathed to his languishing soul most hope, when least of hope appeared. He found how the Lord had other ways, then onely by the Sword or spear, to relieve him. He, who had power to make a ready passage through the read Sea for his People; at such time, when the Enemy was hehind them; and the Mountaines enclosed them: and all visible hopes of refuge were estranged from them: Even that God of Hosts( such was his confidence in the Almighties providence) would deliver him from the Hand of the wicked Doer: and in his due time( for he knew well Mans extremity to be Gods opportunity) make those bones which he had broken to rejoice. His trust was on the Rock of his Salvation: neither did he fear what Man could do unto Him, so long as the wings of the Holy One overshadowed Him. Nay, should he kill me( said he) yet will I trust in him. It is he that made me, his appointment that anointed me: and whose blessed protection hath hitherto delivered me. I know he has mercy in store for him that walks innocently before him; It shall then be my principal care to have a circumspectly eye over my ways; that I offend not with my tongue. And with a resigned will rather to foregoe my crown, then to forg● his favour, or become his dishonour who bestowed it on me: and which, if it seem pleasing in his sight( whose eyes are upon all the ways of men) he will continue to Me and my Posterity against all the insults or assaults of a spiteful Enemy.  
As for me, I will from the very bottom of my heart, aclowledge, that it was good for me that the Lord has humbled me, lest I should be exalted above measure; and so perish in my Folly. I have seen it,( and I applied it to myself, and found comfort in the application) how many Children played wags in the street, and how one amongst all the rest was catched hold of, and corrected; the rest untouched: and I gathered hence, that it was the natural Father of that Child, who took upon him to correct him: and how his affection to him, caused this Correction of him. This was my Heavenly Fathers course, with me: and I have kissed the Rod, and he has taken pitty of me.  
My resolve then shall be, rather to desire a dissolution, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. The wages of sin is Death: by his assistance then that gave me a Being; I will play the painful Labourer in my Calling, that I may receive my wages from my faithful Master in the Evening; My day-work small, but my reward great.  
Were I the most miserable divested Prince, that the whole world could present on this active Theatre of earth; that State-catastrophe should not so much perplex me, as one thought of a pmpensed rebellion against him that made me. No better Resolve for a King,( as I have elsewhere expressed) then to prefer his Conscience before his kingdom. Such an one may be truly held more then a Conqueror: having such a continual feast within him, as nothing without him may distemper him: and of such an absolute composure, as he's fortifide in suffering in any thing, saving his honour.  
I know well, and you, Gentlemen, who attend me, will witness so much with me, that the indignities, and personal aspersions thrown upon me, had exceeded the bounds of human suffering; had I not been enabled by his goodness, and through him strengthened with such Christian patience, as their unprevailing intendments to provoke me, enraged their passions more then they could work upon mine; in being dis-appointed of that which they most desired, my anguish. For in all their fruitless assays, I remembered how David accounted it his duty to keep his mouth close whilst the wicked were before him.  
As also in the vindication of my own wrongs, I held it not onely the most pious but prudentest Christian Stratagem, to subdue the fury of an implacable Enemy, rather with a pleasing neglectfull Smile; or as my condition rather challenged, a Princely slighting, then any impatient opposition: as persons below my esteem, and consequently unworthy my hate: Besides, I considered, how Revenge was often more sinful then the Offence. Why then should I awaken my Soul to do that, which might disturb the quiet of my Soul?  
All this while, I was not ignorant how these Plotters of mischief did not onely thrust, but thirst sore after my life, to take it. And with what plausive Principles they laboured to withdraw the hearts and affections of my Subjects: 
Principles in use for dis-alle●ging Subjec●s.  The trust of kingdoms is put upon them; which, so long as they faithfully discharge, they are to be honoured and obeied; but once being violated, their Covenants are broken; and they are no longer Kings; The safety of the People, is the Supreme Law: and People were not made for the good of Kings, but Kings for the good of the people.  
These were working Notions for stirring Spirits, and stuff enough for any Hammer to strike and mould out some Masterpiece or other upon the anvil of Sedition.  
Whereas, thou O Lord, knowest all my ways, for my works are ever before thee: Thou knowest I wished no greater advantages by this War, then to bring my Enemies to moderation, and my Friends to peace. Thou, I say, knowest right well, that I always held the Safety of my People essentially consistent with mine own: and though thou madest me sovereign over this Land, yet I never took upon me to Soveraignize over the Law. The address of their wrongs was my care: else I had not with such freedom and cheerfulness assented to a call of this present Parliament.  
Having discoursed in this sort with much efficacy and pious Devotion: He acquainted us what imparable comfort he received from that brief manual, which he had in part composed, and meant to continue it; not onely amid those brackish and distempered seasons, to alloy his discomforts: but to communicate it likewise to such, who were jealous of his Safety, and tender of his Innocency.   

