Salt upon Salt: Made out of certain INGENIOUS VERSES Upon the Late STORM And the Death of His HIGHNESS' Ensuing.  
By which Contemplative Object, Occasion is taken, to offer to Consideration the probable near approaching of greater Storms, and more sad Consequences.  
By GEO. WITHER, Esquire.  
SALT seasons all things, saving only those Which must feed Fishes, Maggots, Dogs and Crows.  
Read it, and heed it, For you need it; And so, God speed it.  
London, Printed for L. Chapman, at the Crown in Popes-Head-Alley, 1659.   

To the READER  

OCcasion from a trifling Object springs,  
Once more, to offer heed of serious Things.  
For, by perusing some late printed Rhymes,  
That, which may much concern the present Times,  
Was tendered to my Thought; and what to me  
Was offered, shall to you now offered be.   

When I began to know the World, and Men,  
I made Records of what I found them then,  
Continuing ever since, to take good heed,  
How they stood still, went back, or did proceed,  
Till of my Scale of Time, ascending Heaven,  
The Round I stand on, maketh ten times Seven;  
And, being likely, now, ere long to leave them,  
A Memorandum, I intent to give them,  
Of what, this day, they do appear to me,  
As also, what they may here after be;  
(According as they shall direct their Course)  
That, whether they are better grown, or worse,  
It may be to GOD's Honour seen and read,  
(What ere besals) when they and I, am dead.   

When in this Isle my Muse's first were known,  
The heads of VICE were not so Monstrous grown,  
(Nor then so numerous) as now they be;  
For, Cerberus in those days had but three,  
And Hydra seven: At present, they are more  
In Number, and more Large, then heretofore:  
So that these Monsters, for whose overthrow  
I was engaged, nigh fifty years ago,  
Are grown so formidable, that, they make  
The Fortresses of Moral Virtue shake,  
And, yield at present, work enough to do,  
For Hercules, and Mighty Samson too.  
Yet I have lost no Ground, but kept the Field;  
And will, till I have Conquered, or am Killed:  
For, though some daily fall off, who pretended  
Adherence to the Cause which we defended,  
(And though my Elder Brethren do but flout me)  
I find an Unseen Army, pitched about me,  
Which takes my Part, and will effect at length,  
That, which is far beyond my single strength:  
And, he, who dies, in making good his Place,  
Though he prevails not, dies without Disgrace.   

The List, I enter not, with guileful Charms,  
Of Humane Eloquence, nor with such Arms  
Defensive, or offensive, as were brought  
By them, who have of late, our Battles fought;  
But only with a Sling, Stones, and a Staff,  
At which my Friends jeer, and my Foes do laugh;  
Yet (mark the Sequel) for, a day will come,  
That shall place Justice in the highest Room;  
That, they who by their Brethren were envied,  
(Or by their Masters wronged) shall be tried;  
That those Poor People, who oppressed be,  
In Body, or in Conscience, shall be free;  
And, that, though this be scorned, it shall be said  
Whilst I am Living, or, when I am Dead,  
That, by those, now-contemned Pebble-stones,  
Which I have fling, there will be Broken-Bones,  
And Bruised Brains, which did to some of those.  
Prove Mortal, who have been my Country's Foes.   

Mean while, I'll prosecute what I intent,  
Not much regarding what a Foe, or Friend,  
Shall either Counter-act, or Counter-say,  
But, bear their Spites, and Censures as I may.  
Nor to my Theme will I so close be tide,  
As not, sometimes, to make a step aside,  
To take in that, which may conduce unto  
The Work, which I in chief, intent to do;  
But, act as my INSPIRER, moveth me:  
For, I'm by Him inspired, not He by Me.  
And therefore, here, before I take my leave,  
I'll warn you, (lest your thoughts I may deceive)  
That Method not to look for, which by those  
Is used, who express their Minds in Prose;  
For, Things, not in pre-meditated Thought,  
(To me upon a sudden, being brought)  
I took in, as they came; and what they were  
Oft knew not, till in Words, they did appear:  
Which having signified, you may thereby  
Guess, what to judge of them, as well, as I;  
And, whether, that should not your hearts incline  
To think, there's somewhat in them more than Mine.   

Last Year, I sent a FLASH, which is let pass,  
Unheeded, as a Thing that never was:  
Now follows the Report, or Clap of Thunder,  
which have been seen and heard, thus far asunder,  
To give the longer Warning; for the SHOT  
And THUNDER BOLT'S, (if Grace prevent them not)  
Will next year fly among you: GOD amend us,  
And, then, I am assured, He will defend us.   
Your Servant and Remembrancer, GEORGE WITHER.   

SALT upon SALT: Made out of certain ingenious Verses upon the late Storm, and the Death of His Highness ensuing; by which Contemplative Object, occasion is taken to offer to consideration the probable near approaching of greater Storms, and more sad Consequences.  

The said Verses are these that next follow, according to the Author's printed Copy.  

WE must resign; heaven his great Soul doth claims  
In Storms as loud as his Immortal Fame;  
His dying Groans, his last Breath shakes our Isle,  
And, Trees unout, fall for his Funeral-Pile;  
About his Palace, their broad Roots are tossed  
Into the Air; so, Romulus was lost;  
So, New-Rome, in a Tempest, missed her King,  
And from obeying, fell to worshipping.   

On Oeta's top, thus Hercules lay dead,  
With ruin'd Oaks, and Vines about him spread:  
Those, his last Fury, from the Mountain rend,  
Our dying Hero, from the Continent  
Ravished whole Towns, and Forts from Spaniards reft,  
As his last Legacy to Britain left.  
The Ocean, which our Hopes had long confined,  
Can give no Limits to his vaster Mind.  
Our Bounds enlargement was his latest toil,  
Nor hath he left us prisoners to this Isle;  
Under the Tropic, is, our Language spoke,  
And Part of Flanders hath received our Yoke.   

From Civil-Broiles, he did us disengage,  
Found Nobler Objects for our Martial Rage,  
And with wise Conduct, to His Country showed  
Their Ancient Way of Conquering abroad.  
Ungrateful then, if we no tears allow  
To Him, who gave us Peace, and Empire too.  
Princes, who feared Him, grieved, concerned to see  
No pitch of Glory, from the Grave is free:  
Nature herself, took notice of His Death,  
And, sighing, swelled the Sea, with such a Breath;  
That, to remotest shores, her Billows rolled,  
Th'approaching Fate of her great Ruler told.    

The Result, occasioned by the preceding Theme.  

A Way with self-respects; For now of late  
My Private, and this Public Weals Estate  
Are much alike; and both of them, to me  
Seem in this Crisis, at this day to be,  
Threatening a Sudden Ruin, if much further  
Confusion spreads, before reduced to Order.  
My Genius therefore, doth my Heart incline  
To seek that Weal, whereon dependeth mine,  
Lest, whilst for Private welfare, I endeavour,  
That, and the Public Peace, be lost for ever.   

This to prevent, (though some will think I dream)  
There is occasion couched in this Theme:  
And (notwithstanding, much it may be feared,  
That, what it shall produce, will not be heard,  
Among the tumults and confusedness  
Which now abound) it will have some Success:  
For, otherwhile, by Trifles, that is wrought,  
Which could not by great Powers, to pass be brought.  
A small shrill whistle, in a Storm, becomes  
More signal than the beating of great Drums:  
And, who knows not, (he breathing thereinto)  
What, by a Ramshorn Trumpet, GOD, may do?   

Our late loss, doth on me to call begin,  
As if I somewhat were concerned therein,  
And had a part to Act, wherein I may  
Supply, at least, a Fool's part in the Play.  
And, since occasion given there is none,  
I, of my own accord have taken one,  
Which, if a causeless anger, it provoke  
To mischieve me, the care's already took;  
I am too low a mark for Supreme Powers,  
Too high, to dread an equal when he lowers.   

The main prop, of this Government is gone,  
The Stone, our Master-builders built upon  
Is now removed; and, either I mistake,  
Or, all that's built thereon gins to shake,  
And quite asunder too, will fall at length,  
Unless upheld, with more than humane strength.  
No former Prince, whose Actions yielded matter  
So worthy of a Muse that would not flatter,  
Died at a time, wherein there lived so few  
To give him that, which justly was his due,  
(Without a diminution or excess,  
Either of which, makes great things, to seem less)  
For, having viewed most paper-monuments,  
Whereby the Fancy of this Age presents  
His Fame to memory; I find their Rhymes  
Are so distracted, as if with these times  
Their Authors sympathized in their wit,  
And knew not what they meant, nor what they writ:  
Else, doubtless, none had failed so in expressing  
His purpose, as to curse, instead of blessing;  
As he, whose Pcëm-elegiacal  
Is closed up, with the name of Jerubbaal.   

Some, so maliciously Invectives write,  
As if their Pens, in Juice of Aconite  
Were dipped (or rather in more venomed matter)  
So opposite to that, which they who flatter  
Hid underneath their tongues, that, in the stead  
Of showing hatred only to the dead,  
They, living men impoyson through the ear  
When their uncharitable Charms they hear:  
For, these have not alone in scurrile Verse,  
Blurred him with what their malice could asperse  
True, or untrue; but, also, take GOD's room,  
Dare to proncunce his everlasting Doom;  
And, wickedly, with Damned souls in Hell,  
(As others do with Saints) him parallel:  
Which argues an Intention, to defame  
The person, though he merited no blame.   

Some others, on that subject wantonise  
As if their Muse were hawking Butterflies:  
Some, are all Oil: some, have but this one fault,  
The want of Sulphur, Mercury, and Salt:  
And, few of them, save he, whose lines preceding,  
I make my Text, afford aught worth the reading:  
And, they now put me into such a fit  
That, if I have not much more Grace than wit,  
It may to harsher Censures me expose  
Then any one of them, yet undergoes.   

Except Obscene Verse, (and strong lines, from whence  
Are hardly screwed intelligible sense)  
Strains like to this, these Times, best prize to praise;  
And, 'tis a smart neat Piece, ΘΡΙΚΙΟΝ says:  
Which, I deny not; for, it mounts as high  
As any English Pegasus can fly,  
And, is as well-paced: But he feels the Reins  
Lie lose upon his Crest, and overstrains,  
To know, what best the season doth befit  
With his own Ends, this Author wants not wit,  
And, I believe, takes much more care than I,  
What will best please, and wherewith to comply;  
Though I, have more than forty years and five  
Found, that my Course, is not the Course to thrive.   

These Verses, which to make my Theme I choose  
Are but the sport, of their Author's Muse,  
And seem to me like Knacks which in a Hall,  
I've seen hung up, for Flies to play withal.  
These are Wits bubbles, blown up with a Quill,  
Which watrie-Circles, with weak-Air doth fill;  
Or, like a squib, which fires, and cracks, and flies,  
And, makes a noise, that little signifies.   

I, envy not his Fame, who is deceased,  
Nor ought, whereby, it may be more increased:  
I, never suffered aught by his Displeasure;  
But, did enjoy his Favour, in some measure,  
Which he knows, unto whom all things are known,  
I, more employed for his weal, than mine own,  
And, disadvantaged my self, to do him  
Such services, as, I thought, I did owe him.   

For these respects, none justly can suppose  
I grudge him aught, which may by Verse or Prose,  
Be added to his Fame; or, that the Mome  
I'll play, by carping, or detracting from  
Another's contributions, if I see  
They are in truth, what they may seem to be.  
I, should be pleased that those Lines, which precede,  
(With what else doth relate to him that's dead)  
Whereby, some think, he may be honoured much,  
To all who hear, or view them, might prove such,  
That, no occasion might from them be took,  
Of what, to his dishonour, will be spoke;  
Or, to increase those Vanities which are  
Already, multiplied, over far.   

