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BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME 
 FROM THE 
 
 SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND 
 
 THE GIFT OF 
 
 Henrg W. Sage 
 
 1891 
 
Cornell University Library 
 PR 2392.B8 1880 
 
 Britain's remembrancer (cl # i # cxxviii) 
 
 3 1924 013 126 465 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013126465 
 
Britain's Remembrancer. 
 
 (do Idcxxviii.) 
 
 BY 
 
 GEORGE WITHER. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE SPENSER SOCIETY. 
 
 1880. 
 
Printed by Charles E. Simms, 
 Manchester. 
 
Britain's Remembrancer. 
 
 (cId Idcxxviii.) 
 
 BY 
 
 GEORGE WITHER. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE SPENSER SOCIETY. 
 
 1880. 
 
h.^LCdJ 
 
 Prtmted by Charles E. Simms, 
 Maschestkk. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Britain's. Remembrancer Containing A Narration of the Plagve 
 lately pad ; A Declaration of the Mischiefs prefent ; And a 
 Predillion of Ivdgments to come ; (^i Repentance prevent not) 
 It is Dedicated (for the glory of God) to Posteritie ; and, to 
 Thefe Times (if they pleafe) by Geo: Wither. 
 
 loB. 32. 8, 9, 10, 18, 21, 22. Surely, there is a fpirit in 
 man ; but the infpiration of the Almighty giveth underjlanding. 
 Great men are not alwayes wife, neither doe the aged alway 
 underfland judgement. Therefore, I fay, heare me, and I will 
 fhew alfo my opinion. For, I am full of matter ; and the fpirit 
 within mee compelleth me. I will not accept the perfon of man, 
 neither will I give flattering titles to man. For, I may not 
 ^ve flattering titles, left my Maker take me away fuddenly. 
 
 Reade all, or cenfure not : For ; He that anfwereth a mat- 
 ter before he heare it, it isjhame and folly to him. Prov. 18. 13. 
 
 Imprinted for Great Britaine, and are to be fold by Tohn 
 Grismond in Ivie-Lane. do locxxviii. 
 
 {Lowndes, p. 2965 ; Hazlitt, No. 19.) 
 
cId Iocxxviii. 
 
 Britain's Remembrancer. 
 
 (Lowndes, p. 2965 ; Hazlitt, No. 19.) 
 
The meaning of the Title page. 
 
 BEhold ; and marke ; and mind, ye Britifli Nations, 
 This dreadfull vifion of my Contemplations. 
 Before the Throne (?/" Heav'n, Jfaw, me thought, 
 This famous Ifland into queflion brought. 
 With better eares then thofe my Body beare, 
 T heard impartiall IVSTICE to declare 
 God's Benefits, our Thanklefneffe, and what 
 Small heed, his Love, or Judgements here begat. 
 I view'd eternall M E R C I E, how fhe flrot'e 
 God's j'tt/l deferved Vengeance to remove. 
 But, fo encreafi our Sinnes, and crfdfo loud. 
 That, at the lafl, Ifaw a difmall Cloud 
 Exceeding blacke, as from the Sea afcending. 
 And over all this Ifle it f elf e extending : 
 Withfuch thickefoggie Vapours, that their fkames 
 Seem' d, for a while, to darken MERCIES beames. 
 
 Within this fearfull Cloud, I did behold 
 All Plagues and Punifliments, t/iat name I could. 
 And with a trembling heart, I fear' d each houre, 
 . God would that Tempeft. on this Ifland poure. 
 
 Yet, better hopes appedr'd : for, Joe, the Rayes 
 <y M E R C Y pierc'd this Cloud, &> made fuch waies 
 Quite through thofe Exhalations, that mine eye 
 Did this Infcription, thereupon efpie ; (faid, 
 
 BRiTAiNE'i Remembrancer: &>, fotnewhat 
 Thefe words (me thought) The Storme is, yet, delaid, 
 And if ye doe not penitence defer. 
 This CLOVD is only, a REMEMBRANCER. 
 But, if ye ftill affedt impiety, 
 Expe<5l, e're long, what this may fignifie. 
 
 This having heard and feene, J thought, nor fit 
 Norfafe it were, for me tofmother it : 
 And, therefore, both to others eyes, and eares. 
 Have offred, here, what unto mine appeares. 
 Judge as yepleafe, ye Readers, this, or me: 
 Truth will be Truth, how e're it cenfur'd be, 
 
 Geo: Wither. 
 

 
 W« ij-- 
 
 L*t 
 
 ^ BTqm\sj^ni\^j}nAKci:/^ 
 
 JEWSBURY BBMAHC 
 
Britain's Remembrancer 
 
 Containing 
 
 A Narration of the Plagve lately pad ; 
 
 A Declaration oftheMlsCHlEFS prefent ; 
 
 K'o.A^ PrediSlion of IVDGMENTS to come; 
 
 {^{Repentance prevent not.) 
 
 It is Dedicated l^ox the glory of God) 
 
 to Posteritie; and, to Thefe 
 
 Times (if they pleafe) by 
 
 Geo: Wither. 
 
 lOB 32. 8, 9, 10, 18, 21, 22. 
 
 Surely, there is afpirit in man; but the infpiration of 
 the Almighty giveth underjlanding. 
 
 Great men are not alwayes wife, neither doe the aged 
 alway underjland judgement. 
 
 Therefore, I fay, keare me, and J will fhew alfo my 
 
 For, I am full of matter ; and the ffirit within m^e 
 compelleth me, 
 
 I will not accept the perfon of man, neither will I give 
 flattering titles to man. 
 
 For, J may not give flattering titles, lefl my Maker 
 take me away fuddenly. 
 
 Reade all, or cenfure not : 
 
 For ; He that anfwereth a matter before he heare it, 
 it is fhame and folly to him. Pro v. 18. 13. 
 
 Imprinted for Great Britaine, and are to be 
 fold by lOHN GRiSMONDin 
 
 Ivie-Lane. do Idcxxviii. 
 
TO 
 THE KINGS MOST 
 
 EXCELLENT 
 
 Maiestie. 
 
 MoflRoyallSIR: 
 
 BEcaufe I doubted who might firjl ferufe, 
 Thefe honeji Raptures of myjleighted Mufe ; 
 Obferving in the quality of mojl, 
 To paffe ra/h judgements (taken up) on trujl; 
 And, that according to the wits of th^fe 
 Who cenfure frfl, the common Cenfure goes : 
 Perceiving, too, with what oblique afpe£l, 
 Some glaring Comets, on my Lines reflell; 
 Awhile ypawfed, whether trufl J might 
 My plaine-pace^ d Meafures to their partiall fight, 
 Who may upon them (ire you reade them) feize. 
 And comment on my Text, as they Jhall pleafe, 
 Orfieight, or fcojfe; fuch men were knowne to me; 
 And being loth, theyfirftofallfhould be 
 My ludges ; here, I offer to your eye 
 The prime perufall of this Poefie. 
 
 For, minding well what hopes I have of You ; 
 What courfe, my Fortunes urge me to purfue; 
 What blurres, good Studies by thofe Fooles have got, 
 Whofleight defert, becaufe they know it not; 
 Whatfreedome Nature gives to ev'yfoule, 
 Tofpeakejufl things, to Kings, without controule ; 
 How farre from noble, and from wife they be. 
 Who difallow the MxSs&fhould be free ; 
 
 A 2 How 
 
To the K I N G. 
 
 How eas'iiweare, when we our minds difclofe; 
 
 What profit from our honejt boldneffe flowes ; 
 
 What Refalutions I have made mine owne. 
 
 And what good caufe there is to make them knowne: 
 
 All this well weighing, with fame Reafons moe 
 
 ( Which ufefull are for none but me to know) 
 
 7 did notfeare thefe Foems forth to bring, 
 
 To bide, atfirfl, the cenfure of a King. 
 
 And loe, on milke white paper wings they fly e, 
 
 Reade they that lift, when you have laid them by. 
 
 But, SIR, I humbly pray you ; let not fall 
 Your Doome, till you have read, and read it all: 
 For, he thatfhall by fragments this perufe. 
 Will wrong himfelfe, the Matter, and the Mufe. 
 Although a tedious Worke it may appeare, 
 Youfhall not wholly lofe your labour here. 
 For, though fome heedleffe Courtiers cenfure may 
 That on this Booke your time were caftaway, 
 I know it may your fpirits recreate. 
 Without difturbing your affaires (?/■ State ; 
 And, with more ufefull things acquaint your eares. 
 Then twenty hundred thouf and tales of theirs. 
 You alfo know, that well it fits a King, 
 To hearefuch Meffages, as now I bring. 
 And, that in doing fo, to take fome pleafure. 
 Great Monarchs thought itjuft to be at leafure. 
 
 Long fince, I have elected you to be 
 Mcecenas, to my Mufes, and to me. 
 And if my hopes in youfhall be bereft me, 
 I have no other hopes in this kind left me ; 
 Nor any purpofe, whatfoever come, 
 Tofeeke another Patron, in your roome. 
 
 Nor feeke I now, that I from you may gaine. 
 What, other times T covet for my paine. 
 
 Nor 
 
To the K I N G . 3 
 
 Nor for becaufe my heart hath any doubt. 
 That JJhall need a Friend to beare me out 
 Againjl the fury or the fraud of thofe, 
 That openly, orfecretly, oppofe 
 Such Works ; For, He that me to this doth calt^ 
 Shall fave me harmleffe, or I meane to fall. 
 Not that I fleight your favour, fpeake I this ; 
 {For deare and precious to myfoule it is) 
 But rather, that the world may know and fee, 
 How him I trujl that hath infpired me. 
 
 {Though fame fuppofe I may) I do not feari. 
 As many would, if in my cafe they were. 
 I doe notfeare the World deprive me can 
 Offuch a mind, as may beco?ne a Man j 
 ( What ever outward miferies betide) 
 For, God will Meatus, er Fortitude provide. 
 I doe notfeare (unleffe I merit blame) 
 That any one hath povdr to worke myjhame: 
 Since they who cauflefly my Namejhall fpot. 
 Reproach themfelves ; but me difparage not. 
 And,fure I am, though many feeke to fpight me. 
 That ev'ry Dog which barketh cannot bite me. 
 I oft have lookt on Death, without difmay, ? 
 
 When many thoufands he hath fwept away 
 On ev^ry fide-; and from him have not fUrr'd 
 One foot, when he mofl terrible appear' d. 
 I know ^ Want the utmofl dif contents ; 
 The cruelty of Clofe-imprifonments ; 
 The bitterneffe of Slanders and Difgrace, 
 In private corners, and in publike place:, 
 y have fuflairi d already, whatfoever 
 Defpight can adde, to wrong a good endeavor : 
 And, am become fo hopdefje of procuring 
 True Peace, (but by a peaceable enduring) 
 
 A 3 That, 
 
To the King. 
 
 That, what remaines tefufferjhall be borne : 
 And, to repine at Fortune, / willfcorne. 
 
 I doe notfeare thefrownes of mighty men, 
 Nor in Clofe-p'ifon to be lodg'd agen : 
 For, Goods, Life, Freedome, Fame, and fuch as thofe, 
 Are things which I may often gaine or lofe, 
 At others pleafures : and, o're much to prife 
 What Man may take, or give, I much defpife. 
 
 I am not fearful!,, as (1 heare) arefome, 
 What of the Times, now prefent, will becomes 
 For, God to profper them emploring fHll, 
 I fearlefly attend upon his will; 
 And am affut'd, by many Prefidents, 
 That like proceedings will have like events. 
 
 I doe notfeare thofe Criticks of your Court, 
 That may my good intentions mif report ; 
 Or fay it mif-befeemeth me to dare 
 With fuch bold language to falute your eare : 
 For, as /know your Greatnefle, I have knowne 
 What freedomes oft tJie Mufes are beflowne; 
 And, that their Servants _^ould not whine like thofe 
 Who are your daily Orators in profe. 
 
 1 feare not any man that would abufe. 
 Or in her lawfull flights affront my Mufe, 
 Becaufe, perhaps, exceptions may be tooke 
 Againfl fome paffage in the follo7ving Booke. 
 For,fhe to none hath purpofed abufe, 
 And, therefore, needs norfhelter, nor excufe. 
 And whenfhepleafeth,fhe hath meanes to fray 
 Thofe Buzzards, that would interrupt her way. 
 She dares not onely, Hobby-Zz/^if, make wing 
 At Dorrs and Butterflyes / but alfofpring 
 Tliofe Fowles that have beeneflowne at yet by none, 
 Ev'n thofe, whom our befl Hawks turne taile upon. 
 
 Not 
 
To the K I N G . 3 
 
 Not only at Crowes, Ravens, Dawes, and Kites, 
 Rookes, Owles, or Cuckowes, darejhe make her flights, 
 At -wily Magpies, or the lay that vaunts 
 In others Plumes; or, greedy Cormorants; 
 Or thofe, who being of the Kajlrell-kinde, 
 Vnworthily afpire, and fan the winde 
 For aerie Titles ; or, the Birds men rate 
 Above their value, for their idle prate. 
 At Wag tailes, bufie Titmife, orfuch like; 
 But, with her pounces, them dares alfo flrike 
 That furnifh Courtly Tables. As, oiir Gull, 
 A bird much found among the Worfliipfull. 
 Our Dottrells, which are caught by imitation. 
 Our Woodcocks, fhadowing out thatfoolifh Nation, 
 Who hide their heads, and thinke fecure they be, 
 When they themf elves their dangers doe not fee. 
 Our flrutting Peacockes, whofe harfh voice dothfhow, 
 That fame fharpeflormy windes willfhortly blow. 
 Our 'H.cmdha.-wts, flicing backwardfilth on thofe, 
 Whofe worths they dare not openly oppofe. 
 Our traiterous Mallards, which are fed and taught. 
 To bring in other wilde-fooles, to be caught. 
 Thofe Fowles, that in their over-daring pride. 
 Forget their breed, and will be Eglifide. 
 Our Britifh Barnacles, that are a dijh 
 That can be termed neither flefh norfifh. 
 Etfn thefe, or any Fowle,fhe durfl furprife. 
 If they dare croffe her, when to check fhe flies. 
 
 Or, if that any onefhall doe us wrong. 
 Who for our mounting Falcons is too flrong; 
 I can unkennell fuch an eager packe 
 Of deep-moutKd Hounds, that they afraid fhall make 
 Ourflerneft Beafls of prey, and cunning fl Vermine, 
 Ev'nfrom the Fox-fur, to ^/5efpotted Ermine. 
 
 J4 4 In 
 
To the King. 
 
 In plainer termes ; if any Jhall oppofe 
 My Mufe, when in a lawfull path Jhe goes. 
 She will not much bejiartled; but, goe neare 
 To tell them what they would be loth to heare. 
 She's none ofthofe that f pew out railing Rimes ; 
 Againjl fome publike perfons of the Times, 
 Through fpleene or envy; then, for feare, orjhame, 
 Divulge them to the world without a Name ; 
 Or hide their heads. Nor can thofe threats (that fright 
 Such Libellers) compell her not to write, 
 Vnleffe fhe pleafe : for, Jhe doth know her Warrants, 
 And f etuis her Meffengers on lawfull ar rants. 
 She utters Truth \ eifn that, which well Jhe knowes 
 Becomes her, at this prefent, to difclofe. 
 Thai cairdjhe was, to make this Declaration, 
 Shejlands affured; and of that vocation 
 Such teJUmonies hath, thai I defpife 
 His judgement who ihepow'r thereof denyes. 
 For, yours I doubt not, and if pleas' d you are. 
 For what mans cenfure living need I care ? 
 
 No fuch like pannick feare affrighteth her. 
 As that which doth her enemies deterre. 
 But, if Jhe liji, injpiie of all the rage, 
 {And all the bitter malice of this age) 
 She dares reprove, and vexe theproudjl of them. 
 Who her, and her endeavors doe contemne ; 
 Andfet (who ire they be) her markes on thofe 
 Who Vertue, in her honejl courje oppofe. 
 Yea, themfheeUl make, whom felfe-conceit befots, 
 Dijlrujl, that we difcry their fecret'Jl plots. 
 And may at pleafure, lay to open view. 
 Both what they purpofe, and whatjhall enfue 
 On their vaine Projedls ; though when they begun them. 
 They placed many veiles, and maskes, upon them. 
 
 SIR, 
 
To the K I N G . 5 
 
 SIJi, no fuch Toyes as thofe doe make mefearfull, 
 Nor of their hate or favour am I carefull. 
 Forjhelter therefore, this I brought not hither, 
 Nor am I hopefuU, or defirous either, 
 To compaffe any private profit by it. 
 Or, to my perfon any praife, or quiet. 
 For, I can hope for nothing, till I feee, 
 The World, and my defervings better be. 
 
 And, howfoever I am, now and then. 
 As foolijh in my hopes as other men ; 
 Yet, at this prefent, (and at ev'ry feafon. 
 In which my oft weake eyes of Faith and Reafon 
 Vnclofed are) me thinks, thofe things, in which 
 The world appeares mofl glorious, and mofl rich ; 
 Are no more worthy ofmyferious hopes. 
 Then Railes, Pot-guns, or the Schoole-boyes Tops. 
 
 If God will give me bread but for to day, 
 (And, but my foule vouchfafe me for a prey ) 
 Twixt him and me, there fhall be no conditions 
 For worldy honours, or for large poffeffions : 
 For, (as longfince an Ilebrew Prophet ^ii/, 
 When fuch like times, as thefe, had much difmaid 
 His fearfull Scribe) Is this a time for me 
 To feeke preferment, or made rich to be % 
 No, no ;for, if thefe dayes continue fuch 
 As now they be, each Groome will have as much 
 As hath his Lord ; and diffrence will be fmall 
 Betwixt the richefl and thepoor'fl of all 
 
 There are enough already, who defire 
 To riches, and high places to afpire. 
 There be great numbers, who will proje<5ls bring you. 
 And Bookes, and Tales; and Songs, it may be,fingyou, 
 For, their owne profit: but, there want oftk)fe. 
 That would their honors, or their livings lofe. 
 
 As Or 
 
To the K I N G . 
 
 Or hazard their preferments, to declare 
 Thofe Truths, that worthy of difdofing are. 
 
 Yet, that is all (Dread Soveraigne) I have fought, 
 In tendring you thefe Lines that I have brought. 
 And, that by my example, others may 
 Take heart tofpeake what they are bound to fay. 
 
 I know, the ods is more then ten to three, 
 That for this boldneffe mofl will cenfure me 
 
 As mador foolifh : and, my befl reward 
 Will be this comfort, that I boldly dar'd 
 Tofpeake the needfull Truth, at fuck a time. 
 
 In which the bravefl vertue feemes a crime. 
 I doe expell this wife-appearing age 
 
 Should at thefreedome of my Poeme rage. 
 
 And, thatfome witty ScornQTsfhould abufe 
 With taunting Epithites, my honefi Mufe ; 
 
 As ifjhe were produced by Chymiflry, 
 
 Of Salt i2«^ Sulphur, without Mercury. 
 
 But, I am proof e againfl their flajhy fluff e; 
 
 And for their fcornings I havefcorne enough. 
 I looke our Politicians fhould defame 
 
 My Straines, by cenfuring them to be to blame. 
 
 Or over bufie. But, my feeming folly 
 
 May make fame Readers flrive to be more holy. 
 
 Then heretofore : yea, fame 7vho thinke they know 
 
 Enough already ; fhall more prudent grow 
 
 By This. And I am willing to be thought 
 
 A foole, that they more wifedome may be taught. 
 Yet, I confeffe, that lately when I faw 
 
 This courfe, did hate, and wants upon me draw, 
 
 And that, without a Second, / was faine 
 
 The waight of all tny troubles to fuflaine; 
 
 I halfe refold d, that I would fpeake no more 
 
 So plaine, againfl Ahuie, as heretofore; 
 
 And 
 
To the K I N G . 5 
 
 And (thinking I had ventw'd well for one) 
 Did meant to leave the World her courfe to run ; 
 Nay, from good words (although it was apaine) 
 I fully was refolved to refraine. 
 
 But, when I fdence kept, my heart became 
 As hot -within me, as afiery flame, 
 Yea, like new wine, in vejels wanting vent, 
 My thoughts did f well my breft to be unfent; 
 And, at the lafl, I emptid with my quill 
 A veine, which did the following YolnrnQ fill ; 
 Suppofing by the publike Preffe to fend it. 
 To them, for whofe Remembrance / intend it. 
 
 But, they who keepe the parage, back did Ihrufl it 
 Before perufall ; and, (belike) dtflrufl it, 
 Becaufe my name it cary'd, to befuch 
 As might upon their friends too neerely touch. 
 For, fome of them have f aid; that were my writing 
 As true as that of holy lohns inditing, 
 They would not licence it : fofearfull are 
 Thefe guilty Times the voice ^ Truth to hears. 
 
 When therefore, I had this my Offiring brought. 
 And laid it at their doore; a while I thought 
 My felfe difcharged: but,\my ConfcienceyiizV/, 
 My worke was lofl, andflill my vow unpaid. 
 Till I had practifd ev'ry likely way, 
 To tell the Meffage which I had to fay. 
 And,fince the common way it might not paffe, 
 To bring it by your Gate, refolifd I was. 
 
 Myfirfl determining of fuch a thing. 
 Did many feverall doubts upon me bring. 
 One while J doubted, that thofefooles who mock 
 At piety, would make a laughing-flock 
 Of this and me: and fay (with fome difdaine) 
 That J would make my felfe a Fro^hetfaine: 
 
 And 
 
To the King. 
 
 Andpuft withfelfe conceit, hadpenrid a Story 
 For private ends, and for mine owne vaine glory. 
 Or, that with pride and arrogance deluded, 
 I had upon undecent things intruded. 
 
 Another while J doubted fome would prate. 
 That thefe my Lines dijhonored the State, 
 And on the Government afperfions laid; 
 ■As of their warnings oft the lewes have f aid. 
 
 Sometime I feared, all my wards would make 
 But few or none the better heed to take. 
 Becaufe I reade, thai many a Ytq^zX. fpoke, 
 What, fmall effeil within his life time tooke. 
 Except, in aggravating of abufes, 
 And leaving them the more without excufes. 
 
 Sometime againe, I feared left if You. 
 Referring this my Poem to their view 
 Who mifconceive it may, {and trufling them 
 In cenfuring, who cauflefly condemne 
 Men itmoceni) might, by that evill chance 
 Be wron^d; andfufferfor their ignorance. 
 Thus Kings are often injur' d: and, fome perifh 
 In their diflike, whom they are bound to cherlfh. 
 
 If aw, moreover, that my Foes, of late, 
 Hadfo much wronged me in my eflate. 
 By needleffe charge, and caufkffe hindring me. 
 From thofe due profits, which my Portion be ; 
 That to recover them, (and to purfue 
 My lawfull right ) I have no meanes but you. 
 And your jufl favour. Which, if I fhould miffe, 
 (By giving to your eare diflafl in this) 
 My adverfaries would prevaile, J thought, 
 And, my difgrace, and ruine would be wrought. 
 
 Thefe car nail doubts, and many other fuch, 
 Againflmy Reafon did prevaile fo much, 
 
 That 
 
To the K I N G . 7 
 
 2'hat I -was half afraid to venture on 
 
 In that, itihich otight with courage to be done. 
 
 But, whiljl JJlagger'd, and began tojiay, 
 
 Me thought, luiihin me, fomewliat thus did fay. 
 
 Bafe Coward; hath God's love fo many dayes, 
 To thee appeared ; and fo many wayes ? 
 Haft thou fo often felt, what thou doft know, 
 From nothing, but the pow'r of God can flow ? 
 Hath he fo plainly told thee, with what wiles, 
 The foolifh world, her felfe, and thofe beguiles 
 That harken to her ? Hath he made thee fee 
 How little harme. her fpight can do to thee ? 
 Nay, hath he pleafed bin to bring unto thee, 
 Great profits, by thofe injuries men doe thee. 
 And, fhall the feare but of a paltry fcoife, 
 From that which he appointeth, beat thee off? 
 Hath he fo often kept thee from difgrace, 
 And fed and cloth'd thee, meerely of his grace, 
 That thou fhouldft now diftruft he will deceive thee. 
 And, when he fends thee on his Mefjage, leave thee, 
 Without thofe neceffaries, which pertaine 
 To thofe who in his Service doe remaine ? 
 
 Hath he no meanes to bring thee fit fupplies, 
 But fuch as thine owne wifdome can devife ? 
 Hath God deftroy'd fo many of thy hopes. 
 And doft thou build them ftill on carnall props ? 
 Didft thou fo many times, in fecret, vow 
 Affiance in his promifes ? and, now 
 Haft thou no furer helps to truft unto, 
 Then Kings and Princes i And, as others doe 
 (Who have not thy experience) doft thou fhrink 
 As foone as any outward Stay doth fmke ? 
 Wouldft thou thy God difpleafe, to keepe a friend. 
 Perhaps in vaine, for fome poore teraporall end ? 
 
 Is't 
 
 13 
 
To the K I N G. 
 
 Is't now a Seafon (when the Lands tranfgreffions 
 Have fliaken all) to fettle thy Poffeffi.ons i 
 When all the Towne about thee is on fire, 
 Wouldft thou go build thy ilraw clad Cottage hyer ? 
 
 Well ; take thy courfe. Yet, know, if thou forbeare 
 What now thy Confcience bids thee to declare, 
 Thy foolifli Hope fliall faile thee, ne're the leffe ; 
 Thy wrongful! fuffring fliall have no redreffe ; 
 Thou ftialt have greater wants then pinch thee yet ; 
 New forrowes, and difgraces, thou flialt get 
 In ftead of helpe ; and, which is worft, of all, 
 A guilty Confcience, too, torment thee fliall. 
 
 Then, be advifed, and proceed to do 
 That lawfuU AB, thy heart enclines unto ; 
 And, be thou fure, that God will make thee ftrong 
 Againft. the violence of ev'ry wrong. 
 Be ilout ; and though all perfons through the Land, 
 Ev'n Prince and People both, fliould thee withftand, 
 Their oppofition nothing harme thee fliall ; 
 But, thou flialt bide them hke a brazen wall ; 
 And if thou fuifer perfecutions flame, 
 Thou flialt be but refined in the fame. 
 
 Such thoughts were whijper'd in me. A nd though fome 
 May think them vainefu^eJUons, flawing from 
 Diflemper'd Fancy ; I dare boldly fay, 
 They lye : And, I their motives doe obey. 
 All doubts, and fear es, and flops, are broken through, 
 And loe (Dread Sov'raigne) I have brought to you 
 (In all humilitie) myfelfe and thefe 
 My honefi and my jufl REMEMBRANCES: 
 2o paffe,for thofe, to whom they appertaine; 
 Or, here for my difclmrging to remaine. 
 God is already angry if'' me afraid) 
 Becaufe this duty I fo long delaid. 
 
 And 
 
 i.\. 
 
To the K I N G . 7 
 
 And, ftand, or fall, now I have reacht thereto, 
 I would not, for the world, it were to do. 
 
 Good SIR, rejeSl it not, although it bring 
 Appearances of fome faniaJUcke thing, 
 Atfirfl unfolding: for, thofe M3rfl.eries 
 Which we mofl honor, and mofl highly pr if e, 
 Doefeeme to be but foolifhneffe to fome. 
 And, when our fin to any height is come, 
 Jt brings a height ^ folly, which oft makes 
 That courfe tofeeme uncomely, that God takes 
 For our reproof e, (and chiefly) if it cary 
 Thefhew of any way not ordinary. 
 Which {out of doubt) is requifde, when fin 
 Thafs extraordinary br'eaketh in. 
 
 Beleeve not thofe, who reafons will invent. 
 To make this Yohime feeme impertinent : 
 For, what is more of moment, then aflory 
 Which mentioneth to God Almighties glorie, 
 His ludgements, and his Mercies? and doth Jhow 
 Thofe things that may prevent our overthrow ? 
 Sure, nothing is more worthy of regard: 
 And, though afoolijh tale befooner heard. 
 Yet, in refpell thereof , the glorioufl things, 
 That fland upon record of earthly Kings, 
 Appeare to me as vaine, as large difcourfes 
 Of childifh May games, ««;/ ^t/" Hobby-horfes. 
 
 Give eare to none, I pray you, who fhall feeke 
 To move, within your Highneffe, a diflike 
 To my unufuall boldneffe, or my phrafe : 
 For, who doth liflen to an honefl caufe 
 In thefe regardleffe times, unleffe it be 
 So drefl, as if it feem'd to fay ; Come fee 
 What's here to do. Men's wits arefalne afleepe; 
 Aud, if I doe not fome flrange rumbling keepe, 
 
 {That 
 
 IS 
 
To the King. 
 
 (That is not looktfor) they no heed will take, 
 Of what I fay, how true fo^ re Ifpeake. 
 
 J know there be Occafions, Times, and Caufes, 
 Which doe require foft words, and lowly Phrafes : 
 And, then, like other men, I teach my Mufe 
 To fpeakefuch language as my neighbours ufe. 
 
 But, there are alfo Times which will require. 
 That wefhould with our Numbers mingle fire : 
 And, then I vent bold words ; that You, and They 
 Who come to heare them, take occafion may 
 To aske or to examine, whafs the matter. 
 My Yeiiefpeakes tartly, when mofl 'Writers flatter. 
 For, by that meanes, you may experience^ d grow 
 In many things which elfe youfhould not know. 
 
 My Lines are loyall, though they bold appear e : 
 And though, atfirfl, they makefome Readers feare 
 I want good manners ; yet, when they are weigh' d. 
 It will be found that I have nothing f aid. 
 In manner, or in matter worthy blame. 
 If they alone fhall judge me for thefatne. 
 Who know true Vertues language ; and how free 
 From glazing termes, her Servants ufe to be. 
 
 Though bold I fee me iofome, that Cowards are. 
 Yet, you I hope,fhall finde, I neither dare 
 Things that or needleffe be, or defperate ; 
 Or, that I covet to be wondred at 
 Among thofefooles, who love to heare it f aid, 
 That they to breake their necks were not afraid. 
 For, as a Seaman, when the Mafi he climbes. 
 Is fafe enough, though he in danger feemes 
 To fame beholders: So, although that Path, 
 In which I tread, afhew of perill hath 
 To thofe who fee not what f aft hold I take, 
 Myflanding will befirme, when theirs dothfhake. 
 
 And 
 
 i6 
 
To the K I N G . 9 
 
 And, if I fall, I fall not by this Adt, 
 Btit, by their malice, who diflike the Fadl. 
 
 Heed none I pray, that hathfo little Jhame, 
 To fay thefe times are notfo much to blame 
 As 1 have made themfeeme : for, worfe they are 
 Then I have yet expreffed them, by far. 
 And, much I feare, that they who mofl defend them. 
 Will make them to be worfe, before they mend them. 
 
 Nor doubt you, Royall SIR, that from thefhry 
 Of your jufl raigne, or from your future glory, 
 It ought Jhall derogate, to heare it told. 
 Such evills, whilfl you raigned, ivere contrould. 
 For, we doe reade, that Kings who pioufl were. 
 Had wicked Subjeils. And, befide, you are 
 So late enthroned, that your government 
 Could little infofmall a time augment 
 Their being good or ill: But, youfhall gaine 
 The greater glory, if you can reflraine 
 (And keepefrom growing worfe) a time, become 
 So grq^ely wicked, andfo troublefome. 
 
 If any other way my Verfe be wronged. 
 By Readers ill advised, or evill tongued, 
 Vouchfafe to fpare your cenfure, till you heare 
 What jufl replies to their Objedlions are. 
 Or, if that any to difparage this, 
 To you,fhall of my life report amiffe ; 
 Rejeil their fcandals {for your owne dear e fake) 
 And let them no impreffions on you make. 
 For, evill tongues fometimes willfet their flings 
 VnjufUy, on thefacred name of Kings ; 
 Much more on mine. But, for my owne repute. 
 So carefull am J not to make thisfute. 
 But for my Mufes honor. For, in all 
 My outward adions, I dare boldly call 
 
 Your 
 
 17 
 
To the King. 
 
 Your Jh-iilejl Lames to cenfure me. And what 
 
 I am to God, it may be gueffed at, 
 
 But rightly knowne, to none but him, and me. 
 
 And, though from outward fcapes I Jland not free, 
 
 Yet, let this Meffage her due merit win : 
 
 For, Gods mofi holy Prophets had their fin. 
 
 As in a Glaffe, here may you, by refle£lion. 
 
 Behold (without the hazard of infetlion) 
 
 The horrid Peflilence in her true forme. 
 
 Which in your Kingdome didfo lately fiorme ; 
 
 And is fofoone forgotten, that I erre, 
 
 Vnleffe there needeth aREMEMBRANCER. 
 
 Hereby, fucceeding Times, in fuch like terrors, 
 May learne to fee and to prevent fome errors. 
 Here, underfiand you may ( without falfe gloze ) 
 What heretofore your people didfuppofe 
 Of You : Their hopes before your Coronation, 
 And what hath beenefince then their expellation, 
 Here, you may partly fee, what you of them 
 May hope : what you fhould cherifh or condemne. 
 Here, view you may (before too far they fleale) 
 The fickneffes of Church and Commonweale : 
 What brings upon your Perfon, and the State, 
 Such care, andfo much trouble as of late: 
 What marres your Counfels, and what undermines 
 Your mofi approved and mofi wife defignes : 
 What makes your Armes your Vertues, &= your Friends 
 So Utile helpfull to your pious ends : 
 What makes your Fleets returne without fucceffe ; 
 What breedeth doublings and unfetledneffe 
 In weighty matters ; and whence difcord fprings 
 Among the People, and twixt them and Kings. 
 
 And, if it well obferved be, perchance, 
 Whatfeemes to mofi a trifling circumfiance. 
 
 Shall 
 
 i8 
 
To the King. 9 
 
 Shall of it felfe i?iforme, or elf e prepare 
 To fignifie thofe things that weightiefl are : 
 For, they who can my Mufes reach difcerne 
 Shall find, that what mofl think doth but concerne 
 My perfon onely ; may to that conduce, 
 Which ferves to publike, and to private ufe. 
 
 Moreover, this Remembrancer dothfhow, 
 To what the folly ofthefe times will grow ; 
 And, what in future dales will furely fall 
 If we our courfes long continue fhall. 
 He, laftly doth declare the certaine way, 
 By which, enjuing harmes prevent we may ; 
 Take off the skars, our paffed fins have given. 
 And, make our prefent peace with earth and heaven. 
 
 Deare SIR; as you your honor do refpeil 
 For times to come : as you do now affeSl 
 Your prefent comforts, and thofe hopes that are 
 The pledges of that Crowne, you looke to weare, 
 ( When you mufl leave that golden Crowne of thornes, 
 Which paines your head, as much as it adornes) 
 Give heed to thefe Remembrances .• Command them 
 To paffe, infpight offuch as would withfland them. 
 Doe you reforme, according to your pow'rs. 
 In ev'ry quarter of this He of yours, 
 Give way to Reformation. In the Crimes, 
 And many crying fins, ofthefe lowd times. 
 Be you no partner, by conniving at 
 Their Adtors ; or, difcountenancing that 
 Which may difable them to tyrannize ; 
 Who will to hide oldfinnes, new faults devife. 
 And, doe not for fome few referve that eare, 
 Which fhould the fuit of ev^ry Subjedl heare. 
 
 But, as you have beene, yet (and as I trufl 
 You fhall continue ) be in all things juft \ 
 
 And 
 
 19 
 
To the K I N G. 
 
 And as upright, as him it may befit, 
 Who doth in place of Go& Almighty j??/j 
 That you and yours, mayJKU in fafety Jland, 
 What plague foever fall upon the Land. 
 
 And, let not my Petition be condemn'd, 
 As over bold; or my advice contemn' d. 
 Becaufe a man defpifed gives the fame; 
 For, feldome hitherto, a Meffage came 
 From God, onfuch occafions, but fame one 
 In outward fhow, fcarce worthy thinking on. 
 Was made the Meffenger. All hea'^nly graces 
 Are not intail'd on men of highefl places : 
 Nor is all that which ei/ry Prelate yay^s, 
 To be beleev'd as Gofpell, now adayes. 
 
 GodfUll (as heretofore) calls vulgar men 
 To fpeake his will to Princes, now and then : 
 Yea, to delude the World, or to deride 
 Her arrogant vaine glory, and her pride, 
 God checks her oft, by thofe of whom we fee 
 She mofl of all difdaines reproved to be : 
 That, fo, her loftinefje he may debafe. 
 And to the lowly minded fhew his grace. 
 
 It peradventure may be thought I com^ 
 With nothing elfe but gleanings, gathered from 
 The common Rumors, (which Ifaine would firow 
 Abroad againe, to publifh what I know) 
 But, let men judge their pleafures : I am free 
 From thofe poore ends ; and, fofUll hope to be. 
 
 In this, I moi/d not, of mine owne intent. 
 Nor am I, SIR, by any Mortal! /<?«/. ■ 
 Moreflrong is my Commiffion. And, what e're 
 Itfeemes to thofe who unacquainted are 
 With Gods Charaffters, and Ms Privie feale, 
 The Times to comefhall openly reveale 
 
To the King. II 
 
 What thefe perceive not ; and, itjhall be feene, 
 That I have warrantably called beene. 
 
 Meane time my Confcience, knowes I have not run 
 With rajhneffe into that which J have done ; 
 But, rather that I maugre mine owne will. 
 Was rouzed up, and /purred onward JHll, 
 In this performance ; when my Cowardice, 
 My Sloth, my Pleafure, or my Avarice, 
 Or worldly Policies, their baits did lay. 
 To tempt and draw my heart another way. 
 Yea, fo untoward was I to conforme 
 My Will, this uncouth Adtion to performe, 
 That, many times I quite gave off to doe 
 What I had vowed, and Jet hand unto. 
 
 For, had not God by terrors, wants, diflradlions, 
 A?id crqffing all thofe temporall hopes and actions 
 Which I attempted, fince Ifirjl began 
 This taske: or, if he had not now and than 
 Among thofe lajhes, mixed comfortings, 
 And apprehenfions of diviner things 
 Thenflejh and blood informeth {as, no doubt. 
 This Booke will prove tofome who reade it out) 
 I neither fhould have knowne what I have told, 
 Nor dared in thefe times to befo bold. 
 
 For, when the World can tempt me for a day, 
 To caflfuch Meditations quite away, 
 (And plod, as others doe, in her affaires^ 
 My Courage, and my Comforts, it impaires. 
 And, if I hdppen then, to over-looke 
 Somepaffages in this enfuing Booke, 
 7 wonder at tJieir boldneffe, jufi as much. 
 As he, whofe heart had never fuch a touch : 
 And, till by reading them, new fire I take. 
 My owne Expreflions, me doefearfull make. 
 
 Yet, 
 
To the K I N G. 
 
 Vei, here are poor e andjlender things, to that 
 Which ofthefe Times, time comming will relate : 
 For though my Fortune hath obfcured me, 
 Yet in all matters might it fitting be 
 For me to fpeake my knowledge ofthofe things 
 Which to my eare and eye, Occafion brings, 
 So many fiid relations I could make. 
 That every honejl Readers heart would ake ; 
 And think this N&t'ion/ooli/h, (if not mad) 
 Or, that all Reafon quite forfooke us had. 
 Yea, had I meanes to prove to ev'ry man, 
 What to my owne experience prove 1 can ; 
 Or were it meet, in pubike to declare 
 All things which knowne, and unconfidered are ; 
 My Mufe would make, perhaps ev'n thofe to grieve, 
 (And tremble too) who doe nor yet beleeve, 
 Nor care to know how defp'rately difeafd 
 This Land is gr owne. How ever they are pleafd 
 Who have dijlemper'd it ; to you I trufi 
 JJhall not be dijlafifull, that I mujl 
 Dilate my minde a little, infuch wife. 
 That you may fee how ficke your Kingdome lies. 
 
 For, that alone which fits me to difclofe. 
 And whafs already knowne to friends and foes 
 My Verfe difcouers. Yea what to conceale 
 More harmes, then profiteth your Commonweale, 
 Is here in part commem^riz^d, tofhow 
 That we confider not the things we know. 
 And, if Ifhall mifcariefor declaring 
 Thefe needfull TxxAhs, (and, for this honefl daring ) 
 A rufh I care not. For, Vde rather die 
 Alone, before thofe dayes ofmifery 
 Thaffeeme to be approaching (and for faying 
 What (being heeded) might procure theflayitig 
 
 Of 
 
To the K I N G . II 
 
 Of univerfall Plagues) then live andperijh 
 Withfooles, who doe themfelves for Jlaughter nourifh. 
 
 I am no Statefman, neither Qiy pretence 
 Of having gotten large intelligence) 
 Would I infinuatefor more efleeme 
 Then I deferve; or, to deferve may feeme. 
 But, being fet on fuch a middling height, 
 Where I {by God" s permiffion) have the fight 
 Of many things (which they Jhall never fee 
 Who far above, or far below me be) 
 What I obferve, 7 ponder, and compare ; 
 And, what J thinke may profit, I declare. 
 
 I therefore hope, what «><? the perfon feeme, 
 The matter fhall procure it felfe efleeme: 
 And, make this age to know, there's majefly 
 Infimplefl Truth ; and fuch authority 
 As will command regard, though wani it fhall 
 Thofe glorious garbs which falfhood jets withall. 
 
 J hope to fee all Vertuefhine in You ; 
 And that your good example will renue 
 Decaying Piety. / likewife hope 
 That thefe Remembrances y%fl//7&?i/ no flop 
 By your appointment, nor by any povfr 
 Which taketh her authority from your. 
 For, when it fhall be feene, that you give way 
 To publifh This : your people juflly may, 
 (And will) affirme, thai you areflill the fame 
 They hoped of you : that you alfo blame 
 As much as any, what dif ordered is ; 
 And, that you feeke to mend what s found amiffe : 
 Yea, they that elfe willflorme and vexe to fee 
 My Lines, thus bold, will calme and quiet be. 
 
 However, I have faid, and, I have done ; 
 Let what God pleafeth follow therevpon. 
 
 My 
 
 23 
 
To the K I N G. 
 
 My heart is fixed; and I up have taken ' 
 
 Thofe Refolutions, that luillfiand unjhaken, 
 
 (I truji) though Yjax'Ca.Jhould finke, and all the Spheares 
 
 Come thundring downe inflames about my eares. 
 
 Which Hopes of mine, fijme will, perchance deride, 
 Andfoole themf elves, to fee my patience tride 
 By what they can infliil, (unleffe you flay 
 That rage, to which my Verfe provoke them may) 
 But, fee your Honour be not vuronged by it, 
 And, let them doe their worfl; for I defie it: 
 Becaufe I know, what e're thefpight of man, 
 Againflthis 'Poers\t,fpeake or prailife can, 
 Jtfhall continue, when, all thofe be rotten, 
 Or live with infamy, or dye forgotten, 
 Whofhall oppofe it. J moreover know. 
 That, dead, or living, I efleem^dfhall grow. 
 For what they blatne. That Genius tells me this. 
 Which never yet perfwaded me amiffe. 
 And, I beleeve him : Elfe let me become 
 Of all as f corn' d, as lam now offome. 
 Yea, if they ever drive me to repent, 
 That honefl minde with which I under-went 
 This Labour ; Let the wijhes of my Foes 
 Befall me, and let ev'ry one of thofe 
 Who either heare me nam'd in future ages, 
 Or Jhall perceive, Lfail'd in my Prefages, 
 Be bold to fay, my heart was never right, 
 But, that I litfd and di'de an H YP O CHI TE 
 
 Your Majellies moll loyall Subjeft, 
 
 and mod humble Servant . 
 
 Geo: Wither. 
 
 24 
 
A Premonition. 
 
 STay Reader, and take a few lines by way of pre- 
 vention: For, though in meere temporall endea- 
 vors, I obferve with Solomon, that The race is not to 
 the fwifl, nor the battle to the Jb-ong, Tior bread to the 
 wife, nor riches to men of underflanding, nor favour to 
 men of skill, but that time and chance comtneth to all; 
 yet, I know every man is to profecute likely meanes 
 of convenient things. And, though Ignorance wax- 
 eth fo arrogant, and Art fo envious, that after much 
 paines in fome good performance, wee muft. other- 
 while take as much more to prevent mifconftrudli- 
 ons (and thinke our felves well rewarded, if at laft 
 we may efcape without a mifchiefe) yet, fmce it is 
 the common lot, I will beare it patiently, and feeke 
 to avoyd as many inconveniences as I may. 
 
 It is impoffible to prevent all : for, fome out of 
 meere malice pradtife the difparagement of every 
 labour whereby the glory of God may feeme to bee 
 advanced; and if on the Worke they cannot fallen 
 their Detrallions, then they will, to difable it, vilifie 
 the perfon of the Author. This was the confpiracy 
 of the lewes againfl Jeremy, {Come {f aid they) let us de- 
 vife device againfl him, let us fmite him with the tongue, 
 and let us not give heed to any of his words.) And this 
 way alfo in fo violent a manner have I beene perfe- 
 cuted, as if my Difgrace might advance the publike 
 Honour. 
 
 Againfl. my MOTTO, though (as I forefpake) 
 it redounded to their owne fliame, fo raged my Ad- 
 verfaries, that not content with my perfonal troubles, 
 they fought the difparagement of that Booke, by a 
 libellous anfwer thereunto : wherein, I was ufed as 
 mofl writers of Controverfies, in thefe dayes, ufe each 
 other : To wit, they objecfled what I never thought, 
 
 B and 
 
 25 
 
A Premonition. 
 
 and then made replies to their owne devices : which 
 being finiflied, was imprinted with an infcription 
 falfly charging me, with labouring to flay the pub- 
 lication thereof; and then alfo, it was very glori- 
 oully fixed on the gate of my lodging, as if it had been 
 fome bill of Triumph. But, it proved a ridiculous 
 Pamphlet, and became more loffe and difgrace unto 
 the divulgers thereof, then I defired ; and, none 
 thought the worfe of me or that Booke for thofe In- 
 vedtives, fave they onely, whofe commendations 
 would be more diftionor to me, then their difpraife. 
 
 Hereby, therefore, I feeke not fo much to pre- 
 vent the like injury to my perfon, as to remove tliofe 
 occafions of prejudice, which fcandalous cenfures 
 may raife in fome other, who might elfe, perhaps, 
 receive the more profit from this REMEMBRAN- 
 CER: And what I will fay to that purpofe fliall bee 
 very briefe. 
 
 Firll (in regard my ayme in this Poeme, is chiefly 
 God's glory, and the welfare of this Church and 
 Commonwealth) I defire I may not be traduced, though 
 I have here and there inferred fome lighter expref- 
 fions, then feeme at firll view to become the gravity 
 of the Subjeil: For, (confidering the common va- 
 nity, and how ' tedious matters of moft. confequence 
 are unto fome eares) it is neceflary, and by good 
 authority warrantable, to make ufe of all indifferent 
 meanes, to worke on humane infirmities, for our 
 hearers profit. 
 
 Secondly, I requefl that wherein I differ from 
 the vulgar Tenets, I may not rafhly be reproved; 
 but that my affirmations, may with all their due cir- 
 cumflances, be firfl weighed : For, otherwhile there 
 is jufl occafion to hyperbolize. And, as he that rec- 
 tifying 
 
 26 
 
A Premonition. 
 
 tifying a crooked ftaffe, bends it fomewhat on the 
 other fide : fo, in many cafes, we are conflrained to 
 urge that which appeares over much on the right 
 hand, before thofe who are too far on the left hand, 
 will beleeve they are ought awry. Thus did the Fa- 
 thers of the Church when they had to doe with fome 
 Heretikes, and have beene thereby mif-underflood, 
 and mif-cenfured by heedleffe Readers. In the fame 
 manner have my writings beene abufed ; yea, my 
 hearers have beene fo hafly, that had I not explained 
 my felfe to be of their opinion, within fome few lines 
 after, doubtlelfe they would have robbed me of my 
 owne meaning. But, they who well heed what I af- 
 firme or deny, will finde (I hope) that I keepe a mid- 
 ling path betwixt extreames. 
 
 If any conceive (as I heare they doe) that I did un- 
 wifely to remaine in London during the great Mor- 
 tality, here memorized, let them perufe the third 
 Canto, and they fhall there fee, what Motives and 
 what warrant I had for fo doing. I think it will fatif- 
 fie them ; for, fo well it fatisfied me, that (whatfoe- 
 ver others may imagine) I know it had beene better 
 I fliould have peri&ed in that fickneffe, then to have 
 had a heart difobedient to fuch motions. 
 
 If any taxe me for inferring fo many Lines con- 
 cerning my owne thoughts and refolutions; let them 
 confider what ufe fome Readers may make by appli- 
 cation to themfelves ; by having my inward conflifts 
 for their examples; and by feeing alfo what neceffi- 
 ties there were for me to ftrengthen my felfe, both 
 againfl the world, and againfl, my owne facilities, (in 
 my hazardous undertakings) by expoftulating with 
 my heart, what my confcience could fay, for it felfe.- 
 Let them, I fay, confider what in this kinde is confi- 
 
 B 2 derable, 
 
 27 
 
A Premonition. 
 
 derable, and then, perhaps, thofe perfonall relations 
 will n,ot feeme impertinent. 
 
 If queftion be made, by what authority, I took on 
 me to write this Hands REMEMBRANCER : in 
 the fifth Canto, and in fome other places of this Book, 
 they fhall finde mention of my Commiffion ; And if 
 they be not thereby perfwaded, that I have a good 
 Authority, it will be through their ignorance, and no 
 fault of mine. Thofe Mercies and ludgements of 
 God's which I memorize, are fuch as this Kingdome 
 is generally witneffe of. The Sins I reprove, are none 
 but thofe which were, and are notorioufly commit- 
 ted : I have reprehended them in fuch manner, as 
 God's holy Word, and the univerfall law of Nature 
 hath warranted in all ages. I have foretold what (hall 
 come upon fuch Tranfgreffors, according to the pre- 
 didtions of the Prophets. I have affured, upon ReJ>en^ 
 tance, thofe bleflings which God himfelfe hath pro- 
 mifed. I have confirmed all my owne Refolutions 
 by the divine Covenant, and that working of the blef- 
 fed Spirit, which I have a feeling of in ray own heart : 
 And, if in thefe things I be deceived, I know not who 
 hath power to make me confident of any thing in 
 this life. 
 
 If any diflike my perfonating God (as in the firfl. 
 Canto) let them fearch, and they (hall finde it ufuall 
 not onely in Chriftian Poems, but alfo in the holy 
 Text. And if we introduce him according to his At- 
 tributes, and fpeaking according to what in his writ- 
 ten word he hath already fpoken, it may be juflified. 
 If my perfonating Mercy and lujlice, or my creating 
 of other ObjeSls reprefentative, or my Method, or my 
 Phrafe, or any fuch like, feeme offenfive ; my Mufe 
 hath apologized for her felfe, as much as I thinke 
 
 needfuU, 
 
A Premonition. 
 
 needful!, in many places of this Booke as occafion is 
 offered, efpecially in the fecond, fifth, and eighth 
 Canto's. 
 
 If the Poeme feeme too large, or the particulars to 
 be over tedioufly infilled vpon ; confider, in how ma- 
 ny impertinent and trifling difcourfes and aflions the 
 befl. of us doe confume farre more houres then the 
 perufall of this requires minutes, and yet thinke it no 
 tedioufneffe : and let them call to minde how many 
 huge Volumes this age imprints and reades, which 
 are foolifli, if not wicked : let them remember alfo, 
 that our whole life is little enough to be employed in 
 the meditation of what is here recorded. Let them 
 be perfwaded likewife, that I have not written this 
 for thofe who have no need thereof, or to ftiow my 
 owne wit or compendioufneffe, but to warn and in- 
 llrudl the ignorant; to whom I fliould more often 
 fpeake in vaine, if I did not otherwhile by repetitions 
 and circumlocutions, flirre up their affedtions, and 
 beat into their underllandings, the knowledge and 
 feeling of thofe things which 1 deliver. Yea, let them 
 know, that I know thofe expreffions will bee both 
 pleafing and profitable to fome, which they imagine 
 to be needlefle, and fuperabundant ; and that I had 
 rather twenty nice Criticks fhould cenfure mee for a 
 word here and there fuperfluous, then that one of 
 thofe other fliould want that which might explaine 
 my meanings to their capacities, and fo make fru- 
 llrate all my labour to thofe who have mofl need of 
 it, and for whom it was chiefly intended. 
 
 If you find any thing which may feeme fpoken out 
 of due Time; blame not mee altogether; for, it is a- 
 bove two yeares fince I laboured to get this Booke 
 printed, and it hath coll me more mony, more pains, 
 
 B3 and 
 
 29 
 
A Premonition. 
 
 and much more time to publifli it, then to compofe 
 it : For, I was faine to imprint every flieet thereof 
 with my owne hand, becaufe I could not get allow- 
 ance to doe it publikely : fo unwilling are we of Re- 
 membrancers in this kind. 
 
 If you find ought elfe that may be doubted of, or 
 for which I may feeme reprovable, or needing ad- 
 vice; let me chriflianly and charitably receive intel- 
 ligence thereof: And if I make not a reafonable de- 
 fence, I will humbly acknowledge and give the befl. 
 fatisfadlion for my errors, that I am able. So, I com- 
 mit you to the blefling of God, and to the perufall of 
 this REMEMBRANCER, if you pleafe. 
 
 Geo: Wither. 
 
 30 
 
Cant. I. ; 15 
 
 Brittan's Remembrancer. 
 
 Canto the firft. 
 
 Our ka.'Ca.ox firjl with GOD beginnes ; 
 Defer ibes his anger for our finnes ; 
 
 Of all his ludgements mufier makes; 
 Declares how Mercy undertakes 
 
 The pleading of this Kingdomis Caufe, 
 
 To bring God's wrath unto a pawfe ; 
 
 And (for the common Reader ) futes 
 
 High things, with lowly Attributes. 
 Then,fleps into a praifefull flraine 
 
 OfCnAJLhushis new-beginning Reigne ; 
 
 Emplores that ivellfucceed he may, 
 
 And, for his weak makes MtTcy pray. 
 He luflice alfo, introduces. 
 
 Complaining on our groffe abufes, 
 
 Who proveth fo, our fmfull '^zlaara. 
 
 To merit utter Defolation, 
 
 That all Gods Plagues had us enclofed. 
 
 If Mercy had not inter po fed. 
 ■ But, after pleading of the Cafe, 
 
 With luflice, Mercy doth embrace, 
 
 Who (that our finnes may punifht be) 
 
 To fend the Peftilence agree ; 
 
 Their other Plagues a while fufpending. 
 
 To prove how that will worke amending. 
 
 ONe Storm is pad, & though fome clouds appear, 
 A peacefuU ayre becalmes our Hemifpheare. 
 That frighting Angell whofe devouring blade, 
 Among the People fuch a havock made, 
 
 B4 Is 
 
 31 
 
Brit TAN'S Cmt.i. 
 
 Is now departed, and hath tooke from hence 
 His pois'ned Arrowes of the Pejiilence. 
 God fmoothes his browj and lo, we now obtaine 
 The cheerful! brightneffe of his face againe. 
 Oh boundleffe Mercy 1 what a change is this ! 
 And what a joy unto my heart it is ! 
 Run quickly Mufe, to cary thy Oblation ; 
 And, (twixt that Angell, and the Congregation) 
 Some fweet perfume to our Preferver burne. 
 Before that bloody Meffenger returne. 
 
 Let all affaires keepe off, and give thee way ; 
 For, though my fairefl outward Fortunes lay 
 This houre at fpoyle, I would not be advis'd 
 To fpeake for them, till I had facrifis'd ; 
 Nor will I, to the world, one line allow, 
 Till I have made performance of my Vow. 
 
 Mofl awfull PovJr, by whom hath formed bin 
 The Globe of Heav'n and Earth, and all therein ; 
 Thou Alpha, and Omega of my Songs, 
 To whom all glory, and all fame belongs ; 
 To thee, thrice holy and Almighty King, 
 Of Judgement, and of Mercy, now I fing. 
 Thou hail unclos'd my lips, and I will raife 
 My thankfuU voice in fetting out thy praife : 
 Thou haft preferv'd thy Children in the flame, 
 And we afcribe the glory to thy Name: 
 Thou faved haft thy people from their crimes ; 
 And, here, I publifli unto future Times, 
 What I have feene. Oh ! let my Poeme be 
 A fan6lified Sacrifice to thee. 
 Accept this poore Oblation I prefer ; 
 Thefe drams of Incenfe, and thefe drops of Mirrh, 
 (Which fired in Aflfiidlions Flame, perfume 
 Thy facred Altars) gi-atioufly affume ; 
 
 And 
 
 32 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. i6 
 
 And give my Lines a date to lafl. as long 
 As there are fpeakers of an Englijh tongue ; 
 That Children, yet unborne, may reade the Story 
 Which now I iing, to thy perpetuall glory. 
 
 And, harke ye People: harken you, I pray. 
 That were preferv'd with me to fee this day ; 
 And liften you that fliall be brought upon 
 This Stage of adtion, when our Scmne is done : 
 Come harken all ; and let no foule refraine 
 To heare ; nor let it heare my words in vaine. 
 For, from the Slaughter-houfe of Death, and from 
 The habitations of the Dead I come. 
 I am efcaped from the greedy lawes 
 Of Hell, and from the furious Lions pawes ; 
 With forrowes I have lodged ; and I have 
 Experience in the horrors of the Grave ; 
 In thofe difcomforts which, by day, affaile ; 
 And thofe black terrors which, by night, prevaile : 
 Defpatre, with her grim Furies, I have feene ; 
 Spedtator of Gods luJUce I have beene ; 
 And, paffing through Gods Judgements, had a fight 
 Of thofe his Mercies which are infinite : 
 And here, I tell the world what I obferved ; 
 For, to this purpofe is my foule preferved. 
 
 That fatall Yeare, in which the forward Spring 
 Became an Autumne to our peacefuU King; 
 When Ia7nes his Crowne and Scepter did forgoe. 
 That Charles (of whom this Kingdome hopeth fo) 
 Might fhew, when he did weare his Diadem, 
 How worthily we plac'd our hopes on him. 
 Yea, when within the compaffe of one houre, 
 Two Kings both had, and had not, regall pow'r : 
 Ev'n then, by Thames faire Banks, I did refide, 
 Where her fweet waters waflieth ev'ry Tide 
 
 Bs The 
 
 33 
 
Brittan'S Cant.\. 
 
 The fpacious verge of that well peopled Towne, 
 Which with mofl. princely Pallaces doth crowne 
 Her goodly Jh'eame, and at her Forts and Keyet, 
 Take in the wealth of Kingdomes and of Seas. 
 
 Our foueraigne Citie, then I did efpie 
 Vpon the couch of foft fecurity ; 
 And, how with Peace and Plenty being fed, 
 She toyed like a wanton, on her bed. 
 I faw her dreft. in all that rich attire, 
 Which doth inflame her Lovers with defire ; 
 And how her idle Children, ev'ry day. 
 Sate downe to eate, and drinke, and rofe to play. 
 For, flie was growne infenfible of cares ; 
 She had almofl forgotten, fighes, and teares ; 
 And all this Hand in her cup of Pleafure, 
 With her had quaffed (fo much out of meafure) 
 Till they grew drunke together through exceffe, 
 And wilde and giddy in their drunkenneffe. 
 
 They had almoft forgotten him, from whom 
 Their eafe and their profperity did come. 
 They fpent their houres in laughter and in fong, 
 And grew regardleffe of the poore mans wrong. 
 They alwayes clothed went in foft array ; 
 They fed themfelues with dainties, day by day ; 
 And, that no outward meanes of pleafure might 
 Be wanting to accomplifh their delight, 
 Thofe ioUities, wherein they did appeare, 
 Were further'd by the feafon of the yeare. 
 
 The windes then breathed on them wholfome aire 
 The Groves, their fummer clothings did repaire ; 
 The fruitfull Fields with frefh greene gownes were 
 Which Flora curioufly embroydered had : (clad, 
 
 The pleafant Gardens their choyce plaints difplaid, 
 Their Orchard with gay bloffomes were arraid ; 
 
 The 
 
 34 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 17 
 
 The winged Choriflers did fweetly fing, 
 And with choice Muficke welcome in the Spring : 
 Their yireeis with matchlefle bravery did fliine ; 
 Their Parlers many beauties did enftirine : 
 Their coflly Bowres with rarities were hung, 
 And alwayes filled with a merry throng. 
 Of nought but fports & triumphs were their dreams 
 Wealth, health & honor, were their iludied theames 
 No noifome Plagues, within their Gates were found, 
 Of Grones, their dwellings did but rarely found ; 
 Nor was there any ftorme or danger feared : 
 For, in this Hemtfphere fo bright appeared 
 New CffARL£S-his-waine, that funlike he did chafe 
 All fogs of difcontentment from each place. 
 And, all thofe clouds of griefe, expelled farre, 
 Which rofe at fetting of our lACOB-Starre. 
 But, oh how truflleffe are thofe lying fliowes 
 Of happineffe, on which moll men repofe 
 Their greatefl. confidence ? And from our fight 
 How fwiftly did thefe pleafures take their flight 
 For, whether he, who from his heav'nlyj^^/^^r^ 
 Beholdeth all our thoughts, and a(nions here. 
 Did with a fearching eye, examine more 
 Our courfes at that prefent then before : 
 Or, whether hee our carelefnefle had eyde. 
 Or our hypocrifie, or elfe our pride, 
 Or our impiety ; or whether he 
 Did in this Hand, or this Kingdome fee 
 Our old Idolatries come creeping in ; 
 Or, whether he fome new devifed fmne 
 Defcride to fprout among us here ; yea, whether 
 It were fome one of thefe, or all together, 
 Or what it was, I know not : But it prov'd 
 A crying fmne; and fo extreamly moov'd 
 
 Gods 
 
 35 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. I. 
 
 God's gentleneffe, that angry he became ; 
 
 His browes were bended, and his eyes did flame. 
 
 Me thought I fawe it fo / and (though I were 
 
 Afraid within his prefence to appeare) 
 
 My Soule was rais'd above her common flation ; 
 
 Where what enfues I view'd be Contemplation. 
 
 There is a fpacious Bound which bravely reares 
 Her Arch above the top of all the Spheares, 
 Vntill her bright Circumference doth rife 
 Above the reach of Mans, or Angels eyes ; 
 Conveying through the Bodies chriftalline 
 Thofe Rayes which on our lower Globe doe fliine ; 
 And, all the great and leffer Orbes, doe lye 
 Within the compaffe of that Canopy. 
 
 In this large Roome of State is fixt a Throne, 
 From whence the wife Creator looks upon 
 His workmanfliip ; and thence doth heare and fee. 
 All founds, all places, and all things that be. 
 Here fate the King of Gods ; and from about 
 His eye lids, fo much terror fparkled out. 
 That ev'ry circle of the Heav'ns it fliooke, 
 And all the World did tremble at his looke ; 
 The profpedl of the Skie, that earft, was cleare, 
 Did with a lowring countenance appeare : 
 The troubled Ayre, before his prefence fled ; 
 The Earth into her bofome fhrunk her head ; 
 The Deeps did roare ; the Heights did fland amaz'd ; 
 The Moone and Stars upon each other gaz'd ; 
 The Sun did fland unmoved in his path ; 
 The Hoafl of Heav'n was frighted at his wrath ; 
 And with a voice which made all Creatures quake. 
 To this efifea, the great ETERNALL fpake. 
 
 Are we a GOD? and is there pow'r in us 
 Tojiartle all our whole Creation thus ? 
 
 And 
 
 36 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. i8 
 
 And yet, are we defpis'd, as if thefe PovJrs 
 Were either leffer growne, or noTU of ours I 
 Are we, that with our gentlefi breath can Mow 
 All things to nothing, flill abufedfol 
 Hath our longfuffring hardned fo our Foes, 
 That now our Godhead into queftion growes ? 
 Nay {which is worfe) have we compaffion Jhowne, 
 Till we are quite negleBed of our owne ? 
 
 Is this the Land whom we have lov'dfo long, 
 And, in our love, eleiledfrom among 
 The Heathen lies {and at thefirfl was hurid 
 Into the utmofl corner of the world) 
 That we might raife the glory of her name, 
 To equall Kingdomes of the greatefl fame ? 
 Is this that Hand, which our love did place 
 ( Within our bofome) in thefafe embrace 
 Of great Oceanus ? and, garden like 
 Did wharf e about (within her watry Dike) 
 With mighty Rocks, and Climes, whofe tops were higher. 
 Then any foming Billow dares afpirel 
 
 Is this the Kingdome, which our hand hath made 
 The Schoole and Shop, of ev'ry Art, and Trade ? 
 The Cornucopia of all needfull plenties ? 
 The Storehoufe, and the Cloffet of our dainties ? 
 Our lewell houfe, and Palace-royall, where 
 The fair eft of our Loves maintaimd are ? 
 
 Is this the Country which our bounty ferved 
 Withftore of bread, when many Lands wereftarvedi 
 And whom we have preferved from thefpoiles 
 Of Foes abroad, and from domefHcke broyles i 
 Are theirs the Cities, which doe weare th^ Flag 
 Of'Ptdi.ce, while Rochel, Heidleberg, and Prague 
 And all the Chriftian world engaged are, 
 Infome offenfive, or defenfive war re t 
 
 Are 
 
 37 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 Are their's the Cities, to whofe fleets were Jhowne, 
 The pathleffe wayes through many feas unknowne ? 
 Whofe wealthy Merchants have encreaft their trade 
 From ev'ry Port and Creek, that we have made ? 
 Whofe veffeh have, by our proteBion, gone 
 Pafl both the Tropicks, and through every Zone, 
 And made their petty Villages, become 
 Acquainted with more worlds, then ancient Rome ? 
 
 Is this that people unto whom we gave. 
 More lovely Bodies, then mofl Nations have ? 
 And in whofe minds (of our efpeciall grace) 
 We did the be/l approved temper place ? 
 Is this that People, whom we did reflore 
 To humane fhape, when as the fcarlet whore 
 Had with her charmed Cup ofpoifned wine. 
 Transformed them into Affes, Apes andfwine ? 
 Did we in perfecution heare their cries 1 
 Take off, thefcales of blindneffe from their ey est 
 Wincke at their follies, when they mofl offended'i 
 Forbeare the punifhments that were intendeds 
 From diverfe Plagues infliBed them releafe ? 
 Make Europe_/?««(/ and wonder at their peace 1 
 Yea,fave them from the malice of their Foe, 
 When all were like to perifh at a blow ? 
 And, grace and favour undeferved fhew. 
 When they their owne deflruSlion did purfue t 
 
 Have we, thefe threefcore yeares and upwards bleft 
 Their Kingdomesy^-«>»? thofe troubles that infeft 
 Mofl other States ? And (^hen their foules had been 
 Nigh famifht elfe) did we provide a Queene, 
 i^A Maiden Queene, with vertues mafculine) 
 To nurfe them up in holy Difcipline ? 
 Did we provide, whenflie her courfe had run, 
 A King who favor' d, what her hand begun ? 
 
 And 
 
 38 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 19 
 
 And now another, who doth both rejlore 
 
 Thofe hopes they lojl in him, andpromife more i 
 
 Did we but here, of late, when they had lojl 
 Their Prince (that now is King) when they almojl 
 Defpait'd of his returne, for evermore, 
 When he remained on tK lhena.n Jhore ? 
 Did we aecept their vowes t obferve their teares i 
 Compajfconate their jealoufies andfeares 1 
 And fend their Darling home, when few did know 
 Whereon to build a hope itfhould befo ? 
 Yea, when throughout the world no other pow'r. 
 Could fuch a work have compaffed but our 1 
 
 Have we endured their forwardneffe fo long 1 
 Forgiven and forgotten fo much wrong 1 
 Sought after them, when they had us forfaken ? 
 So oft, their counterfeit Repentance taken ? 
 So many times apparant made unto them, 
 What mif chief es their ownefoolifh projects doe them 1 
 Yea, did we freely fundry bleffings daigne 
 Vnaskt, which other Lands could not obtaine 
 By labors, vowes, and prayers ? And have they thus. 
 For allthefe benefits requitted us ? 
 ys that their vowed thankfulneffe ? Are thefe 
 The fruits of all their zealous promifes ? 
 Is this their Piety ? Goe, draw together 
 Thy Forces, Vengeance : quickly march them thither 
 With all our Armies ; and confume themfo, 
 That we may never more difpleafed grow 
 At their unkindeneffe ; or be cheated by 
 Thefained weepings of Hypocrifie. 
 
 No fooner had he fpoken, but, behold, 
 An Hoafl (which he doth alway keepe enrold, 
 To execute his wrath) did flraight appeare 
 And in his awfull prefence muflred were. 
 
 So 
 
 39 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 So many Troups, did round about him throng, 
 That, all the world with Plagues, was overhung : 
 For not a Judgement is there, which hath name. 
 But, thither to attend his Will it came. 
 
 Sterne vifag'd WAR (whofe very look doth flrike) 
 Came driving on his Charret, lehu like ; 
 Arm'd and befet with holberts, bills, and glares, 
 Bowes, arrowes, pikes, pole-axes, darting ftaves, 
 Guns, balls of fire, and ev'ry thing that furthers 
 The worke of Defolation, Wounds, and Murthers. 
 His prime companions, Theft and Rapine were, 
 With all thofe Vices which mofl cruell are. 
 And at their heeles purfued all thofe Bands 
 Of raging mifchiefes, that afilifl the Lands 
 On which he falls. This is that roring Fiend 
 Who Lawes, and Leagues, doth into pieces rend. 
 This is that bloody Tyrant, who o're turnes 
 The goodl'efl Monuments, and fpoiles and burnes 
 The fairefl Dwellings. This is he that razes 
 Renowned Cities, and the ftrongeft places. 
 This is that facreligious Theefe, who fpares 
 'Hoi Hbfpitall not Temple; neither heares 
 The fuits or cries of aged or of young ; 
 Nor is regardfull of men weake or flrong. 
 The Suckling from his Mothers bread he fnatcheth- 
 And braines it in her fight .■ The Wife he catcheth 
 Ev'n from her Husbands bed ; and Virgins from 
 Their Lovers armes, his Strumpets to become. 
 A fertile Soile he makes a WildemefTe, 
 And Wolves, and Beares, and Foxes, to poffeffe 
 Thofe places, wherein Arts did once abound ; 
 And where have dwelled Nations moft renown'd. 
 However, he's an inllrument of God's ; 
 And ufually, the laft of all thofe rods 
 
 Which 
 
 40 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 20 
 
 Which on a thankeleffe Kingdome he doth lay, 
 Before he finally remove away 
 The meanes of Grace. Next him, came fneaking in 
 Leane Famine, with bare bones, and parched skinne ; 
 With deep funke eyes, with talons over-growne ; 
 With hungry teeth that would have crackt a ftone ; 
 And, clofe behind her, and at either hand, 
 Such Troups did wait, as are at her command. 
 
 The crawling Caterpillers, wallfuU Flyes, 
 The skipping Locuji (that in winter dies) 
 Floods, Frojb, & MUdewes, BlaJUngs, Windes, & Stormes, 
 Drough, ravenous Fowles, & Vermine, Weedes, & Wormes : 
 Sloth, Evill lusdandry, and fuch as thofe. 
 Which make a fcarfeneffe where mofl plenty grows. 
 
 This is that hungry Houfwife, who firfl, found 
 The fearching out for meat from under ground ; 
 To dig up Roots; to reUifli well the tafl. 
 Of (linking Gallick, and of bitter Maft. 
 She taught poore people how to fill their mawes, 
 With Bramble-berries, Hedge-picks, Hips, & Hawes. 
 Twas (he who finding on the fandy fliore 
 A heape of Oijkrs (all bedaubed o're) 
 Firfl fought within thofe dirty Ihels for meat, 
 Elfe we had never dar'd of them to eate ; 
 Nor thought, nor hoped, that fo foule a diih 
 Could bring to table fuch a dainty fifh. 
 
 Twas fhe that learn'd the Spaniards how to dreffe 
 Their Frogs ; the Frenchman how to cooke a meffe 
 Of fpumy Mujhromes ; Germans how to make 
 A dinner or a fupper on a Snake ; 
 Jtalians on the flimy Snaile to feed ; 
 Our Irijhmen to live upon a weed 
 That growes in Marlhes. And I dare to fay, 
 That, but for her, we fcarce had heard this day 
 
 Of 
 
 4t 
 
Brittan's Cani.x. 
 
 Of Cavecir, and twenty fuch like babies, 
 Which Gluttony now fets upon our Tables. 
 
 The broyling of old fhooes, was her device ; 
 And fo was eating Cartion, Rats, and Mice. 
 Thofe dainty pallats which could relifli nought 
 But what was fet farre off, and dearly bought. 
 She fo hath dieted, that they could feed 
 On mouldy fcraps ; and beg them too for need. 
 
 This Jlag, hath Townes and Cities famifhed. 
 With humane ilefh, flie hungry men hath fed : 
 She forc't them hath to fuck their horfes blood : 
 To feed on Pigeons dung (in flead of food) 
 And dearly purchafe it. Yea, fome conllrained 
 To drinke their Vrine, when they drought fuflained. 
 Nay, this is that unequall'd crueU-one, 
 Who urg'd a Mother, once, to kill her Sonne, 
 And make unnaturally that curfed wombe 
 Which gave him being, to be made his tombe. 
 Ev'n this is She, God Ihield us from her cheere. 
 And grant her Plaguejhip never fettle here. 
 
 The PeJUlence, moreover, thither brought 
 Her feared forces, and employment fought. 
 This is that Nimble Fury, who did flay 
 Her three and twenty thoufand in one day ; 
 And in th' Afflrian Camp, to death did fmite, 
 AlmoA two hundred thoufand in one night. 
 . Betwixt an evening and a morning tide, 
 From ev'ry houfe a foule flie did divide 
 Throughout the Land oiJEgypt; and could mark 
 Their eldefl-borne, although the night were dark. 
 In little fpace, flie quite hath overthrowne 
 Great Cities, and difpeopled many a Towne. 
 She from each other makes acquaintance run, 
 Before that any injuries be done ; 
 
 And 
 
 42 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 21 
 
 And of the pois'ning-^ri? hath found the height, 
 For, fhe knowes how to poifon by conceit. 
 A Mantle wrought with purple fpots flie wore, 
 Embofl with many a Blaine, and many a Sore. 
 She had a raving Voice, a frantick Look, 
 A noyfome Breath, and in her hand flie fhooke 
 A venom'd fpeare, which, where it toucheth, fills 
 The veines with poifon, and diftradls, and kills. 
 
 Within her Regiment are all Difeafes, 
 And ev'ry Torment which the Body feizes ; 
 Gouts, Collicks, Lethargies, and Apoplexies, 
 ObJlruSlion, which the fpleene, or ftomack vexes ; 
 The Pox of ev'ry kinde, Rheumes, aches, Stiches, 
 Quick-killing Pleurifies, and Scabs, and Itches ; 
 The Burning-Fever, who deferveth well 
 The place of her Lieutenant-Colonell ; 
 Confumptions, Gangreeves, Coughs, and Squinancies, 
 The Falling-evill, Cramps, and Lunacies, 
 (With other fuch Difeafes, many moe 
 Then I am able by their names to know) 
 Befides thofe maladies the Sea procures. 
 As, floath-bred Scurvies, and mad Calentures ; 
 And all thofe other Griefes, and Sorrowes, which 
 Thofe SickneiTes doe bring on poore and rich. 
 
 But, of that Hoajl which here is mentioned, 
 The maine Battalion was both rang'd and led 
 By that flye Prince, (ev'n that malicious one) 
 Which in the ayrie Region hath his throne. 
 To further his defignes, he brought in Lyes, 
 Extortion, Bribing, Fraud, and Perjuries ; 
 With many thoufand ftratagems befide, 
 Whofe dangerous efFefls are often tride. 
 All ravenous Beajb, (or rather thofe of whom 
 Such Beads are Emblemes) in his troups did come. 
 
 To 
 
 43 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 To worke his mifchiefes (with amaze and wonder) 
 He furniflit was with Lightnings, Winds, & Thunder ; 
 Prodigious apparitions, and thofe fights 
 Wherewith mens troubled fancies he affrights ; 
 And, thither did (for foule affaults) repaire 
 His two black Twins, Prefumption and Defpaire. 
 Attended by thofe manifold Temptations, 
 Wherewith he maketh fure the reprobations 
 Of all obdurate fmners ; whom in wrath 
 Our God, defervedly rejected bath. 
 
 Thefe greedy Spoilers, hungry for a prey. 
 Stood ready, Gods commandings to obey : 
 Who having view'd their well prepared Bands, 
 (And ponting out his finger to thefe Lands) 
 Said ;■ Goe ye Plagues. And (had he not beene flaid) 
 Lay walle, that finfull Realme, he would have faid. 
 
 And yet, it feems, thefe dreadfuU fhews were rather 
 The threatnings of a wife and loving Father, 
 (To bring his Children to a filiall feare) 
 Then fuch a wrath as doth in Foes appeare. 
 For, neither Chance, nor Time, nor New-defert, 
 Was interpofed on the guilty part : 
 But, God's owne goodneffe brought the means about 
 That flopt our Doome, before his words were out 
 
 And thus it was. The great Almighty One 
 Hath evermore attending on his throne 
 Two royall Daughters. One of them is flie 
 That's called lujiice ; and her Emblemes be 
 An equall Ballance, and a flaming Blade, 
 To weigh the Good their due, and fright the Bad : 
 And, both with hand and eye flie threatens thofe. 
 That her uprightneffe, any way oppofe. 
 
 The other for her Hierogliphick, weares 
 A Box of Balme, and in her bofome beares 
 
 44 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 22 
 
 A fucking Lambe, (which meelt and harmles creature 
 
 Doth fomewhat intimate her gentle nature) 
 
 Betwixt her beauteous brefls, a true ComJ)afflon 
 
 Eredleth her perpetuall habitation ; 
 
 And, fuch a lovely fweet afpedt hath (he, 
 
 Thats if Wrath faw her, Wrath in love would be. 
 
 We call her Clemency. She often makes 
 
 Our peace with God, and his difpleafure flakes. 
 
 This Prirueffe, marking well with what intent 
 Her Lord would thofe great Armies forth have fent ; 
 And finding, by that wrath flie faw in him, 
 What Defolations would have followed them ; 
 With teares of pitie, to his throne flie ran, 
 To kiife and to embrace his feet began ; 
 And (whilfl. his halfe fpoke fentence God delaid) 
 Thefe words, the faire-well fpoken Virgin faid. 
 
 Deare, oh deare Father ! wherefore frownjl thou fa ? 
 What fearfull thing art thou about to doe ? 
 Hold (I befeech thee hold) thou backe the doome, 
 Which from thy lips is now about to com^ ; 
 And hear (Dread Sov'raign) heare thy Handmaid ^«ff^ 
 A word or two, before thy luftice wreake 
 Deferved vengeance on that wretched place 
 Which hath fo fallen from thy wonted Grace. 
 
 Look Father ; looke upon me : it is I, 
 Thy befl-beloved Daughter CLEMENCIE: 
 Tis L whom thou forgettefl. I amfhe 
 Who in thy bofome lay, belov'd of thee 
 Before all worlds ; and had a fov'raignty 
 O're all thy creatures from eternity. 
 Tis I, at whofe intreaty thou wert moved 
 To fend thine onely Sonne, thy befl-beloved 
 (For Mans redemption) to affume the nature, 
 The forme, and frailties, of a fmfull creature. 
 
 Tis 
 
 45 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 Tis I that have prefumed to become 
 A fuitor now-, tojlay thy heavy doome : 
 And, whyjhould J be doubtfull to make triall 
 Of thy regard, or fearfull of denialU 
 
 In ludgetnent, thou haft promifed, oh Lord ! 
 To thinke on Me (eifn in thy written word) 
 Yea, Heaven and Earth have often heard thee fay. 
 Thou never wouldfl, for ever, cqfl away 
 Thy Loving-Mercy; and, J know, thou mufi 
 And wilt, be found in all thy fayings, jufl. 
 
 But, then, to what intents, doe Thefe appeare ? 
 Why are thy dreadfull Armies muflred here ? 
 What favour is it pqffible tofhow. 
 Where fuch a Rablement as this, fhall goe 1 
 Why may not Titie fhew her felfe as well 
 Within the bottome of the loweft Hell 
 As where thefe revell? Doubtleffe, thefe rude Bands 
 Willfpare nor Lawes nor Temples in thofe Lands 
 To which thou fend themfhalt; but, from each place 
 Root out (with ev'ry prefent meanes of Grace) 
 All outward helps of prefent knowing thee. 
 If equall to their hate, their pow^r may be. 
 
 And, what if then their breathleffe fury fJtall 
 Leave fome few trifles which are temporalis 
 For what will they referve them, but to breed 
 A race <?/' Infidels? a wicked ieeA, 
 For them to prey upon 1 a Brood, to whom 
 The Bleffings left Damnation fhall become. 
 
 Thou haft upon that Hand (/ confeffe) 
 Beflowed Favours, great and numberleffe. 
 I know that they may juflly blufli for fhame. 
 To heare how groffely they abufe thy Name ; 
 Yea, they now are, and have a long time bin, 
 Growne out of meafure finfull in their fin. 
 
 Yet 
 
 46 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 23 
 
 Yet, if thou look upon them, thou Jhalt fee 
 Some there, who bend not unto Baal their knee ; 
 Some left, who for thine honour firme have flood; 
 Some, who have garments wafhed in the blood 
 Of thy unfpotted Lamb : andfome, which beare 
 Thofe marks, that Scales of thy free pardon are. 
 
 Oh I let not them encloid with Sinners be. 
 Nor fwallowed up withfuch who know not thee. 
 But, for the fakes of thofe forbeare thou, rather. 
 The Tares, untill thy Harvefl thou fhalt gather : 
 So, by thofe Follies which in them abound. 
 
 Thy Goodneiie^^iall the farther be renowned. 
 
 Jf therefore, thou this Kingdome fhouldfl notfpare, 
 Becaufe, repleat with fin her dwellings are. 
 
 What Nation is tJiere, or what Habitation, 
 
 That merits not perpetuall reprobation ? 
 
 Where wilt thoufinde a People, under Heaifn, 
 
 Which hath not ev'ry way occafion giv'n 
 
 Of thy difpleafure 2 Or, what Mail is there 
 
 That in thy fight could jufiifi d appeare. 
 
 If thou fhouldjl mark him with a frowning eye i 
 
 And, what a pretty Nothing, then were I, 
 
 If no man lived, that amiffe had done. 
 
 For me, to exercife my pity on ? 
 
 Nay, j)^Tranfgreffion had but finite been, 
 
 How fhould thy Mercies infinite, befeenel 
 
 Though on this Field which thou haft plow' d &= f own 
 
 With purefi Wheat) _/&^«« wicked-ones have throwne 
 
 Their Tares, by night ; yet, fomewhat it hath borne 
 
 For which it may be cald thy Field of Come. 
 
 Thy Fence is yet about it; and there fiands 
 
 A Fort, and Wine-preffe, builded by thy hands. 
 
 There are thy Sacraments, thy Word divine. 
 
 There, is the Schoole of Chrifiian Difcipline. 
 
 There 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 There, may the meanes ^ Grace be kept injlore 
 For thofe who will hereafter prize them more. 
 Thy poore afflilled Servants, thither may 
 From forraine perfecutions flye away ; 
 Andjheltred in a Storm e, there fafely tary. 
 As in a Fortreffe, or a Sandtuary. 
 But, whither Jhall they flye when that lyes waftl 
 Where Jhall thy f acred Oracles be pladd'i 
 Or Whither with her Sonne that Woman goe, 
 Who by the Dragon is purftiedfo ? 
 
 I know that if thou pleafe t/iou can/l provide 
 A place for her, fecurely to abide, 
 Amid the Weflerne wilderneffe \and where 
 Scarce glimmerings of thy favours yet appeare) 
 By moulding out the Hecithen Salvages 
 To be a people far furpaffing thefe. 
 This, Lord, thou could/I effeSl; and make of them 
 Thy people, whom thefe mofi of all contemne. 
 And, fince this Nation, in their wealthy peace, 
 Havefent out Colonies, but to encreafe 
 Their private gaine : fince they faire fhowes have made 
 Ofpuhlifhing thy Gofpell, when the Trade 
 For curfed lucre (as the Times reveale) 
 Was chief eft founder of their fained zeale : 
 Since they in that, and other things, pretend 
 Religion, when tis fartheft from their end: 
 Thou didft but right, if thou fhouldft force their feed 
 To fettle onfome barbarous Coaft for need; 
 And, there, thy Truth, to thofe, with forrow preach. 
 Whom they negleEled, in their weak, to teach. 
 
 But, fince it were no more for thee to doe. 
 This Land tofave, and call anoeher too. 
 Then onefuch worke so compafjfe ; why I pray 
 Shouldft thou remove their Candleflick away ? 
 
 Why 
 
 48 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 24 
 
 Why maijl not Thou, who all compaffion art, 
 
 Thy people, rather, by thy powW convert, 
 
 Then quite dejlroy them ? wherefore Jhouldjl thou not 
 
 Their errors forth of thy remembrance blot. 
 
 As heretofore 1 And alwayes praifed be 
 
 For that abundant Love, which is in thee ? 
 
 Whyfhould their Foes and thine, with jeering fay. 
 Now, now we fee our long-expedted Day ? 
 Why wilt thou give them caufe to domineere ? 
 Eifn thofe, who love not thee, to laugh, andfleere 
 At their definition, who, thy Truth profefl, 
 (If not unfainedly) infhew, at leafl. 
 Though they have ill-deferv'd, whyfhould thefhame 
 Of their offences fall upon thy Name ? 
 And, thy Blafphemers (by thy Peoples fall) 
 Affume the boldneffe on themfelves, to call 
 Thy Gofpel into queflion ? Or, thereby. 
 Their fhameleffef alfhoods feeke to juflifie 1 
 Why fhould the wicked, take occafwnfrom 
 Thefe Plagues, to fay ; Where is their God become? 
 Where is their pow'r, on which they did repofe ? 
 Where is their Faith ? where are the hopes of thofe 
 Their fervices ? Oh I for thine owne dearefake, 
 (However they deferve) compaffion take. 
 Deare SIR, have pittie : and, as often, thou 
 Hafl granted my requefl, vouchfafe it now. 
 Yea, to thofe many thoufands, heretofore. 
 From thy abundance, adde one favour more. 
 
 By thefe, and other Motives (breathed from 
 A zealous brefl) the heav'ns are overcome. 
 His love of us, doth fo our Sampfon wound, 
 That, he hath taught us, how he may be bound. 
 Yea, Holy-writ informeth us, that He, 
 By fuch like Charmings, will compelled be. 
 
 C And 
 
 49 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 And, now they fo prevailed, that the rage 
 
 Of our great God, they partly did afwage. 
 
 Which ME EC Yhy his looke, had quickly heeded ; 
 
 And taking that advantage, thus proceeded. 
 
 Oh I what a comfort is it, to behold 
 Thine Eyefpedk Mercy, and thy Brow unfold 
 A reconcilement ! Now, jfeeme to fee 
 Thy gracious face, tofhine againe on me. 
 Ifinde it is thejealoufie of hove, 
 (And no effeSl of hatred) which doth move 
 Thy wronged Patience : and, that when thou hidefl 
 Thy prefence in an angry Cloud, or chidefl, 
 It is not alwayes in confuming wrath, 
 (To punifh, as the fault deferved hath) 
 But, that thy frighting Judgements might prevaile, 
 To worke amendment, when thy Love dothfaile. 
 That people, whomfo much thou didfi affe^, 
 How canfi thou have a purpofe to rejell, 
 So long as in their Confines doth remaine 
 That Number, which thy Vengeance doth refiraine ? 
 Who can beleeve that thou defraid'flfuch cofi. 
 To purchafe what, thou m^anefi fhall be lofli 
 Or, labour to ereSl them, didfl beflow. 
 For nothing elfe, but them away so throw ? 
 Why fhould J thinke, thy endleffe goodneffe, had 
 So little care, to fave what thou hafl made. 
 That Sathans Hate, fhould for their Defolation, 
 Out-worke thy Love, in working their Salvation i 
 Or, that the boundlefneffe of Mans tranfgrefflon. 
 Could over-match thine Infinite Compaffion ? 
 
 It may not be beleeved; Or, that this 
 Pretended vi&rie, for finall ruine is. 
 Since, if in fummoning thy ludgements, now. 
 Thou hadflpropos'd their utter overthrow, 
 
 Thou 
 
 5° 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 25 
 
 Thou wouldjl not have difcovered an affellion, 
 By Jlill continuing them, in thy protedion, 
 As yet thou dojl: Nor daily fend unto them 
 Love-tokens, \as if kindneffe, thou wouldjl doe them 
 Which theyjhould never know of) nor, makefhow 
 Of having left them, when tis nothing fo. 
 
 Thus have I feene, on earth, a Lover ufe 
 His Bell-beloved, when Jhe did abufe 
 His true affeilion. Though hefeeme unkinde. 
 That her unkindneffe Jhe may thereby finde ; 
 Yea, though fie faitie fome outward difref pells, 
 Yet, in his heart, fo truly he affells. 
 That, whatfoever good, he can, he does her : 
 By tneanes unfeene, to her lofl vertues, wooes her : 
 For her well-doing, takes a thoufand cares : 
 Of her ill-doing, hath ten thoufand feares : 
 Wakes not, but thoughts of her, in waking, keepes ; 
 Sleeps not, but dreameth of her, when hefleepes. 
 Not ceafing to endeavour, till he fee 
 Some fparkes of lofl affeSlion kindled be. 
 And, as her over -fights Jhe doth deplore, 
 So, he his love difcovers, more and more ; 
 Vntill the fire, that was a long time hid, 
 Breake forth, and flame as high as eWe it did. 
 
 I never knew thee, yet, to ruinate 
 A wicked Kingdome, or afinfull State, 
 Profeffing thee ; but, thou didjlfirfl withdraw 
 From thofe Offenders, thy abufed Law. 
 
 And, as in Chriftian Realmes, the temp' rail Sword 
 Cuts off no Preacher of thy bleffed Word, 
 (For any Crime committed) untill he 
 Of&sAY-aiAsxSjfirfl degraded be : 
 So, thou (mofl frequently) doftfirfl remove 
 The Scales of Grace, and Pledges of thy Love, 
 
 Ca Before 
 
 51 
 
Brittan's Cant. i. 
 
 Before thou give up Lands into their powW, 
 Who them, and theirs, Jhall finally devoure : 
 For, till thy holy things, be fetched from 
 Their Coafl, fuch Defolation fhall not come. 
 
 Thofe, they retaine. And, if conclude I Jhall 
 From hope of any blefflng temporall, 
 That yet thou lovejlthem (and dojl intend 
 Their Land, with future favours, to befriend) 
 That King which thou haft now on them beflowne. 
 Some token of thy Clemency hathjhowne. 
 For, if man may by good externcill fignes, 
 ConjeShtre whereunto his heart enclines : 
 If "WiOVi, to whom allfecrets open be. 
 See' Jl that in him, which mortalls hope they fee; 
 And haft not mockt that People, ^r their finne, 
 Withjhewes of things that have not reall bin : 
 (As 'Lord forbid) No Kingdome hath a Prince, 
 Whofe infant yeares, gave better evidence. 
 That with an earthly Crowne hejhould inherit, 
 A plentious portion of thy f acred Spirit. 
 
 None liveth now, on whom the genWall eye 
 Didfo much gaze, and fo few fcapes efpy. 
 Few private men were in their youth fo free 
 From all thofe vanities, which frequent be 
 In thefe rude times (he having m^anes to doe 
 His pleafure, and, perhaps, ftrong temptings too) 
 Who feemed of thofe knowledges, morefaine 
 That might informe him, to obey, and raigne ? 
 How well thofe croffings was he thought to beare, 
 Which in the times of his fubjeSUon were ? 
 And, with how brave a temper to tiegleil, 
 To be aveng'd of wrongs and difrefpeSl 1 
 What Sonne, did in his Fathers life time,Jhow 
 A filiall feare and love, united fo 1 
 
 Or 
 
 52 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 26 
 
 Or, which of all thy Vice-royes didjl thou fee 
 
 Apfeare more zealoufly devout then, he 1 
 
 Thou hiowefl which : But, if they doe not erre 
 
 Who, things by probability, inferre, 
 
 It might befaid. The world had not his peere 
 
 In all thofe vertues, that are mention'd here. 
 
 Andfhould confeffed be, eifn of his foe. 
 
 They had notflattred who affirmed fo : 
 
 Since, what was of his worth, at home conceived, 
 
 All Europe _^^ a verity received. 
 
 And loe ; now by thy Grace hefitteth on 
 The feat of Rule, and in his Fathers Throne ; 
 Who giveth fignes of truer love to thee ? 
 Or of more confcience, of his Charge, then He i 
 What Monarke, iti appearance, better preacheth 
 By good Examples, what thy Precepts teaclieth 1 
 Or which of all his reverend Prelacy, 
 Jnfhewes of true religious conflancie. 
 Outgoes or equals him 2 Oh I iffo cleare 
 His vertues prove, as yet they doe appear e. 
 How glorious will they grow i And what a light 
 Will he become, when he afcends the height 
 Of his great Orbe? And, oh! what pitty 'twere 
 His mindefhould ever fall below that fpheare 
 <y Grace which he hath climVd 1 or, that thy Love 
 Should wanting be, to keepe himftill above t 
 
 How grievous would it be, that his beginning 
 (So hopefull, andfuch love and honour winning) 
 Should faile that expeilation, which it hath 2 
 And, make theefhut thy favour up, in wrath 1 
 Let not oh God/ let not the fins of others 
 Nor any fog (which Vertues glorie fmothers ) 
 Afcendingfrom his frailties, make obfcure 
 His rifing honor, which yetfeemeth pure. 
 
 Cl If 
 
 53 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. I. 
 
 If ought, in him, be wanting of that worth 
 Which to the publike view is blazed forth, 
 Forgive, andferfed him, that he may grow, 
 To be in deed, what he appear es in_piow. 
 Yea, Lord {asfarre as humane frailty can 
 Permit the fame) make him, ev'nfuch a Man 
 As now that Kingdome needs ; and fpare that Nation 
 For him, which elfe deferveth Defolation. 
 
 If he be what he feemeth \ Thou (I know) 
 Wiltfave his hand from utter overthrow. 
 Thou, in the life-time of a pious King, 
 Wert never yet, accuflomed to hing 
 Definition : For, thoufhewedfl him compaffion. 
 Who did but once, well a£l humiliation ; 
 Ev'n wicked Ahab ; and within his Times 
 Thou wouldfl not punifh (no not) his owne Crimes. 
 Oh I be as mercifull, as thou hafl bin ; 
 And let this King, thy favours triumph in. 
 Let that exceeding Grace already fJiew'd him, 
 (Eifn that wherewith thy Spirit hath indud him) 
 Be Pledges offome greater Gifts, with which 
 Thoufhalt in future times, his heart enrich. 
 His brefl inflame thou, with a facredfii'e ; 
 Teach him to aske, and give him his defire : 
 Grant him thy Wifdome, and thy Righteoufneffe, 
 The wrongs of all his People to redreffe. 
 Let him the Widow, and the Orphane fave, 
 Releeving all, that need offuccour have : 
 And, let his Mountaines, and each leffer Hill, 
 His humbler Dales, with peace, and plenty fill. 
 
 As fie was honored in his Prefervation, 
 So, let him glory flill in thy Salvation. 
 As he perffleth to re lie on thee ; 
 So, let himfure of thy protelleon be. 
 
 Be 
 
 54 
 
Cant.i. Remembrancer. 27 
 
 Be thou his onely joy. Be Ihou I pray 
 
 His Triumph Ofi his Coronation-day. 
 
 Crowne thou his head with purified gold : 
 
 Make Jirong his Scepter, and his Throne uphold, 
 
 To be renowned by thy Grace divine, 
 
 As long as either Sunne, or Moone /hall Jhine. 
 
 Since thou to rule thine Ifr'el doji appoint him, 
 Let thy mojl holy Spirit, Lord, anoint him. 
 Make thou a league with him, as thou haji done 
 With David, and adopt him for thy Sonne. 
 To thee. Thou art my Father, let him fay, 
 My God, my Rocke of fafety, and my ftay. 
 Throughout thofe Lads, where thou to raignfhall place him 
 With Title, of thy Firll-begotten, grace him. 
 And, let his IGngdomes harbor none of them, 
 Whofhall deny him to be their Supreme. 
 So guard, andfo enclofe him with thine Arme, 
 The Man of Sinne, may never doe him harme. 
 To him, his Adverfaries allfubjeil. 
 And, profper none that himfhall difaffell. 
 Lead thou his Armies, when his Warre beginnes ; 
 Make thou his Peace, when he the Battle winnes. 
 Let fail thy Truth, and Love, with him abide ; 
 Let in thy Name, his name be glorifi'd. 
 Doe thou the Seas into his pow'r deliver; 
 Make thou his right hand reach beyond the River ; 
 Atid, plant fo firongly on the Banks o/"Rhyne, 
 Thofe fruitfull Branches of his Fathers Vine, 
 ( Whom late thefalvage Bore (with tripled pow'r) 
 Hath rooted up, with purpofe to devour e) 
 That they may fpread their Cluflers, far and nigh ; 
 And fill, and top, the Germane Empery. 
 Yea, minde thou, Lord, thefcornes and defamations, 
 Which they have borne among their neighboring nations: 
 
 C4 And 
 
 55 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 And,pleafe to comfort them, and make them glad, 
 According to the forrowes they have had. 
 To them, fo fanhijie their great afflillion. 
 That it may bring their vertues to perfellion ; 
 And, fit them for fame place, in which theyjhall 
 Helpe reare againe, decaying Sions wall. 
 
 Oh ! keep for them, a favour flill inflore; 
 Preferve them in thy Lea-gue, for evermore; 
 Bleffe thou that Race, which is orfhall be given: 
 As lafting make it, as the dayes of heaven : 
 And, if thy Lawes or ludgements, theyforfake. 
 Or, if thy League, or Covenant, they breake. 
 With Rods, let them, in mercie, be corrected; 
 But, never fall, for aye, to be rejeSled. 
 
 The like for this new Monark, / emplore : 
 Jn him, encreafe thy Graces, more, and more. 
 Make him a Bleffing,for all Chriflendorae : 
 Make him, a Ratterne, for all Times to cotne : 
 Make him, in ev'ry happy courfe perfever ; 
 And, let him live, for ever and for ever. 
 
 His Roy all Robe, he hath but ruw put on ; 
 And, I my prayers have but new begun. 
 Oh let me to thy Majedie prefer 
 Thefefew Petitions, in particular : 
 And place them where, they may both day and night. 
 Stand, evermore, unfolded in thy fight. 
 
 Firfl, teach him, to confider, how and why. 
 Thou haji enthron'd him on afeatfo high. 
 And, fo to think on his great charge ; and trufl, 
 As one who knowes he come to reckning mufl: 
 For, honors if by thee they be not blefl. 
 Make wifeft men as brutifh as a beaft. 
 Teach him to minde, how great the favour was, 
 When thou, of thy meere motion, and thy Grace, 
 
 Didfl 
 
 S6 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 28 
 
 Didjlfrom fo many millions chufe out him, 
 To weare this Kmgdom.es/ourefold Diadem : 
 And, make thy Servaxits, favour'd in his fight. 
 As tlwu hafl made of him, thy Favorite. 
 
 Teach him, the fittefi meanes to take away 
 (And let none murmure at his jufl delay) 
 Thofe Groves, and thofe Hill-Altars in the Land, 
 Which fuffred are witill his dayes tofland: 
 And, give him wifedome, wifely to forefee, 
 That Wheat from Chaff e, may well difUnguifht he. 
 For,fome will, elfe, bring Truth into fufpition, 
 Condemne good DifcipHne,7&r Superftition ; 
 And with f aire fhewes, of Piety, beguile, 
 That underhand they may encroach, the while. 
 On Gods Inheritance ; and from her teare 
 Thofe outward Ornaments his Bride doth weare 
 
 Oh ! let him purge from Church and Commonweale, 
 Tlwfe inflammations of corrupted zeale, 
 And indigefled humors, which doe ff read 
 Diflempers through the Stomacke, paine the Head : 
 And, by prepofTrous courfes, raife aflorme -. 
 
 To rend that Body, which it would re forme. 
 
 Let him, his Reformations, firft begin. 
 Like David, with himfelfe : andfearch within 
 The clofjet of his heart, what he canfifide. 
 Which may annoy him there, in any kinde : 
 And let him thence expell it, though it were. 
 As deare unto him as his eye bals are. 
 
 His Houlhold, let him next enquire into. 
 And, well informed be, what there they doe ; 
 That, fo he may expell thy Comming-day 
 With heart upright, and in aperfe£l way. 
 Let him in no prophaneneffe take delight. 
 Nor brook a wicked perfon in his fight, 
 
 C5 Let 
 
 57 
 
Br IT TAN'S Cant. I. 
 
 Let no Blafphemer in his prefence tarry ; 
 Nor they that faljhoods, to and fro, doe carry. 
 Let him acquaintance with all fuck refraine ; 
 The lowly cherifh ; haughty windes reflraine ; 
 Enquire for them that vertuoufly excell. 
 And take in honefi men with him to dwell. 
 No fuch Projedtor, who doth put in vfe 
 Great Injuries, to mend a fmall ahufe \ 
 Nor fuch, who in reforming, doe n^o other 
 But rob one Knave, to helpe enrich another ; 
 And prove themfelves, when tryall doth befall, 
 To be, perhaps, the veriefl Knaves of all. 
 
 Let him be curfl with no bafe Officer, 
 Who doth before true Honor, G^AA. prefer ; 
 And, to enrich his Chefl, a little more, 
 Would in his Reputation, make him poore : 
 Or withfome needleffe Treafure, to fupply him, 
 Lofe him more Love, then all his Lands can buy him. 
 Let no man of his daily bread partake, 
 Who at thy holy Boord _/%«// himforfake ; 
 And, lay thou open their diffimulaiion, 
 Whofkall approve of Na'mans Toleration. 
 
 Keepefrom his Counfells, though theii wit excels. 
 All Hypocrites, and all Achitophels. 
 Yea, let thy Wifdome, his difcretion bleffe. 
 From Rehoboams childijh wilfulneffe. 
 Who left his ancient Princes good direBions, 
 To follow his young Nobles raw proje£lions. 
 Or, if he like their Counfels, and receive them, 
 Harme let them bring to none but thofe who gave them : 
 And, if to him fome dammage they procure. 
 Let prefent lojfe his future peace procure. 
 
 Make him perceive that humane Policy 
 Is Hand-maid to religious Honefly ; 
 
 Afid 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 29 
 
 And that, the man who doth foundations lay 
 On luftice, (and proves conjlant in his way) 
 Shall mad the Politician ; and make vaine 
 His underminings without fear e, or paine. 
 For, as a Y<y^\tr feldome doth furprife 
 That wary Bird, which can her felfe fuffife. 
 With what thy hand provideth in the fields. 
 Or, what the Forrefl, for her diet yeelds : 
 So, jkights of Policy (although, perchance, 
 Theyfeeme, a while, to worke fame hinder ance) 
 Can difadvantage none, but thofe, who leaving 
 Thepathes ^Vertue, and themf elves deceiving 
 With fome falfe hopes (which were before them laid) 
 Made them the meanes, whereby they were betrayd. 
 
 Make him as precious in his Peoples eyes 
 As their owne blood. Far higher let them prife 
 His honor then their fortunes ; and let him, 
 Be evVy way as tender over them. 
 Yea, let the mutuall love, betwixt them bred, 
 Vnite them as the Body, and the Head. 
 For, fuch a bleffed Vnion doth procure 
 Morefafety then four e Kingdomes can affure; 
 Commands mens hearts, their fortunes, and their lives, 
 Is chief e of all his chief e Prerogatives ; 
 Andjhall more comfort, and more profit doe him. 
 Then all thofe fruttleffe claimes can bring unto him ; 
 Whereto, perchance, they urge him will, whofhall 
 Pretend his honor, when they feeke his fall. 
 
 Such men in Priaces Courts were ever found. 
 But, thou their lewd Projedlions wilt confound; 
 And, when their vaine devifes bring on them, 
 Confufion, who this reall Truth contemne ; 
 Wlienfuch mens foolifh counfels,fhall ?iave brought 
 Thofe mifchiefs on them which their hdds have wrought: 
 
 (Yea, 
 
 59 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 (Yea, when opprejl, with fear es and dif content, 
 Theyjhall, too late, perhaps, their courfe repent) 
 Then, they in heart Jhall forced be to fay. 
 That, what they fleighted was thefafefl way. 
 
 Bleffe him from thofe, who cenfure his Intents, 
 His Counfels, or his A6lions by events : 
 And fawdly, his fudges dare appeare 
 On evWyflaruTrous Rumor theyjhall heare. 
 Preferve him from thofe Minions (who do raife 
 Their credits by another mans difpraife) 
 That Machivillian crew, who to endeare 
 Their bafe imm£rits,fill the royall eare 
 With tales, andfalfe reports, concerning thofe 
 Who their mifdoings legally oppofe : 
 They, who growne great with rapine, and made ftrong, 
 With wealth extorted to the publike wrong. 
 Still add {to cover what mifdone hath bin) 
 New wrongs; and make new partners in their fin, 
 In hope their number keep them Jhall unjhent .- 
 And, filence a7id condemne the Innocent. 
 
 Make him abhor fuch Apes, andfuch Baboones, 
 As Parafites, and impudent Buffoones : 
 Such, as would make their Princes glad with lies : 
 Such, as with filthy tales of ribaldries, 
 With fcurrile fongs, with unbefeemingjefis, 
 Andjhtffe which eii'ry civill eare detefts, 
 ■Abufe Kings Chambers. Let all thofe who buy 
 Iheir Offices (which is lay Simony) 
 Have alwayes his diflike ; and not recover 
 His good efteeme againe, till they give over 
 Their evill gotten places. Let all fuch 
 Who for the feats i?/' ludgement, do as much, 
 Appeare to him as men who are deteiled 
 Of hainous crimes ; and ever befufpelled 
 
 Of 
 
 60 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 30 
 
 Of fame Corruption : for, it may be thought, 
 That money mufl be made of what is bought. 
 
 Let him the caufes of Abufe difcerne ; 
 Let him the cure ofeifry mif chief e learne; 
 Let him of what he knoweth, praSlice make ; 
 Let all his People, his example take. 
 Give them repentance for their paffed crimes ; 
 Afsifl them by thy grace, in future times ; 
 And fend thy Holy-Spirit through their Lands, 
 To keep them in the way of thy Commands. 
 So, thou in their Devotions wilt be pleas' d, 
 So all thine anger will be quite appeal d; 
 So, King and People, praife theefhall together ;. 
 And, then, thou need ft not fend thefe Armies thither. 
 
 Thus MER CLE fpake ; & more flie would have 
 (For, {he could everlaflingly have praid) (faid 
 
 To this effea. But, 7VSTICE having fpy'd 
 Gods eye to marke, how (he feem'd fatisfi'd ; 
 (And looking fomewhat llemly, to betoken 
 That MERCIE in her injury had fpoken) 
 Thus interrupted her. Faire Sifter, flay j 
 And, doe not think to beare my right away 
 
 With fmoothed words. Thou art an Advocate 
 
 Well knowne to be the mofl importunate 
 That ever pleaded : and, thou haft a trick 
 
 With thefe moifl eyes, beyond all Rhetorick. 
 So that, unleffe L make it flill appear e, 
 
 What groffe offenders all thy Clients are, 
 A Bill of mine (how juflfo^re the cafe) 
 
 Would feldofne in this great Star-chamber /«^. 
 JVo place, no perfons, arefo diffolute, 
 But if they whine to thee, thou makejlfutt 
 On their behalfes. Thou wert Soliciter 
 For King Manaffes (that Idolater 
 
 And 
 
 61 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 And gotjl his pardon. Thou hajl Prodlreffe bin 
 For leroboam {who made Iti'el/inJ 
 That hand recuring which lie did extend, 
 The Meffenger of God, to apprehend. 
 
 Thou art for any who in thee beleeves, 
 Though Traytors, Strumpets, Murtherers, or Theeves. 
 Thou prayd^Jl for Nineveh; yea thou hajlprayd 
 For Sodome ; and my hand hadfure beetle Jiaid 
 When I confum'd them, if there had beene, then, 
 In five great Cities, but tenne righteous men. 
 
 I never yet could get a verdill pafl 
 On any Sinner, but thou croft it haft, 
 Vpon the leafl repentance. And if ever 
 To ferve an Execution I endeavor, 
 Thou, ftill, one meanes or other doft procure, 
 To mitigate the flriilefl forfeiture. 
 
 Thee, for delaying ludgements, I prefer 
 Ei/nfarre before the Courts at AVeflminfler. 
 And, if I longer thefe thy dealings beare, 
 Thou here wilt ufe me, as they ufe me there : 
 For, lately J furveyed it ; aridfaw 
 Their Chauncery had halfe devoured their Law. 
 
 Sweet Lady call to minde, there is a due 
 Pertaining equally to me and you. 
 As nothing without MER C I E fliould be done ; 
 So TVS TI C E fhoidd not be eturoacM upon. 
 I claime a Daughters /ar/, and I defire 
 To keepe mine owne inheritance intire. 
 I, for your fake, huge Armies, often fave. 
 When they had, elfe, beene rotfmg in the grave. 
 I fuffer you to wipe morefinnes away 
 Then twice tenne thoufand millions in a day. 
 There s none whom I doe punijh for his crimes, 
 But Jdoefcarre himfirfl, a thoufand times 
 
 (At 
 
 62 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 31 
 
 (At your entreaty) when, if I had ^leafed, 
 I might Jo many times his life havefeized. 
 Yea, yffwiild none have injui'd, though I had 
 Of all the World, longfince, a Bone-fire made. 
 
 For, what effell hath your Compaffion wrought ? 
 What Offrings, to Gods Altars, now are brought 
 By my long f paring them ? Nay, have they not 
 Him, and his awfull pow^r, the more forgot i 
 What did I fay ? forgot him ? if they had 
 Vid him and his Indulgence but fo bad, 
 Thou might ft havefpoken for them ; and I could 
 Have left thy fupplications uncontroll'd. 
 But, they have aggravated their neglell, 
 Withfuch bafe villanies,fuch difrefpeSl, 
 Andfuch contempt of Him, of Thee, and Mee, 
 That if we beare it, we fhall f corned be. 
 
 They fo prefumptuous are, that well 7 know, 
 Were but a petty-hi&ice ufedfo, 
 He would not brooke it : But,fo rough appeare. 
 That all the ftn-profejfing houfes neare, 
 Of Reformation would be much in doubt; 
 Andfeare theyfhould not buy his Anger out, 
 Though they prefented him with coyne and wares ; 
 And briVd his Clarke, with whom, tis thought hefhares. 
 T will not therefore palliate their defpight ; 
 I will not be debarred of my right ; 
 J will not make my felfe a publike f come ; 
 Nor will J longer beare what I have borne. 
 
 Here with (as if flie thought it were in vaine. 
 For Vengeance, unto ME RC I E to complaine) 
 She rais'd her eyes ; fhe fixed them upon 
 The Throne of heav'n, and Him that fate thereon ; 
 Then bowed thrice ; and, then to her complaint, 
 She thus proceeded like an Angry Saint. 
 
 Great 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 Great IVDGE of all the world, jujl, wife, and holy; 
 Who fin abhorrejl, and correBefl folly : 
 Who drivefl all uncleanneffe from thy fight, 
 And feared art, ev'n of the mofl upright : 
 Confider well my Caufe, and let thou not 
 Thy 7 VS Tl CE in thy ME R CIE be forgot, 
 As well as this my fifler,yb am I 
 Vnited unto thee effentially 
 Before all Time ; and there is caufe for me 
 To boafl thy favour, full as much asfhe. 
 For, to maintaine thy luflice (and approve 
 That f acred, never violated Love 
 Thou bearefl me) great Monarkies have drunk 
 Thy cup of wrath ; and into ruine funk. 
 For their contempt of me, thou hafl rejeBed 
 The Nation, of all Nations, mofi affeiled. 
 Once, thou the Globe of Earth didft wholly drowne ; 
 From Heav'n thou threw' fl the finfull Angels doivne : 
 And (which is more) thy Beft. beloved dfd. 
 That my difpleafure might befatisfi'd. 
 
 But, let no former favour me availe. 
 If now of Reafon on my fide 7 faile. 
 I never did a Vengeance, yet purfue 
 Before it was requir'd by double due. 
 I never plagued any in defpight. 
 Nor in the death offinners took delight. 
 Why therefore thus is my proceeding fiaid ? 
 And thy jufl wrath fo fuddenly alaid J 
 Hath Mercy their ofiences vailed fo. 
 That thou beholdefi not what faults they do ? 
 And wilt thouftill continue thy compafsion 
 To this unthankfull and forgetfull Nation ? 
 
 What are they, but a mofl corrupted breed! 
 A wicked, a perverfe, ingratefull feed 1 
 
 A 
 
 64 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 33 
 
 A people^/* inJIruSUon fo untoward, 
 Sojlubborne in their courfes, and fo froward, {them, 
 That neither threats, nor plagues, nor love can mend 
 And therefore Defolation mujl attend them. 
 Me they have injured, fajl all compare; 
 They flout me to my face ; they m^ out dare 
 Ev'n on my ludgement-feats ; they truth deny, 
 Although they know, their hearers know they lye. 
 They ufe my Titles, and my Offices, 
 But as a meanes to rob, or to oppreffe 
 The poorer fort : and he that wrong fuflaines 
 Is fur e of more, if he for right complaines. 
 Search thou their fireets, their Markets, dr* tlieir Courts ; 
 Note where the greatefl multitude reforts. 
 And if thou finde a man among them, there, 
 That hath of Truth or Judgements any care, 
 Him let thine Angell/«w. But thou fhalt fee 
 That nothing elfefrom heele to head they be, 
 But fwellings, wounds, and fores : that they are wholly 
 O'regrowne with leprqfies of noyfome folly ; 
 And that, among them, there abideth none, 
 Whofe path is right and perfeil, no not one. 
 
 Their fludies, are in cheating trickes, andfhifts. 
 Their praSlice, is to compafs bribes, and gifts. 
 Their filver is but drofs. Their wine impure. 
 Their finefl gold, will not the touch endure. 
 The poore oppreffe the poore. The Childe afjumes 
 An Elders //aiTif. The bafefl Gxooras prefumes 
 Before the Noble. Women take on them 
 Mens habits, and fibjeSHon doe contemne. 
 Men grow effeminate. Age dotes. Youth raves. 
 The heggei's proud. The rich man, bafely craves. 
 The neighbour of his neighbour goes in danger ; 
 The brother to the brother grozves aflranger. 
 
 There 
 
 H 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 There is no kin, but Coufnage. Few prof effe 
 Aj^eSlion, Amity, or Friendlinejfe, 
 But to deceive. Jfmen each other greet, 
 Withjhewes of wondrous friendjhip, when they meet, 
 They doe but praBife kindly to betray ; 
 Andjeere, andfcoffe, when they depart away : 
 They labour, and theyfiudy, lyes to make: 
 To grow more wicked, ferious paines they take: 
 Wolves wre as mercifull: Their Dogs as holy : 
 Vertue, they count a Foole: Religion,^//}'/ 
 Their Lawes are but their ruts, atuiginnes, to take 
 Thofe whom they hate, andfeeke their prey to make : 
 The patronage <?/' Truth, none flandeth for : 
 The way ofYitly, they doe abhor: 
 They meet unfeene, the harmleffe to deceive : 
 They hatch the Cocatrice : Theyjloely weave 
 The Spiders web ; and, when in bed they are. 
 They lye and fludy plots of mif chief e there. 
 
 And, why thus fares ifi but, becaufe they fee 
 That (how unjuflfoire their Courfes be) 
 They profper in their wickedneffe, and thrive, 
 Whilfl they who honor thee affUBed live. 
 If any man reprove their damned way. 
 They perfecute, andflander him, and fay ; 
 Come, let us fmite him with our tongue, that he. 
 And his reproofes, may unregarded be. 
 They defp'rately refolve a wicked Courfe ; 
 And, ev'ry day proceed from bad, to worfe. 
 Themf elves they footh in evill : and prof effe 
 In publike manner, Trades of wickedneffe. 
 They impudently boafl of their Tranfgreffions, 
 And madly, glory in their great Oppreffions. 
 Yea, fome fo farre have over-gone the Devils 
 In fhamelefneffe, that they make bragge of evils 
 
 Which 
 
 66 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 33 
 
 Which they committed not {as if they fear' d 
 That elfe they had not lewd enough appear d ) 
 Whereas, they from themf elves would Jlrive toflie, 
 If they could fee their owne deformity. 
 For, what remaineth to be termed ill 
 Which they are guiltleffe of, in all, or will? 
 They, gall unto the hungry prof er^d have: 
 They, vineger unto the thirffy gave : 
 With brutifh fierceneffe they themf elves aray : 
 Unfatisfied in their lufl are they ; 
 And neither earth nor heatfn efcapes the wrongs 
 Of their injurious and blafphemous tongues. 
 With eifry member, they difhonor Thee, 
 No part of them from wickedneffe is free: 
 Their Eyes, are wandring after vanitie, 
 And leere about, advantages tofpye. 
 Their Eares are deafe to goodneffe ; but mofl prone 
 To h^are aflander told of any one : 
 And have an itching after eifry thing. 
 Which, newes of fenfualitie, may bring. 
 Their brazen Foreheads, without Jhame appear e : 
 Their Teeth arejharper then afword or fpeare : 
 Their Lips, as keenly cut, as Razors doe ; 
 And, under them, is Adders poifon too. 
 Their Mouthes with bitter curfmgs, overflow : 
 Their oily Tongues, contention daily fow : 
 In Heart, they Falfhood before Truth, preferre : 
 Their Throats, are like a gaping Sepulcher : 
 Foule belchings from their Stomacks doe arife, 
 Ev'n filthie fpeeches, and ranke blafphemies. 
 Their Hands {their right hands) lawleffe gifts receive : 
 With Bribes, their Fingers, they defiled have. 
 Their Feet, are fwift in executing ill. 
 And, run the blood of innocents tofpill. 
 