CHAP. VI.  
What choice houres He reserved for this Exercise.  
IT is written of Holy Lewis the French King; that He usually bestowed certain houres of every day upon distinct tasks; lest by doing nothing, His frailty might bring Him to do what was worse then nothing.  
The Morning He dedicated to devotion, Reading and Contemplation; the Meridian for his repast and nourishment: the afternoon for administration of Justice: with some spare houres at convenient Seasons for moderate recreation; being such as might refresh Him, but not too freely seize upon Him. In all which employments, it was his especial care( as is observed of Him) that his Hand, as a ready Almoner to his Heart, might be ever active in exhibiting Offices of Charity to all such as were in necessity.  
This was a rare Princely President; being such a pattern of piety, as might be more admired then imitated.  
The like example is recommended to us of a devout Father, in those primitive dayes of the Church: whose custom it was to enjoin himself an hourly task for private Devotion, Meditation, Speculation: with certain actual or manual employments for relief of himself and others.  
No hour of the day was lost, which He might either Spiritually or Corporally improve: So serious He was in the due expense of his time; lest his stock of Grace should decrease.  
This it was moved Holy Hierom to take a conjointly account of himself; as every careful householder should do of the Government of his Family: O my soul, what hast thou done to day? Nay, to present to his thoughts, by a deep apprehension of the sound of the Last Trump●, that fearful Summons: Arise ye dead, and come unto Judgement.  
But you will say, this familiar converse with Death and judgement, is better known to a Cell then a Court.  
For the Habitation betwixt Heaven and a C●ll( as one saith) holds such contiguity, as their local distance cannot divide them from a spiritual Society.  
For the Prayers of the Saints( whensoever such Saints are immured in those Cells) pierce the Heavens, and communicate a Divine Blessing for that Peace-offering. But to find this Soule-solacing Devotion; and spiritual Conversation reign in Princes palaces; where we may commo●ly see a World of Men, but a wilderness of good Men; where sin for the most part gallants it in his footcloath: and where vanity with more then Military boldness keeps to usual Rendesvouze; this were a rare Sight, and an Object deserving Admiration.  
That Athenian professor observing a Person descended from a Princely Family to enter his school, and in Arguments of Dispute, to express himself with much facility and elegancy, both a Philosoph●r, and in politics a State-Councellour; returned thi● relation to his Friend, as some rare and miraculous Occurrent: We have lately found in our schools( said he) an Object of stupendious wonder, a Prince, a Philosopher, and a Lawyer.  
Yet all this might we truly, and without assentation instance in our late Gracious sovereign: For at such houres as He reserved for philosophical discourse, His household chaplains will witness thus much for Him, that His promptness and pregnancy in all Arguments, approved Him both a● acute and solid Proficient: and for His Judgement in Law, what without Ostentation He spake of himself at the bar, befor● that unpresidentall President, may by sundry judicious and learned professors of the Law, be confirmed of Him; That He knew our laws as well as most of our Gentlemen in the kingdom. For on these as other moral Studies, it was his usual custom to bestow some select houres: and to improve His Reading by conference and reasoning: which so highly enabled Him( being richly endued with quickness of Capacity, and a retentive Memory) as no Argument, were it never so spiny, tending to Divine or moral discourse, could evade Him. And these Disputes▪ He pursued with such a becoming modesty: as no Opposition could beget in Him the least of passion. Although in passages of Recreation and Pleasure, He might appear otherwise.  

Minutius records of Mercurius Trismegi●stus, that even the Heathen, because he was a great Philosopher, would not use his name without great reverence: What honour then is due to Philosophy, when it goes clothed with Majesty?  It was a strange vote, to wish all Kings Philosophers, or all Philosophers Kings: and yet in Him might we find these lively presented. A brave contexture of State; where Crownes are no less dignified by personal worth, then imperial style. This makes Princes truly memorable to Posterity; when their known abilities seasoned with humility, even in their death, be it natural or violent, perpetuate their memory.  
It is true, what was sometimes spoken of two Roman Emperours, of different times, and di●●erent tempers.  
The Learning of Augustus made his Courtiers Scholler●: whereas the Ignorance of Licinius made his Followers loiterers. So representative and reflecting too were the personal examples of Princes actions to their following shadows. Albeit, no Rule so general but admits some exception▪ E●perience may inform us, that Princes may be professors, and able proficients in Philosophy; and yet their Reteiners mere Pretenders; Glowormes of the time, and Pencioners to Vanity. These value time at no higher rate then as a light Companion; whom they entertain more for sport then profit: whereas such precious grains at fall from times Cruet, are not to be so lightly scattered.  
Now amid these houres so usefully disposed, as none could be better bestowed to the improvement of any Person that presented Majesty: HE  told us, that as his Morning Devotions took up the first; So He ever reserved the next for those Meditations which He had now in hand. For He conceived that no houres were more happy either to the conceit or Memory then those prime rays of the Morning: For, said He, My condition is not so clear from intrusive cares, nor invasive fears; which all the day long are encountering Me, as to recollect myself at all houres. Thoughts devoted and dedicated to God; as they should be our Darlings, so are they to be digested when the mind is most at quiet. For as it is impossible to fix ones bodily eye both on Heaven and Earth at one time: So is it for the eye of our inward affection to reflect upon heavenly affairs, and at that instant to be entangled with worldly cares or temporary fears. Albeit, I thank God, since my first bickring with these disloyal Affronts, which the braving insolence of uncivilized Subjects, and those on whom I have in the plenteousest measure showered My bounty, and immerited favour, have darted on me; I resolved with myself to entertain these transitory Crosses with transitive cares; being sent to try Me, not to foil Me: to beleagure, not surprise. For I beholded them far below Me; therefore unfit to subdue Me.  
And, as for those who persecuted Me without a cause; I accounted no otherwise of them then divine Epictetus did of his two mortal Enemies, Anytus and Mellitus; they might kill Me, but they could not hurt Me. They might seize upon My Person; but My soul they could not touch.  
Thus have you heard what Choice houres He reserved for this Exercise of Devotion. Prime thoughts were dedicated to prime houres: with the first appearance of the Morning-Sun, He prepared His affection● for this spiritual business: addressing it with a single and sincere heart to that rising sun of righteousness, blessed for ever.   