I, therefore, now expect to be excused  
Although at this time, I have nothing mused,  
That, may concern him, in the common mode;  
For, in that place, he, now hath his abode  
Where he regards not Baubles. Praises, there,  
Or Flatteries, no whit regarded are;  
The most enchanting Charms, there, cannot charm him:  
Detractions, or Invectives cannot harm him;  
To write those Truths, which might have done him shame  
Whilst here he lived; or gained the Writer blame,  
Ought, now to be declared as well as those  
From whence his highest commendation flows;  
And, that may settle Peace, now being spoken,  
Which in his life-time, might the Peace have broken.   

The sacred-Pen-men, future times acquaints,  
Not only with the merits of the Saints,  
But also, with their Failings; and as great  
By th' one, as th'other, is man's benefit:  
For, which respect, I will not be afraid:  
To speak, what to good purpose, may be said;  
Nor, from my Text (as now) to wheel about  
To fetch in that, which others needless thought;  
For, Method, is not so much my intent,  
As by good means, a mischief, to prevent:  
And, my digressions, may advance my end,  
As much as that, which I did first intent.   

'Tis now, high time, for us to spend our hours,  
In gathering Fruits, and not in picking flows.  
I love to see truth, in her nakedness;  
And, that, she should sometimes, put on a Dress,  
With such Poetic Flourishes adorned,  
That safe may keep her, and from being scorned;  
To which end, I myself, compelled have been  
To mask and veil her, when I have foreseen  
Apparent Dangers; and another time  
To  her, in that fashionable Trim  
Which most affect; that, there with brought acquainted,  
True Beauty, may be known from what is painted.  
And, that, they who were drawn in, by the Sign,  
Might Guests be, for the goodness of the Wine.   

My Reverence to the Muses, is not small;  
For, all true Poets are Prophetical,  
And had a Preparation in the Womb,  
Before they forth into the World did come;  
Not, that their Faculty, should be applied  
To stir up Carnal Lust, or puff up Pride;  
But, that they should to Piety invite,  
And make Mankind in Virtues more delight;  
From which, prevaricating, they have lost  
Their Honour; and are quite despised almost.  
They should not strive for words to please the ear,  
In which, no solid Matter doth appear;  
But, writ so plainly, that, the meanest Wit  
Might from their Muse, reap some benefit.  
They should not wove their Webs of Stuffs that be  
So, differing, that, they never can agree;  
Nor, when our Sin, for Sober-Mourning calls,  
Play us a Jig, or sing us Madrigals.  
Mere verbal Whimsies, in a Serious Cause,  
Which most part of the Readers more amaze  
Then edify; (by that which never was,  
Nor is, nor shall hereafter come to pass)  
Look like solemnising an Ordinance  
In Pious Duties, with a Morris-dance;  
Or, like their actings, who, against the Forces  
Of well-armed Foes, bring Troops of Hobby-horses.   

What, in the Theme foregoing, is there said  
Which honours him deceased, if well weighed?  
And hath not rather into question brought  
Things, which to question, few men would have thought?  
There, at his Death, a Storm, is feigned to roar,  
Which was o'er-blown almost a week before;  
And, had it not been so, some would from thence  
Have drawn, perhaps, an evil Consequence;  
More Fancies, forming in the People's Brain,  
Then two such Storms, would have blown out again.  
Allusions, too, are made, as if surmised  
That, He, henceforth should be Idolatrized,  
As more than Man, whom we this day perceive  
Laid lower than the meanest Men that Live.  
To teach us, that, in Princes, there's no trust;  
That, all mere Human-Glories, are but dust;  
And, that, Death will, their Vanity discover,  
At whatsoe'er cost, Double-Guilded over.   

So, did His last Breath shake this Isle of our,  
As Pellets from a Potgun, shake a Tower.  
For, all her Shakes, to my best perceiving,  
Rise from our own Distempers who are Living.  
So, for his Funeral-Pile, un-cut Trees fell;  
So, Romulus and He were Parallel;  
So, New-Rome, in a Tempest, missed her King,  
Then, from obeying, fell to worshipping;  
And, so, on Oeta, Hercules lay dead,  
As Chalk's like Cheese, and Beer is like to Bread.  
So, from the Continent, He Towns hath torn,  
As he, who teats a Hedge, and gets a Thorn  
Which wounds his hand, and when he dreads no harm,  
Doth gangrene, to the losing of his Arm.  
So, are our Freedoms, and our Bounds enlarged,  
As his, who, from a small Debt, is discharged,  
To re-oblige himself, in that, which may  
Sweep Liberty, and all he hath, away;  
And, if our End prove like our Beginnings,  
Our Losses, will be greater than our Win.   

What Comfort yields it, to impose a Yoke  
On others, if our Fetters be not broke?  
What Pleasure brings it, if our Confines be  
Enlarged, if in them, we are not free?  
What Profit, is it unto us at Home,  
That some in Foreign Parts, enriched become,  
If, we mean while are Beggars? or else more  
At least, impov'rished, than we were before?  
What Honour is it, that, both Tropics hear  
Our Language, if to speak Truth, few men dare?  
Or what by Conquests, will be got or saved,  
If they who Conquered, are at last enslaved?   

Not unto us, not unto us, be given,  
(Or to our Chiefs) but to the GOD of Heaven,  
The thanks and honour, that, both our Late Wars  
With Neighbouring Foes, and our Domestic Jars  
Are superadded: Would GOD, I could say,  
Were wholly ended: (as I hope I may)  
For, had not He, with our Protector stood,  
We, till this day, had wallowed in our Blood;  
Yea, had not GOD, a timely aid brought in,  
Destroyed long since, both He, and we had been.   

Our Ancient Way of Conquering abroad,  
Which this Muse, doth implicitly applaud)  
What got we by it, but a Cursed Game,  
Achieved with Blood, and lost with Blood again?  
I know not what the Conscience of a State  
Or Policy by Law, may tolerate;  
With that I will not meddle: But to me  
It seemeth not to Quadrate or agree  
With Moral Honesty, or Sacred Laws,  
(Unless there be unquestionable Cause,  
And Power apparent, which doth warrantise  
GOD's calling us to such an Enterprise)  
That, we, into our Neighbour's Lot, should fall  
With Fire and Sword; and Honourable call  
Those Deeds, for which, LAW, to their Actors gives  
The styles of Pirates, Murderers and Thiefs:  
Or, that, a few, should without free assent  
Of all the People in a Parliament,  
Engage them by a Quarrel, which may cost  
Their Lives, and all that may with Life be lost:  
I know no Law or Gospel, warranting  
So hazardous or reasonless a thing;  
Or, that, we who subjection do profess  
Unto the King of Righteousness and Peace,  
Should take the Wages, and the Colours carry  
Of him, that's both His and our Adversary.  
Nor can I understand, how we then do  
As we would willingly be done unto,  
When to accomplish the ambitious ends  
Of Princes, we have hazarded our Friends,  
To trouble, and infringe the Peace of those,  
Who would not willingly have been our Foes;  
Till many hundred thousands are undone,  
To satisfy the boundless Lust of One;  
Squandring away those Blessings to th'increase  
Of Discord, which we might have kept in Peace.   

How many a goodly City, Town and Field,  
Which did a comfortable Dwelling yield  
To Millions, who were no way interested  
In Tyrant's Quarrels, have of late been wasted?  
And, what a sad Account to make have they  
Upon whose heads, that Blood and Spoil doth lie?  
Believe it; though to keep from Violation  
Those Laws, which have respect to every Nation,  
GOD's Universal Justice, doth engage  
The Nations on each other, War to wage;  
Yet, use they should not make of His Commissions  
To satisfy their Vengeance, their Ambitions,  
Or Avarice; nor any way extend them  
Beyond those Ends for which he doth intent them.   

It is but little less than Blasphemy  
The Works of Nature, so to misapply  
As this Muse doth, who in a Strain doth write,  
As if none could express a Glow-Worm's light  
Unless he did Hyperbolise, so far,  
At least, to equalise it to a Star.  
He seems, as if he would insinuate  
That Nature, at his Death was passionate;  
And makes that Creature speak, which never Flatters  
Or Speaks at all, save only in such Matters,  
As do concern GOD's glory, or, may shame  
Those Wits who grossly misapply the same.  
So, Nature, hath took Notice of His Death,  
And, sighing, swelled the Ocean with her breath,  
The Death of her great Ruler to foreshow,  
As 'twas presaged when my Cat did Mew:  
For, Nature, never heed in such wise, took  
Of any Prince's Death, but, when it shook  
The Universe, to see the SON OF GOD  
Dead on the Cross, with Arms displayed abroad:  
And from the Reverence that's due to such!  
High Mysteries, this, hath detracted much,  
Of this kind, and of suchlike Airy-Puffs,  
Of such deceivable, vain, empty stuffs,  
Are most of all those Books, and Trophies made,  
Which Princes, to eternize them have had:  
And, so small credit, is attributed  
To what is either to their Honour said,  
Or their Dishonour, that, wise Men reject it,  
As of no Value; or at least, suspect it,  
As an effect of Flattery, or of Hate,  
Though many set it at a higher Rate.  
For, their Praise, whom we find most prodigal  
Of praises, merits no respect at all;  
But, rather, from the Hearers, back returns  
On him that's Praised, and on the Praiser, Scorns:  
And, seldom, shall you find much worth in them,  
That have immodest Praises, in esteem.  
Yet, these vain Blasts of Fame, oft, sound as loud  
As Cannons, or as Thunder from a Cloud:  
The People entertain them with Applause;  
Of much Expense, they are the needless Cause:  
By these, wise Men, are otherwhile bewitched;  
By these, are Fools and Flatterers enriched:  
But, thereby, such effects alone are got;  
As Powder hath, when fired without shot.  
Yet, so to prise them, many men are given,  
As if, without them, none could climb to Heaven;  
Or, as if he, of whom most Lies we tell,  
Should find least Torments, in the Pains of Hell.   

The Principle I own, is to adhere  
To that Power, which Supremacy doth bear,  
And I'll (without an Oath) be true to those  
Who are by GOD, and by this People chose,  
Till they advance another, whom I see  
Invested with Pow'r-Absolute, to be;  
And, whether he comes in, by Right or Wrong,  
Leave that, to them, to whom it doth belong.  
Him, I will serve, not with base Flatteries  
Which blind his Judgement, or put out his eyes.  
In my Addresses, I will never tell  
To him, what I may fear he knows too well:  
Nor further than I know him, magnify him,  
Lest his own conscience knowing I belie him,  
(Or speak more than my knowledge can acquire)  
He, hereby know, I am a fawning Lyar.  
Before him, I will those things only set,  
Which I think, he may possibly forget,  
Or, which unto his knowledge are not brought,  
Or (if known) not considered as they ought;  
And, do it so, that he shall not despise  
what's done, if he be either Good, or Wise:  
If not, yet when my Duty I have done,  
I'll bear with Patience, what ensues thereon.   