 They 
 
Brittan'S Cant. I. 
 
 They are corrupt in eifry Facultie ; 
 In Vnderftanding, Will, and Memorie ; 
 Yea, their mojifpedous works ^pietie 
 Are little elfe, but meere hypocrifie. 
 
 Alljlain'd with Murthers, Thefts, Adulteries, 
 And other unrepented Villanies 
 Thy Houfe they enter, as if they were cleare, 
 Or, thither came, but to out-brave thee there. 
 There, they difplay their pride: there, they contemne 
 Thy Meffengers ; or, fit and cenfure them. 
 There, they difiurbe thy Children in their pray' rs. 
 By tailing of impertinent affaires. 
 The many roving lookes, they throw about. 
 Doe prove them, far more wanton, than devout. 
 And, fay, they bring devotion for afit: 
 Alas ! what pleafure canfl thou take in it ? 
 Or, what doe they but mocke thee, when they pray, 
 Vnleffe their wickedneffe they caft away ? 
 What profits it, to kneele fometime an houre ? 
 To f aft a day ? to look demure, or four e ? 
 To raife the hands aloft ? the breft toftrike 1 
 Tofhake the head, or hang it Bulrujh like ? 
 And, all that while to have no thought of thee ; 
 But on bafe projeSls, mufing, there, to be? 
 
 I many fuch enormities might name. 
 Wherein this People have beene much to blame. 
 And,fhaU they ftill, thy gentleneffe contemne t 
 Wilt thou forbeare, for this, to punifh them i 
 Shall fuch devotion be regarded more. 
 Then if they brought the hyring of a whore? 
 Or facrifidd a Dog? Nay, though they had 
 Offarrefet Calamus an Ofiring made. 
 Or, incenfe brought from Sheba ; doe they think 
 Thefmoke ofthat,fhall take away theftink 
 
 Of 
 
 68 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 34 
 
 Of their corruption ? Jhall this wicked Throng, 
 ( Who partners are in ev'rie kind of wrong, 
 And Reformation hate) flill fpared be 
 Becaufe they can a little prate of thee i 
 Make zealous outward fhowes ; and preach thy word, 
 Whofe poiifr they have denfd? (if not abhorr'd.) 
 
 Let me confume them rather. For, Compaffion 
 So often hath prevailed for this Nation, 
 That, all my threatnings are no whit regarded. 
 Thy Pittie is with difrefpeSl rewarded; 
 Thy Blowes doe nothing foften them : but, more 
 Hard hearted, rather, make them then before. 
 They neither know norfeeke thee. They fear ce daigne 
 So much as thoughts of thee to entertaine. 
 Or if they doe; yet, thou in, kindneffe, hqfi 
 So frequently, their errors over pcift 
 With gentle flripes ; that they conjeSlure, now 
 That thou art like to them, and doft allow 
 Their wicked courfes. For, Is there (fay they) 
 In God, or fight, or knowledge of our way ? 
 Doth he behold ? or care what things we doe ? 
 Will he take vengeance ? Tufli, it is not fo. 
 Such fables were devis'd in times of old, 
 And of ftrange judgements, (lories have beene told ; 
 But, who hath feene them ? or, when will appeare 
 That Day of Doome, whereof fo oft we heare ? 
 Sure never. For the world doth flill remaine 
 The fame it was ; and thefe are feares in vaine. 
 
 Oh I what will this increafe unto, if thus 
 Thoufuffer them to make a f come of us? 
 Where is thy feare, if thou a Mailer bei 
 Why, (if a God)fhould they not honour thee ? 
 What meanes thy long long-fuffringi and, what way 
 To worke amendment wilt thou next affay ? 
 
 Thou 
 
 69 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 Thou haft already mov'd thefn to repent. 
 By Threats, Gifts, Precepts, and by Punifhment. 
 To flop their wickedneffe, thou Flouds, and Drought, 
 Frofls, Fires, and Tempefls, haft upon them brought. 
 Diftempers, Frights, and (many times of late) 
 Diflrufls, and hazzards of the publike State. 
 With ev'ry kind (?/"Sickneffe, thou haft try'd them ; 
 With Peflilence, and Famine, morttfi'd them : 
 With Slaughters thou haftfoild them ; and betwixt 
 Each Plague, thou M-ercyftill haft intermixt; 
 Yet, all in vaine. Oh I rife, andfuffer me 
 On all at once avenged now to be. 
 Plucke from thy bofome, thy fure ftriking-hand. 
 And, let it fall fo heavy on that Land, 
 That, all their Follies may their merit have. 
 And, they be put to filence in the grave. 
 
 Permit them not unplagued to perfever, 
 Blafpheming thus, thy Name and thee for ever. 
 But, let me edry Plague upon them caft. 
 Which thou, for fuck as they, prepared hq/l. 
 Let them perceive, that they have lov'd andferved 
 T/iofe gods, by whom they cannot be preferved. 
 Let me tranfport from their polluted Coaft, 
 Thofe Holy-things, whereof they vainly boaft: 
 And, let not their prophaneneffe be proteHed 
 By that, which they fo much have difrefpeHed. 
 
 For, why fhouldft thou forbeare this people more 
 Then many other Nations heretofore ? 
 Since they for th^ir example thofe have had 
 The leffe excufable their faults are made. 
 Yea, though their wickedneffe were but the fame. 
 Yet, they are worthy of a greater blame. 
 
 What are they better then theftubbome lewes ? 
 Wherein, doe they thy bleffings leffe abufe i 
 
 What 
 
 70 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 35 
 
 What have their Temples, of more worth in them 
 Then, Shilo, Bethel, or lerufalem, 
 That we Jhould fpare their manyjleepled Towres, 
 Not rather making them the Neajls , and Bowres 
 Ofnoyfome Vermine, and fuch fatall Fowles, 
 As croking Ravens, and loud fcreeching Owles ? 
 Why Jhouldji thou not, as low this He decline. 
 As Milke and Hony-flowing Paleftine ? 
 What have they more deferved of thy pittie 
 Then Sion, thy fo much beloved Citty 2 
 Or, wherefore Jhould their Seed be thought upon 
 More kindely, then the bratts of Babylon ? 
 Why Jhould their Common wealth, more prifed be. 
 Then thofe great Monarchies deflrofd by me 
 Informer ages, whofe tranfcendent Fate, 
 Each Time fucceeding, hath admired at i 
 Yea, fince the World thou didjl for finning, drowne, 
 Why Jhould fuch mercy to this Land bejhowne 1 
 
 ffthou a pious King to them haft given. 
 What lofeth he, if thou from thence to Heaifn 
 Tranflate himfhalt ? From earthly Crownes, to weare 
 Thofe wreathes of Glory that immortall are 1 
 And from a f reward People, to have place 
 With Angells, and there triumph in thy grace 1 
 Jf any man be found obferving thee. 
 To him what difcontentment can it be 
 To view my hand prevailing over thofe 
 Who me in my proceedings did oppofei 
 And fee thofe Tyrants ruined, who have long 
 Committed violence, and oj^red wrong 
 To him, and his 1 what harme hath he I pray. 
 To paffe through all that forrow in one day, 
 And in thy bleff ed prefence to appeare. 
 Who elfe might here have lingred many a yeare ? 
 
 Of 
 
 71 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. r. 
 
 Of what can he complaine, if being borne 
 Above the reach of ev'ry future fcorne, 
 Within thy heav'nly Manfion, he poffeffe 
 A perfeSl, and an endleffe happineffe ? 
 
 Why may not IVSTICE glorifie thy Name, 
 As well as MER C Y can extoll the fame ? 
 Why fhould thy former favours, being loft. 
 Oblige thee to defray a future cofl 
 On Prodigals, and Vnthrifts, who had rather 
 Live Swineherds, than returne to thee their Father ? 
 Why may not that reproach diverted be, 
 Which irreligious men will cafl on thee 
 Although thoufpare not hypocrites ; and them 
 Who are the caufers that thy Foes blafpheme ? 
 What difadvantage can their fall effeSl 
 To thy pure honour? or, to thine eledl, 
 Which may not be prevented (if thou pleafe) 
 Although thou be not mercifull to thefe ? 
 
 Sure, none at all : and, therefore, I will flay 
 My hand no longer; but breake off delay. 
 Thy Sword and Ballance, are with me in trujl; 
 To punifh Sin, I know it to bejufi; 
 They both arraigned, and condemned are ; 
 My warrants, in thy written Word appeare : 
 Their crimes, for Vengeance, loudly crying be : 
 Thy ludgements, ready muflred are, by thee : 
 Thine eye dothfpeake unto me to be gone; 
 And, loe; Iflye to fee thy pleafure done. 
 
 As when a Mother on a fudden hearing 
 Her babe to flirieke, (and fome difafter fearing 
 That may befall the childe) Harts up and flyes 
 To fee the reafon of her Infants cries : 
 So quick, was IVSTICE; &, e're now, had brought 
 Her work, to fomething ; and, this Land, to nought. 
 
 But 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 36 
 
 But, to prevent her purpofe, ME R CIE caft. 
 Her arme about that angry Virgins wafle ; 
 Look'd fadly on her ; hung about her ; kifl her, 
 And (weeping in her bofome) faid, Sweet Sijler, 
 I pray thee, doe not thus impatient grow, 
 Nor prof ecute deferved Vengeance, fo. 
 Thou art mpjl beautifull ; fmcerely jujl \ 
 MoJlperfelUy upright in all thou dojl; 
 For which thine excellency, and perfeSlion, 
 I love thee with an excellent affeilion. 
 And though thou frownejl ; j/et thy frownings be 
 So lovely, that I cannot part from thee. 
 
 What though fome Worldlings offer thee dif graces. 
 Shall they (Sweet heart J make loatlied my embraces ? 
 Shall thou, and I, (who nearer are then twinnes) 
 Fall out, or be divorced by their finnes ? 
 Oh never let it faid, or mutfred be, 
 That we in any thing can difagree. 
 For whafs more lovely, or morefweet then this. 
 That we each other may embrace and kiffe 1 
 And by our mutuall workings, and agreeings. 
 Bring all Gods Creatures to their perfeH beings. 
 
 Beleeve me (Deare) Heav'n doth not comprehend 
 That pleafure, which this pleafure doth tranfcend: 
 Nor is our Father better pleaid in us. 
 Then when he fees our armes entwined, thus. 
 Forfhould we jarre, the world would be undone. 
 And Hea'ifn, and Earth, into a Chaos runne. 
 What profit can it bring, or what content, 
 'Yo fee a Kingdome miferably rent. 
 With manifold afflillions i what great good 
 T(7 us redoundeth by the death, or blood 
 Of any man ? what honour can we have ? 
 What praife, from thofe that in the filent grave 
 
 D Lie 
 
 n 
 
Brittan'S Cant. I. 
 
 Lye raked up in ruines dead and rotten t 
 
 Or in the Land where all things are forgotten i 
 
 Seeke not thy Glory by their Overthrow, 
 That arepurfued by toojlrong a Foe, 
 And over-match' d already ; thinke upon 
 The pow'rfull hate of that malicious One. 
 Remember they were framed of the dufl) 
 And that to Clay againe returne they mufl. 
 When they are dead they paffe away for ever, 
 Ev'n as that vapour which returneth never. 
 Oh ; make them not the Butt of thy difpleafure. 
 Nor Give them of Gods wrath thefullefl meafure. 
 J grant this Realme is finfull; But, what hath 
 That Realme, or people equalling thy wrath 1 
 T'is honourable, when we floope below 
 Ourfelves ; that love or favour we mayfhow ; 
 Or to correal, with purpofe to amend : 
 But ifwithfuch we Foe-like Jhould contend, 
 It would appeare, as iffome Empery 
 Did arme itfelfe, to combat with a Fly. 
 When we correSlion, or forgivene£e daigne, 
 We may correal them, or forgive againe : 
 But in de/iroying quite, ourfelves we wound. 
 And to our Infinitenefre,/^/ a bound; 
 For IVSTICE neither MER C Y can have place, 
 InfubjeSls, which we totally deface. 
 
 We mufl not feeke for purity divine 
 In dufl and afhes ; till wefirfl refine 
 From earthly droffe the gold that we defire, 
 By ufmg of the Bellowes and the Fire. 
 For till we purge it, what (alas) is good. 
 Or what can holy be in Flefh and Blood i 
 Who lookes that Figs on Thiflles fhould be borne. 
 Or thatfweet Grapes.fhould grow upon a Thome ? 
 
 It 
 
 74 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 37 
 
 It cannot be. As therefore heretofore 
 God promifed, (that he would never tnore 
 Contend with man) let us refolve the fame ; 
 And by fome other meanes, their wildeneffe tame. 
 
 Keepe, yet a while, this Army where it is ; 
 And let us try to mend what is amiffe, 
 (As erflwe did) by fending jointly thither. 
 Our Favours, and CorreHions, both together : 
 And if they profit not, there is a Day 
 In which thine Indignation fhall have way. ; 
 
 As when a Father, who, in heat of wrath 
 To give a fon correction purpos'd hath, 
 Enraged is, untill his lovely wife 
 Doth interpofe her felfe with friendly (Irife ; 
 But (pleafed in the fweetneffe of her fpeech, 
 Who to forgive the Child doth him befeech) 
 Doth lay afide his whole difpleafure, then. 
 And turne his anger into fmiles agen ; 
 So, / VS TICE was by MERC F" wrought upon : 
 And (he that would with fo much hafle be gone, 
 Forgot her fpeed ; Her louing. Sifler ey'd 
 With calmer lookes ; and thus to her reply'd. 
 
 Thou, and thy charmings have prevail' d upon me, 
 And to abate mine anger thou hqfl wonne m^. 
 I therefore will not cafl my plagues on all, 
 But on worjl Livers, onely, let them fall 
 Nay, nay, quoth M ER C IE, thou mufl favour Jhow 
 Ttf mofl of them, or thou wilt overthrow 
 The lawes of Deftiny ; and croft will be 
 What God did from eternity decree. 
 For, fome ofthefe have not fulfilled yet 
 Their finnes, nor made their number up complete. 
 Some, that are wandring in the wayes of folly. 
 Shall be regenerated, and made holy. 
 
 D 2 Some 
 
 75 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 Of them fame have morality, that may 
 Be helffull to Gods children, in their way ; 
 Some, mujl be left, as were the Cana'nites, 
 To exerctfe thefaithfidl lii'elites ; 
 Yeafome, have in their loynes a generation 
 Vnhorne, which mujt make up the bleffed Nation. 
 And till that feed bud forth, thofe trees mufl fland, 
 Although they grow but to annoy the Land. 
 
 Jtfeemes (quoth / VS TICE) I mufl then abide, 
 (However they offend) unfatisfPd. 
 Vnfatisfid (faid MER CIE) Is it that, 
 Sweet Sifter which your zeale hath aimed at I 
 Then, looke you there. And with that word, her eye 
 She plac'd on him, who fits in Majefly, 
 At Gods right hand. Behold that Lambe (quoth flie) 
 By him thou fully fatisfi' d fhalt be. 
 He poore tvas made, that he their debt might pay ; 
 He bafe became, to take their fliame away ; 
 He entred bond, their freedome to procure ; 
 He dangers try'd, their fafeties to affure ; 
 He f corned was, tlieir honor to advance ; 
 Hefeem'd afoole, to helpe their ignorance ; 
 He fin. was made, th^r errors to conceale ; 
 He wounded was, that he their wounds might heale ; 
 He thirfled, that their thirfl might have an end; 
 He wept, that joy their f arrow might attend; 
 He loft his blood, that they their blood might fave ; 
 He dy'd, that they etemall life might have. 
 Nor canftthou any for their ftns condemne, 
 (Since he hath over-paid the price for them) 
 If by particular faith they /hall apply ^ 
 That pardon, which he granteth geriraUy. 
 And left to that whole Kingdome thou deny it. 
 For want of application, I apply it. 
 
 Why 
 
 76 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 38 
 
 Why then ffaid / VS TICE) I may quite difmiffe 
 This boajl ^Plagues wfiich here affembled is. 
 JVbt/o, replyed MEJi CIE: For no curfe 
 Is greater, nor is any mifchiefe worfe 
 Then want of due correllion : And if J 
 Should yeeld to that, it were not Clemency, 
 But cruell dealing ; and my loiie no other 
 Then is the kindneffe of that cockring mother, 
 Who fpares the rod (out of her pure affeSlion) 
 And fends unto the Gallowesy&r correSlion : 
 As if file thought her children apt for learning, 
 yfthey could take a hanging for a warning. 
 
 Ifeeme to croffe thy workings, and thou mine, 
 To thofe that neither know my wayes, nor thine : 
 But, as the motions in a Clocke doe tend 
 And move together to one purpos'd end. 
 Although their wheeles contrary courfes goe, 
 And force the even ballance to and fro. 
 Ev^nfo, although it may tofome appeare. 
 That our proceedings much repugnant are ; 
 Yet in our difagreeings, we agree, 
 And helpfull to our chief e define they be. 
 
 We therefore, from Gods Army will f elect 
 One Regiment, this people to correal. 
 Not his that is the Generall : for, he 
 Refifleth us if lu prevailing be. 
 Nor Famine; For, (unl^e permit wefhall 
 Thatflie devoure, untill weftarve up all) 
 She mofl unequally confumes the poor e, 
 And makes the rich to be enriched more. 
 Nor will we fend the Sword ; for, that makes way 
 For ev^ry plague to follow ; yea, doth lay 
 All open to confufion ; and befhwes 
 The pow'r of God oft times upon his foes. 
 
 D 3 But 
 
 77 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 But, we to punijh them, will fend from hence. 
 The dreadfull, and imparHall PESTILENCE. 
 For,fhe doth neither Rich, nor Poore preferre ; 
 Thefoolifh, and the wife, are one to her : 
 Nor eloquence, nor beauty, nor complexion, 
 Prevailes with her ; Nor Hatred, nor Affellion. 
 Shefeizeth All alike ; fhe vifiteth 
 The Palace, as the Cottage ; and with death, 
 Or elfe with ficknefje, firikes at each degree, 
 Vnkffe our Superfedeas, granted be. 
 
 By ?neanes of her, in any State, or City, 
 Thou maifl avenge, andlmayfhow my pitty 
 With little noife ; and both cit once, fulfill 
 Our wifhes, and accomplifh all our will. 
 For, where a noyfome weed isfeene to fprout, 
 Shefhall, at thy appointment, weed it out. 
 Or if a plant, or bud, or flower we fee, 
 Thafs ripe for Heaven, and may impaired be 
 By flanding longer ; we the fame will gather; 
 To make a precious Pofiefor our Father. 
 And, as thou haft thy purpofe, by their fall. 
 Or fmart, whom fhe or wound, or flaughter fhall : 
 Right fo have J: For, if they wicked are 
 Whom fhe removes; the better fhall they fare, 
 Whofe Converfations truly honefl be ; 
 And from opprefften live the longer free. 
 If righteous men this Judgements prey become, 
 It is appointed to fecure them from 
 Some greater Plague, which mufl (perhaps) befent 
 Tofcoufge this Kingdome, ere it will repent; 
 Or (peradventure) that my hand may take them 
 From Earth, the Citizens of Heaifn to make them : 
 Andfome, who never elfe on God had thought, 
 Shall, (by her whip) unto his love be brought 
 
 This 
 
 78 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 39 
 
 This pleafed well, and IVSTICE did agree 
 With MER C r, that it ftiould allowed be : 
 And, for the fwift fulfilling of their minde. 
 The PESTILENCE, by warrant, was affign'd 
 Great Brittan to invade ; and limited 
 Where to begin the Plague ; how far to fpread ; 
 How many flie fliould wound ; how many flay ; 
 How many grieve ; how many fright away ; 
 How long abide ; and when her terme was done, 
 On what conditions (then) flie mufl be gone. 
 Moreover left, her fl,roke fliould not amend us, 
 Gods Hoajl of Plagues had warrant to attend us ; 
 That if the Pejlilence could not prevaile, 
 Another might our wicked Land aflaile ; 
 And then another, till we did repent. 
 Or were confumed in our chaftiferaent 
 
 The Prince of Darknes, (though he could not gaine 
 Permiffion, fully to unloofe his Chaine) 
 His ufuall pow'r obtain'd to worke defpite 
 On fome offenders, and to ufe the fleight 
 Of Lying-wonders : or by flrong temptation 
 To feize upon the Sonnes of Reprobation : 
 Yea many times to buffet (for corredlion) 
 Ev'n thofe that have the feales of Gods eleSlion. 
 
 Dearth was commanded, that (to make us feare 
 A Scarceneffe) flie fliould fcatter here, and there, 
 A Floud, or Tempefl; and at fometime bring 
 A droughty Summer, or ^.frofiy Spi-ing, 
 Or Mel-dewes, to remember us, from whom 
 The bleflings of a plenteous yeare doe come. 
 
 Warre, (who had quite forgotten us almofl.) 
 Injoyned was to fit upon our Coafl; 
 To faile about our Shore, to view our Forts, 
 To vifit all our Havens, and our Ports : 
 
 D 4 And 
 
 79 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 And with her dreadfull founds, to rouze and keepe 
 This Kingdome, from fecurities dead fleepe. 
 But was commanded, not to feize a hoofe 
 Of what was our till God hath made a proofe 
 How moUifi'd our ftony hearts will be ; 
 What fruits of true repentance he fliall fee ; 
 What change will be effedted in this Land, 
 By his corredling us with his owne hand ; 
 And what oblations of true thankes and love, 
 We render will upon this Plague remove. 
 
 Wherein, if we doe faile his expedtation, 
 We fhall be made a miferable Nation. 
 The Sea that now doth clofe us, Hke a wall. 
 Shall be a Sea of terror ; and it fliall 
 Let in our foes upon us, or which fiouds 
 O're-flow our borders, and devoure our goods. 
 Our wealthy Traffiques, and that forraine Trade, 
 (Whereby fo proud, and wanton we are made) 
 Cut off fliall be, and faile in ev'ry Coafl.. 
 Our num'rous Fleets (whereof fo much we boafl, 
 (And, in whofe pow'r and multitude, I feare 
 Our trufl,, and hopes too much repofed are) 
 By Stormes, and Piracies, that fliall purfue them. 
 Or want of meanes, and trading to renue them, 
 Shall wafle away unheeded ; till we fee 
 Our harmes beyond our meanes of curing be. 
 Our Houfes fliall by ftrangers be poflefled ; 
 Our goodly Temples, which, (as yet) are bleffed 
 With Gods true worfhip, fliall be raz'd, or burned, 
 Or into dennes of theevery be turned. 
 Throughout thofe champain fields, & forrefts, where 
 We hunted for our pleafure ;. we by Feare 
 Shall hunted be : and made a prey for them 
 Whom we (perhaps) did mod of all contemne. 
 
 Our 
 
 80 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 40 
 
 Our People, (on whofe numbers we prefume) 
 Shall by degrees be leff'ned, and confume. 
 Our Nation (late renowned through the World) 
 Shall be unvalu'd, as old rubbifh, hurl'd 
 In fome by-corner, and quite round about us 
 Our Foes, our Neighbors, & our Friends flial flout us. 
 Our Peace, fliall make us but ejBfeminate. 
 Our Riches, and our plentifull eftate. 
 Shall but enrich our enemies ; and we 
 (That of our King fo glad, and hopefuU be) 
 Shall (for our finnes, perchance) be quite deprived 
 Of thofe great comforts, which we have conceived 
 For, either God may give an ill fucceffe 
 To his beft. Counfells, for our frowardneffe ; 
 Or leave us fome dillruflings in our heart, 
 To make us cenfure in an evill part 
 His gracious purpofes ; or give a pow'r 
 To fome ill-willers of his peace, and our. 
 To fow the feeds of Difcord, and divide 
 Our hearts, which now fo lovingly are ty'd : 
 Or let fome Politician worke upon 
 His Goodneffe ; and fo cunningly goe on. 
 That he fhall never finde, how he, and his 
 Are injured, till all things are amiffe.- 
 Which God forbid; yea, grant (O Lord) that I 
 In thefe furpofals may not prophecie; 
 As (out of doubt Ifhalt) ^ any fin 
 {That may procure it) we continue in. 
 
 Yea, though our Projefls may a while poiTeffe 
 Our hearts with flatt'ring hopes of good fucceffe ; 
 Though in affaires of VVarre, and in our Fights 
 We thrive a while, as did the Benjamites ; 
 Although a league with Baalam we began ; 
 And Berodach the fonne of Baladan 
 
 D 5 Had 
 
Brittan's Cant. i. 
 
 Had fent us prefents ; and though he fliall feeme 
 
 To have our health and welfare in efleeme ; 
 
 Though to his Lords the treafures we declare, 
 
 Which in Gods Temple here among us are : 
 
 Yea, though we gave thofe holy things, to buy 
 
 His love, and Babylonijh amity : 
 
 It fhould but linger us along, till they 
 
 (Who feeke our overthrow) their fnares doe lay ; 
 
 Vntill they have enlarg'd their growing pow'rs, 
 
 And by their Policy, befooled ours ; 
 
 Or, till our fmnes, or our fecurities 
 
 Have made us objefls for their Tyrannies, 
 
 And, there enthrall'd us, where long fince were hung 
 
 On willow trees, untuned, and unflrung. 
 
 The Harpes of Syon ; and where Men contemne 
 
 The heav'nly Sonnets of lerufalem. 
 
 Ev'n this fliall be our lot, and worfe then this 
 If we continue flill to doe amiffe. 
 Or bring not forth the fruits of Penitence, 
 When God hath fcourg'd us by the Pejlilence. 
 But, if that flirre us to repenting fliall. 
 He will not onely back againe recall 
 Thatraging Plague, to which he gave fuch pow'r 
 Within our peopled Cities to devoure : 
 But, he will alfo on this Realme bellow 
 New benefits, for entertaining fo, 
 With lowlineffe, his fatherly correflion ; 
 And yeelding him our filial affedlion. 
 
 Then, eVry one beneath his Vine fliall fit 
 Without difl.urbance ; and with pleafure eate 
 The profit of his labors. Men fliall goe 
 In fafety through the Kingdome, to, and fro. 
 Their Land they fliall enjoy in peace ; and weare 
 The warmefl fleeces, that their flockes do beare. 
 
 No 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. 41 
 
 No fonnes of Belial, fhall from them divert 
 Their Princes favour (in the fmallefl part) 
 Nor ftiall Seditions Lovers draw from him 
 Their loyalties, by mifinforming them ; 
 But God that bleffed union Ihall maintaine, 
 Which ought 'twixt King and People to remaine. 
 
 He, then, will multiply the fruits encreafe ; 
 Preferve our plenty, fan6tifie our peace : 
 And guide by Land and Sea, our preparations 
 Of lawfull warre, to feize upon thofe Nations 
 That are our foes, and his. Which, that He may 
 Vouchfafe unto us ; let us ev'ry day 
 Produce of thankfulneffe fome new effedl : 
 Let us obferve (with ev'ry due refpedl) 
 The progreffe of that Plague fent lately hither ; 
 How CLEMENC YSl JVSTICE came together; 
 Relating to each other what we faw 
 To kindle love, or keepe our foules in awe ; 
 And fo record it, that (fliould we be rotten) 
 It may be ftill preferved unforgotten. 
 For, that we might his honour forth declare. 
 We both created, and preferved were. 
 To fuch a purpofe, I doe thus employ 
 That fcorned Faculty, which I enjoy; 
 And (for the compaffing of my intention) 
 Have off 'red up the befl of my invention ; 
 And what that is (to thofe, who doe regard 
 Such paines) the following Cantoes have declar'd. 
 
 Behold (O Lord) my purpofes from heatfn ; 
 Accept of me the gift that thou hafi given. 
 Permit not thofe, who fpite or malice me, 
 To interrupt my Mufe in praifing thee. 
 Let none of thofe, whofinde that I negleil 
 The way to wealth, which they too much affeil. 
 
 Conceive 
 
 83 
 
Brit tan's Cant.i. 
 
 Conceive, that I my Time havefpent in vaine, 
 Becaufe their Studies yeeld them greater gaine ; 
 Let them perceive, though this endevour brings 
 Nor Riches, Honours, nor ejleem^ of Kings ; 
 But rather wafts my Fortunes, and doth more 
 Increafe my charge, and troubles, then before; 
 Let them (I fay) conceive, and alfo know 
 That I am highly pleas' d, itjhould befo ; 
 And would not change the bleffmg of my Fate 
 With thofe, whom they doe hold more fortunate. 
 
 And let not that, which 7 have here comprifed, 
 Become (through my unworthineffe ) defptfed; 
 But grant it fuch a moderate refpea. 
 That y may fee my labours take effeSl 
 For their encouragements, whofhall apply 
 To fuch good ends, their gift of Poefie ; 
 And let all thofe, who fhall perufe my Story, 
 Receive fome profit, and give thee, the glory. 
 
 The fecond Canto. 
 
 Our Mufe defends her lowly ilile ; 
 And (having flowne afide a while) 
 Tells, how the Fla,g\ieftrft entred here ; 
 What meanes toftay it pralliid were. 
 Some vulgar Tenets are difputed; 
 Some reSlified, fome refuted. 
 
 She from the Nature, and the Caufe, 
 Of that Difsafe, conclufions drawes ; 
 Declareih how it runnes and creepes. 
 And what uncertaine paths it keepes : 
 How longflrid orders ufefull ftood ; 
 
 The 
 
 84 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 42 
 
 The fruit of Chriflian neighbourhood ; 
 And many other things, betwixt 
 Thefe mentioned, are intermixt. 
 
 Shejheweth (alfo) meanes affured 
 By which, this mifchiefe may be cured ; 
 How to dpply that meanes ; how thofe 
 Who life itfjhould themfelves compofe ; 
 How violent the Plague did grow; 
 Who from it might, or might not goe; 
 How much f was feared; how men fled; 
 How ill, in flying, many f fed; 
 And laflly (as occafion moves) 
 She grieves, fhe counfells, and ref roves. 
 
 LEt no fantaftique Header now condemne 
 Our homely Mufe, for flooping unto them, 
 In plaine expreffions, and in words, that fhow 
 We love not, in affedted paths, to goe. 
 For, to be underflood, is language ufed ; 
 And fpeech to other ends as much abufed. 
 Lines, therefore, over-darke, or over-trimm'd. 
 Are like a Figure with a Vifour linim'd ; 
 Or like Votnanders of a curious fent, 
 Within a painted Box that hath no vent ; 
 Or like Peach-kernels, which, (to get them forth) 
 Require more cracking, then the fruit is worth. 
 Let no man gueffe, my Meafures framed be, 
 That wifer men, my little wit may fee ; 
 Or that I doe not hold the matter good. 
 Which is not more admir'd then underflood : 
 For, chiefly, fuch a Subjell I defire, 
 And fuch a plaine Expreffion, to acquire, 
 That ev'ry one my meaning may difcerne ; 
 And they be taught, that have moft. need to learne. 
 
 It 
 
 85 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 It is the ufefull matter of my Rimes 
 
 Shall make them live. Words alter as the Times : 
 
 And foonefl. their fantaflique Rhetoriques, 
 
 Who trim their Foefies with fchooleboy-tricks. 
 
 That, which this age affedls, as grave, and wife, 
 
 The following generation may defpife. 
 
 Greenes phrafe, and Lilliis language were in fafhion, 
 
 And had among the wits much commendation ; 
 
 But now, another garbe of fpeech, with us 
 
 Is pris'd ; and theirs is thought ridiculous ; 
 
 As ours (perchance) will be, whe Time (who changeth 
 
 Things changeable) the prefent phrafe eflrangeth. 
 
 Let no man therefore dreame, I will bellow 
 My precious Time in what will vary fo ; 
 Since that, which, with mofl eafe I fhall produce, 
 May have (for ought I know) the longefl, ufe. 
 Let no man thinke, I'le racke my memory 
 For pen-and-inkehorne-termes, to finifie 
 My blunt invention ; trimming it, as they 
 Who make rich clothes but for Saint George his day ; 
 When they may better cheape a fuite provide. 
 To fit that feall, and many dayes befide. 
 
 Nor let unlearned Cen/urers fuppofe 
 Our Mufe a courfe unwarrantable goes. 
 In framing Objeds reprefentative, 
 Which may imprint, or in the foule revive. 
 True feeUngs of that wrath or love, which we 
 In God almighty, by Faiths eyes doe fee. 
 For, though his holy Spirit, when he will. 
 Can eafily the foules of mortals fill 
 With heav'nly knowledges, by wayes unfeene ; 
 Yet, he himfelfe hath fometime pleafed beene 
 By outward objefls to employ the fenfes, 
 In reaching to the foule, fome excellencies 
 
 Con- 
 
 86 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 43 
 
 Conceal'd before. Yea, many times he fuites 
 His Deity in our poore attributes ; 
 And (that our weakneffe he may work upon) 
 Our ufuall fpeech, and palTions, he puts on. 
 
 If fo ; then we, that have no other way 
 Our hidden apprehenfions to conuey 
 From Man to Man, but by the quaint creation 
 Of fome Ideaes in our contemplation ; 
 That fo the fenfes may become incHn'd 
 To give fome information to the mind : 
 Then we (I fay) whofe fluid memories 
 Would elfe let goe our ayrie fantafies, 
 May fuch a liberty with warrant ufe. 
 And I (no doubt) my felfe may well excufe, 
 If other while things bodileffe I cloath 
 With mortall bodies ; and doe give them both 
 Our fpeeches, and our geflures. For, by this, 
 A dull affedlion often quickned is. 
 Nor thus to doe, are Poets onely moved 
 But, thefe are flraines Propheticall, approved. 
 
 To fay, that God is angry ; or that he 
 Will of our wickedneiTe avenged be ; 
 Moves little : but, to paint his fury, fo 
 That Men the dreadfulneffe thereof may know, 
 As if they faw it : or his love to make 
 So pleading of our caufe, as if it fpake 
 (Within our hearing) with fuch earneftneffe, 
 As friends would plead for friends in their diftrefle ; 
 Doth much incite the Reader to attention. 
 And roufeth up the duUefl apprehenfion. 
 
 Me thinks, I doe, (as with mine eye) behold 
 T\he reall fight of all that I have told : 
 Yea, that which I my felfe defcribed here. 
 Doth touch mine heart with reverence, and feare. 
 
 I 
 
 87 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 I have perpetual! Vifions of that rout 
 
 Of Plagues, and Judgements, which doe rove about 
 
 To punifh us. And, from that dreadful! hoajl 
 
 I fee (me thinlces) how to invade our Coaft, 
 
 The Plague march'd hither, !ilce a Regiment 
 
 That is for fervices of moment fent 
 
 From fome great Armie. And, when I can bend 
 
 My troubled fpirits truly to attend 
 
 Gods Judgements, and his Mercies, as they goe 
 
 Their daily progreffe ; I can reach unto 
 
 Much pleafmg thoughts ; and oftentimes forefee. 
 
 What his intents, and their events will be : 
 
 For, when Mans heart is filled with his Feare, 
 
 Thefecrets of the J^rd to him apfeare. 
 
 Oh ! what rich treafures doth my foule poffeiTe, 
 When I doe contemplate the bleffedneffe, 
 The Wifedome, and the Way of God moil high ? 
 How farre above my felfe rais'd up am I ? 
 How little want I, that the world can give ? 
 What heights afcend I ? what huge depths I dive ? 
 How much contemne I dangers here below ? 
 How certaine of Gods favours can I grow? 
 And with what fweetneffe is my brefl. infpired, 
 When (by the heat of Contemplation fired) 
 I fit lock'd up within a lonely roome. 
 Where nothing to diflurbe my thoughts may come : 
 And where may enter neither fight, nor Notion 
 Of any thing, but what may (lirre Devotion ? 
 
 Sure, were it not, that I am cloth'd about 
 With flefli, that doth compel! me to come out ; 
 Or, knew I not the Chrillian Mans eftate 
 Extended further, then to contemplate ; 
 Or faw not them unthankfuUy precife. 
 Who Gods external! bleffings quite defpife ; 
 
 Or 
 
 88 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 44 
 
 Or fear'cl I not, I never fliould have union 
 
 With God, unleffe I were in fome communion 
 
 Of Saints on earth ; whom I might fliarers make 
 
 Of thofe fweet thoughts of him, which I partake ; 
 
 Or, if I doubted not, I might with Lot, 
 
 Vpon the daughters of my braine begot, 
 
 Commit fome fpirituall inceft, had I none 
 
 To fpend the feed of my full Souk upon : 
 
 Or, if I found it not unnaturall, 
 
 To leape out of the world, till God did call ; 
 
 And that fantailique wayes of felfe-contenting 
 
 Are but the certaine paths to felfe-tormenting ; 
 
 If all thefe things I knew not ; I could bide 
 
 Shut up, until my flefh were Mummy-fi'd ; 
 
 And (though the world fliould woo me) would difdain 
 
 (For ever) to unclofe my doore againe. 
 
 For though (when I come forth) I lofe agen 
 
 My Raptures ; and have thoughts like other men ; 
 
 Becaufe my nat'rall frailties, and the fog 
 
 Of earthly Vanities, my foule doth clog : 
 
 Yea, though I can as hardly keepe thofe firings 
 
 Vnquench'd abroad, which are (in my retirings 
 
 Inflamed in me ;) as a naked Man 
 
 Retaine that heat upon a Mountaine can, 
 
 Which in a clofe warme chamber he retaineth : 
 
 Yet (for my comfort) fomewhat fl,ill remaineth : 
 
 And in my recolledtions I poffefle 
 
 More happinefle, then I can well exprefle. 
 
 I view contentments, which I cannot meafure ; 
 
 I have fome taftings of immortall pleafure ; 
 
 I glimmerings have of hidden myjleries ; 
 
 My foule on glorious things doth fix her eyes ; 
 
 And though fome whited walls ('who did attempt 
 
 To bring my Mufe and Me, unto contempt) 
 
 Endevor 
 
 m 89 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 2. 
 
 Endevour Ml (with ftiewes of Pietie) 
 
 My beft-approved paines to vilifie : 
 
 I can with fcorne of their bafe envy, raife 
 
 My thoughts above their ignorant difpraife : 
 
 And pitty their dull fottiflineffe, who prize 
 
 Their fliadowes better, then realities. 
 
 For I have fearch'd their folly, and efpy'd 
 
 That they have drown'd their wifdome in their pride ; 
 
 Yea, by their partiall dealings, I now fee 
 
 They judge mens merits, as their titles be : 
 
 And I have gotten thofe brave things in chafe, 
 
 That Ihall advantage me, by my difgrace. 
 
 When, therefore, by my felfe I am enclofed, 
 And for an heav'nly rapture, well difpofed ; 
 I doe not grudge mine enemies to fpue 
 Their flanders on my name ; or to purfue 
 My labours with reproach ; nor prey to make 
 On all my fortunes : But all well can take. 
 I doe not then repine, although I fee 
 That Fooles ennobled, Knaves enriched be. 
 And honeil men unheeded : but I bide 
 As pleafed, as I am at Whitfontide, 
 To fee faire Nymphs in Country Townes rejedled, 
 And fluttifli Milkmaids by the Clownes eletSed 
 For Ladies of the May. And if I chance 
 Where any of thofe Hoihy horfes prance ; 
 T can in fport, or courtefie, bellow 
 Thofe termes upon them, which I doe not owe. 
 
 For when on Contemplations wings I flye, 
 I then o're looke the highefl. Vanity. 
 I fee how bafe thofe fooleries doe Ihow, 
 Which are admired, while I creepe below : 
 And by the brightneffe of a two-fold light 
 (Reflecting from Gods word to cleare my fight) 
 
 Faiths 
 
 90 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 45 
 
 Faiths obje<5ls to her eyes, much plainer are. 
 
 Then thofe which to my outward fight appeare. 
 
 My to wring Soule is winged up, as if 
 
 She over-flew the top of Tenariffe, 
 
 Or fome far higher Mountaine ; where we may 
 
 All aflions of this lower World furvey. 
 
 I am above the touch of malice borne ; 
 
 I am beyond the reach of ev'ry fcome ; 
 
 And could But what mean I ? this feems s,Jlrain 
 
 Impertinent. Sweet Mufe, come downe againe ; 
 Soare not fo high. For in thefe lofty flights 
 The Fooles below, doe thinke our Eagles, Kites. 
 The world, to flout fuch Raptures now is prone ; 
 I will enjoy them (therefore) all alone .■ 
 Of their unhallow'd cenfuring take heed. 
 And in my former purpofe, thus proceed. 
 
 When (as you heard before) the Court of Heaifn 
 Commiffion to the PeJUlence had given 
 To fcourge our finnes, and figned her dire(ftions : 
 She tooke vp all her boxes of InfeSlions, 
 Her Carbuncles, her Sores, her Spots, her Blaines, 
 And ev'ry other thing which appertaines 
 To her contagious pra6lices ; and all 
 Her followers (he did about her call ; 
 Appoint them to their places, and their times. 
 Dire(fl them to the Peribns, and the Crimes 
 They fhould correft, and how they fliould advance 
 Her maine Defilement in each circumftance. 
 
 Then, on (he marched ; not as doth a Foe 
 Proclaiming Warre, before he ftrikes the blow ; 
 But like an Enemy, who doth furprife 
 Vpon the firft. advantage he efpies. 
 For (paffing through the (Ireets of many a Towne 
 Difguifed like a Fever) (he, (Unknowne) 
 
 Stole 
 
 91 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 2 
 
 Stole into London ; and did lurke about 
 
 The well fill'd Suburbs ; fpreading there (no doubt) 
 
 Infedlion unperceiv'd, in many a place 
 
 Before the bleare-ey'd Searchers, knew her face ; 
 
 And fince they knew her, they have bribed beene 
 
 A thoufand times, to let her paffe unfeene. 
 
 But at the length, ftie was difcover'd at 
 A Frenchmans houfe without the Bijhopfgate. 
 To intimate (perhaps) that fuch as be 
 Our fpirituall Watchmen, fliould the more forefee 
 That they with difcipline made llrong the Ward, 
 Which God appointed hath for them to guard ; 
 And chiefly, at this prefent, to have care, 
 Left, now, while we, and Frame united are 
 In bodily commerce ; they bring unto us 
 Thofe Plagues which may eternally undoe us. 
 For, fuch like Pejtiknces foone begin ; 
 And (ere we be aware) will enter in, 
 VnleiTe our Bijhops, both betimes, and late. 
 Be diligent and watchfuU at their Gate. 
 
 As foone, as e're the Women-fpyes defcry'd, 
 This Foe about the City to refide ; 
 There was a loud All arme. The Countrimen 
 Began to wifli themfelves at home agen. 
 The Citizens were gen'rally appall'd ; 
 The Senators themfelves to Counfell call'd ; 
 And all (who might advife in fuch a cafe) 
 Affembled in their Common meeting place ; 
 Where, what difcretion publikely was ufed ; 
 What was admitted of, and what refufed ; 
 What policies, and ftratagems invented ; 
 That mifchiefes, comming on, might be prevented, 
 I cannot fay : For I had never wit, 
 Nor wealth enough, to fit in Counfell, yet. 
 
 But 
 
 92 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 46 
 
 But if to judge of things it lawful! were 
 By their events ; the propofitions there 
 Were fuch as thefe. Mofl. thought the furefl. play 
 To fave tlieir perfons, was, to runne away ; 
 But left fome higher pow'r might then forbid it, 
 They did not publifh that, before they did it. 
 Some urged, that the Scavenger fhould keepe 
 The flreets more cleane, and oft the channell fweep ; 
 Some thought it fit, (and thefe no harme did thinke) 
 That ev'ry morning we fhould eate, and drinke. 
 Some (to allay the heat) did hold it meet 
 To fprinkle water often in the ftreet. 
 Some did a little further nat'rallize, 
 And thefe unto the Ayre would facrifize 
 (In evening fires) pure Frankincenfe or Myrrhe, 
 Sweet herbes, or odorif 'rous luniper ; 
 Or (for default of thofe) Pitch, Rofm, Tarre, 
 And fuch perfumings as leffe coflly are. 
 For if the Heart and Liver of a Fifli 
 (Burnt by young Tobit in a Chafindifh) 
 A Spirit from his chamber could expell ; 
 They hoped thefe might purge ill ayres, as well. 
 
 Some others (not contented herewithall) 
 Did into confultation alfo call 
 The Priejb of Mfculapius, and Apollo ; 
 And held it fit their grave advice to follow : 
 Nor without caufe. For, from the wife Phyfitian 
 We bell (hall know this Enemies condition. 
 And fome there were of thofe, who did advife 
 Not onely to affume thofe remedies 
 Which Art prefcrib'd ; but alfo therewithall 
 Obferved what was Metaphyficall. 
 Yea, fome fmcerely, and religioufly 
 Vpon the foules infedtion had an eye. 
 
 As 
 
 93 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 As well as on the bodies : and thefe went 
 
 The furefi way that fickneffe to prevent. 
 
 But there were others, who derided thefe, 
 
 And talked heath'niftily of this difeafe. 
 
 They prated much of Humours, Inclinations, 
 
 ConjuniUons, planetary Conjlellations ; 
 
 Of nat'rall caufes, unbeleeved fidlions ; 
 
 Impojlures, Fables, and meere contradidtions 
 
 In that Philofophy, which they profeffe : 
 
 Which fiil'd mens mindes with much unfededneffe. 
 
 Yet in their difagreeings, they agree'd 
 On that which might their common profit breed. 
 One had a rare Perfume of fpeciall note ; 
 Another had a precious Antidote, 
 Which at Conjlantinople had been tride 
 When there two thoufand on a day have di'de. 
 A third, preferr'd a Mixture in a bag, 
 Of whofe large vertues he did largely brag, 
 And faid, the fame they doe in Plague times, weare 
 At Rome, (and fo I think when he was there.) 
 A fourth, by Diets, fafety did affure. 
 A fifth, by Drinkes, the Peftilence would cure. 
 A fixth of Cordials, and Elixars prates ; 
 And fome of Treacles, and of Mithridates. 
 
 To offer up a portion of the blood 
 (To fave the reft) for fome, it feemed good. 
 For other fome to purge : for all to take 
 Such meanes as might their purfes heavie make, 
 They to the rich prefcrib'd Prefervatives 
 On coflly termes : and, to prolong the lives 
 Of poorer men, their confciences abated 
 The value much : For, health, to them was rated 
 At fome few handfuls of that herbe or graffe, 
 Which to be gotten, for the gathering was. 
 
 This 
 
 94 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 47 
 
 This being known e, the Senators difmiffe 
 Thofe men ; and by advice it ordered is, 
 That fome Injb'uilions ihall be publiflied, 
 To further what was gravely counfelled. 
 Moreover, that their difdpline might cary 
 Some HkeneiTe to proceedings military, 
 A band of ffalberts, muflred was, to guard 
 The people from the Plague, in ev'ry Ward. 
 And, if they found, by ferious inquifition, 
 (Or, had but any probable fufpition) 
 Where lodg'd it was (although but for a night) 
 That Hqft, exiled was from publike fight ; 
 Clofe pris'ner him they kept both night and day. 
 As one that elfe their Citie might betray. 
 And, to compell that his unwelcome Guejl 
 Should keepe within ; his doore was crofi, and blejl: 
 And many Watchmen, ftrengthned by command, 
 Did round about his dwelling, armed Hand. 
 
 I doe not thus exprelTe, or mention this. 
 As if I thought thofe Orders were amiffe : 
 But, that I might, hereby, the better fhow 
 What miferies, attended on this Foe; 
 And, that this Malady, on us did ceaze, 
 With circumllances, worfe then the Difeafe. 
 My Mufe infpires not me fo foolifhly, 
 That I all naturall caufes doe deny. 
 I doe not thinke, but to this PejUlence, 
 The Conjiellations, by their influence 
 Might fomewhat adde : and that corrupted ayre. 
 Might helpe our healthy being to impaire. 
 I hold that Diets, Meats, Complexions, Pafsions, 
 With fuch as thefe, and all their mitigations, 
 May helpe or hinder much in fuch difeafes 
 As we endeavor ftiall ; and as God pleafes. 
 
 Nor 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2 
 
 Nor doe I flout the wifedome, or the paine 
 Of thofe who fought this mifchiefe to reflxaine. 
 Nor blame I their much dihgence, or care ; 
 But praife it ; and could wifli it doubled were ; 
 With fome fuch obfervations, as would make 
 Their pradlices, the more fucceffe to take ; 
 And that their naturall meanes had hallowed bin, 
 With fo much Faith, and penitence, for fin. 
 As might have brought more workes of Piety, 
 To fandtifie their outward Policy. 
 
 For, thofe dull Naturalijis, who think, this Foe, 
 Doth by meere nat'rall caufes, come or goe, 
 Are much deceiv'd. Yea, in their hearts, they fay, 
 There is no God, how over gloze they may : 
 And as their cogitations are unholy, 
 So is their feeniing wifedome, fottifli folly. 
 
 They are the bafe ConjunSlions, and Afpeils 
 Of Sin, that this our Climate, fo infedts ; 
 And neither Conjlellations, nor the Weather .- 
 For, then we had beene pois'ned all together. 
 By this Contagion ; and had breath'd the longer 
 Or fliorter while as nature had beene flronger, 
 Or weaker in us Nothing had beene free. 
 But birds and beafts had dy'd as well as we ; 
 And this Difeafe had feiz'd on ev'ry Creature 
 Or more or leffe, as it partakes our nature. 
 
 It was no nojrfome Ayre, no Sewre, or Stinke, 
 Which brought this Death, as mofl. among us thinke, 
 For, then thofe places where ill fmells abound, 
 Had more infedlions at that time beene found. 
 Then we perceive they were; yea, this Difeafe, 
 On ev'ry perfon delicate, would feize, 
 Without exception. And where Savours ill 
 Still bide, the Plague fliould there continue Hill : 
 
 For 
 
 9° 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 48 
 
 Then, if they brought the fame, they fure feed it. 
 And, keepe it alwayes there, as well as breed it. 
 Which God forbid ; and teach us to difcerne 
 His providence, and what thereby to leame. 
 
 Vaine thoughts have alfo they, who credit can 
 That, this Jiifirmity, at firft, began, 
 By meanes of populoufneffe. For, were it fo ; 
 Some Courts and Allies, many yeares agoe. 
 Had been infedled : And, thefe places, where 
 Throng'd up together, greateft numbers are ; 
 From Vifitation. had not free remained. 
 When open Streets, and Borroughs have complained. 
 
 And, let them not beleeve their fallacy, 
 Becaufe great Cities, have moil frequently, 
 This fearfull Sicknejfe, or, afflidled be. 
 When little Tdwnes and Villages, are free. 
 For, as there is in great and popular places. 
 More fm, and more abundance of Gods graces : 
 So, it is juft, that thither fhould be fent 
 The greater meafure of his Chaftifement, 
 That fo, their eminence, might fliew abroad. 
 As well the lujlice, as the Love of God ; 
 Whofe ludgements being laid on Townes obfcure, 
 Might fmall refpefl, and leffe efifedl procure. 
 
 As ignorant as thefe, I reckon thofe, 
 Who this Difeafe, infe6lious doe fuppofe 
 To ev'ry one : and, them, who credit not 
 That Sickneffe, by infeftion may be got : 
 For, thefe opinions can have no defence; 
 Since both will falfe be found, in common fenfe. 
 
 For, if we fay, this Plague infedls not any, 
 How commeth it, we daily fee fo many 
 Confum'd beneath one roofe in little fpace ? 
 How comes it, that it creeps from place to place, 
 
 E So 
 
 97 
 
Cant. 2. Britaines 
 
 So orderly, as oftentimes We fee, 
 In feme clofe Lane or Street ? How may it be 
 That twenty Villages (far diflant from 
 Infedled places) tainted fliould become 
 Within foine few dayes after their arriving 
 Who in contageous places had their living? 
 None being there, before they came, infedled. 
 Nor any fuch difeafe neare-hand fufpedled ? 
 How comes all this, unleffe the Maladie, 
 Hath in it felfe, as had the Leprofie, 
 A fpreading Nature, and envenom'd that 
 Which of her poifon can participate ? 
 
 Beleeve it ; as the Violet, or Rofe, 
 (With pure and pleafmg fweetneffe) where it growes 
 Perfumes the Aire, and fendeth Odours out, . 
 Which keepe a certaine diflance there-about ; 
 And, more or leffe, affeft the Paffers-hy, 
 As they have more or leffe capacity 
 In fmelling them ; Or, as the calmed aire. 
 Is either, more or leffe, corrupt or faire : 
 Right fo, this Plague, ev'n naturally affedls 
 A fpace of Aire about it ; and infefls, 
 (At fuch or fuch a diflance) ev'ry one, 
 As he hath weakneffes, to worke upon : 
 Unleffe, that her malignitie be flaid 
 By naturall meanes, or powre Divine alaid. 
 
 And yet, a falfe Pofition make they fliall 
 Who thence infer, the Plague infedleth all, 
 Who breathe her tainted Aire. For, how did they 
 Efcape it then, who long time, night and day 
 In places of infedlion were detain'd ? 
 And in the bofome of this P^ remain'd, 
 Ev'n where they often had their eares and eyes, 
 Affronted, by the fad afpedl, and cries, 
 
 Of 
 
 98 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 49 
 
 Of Death and Dying men ? How fcaped he 
 That in the Church, obliged was to be 
 Among infedtious people ; and to fpeake 
 Till tired were his lungs ; and fpirits weake ? 
 Ev'n when the peoples, thronging, and their heat 
 Did vapour up their breathings, and their fweat 
 For him to fwallow ? What preferv'd the Clarkes, 
 The Sextons, Searchers, Keepers, and thofe Sharks, 
 The (hameleffe Bearers ? (who were nigh become, 
 A rout too bad, to .picke out hangmen, from?) 
 
 How fcap't the Surgeon, that oft puts his head 
 Within the fteame of an Infeftious bed, 
 And, ev'ry day doth handle, fearch, and dreffe, 
 Thofe Biles, that over-flow with rottenneffe ? 
 Or (which is more) how fcapt thofe Babes, the Pejl, ■' 
 That were not only weake, but fuckt the brefl '" 
 
 Of Mothers deadly ficke, when they did weare 
 Thofe noifome Blaines, that mofl, infedtious are ? 
 This often chanceth. Yea, this hath beene feene 
 When on the very brefl., the fore hath beene. 
 Nay, I have heard (by credible relation) 
 That neare to Stratford-bow, this Vifitation, 
 A little infant was preferv'd alive, 
 Who fucked on the dying brefts of five. 
 
 How this may be I know not ; If I ftiall 
 Conclude with fome, this Plague hath powre on al : 
 Nor can I finde a reafon how it ft.inted. 
 Or how our totall ruine was prevented. 
 For, when it was at height j and when appear'd, 
 Moil caufes, that Infection (hould be fear'd ; 
 Then, no man was confined, as before : 
 No Bill, or Croffe, was fixt on any doore ; 
 We vifited the Sicke ; we fliunned neither 
 The place nor perfon ; but met all together. 
 
 E 2 Yet 
 
 99 
 
Britaines Cant. 2. 
 
 Yet, then, and (let us marke it) not till then, 
 This Plague, her fury did abate agen ; 
 And conftantly abate, though moft refufed 
 To keepe fuch Orders, z& at firft were'ufed, 
 Which manifefleth well, that (howfoe're 
 Malignant in it felfe, the Pejl appeare) 
 Gods hand reflraines it ; many a man protedting 
 Immediately : feme, mediately diredling 
 To fuch, or fuch a meanes of prefervation, 
 That they might honour him in their falvation ; 
 And, as he llriketh fome, that men might feare 
 His luJHce : So, he other fome doth fpare, 
 That they might love his Mercies ; and perceive 
 That he can at his pleafure take, and leave. 
 
 For, if God faved none ; fome AtJiiJl, would not 
 Make doubt, perhaps, to publifh that he could not ; 
 And, fcarce one man would be fo neighbourly, 
 To helpe his brother in this malady. 
 Which Charity to further (and to fhew 
 How fafely, men their Callings may purfue 
 In ev'ry danger) we have had, this yeare, 
 Of Gods great Providence, faire token, here. 
 For, 'tis obferv'd, that he hath few deflroy'd 
 Who were in this mortality employ'd 
 About thofe Offices, which have to us 
 (In common fenfe) appear'd mofl. dangerous. 
 
 Few Sextons, and few Surgeons have mifcari'd. 
 Who in their callings at this want have tary'd. 
 And of thofe Market-folks, who at our need 
 Brought in prbvifions, this weake place to feed, 
 I cannot heare of one, who did become 
 Infedied ; or, who brought infedlion home. 
 Ev'n in that Parijh where I did abide, 
 (And where nigh halfe a thoufand weekly dy'd) 
 
 Not 
 
 100 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 50 
 
 Not one of all that number perifhed, 
 
 That were the common Bearers of the Dead. 
 
 But, though from midnight, till the break of day. 
 
 They did infedlious Carkaffes convay 
 
 From fickly Dwellings, to thofe Pits of Death, 
 
 Which breathed out a moft. contagious breath, 
 
 With life and health, their fervice, God rewarded ; 
 
 Ev'n though the moft of them nought elfe regarded, 
 
 But that bafe gaine which might their want fupply, 
 
 Or feed them in fome wicked vanity. 
 
 How then, can we, that of this favour heare. 
 From any lawful adtion flye through feare ? 
 Or doubt of Gods protedlion, when we make 
 A dangerous attempt, for cpnfcience fake ? 
 And know, befide, that what we ftrive to do. 
 We are both called, and oblig'd unto ? 
 
 Moreover, fmce the latter fort here named. 
 Are (for the greater part) in life defamed ; 
 Such, who their needfuU Offices abufed ; 
 Such, who nor outward meanes, nor inward ufed j 
 To keep their healths (but, grew the bolder in 
 The pradlices of ev'ry kind of fin) 
 Such, whom Gods ludgements ftupified more, 
 And made far harder hearted, then before. 
 Since thofe (I fay) of fuch condition were, 
 And yet preferved in their Callings, here .■ 
 For what good ufe I pray can we fuppofe 
 Thofe men were fo preferved ; but that thofe 
 Who truly feeke Gods glory in their ftay. 
 Might have the more affurance in their way ? 
 And know, that if to fuch God pleafe to give 
 This mortall life, they fliall much rather live ; 
 Or elfe (which is far better) if they dye, 
 Obtaine a life, with immortality. 
 
 E 3 Some 
 
B R I T A I N E S Cant 2. 
 
 Some Wifeman-wo ud-be, now, perhaps, will prate 
 That this is Claphamnifme ; And, that the Siaie 
 (In her good policies to ftop the breach 
 Of this great Plague) is wrong'd by what I teach ? 
 But, rather they injurious are to me 
 Who fo affirme ; and vaine their cavils be. 
 For, though to fhew the powre Divine the more, 
 Our Mufe declares, by what is gone before. 
 That Gods owne hand, our Citie did preferve, 
 When we fcarce Meams, or Order, did obferve. 
 Let no man gather thence, that we maintaine. 
 All Meanes, or Civil Orders to be vaine. 
 For, of felfe-murther that man guiltie dies, 
 Who, meanes of health doth wilfully defpife. 
 Yea, doubtleffe, there belongs a curfe to them. 
 That orderly proceedings doe contemne. 
 
 And, whereas we our Orders did tranfgreffe, 
 It was neceffitie, not wilfulneffe. 
 That urged it ; becaufe, our common woe, 
 Did farre beyond the powre of Order, goe. 
 At rifing of the Floud we made a Bay ; 
 But, at the height, it carri'd all away. 
 In humane Policie, we faw no hope. 
 But, as the Hones and Timbers which doe Hop 
 A Breach at firfl ; when all is drowned o're. 
 Doe nothing elfe, but make the waters rore : 
 So, when our Sickneffe, and our Poverty, 
 Had greater wants than we could well fupply, 
 Stridl Orders did but more enrage our griefe, 
 And, hinder in accomplifhing releefe. 
 Had ev'ry houfe been lockt which we fuppos'd 
 To fland infefled, few had beene unclos'd, 
 Yea, our firfl. Orders had we flill obferv'd. 
 The healthie Houfholds would not halfe have ferv'd 
 
 To 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 51 
 
 To keepe the Sicke. And who fliould then have heeded 
 
 Our private cares ? Or got us what we needed ? 
 
 As long as from each other we refrain'd, 
 
 We greater forrowes ev'ry day fuftain'd : 
 
 Yea, whiUl for none, but for our felves we car'd, 
 
 Our brethren periflit, and the worfe we far'd. 
 
 This made us from our Policies appeale, 
 And meete in Love, each others wounds to heale. 
 This, made vs from our civill Orders flie, 
 To make more pradlife of our Charitie. 
 And hereunto, perhaps, compell'd were we, 
 By meere neceffitie, to let us fee 
 Experiments, of that unmatched good, 
 Which floweth from a Chriflian Neighbourhood: 
 And leame what publike, and what private eafe 
 It bringeth in a generall Difeafe : 
 And how it may a Common wealth fuftaine 
 When carnall Wifdome, and Selfe-love are vaine. 
 Or, we perchance from vulgar helpes were driven. 
 Left- Overmuch affurance might be given 
 To outward meanes .■ Or, left we us'd them fo. 
 As if Gods powre were chained thereunto. 
 Or elfe, it was permitted, to declare 
 That fruitleffe all our beft endevours are 
 Without his bleffing : That, no creatures have 
 A Vertue to preferve till he will fave : 
 That, his immediate powre muft countermand. 
 When any Plague hath got an upper hand : 
 And, that, fuch Mercy Ihowne in fuch diftreffe, 
 Might binde us to the greater thankfulneife. 
 
 But, left what here precedeth hath not ftiowne 
 My purpofe fully ; be it alfo knowne, 
 That to reftraine, or fpurre the Pestilence, 
 There is both fupernat'rall Providence 
 
 E4 And 
 
 103 
 
Britaines Cant. 2. 
 
 And Caufes naturall. The firft of thefe 
 Can worke without the later, if it pleafe. 
 The later cannot any thing effedl, 
 But, as the former fhall the fame direcfl. 
 And, though in ev'ry fickneffe, thus it is, 
 Yet, fuch hid properties are found in this. 
 Such oppofitions itithp Naturall Caufes, 
 Such knots, and riddles ; that it much amazes 
 The naturall man : becaufe he feldome findes 
 (As he perceives in griefes of other kindes) 
 The Caufes and Effe^s agree together ; 
 For, there is much uncertainty in either. 
 
 On fome, this Plague doth fteale infenfibly, 
 Their muddy nature, flirring fecretly 
 To their deftrudion. Some, it llriketh fo. 
 As if a mortall hand had^with a blow 
 Arrefled them ; and on their fiefli hath feene 
 A palmes impreffion, to appearance, beene. 
 
 One man is faint, weake, fickly, full of feare, 
 And drawes his breath where llrongft infedtions are. 
 Yet fcapes with life. Another man is young, 
 Light-hearted, healthy, flout, well-temper'd ftrong, 
 And lives in wholefome ayre, yet gets a fit 
 Of this Land-Calenture, and dies- of it ; 
 Some are tormented by it, till we fee 
 Their veines and finewes almoft broken be, 
 The very foule diftradled, fenfe bereft, 
 And fcarce the fmallefl hope of fcaping left, 
 Yet foone recover. Otherfome, againe 
 Fall fuddenly ; or feele fo little paine 
 When they are feized, that they breathleffe lye, 
 E're any dying Symptomes, we efpy. 
 On fome, an endleffe drowfineffe doth creepe : 
 Some others, cannot get one winke of fleepe. 
 
 This 
 
 104 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 52 
 
 This, ufeth ev'iy day prefervatives, 
 Yet dies : another taketh none, yet lives. 
 Ev'n thus vncertainly this Sickneffe playes j 
 Spares, wounds, and killeth, many fev'rall wayes. 
 
 From this experience, let us not conclude, 
 As many doe among the multitude, 
 Who mifconceiving (to no fmall offence) 
 The dodlrine of Eternall Providence, 
 (Who from the truth of fober knowledge wandring, 
 And Gods Decrees, and Jujtice alfo flandring) 
 Doe fo neceffitate the Fate of man, 
 That, whatfoever he endevour can, 
 His paines is loft j and that foredoora'd, he muft 
 At this or that fet moment turne to duft : 
 And that no indullry, no innocence. 
 No wilfuU carelefneffe, or foule offence, 
 Nor any humane actions helpfuU be 
 To life or death, but meerly Gods Decree. 
 
 Ev'n fuch there be. And, howfoever they 
 Preach Faith, or Workes, in ftiow, yet, they denay 
 The pow'r of both ; and fecretly maintaine, 
 (By confequence at leaft) that meanes are vaine. 
 For, they affirme that ev'ry thing men doe. 
 They are by God predeftinated to 
 Before all worlds ; So, that our pow'r, or will, 
 Affedteth ; nor effedteth good, or ill ; 
 And that we are by doome inevitable 
 In ev'ry kind of adlion made unable. 
 
 Which Tenet, feemeth rather to arife 
 From thofe, who write of heathnifti DeJHnies, 
 Then from a Chriftian. For, though true it be, 
 That, God Almighty, all things doth forefee. 
 And order fo, and fo difpofe of things. 
 That, to perfection his owne worke he brings, 
 
 Es In 
 
B R I T A I N E S Cant. 2. 
 
 In fpight of Satan, and of every deed 
 That may from his malignant brood proceed : 
 Yet, they have Adtions naturally their owne, 
 Which God permits. He likewife hath bellowne 
 On us that are his children, grace, and powres, 
 Good Adlions to performe, which we call ours 
 By Gods free gift. Moreover, he doth pleafe 
 To promife bliffe, or threaten plagues, for thefe, 
 According to their natures ; that each one 
 May heed the better, what is to be done : 
 Be ftirred up to put good workes in ufe, 
 Or elfe be left at lafl. without excufe. 
 
 For, though I am affured we poffeffe. 
 By Nature, no inherent Righteoufneffe ; 
 I, naitheleffe beleeve that ev'ry one 
 (Whofe being, firfl, from Adams loines begun) 
 Received fmce our Univerfall fall 
 One Talent, at the leaft, to worke withall, 
 With fo much powre of working alfo, that 
 We may and (hould with God cooperate. 
 As Adam all men did of life deprive ; 
 Ev'n fo by Chrijl, were all men made alive : 
 Yea, ev'n as Mofes did not let remaine 
 One hoofe in Mgypt which did appertaine 
 To Ifr'eU; So beleeve I that not one 
 Was left unranfom'd by Gods only Sonne : 
 But that all through the fea of bloud did come. 
 As well thofe other who doe wander from 
 Truths path in this lifes wilderneffe; as they 
 Who come within the Land of Promife may. 
 
 And, though like him, who impudently, laid 
 Injuftice to his Mafters charge, and faid ; 
 He reaped where he fow'd not, though, I fay ; 
 There want not fome among us, at this day, 
 
 Who 
 
 io6 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 
 
 Who like to him, doe moft untbankfully 
 This grace of God in Iesvs Christ denyj 
 f^ Affirming, that he fome injoynes unto 
 Much more, than he did give them power to^ 
 Our Maker unto ev'ry foule that hves, 
 So much by vertue ol Chrijis Paffion gives. 
 That whofoever falleth, falls not by 
 Anothers, but his owne iniquitie ; 
 And, by his aftuall crimes, makes unforgiven 
 That Debt originall which was made even 
 By his Redeemer, who, that, backe will have, 
 (If we abufe it) which at firfl, he gave. 
 
 Who ev'r wants powre to doe what God doth bid, 
 Loft, in himfelfe, that powre as Adam did : 
 Yet, we that have it, neither had that powre, 
 Nor keepe it can, by any ftrength of our ; 
 But by his holy Spirit, who hath taught 
 That path of life wherein to walke we ought 
 And, this is fuch a Myjtery, that fome 
 Which thinke they fee, are blinde therein become. 
 
 Our guiltie Soules and Bodies were bereft 
 Of all good Faculties, and had not left 
 So much as Will, much lefle the powre to doe 
 What foule or Bodies health conduced to. 
 Their guilt Chrijl from them tooke ; and by his might 
 Depraved Nature fo much fets to right, 
 That unto ev'ry Soule, he gives the ivill 
 Which Adam had, of chufing good or ill. 
 And then both Life and Death, he doth propofe 
 Before them fo, that either may be chofe. 
 
 To them, whom in his Church he doth affiard 
 To live paft. Child-hood, He doth by his Word 
 (And by no other meanes) this tender make. 
 With Infants, and with Heathens, he may take- 
 
 emoS 
 
 ic; 
 
B R I T A I N E s Cant. 2 
 
 Some other courfe. But, furely, when, or how 
 He that effedls ; concernes not us to know. 
 
 When God doth make this tender (which is then 
 When he doth pleafe, and no man knoweth when) 
 If any Soule by Sathans guile doth chufe, 
 What Gods good Spirit moves her to refufe, 
 She, then, to put in adtion doth begin 
 The haynous and impardonable fin 
 Againfl. the Holy Ghq/l (which fearfull crime 
 Is made apparant to the world, in time. 
 Or more or leffe, by outward adlions here, 
 As God ftiall pleafe to let the fame appeare) 
 And, after this refufall, ev'ry thing. 
 Which doth encreafe of grace, to others, bring. 
 Doth make her grow more fenfeleife of her flate, 
 Or elfe enrage, or make her defperate. 
 And, htx freewill, in Adam lofl before. 
 Is loft againe, by her, for evermore. 
 
 But, if fhe chufeth as the Spirit moveth, 
 ' The Lord, this Soule, without repenting loveth ; 
 In her, preferving fuch aifedtions ftill. 
 And fuch a portion of her firft Freewill, 
 That though the frailties of her flefh doe feeme 
 To choake them often, in the worldes efteeme ; 
 (And fometime in her owne) yet ftie for ever 
 Doth in her motion towards God perfever, 
 Till flie arive in him. Nor doth ihe ceafe 
 Of pious workes, her number to encreafe : 
 But labours for affurance in eledlion, 
 By reaching eVry day at more perfection. 
 
 And, far is it from God to take away 
 The guerdon of our Faith ; or to denay 
 What he did by his Covenant, ordaine, 
 To be the wages of our Chriftian paine : 
 
 Or 
 
 io8 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 54 
 
 Or to command us what fliould profit nought ; 
 Or, to negledl the workes that we have wrought. 
 
 For, fmce God heeds thofe things that are fo fmall, 
 As birds alightings, and as haires that fall ; 
 Makes ufe of ev'ry circumftance, and chaines 
 (To further thofe maine ends which he ordaines) 
 Ten thoufand little trifling things together ; 
 Not one omitting, none difplacing neither, 
 Which may be pertinent his ends to further, 
 Or to effedt them, in their timely Order. 
 How could fo fond a crotchet be devifed,' 
 That God our ferioufl. adlions hath defpifed ? 
 Or, that by his Foreknowledge, or Decree, 
 Our deeds fliould all annihilated be ? 
 Or, that he fliould fo oft incite us to 
 What he had giv'n to man, no pow'r to doe ? 
 
 I dare not venture upon their difl;ra6lions. 
 Who fearch the order of Eternall anions ; 
 Nor doe I further feeke what Go& for eknowes, 
 Then he within his Word revealed ftiowes ; 
 Nor will I ever flrive to pry into 
 His hidden counfells, as too many doe : 
 But their unwarrantable paths efchewing, 
 And, Gods difclofed purpofes purfuing, 
 Search onely for the knowledge of thofe things 
 Which an effedling of his pleafure brings. 
 Since, if I follow them, it cannot be 
 That he would purpofe any harme to me ; 
 Or in his fecret counlell ought ordaine 
 To make his publike will to be in vaine. 
 For, though, when Abram, Jfa'k thought to kill, 
 God's )\\Ad.fa. purpofe, and revealed will 
 Did feeme to crofle each other (And when he 
 Did threaten Niniveh deilroy'd fliould be) 
 
 Yet, 
 
 109 
 
B R I T A I N E S Cant. 2. 
 
 Yet, they appeare not oppofite to thofe 
 Whofe faith, fuch holy fecrets can difclofe. 
 Or were it fo ; from a<fts particular 
 None fliould conclufions generall inferre. 
 
 God neuer faid, as' yet, that I could heare, 
 Man, fuch a day fliall perifli, howfoe're 
 By faithfull workes for fafety he endeauour. 
 But, all his promifes and threatnings, euer 
 Were made conditional!; and haue fore-fpoken 
 Our life, or death, as they are kept, or broken. 
 
 Nor is this any barre, or contradidlion 
 To Gods free Grace ; or to his firme EleSKon, 
 Or never-ending Loue. Nor helpes it thofe 
 Who, perfezierance of the Saints, oppofe : 
 But, rather, maketh all thofe DoArines good. 
 Yea, being rightly weigh'd and underflood, 
 Gods iujttce, and his mercy it unites, 
 Whom mens blind Cavills haue made oppofites. 
 God knew the doome, and date of Adams crime, 
 Yet, he did fore-expreffe no certaine time ; 
 But, fpeaking of it, fpake indefinitely, 
 And faid. That day thoufmnejl, thoujhalt dye. 
 And fure, of all mens deaths (who e're gaine faies) 
 It is their finne that fetteth downe the dales. 
 For, till tranfgreffion forfeited our breath, 
 There was no peremptory day of death. 
 And, in affirming, where Gods Word is mute, 
 It is prefumption, to be abfolute. 
 
 Doe this, faith God, and Hue; Doe that and periJJi. 
 Yet fome, whofe overiights too many cherifh, 
 Dare contradidt it ; and affirme that wee 
 Good, bad, dead, lining, damned, faued be 
 Eu'n from eternity, without refpedls. 
 To any caufes, or to their effedls. 
 
 And 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 55 
 
 And thefe imply, that (whatfoe're we doe, 
 
 Or leaue vndone) God fore-appoints us to 
 
 A certaine doome ; which we (hall Ilriue in vaine, 
 
 With all our flrength, to fhunne, or to obtaine. 
 
 And wherefore then did God his Gofpell fend ? 
 Why doth his Word exhort vs to amend ? 
 Why doth he bid vs, this, or that to fliunne ? 
 Why hath he charged fome things to be done ? 
 If he no power hath giuen, or elfe by fate 
 Difableth all men to cooperate ? 
 And leaues them neither good nor ill to doe 
 But what he fore-decreed long agoe ? 
 Why threats he flripes ? why promifeth reward ? 
 If there be no compaffion, no regard. 
 Nor meed for what is done. And what I pray 
 Is all Religion, if thefe truth doe fay ? 
 I know God reprobates, and doth forefee 
 Before all worlds, who reprobates will be. 
 But, none he forceth to be fo accurfl, 
 Saue thofe who haue his Grace rejected firil, 
 And vnto thofe, indeed, he powre denies 
 To worke his will, becaufe they did defpife 
 His profered Love; And jufl. it is in him. 
 To make them blinde, who did the light contemne. 
 
 He doth eternally abhorre the crime ; 
 But he the perfons reprobates in time. 
 And None doth chufe, or perfonally rejedt 
 (What ever fome conceive) but with refpedt 
 Vnto his Covenant ; which hath implide 
 Something to be perform'd on either fide. 
 For, were it fo, that God hath fore-decreed 
 What fhould befall unto us without heed 
 To any Covenant ; and bar'd Salvation, 
 By an eternall doome of Reprobation, 
 
 (In 
 
B R I T A I N E S Cant. 2. 
 
 (In fuch like manner as the fantafies 
 
 Of fome (not well advifedly) devife) 
 
 What compaffe we by ftriving therewithall ? 
 
 Why fpend we time, in rifing up to fall ? 
 
 Why linger we to adt fo many crimes ? 
 
 To fuffer over griefe fo many times ? 
 
 And live fo many fev'rall deaths to tafte, 
 
 To be nor worfe, nor better at the lafl. ? 
 
 Or wherefore have we prayed, fmce we know 
 
 What muft. be, mufl be, though we pray not fo ? 
 
 I might be thought o're bitter, if as they 
 I fliould interrogate, who fharply fay ; 
 Why doe not thefe, who this opinion hold, 
 Goe hang them/elves before that they are old? 
 Or in their Gardens, TIMON like, erell 
 Faire Gibbets for the Schollers of their Sellt 
 What tends their life unto ? whyjhould not they 
 Refufe to eate and drinke ; and, wifely, fay, 
 " God, for our end, a certaine day hath fet, 
 " Which we ftiall reach, although we tafte no meat. 
 Why doe theyfhun a danger in thefireet. 
 Since theyfhall live their time, what e're they meet ? 
 If they to any place, defer e to goe, 
 Why trouble they their feet to helpe thereto 1 
 Since they are fur e, that if decreed it were 
 They fhould come thither, they their faines may f pare 1 
 If thus I fliould have faid, fome men would deeme me 
 To be more bitter then did well befeeme me : 
 For, I confeffe that on the quick they grated. 
 Who in this manner have expoftulated. 
 And I forbeare it. Yet, this generation 
 Hath fome who need this tart expoftulation ; 
 With whom loud noifes more prevaile by far, 
 Then doe thofe proofes, that Faitlis and Reafons are. 
 
 I 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 56 
 
 I know to thefe Obje£Iions, moil replies ; 
 I know their ftrength, and where their weakneffe lies ; 
 I know what holy Scriptures, men miftake, 
 Which proofes of their affertions feeme to make : 
 I know, how they their Arguments mif-lay, 
 From that of Efau, and the Potters clay : 
 I know what Times and Termes they mifconceive. 
 And wherewithall themfelves they doe deceive. 
 I know with what nick-names of herefie, 
 Some Readers will for this my Mufe belye ; 
 And that nor they, who call'd Arminians be, 
 Nor they who reprehend them, will with me 
 Be friends for this ; for neither thofe nor thefe 
 Am I defirous to offend or pleafe. 
 But to uphold the Truth, which is bely'd 
 Injurioufly by mofl. of either fide. 
 I know their fpight, their vineger, their gall ; 
 I know what fpirit mofb are led withall 
 Who fpread the DoSlrines which T have reproved. 
 And know fuch Reafon never to be moved. 
 With favour to them that I dare to fay, 
 It is the neareft. and the flraightell way 
 To all prophaneneffe. It the bridle gives 
 To carnall liberties, and makes the lives 
 And hearts of many men fo voyd of care : 
 From hence diflradlions ; hence defpairings are. 
 Hence mifchiefes ; hence felfe murthers doe arife ; 
 Hence is it that fuch multitudes defpife 
 Good difcipline : yea, this contemned makes 
 The life of Faith, if once it rooting takes : 
 Difableth pious pradtices outright. 
 And where it roots, deflroyes Religion quite. 
 
 Let no man then admit into his thought, 
 That God Almighty hath decreed ought 
 
 Which 
 
 113 
 
B R I T A I N E S Cant. 2. 
 
 Which on his lujlice may infringement bring, 
 
 Or on his Mercy in the fmalleft thing : 
 
 Or that his Wifedome any thing ordaines 
 
 Without the meanes which thereunto pertaines : 
 
 Or thinke, becaufe our fmne he doth permit 
 
 That therefore he neceffitateth it : 
 
 Or that he wills thofe errours he forefees, 
 
 As he the workes of righteoufneffe decrees : 
 
 Or, that our humane actions cyphers are : 
 
 Or, that within this world there ever were 
 
 Or (hall, thofe perfons be, whom God will call 
 
 Vnto account, untill he give them fliall. 
 
 At leaft, one Talent, which may ferue vnto 
 
 The working of that worke he bids them doe. 
 
 Let no man dreame thefe dreames ; nor cenfure this, 
 
 Till he hath well confider'd what that is 
 
 Which I deliuer. For in this darke way 
 
 Our learnedfl. Clerkes doe fometimes runne aflray. 
 
 Nor let them thinke that I concurre with all, 
 
 Who in appearance hold this Tenet ftiall : 
 
 Or that I differ from all men that may 
 
 In termes diffent from what I feeme to fay. 
 
 For they that in expreffion difagree 
 
 In one well-meaning, oft united be. 
 
 And either (if that they in loue contend) 
 
 Shall then at length, obtaine their wifhed end. 
 
 Oh ! labour this, all you that would be thought 
 GODS glory in your ftudies to haue fought ; 
 That though offences come, they may not moue 
 Difunion ; but Gods worthy ones approve. 
 And let us with a true fobriety, 
 So heed his Anions of eternitie, 
 That we may fee in them a boundlefneffe. 
 Beyond our humane wifdome to expreffe ; 
 
 Leaue 
 
 114 
 
Cani.2. Remembrancer. 57 
 
 Leave quarrelling about his waies unknowne, 
 
 And take more heed hereafter to our owne. 
 
 For, though God pleafeth, other while to ufe 
 
 Our vulgar Termes, fome notions to infufe 
 
 Of his eternall workings, and apply 
 
 His deeds that way, to our capacity, 
 
 Difclofing them unto us one by one, 
 
 As if at feverall times they had beene done, 
 
 (Becaiife our fliallowneffe no meanes can find 
 
 To entertaine them in their proper kinde) 
 
 And though (refpedting us who temp'ral be) 
 
 Wee fay, that God Almighty ^a'Csi forefee, 
 
 Foreknow us, and fredeJUnate ; yet fure, 
 
 His Effence no fuch termes can well endure 
 
 In proper fenfe ; Becaufe with him, no doome, 
 
 Word, Thought, or A(5l, is paffed, or to come. 
 
 But all things prefent Yea, all Times, and all 
 
 Thofe things which wee by feverall names doe call, 
 
 Our Births, our Lives, our Deaths, and our Saluations, 
 
 0\a free-eleSlions, and predefiinations. 
 
 Are all at once with God, YnShontforefeeing ; 
 
 Eu'n all in one-eternall-prefent-being. 
 
 Which few obferving, many men have thought 
 
 That Gods eternall aSUons (hould be wrought 
 
 Like ours in Time, which is, as if they fliould 
 
 Endeavour how the world they might enfold 
 
 Within a Nut-ihell. And while thus men ftrive 
 
 (According to their fancies) to contrive 
 
 An order in Gods Workifigs, they miflake them 
 
 Blafphemoufly, and orderleffe doe make them. 
 
 Yea, to define his atStions, they negledt 
 
 That part which is their duty to efFedt ; 
 
 Themfelves and others lofing in a path 
 
 Which neither profit, end, nor fafety hath ; 
 
 And 
 
 I'S 
 
Britaines Cant. 2. 
 
 And, by difputing what from us is hidden, 
 Difturb the doing that which God hath bidden. 
 
 I have digrefl. enough ; and fome there are 
 Who think, perhaps, that I have gone too farre. 
 Yet, let it not be judg'd impertinent. 
 That I have fo purfu'd this Argument. 
 For, want of minding what is here rehearfed. 
 Hath often times the Pejlilence difperfed. 
 Yea, fome who fondly faid, that ev'ry man 
 Shall live his time decreed, do what he can ; 
 And that each one at his fixt houre fliall dye, 
 'Gainfl. which he feeks in vaine, a remedy : 
 Ev'n thefe, made much good means of health negledled 
 Much wife and wholfome counfell be rejedled j 
 And caufed, oft, in this our common wo, 
 That Death was brought and caried, to and fro. 
 
 But, left in chafing them, I run aftray ; 
 He profecute againe my purpos'd way. 
 The Peftiknce doth fliow her felfe inclin'd 
 So varioufly, flie cannot be defin'd. 
 She neither certaine forme, nor habit wears. 
 But, partly metaphyjlcall appears, 
 And partly naturall. She oft may cary 
 Her Progreffe on, by meanes that's ordinary ; 
 But, rarely doth begin, or end her Arrant, 
 Save by an extraordinary Warrant. 
 It doth infedl, and it infedleth not. 
 It is an arrow which is often fliot 
 By Gods owne hand, from his far-ilriking bow. 
 Without the help of any meanes below. 
 It is Gods Angel, which to death can fmite, 
 Miraculoufly, an army in a night. 
 It is a rationall Difeafe, which can 
 Pick, with difcretion, here and there a man ; 
 
 And 
 
 116 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 58 
 
 And paffe o're thofe, who either marked are 
 For Mercy ; or, a greater Plague to beare. 
 
 We fee, it futing hath to Natures laws, 
 A nat'rall motion, and a nat'rall cauje ; 
 For, as a Fire among great Buildings throwne, 
 Bumes Timber, melteth Mettall, cracketh Stone, 
 Defaceth Statues, makes moift. places dry, 
 The Vaults below to fweat, the tyles to flye 
 And manifefls his force, in fev'rall kindes, 
 According to the objedls which he findes : 
 So, hath the Pejlilence a nat'rall pow'r 
 To harden, fright, endanger, or devoure, 
 (And divers other changes to procure) 
 As fhe doth find a fev'rall temp'rature 
 In mind or body, fitting the rejeftion. 
 Or for the entertainment of Infeilion. 
 
 Thefe things confider'd. They who fhall defire 
 To fcape from this Contagion, mufl. acquire 
 A double Ward. For, doubtlefle, there is none 
 That can refifl it with one guard alone. 
 In times of Danger, vainly we prefume 
 Vpon our Iv'ry boxes of Perfume. 
 To little purpofe, we defend our nofes. 
 With Wormwood, Rue, or with our RadeliJ^e Pofies 
 Of tarred Ropes. Small warrant for our lives, 
 Are all fuch bodily Prefervatives, 
 As Cordiall waters. Gums, Herbes, Plants, and Rootes, 
 Our fimple or compounded Antidotes. 
 Omx Boezar-Jione; our med'cines Chymicall; 
 Or, that high prized lewell wherewithal!, 
 For home of Vnicorne, men cheated are : 
 Or, thofe unhallowed Charmes, which many weare. 
 For, thefe are far unable to withftand 
 The vigour of his incorporeall hand. 
 
 Who 
 
Cant. 2. Britaines 
 
 Who flrikes for finne, unleffe to thefe wee adde 
 A Plaifler which of better things is made. 
 Yea Nature failes, unleffe adjoyne wee doe, 
 A med'cine metaphificall thereto. 
 
 Moreover, fruitlefly devout are they, 
 And that they feeke to God they falfely fay, 
 Who wilfully negledl, or elfe contemne, 
 That outward meanes, which Nature offers them, 
 And God provides, to cure, or to prevent. 
 The mifchiefe of Difeafes peflilent. 
 For, fince wee fram'd of foules and bodies are, 
 God pleafed is, that wee fhould have a care 
 To both of them ; and labour how to finde, 
 What appertaines to either, in his kinde. 
 
 He therefore, who defireth a defence 
 Againfl this Arrow of the PeJHlence ; 
 A compleat Armour mufl from God procure, 
 And Hill be arm'd, his perfon to fecure. 
 He mufl. put on the Helmet of Salvation, 
 And flioe his feet with holy Preparation. 
 A Belt of Truth mufl: for his loines be fought ; 
 His Brejl-plate mud of Righteoufneffe be wrought. 
 The Shield of Faith, his Target mufl. become. 
 The darts of Sathan to fecure him from. 
 Gods Word muft, be the Sword upon his thigh, 
 His Praters, like continuall fhot muft. flie ; 
 And he flaould keepe for ever his abode, 
 Within the fliadow of Almighty God. 
 Or elfe the Workeman loofeth all his paine ; 
 And he that watcheth, waketh but in vaine. 
 
 He alfo muft expell out of the foule. 
 That filthineffe of finne, which makes it foule. 
 He muft avoid the crimes he lived in ; 
 His Phyficke muft be Rue (ev'n Rue for finne) 
 
 Of 
 
 ii8 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 59 
 
 Of Herb of Grace, a Cordiall he niuft. make ; 
 
 The bitter Cup of true Repentance take ; 
 
 The Diet of Sobriety affume ; 
 
 His Houfe with workes of Charitie perfume ; 
 
 And watch, that from his heart in fecrecie, 
 
 Arife no favours of Hypocrifie. 
 
 He mufl. beleeve, God fo doth love him, that 
 
 His everlafling good, is aimed at 
 
 In all he fufifers ; and, that, God doth know. 
 
 And marke his nature, and his temper fo. 
 
 As that he will impofe nor more, nor leiTe, 
 
 Than fhall be needfull for his happineffe. 
 
 For, fuch a Faith, will keepe him ftill content. 
 
 Still lowly, under ev'ry challifement ; 
 
 Still thankfuU, whatfoever doth befall ; 
 
 And Bleffings make, of what we Plagues doe call. 
 
 He mufl, moreover with a holy Feare, 
 In all his Chriflian duties perfevere ; 
 Still watchfuU, and at no time daring ought 
 Which may from God divert him in a thought : 
 (So neere as poflibly, the powre of man, 
 So great a diligence endeavour can.^ 
 For, round about him are a thoufand Feares, 
 A thoufand Dangers, and ten thoufand Snares, 
 And, as a Traveller, who for his Bridges, 
 To paffe deepe waters, having nought but ridges 
 Of narrow Timbers, dares not cafl. his eye 
 From off the Plancke, nor fet his foot a^vrie ; 
 Becaufe beneath him, he beholds a Streame, 
 That runnes, and roares, and gapes to fwallow him : 
 So, he that mufl, an hourely paffage make, 
 Through fuch like Plagues, as this whereof I fpeake, 
 (And many dangers waiting on him hath. 
 To catch him, if he flip his narrow Path) 
 
 Had 
 
 H9 
 
Britaines Cant. 2. 
 
 Had need be carefull that he never dray, 
 Nor fwarve in any thing befide the way. 
 
 Let, therefore, ev'ry man defire, at leaft, 
 This pow'r; that his defirings may be bleft, 
 With fuch performances as he fliall need. 
 Or, have his Will accepted for the Deed. 
 And, let him to his Calling ever (land : 
 For, whofoe're doth leave that place unmann'd 
 Wherein God fets him ; forfeits that reward 
 (And is deprived of that Angell guard) 
 Of which his Mufe doth prophefie, who fayes. 
 We Jhall preferved be in all our wayes. 
 
 Far is it from my nature, to reprove 
 With proud infultings, thofe whom feare did move 
 To ftep afide : For, good and pious men 
 Give way to nat'rall frailties now and then ; 
 And, we whom God emboldned now to Hay, 
 Hereafter, from leffe frights may run away. 
 Yea, fure I am, that if it doe not flow 
 From Love, and Pity, that their fcapes we fliow, 
 God may, and will (our folly to deride) 
 Make them dare fland, where we fliall feare to bide- 
 And therefore, hoping none amifle will take 
 What I have writ for truth and confcience fake ; 
 f'That men in times to come might looke into 
 This duty, and be heedful what they doe) 
 I will affirme, that ev'ry one hath erred. 
 Who in his lawfuU Calling, was deterred 
 So much, as in this danger to forfake it : 
 And, though a trifling matter many make it, 
 I know, the mofl apparant fliowes of terror 
 Are not excufe enough for fuch an error. 
 For, that we ftiould not in fuch cafes dread 
 The greateft perils : God hath promifed. 
 
 That 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 6o 
 
 That if we keepe our wayes, and him obferve, 
 He will not onely from this Plague preferve ; 
 But, caufe us without harme to walke among, 
 Ev'n Adders, Dragons, Lyons old and yong : 
 By which pernicious creatures, and untamed, 
 Is ev'ry danger meant that can be named. 
 
 Thefe things we mufl obferve, if we will hope 
 Gods extraordinary blow to flop ; 
 And other circumftances muft. attend 
 Thofe meanes. But, they fo nat'rally depend 
 On what precedes ; that in well doing one, 
 We cannot leave the other part undone. 
 Such were thofe holy raed'cines, which prevented 
 The Plague, at Niniveh, when flie repented ; 
 Such ifiel ufed, and it faved them ; 
 Such kept the Plague out of lerufalem ; 
 And when the bloody Angell came, had pow'r 
 To flop him in AraunaKs threfliing floore. 
 Thus Hezekiah was preferv'd ; thus David 
 Was from the very fame contagion faved : 
 And if unfainedly we pradlife thus, 
 He doth of fafety alfo warrant us. 
 Yea (through this meanes) we (hall be fortifi'd 
 With fuch a coat of proofe, as will abide 
 That murth'ring Arrow which in darkneffe flyes, 
 From Gods owne Bow, unfeene of mortall eyes. 
 
 And when we thus have done, attempt we may 
 To Hop the Shaft, that flyes abroad by day ; 
 I meane the na^rall Sicknefle, which doth fmite 
 By meanes, that is apparant to the fight. 
 For, as God ftriketh, oft, immediate blowes 
 By ibme immediate way : right fo he fliowes 
 A nat'rall cure to thofe, whom he doth pleafe 
 To warrant from the naturall Difeafe. 
 
 F Thus 
 
 X2J 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 Thus, he for HezekiaKs health revealed 
 That Plaijier, wherewithal! his griefe was healed, 
 Thus from this Plague have many beene fecured. 
 And many faved, who the flroke endured. 
 
 Here I could fliew, what Med'cines may be tooke 
 To cure or to prevent the outward flroke ; 
 To qualifie the Aire, what might be ufed ; 
 What Diet fliould be taken, what refufed ; 
 What Symptomes doe attend on this difeafe ; 
 What good, or ill, from Labour, or from Eafe 
 Too much, or over-little, may be got : 
 But, to proceed in this prefume I not. 
 For, to prefcribe externall med'cines, here 
 To ev'ry man, too hard a taske it were ; 
 Since they mud often chang'd and mixed, be, * 
 As we the fickneffe changeable doe fee, 
 And as we finde the meafure oiinfeBion, 
 The parties Age, his Temper, or CompleSlion-. 
 To thofe I therefore will commit this part, 
 Who are allow'd profeffors of that Art ; 
 Advifing all, that none their aid refufe. 
 Nor out of feafon, their affiflance ufe. 
 
 For, if, before our peace with God be made, 
 We (feeking outward meanes) a cure have had ; 
 That meanes (hall be the meanes our death to fet : 
 That cure fliall onely cure us, to beget 
 Another Plague : unleffe we have repented 
 Our folly, and the mifchiefe, fo, prevented. 
 Yea fuch, as take that courfe, doe fugar o're 
 Strong poyfons, and skin up a feflring fore ; 
 Becaufe thofe med'cines, and that watchfulneffe 
 (From which they did expe6l a good fucceffe) 
 Not being with repentance fandlifi'd. 
 Nor (in their place) with faithfulneffe appl/d, 
 
 Corrup- 
 
 122 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 6\ 
 
 Corruptd grow ; make what was evill, worfe \ 
 And (in the Head of bleffings) bring a curfe. 
 This Reafon proves. For, fince it is from Sin 
 Whence all our griefes, and fickneffes have bin : 
 We fliall as vainly flrive th' effedls to (lay, 
 Till we the Caufes firfl. remove away, 
 As if we went about to draine a River, 
 Before to flop the Springs we did endeavor. 
 And, as we neither fliould o're-much rely 
 On outward helpes ; nor take diforderly 
 The meanes of Health ; right fo, beware we mufl 
 That we doe never ufe it with diftrull. 
 For as, in feeking fafety, mofl men ufe 
 Prepofterous courfes (whence much harme enfues) 
 Or elfe (when likely med'cines they have got) 
 Prefume fo farre, on what availeth not, 
 Without Gods bleffing ; that, from him they take 
 His due, and of his Creatures, Idols make .• 
 So, fome there be fo fearfuU, that their Feare 
 Corrupts their blood, where no infedlions were ; 
 Begets that Plague within them which they fliun ; 
 And makes it follow, when they from it run. 
 No place, or counfell can of refl. affure them ; 
 No meanes their hope of fafety can procure them : 
 But ftill they are diftemper'd ; ever taking 
 New courfes, and new Med'cines alwayes making. 
 Of all they meet (if any meet they dare) 
 For fome Receipt, their firfl. enquiries are. 
 What e're he be that tells them, that, or this 
 Prevents the Plague ; it fl.raightwayes pradlis'd is. 
 They fwallow downe hot Waters, Sirrups, Drinks, 
 Choake up their Chambers with Perfumes, & Stinks ; 
 With Rue, and Wormwood cram their bowels up. 
 With Phificke breake their fafl.s, and dine, and fup : 
 
 F 2 Yet 
 
 123 
 
Brit tan's Cant. 2. 
 
 Yet, dill delpaire, as if that world of ftuffe 
 (Which they devoured) were not halfe enough. 
 And, this their terror, doth to me appeare, 
 A greater Plague, then that which they doe feare. 
 
 Miflake me not ; I doe not here condemne 
 The chriftian, and the filial feare of them, 
 That are (with holy dread) employ'd about 
 Such meanes, as worketh true falvation out 
 Nor blame it, when a moderate feare doth make 
 Alarums in us, Reafon to awake. 
 For, while our Feare preferves a moderation, 
 It is a very neceffary/a^(7«. 
 And flands for Ceniinell, to bid us Arme, 
 When any Foe doth feeme to menace harme. 
 Nor doe I checke that nat'rall Feare, which from 
 The knowledge of our weaknefTes doth come : 
 For, want of that is meere ftupidity ; 
 And fuch, can neither feele a Mifery, 
 Nor talle Gods Mercies, with more profit, than 
 The brutifli Creatures wanting Reafon, can ; 
 Who, of their paines, or pleafiires, nought retaine 
 Much longer, then it doth in a6l remaine. 
 I count not each man valiant, who dares die. 
 Or venture on a Mifchiefe defperately. 
 When, either heat of Youth, or Wine, or Paffion 
 Shall whet him on, before confideration : 
 For, thus a Beall will doe, and hath (no doubt) 
 As much forefight in what he goes about ; 
 As thofe bhnde Bayards, who couragious be 
 In perills, whofe events they doe not fee. 
 Nor will I any man a Coward call. 
 Although I fee him tremble, and looke pale 
 In dangerous attempts ; unleffe he flacke 
 His juft Refolves, by bafely ftepping backe. 
 
 For, 
 
 124 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 62 
 
 For, as the greater part of men we find 
 
 To laugh and blufh, by nature, much enclin'd : 
 
 So many have a nat'ral inclination, 
 
 To trembling, paleneffe, or fome other paflion. 
 
 Which, no Philofophy can take away, 
 
 Nor any humane wit, or llrength, allay : 
 
 And if their Apprehenfton proveth better 
 
 Then other Mens ; their Paffions are the greater; 
 
 Becaufe their fearching wits finde perills out. 
 
 Whereof the Dullard (^never having doubt^ 
 
 Hath boldly ventur'd on them, and out dar'd. 
 
 What being heeded, him to death hath fear'd. 
 
 Give me the Man, that with a quaking arme 
 VValkes with a ftedfafl mind tlurough greatefl. harm ; 
 And though his flefli doth tremble, makes it fland 
 To execute what Reafon doth command. 
 Give me the Soule, that knowingly defcries 
 All dangers, and all poffibilities 
 Of outward perills ; and yet doth perfever 
 In ev'ry lawfull adtion howfoever. 
 Give me that Heart, which in it felfe doth warre 
 With many frailties ('who like Traytors are 
 In fome befieged Fort) and hath to doe 
 With outward Foes, and inward Terrors too ; 
 Yet of himfelfe, and them, a conquefl. makes, 
 And Hill proceeds in what he undertakes. 
 For, this is Aavih\t-valour ; and fuch men 
 (Although they are mif-cenfur'd now, and then) 
 Enjoy thofe mindes that befl. compofed are ; 
 In lawfull quarrells are without compare ; 
 And ('when the Coward, hoodwink'd goes to fight) 
 Dare charge their flemeft. Foes with open fight. 
 
 Let no Man therefore glory, or make boafl. 
 Of Courage, when they feele their Dread is loft, 
 
 F3 Or 
 
 "5 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 2. 
 
 Or thinke themfeles the fafer, when they finde 
 Their Feare is gone, whilft. Perill ftayes behind e ; 
 Efpecially, when they befieg'd appeare, 
 With fuch like Plagues, as this, we treat of here. 
 For that endangers, rather then fecureth ; 
 Since Cuflome, or elfe Ignorance procureth 
 That brutilh fearlefneffe / And, where we fee 
 Such hardineffe, f^oA^ judgements fruitleffe be. 
 
 There is required, yet, one Caveat more 
 To perfedl that, which hath beene faid before ; 
 Ev'n this ; that we grow watchful!, left the while 
 We truft in God, we doe our felves beguile 
 With fruitleffe confidence, and on his grace 
 (Beyond his warrant) our affurance place. 
 For, many thoufands wondrous forward are 
 In Gods large promifes to claime a fhare ; 
 Who, thofe conditions never mufed on. 
 Which he doth ground his Covenant upon. 
 And as the \ewes (from whom they take example) 
 Bragg'd of their outward worfliip, and their Temjile, 
 As if Gods League extended unto all, 
 Who could themfelves, the fonnes of \acob, call, 
 Without refpedling their partic'lar Way : 
 So, we have fome among us, that will fay, 
 They truji in God; and that, in this infeilion. 
 They full affurance have of his protedlion : 
 Becaufe they formally his Truth profeffe ; 
 Performe external! workes of Holineffe ; 
 Or vifibly, with fuch, partakers are. 
 With whom the Pledges of Gods love appeare. 
 But, they that on thefe outward workes rely. 
 Without true faith, and true fmcerity ; 
 Commit thofe g\x^A&A finnes, whofe gloffe will weare, 
 And leave their naturall corruptions bare : 
 
 Yea 
 
 126 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 63 
 
 Yea they, of their profeflions, idols make ; 
 And, will the Covenant of God miilake, 
 Vntill in his conveyances, they fee 
 What duties, on their parts, required be. 
 
 God promifeth (indeed) all fuch to fave, 
 Who in his holy Church their dwelling have ; 
 And that he will vouchfafe them his defence 
 From dangers of the noyfome PeJHlence : 
 But they mufl love him, and inuoke him, then, 
 Or elfe the Bargaine is unmade agen. 
 Thus much inferres the Pfalmiji, in that Ode, 
 Which prophecies ihsfaving Grace of God. 
 Thofe, therefore, too too much on them affume. 
 Yea, (foolifhly) of mercy they prefume, 
 Who boafl. of Gods protedtion and yet tread 
 Thofe paths, which to a fure deftrucTlion lead. 
 I doe not meane, when any man mif-does 
 Through frailty, or unwillingly mif-goes : 
 But when, with liking, and without remorfe, 
 He wilfully purfues a wicked Courfe. 
 For, fuch, their confidence on God, bely, 
 Depending on their ovrnfecuriiy ; 
 And cannot fee thofe dangers they are in, 
 Becaufe their Confciences have feared bin. 
 
 How many thoufands in the Grave are laid, 
 Who, in their life-times, impudently faid 
 They fliould be fafe in God ? yet never tooke 
 His counfell, nor one vanity forfooke 
 For love of him ? How many have I heard 
 Prefumptuoufly affirme, they never fear'd- 
 The danger of Gods Arrowes ? though they flew 
 At noone, at midnight, and fo many flew 
 In ev'ry llreet ? yea, fhamelefly profeffe 
 Their truft. in God, to caufe their fearlefnefle, 
 
 F4 Yet 
 
 127 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 Yet, nothing for the love of him endevour ? 
 
 How boldly have I feene them to perfever 
 
 In ev'iy fin, when Gods fierce Angell flood, 
 
 Ev'n juft before them, all embru'd in blood ; 
 
 And flaught'iing roud about the neighbors, brothers, 
 
 Their friends, their kinfme, children, fathers, mothers. 
 
 And fome of ev'ry fort ? Nay, I have heard 
 
 Of fuch, who were not any jot afear'd 
 
 To bargain e for their Lull, in times to come. 
 
 Within the compaffe of the felfe-fame roome. 
 
 Where (at that inflant) they beheld their wives 
 
 Lye newly dead ; or lab'ring for their lives. 
 
 They walle Gods Creatures in luxurious diet ; 
 Confume their times in wantonneffe, and riot ; 
 They feafts, and merriments, in Tavernes keepe, 
 Whilft. others in the Temples, fall, and weepe ; 
 They perfecute their brethren, and the poore'; 
 Performe no good ; forbeare no fin the more ; 
 And live fo carelefly, as if they thought, 
 That, when the greatefl wickedneffe they wrought, 
 It proVd, their trufl. in God to be the greater ; 
 And, that lewd works, fliew'd forth their faith the bet- 
 Or elfe that God the more obligement had, (ter ; 
 
 Becaufe he was fo good, and they fo bad 
 Ev'n fuch there are. And thefe make boaflings wiU, 
 Of trufl. in God, yet fuch continue Hill. 
 
 Alas, it is but vaine to fay Lord, Lord, 
 Or to profeffe a confidence in word. 
 Where lively Faith appeares not : for, God granteth 
 Protedtions unto none, but whom he planteth 
 Within his Vineyard; wherein growes no tree, 
 But in fome meafure, it will fruitfull be ; 
 Or elfe, 2.Jhrme fliall come, which down will (hake it, 
 With whatfoever, camall props, we (lake it 
 
 No 
 
 128 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 64 
 
 No high-prefuming Cedars, nor fliffe Oakes, 
 Are thofe whom God exempteth from the flrokes 
 Of his tempeftuous wrath : but, that which bendeth 
 To ev'ry blaft, which he in ludgement fendeth, 
 As doth a bruifed, or low-ftooping Reed, 
 Which, by the bowing, is from breaking free'd. 
 Yea thofe, who really within the (hade 
 Of his defence, have their abidings made ; 
 Thofe onely, may depend on his protedlion. 
 Amid the ragings of this hot Infeilion. 
 
 And who are thefe, but fuch, as (when they fee 
 The threatned Plague) afraid, and humbled be ? 
 Such, as through hearty love, afliamed grow, 
 That they fo good a God difpleafed fo : 
 Such, as are fory for their paffed crimes, 
 And truly purpofe, in all future times 
 A better life : Such, who, for confcience fake 
 (And not through fertile feare) therafelves betake 
 To pious exercifes : fuch, who flrive 
 To mortifie their lufls, and how to live 
 As worthy their free-calling : fuch, as they, 
 Who ev'ry houre, doe labour, watch, and pray. 
 Their duties to performe ; and dare not peepe 
 Abroad at morning, or at ev'ning fleepe. 
 Till they the facrifice of thankes have paid, 
 For favours pafl. ; and begg'd for future aid. 
 Such, as on Gods owne pleafure can rely, 
 And, in his Faith refolved are to dye. 
 Such, as have Charity ; and working are 
 Their fafeties with continuallyir)', zxA feare. 
 Ev'n fuch as thefe, fecurely may repofe 
 When twenty thoufand dangers them enclofe. 
 On thefe, Gods Angells wait ; and thefe they ihall 
 From Humbling keepe, when many Millions fall. 
 
 F 5 From 
 
 129 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 From ev'iy kinde of harme they fliall be free, 
 
 And fleepe, where feares, and mifchiefes thickefl be : 
 
 Yea, though that feize them, which the Plague we cal, 
 
 It fliall to them become no Plague at all ; 
 
 But rather be their furth'rance, to acquire 
 
 That perfecSl happineffe, which they defire. 
 
 Let no man, therefore, in this Vifitation 
 Tye God unto the temp'rall prefervation ; 
 Or be difcouraged, if he fhall pleafe 
 To exercife him under this Dtfeafe, 
 Suppofmg, he inflidteth it on none 
 (As fome fooles thinke) but Reprobates alone. 
 For he did Hezekiah thereby ftrike ; 
 He, by this Malady, or fome fuch Uke, 
 Affliaed holy David, his Eledled ; 
 Whofe Reprobation is of none fufpedted. 
 And though juft men from temporall infedlion 
 Shall finde more certainty of Gods protection. 
 Then others doe : yet fure, that Peflilence 
 (From which God promis'd abfolute defence) 
 Is not that fickneffe which the body flayes ; 
 But that, which death unto the foule conveyes. 
 
 Our earthly griefes, to heav'nly joyes doe reare, 
 And why fliould any Man or grudge or feare 
 A mortal! wound, fo he might gaine thereby 
 A body cloth'd with immortahtie ? 
 Or why fliould we repine, in mifling that, 
 Which (to our dammage) we had aymed at ; 
 When God doth give us more then we defired ; 
 And lifts us higher, then our hopes afpired ? 
 To him due praifes, rather, let us give, 
 Whofe love to us, is better, then to live. 
 
 But, I have faid enough to this efFedt, 
 And, if, what I have fpoken, have refpedt, 
 
 We 
 
 130 
 
Cant. 2. REMEMfiRANCER. 65 
 
 We (hall (I hope) hereafter well difcerne, 
 What, by this ludgement, we are bound to learne ; 
 How much to truft ; how much to hope, or feare ; 
 What outward meanes, or inward helpes there are, 
 Whereby, this heavy Plague may be prevented, 
 Or entertained, with a brefl. contented. 
 
 So few (as yet) have thus prepared bin, 
 That now of late it quickly ruflied in 
 In fpite of all our Hulberds, and our Watches. 
 And as a Flame (which in a Tempeft, catches 
 On fome full Bame) is blowne about the Village, 
 And fireth, here, the hopefuU fruits of Tillage ; 
 A Cottage there ; on th'other fide the way 
 A well fiU'd Stable, or a Ricke of Hay; 
 Another yon ; clofe by, doth menace harme 
 Ev'n to the Church ; forthwith confume a Farme ; 
 Some dwellings (now, and then) doth overgoe ; 
 Anon laves wafle a dozen in a row ; 
 And flill increafe, goe forward, and returne, 
 Vntill the Towne in ev'ry quarter burne : 
 So rag'd the Pejtilence. And, as we fee 
 Thofe workmen, who, repairing breaches be 
 In Thame, or Trent, at firfl the Banks doe raife ; 
 Shut clofe the Sluces, ftrengthen up the Bay's, 
 And labour ferioufly with much good hope, 
 While they perceive but fome few gaps to Hop : 
 But, when they fee the flood prevailing more, 
 (Ten breaches made, for ev'ry one before) 
 And all endeavors faile ; they worke forfake. 
 Leaving the waters their owne courfe to take : 
 So, when this Floud began : we had a thought 
 To keepe it backe ; and to that purpofe wrought : 
 But, when we faw it rife beyond- our pow'r. 
 We gave it way at pleafure to devoure. 
 
 At 
 
 131 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. z. 
 
 At firft, the publique Officers did (how 
 
 Their skill in curbing this encroaching Foe, 
 
 Not fparing to be prodigall of paine, 
 
 The fpreadings of InfeSlion to rellraine ; 
 
 And ev'ry private family befide, 
 
 Againft this danger did for armes provide. 
 
 Their Yards, and Halls, were fmoked with perfume, 
 
 To ftop the flinkes, which thither might prefume. 
 
 Their Chambers furniflit were with Antidotes, 
 
 With Viols, Boxes, Glaffes, Gallipots, 
 
 All filled with munition of defence 
 
 (As they fuppos'd) againft the PeJUlence. 
 
 Some did in Meats their meanes of fafety thinke ; 
 
 Some Epicures did arme themfelves with Drinke; 
 
 Some, fooliflily did build up monftrous hopes 
 
 Vpon the fmoking of Tobacco Jhops ; 
 
 (But this difeafe, without a Confcience making 
 
 Of their prefuming on Tobacco taking, 
 
 Came thither too, and frequently did cary 
 
 Good-fellowes from their fmoaking SanShiary.') 
 
 Some, one, and fome another courfe devifed ; 
 Yet, ev'ry day more places were furprifed. 
 Which, when we faw, and how it overcaft 
 All temp'rall force ; we thought upon (at laft) 
 The helpe of God : and then we did repaire 
 To crave his ayd in FaJKng, and in Prayer, 
 Then fome, through fervile terror ; fome, for fafliion. 
 And fome, out of a true humiliation, 
 Emplored ayd from heav'n ; and Ihow'd in teares 
 Their Hope, their true Repentarue, and their Feares : 
 
 But, whether God did for a while contemne 
 Our fuit, becaufe we gave not eare to him. 
 When firil he call'd : or, whether he thought fit, 
 (That we the longer might remember it) 
 
 To 
 
 132 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 66 
 
 To fright us fomewhat more : or whether we 
 
 Brought not fuch hearty penitence, as he 
 
 Expedled from us : or appointed were 
 
 Some further tiyalls of our Faith to beare : 
 
 Sure, fome fach caufe there was ; and for that caufe, 
 
 God did not onely feeme to make a paufe 
 
 In anfw'ring our Petition ; but, to chide 
 
 More fliarply, and to throw it quite afide. 
 
 For with a doubled, and redoubled flroke 
 The Plague went on ; and, in (among us) broke 
 With fuch unequall'd fury, and fuch rage ; 
 As Brittan never felt in any age. 
 With fome at ev'ry turning (he did meet. 
 Of ev'ry Alley, ev'ry Lane and Street 
 She got poffeffion : and we had no way, 
 Or paffage, but fhe there, in Ambujh, lay. 
 Through Nookes, & Corners, (he purfu'd the Chafe, 
 There was no barring her from any place : 
 For in the publique Fields in wait (he laid ; 
 And into private Gardens was convaid. 
 Sometime, (he did among our Garments hide ; 
 And, fo, difperfe among us (unefpy'd) 
 Her ftrong Infeiiions. Otherwhile (unfeene) 
 A Servant, Friend, or Child betraid hath beene. 
 To bring it home ; and men were fearful! growne 
 To tarie, or converfe, among their owne. 
 Friends .fled each other ; Kinfmen flood aloofe ; 
 The Sonne, to come within his Fathers roofe 
 Prefumed not ; the Mother was conflrain'd 
 To let her child depart unentertain'd. 
 The love, betwixt the husband, and the wife. 
 Was, oft negledled, for the love of life ; 
 And many a one their promife falfifi'd, 
 Who vow'd, that nought but death (hould the divide. 
 
 Some, 
 
 1.^3 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 Some, to frequent the Markets were afraid ; 
 
 And fome to feed on what was thence purvay'd. 
 
 For on young pigs fuch purple fpots were feene, 
 
 As markes of Death on Plague-iv^e. men have been ;- 
 
 And it appeared that our fuburbe-Hogs 
 
 Were little better, then our Cats, and Dogs 
 
 Men knew not, whither they might fafely come. 
 Nor where to make appointments, nor with whom. 
 Nay, many (hunn'd Gods-houfe, and much did feare 
 So farre to trufl him, as to meet him there. 
 In briefe, the Plague did fuch diflrudlion threat, 
 And Feares, and Perils were become fo great, 
 That mofl. mens hearts did faile ; and they to flight 
 Betooke themfelves, with all the fpeed they might : 
 Not onely they, who private perfons were, 
 But, fuch as did the publique Titles beare. 
 
 The Maior flartled, and fome fay was gone : 
 But, when his Charge he truly thought upon, 
 It fettled him ; and he at Helme did 'bide 
 Vntill his roome was orderly fupply'd. 
 And (let me doe him right) it fince appeared, 
 That, with good Diligence his Couife he fleered. 
 For, on his back were many burthens laid ; 
 The Country of provifions us denay'd ; 
 The greater part with fickneife waxed froward ; 
 Much want did make the poorer fort untoward ; 
 That when I call to minde his heavy taske. 
 And little helpe ; me thinkes it praife doth aske. 
 Mofl of his goyimA-Brethren him forfooke. 
 And to their Country Bow'rs themfelves betooke ; 
 Where, how they pray'd, or what they fent by gift, 
 To feed the Poore; I leave it to the Ihrift 
 Of their owne confciences; which beft. can tell, 
 What things they have performed ill, or well. 
 
 Pkyfitians 
 
 134 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 6y 
 
 Phyfitians were afraid, as well as thefe, 
 And neither Galen, nor Hippocrates 
 Could yeeld them any warrant for delay ; 
 And therefore (with the firft.) they went away. 
 Some Leaches of the Soule, (who (hould have flaid) 
 Were much (nay fomewhat over-much) afraid, 
 And had forgotten fo, how to apply 
 Their heav'nly Cordials of Divinty, 
 Againfl. the feare of Death \ that when mofl dangers 
 Befet their Flocks ; they left them unto ftrangers. 
 Nay, fome there were, who did among us teach, 
 That Men fliould flie ; & that, which they did preach, 
 They taught the people by example too. 
 Pray God, in other things they may do fo. 
 
 Few flaid, of any calling or degree. 
 Who to their Country-friends might welcome be ; 
 Or, of themfelves, were able to provide 
 A place of Harbour, where they might abide. 
 Yea fome, (to fcape uncertaine Death) did flie 
 Into the lawes of certaine Beggory, 
 By leaving of their Callings ; and are fiowne 
 So far, and high a flight out of this Towne, 
 On borrow'd-feathers ; that their Neighbours feare, 
 They never more will in their fhops appeare. 
 
 Thofe of our wanton Gentry, that could brooke 
 No Ayre, but Londons ; London quite forfooke ; 
 And all that Crew of Spend-thrifts, whom (untill 
 This Plague did fright them) nor Star-Chamber Bill, 
 Nor flridlefl Proclamation, could compell 
 Vpon their owne Inheritance to dwell ; 
 Were now, among their racked Tenants faine 
 To feeke for fhelter ; and to ayre againe 
 Thofe mufly Roomes, which their more thirfly Sires 
 Kept warme and fweet with hofpitablf Fires. 
 
 God 
 
 I3S 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 God grant, that where they come, they may do good, 
 
 Among their Tenants, by their neighbourhood. 
 
 Of fome we hopefull are, they will be fuch : 
 
 And of fome others we doe feare as much, 
 
 That by their prefence they will plague them more, 
 
 Then by their willing abfence heretofore. 
 
 In many a mile you fcarce could find a Shed, 
 Or Hovell, but it was inhabited, 
 (Sometime with double Families) and Stalls 
 And Barnes were trimmed up in Head of Halls. 
 Thofe Burgeffes, that walk'd in Gownes, and Furs, 
 Had got them coats, and fwords, and boots, & fpurs ; 
 And, till you faw them ride, you would have fwome, 
 That, they, for horfemen, might have ferv'd the turn. 
 Thofe Dames, who (out of daintineffe, and Pride) 
 The ruflicke plainneffe did (erewhile) deride, 
 (And, at a better lodging, Foh, would cry) 
 Beneath a homely roofe were glad to lye ; 
 And fawne on ev'ry Child, and ev'ry Groome, 
 That, fo they might the welcomer become. 
 