CHAP. VII.  
How this work, so far as He had continued it, came to be taken at Naseby; with other Papers, and private Letters of high concern in His Cabinet: and how recovered.  
IN the Field at Naseby, where the battle was so variously carried, as to the judgement of the approvedst Disciplinaries, and Field-officers that were in the Action of that day, the Victory rather inclined for a long time to the conquered Party, then those who appeared afterwards Masters of the Field. Nay, where an Ancient experienced Commander, and a man of Honour; 
Gen: Ashley.  One, who had been bread up a soldier, being at that time highly employed in the Princes Service, and in the next action at Sto, amongst others taken Prisoner; protested, that from his first knowledge in arms, he never knew a battle close with such a strange event, contrary to all expectance: Neither to this hour●( said He) can I find out the reason how His Majesty should lose the day. For so confident was I of the utter Defeat, and Rout of the Enemy; as no visible design that ever I was put upon, could promise me more assurance. So as I should hearty wish that His Majesty might be persuaded to desist from His further pursuit of Martiall affairs, and to compose these sad d●stractions of His kingdom by other mediating ways: For I plainly see that the Hand of the Lord is not with us: And afterwards directing his Speech to the Conquering Party: Nay, Gentlemen, the work is done: unless a Division among yourselves discompose it.  
There, I say, at Naseby, upon discomfiture of His Majesties Forces, amongst other rich prizes was this inestimable gem, the continuation of His Divine Meditations, which He had gone along with to the success of that day, seized upon by the Enemy, with other Papers and Characters of concern, being enclosed in a Cabinet; reserved for that purpose.  
But such was the benignity of the conqueror, or Divine providence rather, that would not suffer so excellent a work to perish in Oblivion: nor to be exposed to the rude razing hand of an illiterate soldier; 
A rare Civility from the hand of a professed Enemy.  that it was recovered above all expectance, and return'd to His Majesties Hand: though the perusal of His Papers were left to a more racking censure.  
Which infinitely cheered Him amid those insuccessive events that accompanied His Forces: using these or the like words upon the regaining of them.  
I see the gracious Eye of Heaven will not suffer Me to be deprived of all comfort: though my own subdue me; Posterity shall see by these Papers, that I knew how to subdue my own passion: and solace myself with Divine comforts in the height of My affliction: Though My Enemy gain the Field; a composed patience shall crown me with a braver Victory, then their success had obtained of me: I know no triumph more absolute then a Selfe-conquest: and this it has pleased God in all our sinister Occurrents, to enrich Me with against all Assailants. May I cease to be, when I cease to be His, who wrought this influence on me.  
Thus did His Princely Pen and mind close in a sweet Sympathy.  
It is true, what one well observed touching His judgement of books, That they were the best councillors; the best Companions. councillors to advice us in all our conditions; whether they were breathed upon by more prosperous or adverse gales. This it was that taught constant Camillus, neither to be transported with honour: nor dejected by a dishonourable Censure. Neither to be deluded by a light favourite: nor over-awed by an imperious Command.  
Having strength enough to vanquish His Foe by smiling at indignities: and with a patient supporting of what His power could not revenge, purchase a seeming conquest of His conqueror. Neither be good and useful books( for on such onely we reflect) merely councillors to instruct and prepare the affection to retain an equal temper or composure in every condition: but they know likewise how to act the Office of good Companions, in Arguments and helps of Discourse; in a fruitful expense of precious houres; by improving the conceit; enriching the memory: and enabling every faculty to enter Lists upon any Subject of Discourse. For books should not onely be deceivers, but improvers of Time. Account we are to give how we bestow our houres: Light and frivolous labours are to be held useless, nay worthless expenders of the shortest minutes.  
As in the choice of our Acquaintance, so in our approvement of books; Such we are to receive into our bosom, as by our familiar entertainment of them, and conference with them, we may become bettered; but in no particular depraved or corrupted by them. This it was which moved that Learned, 
Sir F. B.  but unfortunate States-man, to distinguish books by these three Notions: Some were to be swallowed, some eaten, others chawed. Impertinent Discourses, such as afforded no benefit, but brought with them a danger to the Reader; Such were to be swallowed, or perfunctorily perused; not so much as relished, lest the appetite might be infected. Others there were to be eaten, in respect of their benefit; but neither in such manner nor measure, as if those onely were the breasts of nourishment. Whereas the last were to be chawed; or seriously ruminated; being such as ministered comfort to the spirit seasonably; suffered no inordinate affection to domineer over the will imperiously: but tended wholly to the accomplishment of the Reader, effectually.  
All which in this Singular work of Meditation, and pious Devotion any dis-interessed judgement shall easily find. For of THIS may be properly spoken, what was said( but in another sense) of Euripides Tragedies: So many Verses, so many sentences. A serious sinnewy-dialect without affectation: A clear method in the discovery of His Princely affection: with an excellent contexture of every distinct Section to his own comfort, and others satisfaction.  
But as it is no strange thing for religious works to meet with the rigidst Censures: So a Person of high Command in this imperious Army was pleased to bestow this Censure upon this exquisite Piece at His very first sight of it: Saying, It was an handsome Piece of hypocrisy. Whereas it may appear to the whole world, that His Princely Pen hated nothing more then to play the subtle Sophister with His soul.  
How greatly then are we endeared to the benefit of so unexpected a recovery? To have such a precious jewel retrieved; such an inestimable treasure preserved from the clutches of an imperious Enemy; as reserve from the spoil? which redounded highly to the deserving honour, and succeeding memory of His Majesty. For by this means, such as were causelessly jealous of His abilities, became satisfied upon the Survey of this incomparable Piece.  
Though some there were( so deeply laid was the tincture of their malice towards His Person) as they desired nothing more then to eclipse His splendour, by dispersing reports abroad, that this work was none of His penning: but one of His household chaplains; Who by his studious endeavour not onely perfected, but withall possible speed procured it to be published, to beget an esteem of learning and piety in His Master: as likewise to alloy the rigour of approaching Sentence at Westminster: and by this work of his Devotion, to wooe His Enemies to commiserate His condition.  
This, as those Pillow-prophets hoped, upon Survey of His abilities, might mould them to compassion.  
But their device came too late: for this pretended issue of His brain, fell to be His Posthumus; so as, it produced no such effect as was expected.  
This has been lately with a confident boldness reported by some( and those eminent professors for the public) but how frivolous and malicious their Arguments appear, and with what facility evinced( being onely grounded upon an inveterate hate to His Majesties Person) shall be clearly, and demonstratively proved in the next Chapter of this our ensuing Discourse.   