In all the Changes, which have been of late,  
I have preserved this Rule inviolate.  
Though some think not, when one Power was made two,  
And, wiser Men, knew not which way to go.  
For, so far as my conscience would permit,  
I served that Power which in the Throne did sit  
Most visibly; in every change that came,  
Siding with none in changing of the same:  
And when the Sovereignty, on him was placed  
By GOD's permission, who enjoyed it last,  
I did, accordingly, employ my Force  
To keep what might be naught, from being worse;  
Adventuring, sometimes, so far therein,  
That, to my disadvantage, it hath been.  
I, was to him, in all things, always true,  
Which nothing took from his Superiors due.  
I did so far forth as it would consist  
With GOD's Praise, with the Public Interest,  
And his true Honour, do what in me lay  
All those Obstructions to remove away,  
Which, by disabling him, might heretofore  
Have made his Dangers, and our Mischiefs more.  
And, though those Services which I could do him  
Some will deride, they have been useful to him:  
For, 'tis at present, known, to more than One,  
Yet living, (and was known to him that's gone)  
That, in the greatest hazard he e'er had,  
I, seas'nably, by Providence was made  
An Instrument of Safety, when th' intention  
Was almost ripened, beyond all Prevention.  
Yea, to prevent them, who by his Disgrace,  
Endeavoured to destroy the public Peace:  
His Actings, too, I praised as I ought,  
In what, I, them to be Praiseworthy thought,  
Considered in themselves: But, his Desert  
Left in the main, to Him, who knew his Heart:  
And knowing it to be GOD's privilege,  
(Even his alone) of Secret things to judge,  
No further ever did, (nor ever will)  
Of him, or any man, judge well or ill,  
Since first this Principle to me was known,  
And by Consideration, made mine own.   

It is enough, that Princes whilst they live  
Are borne withal; and that whilst they survive  
We hid their failings, that, none might through them  
That Power, and that Authority contemn  
By which they Govern: for, a Tyranny,  
Is somewhat better than an Anarchy.  
If, I suspect my Prince a wicked man,  
To make him better, I'll do what I can;  
Lest, he that's next be worse: As once by Paul  
Agrippa courted was, him court, I shall,  
If, need be: or, will flatter him so far  
As by our Servants, Children flattered are,  
To make them do their Duties: but, not woe hin.  
For my own ends, to that which may undo him:  
(Which I conceive, is such a Pious fraud  
As GOD allows, and honest men applaud.)  
In Life, I served him thus; now Dead he lies  
I'll speak no more of him, then may suffice  
To make those better, and take better heed  
Who shall henceforward, in his Room succeed.   

Examples, we from Holy-Writ, may take,  
That of the Dead we nothing ought to speak  
But, what is true; and that we are as well  
Obliged, their failings as deserts to tell.  
That, GOD, may have due Praise by every one;  
That Men, by knowing truly, what is done,  
In those things, which concern them; (and by whom  
Their Mischiefs, or their Benefits do come)  
May actuate accordingly, in season,  
The Dictates of their Conscience, and sound Reason.  
It was not then thought (as now in these times  
Perhaps, it may be) that, to blaze the crimes  
Of Eli, David, or Jehosaphat,  
Or Hezekiah; (though unto the State  
Some of them had respect) was sauciness,  
Or want of Manners, though they did express  
Both to those times, and future Generations  
Their Failings, with their proper aggravations.  
And therefore, if a just occasion be,  
Expect the like plaindealing now from me:  
For to the same End, I will do mine Arrants,  
And make good my Commission, by their Warrants.   

I, grant it Thanklesness, as he infers,  
If we for Benefactors have no tears  
When they are dead: For, I desire we may  
Their Deuce, both to the Dead and Living pay:  
But, I conceive it more ingratitude,  
Upon the World, our Fictions to obtrude,  
And, let that as impertinent pass by,  
Which GOD permits, or acts, to glorify  
His Justice, or his mercy, whose neglect;  
Make other things, to want their due effects.  
GOD, make us grateful for what is bestown,  
In such wise, that to every one his own  
We may ascribe, and, not to any give  
So much, that, of his deuce, we him deprive;  
Nor so much to one man, that, they may be  
Defrauded, who, deserved as well as Herald   

Such Partialities, at first, brought in  
All Tyrannies: By such, Freemen have been  
Enslaved by degrees, and thereunto  
Our Fawn add more, than all else can do;  
And 'tis impossible a means to find  
To keep those Free, who have a slavish mind,  
Or Currish nature; For, the first want courage,  
And give their Birthrights, for a Miss of Porridge:  
The other, must like Bandogs chained be,  
Else none who live among them, can be free.  
GOD, grant us grace, so to bewail his Fate,  
Who is deceased, as to rejoice in that  
Which is thereby designed: and, to take heed  
We do not complementally proceed  
In formal mournings, till the Counterfeit  
Makes us, those Christian mournings to forget  
Which are now called for; and till we have more  
True Cause of sorrow than we had before;  
And, for the Dead, pursue a formal grieving  
Destructive to the welfare of the Living:  
Lest, when the Dead, their Dead, in earth shall clothe,  
One day, become a mourning-day to both.  
For, to suspect, just cause enough I find  
Some mischief, for that day would be designed  
And acted too, if Vengeance could raise power  
To do, what might be done at such an hour:  
As those despites, do questionless assure  
Which on his Scutcheon and his Portraiture  
Were lately acted, if believe we may  
What seems believed, and common Fame doth say.   

Interments of the Dead, were first intended  
Lest by them, they who live, might be offended  
If not removed from sight: Therefore, by giving  
Things to the Dead, belonging to the living,  
Doth injure both; and neither get, nor give  
Such honour, as we may perhaps conceive:  
But are occasions rather of Disgraces  
And of returning dirt into our Faces.  
So Cynical my humour never was  
To think, men should be buried like an Ass;  
Nor shall I Judas-like, be discontent  
To see a box of precious Odours spent  
In burying him; though for a while the Poor  
May want it; if, their wants it make not more  
Than they can bear; And, mends be made for that  
Which they have suffered ere it be too late.  
But, I abhor it, when I do behold  
Walls clothed, and poor men exposed to cold  
And nakedness: or at their needless cost  
Another honoured whilst their credit's lost  
Which is more worth than Life; and which to save,  
They many times, their Lives adventured have.   

Small honour, by that Fun'rall-Pomp, is got  
Where they who bear the charge approve it not.  
To bring a Prince, with glory to his grave,  
Is not to make his lifeless Image brave;  
To give as great a reverence thereunto  
As Pagans, to their Idols, used to do,  
Or, as they, who like worship have applied  
Unto his Image who was crucified.  
It is not to make Pageants at their cost  
(Who think they have too much already lost)  
With those vain Ceremonial Rites attended,  
Whereby, the sober-minded are offended;  
And till Spectators, Jeeringly do say,  
It is a very costly Puppet-Play.  
Or, till it gives them cause to be afeared  
That, way thereby, to worse things is prepared:  
For, this way, was Idolatry brought in;  
This way, most Superstitions did begin;  
And, this way, if GOD let it be pursued  
A little further, they will be renewed  
Till that day comes, in which, what men endeavour  
To build up, shall destroyed be for ever.   

Philip of Spain, the Second (as 'tis said)  
Did, of a Funeral-Pageant, thus arrayed,  
A Pattern leave; which is resembled much  
By this; one circumstance, (and some few such)  
Excepted, (and for aught that I yet know,  
That might be privately, performed too.)  
Those Anti-roomes of State, with Blacks beclad,  
Through which, men to th' Effigies passage had,  
And, wherein they were forced to stand bare,  
Because a property unuseful there:  
For, Pater-nosters, they should there have said,  
And Ave-maries', for the Soul that's dead,  
If they that Ceremony had observed  
For which those places were at first reserved;  
And, whereto (though unpractised at this day)  
Such Innovations, will perhaps make way.   

We are already, drawing very nigh  
To superstitions, and Idolatry;  
And, at the Backdoor, that is coming in,  
Which at the Fore-door, hath expelled been.  
Who, would have thought, that we, who do neglect  
One of the goodliest Piles of Architect  
In all the Christian World, because, long since,  
It seemed profaned, by things which gave offence?  
That we, should raise up Trophies, in its stead,  
Of Straws and Sticks, and Kexes to the Dead?  
And with exploded Vanities, defile  
The Palaces, and Temples of this Isle?  
Who, having seen what zeal expressed was  
In pulling down of Crosses, painted Glass,  
Old Altars, Images of Saints and Kings,  
(And with these, of some inoffensive things)  
Did then suppose, he should have lived to see  
An Idol, in that place advanced to be,  
Where heretofore, an Altar, and a Rood  
To be adored by the People stood?   

Who can believe, that HE, who viliside  
Not long ago, the vanity and pride  
Of former Princes? That, HE, who had spoke  
Against the heavy burdens, and the yoke  
By them imposed, and was himself the Rod  
And sword assumed into the hand of GOD,  
To root them out? That HE, who but of late,  
When he dismissed the Counsellors of State  
Said to their Sergeant, Take away that Babble;  
(His Mace at that time, lying on the Table)  
Should ever of his own accord, think fit  
Those Trinkets which he slighted to admit?  
And, when he down into the Grave descended,  
Should thither, with more vain pomps be attended  
Then any English Prince, that heretofore  
A Sovereign Sceptre, in these Islands bore?   

Oh! times, oh manners! how exceeding vain  
Is man's Heart, and how giddy, is his Brain?  
Who thinketh not, that such a Change hath seen,  
And, heeds what they seemed who so changed have been?  
But, that, far greater Changes, will appear,  
If GOD, prevents not, that which we may fear?  
For that old Leven, which aside was laid,  
Into the lump, is secretly conveyed:  
And now corruptions, do so overspread  
The Body Politic, from foot to head,  
That swarms of Hornets, and of Butterflies,  
Produced and fed, by new-sprung Vanities,  
Are like to multiply, till they shall drive  
The labouring Bees, quite out of every Hive.   

Excuse my zeal, if over-tarr I'seem  
In this point; For, from no disgust of him,  
For whose pretended honour this is done,  
Nor from malevolence to any one  
Who did design it, this expression flows;  
Nor from what Prejudice, may mis-suppose;  
But, from the Cause that's given of offence,  
And, what I fear may be the Consequence.   

What Meteors, Winds, and Tempests do foreshow  
I know not, neither take much care to know;  
Because, they rather warn us, to take heed  
What's doing, then declare what will succeed:  
But, by our Flatteries, and by other things  
Which Pride produces; by what daily springs,  
From our self-seekings; from our Avarices',  
And, from our many other sordid Vices,  
This, I am sure's presaged, that if we run  
Much farther, in the Course that's yet held on,  
(And, GOD, our folly to take place permits)  
We shall ere long run quite out of our wits;  
And, be at last destroyed all together,  
By that Storm, which I see approaching hither.   

But, who am I, that say I do foresee  
A Storm, that you should credit give to me?  
How can such things, to me, you say be known?  
How know you, when the Sun is almost down  
That, Night will follow? and the Day draw near  
When you behold the morningstar appear?  
Look not on him, who tells what may ensue,  
But look to that, whereby you may eschew  
The threatened Plague, which (as GOD's threaten all  
Are for the most part) is conditional.  
To that intent, your old neglected Friend  
Amongst you, one Remembrance more, will send  
To second this, before perceive he shall  
A MENE TEKEL, written on your Wall,  
Unless he sees GOD's patience out of date,  
And all fore-warnings, like to come too late.  
Mean while, take this that follows: For he knows  
You look for Signs, of that which he fore-shows;  
And, these (although they trivial may appear)  
Are true Foretokens of what's drawing near.   

Black Clouds, are now ascending o'er these Lands,  
Whose Figures do portend some humane hands  
Promoting that great Storm; But, when abroad  
It spreads, you will perceive the hand of GOD,  
Who, by a slow-approaching doth express,  
He comes to punish, with unwillingness.  
Each man, who is not wilful, plainly sees,  
He etners into Judgement, by degrees,  
To move us to Repentance, that the Doom,  
But threatened yet, might vanish ere it come.   