 Thofe, who in all their life-time never went 
 So far, as is the neareft part of Kent : 
 Thofe, who did never travell, till of late, 
 Halfe way to Pancridge from the City gate : 
 Thofe, who might thinke, the Sun did rife at Bow, 
 And fet at Acton, for ought they did know : 
 And dreame, young Partridge fucke not, but are fed 
 As Lambes, and Rabbets, which of eggs are bred : 
 Ev'n fome of thefe have journeyes ventur'd on 
 Five miles by Land (as farre as Edmunton.) 
 Some hazarded themfelves from Lyon-Key 
 Almofl as far as Erith downe by Sea : 
 Some row'd againfl. the flreame, and ftraggled out 
 As far as Hounjlow heath, or thereabout : 
 
 Some 
 
 136 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 68 
 
 Some climbed ffigk-gate-hill, and there they fee 
 The world fo large that they amazed be ; 
 Yea, fome are gone fo farre that they doe know 
 Ere this, how Wheat is made, and Malt doth grow. 
 Oh, how they trudg'd, and builled up and downe, 
 To get themfelves a furlong out of towne. 
 And how they were becumbred, to provide, 
 That had about a mile or two to ride. 
 But when whole houfliolds further off were fent, 
 You would have thought the Mafler of it, meant 
 To furnifh forth fome Navy, and that he 
 Had got his neighbours venturers to be. 
 For all the neare acquaintance thereabout. 
 By lending fomewhat holpe to fet them out. 
 What hiring was there of our hackney Jades 1 
 What fcouring up of old, and rufty blades ? 
 What running to and fro was there to"borrow 
 A Safeguard, or a Cloake, untill the morrow ? 
 What Ihift made lack for girths ? what fhift made Gil- 
 To get her neighbors footftoole, & her pillian, {Jian 
 Which are not yet return'd ? How great a pother 
 To furnifh, and unfurnifh one another 
 In this great voyage did there then appeare ? 
 And what a time was that for Bankrupts here 2 
 Thofe who had thought (by night) to fteale away, 
 Did unfufpedted fliut up fliop by day ; 
 And (if good lucke it in conclufion prove) 
 Two Dangers were efcap'd at one Remove. 
 Some hired Palfreyes for a day, or twain. 
 But rode fo far, they came not backe againe. 
 Some dealed by their neighbours, as the Jewes 
 At their departure did iHa' JEgyptians ufe : 
 And fome, (with what was of their owne, content) 
 Tooke up their luggage, and away they went. 
 
 And 
 
 '37 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 And had you heard how loud the Coaches rubied ; 
 Beheld how Carres, and Carts, together jumbled ; 
 Scene how the wayes with people thronged were ; 
 The Bands of Foot, the Troupes of Horfemen there ; 
 What multitudes away by Land were fent ; 
 How many thoufands forth by Water went ; 
 And how the wealth of London thence was borne ; 
 You would have wondred ; and (almoft) have fwome 
 The Citie had beene leaving her foundation, 
 And feeking out another fituation j 
 Or, that feme Enemy with dreadfull pow'r, 
 Was comming to befiege, and to devoure. 
 
 Oh ; foolifh people though I juftly might 
 Authorize thus my Mufe to mock your flight. 
 And Hill to flout your foUies : yet, compaflion 
 Shall end it in a kinde expoflulation. 
 
 Why with fuch childifli terror did you try 
 To run from him, from whom you cannot flye ? 
 Why left you fo the place of your abode, 
 Not hafling rather to goe meet your God 
 With true repentance, who for ever hath 
 A mercy for us in his greatefl. wrath ? 
 Why did you not your lawfuU callings keepe ? 
 But ftraggle from your folds like wandring Sheepe, 
 That had no Shepheardi And, oh, why, I pray, 
 You Shepheards, have you caufed them to ftray ? 
 Your Neighbours why forfooke you in dillrefle ? 
 Why did you leave your brethren corofortleife ? 
 When God did call for Mourning, why fo fail 
 Did you to feeke for mirth, and pleafure's, haft ? 
 And take away from other, when you fled, 
 What in their need, Ihould them have comforted ? 
 
 If Death be dreadfull, ftay, and learne, to die ; 
 For Death aflefts to follow thofe that flie. 
 
 Had 
 
 138 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 69 
 
 Had you not gone, you might for ever after 
 
 Have faid, That Sorrow profits more then Laughter. 
 
 You fhould have known that Death hath Umits here, 
 
 And loofed was, where he did bound appeare : 
 
 That many were preferved in the flame, 
 
 And many burnt, that came not nigh the fame. 
 
 Yea, fome of you, before from hence you went, 
 
 Had, of thefe Truths, got fome experiment. 
 
 What Folly then, or Frenzy you bewitches. 
 
 To leave your houfes, and goe dye in ditches ? 
 
 Forgoe the comfort, which your Citie yeelds, 
 
 To venture for a lodging in 'ia& fields 1 
 
 Or (which is worfe) to travell farre, and finde 
 
 Thofe prove ungentle, whom you hoped, kinde ? 
 
 A Plague fo bitter, That might Plagues be chufed 
 
 I would be Plague-ficke, rather then fo ufed. 
 
 Did you fuppofe the PeJUlence would fpare 
 None here, nor come to feaze on any there ? 
 All perifh'd not, that did behinde you ftay ; 
 Nor did you all efcape, who fled away. 
 For, God your passages had fo befet. 
 That Hee with many thoufands of you met. 
 
 In Kent, and (all along) on Essex fide 
 A Troupe of cruell Fevers did refide : 
 And round about, on ev'ry other Coaft, 
 Of feverall Q.CMca!ccj-Agues lay an hoaft. 
 And, mofl. of them, who had this place forfooke. 
 Were either flaine by them, or Pris'ners tooke. 
 Sometime the PeJUlence her felfe had bin 
 Before them in their Lodging, at their Inne ; 
 And hath arrefled them upon the Bed, 
 Brought many ficke away, and meny dead. 
 Sometime (againe) fhe after them hath gone, 
 And when (perchance) (he was not thought upon : 
 
 Among 
 
 139 
 
Brittan's Cant.2. 
 
 Among their friends, and in their merriment, 
 Hath feiz'd them, to their greater difcontent, 
 She divers apprehended on the way, 
 Who to fo many mifchiefes were a prey ; 
 That pooreil beggers found more pitty here, 
 And leffer griefe, then richer men had there. 
 
 I doe not meane concerning that negledt, 
 That barbarous, unmanly difrefpe6t 
 Their bodies had among the clownifti crew. 
 When from the tainted fleih the fpirits flew. 
 For, if their carcaffes they did contemne. 
 What harme, or what difeafe was that to them ? 
 What paine, or torment was it, if that they 
 (Like carrion) in the fields, unburied lay i 
 What felt they, being dragged like a Log, 
 Or hurl'd into a Saw-pit like a Dog ? 
 What diladvantage could that Dolior have. 
 Who (learnedly) was drawne into his grave 
 By naked men i fince thofe things doe difgrace 
 The living rather, and doe wrong the place 
 That fuffers, or allowes that barb'roufneffe 
 To Ihame the Chriflian Faith, which they profefle. 
 
 Alas ; my heart as little can bemone 
 A mangled carcafTe, as a broken flone. 
 It is a living body, and the paines. 
 Which I conceive a broken heart fuflaines, 
 That moveth me : their griefe, in life-time was. 
 And, whilft they liv'd, their forrowes did furpaffe 
 Thefe fained ones, as Death, and loathed Care, 
 By Life, and true Content, excelled are 
 
 Some, who forfooke faire houfes, large, and high ; 
 Could fcarcely get a Shed to keepe them dry ; 
 And fuch, who many beds, and lodgings had, 
 To lye on flraw without the doores were glad. 
 
 Some 
 
 140 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 70 
 
 Some over tp'd with wearineffe, and heat, 
 
 Could not, for money, purchafe drink, or meat; 
 
 But cruelly of fuccour were deny'd. 
 
 Till, through their faintneffe, they grew fick and dy'd. 
 
 Some, who in London had beene waited on 
 
 With many fervants, were enclos'd alone 
 
 In folitary places ; where they might 
 
 Find leafure, to repent them of their flight. 
 
 And, when they had fupplyes at any need, 
 
 The bringers did (like thofe that Lyons feed) 
 
 Ev'n throw it at them ; or elfe, fome where let it. 
 
 Where (after their departures) they might fet it, 
 
 And many a one (no helper to attend him) 
 
 Was left to live or dye, as God fhould friend him. 
 
 Some, who unwifely did their homes forfake. 
 That triall of the Country they might make ; 
 Have brought their lives to miferable ends 
 Before they could arrive among their friends. 
 Some, having reach'd the places they defir'd, 
 (With no meane difficulty, weake, and tyr'd) 
 Have miffed welcome, where they fought reliefe ; 
 And, Ilrucken by unkindneffe, dy'd with Griefe. 
 The fickly Wife, could no affiflance have 
 To bring her Husbands body to the grave. 
 But was compelled, with a grieved heart. 
 To a6l the Parfons, and the Sextons part. 
 And he, that wanted ftrength to beare away 
 His mate, who dead within his prefence lay ; 
 Was faine to let the flinking body lye. 
 Till he in death Ihould beare him company. 
 
 Ah me ; what tongue can tell the many woes, 
 The paffions, and the many grief es of thofe ? 
 What mortall pen is able to expreffe 
 Their great temptations in that lonelineffe ? 
 
 What 
 
 141 
 
BRITTAN'S Cant. 2. 
 
 What heart can thinke, how many a grieuous feare 
 To thofe di/k^ed people may appeare. 
 Who are withfuch affliSlions over-taken ? 
 0/ev'ry Creature in the world forfaken i 
 Without a Comforter left all alone. 
 Where to themf elves they mujl themfelves bemone, 
 Without a remedy 2 And wh^e none may 
 Or know, orpitty, what they feele, or fay. 
 
 Me thinkes to mufe on thofe who fuffer'd thus, 
 Should bring to minde the mercy fliewed us, 
 And make our pennes and voyces to expreffe 
 The love of God, with hearty Thankfulneffe. 
 For when no forrowes of mine owne I had, 
 The very thought of thofe hath made me fad. 
 And were it not that God hath given me 
 Some tryalls of thofe Comfortings, which Hee 
 For men in their extremities provides, 
 And from the knowledges of others hides : 
 Or felt I not, how prevalent God's pow'r 
 Appeares in us, when there is none of our : 
 What liberty hee giue's when wee doe fall 
 Within the compaffe of an outward thrall : 
 And what contentments He beftowes on them, 
 Whom others doe negledl, or elfe contemne : 
 Yea, had I not beleeued him who fayes. 
 That God doth knowledge take of all our wayes ; 
 That He obferves each rubb within our path. 
 With ev'iy fecret forrow, which it hath ; 
 That he is nearefl. then, when we bemone 
 His abfence, and fuppofe him furtheft. gone ; 
 And often in us dwels, when Thofe abroad 
 (With moft infulting) fay ; Where is their God? 
 Had this beene hidden from me : I had here 
 For ev'ry line I writ, dropt downe a teare ; 
 
 And 
 
 142 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 71 
 
 And in a floud oiforrowes drench'd mine eyes, 
 When firll I mufed on thefe miferies. 
 
 But I have knowne them, to my great content ; 
 And felt fo oft, what comforts God hath lent. 
 When of all outward helpes we are deprived ; 
 That (could the fame of all men be beleeved) 
 It would be thought, true Pleafures were poffeffed 
 Of none, but men forfaken, and diflreffed. 
 
 How ever ; though fuch mercy God beflowes. 
 And brings men comfort in their greatefl woes ; 
 Let none of us prefume, (as fome have done) 
 Without our Circle, fooliflily to runne ; 
 Nor leave our -pro-pex Jlation, that we may 
 Go feeke our fortunes in an uncouth way. 
 
 Conceive me right; I doe not here deny, 
 Or call in doubt the lawfulneffe, to flye : 
 Nor am I of their counfell, who defpife 
 All fuch as fled : nor, judge I too precife 
 Thofe, who the Per/on, or the Place avoid. 
 Which is with any noyfomneffe annoy'd. 
 For, when the caufes of remove, are juft., 
 We then may flye the Plague ; nay, then we muft. ; 
 Since thofe who will not, (in fuch cafes) goe. 
 Tempt God, and faile in what they ought to doe. 
 If that a King, or Prince, fliould live within 
 A City much infedted, it were fin. 
 For he (no doubt) hath fome Vice-gerent there 
 Who, in his abfence, may fupply his care : 
 Or, if that Place were certaine of decay 
 By his departure ; yet he might not fl.ay. 
 The Reafon is ; there many thoufands are 
 Of Townes, and Cities, that in him have fliare. 
 Who, would conceive, it were unjuflly done. 
 That he ftiould venter all their wealth in One. 
 
 And 
 
 143 
 
Brittan's Cant. 2. 
 
 And make great Kingdomes hazards to endure, 
 
 The welfare of one City to procure. 
 
 So, Counfdlers of State, and he, whofe charge, 
 
 Extends throughout the Common wealth at large. 
 
 With ev'ry other Magiflrate befide, 
 
 (Except his pow'r to fome one place be tr/d) 
 
 Mull fliun the Flague ; becaufe that fuch, as he, 
 
 Swome fervants to the whole Weale-publigue be. 
 
 And fmce the fafeft Phyficke and defence 
 
 For Children, in the times of Pejlilence, 
 
 Is to remove them : they unwifely do. 
 
 Who, having wealth, and friends to fend them to, 
 
 Negledt the meanes, by being over nice ; 
 
 Or grudging at the charge, through avarice. 
 
 Moreover they, whofe calling feemes to lye 
 
 Within two fev'rall places, equally, 
 
 (Till fome plaine caufes hinder) may be free 
 
 To live where fafety beft appeares to be : 
 
 Vnleffe their fecret confcience doe gaine-fay ; 
 
 And who can judge of that, but God, and T/iey ? 
 
 Yea, Men, on divers good occafions mo, 
 May from the places of Infeflion goe. 
 For there be times oijlay, and times oi going. 
 Which, ev'iy one (that is difcreet) well knowing. 
 Doth cenfure no partic'lar Man, at all : 
 But calling unto mind, that blelTed Paul 
 Was once ev'n in a basket forth convay'd 
 From his Purfuers ; yet no iot afraid 
 (At other feafons) to continue there. 
 Where bloody perfecutions hottefl. were. 
 And if my words have done my meaning right, 
 My Mufe denyes not, but alloweth_/?«^^^.- 
 Provided alwayes, that Men doe not flie 
 From Cafuall Plagues, to Plagues with Certainty : 
 
 From 
 
 144 
 
Cant. 2. Remembrancer. 72 
 
 From thofe with whom the bands of Charity, 
 
 Of Duty, Friend/hip, or Affinity, 
 
 Or of their Calling, doth require a flay. 
 
 Provided alfo, when they part away, 
 
 That as God blell them hath, they foraewhat finde, 
 
 To comfort thofe, who mufl. abide behinde ; 
 
 And, that they trufl not to their Flight, as tho. 
 
 That, of it felfe could fave : but, rather know. 
 
 And ufe it as the gracious meanes of him, 
 
 Who faves ; and, not as that which faved them. 
 
 Let them confider likewife, that the Sin 
 Was partly theirs, which did the Plague begin ; 
 And, in their abfence (with a Chriflian feare) 
 Make fure for thofe, who muft. the burthen beare. 
 From which they fcape : yea, let them all confeffe 
 Their finnes with penitence and humbleneffe ; 
 Avoiding eVry pleafure, where they live, 
 Which out of minde, their Brethrens cares may drive ; 
 Let God purfue them whither they are fled ; 
 There feize upon them to their greater dread ; 
 Or from them take away all due correcStion, 
 Which Plague were greater then this great Infe&iotf. 
 For, when his Judgements, God, in wrath, removes, 
 His Mercy, then, the ffitstec ludgement proves. 
 
 There be, I know, fome people gone away. 
 Who minding our affliiflions, night and day, 
 Have much bewayled our diftreffed cafe. 
 And fent up eamefl prayers for this Place : 
 For, of their Piety good fruits are feene. 
 And, by their hands, the poore refreftit have beene. 
 Thefe, from this Den of Slaughter, were (no doubt) 
 By Gods efpeciall favour called out, 
 Who, for their fakes, I hope, thofe townes will fpare. 
 To which, for flielter, they efcaped are, 
 
 G As 
 
 145 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 As he did Zoar. And I wifh they may 
 Obtaine their lives, and fafeties for a prey. 
 
 But, there be fome ; (and would to God, tJiatfome 
 Were but a little one) who parted from 
 Our City walls, as if they had not gone 
 With Vengeance at their heeles ; or waited on 
 By feares and dangers ; but, fo finifi'd, 
 As if their meaning was, to ftiew their pride 
 In Country Churches, for a weeke or twaine, 
 Ride out like Cockneies, and come home againe : 
 
 The forrowes of their brethren they forgot ; 
 In holy duties they delighted not : 
 In drunken meetings they their leafure fpent ; 
 In idle vifits ; foolifh merriment : 
 And, to their Country-friends they caried downe 
 Thoie fmnes that are too common in this Towne. 
 Which (if they praflife there, as here we doe) 
 Will bring their wages, alfo, thither too. 
 
 Thefe giddy Runnawayes, are they that were 
 Beginners of that great unmanly feare. 
 Which did firfl, author of diforder prove. 
 Thefe, caufed that improvident Remove, 
 Which did both wrong the welfare of the Citie, 
 Difl.ra6i the Country, make it voyd of pitie ; 
 And, give occafion of thofe Tales which Fame 
 Hath now difperfed, to our common fhame. 
 For, if their flight had timely beene provided, 
 (VVith Confcience and Difcretion truly guided) 
 Their profit here at home had beene the greater. 
 And, friends abroad, had entertain'd them better. 
 
 And, yet I take fmall pleafure to excufe 
 Thofe Pefants, who fo grofly did abufe 
 Their Manhood and Religion, in denying 
 The dues of Charity, to people dying. 
 
 For 
 
 146 
 
Cant.2. Remembrancer. 73 
 
 For, though their folly might their fall deferve, 
 
 Yet we our Chriftian pitie fliould preferve, 
 
 Our brother in extremities releeving ; 
 
 Not adding forrowes to encreafe his grieving, 
 
 Nor taking notice of his evill deeds. 
 
 So much, as of that comfort which he needs : 
 
 Till, he refreflied by a friendly hand. 
 
 His errors, by our love, may underiland. 
 
 And, fure, there was a meanes to fuccour ftrangers 
 In their diftreffe^ and to efcape the dangers 
 Of that Infellion, (which fo much was feared) 
 Had Vnderflandingseye beene better cleared; 
 And, that Selfe love, and Avarice, removed, 
 Which kept good paths unfeene, and unapproved. 
 But, fmce that eafie knowledge hath beene hid. 
 By wilfull blindneffe, well enough I did. 
 If, here, I (Satyrizing) fhould expreffe 
 The Countries folly, and forgetfulneffe. 
 
 And yet, I will not write, to their difgraces, 
 What of fome Perfons, and particular Places 
 Hath mmour'd beene : left I fliould fpirt a blot 
 So blacke, as that it would not be forgot 
 In future Ages ; but, make Times-to-come, 
 Sufpedl, they had deny'd their Chrijlendome. 
 For, fliould our Mufe (who, if flie lift thereto, 
 Cares not who frownes, or frets, at what we doe) 
 Should ftie put on that ftraine of Bitterneife, 
 With which their cruelty we could expreffe : 
 Should we in our defcription of their Feare, 
 Caufe all their Indifcretion to appeare : 
 Should we illuftrate here, the true Relations, 
 Of what hath paft in many Corporations ; 
 What uproares in fome Townes have raifed beene, 
 When Londoners, approaching them, were feene .■ 
 
 G 2 How 
 
 147 
 
B R 1 T T A n's Cant. 2. 
 
 How mafter Maior was flraightway flockt about ; 
 How they to Counfell went to keepe them out ; 
 How they their watches doubled, as if fome 
 Had brought them newes that Spinola would come : 
 And what ridiculous adlions paft among them ; 
 Some few, perhaps, wold think that we did wrog the ; 
 And, they would fubjedls be of fcorne, and laughter, 
 For all their evill willers, ever after. 
 
 Or, fiiould we tell what probable fufpition 
 .Appear'd, fometime, of wifedome and difcretion. 
 In goodman Conjlabk ; when, in a Handing, 
 To wind-ward from the Rode (& there commanding 
 Browne bills, and Halberts) he examined 
 Such Travellers as from the City fled : 
 And (at the very lookes of them affrighted) 
 Sent feeble women, weary and benighted, 
 (Without or meat or drink) to try the fields 
 What Charity, their better nature yeelds. 
 If this we told, it might goe hard, when we 
 Should apprehended in their Watches, be. 
 
 Or fhould we fhew, what policies did pleafe 
 The wifdome of fome ruflick luJUces ; 
 Defcribe that wondrous witty flratagem 
 Which for a while was pracSifed by them 
 To ftarve the Plague ; how Chriflianly they fought 
 That no provifions hither might be brought ; 
 Should we produce their Orders, which of late 
 Were put in ure, and wife men laughed at : 
 Or, publifli to the world what we have heard 
 Of their demeanors, when they were afeard .- 
 How they were fool'd by fome of them that fled ; 
 What courfe was taken to interre their dead : 
 How, he who for that worke could hired be. 
 Was for his labour, chained to a tree 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 74 
 
 A full month after : how, they forced fome 
 From their fweet wholfome houfes forth to come ; 
 And (being fick and weake) to make their bed 
 Within a paltry new eredled Shed, 
 Compos'd of clods ; which neere fome Common fide 
 Their charitable Worjhips did provide : 
 Or, ftiould I on fome other matters touch 
 VVhidh I have heard ; it would enlarge too much 
 This booke : and fomfe of thofe, perhaps, perplex. 
 Whom I defire to counfell, not to vex. 
 But, I from aggravations will forbeare. 
 And, thofe their overfights, at this time, fpare. 
 For, fome (although moft. others did not fo) 
 Their love and Chriftian piety did (how, 
 In counfelling, in cherifhing, in giving, 
 And, in the wifefl. manner of releeving. 
 Befide ; I love the Country, as I pitie 
 The forrowes and afflidtions of the Citie. 
 And (fmce they both are guilty) being loth 
 To fide with either ; I the faults of both 
 Have fliewed, fo, that neither I abufe. 
 Now, they that like it may ; the rejl may chufe. 
 
 The third Canto. 
 
 The Houfe of MOVRNING, which moft f ear e, 
 
 ( And flye fo much) is praifed here. 
 
 Itfhowes that outward loyes and Care, 
 
 Nor meerly good, tior evill, are ; 
 
 But things indiff'rent ; which the wife 
 
 Nor over-praife, nor under-prize. 
 
 Theftrife within our Authors breft 
 About his ftay, is next exprefi. 
 Then doth it orderly recite 
 
 G 3 What 
 
 149 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 What Reafon argu'dfor his flight : 
 What Faith alleaged, to reprove 
 The Motives urging his remove : 
 What Ariaes for him,Jhe did prepare, 
 To bide tlujhock of Death, aiid Feare : 
 What proofe Jhe to his Confcience made. 
 That, he a lawfull Calhng had. 
 In midjiofthis great Plague to tary. 
 By Warrant-extraordinary : 
 What, thereupon he did conclude : 
 What loy, and Confidence enfu'd: 
 How much this Favour he dothprife. 
 Above Earths glorioujl Vanities : 
 How he his Time defires to fpend: 
 Andfo, this CANTO hath an end. 
 
 HOw childifh is the World 1 and what a path 
 Her Throng of braine-fick Lovers trodden hath ! 
 Like brutifli herds they troupe along together, 
 Both led, and leading on, they know not whither. 
 Much hoping, where no ground of Hope appeares, 
 Much fearing, where indeed, there are no feares. 
 In thofe things pleafed, which true Mirth deflroy : 
 For that thing grieved which procureth Icy : 
 Moft fliunning, what might bring mofl. gain unto the ; 
 And feeking mofl, for what would moft undoo them. 
 
 How few are fo cleare fighted, as to fee 
 What pleafures mingled with afflidlions be ? 
 Or what contentments doe concealed lye, 
 Behinde the feeming dangers which they flye ? 
 How few have, by experience, underflood 
 That God hath fent their troubles for their good ? 
 How few confider, to what fearfuU ends, 
 The faire fmooth way, of eafefull Pleafure tends ? 
 
 And 
 
 ISO 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 75 
 
 And, therefore, oh ! how few adventure dare 
 Where Mournings, rather then where Laughters are ? 
 
 Though God himfelfe prefer the houfe of Griefej 
 Before vaine Mirth ; and Pleafures of this life 
 Hath termed Thornes, that choke the heav'nly feed : 
 Yet few of us hath taken fo much heed 
 Of what the facred Volume doth record, 
 (And, flefli and blood) diftrufteth fo the word 
 Of his firme Truth) that blindly we purfue 
 Our owne vaine counfels, and his Trail efchew. 
 
 'Tis therefore doubtfuU, it would vaine appeare, 
 If I fliould labour to difcover here, 
 How many fecret pleafures I have feene 
 While in the Cels oi Mourning I have beene. 
 And, what contentments God beftowed hath, 
 When I have walkt the folitary path 
 Of DifrefpeSl ; ^affaulted by thofe feares. 
 Which oft affront us in this Vale of tear es.) 
 Or what prevailing hopes I have poffeffed. 
 When I, beyond all hope, have feem'd oppreffed. 
 For, vulgar men, doe fuch expreffions hold 
 To be but idle Paradoxes, told 
 By thofe, who grown dillemper'd, through fome grief 
 Vent melaiicholy paflions, pafl. beleefe. 
 And as our Vpland Pefants, from the fhores 
 Beholding how the Sea fwels, fomes, and rores, 
 ludge foolifhly, that ev'ry Seaman raves. 
 Who talkes of mirth and fafety on the waves : 
 So, they will fondly pafle their doome on me. 
 Who ftrangers to the Seas of Sorrow be. 
 
 But, though the world allow not what I fay,- 
 Yet, that the Love of God, proclaime I may; 
 That, I may juflify him in his Word; 
 That for mine owne availe I may record 
 
 G 4 What 
 
 151 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3. 
 
 What I have feene : and that experience might 
 
 Encreafe my hopes, and hope ^vXfeare to flight, 
 
 In future fuffrings : here I teftifie, 
 
 (And Heav'n is witneffe, I affirme no lye) 
 
 My foule did never feele more ravifliment, 
 
 Nor ever tailed of more true content, 
 
 Then when my heart, nigh broke with fecret paine, 
 
 Hath borne as much as e're it could fuflaine ; 
 
 And ilrugled with my paflions, till it had 
 
 Attained to be excellently fad. 
 
 Yea, when I teares have powred out, where none 
 
 Was witnefle of my griefe but God alone, 
 
 He hath infufed pleafures into me. 
 
 Which feldome can in publike tafled be. 
 
 Such Griefe is Comforts Mother. And I mow 
 
 Oft times with mirth, what I in teares did fow. 
 
 Before my eyes were dryed ; I have had 
 
 More caufe of finging then of being fad. 
 
 The Lampe in darkeft places gives mofl. light ; 
 
 And truefl, loyes arife from Sorrowes night. 
 
 My Cares are Bleffed Thijlles, unto me, 
 
 Which wholefome are, although they bitter be : 
 
 And though their leaves with pricks be overgrowne, 
 
 (Which paine me) yet their flowres are full of down, 
 
 Whereon my head lyes eafie when I fleepe : 
 
 And I am never faddeft when I weepe. 
 
 Yet, long it was before I could attaine 
 This Myjlery : Nor doth it appertaine 
 To all. For, ev'n as Sarah had not leave 
 Within her body Ifack to conceive, 
 (Which laughter fignifies) untill in her 
 Thofe cuflomes failed which in women are : 
 So, in our foules, true loyes are not conceived, 
 Till we by fome afilidions are bereaved 
 
 Of 
 
 152 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 76 
 
 Of carnall appetites, and ceafe from fuch 
 Vaine pleafures as affedl us overmuch. 
 
 To little purpofe doe they looke for thefe 
 Conceptions, who are evermore at eafe. 
 Such comforts are of thofe but rarely found, 
 VVhofe wheele of Fortune never runneth round. 
 No foule can apprehend what maketh glad 
 The grieved heart, but his that griefe hath had, 
 And various interchanges : nor can he 
 Who knowes the joyes that in fuch forrowes be 
 As thefe I meane, a true contentment take 
 In any merriment, this world can make : 
 (No not in all her pleafures) if among 
 Her fweets, there fhould be fliarpneffe wanting long. 
 For (being fearful! that his bodies reft. 
 The foules true peace might fecretly moleft) 
 His mirth would make him dull : his being jolly 
 (As worldlings are) would make him melancholy : 
 And (if no other caufe be thought upon) 
 Would grieve, becaufe the fenfe of griefe were gone. 
 
 Whilft I have gallopt on in that Career; 
 Which youth, in freedome, fo affe6leth here ; 
 And had the moft. delightfull blandiftiment, 
 My youth could yeed me for my hearts content : 
 When I in handfome robes have beene araid, 
 (My Tailor, and my Mercer being paid) 
 When daily I on change of dainties fed ; 
 Lodg'd, night by night, upon an eafie bed, 
 In lordly Chambers ; and had therewithall 
 Attendants forwarder then I to call. 
 Who brought me all things needfull : when at hand ; 
 Hounds, Hawkes, and Horfes were at my command : 
 When chufe I did my walks, on hills, in vallies, 
 In Groves, neere Springs, or in fweet garden allies : 
 
 G 5 Repo- 
 
 153 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 Repofing either in a naturall (hade, 
 Or in neat Arbors, which by Art were made : 
 When I might have requir'd without deniall, 
 The Lute, the Organ, or deepe-founding Viole, 
 To cheere my fpirits ; with what elfe befide 
 Was pleafant : when my friends did this provide 
 Without my cofl. or labour : Nay, when all 
 Thofe pleasures I have fliared, which befall 
 In praifes, or kinde welcommings, among 
 My deareft friends ; my foule retain'd nor long 
 Nor perfedl reft, in thofe imperfedl things : 
 But, often droupt amid their promifings. 
 Grew dull, and fickly : and, contrariwife 
 Hath pleafed beene in want, and miferies. 
 
 For, when long time, ev'n all alone they laid me, 
 Where ev'ry outward comfort was denayd me : 
 To many cares and wants unknowne obtruded ; 
 From fellowfliip of all mankinde excluded ; 
 Expos'd to flandrous cenfures, and difgrace ; 
 Subjefted to contempts, and ufage bafe ; 
 With Tortures threatned, and what thofe attends ; 
 By Greatmen frown'd on ; blamed of my Friends ; 
 Infulted on by Foes ; and almoft brought 
 To that for which their malice chieily fought : 
 Ev'n then, my fpirits mounted to their height, 
 And my Contentment flew her higheft flight. 
 
 In thofe difeafings, I more joy received, 
 Then can from all things mortall be conceived. 
 In that contemn'd eftate, fo much was cleared 
 My Reafons eye ; and God fo bright appeared 
 To my dim-fighed Faith ; that, lo, he turned 
 My Griefes to Triumphs. Yea, me thought, I fcomed 
 To labour for affiftance from abroad. 
 Or beg for any favour, but from God. 
 
 154 
 
Cant. I. Remembrancer. jj 
 
 I fear'd not that which others thought I feared ; 
 Nor felt I paine, in that which fharpe appeared : 
 But, had fuch inward quiet in my brefl., 
 Till outward eafe made way to my unrefl ; 
 That, all my Troubles feemed but a Toy. 
 Yea, my Afflidlion fo encreaft my ioy, 
 That more I doubted loffe of my content, 
 By lofmg of my clofe imprifonment, 
 Then ever I can feare the bodies thrall, 
 Or any mifchiefe which attend it fliaU. 
 
 For, as if fome Antipathy arofe 
 Betwixt the pleafures of the world, and thofe 
 Enjoyed then ; I found true ioyes begin 
 To iffue out, as they were ehtring in. 
 Till others brought me hopes of ray Releafe, 
 I fcarcely held it worth my hopefulneffe. 
 I had no frighting dreames, no waking care : 
 I tooke no thought for meat, nor what to weare ; 
 I fleighted frownes, and I defpis'd the threat 
 Of fuch as threatned, were they meane or great. 
 I laught at dreadfuU Rumours, and difdained 
 Of any fuflfrings to have then complained. 
 I valued not a jot the vulgar doome. 
 Nor what men prated might of me become. 
 I minded no fuch trifles, wherewith you, 
 And I, and others, are oft bufied now .• 
 But, being, as it were exiled, then, 
 From living in the world, with other men, 
 Twixt God, and mine owne Confcience, to and fro, 
 My thoughts, in a quotidian walke, did go. 
 With Contemplations, I was then infpired, 
 Befeeming one that wholly was retyred. 
 I thought, like him, that was to live alone ; 
 I did like him, that had to doe with none. 
 
 And 
 
 15s 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3, 
 
 And, of all outward adlions left the care 
 Vnto the world, and thofe who lived there. 
 
 Nor hath God onely pleafed beene to Ihow 
 What comforts from a private griefe may flow. 
 But, that a new experience might be taught me, 
 He to the houfe of Publike-forrow brought me 
 In this late Peftilence. And, there I faw 
 Such inward /iy commixt with outward awe; 
 Things bitter with iwcii fweetneffes allaid ; 
 SMch pkafures, vatoforrowes cup convaid ; 
 Such &imt-affurance, in the greateft dangers ; 
 Svxh fnendlines, when others friends were ftrangers; 
 S\i.ch.Jreedome in reftraint; fuch eafe in paine; 
 Such life in death, and ev'ry feare fo vaine, 
 f'Which outwardly aifrights^ that Pleafures Court 
 Would halfe be robbed of her large refort, 
 (And ftand leffe vifited,^ if men could fee 
 What profits in the Cels of Sorrow be. 
 
 For, he that knew what wifedome there is had, 
 Would fay that mirth were foolifli, laughter mad : 
 That eafe perpetuall bringeth endleffe/«2«i?.- 
 That carnaliyiiy arives at hope in vaine: 
 That, from all outward /m/j to be free. 
 May prove moft perillous : that, health may be 
 That dta.di\!t^Jick?ieffe: that, owr pleafures are 
 But pit-falls : omfecurity a fnare ; 
 And, that fometimes thofe things to which we run, 
 May bane us more, then thofe we feeke to fhun. 
 
 I found it fo. And, in my HumtAflay, 
 (Whilft others from the Plague made hafte away) 
 I gained fome renewings of that reft, 
 Whereof I had beene formerly poffeft. 
 It forced folly, further to depart : 
 It brought Gods mercies nearer to my heart : 
 
 Brave 
 
 156 
 
Cant.i. Remembrancer. 78 
 
 Brave combats in my foule did then begin, 
 Which I tooke courage from, and pleafure in. 
 New trialls of my Frailty did befall ; 
 And, of Gods love, I had new proofes withall. 
 In all my difcontentments, fuch contents, 
 And of Gods workings, fuch experiments 
 Vouchfafed were ; that crowned fhould I live, 
 With all thofe glorious wreathes that Kings can give, 
 And had by them obtain'd each happineffe. 
 Which worldlings in their greatneffe doe poffeffe ; 
 I would not fell the comfort of my flay 
 For that, and all which thofe imagine may. 
 
 Nor doe I over-prife the fame, altho, 
 The ignorance of fome will think I doe : 
 For, it hath left within me, ever fmce, 
 Of Gods firme love, fo flrong a confidence, 
 That, whatfoever accidents betide, 
 I hope to ftand the better fortifi'd 
 Whilfl here I live : and that no time to come 
 Can fend me to a place, fo perilfome. 
 That I fhaU feare it ; or, to undergoe 
 The dreadfuU'fl. perills man can fall into ; 
 If that my calling doe oblige me to it, 
 Or God, in luftice, make me undergoe it. 
 In other cafes, I expedl no more. 
 But, rather, leffe imboldning then before. 
 
 For, he that any dangerous taske affumes. 
 Without good warrant, fooliflily prefumes ; 
 Tempts God ; and juflly periflieth, unleffe 
 The veile of Mercy hide his wilfulneife. 
 Yea, they who over defp'rately have dar'd 
 Bold things at firfl ; at lafl have bafely fear'd, 
 Repenting their foole-hardineffe, in vaine, 
 When hope was loil, of turning back againe. 
 
 For, 
 
 157 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 For, though from dangers, griefes, and miferies, 
 Far greater comforts oftentimes arife. 
 Then from profperity (if we attend 
 Gods pleafure, and accept what he doth fend) 
 Yet, of themfelves, nor }aines, vlqx pleafures can 
 Felicitate ; nor is the wit of man 
 So perfedt, that precifely he doth know 
 His owne juft temper, or his nature fo, 
 As to appoint himfelfe, what will be needing 
 Of weak, or woe, (nought wanting, or exceeding) 
 And therefore, as fome man hath by affedling 
 Eafe, wealth, or temp'rall fame, (without refpefling 
 Gods pleafure) often periflied by that 
 Which his unbounded will hath reached at ; 
 So, they who fliall that eafe or wealth contemne 
 (Which God by lawfull meanes doth offer them) 
 And they, who fliall unthankfully refufe. 
 Of any outward bleffmg, meanes to ufe, 
 (Through difcontent, felfe trull, or wilfuU pride) 
 When they might honeftly thofe meanes provide ; 
 Ev'n both of thefe are guilty of offence, 
 Againft the wife etemall Providence : 
 And are in danger to be left of God, 
 In thofe mifleading paths which they have trod. 
 Thefe things I mufed ; and in heart revolved 
 A thoufand more, before I was refolved 
 To keepe in London, where men draw no breath 
 But that which menaced the bodies death. 
 And, feeing, many have condemn'd the fadl 
 As an unwarrantable, foolifli, adt : 
 Since, it may teach them to forbeare to give 
 Their VerdiH, till they Evidence receive : 
 Since, thus to mention it, a meanes may be. 
 To build againe the like Refolves in me 
 
 When 
 
 158 
 
Cant.i. Remembrancer. 79 
 
 When future perill fo requireth it \ 
 
 And when, perhaps, this minde, I may forget : 
 
 Yea, fihce the manner of it, may, perchance, 
 
 Deliver others from fome ignorance. 
 
 And help their Chriftian Refolutions out. 
 
 When they are thrall'd with camall feare, or doubt : 
 
 Ev'n for thefe caufes, (and to glorifie 
 
 The pow'r of God in this my vidlory) 
 
 I will relate what Reafons made me flay : 
 
 What hopes they were, which drove my feares away : 
 
 And, with what circumflances, I obtained 
 
 That knowledg, which my fliaking Faith maintained. 
 
 When I perceiv'd the PESTILENCE to rage 
 In ev'ry flreet, nor fparing fex nor age ; 
 How from their City hive, like Bees in May, 
 The fearfull Citizens did fwarme away : 
 How fafl. our Gentry haded to be gone ; 
 How often I was urg'd and call'd upon. 
 To beare them company : what fafeties were 
 By abfence promift ; what great terrors here 
 My death did menace : how, by timely flight 
 I might behold my Country with delight : 
 How nothing could be gotten by my flay, 
 But want, and new affli&ions ev'ry day : 
 With fuch like difadvantages, which brought, 
 A hundred other mufings to my thought. 
 They made it feeme, a while, well worth reproving, 
 To flay, a minute, longer from removing. 
 
 But, then my Confcience alfo did begin 
 To draw fuch pow'rfuU Motives, from within ; 
 And, to propofe before my under/landing 
 Such Reafons, my departure countermanding, 
 As made me flagger, and new doubts to make, 
 What courfe it befl behoved me to take. 
 
 At 
 
 159 
 
B R I T T A N'S Ca7lt. 3. 
 
 At firfl, I thought by counfell from the Wife, 
 
 To build up my Refolves, and to advife 
 
 By their opinions what I fliould purfue ; 
 
 But, of the gravejl I perceiv'd fo few 
 
 Who could advife themfelves ; that I grew more 
 
 Divided by their counfels, then before. 
 
 I faw fuch fooliflineffe, and fuch dillradlions, 
 
 Appeare among them in their words and adlions ; 
 
 That I perceiv'd they had enough to doe, 
 
 Their owne particulars to looke unto. 
 
 Then, guided by example would I be ; 
 But, that I quickly found no Rule for me ; 
 For, they who in opinion do coufent, 
 Oft differ, in the a<5tive Prefident. 
 And fome, who have a tongue the truth to fay. 
 Have wafled grace to walke the fafeft. way. 
 
 Befide, mens aftions, which indifferent are, 
 May foolifti, wife, or bad, or good appeare. 
 As their unknowne occafions are who doe them ; 
 And, fmall refpe(5t is to be had unto them, 
 By way of Prefident, till we can finde 
 Their outward motives, and their fecret minde. 
 
 This heeding ; and ftill waxing more molefted. 
 With diff'ring thoughts, and reafons undifgefled, 
 I knew no better way, then to repaire 
 For counfell unto God, by humble Prayer ; 
 Befeeching his direcSlion, how to take 
 That courfe, which for his glory mofl. fhould make. 
 And he (I think) was pleafed to fuggefl. 
 That if I askt my Confcience what was beft, 
 His Word and Spirit would informe her fo, 
 That Ihe Ihould fliew me what was beft to do. 
 
 Then, from the noife of other mens perfwafions, 
 {From fe/fe-conceit, and from thofe vaine occafions. 
 
 Which 
 
 160 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 80 
 
 Which bring difturbances) I did retire, 
 Gods pleafure, of my Confcience, to enquire. 
 Who, finding in tny brefl a flrong contention 
 Twixt Faith and Reafon ; and, how their diffention 
 Was firft to be compofed (that I might 
 The fooner underfland the truth aright) 
 She call'd a Court within me ; fummon'd thither 
 Thofe Pow'rs, and all thofe Faculties together, 
 Which Tenants are in chiefe unto the Soide : 
 Their faulty inclinations did controule : 
 And, that ilie might not without profit chide, 
 Some ill advifed courfes redlifi'd. 
 
 Then will'd Ihe FAITH zx^ii REASON \.o debate 
 Their Caufe at large : and, that which they, of late, 
 Had urg'd confufedly within my brefl, 
 She will'd them, into Method, to digefl : 
 That fo, my Judgement might the better fee, 
 To whether part I fhould enclined be 
 They both obey'd. And, REASON {who fuppos'd 
 Delay bred danger^ haftily compos'd 
 Thofe many flrong perfwafions, wherewithal! 
 She did my perfon from the City call ; 
 Before my Confcience, them in order laid. 
 And (as halfe angiy) thus me thought fhe faid. 
 What meaneji thou, thus fondly, out offeafon, 
 Tofhew thy boldneffe in contempfof Reafon ? 
 Why art thou alwayes thefe mad courfes taking 1 
 Thy Lines, and Anions, Paradoxes making? 
 Why thusfurfu'fi thou what to mine tends, 
 To glad thy foes, and dif content thy friends ? 
 By making wilde adventures, to the blame 
 Of thy blinde Faith, and my perpetuall fhame ? 
 Is't not enough, that by thy little caring 
 To humor Fooles, ajid by thy over daring 
 
 To 
 
 161 
 
B R I T T A n's Ca?it. 3. 
 
 To beard proud Vices, thou haft lately crojt 
 Thy way to riches, and preferment lojli 
 lit not enough, that when thou dojl become 
 The fcorne of Fooles, thou wert delivered from 
 A masked Hate, ev'n in that day, and place. 
 Which Malice had affigrUdfor thy difgrace ) 
 Andfawfl thejhame of that unjufl Intention 
 Alight on him who plotted that Invention ? 
 lit not enough, thai thou efcaped haft 
 Through many wants and perils undifgradd, 
 When thy advent'rous Mufe drew downe upon thee 
 Thofe Troubles which were like to have undone thee ? 
 Suffice not thefe, unleffe thou now affay 
 A needleffe a£l ) andfoole thy life away 
 By tempting Heaven, in wilfull flaying there, 
 Where, in thy face grim death doth alway flare ? 
 
 Looke what thou dofl, and well obferve thine errors, 
 For, thou art round about, encloid with terrors. 
 And if thou be not flupid thou maiflfee 
 That there is caufe thou /houldfl affrighted be. 
 Doflthciu notfmell the vapours of the Grave? 
 Dofl thou not heare thy plagueflcke neighbours rave ? 
 Dofl thou not tafl infeilion in the Aire ? 
 Dofl thou not view fad obfeEls of defpaire ? 
 Dofl thou not feele thy vitall pow'rs affailedi 
 Dofl thou notfinde thffpirits often quailed i 
 Or with thy judgement hafl thou lofl thy fenfe. 
 That thou dofl make no greater fpeed from hence ? 
 
 Marke there, how fafl with Corpfes they do throng! 
 See yonder, how the Shadowes, /o^ along. 
 Behold, fufl now, a man before thee dies: 
 Behinde thy back, another breathleffe lies. 
 That Bell, now ringing, foundeth out the Knell 
 Of him, whom thou didfl leave, lafl evening, well, 
 
 Lo, 
 
 163 
 
Cant.i. Remembrancer. 8i 
 
 Lo, he that for his life, lyes gafping, there, 
 Is one ofthofe who thy companions were 
 This very morning. And, fee, fee, the Man 
 Thafs talking to thee, looketh pale, and wan, 
 Isfick to death ; and, if thou doe not run 
 For helpe, will die before his tale be done. 
 
 Yet, art thou not afraid 1 I prethee, tell 
 Why mightfi thou not have^beene that man as well? 
 Though he this minute hath prevented thee, 
 Why maifl not thou, the next thatfollowes be ? 
 Why fhouldft not thou as quickly drop away. 
 Since, fleth and blood thou art, as frail as they ? 
 What can thy fpeedy diffolution hinder. 
 Since thy complexion is as apt as finder 
 To take that Flame ? And, ifitfeize thee mufl, 
 What art thou better, then a heap ofdufli 
 
 There is no Conllitution, Sex, Degree, 
 Or Age of man, from this contagion free. 
 Nor canfl thou get an Antidote to fit 
 For all InfeBion, though, perhaps, thy wit 
 Could learne thy temper fo, as not to wrong 
 Thy health, by things too weak, or overflrong. 
 
 For, men oft change the temper theyfhould hold, 
 Are fometime hot; fometime againe are cold; 
 One while are fprightly, otherwhile are dull ; 
 Are now too empty, and anon too full: 
 That, tis a doiibtfull, and a curious aEl, 
 To adde a jufl proportion, andfubflraSl 
 (In ufing outward meanes of prefervation ) 
 According to the bodies variation. 
 And, many, therein failing, lofe their lives, 
 By wrong, or mifapply^d Prefervatives. 
 
 Thoufhalt have, therefore, but uncertaine hopes 
 From Druggiils, or Apothecary _;^i?/f. 
 
 To 
 
 163 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3. 
 
 To warrantke thy health, if thou on thofe 
 In flaying here, thy confidence repofe. 
 And Jure, thou neither harbor' flfuch a thought. 
 That, thou of any better fluffe art wrought 
 Then other men : nor trufleft unto Charmes, 
 To keepe off this Biieaie from doing harmes : 
 For, thofe unhallowed Med'cines, and impure. 
 Breed greater Plagues, then thofe they feeme to cure. 
 
 Nor art thou, of that Brotherhood, whicHfees 
 The Booke of Gods particular Decrees ; 
 And Gypfie like (by heathnijh Palmiftry, 
 Or by the lines of Phifiognomy) 
 ConjeSlures dareth not alone to give. 
 Who of this Flagnefhall dye, or who fhall live : 
 But alfo wickedly, prefumes to tell 
 Which man fhall goe to heaven, and which to hell: 
 Ofthefe I know thou art not. For, as yet 
 r hope thou haft not fo forgone thy wit : 
 To credit their illuding prophanations, 
 Which are but fantofmes of illuminations 
 Begot in thefe late Ages (by mifchance) 
 Betwixt much pride, and zealous ignorance. 
 
 Thou doft not think thy merits greater are 
 Then other mens, that God thy life fhould f pare. 
 Nor canft thou hope thy fafety to poffeffe. 
 For that thy follies or thy finnes are leffe. 
 Since if thou hadft but one time beene mif-led, 
 Thy life for that one time were forfeited. 
 And, this Difeafe, with outward marks, dothftrike 
 The Righteous, and the Wicked, both alike. 
 
 Then,fince thou art a Sinner, and art fur e, 
 Thatfinne did firft this FeUilence procure : 
 Since thou maift alfo juftly fay with grief e. 
 That, thou of all tranfgrefj'ors art t/ie chiefe : 
 
 Since 
 
 164 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 82 
 
 Since thy offences fame ofthofe have bin. 
 Which helpe to bring this great Infe6lion in : 
 Nay ; fince it may be ( if thou fearch thy heart) 
 Tlmt tJiou a principall among them art. 
 Who from the Ship mufl Ionas-//,J« be throwne, 
 Before this Tempeft. will be over blowne : 
 Why doth it not thy guilty foule difmay. 
 And make thee hajlen more toflye away 1 
 
 It may be thou dofl vainly hope for Fame, 
 By doing this. Oh I what availes the fame. 
 When thoti art raked up quite void offenfe. 
 Among the flatighters of the Peflilence ? 
 What will it profit when thou flee ffl in clay, 
 Some, few fJiould praife, and fame lament thy flay ? 
 Some heed it not ? Some make a mocke thereat i 
 Some deeme theefoolifh, others defperate? 
 Some, judge thy tarying might for trifles be I 
 Some, for thy befi intention flander thee 2 
 Or with bafe trafh thy breathleffe Mufe bslye 1 
 Or, mif-report thy dying, if thou dye ? 
 For, if thou chance to perijk in this Place, 
 Thefe wayes, and other meanes to thy difgrace. 
 Thy Foes willfinde ; and in thy fall contented, 
 Accomplifh what, thy life might have prevented. 
 
 But fay to f cape alive thy Lott it be ; 
 A troiipe of other perils wait on thee. 
 Thou know'fl not what extremities may fall. 
 Nor how thy heart may flruggle therewithaU. 
 Such Poverty upon this Towne may feize, 
 F're God ajfwage the rage of this Difeafe, 
 That meanes may faile thee; and before fupply 
 Thy friends can fend thee, thou maiflfamifht lye ; 
 For they wrio now affefi thee, and with whom 
 Thoujhalt, perhaps, to live refoMd become, 
 
 Ev'n 
 
 165 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3. 
 
 Ev'n they may perijh in this Peft, and leave thee 
 To Jlr angers whofe affeSlions will deceive thee: 
 Jn time of health, butjlenderly befriend thee : 
 Inficknejfe, to a lonely Roome commend thee : 
 Makefpoile of what is thine, andfenfleffe be 
 Of helping, and of all regard of thee. 
 
 And then it will, perchance, affliil thy mind 
 That thou unto thy f elf e wert fo unkinde. 
 As to negleSl that wholefome Country Ayre, 
 Whereto thy friends invited thy repaire. 
 Thou maifi remember, when it is too late, 
 Thofe pleafures, and that happy healthy flate 
 Thou mightfl have had: And ivith how much refpeSl 
 Thoufhouldfl have liv'd with thofe that thee affell; 
 A comfort to thy Parents, who withfeare. 
 Doe forrow for thy needleffe lingring here : 
 For, them thou leavefl, and fame friends befide, 
 (To live, 'twixt hope and feare unfatisfi'd 
 By this thy doing) whom thou dofi abufe. 
 If that which may dif comfort them thou chufe. 
 
 And, when theyfhall thy wilfulneffe condemne. 
 With what good Reafons wilt thou anfwer them ? 
 Thy Dwelling is not here ; nor is thy flay 
 Compelled by Affaires that urge it may. 
 Thou hqfl nor publike neither private charge ; 
 But, maifl in any place, goe walke at large. 
 The world conceiveth not the leafl fufpition. 
 That thou art either Surgeon, or Phyfitian, 
 ( Whofe Art mayfland this place in any fleed;) 
 Or that thy friends will thy attendance need. 
 For thou canfl neither Broths nor Caudles make. 
 Nor drenches good enough for horfe to take. 
 Thou hafl no Calling, that may warrantize 
 This boldneffe : neitlier can thy wit devife 
 
 How 
 
 166 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. ?>i 
 
 How thou wilt anfwer God, for daring thus 
 An a^fo needleffe, and fo ferillous. 
 
 Confider well, that there are paines in death ; 
 Confider, that when thou haft loft thy breath, 
 Ihy Flefli, the deare companion of thy Soule, 
 Shall be rejelled as uncleane, andfoule, 
 And, lodge within a Grave, contemrid and vile. 
 Which might have liv'd efteemed, yet a while. 
 
 Confider, that thou haft not an eflate 
 Of being, which is bafe or defperate ; 
 But fuch, as few on earth poffeffe a better, 
 Though each one, that hath ought, enjoyes a greater. 
 
 Confider, that thou doft endanger now 
 The bleffing of long life. Confider, how 
 Thou mightft have lived to a larger meafure 
 Of riches, of preferment, or of pleafure ; 
 And profited thy Country, whereunto 
 Thy Death, or fickneffe, will no fervice do. 
 
 Nay, if thou now mif carry, where will be 
 Thofe honeft hopes which late poffeffed thee ? 
 To thofe thy Studies who an endfhall adde. 
 Which but a while agoe, beginning had 1 
 And, being left unfinifht, make the paine 
 And houres, upon them f pent, to be in vaine ? 
 With fomewhat thou endued art, whereby 
 Thou maift thy bleffed Maker glorifie \ 
 Thy f elf e advantage, and a joy become 
 To fuch as well affeSl thee; and 'gainft whom 
 (If thus thy felfe thoufeparate) thoufhalt 
 Commit a moft inexpiable fault. 
 Oh ! therefore, I befeech thee, wary be. 
 To thinke what fervice God requires of thee : 
 Think, what thou owft thy felfe ; and call to mind, 
 That fame wel-willers thou maift leave behinde, 
 
 Whofe 
 
 i6-j 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3. 
 
 Whofe hopes thou Jhoiild''Jl not wilfully bereave, 
 ( Whofe loves thou Jhould'fl not unrequited leave) 
 By hazarding thy Life, which is a debt 
 To their defervings. For, thou knoitffl not, yet, 
 How that may grieve thy foule, or fill thy head 
 With troubled faruies, on thy dying-bed. 
 
 / cannot make dif cover y, by all 
 My faculties, and powers rationall. 
 What worke thou maifl imagine Jhould be done 
 Thafs worthy of the hazard thou dofl run. 
 Nor can, as yet, my underflanding reach 
 ( What hopefoever Faith may pleafe to preach) 
 To thofe Felicities ; which after death 
 Her fupernaturall Do&rines promifeth. 
 Norfitide I fuch affurances, as may 
 Preferve thee unaffrighted in thy flay. 
 For when within my Naturall Scale j place 
 Thofe Arguments, and Promifes of Grace, 
 Which Faith alledgeth; they fo ayrie prove, 
 That they my Ballance very little move. 
 Yea, fuch tranfcendent things declarethfhe, 
 As they me thinks fhould fo diflemper thee. 
 That doubts and terrors rather fhould poffeffe 
 Thy Soule, then hopes ofreall happineffe; 
 Since what in Death, or after Viea.'Csxfhall come, 
 Are things, that Nature is efiranged from. 
 Fly therefore, this great perill. Seeke a place 
 Where thou maifl plead more fafely of thy Cafe : 
 And,fince thy God, with Reafon, thee doth bleffe. 
 Now, mofl thou needfl it, be not reafonleffe. 
 
 All this (and what the carnall wit of man 
 Objedl, in fuch an undertaking can) 
 Did RE A SONurge, to make vay flay appeare 
 An adt improvident, and full of feare : 
 
 And 
 
 16S 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 84 
 
 And what her feeming rightfull caufe advances, 
 Was utt'red with fuch dreadfull circumflances, 
 That fhe did halfe perfwade me to confeffe, 
 My Refoliction would be foohflineffe. 
 
 But, when my REASON \aA no more to fpeake, 
 My FAITH began : & though her ftrength was weak, 
 (Becaufe my frailties had enfeebled her) 
 Yet, then I felt her with more vigour flir. 
 Then in leffe perills. For, (he blew afide 
 Thofe fogs wherewith my heart was terrifi'd : 
 Made cleare my ludgement : and (as having waigh'd 
 The fpeech foregoing) thus, me thought, fhe faid. 
 
 How wife is RE ASO N in an Ethnicke Schoole, 
 And, in divine proceedings, what afookl 
 How many likely things Jhe mujler can. 
 To Jiartle and amaze a naiurall man, 
 Which, when I am advis'd wit hall, are found 
 But pannick feares, and terrors without ground ! 
 And yet, how often doth blinde Ignorance, 
 Above my reach her fhallowneffe advance ? 
 Or elfe ofmadnejje, wickedly condemne 
 My wifdome, and my fafefl paths contem7te 1 
 Yet be not thou (my Soule) deceived by 
 The foolifhneffe of humane Sophiftry. 
 But,fince by the Afflidlions, thou hafl got 
 Experience, which the world attaineth not; 
 Give heed to me, and I will make thee know 
 Thofe things which camall Reafon cannot fhow. 
 Yea make thee by my pow'r more certaine be 
 Of that which mortals can nor heare nor fee. 
 Then of the plainefi objells that appeare 
 Vnto thefenfe of corf rail eye or eare : 
 And though my promife, or my counfell feeme 
 To vulgar Judgements, but ofmeane efleeme, 
 
 H rie 
 
 169 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3. 
 
 Ilefo enable thee thofefeares to bide. 
 Wherewith the worldly wife are terrifld; 
 And, teach theefuch contentedneffe to gaine, 
 Though in Deaths gloomy /hades thou dojl remaine : 
 That, thou (without all doubtings ) Jhalt ferceive, 
 Thoujhouldjl not this affliiled Citie leave, 
 And Flefti and Blood, with wonder, Jhall confeffe 
 That Faith hath pon^r to teach men fear lefneffe, 
 Jn perils ; which do make their hearts to ake, 
 Whofcoffe at her, and part with Reafon take. 
 
 It cannot be denyed that this Place 
 Yeelds dread enough, to make the boldeflface 
 To put a paleneffe on, unleffe the minde 
 Be over much to fenflefneffe enclinde: 
 Becaufe, we naf rally abhor to fee 
 Such loathed objeSls of mortality. 
 'Tis alfo true, that there is no defence 
 To guard the body from this Peflilence, 
 Within the compaffe of mans pow'r or wit : 
 Nor can thy merit fo prevaile with it. 
 But that (for ought thou knowefi) tfiou maiflfill 
 The growing number <?/' Deaths weekly-'S^ 
 
 And what of that 1 whilfl J befriend thee Jhall, 
 Canfuch a common danger thee apall? 
 Shall that, which heath'nijh men, and women beare, 
 (Yea tender infants) without Jhewes offeare, 
 Amate thy fpirit 1 Jhall the drawing nigh 
 Of that, from which thou haft no meanes to fly e, 
 (And which thou walkejl toward, ev^ry day, 
 ( With feeming floutneffe) fright thee now away ? 
 Is Death yi? bujiegrowne in hondon Jlreets, 
 That he with no man in the Country tneets ? 
 Beleevefl thou, the number he hathflaine 
 Hath added any thing unto the paine 1 
 
 Or 
 
 170 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 85 
 
 Or, hajl thou lately apprehended more 
 Deaths fearfull gajtlineffe, then heretofore, 
 That in this time of tryall thou fhouldjl finde 
 Thy Soule toflavi/h Cowardice endinde ? 
 Death is that Path, which evVy man mufl tread; 
 And, when thoufhalt defcend among the dead. 
 Thou g(fjl but thither where thy fathers be, 
 And whither, all that live fhall follow thee. 
 Death is that Haven, where thy '^zxks. fhall cafl 
 Her hopefull Anchor, atid lye moored fajl. 
 Exempted from thofe furious windes andfeas, 
 Which in thy heav'nly voyage, thee difeafe. 
 Death is the laile-deliv'ry of the Soule : 
 Thy joyfull yeare (T/Iubilee : thy Goale : 
 The Day that ends thy forr owes, and thy fins ; 
 And that, wherein, befl happineffe begins. 
 A lawfull all, then wherefore fhouldft thou feare 
 To profecute ; although thy death it were ? 
 
 Full oft, have 7 enabled thee to bide 
 The brunt of dreadfull flormes, unterrifide; 
 And, when thy daftard Reafon (not efpying 
 That heavenly Game, at which thy Faith was flying) 
 Difheartned grew ; 7 did thy body free 
 From ev'ry perill which enclofed thee : 
 So working, that thofe things thy praife became, 
 Which Malice had projected for thyfhame \ 
 And, common Reafon, who fuppo^d thee mad. 
 Did blufh to fee how little witjhe had. 
 
 Yet, now againe, how foolifhly fhe tryes 
 To cafl new fogs before thy ludgements eyes 1 
 What childifh Bug-Beares hath fhe muftred here. 
 To fear thy fenfes with a caufeleffe feare ? 
 Of thofe loath'd Objedls wherefore doth fhe tell. 
 Which vex the fight, the hearing, and thefmell? 
 
 H 2 Since 
 
 171 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3. 
 
 Since, when the utmoji of it Jhcdl be faid. 
 All is but Death ; which can butjlrike thee dead. 
 And when thats done, thoujhalt (by me revived) 
 Enjoy a better life then thou hafl lived. 
 
 Ifthofe hobgoblin terrors of the grave, 
 ( Wherewith meere nafrall men affrighted have 
 Their troubled foules J deterre thee from that path, 
 Whereto the will of God injoined hath ; 
 To thee (oh ! Soule) how drendfull would it be 
 If WARRE, with all her fear es enclofed thee ? 
 Nay, iffuch common terrors thee amaze, 
 How wouldfl thou quake, if in a generall blaze. 
 The world Jhould flame about t/iee ? (as it may. 
 Perhaps, before thou fee another day) 
 Sure, ifthefe Scar-crowes do deterre theefo, 
 Thou fear ce wilt welcome (as thou oughtfl to do) 
 That Moment when it comes ; norfo rejoyce, 
 As they, who long to heare the Bridegroomes voice. 
 
 Here therefore flay, and prailife to inure 
 Thy foule to tryalls ; that thou maifl endure 
 All changes, which in after times may come : 
 And wait with gladneffe, for the Day of Doome. 
 Seeke here, by holy dread, to purge away 
 Thofe Crimes which heape up terrors for that day. 
 Endure the fcorching of this gentle fire. 
 To purifie thy heart from vaine defire. 
 Learne here, the death of righteous men to dye; 
 That thoii maifl live withfuch eternally. 
 Here, exercife thy Faith, and watch, and pray. 
 That when thy bodyfhall be mixt with clay 
 The frightfull Trumpet, whofe amazing found 
 Shall flartle Hell, andfhake earths maffie Round. 
 May make thee leape with gladneffe from thy grave. 
 And no fad horrors in thy Confcience have. 
 
 What 
 
 172 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 86 
 
 What canjl thou hope to purchafe here below, 
 That thoujhouldjl life unwillingly forgoe ? 
 Since, there is nothing which thou canjlpoffeffe, 
 Whofe fweeineffe is not marr'd with bitterneffe : 
 Nor any thing fo fafe, but that it may, 
 To thee, become a mifchiefe, many a way ? 
 
 ^honourable thou mightJlHve to grow. 
 That honour may effe£l thy overthrow. 
 And (as it makes of others) make of thee 
 A thing as blockijh, as bruit creatures be. 
 If Rich ; thofe Riches may thy life betray ; 
 Choake up thy vertues, and then flye away. 
 If Phaime follow thee ; thai pleafing vaine 
 May bring thy foule to everlafHng paine : 
 Yea, that which mofl thou longefi to enjoy. 
 May all the pleafures of thy life dejlroy. 
 
 Seeke therefore true contentment where it lies, 
 Andfeare not ev'ry Babies fantafies. 
 Jf Life thmi love ; Death is that entring in 
 Where life which is eternall doth begin. 
 There, what thou mofl defireft is enjoy' d ; 
 And, Death itfelfe, by dying is deflrofd. 
 
 Though length of life, a bleffing be confefi, 
 Yet, length of dayes in for row is not befl. 
 Although the Saylor, fea-roome doth require, 
 To reach the harbour is his chief e defire : 
 And, though His well our debts may be delafd. 
 Yet, we are befi at eafe when they are paid. 
 
 ^Titles, thou afpire unto : Death brings 
 The Faithfull, to become itnmortall Kings : 
 Whofe gloriepaffeth earthly pomp, as far 
 As Phoebus doth outfhine the Morning-flar. 
 Defirefi thou a pleafant healthfull dwelling! 
 By Death thou gain' fl a Country fo excelling; 
 
 Hi That 
 
 ns 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 3. 
 
 That, plenty of all ufefull things is there, 
 
 And all thofe oijeSls that delightfull are. 
 
 A golden pavement thoujhalt walke upon ; 
 
 And lodge in Buildings wall'd with precious Jhru. 
 
 If in rich Garments to be cloatKd thou feeke, 
 
 The Perfian Monarks never had the like : 
 
 For, Puritie it felfe thy Rohefhall be ; 
 
 And like the Stars, thy Crowne Jhall fliine on thee. 
 
 Hafl thou enjoyed tJiofe companions here, 
 VVhofe love and fellow/hip delightfull are 1 
 Thoufhalt, when thou from fight of thofe art gone. 
 Of that high Order be inflalM one. 
 Which never didfalfe Brother entertaine; 
 Whereof eifn God himfelfe is Soveraigne : 
 And in whofe company thou fhalt poffeffe 
 Allperfe£l, deare, and lafling friendlineffe. 
 Yea, there ev'n thofe whom thou on earth hafl loved 
 In life time (with fuck love as is approved) 
 Thouflialt enjoy againe : and Tiot alone 
 Their friend/hip ; but the love ofev'ry one 
 Of thofe bleji men and women, who both were, 
 And are, and Jhall be, till our Judge appeare. 
 
 Hath any mortall beauty pleas' d thee fo, 
 That, from her prefence thou art loath to goe 1 
 Thoujhalt inflead of thofe poore imperfeilions, 
 Whereon thoufetlefi here unfure affeHions, 
 The Fountaine of all Beauties, come to fee 
 ( Within his lovely bofome lodged be) 
 And know (when thou on him haflfixt thine eyes) 
 That, all earths Beauties are deformities. 
 
 To thefe, and happineffes, greater far 
 Then by the heart of man conceived are, 
 Death maketh paffage. And, how grim foe're 
 He may to thofe that fland aloofe appeare ; 
 
 Yet 
 
 174 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 87 
 
 Yet, if thou bide unmoved in thy place. 
 Till he within his armes doe thee embrace ; 
 Thou Jhalt perceive that who fo timely dieth, 
 Enjoyes contentments which this life denyeth. 
 
 Thy fear e of painfulneffe in death is vaine; 
 In Death is eafe; in Life, alone, is paine. 
 Man makes it dreadfull by his owne inventions. 
 By caufeleffe doubts, and groundleffe apprehenflons. 
 But, when it comes, it brings of paine, no more 
 Then Sleepe, to him that reflleffe was before. 
 
 Thy Soules departure, from the Flefli, doth maze. 
 And thee afHiHeth more then there is caufe : 
 For, of this fling, thy Saviour, Death defpoiled : 
 And, feares, and dangers from the Grave exiled. 
 Thou lofefl not thy Body when it dyes ; 
 Nor doth it perifh, though it putrifies. 
 For, when the time appointed, it hath laine, 
 Itfhall be raifed from the dufl againe. 
 And, in thefiead of this corrupted one. 
 Thy Soule, a glorious body Jhall put on. 
 
 But hadfl thoii not a Faith which might procure thee 
 Such comforts, andfuch life in death affure thee : 
 Or, though thou fhouldfl, by dying, be poffefl 
 Ofrwthing elfe, but of afenfelejje refl : 
 Me thinkes thy carnall 'B..e.zio'afhould,for that, 
 Perfwade thee rather to be defperate, 
 And flay, andfeekefor Death, ire languifh in 
 Per petuall forr owes, fuch as thine have bin. 
 Fot, if to God-ward, joy thou feelefl not. 
 What comfort to the world-ward hafl thou qot. 
 Which may defirous make thee to delay, 
 Or linger out thy life another day ? 
 
 'Tis true that God hath given thee afhare 
 In all thofe Pleafures, that good pleafures are ; 
 
 Hi, And 
 
 17s 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 And (to the Givers glory be itfpoken) 
 He hath bejiow'd on thee as many a token 
 Of his abundant love, as he bejlowes 
 On any, with fo few external Jhowes. 
 For eifn of outward things he doth impart 
 As much as fits the place in which thou art ; 
 With full as many pleafures as may ferve, 
 Thy Patience, in thy fuffrings, to preferve: 
 And, when for Reft, and Plenties, thou art fitter, 
 I know, he will not tnake thy cupy^ bitter. 
 
 But if thou live for outward pleafures meerly; 
 By living t/iou doft buy them over dearly. 
 For (if thy peace in God werefet afide) 
 So many wayes thou haft beene crucifi'd, 
 Thatfome would think thy Fortune (if they had it) 
 Mofl bitter; though moflfweet thy hopes have made it. 
 Here, but a Pilgrimage thou doft poffeffe. 
 In wandring, and perpetuall refllefneffe. 
 Like Travellers, in funfhine and in raine. 
 Both dry and wet, and dry and wet againe. 
 With reft, each Morning, well refrefht and merry ; 
 And, ev'ry Ev'ning, full of grief e, and weary. 
 To Vanity, i/i bondage thou doft lie, 
 Still beaten with new flormes of Mifery ; 
 And, in a path to which thou art afiranger, 
 Affaulted with variety of Danger. 
 
 His YSiCe, fofnetime, is hid, whence comforts flow. 
 And, men and devills, feek thy overthrow. 
 Sin multiplies upon thee, ev'ry day : 
 Thy vitall pow'rs, will more and more decay : 
 Wealth, honor, friends, and what thou befi dofl love, 
 Doth leave, deceive thee, or thy torment prove \ 
 Mans very Body burthens him ; and brings 
 Vnto itfelfe a thoufand torturings. 
 
 Thy 
 
 t;6 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 88 
 
 Thy Heart, with many Thinkings is perplext : 
 Yea, by thine owne AfFedlions thou art vext : 
 And (though by overcomming them at lajl, 
 Thy foule hath comfort when the fight is pafi,) 
 Thou hajl perpetual conflills which require 
 ContinuaU watchfulneffe : for, no Defire 
 Or na frail Paffion, ever did molefl 
 The heart of man, that fhives not in thy breft. 
 
 Jn eifry Flesifme, fomewhat lurks to fear thee. 
 In ev'ry Profit, fomewhat to enfnare thee : 
 Whole armies of K^vBivya^ fivarme about thee, 
 Some fight within thee; fame affaile without thee: 
 And, that which thou conceivefl /hall releeve thee, 
 Becommeth oft another meanes to grieve thee. 
 Yea, thine owne thoughts, thy fpeeches, and thine ailions, 
 Occafion def contentments, and diflrallion : 
 And all the portion which thou dofl inherit, 
 Yeelds nought, but perturbations of the fpirit. 
 
 In Childhood all thy pleafures were but toyes ; 
 In heat ^ Youth, as fi'uitleffe were thy joy es : 
 Thy riper yeares, do nought but ripen care : 
 And, imperfellions, thy perfeilions are : 
 If Old thou grow; thy grief es will aged be. 
 And, Sickneffe, till thou dye, will live in thee. 
 Thy Life'j a Warfare, which mujl quite be done, 
 E're dangers vanifh, or the Field be won. 
 It is a Yoy&ge full of wearineffe, 
 Till thou thy wifhed harbor dojl pqffeffe : 
 And, thou of no externall loy canfl boafl. 
 That may not ^re thy dying day be loft. 
 
 But, truth to fay, what thing dofl thou poffejfe. 
 Which others thinke to be a happineffe 1 
 The world allowes thee little that is hers. 
 And thee to very fmall efleeme prefers. 
 
 H 5 Among 
 
 177 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3. 
 
 Among her Minions : but, in ev'ry place 
 Endeavours to affront thee with difgrace ; 
 Deprives thee of thy labours, and bejhwes 
 On Parafites, on Fooles, and on thy Foes, 
 Thy due : and with ajpightfuU ermioufneffe. 
 Thy beji approved Studies dothfuppreffe. 
 
 Behold, a frothy Mafque, an idle Song, 
 The witleff'e JeJUng of a fcurrilous tongue. 
 The capring Dancer, and thefoining Fencer, 
 The bold Buflfoone, theflye Intelligencer ; 
 Thofefoolifh raving fellowes, whofe delights 
 Are wholly fixed on their Curs and Kites ; 
 The Termly Pamphleters, whofe Dedications 
 Doefooth and claw the times abominations : 
 Ev'nfuch like things as thefe can purchafe grace. 
 And quickly compciffe Penfion, Gift, or Place ; 
 When, thy more honefl Labours are abufed. 
 Contemned, fleighted, or at befi refufed. 
 
 Iffuch a one as thefe forenam' d, refort 
 To fet abroach his qualities in Court, 
 Hefindes refpell, and as an ufefull man. 
 His YisxXvf, fame place afiord him, can. 
 Hefoone hath entertainment. Or if not, 
 Yet, fomething may for his availe be got. 
 A bafe Invention, ihatfcarce merit may 
 The reputation of a Puppet-play, 
 Somefpangled Courtier, or fome foolifh Lord, 
 Admires, off elk, and of his owne accord 
 Prefers it to the Prince, or to the King, 
 As an ingenious, or much ufefull thing. 
 And (ten to one) if then the Author can 
 But humour well his Lordftiip, or his man 
 (That rules his Honors wifdome) it may gaine him 
 Somefuch like Lord as that to entertaine him. 
 
 For 
 
 178 
 
Cant. 2,. Remembrancer. 89 
 
 For his companion ; yea, the privy purfe 
 May open to him : and, hefareth worfe 
 Then many a Foole hath done, vnleffe ^re long, 
 He purchafeth to be enroll' d among 
 The bejl Defervers ; and arife to he 
 Superior to a better man then he. 
 
 Twioit thefe and thee what dijlances appeare 1 
 And, twixt your Fortunes, what a /pace is there? 
 When thou hadjifinijhed a Worke divine, 
 (As much for others profit, as for thine) 
 Thou fcarcely foundfl a man, to make thee way 
 Thy Prefent, at thy Soveraignes/^/ to lay, 
 And when thou didfl: No fooner laid he by 
 What tendred was, butfome inj'ttrious eye 
 Did quickly take thereof a partiall view. 
 And with detra^ing Cenfures thee purfue. 
 
 Yea, thofe meere Ignorants, whofe courtly wit 
 Can judge of n-othing, but how cloathes doe fit; 
 How Coxi.gt:Qs fhould be ailed; how their Boy 
 Obferve themfhould; orfomefuch weighty toy : 
 Thofe Shreds of Complement, /«/c>%^ up for things 
 To fill vafl Roomes in palaces ^ Kings, 
 (As Antiques doe in Hangings) more for fhow ; 
 11 hen any profit, which from them can flow. 
 Even thofe (fcarce worth our laughing at) have pad 
 Their doomes on that which thou prefented haft; 
 As if they underftood it : and, as thofe, 
 By chance did cenfure, fo the Cenfure goes. 
 
 Jf thefe, or any fuch like Mountebanks, 
 Byflavifh fawning, or by picking thanks ; 
 By homelieft fervices, (or worfe) by cheating ; 
 Extorting from thepoore, or by defeating 
 Men honeftly difpofed, (or, by any 
 Of thofe ill meanes, whereof this age hath many) 
 
 179 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 Can, out of beggery, their fortunes reare. 
 To hundreds, or to thoufands by the yeare : 
 They thinke themf elves abuid, if any grutch 
 Or murmur, as if they had got too much. 
 
 But, though thou from thy childhood wert emclofd 
 In fainfullfhtdies, and hadfl iwt enjoy' d 
 So mwh extemall profit, as would pay 
 The charges of thy Troubles, for a day : 
 (Nay, rather, hindrance hadfl, and punifhment. 
 For that, which gave mofl honefl men content) 
 Yet (marke their dealing) when but hope there was 
 Of gaine to thee (which never came to paffe) 
 And though that gaine were lefjfe then Traders can 
 Allow fometimes unto a lourney-man : 
 Yea though it were to no mans prejudice ; 
 (But many profiting) and did arife 
 By thine owne labours : that fmall yearly fumme 
 Expelled (for, nought, yet, but loffe doth come) 
 Was grumbled at; as if it had beene more 
 Then any ever gained heretofore ; 
 And would the Co'mmon-weale have prejudifed. 
 Had none, thereof, to fruflrate thee, devifed. 
 
 Some, therefore (whofe malicioufneffe is yet 
 Vnanfwet'dfor) themf elves againfl thee fet ; 
 And, by the dammage of their owne eflate. 
 Have laboured, thee and thine to ruinate. 
 Some others, as injurioufly, as they. 
 Laid caufeleffe Nets, to fnarle thee in thy way : 
 And have procured, for thy befl intents, 
 Reproofes, Contempts, and Clofe Imprifonments ; 
 (As rigorous as ever were infliSled, 
 Ofthofe that for High Trtiionfbod convi^d) 
 Yea, that which might an honefl wealth have won thee, 
 Was that, whereby they fought to have undone thee. 
 
 Fo-ule 
 
 180 
 
Lant. 3. Remembrancer. 90 
 
 Foule Scandals, thy bejl ailions have attended. 
 
 And as {if on thine Jnfamy depended 
 
 The Kingdomes glory) Phamplilets^^ and bafe 
 
 Yea, publike Mafques, and Playes, to thy difgrace, 
 
 Were fet abroach ; tilljujlly they became. 
 
 To thofe that made, and favour" d them, afhame. 
 
 Jn Rimes, and Libels, they have done thee wrongs ; 
 Thou haft beene mention'd in their drunken Songs, 
 Who nothhig worfe unto thy charge could lay. 
 But, that, thou didfl notfeemfo bad as they. 
 Meere Strangers, who are quite unknown of thee, 
 (Although they fee not what thy manners be) 
 Take pleafure to traduce thee, and to draw 
 Thofe things in quefiion, which they never f aw. 
 Nay, at their publike meetings, few forbeare 
 To f peak that fcandall, which they thinke, or heare. 
 
 Ev^n fince this Plague began, and whiljl thy hand 
 Recording was that ludgenaent on this Land ; 
 Thou art informed, that, Weflwardfrom this place 
 ( Somefcores of miles) a generall rumous was 
 Both of thy biding here, and of thy death. . 
 And, they who f aid, thou hadfl expir'd thy breath, 
 (Suppqfing, as itfeemes) it could not be 
 That God from this Dtfeafe would fhelter thee) 
 Reported alfo, that, of Grace forfaken. 
 And, by the fin of drunkeneffe dretaken. 
 Thou brok'fl thy neck. It may be thofe men thought, 
 Thet when the Plague thy life to end had brought, 
 Theyfhould have added fomewhat, to haveflaine 
 The life (?^good Report, which might remaine. 
 
 Nor was that ayme quite void. For, (though of all 
 Groffefins, theflaine of that, leafi blur theefhall) 
 Someflraight beleev'd what malice didfurmife; 
 Condemned thy Vertues, for Hypocrifies. 
 
 Made 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3. 
 
 Made guilty all thy Lines of evill ends ; 
 Vs'd thee, as lob was ufed by his friends ; 
 Did on thy Life unchrifUan Cenfures paffe ; 
 Affirmed, thy Death hadfhowed what it was ; 
 And, many a one that heard it,fhall not know 
 Vntill his dying day, it was not fo. 
 But, then they jfhall perceive, that moflofthat 
 Isfalfe, which men of others ufe to prate. 
 
 But, wonder it is none, that thou among 
 Some Strangers, in thy Fame hafl fuffred wrong: 
 For, lo, thy Neighbours (though they privy be 
 To nofuch ail as may difparage thee, 
 But unto many rather, which infhow. 
 Appeared from a Chrifiian minde to flow) 
 Ev'n they, in private whiff rings, many times 
 Have taxed thee as guilty ofthofe crimes 
 Thou never perpetratedfl ; but dofl more 
 Abhor them, then do Mizers to be poore. 
 And from thofe blots the more thy life is free, 
 The more is theirs defilde, by flaundring thee. 
 
 In wicked Places (where yet never came 
 Thy foot) fame ailed follies in thy name : 
 That others prefent, knowing not thy face. 
 Might fpread abroad of thee, to thy dif grace. 
 What others did. And, fuch a mifchiefe, none 
 But perfeil Malice, could have thought upon. 
 
 Thy very Prayers, and thy Charities 
 Have mocked beene, andjud^d hypocrifes. 
 When thou wert befl employed, thou wertfure 
 The bafefl imputations to endure. 
 When thy intentions have beene moflfincere. 
 Mens mifconfiruSlions alwayes harfhefl were ; 
 And, when thy pioufi ailion thou hadfl wrought. 
 Then, they the greatefl mifchiefe on thee brought 
 
 They 
 
 1S2 
 
Cant. 2). Remembrancer. 91 
 
 The bejl, and moft approved ofthofe Laies, 
 By thee compofedfor thy Makers prat/e ; 
 Have lately greatly multipKd thy Foes, 
 And, not procur' d alone thefpight ofthofe 
 Whom brutifh Ignorance befets among 
 The mifconceiving and illiterate throng : 
 But, they who on the feats (7/^ Judgement /«/«, 
 Thee, and thofe Labours have inveighed at. 
 The Learned, whofhould wifer men have beene. 
 Did cenfure that which they had never feene. 
 Eifn they, who make faire fhewes offanility, 
 ( God grant, it be not with hypocrifie) 
 Withfpightfulneffe, that fear ce can matched be. 
 Have fhamefuUy traduced that, and thee. 
 Nay, of the Clergy, fome (and of the chiefs) 
 Have with unfeemely fury, pafl beleefe, 
 So undervalued, andfo vilifi'd 
 Thofe Labours (which the try all will abide, 
 When their proud fpleene is wafled) that, unleffe 
 God had, in mercy, curb'd their furioufneffe 
 (And by his might abated, in fame meafure, 
 That pow'r of ailing their imperious pleafure) 
 Their place, and that opinion they had gained, 
 Of knowledge, and fincerity unfained. 
 Had long ere this, no doubt, madefo contemn'd 
 Thofe Lines, and thee ; that thou hadfl beene condemn'd 
 Without a triall. Andfo true a feeling 
 Hadfl gained ere now, ofbafe and partiall dealing, 
 That, Difcontent might then have urg'd thy Hay, 
 In hope this Plague, would that, have tooke away. 
 
 But, thou by others, hafl receiifd the flings 
 Q/" Malice, otherwayes, in other things. 
 Thofe men, whofe over-groffe and open crimes, 
 Arejuflly taxed in thine honefl Rimes, 
 
 Have 
 
 183 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 3. 
 
 Have by the generall notice of thy name, 
 Sought how to bring thee to a generall Jhame, 
 By raifing caufeleffe rumors to be blowne 
 Through ev'ry quarter where thy lines are knowne. 
 For, there's no place without an enuious care, 
 Andflandrous tongues he ready eifry where. 
 To cajl, with willingneffe, difgrace on thofe, 
 Of whom, fome good report, beforehand, goes. 
 Andfince thou canft not anfwer ev'ry man, 
 As he that's knowne in fome few Townfhips, can ; 
 The falfefl Rumors Men divulge of thee. 
 Doe foone become a common Fame to be. 
 
 Moreover (that leffe caufe there may appeare. 
 Why thoufhouldfl life defire, or dying feare) 
 The mofl affelled thing this world containes. 
 Hath tortur'd thee with mofl heart-breaking paines. 
 For, they whom thou hafl loved: they to whom 
 Thou didfl obliged many wayes become : 
 Yea they ivho knew thy faithfulneffe ; eifn they 
 Have made their outward kindneffes the way 
 To make thee mx)fl ingracefull feeme to be. 
 Yea, they have heaped more difgrace on thee. 
 More grief es, and difadvaniages, then all 
 Thy Foes together, bring upon theejhall. 
 And long purfued have, to thy vexation 
 Their courfes with harfh trickes of aggravation ; 
 Yet fHll pretending Love : which makes the curfe. 
 Of this Afflillion twenty times the worfe. 
 I will not fay that thou afflilled art 
 In this (by them) without thy owne defert: 
 For who perceives in all how he offends ? 
 Or thinks, that God correSlion caufeleffe fends 1 
 Nor will I fay this injury proceeds, 
 From any Malice. For, perhaps, it breeds 
 
 From 
 
 184 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 92 
 
 From their dijkmper'd love. And God fojhew. 
 Some needfull fecret (which thou bejl maijl know 
 By this experiment) a while doth pleafe, 
 To make thy late Contenments thy Difeafe 
 
 Thy firjl Acquaintance, who did many ayeare 
 Enjoy thy fellow/hip (and glad appeare 
 Tofeeme thy friends) have wearied out their love, 
 By length of time; and flrangers now doe prove. 
 Thou alfofeefl, thy new acquaintance be 
 Wome out as f aft as gotten. For, to thee 
 Mojl come, for nothing but tofatisfie 
 Their idlefruitleffe curiojUie: 
 And, having feene, and found thee but a man. 
 Their friendfhip ended, Juft as it began. 
 
 Nay, they who all thy courfe of life have feene. 
 And (ill appearance) have perfwaded beene, 
 So well of thy uprightneffe, as if nought 
 Could move in them, of thee, one evill thought: 
 Thofe, by a little abfence, or the found 
 Of fame untrue Relation (wanting ground) 
 Doe all their good opinion fometime change j 
 Sufpeil thy manners, and themf elves efirange, 
 So unexpelledly, and without caufe. 
 That what to judge of them it makes thee paufe. 
 For they that vertuous are, but in thefhow. 
 Doe foone fufpell, that all men elfe, arefo. 
 
 Thefe things are very bitter unto fuch 
 Whofe hearts arefenftble to eifry touch 
 Of kindnejfe, and unkindnejfe ; and they make 
 Life tedious, where thev deepe impreffwn take. 
 But, many other grief es thy Soule doe grinde; 
 And thou by them, art pained in a kinde 
 So differing from the common fenfe of others, 
 (Although thy patieme much diflemper fmothers) 
 
 That 
 
 i8s 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 That Reafon might me thinkes contented be. 
 Thou Jhouldjl purfue thy Death to fet thee free. 
 
 I fpeake not this, as if thou didfi repine 
 At ihefe, or any other lots of thine : 
 Nor to difcourage thee, becaufe the World 
 So little of her Grace on thee hath hurVd. 
 For, I -Would have theefcorne her love ; and know 
 That whether Jhe will favour thee or no, 
 I will, in thy due feafon, make thee rife 
 To honor, by that way which men defpife : 
 Ev'n to thofe honors, which are greater then 
 The greatefl that conferred are, by men. 
 And, this I mention, in reproach of them 
 Whofe Pride, thy humble Mufings, doth coniemne : 
 And to remember thee, how vaine it were. 
 To feekefor life, where fuch harfh dealings are. 
 
 And, as J would not have thee wifh to live 
 For love of any thing, this world can give: 
 So, am J loath her troubles Jhould have pow'r 
 To make theefeeke tofhorten life an houre. 
 But rather in contempt of all herfpight. 
 To lengthen it, untillpale Envie quite 
 Confume her f elf e ; and thou at lafl befent 
 From hence, vicarious, crowned with content. 
 
 J therefore, here, perfwade thee not to flay. 
 That vainly thou mightfl foole thy life away : 
 Or, ttiat fome poore applaufes may be got; 
 Or, for fuch trifling ends as profit not; 
 And, whereof, Reafon her difltke infers : 
 For, my opinion jumps in that, with hers. 
 
 I doe not counfell thee to cafl afide 
 That care, which teacheth wifely to provide 
 For wholfome Antidotes : Or to obferve 
 Such courfes, as are likely 4o preferve 
 
 Thy 
 
 186- 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 93 
 
 Thy body found: nor is it my intent, 
 Thoujhouldji employ, by way of completnent. 
 Thy time in viflting infeBed friends ; 
 When to their comfortings it little tends. 
 Nor am I pleas' d in him that fo prefumes, 
 Or fuck a franticke foolifhnejfe affumes. 
 As defperately to thrufi himfelfe among 
 The noifome breathings of afickly throng, 
 Whenfuch a danger nothing may availe : 
 And, where the meanes of life will ftirely faile. 
 Nor would I now betray thee to thy fin ; 
 Or worke thy loffes, that thy foes may win ; 
 Or make thee tempt thy God ; or grieve thy friends ; 
 Or barre thy Labors of thy wifhed ends : 
 Nor canflthou thinke thy Reafon well hath f aid, 
 To caflfuch flumbling-blockes, asfhe hath laid: 
 For, jufl and comely things, I doe advife ; 
 And,feeke not Mifchiefes, but their Remedies. 
 
 A carnall WiitAorcit fayes fhe feeth not 
 What knowledge and affurance may be got 
 Ofthofe ef email things, that objeils are 
 ty Cliriflian hope. But, wherefore fhouldfi thou feare 
 What Flefli and Blood blafphemoufly hathfaidi 
 Since, into thee already are convaid 
 Both Notions, and the reallfenfe of that 
 Which they, who would not fee, doefiumble at ? 
 
 Meere humane Reafon cannot reach to know 
 Of many thoufand Creatures here below, 
 Thefecret natures : Doe not wonder than, 
 Thdt few celeftiall things perceive fhe can : 
 But call to minde, that to be flefhly wife, 
 \s to befoolifh in Truths Myfteries. 
 Give God the praife, who hath on thee beflowne 
 A better apprehenfion then thine owne. 
 
 Remem- 
 
 187 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3- 
 
 Remember Jim, to cherijh this beleefe ; 
 Let Prayer daily fet thy Faith releefe : 
 And be affur'd that I advife thee bejl, 
 What eVe thy carnall Rtaionjhall jiiggejl. 
 
 If thou fuppofe that thou hajl ought begun, 
 Which may thy Country profit, being done, 
 Or honor God: proceed thou in his name, 
 With cheerfulneffe, andfinijh up the fame. 
 For God will either give thee life to doe it, 
 (Ifcaufe there be) or call another to it 
 Of better gifts. And, if thou grudge at this, 
 Thoufeekefl thine owne honor, more then his ; 
 Andj though a pious purpofe tJiou pretend. 
 Thy holyfhewes havefome unholy end. 
 
 Say, thou among the multitude muflfall ; 
 Say, they that hate thee, thereof triumph Jhall ; 
 Or others (out of levity) contemne 
 77iy courfe; or thee unjuflly Jhould condemne. 
 As 'R.ez&m. pleads ? what prejudice to thee 
 Would this be more, thenfuch mens praifes be? 
 What harme is this to thee when thou art gone 1 
 And hafl nofenfe of any wrong thafs done ? 
 What needflthou care, if all the world fuppofe 
 To hell thou finkefl ; if thy ipait goes 
 The way to heav'n ? And in that narrow path 
 A bleffed being, unperceived hath 1 
 
 Purfue brave Adlions, as a ChriJHan ought. 
 And, care not thou what fhall of them be thought : 
 (Except to rouze up other men it be. 
 By making them perceive what rouzed thee) 
 When thou dofl walke uprightly, walke thou on, 
 Andfcorne to looke afide, who looks thereon : 
 For, h^s a Foole (if not an hypocrite) 
 That in well-doing feeleth no delight, 
 
 Vntill 
 
 1S8 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 94 
 
 Vntillfome witneffe of his deeds he know, 
 Or feele fame praifes his proud failes to Mow. 
 Nay, he that cannot in a vertuous deed, 
 ( Wherein, his Confcietice, warrants to proceed) 
 Perfijl without returning, though hejhould. 
 Of all the world together, be controul'd; 
 Or, if he thought it not a favour too 
 That God would call him fuch a worke to doe ; 
 ( Yea though that for his paines, hefhould become 
 Abhor' d of all men, till the Day of Doome) 
 Ev'nftich a Man is far re below that height. 
 To which by perfect Vertue climbe he might; 
 And lofe he doth, by fear es that are in vaine. 
 The bravefl honor that his Faith can gaine. 
 
 Thy '&s&i<ya. fayes, thai thou afinner art; 
 And, thereupon doth urge thee to depart. 
 But wherefore Jhould the guilt of fin affright 
 From flaying, rather then from taking flight 1 
 For, if thou fhalt remove away from hence. 
 Thy guilt retaining, by impenitence, 
 God hath not fo his Plagues confined hither. 
 But that they may purfue thee any luhither. 
 And whereas here, the danger, and the fear e, 
 Encompqfflng this place, might fo deter re. 
 So mollifie, and awe thy heart within thee ; 
 So move, and to amend thy life, fo win thee. 
 That Godfhall clenfe thy foule of evVy flaine ; 
 And reconcile thee to himfelfe againe: 
 Perhaps, the wicked vaine fecurity, 
 That will attend thee whither thou fJialt flye, 
 May make the meafure of thy fmnes compleater. 
 Thy comforts fewer ; thy affliXons greater ; 
 When leafl thou fearefl, mojl of all difeafe thee ; 
 And keepe off this, thatfome worfe thing mayfeize thee. 
 
 And 
 
 189 
 
B R I T T A n'S Cant. 3. 
 
 And, though thy Reafon urge thee to beeleve, 
 Thy friends may wronged be, or too much grieve, 
 By this adventure : I, thy Faith, aj^ure thee. 
 That if my Motives 7nay to ftay procure thee, 
 (Forfuch good purpofes as I propofe) 
 Thy Godfliallpay thy friends what ere they lofe; 
 Makefome (by fearing what thy dangers are) 
 Of their owne wayes to take the greater care : 
 Keepe others (by prefervinq of them fad) 
 More watchfull, that might elfe leffe heed have had : 
 Andjflirre up thee for them, and them for thee. 
 So zealous in continual! vowes to be, 
 As will (perchance) worfe perils drive away. 
 Then thofe, which are fo feared, in thy flay. 
 
 Oh ! God, how many foules, by fleeing hence 
 Scape this, and catch a deadlier Peflilence ! 
 How many hearts whom Feare doth fomeivhat fhike 
 With forrowes, which begins Repentance-/z/5(f, 
 (And might by flayi7ig Jiere, accomplifh that, 
 Which ev'ry true Beleever aimeth at) 
 Will fall from thofe beginnings, by their flight. 
 And lofe the feeling of Gods Judgements, quite 1 
 How many 1 by wrong feeking to prevent. 
 Their heaifnly Fathers loving chafiifemenf, 
 Incorrigible in their lives will grow ? 
 And bring themf elves to tetter overthrow 1 
 And oh ! what multitudes, by flaying here. 
 Shall change their dread, into afJiall feare ? 
 Their feare to love, and love, and laud thee too, 
 For fending that, which they abhorred fo ! 
 
 Like them, who in the Deeps employed be. 
 Here, thou the ivondrous works of Godfhalt fee. 
 T/iat thou maifl tell the world what he hath done; 
 Andfing the praife of that Almighty-One 
 
 To 
 
 190 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 95 
 
 To this, and future ages. And, for what 
 
 Did he thy Souk and Bodyfirfl create i 
 
 For what redeeme thee ? For what end infufe 
 
 That Faculty, which thou dofl call thy Mufe ? 
 
 For what, but for his honor, to declare 
 
 Thofe ludgements and his Mercies which will here 
 
 Bejhowne unto thee ? and to fing the Story 
 
 Of what thine eye beholdeth to his glory ? 
 
 For, if not here, then where 7 Or if not now. 
 
 Then, at what other time expeBefl thou 
 
 Sofaire an oprortunity, tofhow 
 
 With how much readineffe thou couldfl beflow 
 
 Thy life, and all thy faculties, on him 
 
 (And, for his fervici) who beflowed them ? 
 
 What nobler Subject can the world afford 
 
 For thee, or for the Mufes to record. 
 
 Then will thofe ludgements, and thofe Mercies be. 
 
 Which God will in this place difclofe to theel 
 
 If 'R.tzion feeke fome purpofe in thy flay. 
 Me thinks, this purpofe pleafe thy Reafon may : 
 For, though thofe men who love their owne vaine praife, 
 Have little care of their Creators waies. 
 And finde fmall pleafmgneffe iti thofe Relations, 
 Which are compofd offuch like Obfervations ; 
 Yet, all the glorioufl ails of greatefl Kings, 
 Are triviall, worthleffe, bafe, andfoolifh things, 
 RefpeSling thefe. And, though fome nicer wits 
 Scarce think that fiich a Stibjeil well befits 
 Their artfull Mufes. Yet, twixt this and that 
 Whereon they love to plod and meditate, 
 Therds much more dtff'rence, then betwene their Laies 
 And thofe which they doe mofi of all difpraife: 
 And they who live (the time) I hopefhallfee, 
 Thefe Poems, much, more prized then they be: 
 
 Yea, 
 
 igr 
 
B R I T T A n'S Cant. 3. 
 
 Yea, though it may appeare to common Reafon, 
 An all impertinent, and out offeafon. 
 For fuch an end as this to make thyjlay : 
 Let not her carnall Sophifmes thee difmay. 
 Forfmce thoufeeji a vaine Hiftorian dares 
 His perfon to adventure in the warres, 
 Thai he {for fame, or hire) may write ajlory 
 Of what is done to his Commanders glory : 
 This ailion, wherefore Jhouldfl thou Jlartle from, 
 As if thy Judgement it would mif-becomeJ 
 Ifjufl it be, our fafeties to contemne, 
 In fuch a cafe (if that be good in him) 
 How much morejufl, is thy adventure, then 
 Whofm^fl thepraife of God, and not of men ? 
 How much more fafely walkefl thou, then they 1 
 How much more glory, and how much more pay. 
 Can thy great Captaine give thee ? And how fmall 
 Should be thy feare ? Jf thou fhouldfl feare at all. 
 
 Nor to thy God, or to thy f elf e alone, 
 Will acceptable fervices be done 
 By flaying here : but peradventure fome 
 That living are, and fome, in time to come. 
 May reap advantage by it, and confeffe. 
 That thou wert borne for them ; and didfl poffeffe 
 And ufe thy life, not for thy felfe alone, 
 But that to others profit might be done. 
 
 The gen'rall notice which men take of thee, 
 Will make thy aSions more obferved be 
 Then thofe of twenty others, who doefeeme 
 Jn their f mull circuits, men of great efleeme : 
 And, when hereafter it is knowne abroad. 
 To what goodpurpofes thou mad'fl abode 
 In this afflilhd City : on what ground, 
 Thy blamed refolution thou dofl found: 
 
 How 
 
 192 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 96 
 
 How fenfible thou wert of ev'ry feare, 
 And of each perill thou advmtredfl here : 
 How many friends thou hadfl toflye unto : 
 How much elfewhere thou mightfl have found to do ; 
 What Cenfures thoufhouldfi hazzard, in thy flay : 
 What pleafures wooed thee to come away : 
 How, thy continuing here was not by chance 
 By difcontent, or humorous ignorance : 
 How, no conipulfwn, no perfwading Friend, 
 No office, hope of gaine, orfuch like end 
 Neceffitated thee, iea, when by fuchy 
 Who are tofeare enflaved overmuch 
 All this is heeded well; And when menfhall 
 Confider it, comparing there withall, 
 What caufes moved thee ; what meditation 
 Confirmed thy flay ; what kind of converfation 
 Thou daily frallifedfl; and what good ufe 
 They may from thy ex-peruxisTiXs produce ; 
 It will perchance occafion fome to learne 
 Thofe things, which yet they doe not well difcerne : 
 Help, in good RefolutionSffome to arme: 
 Some weake ones in temptations inuch confirme : 
 To fome become a meanes to make them fee 
 That m^n defpifed, may enabled be, 
 By Faith, to keepe their place undaunted there. 
 Where men of better feeming gifts doefeare. 
 And peradventure thou maifl compaffe that 
 Which likelier men in vaine have aymed at. 
 
 For, though it may be f aid this place hathfbre 
 By Calling and by Gifts, adapted m^re 
 Forfuch a taske; and that there may befomCy 
 That have no warrant for departing from 
 Thefe noyfome flreets, wh^ well enough may take 
 This paines ; and thereof thee excufed make 
 
 T Yet 
 
 bb 193 
 
Brittan's Cant. 2,- 
 
 Yet,Jhall not that excufe thee. For, all they 
 Have Callings, which employ them wholly may. 
 Yea, they whofe wits are abler, thi?tk not on 
 That worke, perchance, as needfull to be done. 
 Or if they doe, perhaps, they may expire 
 Before they have performed it ; or tire. 
 And though theyfhould make per/it theiK defignes : 
 Yet their obfcurity, may barre their Lines 
 From taking that effeSl, which if thou write. 
 Thy being far more knowne, accomplijh might. 
 For, Fame prevailes with many (now adaies) 
 And, ^uncouth'd, unkifl. (as ChzMctr faies.) 
 Or grant that many had the fame attempted, 
 (And men of note) yet wert thou not exempted. 
 For, befl it is, whenfuch like things as thefe 
 Confirm^ are by many witneffes. 
 
 Befide; if thofe affurances which thou 
 Shalt publifh (and thy YsiiXhfhall well allow) 
 Affirmed were by none but fuck as they 
 Who might not from this place depart away 
 Without much lofje, or blame : meere naturall men 
 Might have contemned all thofe counfels, then. 
 And all thofe j'ufl reproofes, that may, by thee, 
 Or any other man objeSled be, 
 Againfl their flavi/h Feares : and may reply. 
 That no manflaid, but he that could mtflye : 
 Or that none durfl become a voluntary, 
 Infuch a Fire, for confcience fake, to tarie: 
 And, that no mortall man hadpoie/r obtain'd 
 To bidefuch brunts, till outwardly conjlrain'd. 
 Whereas thy free abiding here, will nuwe 
 Much better thoughts : thy confiancy approve ; 
 Procure the more beleefe to thy Relations \ 
 The more effelluall make thy good perfwafions : 
 
 And 
 
 194 
 
Cant.i. Remembrancer. 97 
 
 And flop their mouthes, who might fome other way 
 Thy paines have wron^d, had ought procured thy flay. 
 
 Oh I far, far be it, that Lufl, Avarice, 
 Theflrong difkmpers offonie hatefull Vice, 
 Aflupid Melancholy, or the tumors 
 Offome wilde Paflion, orfantaflicke Humors, 
 Should fixe morefloutneffe in the heart of man. 
 Then temperate, and pious knowledge can. 
 Far be it, that old women, ^r their pay, 
 Or Sextons ^r as little hire, as they, 
 We in the walks of'Dta.th.Jhould walking fee 
 Without allfeare ; yet, they deterred be, 
 Who boafl of knowledge ; and havefung, andfaid, 
 That though in Deaths black fhadowes they were laid. 
 They would without difmay continue there ; 
 Becaufe Gods Rod, and StafFe, their keepers are. 
 Oh ! let not this befo : And be it far 
 From proving trut ; that they who fludious are 
 tyWifdome, andofY'\t'iY,Jhouldfhrinke, 
 Where he, whofe head peece is but arm'd with drinke. 
 Sits fearleffe : Or, that Vfe, or Cv&.orat fliall 
 Embolden more, then Chriflian Faith, arid all 
 The Morall Vertues : Or, that thou fhouldfl yeeld 
 To carnall Reafon, andforgoe the Field. 
 
 Moe Arguments / could, as yet, exprefle. 
 To prove thy flaying hath much ufefulneffe: 
 As that it were unkindneffe toforfake 
 Thofe perfons lure, who comfort in thee take. 
 For, fome profeffe already, that they bide, 
 By thy example, greatly fortifi'd, 
 (In their compelled flay ) by feeing thee 
 So willingly, their griefes companion be. 
 Yea, many a one, obferving thee to flay, 
 Confeffeth, he dothfhame toflye away. 
 
 1 2 Thereby, 
 
 195 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 Thereby, thofe Refoluiions they have got 
 Which very lately they embraced not ; 
 And might, perhaps, if now thoujhouldjl depart, 
 Become afraid, becaufe thoufearfull art. 
 
 Me thinks, it is unmanlineffe toflie 
 From thofe, in woe, whom in profperity 
 Thou lovedfl: yea, tis bafeneffe, not tojhare 
 In etfry forrow which thy friends doe beare. 
 As well as in their pleafures, if they be 
 Such friends, asfome of thine doefeeme to thee. 
 
 Here, thou haft long contintid. On the bread 
 Of Dainties, in this City thou hafl fed. 
 Here, thou hafl taught andfung; and ha^e thou hafl 
 Thy youthfull yeares, in many follies pafl ; 
 Abu^d thy Chriftiaii-liberty, and trod 
 That Maze, which brings forgetfulneffe of God. 
 Here, thy example, /^ot^ corrupted hath ; 
 Here, thou hafl moved thy Creators wrath : 
 Here, thou hafl finned; and thy finnes they were. 
 Which holpe to bring this Plague now raging here. 
 
 Here, therefore, doe thou faft : here, doe thou mourne, 
 And, intofighes, and teares, thy laughter turne. 
 Here, yeeld thy f elf e to prifon, till thou fee 
 At- this Affize, how God will deale by thee : 
 Ev^n here, the time redeeme thou : here, reflore 
 By good examples, thofe whom heretofore 
 Thou hafl offended : here, thy f elf e apply 
 Godsjufl incenfed wrath to pacific. 
 Here, joy ne in true Repentance, to remove 
 That Storme which now defcendeth from above. 
 And then, or live or dye, this Place, to thee 
 A place of Refuge, and of ioy fhall be. 
 Nor Sin, nor Death, nor Hell, nor any thing 
 Shall difcontentment,feare, or perill bring 
 
 Which 
 
 156 
 
Cant.i. Remembrancer. 98 
 
 Which to thy Souk or Body,JIiall become 
 
 A difadvantage, but helpe fave thee from 
 
 Deflrullion : loyes, as yet, unfelt, procure : 
 
 In all temptations, make thy minde fecure : 
 
 Difcover plainly how thy 'R.ta.ion failed ; 
 
 And, make thee bleffe the time, thy Y3.\\h. prevailed. 
 
 But, thou dofl want a Calling (REASON cries) 
 Thy flaying in this place to warrantize. 
 And, that tintill thereof thou dofl obtaine 
 The full affurance, all myfpeech is vaine. 
 jfndeed, the glorioufl worke we can begin, 
 Vnleffe God call us to it, is a fin, 
 And therefore, edry man fhould feeke to know 
 What, God, and what vaine Fancy cals him to. 
 For, Pride, and over-weening Arrogance, 
 The Devill, or a zealous Ignorance, 
 Su^efls falfe warrants ; and allureth men 
 To dangerous adventures, now and then : 
 Yea, maketh fome, from Gods commands to fall. 
 And take employments at the Devils call. 
 
 To fudge thy Calling, then, learne this of me, 
 That, fome Vocations ordinary be. 
 Some extraordinary. If thou take 
 An ordinary Calling, thou mufi make 
 The comnion entrance, which that poitfr doth give 
 Within whofe Inrifdidlion thou dofl live : 
 Elfe (whatfoever caufe thou dofl pi'etend) 
 Jt is Intrufion .■ and thoufhalt offend. 
 
 If thou coTueivefl thou fome Calling hafl 
 J",i Extraordinary ; fee it paft 
 By Gods allowance, from Gods holy Writ, 
 Before fuch time as thou accept of tt. 
 And, then, beware that nothing force thee back, 
 Or, make thee in thine Office to beflacke. 
 
 rz In 
 
 197 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 3. 
 
 In briefs ; a Calling extraordinary, 
 Tojujlifie itfelfe, thefe Markes mujt carie ; 
 And, ifitfaik of them, but in the leafl, 
 Thy Confcience is deluded in the rejl. 
 
 Gods glory will be aymed at, in chiefe : 
 It will be grounded on a true beleefe : 
 It doth not Gods revealed will oppofe : 
 No ftep that erres from Charity it goes : 
 It feeketh not, what cannot be enjoy'd : 
 It makes no ordinary calling void : 
 Some caufe not frequent mufl. invite thereto : 
 And (to accomplijh what thou haft to doe) 
 Some Gift, that's proper for it, mud be given, 
 And then, thou haft thy Calling feal'd from heaven. 
 
 Approve thy f elf e by thefe, and thou Jhalt fee. 
 That, God, no doubt, hath truly called thee. 
 To this adventure. For, thy heart intends 
 His praife in this, above all other ends. 
 Thou dofl beleeve, that (whether live or dye) 
 Thy flay Jhall fomewhat adde, to glorifie 
 Thy bleffed Maker ; and that fomething /hall 
 To thine, and others profits, here, befall. 
 Thy Judgement, to thy Confcience nought difclofeth. 
 Wherein it Gods revealed Will oppofeth : 
 It well agrees with Charity, and tryes 
 To compaffe no impoffibilities. 
 Nor hinders it, nor calls it thee from ought 
 Which is more neceffary to be wrought. 
 A Caufe not ordinary now requires 
 Thy prefence here ; and, God himfelfe infpires 
 Thy Brefl with Eefolutions that agree 
 Tofuch an allion. Gifts, which none but he 
 Can give, he gives thee; fuch, as are by Nature, 
 Not found in any fubcoslefHall Creature, 
 
 But 
 
 iy8 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 99 
 
 But, meerly of his Grace: and, fuck, as none 
 Can counterfeit, by all that may be done. 
 
 And, whence are all thefe Mufings here exprefl 1 
 Whence come thefe combatings within thy brefi 
 Twixt Me and Reafon ? who is it that makes 
 Thy heart fo fearleffe, now fuch horror fhakes 
 Thefoules of others ? what embolden can 
 The frightfiill fpirit of a naturall man, 
 Jnfuch apparant dangers to abide 9 
 And yet, his Reafon nothing from him hide, 
 Thatfeemeth to be dreadfull; neither leave him 
 Such Aymes, or fuch like Faffions to deceive him. 
 As harden others f Who, but he, that giveth 
 Each perfit Gift ; thefe Gifts to thee deriveth i 
 Andfure he nought befhwes, but therewithall 
 He fends occafions that employ itfhall. 
 
 Few Officers fliall want a doubtfulneffe 
 That they their places doubtfully poffeffe, 
 Jfthis be doubtfull; whether God {or no) 
 Hath called thee to what J bid thee doe. 
 For, outward Callings, mofl men doe, or may 
 Intrude upon, by fome fintfler way : 
 By Symony, by Bribery, by Spoiles, 
 By open Violence, orfecret Wiles. 
 And therefore (though the Seales ^ Kings they gaine 
 Toflrengthen what unduly they obtaine) 
 Some doubting of their Callings may be had 
 To God ward, though fuch doubts be rarely made. 
 
 But, for thy Calling thou Commiffion hafl 
 Sofirme ; and itfo many Seales hath pafi, 
 That nothing fhould induce thee to fufpeil 
 Thy Warrant, or diflrufl a good effeil. 
 
 God, from thy Cradle, feemes to have ordained thee 
 To fuch a purpofe: for, he yearly train' d thee 
 
 I ^ Through 
 
 199 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3. 
 
 Through faf rail cares, and perils, fo inure 
 Thy heart, to what he meant thoujhouldjl endure : 
 Elfe why Jhouldjl thou (whofe actions honejlwere 
 To Man ward, though to God wardfoule they are) 
 Be more for that afflifled, which dothfeeme 
 (To fome) a worke deferving good ejleeme, 
 Then are a multitude in thefe our times, 
 ConviSkd of the mojl notorious crimes ? 
 
 Why, at thy very birth, did he infufe 
 Thy Soule with naturall helpes to forme thy Mufe, 
 Which is a FaMlty not lent to many, 
 Nor by meere Art attained to, of any ? 
 To thee, why gave he Knowledge, fuch a way 
 As others lofe it by ? And why I pray 
 Did he bejlow upon theefo much Fame 
 For thofefew childijh lines that thou didji frame 
 In thy minority i Why did he then 
 ( Then fcarce a man) enroule thy Name with men ? 
 And make thee to be prai^d and prised before 
 Thofe men whofe Yeares, and Sciences are more i 
 What was there in thy Poems ? what in thee, 
 Thatfeem'd not worthy of contempt to be. 
 Much more then of applaufei And what hafl thou 
 From fcorne tofave thee, but Gods mercy 7ww 1 
 
 Beleeve it, he divulgeth not thy Name 
 For thine owne honor : But to make the fame 
 A meanes of fpr coding his. From perills pafl 
 He fav^d not thee, for any worth thou hafl. 
 But, to declare his Mercies. At this feafon. 
 He moves this plea betwixt thy Faith and Reafon, 
 Not to be paffed over, as in vaine ; 
 But, in thy Brefl true courage to maintaine. 
 Thy Mufe he gave thee, not to exercife 
 Htr powW in bafe and fruitleff'e vanities, 
 
 Or 
 
Cant. 2,. Remembrancer. ioo 
 
 Or to be filendd: but, to magnifie 
 The wondrous workings of his Majefty. 
 
 And, as the feales of Kings authorize thofe 
 To whom they doe their Offices difpofe. 
 So, thefe are Signes which force enough doe cary 
 Tofeale this calling extraordinary ; 
 And, they wh^ fleight thefavie will in fome meafure 
 Incur the King of heavens high difpleafure. 
 
 More might be f aid {hereof to make a proof e) 
 But, more to fay, were more then is enough. 
 Of this, no further, therefore, jHe diffute; 
 But, bid thee flay, thy Place to execute. 
 
 When FAITH \i2A made this pleading in my brefl. 
 My ££ASOJV-wa.s perfwaded to protefl 
 Her full affent, to what (he firfl, gainfaid, 
 Which, that it might be conflantly obey'd, 
 My Confcietice, in her Court, did foone decree ; 
 And, all my thoughts were then at peace in me. 
 
 From that time forward, neither Friend, nor Foe, 
 Could ftartle me in what I meant to 4oc- 
 No vaine defires within me did controule 
 My purpofe : no diftrulls did fright my foule : 
 Nor feemed it, fo dangerous, to flay. 
 As (knowing what I knew) to flye away. 
 
 For, though thefe Arguments, and fuch as thefe, 
 Can never fit in all mens Confciences, 
 The juft Meridian (feeing, variations 
 In manifold refpedts, make alterations) 
 Yet, mine they futed with ; and may, and (hall 
 Be ibme way ufefuU, to my Readers all. 
 I wifht it fo : For, I was then infpired 
 With love to all ; and all mens weak defired. 
 Me thought, I pitied thofe, who fliould not fee 
 What God within this place did (how to me : 
 
 I 5 And 
 
Brittan's Cant.i. 
 
 And ftiould have grieved to have beene conllrained, 
 
 Within the City, not to have remained. 
 
 For by my felfe, when I to cenfure brought 
 
 My prefent Lott ; it pleas'd me : and, me thought. 
 
 That, God vouchfafed to employ me fo. 
 
 And furnifh me for what I was to doe. 
 
 With fuch a healthfull body, and a minde 
 
 To a£l his will fo readily eiiclin'd ; 
 
 It feem'd more comfort, and more honour far, 
 
 Then if a Monarkes Favorite I were, 
 
 Or might for temporall refpedts become 
 
 The nobleft perfon of all Chrijlendome. 
 
 And, if I fliall not flill this minde embrace, 
 
 A dog halfe hanged is in better cafe. 
 
 For, when that favour I doe value leffe, 
 
 I fhall grow fenfeleffe of all happineffe. 
 
 Oh ! God, how great a bleffing, then, didft thou 
 Confer upon me ? And what Grace allow ! 
 Oh ! what am I, and what my parentage ? 
 That Thou of aU the Children of this Age 
 Didft chufe out me, fo highly to prefer, 
 As of thy Alls, to be a Regijler ? 
 And give me Fortitude and Refolution, 
 To ftay, and view thy Judgements execution ? 
 That, I (hould live to fee thy Angell here, 
 Ev'n in his greateft dreadfulneffe appeare 1 
 That, when a thoufand fell before my face, 
 And at my right hand (in as little fpace) 
 Ten thoufand more, I fhould be ftill protedled 
 From that contagious blaft, which them infedted ! 
 That, when of Arrowes thou didft Ihoot a flight 
 So thick by day, and fuch a ftorme by night 
 Of pois'ned (hafts j I, then, fhould walke among 
 The fharpeft of them ; and yet paffe along 
 
 Vnharm'd ? 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. ioi 
 
 Vnharm'd ? And that I fliould behold the path 
 Which thou doft. pace in thy hot burning wrath, 
 (Yet not confume to Afhes) what a wonder 
 To me it feemes, when thereupon I ponder ! 
 
 How great a grace it was, whofe tongue can fay. 
 That I who am but breathing dull and clay, 
 Should waking (and in all my fenfes, well) 
 Walke downe the Grave almofl as low as hell, 
 Yet come againe unfcarred ? and have leave 
 To live and tell what there I did perceive ! 
 Yea come (as from the dead) againe to fliow 
 The faithleffe world what terrors are below ! 
 (And juftifie, that though a man me fent 
 Ev'n from the Grave to move men to repent, 
 No Faith would in thofe hearers be begot. 
 Who Mofes and the Prophets credit not.) 
 
 How great a Mercy was it, that when I 
 Was thought in dangers, and in griefes to lye. 
 That, for my Shepheard I had thee my God ? 
 And in the path of befl. contentments trod ? 
 That I, on fweetefl. Pleafures banqueted. 
 When other men did eate Affliilions bread 1 
 That, I had perfedl joyes ev'n in my teares ? 
 Affured fafety in my greatefl feares ? 
 A thoufand comforts, whereof, they who lived 
 In better-feeming ftates, were quite deprived ? 
 And much content, which they will never know. 
 Who keep thofe paths in which the Vulgar go. 
 
 What matchleffe benefits were thefe ! & whence 
 Canfl thou, that gav'fl them, have thy recompence, 
 But from thy felfe ? Or who but thou alone 
 Can give me heart enough to thinke upon 
 Thefe Graces as I ought ? Oh ! therefore, daigne 
 To make my breft. fufficient to containe 
 
 That 
 
 203 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 3. 
 
 That meafure of due thankfulneffe, which may 
 Accepted be, for what I cannot pay. 
 And, fuffer not my frailties, or my fm 
 To hide againe, what thou dofl. now begin 
 To make me fee ; but grant to me thy grace. 
 For ever, to behold thy cheerful! face. 
 