CHAP. VIII.  
Satisfactory 〈◇〉 to rectify their judgement, and evince their e●●●ur, who entitle these His Majesties pious Princely Devotions, to any other author.  
SOme there be,( and those of the principall'st Favourites of our Grandees) who usually spread reports, that His Majesty was no such author of this work. Onely He might be acquainted with the zealous affection of some pious chaplain: who took upon him that task, merely to dignify the labour, and bring it into request, by sending it abroad under His Princes Name.  
To delude the world too, They say that one Doctor Harris was the Composer of it. Others assign it to Doctor Hammond. But these frivolous Commentings( for with a more proper style I cannot cloath them) may be easily answered and evinced: proceeding rather from height and heat of spleen; whereby they strive, as much as in them lay, to impair the abilities of His Majesty:( who never all his time sent forth his lustre with that fullness, as his setting upon Earth hath shown it) then any ground of truth, as to any unprepossessed judgement may appear hereafter.  
First, for Doctor Harris, it is well known, he had no relation to Him: He might pretend it, but never had it.  
Neither to the hour of the Publishing of it( which upon the first Impression, by the singular care of the Printer, was exactly performed) had this supposed author( I am confident) so much as the least view of these Meditations. For during the time that we were permitted to attend His Person: and since such time as He first addressed his pious pains to this work; He had never any usual society with us: nor access to HIM, who justly had command over us.  
And for Doctor Hammond, those who red his works, will freely confess, that no Idiom nor Dialect could be more different; nor to a discerning judgement more discrepant then these of His Majesties Meditations, and Doctor Hammonds Tractates or Sermons.  

Rectè judicatur hic Mundus in nobis, si opûs perfidorum hominum non inveniatur in nobis. Ambros.  His Majesty( as may appear by His whole Labour) desired nothing more then to be understood by His People: to remove all prejudicate Opinions: and to satisfy the whole world, that whatsoever He had done, held consistency with his Prerogative royal; without so much as the least intendment of encroaching upon His Subjects Liberties: or assuming to himself more power then His Progenitors legally claimed.  
In these He communicated His Pen freely, without any figurative elegancy; which He oft-times said, was a mere trifling of Occasions: or mis-spending of precious Minutes.  
His condition was not to play with Paper: nor to pres●●t His Devotions to the air. He rightly knew in what state He stood; To Court the Parliament, He scorned it; and with a tinzell zeal to court the Almighty, He abhorred it.  
His desire was to be the same. He did outwardly s●●●●. Vulgar error could not make Him less then He was; nor Pretenders to State-improvement impeach his true Zeal to the State. He never held Him the best Pen-man; who with least affectation communicated his own sense.  
Shall I really( without which notion, nothing is here to your judgements recommended) acquaint you, with what he was pleased, and in his Table-discourse pleasingly disposed to impart to some of us? That the misery of a calamitous State had advantaged him as much in some particulars, as it had lost Him. For, said He, the pretended loss of a State, has gained me a tongue. Passion, which usually made my tongue inarticulate, is become a stranger to Me. My long and assiduate course of suffering, has taken me from an opinion of Suffering. And in this I am happy, through a cheerful embracing of mine unhappiness. Neither, said He, is this all the benefit that My present infelicity has brought Me; for this groundless distaste of the public has made me My own private Secretary.  
I am now become my own Amanuensis.  
My Abilities, though mean, may now appear; for I have none to enable them. I have sometimes held it sufficient to dictate to a Pen; but now those Directories, by all likelihood, are to be estranged from me. I must accommodate my garb to my present Fortunes: and conclude with this impreze: That Princes, in distress, may not be ashamed to be their own Secretaries.  
By these you may easily gather, that a● His own apprehension was most sensible of his own injuries: So his own Pen represented itself the liveli●● discoverer of his Maste●● indignities.  
One  told Apelles, who was to make Him the draft of a ruined City; with a reflex to his own Family; when that incomparable Artist had presented to Him the mind or Idea of that draft: That He might necessary( if He intended to perfect the draft) present himself to the full Body; otherwise He failed in the display of those calamit●s both of the City and His own Family.  
Small doubt is to be made, but that the sufferer has ever the readiest pencil● for pourtraying his own Sufferings.  
There is no ear, at this time especially, when all kingdoms have with a sad admiration heard of this Princes Tragedy; and all Christian States stand amazed at his unpresidentall trial, and horrid. Treason acted upon his Person with all inhumanity: that have not received Notions 100 of this Princes worth: for pregnancy of wi●; solidity of judgement: with a clear disposition estranged from 'vice, and invested with goodness: and in all( His flexibility onely excused, a known frailty to easy natures) gracefully accomplished.  
The memory whereof,( not to insist longer on them) cannot but leave a deep impression in his sorrowful Subjects, for the loss of so absolute a sovereign.  
His Book, as it is here incomparably valued, so by this time in most countries dispersed, and in translating in several tongues.  
We may c●●slesly doubt of His Idiom: but I am confident, 
After times( when truth may be presented without a Vizard) will find eminent Thuano's, to record this in living Annals to Posterity.  that no foreign State( much more our own) who by Legation onely have been known to his abilities, but will condemn their judgements, either of perverseness or we●knesse; who hold Him not a contemptible author to such a Pious and Religious Labour.  
Restraint to an unr●strained Spirit begot a brave emphatical Passion in his Pen, On that it had wrought like impression by way of Compassion, in his Subjects hearts to his regal Person!  
As for those late Additions annexed to his Divine Meditations; They might with more discretion have been silenced, the● published: being onely familiar Expresses of Fatherly affectio● to his Children: and those so digested, as if he meant not they should be divulged.   