GOD, hath made known unto us, in some measure,  
By every Element, his just Displeasure:  
Those things, without which, nothing is enjoyed,  
Have all our late Enjoyments much destroyed.  
By sudden Fires, our dwellings are consumed,  
And, into smoke, our precious things are fumed.  
The Waters, in their Wombs, have swallowed up  
No little Portion of the Merchant's hope,  
And, overflowing new, and Ancient Bounds,  
Swept Flocks and Herds out of the lower Grounds.  
The Air, by Storms and Blast, Frosts and Snows,  
Destroyed our last Crops, in their fairest shows;  
Yea, after publicly we made Confessions  
That, GOD, accepting our Humiliations,  
Had thereupon, vouchsafed pregnant Hopes  
Of Future Health, and of more Plenteous Crops;  
Even since that likely hope, we, for our Sin,  
Deprived of that Expectance have been.  
The Earth which bears us, too; for our Offences  
Withholds her Bounty. Their sweet Influences  
The Heavens withdraw. Death, when unlooked for, seizes  
More oft then formerly, by New-Diseases;  
And, they, to give Account, are call' [d upon,  
Who lived, as if accountable to none.   

Hereto, the Naturalist, perhaps will say,  
Such things do happen to us every day,  
Or, in a short time, either more or less:  
Which I will grant; but notwithstanding, this  
He must grant too, that from the World's beginning  
These were, and are, the known Rewards of Sinning:  
That they are also Signs, GOD will bring greater  
And more Afflictions, if we grow not better:  
That Judgements, (though they be not general)  
On Families, and Private Persons fall  
Even day by day: That, we have lately seen  
Large Vials of GOD's Wrath, poured forth have been  
Upon the stubborn Irish, and the Scot,  
To warn us what will also be our Lot;  
And that none should GOD's Patience, therefore slight,  
Because a long time, He forbears to smite;  
Or, puffed by timely Warnings, when he sends them,  
Because this way, to us he recommends them:  
For, this way, they declared were of old,  
And, this way, they shall now again be told.   

But, hear me further, and relate I shall  
Some things, which do not every year befall;  
Our ablest Horse, (even those perhaps, wherein  
More trust reposed was, then should have been)  
Die suddenly, and Ditches are bestrowed  
With those Eones, whereupon our Gallants road:  
Their Stink (as once a Prophet said) ascends,  
Yet, still, his hand against us, GOD, extends.  
Those Legs, likewise, which are our Second-Strength  
Do reel already, and will sink at length  
That Body which they bear: the Wings by which  
We flew from Shoar to Shoar, and were made rich,  
Begin to flag, and fly not to and fro,  
With such Success, as they were wont to do.  
Some, whose new Honours bloomed but last Spring,  
Fell with the Leaf, to show, how vain a thing  
Ambition is, and let them understand  
Who flourish yet, their Winter is at hand.  
Much, of our precious Life-Blood up is drunk,  
The Sinews of our Power are cracked and shrunk;  
Our Honour, with our Public Faith is lost;  
Our Private Credits are destroyed almost:  
And, hard it is to say, whether the Debtor  
Or Creditor, is in Condition better.  
The Parliaments Securities are slighted,  
And, He, whom they have by their Acts invited  
To purchase, (and, of paying whose just Deuce  
An Ordinance, and Orders made fair shows)  
Though, more than ten years, are elapsed since,  
Gets neither Money, Land, nor Recompense,  
Nor hope of Justice; but, Suits, to the wasting  
Of his Estate, which may be everlasting:  
And, they, who should, from these Oppressions clear him,  
Either regard him not, or, or sit and jeer him;  
Though both by Law, and Oath, they stand obliged  
To see the Public Credit disengaged.  
That which is due to Poor Men, is delayed  
Till they have lost it twice, ere 'tis once paid.  
He that hath Lent, till he can lend no more,  
Is sure to lose all, that he lent before;  
And, that which to be given, hath been thought,  
Proves dearer otherwhile, than what we bought.  
All which things, being rightly understood,  
Are Signs (if not of much ill) of small good.   

Should I here mention all Prevarications,  
Which being fifteen Years together, tide  
(As by the Leg) near London to reside,  
They would fill up a Volume: and, but that  
Thousands can witness what I might relate,  
It would be thought, I did Untruths aver,  
And, that, I were a shameless slanderer:  
For, our Abominations have exceeded  
All Measure, and are more than can be heeded.   

It can by no true Englishman be born,  
Without much Indignation, and more seorn,  
To see Foot-walkers, when on Horseback set,  
So much their late Condition to forget,  
As, superciliously to look on those  
By whom, out of Obscurity they risen;  
And when men seek but Justice, and their own,  
How these, (as if to have an Alms bestown  
They were implored) provoke with harsh replies  
The suff'ring-Suppliant, till his Blood doth rise,  
And Words are spoken, whereon doth ensue  
Another Wrong, because he spoke what's true.   

Sometimes, from week to week, from year to year,  
Suits are deferred, which they with speed should hear;  
Yet, nothing then effected, but expense,  
More adding to a former indigence.  
Both Means and Time, which fully might enable  
To do their Work; they spend in Bibble-babble,  
Or needless Compliments; and will not wave  
A Feast or Visit, though it were to save  
A man from Ruin; and when Plaints are long,  
By long Oppression, they away are fling.  
Their Suppliants are forced to hunt them through  
Their starting holes, like Rabbits through their Borough.  
Yet, hardly come to speak with them, before  
They (as it were) set Pursenets, at each door;  
And then, unless they likewise, get a Hay  
Pitched round about them, they will slip away.  
That, which is absolutely in their Power,  
And, might be finished in half an hour,  
Is made a Business during term of life;  
And, then, the Suitor dies without relief:  
For, Suppliants are oft deferred so long,  
That, they at last, who should redress the Wrong  
Are puzzled too; and such as have been grieved  
So numerous grow, that few can be relieved.  
No marvel; for the Body-Politick  
In every part almost, is Lame or Sick;  
So, that, those Limbs, which in themselves are able,  
Are rendered by the rest unserviceable;  
For, though the Foot be whole, it cannot go  
Because, the Great Gout, Iames the greatest Toe.  
And, very mean performances are found  
Where, in both Hands, there's but one finger sound.   

If, it objected be, that such Delays  
May justly be occasioned many wwayes;  
'Tis granted, that, it may be so in some;  
But not till twice seven years elapsed become,  
Without apparent wrong: And, that abuses  
Are this way offered, for which no excuses  
May be allowed, some thousands living are,  
Who, if need be, thereof can witness bear.  
When Publick-Debts have many years been due,  
And Creditors compelled for them to sue  
Till they, in Labour, time, and other Cost,  
The Principal, and so much more have lost,  
The Shameless Officers instead of paying,  
Put off the Creditors, with this harsh saying,  
'Tis an old Debt; as if men did them wrong  
To ask for that which had been due so long;  
And, that, the way to right them, who implore  
Redress for old wrongs, were to do them more.  
Nay, there is so much falsehood and deceit  
In many, that, they make poor men to wait  
From day to day, from morning until noon,  
From noon till night, Delay, still spinning on,  
(Till many days and nights, and weeks are spent)  
As if to grant their Suits they truly meant,  
Although they from the first hour, did intent  
To give them flat denial in the end.  
And, usually, when they speak fair and smile,  
They pick your Purse, or cut your Throat the while.   

They, who are guilty of such things, and know  
That I, and thousands, know them to be so,  
Will say, perhaps, I Rail; but 'tis no matter;  
To Rail, is somewhat better then to Flatter.  
None but a Fool with term it Railing, when  
Reproaching Vices, we conceal the Men.  
None, but a Brazen-fac'd-Offender dares,  
Exceptions take to that, which truth avers;  
And none but Madmen cast reproach on those  
Who chide them, to prevent their overthows.   

I will proceed to further Demonstration  
Of those Signs, which portend a Desolation.  
Strange Prodigies, which not so oft have been  
In this our Climate, are now often seen.  
By Looks, or Language, it is hard to know  
Whom you may now repute your Friend or Foe:  
They, who have but one Head, have now two Faces,  
And two Tongues: Both their Offices and Places,  
The Members of the selfsame Body shift;  
Though neither of them, hath the others gift.  
The Little Toe, although to be a Thumb  
It hath been raised, will not content become,  
Unless it may obtain that both the Hands  
Shall be subjected under his commands.  
The Head's cut off; and though that in its stead,  
The Foot, may have admittance to be Head,  
It (quite forgetting what it was before)  
Will scarce be pleased, unless it may be more.  
Nay, from Ambition, Vermine are not free;  
That nasty Body-lices, would Head-lices be.   

Those wicked Spirits that engender strife,  
Among us, more than ever, are now rife.  
Stupidity, Distraction, Giddiness,  
With suchlike, many thousands do possess;  
And, haunted now, our Habitations are  
With worse Hobgoblins, than the Fairs were.  
To their own Principles, but very few,  
Save Enemies and wicked Men are true.  
Those Changes, which but rarely did befall,  
Are in these Islands Epidemical.  
The Servant rides, the Master goes on foot,  
And, is his Servant's Servant, too, to boot:  
The silly Schoolboys do presume to teach;  
The Foxes pray, the foolish Geese do preach;  
And, most things are so turned topsy-turvy,  
That what looks best, methinks, is very scurvy.   

Not only those Egyptians, among whom  
We live, oppressors of us are become,  
But Brethren also strive; yea, Saints, with ire  
Are so inflamed, that they can out for fire  
From Heaven, on those, who only disagree  
From them, in things that but indifferent be;  
And, we are told, by one whom I believe,  
What it portends, where such things we perceive  
By Natural Experience, we have found  
That, Instruments which yield a differing sound,  
(And Tones, are Voices, though they various be)  
In Consort, do melodiously agree.  
So, we should likewise, find these Differences  
In Judgement, whereat we now take Offences,  
Would make true Harmony, if we to Him  
Did leave it, who knows how to order them;  
And took more care (than most of us have done)  
To set our own Tongues, and our Hearts in tune.   

Our Friends in Foreign Parts, and here at home,  
Each of the other jealous are become;  
And should there be a Breach, no Mortal knows  
Whether our old Friends, or our elder Foes,  
Would prove our greatest Enemies; or, whether  
They, would to mischieve us, join all together.  
Our New Allies, are likely at our need,  
To be to us, but an Egyptian Reed,  
Or, like a costly Armour, by whose weight,  
We are more tired, then guarded in the Fight;  
And somewhat sounds from them (unless Fame lies)  
Which an unpleasing Sequel signifies.  
These things, (at least united) do foreshow  
That, some foul Wether shortly may ensue:  
GOD, also stands, with Arm outstretched still,  
The Sentence of His Justice to fulfil.  
If we consult but with mere Human Reason,  
what's likely to succeed at such a Season  
As this appears, by loss of him alone,  
Who lately was removed from the Throne:  
What Counsels and what Cost it will require  
To keep so many Irons in the Fire  
As he hath left unwrought; and what it would  
Cost more, to let them lie till they are cold.  
If we consider, That he was of late  
The Middle, and, main Pillar, of this State;  
The Atlas (as the Attribute that's given  
By one, hath termed Him) of our British Heaven,  
And, into what Confusions, it is thought  
All things at his Decease, might have been brought;  
Observing therewithal (without concluding  
Upon false Theses, or, ourselves deluding)  
In what apparent Dangers we are left,  
By being, at this time, of him bereft,  
It may portend, although the Sun shines yet,  
A Storm will rise before that he doth set.   

