A DECLARATION OF MAJOR George Wither, Prisoner in the Tower of LONDON With his Desires to Sir John Robinson, His Majesty's Lieutenant: Writ on three fair Trenchers, with a Piece of Char-Coal. Worthy of the Readers serious Perusal.   depiction of George Wither 
London, Printed for S. Jones. 1662.   

A DECLARATION Of Major George Withers, Prisoner in the Tower of LONDON;  
Concerning the Kings most Excellent Majesty, the Presbyterian Party, and all public and private Congregations whatsoever, etc.  
Whereas the Rebels of King David constrained him to flight, and God was pleased to bring him home again, it is apparent, that those who at first had been very forward to drive Him out, at last, made haste to join with those who had been Instrumental to bring Him in: And He, with God in Mercy so complyd that Indemnity was granted, and not a man for that Rebellion suffered Death, it being Absalon that had contrived the Treason, deceiving the well-meaning People.  
And although that Rebellion cost a Traittous Child's Life; yet it cannot be denied, but by our unnatural War, a Royal Father's Life was lost: And through Providence and justice, after many Years, the Heavens cried aloud for this Royal Martyr, and some bloodshed that produced Traitors having their just Rewards. Yet by all true Subjects and Humane Reason His Gracious Majesty may be justly excused; Whom Natural Affection moved to shed, the Blood of such Barbarous Wretches, by whom His Royal Father received Martyrdom.  
And since it pleased the Most High, to endue His Princely Heart from above with Mercies most infinite so I wish that every one in his respective place and station may not only have a high esteem, but forever prise so great and signal a Mercy, as the happy Restoration of His Sacred Majesty: for indeed, no gem so beautifies a Royal Diadem, as Mercy, when it is enameled with justice, and reveted with Prudence.  
And as to this His Majesty's happy Restoration, same questionless, out of true Loyalty, and just Allegiance, contributed to His Majesty's Accommodation; and some again no doubt, only to work their own Salvation out.  
But this is a most assured Truth, that many who formerly contained against Majesty itself, are now so truly convinced of their former Errors and the excellency of His Majesty's abundant Worth and Princely Endowments, that His Royal Person in them is safe: for in such who have received His Majesty's Gractous Pardon, and unparallelled Clemency, there will Love and Loyalty much increase and abound.  
And as for my own particular, I must ingenuously Declare, That I who compulsively obeyed the late preceding Powers, doth now most willingly submit to His Majesties; promising all due Allegiance to His Sacred Majesty  
Further Declaring, That when I saw God on His Side appear, I was reclaimed not by Fear, but Conscience. Yea not only foreseeing, but also foretelling the Downfall and Ruin of the Usurpers then in Power.  
And that His Majesty's Happiness and Prosperity may survive and flourish from my Soul I humbly unplore and desire, That His Majesty may such means assay, not giving Ear to those who would withstand the Good and Prosperity of His Majesty, the Peace of the Church the Welfare of these his Majesty's Realms and Dominions, and the Work which God hath now in hand.  
And whatever doth befall I shall discharge my Conscience, hoping that will not wholly be despised, which here in all Loyalty and Faithfulness. I humbly supplicate. That Justice may be His Majesty's Sceptre, and Mercy His Crown: And that it may long flourish on His Princely Head, and the rest of the Royal Progeny, so long as the Sun and Moon shall endure.  
And the only Peace 〈◊〉 my Soul 〈◊〉. That Hi● Majesty may take all Opportunities to render Him a Blessed Instrument, not only to reign gloriously here, but also to Eternity hereafter: And that His Earthly Throne may appear more glorious, than the Throne of any Prince whatsoever since the Conquest.  
And that His Name may be a Terror to all His Enemies, and shame and confusion to befall those who shall dare to disturb the true Peace and Tranquillity of these Nations.  
And for my own particular, I shall patiently submit to the Divine Will and Pleasure of the King of all Kings, and what His Vicegerent on Earth shall be pleased to do, not ask (whatsoever I seem to want,) ought more than His Majesty shall graciously be pleased to grant: Not doubting, but what is wanting here on Earth, will be supplied to me in Heaven.  
Many such like Papers did he write, during his Confinement in the Press-yard at Newgate, some whereof being of very dangerous Consequence, and not fitting to be published. And since his being removed from thence to the Tower, Sir John Robinson His Majesty's Lieutenant had Orders to detain him Close Prisoner, and to keep him from Pen Ink and Paper; Which accordingly was done, but with as much Civility, as possible could be expected for any one in his Condition.  
Yet notwithstanding this somewhat began to exasperate his troubled Spirits, and after some contemplation, was moved to write to the Lieutenant with a piece of Charcoal, on three fair Trenchers, Desiring what favour possibly could might be allowed him; and that as he was ancient, some Liberty might be extended towards him, etc.   
FINIS.