CHAP. IX.  
His divination of the miseries that should befall this kingdom by these distractions.  
WHat true presages, as if by Divine revelation imparted, His Sacred Majesty foretold touching the approaching Miseries of this distracted State; as they were to have relation to the whole kingdom in general, the City and Army; I shall here in the conclusion of this Tract, truly and briefly return you.  
For the first, he devined, that as popular mixed State might seemingly at the first aspect please the people; who were satisfied with nothing more then Parity, by equalling those who before Lorded it over them: So they would find themselves much disappointed of what they expected, and whereon they restend: when those, who pretended for the public, should appear mere advancers of their own private ends; by labouring rather to impose new burdens on them, then to ease them: and by their Arbitrary power, in the end to enslave them.  
They should find, that their own Favouri●●s should bear the sway; and that their servile condition should have good cause to bemoan their change of Government: Fishing in troubled waters suited better with stirring spirits, then persons of a plebei●● condition. Taking off Assesses, Levies and Free-Quarterings, might appear plausive aims; but there was a Pad in the Straw, pressures and impositions of that nature, might more easily lose their name, then their weight.  
This their depressed shoulders should in short time feel, though their hopes of an enfranchised estate halled them asleep, and secured them from danger.  
Innovation to itching ears and Souldiers of Fortune, whose onely harvest was in times of division, might bring glad tidings, but traffic and honest Manufactory should find what it was to have no King. Which by means of no irregular liberty would in time erect such a State, as would produce Narceries for Thieves by Land, and pirates by Sea. Merchants and their Facctors should be sure to suffer: For what foreign ●●ate would trust them abroad, who had either played the Traitors or acq●iesced to Treason at h●me▪  
Innovation seldom beg●ts a Reformation, 〈…〉 ho●e a Monarchy was to be shaped into an anarchical Pa●●●● which He was pleased to illustrate by this witty and s●ritely ins●●nce.  
One earnestly desiring Lycurgus to establish a popular State in lacedaemon, that the basest ●●●ht have as gr●at authority 〈◇〉 the highest; was thu● answered by him, B●gindo d●● s● first in thine own house; which he refused, and thereby ●●●t the ●●ju●tice of his own demand.  
Now to descend( said He) to our hierarchy 〈◇〉 Church-Government; I am verily persuaded, that spiritual 〈◇〉 whose only husbandry it is to sow i● food in the Lords Field needs as little agency for dispatch of his business, 〈◇〉 ever he did since he was a fallen Angel.  
He has instruments in every corner for him, who would be loathe but to see their Masters work done. Christs shameless 〈◇〉 cannot svit with division. False pretences of Reformation will make our Church become a sorrowful Turtle; in be mo●ning with widows tears, her approaching desolation.  
The Source of heresy may be properly drawn from the like Principles as Thucydides said the Plague did in his time: 
{αβγδ}  the disease that settled in the head, easily passed through all the body. This might at the first sight reflect upon ●y self; but my conscience will witness with me, that I am ●●●re of it.  
My desire was to continue that established( Protestant Religion, which so many yeares with such uniformity has been professed in our kingdom; both in the flourishing peaceful times of our late memorable Predecessors, as to this disconsolate period of our own.  
No; it was time own Native country, which endured rather by avarice, then any sincere zeal, invaded our kingdom: wher● they were resolved rather to s●ourne then to engage their persons▪ Or, to render them tru●●, rather to fee● then fight. For so our S●●●( who has eternally d●sh●nour'd his Nation by our s●le) expressed himself in all his Martiall designs: From which express I may properly compare him to the Fish Sleve, mentioned by Pl●●●●ch, that has a Body like a Sword, but wants an Heart.  
For the City, Gentlemen, hear how I d●vine of it: As it ha● opened her bosom freely t● wo●●r●●● Recruits, in hope of pres●●●●ng her priva●● Coffe●: So th●ise whom She relieved, and by her s●●●●wi● Fo●tunes strengthened, shall be the onely means to exhaust her.  
She shall ●●●●●●ing such g●est● i● her bosom, a● shall feed o● he●● and gratify 〈◇〉 hospitality ●t their fare-well with a downright Courtship of hostility. If the Cities a●●●●● and bou●●●ous entertainment produce not this issue; I am deceived in my conjecture: but time will bring this to a speedy discovery.  
That Magistr●●y, which hitherto ha● been held inviol●●● must by all probability, fall into contempt their Sword committed to a strange hand: and their City G●ardi●● to a Guard of the Tower.  
Such shall be the mystery of a desolate City; that out of a mad groundless Zeal, more pretensive then real, deserted their Loyalty.  

Ancient and authentic Histories will inform us, how the ruin of jerusalem rose from three Factions: Let our distracted kingdom reflect upon its present condition, and it will tremble at the Parallel.  As for t●● ●●my; employment m●st either prevent it or Faction will destroy it. The loss of one C●sar( if their bloody attempts pitch that way) shall beget many in their Army.  
The Presbyterian must not hold himself secure, while the Ind●p●●● s●● at the stern: nor the Independent free from fear so long as the Leveller with the plausive promises of a pl●●sing parity, suggests to the Commons of the kingdom( as if it were the Year of Jubilee) the enjoyment of a lawless and indisputable Liberty. A Serpent must o●t a Serpent before he be a basilisk: So these must devour one another: or to proclaim to the world, that prodigious birth of disorder, perish together.  
Thus has His Majesty really Devined: and with passionate sighs, presented to the Throne of Grace, petitioned, that these approaching Miseries might be timely prevented. Protesting that he was more sensible of the fatal fruits he apprehended now issuing from a ruined State, then of all those injuries that could be inflicted upon his own Person.  
The representment of these may justly convey all integrious thoughts two several Objects of Grief and Fear.  
Grief for the loss of so pious indulgent and gracious a Prince; whose blood onely was held fit to appease the implacable fury of a remorcelesse Enemy. Secondly, Fear of Gods heavy Judgments, when he shall make inquisition for Blood: and call this sinful Land to a strict account for shedding such innocent Blood.  
He it is will revenge it, who has vowed it: Vengeance is mine, and I will repay it.  
The Lord for his mercies sake withdraw these viols of his wrath from us.   
FINIS.   

ALBIONS NIOBE: PRESENTING HER TRIBUTARY tears TO the Eyes of an abused sovereignty. Huc veniant lachrymae, Ni●be quibus obrata matter?  

WHat will these Independents do with thee  
dear Prince? 
This elegy was composed that very morning( being the 30 of January, 1648.) when his Sacred Majesty took his last farewell at S. James's.  where will they plant their sovereignty?  
Two suins can never shine within one sphere,  
No more can T●●● and Nol one sceptre rear.  
Must this anarchical hotchpotch in a State,  
This indigested Pile mure up our Gate,  
And suffer nought to entertain our ears  
But Arms, Alarms, and innovating fears?  
Shall these Ac●phalists, who here in stead  
Of Prince, set up a State without an Head,  
Mount on their Barbe●● Barbs without control,  
And make a groom o'th' Stable of Saint Paul?  
Must their Recruiting City, whose rich Burse  
This poor distressed Isle has cause to curse,  
Feed these Echyd●a's in her faithless breast,  
Who mean to hatch strange projects in her Nest:  
And to her honour, or succeeding shane,  
Quarter those Cayes that mean to plunder them?   