And yet, we ought not so much to reflect  
Our thoughts on Him, that we those things neglect  
Which more concern us; or suppose that we  
Deprived of any such advantage be,  
As is conceived; for, he had not gone,  
But, that, the work ordained for him was done.  
GOD, raised him, by Destroying, to prepare  
A way for that which he intends to rear,  
And, to that purpose qualified him so,  
As they were, whom of old he called to do  
Such Services; and, as it seems, intended  
No further use of him, when that was ended:  
He saw, the Power which was on him bestown  
Employed in Designments of his own;  
Then, reassumed it: and, they had been troubled  
Perhaps, who pray his Spirit might be doubled  
On his Successor, if GOD, should have said  
AMEN, to that, for which they blindly prayed.   

We, likewise, (as of late that Parliament  
From whom he took the Supreme Government)  
So Idolised, that, we thought too little  
Conferred upon him by the Sovereign Title  
Which, GOD permitted him to undertake.  
And, what his Army pleased of him to make.  
To govern us, we longed for such a Thing  
As other Nations have; forsooth, a King,  
With all the former burdensome Array  
Of Kingship, which was lately took away:  
Though he, as much as Flesh and Blood could do,  
Refused it, with some perseverance too.  
And, not content to make him parallel  
With all who are recorded to excel  
In Virtues, by Profane or Sacred Story;  
But placed him, in a higher Sphere of Glory.  
We gave him Attributes, which unto none  
Belongs, but to the Deity alone;  
And towards him, ourselves oft so behaved,  
As if by him alone, we could be saved;  
Which peradventure, did provoke GOD's wrath  
To do to Him and Us, as done He hath.  
GOD's dealing therefore, let us duly weigh,  
To do him all the honour, that we may:  
For no respect of Persons, Love, or Fear,  
Should from that Duty, flatter or deter.   

To that intent, it will have some Relation,  
To know and heed, that his last Visitation  
By Sickness, did that Day on him appear,  
Which made the time completely just a Year,  
Since he solemnised a Public Fast  
To pacify GOD's Wrath for Failings Past;  
As also for removing from our Clime,  
Such Sicknesses, as raged at that time:  
And, that, some Cautions, for that day prepared,  
Were in their Season, unto him preferred,  
To mind him what small good could be expected  
From Formal-Fasts, where Justice was neglected;  
And what at last would follow thereupon,  
If Works of Mercy, were still left undone.  
At that time, such Precautions tendered were  
(As, if need be, hereafter you shall hear)  
For, GOD, to offer them, did me incline,  
And, to his hands, they were preferred by mine:  
But, whether he perused them or no,  
Since they presented were, I neither know,  
Nor what Effect they had, if that be none,  
Which at the years end, did ensue thereon.   

We should consider too, how on that day,  
Just that day twelvemonth he was took away,  
(Wherein he kept a Formal Celebration  
Of Thankfulness, for public preservation)  
That very day, of his chief Triumphs turning  
Into a sad and Fatal day of mourning:  
How that day, whereon (if Fame hath not lied)  
He purposed to be crowned King, he died;  
Leaving an Image, with a waxed Face,  
To be installed, and crowned in his place:  
Which, as since we defaced Crowns, 'twas the first  
That wore one, I desire, may be the worst,  
Who shall from this time forward, live to bear  
A Sovereign Sceptre, or a Crown to wear.   

If we consider duly as we ought,  
These things; with such like, as to serious thought  
Are thereby tendered; more, from thence there might  
Inferred be, than I think fit to write.  
Or, should I tell, what was prepared, likewise,  
To make complete his Formal Sacrifice  
Last mentioned, and what effects it had,  
Some wholesome uses, might thereof be made  
Which must deferred be; because my Reason  
Persuades me, that they are not, yet in season.   

I know a flatterer, feared not to say  
That, was the third time, his Victorious day  
By conquering Death: But, wisemen, do contemn  
That Gloss, because, that day, Death conquered him;  
And, do believe, and know, that none but he  
Who died for our Redemption on a Tree  
(And, raised himself, to breathe immortal breath)  
Ought to be styled the Conqueror of Death.  
He only, who, above the heavens doth dwell,  
And conquered with Death, both Sin and Hell,  
Deserves that Attribute: and they, who dare,  
To others give the same, Blasphemers are,  
Except in that sense, which, makes all who die  
In him, partakers of his Victory.)  
He had his share of Honour, and, not little  
His Portion was; Let not his Master's Title  
Ascribed be to him: For, they, who hear it,  
And are his Servants, cannot, will not bear it;  
Nor be afraid to speak, what may increase  
GOD's honour, whose soe'er it maketh less.   

GOD called him hence that day, to make us heed,  
That, he in all his Actings doth proceed  
By Number, Weight, and Measure; both to places,  
And Times referring them in many cases,  
To make observable his Visitations;  
As also, to raise up our contemplations  
To that, which he Designs: yea, he advances  
Their executions, oft, with Circumstances,  
Not common; that, by searching, we may find  
His meaning, and conform unto his mind.   

I know, he was upon that day, advised  
To somewhat, which he should not have despised  
Whereto he gave small heed, or none at all,  
Till what was justly feared did befall:  
And, who knows, what beside that wwas neglected?  
What was pretended then, what, since projected?  
Or, what mise-prosecuted, or misdone,  
Which might provoke the great Almighty-one,  
To call him on that very day from hence,  
Which was the day of his magnificence;  
And lay the Sceptre levelly with the spade.  
Oh! make thereof, such use as should be made;  
For, knowing what I know, relates thereto,  
I, cannot unobserved let it go.  
We know that Death, which is the hire of Sin,  
On that day, always payable hath been,  
In which 'tis acted, though, GOD, by reprieve  
Defers it oft, or, wholly doth forgive.  
We know there are some sins, for which, even they  
Who are GOD'S chosen ones, are took away  
From those Enjoyments, which they might have had,  
Until a Forfeiture of them is made.  
Moses, for speaking rashly, was denied  
The promised Land, and in that Desert died,  
Where others fell; and, thus, it doth befall  
To many of GOD's Saints, if not to all.   

We either know, or we should know, likewise,  
That, for our National impieties  
As well as for their own sins, Princes may  
In wrath be given, or, be took away.  
The Holy-Ghost hath said, that, when to lies  
The King gives ear (and such are Flatteries)  
The people, there are wicked. And, our sin  
The Cause in chief, hath peradventure been,  
Which, from his first Intentions, him declined,  
To that which was not for our weal designed,  
Nor for his honour: yea, ourselves we may  
Most justly blame, if he forsook the way  
Wherein, he by the Publike-Card should steer:  
For, some of us thereto his Tempter's were,  
And, by our servile Flatteries, both made void  
His first Resolves, and our own Hopes destroyed.   

As, therefore, when GOD, gave the Jews a King,  
He then, did by a dreadful Thundering,  
And by a great Rain in their Harvest time,  
Declare that they had much displeased him;  
So, peradventure, that Storm, which did roar  
So universally four days before  
He took hence our Protector, was intended  
To signify, that he is much offended  
With all this Land, even from him that's on high  
Enthroned, to him, who in the street doth lie:  
For, not alone, high Palaces it rocked,  
But, also very dreadfully it knocked  
At every door; and made a signal spoil,  
In every Shire and Province of this Isle.  
Oh! let us therefore search out his intent;  
For, when he speaks loud, there is somewhat meant  
Deserving more than ordinary heed,  
Whereon (if slighted) mischief will succeed.  
He seldom, putteth forth a dreadful Voice,  
Save unto those, whom nothing moves but Noise:  
And, if that, wakes them not, nor makes them fear him,  
The next time, they shall feel him, ere they hear him.  
Let not a vain respect to Worms and Dust,  
Make us to GOD, and to ourselves unjust:  
For, what he acts, and how he doth proceed,  
We ought, in every Circumstance to heed,  
Whomever it concerns, and nothing hid,  
Whereby he may be duly glorified,  
Or, men reformed. Then, let us, since we may  
Be dead to morrow, hear his Voice to day.   

We have had many days, wherein, he hath  
Shown Mercy, and forewarned us of his wrath.  
Sometimes, in Calm-still voices, he doth speak;  
Sometimes, in whirlwinds, which the Rocks do break;  
As once 'twas said to Isr'el heretofore,  
Than what he hath done, what should he do more?  
We have had many days, wherein, we made  
Both Vows and Prayers, which acceptance had;  
In them we made some shows of penitence  
For that, which gave him cause to take offence,  
And for an Ahab-like humiliation,  
GOD, of his dooms, vouchsafed a mitigation;  
Yet, still, the very same, our Courses be.  
Now, GOD, will have his days as well as we.  
He hath decreed a time, wherein, he will  
As we have done our pleasure, his fulfil;  
And who can tell, how slowly, or how soon,  
That, which he hath resolved, shall be done?   

What look we for? Lo, on a day of note,  
Our Shepherd, our Protector, he hath smote.  
A Prince, of whom our own and neighbouring Nations,  
Had great proofs, and far greater expectations:  
Beyond his set day, if he spared not him,  
How can we hope, he will defer our time?  
Who knows, but that, if it succeeded thus  
With him in one year, One year more to us  
May be as fatal, if we still put off  
Repentance, and at this forewarning scoff?   

Protector, and ye Counsellors of State,  
Be therefore wise, before it be too late:  
Ye Princes, and ye Judges of the Land,  
Learn, and observe what GOD hath now in hand:  
And all ye people throughout these three Nations,  
Take notice of those dreadful Visitations  
Which are portended, that, they may be made  
Quite void, and have Effects to make you glad.  
Trust not in Riches, for, they wings have got,  
And, will fly off, when you suspect it not.  
Trust not in Earthly Power; for 'twill at length,  
Break, and be ruined, by its own strength.  
Trust not in Princes; For you can of none  
Have more hopes, than you had of him that's gone;  
But, trust him, who, doth no man's trust deceive;  
Of whom nor Death, nor ought else can bereave;  
And, who, nor Love, nor Power, nor wisdom lacks  
To finish, what for you he undertakes.   

Think, and speak soberly of him that's gone;  
For, he the work of GOD hath carried on,  
So far as his appointed Station went;  
And, being but a mortal Instrument  
Made of the selfsame brittle earthen stuff,  
That others are, was not, of so much proof  
Against the baneful Flatteries of those,  
Who seemed his true Friends, as against his Foes  
In open Field, who could not act the part  
Of such as made their Batteries on his heart.   

I look upon his Failings as mine own,  
And neither whilst he lived made them known,  
(Nor will disclose them further being dead)  
But, that the living may be profited,  
And that, GOD may be honoured as he ought  
By that which to remembrance should be brought.  
My Conscience bears me witness that I know  
No malice, in my heart against a Foe,  
Much less against a Friend, whom I professed  
To serve; and who, to his own Interest  
(In what he from the right-way did decline)  
Did much more injury, then unto mine.  
His Words and Deeds, were all the means I had  
To know him by; and what Result was made  
By me thereon, I did since his decease  
Thus briefly in an Epitaph express,  
Which here I'll add, the Censures to prevent  
Both of the flatterer and Malevolent,  
Who (in a manner) crucify his Name,  
Betwixt a Glorious and Inglorious Fame  
As much as may be, to advance self-ends,  
And nullify, what GOD, thereby intends.    

The EPITAPH.  