 Nor Oile, nor Come, nor Wine can glad me fo ; 
 Nor fhall their brutifh lovers ever know 
 What joyes within my brefl, begotten be, 
 When thy pleas'd countenance doth fliine on me. 
 Let thofe who of great Kings affedlions boaft, 
 (And for their favours are engaged mofl.) 
 Thofe who poffeffe (their flarveling foules to pleafe) 
 Sweet Gardens, Groves, and curious Palaces, 
 Rich Jewels, large Revenues, princely Stiles, 
 The flatteries of Lords, and female fmiles, 
 The pleafures of the Chamber, and the Fields, 
 All thofe which dainty fare, or Mufique yeelds, 
 The City or the Court j and all that ftuife 
 Of which their hearts can never have enough : 
 Let thefe, and thofe who their defires approve, 
 With fuch entifing Obje£ls fall in love .■ 
 Let them purfue their fancies, till they finde 
 What forrowes and difgraces come behinde : 
 And let them furfet on them, till they fee 
 By tride experience, what their fruit will be. 
 I never fhall envy their happinefle ; 
 Nor covet their high fortunes to polTefle, 
 If thou preferve me flill in thy protection. 
 And cheere my fpirit by thine eyes refleftion. 
 For then I fhall not feare the fcornes of fuch : 
 My cares, or wants fhall never grieve me much : 
 I fhall not need to crouch and fue to them, 
 Who thee, and me, and vertue fhall contemne. 
 
 I 
 
 204 
 
Cant. 3. Remembrancer. 102 
 
 I fliall nor fhrinke nor flartle, when I heare 
 
 Thofe evill tidings, which men daily feare. 
 
 Nor leave my Handing, though that in the roome 
 
 Of this great Pejlilence, a Warre fliould come. 
 
 Or (which were woife) another Fiery triall. 
 
 To force us, of thy Truth to make deniall. 
 
 And, in theie feaifull times, no temporall bliffe 
 
 Would feeme a greater priviledge then this, 
 
 To thofe, who now with trembling foules, expedl 
 
 What our proceedings will at lafl effeil. 
 
 Yea, they, perhaps, who now are flupifi'd. 
 
 Will praife my lot, whe they their chance have try'd. 
 
 But {though ev'n all men living fliould defpife 
 The comfort of it) I the fame will prife. 
 I praife thee for it, LORD, and here emplore 
 That I may praife thee for it, evermore : 
 That thefe expreffions of thy love to me. 
 May helpfuU alfo to thy praifes be 
 In other men : And (if it may be fo) 
 In other times, and other places too : 
 And, that the fliewing how I did compofe 
 The warre which twixt my Faith and Reafon rofe. 
 May teach fome others how they (hould debate 
 Such doubts within themfelves ; and arbitrate 
 (Within their Court of Confcience^ what is fit 
 To be concluded, and fo pradtife it. 
 For, why fo largely, I have this exprefl:. 
 That, was not, of my purpofes, the leaft. 
 
 I beg moreover, that I may purfue 
 To utter that which I have yet to fliew. 
 And, that nor Sloth, nor Want, nor any Let, 
 May to thefe Poemes their lafl period fet. 
 Till I have made my Readers to conceive. 
 That this was undertaken by thy leave : 
 
 And 
 
 205 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 And, that my Cenfurers may come to fay, 
 There was an ufefuU purpofe in my flay : 
 Or, fliew me what they did ; or, what I might 
 Have done to better ufes in my flight. 
 
 I laftly, crave (which is, I truil, begun) 
 That, I the way of thy Commands may run, 
 The remnant of my Talent, and my dayes, 
 Employing in good aflions, to thy praife : 
 That, I, for ever, may thofe paths refufe 
 Which may unhallow, or pervert my Mufe: 
 And that, when this is done, I may not fall 
 Through Pride or Sloth ; as if this adl were all ; 
 But, humbly drive fuch other workes to doe, 
 As thou requir'll, and I was borne unto. 
 Yea furnifh me with ev'ry thing by which 
 I befl. may ferve thee, and I fliall be rich. 
 
 This beg I, Lord; and nothing elfe I crave, 
 For, more then that, were leffe then nought to have : 
 I beg of thee, nor Fame, nor mortall praife, 
 Nor carnall pleafures, nor yet length of dayes. 
 Nor honors, nor vaine wealth, but, jufl what may 
 The Charges of my Pilgrimage defray. 
 
 Oh grant me this ; and heare me when I call : 
 For, if thou Hand not by me, I fhall fall. 
 
 The fourth Canto, 
 
 Our Mufe, in this fourth Canto, writes 
 Of melancholy thoughts, and fights : 
 
 What changes were in every place ; 
 
 What Ruines in a little f pace: 
 How Trades, and how provifions faiVd ; 
 How Sorrow thrived; hoiv Death. prevail' d ; 
 And, hotv in trimnph fie did ride. 
 
 With 
 
 206 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. 103 
 
 JVM all his horrors, by his fide. 
 
 To LO ND O N, then,Jhe doth declare 
 How futing her affliilions were 
 To former finnes : what good and bad 
 Effedls, this Plague produced had : 
 What friendly Champions, and what Foes 
 For us did fight, or us oppofe : 
 And, how the greatefi Plague of all 
 On poore Artificers, did fall. 
 
 Then, from the Fields, new grief efhe takes. 
 And, ufefull Meditations makes : 
 Relates, how flowly Vengeance came. 
 How, God forewarn! d us of the fame: 
 - What other Plagues to this were joyned : 
 And, here and there are interlined 
 Vpbraidings, warnings, exhortations, 
 And, pertinent expoflulations. 
 
 WHen Confidence had allowed my Commiffion 
 For flaying, & declar'd on what condition ; 
 I did not onely feele my heart confent 
 To entertaine it, with a full content. 
 But alfo, found my felfe prepared fo 
 To execute the worke I had to do. 
 That without paine (me thought) I was employ'd, 
 And all my Pafifions to good ufe enjoy'd. 
 
 For, though God freed my foule from {[.a.v\{hfieare, 
 Yet, fo much awe he Hill preferved there, 
 As kept within my heart fome naturall fenfe 
 Of his difpleafure, and of penitence. 
 He gave me loyes, yet left fome Griefie withall. 
 Left I into fecurity might fall ; 
 Or, lofe the fellow-feeling of that paine, 
 Whereof, I heard my neighbours to complaine. 
 
 He 
 
 207 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 He lent me health : yet, ev'ry day fome twitches 
 Of pangs unufuall ; many qualmes, and flitches 
 Of fhort continuance, my poore heart affailed. 
 That I might heed the more what others ayled. 
 He kept me hopefull : and yet, now and then, 
 His rods (wherewith, in love, he fcourgeth men) 
 Did make me fmart ; left elfe I might affume 
 The liberty of Wantons, and prefume. 
 My ordinary meanes was made their prey, 
 Who feeke my fpoUe, and lately tooke away. 
 Yet, me with plenties, daily he did feed. 
 And I did nothing want, which I could need. 
 Which God youchfafed to affure to me. 
 That when unufuall workes required be ; 
 He will (e're we fhall want what's neceffary) 
 Supply us by a meanes, not ordinary. 
 
 By many other fignes, unmention'd here, 
 Gods love, and providence, did fo appeare. 
 And fo me thought ingage me, to remove 
 What ever to his work a let might prove ; 
 That (fo farre forth as my fraile nature could 
 Admit, and things convenient fuffer would) 
 My owne Affaires afide, a while I threw, 
 And bent my felfe, with heedfulneffe, to view 
 What, worth my notice, in this Plague I faw. 
 Or, what good ufes I from thence might draw. 
 
 But, farre I needed not to pace about. 
 Nor long enquire to finde fuch ObjeSls out. 
 For, ev'ry place with forrowes then abounded. 
 And ev'ry way the cryes of Mourning founded. 
 Yea, day by day, fucceffively till night, 
 And from the evening till the morning light, 
 Were Scmnes of Griefe, with ftrange variety, 
 Knit up, in one continuing Tragedy. 
 
 No 
 
 208 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. 104 
 
 No fooner wak'd I, but twice twenty knels, 
 And many idLAXy-iorniAmg paffing-bels, 
 Did greet mine eare, and by their heavy towles, 
 To me gave notice that fome early foules 
 Departed whilfl I flept : That other fome 
 Were drawing onward to their longefl home ; 
 And, feemingly, prefag'd, that many a one 
 Should bid the world good-night, e're it were noone. 
 
 One while the mournfull Tenor, in her tones 
 Did yeeld a found as if in deepe fet grones, 
 She did bewaile the forrow which attends 
 The feparation of thofe loving friends, 
 The Soule and Body. Other while, ageii. 
 Me thought, it call'd on me, and other men 
 To pray, that God would view them with compaffio, 
 And give them comfortable feparation. 
 (For, we fhould with a fellow-feeling, share 
 In ev'ry forrow, which our brethren beare) 
 Sometime my Fancy tuned fo the Bell, 
 As if her Tovtilings did the flory tell 
 Of my mortality, and call me from 
 This life, by oft, and. loudly founding, Come. 
 
 So long the folitary nights did laft. 
 That I had leafure my accounts to cafl ; 
 And think upon, and over-think thofe things. 
 Which darkneffe, lonelineffe, and forrow brings 
 To their confideration, who doe know, 
 From whence they came, and whither they mufl go. 
 
 My Chamber entertain'd me all alone. 
 And in the roomes adjoyning lodged none. 
 Yet, through the darkfome filent night did flye 
 Sometime an uncouth noife ; fometime a cry. 
 And fometime mournfull callings pierc'd my roome. 
 Which came, I neither knew from whence, nor whom. 
 
 And 
 
 dd 209 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 And, oft betwixt awaking and afleepe, 
 Their voices who did taike, or pray, or weepe, 
 Vnto my liftning cares a paffage found, 
 And troubled me, by their uncertaine found. 
 For, though the founds themfelves no terror were, 
 Nor came from anything that I could feare ; 
 Yet, they bred Mufings ; and thofe mufmgs bred 
 ConjeSlurings, in my halfe fleeping head / 
 By their Conjedlures into minde were brought 
 Some reall things, before quite out of thought ; 
 They, divers Fancies to my foule did (hew, 
 Which me ftill further, and flill further drew 
 To follow them ; till they did thoughts procure 
 Which humane frailty cannot long endure : 
 Ev'n fuch, as when I fully was awake, 
 Did make my heart to tremble, and to ake. 
 And, when fuch frailties have difheartned men, 
 Oh ! God, how bufie is the Devill then ? 
 
 I know in part his malice, and the wayes 
 And times, and thofe occafions which he layes 
 To worke upon our weakneffe ; and there is 
 Scarce any which doth fliew him like to this. 
 I partly alfo know by what degrees 
 He worketh it ; how he doth gaine or leefe 
 His labours ; and fome fenfe I have procur'd. 
 What pangs are by the foule that while endur'd. 
 
 For, though my God, in mercy, hath indu'd 
 My Soule with Knowledge, and with Fortitude 
 In fuch a meafure, that I doe not feare 
 (Diftra6ledly) thofe tortures which appeare 
 In folitary darkneffe : yet, fome part 
 Of this, and of all frailties in my heart 
 Continues he ; that fo I might confefTe 
 His mercies with continuall thankfulneffe, 
 
 And 
 
 210 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. 105 
 
 And, fomewhat (evermore) about me beare, 
 Which unto me my- frailties may declare. 
 Yea (though without dillemper, now it be) 
 So much of thofe grim feares are fhewed me, 
 Which terrifi'd my childhood, and which make 
 The hearts of aged men, fometimes to quake ; 
 That I am fenfible of their eftate ; 
 And can their cafe the more compaffionate. 
 Who on their beds of death doe pained lye, 
 Exil'd from comfort, and from company. 
 When dreadfull Fancies doe their foules afright. 
 Begotten by the melancholy night. 
 
 Glad was I, when I faw the Sun appeare, 
 (And with his Rayes to bleffe our Hemifphere) 
 That from the tumbled bed I might arife. 
 And with more lightfomneffe refrefti mine eyes : 
 Or with fome good companions, read, or pray, 
 To paffe, the better, my fad thoughts away : 
 For, though fuch thoughts oft ufefull are, and good ; 
 Yet, knowing well, I was but flefli and blood, 
 I alfo knew mans naturall condition 
 Mufl. have in joyes, and griefes, an intermiffion. 
 Left too much joy Ihould fill the heart with folly, 
 Or, too much griefe breed dangerous melancholy. 
 
 But, when the Morning came, it little fhewed, 
 Save light, to fee difcomfortings renewed ; 
 For, if I ftaid within, I heard relations 
 Of nought but dying pangs, and lamentations. 
 If in the Streets I did my footing fet, 
 With many fad difafters there I met 
 And, objedls of mortality and feare, 
 I faw in great abundance ev'ry where. 
 
 Here, one man ftagger'd by, with vifage pale : 
 There, lean'd another, grunting on a ftall. 
 
 A 
 
 2ri 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 4. 
 
 A third, halfe dead, lay gafping for his grave ; 
 A fourth did out at window call, and rave ; 
 Yonn came the Bearers, fweating from the Pit, 
 To fetch more bodies to replenish it. 
 A little further off, one fits, and fhowes 
 1\i&fpots, which he Deaths tokens doth fuppofe, 
 (E're fuch they be) and, makes them fo indeed ; 
 Which had beeny?^« of health, by taking heed. 
 For, thofe round-purple-fpots, which mofl. have thought 
 Deaths fatall tokens (where they forth are brought,) 
 May prove Life tokens, if that ought be done, 
 To helpe the worke, which Nature hath begun. 
 Whereas, that feare, which their opinion brings 
 Who threaten Death ; the want of cordiall things 
 (To helpe remove that poifon from the heart, 
 Which Nature hath expelled thence in part) 
 And then, the Sickmans liberty of having 
 Cold drinks, and what his appetite is craving. 
 Brings backe againe thofe humours peflilent, 
 Which by the vitall pow'rs had forth beene lent. 
 So by recharging him that was before 
 Nigh fpent, the fainting Combatant gives o're : 
 And he that cheerfully did raife his head. 
 Is often, in a moment, llrucken dead. 
 Feare alfo helps it forward. Yea, the terror 
 Occafion'd, by their fond and common error. 
 Who tell the^c^^, that markt for Death they be, 
 (When thofe blew fpots upon their flelh they fee) 
 Ev'n that hath murthred thoufands, who might here 
 Have lived, elfe, among us, many a yeare. 
 
 For, if the Surgeons, or the Searchers, know 
 Thofe markes, which for the markes of death do goe. 
 From common-fpots, or purples, (which we muft 
 Confeffe, or elfe all kinde of fpots diflruft) 
 
 Then 
 
Cant. 4. Remembrancer. 106 
 
 Then, fuch as we Death-tokens call were feene 
 On fome, that have long fince recover'd beene. 
 
 Before I learned this, I fixt mine eyes 
 On many a private mans calamities, 
 And faw the Streets (wherein a while agoe 
 We fcarce could paffe, the people fill'd them fo) 
 Appeare nigh defolate ; yea, quite forlorne 
 And for their wonted viiitants to mourne. 
 
 Much peopled Wejlminjler, where late, I faw. 
 So many rev'rend ludges of the Law, 
 With Clients, and with Suitors hemmed round : 
 Where Courts and Palaces did fo abound 
 With buf'neffes : and, where, together met 
 Our Thrones of lujlice, and our Mercy-feat ; 
 That place, was then frequented, as you fee 
 Some Villages on Holy-dayes will be 
 When halfe the Townefliip, and the hamlets nigh 
 Are met to revell, at fome Parifh, by. 
 Perhaps, the wronging of the Orphans caufe. 
 Denying, or perverting of the Lawes 
 There pradtifed, did fet this Plague abreeding, 
 And fent the Terme from Wejhninjler to Reading. 
 Her goodly Church and Chappell, did appeare 
 Like fome poore Minjler which hath twice a yeare 
 Foure vifitants : And, her great Hall, wherein 
 So great a Randevotv had lately bin. 
 Did look Hke thofe old Structures, where long fmce 
 Men fay. King Arthur kept his refidence. 
 The Parliament had left her, to goe fee 
 If they could learne at Oxford to agree ; 
 Or if that ayre were better for the health 
 And fafety of our Englifli Common-wealth. 
 But there, fome did fo counfell, and fo vrge 
 The Body politike to take a purge. 
 
 To 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 To purifie the parts that feemed foule : 
 Some others did that motion fo controule, 
 And plead fo much for Cordialls, and for that 
 Which flrengthen might the fmnewes of the State, 
 That all the time, the labour, and the coft., 
 Which had beflowed beene, was wholly loft. 
 And, here, the empty Houfe of Parliament 
 Did looke as if it had beene difcontent, 
 Or griev'd (me thought) that Oxford fhould not be 
 More profperous, yet ; nor could I any fee 
 Refort to comfort her : But, there did I 
 Behold two Traytors heads, which perching high, 
 Did fhew their teeth, as if they had been grinning 
 At thofe Afflidtions which are now beginning, 
 Yea, their wide eye-holes, flar'd, me thought, as tho 
 They lookt to fee that Houfe now overthrow 
 Itfelfe, which they with Powder up had blowne. 
 Had God, their fnares, and them, not overthrowne. 
 
 White Hall, where not three months before, I fpi'd 
 Great Britaine in the height of all her pride, 
 And, France with her contending, which could moft 
 Outbrave old Rome and Perfia, in their coft 
 On Robes and Feafls : Ev'n that lay folitary. 
 As doth a quite-forfaken Monaflery 
 In fome lone Forreft ; and we could not paffe 
 To many places, but through weeds and graffe. 
 Perhaps, the finnes, of late, committed there, 
 Occafions of fuch defolation were. 
 Pray God, there be not others, in the State, 
 That will make all, at laft, be defolate. 
 
 The Strand, that goodly thorow-fare betweene 
 The Court and City (and where 1 have feene 
 Well nigh a million paffing in one day) 
 Is now, almoft, an unfrequented way : 
 
 And 
 
 214 
 
Cant. 4^. Remembrancer. 107 
 
 And peradventure, for thofe impudencies, 
 Thofe riots, and thofe other foule offences, 
 Which in that place were frequent, when it had 
 So great refort ; it is now juflly made 
 To fland unvifited. God grant it may- 
 Repent ; left longer, and another way 
 It iland unpeopled, or fome others ufe 
 Thofe bleffings, which the owners now abufe. 
 
 The Ciiy-houfes of our Englifli Peeres, 
 Now fmoakt as feldome, as in other yeares 
 Their Country-palaces : and, they perchance 
 Much better know then doth my ignorance, 
 "Why fo it came to paffe. But, wifh I fhall 
 That they their wayes to minde would better call ; 
 Left both their Country, and their City-piles, 
 Be fmoaking feene, and burning, many miles. 
 
 The Jtmes of Court I entred ; and I faw 
 Each Roome fo defolate, as if the Law 
 Had out-law'd all her Students ; or that there 
 Some fear'd arreftings, where no Sergeants were. 
 Moft dream e that this great fright was thither fent 
 Not purpofely, but came by accident ; 
 And fo, but little ufe is taken from 
 Gods Judgements, to amend the times to come. 
 Yet, I dare fay, it was a warning given 
 Ev'n by appointment : and decreed in heaven ; 
 To fignifie, that if our Lawyers will 
 In their abufive wayes cotitinue ftill, 
 The caufe of their profeffion quite forgetting, 
 And to their pradtices no limits fetting, 
 Till they (as heretofore the Clergy were) 
 Are moe in number then the Laiid can beare. 
 Their goodly Palaces fhall fpew them forth, 
 As excrements that have nor ufe nor worth j 
 
 And 
 
 215 
 
B R I T T A n's Ca7lt. 4. 
 
 And, be difpofed of, as now they fee. 
 The Priories, and Monajleries be. 
 
 It griev'd me to behold this wofull change, 
 And places fo well knowne, appeare fo ftrange. 
 But, oh poore LONDON I when I lookt on thee, 
 Remembring therewithal!, thy jollity 
 Erewhile ; and how foone after I did meet 
 With griefe and fad complaints in ev'ry ftreet. 
 When I did minde how throng'd thy Gates have bin 
 And then perceiv'd fo few paft. out or in. 
 When I confider'd that abundant ftore 
 Of wealth, which thou difcover'dfl. heretofore : 
 And, looking on thy many tm^iy Jialls, 
 Beheld thy Piops fet up their wooden-wals : 
 Me thought, thou fliouldfl. not be that London, which 
 Appear'd of late fo populous, and rich ; 
 But, fome large Burrough ; either falling from 
 Her height ; or, not unto her greatneife come. 
 
 If to thy Fori I walkt ; it mov'd remorfe. 
 To fee how greatly, Trade and Intercourfe 
 Decayed there ; and what depopulations. 
 Were made in thy late peopled habitations. 
 
 Thy Royall Change, which was the Randevow 
 Wherein all Nations met, the whole world through, 
 Within whofe princely walls we heard the found 
 Of ev'ry Language fpoke on Earths vafl. Round; 
 And where we could have known what had bin done 
 In ev'ry forraine CVia/? below the Sun : 
 That Place, the City-Merchant, and the Stranger 
 Avoyded as a place of certaine danger : 
 And feared (as it feemes) they might have had 
 Some bargain ther, that would have fpoild their trade 
 
 Thy large Cathedrall, whofe decaying frame 
 Thou leavefl unrepaired to thy fliame, 
 
 Had 
 
 2 16 
 
Cant. 4. Remembrancer. 108 
 
 Had fcarce a Walker in her middle He; 
 And, ev'ry Marble of that ancient Pile, 
 Did often drop, and feeme to fhed forth teares, 
 For thy late ruine though thou fleightefl. hers. 
 
 The time hath been, that once a day, from thence, 
 We could have had a large intelligence 
 Of mofl occurrences, that publique were. 
 Yea, many times we had relations there. 
 Of things, whofe foolifli adlors never thought 
 Their deeds to open fcanning fhould be brought. 
 There, heard we oft made publique by report. 
 What Secrefies were whifper'd in the Court. 
 The Clofet-Counfels, and the Chamber work, 
 Which many thinke in privacy doth lurke. 
 There heard we what thofe Lords, and Ladies were, 
 Who met difguifed, they know when, and where. 
 There heard we what they did, and what they faid ; 
 And many foolifh plots were there bewraid : 
 There, heard we reafons, why fuch men were made 
 Great Lords and Knights, who no deferving had. 
 In common view : and how great Princes eyes 
 Are dazled and abus'd with fallacies. 
 There heard we for what Gifts, mofl. DoSiors rife. 
 And gaine the Churches highefl dignities. 
 The truefl, caufes alfo there were knowne, 
 Why men advanced are, or pulled downe. 
 Why Officers are changed, or difplaced ; 
 Why fome confined are, and fome difgraced ; 
 And what among the wife, thofe men doe feeme, 
 That are great State/men, in their owne eft.eeme. 
 There we have heard, what Princes have intended, 
 When they to doe fome other thing pretended. 
 What Policies, and ProjeBs, men purfue. 
 With publique aymes, and with a pious fliew. 
 
 K Why 
 
 ii7 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 4. 
 
 Why from the Counfell one is turned out ; 
 What makes another counterfeit the gout, 
 And many other myfteries befide, 
 Which hardly can the mentioning abide. 
 
 But thofe Athenian Merchantmen were gone, 
 Who made exchange of Newes ; and few or none 
 To heare or make reports remained there. 
 Yea they who fcarce a day (as if they were 
 Of Pauls the walking Statues) ftaid from thence 
 Since LONDON felt the lafl, great PeJUlence, 
 Ev'n they were gone ; and thofe void lies did look 
 As if fome properties had them forfooke. 
 
 Our Tfieaters, our Tavernes, Tennis-courts, 
 And Gaming-houfes whither great reforts 
 Were wont to come ; then, feldome were frequented : 
 Not that fuch vanities we much repented ; 
 But, left, thofe places, which had follies taught us. 
 Might fome reward, unlooked for, have brought us. 
 Where we with Peftilences of the foule 
 Each other had polluted and made foule, 
 Our bodies were infedted ; and our breaths. 
 Which had endanger'd our eternall deaths, 
 (In former times) by uttring herefies, 
 By fcandals, and by bafefl flatteries, 
 Or wanton fpeeches ; puriiide the Ayre, 
 The blood ev'n at the fountaine did impaire. 
 To coole our lufl: : And they that were the bliffes 
 Of fome mens lives, did porfon them with kiffes. 
 
 The Markets which a while before did yeeld 
 What ayre, feas, rivers, garden, wood, or field, 
 To fumifti them afforded ; now had nought, 
 But what fome few in fecret thither brought. 
 For (as aforefaid) it was ordred fo. 
 That none fhould with provifions, come or goe. 
 
 So 
 
 !l8 
 
Cant. 4. Remembrancer. 109 
 
 So, like a Towne beleaguer'd thou didfl fare, 
 
 In fome refpedls : And, but that God had care 
 
 By makmg others feele neceffities 
 
 Which forced them to minifler fupplies ; 
 
 Thou hadll beene famiflit, or beene faine to bring 
 
 Provifions in by way of forraging : 
 
 And then their fooliflineffe, had brought upon 
 
 Thofe men, two mifchiefes, who did feare but one. 
 
 Hereafter therefore, pradtife well to ufe 
 Thofe plenties thou didfl heretofore abufe ; 
 Left. God, againe bereave thee of thy flore. 
 And never fo enlarge his bounty more. 
 For, to corredl thy Surfets, and Exceffe, 
 Thy fleighting of the poore, thy thanklefueffe, 
 And fuch like fmnes ; God worthily reftrained 
 Thofe plenties which thy pride and lufl. maintained. 
 
 Thy dwellings, from whole windowes I have feen 
 A thoufand Ladies, that might Queenes have beene 
 For bravery, and beauty: And, fome far 
 More faire then they that fam'd in Legends are. 
 Thofe fl,ood unpeopled, as thofe houfes doe 
 Which Sprights, and Fairies doe refort unto. 
 None to their clofed wickets made repaire ; 
 Their empty gafements gaped wide for ayre ; 
 And where once foot clothes and Caroches were 
 Attending ; now flood Coffins, and a Biere. 
 Yea Coffins oftener pafl. by ev'ry doore. 
 Then Coaches, and Caroches, heretofore. 
 
 To fee a country Lady, or a Knight 
 Among us then, had beene as rare a fight 
 As was that Elephant which came from Spaine, 
 Or fome great Monfler fpewd out of the Maine. 
 If by mifchance the people in the ftreet, 
 A Courtier, or a Gentleman did meet, 
 
 K 2 They 
 
 219 
 
Brit tan's Cant.\. 
 
 They with as much amazement him did view, 
 . As if they had beheld the wandring lew. 
 And, many, feeing me to keepe this place, 
 Did looke as if they much bewaild my cafe. 
 And halfe belee'vd that I was doomed hither. 
 That (fince clofe-prifon, halfe a yeare together. 
 Nor private wrongs, nor publique dif-refpe(3:. 
 Could breake my heart, nor much the fame dejedt) 
 This Plague might kill me, which is come to whip 
 Thofe faults which heretofore my pen did ftrip. 
 
 But here I walkt in fafety to behold 
 What changes, for inflru6tion, fee I could. 
 And, as I wandred on, my eye did meet, 
 Thofe halfe-built Pageants which, athwart the ftreet, 
 Did thofe triumphant Arches counterfeit, 
 Which heretofore in ancient Rome were fet, 
 When their victorious Generalls had thither 
 The fpoile of mighty kingdomes brought together. 
 The loyall Citizens (although they loft 
 The glory of their well-intended coft) 
 Eredted thofe great Strudlures to renowne 
 The new receiving of the Sov'raigne Crowne 
 By hopefuU CHARLES (whofe royall exaltation. 
 Make thou oh ! God, propitious to this Nation.') 
 
 But when thofe works, imperfedl, I beheld. 
 They did new caufes of fad mufings yeeld, 
 Portending ruine. And, did feeme, me thought, 
 In honor of Deaths trophees to be wrought ; 
 Much rather, then from piupofes to fpring 
 Which aymed at the honor of a King. 
 For, their unpolifht forme, did make them fit 
 For direfuU Showes : yea, DEATH on them did fit. 
 His Captives pafled under ev'ry Arch ; 
 Among them, as in Triumph he did march ; 
 
 Through 
 
 220 
 
Cafii.4- Remembrancer. no 
 
 Through ev'ry Street, upon mens backs were borne 
 His Conquefts. His black Liveries were worne, 
 In ev'ry Houfe almofl. His fpoyles were brought 
 To ev'ry Temple. Many Vaults were fraught 
 With his new prizes. And his followers grew 
 To fuch a multitude, that halfe our Eugh, 
 And all our Cypreffe trees, could hardly lend him 
 A branch for ev'ry one who did attend him. 
 
 My fancy did prefent to me that houre 
 A glimpfe of DBA TH ev'n in his greatefl. power. 
 Me thought I faw him, in a Charret ride, 
 With all his grim companions by his fide. 
 Such as Oblivion, and Corruption be. 
 Not halfe a (lep before him, rode thefe three, 
 (On monllers backt) Paine, Horror, and Defpaire : 
 Whofefury, had not Faith, and Hope, and Prafr, 
 Prevented, through Gods mercy none had ever 
 Efcap'd Deftrudlion by their befl. endeavour. 
 For, next to Death, came Judgement : after whom. 
 Hell with devouring lawes, did gaping come, 
 To fwallow all : But, flie at One did fnap, 
 Who now, for many, hath made way to fcape. 
 Death's Cart, with many chaines, & ropes, & firings, 
 And, by a multitude of feverall things, 
 As Pleafures, Pqffions, Cares, and fuch as they, 
 Was drawne along upon a beaten way, 
 New gravell'd with old bones : and Sin did feeme 
 To be the formoll Beajl of all the Teeme .■ 
 And, Sickneffe to be that which haled next 
 The Charret wheele ; for none I faw betwixt, 
 Time led the way ; and, lujlice did appeare, 
 To fit before and play the Charioteer. 
 For fince our Sin to pull on Death begun, 
 The whip of luftice makes the Charret run. 
 
 K 3 There 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 There was of Trumpets, and of Drums the found ; 
 But in loud cries, and roarings it was drown'd. 
 Sad Elegies, and fongs of Lamentation 
 Were howled out ; but, moved no compaflion. 
 Skulls, Coffins, Spades, and Mattocks placed were 
 About the Charret. Crawling Wormes were there 
 And whatfoever elfe might fignifie 
 Deaths nature, and weak mans mortalitie. 
 
 Before the Charret, fuch a multitude 
 Of ev'ry Nation in the world I view'd. 
 That neither could my eye fo farre perceive. 
 As they were thronging ; nor my heart conceive 
 Their countlelTe number. For, all thofe that were 
 Since Abel dy'd, he drove before him there. 
 And, of thofe thoufands, dying long agoe, 
 Some here and there, among them, I did know, 
 Whofe Vertues them in death dillinguifhed 
 (In fpight of Death) from others of the dead. 
 I faw them (land, me thought, as you fliall fee 
 High fpreading Oakes, which in fel'd Copfes be, 
 O're top the fhrubs ; and, where fcarce two are found 
 Of growth, within ten thoufand rod of ground. 
 
 Of thofe who dy'd within the Age before 
 This yeare, I fcarce dillinguifhed a fcore 
 From Beads, and Fowles, & Fifhes. For, Death makes 
 So little difference twixt the flefli he takes, 
 That, into dull alike he tumes it all. 
 And, if no vertue make diflindlion fliall, 
 Thofe men who did of much in lifetime boafl. 
 Shall dying, in the common heap be lofl.. 
 
 But, of thofe Captives which my fantafie 
 Prefented to my apprehenfions eye 
 To grace this Monarkes Triumph ; mofl. I heeded 
 Thofe troups, which next before the Carr proceeded, 
 
 Ev'n 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. hi 
 
 Ev'n thofe which in the circuit of this yeare, 
 The prey of Death within our Hand were : 
 It was an Army-royall, which became 
 A King, and loe, King JAMES did lead the fame. 
 The Duke of Richmond, and his onely brother 
 The Duke of Lenox, feconded each other. 
 Next them in this attendance foUow'd on 
 That noble Scot, the Marquis Hamtnilton, 
 Southampton, Suffolke, Oxford, Nottingham, 
 And Holderneffe, their Earledomes leaving, came 
 To wait upon this Triumph. There I faw 
 Some rev'rend Bijhops, and fome men oi Law, 
 As Winchejler, and Hubbard, and I know not 
 Who elfe ; for to their memories T owe not 
 So much as here to name them : nor doe I 
 Vpon me take to mention pundtually 
 Their order of departing, nor to fweare 
 That all of thefe fell juft within the yeare. 
 For of the time if fomewhat I doe miffe, 
 The matter fuve not much materiall is. 
 
 Some Barons and fome Vifcounts, faw I too, 
 Zouch, Bacon, Chichejhr, and others moe, 
 Whofe Titles I forget. There follow'd then 
 Some Officers of note ; fome Aldermen ; 
 Great flore of Knights, and Burgeffes, with whom 
 A couple marcht, that had the Sheriffedome 
 Of London that fad yeare : the one of which 
 In Piety and Vertue dy'd fo rich, 
 (If his furviving fame may be beleeved) 
 That for his loffe the City much hath grieved. 
 To be an honor to hira, here, therefore 
 I fixe the name of Crifp, which name he bore : 
 And I am hopefull it fliall none offend. 
 The Mufes doe this right unto their friend. 
 
 K 4 Some 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 Some others alfo of great ftate and place, 
 To me nor knowne by office, name, nor face. 
 Made up the concourfe. But, the common Rabble 
 To number or dillinguilh, none was able. 
 For, rich and poore, men, women, old and yong, 
 So faft. and fo confufedly did throng ; 
 By ftrokes of Death, fo markt, fo gaflly wounded, 
 So thruft together, and fo much confounded 
 Among that glut of people, which from hence 
 Were fent among them, by the Pejliknce, 
 That poffible it was not, to defcry 
 Or who or what they were who paffed hy. 
 Yet, now and then, me thought, I had the view 
 Of ibme who much refembled thofe I knew. 
 And, faine I would the favour have procured 
 To keepe their Names from being quite obfcured 
 Among the multitude. But, they were gone 
 Before the meanes could well be thought upon. 
 And paffe they muft. for aye, unknowne of me : 
 For, this was but a waking Dreame, I fee. 
 Thefe Fancies, Melancholy often bred : 
 Yea, many fuch like Pageants in my head 
 My working apprehenfion did beget. 
 According to thofe objedts which I met. 
 Some, full of comfort, able to relieve 
 The heart whom dreadfull thoughts did over-grieve. 
 Some full of horror ; fuch as they have had 
 (If I miflake not) that grow defp'rate mad. 
 Some, like to their illufions, who in Head 
 Of being humbled in this place of dread, 
 Are puffed up by their deliverance : 
 And being full of dangerous arrogance, 
 Abufe their foules, with vaine imaginations, 
 Ill-grounded hopes, fuggefled revelations, 
 
 And 
 
 2 2.\ 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. 112 
 
 And fuch like toyes, which in their hearts arife 
 From their owne Pride, and Sathans fallacies. 
 
 Some, fuch as thofe I had ; and other fome, 
 Which cannot be by words expreffed from 
 My troubled heart. And, if I had not got 
 Gods hand, to help untie their Gordian-knot ; 
 His prefence, my bold reas'nings to controule ; 
 To curb my paffion ; to informe my foule ; 
 My faith to llrengthen ; doubtings to abate ; 
 And fo to comfort, and to arbitrate, 
 That I might fee I was of him beloved, 
 (Though me with many fecret feares he proved) 
 Sure, in my felfe fome Hell I had invented, 
 Wher endlefs thoughts, & doubts, had me tormented. 
 
 But, God thofe depths hath (how'd me, that I might 
 See what we cary in ourfelves to fright 
 Our felves withall. And what a hell of feare 
 Is in our very foules, till he be there. 
 Ev'n when I had the brightneffe of the day, 
 To chafe my meloncholy thoughts away, 
 I was to mufings troublefome difpofed, 
 As well as v/hen the darkneffe me enclofed ; 
 That, by experiments, which reall are, 
 Thofe horrors which to others oft appeare 
 (And are not demonflrable) might in part 
 Be felt in me, to moUifie my heart ; 
 To. flir up hearty thankfulneffe j and make 
 My foule, in him the greater pleafure take. (me, 
 
 For fro thofe profpedts, & thofe thoughts that grieve 
 I, thofe extradlions make that much releeve me. 
 And when my inward combatings are pall, 
 It giveth to my joyes the fweeter tail. 
 
 But leaving this, I will againe returne 
 To that for which the people fooneft mourne. 
 
 KS I 
 
 // 225 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 I lookt along the Streets of chiefefl. trade ; 
 And, there, perpetuall Holiday they made. 
 They that one day in fev'n could not forbeare 
 From trading ; had not one in halfe a yeare. 
 And, all which fome had from their childhood got, 
 The charges of their flight defrayed not. 
 To make the greedy Cormorant regard 
 The Sabbath more, and of ill gaines affear'd. 
 
 Falfe wares, falfe oathes, falfe meafures, and falfe 
 Falfe promifes, and falfified lights, (weights. 
 
 Were punilht with falfe hopes, falfe joyes, falfe fears, 
 Falfe fervants, and falfe friends, to them and theirs. 
 They who of late their neighbours did contemne. 
 Had not a neighbour left to comfort them, 
 When neighbourhood was needfuU. - Such as were 
 Selfe-lovers, by themfelves remained here ; 
 And wanted thofe contentments, which arife, 
 From Chriftian Love, and mutuall Amities. 
 Moft Trades were tradefaln, & few Merchats thriv'd, 
 Save thofe men, who by Death and Sickneffe, liv'd. 
 The Sextons, Searchers, they that Corpfes carie, 
 The Herb-wife, Druggijl, and Apothecarie, 
 Phyfitians, Surgeons, Nurfes, Coffin-makers, 
 Bold Mountebanckes, and ihameleffe undertakers. 
 To cure the Pejl in all ; thefe, rich become : 
 And what we pray to be delivered from 
 Was their advantage. Yea, the worfl of thefe 
 Grew fl.out, and fat, and proud by this difeafe. 
 
 Some, vented refufe wares, at three times more. 
 Than what is beft, was prized at before. 
 Some fet upon their labours fuch high rates, 
 As paffed Reafon : fo, they whofe eflates 
 Did faile of reaching to a price fo high, 
 Were faine to perifli without remedy. 
 
 Some 
 
 226 
 
Can(.4- Remembrancer. 113 
 
 Some, wolviftily, did prey upon the quick, 
 Some, theevifhly, purloyned from the fick. 
 Some robb'd the dead of Iheets, fome, of a grave, 
 That there another gueft may lodging have : 
 Yea, Cuftome had fo hardned moft. of them, 
 That they Gods Judgements wholly did contemne. 
 They, fo hard-hearted, and fo (lupid grew, 
 So dreadlefly their courfe they did purfue. 
 Yea fo they flouted, and fuch jefls did make 
 At that, for which each Chriftian heart did ake. 
 That greater were the Plague their mind to have. 
 Then of the PeJUknce to lye and rave. 
 Now mufe I not at what Thucidides 
 Reporteth of fuch wicked men as thefe, 
 When Athens was depopulated nigh 
 By fuch a Peftilence. Nor wonder I, 
 That when the Plague did this time sixty yeare 
 Opprefle the Towne of Lyons, that fome there 
 Were faid to ravifli women, ev'n when death 
 Was drawing from them their laft gafpe of breath. 
 And when infedlious Blaines on them they faw. 
 Which might have kept their lullfull flefli in awe. 
 For man once hardned in impenitence, 
 Is left unto a reprobated fenfe. 
 
 Till God fliall fandtifie it, weale, nor woe, 
 Can make us feare him as we ought to doe. 
 His love made wanton Ifr'el fpurne at him ; 
 His plagues made Fhar'oh, his Iharpfl. rod contemn : 
 And as the Sun from dunghils, and from finks, 
 Produceth nothing but ranck weeds, and flinks ; 
 Yet makes a Garden of well-tilled ground, 
 With wholefome fruits, and fragrant flowres abound : 
 Or, as in bruifmg, one thing fenteth well. 
 Another yeelds a loathforae, llifling fmell ; 
 
 So 
 
 227 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 So, Plagues and Blefflngs, their effedts declare, 
 According as their fev'rall objefls are. 
 
 Indeed, my young experience never faw, 
 So much fecurity, and fo much awe 
 Dwell both together in one place, as here 
 In this mortality, there did appeare. 
 I am perfwaded, time and place was never 
 In which afflicted men did more endevor 
 By teares, vowes, prayers and true penitence, 
 To pacific Gods wrath for their offence. 
 Nor ever was it feene, I think, before, 
 That men in wickedneffe prefumed more. 
 
 Here you fliould meet a man v/ith bleared eyes. 
 Bewailing our encreafing miferies ; 
 Another there, quite reeling drunk, or fpewing, 
 And by renewed fins, our woes renewing. 
 There fate z.peece of fhamelefnej)e, whofe flaring 
 Attires and looks, did fliow a monllrous daring : 
 For, in the poilures of true impudence. 
 She feem'd as if flie woo'd the PeJHknce. 
 Yonn talkt a couple, matter worth your hearing : 
 Hard by, were others, telling lyes, or fwearing. 
 Some llreets had Churches full of people, weeping : 
 Some others, Tavernes had, rude-revel keeping : 
 Within fome houfes Pfalmes and Hymnes wer fung : 
 With raylings, and loud fcouldings, others rung. 
 More Charity, did never, yet, appeare : 
 Nor more mahcioufneffe, then we had here. 
 True piety was eminently knowne ; 
 Hypocrifie as evidently ihowne. 
 More avarice, more gapers for the wealth 
 Of fuch as dy'd ; no former times of health 
 Aflforded us ; nor men of larger heart, 
 Things needful! for their brethren, to impart. 
 
 Their 
 
 228 
 
Can(.4- Remembrancer. 114 
 
 Their maflers goods, fome fervants lewdly fpent, 
 In nightly feaftings, foolifh merriment, 
 And lewd uncleanneffe. Other fome againe, 
 Did fuch an honefl carefulneffe retaine. 
 That their endeavors had a good fucceffe. 
 And, Man and Majkr met with joyfulneffe. 
 
 Yea, Good and Evilly penitence and fin 
 Did here fo drive each other out and in ; 
 That in obferving it, I faw, me thought. 
 In fight of Heav'n, a dreadfuU Combat fought, 
 Concerning this whole Hand, which yet lyes. 
 To be Gods purchafe, or the Devils prife. 
 
 Vice wounded Vertue ; Vertue oft compeld 
 The flrongeft Vices to forfake the field. 
 Dijlruft rais'd up a florme, to drive away 
 Sure-helpe, our ihip, which at Hopes anchor lay ; 
 And brought fupplies with ev'ry winde and tyde. 
 Whereby this Land was fed and fortifi'd. 
 The Fort of Faith, was plaid on by Defpaire : 
 But then the gun-ihot of Continuall-Pray'r 
 (Well aym'd at Heatfn) Devotion fo did ply, 
 That, he difmounts the Foes Artillery. 
 The Spirit and the Flejh together flrive. 
 And, oft each other into perill drive. 
 Prefumption, huge high Scaling ladders, reared, 
 And then the taking of our Fort was feared. 
 But awfull Reveretice did him oppofe. 
 And with Humilities deepe Trench enclofe 
 The Flatforme of that Fortrelfe, from whofe Towres 
 We fight with Principalities, and Powers. 
 
 Suggejlion \3.y pur due by Contemplation, 
 And fought to difad vantage Meditation. 
 The Regiment of Prudence was aCfailed, 
 By head-ftrong Ignorance, who much prevailed. 
 
 Where 
 
 21<) 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 Where Temperance was quarter'd, there I faw 
 Exceffe and Riot, both together draw 
 Their troups againfl, her : and, I fome efpy'd 
 To yeeld, and overcome on either fide. 
 
 The place that valiant Fortitude made good, 
 Faint-heartedneffe (though out of fight he Hood) 
 Did cowardly oppofe, and courfes take, 
 Which otherwhile his Confl.ancy did fliake. 
 For Camall-policy her Engineer, 
 Had clofely fiincke a Mine, which had gone neere 
 To blow all up. But Providence divine 
 Did foone prevent it by a Counter-mine. 
 Yet Morall-Iujlice (though a Court of Guard 
 Was plac'd, and oft releeved in her Ward) 
 Had much adoe to make a ftrong defence 
 Againfl. her Foes. For, Fraud, and Violence, 
 RefpeSl ofperfons, Feare, Hate, Perjury, 
 Faire-fpeaking, and corrupting Bribery, 
 Did wound her much ; though flie did often take 
 Avengement; and of fome, examples make. 
 
 Some Vices, there, I faw themfelves difguife 
 Like Vertues, that their Foes they might furprife ; 
 As doe the Dunkirks, when aboord to lay 
 Our fliips, an Englijh flag they do difplay. 
 Pride went for Comelineffe : profufe Exceffe, 
 For Hofpitality : bafe Drunkenneffe 
 Was call'd Good fellowjhip : blunt Rajhneffe came 
 Attyr'd like Valour : Sloth had got the name 
 Of Quietneffe : accurfed Avarice, 
 Was term'd Good husbandry. Meere Cowardice 
 Appear'd hke prudent Warineffe, and might 
 Have paffed for a very valiant wight. 
 Yea, ev'ry Vice, to gaine his purpofe, had 
 Some maskes or vertue-like difguifes made, 
 
 And 
 
Cant. 4. Remembrancer. 115 
 
 And, many times, fuch hellifli plots were laid, 
 That divers morall Vertues were gainfaid, 
 Defam'd, purfu'd, and wounded by their owne ; 
 Whofe glory had not elfe beene overthrowne. 
 
 lujl-dealing had beene tooke for Cruelty : 
 Pure-love for Lujl : upright Integrity 
 For cunning Faljhood : yea, divineft Graces 
 Have beene at variance brought in divers Cafes, 
 (By wicked Stratagems) that vaine Inventions, 
 Might fruflrate pious workes, and good intentions. 
 
 To further flrife, great Quarrels broached are, 
 Twixt Faith and Workes. There is another jar 
 Begun erewhile, betwixt no worfe a paire, 
 Then Preaching, and her bleflfed Sifter Prafr. 
 God grant they may agree ; for, I nire knew 
 A quiet Church but where they kept one Pew. 
 
 Faith and Repentance alfo are, of late. 
 About their Birth-right fallen at debate. 
 But by the Church-bookes it appeares to me 
 Their Births and their Conceptions mention'd be 
 Without fuch nice regard to their precedings, 
 As fome have urged in their needleffe pleadings, 
 And, fo it pleas'd the Fatfier, Sonne and Spirit : 
 Becaufe that Law by which they ftiall inherit 
 The promift meed ; doth never queftion move, 
 How foone or late, but how fmcere they prove. 
 
 Moreover, in this Battell I efpy'd 
 Some Ambodexters, fight on either fide. 
 The Moralijl, who all Religion wants \ 
 Church-Papifts ; Time-obferving Protejlants. 
 All Double-dealers ; Hypocrites, and fuch 
 Bafe Neutrals, who have fcandalized much, 
 And much endanger'd thofe who doe contend 
 This Jle, from Defolation, to defend. 
 
 Befide 
 
 231 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 Befide thefe former Combatants, which fought 
 
 Againft. or for us ; I perceiy'd, me thovght, 
 
 Both good and evill Angels fighting too, 
 
 The one, to help ; the other, harme to doe. 
 
 And though this battell yet appeareth not 
 
 To common view, fo cruell nor fo hot 
 
 As I conceive it : yet it will appeare 
 
 To all in time, with comfort, or with feare. 
 
 For, Hill, and ev'ry day, thofe enemies 
 
 Stand arm'd and watching opportunities 
 
 To feize us ; and will feize us if thefe times 
 
 Shall make complete the meafure of our Crimes ; 
 
 Or our continuing Follies drive away 
 
 Our Angell Guard, which doth our fall delay. 
 
 Ohjlay them Lord I and make that fide thejlronger, 
 
 For whom this Land Jhall yet be /pared longer. 
 
 And let us, my deare Countrimen, with fpeed. 
 Of that which fo concerneth us, take heed. 
 Obferve, thou famoufl. City of this Land, 
 How heavily on thee God layes his hand. 
 The very rumour of this Plague did make 
 The fartheft dwellers of this Jle to (hake : 
 And fuch a fent of Death they feem'd to cary, 
 Who in or neare about thy Climate tary, 
 That, from the Mount to Barwick they were hated, 
 Or Ihunn'd, as perfons excommunicated. 
 And three weekes ayring on old Sarum- plaine, 
 Would fcarce a lodging for a brother gaine. 
 Yea, mark, mark London, and confeffe with me. 
 That God hath juflly, thus afflidied thee. 
 And that in ev'ry point this Plague hath bin 
 According to the nature of thy fin. 
 In thy profperity, fuch was thy pride, 
 That thou the Countries plaiuneffe didfl deride. 
 
 Thy 
 
 232 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. ii6 
 
 Thy wanton Children would oft flraggle out, 
 
 At honeft husbandmen to jeere and flout. 
 
 Their homely garments, did offend thine eyes : 
 
 They did their rurall Dialedls defpife : 
 
 Their games and merriments (which for them, be 
 
 As commendable, as are thine for thee) 
 
 Thou laughedfl at ; their geflures, and their faftiions. 
 
 Their very diet, and their habitations 
 
 Were fported at : yea, thofe ingratefuU Things, 
 
 Did fcoffe them for their hearty Welcomings ; 
 
 And taught ev'n thofe that had been country bom 
 
 The wholefome places of their birth to fcorne. 
 
 Andyi«, nowj^if, thofe thankleffe ones are faine 
 To feeke their fathers thatched Roofes againe ; 
 And, aske thofe good old women bleffmg, whom 
 They did not fee, fmce they did rich become ; 
 And never would have feene, perhaps, unleffe 
 This Plague had whipped their ingratefulneffe. 
 Yea, thine owne Naturall Children have beene glad, 
 To fcrape acquaintance where no friends they had, 
 To praife a homely, and a fmoky Shed; 
 A darke low Parlour, an uneafie Bed; 
 An ill drefl. diet ; yea, perchance, commend 
 A churlifli I.,andlord, for an honeft. Friend ; 
 Yet be contented both to pray and pay, 
 That they may leave obtaine with him to ftay. 
 
 And peradventure, fome of thofe who plaid 
 The fcoffers heretofore, were fully paid. 
 Then, Citizens, were fliarkt, and prey'd upon, 
 In recompence of wrongs before time done 
 To filly Countrimen ; and were defeated 
 Of that, whereof, fome Rufl,icks, they had cheated. 
 
 Moreover, for the Countries imitations 
 Of thy fantaflick, vaine, and fruitleffe fafliions, 
 
 (Of 
 
 m 
 
B R I T T A n'S Cant. 4. 
 
 (Of thy apparell, and of thy exceffe 
 
 In Feafts, in Games, in Lufl, in idleneffe ; 
 
 With fuch abominations) fome of thofe 
 
 Who came from thee, fliall doubtlefly difpofe 
 
 To ev'ry Shire a Viall of that wrath, 
 
 Which thy tranfgreflion long deferved hath : 
 
 That, thou and they, who fmners were together, 
 
 May Rods be made to punifli one another ; 
 
 And give each other bitterneife to fup. 
 
 As you have joyntly quaft oi Pleafures Cup. 
 
 As to and fro I walked, that I might 
 On ev'ry ruthfuU Objell fix my fight, 
 Vpon thofe Golgathd's I cafl mine eye. 
 Where all the common people buried lye. 
 Lie buried did I fay? I fliould have faid. 
 Where Carkaffes to bury Graves were laid. 
 
 Lord ! what a fight was there ? & what flrong fmells 
 Afcended from among DeatKs loathfome Cells ? 
 You fcarce could make a little Infants bed 
 In all thofe Plots, but you Ihould pare a head, 
 An arme, a flioulder, or a leg away, 
 Of one or other who there buried lay. 
 One grave did often many fcores enclofe 
 Of men and women : and, it may be thofe 
 That could not in two Pariflies agree, 
 Now in one little roome at quiet be. 
 
 Yonn lay a heape of skulls ; another there ; 
 Here, halfe unburied did a Corpfe appeare. 
 Clofe by, you might have feene a brace of feet 
 That had kickt off the rotten winding-flieet. 
 A little further faw we other fome, 
 Thrufl out their armes for want of elbow-roome. 
 A locke of womans hayre ; a dead mans face 
 Vncover'd ; and a gaftly fight it was. 
 
 Oh! 
 
 234 
 
Cant. ^ Remembrancer. 117 
 
 Oh ! here, here view'd I what the glories be 
 Of pamper'd flefli : here plainly did I fee 
 How grim thofe Beauties will e're long appeare, 
 Which we fo dote on, and fo covet, here. 
 Here wais enough to coole the hottefl flame 
 Of lawleffe lull. Here, was enough to tame 
 The madll ambition. And, all they that goe 
 Vnbetter'd from fuch objedts ; worfe doe grow. 
 
 From hence (for here was no abiding long) 
 Our Allies and our Lanes, I walkt among. 
 Where thofe Artificers their dwellings had. 
 By whom our idle Traders rich are made. 
 The Plague rav'd there indeed. For, who were they 
 Whom that Contagion fallefl fwept away 
 But thofe whofe daily lab'ring hands did feed 
 Their honefL Families ? and greatly fleed 
 This place by their mechanick induftries ? 
 Thefe are the fwarmes of Bees, whofe painfull thighes 
 Bring Wax unto this Hive ; and from whofe bones 
 The Honey drops, that feedeth many Drones. 
 Thefe are the Bulwarks of this fenfeleffe Towne, 
 And when this Wall of Bones is overthrowne. 
 Our (lately Dwellings, now both faire and tall. 
 Will quickly, of themfelves, to ruine fall. 
 
 Of thefe, and of their houfliolds, daily dy'd 
 Twice more then did of all forts elfe befide ; 
 And hungry Poverty (without reUefes) 
 Did much inrage and multipliply their griefes. 
 The Rich could flye ; or, if they llaid, they had 
 Such meanes that their difeafe the leffe was made. 
 Yea, thofe poor aged folkes that make a fhow 
 Of greatefl. need, did boldly come and goe. 
 To aske mens Almes ; or what their Parifli granted : 
 And nothing at this time thofe people wanted. 
 
 But 
 
 235 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 4. 
 
 But thankfulneffe ; leffe malice to each other ; 
 And grace to live more quietly together. 
 Their bodies, dry'd with age, were feldome llruck 
 By this Difeafe. Their neighbours notice took 
 Of all their wants. Among them, were not many 
 That had full famiUes. Or if that any 
 Of thefe had children fick ; fome good fupplies 
 Were fent them from the generall Charities. 
 
 Moreover, common Beggers are a nation 
 Not alwayes keeping in one habitation. 
 They can remove as time occafion brings : 
 They have their progreffes as well as King ; 
 And mofl. of thefe, when hence the rich did goe, 
 Remov'd themfelves into the Country too. 
 The reft about our ftreets did ask their bread, 
 And never in their lives, were fuller fed. 
 
 But, thofe good people mentioned before, 
 Who, till their worke did faile them, fed the poore 
 As well as others ; and maintained had 
 Great families, by fome laborious trade : 
 Ev'n thofe did fufifer moft. For, neither having 
 Provifion left them, nor the face of craving ; 
 Nor meanes of labour : Firft, to pawne they fent 
 Their braffe and pewter : then, their bedding went. 
 Their garments next, or ftuffe of beft efteeme .• 
 At length, ev'n that which (hould the reft redeeme, 
 Their working Inftruments. When that was gone. 
 Their Leafe was pawned, if it might be done. 
 And peradventure, at the laft of all, 
 Thefe things were fold outright for fums but fmall ; 
 Or elfe quite forfeited. For, here were they 
 Who made of thefe poore foules, a gainfull prey. 
 And as one Plague had on the life a pow'r, 
 So did thefe other Plagues, their goods devoure. 
 
 When 
 
 236 
 
Cant. /^. Remembrancer. ii8 
 
 When all was gone, afflidled they became 
 
 With fecret griefes, with poverty and ftiame. 
 
 And, wanting cheerful! minds, and due refedlion. 
 
 Were seized on, the fooner by InfeHion : 
 
 For, hearts halfe broke, and houftiolds famiflit neare, 
 
 Are quickly fpent, when vifited they are. 
 
 The carefuU Majier, though it would have faved 
 A fervants life, to get him what he craved. 
 No kinde of Med'cine able was to give him ; 
 Nay fcarce with bread and water to relieve him : 
 The tender-hearted Mother, hath for meat 
 Oft heard her dearefl child, in vaine, intreat ; 
 And had or foure or five on point of dying 
 At once, for drink to eafe their torment, crying. 
 
 The loving husband fitting by her fide. 
 To fave whofe life he gladly would have dy'd, 
 Vnable was out of his whole eflate. 
 To purchafe her a dram of Mithridate ; 
 
 One meffe of Cordiall broth, or fuch like thing. 
 Although it might prevent her perifhing. 
 
 Sometime, at fuch a need, abroad they came. 
 
 To aske for helpe ; but, then, the feare of Ihame, 
 
 Of fcorne, or of deniall, them with-held 
 
 To put in pradlice, what their want compell'd. 
 Vpon an Evening (when the waining light 
 
 Was that which could be call'd nor day nor night) 
 
 I met with one of thefe, who on me cafl, 
 
 A ruthfuU eye : and as he by me paft., 
 
 Me thought, I heard him, foftly, fomewhat fay. 
 
 As if that he for fome reliefe did pray : 
 
 Whereat (he feeming in good clothes to be) 
 
 I flaid, and askt him, if he fpake to me. 
 
 He bafhfully replyed ; that, indeed 
 
 He was afliam'd to fpeake aloud, what JVeed 
 
 Did 
 
 ^37 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 4. 
 
 Did make him foftly mutter. Somewhat more 
 
 He would have fpoken, but his tongue forbore 
 
 To tell the reft ; becaufe his eyes did fee 
 
 Their teares had (almoft.) drawne forth tears fro me, 
 
 And that my hand was ready to beftow 
 
 That helpe which my poore fortunes could allow .■ 
 
 Nor his, nor all mens tongues, could more relate, 
 Then I my felfe conceiv'd of his eftate. 
 Me thought, I faw, as if I had beene there, 
 What wants in his, and fuch mens houfes were ; 
 How empty, and how naked it became ; 
 How nafly. Poverty had made the fame .• 
 Me thought, I faw, how ficke his wife might lye .; 
 Me thought I heard his halfe ilarv'd children cry ; 
 Me thought I felt, with what a broken heart 
 He lookt upon them, e're he could depart 
 To try, if (by Gods favour) he could meet 
 With any meanes of comfort in the ftreet. 
 And, Lord my God, thou know'ft, that, when alone 
 The griefes of fuch as thefe, I mufed on ; 
 My pitie I with watry eyes have fhowne. 
 And more bewail'd their forrowes, then my owne. 
 
 But, fmce thofe Dewes are vaine that fruitleffe be ; 
 And fmce the fliare that is allotted me, 
 Of this worlds heritage, will not fuffice 
 To bring rehefe to thefe mens miferies ; 
 Oh ! let my teares (ye rich men) make your ground 
 With fruits of Charity the more abound. 
 Let me intreat you, that, when God Ihall bring 
 Vpon this place, another Vifiting, 
 You would remember, fome reliefe to fend 
 To thofe, who on their labours doe depend. 
 And have not got their impudence of face. 
 Who idlely beg their bread from place to place. 
 
 God, 
 
 233 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. 119 
 
 God, you the Stewards of his goods doth make, 
 
 And how you ufe them, he account will take. 
 
 It will not be enough, that you have paid 
 
 The publique taxes on your houfes laid ; 
 
 Or that, you, now and then, doe fend a fumme 
 
 To be difpofed, to you know not whom : 
 
 But, you your felves, raufl, by your felves alone, 
 
 Thofe neighbours, or acquaintance think upon, 
 
 Who likeliefl. are in fuch a time of need, 
 
 To want of that, wherein you doe exceed : 
 
 And, if you know of none, enquire them out ; 
 
 Or leave fome honefl. neighbour thereabout. 
 
 To be your Alm'ner (when the Towne you leave) 
 
 That, you, and they, a Bleffing may receive. 
 
 For, if that ev'ry wealthy man would find 
 
 But one, or two, to cherifh in this kind : 
 
 Gods wrath would much the better be appeafed. 
 
 And we fhould of our plagues be fooner eafed. 
 
 As I requefl the Richer men to take 
 This pious courfe : A fuit, I likewife take 
 That our inferiour Trade/men, would not fo 
 Abufe their times of profit, as they doe. 
 For, mofl. of thofe doe live at rates as high. 
 As all their gaines (at utmofl) will fupply. 
 Yea, many times they mount above the tops 
 Of prefent fortunes, and enfuing hopes : 
 That, if a fickneffe, or unlook'd-for Croffe, 
 Or want of trade, or any flender loffe. 
 But for a Yeare, a Quarter, or a Terme, 
 Befalls them : it foone maketh fo infirme 
 Their over-flrain'd Eflates ; that Almes are needed, 
 Ere any failings are by others heeded. 
 
 Of thefe, and other things I notions gained, 
 Whilft in our fickly Citie I remained ; 
 
 And 
 
 239 
 
Brittan's Cant. 4. 
 
 And much I contemplated what I faw, 
 
 Some profitable ufes thence to draw. 
 
 But, feeling that my thoughts nigh tyred were, 
 
 With over-mufing on thofe objedts there : 
 
 I thought to walke abroad into the field. 
 
 To take thofe comforts, which frefli ayre doth yeeld ; 
 
 And, to revive my heart, which heavy grew, 
 
 With what the ftreets did offer to my view ; 
 
 But little eafe I found ; for, there mine eyes 
 
 Difcover'd Sorrow in a new difguife : 
 
 And in fo many (hapes himfelfe he fhewed. 
 
 That, ftill my paffion was afrefh renewed. 
 
 Here, dead upon the Roade, a man did lye. 
 
 That was (an houre before) as well, as I ; 
 
 There, fate another, who did thither come 
 
 In health, but had not ftrength to beare him home. 
 
 Yonn, fpraul'd a third, fo ficke, he did not know 
 
 From whence he came, nor whither he (hould goe. 
 
 A little further off, a fourth did creepe 
 
 Into a ditch, and there his Obit keepe. 
 
 About the Fields ran one, who being fled 
 
 {In fpite of his attendance) from his bed, 
 
 Lookt like a Lunatique from Bedlem broken ; 
 
 And, though of health he had no hopefuU token ; 
 
 Yet, that he ailed ought, he would not yeeld. 
 
 Till Death had ftruck him dead upon the field. 
 
 This way, a Stranger by his Hofl expelled, 
 
 That way, a Servant (fhut from where he dwelled) 
 
 Came weakly ftaggring forth, and (crufli'd beneath 
 
 Difeafes, and unkindneffe) fought for Death ; 
 
 Which foone was found ; and glad was he, they fay. 
 
 Who for his Death-bed, gain'd a Cock of Hay. 
 
 At this croffe path, were Bearers fetching home 
 
 A Neighbour, who in health did thither come : 
 
 Clofe 
 
 240 
 
Cant. A,. Remembrancer. 120 
 
 Clofe by, were others digging up the ground, 
 
 To hide a ftranger whom they dead had found. 
 
 Before me, went with Corpfes, many a one ; 
 
 Behinde, as many mo did follow on. 
 
 With running-fores, one begg'd at yonder gate : 
 
 At next Lanes end, another Lazar fate. 
 
 Some halted, as if wounded in the wars ; 
 
 Some held their necks awry ; fome fliew'd their fears ; 
 
 Some, met I weeping, for the loffe of friends ; 
 
 Some others, for their fwift approching ends ; 
 
 And ev'ry thing with forrow was affedted, 
 
 On whatfoe're it was mine eye refle<5ted. 
 
 The Profpe^, which was wont to greet mine eye 
 With fliowes of pleafure in variety, 
 (And lookt, as if it cheerfully did fmile, 
 Vpon the bordring Villages, erewhile.) 
 Had no fuch pleafmgneffe as heretofore. 
 For ev'ry place, a mask of forrow wore. 
 The walks are unfrequented, and the path 
 Late trodden bare, a graffie Carpet hath. 
 I could not fee (of all thofe Gallants) one 
 That vifited Hide-parke, and Mary-borne. 
 None wandred through the paftures, up and downe, 
 But, as about fome petty Country towne : 
 Nor could I view in many Summers dayes, 
 One man of note to ride upon our wayes. 
 
 Lord, what a diff'rence didjl thou put betweene 
 That Summer, and the reft that I have feene I 
 How didft thou change our Fields 1 and what a face 
 Of Sadneffe, didft thou fet upon each place ! 
 Yet oh 1 how few remember it, orfeele 
 The touches of it, on their hearts offteele ! 
 And when our banifht tmirh thou didft renew. 
 Who did reiume to thee the praifes due ? 
 
 L What 
 
 hh 241 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 What others apprehended, they know beft ; 
 But if it could be fully here expreft. 
 What of that alteration I conceiv'd, 
 When of their pleafures, God our fields bereav'd ; 
 It would much more be minded .• For they had 
 Nought in them, but what moved to be fad. 
 Not many weekes, before, it was not fo. 
 But, pleafures, had their paffage to and fro. 
 Which way foever from our Gates I went, 
 I lately did behold with much content. 
 The fields beftrow'd with people all about : 
 Some paceing homeward, and fome paffing out. 
 Some, by the bancks of Thame their pleafure taking ; 
 Some, SuUi-bibs among the Milk-maids, making ; 
 With mufique, fome upon the waters, rowing ; 
 Some, to the next adjoyning Hamlets going; 
 And Hog f done, Ijlington, and Tothnam-Court, 
 For Cakes and Creame, had then no fmall refort 
 Some, fate and woo'd their Lovers in the fhadowes ; 
 Some, ftraggled to and fro athwart the meadowes ; 
 Some, in difcourfe, their houres, away did paffe ; 
 Some, playd the toyifli wantons on the graffe ; 
 Some, of Religion ; fome of bus'neffe talked ; 
 Some coached were, fome horfed ; and fome walked. 
 Here Citizens ; there Students, many a one ; 
 Here two together ; and, yonn one alone. 
 Of Nymphs and Ladies, I have often ey'd 
 A thoufand walking at one Evening tide ; 
 As many Gentlemen : and yong and old 
 Of meaner fort, as many, ten times told. 
 
 And, when I did from fome high Towre furvey 
 The Rodes, and Paths, which round below me lay, 
 Obferving how each paffage thronged was 
 With men and Cattell, which both wayes did paffe ; 
 
 How 
 
 242 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. 121 
 
 How many petty paths, both far and neare, 
 With rowes of people Hill fupplied were ; 
 What infinite provifion flill came in, 
 And what abundance hath exported bin ; 
 Me thought this populous City and the trade 
 Which we from ev'ry Coall about her had, 
 Was well refembled by an Ant-hill, which 
 (In fome old Forrefl) is made large, and rich 
 By thofe laborious creatures, who have thither 
 Brought all their wealth, and Colonies together. 
 For, as their peopled Borrough hath refort 
 From ev'ry quarter, by a feverall Port, 
 And from each Gate thereof a great Rode hath 
 That branches into many a little Path ; 
 And, as thofe Negroes doe not onely fill 
 Each great and leffer tra6t unto their hill, 
 But, alfo, fpread themfelves out of thofe wayes, 
 Among the graffe, the leaves, and bufliy fprayes : 
 Ev'n fo, the people here, did come and goe 
 Through our large Rodes ; difperfe themfelves into 
 A thoufand paflages ; and, often flray 
 O're neighbouring Paflures, in a pathleife way, 
 This, formerly I faw ; and, on that Station, 
 Where this I markt ; I had this Contemplation. 
 How happy were this People, did they know 
 
 What rejl, our God upon them did bejlow ! 
 
 On us, what Jhowres ofbleffings hath he rained, 
 
 Which he from other Cities hath rejlrained? 
 And, from how many mif chiefs hath he freed us. 
 
 Which fall on thofe that in good workes exceed us ? 
 Here lurke no ravenous Beafts to make a prey 
 
 On thofe fat Cattell which thefe Fields ^re-lay. 
 
 Within our Groves no cruell Out-Iawes hide. 
 
 That in the blood of paffengers are dy'd. 
 
 L 2 Our 
 
 243 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 Our Lambs, unwarr/d, lye abroad, benighted; 
 By day, our Virgins walke the Fields unfrighted. 
 No neighbouring country doth our food forejlall ; 
 No Convoyes need to come and goe withall; 
 No forraine Prince canfuddenly appall us, 
 For Seas doe mote us, and huge Rocks doe wall us. 
 No rotten Fennes doe make our ayre unfound ; 
 No Foe, doth with a trench enclofe us round. 
 We neither tumults have by night or day. 
 Nor rude unruly Garifons in pay. 
 No Taxes, yet, our Land doth over-load; 
 Our Children are not prejlfor warres abroad. 
 From .S)>a«j/^Inquifitions we are free; 
 (God grant that we, for ever, fo may be) 
 We are compeld to no Idolatries ; 
 Our people doe not in rebellions rife : 
 No failious fpirits much difhcrbe the State ; 
 No Plagues, our dwellings, yet, depopulate. 
 No Rots or Murraines have our Cattell kild.: 
 Our Barnes and Store-houfes, with fruits arefild: 
 On ev'ry threfhold, fhre of children play ; 
 Our breeding Cattell fill bothflreet atul way. 
 And, were we thankefull unto him that gave them. 
 There are no blefflngs, but we here might have them. 
 
 See, how like Bees upon a Summer-Eve, 
 ( When their young Nymphes have over-fiWd the hive) 
 They fwarme about the City ifportingfo, 
 As if a winter gale would never blow. 
 How little doe they dreame, how many times, 
 While they deferved ruine for their Crimes, 
 God naitheleffe, hathfhewed mercies on them, 
 Andflopt thofe Plagues that comming were upon them ! 
 How feldom^ is it thought, thepow'r of him, 
 Whofe love they much forget (If not contemne) 
 
 Might 
 
 244 
 
Cani. 4- Remembrancer. 122 
 
 Might heape upon them all thofe fearfull things, 
 Which he upon our neighbouring Nations brings. 
 For, in a moment, he could fummon hither 
 His ludgements, and inflill them, all together. 
 Ev'n all. But, one of thofe which he hath brought 
 On other Cities, would enough be thought. 
 
 If in difpleafure he fhould call from thence 
 Where now it raves, the flaughtring Peflilence, 
 Or elfe the Famine ; what a change were that, 
 To them that are fo healthy, and fo fall 
 How defolate, in leffe then halfe a yeare, 
 Might all our lodgings and ourflreets appear e 1 
 How unfrequented would that randevow 
 Be made, in which, we throng, and jufUe now ? 
 How lonely would thefe walkes and fields be found, 
 Wherein I fee the people fo abound i 
 
 Or, fhould he whifllefor his armed Bands, 
 ( Which now are wafling other Chriflian Lands) 
 To put in aSlion on our Commick Stage 
 The Tragedies of YYsx, and brutifh rage: 
 What lamentations then here would be made. 
 And calling unto minde, what peace we hadf 
 Should we in ev'ry houfe, at board and bed 
 Have Souldiers, and rude Captaines billeted, 
 That would comtnand, andfwagger as if they 
 Had all the Townefhip {where they lodge) in pay. 
 To wait upon their pleafures ; and fhould fee 
 Our owne defenders, our devourers be. 
 Should we behold thefe fields (now- full of fport) 
 Cut out with Trenches j there, a warlike Fort ; 
 Another here ; A Sconce not farre from that; 
 A new rais'd Mount, or fome fire-fpitting Cat, 
 From tvhich the Foes our aflions might furvey. 
 And make their Bullets on our houfes play. 
 
 L 3 Should 
 
 24s 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 4. 
 
 Should we behold our Dwellings beaten downe ; 
 
 Our Temples batter'd; Turrets over throwne ; 
 
 Our feats of pleafure burning from afarre ; 
 
 Heare,from without, the thundring Voice of Wax ; 
 
 Within, thejhriekes of children, or the cry 
 
 Of women, firucke with feares, orfamifht nigh. 
 
 Should we behold, what painfully we got, 
 
 Poffefl by thofe thatfeeke to cut our throat ; 
 
 Our children flaine before us, on the ground; 
 
 Our f elves pier {^t through withfome deep mortall wound; 
 
 And fee (ev'n there) where we have wantonnis^d, 
 
 Our beauteous wives, by fomeflerne Troupe furpriz'd,' 
 
 And ravifht in our view. Or (which is worfi) 
 
 When we havefeene all this, be forcH perforce 
 
 To live ; and live their flaves that fhall poffeffe 
 
 Our wives, and all our ourward happineffe ; 
 
 And, then, want alfo, that pure Word of (irace 
 
 To comfort us, which yet adornes this place. 
 
 Should fuch a Defliny (as God defend) 
 This people, and this place, thought I, attend. 
 (For, this may be ; and ev'ry day we heare 
 That other Nations doe this burthen beare) 
 Should we who now for pleafure walke the field, 
 Befaine to fear ch what weeds the paftures yeeld 
 To feed us; and peake hungerly about. 
 Some Roots, or Hawes, or Berries tofinde out. 
 To keepe from fiarving ; and not gaine a food 
 So meane, without the hazard of our blood: 
 Should fome contagious fickneffe, noifome make 
 This place, wherein, fuch pleafure now we take: 
 Should in thefe places, whither we repaire 
 Our bodies to refrefh with wholefome ayre, 
 Thofe blaftings or Serenes upon us fall. 
 Which otlier places are annofd withall. 
 
 Should 
 
 r4g 
 
Cani. 4- Remembrancer. 123 
 
 Should from the wife the htisband he divort^d, 
 Or from the parent Jhould the child be ford d. 
 While here they walkt, and perijh by thefword: 
 Or, Jhould here be a famine of the Word, 
 On which would follow, to our grief e aridjhfime, 
 A thoufand other Plagues which I could name. 
 Should thofe things be; then what our blejfmgs are 
 Jt would by fuch a curfe too foone appeare. 
 
 Then, feele we Jhould, what comforts might arife 
 From th^fe great mercies, which we now defpife. 
 Or think not on. Yea, fo we might enjoy 
 But part of that which now we mif-employ, 
 We thinke it would, a greater happineffe. 
 Then, yet wefinde in all we now poffejfe. 
 We then Jhould know how much we have beene blejl 
 In our long time of plenty health, and rejl: 
 How fweet it is that we may to and fro 
 Without rejlraint, or feare, or danger goe ; 
 How much we owe to him that hathfo long 
 Our Granards filled, and our Gates madeflrong; 
 Permitting us to walke for our delight 
 About our fields, whilji others march to fight ; 
 Andfuffring us to feafi, whilfl others fafl. 
 Or, of the bread offowre Affliftion tafl. 
 
 As heretofore the peopled Fields I walked, 
 To this effedl, my thoughts within me talked ; 
 And though all prefent Objells gave content, 
 My heart did fuch Ideaes reprefent 
 Of Judgements likely to be cafl. upon 
 So great a City, and a iinfuU one ; 
 That much I feared, I fhould live to fee, 
 Some fuch afflidtions, as here mention'd be. 
 And loe, (though yet, I hope, not in his wrath) 
 God, part of that I fear'd, inflidled hath ; 
 
 L4 A 
 
 247 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 A warning War he hath begun to wage 
 
 Againfl the crying finnes of this our age, 
 
 And of this place : And in a gentle wife 
 
 Pour'd out a tafle of thofe Calamities 
 
 Which other feele at large : that, we fhould mourne 
 
 For our tranfgreffions, and to him returne. 
 
 Vouchfafe, oh ! God, thatfoone returne we may, 
 
 Left thou in anger, fweepe us all away. 
 
 If we obferved, well, what God hath done, 
 And in what manner, he with us begun ; 
 How he forewarn'd us, of thofe Plagues, which he 
 Vouchfafed David fliould a chufer be : 
 (And how, ev'n he himfelfe, in mercy chufed, 
 To keepe us from what David had refufed) 
 We fhould perceive, that our mofl. loving God 
 At firfl did threaten, with a Fathers rod. 
 
 A little while before this Pejlilence, 
 Of his jufl. vrath we had intelligence 
 By divers tokens, which we did contemne, 
 Or, at the beft, but little heeded them. 
 The Spring before this Plague, one jerke we had 
 By WAR, which made no little number fad, 
 By calling many from their eafe ; by taking 
 Some husbands from their wives, & childlefs making 
 Some Parents : which permitted was to fhow us 
 In part, what fharpe corrections God did owe us. 
 And make us minde, that this unhallow'd place 
 Is thus long fpared meerely of his grace. 
 Elfe, to awake us with fome touch of that 
 Which he hath brought on many a forraine State. 
 
 For, that he might but touch us, he did call 
 No Armies hither, to afilidl us all. 
 But, as a Generall in time of war. 
 When all his Troupes of fomewhat guilty are ; 
 
 On 
 
 ,248 
 
Can/. 4- Remembrancer. 124 
 
 On them the fortune of the /of doth try, 
 That feme as warnings to the reft, may dye : 
 Ev'n fo, the God 0/ Armies, in like cafe, 
 Pickt, here and there a man, from ev'ry place, 
 To meet the fword / that, ev'ry place might leame, 
 His Mercies, and his luJUce to difcerne. 
 And, leave off fmne ; which, if we breake not from, 
 His Plagues, and terrors all, will fliortly come. 
 
 If any (hall objedi, we loft, in thefe 
 But fome corrupted blood, which did difeafe 
 The common Body : Let them underftand, 
 That it portends hot Fevers in the Land, 
 When fuch Fhlebo/omy is needfull thought : 
 And, that, good blood, as well as what is nought, 
 Is loft at ev'ry op'ning of a veine. 
 The foot was prickt, and we did feele no paine ; 
 The next blood-letting may be in the Arme, 
 Where lyes our ftrength. God ftiend us fro the harm 
 Of fuch like Surgery ; unlefle we fee 
 The Signe be better then it feemes to be. 
 
 God fcar'd us, lately, alfo, by a Dearfh, 
 And for the peoples faults did curfe the Earth. 
 The Winter laft before the PeJ/ began. 
 Throughout fome Northerne Shires a Famine ranne. 
 That ftarved fome ; and other fome were faine, 
 Their hungry appetites to entertaine 
 With fwine, and ftieep, and horfes, which have dy'd 
 By chance : For, better could they not provide, 
 Some others on boild nettles gladly fed, 
 Or elfe had oft gone fupperleffe to bed. 
 And this was much, confidering the foile 
 And ordinary plenties of this lie. 
 Nay, fince the Sickneffe, we fmall hopes polfeffed, 
 Of that, wherewith, this Kingdom, God hath bleffed. 
 
 L 5 For, 
 
 H9 
 
Brittan's Cant. 4. 
 
 For, when Earths wombe did big with plenty grow, 
 
 When her large bofome, and full brefts, did fliow 
 
 Such fignes of faire encreafe, that hope of more 
 
 Was never in our life-times heretofore : 
 
 A later froft, our early bloffomes cropt ; 
 
 The heav'ns, upon our labours, leanneffe dropt ; 
 
 And fuch perpetuall fhowres, and flouds we had, 
 
 That of a Famine, we were fearfuU made. 
 
 And fcarce had any hope (in common reafon) 
 
 Of harvefl. either in, or out of feafon. 
 
 Yet he with-held that Plague. The Sky grew cleare ; 
 
 A kindly wheather drove away our feare, 
 
 The Floods did finck ; the Mildewes were expell'd ; 
 
 The bending eares of come, their heads up held ; 
 
 And Harveji came, which fild our Granards more, 
 
 Then in the fruitfuU'll, of fev'n yeares before. 
 
 And, doubtleffe, had we gone to meet our God, 
 With true repentance, when this fearfuU Rod 
 Was raifed firft. ; it had away beene flung. 
 And not continued in this Realme fo long. 
 For, as a Father, when his deareft. child 
 Growes difobedient, rude, and over-wilde, 
 Firft warnes ; then threatens ; then, the rod doth (how ; 
 Then frownes ; and then doth feare him with a blow. 
 Then doubles, and redoubles it, untill 
 He makes him grow more plyant to his will. 
 And leave thofe wanton tricks which in conclufion 
 May prove the parents griefe, and childes confufion. 
 Ev'n as this Father ; fo, our God hath wrought. 
 Vs, by his Word of Grace, he firft befought : 
 Then, of his Wrath, and luJKce fpake unto us : 
 Next, hanging over us, he plagues did ftiow us. 
 Yea, divers months before this Vengeance came. 
 The fpotted Fever did forewarne the fame. 
 
 Was 
 
 250 
 
Cant. 4. Remembrancer. 125 
 
 Was made her Harbenger ; and in one week 
 Sent hundreds, in the Grave, their bed to feek. 
 Which nought prevailing, he did thereupon 
 (As being loath to ftrike) firft ftrike but one. 
 Then, two or three : then ftaid a while ; and than 
 To finite another number he began, 
 And then a greater. Neither did God fliow 
 This mercy, onely, in the publike blow ; 
 But daign'd it, alfo, in that chaftifement, 
 Which he to ev'ry man in private fent. 
 To haflen his repentance ; firll, he finote 
 Some one of thofe he knew, in place remote, 
 Within a weeke, another better knowne ; 
 Next week a friend ; the next a dearer-one ; 
 A little after that, perhaps, another ; 
 And then a kinfman, or an onely brother. 
 Which no amendment working, God did come 
 (To make him heedfuU) fomewhat nearer home : 
 Knockt at his neighbours houfe, and tooke out all 
 Or mofl. who lodg'd on tother fide the wall .• 
 Then called at his doore, and feized on 
 A fervant firfl. ; foone afterward, a fonne ; 
 Next night was hazarded a daughters hfe ; 
 And e're that morning came, he loft his wife : 
 At laft fell ficke himfelfe, and then repented. 
 Or dy'd, or liveth to be worfe tormented. 
 
 Thus, as it were by fteps, God came upon us, 
 That either Love or Terror might have won us. 
 To feeke our peace. But, yet, fo few were warned, 
 (And this long fuffiring, fo few foules difcemed) 
 That fome the nature of this Plague beli'd ; 
 The number of the dead, fome ftrove to hide. 
 On groundles hopes, Gods ludgmets, fome deferred. 
 Some fcoffed others, when they were deterred, 
 
 Some 
 
 251 
 
B R I T T A n'S Cant. 4. 
 
 Some rais'd a profit firom it. Yea, fo few 
 Conceived what was likely to enfue j 
 That when we fliould like Niniveh have fared, 
 For fports, and caufeleffe Triumphs we prepared. 
 Of pleafure, ia exceffive wife, we tafled. 
 W&feajkd, when we rather Ihould hsMt fa/led. 
 And when in fack-cloth we fliould loud have cry'd, 
 Ev'n then we ruffled in our greatefl. pride. 
 
 Which God perceiving, and that we were growne 
 Regardleffe of his fmiles, and of his frowne ; 
 He did command his Mercy, to let goe 
 That hand which did reftraine his Jujlice fo. 
 Then, catching up a Viall of his wrath, 
 (Which he in llore for fuch offenders hath) 
 He did on this our Citie, poure it downe. 
 And, as flrong poifon flied upon the crowne, 
 Defcendeth to the members, from the head ; 
 And, foone, doth over all the body fpread : 
 Ev'n fo, this noyfome plague of Pejlilence, 
 On our head City falling, did from thence, 
 Difperfe and foake throughout this Empery, 
 In fpight of all our carnall policie. 
 
 Our want of penitency to allay 
 Gods wrath, and ft.op his anger in the way, 
 Enflamed and exafperated fo 
 This Fiend, that he did thoufands over-throw 
 In fome few minuts : and, the greedy Grave 
 Devour'd as if it none alive would fave. 
 Death lurkt at ev'ry angle of the ftreet. 
 And did arrefl. whom ever he did meet. 
 There fcarcely was that houfe or lodging found, 
 In which he did not either flay or wound. 
 In evr'y roome his murthers adted he. 
 Our Clofets nay our Temples were not free 
 
 From 
 
 25* 
 
Cani. 4- Remembrancer. 126 
 
 From his attemptings ; no not while men pray'd, 
 
 Could his unbridled fury be delay'd. 
 
 In fundry Families there was not one 
 
 Whom his rude hand did take compaffion on : 
 
 Nay many times he did not fpare the lafl, 
 
 Vntill the buriall of the firfl was pafl. 
 
 For, e're the Bearers back againe could come, 
 
 The reft were ready for their graves at home. 
 
 Nor bad nor good, nor rich nor poore did fcape him : 
 
 Nor foole nor wifeman, an excufe could fliape him : 
 
 He fhunned not the yong man in the fadle, 
 
 Nor him that lay and cryed in the cradle. 
 
 So dreadfuU was his looke, fo fterne and grim, 
 
 That many d/d through very feare of him. 
 
 For, to mens fancies he did oft appeare 
 
 In fliapes which fo exceedind gaftly were. 
 
 That flefh and blood, unable was, to brooke, 
 
 The horror of his all affrighting look. 
 
 Ev'n in that houfe, whofe roofe did cover me, 
 Of this, a fad experiment had we : 
 For, there, a plague-ficke man (at leaft) conceiued 
 That Death a ftiape affuming, he perceiued 
 Deform'd and vgly ; whereat loud he cryes, 
 Oh ! hide me, hide me, from his dreadfuU eyes. 
 Looke, oh ! looke there he comes : now by the bed 
 Hefiands ; now at the feet ; now at the head. 
 Oh ! draw, draw, draw the Curtaine, Sirs I pray, 
 That his grim looke no more behold J may. 
 To this effecfl, and fuch like words he fpake. 
 But that their hearers hearts they more did fliake. 
 Then, refted he a while, and by and by 
 Vp ftarting, with a lamentable cry, 
 Ran to a Couch, whereon his wife (who waking 
 Two nights before had beene) fome reft was taking ; 
 
 There 
 
 253 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 4. 
 
 There, kneeling downe, & both his hands up rearing, 
 
 As if his eye liad feene pale Death appearing 
 
 To ftrike his wife ; Good Sir, faid he, forbeare 
 
 To kill or harme that poore yong woman there : 
 
 For God^s fake do notjlrike her ; for you fee 
 
 She^s great with child. Lo, you have wounded me 
 
 Jn twenty places ; and I doe not care 
 
 How me you mifchiefefo that her you fpare. 
 
 Ev'n this, and more then I to minde can call, 
 
 He a6led with a looke fo tragicall. 
 
 That, all by ftanders, might have thought, his eyes 
 
 Saw reall Objedls and no fantafies. 
 
 To others, Death, no doubt, himfelfe convaid 
 In other formes, and other Pageants plaid. 
 Whilft. in her armes the mother thought flie kept 
 Her Infant fafe ; Death flole him when fhe flept. 
 Sometime he tooke the mothers life away. 
 And left the little babe, to lye and play 
 With her cold paps, and childifh game to make 
 About thofe eyes, that never more fhall wake. 
 
 Sometimes whe friends where talking he did force 
 The one to leave unfinifht his difcourfe. (ted, 
 
 Sometimes, their morning meetings he hath thwar- 
 Who thought not they for ever had been parted, 
 The night before. And many a lovely Bride, 
 He hath defloured by the Bridegroomes fide. 
 At ev'ry hand, lay one or other dying : 
 On ev'ry part, were men and women crying. 
 One for a husband ; for a friend another ; 
 One for a fifter, wife, or onely brother : 
 Some children for their parents mone were making ; 
 Some, for the loffe of fervants care were taking ; 
 Some parents for a childe ; and fome againe 
 For loffe of all their children did complaine. 
 
 The 
 
 254 
 
Can/. 4- Remembrancer. 127 
 
 The mother dared not to clofe her eyes, 
 
 Through feare that while flie fleepes, her baby dyes. 
 
 Wives trufted not their husbands out of doore, 
 
 Left they might back againe retume no more. 
 
 And in their abfence if they did but heare 
 
 One knock or call in haft, they quak'd through feare, 
 
 That fome unlucky meffenger had brought 
 
 The newes of thofe mifchances they forethought. 
 
 And if (with care and griefe o're-tyr'd) they flept. 
 
 They dream'd of Ghojb, & Graves, & (hriekt, & wept. 
 
 He that o're night went healthy to his bed, 
 Lookt, ere the morning, to be ficke, or dead. 
 He that rofe lufty, at the rifmg Sunne, 
 Grew faint, and breathleffe, e're the day was done. 
 And, he that for his friend, this day did forrow, 
 Lay clofe befide him in a grave the morrow. 
 Some men amidft their pleafures were difeafed .• 
 Some, in the very a£l of fm were feized : 
 Some, hence were taken laughing, and fome finging : 
 Some, as they others to their graves were bringing, 
 Yea, ib impartial! was this kind of Death, 
 And fo extreamly venomous his breath. 
 That they who did not in this place expire. 
 Where faved, like the Children in the fire. 
 
 It may be that to fome it will appear e. 
 My Mufe hath onely poetized here; 
 And that Ifain'd expreffwns doe rehearfe. 
 As mojl of thofe that ufe to write in verfe : 
 But, in this Poeme J purfw the fiory 
 Ofreall Truth, without an Allegory : 
 And many yet furviving witneffe may. 
 That I comefhort of what I more might fay. 
 But, what I can I utter ; and I touch 
 This mournfull firing, fo often, andfo much. 
 
 As 
 
 255 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 4. 
 
 As in this Book J doe; that I might Jhow 
 
 To them that of thefe griefes forgetfull grow, 
 
 What forrowes and what dangers they have had; 
 
 That all of us more thankefull may he made : 
 
 And if to any thefe things doe appeare 
 
 Or tedious, or impertinent ; J feare 
 
 That moft of them are they, who take no pleafure. 
 
 For good and ufefull things to be at leifure. 
 
 And more delight in Poems worded out. 
 
 Then thofe that are Gods works employed about. 
 
 Me thinkes, I cannot fpeake enough of that 
 Which I have feene ; nor full enough relate 
 What I declare ; but ftill it feemes to me 
 I leave out fomewhat that ftiould utt'red be. 
 For, though in moft, the fence thereof be gone, 
 It was God's Judgement, and a fearfuU one. 
 
 And, L O ND ON, what availed then thy pride, 
 Thy pleafures and thy wealth fo multiply'd ? 
 Or, then, oh ! what advantage didft thou get 
 By thofe vaine things, whereon thy heart is fet ? 
 How many fev'rall Plagues did God prevent. 
 Before this Judgement was upon thee fent ? 
 How many loving favours had he done thee. 
 Before fo roughly he did feize upon thee ? 
 And, that thou mightft his purpofes difcover, 
 How long together, did he fend thee over 
 The weekly newes, of thofe great Defolations, 
 Which he inflidls on many other Nations ? 
 How often did he fend, e're this befell, 
 His Prophets, of his Judgements to foretell ? 
 How many thoufand Preachers hath he fent, 
 With teares, to pray, and woo thee to repent ; 
 To tell thee, that thy pride, and thy exceffe, 
 Thy lufts, thy furfets, and thy drunkenneffe, 
 
 Thine 
 
 256 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. 128 
 
 Thine idleneffe, thy great impieties, 
 
 Thy much prophanenelTe, thy hypocrifies, 
 
 And other vanities, would bring at lall 
 
 Thofe plagues whereof thou now fome feeling haft ? 
 
 How did thy Pajtors to repent conjure thee ? 
 How ftrongly did Gods Minifters affure thee 
 That all thy love, thy labour, and thy coft 
 Beflow'd on camall pleafures, would be loft ? 
 That, thou hereafter fliouldft become alhamed 
 Of that whereof thy comforts thou hadft framed ; 
 And that thofe evills would at length befall 
 From which no mortall hand reprieve thee (hall. 
 
 Thou canft not but acknowledge thefe things were 
 Ev'n ev'ry moment, rounded in thy eare ; 
 And that thy Sonnes of Thunder did prefage 
 What, for thy fmnes, fhould be thine heritage. 
 Yet, thou to heare their meffage didft refufe. 
 And, as the ftubborne unbeleeving lewes, 
 Defpifed all thofe Prophets, who forefhew'd 
 The times of their approaching fervitude. 
 Yea, punifht them, as troublers of the Land, 
 And fuch as weakned much the peoples hand ; 
 So, thou aecountedft of thy Teachers, then, 
 But as a crew of bufie-headed men. 
 Who cauflefly, thy quietneffe difturbing, 
 Had for their faucinelTe, deferved curbing. 
 But with amazement, now thou doft behold, 
 That they have no uncertainties foretold. 
 For, God in this one Angle Plague, comprifed 
 Thofe other Judgements, all, epitomized ; 
 Which for thy mine he at large will fend, 
 If this be not enough to work his end. 
 Obferve this Pejlilence, and thou (halt fee. 
 That as there may be fome ontjln in thee 
 
 With 
 
 kk 257 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 4. 
 
 With other great Tranfgreffions interlaced, 
 
 So, divers Plagues in this great Plague were placed. 
 
 It fliew'd thee (in feme fafliion) their diftreffes, 
 Whom WAH, in a befieged Fort oppreffes : 
 For, lo, thou wert deprived of all Trade, 
 As if thy Foes blockt up thy River had. 
 And, though no armed Hoft thy wall furrounded, 
 Yet (which was worfe) thou by thy friends wert boun- 
 For, whatfoever perfon paffed from (ded : 
 
 Thy Ports, upon an enemy did come. 
 And none more cruel! to thy children proved, 
 Then fome of thine, who from thy Plagues removed. 
 
 Confufton, and Diforder, threatned thee, 
 (On which attendeth all the Plagues that be) 
 For, moft. of thy grave Senate, who did beare 
 Thy names of office, far departed were, 
 To other places ; leaving thee, nigh fpent 
 And languifliing for want of Government. 
 Yea, they that were thy Trujl, and thy Delight, 
 In times of health, did then forfake thee quite ; 
 To teach us, that thofe men, and vanities, 
 Which have our hearts, in our profperities. 
 Will in afHi6lion be the firfl who leave us ; 
 And, when we moH expedl, then moft. deceive us. 
 
 Oh ! whither then j oh ! whither were they gone. 
 Who, thy admired Beauty doted on ? 
 Where did thy Lovers in thofe dayes appeare. 
 Who did fo court thee, and fo often fweare 
 Affedlion to thee ? whither were they fled. 
 Whom thou haft, oft with fweeteft junkets fed? 
 And they, whom thou fo many yeares, at eafe, 
 Didft lodge within thy faireft Palaces ? 
 
 Where London, were thy skarlet Fathers hous'd, 
 Who in thy glory, were to thee efpous'd ? 
 
 What 
 
 258 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. 129 
 
 What were become of all thy children, which 
 Were nurfed at thy breft, made great, and rich 
 By thy good-hufwtfry i and whom we fee 
 In thy profperity fo hugg'd of thee ? 
 
 Where were thy rev'rend Pajlors, who had pay 
 To feed thy Flocks, and for thy fmne to pray ? 
 (I mull confeffe) the meanefl, and fome few 
 Of better fort, were in aflfedtion true, 
 And gave thee comfort But, oh ! where were thofe, 
 Thofe greater ones, on whom thy hand beftowes 
 The largeft portions ? Thofe, who have profeft. 
 A zealous care of thee, above the refl ? 
 Thofe, who (as I conceive) had undertaken 
 A charge that fliould not then have beene forfaken ? 
 Thofe ras.-^iy Jllken-Doilors, who did here 
 In fliining fatten Caffocks late appeaxe ? 
 They who (till now, a thing fcarce heard of ever) 
 Do flaunt it in their Velvet, Plufh, and Beaver. 
 And they, whom thou didft honor far above 
 Thofe meane ones, who, then, Ihewed thee mofl love ? 
 
 Where were they? &, where were thy Lawyers too 
 That heretofore, did make fo much adoe 
 Within thy Courts of lujlice i Prethee, where 
 Were thofe Phyfitians, who fo forward were 
 To give thee phyfick, when thou neededft. lefle, 
 And wert but ficke, of eafe, and wantonneffe ? 
 Where did their foot cloths wait ? where couldft. thou 
 For their aCTiflance ? what became of all (call 
 
 Their Diets, and Receipts 1 and why did they 
 In that neceflity depart away ? 
 
 Where lurckt thofe Poetajiers, who were wont 
 To pen thy Mummeries, and vainly hunt 
 For bafe reward, by foothing up the Crimes 
 Of our Grand Epicures, in lofty Rimes ; 
 
 And 
 
 259 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 And doe before, each others Poems raife 
 The fruitleffe Trophees of a truthleffe praife ? 
 Dar'd none of all thofe matchleffe wits to tary 
 This brunt ? That his experienc'd Mufe might cary 
 This Newes to after times ; and move compaffion, 
 By his all moving llraines of Lamentation i 
 What, none but me ? me onely leave they to it, 
 To whom they fhame to yeeld the Name of Poet ? 
 Well ; if they ever had a minde to weare 
 The Lawreat Wreath, they might have got it here : 
 For though that my performance may be bad, 
 A braver Subject, Mufes never had. 
 
 Where were thy troups of Rorers i where were they 
 Who in thy Chambers did the wantons play ? 
 Provoking God Almighty, downe to cafl. 
 Thofe plagues from which they fled away fo fafl. i 
 Yea, whither were thofe Nothings, all retir'd, 
 Of whom thou wert, of late, fo much defir'd ? 
 Alas ! was there not any of all thefe 
 Who flaid to comfort thee, in this Difeafe ? 
 Did all depart away ? And, being gone. 
 Leave thee to beare thy forrowes all alone ? 
 Left they upon thy Tally all that fin, 
 Which had by them and thee, committed bin ? 
 
 Yes, yes, they left thee : ev'n all thefe : and they 
 So left thee, London, when they went away. 
 That thy afflidtions they did aggravate. 
 And make more bitter thy deplored Fate. 
 
 A Dearth mixt alfo in this Pejl was found, 
 For they who did in riches moll abound, 
 (And fhould have holpen to relieue the poore) 
 Departing hence, diminifhed thy llore. 
 To other Borroughes they themfelves betooke : 
 Irheir fick diftreffed brethren, they forfooke, 
 
 And 
 
 26« 
 
Cant./^. Remembrancek. 130 
 
 And, left on thofe that would be hofpitable, 
 A burthen which to beare they were unable. 
 Thofe few, of worth, who did in tHee remaine, 
 Had multitudes of beggers to fuflaine ; 
 And, from the Country (as before I faid) 
 The fending of fupply was long delaid. 
 
 There was a Famine alfo, which exceeded 
 This other ; though the fame by few was heeded. 
 We had not fo much fcarcity of bread, 
 As of that food wherewith our foules are fed. 
 For, of our Pajlors (in the greatefl. dangers) 
 Some left us to the charity of Strangers. 
 And, many foules, whom they were bound to cherifh 
 Depriv'd of timely fuflenance, did perifh. 
 
 Who could have thought, this Vineyard, heretofore 
 So fruitfull ; and wherein the falvage Bore 
 Of Turky rooted not : and whofe thick fence 
 Hath long time kept the Bulls of Bajhan thence ; 
 Should then (ev'n in the Vintage time) be found 
 So bare of what, fo lately did abound ? 
 And, then (a thing worth note) when ev'ry Field 
 And meanefl. Villages did plenties yeeld ? 
 
 Indeed, not long before, we furfeted, 
 And plaid the wantons with our heav'nly bread. 
 Our appetite was clo/d ; and we grew dainty, 
 And either loath'd, or niurmur'd at our plenty. 
 Yea, many of us, ,when at will we had it, 
 By private Cookeries, unwholeforae made it. 
 For which, and for our bafe unthankfulneffe. 
 Our portion and allowance waxed leffe : 
 And, we who (like fond children) would not eat, 
 Vpleffe, this man, or that man carv'd our meat. 
 Then (like poore folkes that of meere almes doe livey 
 Were glad to take of any that would give. 
 
 The 
 
 s6i 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 The Laborers were few ; the Harvejl large : 
 And of the befl of thofe that had the charge 
 To fpread Gods Table; feme grew faint and tired 
 By their perpetuall travaile : feme expired 
 Their painfull foules, and freely facrifiz'd 
 Themfelves for us, that we might be fuffiz'd. 
 
 Among which happy number I doe bleffe 
 The memory of learned Makerneffe, 
 And zealous Eton, whofe large Congregations, 
 Bemoan'd their loffe with hearty lamentations. 
 And worthily : for, they did labour here 
 With cheerfulneffe ; and in their Callings were 
 So truly diligent whilft vigour lafted, 
 That they their life blood, yea their fpirits wafled ; 
 And ev'n unflackt the very nerves and powres 
 Of their owne foules, to helpe enable ours. 
 
 To bury, nigh a hundred in a day, 
 To church, to marry, Jhcdy, preach and pray ; 
 To wake betimes ; at night late watch to keepe ; 
 To be diJhcrVd at midnight from ^sajleepe ; 
 To vifit him that on his death-bed lyes ; 
 Oft to communicate; more oft baptize; 
 And daily (and all day) to be in adlion, 
 As were thofe two, to give due fatisfadlion 
 To their great Flocks ; more Laborers there needed ; 
 And their confumed ftrengths, it much exceeded. 
 
 But, they are now at reft: their worke is done. 
 Their Fight is finiflied : their Goale is won : 
 And, though no Trophee I to them can raife, 
 Save, this poore wither'd Wreath of mortall praife ; 
 Their Mafter (to reward their faithfulneffe) 
 For them referved Crownes of Happineffe ; 
 Becaufe, unto his houjhold, they the Bread 
 Of Life, in feafon, have diflributed. 
 
 Nor 
 
 362 
 
Cant./^ Remembrancer. 131 
 
 Nor was the Food of life diminilht more 
 
 By fuch mens want alone, then heretofore. 
 
 But, to our difcontent, we alfo had 
 
 Our due allowances the fhorter made 
 
 Ev'n by command. ror,.fome (I know not why) 
 
 Hadfalfely mif-inform'd Authority, 
 
 That our promifcuous meetings, at the Faji, 
 
 Increaft the Plague : which was beleev'd in haft. 
 
 And being urg'd, perhaps, with fuch faire (hewes 
 
 Of Reafon, as Conjedure could infufe ; 
 
 (The matter being aggravated too. 
 
 With fuch untruths, as travell to and fro) 
 
 The publike preaching on the Fa/ling day, 
 
 Was, in an evill feafon, tooke away. 
 
 For, when the flefli was fed, and foule deprived 
 Of two Repafts, which weekly we received, 
 ProphanenefTe, and hard-heartedneffe began 
 To get new rooting in the mind of man. 
 We miffed thofe good helpes, and thofe examples 
 Which had been preached to us in our Temples. 
 The poore did want full quickly, to their griefe, 
 Thofe Almes the Fajl brought out for their reliefe. 
 And, when with Prayers, Preaching did not goe, 
 Our cold Devotions, did far colder grow. 
 
 What inftrument of mifchiefe might he be 
 Who caufed that ? and, what a Foole was he ! 
 If WenfdaySermons holpe infedl ; I pray 
 What kept us fafer on the Sabbath day ? 
 Since moft faft then till noone without refedlion ? 
 Or what at Funeralls, did ftop infedlion ? 
 
 Good God ! in thy affaires, how vaine (to me) 
 Doth carnall Policy appeare to be ? 
 How apt is flefh and blood to run a courfe. 
 Which makes the foules condition, worfe and worfe ? 
 
 To 
 
 263 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 4. 
 
 To venture on eternall death how toward ! 
 And in a temporall danger what a coward ! 
 
 Sure, had not fuch a project, had a fcope 
 Beyond the reaching of the Devils hope, 
 And been too damnable for any one 
 To be his Procurator thereupon ; 
 Some would have made the motion that we might 
 Have liv'd excluded from our Churches quite : 
 And, that till God his hand ftiould pleafe to ftay, 
 None fliould in publike, either preach, or pray. 
 
 'Twas well the weekly number of the dead. 
 By Gods meere mercy, was diminifhed. 
 Before the prohibition of the Fajl : 
 The Fiend had elfe, for evermore, difgrac't 
 That Difcipline : and carnall Policy 
 Had fo infjilted o're Divinity, 
 That, in fucceeding Ages, men unholy. 
 Would thence have proved, fuch Devotion, Folly. 
 But, God prevented it, that we ftiould take 
 Good notice of it ; and good ufes make : 
 And I have mention'd it, that here I may 
 God's Wifedome and Man's fooliflineffe difplay. 
 
 Oh ! let us to our Fajls againe returne ; 
 Let us, for our omiffions truly mourne ; 
 And not capitulate with God, as tho 
 He, firil his Rod out of his hand fhould throw, 
 Eere we would come unto him : for, if thus 
 A fon of ours fliould beare himfelfe to us, 
 It would our ire exafperate the more ; 
 And make the fault feem greater then before. 
 
 Why ftiould we in an adtion that is jufl. 
 The mercy of our gracious God difl.ruft ? 
 Or, unto any place be loath to go. 
 Where God is to be heard, or fpoken to, 
 
 Though 
 
 264 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. 132 
 
 Through feare of that which may be caught at home 
 
 And in a thoufand places where we come ? 
 
 Our fmnes and plagues were publike : fo fliould wee 
 
 In Prayers, and Teares, and Almes, and Fajlings be. 
 
 For, that ftrong DevUl which hath tortur'd thus 
 
 Our generall body, is not cafl. from us 
 
 By fingle Exorcifmes : neither fliall 
 
 Our privacies advantage us at all, 
 
 Except in what conduces to the health 
 
 Of private men, or of their private wealth. 
 
 If we in clofe retirements (by our feare) 
 At markets, or where worfe Affemblies are, 
 Infe(Sted grow : the Devill, by and by 
 With us perfwadeth, either to belye 
 The Church, our conftant FaJUng, or fome one 
 Good worke, or pious adlion v/e have done. 
 (As vifiting the fick, in time of need. 
 Or any other fuch like Chriflian deed) 
 For, he thofe pradlices doth greatly fpight. 
 And, to difparage them hath much delight : 
 Becaufe he fees, that fuch as are inclinde 
 To pious meanes, will foone by triall finde, 
 Good hopes to thrive beyond their expe6tations ; 
 Their knowledge, foole his cunning machinations ; 
 Their faiths grow ftrong ; temptations weak appeare ; 
 Their joy moll perfefl, where moft forrowes are ; 
 And know, that when the Lord of Hoajls is armed, 
 With all his Judgements, that, he leaft is harmed, 
 Who, bold through Love, felfe-trujl quite from him 
 And, runs with cofidence to meet his blows, (throws 
 
 Let no man then be fearfull to repaire 
 Vnto the houfe of Preaching, or of Pray'r ; 
 Or, any whither elfe, thofe works to doe, 
 Which he by Confcience is obliged to : 
 
 M No. 
 
 // 265 
 
Brit tan's Cani.4. 
 
 No, though the Devill in the paffage lay, 
 Or ftrow'd raoft. fearful! dangers in the way. 
 For, if in fuch a cafe, our death we take, 
 Our death, (hall for our beft. advantage make. 
 
 Yet, let none thinke I this opinion cary, 
 That ev'ry Church, will be a SatiMuary, 
 To all that come. For, fure, if any dare 
 Without Devotion, in Gods houfe appeare. 
 To them, that place, more perill threatens, then, 
 A chamber thronged with infedted men. 
 
 Some fainted in the Church, as others did 
 Within their houfes (where themfelves they hid) 
 Yet not fo often. For, though fome did pleafe 
 To blame the Church for fpreading this difeafe. 
 No places were more harmleffe. None did we 
 Behold more healthy, or to fcape more free 
 From this Infellion, then thofe perfons, whom 
 We faw moft often, to Gods worfhip come. 
 Nor were there any houfes more infedted 
 Then theirs, who moft. the houfe of God negledled. 
 I fpeake not this by rumor : For, ev'n thither 
 Reforted I, where thronged were together 
 The greateft. multitudes : And day by day 
 I fate, where all the croud I could furvey. 
 Yet, I nor man, nor childe, nor woman faw. 
 To fmke, looke pale, or from their place withdraw. 
 And, doubtleffe, if fuch faintings there had beene. 
 As many prated of j I fome had feene. 
 Which, fmce I did not fee, I wifli againe. 
 None would at fuch a time, Gods houfe refraine. 
 Except in Congregations not their owne. 
 And where infediion feared is, or knowne : 
 Or in their owne Affembly, where diforder 
 Committed wilfully, the Pefl. may further. 
 
 Or 
 
 266 
 
Cant.\. Remembrancer. 133 
 
 Or, when their bodie's weakenes, or the Aire 
 Their fafeties may fome other waies impaire. 
 Excepting to (in times of Vifitation, 
 When they are markt with markes of Separation, 
 As Rifing, Blaines, or Sores. Or, newly from 
 The company of fuch like perfons, come. 
 Or, whenfoever they or doe, or may 
 Suppofe themfelves Infedtious any way. 
 
 Thefe (as the Lepers did, by Mofes Law) 
 From piiblike Congregations ftiould withdraw. 
 For, fure, if any fuch themfelves intrude 
 To mixe among a healthy Multitude, 
 (Though prayers or devotions they pretend, 
 Or whatfoever other pious endj 
 Their foolifli pradlife is vnwarrantable ; 
 Yea, their condition fo uncharitable, 
 That I abhorre it : and beleeve that for 
 So doing, God ^€a prayers doth abhorre : 
 
 And, here, (although it may impertinent 
 By fome be thought) I cannot chirfe but vent, 
 How I diflike our fo much liked fafhion 
 Ofburiall, where the publike Congregation 
 Are bound to meet : And then, efpecially. 
 When of infeilious grief es great numbers dye. 
 I know both Cuflome, and Opinion, have 
 So rooted this, that I my breath may fave 
 In reprehending it. Yet, when I mufl 
 Be taken hence, and turne againe to dufl. 
 Let nought but Earth and Heatfn my carcaffe cover, 
 And neither Church nor Chappell roofe me over ; 
 Nor any other Buildings, faving thofe 
 That onely ferve, fuch reliques to enclofe. 
 
 For, though I doe ingenuoufly confeffe, 
 Wefhould tofhow our ChrifKan hopefulneffe 
 
 Mi Of 
 
 267 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 Ofrifmgfrom the dead, lodge decently 
 Their flejh, who in Chrifls Faith prof effe to dye: 
 And, that Churchyards, or plots diJUnguiJht from 
 The vulgar ufe, doe befl of all become 
 That purpofe. Yet, I know the common guife 
 Ofbur'ing in the Church, didfirfl arife 
 From ancient Superflition ; and to gaine 
 Some outward profit, to the priefUy traine. 
 For, many fimple men were made conceive 
 That if (when they were dead) they might have leave 
 To reft within thofe plots of hallowed ground, 
 Which either Church or Chappell did furround ; 
 No wicked 'Si^mtfhould permittance have. 
 To trouble or abufe them, in the grave : 
 Whereas (which yet oldfooles beleeve they doe) 
 They might elfe rife, and walke at midnight too 
 About their fheets, and houfes, or croffe wayes ; 
 Tillfom^ Maffe-monger them at quiet layes : 
 And then it wasfuppos'd, how much the nigher 
 They lay unto their Altar, or their Choire, 
 By fo much more thefafer they fhould reft; 
 Which brought no petty fummes to Dagons cheft. 
 Thence was it, that our Churches, firfl of all. 
 Were glazed with Scutchions like a Heralds hall; 
 And that this age in them depainted fees 
 So many vaine and lying Pedigrees. 
 Thence comes it that we now adayes behold 
 Some Chancels filled up with rotten, old, 
 Andfoolifh monuments. From hence we fee 
 So many puppet Images to be 
 On e^ry wall within our Oratories : 
 So many Epitaphs, and lying flories. 
 Of men deceafl: and, thence the guife was gotten, 
 To letfo many Banners dropping rotten 
 
 Deforme 
 
 268 
 
Cant. 4- Remembrancer. 134 
 
 Defortne our pillars ; and withdraw our eyes 
 Front pious objeils to thofe vanities. 
 
 If any ?nan defirous be to lye 
 Within a Monument, when hejhall dye : 
 Let etfry noble Family erell 
 Within their Cities fome faire Architedl, 
 Within the compajje of whofe roofed wall 
 There may be founded fome good Hofpitall 
 Or buildings for the lawfull recreation 
 Of youth, and for the honor of the Nation. 
 And of that Name or kin, when any dyes, 
 There lay their bones ; or to their memories 
 Erell there Tables. And, let them that had 
 Such minds, and fortunes, to the Strudlure adde. 
 Yea thither (iftheypleafe) let them tranflate 
 Their anceftors. But, Ihavefpoke too late, 
 Thofe times are pafl in which our noble ones 
 Were able to erellfuch piles offlones 
 As might be eminent. Our kingly race 
 Had by thefeventh 'Henry, fuch a place 
 Erected for them, fo magnificent. 
 That to this Land it is an ornament. 
 Let them that cannot reach the coft of thefe, 
 Raife Cawfies, Bridges, and make Docks, and Keyes 
 For publike ufe: which with as little cofi 
 As now upon their pedling Tombe, is lofl, 
 Should make them live far re longer in their fames ; 
 For, we would thofe entitle by their Names. 
 
 All they that love their Country, now they know 
 Which way they may their money befl beflow, 
 (To memorize their Friends, with profiting 
 The publike) will confider of this thing 
 And build them Tombes where we may praife the work ; 
 Not in a Church obfcure, unfeene to lurke, 
 
 M 3 Where 
 
 269 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 Where few Jhall view them ; and where mojl whojhall 
 Behold them, take no heed of them at all. 
 
 If fame good Patriots would begin thefafhion, 
 It might allure, perhaps, to imitation. 
 And if it were not greedineffe ofgaine 
 Among Church-Officers, which did maintaine 
 Such Cuflomes ; we fhould fomewhat more forbeare 
 To lay fa many ftinking bodies there 
 Where Godwefeeke (and him fhould feeke to finde, 
 With purity of body, and of minde) 
 Indeed our finne, alone pollutes ; and yet 
 An outward decency is alfofit. 
 
 Was't well, that in the Church (where throngs and heat 
 Did make us in the croud to pant andfweat) 
 Effn in the midfl of our Devotions too. 
 Men fhould, as oft it p leafed them to doe, 
 Thrufl in (where we could hardly fiand in eafe) 
 With four e or five flrong fmelling Carkaffes ? 
 Was'tJit,fo many Graves, at fuch afeafon 
 Should gape and breath upon us ? was it reafon. 
 That heaps of rubbifh, Coffin-boards, andfbmes. 
 Late bur/d bodies, and halfe rotten bones, 
 Gods Temple fhould pollute 1 and make it far 
 More loathfome, then mofl Charnell houfes are 1 
 Wa^t fitting that to gaine their griping fees, 
 They fhould endanger multitudes to leefe 
 Their lives, or healths ? or, that they fhould fulfill 
 A foolifh motion in a dead matis will, 
 By wronging of the living I God forbid 
 yt fhould be reafon ; and yet, thus they did. 
 
 Thus did they 1 yea, far worfe : for fhould I tell 
 At what high rates, fom^ Churchmen, here did fell 
 Their burying grounds : What fees ttiey did exail: 
 How Readers, Clarkes, and Sextons did compact. 
 
 To 
 
 270 
 
Cant.^ Remembrancer. 135 
 
 To racke the dead: to what a goodly fumme 
 Their large Church-duties (infome cafes) come: 
 What muji he paid for Bearers, though men have 
 Their friends to helpe convey them to the grave: 
 What for the Bells, though not a bell be rung: 
 What, for their mourning-clothes, though none be hung 
 Vpon them but their owne : what pay didpaffe 
 For Fun'rall Sermons, where no Sermon was : 
 And, what was oft extorted (without fhame) 
 To give him leafs to preach, who freely came: 
 If here {I fay) Ifhould dif cover what 
 J might, of thofe things mentioned, relate, 
 Thofe men who die, that charges they may fave. 
 Would feare they might be begger'd in the Grave : 
 For, more to take that lodging hath beenefpent, 
 Then would have bought a pretty tenement. 
 
 Thus, as one matter drew another on, 
 My Mufe hath diuers things difcourfl upon 
 To many fundry purpofes : but, what 
 I chiefly in this Canto aimed at 
 Was, to preferue in mind an awfuU fenfe 
 Of what we fuifired in this Peflilence : 
 What we deferved, and how varioufly, 
 Gods luftice, this one Corfive did apply, 
 To eate out aU Corruptions, which be fpotted 
 Our foules, and had ere this our bodies rotted. 
 
 I might as well have iriemorized here. 
 How diverfly God's Mercies did appeare, 
 Amid his Judgements : how he comforted. 
 When outward comfort failed : how he fed, 
 When oile and meale were wafted : how he gaue 
 Their lives to them, whofe feet were in the graue. 
 What Patience, what high Fortitude he granted. 
 And, how he flill fupplyed what we wanted. 
 
 M4 I 
 
 271 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 4. 
 
 I might commemorate, a world of Grace 
 Beftow'd in this affli(Stion, on this place, 
 Both common, and in private. Many a vow 
 (Of theirs, who will, I feare, forget it now) 
 Was daily heard. Ten thoufand fuits were daigned ; 
 Reprieves, for foules condemned were obtained. 
 Friends prayd for friends ; the parents for the lives 
 Of their deare children. Husbands for their wives ; 
 Wives for their husbands beg'd with teares & paflio, 
 And, God with pitie heard their lamentation. 
 
 In friends, in fervants, in the temporall wealth, 
 In life, in death, in fickneffes, and health, 
 God manifefled Mercy. Some did finde 
 A Friend, to whom till then, none had beene kind. 
 Some, had their fervants better'd, for them, there, 
 By Gods corredtion. Some, left wealthy were 
 By dying kindred, who the day before 
 Were like to beg their bread from doore to doore. 
 Some, by their timely deaths were taken from 
 Such prefent paines, or from fuch woes to come, 
 That they are happy. Vnto fome, from heav'n, 
 The bleffing of a longer life was giv'n, 
 That they might call to minde their youthfuU times. 
 Repent omiflions, and committed crimes ; 
 Amend their courfes, and be warifome 
 That they difpleas'd hot God, in times to come. 
 