State-starved AL●ION, what is thy intent?  
To raise thy ruins from a Par●●●ment  
dissolved to Atoms! Pray thee look about;  
See, Darby-house has sent her Consuls out  
T'improve their wits; or regular their Note  
From Presbyterian to the Armies Vote.  
Brave Independents! who by slight of hand  
Can fool those Cubbs, who eight yeers fooled this Land!  
Yet be compassionate; 'tis Valour's praise  
T'imbelish cloudy dayes with cheerful rays.  
Draco was taxed, though his laws were good,  
By Demades, for writing them in blood.  
You have two hundred senators to try,  
Who know no more their Crimes then you or I.  
And these must all to th'Barre: where mere pretence  
Of being Foes, may leave them in suspense.  
Which were extreme; that these who have so long  
weakened our State, to make our Forces strong,  
Should for their joint surprisal of a King,  
In your defence, march Heav'n-ward in a string.  
But take your course! No censure's high enough  
Upon a Cormorant, or Cornish Chough.  
State-Sharke, Saint Rook, pie, Popingay, or Kite,  
A Senat Sycophant, Time-Parasite.  
Vermin that make a spoil o'th' Warr'ners game,  
Must find a nooze, and They're to feel the same.  
Nor has your boundless fury been less heady,  
For you have dragged them into 
Where they had time enough their falls to mone, And shake their ears together, saving O●e.  Hell already;  
When your parole, like Pluto's lineal heires,  
Gave fines first liberty to mount Back stairs  
With other faulty Members, whose disease  
Has purchased from your hands a Writ of Ease:  
Each may go home, and play the Country Bore,  
But never act a Senat-pagent more.   

These have their H●gs to a faire Market brought,  
Who by their counsels their own ruin wrought.  
But now for method sake, that I may know  
Where you intend your Agents to bestow;  
Tell me, brave boyes of valour, where you mean  
For independency to lay your scene:  
Where your design takes aim; whether for City,  
Our gracious Synod, or our Grand Committee?  
All must go under lash; not one scape free,  
Which drains no tears from ALBIONS NIOBE:  
For there's no Man of Sense that seeth not  
What mortal wounds by these our State has got.  
— So! We observe your March, and in it see  
Old Shiptons Wife makes good her prophesy.  
down with that braving Babel, whose high Pile  
Shot stones to shake th'foundation of our Isle:  
And with her golden gravel pared a way  
For Horse and Foot to work her own decay.  
— See how that feverish Recruiter goes,  
As if Corns took possession of his toes,  
And numm'd their sense!— Nor dare he for his life  
Mount with desire to his expecting wife,  
Lest he beget more beggars; for his Nest  
Must be exposed unto his read coat Guest.  
This He discovers plainly; that his heir  
Must reap no profit by his fruitless care,  
Nor his profuser oaths, nor artful lies,  
To set a gloss on his Commodities.  
He must untruss; and by his awful foe,  
As he came nak'd, so must he naked go:  
For though the Cities monthly exhibition  
Mount to vast sums; this must be no physician  
To cure the Cities Ulcer; their delay  
Of succouring them at Colchester must pay  
The Army their arrears; which swell so great,  
They must be squeezed; 'tis folly to entreat:  
For well you know, 'tis easy to betray  
The Bleating Flock, when th'Dogs are ta'n away.  
But leaving this sick State, we come to you  
Who know no caesar, nor what's Cesars due.   

Alas! what has HE done? Admit his crimes  
Held diapasan with these vicious times,  
Must Feet pronounce a sentence on their Head,  

This had been brave in you;& such 〈◇〉 thing As had been grateful to your Highest King.  And rear imposthum'd members in his stead?  
It had in you an act of Honour been  
To give him time his errors to redeem,  
And not to lop a royal Plant so soon,  
Before he fully knew what he had done.  
A skilful gardener will not cut a limb  
So long as there is hope. deal so with him.  
He'll prune, trim, dress, and do whats'ere is fit,  
In hope with culture to recover it.  
But your poor. Prince must by your Juncto die,  
Rest of his Right, and yet you know not why.  
Afford us but one president like these  
Through all those Syracusan tyrannies,  
And we'll subscribe, your hands are clear from blood,  
Though they were cruel, and your sovereign good.  
Admit sinister Stars loured long upon him,  
Has he not born himself as did become him,  
So much admired for Patience in restraint?  
A captived Prince becomes a glorious Saint.   

For He in suffering has more valour shown,  
Then you with all your Victories have done:  
And thereby gained more love and loyalty,  
Then if he had enjoyed his liberty.   

HERE eye those injuries that you have done him,  
And in these Lines we tender look upon him.  
Was't not enough to part him from his Wife,  
But you must sue divorcement for his life?  
Was't not enough to make him Prisoner,  
But blast his famed with vote of Murderer?  
Which with such faire pretences gilded were,  
As they'd been diaphonically clear.  
" But those men onely merit high esteem,  
" Who seem the same they be, be what they seem.  
mean while be prays for his perfidious foe,  
" Forgive them, Lord, they know not what they do.  
He sighs, seeks, sues, these Civil Wars may cease,  
And close these factions with a glorious peace.  
red all his Propositions, how they tend  
In their Conclusions to no other end.  
red too his Meditations now in Print,  
What zeal and what devotion there is in't.  
— But ALBION's lost, quiter lost! 
Illi● est Tr●a, ubi fum●● altè sc●pit in Coelum. Sen. in trow.  whose ruinous fall  
cries out upon power democratical:  
Mixing these words with her unpittyed groans,  
" Lo! Lo! There's TROY-NOVANT an heap of stones!  
— But I have done; Some Bard supply my place;  
Deepe-furrowing tears have rivelled my face.  
Nor must those tears be wasted, for they shall  
Resolve to Amber at his funeral.    