HEre Dead He lies; who, Living here,  
Was Britain's greatest Hope and Fear.  
And, by what was on Him bestown,  
Had all His Equals overgrown:  
His Predecessor's Sins and our,  
Made way for Him to Sovereign Power;  
By rendering that an Act of Reason  
And Justice, which had else been Treason.  
No Prince, was ever heretofore  
More praised, or dispraised more.  
Advantages, few ever won  
So great: None lost so great a one.  
This World afford no Pattern can  
Which better shows what is in Man.  
His Virtues, were mough to do,  
So much as GOD designed Him to.  
He Failings had: But, when lived any  
That had not every way as many,  
If he (whilst here abode he made)  
Such Tempter's and Temptations had?  
Presume not therefore; but with Fear  
Mind, what you know, and see, and hear:  
Yea heed, what GOD, and Men have done,  
But judge none but yourselves alone;  
And aim in chief, how to increase  
GOD's Glory, and the Public Peace.    


This Change, and failing of our Expectations,  
In many several Things, which have Relations  
To Us and Him, forewarn us to pursue  
Some speedy Course, Confusion to eschew,  
And fortify our Peace: But, what to do  
Few know, or what will best conduce thereto;  
Nor shall know, till a Parliament convenes  
To search what GOD, this Prince, & People means.  
In order to their wished-for Settlement,  
The State hath chose another Instrument,  
Whom GOD, hath in the room of OLIVER,  
Permitted to be his Probationer.  
In Prudence, this Expedient they have used,  
Lest our Confusions, growing more confused,  
Might bring in Anarchy: And if they now,  
Pursue what GOD's, and humane Laws allow,  
And shall not Arbitrarily proceed  
Aught further, then unquestionable Need  
Necessitates, till those things on their Basis  
Are fixed, which were thrust out of their places:  
It may in little time, conduce to that  
Which Men of single Heart, have aimed at.  
But, who, or what, will henceforth be a Bar  
To Righteousness, the Sequel must declare,  
And will make manifest, what Mask soever  
It put upon an opposite Endeavour.   

If he hath conscientiously been chose,  
(Which none but GOD and his Electors knows)  
Our Peace, by this Prince, will be furthered more,  
Then by him whom we wrought with heretofore.  
Although he brings not such APPEARANCES  
Either for His, or Our Advantages,  
As did his Predecessor: for we may  
Find those Defects supplied another way;  
Yea, want perhaps, of what the former had  
In some kinds, may to our advantage add.  
Time, oft discovers in a timely season,  
What cannot be till then discerned by Reason.  
Wise Samuel, failed in his conjecturing  
Which of the Sons of Jesse should be King.  
A Man of War, now fittest for the Throne  
Some thought; but, we behold installed thereon  
A Man of Peace: And if in his Probations  
He bide the Test, he shall be to these Nations,  
A Fortress of Defence, in spite of those,  
Who, in his Government, shall him oppose;  
Provided, we obstruct not Providence,  
By persevering in impenitence.   

The Supreme Title, is on him conferred,  
And, by what way soever it was acquired,  
That, for the present with a Sovereign Power  
Invests him; and whatever we call our,  
Is in his hands, with all th' Authority  
Which Sceptres, Globes, or Crowns do signify.  
And, of that Dignity he stands possessed  
(By GOD's permissive Providence, at least)  
Not that he should Usurp, or challenge them,  
As due unto his Father's House, or Him;  
But, being forfeited by our Transgression,  
Them, in his hands he hath by sequestration,  
To be secured there, till by Penitences,  
A pardon, be sued out, for our Offences,  
That, what, by Nature's Law, and by GOD's Word,  
To us belongeth, may be then restored:  
For, GOD, Almighty, to no other ends,  
Such Seizures, by a Sovereign Prince intends:  
Save when, on wicked Nations he bestows  
A wicked Prince, for both their overthrows.   

If to GOD's ends, he Quadrate his Desire,  
He, shall become, far greater than his Sire.  
He shall do nobler things, then ere he did;  
More he shall Conquer, than he conquerred:  
Affairs, which he of whom we are bereft,  
Both difficult and in confusion left,  
He shall reduce to Order; not alone  
Subduing Men and Realms, as he hath done,  
But conquer also, those destructive Evils,  
Which would destroy all, and triumph o'er Devils.  
Nay, though he had been, either by his Youth,  
By Flatterers, pretending zeal to Truth,  
Or if he by a carnal Hope or fear  
Of Danger, had been tempted to adhere  
To those Designs, which under fair pretences,  
May, to the Public Rights, do violences;  
Yet, if he shall conform to GOD, and them,  
Whose Love, and Counsel, he should not contemn;  
It shall (by much) a greater honour do him,  
Then Sceptres, Crowns, and Thrones, can add unto him.  
Yea, if upon the day of his Probation  
He to the Supreme Council of this Nation,  
(Assembled lawfully, and duly chose)  
Shall rather hearken, then give ear to those  
Who flatter him in secret; they shall never  
Forsake him, but his Servants be for ever.  
It shall on him, confer more Happiness  
Then, I in words, abm able to express.  
Win him more Love than can by gold be bought,  
Bring in more Joy, keep Terrors better out,  
And (whilst on Earth he lives) secure him more,  
Then if each single Soldier were a score;  
And, were my Life, of value to be pledged  
For that Adventure, it should be engaged.   

Contrariwise, if he their Lore pursue  
Who will persuade him, that all is his due  
Which he can grasp; or shall instead of Law  
Employ the sword, to keep Freemen in awe;  
GOD, will arise; and none shall need to strive,  
A Remedy, by Violence, to contrive.  
For if we wait on him, and sit but still,  
Submitting patiently unto his Will,  
Our Chief Oppressors he will cause to be  
Their own destruction, and so set us free.  
Or, make our Foes our Friends, and back restore  
All that was taken from us heretofore.  
By such means, GOD in former times released  
His People, who by Tyrants were oppressed,  
As doth appear, by that which did befall  
In Babylon, and in th' Egyptian-thral,  
Where, not a man made use of hand, or tongue  
To free himself, by violence, from wrong,  
Except by Prayers, which (although offence  
It gives to some) is lawful violence.  
And, by some such means when GOD's time is come,  
Our Bondage, we shall be delivered from.   

GOD, hath a thousand ways, to break the power  
Of twenty thousand Tyrants in an hour;  
Yet, may prove many Tools, till he finds one,  
Or, moe, to finish what he hath begun.  
If this turn Edge, he, peradventure may  
Take those again, that have been fling away,  
Which being purged in Afflictions Fire,  
Will, now be pliable to his Desire.  
Their Actings, whom we now impow'red see,  
Will shortly, evidently signal be,  
Of what shall follow: But, I fear th' event,  
Will not produce a happy Settlement,  
Till our trusties, Elected shall appear  
For Conscience-sake, more than for Belly-Cheer,  
Or suchlike by-respects; (by which we seem  
To have our Birthrights in a mean esteem:)  
And, till, GOD, likewise, hath by Lot a Voice,  
(As well as men) both in the future Choice  
Of our protectors; and of others too,  
Who must help act the work that's yet to do.  
But, this will be no pleasing Proposition  
To Avarice, Selfseeking and Ambition.   

There's yet a Sign (to which things fore-exprest  
Relation have) more signal than the rest,  
Which, if it shall continue as it hath  
Continued, will add Vengeance, unto Wrath;  
And, what vain hope soever, we may cherish,  
We, with our Prince and Government, shall perish.  
GOD, where this grows predominant, despises  
All Vows, Tears, Prayers, Cries and Sacrifices,  
Fasts and Thanksgivings: For, he finds them all  
Where this remains, but Hypocritical.  
This is that Sign, which did in every Age,  
Those irrevocable Foredooms presage,  
That introduced the final Desolations,  
Of all those mighty Empires, Kings and Nations,  
Whereof there's little left now, but a Name,  
Preserved among us by an empty Fame,  
For our Examples: This is that which shook  
Their Thrones, their Crowns defaced, their Sceptres broke:  
Yet, this Sign is upon us, at this day;  
From us, with speed, remove it LORD, away.   

You look, as men expecting I should show  
What Sign that is. Good GOD! what do you know  
If this you know not? Do you not behold  
That Sign, by what I have already told?  
Are you asleep Friends? have you neither Ears  
Nor Eyes, that, undiscerned this yet appears?  
Do you not hear the Groans of Men distressed?  
The Loud-loud Cries, of those who are oppressed?  
Nor what a sad Complaint attested stands  
This day, by many hundreds of their hands?  
Have you not heard, how Prisoners do complain?  
Nor seen what Tears are poured out in vain  
By Widows and poor Orphans? see ye not  
What vast Estates are by Oppressors got,  
To their undoing, who their Livelihood,  
Their Fathers, Husbands, or their Brother's Blood  
Lost for the Public? see you not how sad  
(Poor souls) they are? how lean, and how unclad?  
Have you not heard a Merciless-Decree  
Condemn the Just, and set the Wicked free?  
Do you not see, that, hundreds of Petitions  
Have many years made known men's sad conditions,  
Without Compassion? and what disregard  
Befalls them, who have merited reward?  
Observe you not, that they, who made complaints  
Even unto those who are esteemed Saints,  
Find them as senseless of their saddest moans,  
As men hewed out of Blocks, or carved in stones?  
And, that Hypocrisy (in GOD's account  
The worst of sins) is now grown Paramount?  
Have you not seen Blood, as if water spilt,  
And Black Designs with Golden Colours guilt?  
Nor many foul Offences made appear  
As if they meritorious Actions were?  
Perceive you not, who joining are together,  
Who give and take Power, to and from each other,  
To re-infringe our Christian Liberty?  
And, by pretending Zeal to Piety,  
Or Civil peace, advance the Interest  
Of our old Foe, the Sevenheaded Beast,  
With his False Prophet? and invented have  
A Grin, both Soul and Body to enslave?   

Perceive you not, that Importunities,  
Which made one from his Bed and Children rise,  
(And moved a Judge, who feared not GOD nor Men)  
Prevails not now, as it prevailed then?  
And, that, men's tender Mercies are become  
More cruel, than their Cruelties to some?  
Nay, see you not, this Sign more signal made  
By that, which our Apostasies now add?  
And, that, this day, we do apparently  
Stand guilty of the great'st Apostasy  
From our first Covenants, Vows and Protestations,  
Then ever could be charged on these Nations?  
Observe you not, what foolish Prophecies  
We take up? how, of Fictions and of Lies  
We make us Refuges, as heretofore  
They did, whose Paper-Works, we down have tore?  
And how the lying Prophets and the Priests  
Comply, to save their carnal Interests?  
Have you not lately taken observation,  
That Laws by gross, have had a confirmation,  
Of which there's nothing on Record, (or little)  
To warrant them, except their Names or Title?  
And heed you not what Mischiefs that abuse  
With suchlike, may insensibly produce?   

Well, GOD, forgive us all; for I believe  
These things you may apparently perceive.  
But, if you shall make doubt, whether or no  
It be, as I believe, or else, not so,  
To GOD Himself, for trial I'll appeal,  
And, to the People of this Commonweal,  
Who, know what's done, and will not be afraid  
To justify what may be truly said.  
For, when this Sign is fixed; though men look high  
Or big, it shows Destruction draweth nigh.  
Yea, though the proud may seemingly contemn  
This Sign, it will impressions leave on them:  
For, horrid inward Pangs, and secret Dread  
Will seize upon their Hearts, when this is read;  
And that great Storm of Brimstone, Fire, and Snares,  
Which GOD, for men impenitent prepares,  
Will oft to mind be brought; and waking keep  
Their eyes, sometimes, when they desire to sleep.   