 Againe, fome others by their fickneffes. 
 And by the feares they had in this Difeafe, 
 Grew awfull of Gods ludgements ; and within 
 Their harts, good motions were, wher none had bin ; 
 Ev'n in their hearts who fear'd nor God nor Devill, 
 Nor guilt of fin, nor puniftiment for evill. 
 And, fome had health continu'd, that they might 
 Gods praife extoll, and in his love delight. 
 
 Should 
 
 272 
 
Cant. 4. Remembrancer. 136 
 
 Should I declare, in what unufuall wife 
 God op'ned here their foules dimfighted eyes, 
 Who blinded were before ; how nigh had reacht 
 To highefl. Myjkries : what things they preacht 
 Ev'n to their neighbours, and their family, 
 Before their foules did from their bodies flye ; 
 Or, fhould I tell but what young Children here 
 Did fpeake, to take from elder folke their feare 
 Of Sickneffes and Death ; what they exprefl. 
 Of heav'nly bliffe, and of this worlds unreft ; 
 What faith they had ; what flrange illuminations ; 
 What flrong affurances of their falvations ; 
 And with what proper termes, and boldneffe they 
 Beyond their yeares, fuch things did open lay. 
 It would amaze our Naturallijh, and raife 
 A goodly Trophee to our Makers praife. 
 But, this for me were too too large a task, 
 And manyyeares and volumes it would aske. 
 Should I in thefe particulars record 
 The never ending mercies of the Lord. 
 For he that would his meaneft a(5l recite, 
 Attempts to meafure what is infinite. 
 
 That (lory therefore, in particular 
 To meddle with I purpofe to defer 
 Till in the Kingdome of eternity 
 My foule in honor of his Majefly 
 Shall Halelujah fmg ; and over-looke 
 With hallow'd eyes, that great etemall Booke, 
 Which in a moment to my view fliall bring 
 Each paffed, prefent, and each future thing. 
 And there my foule fliall read, and fee revealed 
 What is not by the LAMBE, as yet, unfealed. 
 
 Meane while He cry Hofannah, and for all 
 His love to me, and mercies generall, 
 
 M 5 His 
 
 273 
 
Brit TAN'S Cant. i. 
 
 His three times holy, and thrice bleffed Name 
 I praife, and vow for aye to praife the fame. 
 
 The fifth Canto. 
 
 Tke hM\h.or jujiifies againe 
 His Method, and his low'y Straine. 
 Next, having formerly made knowne 
 The Common Feares, he tels his owne. 
 Shelves with what thoughts he was difeafed. 
 When firjl the Plague his lodging feized : 
 Of what God's lullice him accufed; 
 Vpon what Doubts, or Hopes, he mufed; 
 On what, and how, he did refolve ; 
 And who from Death, did him abfolve. 
 The Plagues encreafe, he then expreffeth : 
 The Mercies of the IjO^T) confeffeth : 
 Emplores that he himfelfe may never 
 Forget them, but, be thankefull ever : 
 Then, mounting Contemplations wings, 
 Afcends to high and ufefull things. 
 From thence his Mufe is called downe. 
 To make Great Britaines errors knowne : 
 Wherein, he doth confeffe a failing; 
 And (his infirmities bewailing) 
 Is fitted and refold d anew, 
 His purposed Meffage to purfue: 
 And, having firfl anticipated. 
 His Arrant is, in part, related. 
 
 PErhaps, the nicer Critickes of thefe times. 
 When they fliall fleightly view my lowly Rimes, 
 (Not to an end, thefe Poems fully reading, 
 Nor their Occafion, not my Aymes, well heeding) 
 
 May 
 
 374 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 137 
 
 May taxe my Mufe that flie at random flyes ; 
 For want of Method, makes Tautologies ; 
 And commeth off, and on, in fuch a falhion, 
 That, oft flie failes their curious expediation. 
 
 It is enough to me, that I doe know 
 What they commend, and what they difallow. 
 And let it be enough to them, that I 
 Am pleas'd to make fuch faults for them to fpy. 
 For I intend the Method which I ufe j 
 And, if they doe not like it, they may chufe. 
 They who in their Compofures, keep the fafliion 
 Of older times, and write by imitation ; 
 Whofe quaint Inventions mufl, be trimd and trickt, 
 With curious dreffings, from old Authors pickt ; 
 And whofe maine workes, are little elfe, but either 
 Old fcattred Peeces, finely glew'd together. 
 Or, fome concealed Structures of the Braine, 
 Found out (where long obfcured they have laine) 
 And new attir'd .• Thefe mufl. (and well they may) 
 Their Poefies in formall garbes aray, 
 Their naturall defefls by Art to hide ; 
 And, make their old new-Jiraines the Teft. abide. 
 
 Thefe, doe not much amiffe, if they affume 
 Some EJiridge feathers, or the Peacockes plume 
 To flrut withall : nor had I greatly heeded 
 That courfe of theirs, if they had not proceeded 
 To cenfure mine. My Mufe no whit envies 
 That they from all their heathnifh Poefies 
 Have skumm'd the Creame ; & to themfelves (for that) 
 The ftile oi Prince of Poets arrogate. 
 For, Plautus, Horace, Perfeus, luvenal. 
 Yea Greece and Homes beft Mufes, we may call 
 Their Tributaries ; fince from them came in 
 Thofe Treafures which their princely Titles win. 
 
 Some 
 
 S75 
 
Brittan's Cant.S- 
 
 Sometime, as well as they I play the Bee : 
 But, like the Silkeworme, it bell pleafeth me 
 To fpin out mine owne Bowells, and prepare them 
 For thofe, who thinke it not a Ihame to weare them. 
 My Matter, with my Method, is mine owne ; 
 And I doe plucke my Floiifrs as they are blowne. 
 
 A Maiden when fhe walkes abroad to gather 
 Some herbs to ftrow the dweUings of her Father, 
 (Or fragrant flow'rs to deck her wedding Bowre, 
 Or make a nofegay for her Paramour) 
 She comes into the Garden, and firfl feizeth 
 The Flow'rs which firil fhe fees, or what fhe pleafeth ; 
 Then runs to thofe whom ufe or memory, 
 Prefenteth to her thought, or to her eye : 
 As toward them fhe hafteth, fhe doth finde 
 Some others, which were wholly out of minde, 
 Ev'n till that very moment : while fhe makes 
 Her prife of thofe, fhe notice likewife takes 
 Of Herbs unknowne before, that lurking lay 
 Among the pleafant Plants within her way : 
 She crops off thefe, of thofe fhe taketh none, 
 Makes ufe of fome, and lets as good alone ; 
 Here plucks the Cowjlips, Rofes oi^t. prime, 
 There Lavander, fweet Marjoram, and Thyme, 
 Yonn lulyflovfrs, or the Damask Rofe, 
 Or fweet-breath'd Violet, that hidden growes : 
 Then fome againe forenam'd (if need flie thinks) 
 Then Daifies, and then Marigolds, and Pincks : 
 Then Herbs anew, then Flowers afrefh doth pull. 
 Of ev'ry fort, untill her lap is full. 
 And otherwhile, before that worke be done, 
 To kill a Caterpiller (he doth run. 
 Or catch a Butterfly ; which varies from 
 That purpofe whereabout fhe firft did come. 
 
 So, 
 
 276 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 138 
 
 So, from the Mufes Gardens, when I meane 
 Thofe fiow'rs of ufefull Foefie to gleane. 
 Which being well united may content 
 My Chriflian Friends ; or with a pleafing fent 
 Perfume Gods houfe, or beautifie, or cheere 
 My foule, which elfe would rude, and fad appeare : 
 When this I meane ; I paint out ev'ry Thought, 
 As to my heart I feele it to be brought : 
 I treat of things, as caufe conduces them. 
 And as occafions, unto me, doe (how them. 
 Sometimes, I from the matter feeme to goe, 
 For purpofes, which none but I may know. 
 Sometime, an ufefull Flo-vifr I may forget ; 
 Anon, into my Nofegay, I doe fet 
 Some other twice ; becaufe, perchance, the place 
 Affords it better ufe, or better grace. 
 As one conceit I ferioufly purfue. 
 That, brings perhaps another to my view. 
 And that another; and that, many a one. 
 Which if in Methods Allies I had gone. 
 Had, peradventure, elfe remain'd unfeene ; 
 And, in my Garland might have miffed beene. 
 
 E're I my pen affiime, I feele the motions 
 Of doing fomewhat, and have gen'rall notions 
 Of what I purpofe : But, Mogul doth know 
 As well as I, what path my Mufe will goe. 
 What, in particular, I fhall expreife, 
 I know not (as I hope for happinefle) , 
 And though my matter, when I firfl begin. 
 Will hardly fill one page ; yet being in, 
 Methinks, if neither faintneffe, friends, nor night, 
 Diflurbed me, for ever I could write. 
 Vpon an inftant I oft feele my brefl 
 With infinite variety poffefl. ; 
 
 And 
 
 -77 
 
Brittan's Can/.$. 
 
 And fuch a troup of things together throngs, 
 Within my braine ; that, had I twenty tongues 
 I fliould (whilft I affaid to utter it) 
 Twice more, then I could mention, quite forget. 
 
 A hundred Mufings, which I meane to fay, 
 Before I can expreffe them, flip away ; 
 Which to recall, although I much endever. 
 Oft paffe out of my memory, for ever ; 
 And cary forth (ev'n to the worlds farre end) 
 Some other thoughts, which did on them depend. 
 
 Whilft, I my pen am dipping dowrie in inke. 
 That's lofl. which next to tell you I did thinke ; 
 And, fomewhat inflantly doth follow on, 
 Which till that prefent, I ne're thought upon. 
 
 This, forceth me thofe Methods to forgoe, 
 Which others in their Poems fancy fo. 
 This makes me birth to my Conceptions give. 
 As fafl. as they their Beings doe receive. 
 Left, whilft I for the common Midwife tary, 
 The flitting iffue of my braine mifcary. 
 And, howfoe're they pleafe to cenfure me. 
 Who but Stepfathers to their Poemes be ; 
 This, is that way of uttrance, that each Mufe 
 Makes pradlice of, whom Nature doth infufe .• 
 And, warrant from their Naturall-flraines doth fet. 
 Whom Artificiall Poets counterfeit. 
 
 Thefe are true Raptures ■ theirs are imitations, 
 Or, rather, of old Raptures, new Tranflations. 
 This Method long agoe, old Mofes ufed, 
 When God his Hymne of praife, to him infufed. 
 Thus, Solomon his Song of Songs, compofed : 
 And, when thy finger, Ifr'el, was difpofed 
 To praife the Lord, or fpeake unto his God, 
 Or vent his paffions in a mournfuU Ode, 
 
 In 
 
 278 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 139 
 
 In this contemned wife, from him did flow, 
 Thofe heav'nly Raptures which we honor fo. 
 
 As God's good Spirit cary'd him along, 
 So vary'd he, the matter of each Song. 
 l>ioY! prayes ; Riaight prai/et/i ; mRantly ^amentetA ; 
 Then halfe defpaires; is by and by contented; 
 Tii^perfon of the changeth; oft repeateth 
 One fentence ; and one fuit oft iterateth. 
 Which manner of expreffion, feemes to fome 
 So methodleffe, and fo to wander from 
 A certainty, in what he did intend, 
 That they his well-knit Raptures difcommend, 
 As broken and dif-jointed ; when, indeed. 
 From ignorance (or from their little heed 
 To fuch expreffions, and fuch myfteries) 
 Their caufeleffe difefleeme, did firfl arife. 
 Yea, Ignorance, not knowing what they meant. 
 When fuch an uncouth path the Mufes went ; 
 Was wont (long fince) to call our io\At-rs:^t Jb'aines, 
 Poetick Furies : And that Name remaines. 
 
 Yet, this old tradl I follow ; this I ufe ; 
 And, this no true-borne Poet can refufe. 
 My fcope, I ever keepe, in all my Layes ; 
 Which is, to pleafe, and profit, to Gods praife : 
 But, in OTit path, or in or^tpace to ride. 
 It is not fit a Poet fliould be ty'd. 
 Sometime he mufl be grave ; left elfe, the wife 
 The matter, or the manner, may defpife. 
 Sometime he mull endevor to be plaine. 
 Left, all that he delivers be in vaine : 
 Another while, he Parables mufl; ufe. 
 And Riddles, left fome fhould the truth abufe. 
 And they that are the Nymrods of the times 
 Grow mad, in ftead of leaving off their crimes. 
 
 Some- 
 
 279 
 
Brittan's Cant.il. 
 
 Sometimes he muft ht pleafing, left, he may- 
 Drive all his froward Readers quite away. 
 Sometimes he muft, have bitter-Jiraines, to keepe 
 The fullen Reader from a drowfie fleepe ; 
 And whip thofe wantons, from an evill courfe, 
 That, without warning, would be daily worfe. 
 Sometimes againe, he muft be fomewhat merry. 
 Left Fooles, of good inftnidtion, ftiould be weary. 
 Yea, he to all men all things ftiould become, 
 That he, of many, might advantage fome. 
 
 This, makes me change the Perfon, and the Style, 
 And vary from the matter, other while. 
 This, makes me mixe fmal things, and great together; 
 Here, I am grave ; there, play I with a feather. 
 One page, doth make fome Reader halfe beleeve, 
 That I am angry : In the next, I give 
 The Childe an Aple. In one leafe, I chide ; 
 I fomewhat in another doe provide, 
 To helpe excufe thofe frailties I reproved : 
 And thofe excufes, are in place removed, 
 From fuch reproofes ; left following on too nigh. 
 The Check, might Avithout heed, be paffed by. 
 
 This courfe becomes the Mufes. This doth fave 
 Our Lines from juft reproofe, when Tyrants rave 
 At our free Numbers : and when Fooles condemne 
 Our Straines, becaufe they underftand not them. 
 Such Poefie is right : and, therefore, they 
 Who ftudy matter, and what words to fay, 
 Doe falfly arrogate to be infpired ; 
 Since, when they boaft their foules are this way fired, 
 It is but Wine, or Pafflon makes them rave : 
 And thence the Mufes their difgraces have. 
 Moft times, when I compofe, I watch, and faft. 
 I cannot find my Spirits, when I tafte 
 
 Of 
 
 280 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 140 
 
 Of meats and drinks ; nor can I write a line, 
 
 Sometime, fhould I but take one draught of wiTie. 
 
 Men fay, it makes a Poet, and doth warme 
 
 His braine, and him with flrong invention arme. 
 
 No marvell then, that moft doe reckon me 
 
 For none, who of this Age the Poets be ; 
 
 And, that fo envioufly at me they ftrike, 
 
 For they and I are not infpir'd aUke. 
 
 In fuch like workes as thefe, if I fliould fill 
 
 My head, my Mufe would have an empty quill ; 
 
 And, that which to expreffe ftie then prefumes, 
 
 Would fmother'd be, with vapourings and fumes. 
 
 But, when thofe write ; thefelves they firft make mery 
 
 With Claret, with Canary, or with Sherry. 
 
 And thefe are fure the Deities which make 
 
 A fenfuall eare, of them, befl liking take. 
 
 When fuch as they reprove a finfuU State, 
 Or would thofe great enormities relate, 
 Wherein their times offend ; they may be brought 
 To queflion for it ; and it may be thought 
 Their fpleene, revenge, or envy, did incite 
 Their braines to hammer, what their pens did write, 
 Becaufe they did premeditate, and ftraine 
 Their faculties, their projedls to attaine. 
 But, when a man one Subjell purpofing. 
 Sits downe to write it, and another thing 
 (Vnthought upon before) quite thrufteth out 
 The matter which at firfl. he went about : 
 When he remembers, that nor fpight, nor fpleene, 
 Nor envy hath his primus motor beene : 
 When he perceives, nor dangers, nor difgrace 
 Can fright him, when fuch Raptures are in place : 
 When he doth find, that with much eafe & pleafure 
 He utters what exceeds the common meafure 
 
 Of 
 
 281 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 5. 
 
 Of his owne Gifts : And that (although his Rimes 
 Are none of thoie Jlrong lines that catch the times) 
 They from the Vertnous, good refpedl can draw, 
 And keepe the proudeft vitious-men in awe : 
 What fliould he thinke, but that the pow'r of God 
 Infpireth him, to fliow his will abroad ? 
 What need he feare, but, moft. undantedly, 
 Make ufe of his infpired Facultie ? 
 No arrogance it were, if he, or I, 
 Should fay that God our pens had fpoken by. 
 To thofe we live among ; fmce, we might fay, 
 He fpeakes by all his creatures, ev'ry day : 
 Yea, fmce in elder times it came to paffe. 
 That he declar'd his pleafure by an Affe. 
 
 What fhould we do but fpeak, when we are willed ? 
 Whan can we doe but fpeake when we are filled ? 
 While wicked men we doe remaine among, 
 With David, we a while may curb the tongue ; 
 But, burne it will within us, till we fpeake. 
 And forth, at lafl, fome thundring voice will breake. 
 
 And what fliould then our hearers doe, but leame 
 Their errors, by our Poems, to difcerne ? 
 Why fliould they raile at us, who neither feare 
 Their fury, nor for all their threatnings care ? 
 Why doe they, childiflily, our Lines condemne, 
 That fl,rike but at i!a€\x follies, not at them ? 
 Why, fo unjuftly ftill, are we purfued, 
 Who fliew them how ih€\x falls may be efchewed ? 
 And why doe they by feeking of our (hame, 
 Encreafe our glories, and themfelves defame ? 
 Whence comes all this, but from that fottiftmeffe 
 Which doth mofl. people of this age poffefle ? 
 
 But, let thefe queflions pafle ; left by degrees, 
 They draw us on, untill our marke we leefe. 
 
 Thus 
 
 382 
 
Cajtt. 5. Remembrancer. 141 
 
 Thus far my Mufe hath wilfully digreft, 
 And of \i'sx purpofe, now flie vents the reft. 
 
 When divers weeks together I had wafted 
 In viewing thofe afflidlions others tafted ; 
 When day by day, I long had walkt abroad,"; 
 Beholding how the fcourging hand of God, 
 Afflidled other men, and how, each morning 
 My going out, and how my back returning, 
 Was evr'y night in fafety ; I began 
 Gods care and my unworthineffe to fcan. 
 And, 'twas, me thought, a favour, which required 
 To be both much acknowledg'd, and admired ; 
 That (when fo many houfes, ev'ry day, 
 Were vifited) the place wherein I lay 
 Stood free fo long ; confidering we were many. 
 And, then, reforted to, as much as any. 
 But, there was fomewhat needfull to be knowne, 
 Which no mans griefe could teach me, but mine own. 
 And, that I might thereof informed be, 
 God fent at laft his ludgements home to me. 
 Yea, peradventure, in my foule he faw 
 Some failings of my former filiall awe j 
 Some thanklefneffe ; fome inward pride of heart ; 
 Or over-weening of mine owne defert, 
 Arifmg from the mercifull protedlion 
 Which he vouchfafed me from this InfeSlion ; 
 And therefore fent as my Remembrancer, 
 His dreadfuU, and his bloody Meffenger 
 To take his lodging, where my lodgings were ; 
 And put his rage in execution there. 
 For, in upon us, that Contagion broke, 
 Five foules out of our Gate, it quickly tooke. 
 And left another wounded; that I might 
 Conceive my danger, and Gods love, aright. 
 
 It 
 
 2H- 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. s. 
 
 It fell about the time in which their fura 
 Who weekly died, to the full was come : 
 Then, when infediion to fuch height was growne, 
 That many dropped on a fudden downe 
 In ev'ry ftreet : yea, when fome fooles did tell 
 The lying Fables of the Falling-Bell 
 At Weftminjler ; and how that then did flye 
 No Bird through Londons ayre which did not dye. 
 Ev'n then it was. And, though fome few did pleafe, 
 By fuch like tales, and ftrange Hyperboles, 
 To overftraine the ftories of our forrow : 
 They did much needlefly their ficflions borrow 
 To fet it forth. Nay, their falfe rumors made 
 Our woes appeare leffe great, then thofe we had. 
 
 Till npw, I made the fmart of others knowne .• 
 The Griefes I next will tell you, are mine owne. 
 At firft, I ftood as one who from a Towre 
 Beholding how the fword doth fuch devoure 
 (Who in the llreets beneath him fighting be) 
 Accounts himfelfe from danger to be free. 
 But, at the laft, I fared, as it fares 
 With fuch, whofe Foes have made, at unawares, 
 A breach upon their Bulwarke ; and I flood 
 No meane aflaults, to make my {landing flood. 
 For, both within me, and without me, too, 
 I had enough, and full enough to doe. 
 
 N o fooner to my Chamber was I gone. 
 But, I was foUow'd flraight, and fet upon 
 By flrong Affailants, who did much intrude, 
 And much difeafe me, by their multitude. 
 My Reafon, who to Faith did lately floop. 
 Revolted, and brought on a mighty troup 
 Of trayt'rous Arguments, whereby flie thought, 
 On this my difadvantage, to have wrought. 
 
 Tempta- 
 
 S84 
 
Cant. s. Remembrancer. 142 
 
 Temptations, i\.ye-Sugge/Hons, Feare and Doubt, 
 
 Did undermine, and clofe me, round about. 
 
 My Confcience did begin to be afraid 
 
 My Faith had beene a falfe one ; who betraid 
 
 My Soule to Death : and (whether then it were 
 
 The pow'r of ftrong Infeilion, or elfe Feare, 
 
 Occafion'd by thofe combatings within, 
 
 Or both together) I did then begin 
 
 To finde my body weakned more and more, 
 
 And felt thofe pangs till then unfelt before. 
 
 Ev'n many dayes together, fo it fared : 
 And fure if Superjlition could have feared 
 My better fetled heart, there hapned that. 
 Which I had fear'd, and foraewhat ftartled at : 
 And (though I never outwardly complained 
 To any one, of that which I fuflained) 
 That week, in which our houfe was vifited. 
 And made complete the number of their dead ; 
 I had a fleepleffe night ; in which with heat 
 Oppreft, I purged out (in flead of fweat) 
 Round-ruddy-fpots (and, that, no little flore) 
 Which on my brefl, and flioulders, long I wore. 
 
 Perhaps, it was the Pejliknce, which then 
 So marked me ; and I, as other men, 
 By her had beene devour' d, had I not 
 Through Gods great mercy, my free pardon got. 
 Which, how, and on what termes, the fame I gain'd, 
 He now declare. For, though they feeme but fain'd. 
 Or melancholy thoughts, which here I tell ; 
 Yet, fure, to fmother them, I did not well. 
 For, fome, perhaps, will thinke (as well as I) 
 That none ftiould fleightly paffe fuch mufmgs by : 
 And fome (who at firft viewing will furmife, 
 That in thefe things I meerly poetife) 
 
 Will 
 
 28s 
 
Brittan's Catit.ti. 
 
 Will find, perchance, in times that fhall enfue, 
 Experimentall proofes that all is true ; 
 Should Darkneffe, where her vifage. Danger, fliowes, 
 (At fuch a difadvantage) them enclofe. 
 
 When all alone I lay, and apprehended, 
 How many mifchiefes my poore foule attended ; 
 I plainly faw (though not with camall eyes) 
 God's dreadfull Angell, ready to furprife 
 My trembling foule ; and ev'ry hideous feare, 
 VVhich can to any naturall man appeare, 
 (In fuch a cafe, to aggravate his terror) 
 Approacht, with ev'ry circumftance of horror. 
 I faw the Mujler of each paffed evill, 
 And all my youthfuU follies, by the Devill 
 Brought in againft. me, marfliall'd, and prepared, 
 To fight the battell which I long had feared, 
 And fuch a multitude of them furrounded 
 My Confcience, that I was almoft. confounded. 
 
 A thoufand fmnes appear'd which were forgot, 
 And which I till that moment minded not. 
 Since firfl, committed ; and more ugly far 
 They feem'd, then when they perpetrated were. 
 Yea many things whereof I bragg'd, and thought 
 That I, in doing them, fome good had wrought, 
 Declar'd themfelves againfl me ; and I found 
 That they did give my foule the deepell wound. 
 When thefe had quite enclofed me, I faw 
 The Tables, and the Volumes of the Law, 
 To me laid open : and I was, me thought. 
 Before the prefence of Gods lujlice brought. 
 Who from her eye did frown es upon me dart. 
 And feemed, thus to fpeake unto my heart. 
 
 (Oh ! Readers marke it well ; for to this Doome, 
 
 Or to a worfe then this, you all mud come. 
 
 Sup- 
 
 286 
 
Cani.s. Remembrancer. 143 
 
 Suppofe thou not, vaine man, thou iojlpoffeffe 
 
 This life till now, for thine otvne righteoufneffe, 
 
 Or that thou meritefl more grace to have 
 
 Then they who now are fent to fill the Grave : 
 
 Lo, here, thy Foe hath brought of thy offences 
 
 An Army, andfo many evidences 
 
 Of thy Corruption ; that plead what thou wilt 
 
 Of merit in thy felve, they prove a guilt 
 
 So hainous, that thy foule thou canfl not free: 
 
 Yet other finfull thoughts of thine I fee. 
 
 Ifearch thy heart, and 7 difcover there 
 Deceits, which cannot to thy felfe appeare. 
 y know thy many fecret imperfellions, 
 I know thy paffwns, and thy vaine affeilions ; 
 And, that performances thou hafl not made 
 According to thofe favours thou hafl had. 
 Vaine glory, profit, or fame carnall end, 
 Thy befl endeavor alwayes did attend; 
 And, as diflrufling, God would thee beguile. 
 An arme offlefh thou feekefl otherwhile: 
 Not as the fecond, but the chief eft Caufe : 
 Which from the glory of thy God withdrawes. 
 
 Mine eye doth fee what arrogance and pride 
 Thou dofl among thy fairefl vertues hide ; 
 And, what impieties, thoufhouldjl have done. 
 Had I not flopt the courfe thou thoughtfl to run. 
 Oft times, when others Vices, thou hajfifhowne, 
 Thou hafl forgotten to repent thine owne. 
 And, many times, thy tart reproofes have beene 
 The fruits, not of thy Vertue, but of Spleene. 
 Thy wanton Lufls (but that I did reffraine 
 Their fury, when thou wouldfl haveflackt the Reine) 
 Had borne thee headlong to thofe deeds ofjliame, 
 With which thy evill millers blur thy Name. 
 
 Should/l 
 
 287 
 
Brittan's Cant.t). 
 
 Should/1 thou have done the bejl that thou wert able, 
 
 Thy fervices had beene unprofitable : 
 
 But, thou fear ce halfe thy Talent hajl employ^ d ; 
 
 And, that f mall good thou didjl, is nigh dejlroyd. 
 
 By giving fome oecafion, needlefly. 
 
 Of quejlioning thy true fincerity. 
 
 God oft hath hid thy frailties, and thy finne. 
 Which being knowne, would thy difgrace have bin. 
 Thefhow cfVfiX. and Vertue, thou hafl had. 
 He, to the world more eminent hath made. 
 Then theirs, who wifer, and much better are. 
 Though outward helpes, and fortunes, wanting were. 
 And, though thy knowledge, and thy former Layes, 
 Among your formall Wizzards got no praife, 
 Yet, what they counted fbolifhneffe, became 
 A greater honor to thy fleighted Name, 
 Then they obtained : And, that Grace (I fee) 
 Begot more pride, then thankefulneffe in thee : 
 And, I was faine, to let fome fcandals fiye. 
 To teach unto thee, more humilty. 
 
 In all thy wants, thoufiill hafl beene relieved; 
 From heav'n thou comfort hadfl, whe thou wert grieved; 
 IVhen Princes threatned, thmi wert fearleffe made; 
 In all thy dangers, thou a Guard hafl had ; 
 In clofefl prifon, thou befl freedome gainedfl; 
 Jn great contempts, thou mofl efleeme obtainedfl; 
 When, mofl thy foes did labour to undoe thee, 
 They brought mofl honor, and mofl profit to thee. 
 Yea, flill when thy deflruSlion was expelled. 
 Then, God, thy peace beyond thy hope, effeSled. 
 And, in theflead of praifing him for this. 
 Thou robdfl him of much honour that was his. 
 Thou wert corttent, to heare the vulgar fay. 
 Thy Spirit, and thine Innocence made way 
 
 To 
 
 288 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 144 
 
 To thy efcape. Whereas thy Confcience knew^ 
 Thou wert a Coward, //// God did endue 
 Thy heart with Fortitude, and freely gave thee 
 That innocency which from harme didfave thee. 
 
 When God thy Name divul^d for feme good end 
 ( Which his wife Providence did foreintend) 
 Thou tookfi the glory of it for thine owne, 
 And, J7ifily, therefore, thy fo being knowne, 
 Hath beene a meanes whereby thy Foes have fent 
 Their fcandal farther, then they elfe had went. 
 
 Asfoone as God from trouble did releafe thee, 
 (Or, but with hopes of outward things poffeffe thee) 
 Some fruitleffe thoughts did quite thy heart eflrange, 
 And after fuch vaine Projedls make thee range, 
 That he was oft compeld to put thee from 
 Thofe bleffingi, which ev^n to thy lips were come ; 
 Lefl, being then unfea^nably received. 
 Thou mightfl of better things have beene bereaved. 
 Few menfo nigh great Hopes attained ever, 
 With fuch fmall fortunes, and without endeavor, 
 As thou hafl done ; and fewer have beene crofl 
 That way (which thou hajl beene) in what was lofl; 
 That fee and know thou mightfl, fuch loffe and gaine, 
 He fent; and, that he neither fent in vaine 
 Yea, that thofe evils which thou hadfl in thought, 
 Should f cape the being into allion brought, 
 III tongues wereflured to prevent the fall. 
 By blazing what was never yet in ail : 
 But, might have beene, perhaps, had not that armed 
 Thy h£art; whereby thy foes would thee have harmed. 
 
 Thou to r^rejh thy foule, haft pleafures had. 
 And thou by their abufe, haft feebler made 
 Her ufefull Faculties. Thou haft enjoyed 
 Youth,ftrength, and health ; and, them haft mif-employed. 
 
 N Thy 
 
 289 
 
Br IT tan's Cant.i,. 
 
 Thy God hath made thee gracious in their eyes, 
 Whofe good ejkeme, thyfoule doth highly prife ; 
 And ( of ill purpofe though lie not condemne 
 Thy love, or meaning, to thyfelfe or them) 
 Thou hajlfull often Jiole their hearts away, 
 Elf n from themf elves ; and made thine owne a prey 
 To many palTions ; which didfometimes bring 
 Vpon your felves, a mutuall torturing : 
 Becaufe you did not in your loves propofe 
 Thofe ends, for which, AfFedtion, God beflowes. 
 But, fpent your houres (thatfhould have beene employed 
 To learne and teach how youfhould have enjo;fd 
 Gods love) that flame, to kindle, in each other ; 
 Wherein, you might have perifhed together. 
 
 Thou a^avated hafl thy pard'ned crimes, 
 And, iterated them, a thoufand times. 
 Ev'n yet, thou dofl renew them ev'ry day ; 
 And wlienfor Mercy thou dofl come to pray, 
 Thou meritefl confufton, through that folly. 
 Which makes thy prayers to become unholy. 
 
 Nay, at this time, and in this very place, 
 Where God in Judgement _/fe«(^5 before thy face. 
 Thou oftforgetft the danger thou art in ; 
 Forgetfl Gods mercy, and dofl hourely fin. 
 Thou dofl neglell thy time, and trifle out 
 Thofe dayes, thatfhould have beene employed about 
 Thefervice of thy Maker. Thou dofl give 
 Thy f elf e that liberty, as if to live 
 Or dye, were at thy choice; and that at pleafure. 
 Thou mightfl purfue his worke ; and at thy leafure. 
 Thy Talent thou miffpendfl; and here, as though 
 To looke upon Gods Judgements were enough 
 For thee to doe; thou dofl with negligence 
 Performe thy vowes ; which adde to thy offence. 
 
 And, 
 
 390 
 
Cant. s. Remembrancer. 145 
 
 And loe,for thefe thy faults, and many moe; 
 Whereof thy Confcience thee doth guilty know, 
 My fpotted-Hound hathfeized thee : from whom. 
 That thou with lifejhouldjl licence have to corne. 
 What canfl thou fay ? I could not make reply ; 
 For, Feare, and Guilt, and that dread Majefty 
 Which I had apprehended, tooke away 
 My fpeach ; and not a word had I to fay. 
 
 But Mercy who came arme in arme along 
 With luflice, and about her alwayes hung ; 
 Did looke, me thought, upon me, with an eye 
 So truly pitifuU, that inftantly 
 My heart was cheer' d, and {Mercy prompting her) 
 Such words, or thoughts as thefe flie did prefer. 
 
 Tis tru^ mofl awfull luflice, that my fin 
 Hath greater then thy accufations bin. 
 The mofl refined aSlions of myfoule, 
 Are in thy prefence, horrible andfoule. 
 And if thou take account ofwliat is done, 
 I cannot of ten thoufand anfwer one. 
 Asfoone as I am clenfedfrom my finne, 
 Tofoile myfelfe anew I doe begin. 
 I to my vomit, like a Dog, retire, 
 And like a Sow, to wallow in the mire : 
 I have within myfoule, diflempers,j>affions; 
 And hourely am befie^d withftrong temptations. 
 My Fleih is weake, except it be to fin ; 
 My ^^mi. faints, when I the goalefhould winne. 
 My Will Affe£leth mofl, what is moft vaine; 
 My Memory doth evill befi retaine. 
 That little good I would, I cannot doe ; 
 Thofe evills I detefl, I fall into. 
 The vapours which from earthly things arife, 
 Too often veile heaifns glories from mine eyes. 
 
 JSTa And 
 
 391 
 
Brittan's Cant.S- 
 
 And I, who canfometimes by contemplation, 
 
 Advance my foule above the common Jlation, 
 
 (The world contemning ) doe fometim^s agen, 
 
 Lye groveling on the ground with other men: 
 
 My Faith dothfaile; my mounting wings are dipt ; 
 
 Of all my braveries I quite amjlript; 
 
 My hopes are hid; my fins doe me defile \ 
 
 And in my owne efieeme, my fi}ule is vile. 
 
 I will acknowledge all my aberrations, 
 
 According to their utmoft aggravations ; 
 
 And here confeffe, that I deferve therefore 
 
 The loffe of Mercies love for evermore ; 
 
 Which were a greater plague, then to abide 
 
 All torments here, and all hell plagues befide. 
 
 But, I repent myfinne: loe, I abhor e it, 
 ■ And, with my heart, am truly fory for it. 
 I feare thine anger, (but, to fear e the love 
 Ofyi&ccy could be loft, would in me prove 
 A greater horror) and noflavifh dread. 
 But loving feare, this grief e in me hath bred. 
 It paines my foule, that I who have conceived 
 Such pleafures in thy favours, and received 
 Such tokens of thy love, from day to day. 
 Should paffe a moment of my time away 
 In any vanity ; or live to be 
 One minutes fpace without a thought of thee. 
 But, more I grieve, that Ifhould more tranfgreffe 
 Then many doe, whom thou haft favour' d leffe^ 
 
 Although lam a /inner, yet I vow, 
 I doe not in my foule my finnes allow; 
 But, I deteft them, and oft pray, andftrive, 
 That, I according to thy Law may live. 
 (At leaft I thinke I doe) and hopefull am. 
 My love to thee is true, though much to blame. 
 
 In 
 
 392 
 
Cant. s. Remembrancer. 146 
 
 7n me there fwwrely rife (againft my will) 
 Thofe lujls which JJhould mortifie and kill : 
 And as I am enabled, Idoefmite 
 As well the fat, as leane Amalekite. 
 
 But, if I have a fin that is become 
 My Agag ; or as deare as Abfolom, 
 r wifh a Samuel, or a loab may 
 Dellroy it ^re my foule itfhall betray. 
 For, tf my heart hath not itfelfe deceived, 
 It would, with willingnefje, be quite bereaved 
 Of what it mofl affells (yea, facrifice 
 That which is dearer then my hands, or eyes) 
 E're cherifh, wittingly, within my brefl, 
 A thought, which thy uprightnef^e doth detefl. 
 
 Thou knowefl, that J take nopleafures in 
 That aM which I doe fear e to be a fin : 
 Much lejfe if I doe know it fo : and, this 
 Doth bitter make it, when I doe atniffe : 
 Though in my wayes my walkings, now and then, 
 Appeare irregular to other men ; 
 (And other while may fhows of evill make) 
 Becaufe from thence offences others take. 
 Yet, thought I not, it leffe offended thee 
 To ufe it, then unused to let it be, 
 I would not tread once more infuch a path. 
 To fave my life, and all the joy it hath. 
 But,fhould it coft my life I cannot tell 
 If(infome anions) I doe ill or well, 
 For, many times, when Idoefeeke tofhun 
 A plafk, into a whirlepoole I doe run. 
 The Wolfe Iflye, and loe, a Lyon frights me; 
 Ifhun the Lyon, and a Viper bites me. 
 A fcandall followes, if I take my courfe; 
 If I divert it, there enfues a worfe. 
 
 Ni I 
 
 293 
 
Brittan's Cau(.s. 
 
 7f I perfijlin that which I intend, 
 
 It giveth fame occafton to offend : 
 
 If Iforgoe it ; my owne knowledge fayes 
 
 J fin, and fcandall give fome other wayes. 
 
 I find not in my actions, or affe£lions 
 
 That thing that is not full of imperfeSlions. 
 
 J cannot doe a good or pious all 
 
 But there is fomewhat evill in the fall, 
 
 Or in the manner ; and it either tends 
 
 To this mans dammage, or that man offends. 
 
 Whatever I refolve upon, Ifinde 
 
 Jt doth not fully fatisfie my minde. 
 
 I am fo flraitned, that I know not whence 
 
 Tofinde the meanes offhunning an offence ; 
 
 And, if dear Mercy, thou affi/l me not. 
 
 My fair eft all will prove my fouleft Mot. 
 
 The World, our Friends, our Paffions, or our Feare, 
 Hathfo intangled us, at unaware. 
 With manifold engagements ; andfo drawes 
 And windes us, by degrees, into that Maze 
 Ofendleffe Wandrings ; that it leads us to 
 That fin, fometimes, which we abhor to doe : 
 And, otherwhile foftrangely giddifies 
 The Reafon, and thefoules beft FaMlties ; 
 That (as I faid before) we doe not know 
 What in ourfelves to like, or difallow. 
 Yea, wefuch turnings and croffe wayes doefinde, 
 That oft, our Guides (as well as we) are blinde. 
 
 The Spirit and the Flefli have their delight. 
 In things, fo diverfe, andfo oppofite: 
 And,fuch a Law of Sinne dothfUll abide 
 Within our Members ; that, wefwarve afide 
 Doe what we can : and, while we helpe the one. 
 To what feemes needfull, tliother is undone. 
 
 If 
 
 294 
 
Cant. s. Remembrancer. 147 
 
 If by the Spirits motion, I proceed 
 
 To compaffe what I thinke my Soule may need, 
 
 My Body wants the while \ and I am f aim 
 
 To leave my courfe ; that her I may fujlaine : 
 
 Leji my engagements, or neceffities, 
 
 Might my well meant endeavor fcandalize. 
 
 ^ I but feed my Body, that it may 
 
 Affifl my Spirit in fome lawfull way ; 
 
 It flraight growes wanton: If If aft, it makes 
 
 My fpirit faint in whatfhe undertakes : 
 
 And, if I keepe a meane; meane fruits are they, 
 
 (And little worth) which then produce I may. 
 
 Tfin a Chriflian lowtfome hours Jfpend 
 To be a comfort to fofne female friend, 
 Who needs my counfell : I doe caufe, the while. 
 Another with hot jealoufies, to boyle : 
 Nor know I how my felfe excufe J may 
 Vnleffe anothers weakneffe I difplay. 
 Which if I doe not, or fome lye invent, 
 They cenfure me unkinde, or impudent. 
 
 I can nor doe, nor fpeake, nor thinke that thing, 
 But, fUll, fome inconvenience it will bring; 
 Or, fome occafwn of an evill, be 
 To me, or others ; or to them, and me. 
 And from the body of this Death, by whom 
 But, by my Saviour, can I freed become ? 
 
 Oh ! therefore, fweet Redeemer, _;5^«wr lend me. 
 And, from thefe bogs, andfnares of fin, defend me ; 
 Deare God, affifl iii thefe perplexities. 
 Which from our fraile condition doe arife. 
 Set flraight, J pray thee. Lord, the crookedneffe 
 Oferrir^ Nature ; and thefe faults redreffe. 
 So out of frame, is ev'ry thing, in me, 
 That, I can hope for cure, from none, but thee. 
 
 N^ To 
 
 29s 
 
Brittan's Cani.i,. 
 
 To thee I therefore kneele ; to thee I pray ; 
 To thee my foule complaineth ; et/ry day : • 
 Doe thou but fay. Be whole ; or be thou cleane ; 
 And, Ifhall foone be pure, and found, agen. 
 
 The Will thou gaiffl me, to affell thy Will, 
 Though it continue not fo perfe6l flill. 
 As when thou firfl beflowdfl the fame ; accept it, 
 Eifnfuch as my polluted Yeifell kept in. 
 For, though it wounded be, through many fights 
 Continued with my carnall appetites : 
 Yet, if my hearts defire to me be knowne, 
 Thy Pleafure I preferre before mine owne. 
 If J could chufe, I would not guilty be 
 Of any a£l dtfpleafing unto thee. 
 In all my life, I would notfpeake a word. 
 But, that which to thy liking might accord. 
 I would not thinke a thought, but what might fhow. 
 That from thy Spirit, all my mufings flow. 
 J would nor hate, nor Love, nor hope, nor fesire, 
 But, as unto thy praife it ufefull were. 
 I would not have a joy within my heart. 
 Of which thoufhould^ not be the greater part. 
 Nor would I live or dye, or happy be 
 In life or death ; but (Lord) to honour thee. 
 
 Oh t let this Will (which is the precious feed 
 Of thine owne Love) be taken for the deed. 
 Affifl thou me againfl the potent evill 
 Of my great Foes, the World, the Flefh, the Devill. 
 Renew my fainting pow'rs, my heatt revive; 
 Refrefh my fpirits, and my foule relieve. 
 Lord draw me, by the cords of thy affeSlion, 
 And Ifhall fall in love with thy perfection. 
 Vnloofe my chaines, and Ifhall then be free ; 
 Convert me, and converted Ifhall be. 
 
 Yea, 
 
 296 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 148 
 
 Yea, to myfoule (oh God!) and to my fenfes 
 Difplay thy beauties and thy excellencies 
 So plaine, that I may have them JUll in fight ; 
 And thoujhalt ever be myfi>le delight. 
 The world though Jhe Jhould into pieces teare me 
 With troubles ; from thy love Jhould never fcare me ; 
 Nor able he to tempt me from one duty 
 To thee, with all her pleafures and her beauty. 
 
 Behold; I came to feeke thee. Lord; ev^n here, 
 Where, to attend thy prefence mojl men fear e. 
 Though here I faw the Peflilence withfland me, 
 I ftaid to know what worke thou wouldft command me, 
 From all the pleafures of the world, aiid from 
 Her hopes offafety, I am hither come 
 Where thou art angry : and to fee thy frowne 
 Am at thy feet, with terror, fallen downe. 
 Yet, hence I would notflye (although I might) 
 To gaine the chief eft of this worlds delight. 
 Till I perceive thou bidd'fl me goe away ; 
 And, then, for twenty worlds, J would not flay. 
 
 I came as heartily asflefh and blood 
 Could come (that hath in it fo little good) 
 To doe thee fervice : and, if dye J mufl, 
 Loe, here I am ; and, I pronounce theejufl. 
 Although thoufiay me yet my foule well knowes 
 Thou lov'fl me: And, Jle trufl in thee repofe. 
 Though in my felfe I feele I am polluted ; 
 jfinde a better righteoufneffe imputed 
 Then I have lo/l. Thy bleffed Love doth fill me 
 With joys, that will revive me, though thou kill me. 
 My fins are great ; but thy compaffioris greater. 
 T have thy Quittance, though I am thy Debtor. 
 And, though my temp^ rail hopes may be deflroid; 
 Yet, I have thofe, that never Jhall be void. 
 
 iV"5 Th 
 
 pp 297 
 
"^ B R I T T A N'S Cant. S. 
 
 Thus, to the Lord, my foule I powred out, 
 
 When I with dangers was enclos'd about ; 
 
 And though I was a fmner, this appeafed 
 
 His wrath in Chrift, and my griev'd foule was eafed. 
 
 He gracioufly accepted, in a good part, 
 
 This poore oblation of an humbled heart. 
 
 His Mercy feal'd ray pardon; and I (hook 
 
 The Peftilence (which hold upon me tooke) 
 
 From off my flioulder, without fenfe of harme, 
 
 As Paul did (hake the Viper from his arme. 
 
 That weeke, moreover, God began to flack 
 His Bow, and call his bloody Angell backe ; 
 Who by degrees retyr'd, as he came on. 
 For, weeke by weeke, until! it fell to none, 
 The number which the Peftilence did kill, 
 Was conflantly, and much abated ftill. 
 
 When we were floating on that Inundation, 
 At firft we fent a carnall Lamentation ; 
 Which like the Raven (from Noahs Arke) did flye. 
 And found nor reft, nor hope of remedy. 
 Then fent we Dove-Xiks. Mournings : but their feet 
 A while could with no refting places meet. 
 Then forth againe we fent them, out from hence, 
 Wing'd with more Charity, and Penitence. 
 And then, they brought an Olive-branch of peace, 
 Which made us hopefuU of this Floods decreafe. 
 The Lord, did favour to this Kingdome daigne, 
 And, brought from thrall, his lacob back againe. 
 His peoples crimes he freely did releafe ; 
 His ire abated ; his hot rage did ceafe. 
 His praife had in our Land a dwelling place ; 
 And Mercy there, with Tujtice did embrace. 
 
 And 'twas a grace to be confidered. 
 That a Difeafe, fo generally fpred, 
 
 (And 
 
 298 
 
Cant. s. Remembrancer. 149 
 
 (And fo contagious) in few weeks fliould from 
 
 So many thoufands, to a cypher come. 
 
 That our infedlious beds, and roomes, and fluffe, 
 
 (Which in all likelyhood had beene enough 
 
 To keepe the Plague among us, till it had 
 
 Our Cities, and our Townes unpeopled made, 
 
 Should from their noyfomnefTe, fo foone be freed. 
 
 Is out of doubt a matter worth our heed. 
 
 Yea, tis a Mercy (though mofl mind it not) 
 
 Which in this Land ftiould never be forgot : 
 
 That from an enemy fo dangerous, 
 
 So great a City and fo populous 
 
 Should in three months be purified fo, 
 
 That all men might with fafety, come and goe. 
 
 For, e're the following Winter was expired, 
 The Citizens where to their homes retired .■ 
 The Terme from Reading, was recalled hither. 
 From ev'ry Quarter, Clients came together ; 
 New trading was begun ; another brood 
 Soone fild the houfes which unpeopled ftood ; 
 Our Gentry, tooke up their old randevow ; 
 And fuch a concourfe through our flreets did flow, 
 That ev'ry place was fiU'd : and, of all thofe, 
 (Thofe many thoufands) who their lives did lofe 
 (But fome few months before) no want was found, 
 The people ev'ry where did fo abound. 
 
 To thee oh Lord, to thee oh Lord I be praife : 
 For, thou dofl wound and cure, flrike down and raife 
 Thou kiU'ft, and mak'fl. alive : thou frownft. at night, 
 And, thou art pleafed e're the morning light. 
 When we offend thee, thou a while dofl. leave us ; 
 When we repent, thou dofl againe receive us. 
 To ruine thou deliver'fl, us ; and then, 
 Returne againe (thou i^\^ ye fonnes of men, 
 
 For 
 
 299 
 
Brittan's Cant.s. 
 
 For, in thy wifedome thou confidered haft, 
 That man is Uke a bubble, or a blaft : 
 A heape of Duji, a tuft of witherd'd Graffe, 
 A fading Flowre, that foone away doth paffe : 
 A Moment fled, which never (hall retire ; 
 Or fmoaking Flaxe, that quickly lofeth fire. 
 An idle Dreame, which nothing doth betoken ; 
 A bruifed Heed, which may with eafe be broken : 
 And therefore doft in Judgement, Mercy minde, 
 Yea, in thy greateft anger thou art kinde. 
 
 As is the fpace twixt heav'n and earth, above, 
 So large, to thofe that feare thee, is thy love. 
 As far as doth from Eaji, the Weji refide, 
 So far thou dofl. from us our fins divide. 
 Such as a father to his childe doth beare, 
 Such love is thine, to thofe who thee doe feare. 
 Thy luJUce thou from age to age declarefl ; 
 But, fuch as love thee, thou for ever fpareil. 
 If thou but turne away, from us, thy face, 
 Loe, we are breathleffe in a moments fpace. 
 Thy looke doth us with life againe endue, 
 And all our loffes inftantly renew. 
 As oft as we rebell, thou doft forgive us ; 
 And, though into diftreffe, fometime thou drive us ; 
 Yet, alwayes in our forrowes we were eyed. 
 And thou didft pleafe to heare us when we cried. 
 
 With thirft and hunger faint, fome ftray'd afide. 
 To feeke a place where fafe they might abide. 
 With worfe then bands of iron, they where chained ; 
 And, in the gloomy ftiades of Death detained. 
 With heat, and fickneffe, they dejedted were ; 
 And to deliver them, no helpe was there. 
 Their wickedneffe, when they were plagued for, 
 Their foules the fweeteft morfels did abhor. 
 
 They 
 
 300 
 
Cant. s. Remembrancer. 150 
 
 They for their follies, did afflicSted lye, 
 And, to the gates of Death approached nigh. 
 Their foules within them were nigh dead with feare ; 
 Yea, they diftradied, and amazed were. 
 
 But, when to thee they called, they were eafed, 
 And out of all their troubles quite releafed. 
 Thou fent'fl. abroad thy Word, and they were healed ; 
 Thy Writ of Indignation was repealed. 
 Fro out of Death's black fliades they were reprieved ; 
 And in their forrowes and their paines relieved. 
 From Eall and Weft, from North & South, and from 
 Their fev'rall wandrings, thou didft call them home : 
 In ev'ry quarter of the Realme thou foughtft them ; 
 Yea to their City back againe thou broughtft them : 
 And there (now) joyfuU, and in health they be; 
 From all their feares, and all their dangers free. 
 
 Oh ! would that men this love would think upon. 
 And tell their feed what wonders thou haft done : 
 Would they. Oblations., of thankfgiving, bringing, 
 Thy works would praife, and publilh them in fmging. 
 Oh ! would they were fo wife that they might leame 
 Thine infinite compaffion to difcerne ; 
 And that they would affift me to declare, 
 How great thy Judgements and thy Mercies are ! 
 
 Though none can of thy favours make relation, 
 Nor fully utter all thy commendation ; 
 Yet, let us doe our beft, that we may raife 
 A thankfull Trophee to thy boundleffe praife. 
 Let us, whom thou haft faved, thee confeffe. 
 And to our utmoft pow'r thy goodneffe bleffe. 
 Let us proclaime thy bounties, in the ftreet. 
 And, preach thee where thy Congregations meet 
 Let us in private, at noone, morne, and night, 
 And in all places, in thy praife delight. 
 
 Let 
 
 301 
 
Brittan's Caut.S- 
 
 Let Prince, and Priejl, and People, old, and yong, 
 The rich, the poore, the feeble, and the ftrong, 
 Men, Angels, and all creatures that have name, 
 Vnite their pow'rs, to publifh out thy fame. 
 
 But, howfoever, others may endeavor. 
 Let me oh ! God, let me oh God ! perfever 
 To magnifie thy glory. Let not day. 
 Nor any morne, or evening, paffe away, 
 In which I fliall not to remembrance bring 
 Thy Judgements ; and of thy great Mercy, fing. 
 Let, never whilft I live, my heart forget 
 Thofe Dangers, and that ftrong entangled Net, 
 In which my foule was hamper'd. Let me fee 
 (When, in this world, I fliall beft pleafed be) 
 My dangers fuch appearing as they were. 
 When me, they round about enclofed here : 
 Yea, when, o'rewhelm'd, with terrors, I did call, 
 Like Jonas, from the belly of the Whale, 
 And was deliver'd. Lord, remember thou. 
 That with unfainedneffe, I beg thee, now. 
 To keepe me alwayes mindefuU of thy love. 
 And, if hereafter, I forgetful! prove ; 
 Let this unfainedneffe which thou dofl. give. 
 An Earnejl be, of what I fliall receive 
 In time to come. Refrefli my cooled zeale. 
 And let thy Spirit, thy hid Jj)ve reveale. 
 
 Let not the fawning World, nor cunning Devill, 
 Nor wanton Flefli, incite my heart to evill. 
 Let not my wandring eyes, be tempted by 
 Thofe ObjeBs, that allure to Vanity ; 
 Nor let my eares be charmed by their tongues. 
 Who to betray me, chant out Syren-fongs. 
 
 Let men nor tafle a Pleafure, nor obtaine 
 That carnall Rejl, whereof I am fo faine, 
 ■ - Till 
 
 302 
 
Cant.t,. Remembrancer. 151 
 
 Till it fliall make me plainly to perceive 
 Thy love ; and teach me, foolifti paths, to leave. 
 Let me be ftill in want ; and ever ftriving 
 With fome afflidlions (whilfl, that I am living) 
 Till they for better Fortunes, better me : 
 And, then, let into Rejl, my entrance be. 
 From yeare to yeare, (as thou hail yearly done) 
 New forrowes, and new trials bring thou on 
 My llubborne heart, till thou hall foftned it, 
 And, made it, for thy fervice, truly fit : 
 But, give me hopes, and daily comforts too. 
 To ilrengthen me, as thou haft us'd to doe. 
 And, that in lujtice, Mercy may appeare, 
 Inflifl (Oh Lord!) no more then I can beare. 
 
 I feele (and tremble that I feele it thus) 
 My flefh hath frailties which are dangerous, 
 To mine owne fafety : and as loone as thou 
 Shalt quite remove the feares that feize me now ; 
 My fenfe of thee, and thofe good thoughts (I doubt) 
 May faile within me, or be rooted out. (them, 
 
 Some Zz^ may quflch them, or fome Carenyxy choke 
 Vaine hopes may vaile the, or new-thoughts revoke the ; 
 The wifedome of the world, or of the Devill, 
 Or, fome fuggeftion, in my felfe, that's evill. 
 May urge, perhaps, that it is melancholy, 
 Which fills me now ; that fupeiftitious folly 
 Begot this awfulneffe ; that this Difeafe 
 Did accidentally, our City feize ; 
 And, that 'tis vaine to make fo much upon 
 Thofe times or troubles, that are paft and gone. 
 
 Oh ! rather, then it fliould in me be fo. 
 Some other houfe of Sorrow fend me to ; 
 And keepe me, Lord, perpetuall pris'ner there. 
 Till all fuch dangers ove paffed are. 
 
 Nor 
 
 303 
 
Brittan's Cant.S- 
 
 Nor weale nor woe I crave, but part of either, 
 
 As with my temper beft. agrees together. 
 
 For, joy without thy grace, is griefes encreafmg, 
 
 And wealth is poverty, without thy bleffmg. 
 
 But if by pafTing this lifes purging fires. 
 
 Thou (halt fo purifie my hearts defires. 
 
 That without perill to my hopes of heaVn, 
 
 A temp'rall reft, may at the lafl be giv'n ; 
 
 Vouchfafe it Zord, ev'n for the good of them 
 
 Who my beft refolutions, yet, condemne. 
 
 Let them difcerne, thou bleffings haft provided, 
 
 For that,' which they unjuftly have derided. 
 
 Thou heretofore didft heare thy Servant call. 
 
 And mad'ft me free when I was clofe in thrall. 
 
 Oh ! to thofe mortalls make me not a fcorne. 
 
 Who to my Shame my Glory feeke to turne : 
 
 But let it in thy time to them appeare. 
 
 That thou didft me eleSl, and me wilt heare. 
 
 Let them perceive (though they my Lott difdaine) 
 
 1\\tpromife of this Life doft appertaine 
 
 To me as unto them. And for their fakes 
 
 Whofe weakneffe, otherwhile. offences takes 
 
 At my perpetuall fcandals ; let their eye 
 
 Behold the turne of my Captivity ; 
 
 And know that I have walked in a path, 
 
 Which, in this life time, fome fmooth paces hath. 
 
 But, nought repine I, though this boone thou grant not. 
 For, that which thou to me denffl I want not. 
 7 know thy Wifedome knowes what beft will fit me: 
 T know thy Pow'r enough thofe things to get me : 
 T know thy Love is large enough to me : 
 T know thy Vl^aiaxefhould my pleafure be : 
 Thy will be done, and hallowed be thy Name, 
 Although it be through my perpetuall fhame. 
 
 Whilft 
 
 304 
 
Cant. $. Remembrancer. 152 
 
 Whilfl on fuch Meditations I was feeding 
 My pleafed foule (and Gods great goodnes heeding) 
 That I might fill her with contemplating 
 On him, from whom all happineffe doth fpring : 
 A fuddaine Rapture did my Mufe prepare 
 For higher things then fhe did lately dare. 
 
 Me thought, I faw Gods lujlice and his Love 
 Inftalled on one throne, in heav'n above. 
 I had imperfedl fights, and glimmering notions. 
 Concerning fome of their partic'lar motions. 
 About this Orbe. I much perceiv'd me thought, 
 Of thofe their wondrous works w'= they had wrought 
 In former dayes. And, as within a Glaffe, 
 Some things I faw, which they will bring to paffe 
 In future times. By helpe of Gods great Booke, 
 ('Which for my Ephimerides I tooke) 
 I had procur'd a large intelligence 
 Of luJHce and of Mercies Influence. 
 There, learned I the feverall Afpe^s, 
 And, of thofe Starres the feverall effedls : 
 While in Conjunllion thofe two Lights I faw ; 
 The befl. AJirologers could never draw 
 From all the planetary Conflellations 
 (Ev'n at their befl.) fuch heav'nly Confolations. 
 I could conjedlure of their worke divine, 
 In Sextile, or in Quadrine, or in Trine ; 
 And what prodigious Flagues the world ftiould fright 
 If their afpefl were wholly Oppofite. 
 
 Some things, by calculation I difcemed. 
 Which this our Britijh Latitude concerned ; 
 And moft. of them not much impertinent 
 For all Meridians through Earths Continent. 
 I faw of Weak and Woe the many ranges : 
 I faw the reft.leffe Wheele of mortall changes . 
 
 I 
 
 ?? 305 
 
Brittan's Cant.i,. 
 
 I faw how Cities, Common-wealths, and Men, 
 
 Did rife and fall, and rife and fall agen. 
 
 I faw the reafon, why all Times and States, 
 
 Have fuch viciffitudes, and various fates. 
 
 I faw what doth occafion War, and Feace; 
 
 What caufeth Dearth, and what doth bring Encreafe. 
 
 I faw what hardens, and what mollifies ; 
 
 And whence all Bleffings, and all Plagues arife. 
 
 I faw how fins are linked in together 
 
 As in a Chaine ; how one doth caufe another ; 
 
 And how to ev'ry linke throughout the Chaine, 
 
 Are fixt thofe Plagues which to that Crime pertaine. 
 
 I faw unfeal'd, that hellifh Myjlery, 
 
 Of carnall and meere worldly Policy, 
 
 Whereby the Devill fooles this generation, 
 
 And brings on Chrijkndome fuch moleflation. 
 
 I faw (as plaine, as ever I did fee 
 
 The Sun at none) what damned proje£ls be 
 
 Veild o're with Piety, and Holy zeale : 
 
 And how, a Chrijlian AtKifme now doth fleale 
 
 Vpon this age. Forgive me that I faw 
 
 A Chrijlian AtKiJtne ; for, ev'n to betray 
 
 Chrijl lefus, Chri/l and lefus, thofe two Names, 
 
 Are oft ufurped ; and it us defames. 
 
 I faw, why fome abufe their holy Calling, 
 And why fo many Stars from heav'n are falling. 
 I had a Licence given me, to come 
 Where I might fee the Devils Tiring-roome, 
 And, all the Maskes, the Vifards, and Difguifes, 
 Which he to murther, cheat, or rob, devifes. 
 And weares himfelfe, or leiids falfe hearted brothers 
 Therewith to foole themfelves, or cozen others. 
 
 Here lay a Box of zeale profefling Eyes, 
 Which ferve for ailing for Hypocrifies. 
 
 Hard 
 
 306 
 
Cant. $. Remembrancer. 135 
 
 Hard by, another, full of Double-hearts, 
 
 For thofe who play the Ambodexters parts. 
 
 There, flood a Chejl of counterfeited Graces ; 
 
 Another, full oi honejl-feeming Faces. 
 
 Yonn, hung a fuit, which, had feme Traytor got. 
 
 He might have paffed for a Patroit. 
 
 Clofe by, were preffe fuls of fuch fuits, as they 
 
 Doe weare (in ev'ry Kingdome at this day) 
 
 Who paCfe for State/men ; when, God knowes, they be 
 
 As far from that, as knaves from loving me. 
 
 There, hung thofe masking-fuits, in which the Popes, 
 And Cardinals, purfue their carnall hopes. 
 There, were thofe forraall Garbs, wherein falfe_friends 
 Difguife themfelves, for fome unfaithful! ends. 
 Faire counterfeits for Bijhops faw I there, 
 So like their habits that are mofl. fmcere, 
 (And fo befainted) that if they were fet 
 Vpon the back of our Arch counterfeit. 
 He could not be diftinguiflit from the beft 
 Of all thofe Prelates, that have Chrijl profell. 
 
 There view'd I all thofe juggling fleights with w'^'' 
 Men worke falfe miracles ; and, fo, betwitch 
 Deluded foules. There, faw I all the tricks 
 And Fantofmes wherewithal! our Schifmaticks 
 Abufe themfelves and others. There (with ruth) 
 I iz^ felfe-DoSlrines, trimm'd about with Truth ; 
 Fac'd out, with Fathers ; peec'd, and neatly dearned, 
 With Sentences, and Sayings, of the Learned. 
 Yea, with God's holy Scriptures, interweaved. 
 So cunningly, as would have nigh deceived 
 Ev'n his Eleil : (and, many a one, alas. 
 Of thefe, for Chriftian Verities doth palfe. j 
 
 I faw, moreover, with what Robes of Light, 
 The King of Darkneffe doth his perfon dight, 
 
 To 
 
 3°7 
 
Brittan's Canf.S- 
 
 To make it Angel like ; and how he fcrues 
 
 Himfelfe among our mufmgs, to abufe 
 
 Our underflandings ; how he layes his hooks, 
 
 And baits, at Sermons, and in godly-books ; 
 
 (Although the Authors had, in their invention, 
 
 A pious meaning, and a good intention) 
 
 I faw what venome he doth hurle into 
 
 Our heart' eft prayers, and thofe works we doe 
 
 In pureft charity .• and how he ftrives 
 
 To poifon us in omx prefervatives. 
 
 When all thefe Maskings, and a thoufand moe, 
 My apprehenfions eye had lookt into / 
 From thence my Contemplation rais'd my thought, 
 And, to a higher Station I was brought. 
 There, I beheld what ruine and confufion. 
 Was of thefe Mummeries, the fad conclufion. 
 There, faw I what Cataflrophes attend 
 Thofe Vanities, wherein our times we fpend : 
 How God ftill counterworks, and overthrowes 
 The projects of the Devill, and our Foes. 
 And, tell I could (but that it would be prated, 
 I fome Prophetick fpirit arrogated) 
 Strange newes to thofe mens eares, who have not 
 What may, by Meditation, be difcerned. (learned 
 
 Yet, all that I conceive I cannot write : 
 Nor would I though I could : for, fo I might 
 Throw Pearles to Swine ; of whom I may be tome, 
 Be trampled in the mire, and made a fcorne. 
 Nay, tell my felfe I dare not, what I fpy, 
 When I have thoughts of moft tranfcendency ; 
 Left Pride poffeffe me, and fhould caft me downe, 
 As far below, as I on high have flowne .• 
 For, when we neareft unto heav'n do foare, 
 (Till we are there) our perils are the more ; 
 
 Since 
 
 308 
 
Cant. s. Remembrancer. 154 
 
 Since, there is wickedneffe which we doe call 
 The wickedneffe that isfpirituall 
 In heav'nly places. And as we doe know 
 There is a Lightning which doth often goe 
 Quite through the body, to the vitall part, 
 And kill the ■vexyfpirits at the heart, 
 Yet never harme the flefli ; becaufe it may- 
 Through ev'ry porous member make it way 
 Without impreffion : So, from our offences, 
 The Devill doth extradt fome Quinteffenfes, 
 Which we may rightly name, thefpirit offm; 
 And, till our thoughts have fublimated bin, 
 They are too groffe for that to worke upon. 
 But, when fuch Sublimations are begun, 
 He doth infufe his Chymicall receipt. 
 And, either •v/ox^iss precipitation, ftraight, 
 Or makes thofe Vertues, which pure gold were thoght 
 When they fhall come to triall, worfe then nought 
 
 I faw this danger (as my foule did fiye 
 To God ward) and the Devills Chymiftry, 
 I learned how to frullrate ; by affuming 
 Humility, and fliunning high prefuraing. 
 I, of thofe lovely Graces, got the view, 
 Which teach us how fuch perils to efchew. 
 I learned there, how they might be procured ; 
 How their continuance might be flill fecured ; 
 And, in my pow'r it is not to expreffe, 
 How I was fiU'd with hopes of happineffe. 
 
 My thoughts (yet) climbed higher, and perceived 
 A glimpfe of things that cannot be conceived. 
 The Love of God; the joyes that are to come; 
 And many fights, that long were hidden from 
 My blinded Soule. This, fet my heart on fire 
 To climbe a httle, and a little higher ; 
 
 Till 
 
 309 
 
Brittan's Cant.S- 
 
 Till I was up fo high, that I did fee 
 The World, but like an Atome, under me. 
 Me thought, it was not worth my looking on ; 
 Much leffe, the fetting of my love upon. 
 My foule did llrive to mixe her felfe among 
 The Cherubins, and in their Angell-fong 
 To beare a part; a.r\d, fecrefs to unskreene. 
 That cannot by our mortall eyes be feene. 
 And, I would gladly thither have afcended, 
 Where joyes are perfect, and all woes are ended. 
 
 As thus I mounted ; lay degrees, I felt 
 ybj Jlrength to faile me, and my wings to melt : 
 M.yfle/h waxt faint ; my obje^s grew too pure, 
 For my groffe underflanding to endure. 
 A kind of fhuddring did my heart furprife. 
 Like that which comes when fudden thoughts arife. 
 I far'd like him, who fleeping, dreams of llore, 
 And waking, finds himfelfe exceeding poore. 
 A/cze/Vunfeene, did hold upon me take. 
 And, to my foule, to this effecfl it fpake. 
 " I fay it was Gods Spirit ; if you doubt 
 " I arrogate, come heare the matter out : 
 " For, who the Speaker is, that will difclofe : 
 " And, if 'twere he, his Flocke, his language knowes. 
 Defpaire not Souk, (it faid) though thou art faine 
 To fmke from thefe, to common thoughts againe. 
 Nor murmur thou, that yet thou mufl, not rife 
 To thy wiflit height. God's favour will fuffife 
 For that which wants ; and thefe high thoughts are 
 In eamefl. of that part of thine in heav'n, (giv'n 
 
 Which by thy Royall Majler is prepared ; 
 And, in thy time allotted, fhall be ftiared. 
 Strive to attend ; but flraine not over long. 
 Thy climbing j^zViVj, left, thou doe them wrong. 
 
 The 
 
 31° 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 155 
 
 The Fkjh is heavy, though the Souk be light ; 
 
 And, Heaifn is feldome reached at one flight. 
 
 Mount high ; but, mount not higher then thy bound ; 
 
 Left thou be loft, and all that thou haft found. 
 
 Search deepe ; but fearch no deeper then thy pow'r ; 
 
 Left fome infernall Depth may thee devoure. 
 
 Obferve thy Makers glory by refledlion ; 
 
 But, gaze not overmuch at his perfediion ; 
 
 Left that great luftre blinde thee. Take thou heed. 
 
 Left while thou thinkft thou homeward doft proceed, 
 
 Thou quite be loft.- For, though ihtk flights do raife 
 
 Thy Soule with pleaftire, they are dangerous wayes. 
 
 When higher then the vulgar pitch't ftie towres 
 
 Slie meets with Principalitks, and Fow'rs, 
 
 Who wreftle with her that ftie may not rife ; 
 
 Or tempt her on, by Curiofitus, 
 
 To lead the mind aftray, untill it wanders 
 
 Among the windings of unfafe Meanders. 
 
 Then doth it whirle about, to fee things hidden ; 
 
 Pryes after Secrecies that are forbidden ; 
 
 And by 2. path, which tends to Heav'n, in fhow, 
 
 Ariveth, unaware, at Hell below. 
 
 Take heed of this ; the way to heav'n is fteep ; 
 Yet, e're thou climbe it, thou muft often creep. 
 The worke appointed thee, is yet unended. 
 And, Gods good pleafure muft be ftill attended 
 Ev'n in this world, untill he call thee thence. 
 His Kingdome muft be got by violence. 
 Thou muft with many frailties, yet, contend. 
 Before thy Chriftian warfare hath an end. 
 The World is brewing yet another Cup 
 Of Bitterneffe, for thee to fwallow up. 
 Thou haft from Heaven an Arrand yet to doe, 
 Which (if God hinder not) will call thee to 
 
 More 
 
 311 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. S. 
 
 More troubles, and more hatred bring upon thee, 
 
 Then all thy former Meffages have won thee. 
 
 And be thou fure, the Devill will devife 
 
 All flanders, and all wicked infamies 
 
 That many difparage thee ; or fruitleffe make. 
 
 That ufefuU worke which thou doll undertake. 
 
 Thou mufl, prepare thine eares to heare the noife 
 Of caufleffe threatnings, or the foolilh voice 
 Of ignorant Reprovers ; and expedt 
 The fecret Cenfures of each giddy Sell. 
 Thou mufl, provide thy felfe, to heare great Lords 
 Talke, without reafon, big impetious words. 
 Thou mufl. contented be to make repaire 
 (If need require) before the Scorners Chaire, 
 To heere them jeere, and flout, and take in hand 
 To fcoffe at what they doe not underftand. 
 Or fay, perhaps, that of thy felfe thou mak'fl. 
 Some goodly thing ; or that thou undertak'ft 
 Above thy Calling ; or unwarranted : 
 Not heeding from whofe mouth it hath bin fed, 
 " Gods Wifdome oft eledls, what men defpife ; 
 ■' And foolifli things, to foile the worldly wife. 
 
 But feare thou not. For, he that in all places. 
 And from all dangers, wants, and all difgraces. 
 Hath hitherto preferv'd thee ; will fecure 
 Thy fafety now. That hand which did procure 
 Releafe from thy clofe Thraldomes, and maintained 
 Thy heart content, while thou wert fo reftrained ; 
 Will be the fame for ever : and, like ftubble, 
 Confume ; or, like the weakeft water-bubble, 
 Diflblve the force of ev'ry machination. 
 Whereby the world fliall feek thy moleftation. 
 
 Though thou in knowledge art a Child, as yet ; 
 And, feemeil not by outward Calling fit 
 
 For 
 
 312 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 156 
 
 For fuch a taske : yet, doe not thou difable 
 What God (hall pleafe to fay is warrantable. 
 His Word, remaineth Hill in date, which fayes, 
 That, On the children of the later dayes, 
 He would poure out a meafure of his Spirit ; 
 And, thou thereof a portion (hall inherit. 
 Though thou defpifed art ; yet God by thee 
 Shall bring to paflfe a worke which flrange will be 
 To mod beholders ; and, no doubt, it (hall 
 Occafion fome to (land, and fome to fall. 
 For, men to ruine doom'd, will mifconceive it ; 
 And, they that (hall have fafety, will receive it. 
 
 Thy God hath toucht thy Tongue, and tipt thy Pen ; 
 And, therefore, feare not thou the face of men, 
 Led he deftroy thee. For, this day to (land 
 'Gainft Princes, Priefls, and People of this Land, 
 Thou art appointed : and they (hall in vaine 
 Contend. For thou the conqueft (halt obtaine. 
 
 Although that viperous Brood upon thee lights, 
 Whofe poifned tongue with killing Jlander fmites; 
 And, though the barbarous People of this lie, 
 Doe thereupon adjudge thee, for a while, 
 A man fo wicked, that (although thou haft 
 The Sea of Troubles, without fhipwrack, paft) 
 Gods Vengeance will not fufifer thee to live 
 The life of honeft Fame : Let that not grieve 
 Thy heart a whit. For, though their eyes doe fee 
 Reproaches, which like Vipers, hanging be, 
 Vpon their fle(h ; they (hall perceive e're long, 
 That thou (unharmed) them away haft flung. 
 And they who did expedl to fee thee fall. 
 For thy firme ftanding, praife Gods mercy fliall. 
 
 Againft opprefTion, he will fafe maintaine thee, 
 Ev'n God, who oft did his protedlion daigne thee j 
 
 O And 
 
 313 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 5. 
 
 And tooke thy part againft. all thofe, that fought 
 How they thy Mufe, to filence, might have brought. 
 He, that preferv'd thee from ^\% plague, will fave thee; 
 For, he thy life ev'n of meere mercy, gave thee, 
 To ferve him with. Thou knowfl. thou art a Brand, 
 Snatcht from the flaming fire, by Gods owne hand ; 
 And that to him thou owed, all thou art, 
 And all thy Faculties, in ev'ry part. 
 
 Take heed, therefore, that nothing thou refufe 
 To utter, which he prompts unto thy Mufe. 
 Be conftant : and, Elihu-\^^, beware 
 That thou accept not perfons ; nor declare 
 With glozing titles, that which thou fhalt fay ; 
 Left. God may take thee fuddenly away : 
 But, publifli that which he of thee requires, 
 In termes, and words, as he the fame infpires. 
 
 For, to this Realme and City thou art fent. 
 To wame, that of their follies they repent ; 
 To ftiew for what omiffions, and offences, 
 God fendeth Famines, Wars, and Pejlilences ; 
 And to pronounce what other plagues will come. 
 If their Tranfgreflions they depart not from. 
 
 Indeed, of Priejls and Prophets, flore have they. 
 And, fome of them are like enough to fay; 
 When came the Spirit of the Lord to tfiee. 
 From us, who nofuch danger canforefee 
 As thou ptetendefl2 Thefe are they that ftiare 
 The pleafures of the time, with fuch as are 
 The Lands perdition. Thefe are they which tye 
 Soft pillowes to mens elbowes ; and ftill cry 
 Peace, peace ; ev'n when perdition, hanging over 
 The peoples heads, they plainly may difcover. 
 But, they that are true Priejs of God among them, 
 And his true Prophets, think not, he doth wrong the, 
 
 If 
 
 314 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 157 
 
 If he doe chufe a Heardman : nor will fuch 
 Envy the fame (or at the bleffmg grutch) 
 If all were Prophets, and God pleafed were 
 To make that Gift to ev'ry man appeare. 
 
 Though Gods own prefence, had made Mofes wife ; 
 Yet, yethro's counfell would he not defpife. 
 He, whom the Angell fed, did alfo eat 
 Ev'n when the Ravens came to bring him meat : 
 And, all that oi 'Ca&vz fpirit partners be. 
 Will heare what's good, though publiflied by thee. 
 
 Behold ; this thankleffe People (from whofe Land 
 God hath but newly tooke his heavy hand) 
 Forget already what his mercy hath 
 Vouchfafed ; and his late enflamed wrath. 
 See, how they flock together, to purfue 
 New mifchiefes, and old follies to renew. 
 Their evill courfes, they afrefti begin ; 
 And, ev'n thofe very purpofes of fm, 
 Whofe profecution this great Plague hath {laid. 
 To finifli now they are no whit afraid. 
 Thofe Difcords which they, many times, pretended, 
 Amid their feares, fliould chriflianly be ended, 
 (If God would fpare them) are againe revived ; 
 And divers new malicious plots contrived. 
 Thofe Lujb of which they feemed much afhamed :- 
 Thofe Vanities, for which themfelves they blamed ; 
 Thofe Bargains, which their confcience did perfwade 
 Were wicked ; & of God abhorred make them ; (the, 
 That Pride; that Sloth; that Envy; that Exceffe; 
 That Cruelty ; that Irreligioufneffe ; 
 Yea, all that wickedneffe purfude before, 
 (And which they fain'd fo truly to deplore) 
 Returnes with intereft ; and they contemne 
 Good things ; as if the Plague had hardned them. 
 
 O 2 Like 
 
 315 
 
Brittan'S Cant.i,. 
 
 Like Phar'oh, they repented while the Rod 
 Was laid upon them. But, as foone as God 
 Removed it ; their mindes they changed too ; 
 And would not let their evill cujlomes goe. 
 
 Goe therefore inllantly, goe draw the Map 
 Of that great Plague from which they did efcape : 
 Set thou before their eyes, as in a glaffe. 
 How great Gods Mercy, and their danger was. 
 Lay open their grofle crimes, that they may fee 
 How hatefull, and how infinite they be. 
 Declare what mifchiefes their enormities 
 Have caufed ; and will daily caufe to rife. 
 Pronounce thofe ludgements which Gods holy Word 
 Doth for the Wages of their Crimes record. 
 And (as the bleffed Spirit fhall enable, 
 Thy Mufe; and, fliow thee what is warrantable) 
 Tell boldly, what will on their wayes attend, 
 Vnleffe their lives and courfes they amend. 
 
 Delay it not ; and let no worke of thine ; 
 No goodly-feeming hope, or faire defigne, 
 (How promifing foever) draw thee from 
 This Taske, untill unto an end it come. 
 For, no affaire of thine fhall finde fucceffe. 
 Till thou hail finiflit this great Bufinejffe. 
 
 If any man that is thy friend, or foe, 
 Shall this deride ; and fay it is not fo ; 
 But, that thy Fancy onely eggeth on 
 Thy Mufe: or, that to doe, or leave undone 
 This worke, were much alike. If any fay 
 Thou maifl, proceed herein, with fuch delay, 
 As, vulgarly, difcretion thinketh fit : 
 Or, as thy common Bus'neffe will permit. 
 
 Nay, if thou meet, as thou maifl meet with fome, 
 Who like a Prophet, unto thee will come ; 
 
 And 
 
 316 
 
Cant.t,. Remembrancer. 158 
 
 And (as the Man of God feduced was, 
 Who told in Bethel what fliould come to paffe 
 Concerning Jeroboams Altar there) 
 Perfwading thee, thofe thoughts delufions are : 
 That, felfe-conceit, or pride, hath made thee dreame 
 That thou art bound to profecute this Theame: 
 Beleeve them not. For, if that Man of God 
 Here mentioned, did feele fo (harpe a rod. 
 When his delay was but to eate and drinke ; 
 (Perchance through hunger) and when he did think 
 A Prophet fent by God, had licenc'd him : 
 Take heed thou doe not this advice contemn e. 
 For, fince this motion urgeth nought that's ill, 
 Nor contradidleth Gods revealed will ; 
 But rather helpes effedl it : fmce he moves it 
 So nat'rally, that thine owne foule approves it 
 To be his aft ; beware how thou fufpedl it, 
 Or how thou {halt be careleffe to efife(5t it. 
 
 Let not B worldly wifedome, (nor the fcoffe 
 Of any) from this motive drive thee off. 
 Take heed the feare of dangers, nor the loffe 
 Of carnall hopes, thy purpofe, herein, croffe. 
 Take heed that 7b««j-like, thou be not bent 
 To Tharfus, when thou knowfl. that thou art fent 
 To Niniveh. For all thy doubts, and feare, 
 Will be as caufeleffe, as his doubtings were : 
 And be thou fure, that wherefoe're thou be, 
 A Tempefl and a Whale fliall follow thee. 
 
 My heart receiv'd this Meffage ; did allow 
 It came from God ; and made a folemne Vow, 
 It would not entertaine a ferious thought 
 Of any worldly thing, till that were brought 
 To full perfedlion : no, although it might 
 Endanger lofing my befl fortune quite. 
 
 O 3 But, 
 
 317 
 
BrITTAN'S Canti,. 
 
 But, oh ! how fraile is Man ? and how unable 
 In any goodnefle to continue liable ? 
 How fubtile is the Devill ? and what baits, 
 And undermining policies and fleights, 
 Hath he to coozen us ? My foule was raifed 
 So high, e'rewhile, that I admir'd and praifed 
 My blefl. eflate : And, thought, with David, then. 
 My heart /hall never be removed agen. 
 
 But, fee, how foone, if God withdraw his eye, 
 We fall to hell, that up to heav'n did flye. 
 I would have fworne (when in my Contemplation, 
 I was afcended to that lofty Station, 
 So lately mention'd) that I Ihould have fcorn'd 
 The goodl'eft prize the Devill could have fuborn'd 
 To tempt me by. I thought, if God had faid, 
 Doe this; that (though the World YidA all beene laid 
 To be my wages, if I fhould delay 
 The doing of the fame, but halfe a day) 
 I (hould have rather chofe to have forfaken 
 My life ; then fo to have beene overtaken. 
 
 Yet, loe ; fo craftily a bait was laid ; 
 Such Ihowes of Goodneffe, thereinto convaid, 
 Such meanes of helpe to Piety, pretended ; 
 To me fo feem'd it, to be recommended 
 By God himfelfe ; and, fuch neceffity 
 Appear'd of taking opportunity 
 As then it offred was, that I fufpedled 
 I had done ill, the fame to have negledled. 
 Nay, to my Vnderflanding, true Difcretion, 
 And, all the Wifdome of this Generation, 
 Did fo concur together to betray 
 My heart ; that I did foolifhly delay 
 The Task enjoyn'd. Yea, what I had begun, 
 (Proceeded in) and purpos'd (hould be done 
 
 Before 
 
 318 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 159 
 
 Before my bell affaires ; ev'n that I threw 
 
 Afide ; and other hopes I did purfue. 
 
 I brake my Vow, and I was led awry 
 
 For that which was more light then Vanity ; 
 
 And fo my hopes my judgement did beguile, 
 
 That, I fuppofed all was well the while. 
 
 Mofl., alfo, thought me wifely to have done, 
 
 And, fuch a fortune to have lighted on ; 
 
 That others, of my happinefle, began 
 
 To talke ; and reckon me a profperous man. 
 
 But, many fcandals, paffions, and vexations. 
 Much hinderance, and a world of perturbations, 
 Purfued me ; to let me underfland. 
 That I had taken fome wrong adt in hand. 
 For, though like lonas, I refolv'd not quite 
 From Gods commands to make a llubborne flight ; 
 Yet went I to his Worke the furthefl. way .• 
 And, travell'd, as my owne occafions lay. 
 Which he perceiving, fent a Storme that croft me ; 
 Made fhipwracke of my hopes ; my labour loft me ; 
 Befool'd my wifdome ; of much joy bereft me ; 
 Within the Sea of many troubles left me ; 
 And, what with fpeed and eafe I might have done 
 At firft ; hath long with paine beene lingred on. 
 
 Yea, when the Harvejl of my great repute 
 Was looked for (and moft expecfled fruit) 
 It proved chaffe ; and plainly I perceived. 
 That God had fuffred me to be deceived ; 
 To warne me, that hereafter, I fhould never 
 Omit, for any reafon whatfoever. 
 His molions ; nor with holy vowes difpenfe : 
 But worke his pleafure, with all diligence. 
 Which after I had heeded, I defcry'd 
 By what, and whither, I was drawne afide. 
 
 O4 I 
 
 319 
 
Br IT tan's Cani.S. 
 
 I plainly faw, that what I then had fought 
 
 With hope of comfort, would my woe have wrought 
 
 I found that likely to have beene to me 
 
 A Curfe, which promifed my Bliffe to be. 
 
 I praifed God, as for a favour done, 
 
 That he did lofe me, what I might have won : 
 
 And what the world did think me hapleffe in, 
 
 I found a gracious blefling to have bin. 
 
 I faw my fault ; I faw, in vaine I fought 
 
 To worke my will, till I Gods will had wrought. 
 
 I faw that while the furtheft way I went, 
 
 Gods Mercy did my foolifhneffe prevent.- 
 
 Yea, made it (by his providence divine) 
 
 A great advantage to his owne Defigne. 
 
 And, for my negligence when I had mourned, 
 
 To my propofed Labour, I returned. 
 
 I begg'd of God that he would give me grace, 
 To be more conftant in a godly race. 
 I did befeech him to bellow againe 
 Thofe Apprehenfwns, which my hopes iti vaine 
 Had made me lofe : and that for my demerit. 
 He would not quench in me his holy Spirit : 
 But, grant me pow'r to profecute my ftory. 
 And utter forth his Meffage, to his glory. 
 
 My fute was heard : I got what I defired :• 
 My foule, with matter, was anew infpired. 
 My eyes were clear'd ; my heart was new enlarged : 
 Bold Refolutions had all Feares difcharged : 
 And, that which was difclofed unto me, 
 Doth appertaine. Great Britaine, unto thee. 
 Come heare me therefore ; for, howe're thou take it, 
 My Confcience bids me, and I meane to fpeake it. 
 Within thy pow'r thou haft me ; and what e're 
 Shall good and right in thine owne eyes appeare, 
 
 Thou 
 
 320 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 160 
 
 Thou maift inflicfl upon me : But, this know, 
 That what I fliall declare God bids me fliow ; 
 And that, if I for this, have harme, or fliame ; 
 My God fhall at thy hands require the fame. 
 Oh ! let not my requefls in vaine be made ; 
 Nor to thy former finnes, another adde. 
 
 And, my fweet Country, and deare Countrimen, 
 Let not thefe overflowings of my pen 
 Dillaflfull be ; as if their fpring had beene 
 But either from the Gall, or from the Spleene. 
 Let not this ages falfe Interpreter, 
 (Which makes both Judgement and Afie£lion erre) 
 Corrupt my Text, by their falfe Commentary, 
 To make your good opinions to mifcary. 
 For, though in me (as in all flefli and blood) 
 Much error hinders from that perfedl good 
 Which I affefl; : yet I his meed may claime. 
 Who makes God's glory, and your weale his ayme; 
 And, begs but of his words a patient hearing ; 
 And, from your follies a difcreet forbearing. 
 
 If there be Truth, and Reafon, in the Meffage, 
 Let not my perfon hinder my Ambaffage. 
 If God fliall in his Mercy pleafed be, 
 To make a FaSlor for his praife of me ; 
 Let none the pooreneffe of my gifts deride, 
 Since he to no externall meanes is ty'd. 
 Defpife not what I fpeake, for what I am ; 
 Vnleffe you finde the matter be to blame. 
 For, God by Babes and Sucklings, oft, reveales, 
 What from the wifefl worldlings he conceales. 
 
 Both Heaven and Earth, to witneffe here I call, 
 I dar'd not fpeake what now I utter fliall, 
 Vnleffe I thought, that God did me infpire; 
 And would this duty at my hands require. 
 
 O s Nor 
 
 321 
 
Brittan's Cant.S- 
 
 Nor dar'd I to be filent, though I knew 
 
 That ev'ry man had vowed to purfue 
 
 My Soule to Death \ becaufe my Confcience takes 
 
 Acknowledgement, that God within me fpeakes. 
 
 I doe not this, for that I fenfeleffe am, 
 (Oh! England) of thy infamy or Ihame : 
 For, thy diflionor doth concerne me nearly ; 
 And thee my heart affedleth far more dearly. 
 Then cowards doe their lives. I would diftill 
 My blood (as inke is drained from my quill) 
 Ev'n drop by drop ; or elfe, at once, let all 
 Gufh forth, to fave thy honor from a fall. 
 
 I aime not at a vaine or fruitleffe glory. 
 By daring : for, I know the mortall flory 
 Of all the glorioufl, adlions, that are under 
 The heav'ns large curtain, are but nine daies woder. 
 And that the moft. deferving workes we doe. 
 May ruine us, and helpe difgrace us too. 
 
 I doe it not that I may wealthy grow : 
 For, I the worlds rewards already know 
 In fuch attempts. Experience I have gained. 
 What poore preferments this way are obtained : 
 My former Straines (which did but way prepare 
 For that, which I hereafter fliould declare) 
 Received evermore the worft reward. 
 As they grew better worthy of regard. 
 And (if God let not) as thefe are my beft, 
 My troubles, will for them, exceed the reft. 
 
 Tis odds, but that the wilfuU Generation, 
 For whom I write this large Anticipation, 
 (To ftay their cenfure) will fcarce reade fo far. 
 As hitherto, where thefe Preventions are : 
 But, here, and there, picke out fome tart relations. 
 Without obferving of thofe moderations 
 
 That 
 
 322 
 
Catit. 5. Remembrancer. 161 
 
 That follow or precede them. Elfe, perchance 
 
 Their brazen and Herculean Ignorance 
 
 Will flrongly keepe that Vnderjlanding from them, 
 
 Whereby the pow'r of Reafon might o'recome them. 
 
 Some alfo, peradventure, will forget, 
 
 How, when I formerly was round befet 
 
 With many troubles, I did ftill defpife 
 
 The raging fury of mine enemies. 
 
 Yea fome, no doubt, will have a minde to fee 
 
 What kinde of pow'r, there is in them, or me ; 
 
 And whilfl. fuch men there are, he thinks amiffe, 
 
 Who thinkes to thrive by fuch a courfe as this. 
 
 Tis not from envy of their Lott, who grow 
 Great men, or wealthy, whence thefe lines doe flow. 
 For, I rejoice in each mans happineffe, 
 That to Gods praife, good fortunes doth poffefle : 
 And they that know my perfon, witneiTe can, 
 My lookes affure, I am no envious man. 
 
 It is not malice that hath wrought upon 
 My Fafflons : for, I vow, I malice none. 
 No line or word of this which now I write. 
 Proceeds from rancor, or unchriftian fpight. 
 When I have wrong received, if I fay 
 Wherein j what harme doe I in that I pray ? 
 'Twere much, if when we injury fuflaine. 
 We neither may have helpe, nor yet complaine : 
 'Twere hard, if knowing I had many foes, 
 I might not fay fo, left fome ftiould fuppofe 
 What Names they bear. To no man this wil fliow the, 
 But, unto fuch as doe already know them. 
 Nor, when I mention wrongs, doe I intend 
 Their fliame who doe them ; but fome better end. 
 For, they that yet are enemies of mine. 
 May prove Gods friends, and to my good encline. 
 
 323 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 5. 
 
 I wifli them well, what e're they wilh to me ; 
 And of their harme would no procurer be. 
 In gen'rall termes, I point out thofe that erre ; 
 With none I meddle in particular : 
 For, knaves and honefl men are fo alike, 
 In many things, that I amiffe may ftrike. 
 I finde the faults ; let others finde the men. 
 I no man judge ; let no man judge me then. 
 
 My Mufe hath not ufurped this Commiffion : 
 Nor arrogateth to mine owne condition, 
 More excellence then others : But, I (hare 
 A part in thofe reproofes that others beare. 
 I doe not thinke mine owne a fpotlefTe eye, 
 Becaufe it faults in others can efpye. 
 I never thought it was enough for me, 
 A Criticke in my neighbours faults to be, 
 VnlefTe I markt mine owne : which heere I doe. 
 And check the worlds, and mine owne errors too. 
 
 I meane to winke at none ; at none I ayme ; 
 To heed or friends or foes, I doe difclaime. 
 My Bow is bent, and I mufl fhoot a flight 
 Of fliafts, that will in divers places light. 
 Perhaps fome of them my beft. friends may wound '. 
 Vpon my felfe, fome others may rebound. 
 Some (fhot aloft) may fear the Kites that flye 
 Above the Clouds, themfelves to Eaglifie. 
 Some pierce their fides, who thoght they had bin got 
 Beyond the reaching of my winged fhot. 
 And, fome who thought they had concealed beene, 
 May feele my arrowes, where they lurke unfeene. 
 Light where they will, the car^s already tooke : 
 Since none but he thafs guilty, can bejlrooke. 
 
 Hail thou forgot, oh ! Britaine, (and fo foone) 
 Thy lates afHidlions, and Gods gracious boone ? 
 
 324 
 
Canti,. Remembrancer. 162 
 
 As foone as e're thy necke unflacked feeles 
 The curbing Reine, dofl, thou let flye thy heeles ? 
 Shall not Gods lujUce, nor his matchleffe Love, 
 Thy flinty nature to repentance move ? 
 But wilt thou ftill in crooked paths perfever, 
 And of thy Vanities repent thee never ? 
 
 Oh ! looke about thee ; yea, looke backe, and fee 
 What wondrous things thy God hath done for thee. 
 Thou wert in future times, an uncouth place, 
 That had of wildneffe the deformed face. 
 Thou wert long time the feat of Defolation, 
 And when thou hadfl but flender reputation, 
 God lookt upon thee, with the firft, of all 
 Thofe Gentiles, whom in mercy he did call. 
 Of his beloved Vineyards, thou wert one ; 
 And fituate like that, once plac'd upon 
 The fruitfuKl Hill God, for thy Fence prepared 
 A naturall wall, by his owne hand upreared. 
 He tooke away that flony heartedneffe, 
 Which did thy heathnifli children firfl poffeffe ; 
 And hath beene pleafed, many times, fince then, 
 To gather out thofe flinty hearted men, 
 Who by a bloody perfecuting hand, 
 Did harme thy tender Saplings in thy Land. 
 He plucked out of thee the flinking weeds 
 Oi Sin and Superftition ; that ^is. feeds 
 Of Truth and Holineffe might here be fowne. 
 Where wickedneiTe the foule had overgrowne. 
 
 The choifefl. Plants (of that Vine-myJUcall, 
 His onely-Sonne) he planted thee withall. 
 The flately Watch towre of his Providence 
 Compleatly furniflied for thy defence. 
 In thee was builded up ; and did appeare 
 To many other Kingdomes, far and neare : 
 
 And 
 
 32s 
 
Brittan's Cant. 5. 
 
 And on the lofty Turrets of the fame 
 He fet his Flags, and Enfignes of his Name, 
 Whofe beautious Colours being wide difplaid, 
 Did make thy adverfaries all afraid. 
 
 Within thy Borders, hath his Love divine 
 The Wine-preffe, of a Chrijlian difcipline 
 Ere6ted ; and in eVry feafon given 
 (To make thee fruitful) dewes Si fliowrs from heav'n. 
 Yea thou hafl had, fince food of life grew fcanty, 
 Not barely feven, but feventy yeares of plenty. 
 What grace foever might repeated be 
 That God for Ifr'el did, he did for thee. 
 
 He from a thraldome, worfe then they fuftained, 
 While in th'Mgypiian bondage they remained, 
 Did bring thy Children thorough Baptifmes Flood, 
 And drowne thy Foes, within a Sea of Blood. 
 Thy Coaft unio a large extent he ftretcheth. 
 For, ev'n from Sea to Sea it compaffe fetcheth. 
 Thy Land with Milke and Hony over-flowes. 
 In thee all pleafure, and all plenty growes. 
 God kept thee as the apple of an eye ; 
 And, as when Eglets are firft taught to flye. 
 Their Dam about them hovers ; fo, thy God, 
 Doth over thee, difplay his wings abroad. 
 
 A Land of Hils and Dales thou wert created ; 
 And in a Clime, fo profitable, feated, 
 That whereas many other Lands are faine 
 To water all their feeds, and plants, with paine. 
 Thou fav'il that labour : for, the Dewes yeeld matter 
 To cheere thy Gardens, and the Clouds bring water. 
 Faire Woods & Groves, do yet adorn thy Mountains ; 
 Thou art a Land of Rivers, and of Fountaines : 
 Springs hot and cold, and frelh, and fait, there be ; 
 And, fome that cure difeafed folk in thee. 
 
 Thee, 
 
 326 
 
Cant. s. Remembrancer. 163 
 
 Thee, both in Towne and Field, the Lord hath bleft ; 
 
 Thy People and thy Cattell are encreaft. 
 
 Bleft. wert thou in thy going forth to war ; 
 
 And bleffings alfo thy returnings were. 
 
 He bleft thee in thy fl.ore, and in thy basket .• 
 
 Thine owne requeft he gave, when thou didft ask it .■ 
 
 He evermore hath timely fauours done thee : 
 
 Throughout the yeare his eye hath beene upon thee : 
 
 He carefull was, what perills might betide thee ; 
 
 And heedfuU all things needfuU to provide thee : 
 
 In Graffe, and Come, and Fruits, thou doft excell : 
 
 Thy Horfe are ftrong, thine Oxen labour well : 
 
 The udders of thy Kine grow large with milke : 
 
 Thy Sheep yeeld fleeces, like the Perfian filk : 
 
 Thy Stones are Iron, and thy Hills are big 
 
 With Minerals, which from their wombs we dig : 
 
 Thy Soile is neither over moifl, nor dry ; 
 
 The Sun nor keeps too far, nor comes too nigh : 
 
 Thy Ayre doth few contagious vapours breed : 
 
 Nor doth it, oft, in heat, or cold exceed. 
 
 Still, for thy fins, thou hadft thy due corre6lions ; 
 
 And, foundft, compaffion in thy great afflidlions. 
 
 His Prophets and his Preachers God hath fent 
 
 In ev'ry age, to move thee to repent ; 
 
 And, them thou fmot'ft, and murtherd'ft, now & the ; 
 
 Yet, gave he not to other Husbandmen 
 
 His wronged Vineyard : but, doth yet attend. 
 
 In expedlation, when thou wilt amend. 
 
 He, over all thy Foes, the conquefl: gave thee : 
 He did from wrog, by neighb'ring Nations, fave thee : 
 And, they to feare and honor thee were moved, 
 Becaufe they faw thee, of thy God, beloved. 
 Thou hadft a Deborah beftow'd upon thee. 
 Who freed thee from thy Foes, and glory won thee, 
 
 In 
 
 32? 
 
Brittan's Cant.<i. 
 
 In fpight of Sifera : For, God did pleafe 
 
 To make the Stars, the Clouds, the Winds, and Seas, 
 
 To fight thy battels. When her turne was gone. 
 
 He raifed up another Solomon, 
 
 Within thy Borders to eftabhfh peace. 
 
 Who to thy glories added an increafe. 
 
 Thou wert as often warn'd, and puniflied ; 
 As much befought ; as largely promifed. 
 As ludah was. Thy Church that lately feemed 
 Like barren Hannah (zx\A. was difefleemed 
 Of proud Peninnah) in a fpirituall breed. 
 Doth mofl of Syons Daughters, now exceed : 
 And thou hafl viewed many of thy fonnes. 
 To fit and governe, on earths glorious Thrones. 
 
 The lewifh Commonwealth was never daigned 
 More great Deliverances then thou hafl gained. 
 Nor was their helpe vouchfaf 'd in better feafon ; 
 As Eighty eight, and our great Powder-treafon, 
 Can witneffe well. For, then thy prefervation 
 Was wrought by God (to all mens admiration) 
 Ev'n when Hels lawes, on thee, were like to clofe ; 
 And when, for humane aide to interpofe, (done 
 
 There fcarce was meanes, or time. All which was 
 That thou Gods love mightft think the more upon. 
 
 Moreover, that no meanes might paffe untride, 
 Which God did for the lewes of old provide ; 
 To thee he alfo fends his onely Sonne : 
 Not, as to them, a poore contemned one, 
 i!X\\z!i, feeing him, they might not \Ara. perceive. 
 And, hearing him, no knowledge of him have) 
 Not as a weakling, or illiterate : 
 Or meane, or in a perfecuted flate : 
 Or one whofe perfon, beauty, and complexion, 
 In them, had nothing ftirring up affeflion ; 
 
 Nor 
 
 328 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 164 
 
 Nor as a man that worthy feem'd of fcorne, 
 Of mocks, of whips, and of a crowne of thome .- 
 He came not fo to thee : for, thou hadfl then 
 Defpis'd and crucified him agen, 
 As well as they : yea, thou perchance, hadfl more 
 Defpighted him, then others heretofore. 
 
 But, in a glorious wife to thee he came : 
 With pow'r, with approbation, and with fame. 
 His Fifnertnen (that heretofore did feeme 
 To lewes and Gentiles, of fo meane efteeme) 
 Had won whole Countries from Idolatry, 
 And made them to confeffe his fov'raignty. 
 He comes to thee with honor, like a King : 
 He did into (the Church) his Kingdome, bring 
 A fetled Government. He had affwaged 
 That lewijh and that Ethnick fpight, which raged 
 At his firft, comraing. Emperours became 
 His Viceroyes ; and did governe in his Name. 
 Thou fawft. fulfilled, many things (of old) 
 Both by his Prophets and Jlin^elfe, foretold ; 
 Which did confirme him, that Meffiah, whom 
 Thou fliouldfl. receive. His DoRrines well become 
 His purity : and, witneffed is he 
 By Martyrs and Confeffors, him to be (made 
 
 Whom thou fliould'fl, heare. And (this hath greater 
 Thy Favours, then that Grace the lewes have had) 
 Their threats, their punifliments, their ignorances, 
 Their pertinacy, and deliverances, 
 Their fallings, rifings, and relapfes, are 
 Recorded, that by them thou mightft beware. 
 
 Thou knowfl what Defolation they are in. 
 In recompence of their defpightfull fin. 
 The murther of their Brother .■ yea, like Cain, 
 Thou feeft, that, yet, they vagabpnds remaine. 
 
 Thou 
 
 / t ^ 3 g 
 
Brittan's Cant.il. 
 
 Thou hear'll, their fruitful! Land hath ever fince, 
 Beene curft, with barrennefre, for their offence : 
 That, without King, Priejl, Prophet, or good order, 
 They through the world have wandred for their mur- 
 Nigh fixteene hundred yeares : and that, altho (ther 
 They be abhorred, wherefoe're they goe. 
 They have upon them, flill, the marke of Caine, 
 Which will prevent their being wholly flaine ; 
 Lea (as the bleffed Pfalmijl hath foretold) 
 The people of the Lord, forget it fhould. 
 
 Yet, nor their good Examples, nor their Fall, 
 Nor all their Blefflngs, nor their Sorrowes all. 
 Have better'd thee : but, thou continu'ft in 
 Their obflinacies, and in all their fin. 
 
 Like them thou murmur'ft, if God, but to try thee. 
 Some bleffing, for a little time deny thee. 
 So, thou doll wanton it, as foone as e're. 
 In any fuffring, he thy voice doth heare. 
 So, thou Gods wholfome counfell doft. defpife. 
 To follow thine owne foolifh Policies. 
 So, thou dofl. mixe thy felfe with other Nations, 
 And, learne to praftife their abominations. 
 So, on thofe broken Reeds thou dofl rely. 
 Which will deceive, in thy neceffity. 
 So, thou dofl flop thine eares (to thine owne harme) 
 Although the Charmer ne're fo wifely charme. 
 That which thy Prophets teach, and well advife ; 
 lufl fo, thou dofl negledl ; jufl fo, defpife : 
 Yea, though from time to time, thou feefl the path 
 Which thou dofl follow, ill fucceffes hath : 
 Though thou hafl found, that they who did foretell 
 Thy courfe was foolifh, did forewarne thee well : 
 Though thou dofl finde, no refl, nor peace, in that. 
 Which thou art yet unwifely ayming at : 
 
 And, 
 
 ■il° 
 
Cant.5. Remembrancer. 165 
 
 And, though thy truell Lovers, ev'ry day, 
 Doe counfell thee, and for thy fafety pray ; 
 Thou runnefl. headlong, llill, thy wilfull courfe. 
 And waxefl ev'ry moment, worfe and worfe. 
 
 Thy eyes are blinded, and thou canft not fee ; 
 Thy heart is hard, and will not foftned be. 
 To thy befl. Friends thou fliewft thy felfe a Foe, 
 As if, thou rip'ned wert, for overthrow : 
 And, till God pleafe to tume thy heart againe. 
 All, that fpeake truth to thee, (hall fpeake in vaine. 
 
 Whence doe thy troubles, and thy loffes come, 
 But, from thy carnall policies, and from 
 Thine owne vwis projeHs, which thou dofl. purfue. 
 By courfes, that will Hill thy cares renew ? 
 What gaine thy children, by their oft alliance 
 With Babels iffue, or by their affiance, 
 But mungrell off-fprings ; which will ready be, 
 To ftir up everlafling llrifes in thee ? 
 Though thou haft heard, the Midianites doe give 
 Their daughters to no end, but to deceive ; 
 And that the people who to Molock pray, 
 Will for their Idoll, caft their fonnes away : 
 Though thou haft heard what plagues enfu'd upon 
 The wivings of the wife King Solomon ; 
 And knowefl that, by God, forbid it was, 
 A Bullocke (hould be yoaked with an Affe : 
 Though thou haft, feene that their affinities 
 Are ev'n, among themfelves, poore flender ties ; 
 And fuch as they doe nought at all refpedl, 
 Vnleffe they ferve their projedls to effedl : 
 Yet, in their courfe, thy Children doe proceed, 
 And fow Gods Garden with a mixed feed : 
 Of which, unleife they truly doe repent, 
 And feeke, by carefell tillage to prevent. 
 
 What 
 
 331 
 
Brittan's Cant. I. 
 
 What may enfue thereon (as yet they may) 
 Thy Land will fufFer for't, another day. 
 
 Thy Guiltineffe (oh ! Britaini) makes thee feare, 
 And often troubled where no terrors are. 
 Thy faith hath fail'd thee, and thou didfl not fee 
 Thofe armies, which have round enclofed thee 
 For thy proteftion. For, had they beene heeded, 
 Thou no Mgyptian fuccours (houldfl. have needed. 
 If thou could'll walke within a conftant path, 
 This Hand fhould not feare Jberia's wrath. 
 It fliould be needleffe for thee, to procure 
 Alliances, that cannot long endure. 
 Thou fhouldfl not care (but, as they Chrijttans be) 
 What Kings on earth, were friends, or foes to thee. 
 No povv'r abroad, fhould make thy children tremble ; 
 Nor home-bred faction caufe thee to diifemble : 
 But, being fafe in God, thou (hould'ft contemne 
 The greatefl dangers, and get praife by them. 
 
 Oh ! call to minde, the times now pafl, away, 
 Thofe, which our Fathers, yet, remember may ; 
 And let thine Elders tell thee (for they know) 
 How llrong in Gods protedlion thou didll grow. 
 What wantedfl thou, when thou wert all alone ? 
 When thou hadfl nothing to rely upon, 
 But Gods meere mercy? and fuch grace beftowne, 
 That thou couldft. ufe thofe pow'rs that were thine 
 
 When bleft Eliza wore but half thy Crown, (ov/ne ? 
 And, almofl all the world, on her did frowne ; 
 Vfhen Romes proud Bijhofi ; and, of Chrijlendome 
 The pow'rfulfl, Monarch, did her foes become. 
 When foe had no Alliance, to make ftrong 
 Her party : but, was hatefuU growne, among 
 The neighb'ring Princes ; for her calling by 
 The yoake of Babylonijk tyranny. 
 
 When 
 
 353 
 
Cant. s. Remembrancer. i6 
 
 When flie within her Kingdome had a fwarme 
 
 Of Hornets, which did howrly threaten harme 
 
 Both to her State and perfon. When their pow'r 
 
 And fury, was more hkely to devoure, 
 
 Then at this prefent it appeares to be. 
 
 When her owne Court from traytors was not free, 
 
 When (he had Irijli Rebels to corredt ; 
 
 Oppreffed Netherlanders to protedl ; 
 
 And France to umpire in : ev'n when all thefe, 
 
 And other troubles did her State difeafe. 
 
 What glory, wealth, and fafety haft, thou got, 
 
 That fhe, amid thofe dangers, purchafl not? 
 
 Religion in her dayes did flill encreafe : 
 
 At home fhe had ho^ plentioufneffe smd peaee ; 
 
 Abroad, flie was renown'd : (he did not paufe 
 
 In executing ether wholefome Lawes, 
 
 Through feare of any Malecontents at home ; 
 
 Or any threatnings from the Sea oi Rome. 
 
 She triple Gerions forces, did contemne ; 
 
 Her neighbours fought her ayd ; (he fought not the. 
 
 She aVd the Wejl: (he from the Spanifli Goad 
 
 Did rend their golden-fleeces ; and (he croil 
 
 Their hopefuH'fl. aimes. They could not undermine 
 
 Her Counfells ; nor by any (lye defigne. 
 
 Defeat her Forces : France was prudent then, 
 
 And would not (lir the wrath of Englijhmen : 
 
 For, they preferv'd their honor, by preferving 
 
 Their truft in God ; and conftant paths obferving. 
 
 Then, to affiront us, did no Dutchman dare, 
 Nor, in our Voyages prefume to (hare. 
 But, with our favour. We had fame by land ; 
 Our pow'rfuU Navies did the Seas command. 
 To ours, the (Irongeft Fleets did llrike their faiies ; 
 They, that now bark, then, dar'd not wag their tailes .• 
 
 Yea, 
 
 333 
 
Brittan's Cant.S- 
 
 Yea, though our Lyons not fo many were, 
 
 Our ftrongeft. Foes, to rouze them, ftood in feare. 
 
 No fonne of thine prefumed, then, to be 
 So traiterous unto thy God, and thee. 
 As to allow a popifh Liberty : 
 Much leffe to move, for that impiety. 
 In publick hearing. No man fought to fell, 
 For any fumme, the peace of Jfrael: 
 No not within our Irijh confines ; tho 
 It fomewhat urgent feem'd to have it fo : 
 Becaufe that peacefuU pow'r thou hadll not got. 
 Which now thou haft : nor then the neighb'ring Scot 
 So firme unto thy State ; nor fo engaged 
 To tame that Nation, if a war it waged. 
 
 Thy Patriots perceiv'd, that to begin 
 With Ireland, would become the meanes to win 
 Great Britaine to the Romijh yoake anew ; 
 And, give the Spaniard courage, to purfue 
 His great defigne upon the Britijh nations. 
 They faw what civill broyles their Tolerations 
 Have bred in France. For, if within her wombe, 
 Rebecca could not but difeas'd become, 
 (Whilft flie, at once, two fons did nourifh there, 
 Which Fathers of unlike Religions were) 
 They thought, that if one Kingdome fhould admit 
 Two fuch Coitceptions, to grow ripe in it. 
 They would, by daily llruggling with each other, 
 Afflidl the body of their nat'rall Mother ; 
 And, caufe an endleffe Warfare, untill one 
 Were fetled in poffeffion, all alone. ' 
 
 Thou didft not then, within thy Bounds afford 
 An Altar both to Baal, and to the Lord. 
 What thou refolv'dft, was put in execution ; 
 Thy zeale was chill'd with no irrefolution. 
 
 No 
 
 3,S4 
 
Cant. 5. Remembrancer. 167 
 
 No baitings were apparant. No difunion 
 Did hazard (though it troubled) thy Communion : 
 And, though thy many follies brought afflidtions, 
 (Which, of thofe errors, were the due corre6lions) 
 Yet, was thy faith in God, leffe violated : 
 Apparant evils not fo palliated : 
 Prophaneneffe, not fo patroniz'd, as now : 
 Nor didfl thou fuch impieties allow. 
 
 But, thou art changed from what once thou wert ; 
 Thy worfe hath ouercome thy better part. 
 Vpon thine owne diflempers thou art tofl. : 
 Thy confidence in God is almofl loft. 
 And, thence it comes, that though thou doft abound 
 In many bleffings ; thou art needy found. 
 This makes Tranfgreffions to encreafe upon thee ; 
 They bring new troubles, and new dangers on thee ; 
 Thefe make thee feare ; thy terror caufes thee 
 Impatient of thy feared harmes to be : 
 Impatience makes thee fo unfit to ftay 
 Gods leafure ; that, thou runn'ft another way, 
 And feek'ft for helpe in thine owne Fantafies, 
 In flefnly Leagues, and humane Policies. 
 
 Thofe courfes overwhelme thee with new fins .• 
 From them another brood of Plagues begins, 
 Which doth not mollifie, but more obdure 
 Thy flinty brefl. : and will at laft procure 
 Thy totall overthrow ; unleffe thou climbe 
 The hill of hearty Penitence, in time. 
 
 Growne fat with eafe, & wealth, thou haft forfook 
 Thy God ; and many crooked courfes tooke. 
 God, who did thee fo love, and fo efteeme ; 
 Who did create thee, and thy life redeeme ; 
 Thou haft forgotten : yea, rejeded him, 
 And, fought thofe gods, thy Father did contemne. 
 
 His 
 
 335 
 
Brittan's Cani.i,. 
 
 His Counfeils, and his law, thou haft defpifed ; 
 Nay, unto Devills, thou haft facrificed ; 
 And, them and thine owne lufts, preferd before 
 His honour, whom thou fhouldft have prized more. 
 
 The corne, and oile, & wine which thou enjoyedft 
 As tokens of his love, thou mif-imployedft. 
 The jewels he vouchfafed to adorne thee, 
 (For his own pleafure) thou on thofe that fcorne thee 
 Beftowft againe. The beautie which he gave, 
 That he the more delight in thee might have, 
 Thou bafely proftituteft unto thofe 
 That are thy luftfull ■wooers, and his foes. 
 Thy Vines like thofe of Sodom are become, 
 Ev'n like thofe plants, that are derived from 
 Gommorrah's Vineyard ; and their Clufters all 
 Are fowre ; or elfe, more bitter, far, then gall. 
 Thy Wine is Dragons poifon : yeg,, thou haft 
 In all thy pleafant things, a lothfome taft. 
 
 But, thus in groffe, why ftiould I longer* fpend 
 My time, thy wickedneffe to reprehend i 
 Since thou art impudent, and haft the face, 
 To make of thefe upbraidings my difgrace ? 
 In my next Cantds therefore, He prefer 
 Of thy Tranfgrefflons z. P E RTI C VL E R, 
 So duly urg'd ; that none fliall juftly fay 
 I utter what I Ihould not open lay : 
 Or that my Verfe doth brand thee with a crime, 
 Whereof their liues not witneffe all this time. 
 Obferve it ; and if ought I mention here, 
 Not fitly fpoken to the publike eare ; 
 Or if, but in a word, I wrong thee fhall ; 
 Me to the moft impartiall cenfure call : 
 Let my good purpofes be punifht more, 
 And pittied, alfo leffe then heretofore. 
 
 Let 
 
 336 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. i68 
 
 Let me of all thy children be reviled ; 
 
 From thy mofl. pleafant Borders live exiled : 
 
 And never be recall'd. But, if I tell 
 
 What thy beil Lovers fliall approve of well. 
 
 If Truth I utter ; and fuch Truth as is 
 
 To be difclof'd : then raarke what's found amiffe. 
 
 Amend thine errors. Let thy folly ceafe. 
 
 Love him, that loves unfainedly thy peace. 
 
 At leail, defpight him not. But, if thou doe, 
 
 Yet he will ferve thee dill, and love thee too : 
 
 Thy welfare rather then his owne prefer : 
 
 And, leave this Boolte for thy R e m e m b r a n c e r . 
 
 The fixth Canto. 
 
 The Poet (weighing ivell his Warrant) 
 Goes on ivith his enjoyned Arrant. 
 Jmpartially be doth relate 
 This Hands good and bad ejlate. 
 What fed rail finnes ifi her have place; 
 How grojjfe they are ; how they encreafe. 
 He alfo tels : and, then hejhewes 
 That nor the Gentiles, nor the I ewes, 
 Were checKd, or plagtidfor any Crimes, 
 Which are not reigning in thefe times. 
 
 Next that, he boldly doth reprove 
 The courfe in which our Nobles move ; 
 Derides their folly, blames their fin. 
 And warnes what dangers we are in. 
 
 Our Gentry then Ju reprehends ; 
 Their foolifh humours difcommends ; 
 And (having brought them to their fights) 
 
 P Vpon 
 
 3il 
 
B R I T T A n'S Cant. 6. 
 
 Vpon the guilty Clergy lights ; 
 On Lawyers that abufe the Lawes, 
 On Officers, and on the Caufe 
 Ofmojl Corruptions: Lajl of all 
 Onfome enormities dothfall 
 Which are in Court and City found; 
 And runs this Canto, there, aground. 
 
 BVt, am I well advis'd ? and doe I know 
 From whence, & from what Spirit this doth flow ? 
 Doe I remember what, and who I am, 
 That I this famous Monarchy fliould blame ? 
 Am I affur'd no ill-fuggelling Spirit 
 (In hatred of thine honourable merit) 
 Seduceth me (oh Britiane) that I might 
 Become an inflrument of his defpight ? 
 Have I confidered of what efleeme 
 Thou art ? How great thy Piety doth feeme ? 
 What glorious titles, and tranfcendent ftiles 
 Thou hafl obtain'd above all other Ifles i 
 What attributes unto thy felfe thou giveft ? 
 What of thine owne perfeftions thou beleevefl? 
 And what thy flattring Priefls and Prophets fay 
 Of thy admired happineffe this day? 
 
 Yes, yes ; all this I ponder'd, and I know 
 What good or evill from this adl may flow. 
 I am not ignorant, that thou hafl beene 
 Among the neighb'ring Countries as a Queene, 
 Among her Ladies. Formes of Government, 
 Or Lawes, or Cuflomes, through Earths Continent, 
 Are none received that more pious be. 
 Or more upright then thofe that are in thee. 
 
 Among faire Sions Daughters, none doth fit 
 More free from blemiflies (then thou art yet) 
 
 In 
 
 338 
 
CaHi.6. Remembrancer. 169 
 
 In points of Chriftian Do6lrine (though there are 
 
 Some, who in that fimpleneffe begin to marre) 
 
 No people doth retaine a DiJcipUne 
 
 More Apojlolicall, then fome of thine. 
 
 No Church that's vifible, hath kept more pure 
 
 The grounds of Faith, nor countenanced fewer 
 
 Of Romes innumerable Superjlitions ; 
 
 Of ufeleffe, or of burdenfome Traditions, 
 
 Then thou hafl. lately done. I feele thou haft 
 
 Some warmth yet left. As yet, fo brazen-fac'd 
 
 Thou art not grown e, but that thou doft. defpife 
 
 Notorious Crimes, and open Herefies ; 
 
 Becaufe the hidden Leaven of thy fin 
 
 To fowre the Lumpe, is (yet) but new put in. 
 