A crown, A CRIME: OR, The Monarch Martyr. 
" Set up your Scaffolds;— and your Prisoner bring;  
" Nere worse Fate befell a worthier King;  
" This will true Bards in after-Ages sing.   

STate shaking Cethegus, cursed Catiline,  
Dissect this horrid Treason of our time,  
And tax proud Rome for holding yours a Crime.   

pains-taking a King, because He was too good!  
doom Him a Tyrant, who for Justice stood!  
cruel, whose hand was never dipped in blood!   

adjudged for living well, unfit to live!  
denied for heav'ns provision a reprieve!  
traitor, for pleading his Prerogative!   

barred from Reply, when He at Bar was tried!  
By Achans and Achitophels defyde!  
Kept from His Childrens sight until He dyde!   

inform our knowledge, Heav'ns; there's some amiss  
Skrean'd from our Skaly Eyes occasioned this;  
" To snatch three Crowns from him( 'tis feared) from His.   

What might this be!— Me thinks I see a brave  
Creature of His awaking from his Grave,  
showing that Hand which His Dismission gave.   

Yet to Excuse that Error, there is writ  
The Doctrine of our prelates under it:  
" It was an Act convenient and fit.   

Ay me! How cheerful dayes produce sad nights  
When Kings give care to Pulpit-Parasites!  
Which scene is here presented in our sights.   

A Prince decreed to forfeit his Command  
By signing Others Errors with His Hand:  
Creating so a Democratick Land.   

Heav'ns judgement's 
Which might be implied by those words He spake before his Execution: God forbid that I should be so ill a Christian, as not to say that Gods Judgements are just upon Me; Many times he does pay Justice by an unjust S●●te●ce, &c.  just▪ Let sovereigns take heed  
In Acts against their Conscience to proceed:  

Ti●●●ists will find no Advocates to pled.  Timists will prove weak Reeds in time of need.   

But those pure-crimson streamlings which were  shed  
On th'Sable Stage, where He resigned His Head,  
sealed with a deep remorse, have witnessed   

His peace is made; and that His Diadem  
Cannot be now pulled off by hands of Men;  
" His Court's removed to New jerusalem.    

EPITAPH.  

BEhold the Mirror of a Prince Pourtraid!  
The living Embleam of a glorious shade,  
Whose Chair of State was late a Scaffold made.   

One, then whom never any did profess  
More Zeal to th' public, and received less;  
Of more desert, and brought to more distress.   

That real lustre to our royal Garter;  
That late inlarger of our Cities Charter;  
Whose Crown the Crime that made this Monarch-Martyr   

Adieu Dear Prince; Death, like a loving friend  
Hath crowned thy sufferings with a pe●●●full end,  
While headless we our ruin most attend.   

Nor can we less expect, Judgement's at hand  
To scourge the follies of a sinful Lo●d:  
" What Brightman wrote we would not understand.   

" From th' fatal period of a charlemagne,  
" wain should a Kingdom in her Charles-waine▪  
" But Prayers nor tears might call him back again.   

" Lords should resign their Paten●s to the Sword,  
" Lurdane should equal any English Lord.  
O brave platonic level! Martiall board!    

Augurium Criticum in Auspicium Civicum.  

JAne geris frontem geminam, Nova Troja fricatam,  
Dum pateris Regem cade perire tuam.   

Sin Carolum nescis; minitantia flebilis Urbis  
Funera quò siccis suspicis ista genis!   

Conjugis, aedis, opis, reditura est gloria flammis,  
Militis aut manibus praeda futura feris.   

Haec cecinit Vates; said non credenda Superbis;  
Cassandra ulterius non mihi ( Shipton) eris.    

In Regicidium, Regium Elegidium. A Securibus nulla est securitas.  

CAEsar ●bit securi! securi vivitis Angli  
Cum fuerit tali subditus Ipse neci?   

Quis moritur? Princeps. Pro quo? Fide. Qualiter? Ense.  
Quando? Die Martis. Quis Locus? Aula necis.   

Qui Comites sceleris? Larvae. Qua funeris umbrae?  
Myrmidones. Regis quae via? nota rogis.   

Cernite vos Reges, speculando tremiscite Gentes,  
Et Democraticis cede, Monarcha, feris.   

Anglia fit saltus; Pecus Incola; Troja Canalis:  
Multorum Capitum Bellua, Turba regens.    

In hostiles Manubias.  

ALea nunc jacta est: Generi, Populique Senatus,  
Civis& Agrestis Diripiuntur opes.   

Nulla s●lus victis, vincentis gratia rara est;  
Quid superest? prastes mente, quod ense nequis.    

In Regales Nuptias. 
" Lilia Rosis, Rosis Lilia,  
" Naeniis mutua deflent exilia.   

LIlia juncta Rosis; Rosa regia junxit Irinis;  
Chara fuit Carolo Clara Maria suo.   

Ah fuit! at periit Rosa regia; Lilia pallent  
Candida, purpureis dissociata Rosis.   

Qua semel Angligenis spirarunt Lilia ripis  
Gallica, Germanis sunt madefacta Rosis.    

In flebilem ●●ucti●ntis Ecclesia Astatum. 
" Deperit Omnis amor; lachrimans Ecclesia Turtur  
" Plangit, ut amiffum Sponsa relicta virum.   

IN Caput Augustum retinens Ecclesia sacrum,  
Ut Caput amisit Caesaris, Illa perit.   

said Capite abrepto numerosior extitit Hydrâ;  
Nam caput ut periit Milite, mill parit.   

mill parit! Quis tanta feret, modò Numine fervet?  
Qui Caput abscindi perferet, Ipse ferit.   

Nos Comites facti, patiendo patravimus ipsi;  
" Qui valet& nollet tollere Crimen, agit.   

Ni fatuus non fata premes; nam Principis hostis  
Non fuerit Miles, said tua sola manus.   

Quares unde reus; vel quò ruis? efferat auris;  
" Perdidit qui parcit: Gens sibi pana fuit.   

" Anglia sis vindex sceleris; ni funera Regis  
" Testentur Superis te peperisse scelus.   

