A New Wonder: OR, A strange and True Account from Shrewsbury of a Dreadful Storm, which happened on the 4th of May last, 1681. at or about Mid-night, which the people that heard it supposed to be Hail, but finding their mistake by the Day-light, were all possessed with Astonishment. The Truth thereof is attested by several of the place, as being Eye-witnesses of the Premises.  
To the Tune of, Troy Town.  
 

IT is well known for some years past,  
strange wonders we have often seen;  
A Wonder very lately past,  
more Strange in England hath not been:  
Such Miracles let's keep in mind,  
Least we an Angry God do find.   

Mind well my Words, and you shall hear  
a Wonder that is Strange and True,  
Which did in Shrewsbury appear,  
to the amazed Spectaters view:  
And in the dead time of the Night,  
Which many hundreds then did fright.   

 
A mighty Storm of Hail, as they  
did by the noise it made suppose;  
For long time it went not away,  
while Wonders in the hearers grows:  
It clattered so against the Glass,  
That all that heard it troubled was.   

But when the dawning of the day,  
brought proof to their deceived ears;  
That knew not what to think or say,  
they more and more were filled with fears:  
For that which Hail they thought to be,  
Resembled Corn, they all did see.   

Some looked White, and some looked read,  
and some was of a sadder hue,  
Some almost black, as it is said,  
by those that did this Wonder view:  
A Husk upon't there was likewise,  
No human Art could this device.   

And some that little patience had,  
to try experience soon made hast;  
Although their hearts were dull and sad,  
they of this new come Corn would taste:  
And trying if 'twas good to eat,  
They said it was exceeding sweet.   

And what this mighty wonder means,  
there's none can tell but God alone;  
'tis he that sends things in extremes,  
'tis he he that makes such wonders known:  
Then let our hearts to him incline,  
He's good and just, and all Divine.   

But doubtless all the Wonders which  
we have in England lately seen,  
Strange things portends to poor and rich,  
although we know not what they mean:  
O let us then for Death prepare,  
Lest it doth seize us unaware.   

How gracious is he that Creates  
the World and all that is therein;  
All kind of Cruelty he hates,  
and still fore-warns us from our Sin:  
But we like sinful Wretches bold,  
Walk on in Sin as uncontrolled.   

No dreadful Signs of Blazing-Stars  
can rouse up England to awake,  
The Fire, the Pestilence, nor Wars,  
can make your S●ubborn hearts to ache:  
O England then in time Repent,  
For fear you may too late Lament.   

And though this Corn to some may seem  
no dreadful Sign, mind what I say;  
As none can tell what it doth mean,  
to England it prove Fatal may:  
Let no Strange things forgotten be,  
Lest they're the last that e're you see.   

And when a Dreadful Sign is sent,  
without all doubt 'tis sure to give  
All timely notice to Repent,  
that they in peace may longer Live:  
If of these Signs you take no care,  
England I say, beware, beware.    

Printed for F. coals, T. Vere, J. Wright, J. clerk, W. Thackeray, and T. passenger, 1681.