 I'le doe thee right, and give thee all thy due. 
 Before thy follies further I purfue. 
 I know that thou ■•mAi patience heretofore 
 (Ev'n Hke the Church at Ephefus) haft bore 
 Thy Chriftian Labours ; that, thou haft been moved 
 Againft offenders ; that, thou fuch haft proved, 
 Who faKely did affirme themfeleves to be 
 Apojlles ; and, ftrong Faith was found in thee. 
 Yea, thou didft long thofe herefies refift, 
 Which God abhorreth; and didft them deteft. 
 
 I know, that Uke the Smyrnian Congregation 
 Thou haft through poverty and tribulation. 
 Got heav'nly Riches : neither didft thou feare, 
 When they, who of the Church of Satan were, 
 Blafphem'd the Truth, and did themfelves profeffe 
 True Ifra'iites, when they were nothing leffe. 
 
 I know, that when thy Lott it was to dwell 
 Like Fergamus, ev'n where the throne of Hell 
 Ere(5led was (and in their bloody Raigne, 
 By whom fo many Martyrs here were flaine) 
 
 P 2 Thou 
 
 339 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 Thou didft not then the faith of Chnjl deny, 
 Nor from profeffmg of his Go/pel flye. 
 
 I know, that Thyatira-Vik& thy love. 
 And thy devotion did unfained prove ; 
 And that thy piety, and righteoufneffe 
 Did (for a feafon) more and more encreafe. 
 
 I know, thy goodneffe is not quite bereft. 
 But that (like Sardis) thou fome Names haft left 
 That walke with Chrijl, from all pollution free, 
 In thofe white Garments that unfpotted be. 
 
 I know that like the Church of Philadelph, 
 Thou hall a little ftrength within thy felfe : 
 Gods word, and holy Sacraments yet are 
 (As pledges of his love) preferved here. 
 And I doe know, that, fince thou heretofore 
 Didft love the Truth ; God will his grace reftore, 
 On thy repentance ; and in all temptation 
 Become thy fole fufncient prefervation ; 
 Yea make all them, who now falfe boafters be 
 Of true Religion, to fubfcribe to thee ; 
 Confeffe he loves thee ; and to thee hath given 
 That Cities title, tha,t came downe from heaven. 
 
 But, much is, yet amiffe ; and (to prevent 
 Thy Ruine) I advife thee to repent. 
 Remember (oh ! remember thou) from whence 
 Thou fallen art ; and feeke by penitence 
 To rife againe. Thy fomtier works renew ; 
 Thy lately pradlis'd wickedneffe efchew ; 
 What thou hall loft, endeavor to regaine ; 
 Hold faft that Faith which yet thou doft retaine ; 
 Awake, and ufe thine utmoft pow'rs, to cherifli 
 Thofe Graces, which in thee are like to perifli. 
 Oh ! doe it fpeedily, whilft he doth knock 
 That opes the doore, which no man can unlock, 
 
 And 
 
 J-40 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancek. i;o 
 
 And fliuts, where none doth open : yea (left he 
 Come fuddenly, and take away from thee 
 Thy pretious Candlejlicke ) renew thy zeale ; 
 And unto him thy fmne, betimes, reveale. 
 
 Marke, to the Churches, what the Spirit faith ; 
 And purchafe thou of Chrijl (by hvely faith) 
 To make thee rich, gold tryed in the fire, 
 To hide thy filthy nakedneffe, defire 
 The pure white rayments of his Righteoufneffe. 
 Thy former fight, that thou maift repoffeffe. 
 His eye-falve take : The conqueft ftrive to get. 
 That of the hidden Manna thou maift eate j 
 And gaine the Stone, infcribed with a Name, 
 Which uone can know, but he that weares the fame. 
 
 For, I muft tell thee, thou art run aftray. 
 And (like a whoiifti wife) haft caft away 
 Thy old aSe(5lion : thy firft-love is gone, 
 And other friends thy heart hath doted on. 
 Thou haft not halfe that zeale, which thou haft bore 
 To thy Redeemers honor heretofore ; 
 That fimpleneffe, thou haft not in thy workes ; 
 But, bafe diffembling in thine adlions lurkes. 
 Some Dodlrines alfo are in thee profeft. 
 Without reproofe, which God doth much deteft. 
 Thou doft let goe unpuniftied in thee, 
 Thofe perfons that notorious finners be, 
 And impudently wicked : thou mak'ft light 
 Of their mifdeeds, in vertuous mens defpight. 
 Thou haft conniv'd at thofe, who in the Land 
 Have with an high, and an imperious hand 
 (Like lezahel) oppreffed and bereav'n 
 The poore mans portion in contempt of Heav'n. 
 Thou haft blafphemers, who doe falfely fay. 
 That they are Catholiques, (and none but they) 
 
 P 3 Yet 
 
 341 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 Yet, if they heeded what their words imply, 
 Their owne DiJiinEUon gives themfelves the Lye. 
 
 The Babylonifh Strumpet thou (as yet) 
 Withiti thy territories dofl permit : 
 Who doth feduce Gods people, and thy Nations ; 
 And make them drunken with her Fornications. 
 Tho haft thofe Hypocrites that make a fhow 
 Of zealous hearts, when they are nothing fo. 
 Thou haft thofe Baalamites, that in the way 
 Of weake Profeffors, ftumbling blocks doe lay : 
 And pradtife cunning Heights of policy. 
 To bring thee backe unto Idolatry. 
 
 To trouble and diftradl thee, they invent 
 Strange queftions, doubtfull, and impertinent 
 By needleffe provings, by their vaine confutings, 
 By over nice diftindtions, and difputings, 
 And by their multitudes of windy notions, 
 They have fo interrupted thy devotions, 
 So over-whelm'd thy Faith ; fo tired out 
 Thy knowledge, (with ftill running round about) 
 That there is left but little care in thee, 
 How much decayed thy good manners be. 
 
 Indeed, of thy loft Vertues, there's a Fame 
 Remaining ftill ; and thou haft yet a Name 
 To be alive ; but, fome doe greatly feare 
 That thou art either dead, or very neare. 
 Though Laodicea like thou proudly vaunteft, 
 That rich thou art, and that thou nothing wanteft : 
 Though thou art happy in thine owne efteeme. 
 And doft to thine owne felfe quick-fighted feeme : 
 Yet, were thy Judgement cleared, thou wouldft finde 
 That thou art wretched, naked, poore, and blinde. 
 Thou doft almoft that lukewarme temper hold, 
 Which neither can be termed hot, nor cold. 
 
 Thy 
 
 342 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. 171 
 
 Thy wickedneffe is (well neere) growne as ripe, 
 As hers, that ferved for thy Prototype. 
 Nay, Gods great Volume mentions not a fin, 
 Wherewith or place, or perfon, taxt hath bin, 
 But thou haft pradtis'd it ; and of thine owne 
 Haft added others, to thofe times unknowne. 
 
 With our firft Parents, there are fome in thee. 
 Who ftrive to eate of Gods forbidden tree ; 
 And have upon them fuch an itch to know 
 Thofe things which he vouchfafeth not to (how : 
 That, from their eyes true wifedome it hath hid, 
 And more endanger'd them, then Adam did. 
 
 Thou haft a brood of Cainites, that envies 
 Their brethrens better pleafing facrifice ; 
 And perfecutes, and flanders, (what it may) 
 All thofe that walke not in their wicked way : 
 And thirft with greedineffe to fhed their blood, 
 Who feeke their fafeties, and effedl their good. 
 
 There be, among thee, fome juft like that Race, 
 Who (being made the Sonnes of God, by Grace) 
 Did with mans female iffue fall in love ; 
 And thefe beget a mongrell brood, that prove 
 The Giants of their times ; and, thofe, that will 
 The meafure of the worlds mifdeeds fulfill. 
 
 They (as thofe careleffe people did, on whom 
 An univerfall Deluge once did come) 
 Eate, drinke, and take their pleafure, without care, 
 How many or how great their follies are. 
 And, though a Judgement on their head is pour'd. 
 They will not heed it, till they are devour'd. 
 
 As foone as any Plague from us is gone. 
 We build and plant, and in our fins run on : 
 Or when (with Noah) bleflings we have had, 
 (Inftead of being in Gods favour glad) 
 
 P4 We 
 
 345 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 We doe in fome vaine mirth bewray our folly ; 
 lu drunken feaftings, or in games unholy. 
 
 Since out of beaflly Sodom they were got, 
 Thy Children have among themfelves (like Lot) 
 Committed much uncleanneffe ; whence proceeds 
 A Race, which difcord in thy borders breeds. 
 
 Like Laban, many wickedly detaine 
 The workmans hire ; and make unlawfull gaine 
 From their owne Children. Some (with Ifmael) 
 Are bitter mockers ; fome (with Efau) fell 
 Their heav'nly Birth-rights ; & for what d'yee thinke ? 
 For worfe then porridge ; ev'n for fmoake and ftinke. 
 
 We have as mighty Hunters (now adayes) 
 As Nimrod, and as willfull in their wayes. 
 Some, of their brethren merchandizes make, 
 Like Jacobs Sonnes, and money for them take. 
 
 With Simeon, and with Lezii; fome, pretend 
 Religions caufe ; when for fome other end 
 They doe projedl ; and, maskes of holy zeale 
 Doe often bloody cruelties conceale. 
 
 For wives, for wealth, and for our vaine delights, 
 We change Religion, like the Sichemites. 
 We have thofe Judges, who will (A'^a^-like) 
 Their brother, for his fault feverely flrike ; 
 Deride, taunt, cenfure, and without compaflion. 
 To death condemne him, for the fame tranfgreffion 
 Which they are far more guilty of then he : 
 And thofe the Plague-fores of this Hand be. 
 
 We have in either fex, of thofe that are 
 As wicked as the wife of Potiphar, 
 Ev'n thofe, who fo wil flander, and accufe ; 
 If any to obey their luft refufe. 
 
 Like Er and Onan, we have wicked heires, 
 Who rather would confume themfelves, and theirs, 
 
 In 
 
 3H 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 173 
 
 In fruitleffe vanities, then part from ought 
 
 By which their brothers welfare might be wrought. 
 
 With Phar'oh, we Gods judgements do contemn, 
 And grow the bolder, and the worfe by them. 
 When he moft, plagued us, we moft prefumed ; 
 And finned moft, when we were moft confumed. 
 
 Nor blood, nor frogs, nor loathfome lice, nor flyes. 
 Nor murraines, biles, nor botches can fuffice 
 To make our Nations their bad lives reforme ; 
 Nor Locufts, nor the leafe devouring worme ; 
 Nor horrid darkneffe, liable to fenfe, 
 Nor Haile, nor Thunders, nor the Peftilence ; 
 Nor bringing us to fprings that bitter are ; 
 Nor fweetning thofe things that unfaVry were ; 
 Nor ftrange deliv'rances by fea and land ; 
 Nor Gods protedling us with his owne hand ; 
 Nor Quailes, nor Manna, (bleffings which be rare) 
 Nor favours which more ordinary are : 
 No, nor Gods dreadfuU Anger, nor his Love, 
 Can our hard hearts unto repentance move ; 
 But, we (like JEgyptJ in rebellion be, 
 And, full as faithleffe as the lewes, are we. 
 
 .\mong us, we have wealthy men, who may 
 Whole Groves difpend ; yet on the Sabbath day 
 They'll gather fticks. Ev'n to the Devill, fome 
 With no leffe worthy facrifices come, 
 Then fons and daughters. For, what leffe do they 
 Who them in wedlocke wickedly betray 
 To open Hereticks ? Or, they that make 
 Their mar'ages, for wealth, and honors fake, 
 Without affefiion ? And (I pray) what leffe 
 Doe they, who force their children to profeffe 
 Vnlawfull trades ? There be among us, living 
 Too many, that, ev'n whilft the Zaw is giving, 
 
 P 5 Doe 
 
 X x 345 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 Doe fet up golden calves. Such men are they, 
 Who in the Church, or on Gods Holiday, 
 Are plodding on the world ; whilfl, they (hould bend 
 Their eares to God, and on his will attend. 
 
 We have (our befl proceedings to withftand) 
 A lannes, and a lambres in the Land, 
 Who (by their forceries) continue fliall 
 Some people of this Monarchy in thrall : 
 Vntill a Plague (like JEgypts lowfineffe) 
 Shall make them God Almighties pow'r confeffe. 
 
 Young Nadais and Abihues, we have fome, 
 That with ftrange fires unto Gods altar come : 
 Their dull devotions kindled are with flicks. 
 And wither'd leaves of humane Rhetoricks ; 
 They offer up to God, their vaine Oratiom, 
 Compos'd of Clinchings, and Adnoninations ; 
 Which he abhorres ; w^ith all that frothy flufFe, 
 Of which this age hath more then thrice enough. 
 
 Our brethren by extortion we opprefTe .• 
 The flranger, (nay, our kin) are harbourleffe ; 
 And thofe offences we have Patron for. 
 Which many Heathen people did abhor. 
 
 With Miriam and with Aaron, we have fuch, 
 Who at their brethrens due preferment grutch ; 
 Hot fpirits, troublefome to civill flates ; 
 Like Corah and his rude confederates. 
 Thefe argue much for pop'lar parities, 
 And raile upon all civill dignities ; 
 But when they can attaine them, none fpeake louder 
 In their defence ; nor are there any prouder. 
 
 We Gallants have more impudent, then e're, 
 Yong Zimri, and his Cozhi did appeare : 
 And doubtleffe we have Achans who have hidden 
 Some Babylonijh things which are forbidden. 
 
 For 
 
 34*^ 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. 173 
 
 For all the Land much troubled we may fee ; 
 And many thiiike, it fliall not quiet be, 
 Till they be found. Reveale thou their tranfgreffions, 
 O Lord ! and be thou praised in their confeffions. 
 
 We have, this day, amongfl. us, many a Bramble, 
 That, like Abimelech, knowes how to fcramble 
 Above their owne defervings : and (though bafe 
 Vnworthy fhrubs) durft. arrogate a place 
 More eminent, then dares the noblefl Plant, 
 Whereof the Mountaine Libanus doth vaunt. 
 By others vertues thefe afcend on high, 
 And raife themfelves to fuch authority. 
 That our moft. noble Cedars are o're-topt ; 
 Our pleafant Figtrees, are befcratcht and dropt ; 
 Our Vines are fhadow'd, and unfruitful! made ; 
 Our Olives robbed of that oile they had ; 
 Yea, all our forreft and our garden trees. 
 By their ambition, fruit, or honour, leefe. 
 
 Thou nourifht haft, and fondly doted on 
 Thofe cunning Dalilahs, who having won 
 Thy good refpedl, doe praftife how to fpye 
 Wherein the chiefeft of our ftrength doth lye ; 
 That (having by their ilatt'ries lull'd aflcepe 
 Thofe watchmes eyes that fliould our fortrefs keep) 
 They may (unheeded) fteale our pow'r away. 
 And to our greateft Foes our lives betray. 
 
 Here want not fuch as Michah, who with eafe 
 Can make a new Religion when they pleafe ; 
 Coine formes of worfhip proper to their Se^ ; 
 A private Church among themfelves eredl ; 
 Make Priejis at their owne pleafure; furnifh them 
 Ev'n with their owne new-fangled Teraphim ; 
 And preach abroad for good divinity, 
 The tumours of their windy fantafie : 
 
 347 
 
B R I T T A N 's Cant. 6. 
 
 Nay, fome of them far flranger things can doe ; 
 For, they can make their gads, and eate them too. 
 
 There be of us, as wilfull Favourites 
 Of wicked men as were the Benjamites ; 
 And, rather then we will deliver them 
 To feele the ftroke of luflice, who contemne 
 The waves of goodneffe ; we will hazardize 
 Our peace, our fame, and our poflerities. 
 
 We have thofe Prophets who (with Balam) know 
 Gods pleafure, and what way they ought to goe : 
 And, yet, will for preferment doe their beft, 
 That they his plaine revealed Will may wrefl. 
 And though they are, perhaps, afliam'd to fay 
 Their mindes in publique, clofely they'll betray 
 The Lords inheritance ; and Scripture proofe 
 Inferre for all things to their owne behoofe. 
 
 If of the pop'lar fadtion thefe become, 
 And thinke fome gaine may be atchieved from 
 That fide ; Gods word they will produce for thofe 
 That would difloyally their King oppofe : 
 If by the Prince advantage may be had, 
 Then, God himfelfe an inflrument is made 
 To warrantize their claimes ; and, Tyranny, 
 Shall proved be a lawfull Monarchy. 
 
 As rafli as lephtha, in our vowes are we ; 
 As Ehiids gift, fuch oft our prefents be. 
 In entertainments fome like Iced are ; 
 And, in their complements may well compare 
 With bloody loab : for, they make their table 
 Become a fnare : and (when mofl ferviceable 
 They doe appeare) unheeded, they unfheath 
 Some fatall inflrument, that wounds to death. 
 
 Like old indulgent Eli, fome connive 
 At all the fins, in which their children live : 
 
 Nay, 
 
 348 
 
Cant.6. Remembranckk. 174 
 
 Nay, glory in their lewdneffe ; and maintaine 
 
 In them thofe follies, which they fliould reilraine ; 
 
 Till their owne fhame, and their undoing foUowes, 
 
 And their wilde brood be tamed at the Gallowes. 
 
 Nor were the fonnes of Eli, heretofore 
 
 More wanton at the Tabernacle doore, 
 
 Then fome young Priefts of ours ; whom to corredt, 
 
 The Fathers of our Church fo much negledt, 
 
 That if they long connive as they have done, 
 
 The glory of our Iffel will be gone. 
 
 Like thofe PhiliJUans, whofe advice it was 
 To fixe GocPs Arke, and Dagon, in one place. 
 We have too many ; and, they cannot fee. 
 Why God and Baal, in one, ihould not agree. 
 But, when they raife their Idol in thefe Lands, 
 Lord, let it fall, and lofe both head and hands. 
 
 We are as curious as the BethJhemUes, 
 And long as much to fee forbidden lights : 
 Like thofe of Ekron, we profefTe to know 
 The truefl God, and whence our troubles grow : 
 Yet, are fo ftupid, that we fleight his Grace, 
 And, fend him from us, to another place. 
 Yea, like the Gadarens, we for our Swine, 
 Would banifli Chrijt, and fleight his love divine .• 
 
 Witii Saul, we doe negledt what fliould be done ; 
 And facrifice, when God requireth none. 
 Fat Sheepe and Oxen we prefer before 
 Obedience to the Lord ; and follow more 
 Our will then his. When God faith kill, we fpare. 
 And where he bids, be kinde, we cruell are. 
 No love, no kindneife, no fmcerity, 
 No tokens of unfained piety 
 Can flay our furies, or divert our mind. 
 When we are once malicioufly enclin'd. 
 
 Goliah- 
 
 349 
 
Brittan's Cant. 6. 
 
 GoUah like, Gods army fome contemne ; 
 With Rabjhakeh, fome others doe blafpheme ; 
 Some curie (with Shimei) Gods befl beloved ; 
 As caufelefly, to grieve them they are moved, 
 And are of gaine as greedy. For, if they 
 Have but an ufeleffe Groome efcap'd away, 
 (Or loft a beaft) for fuch a petty prife. 
 They would not flick their lives to hazardize. 
 
 VVe have thofe Michols, which will fcoffe & flout 
 At fuch as are moft zealoufly devout. 
 We have thofe dog-like JDoegs in our Courts, 
 That gladly heare and utter all reports, 
 To difadvantage them, whofe wayes are pure. 
 And cannot their impieties endure. 
 
 VVe have thofe Nabals, upon whom all coft, 
 All curtefies, and kindneffes are loft,. 
 We have (like Vzzah) thofe that dare to touch 
 Gods holy Arke. Nay, we have worfe then fuch, 
 Ev'n thofe that rob it ; and themfelves adorne 
 With Jewels, from the SanSluary torne. 
 
 With David, fome have thought their fins to hide ; 
 And, their Adulteries, in Murther dy'd. 
 Officious knaves (like Ziba) we have fome, 
 Who by their Majiers falls, to greatneffe come ; 
 And (though they did men innocent betray) 
 Without reproving, they doe paffe away. 
 
 We have thofe wicked Ammons, who defile 
 Their fifters. And, to lay a cunning wile 
 For helping their companions to a drab, 
 VVe have more fubtile Bauds then lonadab. 
 
 Thofe difobedient Abfoloms there be 
 Among us here, that wifti to feeke and fee 
 Their Parents death ; like him, they can conceale 
 Their ends, till they (by faire diifembling) fteale 
 
 Mens 
 
 55" 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 175 
 
 Mens hearts away ; and then abufe them fo, 
 That all feemes juft, and honefl which they doe. 
 
 We have Achitophels, that are as wife 
 Againfl. Gods honor, projedls to devife, 
 As if the Delphian Oracle were fought : 
 But, ftill in their owne pit-fals they are caught 
 For, he that honefl purpofes doth bleffe, 
 Converts their wifedome into foolifhneffe. 
 
 We have with Solomon (though none fo wife) 
 Men wonne by women to Idolatries. 
 With leroboam, we have thofe who flrive 
 A fettled temp'rall fortune to contrive 
 By ruining Religion ; and to win 
 An outward peace, by tolerating fm : 
 Not heeding that a greatneffe fo procur'd, 
 Hath feldome to a third defcent endur'd. 
 To ferve an Idoll we like him proceed. 
 Although Gods Meffengers reprove the deed. 
 And though our arme be wither'd, for our fin, 
 Our obftinacies we continue in. 
 
 We want not Rehoboams Counfellors, 
 Whofe unexperienc'd Policy prefers 
 Harfh courfes, rather then a calme proceeding ; 
 When times are troublefome, & dangers breeding. 
 
 We have (with Akab) thofe who covet fo 
 Their neighbours Vineyard, that they fullen grow, 
 And can nor eate, nor fleepe, till they may plot, 
 How their ungodly longings may be got : 
 And we have lezabeh enough, to further 
 Their claimes by flanders, peijury, and murther. 
 Nor want fuch Elders, and fuch Nobles here, 
 As thofe that Citizens with Naboth were. 
 For ftiould (as God forbid) our faithfull King, 
 Defire to compaffe any lawleffe thing. 
 
 Or 
 
 35^ 
 
Brittan"s Cant. 6. 
 
 Or feeke liis loyall Subje£ls to bereave 
 Of what their Anajlors to them did leave : 
 We have of thofe (I doubt) that would effe6t it 
 According to their pow'r : nay, projedt it, 
 And urge him, and perfwade him, that (of right) 
 He overthrow their lawfull freedomes might 
 
 We have of thofe (I feare) that would command 
 A Faft (like lezabels) throughout the Land, 
 And underneath a maske of Piety, 
 Proceede to praflife any Villany, 
 AVhich might advance their greatneffe : and, I doubt 
 Some Pricjis, would helpe to fet the projedl out. 
 
 Yea, we thofe Tudges, and thofe Elders have, 
 That if a man his neighbours Vineyard crave. 
 He need not, for his purpofe, name the King, 
 Or Letters from the royall Signet bring 
 To move the fame : Nor were it neceifary 
 That (to corrupt them) he Epiflles cary 
 From fome great Lords. For if he can but make 
 The tongues of golden Angels for him fpeake ; 
 Or get fome one, on his behalfe to write. 
 That is but fervant to a Favourite ; 
 The deed is done ; and they will feele no fenfe 
 Of others giiefes, or of their owne offence. 
 
 We have fuch Prophets as TAdkiah was. 
 Who are no whit afliam'd, in publique place. 
 To fpeake falfe meffages ; and thofe to fmite, 
 That in Gods name have fpoken what is right. 
 
 We have Gehezies ; fellowes that will take 
 VnlawfuU bribes ; ev'n thofe who fale doe make 
 Of what their Majlers fliould have, gratis, done ; 
 And force out fees, where they can challenge none. 
 Gehezies did I call this crew ? I feare 
 I wrong the Leper .• for his brib'ries were 
 
 But 
 
 352 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. 176 
 
 But petty pillages, to thofe rich preyes, 
 On which fome one of thefe his fingers layes. 
 He askt and had a willing gratulation, 
 From one both rich, and of another Nation : 
 But, thefe extort, compel, and flily fcrue 
 Vnjuft demandings, as a lawful! due. 
 From friends, from flrangers, from both poore & rich 
 Their fingers to be fcraping have an itch. 
 For making their poore fuitor, wait and pray, 
 (Wlien they might have difpatcht him) he mull pay. 
 For furly fpeeches, and for proud negleft, 
 They muft. be humoured with all refpecSl. 
 When to their Client, they a wrong have done, 
 He mufl, not feeme to know or think thereon ; 
 But, faine all noble thoughts of them to have. 
 Or, in fome other perfons, call them knave. 
 And bribe them flill, in hope they may be won, 
 Yet, at the lafl, be cheated and undone. 
 We have among us, men as very fooles 
 As Nd'man was ; who thinke Damafms pooles 
 As good as Jordan : and (like him) at home 
 Some ferve one God ; and when to Court they come, 
 Profeffe another. - We have thofe that be 
 As truftleffe of Gods promifes, as he, 
 Who in Samaria's gate was trodden on : 
 Thefe may behold the favours which are done 
 To faithfull men ; but, till they can beleeve. 
 They fliall not tafte what bleffings thofe receive. 
 Here be hke Haz'el, thofe who feeme to hate 
 All tyrannizing, in their low eftate ; 
 Yet, being once promoted, throw afide 
 All pity ; and all piety deride. 
 Yea, that which formerly they did contemne, 
 (As vilifying, and debafing them, 
 
 Below 
 
 yy 353 
 
B R IT T A N's Cant. 6. 
 
 Below a Dogs condition) they allow, 
 
 When to their height of greatneffe once they grow. 
 
 (If none yet live) we had in former time, 
 Ev'n thofe that guilty were of Zimries crime. 
 Moft Officers, like lehu, doe begin 
 Good reformation, at firft. entring in ; 
 Their violent Zeak doth feeme to fay, Come fee, 
 How jujt in our proceedings we will be. 
 But, oft they prove meere Hypocrites, who having 
 Acquired meanes to colour their deceiving, ' 
 Surpaffe the worfl. : and by degrees proceed, 
 Till they appeare the men they were indeed. 
 
 Like wicked Haman ; fome, unleiTe they may 
 Infult and trample on poore Mordecai, 
 Are fo diflemper'd by their haughty minde. 
 That they nor pleafure, nor contentment iinde, 
 In honours, riches, or in any bleffing. 
 Which they already have in their poffeffing : 
 But, will purfue, and ruine, if they can, 
 Whole Kingdomes, for their malice to one Man. 
 
 As proud are we as Nebuchadnezar : 
 In feailings, as profufe as Balthazar, 
 And as prophane as he. We fometime feeke 
 The god of Ekron, Ahaziah like. 
 Like Amaiiah (an informing Priefl. 
 Of Bethel) we have thofe that will refill 
 Gods Meffengen ; and would not heare them bring 
 Into the Court or Chappell of the King, 
 The found of that reproofe or punilhment, 
 Which to pronounce among us they were fent : 
 And, thefe, perhaps, when they my Arrand fee. 
 Will prove as bufie as that Priejl with me. 
 But, if they doe (as A^mos faid to him) 
 Although I be no Prophet, nor of them 
 
 That 
 
 354 
 
Catit. 6. Remembrancer. 177 
 
 That are thefonnes of Profhets ; God doth know 
 He called me to this (which now I doe) 
 From viler allions, then from gathering fruit, 
 OrfoWwing herds : And 1 will make purfuit 
 Of what he bids me ; though oppos'd I (land, 
 By all the Priefls and Prelates in the Land. 
 And if they contradift, what well is done 
 Their heads, at laft, the fliame fliall light upon. 
 
 Some Courtiers now, like Daniels foes, there are, 
 That will objedl as things piacular. 
 The truefl Piety ; and feeke to bring 
 Ev'n thofe to be fufpe6led of the King, 
 Who ftrive mofl. loyally, to keepe his Name 
 In honour ; and his Kingdome without blame. 
 
 As Iiidah had (in Zefhaniahs times) 
 Her Priefls oi Baal; the name of Chemarims ; 
 Thofe, who the heav'nly army did adore ; 
 Thofe, alfo, who by God, and Malchom, fwore ; 
 And multitudes among them, who did weare 
 Fantaftick Habits : So, we harbor here 
 Some Shavelings yet ; fome Romijh fuperflitions ; 
 To Saints we offer up fome vaine petitions ; 
 Equivocating Oathes we often take ; 
 And, we our felves, in our apparell, make 
 Deformed, by a skittifh imitation 
 Of ev'ry new-found guife in ev'ry Nation. 
 I doe not think (nor have I ever thought) 
 That in it felfe it is materiall ought, 
 What (haped Robes I weare : nor do I hold 
 That any Fa/hion, whether new or old, 
 Doth fo much handfome or diffigure any, 
 As it may feeme to do, perchance, to many. 
 It is the Time, or elfe their mindes, that weare 
 Such clothes, which make them good or bad appear. 
 
 Thofe 
 
 355 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 Thofe fooles who bring new fafliions firft ; and they 
 That haft to follow them (and thinke it gay 
 And generous) are thofe unworthy ones, 
 That bring fuch folly, fliame, and coft upon's. 
 But, when thofe Garies grow generall ; then, we 
 That firft abhorred them, compelled be 
 To take them up : left our old clothes be thought 
 New fafliions from forae foirain kingdomes brought : 
 Or, left we ftiould by fome be thought to erre, 
 In being over nice, and singular. 
 
 Moft other people, both at home, and here, 
 Doe in their habits, like themfelves appeare : 
 But, wherefoe're we come, we change our ftiapes. 
 And, in our geftures, are all Nations Apes. 
 True gravity, we fo are fallen from. 
 And, fo abfurdly blockifli are become ; 
 That, ftrangers jeere us, to behold bow foone 
 We get the garbe of ev'ry fond Baboon. 
 Yea, they are proud, to fee that we condemne 
 Our owne attires, by imitating them. 
 And I doe blufli to thinke, that our whole Nation 
 Should of it felfe admit a tranfformation, 
 So fuddenly (as oftentimes v/e fee) 
 To imitate the guife of two or three. 
 
 But, fo it is : And at this prefent tide, 
 Our female Gentry is fo frenchifi'd ; 
 That we have fcarce a Gentlewoman now. 
 In clothes, more handfome bodied then a Cow. 
 Thofe women who e'rewhile were goodly creatures. 
 Proportion having, and (me thought) fweet features ; 
 Doe looke as triple-bodi'd Gerion did, 
 When they in their mif-fliapen gownes are hid : 
 For, either arme, in fuch a mould is caft, 
 As makes it full as fulfome as their wafte. 
 
 Their 
 
 356 
 
Cant. 6. REMEMBRANCliR. 178 
 
 Their necks ftand fneaking oxit, before thofe ruffes, 
 Which lie behind their backs with wide mouth'd pufs 
 As doth a peeled Ewes, whofe fleece unfhorne. 
 Was from about her neck with brambles torne. 
 Their flaring curies about their fliag-ftiorne browes, 
 Doe, of the faireft Lady, make a bloufe. 
 Thofe demy-skarfes, they wreathe about their chaps, 
 (Which may be comely to fome eyes, perhaps) 
 Doe make them feeme as Antick-like to me, 
 As Hags, that fent to fright yong children be. 
 And I am foiy, that a foolifh pride 
 Should make oar Beantiss their perfedtions hide 
 I'd. fuch a masking fuit. And that a few 
 Fantallick women, fo great numbers drew 
 To follow their new-fangles ; and befot 
 Their judgements, by that fafliion newly got. 
 For, not meane wits alone ; but, of the wifefl ; 
 (Nay, of the mofl religious, and prcciieft.) 
 There are great multitudes befool'd in this : 
 And, She, that of that Guife their Patieme is, 
 (Perhaps) derides their fickleneffe. For (he 
 Is from their minde, and from their folly free. 
 Nought, but her country fafliion, flie hath worne : 
 And, that which them deformes, doth her adorne. 
 Yea, they have either miffed of her dreffe : 
 Or elfe flie gives it much more lovelineffe. 
 For to my eye there is fome excellence 
 Which puts t'wixt her and them much difference. 
 And this opinion is not mine alone : 
 For, fo much hath beene faid by many a one. 
 Oh ! fliow the fweetneffe of your difpofition, 
 In hearing me, and granting my petition. 
 Lay off your ftrange attires, that we may know 
 If you be Englifh women, yea or no. 
 
 Your 
 
 357 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 Your monftrous habit, each true Britaine lothes ; 
 And, were your bodies formed Hke your clothes, 
 (Which God in lujlice, may effedi, perchance) 
 You might go feek your fortunes out in France, 
 From whence your new proportion hither came : 
 For, we fliall never truly love the fame. 
 Becaufe, if other men have thoughts like mine, 
 It would appeare to be fome fatall figne, 
 To fee our women leave their native fafhion, 
 And, turne themfelves into another Nation. 
 
 But, let thefe Females goe. I hope that fhe 
 Who ftiall be mine (if any fuch there be) 
 What ever accident or change befalls. 
 Will flill retaine her Englijh naturals. 
 More blame then this might in this kind be laid 
 On women : but, unwillingly I faid 
 What here is uttred. And, if they had bin 
 In thofe attires that I have feen them in, 
 I had not on this over-fight refledled ; 
 But, left them to be counfell'd and directed 
 By their neare Friends or Husbands. Yet, alas ! 
 We have of them, whofe levity doth pafs 
 The fickleneffe of thefe : and, they alone 
 Are oft the caufe, that thefe have fo mifgone. 
 Nor ever did this folly more appeare, 
 Then now it doth ; ev'n in this very yeare, 
 Wherein the PeJUlmce devoured fo : 
 And, as that Plague decreafed, this doth grow. 
 
 But, in Tranfgreffions, how we parallell 
 The times before, I will proceed to telL 
 High-priejls have we, who fend out fpies to watch 
 The Preachers of Gods word ; and pick, and catch 
 Advantages againft them. Some of us 
 Are like the Silver-fmiths at Ephefus, 
 
 And 
 
 i^^ 
 
Cani.6. Remembrancer. 179 
 
 And, for their private lucre will contend 
 Againft. the Truth, and Herefies defend. 
 We, Demas like, have thofe Apoflataes, 
 Who, for the world, forfake the Chriflian caufe. 
 And, forae there be, that with Diotrophes, 
 Affedl preheminence in thefe our dayes. 
 
 Some, like the Scribes and Fharifes do rinfe 
 The Cup without ; but, have no care to clenfe 
 The loathfome infide. Some, have arrogated 
 Such Holineffe, that they are feparated 
 From others, as a fpotleffe Congregation, 
 That is without all blame, or prophanation. 
 
 Some, like to thofe, their brethren difrefpedl 
 And, lordly titles over-much aifedl, 
 As did the lewijh Rabbles. Some, as they 
 On others backs uneafie burthens lay : 
 Which they themfelves, to cary do refufe. 
 The Orphane, and the Widow, feme abufe, 
 By fhewes of piety. And, we have fome. 
 In tything Annifeed, and Mint, become 
 Exceeding zealous : yet, have neither care 
 Nor confcience, in thofe things that waighty are. 
 
 We have our fev'rall Brotherhoods of thofe. 
 Who ferioufly do Sea and Land enclofe, 
 (And pradlife, by a multitude of fleights) 
 To win unto their Seils n&v profeliies : 
 Not out of love to Truth, or Charity, 
 But rather to advance their Herefie. 
 
 Who ever all their crotchets doth embrace. 
 Is inftantly become the child of Grace, 
 (In their opinions) whatfoever he 
 In other points, or in his manners be. 
 But whofoe're he be that fhall defpife, 
 One branch of any toy, which they devife, 
 
 Is 
 
 359 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 6. 
 
 Is judg'd a Reprobate. Yea, though in all 
 The grounds of Faith, and in his works he (hall 
 Appeare unblemiftied ; they will contemne 
 His judgement ; and traduce and cenfure him. 
 Yea, feme of thofe there be who have defcride 
 A tricke to know who are unfandtifide ; 
 Though they have all the markes of holineffe. 
 Nay, fome are not aftiamed to confeffe, 
 To know what perfons thofe hid marks do beare, 
 Which knowne to no men but their wearers are. 
 
 Like Ananias, and Saphira, here 
 Are they that holy Brethren doe appeare, 
 Yet Avant fincerity. And, I could tell ye 
 Of multitudes, who meerly for their belly, 
 Doe follow Chriji. With Herod, we have fuch 
 Who heare men gladly, till thofe Crimes they touch 
 Which are their Darlings : But, then mad they grow, 
 And what they truly are, they truly (how. 
 
 Like Dives, we have thofe that ev'ry day. 
 Are fed with dainties ; cloth'd with rich aray. 
 And, full as mercileffe unto the poore, 
 That lye uncloth'd, and hungry at the doore. 
 
 We have a rattle-brain'd and wilfuU Crew, 
 That with a purbUnde zeale the Truth purfue : 
 And would be found, were not their pow'r fo fmall, 
 More bloody, and more violent then Paul, 
 Before his name was changed : for, they teare 
 That Robe, whereof they doe profe(re a care. 
 
 We have thofe Nobles, who with Felix, can 
 ConfelTe the innocency of a man 
 Accus'd before them ; and, yet leave him bound, 
 If ought to their advantage may redound. 
 
 We have of thofe \hdAparcell ChriJUans be, 
 As King Agrippa. Otherfome have we 
 
 That 
 
 360 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. i8o 
 
 That walke for company, they care not whither ; 
 And, fome that fleight Religion altogether. 
 Nor want we thofe, that while they Chrift. profeffe. 
 Convert his Graces into wantonneffe. 
 
 We are almofl as wicked as old Home '. 
 Of Herefies we are as full become, 
 As Amjlerdam. Nay, many men have we, 
 That can of three or foure profelTions be, 
 (Ev'n all at once) although that ev'ry Sell 
 Each other doth dire6lly contradi(fl. 
 
 We have an Elimas, who doth apply 
 His cunning to pervert the Deputy : 
 Like Simon Magus, we have Merchants here, 
 That were baptized ; and yet without feare, 
 Dare buy and fell thofe things that holy be ; 
 And which, by Gods donation, fliould be free. 
 Nay, in the gall of bitterneffe they lye, 
 More deepe then he, from whom their Symony 
 Deriveth name, for, he, in fliov/, repenting, 
 Did crave the Churches prayers for preventing 
 Of his deierving : whereas, thefe devife 
 Quaint arguments, their fm to patronize ; 
 Or make it le.Te. Elfe, by equivocation. 
 Or, by their tricke of mentall refervation. 
 They hide their fault : and (that the fin they doe 
 May grow compleate) themfelves they perjure too. 
 
 There be, that Mammon, for their God, adore : 
 That make Chrijis members, members of a whore : 
 And ftained be with thofe offences all, 
 Whereof the Gentiles were accuf 'd, by Paul. 
 We all are guilty of much fraud, debate, 
 Impiety, uncleannelTe, envy, hate, 
 Backbiting, ftealing, pride, malicioufneffe, 
 Diffembling, murther, lying, fpightfulneffe, 
 
 Q Truce- 
 
 361 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 Truce breaking, difobedience, ignorance, 
 Implacability, bold arrogance, 
 Want of affe6lions naturall, excefTe, 
 Inhumane cruelty, ungratefulneffe : 
 Elafpheming, fwearing ; and innumerable 
 Tranfgreffions more, of that ungodly rable : 
 And, Tome (Avhen God Almighty poured hath 
 Vpon their heads the Viols of his wrath) 
 Inftead of penitence, encreafe the fcore 
 Of their oifences ; and, blafpheme the more. 
 Nay, that we may be partners of their guilt, 
 That have the blood of Gods Anointed fpilt, 
 With Pilate and the Jewes, we have, again e, 
 The Lord of Life, both crucifi'd, and flaine. 
 
 Thou haft. Oh Britaine, ev'ry thing mifdone, 
 That AJhur, Moab, Ammon, ^Babylon, 
 Or any Kingdome hath tranfgreffed in. 
 Which unto Piety a foe hath bin. 
 Of whatfoever Ifi'el was detected, 
 For whatfoever ludaJi was corredled. 
 Thou maift be taxed ; for, among thy Nations 
 Are daily pradlis'd their abominations. 
 Their tricks thou haft, to hinder and oppreffe, 
 Thofe men who tell thee of thy wickedneffe. 
 Right fo thou doft debate ; fo flander them : 
 Right fo, their juft reproofes thou doft contemne : 
 And, though their words are daily verifide, 
 Yet, thou doft alwayes wilfully deride 
 Their admonitions ; and, paffe all things by, 
 As falling on thee but by cafualty. 
 
 I doe beleeve, and know, that, yet, in thee 
 Some Obadiaks, and fome Ezraes be 
 Some Courtiers, and fome Nobles yet remaine, 
 Which doe their true Nobility retaine : 
 
 But, 
 
 362 
 
Cmit. 6. Remembrancer. i8i 
 
 But, mod of them their dignity have loft ; 
 And can of nought but painted Scuchions boaft. 
 
 As did of theirs, the lewifh Prophet fay, 
 Thy Princes doe procraftinate the day 
 Of thy Calamity ; and will not heare. 
 Of that affliction which approacheth neare : 
 But of Iniquity they climbe the feat ; 
 And, by extortion make their houfes great. 
 
 Their Palaces, they feele and trim with gold, 
 Gods Temples being ruinoufly old. 
 On beds (more pretious then of Ivory) 
 They ftretch themfelves, and live luxurioufly, 
 The pafture Lambes, and wainlings of the ftall, 
 Suffice not them j but they make prey of all, 
 Which liveth in the wood, or in the field ; 
 Or which the land, the fea, or ayre doth yeeld. 
 Their lufhious wines in pretious bowls they quaife ; 
 While lofeph is aiflidled they doe laugh ; 
 And fmg unto the VioU, wanton ftraines, 
 While Syon in captivity remaines. 
 They have but little care of Gods commands ; 
 They breake his yoake, and caft away his bands. 
 Thy men in honour, without knowledge be, 
 Like beafts that perifh ; and, difhonour thee. 
 Some have afpired to their prefent heights 
 Of wealth and greatneffe, by ignoble fleights : 
 Of others houfes, they have got poffeffion. 
 And, furnifhed their chambers, by oppreffion. 
 Their wives and children, walle in brave attire, 
 The poore mans portion, and the workmans hire. 
 Their credits they have pawned, to maintaine 
 Their luxury, their pride, or gaming vaine. 
 And, by their Honors have fo falfly fwome, 
 That men their Idoll, and their oath do fcorne. 
 
 Q 2 Some, 
 
 z^n 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 6. 
 
 Some, have To bluflileffe and fo (hamleffe beene, 
 
 To let their Coach, and foot-cloth horfe, be feene 
 
 At common Strumpets doores : their Favorites, 
 
 (And they, in whom their Nobleneffe delights) 
 
 Are gameflers, roarers, perfons diffolute, 
 
 And fuch ; for unto them fuch beft. do fute. 
 
 To bold-fac'd Rimers, lellers, or to thofe 
 
 Who make their Lordftiips laugh with foolifli profe, 
 
 To Fencers, Fidlers, Tumblers, and to fuch, 
 
 Who any way their fenfuall humours touch, 
 
 Their hands are prodigall ; and thefe obtaine 
 
 Rich favours to requite their idle paine. 
 
 Their tongues, to fpeake on their behalfe are free ; 
 
 When queflion'd for the fouleft. crimes they be. 
 
 (Ev'n fellonies and murthers) but are mutes 
 
 In vertuous caufes, and in honeil fuits. 
 
 When wife and painful men, have fpent their wealth, 
 
 Their flrength confumed, or impair'd their health, 
 
 In profitable works ; and to reveale 
 
 Such things as might advance the publike weale ; 
 
 Their labours (for the mod) are over-pafl 
 
 Without encouragement ; fometimes, difgrac'd 
 
 By arrogant impoflors ; who arife 
 
 To greatneffe, by difcrediting the wife ; 
 
 Or broaching fuch good projects for their owne, 
 
 Which were by thofe mens induftry made knowne, 
 
 Whom they have ruined. For, what were fome 
 
 (That now to places eminent are come) 
 
 Before they got aloft on others wings, 
 
 But, poore unworthy, and ignoble things ? 
 
 Nay, what (as yet) appeare they (unto thofe 
 Whofe good experience their true value knowes) 
 But gilded ignorance ? who having got 
 The ftiadowes of the fubflance they have not, 
 
 Doe 
 
 364 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 182 
 
 Doe paffe for men of worth, in their efteeming, 
 Whom they have cheated, by a cunning feeming. 
 
 Admit but fome of thefe into fuch place, 
 Which may afford them priviledge, or grace, 
 To fpeake before their Prince ; and you Ihall heare 
 Their tongues to run, as if their knowledge were 
 As great as Solomons ; and that of all 
 The plants ev'n from the Hyfope of the wall, 
 Vnto the Cedar, they could tell the nature ; 
 And knew the qualities of eVry creature. 
 They, Proteus like, will anything appeare j 
 A Sea-man, Ship-wright, or an Engineere, 
 Or whatfoe're they lift : and having bought 
 Of fome poore Artifts ; or (fome worfe way) wrought 
 'Y:h.€\x proje£ls from them, that they may be fliowne, 
 As if the quaint invention were their owne : 
 (And, having gotten alfo termes of Art, 
 To help them in the adling of their part) 
 To fuch opinion of themfelves they rife, 
 That men of foundefl. knowledge they defpife ; 
 Deride experience ; and, ev'n to their face, 
 The skill of moft approved men difgrace. 
 
 Make thefe men Counfellors, and though till then 
 They knew not halfe fo much as common men, 
 Nor had the meanes of knowing any thing, 
 But how to ride a horfe, or take the Ring, 
 Or hunt, or hawk, or caper : yet (behold 
 A wonder) in a moment they grow old 
 In State affaires ; and nothing doth concerne 
 Or peace or war, which they have need to learne. 
 
 If any quellion be, before thefe, made, 
 Of Merchandife ; the skilfull'ft in the trade 
 Are fooles to them ; and tis an arrogance 
 To offer to inftrudt their ignorance. 
 
 Q3 If 
 
 36s 
 
B R I T T A I^'S CtlHt. 6. 
 
 If armes be treated of, there's no man knowes 
 By pra6tife, that which thefe men can difclofe 
 By contemplation. And though they have feene 
 No other warres but thofe at 3fik endgreene. 
 Or Tutle-fields; great Mars himfelfe, of thefe 
 May learne to be a Souldier, if he pleafe. 
 
 If any thing concerning Navigation, 
 Be tendred to a grave confideration, 
 Tiiefe either dare aflirme, or to deny 
 What all the Alajlers of the Trinity 
 Oppofe them in ; and Novices would make 
 Of Haxvkings, Frohijher, and famous Drake, 
 Were they now living. And, yet fuch as they, 
 The wreathes of Honor foonefl, beare away. 
 
 With empty Names, and Titles, being blowne 
 Above themfelves, they are unv/eildy growne ; 
 And greater in their pride, and in their traine, 
 Then their confumed fortunes will maintaine. 
 Which doth compell them, by unworthy wayes, 
 To feeke the patching up of their decayes : 
 And, ilill in their profufeneffe they proceed, 
 As if their prodigality fliould breed 
 New fortunes ; and, were like thofe wells that fill, 
 And grow the purer, by exha'jfting Hill. 
 
 In feafls, appareil, furniture, and things 
 Of fuch like nature, many Chriilian Kings, 
 To equail them fliall finde it much to doe : 
 But, them they cannot very far outgoe, 
 Vnleffe they meane to draine their fountaines dry, 
 With Fooles, in prodigality, to vye. 
 
 Hence comes it, that the Rents and Royalties 
 Of Kings and Princes, which did well fuffice 
 In former times, to keep in comely port 
 An honour'd, and an hofpitable Court, 
 
 (Yea, 
 
 366 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. 183 
 
 (Yea, and an Army if occafion were) 
 Can hardly now the charge of houfliold beare. 
 For, they mufl either in their large expence, 
 Come fliort of that profufe magnificence 
 Among their Vaffals : or elfe wade away 
 The price of many Lord/hips, to defray 
 The coH of one vaine fupper ; and, from this, 
 With other fuch like things, growes all amiffe. 
 For, one exceffe another dill produces ; 
 One Foole out-vies his fellow Fooles abufes ; 
 Vntill their wealth, and hopes, and reputation, 
 Re wafted in a witneife emulation : 
 Not heeding what is taught them in the Fable, 
 That when a Toad hath fweld while he is able, 
 An Oxe is bigger, and with eafe can fmite 
 His pride to nothing, when it is at height. 
 
 This over large profufeneffe, they are faine 
 By many evill courfes to maintaine : 
 By bribery, by griping, by the fale 
 Of Injlice, yea of Confcience, and of all 
 That may be fold for mony. From hence fprings 
 Deceiving and mif-Ieading of good Kings. 
 This, makes their Treafuries to ebbe fo low ; 
 This, makes their SubjeHs difcontented grow ; 
 This, makes the Mercha.nt, and the Tradesmen, break j 
 This, makes the arme of Jujiice grow fo weake ; 
 By this, are States unjointed, by degrees ; 
 By this, their honour and their love they leefe j 
 And, that confufion in upon them fteales, 
 Which mines Nations, Kings, and Commonweales. 
 
 From hence are all thofe rafcall Suits derived, 
 By which the common dammage is contrived ; 
 Hence, they (who by the publike defolation 
 Would raife themfelves) pretend the reformation 
 
 Q 4 They 
 
 367 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 They purpofe not ; and, by their faire pretences 
 
 To cure old grievances, breed new offences. 
 
 Hence comes it, that to keep themfelves on hie, 
 
 They fell their country, and pofterity 
 
 To flavery and bondage ; caring nought. 
 
 So they have reft, how dearly it be bought. 
 
 This, makes the Grants of Kings become fo tickle, 
 
 And Orders, and Decrees of State, fo fickle, 
 
 That no man knowes when he hath ought procured, 
 
 How he, of what he hath may be affured ; 
 
 For, in a righteous caufe, though he proceed, 
 
 And have it ratified and decreed. 
 
 By all Authority, that may be gained ; 
 
 A fleight fuggeftion (without reafon fained) 
 
 May fruflrate make the Roy all-Confirmation, 
 
 Or keep him in an endleffe expedtation, 
 
 Till he be quite undone. And, if his foes 
 
 Have wealth, (though no good reafons to oppofe 
 
 His rightful! caufe) he may be wheel'd about, 
 
 With Orders, that will fetch him in and out, 
 
 Till he be tyr'd : and, neither fide is fure 
 
 Of conquefl, till the other can procure 
 
 No bribe to give. Which is more wicked, far, 
 
 Then thofe injuftices which pradtis'd are 
 
 In heathen Kingdomes : fince, when any there, 
 
 For, lujlice, or InjuJUce bribed are ; 
 
 A man fliall have his bargaine. And in this 
 
 More juft they be then many a Chriftian is. 
 
 For, when fome here are forced for their owne 
 
 To give great fines, they afterward are throwne 
 
 From their poffeffions, if another come 
 
 To buy InjuJHce with a larger fum. 
 
 Oh ! what a madneffe is it, for one day 
 On earth, to foole Eternity away ? 
 
 To 
 
 368 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 184 
 
 To fell both foule and body for meere toyes ; 
 
 And reall comforts, for deceiving joyes? 
 
 To build their houie with niorter, which will burne 
 
 The timber, and the llrii6lure overtume ? 
 
 Perchance before the finifliing be done, 
 
 But (doubtleffe) e're the third defcent be gone ? 
 
 What folly is it for a man to wafte 
 At one vaine triumph (which an houre doth lad) 
 More then the portion, ten and ten times told 
 Which all his predeceffors leave him could ; 
 That, to his prejudice it may be knowne, 
 How haftily a rich man he is growne? 
 
 What meaneth he, who doth confume upon 
 One banquet, what a towne of Garifon 
 Might live a yeare withall ; to heare it fpoken, 
 That fo much coft was but a certaine token 
 Of his corruption ? And that all the flore 
 He wafts, was got by making others poore ? 
 Or that the greatneffe of his new gain'd glory, 
 Is of the common wrongs a reall iilory ? 
 
 Who praifeth him for this ? or who doth call 
 Him honorable, wife, or liberall, 
 For, thofe expences ; but the rafcall rable 
 Of Coxcombs, and of Gulls, that haunt his table ? 
 
 What honour is it ? or what can it pleafe, 
 To be the Lord of many Palaces ? 
 To have their Cambers, and their Galleries 
 Adorned with mofl precious rarities ? 
 To feed, and cloath, and patronize a number 
 Of Parafites, and of Buffoones, to cumber 
 Their walks and lodgings ? To have ev'ry day 
 Their fervants following them in rich aray ? 
 Rich ftuffes, with rich embroyderies to bury. 
 To ride on princely charets ? or to hurry 
 
 QS In 
 
 3 « 369 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 In gilt Caroches ? or on pampered Steeds, 
 (From Turky fetcht, or from the Barbary breeds) 
 To praunce about the flreets to fhow their pride ? 
 Or with vaine titles to be magnifi'd ? 
 What pleafure is all this, when they fhall heare. 
 How loud the clamour founds in ev'ry eare, 
 Of their oppreffions, frauds, and cruelties ? 
 And how the people curfe their tyrannies ? 
 Their (late, and their ambition to maintaine ; 
 How many, oh ! how many to complaine 
 Conftrained are ? Alas ! how many a one 
 Have their proud followers tyranniz'd upon ? 
 And of their fervants, what great numbers too, 
 Doe thefe by their ambitioufneffe undoe ? 
 The faces of the poorer fort they grinde ; 
 The bread of Orphanes (who the while are pinde) 
 They feed upon. The people they have fold 
 For old-worne fliooes : on Altars they lay hold ; 
 And, of each holy thing they make their prey. 
 Whereon their facrilegious hands they lay. 
 
 The portion of their brethren they devoure \ 
 And, by ufurping an unlawful! pow'r. 
 They fave each other harmleffe from the lawes ; 
 And overthrow the poore complainants caufe. 
 
 Their neighbours, often, and their neareft friends, 
 (To whom they daigne refpe(n: but for their ends) 
 Are fo engaged to uphold their pride, 
 That they their foolilh heads are faine to hide. 
 
 Some Trade/men, for their vaine credulity, ' 
 (Intrufting to their Honors) now doe lye 
 Imprifon'd for their aptneffe to beleeve : 
 And, what they fuffer, or how much they gprieve, 
 Their Lord/hips care not : For (except their ovvne) 
 Of all mens troubles they are fenfeleffe growne. 
 
 Their 
 
 37° 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 185 
 
 Their houfes, and their lodgings, ev'ry day, 
 
 Are full of Suitors, who as humbly pray 
 
 For what's their owne, as if that they were fome 
 
 Who to entreat for charity were come : 
 
 And oft are anfwer'd with fuch harfli replyes, 
 
 For their compelled importunities, 
 
 As if it were an impudence or wrong, 
 
 To ask the debt wliich had beene due fo long. 
 
 The Baker and the Butcher, fometime ferve 
 Great men with bread and flelh untill they ftarve 
 Themfelves almoft : and, if they doubt they (hall 
 Be quite undone before it fo befall ; 
 They oft are glad to lofe the fumme that's due, 
 Through feare that for their own if they fliould fue, 
 (In Head of recompence) receive they might 
 Some evill tume, their boldneife to requite. 
 For, fome are growne fo bafe, that now and than 
 Their Cojlermonger, yea their Butterman, 
 And Herbwife is haJfe begger'd and undone, 
 By fuifring them upon their fcores to run. 
 
 Oh ! with what faces can thefe T)Tants ride 
 Along the llreets, in fuch a height of pride. 
 As oft they doe, when they are lookt upon 
 By thofe poore Tradefmen whom they have undone ? 
 What joy have they to fee, or to be feene 
 In thofe gay feathers, which have plucked beene 
 From others wings ; whofe nakedneffe appeares 
 To cry aloud for luftice, in Gods eares ? 
 
 And what a Plague is fallen on that Land 
 Where fuch as thefe have places oi command? 
 Where thefe are chofe for State/men, what protedtio 
 Is Vertue like to finde ? what due corre6lion 
 Hath Vice where fuch controule ? or what is he ' 
 Can looke for luftice, where fuch fudges be ? 
 
 Would 
 
 371 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 Would I could fay, oh ! Britaine, thou haft none 
 Of thefe. Or elfe might name thee fuch a one, 
 As lawfully, as I might boldly do it, 
 For thy advantage, were I called to it. 
 But, that authority which I have got. 
 Checks faults alone, with perfons meddles not. 
 
 Thy ancient Vertues, are not wholly loft. 
 In all thy families. Yet, for the moft, 
 As are thy Princes, now, thy Gentry be ; 
 According to the height of their degree. 
 They fpend their youth in luft and idleneffe ; 
 In impudent prophaneneffe, and exceffe ; 
 In foolifti complements ; in thriftleffe games ; 
 And in oblivion do interre their Names : 
 Through want of knowledge, and that reall worth 
 Which fets the luftre of true Gentry forth. 
 
 The markes of Gentle-blood, and that which praife 
 Did thereunto acquire, in former dayes, 
 Were luftice, Temp'rance, Courage, Prudency, 
 True Courtfie, Meekneffe, Liberality, 
 And fuch as thefe. Their Exercifes were 
 Thofe which the mind or body might prepare 
 For vertuous pradlices : as leaping, running, 
 To handle Armes, to (hoot, to ftiew their cunning 
 In managing great Horfe ; in ftudioufneffe 
 Of piety, and of the Sciences, 
 Which we terme liberall. But now, alas ! 
 Thy Gentry, Britaine, is not as it was. 
 To be a Gentleman, is now, to weare 
 Fantaftick habits ; horrid oaths to fweare ; 
 To whiffe Tobacco ; to be drunk, and game ; 
 To do a villany, and boaft the fame. 
 To dare the Pox ; to talk with impudence, 
 How oft they had it, without griefe or fenfe. 
 
 Of 
 
Catit.6. Remembrancer. i86 
 
 Of their mifdoings ; nothing to profeffe 
 
 Or pradlife, but to live in idleneffe ; 
 
 To quarrell ; to be infolent, and proud ; 
 
 To cheat, and brag, and lye, and fpeak aloud 
 
 In (lead of fpeaking reafon : to prefume 
 
 Above his worth ; unwifely to confume 
 
 His patrimony ; fafl and loofe to play ; 
 
 To borrow, without purpofing to pay , 
 
 To fpend their time in fruitleffe vifitations. 
 
 In beaflly and prophane communications ; 
 
 In telling and in liflning after newes ; 
 
 In viewing idle fights, or haunting Stewes ; 
 
 With fuch like exercifes : as if they 
 
 Were made to flutter all their time away 
 
 Like Butterflyes ; and lived, pupofely. 
 
 For nothing, but to eate, and drink, and dye. 
 
 Their nobleft. mark, is dieting a brace 
 Of handfome Nags, to run a fquirting Jiace, 
 Or keeping of a cafl. of Norway Kites, 
 To fliow them yearly halfe a dozen flights ; 
 Or elfe, the feeding of a flinking pack 
 Of yelping Hounds ; that when difcourfe they lack, 
 They may whole dayes together, prate a fl.ory, 
 In which fome Dogs, or Hauks, or Horfes glory 
 Is magnifi'd ; and him they count a Clowne, 
 That in their folly is no partner growne. 
 
 Oh ! would thefe lines had po'wr to make the fee, 
 How foolifh and abfurd their courfes be : 
 And that my Mu/cs now could reach the ftraine, 
 Might win them nobler thoughts to entertaine. 
 
 But, mine will hardly prove fuch Charmes, I feare ; 
 For, at the very root we rotten are ; 
 And, where our Maladies their cure fliould have, 
 The dangerouft infe(3;ions we receive. 
 
 Our 
 
 ,373 
 
Brit tan's Cant.e. 
 
 Our Nurferies of Arts are not fo pure, 
 But that- in them our bane we may procure. 
 Our Innes of Court have loft, their good repute, 
 By harboring of perfons diffolute. 
 The Schooles oiLaw are SanEluaries made 
 For Out-lawes ; and where once our Gentry had , 
 That nurture which enobled them ; now, there 
 By lewd examples, which too frequent are. 
 Or, by too great a liberty, we gaine 
 A habit in all courfes that are vaine. 
 And mofl. of thofe, of whom the world beleeves 
 Mofl. good (among them) are but civill theeves. 
 
 For, Lawyers, and fome Officers, in thee, 
 (Which Minift,ers of luJHce feerae to be) 
 Have made the Courts and Offices, whereby 
 We fliould of wrongs receive a remedy ; 
 To prove to us things more uneafie, far, 
 Then thofe, for which their juft complainings are. 
 So coft.ly be their wilde interpretations 
 Of Lawes and Cujlomes ; and fuch variations 
 Are found in their opinions, that few know 
 When they uprightly, or in fafety goe. 
 
 If any Common Barreter will pleafe 
 By fuits unjuft his neighbors to difeafe j 
 The Plea may be maintained, though that all 
 His allegations prove untrue they fhall : 
 Or manifeft, by doubtleffe demonft.ration, 
 He purpos'd nought, but wilfull moleflation. 
 For, Lawyers will defend and plead the Caufe, 
 Which to their knowledge doth oppofe both Lawes 
 And Confcience too j as if they did contemne 
 His threatnings that pronounced woe to them, 
 Who juft.ifie the wicked in their fin ; 
 Or him gainfay which hath not faulty bin. 
 
 Ev'n 
 
 374 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 187 
 
 Ev'n in our Court of Confcimce, fome things are 
 Vnconfcionable. For, if any there 
 Be cauflefly complain'd on ; well is he 
 If uncondemned in the fuit he be. 
 For, this Defendant hath fmall remedy, 
 Save that, and patience, for his injury. 
 His caufleffe troubles, and his large expence, 
 Hath no requitall fave his innocence. 
 For, if all they that are unjuilly grieved, 
 By having cofts of fuits fhould be relieved ; 
 Or if the Plaintiffe fhould his Bill averre 
 Vpon his oath, as ev'ry Anfwerer 
 Confirmes his Anfwer ; many a brawling Knave 
 Would then be quiet, and that Court would have 
 Far leffe employment : yea, and were it not 
 Their Traverfes did knit againe the knot, 
 Which Anfwer s upon Oath, almofl unty, 
 Suits would not halfe fo long unended lye. 
 
 This, many Officers doe feeme to feare ; 
 And therefore (as if Courts erecTled were 
 To make them rich, by nourifliing contention ; 
 Much rather then to compaffe the prevention 
 Of wrongs and difcord) they continue Hill, 
 That courfe which brings mofl grifts unto their mil. 
 
 If I would make a Libell, it fliould be 
 By way oi Suit: for, I did never fee 
 A fcurrilous Rime or Phamphlet, fo compadt 
 Of flanders (nor fo cunningly detradt) 
 As doe their ftiameleffe Bits, and their Replies, 
 Who feeke, that v/ay, mens names to fcandalize. 
 
 They dare pretend (as if with warranty) 
 Thofe things of which no probabiUty 
 Was ever feene. For, though they prove it not, 
 They know the very mention of a blot 
 
 Doth 
 
 375 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 Doth leave a ftaine ; and, that afperfions laid 
 Suppofedly, are often fo convaid, 
 And fo difperfl, ; and in difperfing, will 
 Such new additions gather to thena ftill ; 
 That, at the laft (although mofl, falfe they were) 
 For truths, they told and heard, of many are. 
 
 But, their Intergatories have a tricke 
 Beyond all other Libellings, to flick 
 An infamy on any : for, in thofe. 
 Of all which they will cauflefly fuppofe 
 Within their Bits ; they may the queflion move, 
 To whomfoever they pretend (hall prove 
 What they objedl. And, though no proofe be broght, 
 Nay, though it never came within his thought, 
 That is complain'd againfl. ; to doe or fay 
 Thofe things which they objefl againfl. him may : 
 Yet, he that is examined, or he 
 That reads what matters queflion'd of him be ; 
 Sufpedts, perhaps, (although he nothing knew 
 Concerning them) that ev'ry thing is true 
 Which their Intergatories doe imply. 
 For, why thinks he (that meaneth honeftly) 
 Should Propofitions of thefe things be made, 
 If they no likelihood of being had ? 
 Or who (fuppofeth he) hath fo abhord 
 A mind, as to fuggeft, and on record 
 To leave afperfions (of deferving blame) 
 On him, that no way merited the fame i" 
 
 Yet, this is frequent : and this libelling 
 Much profit to their Common wealth doth bring, 
 Who gaine by others loiTes. And, there's none 
 On whom this mifchiefe may not fall upon. 
 
 For one example of fuch grofie abufe, 
 My felfe I can, and jullly may, produce. 
 
 For, 
 
 37<5 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. 188 
 
 For, fitting lately in a roome alone, 
 
 My ovrae occafions meditating on : 
 
 Two men, who talking at the doore had bin, 
 
 {And, as appeared, knowing me within) 
 
 Made entrance and befought me both to heare, 
 
 (And witneffe) what they had agreed on there. 
 
 I heard them ; and, I purpofed to do 
 
 As they required, being call'd thereto. 
 
 But, mark what follow'd. Twelve months after that 
 The one of thefe (not well content with what 
 His bargaine was ; and knowing, I alone 
 Could teftifie what they agreed upon) 
 Did in this knavifli cunning wife projeft 
 To make my witneffe take the leffe effeft. 
 
 Forfooth, he makes me party in the caufe ; 
 A pitifuU complaining Bill he drawes ; 
 Wherein his learned Counfell did devife 
 Such Combinations, and Con/piracies, 
 Such Plots, fuch Prances, and fuch large tales, 
 01 Pnmifes, oi Bargainings, oi Sales, 
 And fudi like Heathnijh Jbiffe : and his pretence. 
 Was worded out with fo much impudence ; 
 That, furely, whofoever came to fee 
 That peece of Chauncery, fuppofed me 
 A very cheating rafcall : or, that I 
 (At leaft.) was privy to fome knavery ; 
 Whereas he knew, who then did fo abufe me, 
 I blameleffe was of what he did accufe me. 
 Yea, then fo farre was I from any plot. 
 Or purpos'd wrong ; that I had quite forgot 
 Both man and matter: and, but for his Bill, 
 Had beene (I thinke) unmindfull of them ftill. 
 
 A wrong like this, if any pleafe, he may 
 Infli<Sl upon me ev'ry other day, 
 
 With 
 
 3 b 377 
 
B R I T T A N'S C(Xnt. 6. 
 
 With fafe impunity. For, fuch as he, 
 Intituled Amici Curia be : 
 And, many thoufand fees would quite be loH, 
 Were they, in fuch like fuits to beare the coft. 
 If I fliould here difclofe what I have feene, 
 The pradtice of feme Lawyers to have beene ; 
 What cunping in conveyances they ufe, 
 How ftrangely their Profeffion they abufe : 
 And what a glory to theipfelves they take. 
 When they an evill caufe to thrive can make : 
 Or, (hould I here chara6ler their Delayes-, 
 Their Errors, their Demurs, their many wayes 
 Of hindring luJUce ; their impertinent 
 And coflly tedious Formes ; their impudent 
 Extorting from their Clients double fees ; 
 For Motions, which they willingly doe leefe : 
 How they doe move by halves ; how they millake 
 (Of purpofe) for themfelves, new work to make ; 
 How oft their Orders have by procreation 
 Made up, almoll, the hundredth generation ; 
 What double-tongu'd Reports, for, double fees ; 
 Are gottten by corrupted Referees ; 
 (Who when the truth is plaine, can coin a doubt 
 To bring againe the falfeft. Cau/e about) 
 How fenfeleife of men? loffes, griefes, or paine, 
 They are in all things which concerne their gaine ; 
 To what expences they their Clients bring ; 
 How they doe ride them in an endleffe Ring, 
 And prey upon them : or, if here I fliould 
 Difclofe as evidently as I could, 
 How fuU of wicked bribes, their clofets be ; 
 What brutifli cruelties mine eyes did fee ; 
 How many honefl Caufes I have knowiie. 
 For want of profecution, overthrowne ; 
 
 Becaufe 
 
 378 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 189 
 
 Becaufe our t&6.\o\is formes of triall, ftretch 
 Much further then the Clients purfe can reach. 
 How many miles poore men are forc'd to come, 
 For trifling fuits, which might have end at home ; 
 But that our higher Courts more feek encreafe 
 Of their bafe profits, then of blefled peace. 
 
 Should I relate with what ftrange tyrannies 
 Some Officers their places exercife ; 
 What partiality they fliew ; what pride : 
 How they infult on men ; how they deride ; 
 How big they fpeak ; how fcurrilous they be, 
 In taunting and reviling men more free 
 From vice, then they themfelves : Or, fliould I tell 
 How little tenderneife doth feeme to dwell 
 Within their bofomes, when they do opprefle 
 The needy widow, and the fatherlefle : 
 If all thefe things I fhould infiH upon. 
 And fo defcribe them, as they might be done ; 
 The world would know that all thofe injuries, 
 For which the Law appointeth remedies, 
 Are oft leffe grievous to the Common weale, 
 Then moll, who mofl. pretend her fores to heale .• 
 And that as Uttle help from them (he fees. 
 As when ftie fets her Cats to keep her Cheefe. 
 For, fome of them are trully in their kind. 
 And fo, fome trufty Lawyers (he may find : 
 Yea, thofe there be, that in thefe evill dayes, 
 Like Rubies mixt with pebles, fend forth rayes 
 Of Chriftian pieties ; which do declare, 
 That fome remaine who yet an honor are 
 To that profeffion ; and, all thofe are free 
 From being taxt, or blamed here by me. 
 The reft (hall beare their (hame ; for, they were born 
 To be our plague ; and they (ha^U be my fcorne ; 
 
 Their 
 
 379 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 6. 
 
 Their torments do afilidl both night and day, 
 And there are few fuch torturers as they. 
 For, of thofe wrongs which we by them fuflaine. 
 We fcarcely are permitted to complaine. 
 Nor will this Hand better dayes behold, 
 So long as Offices are bought and fold. 
 Nor fliall I ever think that any one, 
 Much cares, what right or injury be done, 
 That buyes or fels an Office ; chiefly he, 
 Who chaffers that where feats of ludgement be. 
 
 For order fake, to thefe my knee I bend ; 
 Or, 1 to give them titles can defcend, 
 And ev'ry outward reverence ; that fo 
 The place they beare, contemned may not grow ; 
 Yet nobler far he feemeth in mine eyes. 
 Who, by a due eledlion, doth arife 
 To be but Heardman in fome Country Borrough, 
 Then all thofe Lordlings who have paffed thorough 
 The greatefl Offices, by giving pay ; 
 Or by fome other unapproved way .• 
 
 When me were fought, that Office they might bear 
 And had it gratis ; they fuch penfons were, 
 Whofe worth, whofe vertues, and whofe nobleneffe. 
 Brought honor to the feats they did poffeffe. 
 With faithfulnefle, their duties they difcharged ; 
 No ancient fee unjuilly was enlarged ; 
 Or new extorted ; neither did they take 
 The poore mans money, when he mone did make : 
 For, by an eafie entrance they were able 
 (When need required) to be charitable; 
 Their juft expences, alfo, to provide ; 
 And to fullaine a comely port befide. 
 
 But, fince men fought out Offices; and thought 
 Of their owne merits, better then they ought, 
 
 (Intru- 
 
 3 So 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. igo 
 
 (Intruding, without modefly, to fit 
 
 Vpon that Seat, for which they were unfit) 
 
 Since men experienced (by ferving long 
 
 In fome inferior places) had fuch wrong, 
 
 That ignorant Impoflors got poffeifion 
 
 Of what pertaines to tliem, by due fucceffion : 
 
 Yea, fince to facred Callings men are chofe 
 
 By them, that fliould not of fuch things difpofe ; 
 
 What can e're long expected be, unleffe 
 
 It be an overflow of Barbaroufneife ? 
 
 Since each bafe fellow (who, perhaps, by flealth, 
 By fraud, or by extortion, fcrapes up wealth) 
 May purchafe, by his evill gotten pelfe, 
 A place of honor, to enfconce himfelfe. 
 And fortifie his wickedneffe withall ; 
 What hope of good proceedings follow fliall ? 
 
 Since needy, worthleffe, bafe, & fhameles grooms. 
 May fcrue their perfons into noble roomes, , 
 By meanes ignoble ; no man mufl expedl 
 From fuch a Caufe, to draw a good Effeil; 
 Or, that he honor gets, who in fuch times 
 To any honorable title climbs. 
 
 He's but a theefe, that in at window comes ; 
 The buyer fells, and fells for greater fums ; 
 By bribery, he bribery defends. 
 Of unjufl. Mammon he doth make him friends, 
 To nourifh Pride ; or elfe to make up that. 
 Whereby poffeffion of his place he gat ; 
 Without compaffion, he doth grieve, oppreffe. 
 And rack the widow, and the fatherleffe : 
 All places, and all things that appertaine 
 To ev'ry place he puts to fale, for gaine .• 
 Yea, moft men of each other, now, make fale : 
 Of their owne liberties, of lives, and all. 
 
 Great 
 
 3»i 
 
B R I T T A n's Cmt. 6. 
 
 Great Officers pretending to the gift 
 Of fome inferiour places, make a fliift 
 To fave the giving, and, fo dearly fell 
 That their poore underlings they oft compell 
 To ferve without allowance ; or to raife 
 Their maintenance, by fome unlawfuU wayes : 
 Which they muft countenance ; or elfe contrive 
 That others at fuch doings may connive. 
 Whereby thofe places held difgracefull be, 
 Which, otherwife, from fcandall, had bin free. 
 
 Why then reproach we fuch w^ith odious names. 
 Since they that are the authors of their ftiames, 
 (And thofe to whom bafe termes do appertaine) 
 Are their great Majiers, who make wicked gaine 
 Of what ftiould freely be bellow'd on thofe 
 To whom they ought fuch places to difpofe i 
 From them, and their corruption, doth arife 
 The multitudes of bafe enormities 
 That fwarme among our petty Officers. 
 It is a fum of mony that prefers 
 To ev'ry place ; and that makes knaves, and (harks. 
 Of Sergeants, Waiters, and of Vnder-clarks. 
 This maketh Regijlers, in ev'ry Court, 
 And other Minijlers, fo much extort : 
 This makes them feek out knots, demurs, delayes, 
 And pradlife many unapproved wayes. 
 To make up that which fooliflily they paid : 
 Yet, in the grave, their heads, perhaps, are laid 
 Ere halfe recover'd be : and oft their wives, 
 (Whofe portion bought thofe places for their lives) 
 Are left, with many children, to a lot 
 Vnpitied ; as they others pitied not. 
 For, many a one of thefe, although you fee 
 Their wives and children in apparell be 
 
 A 
 
 3SJ2 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. 191 
 
 As coftly as a Lords (that yearly may 
 
 Difpend as great a sum, as thefe did pay 
 
 For their new Offices) engaged are 
 
 To Vfurers, for twice the better fliare 
 
 Of their large Fines : and, fometime they undoe 
 
 Therafelues, their kindred, and their neighbours too. 
 
 Hence comes it, that Receivers, Bailifes, Reeves, 
 And other fuch, are worfe then common theeves ; 
 And rack and pilf fo boldly ; and from hence 
 It flowes, that few fupprefs their infolence : 
 Ev'n from their bafe corruption, who do thrive 
 By fuch mens loffe ; and not alone connive 
 At their mifdoings ; but, oft patronize them, 
 And from jufl cenfures an efcape devife them. 
 For they that elfe would Furze and Brambles burne. 
 Will cherifti them, where they may fave their come. 
 
 Thus, Britaine, rnoft. of them have ufed thee, 
 Whofe Offices, by purchafe, gotten be. 
 Thefe, and a multitude of other crimes. 
 They caufe, and a£l, and fuffer in thefe times : 
 And are fo infolent in what they doe, 
 That they dare praflife, and defend it too. 
 Without remorfe of mind, or feeming fenfe 
 Of being guUty of the leajfl offence. 
 
 Nor come thy Priejh or Prophets much behind 
 The worfl of thefe : but, paffe them in their kind. 
 For, though a learned Clergy thou poffeffeft. 
 And ev'ry day in knowledge much increafeft .• 
 Although I do beleeve thou haft in thee 
 Thofe Guides whofe wayes are from reproofes as free 
 As are the beft. on earth ; yet, thou haft more 
 That are perverted, now, then, heretofore. 
 
 Of late, thou heaps of Tecuhers gotten haft, 
 Refembling empty vapours, or a blaft 
 
 That 
 
 3v3 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 That breathes no comfort. What God never ment 
 They publifh forth ; and come e're they are fent. 
 
 Thy peoples hurts, they cure with fugred fpeech ; 
 When there's no peace at all, of peace they preach ; 
 Thou purblind Watchmen haft, and fome that fee, 
 As blindly walke, as they that blindeft be. 
 Dumb Dogs thou haft, who fpend their time in fleep ; 
 And, fome who barke, but to affiright the ftieepe. 
 Like hungry Curres, fome alwayes gurmandize ; 
 Yet nothing can their greedineffe fufSce. 
 They follow their owne wills, and their owne waies 
 They hunt for their owne profit, their owne praife. 
 They tread the paths where common fmners walke ; 
 Among themfelves they moft prophanely talk ; 
 And, at the Tavernes meet, and fit and fwill 
 Strong drinke, and wine, untill their guts they fill. 
 
 In taking Gifts, and compafling Promotion, 
 They fliew more zeale, and pra6lice more Devotion 
 Then in their holy Callings. They delight 
 In Flatteries ; and the fawningft Parafite 
 In all the Courts of Europe, cannot prate 
 More Heathnifhly, nor more infmuate 
 Then fome of them. The blefled Sacraments 
 And holy Word, are us'd as inftruments 
 To compaffe that, for them, which they projedled ; 
 And, oft polluted are, and oft negledled. 
 Their facred Orders, are abus'd and made 
 To ferve them for an Office, or a Trade, 
 To be inriched by ; and to that end 
 The preaching of the Go/pel, they intend. 
 They come not by the doore into the fold ; 
 Things holy, they have often bought and fold ; 
 Confpiracies they make in matters fowle ; 
 They prey vpon the body and the foule ; 
 
 And 
 
 2,'H 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 192 
 
 And, fat and rich, and mighty to become. 
 They daub and plaifter with untemper'd lome. 
 With lies, and faire pretences they beguile ; 
 And violate the Law of God, the while. 
 His Altars they prophane ; they ftarve his flocke ; 
 They make Religion but a mocking-ftocke ; 
 And, by examples horrible and vile, 
 Caufe other men, Gods Temples to defile. 
 
 There is no avarice which theirs exceeds ; 
 No malice which a mifchiefe fooner breeds .• 
 No pride fo furly as their Clergy-pride, 
 Except among the Beggers, when they ride. (broke 
 
 They, who but few yeares paft, would halfe have 
 Their kindreds, to have purchas'd them a cloake ; 
 And in poore threed bare Caffocks fought to preach 
 Beneath an Vnder- Curate ; or to teach 
 The children of fome Farmers, for their meat : 
 And feem'd fcarce worthy fo much grace to get, 
 Vntill by counterfeit humility, 
 (By fawning mixt with importunity. 
 And gilt with fained zeale) they wrought on fome, 
 To bring their wandring feet into their home. 
 Ev'n fome of thefe, fo well have a6ted out 
 Their parts, of feeming honefl, and devout ; 
 That (either like to Michahs Priefl, by leaving 
 Their Patrons ; and their hopefuU trull deceiving : 
 Or, fome fuch likely wayes) they have acquired 
 A higher flation, then they firfl defired. 
 They have fo quaintly humour'd, and fo pleafed 
 The prefent times \ that, they have proudly feized 
 Supremeft. places : and, now, over-peere 
 Their heads, by whom, they firfl. advanced were. 
 And very profitable, fure it is, 
 To heed them, fmce their metaviorphofis. 
 
 R For, 
 
 3 c 385 
 
B R I T T A n'S • Cant. 6. 
 
 For, if thou itiarlc, how (lately now they beare 
 Their lofty heads ; how infolent they are ; 
 How pitileffe to futers they become ; 
 With what contempt poore men be rated from 
 Their angry prefence ; what imperious Lords 
 Their DoHor/hips are grown ; what haughty words 
 They thunder forth ; what Antichrijiian ftate 
 They take upon them ; how extreame ingrate 
 And inhumane they prove (ev'n unto thofe 
 By whom, they from the dunghill firfl arofe) 
 Wer't well obferv'd how llrangely they contemne 
 Their ancient friends ; and twixt themfelves, & them, 
 What diftances they fet ; or, to their kin 
 How harfli and evill natur'd they have bin ; 
 (Except to thofe, that having meanes to rife 
 As well as they, their folly do defpife.) 
 
 Wer't knowne, what felfe opinion they have got 
 Of their owne worths ; how they themfelves befot 
 With arrogance ; how peevifli, and unquiet 
 They be in their attendance, and their diet ; 
 In fmall or trifling matters how fevere ; 
 In thofe which of the greateft, moment are, 
 How carelefTe grown : how envious of the grace 
 Or gifts beflow'd on thofe, in meaner place. 
 
 Were notice alfo taken, with what ftraine 
 Of pride and loftineffe, they entertaine 
 Their brethren of the Clergy, when they are 
 By any fummons called to appeare 
 Before their Lordjhips ; with what Pope like phrafe 
 They feek to terrifie, and to amaze 
 Their humble Suppliants ; with what balde conceits 
 They vent their humors, that the crew which waits 
 To claw and footh fucli foUyes, may begin 
 (In flead of fome ai^plaufe) to fleere, and grin. 
 
 How 
 
 386 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. 193 
 
 How tartly they can chide, and raile, and play, 
 And jefl on thofe, who but the other day 
 Did equall them in tempr'all dignities ; 
 And are more worthy, though lefs high they rife. 
 
 Were thefe things heeded, and feme paffages 
 Which name I could, as worthy note as thefe ; 
 A man would hardly think, that thefe had beene 
 Thofe Priejls, who but a while before were feene 
 So beggerly, and fo expos'd to fcorne ; 
 But, that, they had (at leafl) beene Prelates borne. 
 None could have thought that thefe me had bin they 
 Who lately did fo bitterly invey 
 Againft. the pride Epifcopall ; and plained, 
 To fee themfelves fo fleighted, and difdained 
 Of their fuperiors : no man would have thought 
 Thefe had bin poore mens children, who had nought 
 To give them nurture ; or, that they, bereft 
 Of all their friends, were to the parifh left. 
 None would beleeve, almofl, that any fuch 
 Should from fo little, rife to have fo much 
 In fuch a Calling; and fo worthleffe be 
 In their condition : for, it feemes to me, 
 They little confcience make of that Profeffion, 
 Whereby they have thofe glories in poffeffion : 
 Since then (me thinks) fo far they would not fwerve 
 From his pure word, whom they pretend to ferve. 
 
 Oh ! pray that God would make thofe watchmen fee 
 What blots and errors in their courfes be. 
 And that, by good example they may teach. 
 What they by word, unto the people preach : 
 For, by their adlions, many overthrow 
 The growth of that, which they themfelves did fow. 
 Or by their failing, or their falling from 
 A Chriflian zeale ; make others cold become. 
 
 R2 And, 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 6, 
 
 And, fome of thefe are thofe, of whom Chrijl fayes, 
 Wejhould embrace their words, but not their wayes. 
 
 But, many a one will neither fay nor doe, 
 What we may follow, or give heed vnto. 
 Yea, we have now among us many a one, 
 (That could have fpoken well) whofe voice is gone, 
 By growing over fat with double Cures : 
 And pampring up themfelves like Epicures. 
 
 How many Dodlors have we, who before 
 They were advanced, from conditions poore. 
 Were glad and willing twice each Sabbath day. 
 To preach, and all the publike pray'rs to fay ? 
 Yea, without any fliow of being weary. 
 The Sacraments to give ; to wed, to bury. 
 And, often in the week, thofe works to do. 
 Which by their Calling they were bound unto ? 
 Of thofe how many in thefe dayes are feene. 
 That having to promotion raifed beene. 
 Are well nigh filenc'd, now performing neither 
 Of all thofe duties, for whole months together? 
 
 Of thefe, how many lately have I knowne, 
 So proud, (or elfe perhaps fo lazy growne) 
 To cafl upon their hirelings all that care. 
 And al that pains, which they themfelves fliould bear? 
 Vouchfafing not fo much as once a day, 
 (Though they are ■prei&at) publike pray'rs to fay ; 
 Or preach ; or, of the duties to be done. 
 To eafe their Curate, in performing one ? 
 But (fitting as meere ftrangers, or as he 
 Who thought fuch works, for him too meane to be) 
 Take eafe and flate upon them ; more I wis. 
 Then either needful! or befeeming is. 
 
 Indeed (when they are any way engaged 
 By publike ftudies, weak, or fick, or aged) 
 
 Some- 
 
 388 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. 194 
 
 Sometime to eafe therafelves, deferves no blame : 
 But having no excufe, it is their fhame. 
 
 How unbefeeming is it, to behold 
 Our Doihrs, who nor crazy are, nor old. 
 Nor any way difabled, fave through floth, [both) 
 
 Or through their pride (or elfe perchance tlirough 
 To leave that charge to fome inferior one, 
 Which is too worthy, to be undergone 
 By him that's worth'efl, in refpeft of all 
 Thofe dignities, the world afford them fliall ? 
 Why ftiould the adding of a new Degree, 
 Or larger meanes (which no additions be 
 To their effentiall worth) make wife men feeme 
 So highly praifed, in their owne efteeme, 
 As to debafe that worke, for whofe meere fake, 
 God's mercy them fo eminent did make ? 
 
 For, if it were not fo, why do they more 
 Negledl thofe duties now, then heretofore ? 
 Why, in performing them, refpedl they fo 
 The times, ax\A perfo7is, as we fee they do? 
 At folemne feails, or in thofe places where 
 Mofl honorable perfonages are. 
 Why do they preach more often ? why baptize. 
 And wed, and bury, where their living lies, 
 The richer fort, and let the poore alone ; 
 If what they do for confcience fake be done ? 
 
 Alas ! preferment, and the being rich. 
 Doth choak up vertues, and the mind bewitch. 
 The daughter fleights the mother. For Devotion 
 Brought forth by painfull travell, faire Promotion ; 
 And lo, no fooner is Preferment borne. 
 But, proud fhe growes, and doth her Mother fcome. 
 They who did much for little ; now poffeCBng 
 A great abundance, do require the bleffing 
 
 R 3 With 
 
 389 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 With doing leffe in (lead of doing more ; 
 
 And marre with pride, what paine did plant before. 
 
 The greater favours we from God receive, 
 The greater thankfulneffe we fliould conceive. 
 Yea, when that he advanceth us mofl. high, 
 We fhould expreife the more humility; 
 And think, that ev'n the meaneft circumllances 
 Belonging to his holy Ordinances, 
 Could not with reverence enough be done, 
 When we have all our worthineffe put on. 
 
 And, doubtleffe, when to God mod high we raife 
 Our hands, in oflfring up his publike praife, 
 The man (in my opinion) fitteth beft 
 That work ; who feemes more worthy then the reft. 
 And whofoever fhould that a£l efchew, 
 (Except juft caufe within himfelfe he knew) 
 I know (how high foe're his place hath bin) 
 His calling is diflionored therein : 
 Or, if to be affiftant he doth fhun. 
 When any prieftly work is to be done, 
 Where he hath cure : for into others roomes. 
 To make intrufion, no man it becomes. 
 
 God grant thofe men humility, and care. 
 Who otherwife, in this, affefted are ; 
 And fliow our clergie what uncomlineffe 
 Appeares in this. For, fome herein tranfgreffe 
 By other mens examples ; and indeed. 
 Some other men, by want of taking heed 
 Of what they doe ; who having weigh'd the fadt, 
 Will never put the fame again in adt. 
 Lord waken thefe ; and, humble thofe, I pray, 
 Whom pride, or vanity, have led aftray. 
 And oh ! ye houfe of Levi, warning take ye ; 
 Left God, for times to come, examples make ye. 
 
 As 
 
 390 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 195 
 
 As he that Clergie, your example made, 
 Whofe monflrous pride, the age before you, had 
 So great a fell. Oh ! minde it, and be more 
 Regardfull of your Charge then heretofore : 
 Left they that fpight the Churches dignities, 
 (And of her Dowry feek to make a prize) 
 For your ambitious pride, occafion take. 
 On Gofis Inheritance, their prey to make. 
 So will our Clergie, which is yet refpedled, 
 Be fconi'd, become as poore, and as negledled, 
 As in thofe Countries, where their former pride 
 Hath made their Calling to be vilifide. 
 
 Oh ! leave, oh ! leave your haughtineffe betimes. 
 Your avarice, your envy, and thofe crimes, 
 That are obferv'd among you ; left for them 
 God (hake the wall of our lerufalem. 
 For, heav'n and earth for me fliall teftifie. 
 That this my Mufe in nothing doth belye 
 Your manners ; but that you are more then ftain'd, 
 With ev'ry fault whereof I have complain'd. 
 And as it was their Priejls and Prophets fm 
 That brought the Deluge of thofe troubles in. 
 Which overwhelm'd the lewijh Commonweale : 
 So, if with us the Lord feverely deale, 
 Your fmnes and errors will enlarge the rent. 
 Through which the mortall arrow fhall be fent. 
 That deepeft wounds. Oh ! God defend us from 
 Such judgements ; or, if thou be pleas'd they come, 
 Vpon our fmfull bodies ftrike the blow ; 
 And keepe us from a fpirituall overthrow. 
 
 Excufe me worthy Prelats ; and all you 
 Whom God with large preferments doth endue. 
 And raife to honor, out of low degrees, 
 Becaufe ingrafted in your hearts he fees 
 
 R 4 Such 
 
 39" 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 6. 
 
 Such inward vertues, and fuch outward graces, 
 
 As doe become your high and holy places ; 
 
 Excufe me if in ought deliver'd here, 
 
 'Injurious to your worths I may appeare : 
 
 For, not a Line of thefe reproving flraines, 
 
 To you or any one of you pertaines ; 
 
 Nor need you care, if any (hall apply, 
 
 Thefe tart reproofes, to blur your Callings by : 
 
 Becaufe you know, that none are this way harmed. 
 
 Who are by true and reall vertues armed. 
 
 Becaufe you alfo know, that fome have fhamed 
 
 Your places by fuch crimes as I have named. 
 
 I know you will not frowne, though I did fay, 
 
 That fome of Chrijh difciples would betray 
 
 Their Majhr to his foes. Since this no more 
 
 Redounds to your difgrace, then heretofore 
 
 It did to his Apojlles, that he faid 
 
 How he by one of them ftiould be betraid. 
 
 None taxe you fhall, by meanes of this, but heady 
 And hairebrain'd fooles, that are your foes already ; 
 Nor would I for the world unloofe my tongue. 
 To do the Vertuous, or your Calling wrong. 
 
 Let no man gather hence, my Mufe envies 
 The Clergie, or the reverend Dignities 
 To them pertaining ; or diflike to fee 
 Great Prelates raifed up from low degree : 
 For, them I honor mod, who from a race 
 Of meane elleeme, have gain'd an honor'd place, 
 By true defert. And (might I be as able 
 As willing) I would make more honorable 
 Their holy Callings : and for ever clofe 
 Their greedy mouths, and bind the hands of thofe 
 Who fpeak, or adl, what might infringe their due. 
 Who in thofe places good examples (hew. 
 
 I 
 
 39a 
 
Cani.6. Remembranceh. 196 
 
 I know, among our Bijhops, there are fome, 
 Who make their outward honors to become 
 A meanes to keep Religion, and their Calling, 
 From being vilified, and from falling 
 Into contempt : of Stiles account they make not, 
 For their owne glory : to themfelves they take not 
 Their Lordly Attributes ; but to adorne 
 Their OJice ;■ and to keep the fame from fcorne. 
 Some fuch there are : and for the fakes of fuch 
 It is, that yet our Clergie hath fo much 
 Of that efteeme which our forefathers left them ; 
 And that thefe greedy times have not bereft them 
 Of thofe endowments, which were granted here 
 When Kings the Churches nurfing Fathers were. 
 From thefe reproofes, let fuch therefore be free ; 
 And fall the blame on thofe that faulty be. 
 
 But, as the Shepherds have deferv'd the ftrokes 
 Of Gods difpleafure ; fo their wanton Flocks 
 The fame have merited ; and, blame there lyes 
 On all conditions, and fraternities. 
 
 I would not fpeake what might offend the Throne 
 Of JuJHce ; or the King that fits thereon. 
 From all taxation let him fcape as free 
 As he is innocent ; yea let him be 
 Vntouched : and, let ev'ry vertuous Peere, 
 Be free from all, that fhall be fpoken here : 
 For, I will ayme at none, but whom it fliall 
 Become an honefl, Mufe to chide withall. 
 In this, beleeve me Readers. For, I pray 
 Forgive my bluntneffe. And I dare to fay 
 The Court is fraught with bribery, with hate, 
 With envie, lull, ambition, and debate j 
 With fawnings, with fantaflicke imitation. 
 With (hamefull (loth, and bafe diffimulation. 
 
 R s True 
 
 3^ 393 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 True Vertuis alraofl quite exiled thence, 
 And vice with vice, for chiefe preheminenc^ 
 Maintaineth wars. The mofl. profufe Exceffe, 
 And Avarice, one bofome oft poffeffe : 
 The greater part are of a Muftiroome breed. 
 Spring up upon a fudden, without feed, 
 Or plant, or graft; and, often, in one day, 
 (Yea fometimes in a moment) fwept away. 
 With lyes, they feeke their Soveraigne to delight ; 
 And adl their impudences in his fight. 
 They flay the people, and their flefh they teare 
 Ev'n from the bones ; as doth a greedy Beare. 
 They cannot brook the mention of their error ; 
 They drive out of their mindes the day of terror. 
 Deep pits, to hide their mifchiefes in, they make ; 
 And think that God no heed of them will take. 
 They live upon the Commons ; and yet grow 
 More fat, then others in enclofures do 
 And, that which followes their encreafing pow'r, 
 Is but to be devoured, or devoure. 
 
 Their wealth confifls of ProjeSb \ their efleeme 
 Is thn,t which they to one another feeme. 
 Their Honors are bare Titles ; and, that ftate 
 Which they themfelves do fancy and create. 
 Their Zaa/e is wilfulneffe. Their J^aitA is fuch 
 As Reafon breeds ; and mofl. times, not fo much. 
 Their Hope is fomething, but I know not what 
 Their Charity is nothing ; or elfe that 
 Which I fliould call Self-love. Their Strength is in 
 Opinion, and in ableneffe to fin. 
 Their Wifdome, and their Policy, (if we 
 May gueffe at things that undifcerned be) 
 Is to refolve on nothing : fo the Foe 
 Shall never compafle their defignes to know. 
 
 Their 
 
 394 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. 197 
 
 Their Courtefle (if men will be content 
 To think it may confifl in Complement) 
 Is wondrous great. Their Valour is in oathS; 
 Their greatefl. Glory doth depend on cloaths ) 
 In which they are fo vaine, that ev'ry morne 
 (Almofl) a new attire by fome is worne, 
 Of fev'rall fluffes or fafliions : and they dreffe 
 Their bodies, with fuch tedious curioufneffe, 
 And, fuch a multitude of hands there are 
 To trim them (and their trappings to prepare) 
 That halfe fo many, of good workmen, may 
 Eredt a houfe, e're they themfelves aray. 
 
 Of Honejly they fcarce the name afford : 
 For, fliould I terme one, there, an honed Lord; 
 It might be thought as clownifh, fo to do, 
 As it were falfe, perhaps, to call him fo. 
 
 Gods holy Sabbaths, moft. among them, there, 
 Obferve not much ; except it be to weare 
 Their fined clothes. The Bus'neffes, that may, 
 And fhould be done upon fome other Day, 
 Are then debated on, as frequently, 
 As thcfe affaires which by neceffity 
 Are urg'd upon them. And, all forts of men 
 (When they (hould ferve their God) are forced then 
 To wait upon the world ; to whom God gave 
 Sixe dayes ; for ev'ry one which he fhould have/ 
 
 Nor, thereby, many other mens unreds 
 Occafion they alone ; but, ev'n their beads 
 Are then difquieted ; and cannot have 
 That right, which both Gods Lawes, & Natures, gave. 
 Sometime, they to remove, that Day, prepare ; 
 Yea, then begun, fometimes, Removalls are ; 
 And in the Court, more Carters, we may fee 
 Employ'd that day, then through the Kingdome be. 
 
 On 
 
 39S 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 On Sundayes far more Coaches rumble thither, 
 
 Then doe in fome three other dayes together : 
 
 And, feldome have they leifure for a Play, 
 
 Or Maske, except upon Gods Holy-day. 
 
 I doe not think we are obliged to 
 
 A lewijh Sabbath, as great numbers do : 
 
 But fure I am, from Piety we fwarve, 
 
 Vnleffe a Chrijlian one we do obferve. 
 
 And, though to them no fault it may appeare, 
 
 Who on fuch Evenings do but only heare 
 
 Or (for their honefl. recreation) view 
 
 The adtion of fome Enterlude, or Shew ; 
 
 Yet, needs it mufl. be knowne, to fome of thefe, 
 
 That to prepare for fuch Performances, 
 
 To many perfons muft occafions be 
 
 Of Sabbath-breaking in a high degree. 
 
 In whom this fault mod lyes, as yet, my Mufe 
 Defcrieth not ; but, fure I may excufe 
 The King : and if but halfe fo forward were 
 Thofe Clergy men that have his royall care, 
 To caufe him fuch enormities to fee ; 
 As they are thought in other things to be 
 Which leffe concerne them ; he would foone forbid 
 Thofe cuflomes ; and as Nehemiah did. 
 More hallow'd make the Sabbath. Nay if none 
 Of them whofe wifdome he"dependeth on. 
 In this have mifinform'd him ; he will prove 
 Our Nehemiah, and this fault remove. 
 When he hath warm'd his Throne : for we have hope 
 That all our Breaches he e're long (hall ftop. 
 But leaving him, I'le finifli the report 
 Which fits the greater number in the Court. 
 
 Religion they have fome, but many care not 
 If there the ufe or mention of it were not : 
 
 Some 
 
Cant. 6. Remembrancer. 198 
 
 Some others have divided it betweene 
 
 Our gracious Soifraigne, and his royall Queene ; 
 
 And, till in one Religion they agree, 
 
 They fland refolv'd, that they will Neuters be. 
 
 Oh I make betwixt them. Lord, a bleffed Vnion, 
 
 And, us partakers of thy ^/(?/? Communion. 
 
 Our Cities are as wicked as the Court ; 
 Of her tranfgreffions they come nothing Ihort.- 
 But, rather paffe them ; if a man might fay 
 That Infinites admit exceeding may. 
 And, London, thou thy Sillers all haft paffed, 
 In all the faults, whereby they have tranfgreffed : 
 To thee alone, my fpeech I therefore bend, 
 And will in thine their follies reprehend. 
 
 I know that thou haft many foules in thee 
 Who truly zealous of God's glory be : 
 Yea, thoufands that by prayers and repenting, 
 Doe feeke thy peace, and labour the preventing 
 Of thy perdition ; and, though they indure 
 Scoffs, taunts, and injuries, from thy impure 
 And faithleife Children ; yea, though fuch as are 
 Thy ftiame, and markt God's heavie wrathe to beare, 
 Contemne and malice thofe, and ufe their pow'r 
 Thofe innocents to ruiue and devoure : 
 Yet, they are thofe who keep away God's wrath ; 
 And for whofe fakes he fo long fpar'd thee hath. 
 They make that pleafing Number, who reftraine 
 Thofe flames of Sulphure, that confum'd the plaine 
 Which now the Lake Afphaltis overflowes. 
 And when (from out of thee) God calls for thofe, 
 Thou feele it Ihalt; and, not unlike become 
 Thofe Afian Churches, which departed from 
 Their ancient love ; and are the loathfome den 
 Of Satyrs, Faries, and Beajls uncleane. 
 
 A 
 
 597 
 
B a ][ T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 A place for Zim, and lim ; a nefl for Owles, 
 Night Ravens, Vultures, and ill-boding Fowles. 
 And, then, in ev'ry houfe (as heretofore, 
 When popifh darkneffe fpred this Kingdome o're) 
 Men (hall be frighted with ftrange dreadful noifes ; 
 Deformed vifions, and hobgoblin voices. 
 
 I know, Good-works in thee are to be found ; 
 And that, above the refl, thou dofl abound 
 In publike Charities. I know thou hafl. 
 All Cities, in this Kingdome, over-pafl. 
 In plentifully prea:ching of God's word ; 
 And that thou bountifully doft. afford 
 Large voluntary penfions to that end. 
 (Yea, fomewhat elfe in thee I might commend.) 
 But if thou take a note of thy tranfgreflTions ; 
 If thou at thy Affifes, at thy Seffions, 
 Or, at thy other Courts, obferve, or heare, 
 How many horrid crimes detedled are ; 
 How many filthy and abhorred things, 
 God there difclofes, and to ludgement brings \ 
 And if thou think, withall, how many moe 
 Committed are, which few do come to know. 
 Or heedeil thou how few, and worthleffe, all 
 Thofe works appeare which thou dofl, Vertues call : 
 What would they feeme, compared to thy fin ? 
 Or to thofe favours, which have heaped bin. 
 By God upon thee ? Doth he owe thee ought, 
 Or haft thou done him fervices for nought? 
 
 Oh ! Z C ND O N, hath he not advanced thee 
 The Mi/iris and the Soveraigne to be 
 Of all the Townes, and Cities of this Ilel 
 Hath he not rais'd tliee many a goodly pile ? 
 Art not thou plac'd above, and they below ? 
 Continuing bleffiugs doth he not bewow ? 
 
 And 
 
 398 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 199 
 
 And many priviledges, yet, deny'd 
 
 To all the Burroughs of the Land befide? 
 
 Behold, thou haft the principal! eft Trade, 
 And all their Merchants are thy Chapmen made : 
 Thou art the Royall Chamber of the King ; 
 Whofe refidence doth wealth and honor bring 
 To magnifie thy greatneffe ; Kept in thee 
 His Parliaments, and Courts of lujlice be. 
 Among the famouft Cities under heaven, 
 God hath to few a fituation given 
 For pleafure, health, and profit, well united, 
 To thee compar'd. Yea, God did feeme delighted 
 In thee to make his Dwelling (ev'n among 
 Thy Temples) by maintaining here fo long 
 His Harbingers, and Ledgers, to provide 
 Fit manfions, for his Graces to refide. 
 
 Thy God, to be thy Husband, thou haft had ; 
 And, wer't by him a fruitfull Mother made. 
 So plentifuU in Children ; that, they play 
 Like fwarmes of Bees, about their hives in May. 
 
 No place in Europe, hath been fo fupply'd 
 With foule and bodies food ; or, fortifi'd 
 By Garrifons, Forts, Bulwarks, and munition. 
 As thou art hitherto (by Gods tuition) 
 Without fuch charge or trouble. And the day 
 Will come, wherein, if any man (hall fay 
 What peace thou hadft; and, in what plenty here 
 Thy Children lived (without want or feare) 
 It will not be beleeved, that a Nation 
 So bleft, could fuffer fuch an alteration. 
 For, as (by Seas) from ev'ry other part 
 Of Earths vaft circuit, thou enclofed art : 
 So, from the fudden comming of invafjons. 
 And from the many troubles and occafions 
 
 Of 
 
 399 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 6. 
 
 Of Wars and wants, which in the world, we fee ; 
 Divided, alfo, thefe doe feeme to be. 
 
 Such is thy bleft condition ; and, although 
 Thou haft, about thee, of all things enough. 
 That may thy pleafure, or thy need fuffice ; 
 Yet, all the dainties and the rarities. 
 The World affords, are yearely hither fent, 
 From ev'ry quarter, of Earth's Continent. 
 
 Oyles, wines, and fruits, that good & pleafant are, 
 Swimme hither through the Straights of Gibraltar. 
 Cold Norway, (or the parts adjoyning) greets 
 Thy River with materialls for thy Fleets. 
 Ametica doth oft renew thy ftore 
 With Suger, drugs, with gold and filver Ore ; 
 With Ambergreece, with woods that fweetly fmell ; 
 And other things, that pleafe thy fancy well. 
 
 Ormus, with Pearle thy beauties doth adorne, 
 The Silkes of Perfia, in thy ftreets are worne. 
 From divers parts of Africa, (and from 
 Chants linage there) white Tvorie doth come ; 
 And Apes and Feathers. China, where they printed. 
 And ufed Guns, ere we thofe Arts invented, 
 (If Fryers be notlyers) doth impart 
 The fruits of their Inventions, and their Art, 
 To thy Inhabitants. Rare ftones of price. 
 Sweet fmelling gummes, and odoriferous fpice. 
 Are brought unto thee many thoufand miles ; 
 Ev'n from the Eafterne Indies, and their yles. 
 
 This ftiewes Gods bounty : and of his compaffion 
 Thou lately hadft, (ev'n by thy prefervation, 
 In thy great Plagues remove ; and by his pitty 
 Vouchfafed otherwaies, unto thy City) 
 Such evidence : that all men may confelTe 
 He did refpedl thee, with much tenderneffe, 
 
 What 
 
 400 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 200 
 
 What fliould I mention more, fince, to recount 
 Gods benefits would doubtlefly amount 
 To many Volumes ? and fure none is able 
 To number that which is innumerable ? 
 This may fuffice (for this time) to exprelife 
 His bounty, and thy great unthankfulneffe. 
 
 For, what hail thou returned him, for thefe. 
 And all thofe bleffings, which his Love doth pleafe 
 To Ihowre upon thee ? What hafl. thou repay'd 
 For all the Charges which he hath defraid, 
 (In fencing, planting, and manuring thee) 
 That worthy, fuch a Husbandman may be ? 
 Thou hafl faire-feeming Grapes, I muft. confeffe, 
 But, they are fowre, and full of rottenneffe. 
 Thou mak'ft. great fliew of charitable works ; 
 But, that hypocrifie within them lurks, 
 Which marrs their acceptation. Thou hafl. built 
 Some Churches ; yet, art tainted by the guilt 
 Of Sacriledge : and, thofe thy gifts that cary 
 The pioufl fliowes have fcarce been voluntary. 
 
 Great numbers, in thy Hofpitalls are fed. 
 And lodg'd, and cured : but, the men are dead 
 Who founded them ; and few doe bring fupply 
 To fuch good works, till they are fick, or dye. 
 Thou entertainefl. Preachers, but they muft 
 Speake pleafmg things ; or elfe away are thruft. 
 
 Thou haft of Pajhrs, fome who ftiewes do make 
 Of fo much Confcience, that they will forfake 
 Their Livings rather then it ftiall be faid 
 Theyle wear a Surpleffe : yet, fome are afraid. 
 That moft of thefe, doe cunningly conceale 
 Much pride or avarice beneath their zeale, 
 And that their fuffring oi a. filencing, 
 Doth much more liberty or profit bring, 
 
 Then 
 
 40.. 
 
B R I T T A K'S Cant. 6. 
 
 Then two good Ferfnages : and that, thereby, 
 Good meaning folke are brought to beggery. 
 
 Thou haft redeem'd fome Captives ; but, it was 
 With fparingneffe, and hardly brought to paffe. 
 Thou planteft Colonies ; bat thou doft draine 
 The nourifliment away, that fliould maintaine 
 And fettle them. God grant fome be not glad 
 Toflye (for this) to them, thatfhould have had 
 More helpefrom thee; andinfarre Countries perifh, 
 Becaufe thofe plants they did no better nourifli. 
 
 Much know thy people ; but (alas) they do 
 As if good life belong'd not thereunto. 
 Stridl Gofpellers thou haft, that can profeffe 
 Religion, with much formall holineffe : 
 But they, like Zodoms apples, prove within 
 As loathfome, as their outfides faire have bin. 
 Yea, they (againft their brethren) oft are found 
 In hate and pois'nous malice to abound. 
 
 Good Orders, Lawes, and Cttfiomes thou haft many, 
 But very feldome exercifeft any. 
 Except for private gaine ; or to acquire 
 Some Vengeance, which thou doft, perhaps defire. 
 Thou haft judicial Courts, wherein I (heeding 
 Their Lawes) faw promifes of juft proceeding : 
 But, marking well their Formes, they feemed, rather, 
 Devices for thine Officers, to gather 
 Rich fortunes by ; then to afford redreffe 
 For thofe, whom their oppreffors doe oppreffe. 
 
 Thou haft a Magiflracy, to maintaine 
 The peace of honeft men ; and, to reftraine 
 The rage of wickedneiTe ; but, loe ; ev'n fome 
 Of thofe are patrons of mif-rule become ; 
 Difturbing quiet men, and thriving by 
 Befriending fin ; elfe I have heard a lye. 
 
 Yea, 
 
 402 
 
Cant.6. Remembrancer. 201 
 
 Yea, fome are famed, to increafe their living. 
 
 By cunning rigour, mixed with conniving : 
 
 Deceiving honefl. people, by flridl ftiewes 
 
 Of punifliing of thofe whom they excufe. 
 
 For when by doing luftice they compell 
 
 A wicked man beyond their bounds to dwell, 
 
 (Some think) their griefe, and loffe, it doth augment, 
 
 As much as lofing of a Tenement. 
 
 Thou haft correilion-houfes ; but thou mendeft 
 Not many, whom to chaften thou pretendeft ; 
 For thither they are oftener fent to eafe thee 
 Of them, or of their pilfrings, which difeafe thee ; 
 Then out of Chrillian purpofes, to force 
 Such vagrant people to a better courfe : 
 And, therefore, are thy Suburbs peftred now. 
 With beggers ; 5'ea, for that, fo large doth grow 
 The number of thy vagrant Rogues and Cheaters, 
 That they begin to imitate their betters. 
 In Government, and Method : and, are growne 
 To have both Lawes, and Language, of their owne. 
 
 Thy Children yeeld fome good conformity 
 To Rules, and Precepts of Morality : 
 But moft obferve good orders, to enjoy 
 Their own Hate fafe, and to prevent annoy 
 That might betide themfelves ; much rather, then 
 In true obedience unto God, or men. 
 
 Within thy Corporation, I likewife 
 Have notice taken of Societies, 
 Which beare a goodly Ihew of ordering 
 Thy fev'rall Trades : and I in many a thing 
 Theire ufe commend : yet, fome of them, to me 
 Groffe Monopolies, doe appeare to be. 
 Which do in fecret, with fome open fliewes 
 Of Publike good, the publike weale abufe. 
 
 Nor 
 
 403 
 
B a I T T A N's Cant. 6. 
 
 Nor would it be amiffe, if feme things were 
 
 More free, which by their meanes reftrained are : 
 
 Or if the State would better looke unto 
 
 Thofe injuries, which many of them do. 
 
 For when thefe Bodies politick oppreffe, 
 
 Their pow'r doth make the wrong without redreffe. 
 
 Their purfes, and continuance, may o'rebeare 
 
 The rightfuU'fl. caufe (if fo they pleafed are) 
 
 The friends, and oft, the very noife they'll make, 
 
 (Becaufe a multitude) much hold doth take 
 
 For their advantages ; although the caufe 
 
 Be both againll good Confcience, and the Lawes. 
 
 Nay, fliould the Common-wealth her felfe, oppofe 
 Thefe Corporations, for fome wrong that flowes 
 From their proceedingsj.it would fcarce obtaine 
 That pow'r which could ^ti^ petty-weales reftraine. 
 
 For, having gaine or loffe, accrewing by 
 Their claime, which doth concern the, far more nigh, 
 Then that, oft feemes to touch thofe men, who fland 
 To take the kingdomes gen'rall caufe in hand, 
 It makes them to purfue it, more then they ; 
 More Patrons to procure, more bribes to pay ; 
 And, at the lall, to conquer, by that courfe, 
 Which makes the better caufe to feeme the worfe. 
 
 This brings to mind fome wrongs that I have had, 
 And what account of honefl. fuits is made, 
 If once a greedy foolifti multitude 
 Vpon the right of any doth intrude. 
 But, left by thinking on it, mixe I may 
 My private harmes, with what I meant to fay 
 For publike ends : here breathe I will a fpace, 
 Vntill my prefent thoughts I can difplace. 
 Forgive me, Lord, if 7 have guilty beene 
 In this my worke, of any private fpleene 
 
 My 
 
 404 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 202 
 
 My Mufings hallow thou ; confirme thy love : 
 Infufe me with thy Spirit from above, 
 With better things tJienfleJh and blood difcernes ; 
 Infpire me with each Vertue which concernes 
 The finijhing of what 7 undertake ; 
 Make profitable all that 7 fhall fpeake: 
 And, to thy Name fome honor let it be. 
 Although it fhould both fhame and mine me. 
 
 The feventh Canto. 
 
 Firfl, ^Himfelfe he fomewhat fpeakes : 
 
 Then, of the Cities errors, makes 
 A larger Scrowle ; and, therewithall 
 Inferts abufes generall. 
 
 Hefhewes (by reafon of her fin) 
 
 What mifery this Land is in ; 
 
 What illfucceffe, and what difhonor, 
 7s, for her follies, come upon her, 
 7nforra^ne parts, and here at home : 
 How fenfelefje, alfo,fhe^s become: 
 
 What fejf rail wayes againfl this Land, 
 God hath of late flretcht out his hand. 
 And, how the blame for what's amiffe. 
 From one to tK other fhif ted is. 
 
 By many Symptomes, he declares 
 How ficke this Commonweale appeares ; 
 Difputes the late diftemper bred, 
 Betwixt the Body atid the Head ; 
 And layes the blame, where lye it fhould; 
 
 Yet, 
 
 405 
 
B R X T T A N'S Cajlt. 7. 
 
 Yet, therein, proves not over-hold. 
 
 Then aymes he at fame imperfeSlions 
 In Burgeffes and their Eledlions ; 
 And, briefly pointeth at the way 
 By which our Cure effeSl we may. 
 
 WHen I (whofe lawfully emboldned Mufe 
 The faults and errors of her time purfues) 
 Have by fome flips, or frailties of mine owne, 
 Alaid that flame, w'='' Gods good Sfrit hath blown ; 
 Or when fuch heat within me, waxeth lefle 
 By fainting, through a nat'rall wearineiTe \ 
 Or, by that willing, or conflrained paufe, 
 Whereof my friends, or buf neffes, are caufe : 
 At fuch a time, when I perufall make 
 Of thefe beginnings ; and ftridl notice take 
 What here is dared ; I oft find, as then, 
 Such feares in me, as move in other men. 
 And, being flefli and blood, as fraile as they, 
 I ftagger in my befl approved way. 
 
 E're I thus farre proceeded, I was tyr'd, 
 Ev'n in this prefent worke (although infpir'd 
 With all that zeale thereto, which you may fee 
 In fome fore-going Leaves, expreft by me) 
 My heart was oft aflail'd ; and I, almofl, 
 My befl confirmed Refolutions loft. 
 Yea, twice, at leaft, fince I this Taske affaid, 
 It hath, by falfe fuggeftions beene delaid : 
 And, many painfull ftrivings are within me. 
 When from this Worke, Temptation fights to win me. 
 
 Lord! (thinks my heart) fomtimes, what means my 
 To make me in this defp'rate wife controule (Soule 
 Thofe carelefle Times ? have I done well or no, 
 With nefts of angry Wafpes to meddle fo ? 
 
 Hath 
 
 406 
 
Cant. 7- Remembrancer. 203 
 
 Hath he, or wit, or common fenfe, that ftirs, 
 
 A froward Beare ? or playes with tefly Curs ? 
 
 Will any think me capable of Reafon, 
 
 Thus bold to be at fuch a dangerous feafon ? 
 
 Nay, will not all account me mad to vent 
 
 Such Lines as thefe i adventuring to be (hent, 
 
 And be undone, perhaps, to no more end, 
 
 Then that whereto my Labor feemes to tend 2 
 
 Doe I conceive the Times, or Manners, be 
 
 Amended ought, by what is faid by me ? 
 
 Am I, that have, my felfe, unwifely done, 
 
 A fitting man, to hurle this heavy ftone 
 
 At other finners ? what may many fay, 
 
 But that in this I raile, or elfe doe play 
 
 The witleffe Furie ? It hath brought me loffe, 
 
 (Thinke I) already ; and will furely croffe 
 
 The fetling thofe affaires of mine, which are 
 
 Nigh rip'ned, with much paine, expence, and care. 
 
 And then the world, and my neceffities, 
 
 Begin to tempt me, by such fallacies. 
 
 That I halfe yeeld. How wilt thou live, or pay 
 
 Where thou engaged art ? they feeme to fay. 
 
 By what, or whence, thy wants wilt thou fupply, 
 
 If thou for this imprifoned fhouldft lye, 
 
 Divided from thy friends ? or, on the bed 
 
 Of fickneffe, fhouldft. by God be vifited ? 
 
 Nay, though thou nothing wanteft; yet thou hafl. 
 
 So univerfally thy cenfure pall. 
 
 On all offenders, (and it will fo vexe 
 
 In private, and fo openly perplex 
 
 Great multitudes, fo many fev'rall wayes) 
 
 That, it will make thee hated, all thy dayes. 
 
 Where doft, thou live, or whither canfl thou goe, 
 
 But there thou art affured of a foe ? 
 
 The 
 
 407 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 7. 
 
 The City, and the Court, thou haft controld, 
 With Commons, and with Nobles thou art bold ; 
 Vnconfcionable Lawyers here are checkt 
 Thou deft feme faults of Clergy-men detedl, 
 With fo much evidence, that be thou fure 
 Of all the mifchiefe which they can procure ; 
 And that, not one of them thy friend will be 
 Who from thofe imputations is not free. 
 
 All they that are notorioufly, Tranfgreffors, 
 AH Schifmaticks, and all our falfe Profeffors 
 Will bitterly oppofe thee. And no fpight 
 Is like the malice of an Hypocrite. 
 In briefe (excepting thofe that are fincere 
 In life and Dodlrine) no man will appeare 
 As thy partakers : And what are thofe few 
 To that great Army, which will thee purfue ? 
 
