A Vindication of Cheapside cross against the Roundheads.  
MUst I then down? is an eternal doom  
Past out against me? must I needs to Rome?  
And why? it is contrary to the laws  
To judge th' offendor ere they hear the cause.  
Why come you armed against me? what may be  
The cause of difference twixt you and me?  
Have I transgressed the Law? or did I ever  
Our gracious sovereign from his people sever?  
Did I to a factious covenant subscribe,  
Or turn a Jack on both sides for a bribe?  
Rebels have long our wished for bliss defered,  
All rose in arms, but yet I never stirred.  
When such a prick-ear troop upon me gazed,  
Crying (no cross) good faith I stood amazed:  
I was stroke dumb with wonder, and which worse,  
Because I'd gold about me, feared my purse.  
This zealous rabble came not to adore me,  
Yet (thanks to th' Butchers) some fell down before me  
Others ran quite away, the rest disputed,  
Misusing Scripture phrases, but confuted.  
Wisdom they called apocryphal, threw dirt on  
All father's faces, but Saint Prin and Burton.  
Was God i'th' middle of this congregation?  
Or were they led by instinct or revelation?  
Kings doffed their Crowns, and Cardinals their copes,  
All must be bare unto a crew of Crops.  
But does Religion such a hatred bring,  
To hate the very picture of a King?  
Brethren what would you have? or what d'ye fear?  
I draw no sword, nor do I wear long hair.  
I'll do no wrong (though armed with pikes about)  
Would you know why? 'twas to keep Roundheads out,  
Who have not sworn, but ta'en a protestation  
To leave no golden cross to bless our Nation.  
They will divide my coat, my flesh, my bones,  
They'll share the gold, and give their wives the stones.  
They say they'll pluck the Tower of Babel down,  
All things go right when there's no cross i'th' Town.  
But who can live without them? Crosses are  
The good man's blessings, and his certain share.  
He that would win an everlasting crown,  
Must elevate his cross, not throw it down.  
They'll have no Common Prayer, but do abhor  
All that is common, but a common W—  
Will you hear reason? that's not common to ye,  
Will prayers prevail? I'll pray ex tempore.  
You think 'tis justice that your factious crew  
Are cross to me 'cause I am cross to you.  
You will have flesh for flesh, It's very dear  
That Peter's nose should pay for Malchus ear.  
If he should snuffle now, that were a jest,  
That very thing would make him full blessed:  
You'll run to hear him, and cries doctrine strong,  
Though nonsense, in regard he stands so long.  
Put out his eyes next time, and you may find  
A second like the first, and doctrine blind.  
Some call me Popish, and report they see  
Divers adore me, what's all that to me.  
Because they worship me shall I fall down  
Unto such calves, mechanics of the town.  
'Tis Popery, let them kneel that list, I'll stand,  
Before I'll bow, I'll fly to some new Land.  
Be sorry Brethren, I'm pleased to think  
'Twas from too little wit, or too much drink.  
I'll be a Roundhead spiritually sent  
To pardon your affronts, if you'll repent.  
I am a foe to Rome, for you shall find  
When I am gone, there's the more room behind.  
FINIS.   

Oxford, Printed, 1643.