— Augusti Caesaris Urna.  
Caroli quod reliquum est.    


COrpus Windsor habet, Westminster viscera conduit;  
Tignaque regali sanguine tincta rubent.   

Urna tenet Cinerem, mentem Deus, aethera famam;  
Sanguinis ultorem Militis ira Deum.    

Sequitur Tyrannos ulter à tergo Deus. Sen. In augustissimi Principis, CAROLI. II. Anspicatissimum Augurium.  

PRimus obit Carolus; Suceedat in orb Secundus;  
Vivat, vincat, amet, place Secundus eat.   

Sit proculà fatis, regnis sit idea parents;  
Palma bonis, pravis paena, Corona suis.   

Sit Carolus Carolo pus ultor; amicus amico;  
Sit suus Augusto subditus, Ille De●.    


HEroes pereunt; Generosi praedia perdunt:  
Artifices lachrymant; fana profana jacent;   

Publica Causa ruit; ●erras Astraea reliquit;  
Et Caroli casu Regio tota gemit.   

Haec simulata fides incendia contulit Urbi;  
Exilium Civi, tristia fata plebi.    

THE SCAFFOLD-SCEANE: OR, DEATHS DIURNALL. 
Her●ina necis Niobes nania,  
Perfida Trojae penetravit mania.  Upon Duke HAMILTON.  

GReat Duke, art gone! See what it is to be  
A fruitless Plotter of disloyalty;  
An Agent for self-ends; A peace-pretender;  
A State-betrayer for a State-defender;  
A subtle Sinon, who had learned to shrowded  
His Crown-aspiring Projects in a Cloud,  
white-livered Machavel, who marched in  
By way of progress, not a way to win;  
A cunning C●y-duch nurtur'd to betray  
His fowle to th' n●●ze, and then to fly away.  
But now the Old-one's catch, his Sentence past,  
No more of Plots, Deaths-Sc●ffold acts the last.  
By doing much He has himself undone:  
" Englands contempt and shane to calydon.  
— Stay; let's invert His fate: and style him blessed,  
Exempt from grief, of peaceful day 〈◇〉 possessed:  
Admit him onely weary of His Sin;  
As all the world was long since of Him.  
For we may safe conclude Him fortunate,  
Gaining like love above, as here of hate.   

Qualis jam Artifex pere●?    

Upon the earl of HOL●AND.  

SOme perfumed Tapers h●! Conduct this Lord  
To the best Bed our lower rooms afford.  
A due to vanity! too much was spent  
Of precious time in airy compliment.  
What is't with toys to deck these Protean forms  
When they must take their Lodging up with worms?  
When these must be our Consorts in our Bed,  
And feed upon us, who were in us bread?  
— Some will demand, who's He lies here enshrined?  
What was his mean? How were his rhoughts inclined:  
And th' Sylvan Satyr● tells you in a word,  
" A Silken-Civet-Comfit-Curtain-Lord:  
A mere platonic Love-pretender too,  
Whose formal Cringes had the art to wooe  
And win affection.— but these were toys;  
That Starry Galleri● presents more joys  
And Courtly Solace to him in an hour,  
Then he enjoyed in two Kings reigns before.  
For if His thoughts fixed here so much on love;  
They were transcendent, sure, in that above:  
And of all Loves that are on Earth professed,  
That which He died for, loyal Love, is best.   

— M●rientes Aula reliquit  
Exposit●s miseris t●rtoribus—    

Upon the Lord CAPEL.  

MUch honour usher this heroic hearse,  
While Muses, join in counsel for a Verse  
To crown the sacred memory of his Name,  
That preci●us Odour of a fragrant famed.  
A glorious gallant Soul, who bravely dyes  
To make his life a royal Sacrifice  
To re-invest his Prince: No prise too dear  
To seat his sovereign in his proper sphere:  
And though His valour second not his wish,  
Impute it Englands sin, no fault of His.  
— Now eye that Scaffold! with what manly grace  
He walks, He talks, and meets Death face to face!  
A rare familiar garb, where a pure breast  
Makes Death no Bugbear, but a welcome Guest.  
How He exhorn the Soldiery to bring  
Unto His Throne their late-proclaimed King.  
That heav'ns would to this realm His peace restore;  
This did He wish till He might breath no more.  
— farewell brave Lord, thou needst no sumptuous shrine;  
Thy worth survives the period of time.  
But if thou must, let amber-trickling eyes  
Rear one with this Impreze-Here CAPEL lies.  
This shall suffice; for the world cannot have  
More State then style of CAPEL on a Grave.   

" Sweet Madam wipe your eyes; the siege is raised.  
" Your Husband freed; God in his freedom praised.   

Dat paenas laudata fides.—    

A LEASE FOR YEERES: OR A Release of Areeres.  

council of War, why should your votes condemn  
Laughorne, P●yr, powel, being Sen●● men?  
Must the●r disloyal Service for some yeeres  
Be gratified with Powder for Areeres?   

No, no; your dooms were onely to dismay them.  
And by your gracious Reprieves to pay them.  
A politic way!— But as you hope for aid  
From your allies, make it no Common trade.   

This for a grounded Maxim has been known,  
'tis Treason to mint Treason 'gainst their own.   

— Sic r●ddid●t 〈◇〉 S●●●●●●.   
FINIS.   

The insulting errors of these times, may excuse the errors of o●r lines. Such is thy Candour, Gentle Reader, as I c●●●●pect ●●thing less then an easy Censure in thy perusal, and correcti●● of these Errors.  

ERRATA.  
page. 4. line 3. ●●d the wholl●●●d. p. 5. l. 13. r. 〈…〉 p. 45. l. 8. r. 〈◇〉 p. 16. l. 24. r. incomparable. p. 17. l. 15. r. more easily admired. p. 26. l. 1●. r. ever p. 27. l. 33. r. compatible.( an error inverting sense) p. 30. l. 29. r. Ind●pe●d●●t. p. 3● l. 6 r. to all. p. 34 l. 16. r. your. p. 35. l. 17. r. paved.