But to be plain (why should there be a doubt  
Of that whereof, Proofs need not to be brought?)  
I, see the want of Justice and Compassion  
(The most apparent Sign of Desolation)  
So evident; that, I, do boldly here  
Before GOD, Men and Angels, witness bear  
That our Oppressions are at this day more  
Than ere I knew them at one time before,  
Since first I knew the world; though I have been  
No stranger where men's actings best are seen;  
And, where I saw (for their and our Offences)  
Six Parliaments cut off by Violences,  
Or by untimely ends, within the space  
Of these last twenty years, and somewhat less:  
Yea, though I've seen two Governments a-row  
Destroyed for Injustice; and see now  
A Third endangered; which thus makes me speak,  
And like the Son of Croesus, forth to break  
Into expressions beyond Expectation,  
To make men seek their timely Preservation.  
For this Sign is so fatal, that unless  
It quickly be removed by Righteousness  
And Brotherly Compassion, we shall never  
Enjoy that Peace for which we do endeavour.   

Some, naytheless, will judge me worthy blame  
And punishment, thus to disclose the shame  
Of this my Nation; and, I should confess  
That for so doing, I deserved no less,  
If Malice had inclined me thereunto;  
Or, if I ought have aggravated so,  
That it exceedeth Truth; or, if o'er-blown  
These Crimes had been, unless by me made known.  
But, 'tis not so, nor so; And, if he may  
Deserve the Rod, who doth but write or say  
What is misdone, (and speaks it with intent  
Those Mischiefs which may follow to prevent)  
What merit they, who act them without care  
Of what sad things, they certain Symptoms are?   

That this bears Date the last day of December  
In sixteen hundred fifty eight, remember;  
And, that a Reconcilement be before  
We have provoked GOD's Patience, one year more;  
Lest, I myself, be made another Sign  
Of what the former Symptoms predivine.  
For, those Confusions Which distract this Sat,  
Are typified in my outward Fate,  
And printed on me, by that violation  
Of Justice, which defiles this Generation.  
They seem to have enough in outward show,  
To bear their Port, to pay the Debts they owe,  
And for the future a sufficiency:  
So also, if I had my Right, have I.  
As (notwithstanding this) with much ado  
They, now subsist: So, fares it with me too.  
As, at the present, their Expenses be  
More than their Incomes; So it is with me.  
They have more Foes than Friends; And much I am  
Deceived, if I may not say the same.  
My Foes and troubles in another year  
May ruin me; and so will theirs I fear  
If he on whose assistance I depend  
Prevents not what their Foes and mine intent,  
Before another year wheels round, I may  
Enjoy an outward peace; And so shall they,  
If they embrace the means, that will be shown,  
And, follow not Devices of their own.  
Yea, that perhaps, which will to them betid,  
Shall in my Lot, be first pretypifide.  
If timely Justice, be vouchsafed to me,  
By timely Mercies, they relieved shall be:  
If I, permitted am to be destroyed,  
Their power, may not long after be enjoyed:  
And GOD so much incensed may appear  
(As with the Jews once) that, he none will hear  
But for himself, who ere from thenceforth stands  
Within the Gaps, to keep Plagues from these Lands.   

Thus, in plain language, and in homely Rhymes  
You have a brief Character of these times,  
Made on a sleight occasion; to awake  
The drowsy; that more heedful, it may make  
Men heedless; and him to be somewhat wiser  
Who is not of good Counsel, a Despiser.  
A Soldier's dream, but of a barly-Cake  
Told to his fellow, when he did awake,  
And Spirited with his Interpretation,  
Produced an Effect, worth observation;  
And so may this, although to some, it seem,  
No better than a silly Soldier's dream.  
I'll add no more (though much more add I might)  
For, here will be too much for them to sleight,  
Who, in those Flatteries, much more pleasure have  
That send them with dishonour to the Grave,  
Then in plain spoken Truths, which would to them  
Have brought salvation, if embraced in time.  
And here, will be enough to startle some,  
To stir up others, till th' Alarm come  
To such a number, as may then suffice  
To make a reconciling Sacrifice.  
Unless we Sodom-like, stand unreformed  
Until with Fire and Brimstone, we are stormed.   

This SALT, made out of SALT, I took occasion  
To boil up, for the service of my Nation  
To this height, as conceiving it was meet  
To keep what's yet unputrified sweet,  
And those corrupted humours to expel  
Which in GOD's nostrils have an evil smell.  
I hope, men will not throw it in mine eyes,  
Neither so universally despise  
These timely warnings, that they shall by none  
To good effect, be read, and thought upon:  
And, if but two or three, shall thereby gain  
Some benefit, I have not lost my pain.   

Mine be the shame, if I, hereby to him  
Intent disgrace, whose Verses, are my Theme.  
I did but thus, his Mercury calcine  
For Physic; Let him do as much by mine;  
And, if, ought from my failings, he deduce  
Which may to others, be of wholesome use,  
I, shall be pleased; because, what lose I may  
In one kind, will be gained another way.  
But, if he hath, so generous a mind  
As to believe he hath, I am inclined,  
He will return me thanks, that I have used  
To no worse purpose, that which he hath mused.  
Yea, and rejoice, that, what in sport he writ,  
This needful premonition did beget.    


WHen I had penned this, and o'erviewed the same,  
Therewith considering what a worm I am,  
What they are, who, offence thereat may take;  
What misconstructions, Prejudice may make;  
With what scorn and contempt it may be read;  
And, having therewithal considered  
That, I, am one adhering to no Faction,  
To give me countenance in such an Action.  
Nor having in myself, power to defend me,  
From Injuries, nor Patron to befriend me;  
It quailed my Courage; and I'll not dissemble,  
It made my heart ache, and my Flesh to tremble.  
And I had hid my Talon in the ground,  
Unless, a timely Cordial had been found.  
But, he who gave it, my faint heart revived;  
From him, new Resolutions I received,  
Wherewith confirmed, my Soul to him addressed  
Such Muse, as are next, in Words expressed.    


LORD GOD, if, to thy- glory, this may tend,  
Give it, some way a Passport to that end,  
And set thy Imprimatur thereupon;  
For, Thou hast done it, if it be well done:  
If it be such, as will not honour thee,  
'Tis mine, and as mine, let it smothered be.   

I feel a strong persuasion, in my mind,  
That, hereunto, I was by thee inclined  
And, that, there may be somewhat more expressed,  
Whereby, thine, and the Public Interest  
May be advanced; which if it be so,  
And, thou shalt please, to call me thereunto,  
By giving me a Spirit, that may fit  
So weak an Agent, to adventure it,  
I'll prosecute it home, although it shall  
Cost all, which in this World, I mine can call.   

I have been subject to some Hesitations,  
Through pity, to those dear and near Relations,  
Which thou on me bestow'dst; and thereby, have  
Lost much, which by that means, I thought to save,  
To make me take more heed, by, and from whom  
All things that shall advantage me, must come:  
Them, therefore, henceforth, I resolve to trust  
To thy disposal, whom, I knew so just,  
That, thou of those, unmindful canst not be,  
Who truly place their Confidence on thee:  
And, now to fix in me, a Confidence  
For time to come, upon thy Providence,  
By those Experiments, which I have seen,  
I will confess, what thou, to me hast been.   

So universally thou dost extend  
Thy Love, that, all men it doth comprehend,  
Who shall not wilfully reject thy Grace,  
When thou, to them shalt offer an embrace;  
And, all things dost vouchsafe, which may enable  
To honour thee, or make life comfortable,  
So far, as we may carnal things possess,  
Without obstructing, our chief happiness.  
To evidence this gratiousness of thine,  
No living man's experience outgoes mine:  
For, every Faculty of mine hath heard  
Thy wondrous Mercies, thereunto declared  
In its own language, to th' intelligence  
As well of every Passión, and each sense,  
As of my Reason; so, that I can say  
They have to me, abounded every way.   

For since I knew the World (even ever since)  
Thine, extraordinary providence  
Hath watched over me; and, I, from none  
Have had subsistence, but, from thee alone;  
Or, by those, whom no temporal Relation  
Can move thereto, without thine Invitation;  
Kind'red have been to me, in wants and dangers,  
If not my Foes, at best, more strange than Strangers:  
And, not the smallest portion of my wrong  
Hath from their malice, or their envy sprung.  
Few have been more Censorious of my ways,  
Or, apt to believe what malice says.   

That, which my secret Foes designed had,  
To ruin my estate, thereto did add;  
And, through thy mercy, more unto me gave  
Then ere I got, by all the Friends I have.  
Friendships acquired by mine own endeavour,  
And, all my own works, have been fruitless ever;  
Except it were, to bring those troubles on me,  
Which have no less than twice or thrice undone me,  
And made work for thy Mercy. Thrice, thou hast  
Redeemed me, when in Prison I was cast  
By Supreme Power; and freed me without shame,  
When I was threatened, by the voice of Fame  
With loss of limb and tortures, and knew none  
On whom I could rely but thee alone.  
Through dangers, into safety, thou hast led me;  
And, when I wanted meat, by Ravens fed me.  
Twice, nigh as poor as Job, I have been made;  
And every time, that, which was lost, I had  
To me returned double; without cheating  
The Commonwealth; or private men defeating,  
Of what to them belonged; Nor, by wiving,  
(Which is to some, a sudden way of thriving)  
Was my Estate repaired; nor thereunto,  
Did I, by fawning upon Friend or Foe,  
Add aught; nor ever had a Legacy  
To me bequeathed, these losses to supply;  
But, by such means, that, if I should declare it,  
Few would, perhaps, believe it, when they hear it.  
For, I confess, that I myself do wonder,  
When past, and present things, I duly ponder,  
In what great Wants, I, without Want have lived,  
And under what Oppressions, I have thrived.  
This makes the World, which hitherto hath grudged  
That, I, with what is hers should be enriched,  
(As many think I am) to wonder more  
How I, whom she intended to keep poor,  
Subsist in her despite, then, how all they  
Grew wealthy, who were beggars t'other day:  
And from her sight, thy Bounty, being hid,  
She thinks, I thrived, as her Servants did.  
And, leaves no means unpractised, to destroy  
That Competency, which, I yet enjoy.   

When to be thought poor, it may do me shame,  
(Or, make me poorer, than she thinks I am)  
She taketh all occasions, then, to say  
That, more I own, than ever I can pay.  
When to be deemed rich, may deprive of that  
Which is my due; she trebles my Estate.  
But to prevent the mischief, which thereby  
Had else ensued, thou sentest in a supply;  
And, always, hast enabled me, at least  
To bear the weight, wherewith, I was oppressed.   

Thou, likewise, keptest me without shame of face,  
Maugre Detractions, malice, when Disgrace  
Was then, and there intended, where it might  
With most disparagement, on me alight:  
And though but few, more scandalised have been,  
Few, of my Rank, have lived in more esteem.  
Thou, from the violence of great Oppressors  
Of Pieties, and Friendship's, false Professors  
Hast often saved me; yea, and from the Rage  
Of those, to whom, I long since did presage  
What they, and I, saw afterward inflicted,  
According as my Muses had predicted;  
And, they, who then, for that, at me did rave,  
Have many years, lain quiet in the Grave.   

In that great Pestilence (whereof no time  
Hath mentioned the like, in this our Clime)  
Thou didst preserve me, when on every side,  
In short time, many twenty thousands died,  
Though underneath the selfsame Roof I lay,  
Where many by that Plague were took away,  
That I might leave that Judgement on record,  
To them who were reserved for the sword:  
And when the Sword was sent his work to do,  
From that, thy Mercy, did preserve me too.   

