THE CITIZENS REPLY To the Whore's Petition, AND Prentices Answer.  

NOw that you two have made your grievance known,  
In the third place, pray let our cause be shown,  
The Proverb says give leosers leave to speak  
And by that rule we may a freedom take;  
For why we suffer in our Reputation,  
Such things should acted be in this our nation,  
A City fameed through Europe's Continent  
To be the Prime for civil Government;  
And that a Rout under Prentices names  
Should act such things as those unto our shames  
We cannot but bewail, and henceforth shall  
Strive to redress, and to prevent them all.   

First you who think yourselves i'th' wronged condition  
And therefore take upon you to Petition,  
We do believe your josses to be great,  
And done't approve of them that did the feat;  
Yet let us tell you too, your vices were  
Far greater than the loss fell to your share;  
Your actions to such height of ill did bend  
You well might think that ill would be the end.  
You are the City's Pest-house, Suburbs sinks,  
And what proceeds from sinks but nasty stinks?  
What can expected be from such as do  
Sin with delight, but misery and woe?   

Complain not then, yourselves may rather blame,  
It was your impudence that caused the same,  
Strive to get goods by what is lawful means,  
And think not to grow rich by being Queans;  
" That never thrives which is artained by ill,  
" A little evil got much consume will.   

Forbear henceforth then to commit such facts  
You see the consequence of such bad acts,  
" Shame and confusion always is the end,  
" Of that which unto vice and sin doth tend.  
Then next to you who set the boys on work,  
(Who little thought such mischief in't did lurk)  
You who act mis heif in Prentices names  
Thinking upon them for to put the blames;  
Who by pretence of punishing of Whores  
Do rob and steal from them their wealth and stores,  
Who knows what mischief might by this arose  
When faction did with insurrection close;  
Sad might it proved if you had been cemented  
‛ Dangers foreseen are easiest prevented  
'tis good to crush the Serpents in the Eggs,  
Before such mischief stands too firm on legs;  
Some little dreaming harm may be drawn in  
And foe be punished for another's sin,  
They suffer may for all their harmless Looks;  
" What has the Daws to do among the Rooks;  
Keep far from such then as do move sedition,  
" By giving Countenance you give Commission,  
" It is encouragement to those uncivil  
" For to look on and not correct their evil.   

You rail on Whores, 'tis true, they bad do live;  
And yet yourselves as bad example give.  
Will you in such contempt and rudeness stand  
To seek to wrest the sword from Justice hand?  
What can be thought of such a bold intrusion  
But that it will bring all unto confusion.   

Sad may we think will prove that fatal day  
When a rude rout takes on them to bear sway.  
Such actions must needs shipwreck on the shelves,  
Vvho'd punish Theft and be strong Thiefs themselves,  
Do you yourselves in compass fair demean  
Justice will punish them which is obscene,  
Should Justice chance to wink, 'tis tumults curse  
To punish Vice by that which is fat worse;  
Tumults in time may to Rebellion come  
Mischiefs do after mischiefs swiftly run.   

So to conclude, le's wish you to beware,  
And in your actions have a better care,  
Though some by fair delusions in would creep,  
There's difference will be found twixt Swine and Sheep's  
And those who seek by Boys to make foul ends  
May find the hangman prove their fastest friends,  
Let insurrections have the Tyburn swing,  
We for our parts do cry, God save the KING.    

London Printed 1668.