 If this dejedl me not, another thought 
 Is by another way upon me brought : 
 It whifpers to me, that thefe Lines will wake 
 Detrailion ; and that flie revenge will take, 
 For interrupting and reprouing Sinne, 
 That in fecurity would faine have bin. 
 Nor, is that now unpradliz'd : For, there be 
 A world of dogges already baiting me. 
 Hypocrifie, and Envy doe combine, 
 With guilty Malice, how to undermine 
 My good Repute, (that by a dif-refpedl 
 Of me, my words may take the leffe efifeft) 
 They compafTe me about, they watch my wayes. 
 And marke my fpeeches (as good David fayes) 
 That if but fparkes of error, they can fee, 
 They blow them may, till flames they feeme to be. 
 
 Let but a foolifh word, flip out among 
 My common talkings, (for alas ! whofe tongue 
 
 Doth 
 
 .^Qh 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 204 
 
 Doth never erre ?) they ftraight to cenfure take it, 
 
 And, fuch a piece of wickedneffe they make it ; 
 
 That, fliould on them a judgement fo fevere 
 
 From God be pafl (or by the world) I feare 
 
 It would fo heavy on their perfons come ; 
 
 That they would think the fame a cruell doorae, 
 
 If they but fee me doe what they fuppofe 
 
 May tend to folly, (though my Maker knowes 
 
 The deed fufpedled, is as far from fin, 
 
 As that which I am bed employed in) 
 
 They inflantly a rafli conclufion draw ; 
 
 And fpeake their dreame, as well as what they faw. 
 
 They fancy in their owne corrupted thought. 
 
 What may at fuch a time, or place, be wrought, 
 
 By evill minded folks : and, thereupon, 
 
 Conclude the very fame by me was done. 
 
 Then they relate it : and though nought were feene 
 
 Which might indeed a likelihood have beene 
 
 Of fuch an adl ; they, by themfelves devife 
 
 To fafhion out faire probabilities 
 
 Of what they fpeake.- and, by the Devils aid, 
 
 Adts innocent, fometimes are fo betray'd ; 
 
 So mif-reported by the fpight of thofe 
 
 Whofe wickedneffe, perhaps, I did oppofe : 
 
 Yea, blameleffe circumftances, otherwhile, 
 
 Are fo miftaken ; and do fo beguile 
 
 With fliewes of proving and confirming, that 
 
 Which was conceived by prejudicate 
 
 And falfe opinion ; that, it makes them bold. 
 
 To think their fained flander may be told, 
 
 With good beleefe : then to divulge about 
 
 Their lyes (of me) they fearch companions out 
 
 And as they are of fundry minds' who raife 
 
 Such Scandals : fo, they vent them divers wayes. 
 
 S If 
 
 3/ 409 
 
B R r T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 If of the forts they be, whofe open fin, 
 Hath m my Poems reprehended bin ; 
 Or fuch as they, who daily guilty be 
 Of doing that, wherewith they flander me .• 
 Then, in defpight, or to extenuate 
 Their owne offences ; thus of me they prate. 
 
 This man (fay they) that ftrips and whips the times 
 And doth fo thunder in his rayling rymes, 
 (Againft. the faults of others) is no leffe 
 Ingulfed in the finck of wickedneffe 
 Then he that's worft. His Dalilah hath he, 
 And his beloved finnes, as well as we. 
 He fuch a place frequenteth ; he hath beene 
 Met there, and there : him, we have daily feene 
 With fuch or fuch a one, at fuch a feafon : 
 Doe fo, and fo ; for which we know no reafon : 
 Thus he is thought to be ; and thus to doe : 
 Yea, fome of them will impudently to, 
 Affirme they faw, what they but mifconceived ; 
 If they doe find their flanders vnbeleeved. 
 And when they fpeake fuch things, they neither care 
 To whom, nor when, nor yet how falfe they are. 
 
 If they be fuch who meerely out of fpight. 
 Or envy, to difparage me, delight ; 
 (As doe fome Poetajters) they forbeare 
 To fpeake downeright (becaufe they doe not dare) 
 And utter Parables. They, knaviflily, 
 Their falftioods to fome Truths, doe clofely ty, 
 To get beleefe. Things proper unto me, 
 They mixe with attributes that cannot be 
 To me apply'd, that fo they may evade, 
 When queflion of their purpofes is made. 
 They fpeake but halfe their matter out ; and leave 
 The reft, for thofe that heare them to conceive 
 
 What 
 
 410 
 
Cant. J. Remembrancer. 205 
 
 What they fliall pleafe : but, firft difclofe they will 
 Enough to make their befl. cohiedlures ill. 
 With words ironicall, they doe revile me : 
 The Valiant Poet, they in fcorne doe ilile me. 
 The Chronomajiix ; and when taxt they are 
 That me they meant, their meanings they forfwear. 
 
 When thefe applauded Wits, have at the Pot 
 Some Novice, or fome new admirer got 
 Of their Strong-lines (which warmed by the heat, 
 Of Sack, or Claret, they, perhaps repeat) 
 Twere worth your fight to fee how foone the fire 
 Of Bacchus, their large braine pans doth infpire, 
 With mimmick flraines : And how they fliuffle in 
 Selfe praifes ; and how groffely they begin 
 Occaflions, that they may enthrall your eare 
 With fome new-piece of theirs, which you (hall heare 
 Perforce ; yet heare it with fo much adoe, 
 That you mufl. thinke you have a fauour to. 
 
 For with as many tedious circumftances 
 As doth fome capring foole before he dances, 
 (Or Singer, which muft tyred be with wooing. 
 To doe what willingly, he would be doing) 
 They doe begin to read, or to rehearfe 
 Some fragments of their new created Verfe, 
 With fuch a Gejiure, and in fuch a Tone, 
 hs, if Great Tamberlaine upon his Throne, 
 Were utt'ring a majefticall Oration, 
 To ftrike his hearers dead with admiration. 
 Which oft fo works upon their Auditory, 
 That, to the great aduancement of their glory, 
 They lade them with applaufes, and with drinke 
 Till they themfelves, the Kings of Poets thinke. 
 
 To which opinion, when once rais'd they be, 
 Then fliall the Drawer, or the Tapjier fee 
 
 S 2 Their 
 
 4TI 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 Their nat'rall humor, which (if true fome fay) 
 Is better worthy feeing; then a Play. 
 
 Among the reft, 'tis odds, but e're they goe. 
 The Poets muft be fummon'd in a row 
 To bide their drunken cenfure ; which doth fhame 
 Thofe few they praife, much more then thofe they 
 Among the reft, it chanceth, fome By-Jlander (blame. 
 By naming me their Catalogue doth flander. 
 If then a man of falhion he appeare, 
 Who undertakes my name to mention there. 
 The man (fay thefe) may paffe : but, fuch as he 
 (By us) no Poets are ejfeem'd to be. 
 A haz the way of making pretty Rimes, 
 To fit the apprehenfion of the times ; 
 And, him for that, the multitude doth favour : 
 But, in his lines, there is but little favour 
 Of Reading, or Antiquity. Thus far 
 They go, if they perceive their hearers are 
 Indifferently affedled. And if they 
 Do find them jealous of my fame, they'll fay, 
 Moft fawningly, fometime thofe words of roe 
 (In way of praife) that I fhould blufli to be 
 Within their hearing. Yet, they'll interpofe 
 Some jeftings, now and then ; or, in the clofe. 
 Induce, by way of merriment, fome caufe 
 To bring their good opinions to a paufe. 
 Affirming, that though Drunkard I am none, 
 Yet, I reputed am a wanton-one : 
 By fome fuch way their fpleen they'll fatisfie. 
 But, if no friend of mine appeareth by. 
 So freely, then, they vomit all their gall, 
 That they fcarce make me any thing at all. 
 And fome, who neither knew them well, nor me, 
 Have thought me bafer then the bafeft be. 
 
 Some 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 206 
 
 Some others, by their malice, thought I had 
 Some worth in me, which them fo envious made ; 
 And came to know me, and when me they knew, 
 They told me this, which I have told to you. 
 
 Some other, fliew at large, they wifli my fliame, 
 But to their Libels will not fet their Name, 
 For feare of danger. And though fuch can gaine 
 No prudent man (at firft.) to entertaine 
 Their fatherleffe reports : yet, fure they are. 
 The world hath Knaves and Fooles enow, to heare 
 The falfeft. tales ; and that, when far they go, 
 The bell fufpedt, and oft beleeve them too. 
 
 There be fome other, who (out of a light 
 Vaine humour) love to heare, and to recite 
 Mens perfonall defefts (without intent 
 Of doing right or wrong in what they vent) 
 They fpeak at randome, whatfoe're is new. 
 Not much regarding whether falfe or true ; 
 And, do but ferve to beare the tale about. 
 And blow the fire, which elfe; would fmother out. 
 
 There is another brood of thefe DetraSlors, 
 Who in traducing me, are common adlors : 
 And they are fuch who cunningly conceale 
 Their hate and envy with a holy zeale : 
 They, whofe Religion, and v/hofe honefties 
 Confifl in judging thofe infirmities 
 That are in others. If thefe men efpy 
 Some little Atomes in their brothers eye. 
 They flraight as bufily do heave at them, 
 As if the fmallefl. were a mighty Beame. 
 Their lying fuppofitions mufl be took 
 For verities ; or elfe they will not brook 
 A word you fpeak : nay (if you do mifdoubt 
 Their cenfures) from the Church they thrufl you out. 
 
 S 3 They 
 
 413 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 They Charity pretend ; and, though they are 
 
 Well pleaf'd when they have fomething to declare 
 
 Which may difgrace another, they will feeme, 
 
 To have his reputation in efteeme. 
 
 As loth to fpeake ; they'le bring it round about ; 
 
 And thus (or fome fuch way) divulge it out. 
 
 Now verily it grieves our very hearts, 
 
 The man whom God hath bleffed with fuch parts. 
 
 Should walke in fuch unfanctified wayes. 
 
 And then, they white me over with fome prayfe 
 
 To make the fpots the blacker which they meane 
 
 To fpirt upon me, from their mouths uncleane. 
 
 And though thofe Tales they build their Cenfures on 
 
 Were firfl receiv'd from fome fuch wicked one 
 
 Whom they in other matters doe diftruft. 
 
 Yet is their criticifme fo unjufl,, 
 
 That in difgracing me, their words theyle take; 
 
 And, alfo, of themfelves, conjedlures make 
 
 To juftifie their fcandal; that they may 
 
 The furer be, their ftaines on me to lay. 
 
 Thus by the feeming fanftity of thofe, 
 
 My good intention (in thefe Poems) growes 
 
 More fruftrate, then by all the rage of them, 
 
 Who, with an open impudence contemne 
 
 My bed Defignes. Thefe, (Irike me deeper than 
 
 The wounds of twenty thoufand others can : 
 
 Yea, by their meanes the worke that I have wrought 
 
 (With fuch a minde, as that it might have brought 
 
 More good repute, then many others get) 
 
 Serves but to make me feeme a counterfeit : 
 
 Yea, all my doings which are mod upright 
 
 They judge as adions of an Hypocrite, 
 
 Which is the worfl, of Sinners. And in this. 
 
 If they have plac't their bitter doomes amiffe, 
 
 What 
 
 414 
 
Cant.j. Remembrancer. 207 
 
 What finne is theirs? Or, when can greater wrong, 
 Be done to any, live he nev'r fo long ? (know) 
 
 Thou knowft oh ! God (for thou all hearts doft 
 That though through frailty, oft aftray I goe ; 
 And, otherwhile may tread that doubtfuU path 
 Of which the world a wrong opinion hath ; 
 That neither I allow of any finne 
 Within my felfe, nor would continue in 
 The fmalleft error, if I knew the fame. 
 Thou knowfl that what hath caus'd my greatefl. 
 Among fome Cenfurers ; is that by which (blame 
 
 I am indeed, become mofl. truly rich : 
 And that it alfo maketh me reforme 
 My wayes the better ; and thofe workes performe 
 To which thou calleft, with farre greater eafe. 
 And I am likewife hopefull, thou wilt pleafe 
 To bleffe my courfes. For, thou Lord haft knowne, 
 (In that rough track, through which my feet have 
 How griev'd I am, when I mifled have been, (gone) 
 Or in my adlions, if ought hath beene feene 
 Offenfive unto others. Thou dofl. view 
 My path, and with what mind I doe purfue 
 The way I goe. Thou knoweft. Lord, that I 
 Have oft reflrain'd the Chriftian liberty 
 I might have tooke; left many that are weake 
 Might of my lawful! freedome, evill fpeake. 
 Thou knoweft this, and I am certaine to 
 That pleafes thee which in thy feare, I doe. 
 By thefe, and fuch like mifchiefes which I fee 
 This wicked world hath power to bring on me, 
 I oft wax doubtfuU ; and fometime I flirinke 
 Ev'n from thofe juft imployments, which I thinke 
 God calls me to. And then I halfe defire 
 I might into obfcurity retire 
 
 S 4 From 
 
 41S 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 From whence I came ; and be difcharged quite 
 From this great warfare, wherein, yet, I fight. 
 For, many heavy waights on me are thrown 
 By thefe engagements (to the world unknown) 
 Yea private combats there are fought in me, 
 So many, and fo dangerous they be, 
 That oft my Hopes are almofl driven from me, 
 And dull Defpaire would furely overcome me, 
 Were God not alwayes ready to defend me, 
 And, as mine faileth, his own pow'r to lend me. 
 
 But; when my felfe o'recharged I do find ; 
 Waenflejh and blood begin to (brink behind ; 
 And when I fee my Foes have mullred all 
 Their force againft. me : I flart up, and call 
 A better ayd then mine own Vertue gives me ; 
 And, by his holy Spirit, God relieves me : 
 He makes me flrong, in each good undertaking; 
 And anfwers all the doubts my heart is making, 
 In this, and all good purpofes, whereby 
 I have been hopefull him to glorifie. 
 He warrants me I have no caufe to feare 
 Thefe Lines the fruits of thoughts diflempred are, 
 Though fome Ihall judge them fuchj fmce he whofe 
 Doth fpeake the words of fobernes and truth, (mouth 
 May feem to thofe, who thought judicious are, 
 As mad, as Faul, to Peflus, did appeare. 
 He hath affured me, I cannot run 
 This honeft way, a courfe to be undone. 
 He doth perfwade me, that if I grow poore 
 By doing well ; my wealth fliall be the more 
 He fayes, that if his glory I have fought, 
 (And for no wicked purpofe clofely wrought) 
 I fliall no mifchiefe, nor difpleafure have ; 
 Nor any loffe, by which I fliall not fave. 
 
 He 
 
 4r<5 
 
Canfj. Remembrancer. 20 
 
 He makes me certaine that my former paine, 
 And this endeavor, fome effedt (hall gaine ; 
 Although it compaffe not that reformation, 
 Which I defire to fee in this our Nation. 
 For though their prefent evills be not flaid 
 From growing worfe, by that which I have faid ; 
 It (hall to other times a warning give, 
 And aggravate their faults who now do live ; 
 If, having fuch a plaine Remembrancer, 
 Their (called for) Repentance they defer. 
 He bids me know, that though I am hot Sainted, 
 So much, as of all fin to live untainted. 
 Yet, to oppofe each Vice, as I am able, 
 (In word and deed) it will be warrantable ; 
 And, that to ftrike at Sin, t'will all become. 
 Though Perfons may be touched but of fome. 
 
 He tells me, that (although the world (hall pleafe 
 To terme it railing, when fuch Meffages 
 Are uttred forth) it cannot bring me (hame, 
 To call groffe Sinners by their proper name ; 
 And, that God bleffed Saints have done as much. 
 Who did the follies of their ages touch. 
 
 He wills me that on him I (hould depend ; 
 And not diHrufl. that while he me doth fend 
 About his bufmeffe, he will fuffer mine 
 To be unprofperous, or my foule to pine. 
 Since unto him that for his glory drives. 
 The proraife of all needfuU things he gives. 
 He (Irengthens me, and gives me fatisfa<flion 
 Againft all envie, malice, or detradtion : 
 Sayes, that a guiltleffe confcience needs not care 
 How bitter or foule-mouthed others are : 
 Perfwades me, that if my repute be needfuU 
 To honor him ; he will himfelfe be heedful! 
 
 S5 To 
 
 3,^ 417 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 To keepe it faire .■ Elfe, glorifie his Name 
 The more, perhaps, by bringing me to Ihame. 
 And, fo the Name of God I glorifie, 
 1 pleafed am, though I have infamy. 
 By thefe, and many other fuch like things 
 Which God (I truft) to my remembrance brings, 
 My fainting foule is cheered, when fhe droupes ; 
 Thefe, raife againe my courage when it ftoupes : 
 And though illufions thefe appeare, to fome. 
 Yet, to approve of them a time will come ; 
 And, when that Day of tryall, on (hall draw, 
 (Which I attend for, both with joy and awe) 
 It fliall be knowne, whofe heart was mofl. upright j 
 Or mine, or theirs, that in my harme delight : 
 For, then their lujike which a vaile yet weares. 
 Will fliine like Fhmbus when no Cloud appeares. 
 Thereof (jufl. now) I have an earneft. given : 
 Thefe Mufings drew it (for me) downe fro heaven .• 
 I feele them warme my heart, and fetch againe 
 My chilled blood, to run in ev'ry veine. 
 They rouze my fpirits, and my drouping foule 
 They fo revive, that now I could control! 
 An hoafl. of Kings. For now (juft now) the glowing, 
 Of their kind heat, I find more ftrongly growing : 
 lull now I feele in me their operation, 
 To urge me forward to the confummation 
 Of what my former Canto's have begun : 
 And God aflifling, that (hall now be done. 
 
 To thee oh London, I dire(Sted laft 
 My juH reproofe ; And I will backward caft 
 An eye on thee againe : For, off I brake 
 My fpeech before my mind I fully fpake. 
 I have not vented yet, what I could fay 
 Of many finnes abounding at this day ; 
 
 As 
 
 418 
 
Cant.j. Remembrancer. 209 
 
 As thy intemp'rancy, and thy exceffe 
 In food and layment, thy loofe drunkenneffe ; 
 Thy multitudes of beggers, which encreafe 
 For want of orders, in thy Times of peace. 
 Thy Sloth, Lufl, Avarice, and all that rabble 
 Of vices, and of things abominable 
 Which in each corner of thy ftreets appeare, 
 As if they juftly toUerated were. 
 
 I touche not thy corrupted Officers, 
 I have not mentioned thy Senators, 
 Nor have I fhowne as yet what fcandall growes 
 To thee, and unto thine, by fome of thofe ; 
 How partiall, nor how ignorant they be. 
 How prejudiciall many times to thee, 
 And to thy publike weale, for private gaine ; 
 How cowardly thy cujiomes they maintaine ; 
 How readily thy Freedomes they betray 
 (If their promotions, it ought further may, 
 Or fpare their purfes) This, I have not (howne, 
 For, what belongs thereto, is better knowne 
 To others then to me. Yet much hath beene 
 Of them reported, and I much have feene 
 Of their condition, which deferveth blame. 
 Nor doe I greatly wonder at the fame ; 
 But I, much rather marvell that in thee 
 So many prudent Senators there be ; 
 Since, very few of all thy double dozen 
 For Courage, wit or honelly are chofen. 
 
 Wealth makes an Alderman (however got) 
 If he be pleafed to accept the Lot. 
 In hope to gaine his Fine, thou wilt adventer 
 To let the mofl. ignoble fellow enter 
 That is but rich ; and worthy men forgoe, 
 Who to thy Government, might honor doe. 
 
 Thou 
 
 419 
 
Brittan's Cant.'/. 
 
 Thou feldome careft how he did become 
 So rich, if he but harrow up the fum 
 That makes him capable of fuch a place ; 
 Nor heedeft. thou, a jot, how bafe he was. 
 
 No honeft. Occupation I contemne, 
 Nor their profeffors ; but I honor them. 
 Though of the loweft order ; if I find 
 They have not loft the vertues of the mind, 
 In thofe meane Callings ; and, have fought as much 
 In knowledge, as in mony, to be rich : 
 Yea, thofe (when from poore fortunes they afcend. 
 To wealth) to honor alfo I commend. 
 But is it poflible, that man wliofe minde 
 To ferve his Mammon only, was enclin'd ; 
 Or, is it poflible, the man that had 
 By birth and breeding, nothing but a trade 
 To get experience by ; (and, that perchance 
 Some handicraft, which furthers ignorance 
 In ufefull knowledge) or, that they who fcrape 
 And fcratch together an unweildy heape 
 Of needleffe riches, by penurious fare ; 
 By fparingneffe, in what they fhould not fpare .■ 
 Or, which is worfe, by cruelleft. extortion ; 
 By robbing others of their lawfuU portion. 
 By rapine, guile, and fuch impieties ; 
 Is't poffible (I fay) when thefe men rife 
 To weare thy skarlet-Robe, that they will be 
 Or honor, or advantage unto thee 1 
 If thofe black Mthiops, if thofe Leopards, change 
 Their fpots, or colour, I fhall think it ftrange : 
 If ever they regard what weights be thrown e 
 Vpon thy back, fo they may eafe their owne : 
 Or for thine honor (land (who have no fenfe 
 Of anything, hvAfaving, and expenfe) 
 
 I 
 
 420 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 210 
 
 I (liall beleve that. Wolves will tend our Sheep, 
 And greedy Kites, young Chickens harmleffe keep. 
 
 I might have mention made of that report 
 Which is divulged of thy Orphanes court : ' 
 Of thofe perpetuall Jurors, which for pay 
 Attend judiciall trials day by day : 
 Of thofe Ingroffers who thy trades abufe ; 
 And thofe who make thy Freedomes, and thy Dues 
 A daramage to thee : and of other fome, 
 Who other wayes injurious are become, 
 I might have fpoke ; and would ; but that I heare 
 They do already found in ev'ry eare. 
 
 Truth is, the fpreading leprofie of fm, 
 Into thy very wals have eaten in. 
 And will not thence be fcraped out (I feare) 
 As long as there be flones or morter there. 
 Thy Vineyard brings not forth wild grapes alone, 
 In lieu of all thy God beflow'd thereon ; 
 But, alfo, of, it felfe prevents his curfe, 
 And hath produced what is ten times worfe : 
 Thornes, bryers, nettles, hemlock, and fuch weeds 
 As choke all pleafant plants, and fruitful! feeds. 
 
 No place, no perfon, calling, nor degree. 
 Nor fex, nor age, is from corruption free. 
 Within thy Chambers lodgeth Wantonneffe ; 
 Vpon thy Boards is heaped all exceffe : 
 With vomitings they oft o'reflowed are ; 
 And, from uncleanneffes no Roome is cleare. 
 Thy Hah are daily filled with a rable 
 That Hand and fweare about a Shove-goat table. 
 Within thy Parlours, I can little fee, 
 But vifiting of Mijiris-idle-be. 
 Within thy Wardrobes, Pride layes up her flore ; 
 Vpon thy Couches, Sloth doth lye and fnore. 
 
 Within 
 
 42T 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. y. 
 
 Within thy Pleading- Courts, are fliameles railings, 
 And, of upright proceeding, many failings. 
 Thy Churches (be it fpoke without oifence) 
 Are full of rudeneffe and irreverence. 
 Thou ufefl in thy Shops falfe weights and lying ; 
 Vnpitied at thy Dores, the poore are crying. 
 Within thy cloffets, mifchiefes are invented ; 
 Thy Theaters are ufually frequented 
 With perfons diffolute : difparag'd are 
 Sometimes, the moil deferving adtions, there. 
 There, fee you may, uncomely prefentations, 
 And often heare unchriilian prophanations. 
 Yea, ev'ry corner, ev'ry flreet, and path 
 An overflow of fmne, and folly hath. 
 
 Among thy Feajls, are furfettings uncleane, 
 Vaine curiofities, and fongs obfcene. 
 Thy Merry meetings the procurers be 
 Of moft. diforders that are found in thee : 
 There, lawleffe games are ufed, there, are broched 
 Vile flanders ; and, good men are there reproched. 
 There, they that are not good, are oftmade worfe 
 By lewd examples, or prophane difcourfe. 
 And, few contentions have occafioned bin. 
 But, at fuch meetings, they did firfl begin. 
 
 Thy Aged-folke are froward avaritious, 
 Selfe willed, and imprudently ambitious. 
 The yonger-fori, are headftrong, rafli, and haughty. 
 Thy children are forgetfuU of their duty. 
 The men imperioufly their power abufe, 
 Andlcounfell from their helpers doe refufe. 
 Thy women, too much dote on vaine attires, 
 And are inconflant in their own defires. 
 The Magijlrates doe bad examples give. 
 And, as men borne but for themfelves they live. 
 
 Of 
 
 ^22 
 
Canty. Remembrancer. 211 
 
 Of perfons they retaine too much refpedl : 
 
 Their places, for their credits, they affedl 
 
 (Or for their gaine) but not for confcience fake. 
 
 Inferior Officers, doe alfo take 
 
 The felfe-fame courfes : and (in what they doe) 
 
 Are partiall, cruell, and unfaithful! to. 
 
 Few fingle-perfons live in chaflity ; 
 In Mariage, there is much difloyalty. 
 Perpetuall fuites, and quarrels I doe fee 
 Among thofe Neighbours, that fliould loving be : 
 No malice is like that which I have known e, 
 Twixt Brothers, when diffention hath been fowne. 
 Their praftices, who friendlhip doe profeffe 
 (In my opinion) promife nothing leffe : 
 For, all their formall kindneffe oft is fpent 
 In vifitings, and fruitleffe complement. 
 And all they feeke (for ought that I perceive) 
 Is, hov/ they one another may deceive 
 In friendly Termes ; Or, how to doe as they 
 Who aft the parts of friendfhip in a Play. 
 
 Thy Richmen, doe Idolatry commit 
 With Mammon, and Gods benefits forget. 
 Among the poore are many wicked things ; 
 Impaciency, ungodly murmurings, 
 Theft, fcolding fightings, curfings, taking, lies ; 
 And, though they live by others charities. 
 No people will purfue each other fo 
 With malice and defpight as they will doe. 
 
 At Doores and windowes, Strumpets impudent 
 Doe fit, and wanton geilures there invent 
 To woo, by their alluring provocations, 
 Vaine men to drinke their Cup of Fornications. 
 Thy Suburbs, are the Coverts, and the den 
 Wherein are (heltred many beafts uncleane, 
 
 Thy 
 
 423 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7 
 
 Thy Tavernes, are the places where moft. foule 
 
 And hainous things are done, without controule. 
 
 There, drink they healths, till health is drunk away ; 
 
 And, nought aftiamed are to let the day 
 
 Be witneffe of their drunken vomitings, 
 
 Brawles, reelings, ravings, and fuch brutifh things ; 
 
 Nay, to confume the day in drunkenneffe, 
 
 And all the night, is nothing now, unleffe 
 
 The Hoboyes, Comets, Drum and Trumpet found 
 
 To tell the neighbours how the healths go round. 
 
 And when, according to their heathnifh fafliions, 
 
 They offer up their devillifli Drink-oblations, 
 
 What do they better then Idolatries, 
 
 And Feflivals to Bacchus folemnife ? 
 
 In thee (befide thy proper faults) are found 
 Thofe alfo which are common, and abound 
 Throughout thy Kingdomes. And ev'n thou and they 
 Have beene companions in one evill way. 
 We all, as in one Teerae, have drawn e on fin ; 
 Gods proniifes and threatnings mockt have bin ; 
 The lufl-mans righteoufneffe we have bely'd ; 
 And, finners, in their fins, have juflifi'd. 
 Of Good and Evill, we exchange the name ; 
 And, that, which to remember, is our (hame. 
 Or ftiould with griefe repented be ; ev'n that 
 We tell with laughter ; and make jefls thereat. 
 Gods ludgements work not on us ; we are fcourged ; 
 And yet, unto amendment are not urged. 
 We break the Sabbath-dayes, and we defpife 
 The Churches pow'r, and her Solemnities. 
 Her Holy-times to us are wearifome ; 
 And in our hearts we wifli the morrow come, 
 That we might freely buy and fell againe. 
 Thofe Meffengers we foonefl. entertaine, 
 
 That 
 
 4Z4 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 212 
 
 That of ftrong drink, and wine, do prophefie j 
 And, Truth is not fo welcome as a Lye. 
 
 We footh our neighbours in their finfulneffe : 
 And (that Iheir fecrets, and their nakedneffe 
 We may difcover) we the wine bellow ; 
 Then, work upon then to their overthrow. 
 Vpon our lufts, the preciouft things we fpend ; 
 And unto God the Lame and Blind we fend. 
 We rob him of his Tythes and his Oblations, 
 Our publike Fa/Is, are publike prophanations : 
 For ev'n our pray'rs, our falls, our almes, and all, 
 Are oft for fliow, and hypocriticall : 
 And ufed more, our fafeties to provide. 
 Then that our Maker may be glorifi'd. 
 
 Our hearts againll Gods Prophets hardned are ; 
 And what they preach or threat, we little care. 
 The Land, throughout, becaufe of Othes doth mourn ; 
 We flagger in our paths ; and to returne 
 To Mgypt ready feeme ; unleffe God grant 
 (At our firfl. longing) ev'ry toy we want. 
 The blood of innocents hath fpilled been 
 Vpon our skirts ; moft. filthy things are feen 
 Within our veffels ; and, yet, fome of us 
 Prefume to fay (ev'n to our- brethren) thus ; 
 Stand off, for we more holy are then ye. 
 And, thefe like fmoak within Gods noftrils be : 
 We flumble at nooneday : and as the blind. 
 We groap, uncertainly, the wall to find. 
 With Death and Hell, a bargaine we have made ; 
 And, nothing for our hopes, but lies have had. 
 
 If any Morall Verues do appeare ; 
 With fome unfavorineffe they leaven'd are. 
 If any do a kindneffe to his brother, 
 It is in policy to get another : 
 
 3 '^ 425 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. y. 
 
 Or elfe, with fome upbraiding, or vaine boaft, 
 
 Whereby the comfort of the deed is loft. 
 
 If ought be fpoken to anothers praife, 
 
 It is liome profit to ourfelves to raife. 
 
 If comfort to the grieued be pretended, 
 
 The grieved party is as ill befriended 
 
 As lob : For, what we doe is but for fafliion ; 
 
 Without good meaning, wifdome, or compaffion. 
 
 If we inftruft, we doe it but to ftiow 
 
 That we much more then other men doe know. 
 
 If we our brethrens ferrors doe reprove ; 
 
 It is not as it ought to be, in love : 
 
 But, with fuch bittemeffe as plaine doth fliew, 
 
 We more the perfon, then the vice purfue. 
 
 We cannot give an Almes, but we muft found 
 
 A trumpet .• neither wall a rod of ground 
 
 For publike ufe : nor fet a pane of glaffe 
 
 In fome Church window, where it needleffe was ; 
 
 Nor trimme a pulpit, nor eredt a ftile ; 
 
 Nor mend a foot path, though but halfe a mile ; 
 
 Nor, by the highway fide, fet up a ftone 
 
 To get a horfebacke ; but we fixe thereon 
 
 Our Names, or fomewhere leave upon record, 
 
 What befaftors we have beene {good Lord) 
 
 For fuch h)rpocrifies, and fmnes as thefe 
 
 On other places, doth Gods judgements feize ; 
 
 For thefe, thy Paftors oft have warned thee ; 
 
 For thefe, they faid thou fhouldft afiiidled be : 
 
 And, at this prefent, vengance is begun ; 
 
 Though ignorant thou feeme of what is done. 
 
 For thofe offences, God did now of late 
 Make all thy faireft lodgings defolate. 
 For them, the PeJUlence continues yet. 
 And we with fcabs, and fores, and blaines are smit 
 
 For 
 
 4a5 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 213 
 
 For them, thou of thy braveries uncloth'd, 
 Wert in thy greatefl. forrow, left and loth'd. 
 For them, a Famine lately did begin. 
 For them, have goodly habitations bin 
 Confum'd by fire. For this, the goods of fome 
 A prey to Seas, and Pyrats are become. 
 For them, thy tradings faile, that were enlarged; 
 And thou for Angle gaine, art double charged. 
 For them the Sword (that fuch a while hath hung 
 Sheath'd up) is newly drawne, and will ere long 
 Devoure thy fons and daughters, if there be 
 No more Repentance then yet feemes in thee : 
 Yea throughout all this Hand, it will rage 
 And lay it waft before another age. 
 
 For not our Cities onely tainted are 
 With finnes contagion ; but ev'n ev'ry where 
 This Land is fo difeaf 'd that many doubt 
 (Before it mend) fome blood muft iffue out. 
 There is not any Townefliip, Village, Borough, 
 Or petty Hamlet, all this Kingdome through, 
 But merits (in proportion) as much blame. 
 As any City of the greateft fame. 
 The fimple feeming Peafants of the Land, 
 (Who for their Names do make Xh&x Jkeepmarke ftad 
 And have not fo much Clerkfliip, as to fpell) 
 Can play the fubtile cheating knaves, as well 
 As many cunning Sophijlers, and cogge, 
 And lie, and prate of Law and pettifogge 
 As craftily (fometimes) as many a one 
 Who divers yeares hath ftudied Littleton. 
 
 Yea, they who never had the wit to learne 
 Thofe knowledges which honejly concerne ; 
 Have witty craft enough to entertaine 
 Or plot a bargaine for unlawful! gaine. 
 
 They 
 
 427 
 
Brittan's Cant. 7. 
 
 They perfecute each other ; they envy 
 Their neighbours welfare and profperity ; 
 They drive each other from their tenements ; 
 And are the caufes of inhauncing rents, 
 By over-bidding for their (neighbours Land) 
 Thofe Fines the Land lords purpos'd to demand ; 
 Yet Hand their Farmes already rackt fo high, 
 That they have begger'd halfe their Tenantry. 
 In divers townes they have decayed tillage ; 
 Depopulated many a goodly village ; 
 Yea, joyned field to field, till for the poore 
 No flace is yeelded, nor employment more : 
 And, where were houfholds, lately, many a one, 
 A Shepheard and his Dog, now dwell alone. 
 
 To make of griping Vfury their trade, 
 Among the Rich, no fcruple now is made 
 In any place : for ev'ry Country Village, 
 Hath now fome Vfury, as well as Tillage. 
 Yea, they that lending moft of all detefl. 
 Though but for tollerated Intereft, 
 Do natheleffe take thofe Annuities, 
 Which often prove the biting'ft. Vfuries. 
 
 By nature, Many no encreafe doth bring .• 
 Moil, therefore, think it a prodigeous thing 
 That Mony put to lone, fhould bring in gaine. 
 Yet fome of thefe, by pradlice do maintaine 
 As monflrous ufuries, and nought at all 
 Are touched in their confcience therewithal!. 
 In ufury of Cattell, or of Leafes, 
 We may disburfe our mony for encreafes 
 More biting far, then thofe he dares to take, 
 Who by meere lending, doth advantage make. 
 
 As Mony nat'rally produceth nought. 
 So, by the Earth, fmall profit forth is brought 
 
 Vntill 
 
 428 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 214 
 
 Vntill both cod and labour we beflow, 
 
 For little, elfe, but thornes and weeds will grow. 
 
 The Landlord, therefore, here I dare aver, 
 
 To be no leffe a griping Vfurer 
 
 Then is the Mony-majter, if he break 
 
 The Rule of Chriftian Charity, and take 
 
 More proiit then his tenant can afford ; 
 
 And fuch as thefe are hated of the Lord. 
 
 Of Vfurers, there are fome other forts, 
 Who keep no certaine place : but, both in Courts, 
 In Cities, and in Country townes they dwell, 
 And in the trick of griping they excell. 
 
 There be of thefe, that Vfe for Silence take. 
 Some others, an ufurious profit make 
 Of their Authoriiies ; and do advance 
 Their wealth, by giving others countenance. 
 Their cariages, their neighbours fetch, and bring ; 
 They have their feed-time and their harvefling, 
 Difpatcht almoft. for nothing : fuch as thefe. 
 Are many of our Country JuJUces. 
 
 Some, by another engine profit catch : 
 They mufl be pray'd and payed for difpatch. 
 Yea, Clarkes, and many other Officers, 
 Are greater, and more hatefuU Vfiu-ers, 
 Then they that moll are hated for that crime ; 
 Since thefe do often for a little time 
 (Which they delay unjuflly) take what may 
 Of no meane fum, the annuall Interefl. pay. 
 
 Thefe men are cruell. And, yet worfe by far, 
 Mofl. Treafurers, and their pay-mailers are. 
 For, that which due unto us doth remaine. 
 They do not only overlong detaine. 
 But, oft, of ev'ry hundred, twenty take, 
 E're payment of our owne, to us, they make. 
 
 They 
 
 429 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 They mufl, have Bribes, their wives mufl. have Ca- 
 
 Or horfe, or Jewells; after which encroches (roches 
 
 Their fervant alfo, for fome other dues 
 
 (As they pretend) which if we doe refufe 
 
 To pay unto them, twife as much we leefe. 
 
 This tricke inricheth alfo Referres 
 
 In Chancery, and in fome other Courts 
 
 And this or makes, or marreth moft Reports. 
 
 This, is that common Cheat, and meanes by 
 Meane Officers, fo fpeedily grow rich, (which 
 
 Although they give large Incomes. By this way 
 Their wives doe on a fudden grow fo gay. 
 That were but Kitchin maids few yeares before. 
 Yea, many in the blood of Orphanes poore. 
 Have dide their gownes in fcarlet by fuch courfes. 
 And cloth'd, & fed themfelves, with widdowes curfes. 
 
 But, thefe Dejlroyers, make not fpoyle of all, 
 For, full as many into ruine fall 
 By complement, and foolifh emulating 
 Their neighbours, otherwhile, by imitating 
 The City Fafhions. Yea, by thefe, and fome 
 Such other wayes, are many men become 
 So weake in their eflates ; that moft of thofe 
 Who live in fafhion, and make handfome fliowes 
 Of being rich, would prove (I am afraid) 
 Far worfe then nothing, if their debts were paid. 
 
 This flioweth from our pride, or from exceffe ; 
 And this is caufe of other wickedneffe. 
 But, in our Hand, one thing I have feene, 
 Which (though it hath not much obferved beene 
 To be a fault) will make a large addition 
 To fill the meafure of this Lands tranfgreffion. 
 And much I am afraid, that all in vaine 
 I fliall of this impiety complaine. 
 
 For, 
 
 430 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 215 
 
 For, Avarice, who nought will give away, 
 Whereon her griple fingers fhe can lay, 
 Pleads for it : yea, and Cuftome hath fo long 
 Confirm'd it, that it is a lawfull wrong 
 I doe not meane the Laities retaining 
 Of Tithes, or Lands unto the Church pertaining. 
 For, though I would not build my houfe with ought, 
 Which from the SanSluary had beene caught, 
 To gaine the world, yet, I may doe amiffe 
 To judge of others Confciences in this. 
 It is the barbarous ufage, wherewith we 
 Doe entertaine thofe men that fhipwrackt be. 
 Which here I meane : For, many people have 
 Leffe mercy then the Tempeft, and the wave. 
 That Veffell, which the Rocks had pitty on, 
 The cruelty of man doth feize upon j 
 And him that is oppreffed, quite bereaves 
 Of what the quickfand undevoured leaves. 
 When fome poore (hip upon the billowes toft, 
 Is driven by a ftorm upon the Coaft, 
 With rudder loft, with tacklings rent and tome. 
 With maine-maft fplit, and fore maft overborne ; 
 And reeles and rowles, and takes in water fo 
 That all the Mariners through feare forgoe 
 Their crazie Charge, fome fwimming to the ftioares 
 On peeces of the decke, or broken oares. 
 Some on an empty Cheft ; fome holding faft 
 On fplinters of a Yard, or of a Maft ; 
 Now riding on the waves ; ftraight finking downe ; 
 Now hoping life, anon afraid to drowne ; 
 Put off, and on ; yet lab'ring to attaine 
 The Land, in hope more pitty there to gaine : 
 In this poore plight, when they (with much adoe) 
 A dryer Element have reacht unto. 
 
 And, 
 
 431 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 And, wet and tyred (both on feet and hands) 
 Come creeping, or elfe (laggerhig on the fands .• 
 The neighb'ring people (who in this are far 
 More falvage, then moil barbarous Nations are) 
 In ftead of bringing comfort and reUefe, 
 Add new afflidtions to their former griefe, 
 By taking that fmall meanes which is referved 
 To keep them hving, when their life's preferred. 
 
 For, thofe remaining fragments of their flore, 
 Which God, fometimes, in pity fends afliore 
 To help new cloath and feed them, till there come 
 Some friends to aid them ; or fupplies from home ; 
 Ev'n fpoile of thofe they make : and of the prey 
 So greedy are ; that often when thefe may 
 Mens lives preferve, they leave them to their chance. 
 In hope their death, their profit will advance. 
 
 And, if that bruifed £ark which they forfook 
 (To fave their lives) upon fome Ouze hath flrook, 
 Or on fome fhelve ; from whence, by timely aid, 
 The goods to land may fafely be convaid. 
 Or if (as chance it may) the Hull be faved, 
 Yet thereof, is the Owner quite bereaved. 
 For, by a brutifli Cujlome (which, I know. 
 Nor Confcience, nor good Reafon doth allow) 
 Some Officer who farmes the Royalties 
 Within that place, doth make thereof a prize 
 Elfe, he that owns the Land whereon it fals, 
 Doth feize it : and, his right, the fame he calls. 
 Faul did a people, ev'n at Malta, find, 
 (Although a barb'rous Hand) far more kind. 
 Men wrackt, they comforted ; but we bereave them 
 Of thofe remainders which the Sea doth leave them ; 
 Except fome living thing abiding be 
 Aboard the Ship. For, then the fame is free 
 
 From 
 
 432 
 
Cant.y. Remembrancer. 216 
 
 From being prov'd a wrack (we fay) though that 
 Which there furviveth, be fome Dog or Cat : 
 A goodly matter, furely, whereupon 
 Poore men fhould be relieved or undone. 
 
 Some dwellers alfo, on thofe borders, where 
 Such wofuU fights, too often viewed are, 
 Rejoyce to fee them ; yea, fome people fay, 
 Tliat, for fuch mifchiefes, they both watch and pray ; 
 With curfes banning them ; who fet up Lights, 
 To guide the Seaman in dark flormy nights. 
 And (though they feek it with a devillifli mind) 
 Gods-good, they call, what on the fliore they find. 
 
 Gods gift, indeed it is, which unto them 
 Doth from the Seas, without an owner fwim : 
 Yet, when the mafler of it fhall be knowne, 
 Gods gift it is not ; but a bait that's throwne 
 To catch the foules of thofe, who feek to raife 
 Their fortunes on diftreffed mens decayes. 
 
 No marvell, while fuch cruelties are found 
 (Vpon the Coaft) the Sea o'reflows her bound. 
 No marvell, fhe fo often, here and there. 
 Doth from their fields fo many furlongs teare. 
 No marvell (he, fometimes, their cattle drownes, 
 And, fweeps away the riches of their townes ; 
 Or, of thofe people, otherwhile, devoures 
 So many houfliolds, in a few (hort houres .■ 
 For, fince they grieved others, in diflreife. 
 The Sea to them, is juftly mercileffe. 
 Of many other things, complaine I could, 
 Which though this Kingdome, I amiffe behold .- 
 But ihould I now an Inventory make 
 Of each abufe whereof I notice take 
 In all profeffions ; fure, it would goe neare. 
 To finde my Headers, reading for a yeare. 
 
 T I 
 
 3 i 433 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 7. 
 
 I feare, our geti'rall Body fareth fo, 
 As, in their fickneffes they often do 
 Who feele not their difeafe, when they are nigh 
 (Without good help) upon the point to dye. 
 They would not be diflurb'd ; but, vex and fret, 
 At thofe who do prepare them wholfome meat, 
 Or needfull Phyfick .• and, perhaps, with me 
 My Country, alfo, will difpleafed be. 
 But, for unjuft difpleafure, 'tis no matter ; 
 As faithful friends (to fick men) will not flatter, 
 Nor humor them in any fuch difeafe; 
 No more will I be fearfiill to difpleafe 
 A fickly jjeople, when I truly know, 
 I do that work my confcience calls me to. 
 
 I tell thee therefore, Britaine, thou art fick ; 
 Thy fins have made thee fo ; and thou art like 
 To perifli in them, if thou phyfick take not. 
 And, for thy fafety, good provifion make not. 
 If thou nor feelefl., nor wilt credit give 
 To what is fpoken : Mark thou, and beleeve 
 The Symtomes of it. For, they will declare 
 So truly, how (at this time) thou dofl. fare. 
 That they who are not reafonlefle, ftiall fee 
 And fay (iri times to come) I loved thee. 
 
 Behold, ev'n at this day, throughout the Land, 
 Moft. Manufaihries are at a Hand ; 
 And, of thofe Engines, fome maine wheeles are broke, 
 Though where they faulty be, fmall heed be took. 
 
 Thy Merchants, by whofe trade great profit comes 
 (And to the Kings Exchequer, royall fums) 
 Thofe Mercuries, by whofe induftrious paine. 
 Thou didft become the Miftreffe of the Maine, 
 And art maintain'd with (hips, which are the walls, 
 By which thy temp'rall greatneffe, ftands or falls. 
 
 Ev'n 
 
 434 
 
Cant.j. Remembrancer. 217 
 
 Ev'n they, begin to fink, for want of trade, 
 
 And through thofe booties which of them are made. 
 
 Their Ships without advantage are employ'd ; 
 
 And if the Wars, or Time, had them deftroy'd 
 
 Which are in being ; they have (to augment 
 
 Or fill the number) no encouragement. 
 
 The prefent mufter of thy (hipping, failes 
 Of what it was, in many fcores of failes. 
 Not long time fince : and, thy next neigh'bring nation 
 Growes rich in thy decaying Navigation. 
 Yea, fome fufpedl, that of our publike Trade 
 (For private profit) fale to them is made. 
 
 Indeed, mod Officers, if fo they may 
 Enlarge their profits for the prefent day ; 
 Or gaine, or fave the King, but for a yeare, 
 Some thoufands, do fuppofe they much endeare 
 Their fervice to the State : when ('tis well known 
 To us abroad) the gaine is mod their owne : 
 And that, before two ages more be fpent. 
 The waies by which their incomes they augment, 
 Will coil this Kingdome for each ounce of gold 
 So got, a hundred, if their courfes hold. 
 
 It is by them, the Prince becommeth poore. 
 And (though they would be thought (forfooth) much 
 Then all his other fubjedls, to maintaine (more 
 
 The dues belonging to a Soveraigne) 
 They rob him more, then all men elfe befide : 
 They lofe him ten times more then they provide. 
 They make him needy firft ; and then they grieve, 
 And begger them, that fliould his wants relieve. 
 The vulgar Citizens do much complaine 
 For want of trade fufficient to maintaine 
 Their families ; and, many, lately broken, 
 Are of that poverty a certaine token. 
 
 T 2 That 
 
 435 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 7-. 
 
 That famous, and that wealthy Merchandize, 
 Which from our clothings, and our woolls arife 
 Is much decay'd. For work, the poore man prayes : 
 The Clothier hath not mony ; and he layes 
 The blame upon the Merchant ; who doth fweare, 
 His (hips and goods, fo often flayed are, 
 And times fo giddy, and fo little got 
 (With fo much perill) that he dareth not 
 To make adventures, as he erft hath done. 
 And fo, to ruine all is like to run. 
 For, from their voyages fo oft have fome 
 Been hindred (or have beene fo long from home 
 In fruiteleffe fervices) that it hath brought 
 Rich Owners, and their Veffels, unto nought. 
 Some others, alfo find it, to maintaine 
 Their ihips, fo coftly, (without hope of gaine) 
 That to repaire them they do Hand in feare 
 It may undo them, e're things better'd are ; 
 That (might their men be fafe) they do proteft, 
 They know not, if to fink, or fwim were beft. 
 
 The winds and feas, that heretofore have borne us 
 Good will ; have prov'd our foes, and rent & tome us. 
 Our Mariners are like to run away 
 To ferve our foes, for want of work, and pay. 
 
 Thofe places, and thofe portions, which belong 
 To mens deferts ; and fliould to make them flrong. 
 And to encourage them, conferred be ; 
 Are otherwife difpof 'd of : and we fee 
 The mod deferving men are in difgraces ; 
 Or elfe negledled ; or elfe, in their places 
 Irapoverifhed (or elfe diflieartned fo) 
 That fome men will not ; and fome cannot do 
 Their Country that good fervice which they might : 
 And, if this, hold, we lofe our honor quite. 
 
 By 
 
CanLj. Remembrancer. 218 
 
 By thofe adventures, which are jufl and free 
 To ev'ry Nation, where good Patriots be. 
 Thy fons, to fetch thee wealth, and honour home. 
 Would prodigall of goods and lives become ; 
 By private cofl, augment the publike flore, 
 And by encreafe of fliipping, guard thy (hore ; 
 If they might freely feek, and keep that lot. 
 Which by their cofl. and valour might be got. 
 But, men that are of courage, and of worth, 
 Difdaine their goods and lives to hazard forth, 
 On fervile termes; or, to be prey'd upon 
 When they retume, by fome ignoble Drone : 
 And, by this meanes, oh thou unhappy I/e, 
 Thy foes grow ftrong, & thou grow'fl, weak the while. 
 
 I do protefl, I fee not that condition 
 Of man, that hath a fortune in fruition, 
 That is not perilfome ; but, he that's borne 
 The mifchiefes of this prefent life to fcorne. 
 Nor from the highefl. to the low'fl. degree. 
 Doth any man well pleafed feeme to be. 
 The King complaines of want : his Servants fay. 
 They Hand ingag'd in more then they can pay : 
 And they who in their perfon fervice do him, 
 Want much of that which fhould oblige them to him. 
 The charge of War, flill more and more doth grow ; 
 The Cujlomes faile as trading falleth low : 
 There's new occafion ev'ry day of fpending, (ding. 
 And much more borr'wing, then good meanes of len- 
 'Tis faid, fome royall Rents to fale were profer'd ; 
 That Jewels of the Crowne to pawne were offer'd : 
 That Church Revennues, for the prefent need, 
 Sequefl,red are (to fland a while in ftead 
 Of temp'ralties) And fome themfelves perfwade. 
 That, they fliall now be lay pofTeffions made. 
 
 T 3 But 
 
 437 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 7. 
 
 But, God forbid : for, he that Ihall bereave 
 The Church of her inheritance, doth leave 
 A curfe upon his children ; which will flay 
 Vntill his whole defcent be worne away. 
 
 To help thy wants, (fo great it feemes they prove) 
 There be of thofe who did not blufli to move 
 Religion might be fet to fale ; and that 
 We might promifcuous worfliips toUerate. 
 
 The common people murmur of oppreffions ; 
 Of being robbed of their due poffeffions ; 
 Of impudent abufes, done by thofe 
 Who fliould redreffe them : ev'ry winde that blowes, 
 Brings tidings of ill luck ; yet, ftill men feare 
 There's worfe untold, then that which they do heare. 
 For, we have lying Newes authorifed 
 So long ; and falfhoods, have fo many fpread ; 
 That, when of that a true report is told 
 Whereof a firme beleefe receive we fliould, 
 We cannot credit it : and, this, perchance, 
 May to our fafety be fome hinderance. 
 
 If in our felves, we feele not what's amiffe, 
 Obferve we, by refledtion, what it is. 
 The Germane Emp'rour, and two Kings, that be 
 As rich and pow'rfull, ev'ry way as he, 
 Are Foes profeffed ; and they bend their pow'r, 
 Our Countries, and our Nation to devoure : 
 And, while to fight Gods battels men do faine, 
 The Kingdome of the Devill they maintaine. 
 
 Our Friends, and our Confederates, for us, 
 Engag'd in undertakings dangerous, 
 Have fuffred loffe ; and yet, in hazard are 
 By an unequall and injurious war. 
 Some, who poffeffe an Vnion with our Land, 
 Do work their owne advantage underhand, 
 
 To 
 
 438 
 
Cant.j. Remembrancer. 219 
 
 To our difgrace and loffes. Other fome, 
 Are neuters yet, who will our foes become, 
 And with our enemies the fpoile divide. 
 If any ill Adventure (hall betide. 
 
 That princely Brajich of our mofl royall Stem, 
 Made poore by the Bohemian Diadem, 
 (But, rich in her own vertues, and that treafure 
 Of heav'nly graces, which in plenteous meafure 
 Gods bounty gave her) that illuftrious Dame, 
 (To whom I owe ev'n more then all I am) 
 Lives banilht, (oh ! the mifchieves of this age) 
 And quite excluded from her heritage. 
 Her LORD, and all thofe deare and hopeful! Feeces„ 
 Drawne off by them; the Nephewes, and the Needs- 
 Of our dread Sov^raigne, are as pilgrims, faine 
 Within a forraine Country to remaine. 
 Our colly Treaties, do but coflly fpeed. 
 Our new Alliance, proves a broken Reed. 
 Our forraine enterprizes, full of charge, 
 Do ferve but others glories to enlarge. 
 Our mighty Navies llrongly furniflit out. 
 Have lofl their pains, in what they went about. 
 One little Towne keeps all our ports in feare ; 
 Vpon the Seas, our Coajlers feared are ; 
 And, we that bore the Trident of the Seas ; 
 We, who of late, with fmaller Fleets, then thefe 
 Which now we fet aflote, did once conftraine 
 The Carraks, and the Argqfies of Spaine 
 To ftrike their failes : we that have aw'd the Deeps, 
 And ev'ry Foreland, through the world, that peeps 
 Above the Seas : yea, we that from each fhore, 
 Whereon the brinifh waves of Neptune rore, 
 Have brought rich Trophees of our valours home, 
 Now, back with neither fpoiles nor honors, come. 
 
 T 4 God, 
 
 439 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 God, with our Fleets, and Armies, doth not fo 
 Go forth of late, as he did ufe to doe. 
 But divers yeares together, as offended, 
 His arme againft our forces hath extended. 
 
 That hopefull Voyage, which brave Rawleigh made, 
 To profecute thofe golden hopes he had. 
 Was overthrowne ; and, (to enlarge the cofl.) 
 In him, we more in wit, then mony loft. 
 For, to refijl us, God himfelfe didftand: 
 Andjiill againjl us, he extends his hand. 
 
 Vpon Argeir we had a faire defigne, 
 That much extradled from our filver Mine, 
 But nothing profper'd, which was then projecSled, 
 Nor was there ought, but loffe and ftiame eflfedled ; 
 For, God preferdd our enemies from harme : 
 And, Jlill, againjl us, Jlretcheth he his arme. 
 
 When in Virginia we had nurfed long 
 Our Colonies, and hoped they were ftrong, 
 And, alraoft able to fubfift alone : 
 By naked people they were fet upon. 
 And, fore endanger'd : For, on us for ill, 
 God laid his hand; and layes it on us Jlill. 
 
 Auxiliary forces forth we fent ; 
 (Or, voluntarily from us they went) 
 To fettle on Bohemiahs fatall throne, 
 Him, whom that Land had caft her choice upon. 
 But, there our men were wafted .■ and in fteed 
 Of Jacobs Jlaffe, we proved Egypts-reed : 
 For, God againjl our powers hispow'r did Jet ; 
 And, he his hand doth raije againjl us, yet. 
 
 We made new Leavies, and marcht up the Rhine, 
 To guard the Country of the Palatine ; 
 But, all in vaine. For, nothing did we there, 
 Except prolong the miferies of War. 
 
 God, 
 
 440 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 220 
 
 God, would not that deliver'd they fhould be 
 By people that fo wicked are as we. 
 But, fcourged them and us, in bitter wife : 
 AndJUll, his heavy hand upon us lies. 
 
 Then, muftred we Ambaffadors together ; 
 We fent them oft, and almofl ev'ry whither ; 
 But, by our Treaties we acquired nought : 
 Nay, many difadvantages they brought ; 
 For, then, our foes for battle did prepare, 
 When we of peace together treating were. 
 Yea, God hath cauf'dthe harme that they have done us ; 
 AndjJUU, his hand lies heavily upon us. 
 
 The fortune of the War we tride againe 
 By Mansfield; which did likewife prove in vaine. 
 To Denmark alfo we did fend fupplies. 
 And there, moreover, fick and bleeding lies 
 Our honor. And, yet fiill, againft our Land 
 The Lord of Hofls hath Jlretched out his hand. 
 
 Throughout the Eafierne Indies where we had 
 A wealthy and an honorable Trade, 
 A petty Nation, doth now baffle, dare us. 
 And, out of trading, hope e're long to weare us. 
 Our glorious Fleet, that lately braved Cales, 
 Of her exploits affords not many tales. 
 Another, and another too, fmce then, 
 Was put to fea, and driven home agen 
 All fhaken and betatter'd. Some, the wind 
 Sent back, and fruflrate made what was defign'd. 
 Some others, were by other lets delay'd. 
 And, made to faile, in that which they aflail'd : 
 For, God with this our Nation was offended; 
 And, yet, his hand againjl us is extended. 
 
 Another Navie, worthy greater note. 
 Then all of thefe forenamed, now doth flote 
 
 T 5 Vpon 
 
 3 k 441 
 
Brit tan's Cant. 7. 
 
 Vpon the feas : and fuch a fame it beares, 
 
 That all the neighb'ring kingdoines it deters. 
 
 For, Land and Sea it threatens : and we heare 
 
 Before the He of Ree, at rode they are, 
 
 Where they of brave atchievements hopefull grow. 
 
 I wifli, and I do pray it may be fo 
 
 As they defire, if God be pleaf 'd therein. 
 
 But, much I feare, that we have guilty bin 
 
 Of fomewhat unrepented yet, that will 
 
 Make all our undertakings profper ill, 
 
 Till we are humbled more. For, God hath laine 
 
 His heavy hand upon us, long in vaine. 
 
 And, though our hearts with foolifli hopes we fill, 
 
 His Arvie, againjl us, forth he Jlretches JUll. 
 
 Or elfe it could not be our forces great. 
 
 So many times fhould fuffer a defeat. 
 
 For when a leffer Fleet was fent to do 
 
 A Mifchiefe, it had pow'r enough thereto. 
 
 But let us take a little further heed. 
 How ill our hopes in foiraine parts fucceed. 
 The French and Germane Churches, in whofe care. 
 And in whofe perfecutions we do fliare : 
 Have been affii(5led in a grievous wife, 
 And flill a heavy burden on them lyes. 
 Gods foes, and theirs, and ours, have craftily 
 Combined in a flrong confederacy. 
 The tents of Edom, and the 7JhmaHites, 
 The feed of Agar, and the Moabites, 
 With AJhur, and the fons of Lot confpire ; 
 With Gehal, Amman, Amelek, and Tyre. 
 Yea Gog and Magog; clofe and open foes, 
 Ev'n all thofe Armies which Gods truth oppofe, 
 (And by the Names, here mention'd, iigur'd were) 
 Confederated, and refolved are, 
 
 To 
 
 44? 
 
Cant. 7. Rkmembrancer. 221 
 
 To prey upon us. Come, now come, fay they, 
 Let's root their Nation, and their Name away. 
 And, if our God be filent over-long. 
 Their ftrength encreafmg, will encreafe the wrong 
 His Church endures : our caufe will be o'rethrowne, 
 And, they will take Gods houfes for their owne. 
 
 If yet, thou dofl. not feele thy fickly cafe, 
 Nor in thefe forraine glaffes view thy face. 
 Look home agen ; and I will (hew thee there 
 Moe things, that worthy notice will appeare. 
 There, thou fhalt find diflruftion in the State ; 
 The Commons, and fome Nobles, at debate ; 
 The Court it felfe diflurbed with difunions ; 
 Some following others ; fome their owne opinions ; 
 Some flriving, from their feats, their mates to thrufl. ; 
 Few knowing in whofe friendlhip they may truft. 
 
 There fee thou flialt moft. feeking the difgraces 
 Of others ; and in all their fellowes places 
 Men fo experienc'd, that they leave to do 
 Thofe duties, they themfelves are call'd unto. 
 There thou flialt fee fuch foolifli imitations ; 
 Such complements, fuch groffe diffimulations ; 
 Such pradlices ; fuch products, and devices ; 
 Contriving of fuch foohfh paradifes ; 
 Such doing and undoing, what is done ; 
 That, 'Twill be matter worthy mufing on. 
 
 Thofe Offices, and thofe high feats of State, 
 (Elleem'd moft honorable) are of late 
 Become fo skittifli ; or the men that get them, 
 Such artleife riders, that they cannot fit them. 
 When liv'd, at once, fo many, who did cary, 
 (And left difgrac'd) the ftiles of Secretary, 
 Of Chamberlaine, Chief luJUce, Treafurer, 
 Of Lord high Keeper, and Lord Chancellerl 
 
 Of 
 
 443 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 7. 
 
 Of thefe, and other titles, when was feene 
 Such chopping and fuch changing, as hath beene 
 In later yeares ? fure, fomething is amiffe, 
 That fuch uncertainty among us is. 
 
 Thofe perf'nages, whofe words were heretofore 
 As Oracles ; are credited no more 
 Then Cheaters are. Their hand & feale doth (land 
 For nothing, if no other come in hand. 
 So void are fome advanced to high place, 
 Of common underftanding, and of grace. 
 That neither Ihame, nor loffe, which doth befall 
 To other men, can move them ought at all. 
 But, as men markt for Vengeance, or elfe fent 
 For thy diflionor, and thy punifhment, 
 They dare proceed to pradlice ev'ry fin 
 For which their predecefTors flient have bin. 
 Nay, fome who for corruption were remov'd 
 To give thofe place, might well have been approv' d 
 Refpedling them ; if all the peoples cries, 
 From juft. occafion may be thought to rife. 
 Yea, they have juftifi'd, and honor done them. 
 Who went before, in having overgone them 
 In doing wrongs. And, in thofe wrongs they do, 
 They are fo pradtifed, and hardned to, 
 That no examples, or faire warning fliall 
 Take place ('tis thought) till they have ruin'd all. 
 
 Some O^ces are growne fo over large 
 For thofe who undertake them, to difcharge, 
 Elfe, they that have them, fo unable are, 
 Or of their duties have fo little care. 
 That fuitors poore have many times attended 
 Whole months together, e're they were befriended, 
 So much, to have their humble fuits perufed. 
 Yet, thefe, as if they had not elfe abufed 
 
 The 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 222 
 
 The Common-wealth enough do often add 
 To thofe employments which before they had, 
 New Offices ; and take fo much upon 
 Their feeble flioulders, that no good is done. 
 
 If thou obfervefl mens communication, 
 Thou heare it fhalt fo full of defperation. 
 As if they feared God had us forfaken, 
 And, to fome other place himfelfe betaken. 
 But, thou, indeed, his Covenant hafl broke ; 
 His word diflrufted ; his Commands forfook ; 
 And aid from Egypt, and from AJhur fought, 
 Whofe truftleffe friendfhip will availe thee nought. 
 Nay, fome there be, that in thefe days of evill, 
 Advife to make atonements with the DevilL 
 For they doe little better who would call 
 The Turke, to helpe maintaine the Churches wall. 
 Yea, they who raake that Foe our ayd become. 
 Do fave a houfe, by firing GhriJlendo7ne. 
 
 The Z(2«(/ appeares as if it ripening, were 
 For Defolation : and ev'n ev'rywhere 
 Moft. men are growne fo prodigally vaine ; 
 So greedily purfue they prefent gaine ; 
 And from this pleafant Kingdome have fo rent 
 Her woods, her groves, and ev'ry ornament, 
 (Without all care of planting or renewing 
 For their Pojlerities in times enfuing) 
 As if they either thought, or did forefee, 
 That when they dy'd, the world would ended be, 
 Or that before the following generations. 
 This Land fhould be poffefl. by other Nations. 
 
 We have not pow'r their counfell to receive, 
 Who for our fafeties beft. advifement give : 
 For, in themfelves, fuch bafeneffe moft retaine, 
 That all are thought to ayme at private gaine. 
 
 And 
 
 44S 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 And .doubtleffe we have many Mountebanks, 
 
 Who arrogate the profit and the thanks 
 
 Of others labours ; or elfe feek to croffe 
 
 Their good defignes, to their difgrace and loffe. 
 
 Yea, fuch extreame corruptions ev'rywhere 
 
 In men of ev'ry quality appeare, 
 
 That whatfoever reafons may be rendred, 
 
 To prove that by fome couifes which are tendred, 
 
 (To be proceeded in) the common peace 
 
 Or profit might in future times encraafe,- 
 
 And be advanc'd, a million by the yeare : 
 
 Yet, if but any private perfons feare 
 
 It may fome incomes from their chefls withdraw, 
 
 For which they neither Confcience have nor law : 
 
 Thefe men (if they attempt it, and be able 
 
 To give a bribe that may be valuable 
 
 In any meafure) quite fhall overthrow 
 
 That good defignment : and not onely fo, 
 
 But thefe and they that were their inflruments 
 
 Shall purchafe him who that defign invents, 
 
 (For his reward) both infamy and hate : 
 
 And make themfelves appeare unto the State 
 
 Good Patriots ; who being fifted well) 
 
 Are fcarce fo honefl men as go to hell. 
 
 Rapt by a fp'rituall Vifion, I have feene 
 The thin and crafie wall, that flands betweene 
 Our fight, and their concealed practices, 
 Who have the place of Elders in thefe dayes : 
 And fpying there a hole, I digg'd into 
 Their fecrefies ; to fee what works they doe. 
 Where (not without God's warrant and his ayd) 
 Mofl. foule abominations I furvaid. 
 
 I faw their Chambers of Imagery, 
 And all thofe Objells of Idolatry 
 
 To 
 
 446 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 223 
 
 To which they bow, upon the wals depainted : 
 I faw thofe toyes adored and befainted : 
 I faw what ftrange devotions there they ufe ; 
 How they in private do the world abufe ; 
 And from their Cenfers feemed to axife 
 A cloud which dimm'd the Sacrificers eyes. 
 
 There (oh! good God) how many did I fee 
 Who zealous Prelats do appeare to be ? 
 How many State/men, and how many a one 
 That our high feats of Judgements fits upon ? 
 How many who right honefl. men appeare ? 
 In outward fliow ? how many drawing neere 
 Vnto their graves ? how many learned men ? 
 How many, that will floutly now and then 
 Maintaine an honefl. caufe, to fome good end, 
 (For ought we know) when they no good intend ? 
 How many i]l-difpofed men (oh ! God) 
 Who otherwife affedted feeme abroad, 
 Beheld I there in fecret proflituting 
 Themfelves to breathleffe Idols, and imputing 
 Great pow'r unto them ? and how bafe are thofe 
 Sometime in private, who make goodly fhowes 
 Of noblefl thoughts ? Some, to the rifing-Sun 
 Diredtly kneele ; fome fix their eyes upon 
 The Moone, which from his beams receives her light. 
 Some, fl.and devoted to the works of Night : 
 Some, deifie their Pride, and fome their Lujl : 
 In carnall Policy, fome put their trufl. : 
 Some (as a Goddeffe) Vengeance do emplore : 
 Vnrighteous Mammon, otherfome adore : 
 With worldly Honor, fome idolatrize ; 
 Some other, to their Nets do facrifife : 
 To Pleafure, many offer their eftates ; 
 Himfelfe to Envy, one man dedicates : 
 
 Ano- 
 
 447 
 
Brittan's Cant.'j. 
 
 Another makes Vaineglories altars fume, 
 
 Till all his patrimony he confume : 
 
 A third, to Sloth and Idleneffe doth bow : 
 
 Before Exceffe, a fourth doth fall as low : 
 
 Yea Horfes, Dogs ,and Hauks ; ev'n Beaflsa nd Fowles, 
 
 Are Idols of their love. Nor hath their foules 
 
 Idolatriz'd with brutifli things alone, 
 
 But ev'n with Gold, and Silver, Wood, and Stone. 
 
 Nor have they only of fuch things as thefe, 
 
 (That reall be) fet up vaine images 
 
 Within their hearts ; but, they goe further, far, 
 
 And worlhip Fiilions, which the likeneffe are 
 
 Of nought in heav'n, earth, fea, or in the waters 
 
 Below the earth; but meexQ fanta/licke matters. 
 
 And, that by fuch like Gods, as are their Treafure, 
 Their Honor, their Preferment, and their Pkafure, 
 They may be happy made ; what things I pray, 
 To iliew their zeale (fuppofe you) offer they ? 
 Ev'n thofe, refpedting which, thefe gods are vUe. 
 For, they do give unto them, otherwhile. 
 Their naturall reft and fleep, fometime their health : 
 Sometime what's due to God they take by ftealth. 
 To wafte upon their Mawmets ; and of thefe, 
 One offred is, another to appeafe. 
 Their beautious daughters fome of them have given 
 To Moloch : other fome their wives have driven 
 To pafTe the fire : great numbers make oblations 
 Of all their friends, to thofe abominations. 
 To ferve them, fome their Country fet to fale ; 
 Her love, her wealth, her honor, peace, and all. 
 Yea fome, ev'n their owne lives to loffe expofe, 
 (Their confciences, and foules) for love of thofe ; 
 And (left unto a reprobated fenfe) 
 With Gods and Natures lawes they can difpence. 
 
 Of 
 
 448 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 224 
 
 Of thefe, a Vifion did appeare to me .■ 
 Judge Readers, whether true or falfe it be. 
 If no fuch doings be, my words contemne, 
 And let this Vifion paffe but for a Dreame. 
 If really thou find it to be fo, 
 Then, think oh ! Britaine, what thou haft, to do. 
 
 But, thinke it ferioufly : for, things that are 
 In fouleft plight, will often faire appeare. 
 Beleeve not all that fliall reported be ; 
 But, prove and fearch ; and trull what thou doft fee. 
 The Land is over-fpred with wickedneffe ; 
 Yet, no man will himfelfe in fault confeffe. 
 Men daily talke how bad the times are growne, 
 Yet, few men fee an error of their owne. 
 The Country is diflreffed many wayes, 
 And on the Cities pride, the blame it layes. 
 The City finds her trading falleth fliort. 
 And thinks the caufe thereof is in the Court. 
 The Court complaines, and railes as much agen, 
 Againfl; the Farmer, and the Citizen. 
 Our Parliaments imputed have of late, 
 Our troubles to fome errors in the State. 
 The State offended is, and difcontent 
 With fome proceedings in the Parliament. 
 Our Court Divines, proteft. the Lawyers Hand 
 So much upon the Cujhmes of the Land, 
 (The Lawes and ancient Freedomes, which belong 
 Vnto the Commons) that, the King they wrong. 
 The People vow, the Prelats flatter fo 
 To get preferment, that they will undo 
 Both Church and Common-wealth ; & fome conceive, 
 If we their State-Divinity beleeve, 
 It will of ev'ry priviledge bereave us. 
 And no more Law, but Will and Pleafure leave us. 
 
 And, 
 
 zi 449 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. J. 
 
 And, as the lewes, to fave their Hace, and Name, 
 Did that, which loffe of both of them became : 
 So, thought it is, that if our Prelats fall. 
 The way, they feek to iland, effedt it fliall. 
 
 The followers of Arminius fome revile, 
 As troublers of the Churches of this Ik. 
 Some think the doubts & queftions they have moved 
 Shal make the Truth more known, & more approved. 
 
 The Papijl fayes, that we afHidled are, 
 Becaufe their fuperflitions baniftit were. 
 Some Protejlants beleeve we fare the worfe 
 For fav'ring them ; and that they bring a curfe 
 Vpon the Land. Some others, do accufe 
 The Separatijls, and thofe men who refufe 
 Vnto this Churches orders to conforrae. 
 They, on the other fide, as much do llorme 
 Againfl, our Difdpline and Hierarchy, 
 As parts of Antichriftian-herefie. 
 And though we all are nought ; yet, we do all 
 Each other cenfure, perfecute, mifcall, 
 And fo condemne ; as if we had no fuch 
 Infirmities, as we in-others touch. 
 
 But, as her vertue may be ne're the more, 
 Who firil, in fcoulding, calls her neighbour whore, 
 So, he that fooneft check abufes can, 
 (At all times) proveth not the holieft. man. 
 Ev'n I, that in whole Volumes, do complaine 
 Againft thofe faults, which in my times do raigne ; 
 May be a Villane, when all that is done. 
 If other fignes of goodneffe I have none. 
 
 But, why fpeak I of Symptomes, when all fee 
 Thy Sickneffe, to be evident on thee ? 
 Thou haft a fearful! trembling at thy heart, 
 And, a quotidian Fever fhakes each part. 
 
 Thine 
 
 450 
 
Canf/. Remembrancer. 225 
 
 Thine eyes do fee thy flefh doth fall away ; 
 The lovely colour of thy cheeks decay. 
 Thy veines grow empty, which did lately fwellj 
 Thofe parts are naked, that were clothed well : 
 Thofe limbs are weakned, that e'rewhile were ftrong ; 
 And into gronings thou haft chang'd thy Song. 
 Yea, thou maid feele (unleffe that fenfe be dead) 
 A paine betweene thy Body, and thy Head. 
 
 The Staves of God, of which we read it fpoken 
 By Zachary ; are bruized, if not broken. 
 The Staflfe of Bands (or Vnion) hath fome cracks : 
 And, that of Beautie now fo little lacks 
 Of being fliiver'd ; that, thou art almoft 
 The fcorne of Chrijlendome : and hafl nigh loft 
 Thy former glory. Neither art thou foly 
 Defpifed and diftionor'd, by thy folly ; 
 But in thofe mifchiefes which thy fins procure, 
 Thy Prince a difadvantage doth endure. 
 His vertues are repulfed from that height 
 Of honour, whereunto afcend they might, 
 Wert thou lelTe wicked. He, whom as our eyes 
 We feemed (as but yefterday) to prize ; 
 He, for whole abfence we fo much complained, 
 And wept, and pray'd, and vow'd, whilft he remained 
 Divided from us : and at whofe returne 
 We did fo many/i/w to aflies burne : 
 Ev'n he, hath not received that content 
 From us, which he expedled, and we meant. 
 
 Some fpirit of Diffention loof'd hath bin ; 
 Some fparks of Difcord have beene hurled in, 
 And blowne among us ; fo that he and wee 
 Not fo well pleafed in each other be 
 As both defire. And (hould this flame encreafe, 
 God knowes how much it would offend our peace. 
 
 Thy 
 
 451 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 Thy Body, England, reprefentative, 
 Vnable was prevention to contrive 
 For fuch a mifchiefe ; neither dare men fay 
 (Although they could) on whom the blame to lay. 
 Some, doe accufe the Parliament ; fome blame 
 Another Fadlion ; and, I doubtfull am, 
 Some raflily taxe the King : but, to provide 
 A ludge, by whom fuch parties may be tride, 
 Who knowes (I pray ?) or what is he that can 
 Such points as thefe, without reproving, fcan i 
 Nay, where is he, from fadlion or from feare 
 So free, that (though he knew it needfull were) 
 He dares prefume in any publike wife. 
 So much as mention fuch State-myjkries ? 
 
 Yet, fure, they mufl. be mention'd ; and they may. 
 By thofe who know good Reafon, and the Way 
 Of fo unfolding them, that no offence 
 Be given ; whatfoe're be taken thence. 
 And therefore, though fuch men who cannot fee 
 What calling at this prefent warrants me. 
 Or, by '^\\.zX, fpirit I am urged to 
 Thofe adlions which I undertake to do ; 
 Though fuch conjedlure may, that I prefume 
 Too far, and on my felfe too much affume, 
 (Beyond my place) yet, in my felfe fecure, 
 I'le put my felfe their cenfure to endure ; 
 And all that perill, which thefe coward times 
 Suppofe may follow my truth-fpeaking Rimes. 
 DireSl thoufo, oh God I my hand by thine, 
 That I in this may draw an eaven Line. 
 For, no advice from carnall wits I crave: 
 Nor any Counfellor, but thee, to have. 
 
 My Prince and Country, though, perhaps I be 
 Not much to them ; are both moll deare to me. 
 
 And 
 
 452 
 
Cant. J. Remembrancer. 226 
 
 And may I perifli, if to fave my life 
 
 I would betwixt that couple nourifti ftrife. 
 
 Or if for one of them I that would fay, 
 
 Which might from tothers due take ought away. 
 
 If God direct me not, I may do ill 
 
 In this performance ; but, I know, to will 
 
 And to defire their welfare, is from heaven 
 
 (Ev'n by his grace) to me already given. 
 
 I may perchance in what I befl, intend. 
 
 Have neither King nor People to my friend ; 
 
 Yet will I fpeake my mind to profit them. 
 
 Though both fliould, for my labour me condemne. 
 
 For, from all other ends and hopes Fme free, 
 
 Save thofe, which in an honefl. man fliould be. 
 
 If that which profits either I propofe, 
 
 They both (hall gaine, and neither party lofe. 
 
 But, if that harme fhall by my words be done, 
 
 I'le weigh them fo, it fliall be mine alone. 
 
 My cenfure I will give in things, which none 
 
 Have dar'd to paffe a publike Judgement on. 
 
 Come, marke me, you who thinke I now begin 
 
 To tread a path which IJhallJtumble in : 
 
 And, if you fee, what juflly you may check ; 
 
 Trip up my heeles, and make me hreake my necke. 
 
 Although we heed not, or elfe will not fee, 
 Thofe Maladies which daily growing be ; 
 I find (and I do much compaffionate 
 What I behold) a rupture in the State, 
 Of this great Body. Lamed are the Feet ; 
 The Legs that fliould fupport her, fcarcely meet, 
 For that great ft.ru(Sture which upon them Hands, 
 The finews are enfeebled, and, the Hands 
 Vnfit for adtion, deafned are her Eares, 
 And what concernes her raoft., flie hardly heares. 
 
 Her 
 
 453 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 Her Eyes (which are her watchmen) are become 
 Halfe bhnd ; her Tongue is almoft. waxen dumb : 
 It cannot fpeak the truth for her owne wealth : 
 Her Nofe, that fliould dillinguifh, for her health, 
 Twixt things that wholfome, and unwholfome were, 
 Hath loll that faculty : her Pulfes are 
 Vncertaine .• her Digejlion is not good ; 
 And, that hath filled her with tainted Blood: 
 Her Judgement, and her Common-fenfe fo failes. 
 That ftie her felfe perceives not what flie ayles .• 
 Her Spleene is ftopt ; and, thofe obftrudlions make 
 Bad Turnings, which have caufd her Head to ake. 
 And He (alas) is bound about the Crowne 
 With cares, that make him bow his forehead downe. 
 
 Thou art this Body, England; and thy Head 
 Is our dread Sov'raigne. The diftemper bred 
 Betwixt you two, from one of you doth flow ; 
 And which it is, I purpofe here to fliow. 
 Be bold to heare me Readers ; for, in feafon 
 I fpeake ; and here's not fellony, nor treafon. 
 In this that followes ; to have pow'r or aime 
 To touch the Lords Anointed, I difclaime. 
 I have no warrant j neither know I ought, 
 To reprehend him for, although I mought. 
 And, they of my uprightneffe judge amiiTe, 
 Who think I flatter, in afiirming this. 
 For as my Princes faults I may not blaze ; 
 So, I am aHb bound (as there is caufe) 
 To juflifie what vertues I do heare 
 To be in him ; or, fee in him appeare. 
 
 The gen'rall faults of others, mine owne eyes 
 Have feene ; and that's enough to warrantize 
 A generall reproofe : but, never, yet. 
 In him beheld I, what did unbefit 
 
 454 
 
Cant.'j. Remembrancer. 227 
 
 His perfon or his place : much have I feene, 
 That, rather, hath an honor to him beene. 
 And, whatfoe're (hall mutter'd be of fome, 
 There reignes not any King in Chriftendome, 
 Of whom there was divulg'd a better fame ; 
 Or, whom a royall Throne fo well became. 
 
 And, what is lately done, to blot the llory 
 Of his defert ? or to deface his glory ? 
 Or wherewithall can any tongue traduce 
 His adlions, which admitteth not excufe? 
 What if his people have expelled more 
 (From hopes, by them conceived heretofore) 
 Then yet fucceeds ? what can from thence redound 
 To prove his Vertues or his wayes unfound ? 
 Why may not this eflfedl arife from them 
 That fo fufpect, much rather then from him ? 
 As God long fmce unto thofe lewes did fay, 
 (Who judged him unequall in his way) 
 So fay I England; is thy Soifraignes path 
 Vnequall ? or is't rather thine which hath 
 Such indireflneffe? wherefore may not all 
 Which is amiffe, by thine owne fault befall? 
 Why may not (England) a difeafednefle 
 (Occafioned by thy unrighteoufneffe) 
 Make him unpleafing in his courfe to thee, 
 Whom thou haft praifed ? and whofe graces be 
 The fame they were ? thou knoweft many a one. 
 In bodily difeafes, thus hath done. 
 Thofe meats and drinks, that are both fweet & pure, 
 They can nor truly reUilh, nor endure. 
 
 We feklome fee the Bodies torment bred 
 By ought which firfl arifeth in the Head; 
 But, oftentimes we feele both head and eyes 
 Difeafd by fumes which from the Body rife. 
 
 And 
 
 455 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant 7. 
 
 And though downe from the head there may diftill 
 Some humour, otherwhile, which maketh ill 
 The lower parts ; yet, that firft vapor'd from 
 Thofe crudities and noyfome fumes which come 
 From ill digeftion ; or, from lloppages 
 Which are in our inferior paffages. 
 'Tis thus in nat'rall Bodies ; and the like 
 May be obferv'd in Bodies politick. 
 
 The head and body both are evill pleaf d. 
 When any part of either is difeaf 'd : 
 But, their diflempers, worfe or eafier are 
 Suflained, as their firfl. occafions were. 
 When Lungs or Liver doth defective grow 
 By ought within it felfe, it paines not fo 
 The head, as when from thence doth alfo fall 
 Thofe rhewmes and humors, that by tickling (hall 
 Occafion coughs and flrainings, to diftend 
 The paffages, as if each part would rend. 
 Nor is the Stomach fo diflempered, 
 By any hurt or bruife upon the Head, 
 (By its owne fault receiv'd) as when it aketh. 
 Through fiimings, which from parts below it taketh. 
 
 So fares it with a People and their King. 
 Ev'n all their errors, griefes and cares doe bring 
 Vpon each other fo, that what the one 
 Mifdoeth in, doth bring fome fmart upon 
 The other party. But, they Ihall not be 
 Afflicfled with it, both in one degree. 
 For, if the Princes overfight or fin, 
 Of any publike Plague firft caufe hath bin, 
 The greateft mifchiefe will at laft be his. 
 And, if the Subjeils have fo done amiffe. 
 That Vengeance followes it, the King may grieve ; 
 But, they (hall be confumed, I beleeve : 
 
 And 
 
 456 
 
Canfj. Remembrancer. 228 
 
 And, that for each ones perfonall defe6l 
 The greatefl, harme will on himfelfe refledl : 
 
 What then to be performed is remaining, 
 But, that we leave repining, and complaining 
 On one another, and our labours bend. 
 Our felves, as much as may be, to amend ? 
 Let ev'ry one examine well his way. 
 And, for himfelfe, and for all others pray. 
 For, this is far more likely to redreffe 
 The prefent mifchiefes, then our frowardneffe. 
 The party that hath innocency, fhall 
 Be fure to fland, though all about him fall. 
 And, if we all perverfly wicked prove. 
 We (hall have all, one judgement from above. 
 
 If in thy King (oh Britaine) ought amiffe 
 Appeares to be ; 'twixt God and him it is. 
 Of him he (hall be judged. What to thee 
 Pertaineth it, his cenfurer to be ? 
 If thou (halt fuffer with him ; thy offence 
 Deferv'd it ; and nought elfe but penitence 
 Becomes thy pradlice ; neither (hall there ought 
 That's wrong, by other meanes, to right be brought. 
 
 Thy generall voice, but newly, did confeffe 
 In him much vertue, and much hopefulneffe ; 
 And, he fo late alTum'd his Diadem, 
 That there hath fcarce beene time enough for him 
 Thofe evils to performe, that may inferre 
 A generall mifchiefe. Neither, do I heare 
 Of ought, as yet, which thou to him canft lay. 
 But that he doth to thee thy will denay. 
 Or with a gentle (loutneffe claime, and drive. 
 For what he thinks his jud Prerogative. 
 
 And why, I prethee, may not all this flow 
 From fome corruptions which in thee do grow 
 
 V Without 
 
 3 »' '157 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 Without his fault ? why may not, for thy crimes 
 Some inftruments of Sathan, in thefe times, 
 Be fuffred to obfcure from him awhile 
 The truth of things ? and his beleefe beguile, 
 With vert'uos fhowes, difcreet and good pretences, 
 To plague and punifh thee for thy offences ? 
 Why may not God (and juftly too) permit 
 Some Sycophant, or cunning hypocrite, 
 For thy hypocrifies, to fteale away 
 His heart from thee ? and goodly colours lay 
 On Projelb which may caufe him to undo thee, 
 And think that he no wrong hath done unto thee ? 
 Nay, wherefore may not fome thy King advife 
 To that which feeras to wrong thy liberties. 
 Yet in themfelves be honefl men, and jufl, 
 Who have abufed been by thofe they trull ? 
 Thy wickedneffe deferves it : and that he 
 Who in himfelfe is good, Ihould bring to thee 
 No profit by his goodneife, but augment 
 Thy forrowes, till thy follies thou repent ? 
 For, what is in it felfe from evill free. 
 Is evill made, to thofe that evill be. 
 Why may it not be poffible, that thou 
 Demandedfl. what he might not well allow 
 Without difhonor. Or, if all were right 
 Which thou requiredfl. ; yet the manner might 
 Diftafl him ? Or, who certaine is, but fome 
 (Pretending publike grievances) might come 
 With private fpleene and malice, to purfue 
 Thofe faults in others, which their confcience knew 
 That they themfelves were guilty of; and had 
 No peace with God by true repentance made i 
 If fo it were, I doe admire the leffe 
 That thy petitions had an ill fucceffe. 
 
 If 
 
 458 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 229 
 
 If any fingle man hath ought mifdone, 
 It is ib little while fince he begun 
 His being to receive ; that, in refpedl 
 Of thine, his errors could fmall harme eifedt. 
 But, thou hail heap'd up fin for many yeares \ 
 And, thy exceeding guiltineffe appeares. 
 With fo much evidence, that ev'iy man 
 Of fome particular faults 'accufe'thee can ; 
 And, openly reprove thee, to thy face, 
 For evils, done in ev'ry time, and place. 
 
 Then, blame not him, if God hath falfifi'd 
 Some hopes of late, or to thy griefe denide 
 That reformation, which thou didll require ; 
 And added (in the flead of thy defire) 
 New grievances. Nor too too bitterly 
 Purfue thofe errors of infirmity, 
 Which were by others, heretoforelcommitted : 
 But, let all paft offences he remitted. 
 If thou perceive but hope of reformation, 
 Goe off up to God, for thy Oblation, 
 A true forgiveneffe of their injuries. 
 Who heretofore have wrong'd thy Liberties. 
 And, do not this in policy (altho 
 The times now prefent may require it fo :) 
 But, fo forgive, as by the God of heaven 
 Thou doft. defire thy fins may be forgiven .■ 
 For, by thy faults, difhonor'd more is he, 
 Then thou by theirs that have offended thee. 
 And if to them thou true compaffion fliowefl, 
 God will not urge, perhaps, the debt thou oweft. 
 
 Of Reformation thou doft fhow great zeale ; 
 But, fome corruption maift thou not conceale 
 That mars the bleffing ? Art thou fure thou haft 
 No juft occafion given to diftaft 
 
 " V 2 Thy 
 
 459 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 Thy King 7 Doe thy complainings all, intend 
 The publike welfare, without private end ? 
 And, in preferring them, didfl. thou commit 
 No errors ; nor no decencies forget ? 
 I will not fay thou didft. ; but I do feare, 
 That they who wifefl are, in fome things erre. 
 Forgive me thou high Court of Parliament, 
 If I (hall utter what will difcontent 
 Thy difunited members, who have fate 
 In former times, grave matters to debate. 
 For, though I will not arrogate the wit 
 To teach fo great a Counfell what is fit ; 
 Nor cenfure any A£l which thou haft done. 
 When all thy parts have joyned been in one. 
 Yet I will take upon me to reprove 
 Their private errors who in courfes move 
 Repugnant to thy luJUce ; and oft be 
 The caufe of much diflionor unto thee. 
 For, none (thogh thou art wife) can wrog thee ought 
 To think, that thou haft members may be taught. 
 And, as in pitched Battels, when by-ftanders 
 Do apprehend miftakings in Commanders, 
 (As oft they do) 'twere better they (hould fay 
 What they obferve, then let them lofe the day .• 
 So alfo (though I may be thought too bold) 
 'Twere fitter my experience fhould be told. 
 Then that a publike mifchiefe fhould enfue. 
 And I, in times to come, my filence rue. 
 For, fome (no doubt) will well approve the fame, 
 Though other fome will think I was to blame : 
 Yea, that which I will fpeak fhall help, perchance, 
 (In times to come) thine honour to advance : 
 For, I will fpeak no more then what is due, 
 And, what my Confcience bids my Pen to fhew. 
 
 Thoti 
 
 460 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 230 
 
 Thou art an honor'd Counfell : but upon thee 
 Such blots are call, and fo much wrong is done thee, 
 (By fome, who fcarcely nat'rall members be) 
 That, as this Kingdome reprefents in thee 
 Her Body ; fo, thou dofl. become hkewife 
 A reprefentment of her Vanities. 
 Yea, when at firft, to be, thou dofl begin. 
 Thou art conceived, and made up in fm. 
 For, to thy Ifoufe of Commons, whither none 
 Thou fliouldll admit, excepting, fuch a one 
 Whpfe life or knowledge that refpedl may draw, 
 Which doth become the Maker of a Law ; 
 Too oft elected are, in Head of thofe. 
 The rich, and them that make the greateft. (howes 
 Of youthfull gallantry ; and, otherwhile, 
 The very'ft. humorifts of all this Ik. 
 
 Wlien choice was of thy Members to be made, 
 Their entrances, but little figne have had 
 Of profperous ends ; for, they that (hould have pad 
 A free elellion, have their voices caft. 
 By force, conllraint, or for fome by-refpedt. 
 On thofe, whom others, for their ends ele(3:. 
 
 There be in Court, and bordring round about 
 Thy Burroughs, many wifer men, no doubt. 
 Then fome that in Eleilions have their voice ; 
 And, by their ayd, there is fometime a choice 
 Of good and able men : yet, befl. it were, 
 That all men left to their jull freedomes were. 
 For, they to whom the Providence of heaven, 
 The right of chufing Burgeffes hath given ; 
 Are alfo by ^■i.t providence (how wife 
 Or foolifti e're they feeme in others eyes) 
 In making of their choices fo diredled. 
 As befl. may ferve to make his will effedted. 
 
 V 3 And, 
 
 4O1 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 And, though the fame fliall juft as well be done 
 By meanes of them who lawleffe courfes run, 
 Yet, not for their advantage, to the beft, 
 Who from their proper motions fuch things wreft. 
 
 Why did the King from his Prerogative, 
 To any place a privUedge derive, 
 But, that they might enjoy them ? And, I pray, 
 What confcience tyes the People to obey 
 Thofe Lawes or Ads, in Parlament concluded, 
 By thofe that have by force or fraud intruded / 
 
 What reafon is it that a ftranger fliould 
 Entreat me to commit my befl. Freehold, 
 To be difpof'd of, by fome one, whom he 
 Shall (for I know not what) commend to me ? 
 What man but he that modefly doth want, 
 Can be fo impudently arrogant. 
 To fue by friends, or letters, place to take 
 In fuch a Counfelli yea, and Lawes to make? 
 As if, becaufe he hath a little pelfe, 
 He therefore might fome Solon think himfelfe, 
 Or fome Licurgus ? Or, as if he thought 
 The Common-wealth would furely come to nought, 
 Vnleffe his knowledge, or his vertues, were 
 Elected, to be exercifed there. 
 Whereas (God knowes) too many do afpire 
 To fuch employments, either through deiire 
 To fliew their wits ; to gaine fome vaine repute, 
 Themfelves, or friends to further in fome fute ; 
 To keep off Creditors ; or elfe, perchance, 
 To entertaine their curious ignorance 
 With myfteries of State. Beleeve it, thofe 
 Whofe modefly forbids them to expofe 
 Themfelves to be ele(fled, I think far 
 More apt for fuch employments then they are 
 
 That 
 
 462 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 231 
 
 That feeke them : and 'tis fitted that in all 
 
 Such places, men fliould fit till they do call 
 
 (Of their owne will) to whom the choice pertaines. 
 
 For, thofe God fends ; and unto them he daignes 
 
 Fit graces for the worke. The other, haft 
 
 (Mov'd by their owne ambition) to be plac'd 
 
 In that great Counfell, with a mind corrupt; 
 
 Which doth difhonor oft, and interrupt 
 
 Their beft proceedings. And fi-om hence it is, 
 
 So many things among us are amiffe. 
 
 Hence is it, fo much time is fpent about 
 
 The fearching of undue elections out. 
 
 Hence is it, that in ftead of perfons grave. 
 
 Such numbers of our Burgeffes we have 
 
 In thofe Affemblies, who come ruffling in 
 
 With habits which have far more fitting bin 
 
 For Theaters ; then for the reverent 
 
 And facred prefence of a Parliament. 
 
 Thence is it that fo many Children are 
 
 Elefted to have place and voices there ; 
 
 Yea, chofen Counfellers, when hardly pafl 
 
 Their Tutors rod : beleeve me, this is haft. 
 
 Although it might excufed be, if fome 
 Youngmen (hould thither for experience come : 
 It is not toUerable, natheleffe. 
 That many ftiould admitted be : much lelfe 
 Thofe nonage Youths, to whom our I^awes deny 
 A pow'r in things that fmaller truft imply. 
 
 Hence is it that fometime the very noifes 
 Aiifing from the multitude of voices, 
 Foiles Reafon. This maintaineth dXiofaflions, 
 And makes in plain eft matters great diftra6lions. 
 This, to thofe meetings much difturbance brings, 
 And doth occafion many foolifh things. 
 
 V 4 Thence 
 
 463 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 Thence is it, alfo, we admit of thofe, 
 In making Lawes, who either do oppofe 
 Proceedings legall ; or, prote(5lions give 
 To them that in contempt as Outlawes live. 
 
 I hold it not amiffe, that they who fpend 
 Their time the pubUke buf'neffe to attend, 
 Should have their fervants from areftings free, 
 Whilfl. they themfelves in thofe employments be ; 
 Nor is it worthy blame, if they protedt 
 Poore Debtors, who endeavoring to effedt 
 Their Creditors contents (as they are able) 
 And ufmg time (in courfes warrantable) 
 For fuch a purpofe ; or elfe to prefer 
 Complaints againft fome vile extortioner .■ 
 Or to fuch ends. But, when they doe by dozens 
 (To ^yi'vy prodigall, that cheats and cozens) 
 Vouchfafe proteilions : yea, to thofe that are 
 Meere ftrangers too, it worth reproving were : 
 And, them who do it, I fuppofe unfit 
 In places of Lawgivers there to fit. 
 
 Moreover, an Election out of order, 
 Doth other inconvenient matters further. 
 Not mention'd yet The party that is chofe 
 By fuit, or ill-got favour, feldome goes 
 Againft his Chufers, if it chance that ought 
 In oppofition unto them be brought : 
 Whereas, in fuch a cafe, each man is bound 
 To be as if new rifen from the ground. 
 He fliould not know his father, nor the fon 
 Of his owne body : no nor any one 
 Of all his neere acquaintance, or his kin ; 
 Nor any that his friend or foe hath bin. 
 But, fixe his eye upon the caufe alone, 
 And, do as that requireth to be done. 
 
 Had 
 
 464 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 232 
 
 Had this beene praftif'd, many a good conclufion 
 Had follow'd more then did. Yea, much confufion, 
 Much needleffe cofl. and pains, had beene prevented ; 
 And, many had not gone fo difcon tented (grieved, 
 To their owne homes, when they with hearts o're- 
 Befought the Parliament, to be reUeved. 
 
 For, if their caufes (which but right had bin) 
 Their trials had receiVd, as they came in ; 
 If no man might, by favour of a friend, 
 Prefer new fuits, before all thofe have end 
 Which entred are before ; poore Suiters might 
 Have hope of fooner compafling their right. 
 Yea, fpare much cofl, and many months attending, 
 To bring their endleffe buf 'neffe to an ending. 
 For then, what day, or week, or month, at leafl, 
 They fhould be heard, it partly might be guefl. 
 
 But private friendfliip fhowne at fuch a feafon, 
 To work meere private ends, oppofeth reafon. 
 It doth put off and on ; and fo employ 
 One friend, anothers friendfhip to deflroy, 
 (And, fo delayeth him in his juft fuit, 
 Who is of fuch acquaintance deflitute) 
 That, many a one whofe caufe deferv'd regard. 
 Is quite undone, before he can be heard. 
 
 For, to attend three Sefflons in a row, 
 With Lawyers often feed, the caufe to fliow, 
 (Perhaps a hundred miles, or two, from home, 
 With witneffes which on his charge do come 
 As far as he) may make a rich man poore. 
 And homeward, begge his bread from doore to doore. 
 
 There alfo were (and they who came unfent, 
 Are Ukely to be they that now are meant) 
 Vnwife and undifcreet ones, mixt among 
 Our Parliaments, who did thofe meetings wrong, 
 
 V5 By 
 
 3'« 465 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 By controverting of religion there, 
 And moving queftions that improper are 
 To that Affembly. For, there is provided 
 A Synode, wherein ought to be decided 
 Such matters ; and what they determine (hall, 
 The Parliament may ratifie : and call. 
 And cenfure thofe who either (hall proceed 
 To croffe or vilifie what is decreed. 
 
 But, we may blufh to fee, how much amiffe 
 Some flretch the Parliamentall pow'r in this. 
 How, they do caufe the weake offence to take ; 
 And fay our Parliaments Religions make ; 
 How much the due proceedings hindred are, 
 By fpending time in fuch like matters, there, 
 To that high Courts diflurbance ; and how much 
 The Common-wealth is damnifi'd by fuch 
 Impertinent and over-bufie wits. 
 Who know not what the Parliament befits. 
 And what the Synod. But, miflake not me, 
 I doe not thinke the Parliament (hould be 
 Reftrained fo, as not to Ihew her care 
 That true Religion be maintained here. 
 Far be it from my heart : I wilh they Ihould 
 Religion to their utmofl, pow'r uphold : 
 But my defire is alfo, that they further 
 The Church affaires, in their owne place and order : 
 And that they would be pleaf'd (as hitherto 
 They gravely were accuflomed to doe) 
 To check their bufie Novices, who breed 
 Much fcandall, when unwifely they proceed. 
 
 For, though fome threaten fearfull things to thofe 
 Who dare a Parliamentall pow'r enclofe 
 Within a Bound: yea, though fome talking things 
 Prate, as if they might make and unmake Kings-, 
 
 Coine 
 
 466 
 
Cant-T. Remembrancer. 233 
 
 Coine new Religions ; yea, and Gods, for need ; 
 Yet, I fhall never entertaine their creed, 
 Nor feare, when good occafion I have got, 
 To fay what may be done, or what may not 
 For, they who make that pow'r or more or leffe 
 Then ought to be, doe equally tranfgreffe. 
 
 This, many Metnbers, at fome former fitting, 
 Not heeding, or elfe overmuch forgetting, 
 Have fcandaliz'd that Meeting ; and made bold 
 To run a great way further then they (hould 
 In their difcourfe (if not when they have fate, 
 Where they did matters publikely debate. 
 
 Yea, 'tis the property of mofl. of thofe. 
 Who by their owne procurement have beene chofe 
 For Knights or Burgeffes, to ftand it out 
 More boldly and more obflinately flout, 
 For fome fond cuflome, then for what befitteth 
 His lujh'ce who in fuch a Counfell fitteth. 
 
 Of thefe they be, whofe indifcretions bring 
 So many difcontentments to the King, 
 Through want of more experience, or found reafon ; 
 Or by their urging matters out of feafon : 
 And, fuch as thefe you eafily may know 
 From wifer men. For, thus themfelves they fliow. 
 
 If while a Sefflon lafteth you fhall chance 
 To meet them, where themfelves they do advance 
 In fome difcourfe ) affure your felves ye may. 
 By their perpetuall tatling, which are they. 
 For, they ingroffe the talke, where e're they come. 
 And fpeak, as if their lips nought flowed from 
 But Apothegmes ; or as if each caufe 
 They undertook, fhould paffe amongfl the Lawes: 
 And, what another fayes they'll fo condemne. 
 As if a whole Committee fpake in them. 
 
 In 
 
 467 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 In my poore judgement it doth much conceme 
 Our Parliaments, that thofe their members learne 
 More filence ; for, no fooner come they out, 
 But ev'iywhere they prate, and fpread about 
 The fecrets of the JEToufe ; and blaft them fo 
 By their rank breathings, e're they ripe can grow, 
 That oft they perifli, or are fhaken from 
 The tree, before the gathering time is come. 
 
 In this, our Feeres I have not quite excufed j 
 Nor faid, that no ill cuftomes they have ufed 
 In this great Meeting : For, the beft have fome 
 Blameworthy things (no doubt) if all fliould come 
 To bide the cenfure : and, among the reft. 
 The voice by Proxi, hold I not the leall. 
 For, unto me, it doth unfit appeare. 
 To give my voice, untill the caufe I heare. 
 
 Who knowes the hearts of other men fo well, 
 Or, of their judgements, who the depth can tell, 
 So pundtually, that (whatfoever fhall 
 Propofed be) he trufl. them fhould in all ? 
 Our owne affaires (though wifdome fayeth nay) 
 To other men we abfolutely may 
 Refer to be determin'd on : but, that 
 Which doth concerne the generall eflate, 
 It were injuftice, and a thing unfit. 
 To others, at adventure, to commit. 
 For, mod Selfe-lovers are; and we do know, 
 That many publike injuries may flow 
 From this one root ; I will not fay they do, 
 Although I think I might affirme that too. 
 
 This Cujhme feemeth ancient .• and (if told 
 The truth may be) as evill as tis old : 
 And, from what caufe fo'ere it firft. did flow, 
 It was not from the firft beginning fo. 
 
 Nor 
 
 468 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 234 
 
 Nor, fliould o\&. fre/ldents (growne out of feafon) 
 Be follow'd, for their age, by men of reafon : 
 Nor will this cuflome lafl, perchance, when they 
 Who may remove it, well the fame fliall weigh. 
 For, I perceive it ufeful to no end. 
 But indiredl proceedings to befriend. 
 And, they whofe courfes are moft. indire6l. 
 Are they that will fuch Cujlomes mofl protedi. 
 
 If this, and other errors yet unnamed, 
 Had well beene heeded : fome had more bin blamed. 
 Some leffe, fome highly praifed, who have feemed 
 Vnadlive Members, and been difefleemed. 
 Yea, thou hafl. felt mofl grievances amended 
 E're this ; and many troubles had beene ended. 
 
 But now (what faults foe're concurring be 
 In others) thofe defeats that were in thee 
 Oh ! England, were fufhcient to procure 
 Thofe perturbations thou dofl. yet endure. 
 
 Thy over-foone forgetfulneife of that 
 Great Fejiilence, afflidling thee of late ; 
 Thy thankleffeneffe for Gods admired ceafing 
 That ftrong contagion/ and the new increafing 
 Of thy tranfgreffions, fmce his mercy daigned ; 
 Deferveth more then thou hafl. yet fuflained. 
 Yea, that which thou wert overfeene in there, 
 Where thy Affemblies congregated were 
 To rectifie thy felfe ; ev'n that, alas ! 
 Sufficient to deferve thefe troubles was. 
 
 And therefore, whenfoe're thy Soveraigne fliall 
 Be pleafed for thy helpe againe to call 
 In fuch a publike Meeting ; let, in God, 
 Thy Knights and Burgeffes (now fpread abroad) 
 CoUedled be : and, let not any from 
 Thy Burroughes^ by undue eledlion come. 
 
 Let 
 
 469 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 Let Lords and Ladies letters, to fuch ends 
 Move none ; but, only, witneffe who are friends 
 To bafe corruption. Let their fuits be fcorn'd, 
 And, no refpecfl unto them be retum'd. 
 
 Let ev'ry one of thofe that fliall be fent 
 To reprefent thy Body ; reprefent 
 Thy true repentance. Let them lay afide 
 Prejudicate opinions, fadlion, pride ; 
 And (to their utmofl) in themfelves reftraine, 
 All thofe enormities which they retaine : 
 That, felting to their owne defires, a law, 
 They may the more enabled be to draw 
 A Rule for others. Let all they that come 
 To ferve the Publike, leave fuch thoughts at home 
 As meerly private are : for, in them lurks 
 An enmitie to all good publike works. 
 
 Let none propofe in fuch a Congregation, 
 What is not firft prepar'd by confultation, 
 For otherwhile, their precious hours are fpent 
 About a needleffe trifling argument : 
 And, oft, from matters of lead moment fpring 
 Thoie difagreeings which great harme do bring. 
 
 What their forefathers unto them did leave. 
 Let them not fuflfer any to bereave 
 Their children of. For, they may that deny 
 Ev'n to their King ; provided, loyally 
 They do it, in refifl-ing his demands 
 By legall Pleadings ; not by force of hands. 
 
 It is as Naboths Vineyard ; and, to live 
 He merits not, who doth repine to give 
 His life to fave it : yea, accurfl is he 
 That would not zealous in thofe caufes be. 
 
 Let them, therefore, their ancient rights maintain. 
 By all jufl. meanes : and let them yeeld againe. 
 
 The 
 
 470 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 235 
 
 The royall dues. For, thofe things profper not, 
 Which are, amiffe, from God, or Cefar got 
 All wrongs fhall be revenged : but none brings 
 Such vengeance, as the wrong to God, and Kings. 
 If but in word alone (nay, but in thought) 
 We have againfl our Prince committed ought 
 Which is difloyall, hid it fliall not lye. 
 But, be revealed by a winged fpy. 
 
 Let therefore, all juft freedomes of the Land, 
 That can be proved, forth in publike Hand j 
 And not in old Records (halfe fmother'd lye) 
 In danger to be loll by cafualty ; 
 Or elfe embezel'd ; or, by wormes and duft 
 To be devoured ; or, by thofe we truft. 
 Let us not whifper them, as men that feare 
 The claiming of their due, high treafon were. 
 Nor let us (as we doe) in comers prate. 
 As if the Sov'raigne power, or the State 
 Encroacht injurioufly; and fo defame 
 The government : difgrace the royall Name ; 
 And nourifh, by degrees, an evill fpirit. 
 That us of all our peace will difmherit. 
 But, let us, if we fee our ancient right 
 Infringed ; bring our grievances to light, 
 Speak loyally, and orderly, and plain e, 
 Thofe things which for our owne we can maintaine : 
 So, Kings the truth perceiving ; and their ends 
 Who did abufe their truft., will make amends 
 For all our fuffrings : give our foes their doome ; 
 And make us more fecure for times to come. 
 
 But, bring not, when ye come to plead with Kings, 
 (Againfl their claimes) fome bare conjedlurings : 
 For, what thou haft no certaine evidence 
 To be thy right : the right is in the Prince. 
 
 It 
 
 471 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 7. 
 
 It is a royalty, to Monarks due, 
 
 But, if for any Freedome ye can fliew 
 
 A Imw enadted ; or a Cujiome old, 
 
 Or Prefidents, that have not beene controld 
 
 (As often as produced) ye may lay 
 
 Your claime ; and keep it, ev'ry lawfuU way. 
 
 Each Prefident, and every Demand 
 
 Which doth from time to time oppofed fland, 
 
 Concludeth nothing. This, let each man heed. 
 
 And with a confcionable awe proceed 
 
 In fuch affaires. Let pure humility, 
 
 True piety, true love, and charity. 
 
 Be brought along. And, when all thefe ye bring, 
 
 Then goe with loyalty and meet your King, 
 
 In his and your aifaires without miftruft. : 
 
 And then (as certainly as God is juft) 
 
 In ev'ry due requefl ye fhall prevaile. 
 
 Or, gaine fome great advantage, if ye faile. 
 
 Defire of God to teach and guide you fo. 
 That in this narrow path you ftraight may go. 
 If you would have a King be juft to you, 
 Be ye upright, and to his honor true. 
 Yeeld firft to him, in ev'ry fit demand, 
 And, long capitulating do not ftand. 
 On what you may determinate with fpeed, 
 Becaufe perhaps, delay may danger breed. 
 Afford him his requefts, unto your pow'rs ; 
 Be his the fault, if he denieth yours ; 
 Or if mifcounfelled he fliall require 
 What fliall his weale oppugne, or your defire. 
 
 Goe caft yourfelves before him with fubmiffion ; 
 Prefent him with petition on petition. 
 With one accord, and with a fearleffe face, 
 Informe him how much hindrance^ or difgrace, 
 
 Or 
 
 472 
 
Cant.j. Remembrancer. 236 
 
 Or danger to the Land there may accrue, 
 If He your loyal counfell Ihall efchew. 
 For, God becaufe his lawes we difobey, 
 Vs at our Soveraignes feet doth mean to lay, 
 To humble us awhile. If we repent. 
 To all our loyall fuits he will affent : 
 If otherwife ; God will give up this Land, 
 Our Uves and freedomes all into his hand. 
 
 Go offer, while to offer you are free ; 
 And what you give him, Q\.al\ peace-offrings be ; 
 If that for which atonement you provide, 
 With love and penitence be fandlifide. 
 The world againfl. our State doth now confpire 
 Intefline dangers, alfo, doe require 
 That we in coacord Ihould united be. 
 And to fupply the Kingdomes wants agree. 
 Left while we flrive, and fondly froward grow. 
 We be furprifed by our common foe. 
 Vnwife is he that in a dangerous place 
 Doth ftay to wafli a fpot out of his face, 
 When Outlauues he approaching heares, that may 
 His body wound, or take his head away. 
 
 If I fhould heare a Lyon neare me roare, 
 I'de arme myfelfe, though I with wounds were fore, 
 And what I had not leafure then to cure. 
 Would feeke to heale, when I of life were fure. 
 In times of trouble all muft look for croifes ; 
 And they muft beare, who cannot fliift their loffes. 
 There may be fmart by what we fuffer (hall ; 
 But, better fmart, then not to be at all. 
 When I do think a blow my head may harme, 
 I'le ward it off although it break mine arme ; 
 For, though my arme be loft, yet I may live ; 
 But, on my head, a blow my death may give. 
 
 I 
 
 3 473 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 I am not fo befotted, as to think, 
 We ought to give the wanton pallat drink, 
 Vntill the head be giddy, (left it may- 
 Bring all the body headlong to decay) 
 Nor praife I them that are fo over-wife, 
 To fpare what fhall be needful! to fuffife 
 The gen'rall want (although to needleffe ends, 
 Some private hand, the publike wealth difpends) 
 This, only, is the fcope of my petition, 
 That all be done with love, and with difcretion. 
 
 For, we muft underftand, that many things 
 Which are not juft in us, are juft in Kings; 
 And, that it is a kind of trait'roufneffe. 
 To give them more then due, as well as leffe. 
 
 They, who deny the King free pow'r to do 
 What his Republik es weale conduceth to, 
 •Becaufe fome Law gainfayes ; ev'n thofe deprive 
 Their Sov'raigne of a due prerogative ; 
 Since, for the common good, it juft may be, 
 That fome injuftice may be done to me. 
 Or any few. Moreover, men that fay 
 Kings may do more, then of true right they may. 
 And that no law doth bound them ; make a King 
 And him that is a Tyrant, all one thing. 
 In my opinion, thefe men are like thofe 
 Who in fweet meats, a poifon do enclofe 
 That kils a twelvemonths after. Tis as tho 
 We fliould afBrme, that God may evill do 
 If fo he pleafe. It is a neeleffe pow'r 
 That ferves for nothing, but to help devoure 
 The owner. Yea, it is as if we ftiould 
 Prepare our friend all inftruments we could, 
 Wherewith if he fliould fick, or foolifti grow. 
 He might have meanes himfelfe to overthrow. 
 
 And 
 
 474 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 237 
 
 And they who to thetnfelves this pow'r do take, 
 Do filken halters, and gilt ponyards make 
 For their owne throats : or, iV^n»like to kill 
 Themfelves, with poifons, golden viols fill. 
 For, though a righteous King will never ftray 
 From what is jufl. (though none with-hold him may) 
 Becaufe he to himfelfe becomes a Law ; 
 Yet, vicious Princes, thence, occafion draw 
 To perpetrate that Ail which them deprives. 
 Of kingdomes, lives, and all prerogatives. 
 And they that were as wife as Solomon, 
 Or as vpright as David, being gone, 
 May leave a fon or grandchild, as did they 
 Whofe wilfulneffe ftiall cafl ten Tribes away. 
 And, then, their trait'rous counfell curfe he will. 
 Who told him, he had pow'r of doing ill. 
 
 For, though fuch Counfellors may think they doe 
 Their Sov'raignes honor, and much pleafure too. 
 In over-flraining their Prerogatives ; 
 Yet are they to their Honor, States, and Lives, 
 Egregious traitors ; fmce a plot they lay, 
 Whereby their Princes fliall themfelves betray 
 To their owne follies (if they vicious grow) 
 Yea, by this meanes they lend a poif'ned blow 
 To King, and Realme ; which while the traitors live, 
 Will eafe to fome Impojlume feeme to give. 
 Or cure a wart, upon the body bred. 
 And, fefter to the heart when they are dead. 
 
 Abhor ye thefe ; and do not favour thofe 
 That would their King more narrowly enclofe 
 Then (hall be honorable, or befits 
 His Majefty that as God's Viceroy fits. 
 When he compelled by neceflities, 
 Requireth of his people due fupplies. 
 
 They 
 
 47 5 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 They muft be had : although fome overfight, 
 Forepaft, may make it feeme to wrong the right 
 And freedomes of the ILand We are not bound 
 To keep a Privikdge, that fliall confound 
 Both us and all our Liberties. They have 
 No blame, that yeeld up what they cannot fave 
 Without a greater loffe : nay, wife is he 
 That ferves one day, to be for ever free. 
 
 Your Wifdomes may, at eafe, a courfe invent 
 To pleafe the King, yet make t\o preftdent 
 To future times, from whence there ftiall arife 
 Infringement of our lawfuU Liberties ; 
 Or to our Caufe reproach : and, to be taught 
 You need not, if together you were brought, 
 According to the freedome of eledtion : 
 For, no man then would neede my poore diredlion. 
 But, there fliall Hill be fome that will intrude. 
 And I for their inftrudlion, am thus rude. 
 
 Some cry, T^e Land is poore, and cannot give. 
 Tis poore indeed .• and yet T do beleeve 
 Few Kingdomes are fo rich. Tis poore become, 
 Refpedling that innumerble fum 
 Of our arrear'd Repentance, yet unpaid. 
 Tis poore, if all our vertue ihould be weigh'd 
 With what is wanting : or, if we compare 
 Our Worthies, living now, with fuch as were. 
 Tis poore, if we on thofe refledl our eyes. 
 On whom the labour of this Kingdome lies : 
 Thofe people, whom our great and wealthy ones 
 Have rackt, oppreft, and eaten to the bones. 
 To fatten and adome their carkaffes ; 
 The Land (I mufl. confeffe) is poore in thefe. 
 Nay, if we ftiould confider, what a rate 
 The richer fort among us liveth at ; 
 
 How 
 
 476 
 
Catit. 7. Remembrancer. 238 
 
 How many needleffe wayes they do enlarge 
 (Without all temperance) their yearly charge : 
 And how each one his humour to enjoy, 
 Doth emulate his friend in eVry toy. 
 
 Or, were it heeded well, how out of meafure 
 Some waft their fortunes on a wicked pleafure ; 
 Ev'n (otherwhile) for that which for a bubble 
 Of Mirth, doth bring them halfe an ages trouble : 
 Or, were it well obferv'd what beggeries. 
 What (hifts, what bafeneffe, what neceffities. 
 This brings on thofe that richeft men are thought : 
 What collly fuits and troubles it hath brought ; 
 And how indebted and ingag'd they ftand 
 To one another quite throughout the Land. 
 Thefe things, I fay, confider'd, well we may 
 AfRrme this Realme is beggerly : and fay 
 The rich are poore. But, he this lie belies 
 Who taxeth it of other poverties. 
 Yea, he or blinded is, or maketh leffs 
 (To Gods diflionor) out of wilfulneife. 
 His matchleffe bounty. What one Kingdome, yeelds 
 Through Europe, in barnes, granards, flails, and fields, 
 Of Cattell and of Come, in ev'ry kind, 
 More plenty, then among us, yet we find ? 
 Where do their Gardens or their Orchards beare,. 
 More fruits, for food or phyfick then are here? 
 Our Sheep, fine wools enough afford us do. 
 To cloath ourfelves, and other nations too. 
 And by their golden fleeces, bring in fums 
 As large, as any that from India comes. 
 Our Bees do gather honey from our flowers ; 
 Our Meads are fruitfull by our Aprill fliowers. 
 Within the Land rich Minerals do lie ; 
 Our Ayre hath Fowle, in great variety. 
 
 In 
 
 477 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 In ftately Pallaces, we doe "abound ; 
 
 With many Townes, our hills and dales are crown'd : 
 
 In woods, and groves, this Kingdome hath excelled, 
 
 (And fome yet ftand though moft of the are felled) 
 
 Faire Ports we have, fweet Rivers, and the Seas 
 
 Surrounding us ; and wealth comes in by thefe. 
 
 Our fruitfuU waters fifh enough doth yeeld 
 
 To feed us, though we had nor Grove, nor Field. 
 
 Yea, did we riot leffe, and labour more. 
 
 Our Fifh alone, would feed us all at (hore. 
 
 If yet, this Kingdome needy feeme to be, 
 Goe looke upon her Cities, and there fee 
 And marke, their coflly Piles, their precious wares. 
 What choice, and flore of rarities appeares 
 Within their Magazines. Obferve their (late ; 
 Their clothes, their jewels, furniture and plate ; 
 And tell me, if they doe not fignifie 
 That there is farre more Pride, then Poverty. 
 Gold, filver, pearles and diamonds doe glare 
 And glitter in your eye-fight, ev'ry where. 
 Himfelfe difgrac'd the meanefl Cobler thinks, 
 Vnleffe his Beere and Wine in Plate he drinkes. 
 And eates in filver. Yea, the pooreft ones 
 Mull of that mettal have their bowles or fpoones : 
 On every thing, almoft, pure gold is fpilt. 
 The meaneft inftruments are hatcht, or gilt. 
 Their Servants, in their garments are as gay, 
 As if that all the weeke were Holy day. 
 Their FeaJUngs are abundant, and their pleafure. 
 Maintained is not, with a little Treafure. 
 