Thou hast, moreover, from the menacing  
And dreadful Wrath of an incensed King  
Delivered me, without a Mediator,  
Or back receding in the smallest matter,  
From Truths averred. Thou from th'unjust intent  
Of Evil Members in a Parliament  
Didst twice preserve me: and, all those Neglects,  
Of Justice, and those other sad effects  
Which I have suffered, Demonstrations be  
What, most men are, and what thou art to me.  
Nay (which is more than this) thou hast, thereby  
Not only shown to me the Vanity  
Of other men; but also, made mine own  
Deficiencies unto myself, more known:  
And both my Sins and Follies to appear  
More my advantage, than my Virtues were:  
For, those things, which the Devil to undo me  
Designed; and whereto Flesh and Blood did woe me,  
Thou mad'st to be a means of Preservations  
From those, and also, from the like Temptations;  
And all the troubles, which the world brings on me,  
With those great Injuries which have been done me,  
(Instead of harming me) have in the Dust  
But tumbled me, to rub away the Rust;  
Or been a necessary Discipline,  
To fit me for those Services of Thine,  
Which else had been omitted to this day;  
Or, if done, not so done, as now they may:  
For which my Soul out of that Dust doth raise  
A Voice, in Hallelujahs, to thy Praise.   

Yet lest, these thy great Mercies, might at length,  
Prove ineffectual, by that little strength  
Which is in Flesh and Blood, if they were quite  
Deprived of that, wherein they take delight;  
THOU, who knowst what defects are in man's nature,  
(And therefore art indulgent to thy Creature)  
Hast graciously been pleased to intermingle  
What might distaste, or be unwholesome single;  
So temp'ring sweet with sour, that I by neither  
Might harm receive, but Good from both together:  
And, wheresoe'er I live, dost still provide  
To neighbour me, one of the Sons of Pride,  
To make me watchful, and consider well  
Where I yet am; and, among whom I dwell.   

To me, Thou likewise hast vouchsafed a share  
In whatsoever Pleasant doth appear  
To men of all Degrees, who grow not mad  
Or drunk, by those Delights, which they have had:  
For Poverty and Sorrow have to me  
Made Common things, more pleasureful to be  
Then their chief Dainties, who to that are born  
Which must be won by others, ere 'tis worn;  
Who have but such Enjoyments at the best,  
As they, who come full gorged to a Feast.  
Yet, when of those Delights, I am bereaved,  
By whose enjoyment, I content received;  
They leave not, (when departing I do find them)  
A Bitterness upon my Soul behind them;  
But, give the better appetite to those  
Whose taste, and pleasure, I shall never lose:  
And LORD, it flows from thy great Mercy, too,  
That, flesh and blood, should willingly forgo  
What constitutes themselves, to place affection  
Upon an inconceivable Perfection.   

Though, (as Thou knowst) the world my Foe hath been,  
And, would afford me little share therein;  
A Portion I have also, there acquired  
By thy Freegrace, more than I once desired:  
And when I coveted more to possess,  
(Though by a lawful means,) thou mad'st it less,  
To mind me, that, nought will with me endure,  
Save what by Thy mere Bounty, I procure.  
If, therefore, it be lost, confess I must  
That, Thy permission of it will be just;  
And, with contentment, I will let it go,  
Though all the rest, be taken from me too:  
For, I most covet those things to enjoy,  
Which neither I, nor others can destroy:  
And, though sometime, Thy Cup imbittered be,  
By those distempers which remain in me,  
I take it, naytheless, with true Thanksgiving,  
And would not change my Lot with any living.   

Though out of Levity and Custom, too,  
I, every day, think, wish, and speak, and do  
Like other foolish Men: yet, if I know  
Mine own Mind, though Thou wouldst on me bestow  
All I could wish, for wishing; I would wave  
That Grant: and only ask of Thee to have  
What Thou wilt; and that Thou wouldst take away  
My Self-will, though my Life upon it lay:  
For nought I now desire, to have or be,  
But what may be best pleasing unto Thee:  
And, if this temper could be still retained,  
Men would believe, what they, yet, think is feigned.   

To fortify my Faith, and that desire  
Wherewith, at present, Thou dost me inspire,  
Thus of thy Mercies past, I have in part  
Confession made: and, if I know my heart,  
I durst not them before Thee thus aver,  
Who knowest all things, if untrue they were.  
Yet, pardon my mistakes, if any be,  
And, make, what I conceive thou art to me,  
A Pledge, of what thou wilt be, to mine end.  
Above all other Enemies, defend  
And, save me from myself: For, World nor Devil,  
Can then inflict upon me any evil,  
That shall deprive me of aught transitory,  
Which may advance my welfare, or thy Glory.   

Next to my self, my second-self, and They  
Who sprung from us, do stand most in the way  
To hinder me, in that, whereto, my mind  
Persuadeth me, it is by thee inclined:  
For, my respect to them, I must confess,  
Oft, makes me guilty of faint-heartedness.  
Oh! be so merciful to them and me,  
That, neither of us, may a Grievance be  
Unto each other, in what doth pertain  
To Thy Affairs, whilst we on Earth remain;  
Or make us, with Reluctancy, to spare  
Ourselves to serve Thee; Or, what is more dear  
To either, than ourselves: But, give each other  
To thee, that we in thee, may live together  
When we are called hence, and timely know  
Our Bliss consists not in things here below.   

I know, Thou art well pleased it should be thus,  
And that, hereto Thou wilt enable us:  
For, though I feel them, to be somewhat nearer  
Unto my Flesh, Thou to my Soul art dearer;  
And, as thou gav'st them when they were desired,  
I'll back return them, when they are required,  
With mine own Soul to boot: Do not despise  
This All; For, in these, All, I sacrifice.   

To Thee, for these Relations, I am Debtor,  
Than which I know no man enjoyeth better,  
Who meriteth so little the possessing  
Of any extraordinary Blessing.  
Yet, if thou hast a Work to call me to,  
By which, I may my Self, and them undo,  
I'll undertake it, so, Thou stand but by me,  
And shalt thereto, with needful Power supply me.  
Yea, though Thou shalt no more Thy Blessings double  
As heretofore; but waste away in trouble  
(By multiplied Sufferings, Wants, and Grief)  
The remnant of my, yet, prolonged Life;  
I am resolved, that, I will never more  
Thereat, repine again, as heretofore:  
But only pray, my Sins, may be forgiven,  
Believe, and love, and seek my LOT in Heaven.  
LORD, keep me in this mind; and then, let MAN,  
World, Flesh, and Devil, do the worst they can.     

Sarcasmus Aenigmaticus. Hereto is added the following Riddle, with the occasion of composing it, as neither altogether impertinent to what precedes, nor to what is counselled by this Portion of Scripture;  Answer a Fool, according to his foolishness, lest he be wise in his own conceit, Prov. 26.5. 

AS well, to Foes, as Friends, I thought it fit  
To show this Poem, ere I published it,  
Because a Foe, sometimes, let's fall a word,  
Which (heeded well) more Caution may afford  
Then friendly Censurers: And, to that end,  
When I to some had read what here is penned;  
By them, proposed jeering Questions were,  
Fit for no Answer but by Counter-jeer.  
Yet I will Answer them, when unto me  
This following RIDDLE, shall unriddled be.   

WHat may that be, which, when it is Expressed  
Is most Unknown? Is Worst, when 'tis at Best?  
And when it is at Greatest, then 'tis Lest?  
'Tis Black and White, Red, Yellow, Blue and Green;  
Yet, Understood, Felt, Smelled, Herd, Tasted, Seen;  
Neither now is, nor shall be, nor hath been.  
To any one, who tells me what it is,  
That's answerable every way to this,  
I do engage; and thereto set my hand,  
To tell him any thing he doth demand.   
George Wither.    

ERRATA.  
PAge 1. line 20 for Vines, read Pines.  
Page 9 line 25. for superadded, read Superseded.  
Page 18. line 32. for because, read became.  
Page 22. line 8. for all, read of.  
Page 23. line 11. for puffed, read pass.  
Page 24. line 14. put out or.   

A bitter-sweet Passion of the Soul, Expressed in A HYMN to GOD. By The same AUTHOR.  

MY dear, my gracious GOD!  
From me, Thy Face, why hidest Thou?  
Oh! why is Thy abode  
So far, so long, removed now?  
See, how alone  
(Now Thou art gone)  
And helpless, I am left;  
Of every thing  
That joy may bring,  
Heed, how I am bereft.   

2. I, who but lately seemed  
Of many Friends beloved to be,  
And, so of some esteemed,  
As if their Souls had lived in me;  
(Though, nor neglect,  
Nor disrespect,  
Of them deserved I have)  
Am now, forlorn  
As one unborn,  
Or lodged in his Grave.   

3. The lovely Desart-Owl,  
Which dares not fly abroad by Day;  
That persecuted Fowl,  
For which the Fowler Snares doth lay;  
Is not hipt at,  
As I, of late,  
By Wagtayls, Daws and Crows.  
Nor hardlyer escapes  
His Gins and Traps  
Who seeks her overthrows.   

4. For, when with some Delight,  
My heart began on Thee to muse,  
This World, forsook me straight;  
And, ever since, doth me abuse.  
To Hate and Scorns,  
Her Love she turns;  
Her Friends, my Foes she makes:  
What slanderous Lies  
She can devise,  
Of me, she feigns, and speaks.   

5. And, now, with Vaunts and Brags,  
That, she, on me, avenged appears;  
From me, her gaudy Rags,  
With all her Gifts, away she tears:  
And not content  
So to have rend  
What was by her bestown,  
She would bereave  
(With what she gave)  
Those things, that are mine own.   

6. She doth corrupt my Friends,  
My Wrongs and Sorrows to increase;  
Job's Comforters she sends,  
To make more grievous my Distress:  
To mind she calls,  
Things true and false,  
Which may my Peace impair;  
With whatsoe'er,  
May make me fear,  
And, let in Black Despair.   

7. Not those Defects alone,  
For which, she justly me suspects,  
(Or Duties left undone,)  
To my Vexation, she objects;  
But, doth devise  
How, she likewise  
May to my blame pervert,  
What I designed  
With upright mind,  
And singleness of heart.   

8. And, (which augments my care)  
My Selfness oft with her conspires,  
Which ere I am ware  
Lets in false Fears, and vain desires;  
Which, taking part  
Against my Heart,  
Therein such Tumults make,  
That, sometimes, they  
Bear Spoils away,  
And, cause my Faith to shake.   

9 Yet this affrights me more,  
Then all their Malice, Force or Guile;  
Thou, though I Thee implore,  
Standest by, as Neuter, all the while.  
What she hath done  
Thou look'st upon,  
And, know'st what they intent;  
Yet lettest them still  
Pursue their Will,  
As if Thou wert her Friend.   

10. Oh! whither, or to whom  
Can I for Health or Comfort fly?  
If Thou, my Foe become,  
Whereon, henceforth, shall I rely?  
I hope may have  
That in the Grave  
Immortal Life may be;  
And find as well  
A Heaven in Hell,  
As Joy in aught save Thee.   

11. But, LORD, though in the dark,  
And in contempt, thy servant lies;  
On me there shines a Spark  
Of Lovingkindness from Thine eyes:  
Yea, though without  
(Quite round about)  
I am enclosed with Sin,  
Increasing Foes,  
Fears, Wars and Woes,  
Thou, Peace preservest within.   

12. For, when I looked on  
Those Terrors which begird me round,  
I thought, Thou hadst been gone,  
Because no outward Hope I found.  
Yet hide Thou wert  
Within my Heart,  
Still present, all the while,  
And my late Fear  
Doth false appear:  
For, now I see Thee Smile.   
FINIS.