 But, Cities are the Treafuries you'll fay, 
 Wherein the Kingdomes riches up we lay 
 Survey the Country then, and tell me where 
 The ruflicke villages replenifht are 
 
 With 
 
 478 
 
Cant.y. Remembrancer. 239 
 
 With fuch faire booties. Other Kingdomes have 
 
 Their Cities, peradventure rich and brave ; 
 
 But in their fcattred Villages, we fee 
 
 That few or none, fave Peafants dwelling be, 
 
 PoffefGng nor good houfe, nor houfliold ftuffe, 
 
 Nor comely Clothes, nor wholefome food enough. 
 
 Our Farmes are flor'd with ufefuU implements 
 
 Enough to purchafe all the tenements. 
 
 And Lands in many forraigne Realms, that are 
 
 As large as this our Country doth appeare. 
 
 Of yron, and of braffe enough have we 
 
 To buy their gold. Our pewter fhould not be 
 
 Exchanged for their filver ; if all were 
 
 Summ'd up, that's found with ev'ry Cottager : 
 
 Nay, there be many houfes in this Land 
 
 That in remote obfcurity doe ftand. 
 
 Which to the Foe would yeeld a richer prize 
 
 Then many Townftiips which they might furprize 
 
 On other fliores : And yet, feme doe not fhame 
 
 With poverty, this Hand to defame, 
 
 WAR threatens us ; and we of want complaine, 
 Not knowing how our fafeties to maintaine : 
 Yet we doe nothing want that may conduce 
 In warre or peace, to ferve a needfuU ufe. 
 Armes, vidlualls, men, and money we have ftore ; 
 Yet, ftill, we falfly cry that we are poore. 
 We are fo greedy, that we will not fpare. 
 To fave the hogge, one farthing worth of tarre. 
 Gods bleffmgs we fo long time have abufed 
 That now we know not how they fhould be ufed. 
 Or elfe we Ihinke each other fo unjuft. 
 That no man knows with whom the meanes to trull. 
 
 Oh ! pray to God, to take away the caufe 
 Of thefe diftempers ; and to breake the Maze 
 
 In 
 
 479 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 7. 
 
 In which we wander. For, hke thofe we fare, 
 
 Who fitting at a banquet, ilarved are. 
 
 If we had peace with God, and could agree, 
 
 This Kingdome which fo needy feemes to be, 
 
 Might with her fuperfluities maintaine 
 
 Far greater armies, then the King of Spaine, 
 
 With all his Indies. Vv'e might begger him, 
 
 And make all thofe w^ho feare him, to contemne 
 
 His winning projedls ; if we had but eyes 
 
 To fee and take the courfe that open lies. 
 
 It is his gold encreafmg his ambition. 
 
 Which to the Chrillian world will bring perdition : 
 
 And if prevention longer we delay, 
 
 (Or if we do not find a better way 
 
 Then yet is trod) the current of his pow'r 
 
 Will grow fo llrong, that it will all devoure. 
 
 For, where a flreame runs broad, and fwift, to flop 
 
 His fury there, I fee but little hope. 
 
 Materials both for war and peace, muft. come 
 
 To him from divers quarters ; for at home 
 
 His Country yeelds him little. But the yeare 
 
 As it renewes, with us, reneweth here 
 
 Our food and rayment ; and though no fupplies 
 
 Come in, a (laple of Commodities 
 
 Our Hand is, which both in war and peace 
 
 Will ftill be in requefl, and lliU encreafe. 
 
 Let therefore thofe who on the Continent 
 
 Doe feare liim, ufe their utmoll to prevent 
 
 His greatneife there ; and let our Sea-girt Jle 
 
 (Forbearing on Land forces for a while, 
 
 To fpend their ftrength) intirely bend their pow'r, 
 
 (As in preceding times) the Seas to fcoure : 
 
 For, with more profit, and a leffer charge. 
 
 That ihall our loft advantages enlarge. 
 
 And 
 
 480 
 
Cant. 7. Remembrancer. 240 
 
 And, make his Armies, which are now fo ftrong, 
 Draw back, decay, and mutiny e're long. 
 
 Were we refolVd our courfe this way to bend, 
 Of our mainejlock we needed not to fpend 
 One moitie. For, halfe of what is loft, 
 Within this Kingdome (fav'd) would quit that coft. 
 Let all, according to the port they beare, 
 Forbeare but one vaine Feaft in ev'ry yeare : 
 Let ev'ry houfhold, for the publike wealth, 
 (Which alfo would advance the bodies health) 
 Faft but one meale aweek, and feparate 
 The price thereof, for fervice of the State : 
 Or fpare from their full boards of flefli or fifli. 
 The dreffmg or the fawce, but of one difli : 
 Let us but lay one lace or gard the leffe 
 Vpon oiu: Clokes ; or fave the coftlineffe 
 In our apparell, which we well might fpare, 
 Yet, no defedl upon the fame appeare : 
 Let us referve but halfe the tithe of thofe 
 Expences, trifled out in games and fhowes ; 
 Which do not only needleffe charge encreafe. 
 But fill the kingdome full of idleneffe .■ 
 Of thefe, and many other fuch expences, 
 (Which waft our wealth, and multiply offences) 
 If we but part would give ; perhaps, that coft 
 Would fave our lives, and all, from being loft. 
 
 Tobacco (which the age that went before. 
 Nor knew, nor needed) doth expend us more 
 Then would maintaine an army ; for few think 
 How much there is confum'd in fmoke and ftink. 
 Pride is fo coftly, that if ev'ry Girle 
 Should give the worth but of one lace or purle, 
 Which trims her Croffecloth, it would failes provide 
 For halfe the fhips which now at Flimouth ride. 
 
 X Had 
 
 3 / 4«i 
 
Brit tan's Cant.y. 
 
 Had we but ev'ry forfeiture that's due, 
 
 From thofe of our notorious drunken crue ; 
 
 Or, if the value were together got, 
 
 Although but of their twentieth needleffe pot, 
 
 I am perfwaded it aflote would fet 
 
 A greater Fleet then we have armed yet. 
 
 The very Oaths which we may daily heare, 
 (The men, the women, and the children fweaxe) 
 If thundred forth together ; would rore louder, 
 Then all our Cannons : and great (hot and powder. 
 Much more then would at fea and land fufiife. 
 Might purchaft be, by halfe the penalties 
 Which might be juftly taken ; if we had 
 Regard to execute the Lawes we made. 
 
 God grant that of his honor, and of what 
 Concernes the gen'rall fafety of the State, 
 We may more zealous grow ; and that fome courfe 
 May (lop that mifchiefe, which yet waxeth worfe. 
 And that from this, or from fome better light, 
 The meanes of reformation take we might : 
 Of which I hopefull am, and that e're long, 
 Our Commonwealth (hall fing a fweeter fong. 
 
 When fuch a time I fee, I (hall be fure 
 Thefe Lines, oh ! England, will thy love procure ; 
 And, I who for thy weale this paines beflow, 
 Shall find more favour then I look for now .• 
 Yea, then (hall I, that yet have beene defpifd, 
 Bewailed dye ; or, live much better priz'd. 
 But not till then : Nor (hall I live to view 
 Thy forrowes ended, if thou doe not rue 
 Thy fins with fpeed. Oh ! therefore, fpeedy be 
 To turne to God, that he may tume to thee. 
 Befeech him, England, to unclofe thine eyes, 
 And let thee fee in what thy fickneffe Ues. 
 
 Emplore 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 241 
 
 Emplore thou him to mollifie thy heart, 
 Thy Children from their follies to divert, 
 And, break thofe chaines of ignorance and fin, 
 Which at this prefent thou ly'fl. fettered in. 
 Endeavor to be friends with God againe .• 
 And, he will all thy furious foes reftraine. 
 Thy faulty members, who doe now difturb 
 Thy peace ; he either will remove or curb. 
 Thofe Graces thou perceivedft. heretofore 
 Adorne thy Soveraigne, (hall be hid no more 
 By thofe darke fogs which from thy fins do rife, 
 For, God will take the skales from off thine eyes. 
 On thee, his countenance againe fhall ihine ; 
 That thou maid laud him in a Song divine : 
 And, they who now lament thy fad eflate, 
 In Hymnes of joy fhall praife thy happy Fate. 
 
 The eighth Canto. 
 
 Our Poet having toucht againe 
 
 What frailties in himfelfe remaine, 
 Declares, that many Plagues doejleale, 
 As well on Church, as Commonweale : 
 Relates what crotchets doe poffeffe 
 Some, who Religioufneffe profejje: 
 
 What noyfome plants, what tares, and weeds, 
 Arefprung, to choake the holy feeds : 
 
 Whatfained zeale, and affeSlation, 
 Hathfool'd thisformall Generation : 
 And, how from fame, great fcandall gr owes, 
 
 Who beare the keyes, that bind and loofe. 
 Next, he delivereth Predictions 
 
 Of plagues, offorrowes, and affli^ions. 
 
 Which on this Hand will defcend^ 
 
 X 2 Vnleffe 
 
 483 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 8. 
 
 Vrdeffe our manners we amend. 
 And, whenfoever civilljars, 
 Or mif chief es, by the rage of wars, 
 Oppreffe this Realm e ; his Mufe dothfhow, 
 Whofhall occafion it ; and how, 
 Which fearfuU ludgeraent to prevent, 
 He calls upon her to repent : 
 By ten apparant fignes, hathfhowne, 
 Gods patience nigh expir'd is growne : 
 Then, for the Publike-weale, he pray es: 
 Then, for himfelfe ; and, there he flay es. 
 
 I Doe not wonder, as I erfl have done, 
 That when the Prophet Iotms ftiould have gone 
 To Niniveh, Gods word he difobey'd, 
 And would himfelfe to Tharfus have convey'd ; 
 For, I have now a fenfe how flefh and blood 
 The motions of the Holy Ghofl withllood, 
 And feele (me thinks) how many a likely doubt 
 The Devill, and his frailty, found him out. 
 
 He was a man (though he a Prophet were) 
 In whom no little weakneffe did appeare : 
 And, thus he thought, perchance. What Jhall I doe ? 
 A firange attempt my heart is urged to : 
 And, there is fomewhat, earneflly incites 
 That Ifhould haflen to the Ninivites, 
 And, preach, that if they alter not their wayes. 
 Their time offlanding, is but forty dayes. 
 
 My foule perfwadeth God injoynes me to it; 
 And,fleepe in peace, I cannot, till I doe it: 
 But common 'R.^aSoix flriveth to reflraine 
 This motion, and perfwades me tis in vaine. 
 It faith, I am afinner, andfofraile, 
 That, many times, my befl endeavors faile 
 
 To 
 
 404 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 242 
 
 To reEUfie myfelfe. Howjhall I then 
 Be hopefuU of reclaiming other men ? 
 
 To Ifr'el I have threatned many yeares 
 Gods judgements : yet, no fruit thereof appearess 
 Although they havefome knowledge of the Lord, 
 And are within his League, theyfleight his word : 
 What hope then is there, that a heathen Nation 
 Will prove regardfull of my exhortation 1 
 The flile ^Prophet, in this land I cary, 
 Andfuch a Calling, here, is ordinary; 
 But, in aforraigne State, what warranty 
 Have I, to publijfh fuch a Prophfie? 
 How may the King and People take the fame, 
 Jf Ifhall in the openflreets defame 
 So great a City? and, condemne for fin, 
 A place wherein I never yet have bin 1 
 
 If Ifhall fay, the Lord commanded me: 
 Then, they perhaps, will anfwer: What is he ? 
 For, they prof effe him not. Nay, fome fufpition 
 They may conceive, that I to movefedition 
 Amfent among them. Or, if otherwife 
 They fhall fuppofe ; how can they but defpife 
 My perfon, and my counfell, who fhall from 
 So far a place, fo meere a fir anger come. 
 That no man knowes, or what, or who lam. 
 Or, from what Country, or from whom I come i 
 
 Such thoughts (belike) delay'd, and fear'd hitn fo ; 
 And, fo the Spirit urg'd him Hill to go 
 For Niniveh ; that nor to goe, nor Hay, 
 Could he refolve ; but, fled another way. 
 From which rebellious courfe, God fetcht him back 
 With fuch a vengeance, that he did not lack 
 Sufficient proofes, how Reafon did betray him, 
 And, in his Calling, cauflefly affray him. 
 
 X 3 Yea, 
 
 485 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 8. 
 
 Yea (mark heav'ns providence) though lonas went 
 
 Another way, it croft not God's intent, 
 
 But furthred it For, doubtleffe, e're he came 
 
 To Niniveh, the miracle and fanie 
 
 Of his Deliverance, was fent before ; 
 
 And, made his preaching worke on them the more. 
 
 Now, though I doe nor arrogate, nor dare 
 My felfe (except in frailties) to compare 
 With bleffed Jonas : yet, I may be bold 
 To fay, our Caufes a refemblance hold. 
 My heart (and when that moves, as one averres. 
 It more prevailes then many Counfellers) 
 My heart (I fay) perfwaded me e'rewhile 
 To reade a warning Ledture to this He. 
 And in fuch manner moved ; that, to fay 
 It came from God, methinks, be bold I may. 
 Yet, my owne nat'rall frailty, and the world. 
 Among my thoughts fo many doublings hurld, 
 That ev'ry ftep had rubs. I levell'd fome 
 In my laft Canto. Yet I could not come 
 To eaven ground, till I had overtopt 
 Some other Mountaines which my paflage ftopt. 
 
 Beware, faid Reafon, how thou undertake 
 This hazardous adventure, which to make 
 Thou haft refolVd. For, this wife age denies 
 That God vouchfafed any Prophefies 
 Concerning them ; or, that the application 
 Of ought foretold, pertaineth to this Nation. 
 She faith, my Conjlancy is no true figne 
 That God firft moved this intent of mine ; 
 Since Hereticks, and Traytors, oft are feene 
 As bold in all their caufes to have beene 
 As Martyrs be. And, that for what they doe, 
 They can pretend the holy Spirit too. 
 
 And 
 
 486 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 243 
 
 And flie perfwades, tis likely I fliall paffe 
 (At befl.) for one that much deluded was. 
 
 She fayes, moreover, that if thefe times be 
 Indeed, fo wicked, as they feeme to me, 
 I fhall in flead of moving to repent, 
 Nought elfe but flir their fury, and be rent 
 Perhaps in pieces, by their hafly rage. 
 For, what's more likely in a wicked age 1 
 
 When people in their fins grow hardned once, 
 She fayes I may as well go talke to (lones. 
 As tell them ought. For, they are in the dark ; 
 And, what they fee and heare, they do not mark. 
 
 She urged that the Prophets in old times 
 Did fpeak in vaine againll the peoples crimes ; 
 And if in them their words begat no faith, 
 Much leffe with fuch as mine, my Reafon faith. 
 
 She tells me alfo that this Ik hath ftore 
 Of Prophets, and of Preachers never more : 
 She fayes, that though their calling none fufpeft, 
 Their paines appeare to take but fmall eifedl : 
 And, if fuch men authorized as they, 
 Doe cafl. their words, without fucceffe, away ; 
 In vaine my Mufe (whofe warrant mofl. contemn e) 
 Doth feeke to work more piety in them. 
 
 A thoufand things unto the like effe6l ; 
 Yea, all and more then any can objedl, 
 (Who fliall perufe this Book) my Reafon brought 
 Before me, and objefled to my thought. 
 And, as a Pilgrim (who occafions hath 
 To take fome extraordinary path) 
 Arivall making at a double way. 
 Is doubtfuU whether to proceed or flay : 
 So fared I ; I was nigh tired quite, 
 Before I could be certaine of the right. 
 
 X 4 Yea, 
 
 487 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 8. 
 
 Yea, twixt my doubts, and all thofe replies 
 
 Which in my meditations did arife ; 
 
 I fo amazed grew, I could not know 
 
 Which way it bed befitted me to goe. 
 
 But, at the lafl, God brought me thorow all 
 
 My doubts and feares, as through the Sforin & Whale, 
 
 Once lonas came : That fo, all they, who are 
 
 Ordained for their good, thefe Lines to heare. 
 
 The more may profit, when they think upon 
 
 What Rraits I paffed, e're this work was done. 
 
 To that intent my frailties I have fo 
 
 Infilled on, as in this book I do. 
 
 Yea, I am hopefuU alfo, they that read 
 
 Thefe lines of mine (and mark witli how much heed 
 
 And Chriflian awfulneffe, my heart was won 
 
 To cenfure and reprove as I have done) 
 
 Will plainly fee, thefe Numbers flow not from 
 
 Fantaflick rafhnelTe ; nor from envy come. 
 
 Nor fpring from fadlion ; neither were begot 
 
 By their diftradled zeale, who (knowing not 
 
 What Spirit guides them) often are beguiled 
 
 With fliewes of truth ; and madly have reviled 
 
 Both good and ill ; and whofe unfavory Himes 
 
 Defame mens perfons more then check their crimes. 
 
 Diflionour Kings ; their facred names blafpheme ; 
 
 And having gain'd fome notions in a dreame, 
 
 Or by report (of what they know not well) 
 
 Defire their giddy thoughts abroad to tell .• 
 
 In hope to merit .■ as in deed they doe, 
 
 Sometime the pillory, and gallowes too. 
 
 I truft, I fay, thefe lines will feeme no fuch ; 
 Or, if they doe, truth is I care not much, 
 Becaufe I certaine am what pow'r infufed 
 Thofe matters, whereupon I now have muzed : 
 
 And 
 
 488 
 
Cant.?,. Remembrancer. 244 
 
 And know, that none will thefe or me condemne, 
 But they whofe rage and follies I contemne. 
 
 Yet, that they may be fure I neither care 
 Who cenfures me, nor what their cenfures are, 
 (When honefl. things I doe) here, fomewhat more 
 I'le adde to what is mentioned before : 
 And give thee, Britaine, a more perfedl fight 
 Of thy diflempers, and thy fickly plight. 
 
 Yea, thou flialt know, I have not feene alone 
 A bodily Confumption llealing on. 
 And wafting of thy Temporalties ; but, that 
 I alfo have difcovered of late, 
 A Lethargy upon thy foule to fteale : 
 And that as well the Church as Commonweak 
 Doth need a cure. Oh ! doe not quite neglecfl 
 The good of both : but, one (at leaft) refpedl. 
 Though ludahs fickneffes unheeded be, 
 (Although thy temporall wounds afflidl not thee) 
 Yet, looke on Syon : yea, behold and fee 
 Thy Spiritualties, how much empair'd they be. 
 The Churches Patrimony is decay'd ; 
 And many a one is in her fpoiles araid : 
 Thofe Patrons (as we terme them in this age) 
 Who of her Dowries have the patronage. 
 Doe rob and cheat her, many times of all ; 
 And, their Donations bafely fet to fale. 
 
 Thofe Cananites, whom thou preferveft here, 
 (And by thy lawes to be expelled were) 
 Are in thy borders now fo multiply'd, 
 That they are thorn es and thiftles in thy fide. 
 They are become a Serpent in thy path. 
 Which bites unfeene ; and nigh unhorfed hath 
 Some able Riders. On thy Places-high 
 Thy people doe commit Idolatry, 
 
 X5 And 
 
 3 i 489 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 And reare ftrange Altars. In thy Fields are found 
 
 Thofe cunning harmful! Foxes to abound, 
 
 That fpoile thy Vines. And, fome I have efpy'd, 
 
 Twixt whofe oppofed tales, are firebrands ty'd, 
 
 Which wafte thy fruits. Thy Harvejt feemeth faire ; 
 
 But fecret blaflings do foe much impaire 
 
 And blite the Come ; that when it comes Jo bread, 
 
 Thy Children oft unwholfomly are fed. 
 
 Men ufe Religion as a flalking-horfe 
 
 To catch preferment ; yea, fometime to worfe 
 
 And bafer ufes they employ the fame : 
 
 like that bold Harlot, who quite void of fhame. 
 
 Did of her Vowes, and her Peace-offrings make 
 
 A Ginn, lafcivious cuftomers to take. 
 
 Yea, fome (refembling him, from whom was call 
 
 One Devill) when one fin they have difplac't. 
 
 Of which the world took notice, fweep and clenfe 
 
 Themfelves (in fliow) from all their other fins ; 
 
 Yet, fecretly, let Sathan repoffeflfe. 
 
 And foule them with a feven-fold wickedneCTe. 
 
 An univerfall dulneffe will benum 
 Thy fenfes, if thou doe not foone become 
 More heedful! of tliy flate, then thou art yet : 
 For, ev'ry part hath felt an ague-fit. 
 
 Thy Academs, which are the famous places 
 In which all pious knowledges and graces 
 Should nouriftit be ; and whence thy chiefe fupply 
 Of Teachers, come, (as from a Nurfeiy) 
 Ev'n thofe faire Fountaines are much tainted grown, 
 With dodtrines hardly found, which thence are blown 
 Through ev'ry quarter. In their Schooles are heard 
 Vaine jiggs and janglings, worthlefle of regard. 
 Their very Pulpits, and their Oratories, 
 Are Stages, whereupon their owne vainglories 
 
 Men 
 
 490 
 
Ca/ii.8. Remembrancer. 245 
 
 Men often adt. Yea, many a vaine conceit, 
 Is brought in ftead of arguments of weight : 
 And (which is worfe) diforder is fo rife 
 Among them ; and the weeds of evill life 
 Have fo o'regrowne thofe Gardens, that (unleffe 
 Good government (hall fpeedily redreffe 
 That fpreading mifchiefe) it will over top 
 The plants of Syon, and deflroy her crop. 
 
 To be thy Shepheards, Wolves are flolen in ; 
 And, thou haft, thofe who ev'n by day begin 
 To few their Tares among thy pureft Seed ; 
 And, with mixt Graines thy Lands pollution breed. 
 For hire, and money, prophefies the Prophet : 
 The Priejl doth preach, to make a living of it, 
 Ev'n meerly for a living ; and, but few 
 Their holy-charge, for confcience fake purfue : 
 Which I by many fignes could make apparent, 
 But that it is not yet within my Warrant. 
 Loquuntur Cum leves ; little Cures 
 Doe make men preach, whilfl. poverty endures. 
 Ingentes Jhipent ; but, large livings make 
 Our Doiiors dumb .• condemne not my miflake .• 
 For, though I doe the Latine fentence wrong. 
 That's true I tell you in the Englijh tongue. 
 
 Our Nation, which of late ProphaneneiTe hated, 
 Is in that fm almofl Ilalionated. 
 The Scriptures without reverence are ufed : 
 The holy phrafe, in jellings, is abufed : 
 To flout, or praife, or curfe, we can apply 
 Gods holy word, mofl. irreligioufly : 
 In ftead of Emblemes, moving thoughts divine. 
 The filthy pidlures of lewd Areune, 
 Are found in many Cloffets. Foolifti lies, 
 Prophane and moft lafcivious Elegies 
 
 Are 
 
 491 
 
B R I T T A n'S Cant. 8. 
 
 Are publike made. Yea, thofe whom heretofore 
 
 A heathen Emperour did fo abhor, 
 
 That he, for them, their wanton Author fent 
 
 To undergoe perpetuall banifliment : 
 
 EVn thefe we reade ; and worfe than thofe, by far, 
 
 Allowed paffe, and unreproved are. 
 
 Nay, their vaine Authors often cherilht be .■ 
 
 At leaft, they have the favour to goe free. 
 
 But, if a graver Mufe reprove their fin. 
 
 Lord, with what hafly zeale they call it in ! 
 
 How libellous they make it ! and how vile, ' 
 
 Thou know'ft ; and at their folly thou doft. fmile. 
 
 Full warily, the politick Divine, 
 (Who ihould allow it) fcanneth ev'ry Line 
 Before it paffe ; each phrafe he doth fufpe6t ; 
 Although he findeth nothing to be chekt, 
 He feares to Licence it. And if by chance 
 It paffe abroad, forthwith doth ignorance 
 Millake or mifapply ; and falfe and bade 
 Conllrudtions are, of good expreffions made .• 
 Yea, they who on the feats of ludgement fit, 
 Are oft, moft. ready to mifcenfure it. 
 
 I would they were as forward to difgrace 
 Thofe Authors, who have fiU'd ev'ry place 
 With fruitleffe Volumes. For difperfed are 
 Ev'n quite throughout this I/land ev'ry yeare, 
 Ev'n many thoufand Reames of fcurrile toyes, 
 Songs, Rymes and Ballads, whofe vaine ufe deftroyes 
 Or hinders Vertuous knowledge, and Devotion. 
 And this we doe to further the promotion 
 Of our Diana. Yet, behold, if we 
 To publifli fome few fheets required be. 
 Containing pyous Hymns, or Chriflian Songs, 
 Or ought which to the praife of God belongs : 
 
 We 
 
 492 
 
Cani.8. Remembrancer. 246 
 
 We doe fo feare the hindrance of our gaine, 
 That like ^Ephefian Silver-fmiths, we faine 
 A great complaint. As if to have enlarged 
 A little Booke, had grievoufly o'recharged 
 The Common-wealth, Whereas if it were weigh'd, 
 How much of late this Land is overlaid 
 With triviall Volumes : or, how much they doe 
 Corrupt our Manners, and Religion too, 
 By that abufive matter they containe ; 
 I fhould not feeme unjuflly to complaine. 
 Thefe times do fwarme with Pamphlets which be far 
 More dangerous, then mortall poyfons are 
 Ev'n in thofe bookes, whereby the fimple thought 
 To find true knowledge, they their bane have caught : 
 For, thence, flrong Herefies (there being hid 
 Amid'fome doubtleffe Truths, a while unfpi'd) 
 Steal out among the people, by degrees ; 
 More mifchiefe working then each Reader fees. 
 And, fo, to ruine knowledge, that is made 
 An inllrument ; whereby it raifing had 
 For (by their lucre, who the Churches peace 
 Diflurb, their private profit to increafe) 
 Thofe Doilrines which are unauthorifed, 
 Are fo proraifcuoufly divulg'd, and fpread, 
 Among approved Vanities ; that fome 
 Are in thofe Laborinths amaz'd become : 
 And, fuch a Contradidlion is in that 
 Which their Confufed Pamphlets doe relate ; 
 That, Common Readers, know not which to leave, 
 Nor, which the Church of England doth receive. 
 And, from this mifchiefe many others flow. 
 Which will, in future times, more harmfull grow. 
 This, fpins vaine Controverjies to their length ; 
 By this, moft Herefies receive their ftrength. 
 
 And 
 
 493 
 
B R I T T A n'S Cant. 8. 
 
 And what diflradtion it already makes, 
 Our griev'd Mother wofuU notice takes. 
 In flead of adlive knowledge, and her fruit ; 
 This filleth men with itchings of difpute, 
 And empty words ; whereby are fet abroach 
 A thoufand quarrells, to the Truths reproach. 
 The SeBarks, the Mimkeyes, and the Apes, 
 The Cubs and Foxes, which do mar our Grapes ; 
 The Wolves in (heep-skins, and our frantick rable 
 Of Worjhip-mongers, are innumerable. 
 And, as the Churches quiet they moled. 
 So they each other fpightfuUy infefl. 
 We have fome Papijls : fome that halfe way goe : 
 Some Semi-puritans ; fome, wholly fo ; 
 Some Anabaptijls ; fome, who doe refufe 
 Black puddings ; and good porke, hke arrant lewes : 
 Some alfo term'd Arminians are among 
 Our Priejls and People, very lately fprung. 
 What mofl, fo call'd, profeffe, I ftand not for : 
 And what fome fay they teach, I doe abhor. 
 But, what fome other, fo mifnam'd, beleeve, 
 Is that whereto bell Chriflians credit give. 
 For, as we fee the moft. reformed man, 
 By Libertines, is term'd a Puritan : 
 So (by our publinde Formalijls) all thofe 
 Who new fantaflick crotchets doe oppofe, 
 Begin to be mif-term'd Arminians now. 
 And, hence e're long will greater mifchieves grow 
 Then moft imagine. For, the foolifli feare, 
 Left, they to be Arminians may appeare. 
 Or elfe be termed Puritans, will make 
 Great multitudes Religion quite forfake. 
 And, I am half perfwaded, this will one {John 
 
 Of thofe great Schifmes (or earthquakes) caufe which 
 
 Fore- 
 
 494 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 247 
 
 Foretold in his Apocalyps ; and they 
 
 Are blefl, who fliall not thereby fall away. 
 
 Some Brownijis, and feme Familijb have we ; 
 
 And fome, that no man can tell what they be ; 
 
 Nor they themfelves. Some, feeme fo wondrous pure 
 
 They no mens converfations can endure, 
 
 Vnleffe they ufe their plaiftrings ; and appeare 
 
 In ev'ry formall garbe which they fhall weare. 
 
 There be of thofe, who in their words deny, 
 
 And hate the pradtice of Idolatry, 
 
 Yet make an Idol of their formall zeale. 
 
 And underneath flridl holineffe, conceale 
 
 A myftery of evill, which deceives them, 
 
 And, when they think all fafe, in danger leaves them. 
 
 Their whole Religion, fome doe place in hearing : 
 
 Some, in the outward adlion oi forbearing 
 
 111 deeds ; or in wel doing, though the heart 
 
 In that performance beare no reall part. 
 
 Some others, of their morall adtions make 
 
 Small confcience : and, affirme that God doth take 
 
 No notice how in body they tranfgreffe, 
 
 If him they in their inward man confeffe : 
 
 As if a foule beloved could refide 
 
 Within a body quite unfandlifide. 
 
 Some, not contented in the adl of fin. 
 Are growne fo impudent, that they begin 
 To juflifie themfelves in wickedneiTe ; 
 Or, by quaint arguments, to make it leffe : 
 And, by fuch Monfters, to fuch ends as this, 
 The ChriJHan-liberty defamed is. 
 
 Newfangledneffe, Religion hath o'rethrowne ; 
 And, many as fantafticall are growne 
 In that, as in apparell. Some, delight 
 In nothing more then to be oppofite 
 
 To 
 
 495 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 To other men : Their zeal they wholly fpend 
 The prefent Government to reprehend;- 
 The Churches difcipline to vilifie ; 
 And raile, at all, which pleads Antiquitie. 
 
 They love not peace : and therefore have fufpition 
 Of Truth it felfe, if out of perfecution : 
 And are fo thankleffe, or fo heedleffe be 
 Of Gods great love, in giving fuch a free 
 And plenteous-meanes of publifliing his word, 
 That, what his Prophets of the lewes record, 
 Some verefie in us. Much praife is given 
 To that blinde age, wherein the Queene ofheav'n 
 Was worflaipt here. And, falfly, we extoU 
 Thofe Dayes, as being much more plentifuU. 
 
 Some, at the frequency of Preaching grutch. 
 And, tyred with it, thinke wee have too much : 
 Nay, impudently pra6lice to fuppreffe 
 That Exercife, and make our plenty leffe. 
 And, that their doings may not want fome fayre 
 Or goodly coulor, they doe call for Pray'r, 
 In Head thereof; as if we could not pray, 
 Vntill our Preaching we had fent away. 
 
 As thefe are fooliflily, or lewdly, wife ; 
 We have fome others wantonly precife. 
 So waywardly difpos'd, amidfl. our plenty. 
 And through their curlolitie, fo dainty ; 
 That, very many cannot well digeft 
 The Bread of life, but in their manner dreft. 
 Nor will Gods Manna, or that meafure ferve 
 Which he provides ; But, they cry out they ftarve, 
 Vnleffe they feed upon their owne opinions, 
 (Which are like Egypts Garlicke and her Onions) 
 Some like not Prayer that's extemporary ; 
 Some love not any that fet forme doth cary.- 
 
 Some 
 
 496 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 248 
 
 Some thinke there's no devotion, but in thofe 
 
 That howle, or whine, or fnuffle in the nofe ; 
 
 As if that God vouchfafed all his Graces 
 
 For fained geftures, or for fower faces. 
 
 Some think not that the man, who gravely teacheth ; 
 
 Or hath a fober geflure when he preacheth, 
 
 Or gentle voyce : hath any zeal in him, 
 
 And therefore, fuch like Preachers they contemne. 
 
 Yea, they fuppofe that no mans do<ftrine faves 
 
 The foule of any one, unleffe he raves. 
 
 And rores aloud, and flings, and hurleth fo 
 
 As if his armes he quite away would throw ; 
 
 Or over-leap the Pulpit ; or els breake it : 
 
 And this (if their opinion true may make it) 
 
 Is to advance their voyces Trumpet-like, 
 
 As God commands .• yea, this (they fay) doth llrike 
 
 Sinne dead. Whereas, indeed, God feldome goes 
 
 In whirlwinds : but is in the voyce of thofe 
 
 Who fpeake in meeknes. And it is not in 
 
 The pow'r of noyfe to ftiake the walls of finne .• 
 
 For clamors, antique adlions, writhed lookes 
 
 And fuch like mimmicke Rhetoricke none brookes 
 
 That hath difcretion : neyther doth it move 
 
 The heart of any, when we fo reprove ; 
 
 Except it be in fome contrary motion. 
 
 Which interrupts the hearers good devotion. 
 
 The well afifedled Chriflian pitties it ; 
 
 It makes prophaneft men at naught to fet 
 
 Gods Ordinance. Meere moiall men defpife 
 
 Such affedlation .• much it terrifies 
 
 The ignorant : but very few from thence 
 
 Receive found knowledge, or trve penitence. 
 
 Some relifli nothing, but thofe points that are 
 In controverfie : fome would nothing heare 
 
 But 
 
 3 r 497 
 
B R I T T A n's Catlt. 8. 
 
 But fongs of Mercy ; fome, delight in none 
 But Sons of Thunder ; and fcarce any one 
 Is pleaf'd in what he heares. Nay, of their Preachers, 
 Mechanicks arrogate to be the teachers. 
 Yea mod of us, what e're our Pajlor fayes, 
 Keepe flill our owne opinions and our wayes. 
 To heare and know Gods word, to fome among 
 Our Nation, feemeth only to belong 
 To Ckrgvmen ; and, their implicite Faith 
 Is built on what the common rumour faith. 
 Some others fiU'd with curiofity 
 Affirme that ev'ry fev'rall myflery 
 Within Gods Book included, doth concerne 
 Ev'n each particular Chriftian man to learne : 
 Whereas they might as well afBrme, each gueft. 
 That is invited to a publike Feaft., 
 Is bound the fev'rall diflies there to heed, 
 And upon ev'ry meat before him feed. 
 Nay, fome have almofl. this imagination. 
 That there is hardly hope of their falvation 
 Who fpeake not Hebrew. And, this now adayes, 
 Makes foolifli women, and young Prentifes 
 To learne that holy Tongue ; in which they grow 
 As cunning as doe thofe who nothing know, 
 Save to be arrogant, and to contemne 
 Thofe Pajbrs, who have taken charge of them. 
 The appetite of fome growes dull, and failes, 
 Vnleife it may be pampered with Quailes \ 
 High flying crotchets, which we fee do fill 
 Not halfe fo many foales as they do kill. 
 We cannot be content to make our flights, 
 For that which God expofeth to our fights. 
 And fearch for that which he is pleaf'd to fhow. 
 But, we mufl alfo pry, what God doth know. 
 
 Which 
 
 498 
 
Cant.8. Remembrancer. 249 
 
 Which was indeed an ancient fallacy 
 Of Sathans ; and the very fame whereby 
 He cheated Eve. From feeking to difclofe 
 Beyond our warrant, what God only knowes, 
 Proceedeth many errors. Thence doth come 
 Mofl. queflions that have troubled Chrijlendome. 
 Yea, fearching things conceal'd, hath overthrowne 
 The comfortable ufe of what is knowne. 
 
 Hence flowes their fruitleife fond aiTeveration, 
 Who blundred on Eternall Reprobation, 
 And many groundleffe whimfies have invented. 
 Whereby much better muzings are prevented. 
 
 Of Reprobation I no doubt have made j 
 Yet, thofe vaine quarrellings which we have had, 
 Concerning her, and her antiquity, 
 (But that the world hath wifer fooles then I) 
 Appeares to me to bring fo little fruits, 
 That I fuppofe it fitter for difputes 
 In hell (among the reprobated crue) 
 Then for a Church of ChriJUans to purfue : 
 At leaft to braule about with fuch hot rage, 
 As hath poffefl fome Spirits of this age. 
 For, fome have urg'd this point of Reprobation, 
 As if the chiefeft. ground-work of falvation 
 Depended on beleeving, jufl, as they 
 (Deluded by their fancies) pleafe to fay. 
 And, though they never found God's holy word 
 Did any mention of the fame afford. 
 But, as of that which did begin fince Time ; 
 And with refpect to fome committed crime .• 
 They, natheleffe, their flrengths together gather, 
 To prove the Child is older then the Father. 
 And, fince that fatall thred, there, finds her fpinning, 
 But from of Old; at fartheft from Beginning : 
 
 They 
 
 499 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 They Reprobation, otherwhile confound 
 With our PredeJUnation : which is found 
 No where in all the Scripture, to refpedl 
 The Reprobates, but onely God's Elect. 
 
 And then they are compeld to prove the fenfe 
 Of their darke Tenet, by an inference ; 
 And to affirme (from reafon) that EleSlion 
 Eternal], doth infer the like rejedlion. 
 (As if an adtion of Eternity, 
 Were fit to fquare our fliallow reafons, by) 
 Which Argument becaufe it hath not taken 
 True faith, to ground on, may with eafe be fliaken. 
 
 Their tottering ftrudlure, therefore, up to keep. 
 They into Gods foreknowledge boldly peep. 
 Beyond his warrant ; fearching for Decrees 
 AxiA/ecrets, farther then an Angell fees .• 
 Prefuming then, as if all things they knew, 
 And had Eternity within their view. 
 But, that hath fuch an infinite extenfion. 
 Beyond their narrow-bounded coinprehenfion, 
 That, there they wander on, till they are madd : 
 And loofe that little knowledge, which they had. 
 
 For what are they but mad men who maintaine 
 The giddie fancies of their owne weake braine, 
 For Thefes of Religion, which we muft. 
 Beleeve as they affirme them : or be thruft. 
 Among the Reprobates ? What leffe, I pray, 
 Are they then madd, who foole their wits away 
 In wheeling Arguments which have no end ? 
 In Straines which man (hall never apprehend ? 
 In feeking what their knowledge doth exceed ? 
 In vaine difputings, which contentions breed. 
 In flrange Chymerds, and fantaftick notions. 
 That neither flirre us up to good devotions, 
 
 Nor 
 
 500 
 
Cant.i. Remembrancer. 250 
 
 Nor mend our manners ? But our wayes pervert, 
 Diftradl the Judgment, or puff up the heart. 
 If this I may not madnes call, or folly, 
 Tis (at the beft.) religious melancholly. 
 What flial we iudg of thofe who ilrive to make (flake 
 Gods word (whofe Termes and Scope they much mi- 
 Their proofes for that whereof no proofes they are, 
 And fleight thofe Truths, for which the text is clear : 
 What fhall we deeme of thofe, who quite miflaking 
 Good Authors, (and their Volumes guilty making 
 Of what they never meant) do preach and write 
 Againfl. thofe Bookes, with rancorous defpight, 
 Which being well examin'd fay the fame 
 Which they affirme, and check what they do blame. 
 Such men there be, and they great noife haue made 
 By fighting furioufly with their owne (hade. 
 
 What may be thought of them, who likely, ever. 
 In their perverfe opinions to perfever. 
 Take knowledge up on truft. : and follow thofe 
 Who leade them on, as wild geefe fly in rowes ? 
 And when their multitude is waxen great. 
 Do then fo wilfully prejudicate, 
 Become fo confident of that they hold, 
 And in their blind aflfurance, fo are bold, 
 That they can brook no tryall, neither fee 
 Their overfights, how plaine fo ere they be ? 
 But fondly think (though we beleeve it not) 
 That they infallibilitie have got ? 
 
 Some pious men ; Yea, fome great Dodtors tread, 
 Such Laborinths ; and often are mifled 
 By holding that which they at firft. were taught. 
 Without due proving all things as they ought : 
 And vulgar men are often led awry. 
 By their examples, and for company. 
 
 For, 
 
 S'^i 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 For, as a Traveller, that is to come 
 From fome far Country, through large defarts, home ; 
 (Not knowing well the way) is glad to take' 
 His courfe with fuch who rfiowes of cunning make, 
 And walks along, depending dill on them, 
 Through many a wood, and over many a flreame. 
 Till he and they are loll .• there to remaine 
 He finds no fafety, nor meanes back againe. 
 Nor lift to leave his company ; becaufe 
 He hopes that nearer homeward ftill he drawes. 
 And that his guides full-fure of paiTage are, 
 Although they cannot well defcribe it, there. 
 So, when plaine men doe firft attempt the way 
 Of knowledge, by their guides, they walk aftray, 
 Without diftruft; and when ariv'd they be 
 Where many troublefome windings they do fee, 
 And where no certaintie they can behold, 
 Yet, on their leaders knowledge they are bold, 
 Or on their multitude .• yea, though they know, 
 And, fee them erre, and turne, and ftagger fo, 
 (In darkfome paths) that well fuppofe they may, 
 They rove and wander in an uncouth way ; 
 Yet, ftill they are unwilling to fufpedt 
 The wifdome of the Fathers of their Se6l. 
 Yea, though no fatisfaftion they can find, 
 Though feares and doublings do afflift their mind, 
 They ftill impute it rather to their owne 
 Infirmities, or to the depths unknowne 
 Of thofe myfterious points, to mention brought; 
 But never call in queftion what is taught : 
 Left being by thofe Teachers terrifide. 
 They might forfaken in defpaire abide. 
 
 Their DoSiors, alfo, failing to devife 
 Strong Arguments, their hearers to fuffice ; 
 
 This 
 
 502 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 251 
 
 This courfe, to falve their credits, late have got ; 
 
 They fay (forfooth) Faiths dodlrine fettles not 
 
 With naturall capacities ; and that 
 
 The Spirit mufl. thofe men illuminate 
 
 Who fhall receive them. And, indeed in this, 
 
 They doe both fay the truth, and fay amiffe : 
 
 This is a lefuitifli juggling trick, 
 
 And, if allow'd it be, each lunatick, 
 
 And ev'ry brain-fick Dreamer, by that way, 
 
 May foifl. upon us all that he can fay. 
 
 For, though Gods holy Spirit muft. create 
 New hearts within us, and regenerate 
 Depraved nature, e're it can be able 
 To make our outward healings profitable ; 
 We muft. not think that all which fancy faith 
 (In termes obfcure) are myfteries of Faith. 
 Nor make the hearers want of pow'r to reach 
 Their meanings, to be proofes of what they teach. 
 
 There is twixt men, & that which they are taught, 
 Some naturall proportion ; or tis naught. 
 The deepefl myftery of our profeffion, 
 Is capable of literall expreffion, 
 As well to Reprobates, as men eleSied ; 
 Or elfe it may of error be fufpedted. 
 Yea wicked men a power granted have 
 To underftand, although they mifconceive. 
 And can of darkeft. points make plaine relations, 
 Though to themfelves they faile in applications. 
 
 God never yet did bid us take in hand 
 To publifli that v/hich none can underftand .• 
 Much leffe affedleth he a man fliould mutter 
 Rude founds of that, whofe depth he cannot utter ; 
 Or in uncertaine termes, as many doe, 
 Who preach Non-fecfe, and oft non entia too. 
 
 For 
 
 50.1 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 For thofe which man to man is bound to Ihow, 
 Are fuch plaine Truths, as we by word may know ; 
 Which when the hearer can expreffe againe, 
 The fruit hath equalled the Teachers paine. 
 
 Then, though the foule doth many times conceive 
 (By Faith, and by that Word which we receive) 
 Deep myfleries, and that which farre tranfcends 
 A carnall knowledge : though (he apprehends 
 Some glimmerings of thofe Objeiis, that are higher 
 Then humane Reafon ever (hall afpire ; 
 Though flie hath tailings of that bleffednes, 
 Which mortall tongue could never yet expreffe ; 
 And though the foule may have fome earned given 
 On earth, of what it (hall enjoy in heauen ; 
 Though God may when he lift (and now and then 
 For caufe not ordinary) to fome men 
 Vouchfafeth (for their fecret fatisfadlions) 
 A few refledlions from etemall adlions : 
 Though this be fo, let no man arrogate 
 That he fuch fecrets can by word relate. 
 For, they are things, of which no voyce can preach ; 
 High flights, to which no mortall wing can reach ; 
 Tis Gods owne worke, fuch raptures to convay. 
 To compaffe them there is no other way, 
 But by his bleffed Spirit. And, of thofe 
 Moft can we not ; fome muft we not difclofe. 
 For, if they onely touch out private ftate, 
 They were not fent, that we (hould them relate ; 
 But daigned that the foule they ftrengthen might 
 Amid the perills of fome fecret fight ; 
 When men to honor God, or for their fmn, 
 The terrors of this life are plunged in. 
 And, as it is reputed of thofe things, 
 Which foolifh people thinke fome Fairy brings. 
 
 So, 
 
 504 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 252 
 
 So, of Enthufiafmes fpeake I may j 
 Difcover them, and llraight they flye away. 
 For, thus they fare who boafl. of Revelations, 
 Or of the certainty of their Salvations, 
 Or any ghoilly gift, at times or places. 
 Which warrant not the mention of fuch graces : 
 Yea, by revealing things which they fliould hide. 
 They entrance make for over-weening pride : 
 And that quite marres the bleffing they poffeft. 
 Or, for awhile obfcureth it, at beft .• 
 
 And yet, if any man ftiall climbe fo high. 
 That they attaine unto a Myjiery, 
 ConceiVd by few ; they may, if they be able, 
 Difclofe it where it may be profitable. 
 But, they mud know, that (if it be, indeed, 
 Of fuch tranfcendency, as doth exceed 
 Meere naturall reaches) it fhould be declar'd 
 To none, fave unto thofe who are prepar'd 
 For fuch conceptions ; and more apt to know them 
 By their owne thoughts, then are our words to fliow 
 Elfe, all they utter will in clouds appeare, (them. 
 
 And, errors men for truths, away will beare. 
 
 Would this had beene obferv'd a little more, 
 By fome, who in our Congregations roare 
 Of Gods unknowne Decrees, Etemall-Callings, 
 Of Perfeverance, and of Finall Fallings, 
 And fuch like Myjieries. Or elfe, I would 
 That they their meanings better utter could, 
 (If well they meant.) For, though thofe points afford 
 Much comfort and inftrudlion (as Gods word 
 Hath mention'd them) and may applyed be, 
 And opened, when we juft occaflon fee ; 
 Yet, as moft handle them, who now adayes 
 Do paffe for Preachers, with a vulgar praife, 
 
 Y They 
 
 3 s 505 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 They profit not : for, this ripe age hath young 
 And forward wits, who by their fluent tongue, 
 And able memories, away have found 
 To build a houfe, e're they have laid the ground. 
 With common places, and with notes purloin'd, 
 (Not well applyed, and as ill conjoyn'd) 
 A garb of preaching thefe have foone attained, 
 Which hath, with many, approbation gained 
 Beyond their merit. For, they take in hand 
 Thofe myfteries they neither underfland, 
 Nor lludied on. And, they have much diftradted 
 Some hearers, by their doflrines ill compadted : 
 Yea, by enquiring out what GoA fore-fees. 
 And medling much with his unknowne Decrees, 
 The Churches peace fo much difturb'd have they ; 
 So foule and crooked made Faiths plainefl. way ; 
 Such fcandals raif 'd ; and interrupted fo, 
 By doubts impertinent, what men fhould do ; 
 And, their endeavors nullifide, fo far. 
 That many of them at a nonplus are. 
 
 I am not of their minds, who take from this 
 And other things, that are perform'd amifle, 
 Occafion to difparage frequent preaching ; 
 Or, to abate our plenteoufnefle of teaching : 
 For, of our Harvefl, Lord, I humbly pray, 
 The ftore of Labourers continue may. 
 And, I could alfo wifli, that none were chofe 
 To be a feed-man, till he truly knowes 
 The Wheat from Tares ; and is indu'd with reafon, 
 And grace, to fow in order, and in feafon. 
 And that thofe artleffe workmen may be flaid, 
 Who build before foundations they have laid : 
 Left, when our Church well built, fuppofe we Ihall, 
 It fink, and overwhelme us in the fall. 
 
 It 
 
 500 
 
Cant.S. Remembrancer. 253 
 
 It pities me to marke what rents appeare 
 Within our Syon ; and what daubings are 
 To hide the ruines ; and I feare the frame 
 Will totter, if we long negledt the fame. 
 Our Watchmen, for the greater part, are growne 
 Leffe mindfuU of Gods honor, then their owne : 
 For either almofl wholly we omit 
 That worke, or undifcreetly follow it. 
 
 Some, fpeak the truth, without fmcere intention. 
 As they who preach the Go/pell for contention. 
 Some, by their wicked lives do give offence, 
 And harden men in their impenitence. 
 As if nor hell nor heav'n they did beleeve, 
 They riot, game, drink drunk, and whore, and theeve. 
 For avarice, and envy, none are worfe j 
 They are malicious, and blafpheme, and curfe, 
 As much as any others. None are more 
 Regardleffe of the foule that's meane and poore ; 
 Among their neighbours, none more quarrelfome. 
 Or, that more hardly reconcil'd become, 
 Then many Clergie-men. And as we fee 
 They are the befl of men, when good they be ; 
 So there are none that wander more aflray. 
 When they have left a fanctified way. 
 
 Some Pallors are too hot ; and fome too cold ; 
 And, very few the golden temper hold. 
 Some, at the Papiji with fuch madneffe fling. 
 As if they could not utter any thing 
 Of them too vile ; though ne're fo falfe it were : 
 And, we fo ufed by their Jefuits are. 
 Some others at the Puritan do ftrike. 
 So furioufly, that they are often like 
 To wrong the Protejlants: for, men impofe 
 That name, fometimes, upon the beft of thofe. 
 
 Y 2 Yea 
 
 S°7 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 Yea, they who are profane, that name mif-lay 
 On all who make a confcience of their way. 
 Some Shepheards on their flocks are gorg'd at full, 
 And fumptuoufly arrayed in their wooU. 
 But, thofe that are difeaf 'd, they make not ilrong ; 
 Their ficklieft fheepe they feldome come among ; 
 They take no care, the broken up to bind, 
 The Sheep that's loft, they doe not feeke to find ; 
 They let fuch wander as will run aftray ; 
 And, many times their fury fo doth fray 
 The tender confcience ; that their indifcretion 
 Doth fright their hearers headlong to perdition. 
 
 Gods bounty hath large paftorage provided ; 
 But, they have not his flocks with wifedome guided : 
 For, in the midfl. of plenty, fome be ready 
 To ftarve in ignorance. Some flieep are headdy ; 
 Some get the ftaggers ; fome the fcab ; and they 
 Infedt their fellowes. Some the wantons play 
 Among the thornes and bryers, which have tome 
 The marks and fleeces, which they fliould have worn. 
 Some ftraggle from the flock ; and they are ftraight 
 Surpriz'd by Wolves, which lye for them in wait 
 Some, fought large feeding, and ranck paftures got. 
 Which prov'd not wholfome ; & they caught the Rot. 
 
 For, many preach themfelves, and fancies broach, 
 That fcandall preaching, to the Truths reproach. 
 Yea, fome terme that (forfooth) Gods word divine. 
 Which would halfe fhame me, fliould they terme it 
 And they we fee, that longeft pray and fpeak (mine. 
 Are priz'd of moft (though head nor foot they make) 
 Becaufe the common hearers of this land. 
 Think beft of that, which leaft they underftand. 
 
 Some, alfo, by their feet difturb the Springs; 
 Or trample and defile Gods pafturings ; 
 
 And 
 
 508 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 254 
 
 And they are either fuch who make obfcure 
 Faiths principles ; or, fuch whofe lives impure 
 Prophane their Dodlrines. Other fome have we, 
 Who (like the beads that over gamefome be) 
 Doe pufli their weaker brethren with their homes ; 
 And hunt them from the flock, by wrongs, or fcorns. 
 
 Gods fioufes, alfo, much negledled are ; 
 And of his SanSluaries, few have care. 
 A barne, or any common houfe or roome, 
 Is thought as well Gods worfhip to become. 
 As in the Churches infancy ; or there. 
 Where wants, and wars, and perfecutions are. 
 Amidfl our peace and plenties, we do grutch 
 Our Oratories fliould be trimm'd as much 
 As are our vulgar dwellings ; and repine 
 That exercifes which are mofl, divine, 
 Should with more Rites, or Ornaments, be done. 
 Then when the troublous times afforded none. 
 As if a Garden, when the flow'rs are blowne. 
 Were flill to look as when it firfl. was fowne. 
 
 To worfliip fo in fpirit, we pretend 
 That, in our bodies, we doe fcarcely bend 
 A leg, or move a cap, when there we be. 
 Where Gods mod holy Myjleries we fee. 
 Yea, many feeme fo carefuU to have bin, 
 To let no Superjiition enter in. 
 That they have, almofl, wholly baniflit hence, 
 All Decency, and pious Reverence. 
 
 The Church, by Lukewarme Chrijlians, is negledt 
 By brutifh Athe'Jis it is difrefpeded ; 
 By greedy Worldlings, robbed of her fleeces ; 
 By felfe-will'd Schifmaticks, nigh tome in pieces ; 
 By Tyrants, and by Infidels oppofed ; 
 By her blind Guides, to hazard oft expofed ; 
 
 Y3 By 
 
 509 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 8. 
 
 By Hypocrites, injurioufly defamed ; 
 
 And, by the frailties of the bed, oft fliamed. 
 
 A pow'r ecclefiallicall is granted 
 To them, full often, who thofe minds have wanted 
 Becomming fuch Authority : and they 
 Play fad and loofe, ev'n with the Churches Key. 
 They cenfure and abfolve, as beft. fliall make 
 For their advantage ; not for confcience fake. 
 As they fliall pleafe, they punifli or connive ; 
 KxiA, by the peoples foUies they do thrive. 
 Of evill cuflomes, many are we fee 
 Infinuated, and fo ftrift are we 
 To keep them, that we fottifhly deny 
 To leave them, for what more would edifie : 
 And we fo much do Innovations feare. 
 That needfuU Reformations none appeare. 
 
 We have prophaned ev'ry holy thing ; 
 Ev'n our mofl Chriftian FeaJIs, which are to bring 
 Gods Mercies to our thoughts ; and memorize 
 Oi Saving-Grace, the facred Myjleries : 
 Some have ev'n thofe gain-fayed ; and, in that 
 Have evill fpoken, of they know not what. 
 Some others keep them ; but, as heathniflily, 
 As FeaJIs of Bacchm ; and impiety 
 Is then fo rife, that God is rarely nam'd 
 Or thought upon, except to be blafphem'd. 
 
 By thefe, and other wayes, the Church doth lofe 
 Much honor, to the glory of her foes, 
 And our great fliame and loffe : for, her decayes 
 Shall be this Realmes difprofit, and difpraife. 
 
 God hath a controverfie with our Lord; 
 And, in an evill plight affaires do fland. 
 Already we doe fmart for doing ill ; 
 Yet. us the hand of God afflidleth Hill, 
 
 And 
 
 510 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 255 
 
 And many fee it not ; as many be 
 
 So wilfull, that his hand they will not fee. 
 
 Some, plainly view the fame, but nothing care : 
 
 Some, at the fight thereof amazed are 
 
 Like Balthazar ; and have a trembling heart, 
 
 Yet, will not from their vanities depart. 
 
 About fuch matters, other fome are loth 
 Their thoughts to bufie (meerly out of floth) 
 Like him, who rather would in hazard put 
 His life, then rife from bed the doore to fliut. 
 Some, dreame that all things doe by chance fucceed, 
 And that I prate more of them then I need. 
 But, Heav'n and Earth, to witneiTe I invoke. 
 That, cauflefly, I nothing here have fpoke. 
 
 If this, oh fickly Hand, thou beleeve. 
 And for thy great infirmity flialt grieve, 
 And, grieving of thy follies make confeffions ; 
 And fo confeffe thine infinite tranfgreffions. 
 That thou amend thofe errors : God fhall then 
 Thy manifold diftempers cure agen ; 
 Make all thy skailet fins as white as fnow, 
 And caft, his threatned judgement on thy foe. 
 But, if thou (fondly thinking thou art well) 
 Shalt fleight this Meffage, which my Mufe doth tell, 
 And fcorne her counfell ; If thou fhalt not rue 
 Thy former wayes ; but, frowardly purfue 
 Thy wilfull courfe : then, harke what I am bold, 
 (In fpight of all thy madneffe) to unfold. 
 For, I will tell thy Fortune; which, when they 
 That are unborne, fhall read, another day ; 
 They will beleeve Gods mercy did infufe 
 Thy Poets breil with a prophetick Mufe. 
 And know, that he this Author did prefer. 
 To be from him, this lies Remembrancer. 
 
 Y4 If 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 If thou, I fay, oh Britaine I (halt retaine 
 Thy crying finnes, thou doft. prefume in vaine. 
 Of Gods protedlion. If thou ilop thine eare, 
 Or burne this Rowle, in which recorded are 
 Thy jufl. Inditements ; it (hall written be 
 With new additions, deeply ftampt on thee 
 With fuch Charallers, that no time (hall race 
 Their fatall image, from thy fcarred face. 
 Though haughtily thou doft thy felfe difpofe, 
 Becaufe the Sea thy borders doth enclofe. 
 Although upon the Rocks thy neaft is plac'd ; 
 Though thou among the Stars thy dwelling haft ; 
 Though thou encreafe thy (hips ; and unto that 
 Which is thine owne, with King lehofophat, 
 loyne Ahabs forces. Though thou watch and ward. 
 And all thy Ports and Havens ftrongly guard ; 
 Although thou multiply thy inland forces, 
 And mufter up large troups of men and horfes ; 
 Though like an Eagle, thou thy wings difplay'ft, 
 And (high thy felfe advancing) proudly fay'ft ; 
 I fit aloft, and amfo high, that none 
 Can fetch me from the place I refl upon. 
 Yea, though thou no advantages didft want. 
 Of which the gloriouft Emperies did vaunt ; 
 Yet, fure, thou (halt be humbled and brought low ; 
 Ev'n then, perhaps, when leaft thou fear'ft it fo. 
 
 Till thou repent, provifions which are made 
 For thy defence, or others to invade, 
 Shall be in vaine ; and ftill, the greater coft 
 Thou (halt beftow, the honor that is loft 
 Shall be the greater ; and thy wafted ftrength. 
 Be fick of a Confumption, at the length. 
 Thy Treaties, which for peace or pro(it be. 
 Shall neither peace, nor profit, bring to thee. 
 
 Or 
 
 512 
 
Cani. 8. REMEMBRANCER. 256 
 
 Or, if thy Counfels profper for a while, 
 
 God will permit it, onely to beguile 
 
 Thy fooliftineffe ; and tempt thee on, to run 
 
 Some courfes, that will bring his ludgement on. 
 
 Yea, all thy winnings ftiall but fewell be. 
 
 To feed thofe follies that now fpring in thee ; 
 
 And make (with vengeance) thofe the more enrag' 
 
 Who fliall for thy correction be engag'd. 
 
 What ever threatned in Gods Book hath bin, 
 
 Againll a wicked people for their fin, 
 
 Shall come on thee : His hand (hall be for ill, 
 
 On ev'ry Mountaine, and high-raifed Hill. 
 
 Thy lofty Cedars, and thy llurdy Oakes, 
 
 Shall feele the fury of his thunder-ftroakes. 
 
 Vpon thy Ships, thy Havens, and thy Ports, 
 
 Vpon thy Armes, thy Armies, and thy Forts, 
 
 Vpon thy pleafures and commodities, 
 
 Thy Crafts niechanick, and thy Merchandize ; 
 
 On all the fruits, and cattell in thy fields, 
 
 On what the Ayre, or what the Water yeelds, 
 
 On Prince, and People ; on both weak, and ftrong, 
 
 On Prieft, and Prophet ; on both old and yong ; 
 
 Yea, on each perfon, place, and ev'rything. 
 
 The plague it hath deferved God fhall bring. 
 
 What ever thou doft hope, he frullrate fliall ; 
 And, make what e're thou fearefl, on thee fall. 
 This pleafant foyle, wherein fuch plenty growes ; 
 And where both milke and honey overflowes, 
 Shall for thy peoples wickedneffe be made 
 A Land as barren, as what never had 
 Such plenties in it. God fliall drive away 
 Thy pleafant Fowles, and all thofe Fifti that play 
 Within thy waters ; and for whofe great ftore 
 Some other Nations would have prais'd him more. 
 
 Y 5 Thofe 
 
 3^ 513 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 Thofe Rivers, that have made thy Vallies rich, 
 
 Shall be like ftrearaes of ever-burning Pitch. 
 
 Thy duft as Brimftone ; fields as hard and dry 
 
 As iron is ; the Firmament, on high, 
 
 (Like brafie) (hall yeeld thee neither rain nor dew, 
 
 The hope of wafted bleffings to renew. 
 
 A leanneffe, (hall thy fatneffe quite devoure ; 
 
 Thy Wheat (hall in the place of wholfome flowre, 
 
 Yeeld nought but bran. In ftead of graife and come. 
 
 Thou (halt in times of harveft, reap the thorne. 
 
 The thiftle, and the bryar. Of their (hadowes 
 
 Thy Groves (hall robbed be. Thy flow'ry Medowes 
 
 Shall fterile waxe. There (hall be feldome feene 
 
 Sheep on thy Downes ; or Shepherds on the greene. 
 
 Thy walks, thy gardens, and each pleafant plot, 
 
 Shall be as thofe where men inhabit not. 
 
 Thy Villages, where goodly dwellings are, 
 
 Shall ftand as if they unfrequented were. 
 
 Thy Cities, and thy Palaces, wherein 
 
 Moft neatne(re and magnificence hath bin, 
 
 Shall heaps of rubbi(h be ; and (as in thofe 
 
 nemoli(ht Abbies, wherein Dawes, and Crowes, 
 
 Now make their nefts) the bramble, and the nettle. 
 
 Shall in their halls, and parlours, root, and fettle. 
 
 Thy Princes houfes, and thy wealthy Ports, 
 
 Now fiU'd with men of all degrees and forts, 
 
 Shall no inhabitants in them retaine, 
 
 But fome poore Fiftierman, or country Swaine, 
 
 Who of thy glories, when the marks they fee. 
 
 Shall wonder what thofe mighty mines be ; 
 
 As now they doe, who old foundations find. 
 
 Of Townes and Cities, periiht out of mind. 
 
 The places where much people meetings had. 
 Shall vermine holes, and dens for beafts be made. 
 
 Or 
 
 S14 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 257 
 
 Or walks for Sprights, who from thofe uncouth rooms 
 Shall fright the paffenger, which that way comes. 
 In {lead of mirth and laughter, lamentation 
 Shall there abide .• and, loathfome defolation. 
 In (lead of company. Where once was heard 
 Sweet melody, men (hall be made afeard 
 With hideous cries, and bowlings of defpaire. 
 Thy very Climate, and thy temp'rate ayre, 
 Shall lofe their wholfomneffe, for thy offences ; 
 And breed hot Fevers, Murraines, Pejlilences, 
 And all difeafes. They that now are trained 
 In eafe, and with foft pleafures entertained ; 
 In ftead of idle games, and wanton dances, 
 Shall pradtife how to handle guns, and launces : 
 And be compell'd to leave their friends embraces, 
 To end their lives in divers uncouth places ; 
 Or elfe, thy face, with their owne blood defile. 
 In hope to keep themfelves, and thee, from fpoile. 
 
 Thy beautious Women (whofe great pride is more 
 Then theirs, whom Efay blamed heretofore) 
 In ftead of paintings, and of coftly fents. 
 Of glittering gems, and precious ornaments. 
 Shall weare deformity about their faces ; 
 And, being rob'd of all their tempting graces, 
 Feele wants, difeafes, and all fuch like things. 
 Which to a wanton Lover lothing brings. 
 
 Thy God, (hall for thy overflowing vices. 
 Scourge thee with Scorpions, Serpents, Cockatrices, 
 And other fuch ; whofe tailes with ftings are armed, 
 That neither can be plucked forth, nor charmed. 
 Thou (halt not be fuffiz'd when thou art fed ; 
 Nor (halt thou fuffer fcarcity of bread 
 And terap'rall food alone ; but, of that meat, 
 Whereof the faithful! foule defires to eate. 
 
 That 
 
 S15 
 
Brittan's Cani.8. 
 
 That Gurfe of ravenous beajls, which God had faid, 
 Vpon a wicked kingdome (hall be laid, 
 He will inflidl on thee. For, though there be 
 No Tygers, Lyons, Wolves, or Beares in thee, 
 By beally minded men (that fliall be farre 
 More cruell then thofe bloody fpoUers are) 
 Thou (halt be torne : For, each man fliall aflay 
 His fellow to devoure as lawfull prey. 
 
 In Head of Lyons, Tyrants thou flialt breed ; 
 Who nor of Confcience, nor of Law take heed ; 
 But, on the weak mans portion lay their paw. 
 And, make their Pkafures, to become their Law. 
 In (lead of Tigers, men of no compaffion, 
 A furious, and a wilfull generation. 
 Shall fill thy borders. Theeves, and outlawes vile, 
 Shall hunt the wayes, and haunt the woods for fpoile. 
 As Beares, and Wolves. A fubtile cheating crew 
 (That will with tricks and coufnages purfue 
 The Ampler fort) (hall here encreafe their breed ; 
 And, in their fubtleties the J^ox exceed. 
 That hoggifh herd, which alwayes rooting are 
 Within the ground, and never upward reare 
 Their grunting fnouts ; nor fix their eyes on heav'n, 
 To look from whence their daily food is giv'n .• 
 Thofe filthy fwinifli livers, who defire 
 To feed on draflfe, and wallow in the mire ; 
 Thofe, who afiedl ranke pudles, more then fprings ; 
 To trample and defpife moft precious things ; 
 The holy to prophane ; Gods herbs of grace 
 To nouzle up ; his Vineyard to deface ; 
 And fuch like harmes to doe : thefe (hall thy fields, 
 Marre worfe, then thofe wilde Bores the defart yeelds. 
 
 If thou remaine impenitent, thou art 
 Like Egypt ; and, fo ilony is thy heart 
 
 Si6 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 258 
 
 For which obdurateneffe, thofe plagves will all 
 Defcend on thee, which did on Egypt fall. 
 JBlood, Frogs, and Lice, great fwanns of uncouth Flies, 
 Th' infedlious Murraine, whereof Cattle dyes ; 
 Boiles, Scabs, and Blaines; fierce Hail, & Thunder-Jbrms; 
 The Locujl, and all fruit devouring Wormes. 
 Groffe narkneffe, and the Death of thofe that be 
 Thy Darlings ; all thofe Plagues fhall fall on thee, 
 According as the Letter doth imply, 
 Or, as in myjlick fenfe they fignifie. 
 
 Thy pureft Rivers God fliall turne to blood ; 
 With ev'ry Lake, that hath beene fweet and good. 
 Ev'n in thy nollrils he Ihall make it ftinke ; 
 For, nothing fliall thy people eate or drinke, 
 Vntill their owne, or others blood it cofl. ; 
 Or, put their lives in hazard to be loft. 
 
 Moft loathfome Frogs ; that is, a race impure. 
 Of bafe condition, and of birth obfcure, 
 (Ev'n in unwholfome fens, and ditches, bred) 
 Shall with a clownifli rudeneffe over-fpread 
 Thy pleafanf ft fields ; thy faireft roomes poffeffe ; 
 And make unwholfome (by their fluttiftineffe) 
 Thy kneading troughs, thy ovens, and that meat. 
 Whereof thy people, and thy Princes eat. 
 This hatefull brood, ftiall cUmbe to croak and fing. 
 Within the lodging chambers of the King. ' 
 Yea, there make pradlice of thofe naturall notes, 
 Which iffue from their evil-founding throats : 
 To wit, vaine brags, revilings, ribaldries, 
 Vile flanders, and unchriftian blafpheinies. 
 
 The Ljind, fhall breed a nafty Generation, 
 Vnworthy either of the reputation 
 Or name of men. For, they as Lice fhall feed 
 Ev'n on the body whence they did proceed ; 
 
 Till 
 
 517 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 Till poverty, and flovenry, and floth, 
 
 Have quite difgrac'd them, and confum'd them, both. 
 
 There (hall, moreover, fwarmes of divers Nies, 
 Engendred be in thy profperities. 
 To be a plague : the Flejh-flye (hall corrupt 
 Thy favory meats ; Mujketoes interrupt 
 The weary traveller ; thou flialt have Drones, 
 Dores, Hornets, Wafps, and fuch like angry-ones, 
 Who reprefent that fwarme whofe buzzing tongues 
 (Like flings) are ufed in their neighbours wrongs : 
 And, ftill are flying, and flill humming fo, 
 As if they meant fome weighty works to do, 
 When as, upon the common ftock they fpend ; 
 And nought performe of that which they pretend. 
 Thy Butter-flies fhall plague thee too ; ev'n thofe. 
 Who wafte their Lands and Rents, in gawdy clothes, 
 Or idle flutterings ; and then fpawne their feed, 
 Vpon thy goodly'ft flow'rs, and herbs to feed. 
 
 As Beafts deftroyed by the Marraine be, 
 So, they that are of beaftly life in thee. 
 By lewd example fhall infedt each other ; 
 And in their foule difeafes rot together. 
 
 On all thy people, of what fort fo'ere. 
 Shall 7?afo, and biles, and rw\mx\% fores appeare. 
 The fruits of their corruption. Yea, with paines 
 (Within their confcience, and with fears and blaines 
 Of outward infamy) they fhall be grieved ; 
 And, in their tortures perifh, unrelieved. 
 
 Tempelluous_/?(7^««, upon this He fhall fall. 
 Hot Thunder-bolts ^ and Haile-Jlones therewithal! ; 
 Men, either too too hot, or too too cold ; 
 Or elfe lukewarme. But, few or none fhall hold 
 A rightfuU temper ; and, thefe meteors will 
 Thy borders with a thoufand mifchieves fill. 
 
 The 
 
 Si8 
 
CaniS. Remembrancer. 259 
 
 The Locujl alfo and the Palmer wromes, 
 Shall prey on what efcapeth from the Stormes : 
 Not they alone, which on the graffe do breed ; 
 But, alfo, they who from the Pit proceed 
 Which hath no bottome .• and, when any thing 
 Doth by the dew of heav'n begin to fpring. 
 They fliall devoure the fame, till they have left thee, 
 Nor leafe, nor bloffome ; but, of all bereft thee. 
 
 Then, (hall a darkneffe follow, far more black. 
 Then when the light corporeall thou dofl. lack. 
 For, groffefl Ignorance, o'reihadowing all, 
 Shall in fo thick a darkneffe thee inthrall, 
 That, thou a blockifli people fhalt be made, 
 Still wandring on in a deceiving fliade ; 
 Miftrulling thofe that fafeft. paths are fhowing ; 
 Mofl trufting them, who counfell thy undoing ; 
 And aye tormented be with doubts and feares. 
 As one that outcries, in darke places heares. 
 
 Nor fhall the hand of God from thee returne. 
 Till he hath alfo fmote thine eldejt-borne. 
 That is, till he hath taken from thee quite, 
 Ev'n that whereon thou fetfl thy whole delight ; 
 And filled ev'ry houfe throughout this Nation, 
 With deaths unlocked for, and lamentation. 
 
 So great fhall be thy ruine, and thy fhame, 
 That when the neighb'ring kingdomes hear the fame 
 Their eares (hall tingle. And when that day comes. 
 In which thy follies muft receive their doomes ; 
 A day of clouds, a day of gloomineffe, 
 A day of black defpaire, and heavineffe. 
 It will appeare. And, then thy vanities, 
 Thy gold, thy filver, thy confederacies. 
 And all thofe reeds on which thou hall depended. 
 Will faile thy trull, and leave thee unbefriended. 
 
 Thy 
 
 519 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 8. 
 
 Thy King, thy Friefls & Prophets, then fhal mourn ; 
 And, peradventure, fainedly returne 
 To beg of God to iiiccour them : but, they 
 Who will not barken to his voice to-day, 
 Shall cry unheeded : and he v/ill defpife 
 Their vowes, their prayers, and their facrifice : 
 
 A fea of troubles, all thy hopes fhall fwallow : 
 As waves on waves, fo plague on plague (hall follow. 
 And, ev'rything that was a blefling to thee. 
 Shall turne to be a curfe, and heipe undo thee. 
 
 Thy So^raignes have to thee thy Fathers bin ; 
 By meanes of them hath peace beene kept within 
 Thy fea-girt limits : they, thy weale befriended. 
 The bleffed Faith they floutly have defended : 
 And, thou hafl. caufe of goodly hopes in him. 
 Who hath, of late, put on thy Diadem. 
 But know, that (till thou ftialt repent) no part 
 Belongs to thee of what is his defert. 
 His princely vertues, to his owne availe. 
 Shall profit much : but, they to thee (hall faile. 
 To thee his clemency (hall feeme fevere. 
 His favours all, (hall injuries appeare ; 
 And when thy fm is fully ripe in thee, 
 Thy Prince and People, then, alike (hall be. 
 Thou (halt have Babes to be thy Kings ; or worfe, 
 Thofe Tyrants who by cruelty and force 
 Shall take away thy ancient freedomes quite. 
 From all their SubjeBs ; yea themfelves delight 
 In their vexations : and, all thofe that are 
 Made flaves thereby, (hall murmur, yet not dare 
 To llir againft them. By degrees, they (hall 
 Deprive thee of thy patrimonies all ; 
 Compell thee (as in other Lands, this day) 
 For thine owne meat, and thine owne drink to pay. 
 
 And, 
 
 Szo 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 26 
 
 And, at the laft, begin to exercife 
 
 Vpon thy fonnes, all heathnifli tyrannies, 
 
 As juft Prerogatives. To thefe intents, 
 
 Thy Nobles fliall become their inftruments. 
 
 For, they who had their birth from noble races. 
 
 Shall (fome and feme) be brought into difgraces : 
 
 From offices they ftiall excluded fland : 
 
 And all their vertuous off-fpring, from the Land, 
 
 Shall quite be worne : in Head of whom fliall rife 
 
 A brood advanced by impieties, 
 
 By flattery, by purchafe, and by that 
 
 Which ev'ry truly-noble one doth hate. 
 
 From flems obfcure, and out of meane profeffions, 
 
 They fhall afcend and mount by their ambitions, 
 
 To feats ai luJUce; and thofe Names to beare. 
 
 Which htinor'd mofl within thefe Kingdomes are. 
 
 And being thither got, fliall make more ft.rong 
 
 Their new-built Greatneffe, by encreafing wrong : 
 
 To thofe, will fome of thefe themfelves unite. 
 Who by their births to Lordly Stiles have right ; 
 But, vicioufly confuming their efl,ate, 
 Did from their fathers worths degenerate. 
 By this Confederacy, their nobler bloods 
 Shall countenance the others ill got goods ; 
 The others wealth againe, fliall keep from fcorne 
 Their beggery, who have beene nobly borne : 
 And, both together, being elfe unable, 
 (In their ill courfe to make their fl.anding ft.able) 
 Shall feek how they more great, and fl;rong, may grow 
 By compafling the publike over-throw. 
 
 They fliall abufe thy Kings, with tales, and lyes ; 
 With feeming love, and fervile flatteries. 
 They fliall perfwade them they have pow'r to make 
 Their Wils, their Law ; and as they pleafe to take 
 
 Their 
 
 S2I 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 Their peoples goods, their children, and their lives, 
 Ev'n by their jufl, and due Prerogatives. 
 
 When thus much they have made them to beleeve, 
 Then, they ftiall teach them praftices to grieve 
 Their fubjedls by; and, inflruments become 
 To heipe the fcrewing up, by feme and feme, 
 Of Monarchies to Tyrannies. They fhall 
 Abufe Religion, Honejly, and all, 
 To compaffe their defignes. They fhall devife 
 Strange projedls; and with impudence, and lyes, 
 Proceed in fetling them. They fhall forget 
 Thofe reverent ufages, which do befit 
 The majefty of State; and raile, and ftorme, 
 When they pretend diforders to reforme. 
 In their high Counfels, and where man fhould have 
 Kind admonitions, and reprovings grave, 
 When they offend ; they fhall be threatned there, 
 Or fcoft, or taunted, though no caufe appeare. 
 
 It is unfeemly for a Itidge to fit 
 And exercife a jibing Schoole-boyes wit 
 Vpon their trades, or names, who Hand before 
 Their judgement feats : but, who doth not abhor 
 To heai-e it, when a Magiflrate obje6ls, 
 Birth, poverty, or perfonall defedts 
 In an upbraiding wife ? Or, who with me 
 Derides it not, when in our Courts we fee 
 Thofe men, whofe bodies are both old and weake, 
 (Forgetting grave and ufefuU things to fpeake) 
 Vent Giants words, and briflle up, as tho 
 Their very breath could armies overthrow : 
 Whereas (poore weaklings) were there in their //a^w 
 No more authority, then in their faces, 
 Their perfons, or their language, all their chafing, 
 And threatning, nothing would efFeft but laughing. 
 
 For, 
 
 ^iZ 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 261 
 
 For, unto me big looks, and crying hoh, 
 As dreadfull feemes, as when a child cryes boh 
 To fright his Nurfe ; yea, fuch a bug-beare falhion 
 Effedeth nought but fcornfuU indignation. 
 
 But in thofe times (which nearer are then fome 
 Suppofe perhaps) fuch Rhetorick will come 
 To be in ufe ; and arguments of Reafon, 
 And juft proceedings, will be out of feafon. 
 Their wi/dome fliall be folly j and, goe nigh 
 To bring contempt on their Authority. 
 Their Counfell-Table ftiall a fnare be made. 
 And thofe 'gainfl whom they no juft. matter had. 
 At firft appearance, fhall be urg'd to fay 
 Some word or other, e're they part away. 
 Which will betray their innocence to blame, 
 And bring upon them detriment and ftiame : 
 Yea, many times (as David hath of old. 
 Concerning fuch oppreffors, well foretold) 
 To humble crouchings, and to fained ftiowes, 
 Defcend they fliall, to worke mens overthrowes : 
 And, what their fubtlety doth faile to gaine, 
 They fliall by rigour, and by force obtaine. 
 
 What ever from thy people they can teare 
 Or borrow, they fliall keep, as if it were 
 A prize which had beene taken from the Foe : 
 And, they fliall make no confcience what they do 
 To prejudice Pofterity. For, they 
 To gaine their luft, but for the prefent day, 
 Shall with fuch love unto themfelves endeavor, 
 That (though they knew it would undoe for ever 
 Their owne pofl;erity) it fliall not make 
 Thofe Monjlers any better courfe to take. 
 
 Nay, God fliall give them up for their offences. 
 To fuch uncomely reprobated fenfes : 
 
 And, 
 
 523 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 8. 
 
 And, blinde them fo, that (when the axe they fee 
 Ev'n hewing at the root of their owne tree, 
 By their owne handy ftrokes) they fliall not grieve 
 For their approaching fall : no, nor beleeve 
 Their fall approacheth ; nor affume that heed 
 Which might prevent it, till they fall indeed. 
 
 Thy Princes, Brittain, in thofe dayes, will be 
 Like roaring Lyons, making prey of thee. 
 God fliall deliver thee into their hand. 
 And they (hall a6l their pleafure in the Land ; 
 As once his Prophet threatned to that Nation, 
 Which doth exemplifie thy Defolation. 
 
 Thy Kings (as thou haft wallowed in exceffe) 
 Shall take delight in drinke, and v/antonneffe. 
 And, thofe whom thou doft call thy Noble-ones 
 Shall to the very marrow, gnaw thy bones. 
 Thy Lawyers wilfully (hall wrefl. thy Lawes, 
 And (to the ruine of the common Caufe) 
 Shall mif-interpret them, in hope of grace 
 From thofe, who may difpoile them of their place. 
 Yea, that whereto they are obliged, both 
 By Confcience, by their Calling, and their Oath 
 To put in execution, they (hall feare, 
 And, leave them helpleffe, who oppreffed are. 
 Thy Prelats in the fpoyle of thee fliall fliaie ; 
 Thy Priejls, as light fliall be, as thofe that are 
 The meaneft perfons. All their Prophecies, 
 Or preachings, (hall be herefies and lyes. 
 The word of truth in them (hall not remaine. 
 Their lips no wholefome knowledge (hall retaine ; 
 And all his outward meanes oi faving-Grace, 
 Thy God (hall cary to another place. 
 
 Mark well oh Brittain 1 what I now (hall fay, 
 And doe not fleightly paCTe thefe words away ; 
 
 But 
 
 524 
 
Cani.Z. Remembrancer. 262 
 
 But, be affured that when God beginnes, 
 To bring that vengeance on thee, for thy finnes. 
 Which hazzard with thy total overtlirow. 
 Thy Prophets and thy Priejls fliall lliely fow 
 The feeds of that diffention, and fedition, 
 Which Time will ripen for thy fad perdition. 
 Ev'n they, who formerly, were of thy peace 
 The happy inftruments, fliall then increafe 
 Thy troubles moft. And, ev'n as when the lewes 
 Gods truth-prefaging Prophets did abufe, 
 He fufFred thofe who preached in his Name, 
 Such falfehoods as the chiefefl caufe became 
 Of their deflrudlion : fo if thou go on 
 To make a fcorne (as thou hafl often done) 
 Of them who feeke thy welfare, hee will fend 
 Falfe prophets, that flaall bring thee to thine end, 
 By faying all things thou would have them fay : 
 And lulling thee afleep in thine owne way. 
 If any brain-fick Fellow, whom the Devill 
 Seduceth to infli6l on thee fome evill. 
 Shall coyne falfe Dodlrines, or perfwade thee to 
 Some foolifh courfe that will, at length, undoe 
 The Common-weal : his counfell thou flialt follow ; 
 Thou, cover'd with his bait, a hooke fhalt fwallow 
 To rend thine entrailes : and thine ignorance 
 Shall, alfo for that mifchiefe, him advance. 
 
 But if that any lover of thy weale, 
 Infpir'd with truth, and with an honefl zeale. 
 Shall tell thee ought pertaining to thy good, 
 His Meffages fliall lliffly be withft-ood : 
 That Seer fliall be charged not to fee ; 
 His word fliall fleighted as a potiherd be ; 
 His life fliall be traduced, to difgrace 
 His Counfells ; or, his errant to debafe : 
 
 In 
 
 5-5 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 In Head of recompence, he fhall be fure, 
 Imprifonments or threatenings to procure : 
 And, peradventure (as thofe Prophets were, 
 Who did among the lewijh Peers declare 
 Their States enormities) his good intention 
 May be fo wrong'd, that he, by forae invention. 
 May lofe his life, with publike fhame and hate, 
 As one that is a troubler of the State. 
 
 But, not unleffe the Priejl thereto confent : 
 For in thofe dayes fliall few men innocent 
 Be griev'd (through any quarter of the I>and) 
 In which thy Ckrgie fliall not have fome hand. 
 If ever in thy Fields (as God forbid) 
 The blood of thine own children fliall be fhed 
 By civill difcord, they fhall blow the flame, 
 That will become thy ruine, and thy fhame. 
 And thus it fhall be kindled. When the times. 
 Are nigh at worfl, ; and thy increafing crimes 
 Almoft compleat ; the Devill fhall begin 
 To bring ftrange crotchets, and opinions in 
 Among thy Teachers ; which will breed difunion, 
 And interrupt the vifible communion 
 Of thy eflablifht Church. And, in the fleed 
 Of zealous Pajiors, (who Gods flock did feed) 
 There fhall arife within thee, by degrees, 
 A Clegry, that fhall more defire to fleece, 
 Then feed the flock. A Clergy it fliall be, 
 Divided in it felfe : and they fhall thee 
 Divide among them, into fev'rall factions, 
 Which rend thee will, and fill thee with diftracflions ; 
 They all in outward feeming Ihall pretend 
 Gods glory, and to have one pious end : 
 But, under colour of fincere devotion, 
 Their ftudy fhall be temporal promotion ; 
 
 Which 
 
 526 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 263 
 
 Which will among themfelves ftrange quarrels make 
 Wherein thy other Children fhall partake 
 As to the Perfons, or the Caufe, they fland 
 Aflfe<5ted, even quite throughout the Land. 
 
 One part of thefe will for preferment ftrive, 
 By lifting up the Kin^s prerogative 
 Above it felfe. They Ihall perfwade him to 
 Much more then Lmv or Confcience bids him do, 
 And fay, God warrants it. His holy Lawes 
 They fhall pervert, to juflifie their caufe ; 
 And, impudently wrefl, to prove their ends. 
 What God to better purpofes, intends. 
 They fhall not blulh to fay, that ev'ry King, 
 May doe like Solomon, in ev'ry thing. 
 As if they had his warrant : and fhall dare 
 Afcribe to Monarchs, rights that proper are 
 To none but Chrift; and mixe their flatteries. 
 With no leffe groffe and wicked blafphemies, 
 Then Heathens did : yea, make their Kings beleeve, 
 That whomfoever they opprelfe or grieve. 
 It is no wrong ; nor fit for men oppreffed, 
 To feeke by their owne Lawes to be redreffed. 
 
 Such counfell ftiall thy Princes then provoke, 
 To cafl, upon thee Rehoboams yoake. 
 And, they not caring, or not taking heed 
 How ill that ill-advifed King did fpeed. 
 Shall multiply thy caufes of diflracflion. 
 For, then, will of thy Priejls, the other fadlion 
 Beflir themfelves. They will in outward Ihowes, 
 Thofe whom I lafl. have mentioned, oppofe. 
 But, in thy ruine, they will both agree, 
 As in one Center., though far oft they lae 
 In their Diameter. With lowly zeale, 
 An envious pride they flily fhall conceale^: 
 
 And, 
 
 527 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 And, as the former to thy Kings will teach 
 Meere Tyranny : fo ihall thefe other preach 
 Rebellion to the People ; and fhall ftraine 
 The word of God, Sedition to maintaine. 
 
 They fliall not feare to fay, that if thy King 
 Become a Tyrant, thou maifl alfo fling 
 Obedience off; or from his Crowne divorce him ; 
 Or, by the terror of drawne fwords enforce him. 
 WTiich falfe Divinitie, fhall to the Devill 
 Send many foules, and bring on thee much evill. 
 
 Oh ! be thou therefore watchfuU ; and when e're 
 Thefe Lambs with Dragons voyces doe appeare, 
 Repent thy finne, or take it for a token, 
 That fome great Bulwarke of thy peace is broken, 
 Which mufl be foone repaired ; or els, all 
 The greatnes of thy glory, downe will fall. 
 
 Take heed oi thoit fal/e prophets, who will ftrive 
 Betwixt thy Prince and People to contrive 
 A difagreement. And, what euer come. 
 Thy due Allegeance never flart thou from. 
 For, (their oppreiTions though we may withiland 
 By pleading Lawes, or Cujidmes) not a hand 
 Mufl move againfl them, fave the hand of God, 
 Who makes a King, a Bulwark, or a Rod, 
 As pleafeth him. Oh take ye therefore heed 
 Yee People, and yee Kings (that (hall fucceed) 
 Of thefe Impojlors. Of the lafl beware 
 Yee Subjects : for, their Dodlrines hellifli are. 
 And though they promife Liberty and peace. 
 Your Thraldome, and your Troubles they'll increafe. 
 Shun oh ! yee Kings the firfl ; for, they advife 
 What will your Crownes and honors prejudice. 
 When you doe thinke their Prophecies befriend you. 
 They doe but unto Ramoth-Gilead fend you, 
 
 Where 
 
 528 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 266 
 
 Where you fhall perifh ; and poore Micahs word, 
 
 Though leffe efteem'd, more fafety will afford. 
 
 They will abufe yonr piety, and all 
 
 Your vertues. To their wicked ends they (hall 
 
 Apply the Sacred Story ; or what ever 
 
 May feeme to further their unjuft. endevor. 
 
 Ev'n what the fon of Hannah told the Jewes, 
 
 Should be their fcourge (becaufe they did reiufe 
 
 The fov'raignty of God, and were fo vaine 
 
 To aske a King which over them might raigne 
 
 As heathen Princes did) that curfe they fliall 
 
 Afi&rme to be a Law Monarchimll 
 
 Which God himfelfe eftabliflied to ftand 
 
 Throughout all ages, and in ev'ry land. 
 
 Which is as good Divinity, as they 
 
 Have alfo taught, who doe not blufli to fay 
 
 That Kings may have both Wives and Concubines ; 
 
 And, by that Rule whereby thefe great Divines 
 
 Shall prove their Tenet, I dare undertake 
 
 (If found it hold) that I like proofe will make 
 
 Of any Tewijh Cuftome, and devife 
 
 Authority for all abfurdities. 
 
 But, falfe it is. For, might all Kings at pleafure 
 
 (As by the right of royaltie) make ceafure 
 
 Of any mans poffeffions : why I pray 
 
 Did Ahab grieve, that Ndboth faid him nay ? 
 
 Why made he not this anfwer thereunto, 
 
 (If what the Prophet faid fome Kings would do, 
 
 Were jufUy to be done) Thy Vineyard's mine ; 
 
 And, at my pleafure, Naboth, all that's thine 
 
 Affumelmay. Why, like a Turky- chick, 
 
 Did he fo foolifhly grow fullen fick, 
 
 And get poffeffion by a wicked fafl 
 
 Of what might have beene his by royall adl ? 
 
 Z If 
 
 3 ■» 529 
 
B R I T T A n'S Cant. 8. 
 
 If fuch Divinity, as this were true, 
 
 The Queene fliould not have needed to purfue 
 
 Poore Naboth, as the did ; or, fo contrive 
 
 His death ; fince by the Kings Prerogative, 
 
 She might have got his Vineyard. Nor would God 
 
 Have fcourg'd that murther with fo keene a rod. 
 
 On AMb, had he asked but his due. 
 
 For, he did neither plot, nor yet purfue 
 
 The murther ; nor (for ought that we can tell) 
 
 Had knowledge of the deed of lezabel, 
 
 Till God reveal'd it by the Prophet to him. 
 
 Nor is it faid, that Naboth wrong did do him. 
 
 Or difrefpeft ; in that he did not yeeld. 
 
 To fell, or give, or to exchange his Field. 
 
 The lewifh Commonwealth did fo inflate, 
 That, their poffeffions none could alienate. 
 But for a time ; who ever, for his mony, 
 Or in exchange, defir'd their patrimony. 
 And, doubtleffe, we offend, who at this day 
 Thofe Freedomes give, or lofe, or fell away 
 Which were in common right poffefl of old, ' 
 By our Forefathers ; and, continue (hould 
 To all their after-commers. For, altho 
 We may difpofe of what pertaines unto 
 Our perfons : yet, thofe dues which former ages 
 Have left unto us for our heritages, 
 (And whereunto, the child that borne muft. be, 
 Hath ev'ry whit as good a right as we) 
 Thofe dues we fliould preferve with all our might, 
 By pleading of our jufl and ancient right, 
 In humble wife ; if fo the Sov'raigne ftate 
 Our Freedomes fliall attempt to violate. 
 But, when by peacefull meanes we cannot fave it, 
 We to the pleafure of the King mull leave it, 
 
 And 
 
 S30 
 
Cani.8. Remembrancer. 265 
 
 And unto God our ludge : For all the pow'r 
 In us, confifts in faying, TMs is our. 
 
 A King is for a bleffing, or a curfe : 
 And therefore (though a Foole he were, or worfe, 
 A Tyrant, or an Ethnick) no man may 
 So much as in their private cloifets, pray 
 Againfl. his perfon ; though they may petition 
 Againft. the wickedneffe of his condition. 
 
 Nor, is this fuffrance due to thofe alone. 
 Who fubjedt are unto a Monarchs throne. 
 But, from all thofe who either fubjedts are 
 To mixed Governments, or popular. 
 For, though irregularities appeare 
 In ev'ry State ; becaufe but men they are 
 Whom God exalts to rule : yet, it is he 
 By whom all Governments ordained be. 
 And ev'ry Government (although the Name 
 Be different) is in eflfe6t the fame. 
 
 In Monarchies, the Counfell (as it were 
 An Arijlocracy) one while doth beare 
 The fway of all ; and though they name the King, 
 Yet him they over-rule in ev'ry thing. 
 Sometime againe, the pop'lar voice we fee. 
 Doth awe the Counfell, when in them there be 
 Some pop'lar Spirits. Arijlocrades 
 Are otherwhile the fame with Monarchies. 
 For, one great man among them gets the pow'r. 
 From all the reft, and like an Emperour, 
 Doth adt his pleafure. And, we know tis common 
 To have fome foolifli Favorite, or Woman, 
 To govern him. So in a pop'lar State, 
 Affaires are manag'd by the felfe fame fate j 
 And, either one or moe, away to fteale 
 The peoples hearts, and fway the Commonweale. 
 
 Z 2 Thus, 
 
 S3t 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 8. 
 
 Thus God is pleaf d, to humble and to raife : 
 
 Thus, he by fev'rall names, and fev'rall wayes, 
 
 The world doth govern. Yea, thus, ev'n in one nation, 
 
 And in one State, he makes much alteration 
 
 In formes of Government ; oft changing that 
 
 Which is but accidentall to a State. 
 
 And, fuch his Injlice, and his Wifdome is. 
 
 That he preferveth by the meanes of this, 
 
 Thofe things which do elfentially pertaine 
 
 To that great Power, which over all doth raigne. 
 
 Nor is he pleafed thus it fhould be done 
 In States that meerely civill are alone ; 
 But, alfo, in the Churches governments, 
 Allowes the change of outward accidents. 
 Yea, they to whom he gives the overfights 
 Of fome particular Church, may change old Rites, 
 The Cujlomes, Formes, or Titles as occafions 
 Are offi-ed them ; or, as the Times, or Nations, 
 Require a change ; provided fo, that they 
 Take nothing which effentiall is, away ; 
 Nor adde what fhall repugn e or prejudice 
 Gods Lawes, his Kingdome, or the Liberties 
 Of them that are his people. For, in what 
 Hath any Church a pow'r, if not in that 
 Which is indifferent ? Or, in what I pray 
 Will men the Church authority obey, 
 If not in fuch like things ? Or, who fhould be 
 The ludge what is indifferent, if not fhe ? 
 A private Spirit knowes what befl. agrees 
 With his own fancy ; but, the Church beft, fee 
 What fits the Congregation. From what gives 
 Offence to one ; another man receives 
 Much comfort : and, his confcience edifies. 
 By difciplines, which many doe defpife. 
 
 A 
 
Cant.Z. Remembrancer. 268 
 
 A Parijh is a little Dioceffe ; 
 And, as of Cities, Townes, and Villages, 
 A Bifnoprick confifls : fo, that doth rife 
 By fythings, Hamlets, and by Families. 
 And little diffrence would be in the fame, 
 (Excepting in the largeneffe and the name) 
 If their opinions were allow'd of all, 
 Who favour not the ftile Epifcopall: 
 For, ev'ry Priejt would then ufurp the fame 
 Authority, whereof fome hate the name. 
 Yea, many a one would then his Parifh make 
 A little Popedome, and upon him take 
 (Confidering his meane pow'r) as much as he 
 That Vniverfall Bijhop claimes to be : 
 And, prove more proud, and troublefome, then they 
 Againfl, whofe Lordlineffe they now inveigh. 
 
 This therefore is my Rule ; that Government 
 (What e're it be) in which to me God lent 
 My birth and breeding ; that, until my end, 
 I will obey, and to my pow'r defend. 
 Yea, though it tyrannize, I will denay 
 No more obedience, then by Law I may : 
 Ev'n by thofe Lawes and Cujiomes which do fland 
 In force, and unrepealed in that Land. 
 
 What right another had, e're I was borne. 
 Or how, or for what fmne, Gods hand hath torne 
 His Kingdome from him, I will never care, 
 Let them go anfwer that who SuhjeEls were 
 (When loft it was) and had that meanes, and calling. 
 And yeares, which might prevented have his falling. 
 
 Or fliould another Country take me home 
 As one of hers ; when thither I did come 
 I would nor feek, nor wifli to innovate 
 The Titles, or the Cujiomes of that State, 
 
 Z3 To 
 
 533 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 To what fome other Countries better thought .• 
 But, leave fuch things to thofe to whom I ought 
 
 And, there, if any FaBion fliall conflraine 
 That I one part mufl, take, I will maintaine 
 What bore the Sov'raignty when I came thither ; 
 And, I and that will Hand and fall together. 
 The fame obedience, alfo, keep I fhall, 
 To governments Ecdefiajlicall 
 Where e're I come ; if nothing they command 
 Which doth Gods word, effentially, withlland : 
 Or, indiredlly, or diredtly, thwart 
 His glory, or the purity pervert 
 Of Chrillian Principles ; nor further ftrife. 
 Nor caufe, nor countenance an evill life. 
 
 The Hyerarchy, here, I will obey. 
 And reverence, while I in England flay. 
 In Scotland if I liv'd, I would deny 
 No due refpedl to their Preshyterie. 
 Geneva fliould I vifit, I would there 
 Submit my felfe to what their cuflomes were. 
 Yea, wherefoe're I am, I will fuppofe 
 The Spirit in that Church much better knowes 
 What befl that place befitteth, then I do : 
 And, I will live conformed thereunto. 
 In ev'rything that's merely politick, 
 And injures not the Dodlrines Catholick. 
 
 To ev'ry temp'rall pow'r I'le be the fame, 
 By whatfoever cognizance, or name, 
 Men pleafe to call it. If I fliould be fent 
 To Poland, where a mixed government 
 Eftabliftit is ; I would not tell them, there. 
 That any other Cuflome better were. 
 Were I in Switzerland, I would maintaine 
 Democrity ; and, think to make it plaine, 
 
 That 
 
 534 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 267 
 
 That for thefe Times, thofe Cantons, and that Nation, 
 
 There could not be a better Domination. 
 
 In Venice, far before a Monarchy 
 
 I would prefer an Arijhcracie. 
 
 In Spaine, and France, and in Great Britaine here, 
 
 I hold no Governments more perfedl are 
 
 Then Monarchies. And, if Gods will Ihould be, 
 
 Beneath a Tyrant to envaffaile me, 
 
 I would perfwade my felfe, that heavy yoake 
 
 Were befl, for fome refpedls ; and, to the llroke 
 
 Ev'n of an iron Mace would fubjedl be. 
 
 In body : with a minde that (hould be free 
 
 From his inforcement, (if he did withftand, 
 
 Or bid me what Gods Law doth countermand.) 
 
 There is, I know, a middle-way that lyes, 
 Ev'n jufl betwixt the two extremities. 
 Which to /edition, and to faSlion tend. 
 To find which trail, my whole defire I bend ; 
 And with it foUow'd more. For, if we tread 
 That harmlelTe path, we cannot be mif-led ; 
 Nor fliam'd, though blam'd we be. To ev'ry man 
 I faine would give his due ; and all I can 
 I doe endeavor it. I would not wrong 
 My Country ; neither take what doth belong 
 To Cefar : nor infringe, or prejudice, 
 The Vniverfall Churches liberties ; 
 Nor for her outward Difcifline prefer 
 Or cenfure, any Church particular ; 
 Or any State, but as befit it may 
 His Mufe, which nought but needfull truths doth fay. 
 Nor have I any purpofe to withdraw 
 Obedience, or refpedl from any Law 
 That's pofitive ; or, to difliearten from 
 Thofe Cujhmes, which a Chriftian (late become. 
 
 Z 4 Nor 
 
 53S 
 
Brittan's Cant.%. 
 
 Nor have I any thought to fcandahze, 
 Or fpeake amiffe of Principalities ; 
 Or, to traduce mens perfons : but, I fall 
 On errors of men's lives in generall, 
 And, on thofe great Abufes, which I fee 
 To blemifli ev'ry Calling and Degree. 
 
 Of Dignities and Perfons, I obferve 
 All meanes I can, their honors to preferve. 
 When I reprove their faults. And, ev'n as he 
 That hunteth Foxes, where Lambes feeding be, 
 May fright that harmleffe flock, and fuffer blame 
 Of feme By-Jlanders, (knowing not his Game) 
 When from his Dogs, thofe Innocents are free. 
 And none but their devourers bitten be. 
 So though my reprehenfions, often are 
 Miftook by foolifli Readers ; they are far 
 From reprehending thofe, or taxing that 
 Which is unfitting for my fliooting at. 
 I fpeake thofe things which will advantage rather 
 Then harme : and hence this blinded age may gather 
 Much light. This little Volume doth relate 
 Nought elfe but what is like to be our Fate ; 
 If fin encreafe ; and what in former times 
 Did fall on other Nations for their crimes. 
 I utter what our welfare may encreafe. 
 And helpe confirme us in a happy peace ; 
 Which they will never compaffe, who purfue 
 To fpeake what's pleafing, rather then what's true. 
 How ever, here my thoughts deliv'red be : 
 Let God, as he fliall pleafe, deliver me. 
 And if what here is mention'd, thou doft. heed 
 (Oh Briiaine .') in thofe rimes that fliall fucceed, 
 It may prevent much loffe, and make thee fliun 
 Thofe mifchiefes, whereby Kingdomes are undone. 
 
 But, 
 
 53<5 
 
Cant.S. Remembrancer. 270 
 
 But, to thy other fins, if thou (halt adde 
 
 Rebellions (as falfe Prophets will perfwade) 
 
 Which Ukely are to follow, when thou (halt 
 
 In thy profeffion of Religion halt .■ 
 
 Then, will thy Kings and People fcourge each other. 
 
 For their offences, till both fall together .• 
 
 By weakning of your pow'rs, to make them way, 
 
 Who feeke and look for that unhappy day. 
 
 Then, (hall diforder ev'rywhere abound, 
 And neither jufl nor pious man be found. 
 The beft (hall be a Bryer or a Thorne, 
 By whom their neighbours (hall be fcratcht & tome. 
 Thy Princes fhall to nothing condifcend 
 For any merit, juft, or pious end ; 
 But either for encreafing of their treafure, 
 Or for accompli(hing their willful pleafure .• 
 And unto what they fell or daigne for meed. 
 There fliall be given little truft or heed. 
 For, that which by their words confirme they fhall, 
 {The royall Seales uniting therewithall) 
 A toy (hall fruftrate ; and a gift fhall make 
 The (lri<5le(l Orders no effedl to take. 
 
 The fudge, without a bribe, no Caufe fhall end : 
 No man (hall truft his brother, or his friend : 
 The parents and the children (hall defpife 
 And hate and fpoile each other : (he that lies 
 Within her husbands bofome, (hall betray him : 
 They who thy people fhould prote6l, fhal flay them : 
 The aged (hall regarded be of none : 
 The poore (hall by the rich be trodden on : 
 Such grievous infolencies, everywhere 
 Shall a6ted be ; that good and bad (hall feare 
 In thee to dwell ; and, men difcreet (hall hate 
 To be a Ruler or a Magijirate ; 
 
 Z s When 
 
 3 J' 537 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 When they behold (without impenitence) 
 So much injuftice, and fuch violence. 
 
 And when thy wickedneffe this height (hall gain, 
 To which (no doubt) it will e're long attaine, 
 If thou proceed : Then, from the bow that's bent 
 (And halfe way drawne already) fliall be fent 
 A mortall arrow ; and it pierce thee fliall 
 Quite through the head, the liver, and the gall. 
 
 The Lord fliall call, and whiflle from afarre, 
 For thofe thy enemies that iierceft are : 
 For thofe thou feareft. mofl. ; and they fliall from 
 Their Countries, like a whirlewind hither come. 
 They fliall not fleep, nor flumble, nor untie 
 Their garments, till within thy fields they lye. 
 Sharp fliall their arrowes be, and flrong their bow. 
 Their faces fliall as full of horror fliow 
 As doth a Lions. Like a bolt of thunder. 
 Their troops of horfe fliall come, & tread thee under 
 Their iron feet. Thy foes fliall eate thy bread. 
 And with thy flocks both clothed be, and fed. 
 Thy Dwellers, they fliall cary from their owne. 
 To Countries which their fathers have not knowne. 
 And, thither fliall fuch mifchiefes them purfue, 
 That they who feeke the pit-fall to efchew. 
 Shall in a fnare be taken. If they fhall 
 Efcape the fword, a Serpent in the wall 
 To death fliall fl.ing them .• yea (although they hap 
 To fliun a hundred plagues) they fliall not fcape ; 
 But, with new dangers, fl^ill be chac'd about, 
 Vntill that they are wholly rooted out. 
 
 The Plowman, then, fliall be afraid to fow ; 
 Artificers their labour (hall foregoe ; 
 The Merchant man fliall croffe the Seas no more, 
 (Except to flye and feeke fome other Ihore) 
 
 Thy 
 
 538 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 269 
 
 Thy ablejl-men (hall faint : thy wife-ones, then, 
 Shall know themfelves to be but foolifti men. 
 And they who built and planted by oppreffion, 
 Shall leave their gettings to the foes poffeffion. 
 Yea, God wil fcourge thee, England, feven times more 
 With feven times greater Plagues then heretofore. 
 Then, thy Allies their friendship ihall withdraw ; 
 And, they that of thy greatneffe flood in awe, 
 Shall fay (in fcorne) is this the valiant Nation, 
 That had throughout the world fuch reputation, 
 By viBories upon the (hore ? Are thefe 
 That people which were maflers of the feas, 
 And grew fo mighty ? yea that petty Nation, 
 That v/ere not worthy of thy indignation, 
 Shall mock thee too ; and all thy former fame. 
 Forgot fliall be, or mention'd to thy fhame. 
 
 Mark how God's plagues were doubled on the leews 
 When they his mild corredlions did abufe : 
 Marke what, at lafl, upon their Land he fent ; 
 And, look thou for the felfe fame punifliment,; 
 If them thou imitated. For their fm, 
 At firfl, but eight years Bondage they were in. 
 Their wickedneffe grew more ; and God did then, 
 To Eglon, make them flaves, eight years and ten. 
 They difobeying, flill, the God of heaven ; 
 Their yeares of Servitude were twenty feven, 
 To labin and to Midian. Then, prevailed 
 Philijtia forty yeares ; and, when that failed, 
 To make them of their evill wayes repent, 
 There was, among themfelves, a fatall rent ; 
 And, they oft fcourg'd each other. Still, they trod 
 The felfe fame path ; and, then the hand of God 
 Brought AJhur on them ; and did make them beare 
 His heavy yoake, untill the feventieth yeare. 
 
 And 
 
 S39 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 8. 
 
 And laft of all the Romane Empire came, 
 
 Which from their Country rooted out their Name. 
 
 That foolifli projedt which they did embrace, 
 
 To keep in them poiTeffion of their //a^, 
 
 Did lofe it. And, like Cain, that vagrant Nation, 
 
 Hath now remain'd in fearful Defolation 
 
 Nigh fixteene hundred yeares .■ and, (whatfoe're 
 
 Some lately dreame) in vaine, they look for here 
 
 A temp'rall Kingdome. For, as long agoe 
 
 Their Pfalmijl said ; No Prophet doth fore/how 
 
 This thraldomes end. Nor fliall it end untill 
 
 The Gentiles their juft number doe fulfill : 
 
 Which is unlike to be untill that houre. 
 
 In which there fhall be no more temporall pow'r. 
 
 Or temporall Kingdome. Therefore, gather them 
 
 (Oh Lord !) unto thy new lerufalem. 
 
 In thy due time. For, yet, unto that place, 
 
 They have a promifl right, by thy meere grace. 
 
 To thofe who (hall repent, thy firme EleiUon 
 
 Continues in this temporall rejedlion. 
 
 Oh ! fliew thy mercy in their defolation. 
 
 That thou maid honofd be in their falvation. 
 
 Yea, teach us alfo, by their fearfuU fall. 
 
 To hearken to thy voice, when thou doll call ; 
 
 (Left thou in anger, unto us proteft. 
 
 That we (hall never come into thy reft) 
 
 For we have foUow'd them in all their fm : 
 
 Such, and fo many, have our warnings bin : 
 
 And, if thou ftill prolong not thy compalfion, 
 
 To us belongs the felfe fame Defolation. 
 
 And it will (hortly come, with all thofe terrors 
 
 That were on them inflidled, for their errors. 
 
 Then, woe (hall be to them, that heretofore 
 By joyning houfe to houfe, expell'd the poore ; 
 
 And 
 
 54° 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 272 
 
 And field have into field incorporated, 
 
 Vntill their Townejhips were depopulated. 
 
 For, defolate their dwelling fliall be made : 
 
 Ev'n in their blood the Lord fliall bathe his blade : 
 
 And they that have by avarice, and wiles, 
 
 Eredled Pallaces and coftly Piles ; 
 
 Shall think, the Hones and timbers, in the wall. 
 
 Aloud, to God, for vengeance on them call 
 
 Then, woe Ihall be to them who early rife 
 To eate, and drinke, and play, and wantonnize ; 
 Still adding fin to fin : for, they the paine 
 Of cold, and thirfl, and hunger, fliall fuftaine ; 
 And be the fervile flaves of them that are 
 Their Foes ; as to their Luft.s they captives were. 
 
 Then, wo to them who darkneffe more have lov'd 
 Then light ; and good advice have difapprov'd : 
 For, they fliall wander in a crooked path. 
 Which neither light nor end, nor comfort hath. 
 And, when for Guides, and Counfdl they do cry. 
 Not one fliall pity them, who pafleth by. 
 
 Then, wo to them that have corrupted bin, 
 To juHifie the wicked in his fin ; 
 Or, for a bribe, the righteous to condemne : 
 For, flames (as on the chaffe) fliall feize on them : 
 Their bodies to the dunghill fliall be cafl. ; 
 Their flowre fliall turn to dufl. ; their flock fliall wail ; 
 And all the glorious titles they have worne. 
 Shall but encreafe their infamy and fcorne. 
 
 Then, wo to them that have beene raif'd aloft 
 By good mens ruines ; and by laying foft 
 And eafie pillowes, under great mens armes. 
 To make them pleaf'd in their alluring charmes. 
 
 Then, wo to them, who being growne afraid 
 Of fome nigh perill, fought unlawfull aid ; 
 
 And 
 
 S4I 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 And, fetting God's protediion quite afide, 
 Vpon their owne inventions have rely'd. 
 For, God their foolifh hopes will bring to nought ; 
 On them, their feared mifchiefe fhall be brought ; 
 And, all their wit and flrength, fliall not fuffice. 
 To heave that forrow oif, which on them lies. 
 Yea, then, oh Britaine ! woe to ev'ry one. 
 That hath without repentance evill done : 
 For, thofe who doe nor heed, nor beare in mind 
 His vifitings, Gods reaching hand will find ; 
 And they with howling cries and lamentation, 
 Shall fue and feeke, in vaine, for his compaffion. 
 Becaufe they careleffe of his Mercies were, 
 Till in confuming wrath he did appeare. 
 But, ftill, we fet far off that evill day j 
 In 6.\i!\ fecurity we paffe away 
 Our pretious time ; and with vaine hopes and toyes, 
 Build up a trufl which ev'ry puffe deflroyes. 
 And therefore, ftill when healing is expedled, 
 New and unlookt for troubles are effedled. 
 We gather Armies, and we Fleets prepare ; 
 And, then, both ftrong and fafe we think we are. 
 But, when we look for vidtories and glory, 
 What followes, but events that make us fory 1 
 And tis Gods mercy that we turne our faces 
 With fo few loffes, and no more difgraces. 
 For, what are moft of thofe whom we commend 
 Such adtions to ; and whom we forth do fend 
 To fight thofe Battels, which the Lords we call, 
 But fuch as never fight for him at all ? 
 Whom doft thou make thy Captaines, and difpofe 
 Such Offices unto, but unto thofe 
 (Some few excepted) who procure by friends, 
 Command and pay, to ferve their private ends ? 
 
 Their 
 
 S42 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 271 
 
 Their language, and ^&x praBices declare, 
 
 That entertained by Gods Foe they were. 
 
 Their whoring, fwearing, and their drunkenneffe. 
 
 Do far more plainly to the world expreffe 
 
 What Generall they doe belong unto. 
 
 Then all their Feathers and their Enfignes doe. 
 
 Thefe, by their unrepented fins, betray 
 
 Thy Caufe. By thefe, the honor, and the day 
 
 Is loft : and when thou hopeft that thy trouble 
 
 Shall have an end, thy danger waxeth double. 
 
 We wifti for Parliaments ; and them we made 
 Our God : for, all the hope that many had 
 To remedy the publike difcontent, 
 Was by the wifdome of a Parliatnent. 
 Well ; Parliaments we had ; and what in being, 
 Succeedeth yet, but greater difagreeing, 
 With greater grievances then heretofore 1 
 And reafon good : for, we depended more 
 On outward meanes, then on Gods will that fends 
 All punifhments ; and all afflidlions ends. 
 
 Beleeve it fliould our Parliaments agree 
 In ev'ry nation : fliould our Sov^raigne be 
 So gracious, as to condifcend to all 
 Which for his weale and ours, propofe we fhall ; 
 Ev'n that Agreement, till our fms we leave, 
 Shall make us but fecure ; and helpe to weave 
 A fnare, by whofe fine threds we fhall be caught. 
 Before we fee the mifchiefe that is wrought. 
 
 Whilft we by Parliaments do chiefly feek 
 Meere temp'rall ends, the King fhall do the like : 
 Yea, till in them we mutually agree 
 To helpe each other ; and unfained be 
 In lab'ring for a Chriftian Reformation ; 
 Each Meeting fliall beget a new vexation. 
 
 This 
 
 543 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 This Hand hath fome fenfe of what fhe ayles, 
 
 And very much, thefe evill times bewayles ; 
 
 But, not fo much our finnes, doe we lament, 
 
 Or moume that God for them is difcontent, 
 
 As that the Plagues they bring difturb our pleafures, 
 
 Encreafe our dangers, and exhaufl our treafures. 
 
 And, for thefe caufes, now and then vi&fajl, 
 
 AnA fray, as long as halfe a day doth lall. 
 
 For, if the Sunne doe but a liitle eleare 
 
 That cloud, from which a tempell we doe feare. 
 
 What kind of griefe we took, we plainly Ihew 
 
 By thofe rejoycings which thereon enfue : 
 
 For, in the ftead of fuch due thankfulneffe. 
 
 As Chriftian zeale obligeth to expreffe ; 
 
 To Pleafure (not to God) we facrifize ; 
 
 Renue our fms ; revive our vanities ; 
 
 And, all our vowed gratitude expires, 
 
 In Games, in Guns, in Bels, in Healths, or Fires. 
 
 We faine would be at peace ; but few men go 
 That way, as yet, whereby it may be fo. 
 We have not that humility which muft. 
 EfTedl it : we are falfe and cannot truft 
 Each other ; no nor God with true confeflions : 
 Which fhewes that we abhor not our tranfgreffions. 
 It proves, that of our errors, we in heart 
 Repent not, neither purpofe to depart 
 From any folly. For all they that are 
 Sincerely penitent, doe nothing feare 
 So much as their owne guilt ; nor feeke to gaine 
 Ought more, then to be reconcil'd againe : 
 And, they that are thus minded, never can 
 Be long unreconcil'd to God, or man. 
 
 When we fliould ftoop, we mod our felves exalt ; 
 And (though we be) would not be thought in fault. 
 
 Nay, 
 
 S44 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer, 274 
 
 Nay, though we faulty be, and thought, & known, 
 And proved fo ; and fee that we are throwne 
 By our apparant errors, into ftraits, 
 From which we cannot get by all our fleights : 
 Yet, ftill our felves we vaunt and juftifie. 
 And ftruggle, till the fnare we fafter tye. 
 We fin, and we to boafl. it have no fhame, 
 Yet florme when others doe our follies name : 
 And rather then we will fo much as fay 
 We did amiffe (though that might wipe away 
 The ftaine of all) I think that fome of us 
 So wilfuU are, fo proud, and mifchievous, 
 That we ourfelves would ruine, and our Nation, 
 To keep our fhadow of a Reputation. 
 
 Oh ! if we are thus headllrong, tis unlike 
 We any part of our proud failes will Ilrike 
 Till they have funke our Veffell in the Sea, 
 Or by the furious windes, are torne away. 
 Twere better, tho, we did confeife our wound, 
 Then hide it till our ftate grew more unfound. 
 Twere better we fome wealth, or office loft. 
 Then keep them, till our lives, and all, it coft : 
 And therefore, let us wifely be advifed, 
 Before we by a tempeft be furprifed. 
 Downe firil with our Top-gallants, and our Flags ; 
 Injlormes, the JkilfulFJi Pilots make no brags. 
 Let us (if that be not enough) let fall 
 Our Mifm-yeard, and ftrike our top-failes all. 
 If this we find be not enough to doe, 
 Strike Fore-faile, Sprit-faile, yea and Maine-faile too. 
 And, rather then our Ship (hould fmk or rend ; 
 Let's overboard, goods, maft, and tackling fend. 
 Save but the Hull, the Majier, and the Men ; 
 And we may live to fcoure the feas agen. 
 
 Beleeve 
 
 3 ^ 545 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 Beleeve it England, howfoever fome 
 (Who fliould forefee ^plagues before they come) 
 Endevor to perfwade thee that thou haft 
 A hopeful! time, and that the worft is paft. 
 Yet I dare boldly tell thee, thou haft nigh 
 Worne out Gods patience by impiety. 
 And, that unleffe the fame we doe renue 
 By penitence, our folly we ftiall rue. 
 
 But, what am I, that me thou ftiould'ft beleeve ? 
 Or, unto what I tell thee, credit give ? 
 It may be this adultrous Generation 
 Expedleth tokens of her defolation ; 
 And therefore I will give them fignes of that 
 Which they are almoft now arrived at. 
 
 'i'iot fignes, fo myfticall as moft of thofe 
 Which did the ruine of the lewes difclofe ; 
 But, fignes as evident as are the day. 
 For, know ye Britanies, that what God did fay, 
 lerufalems deftruflion fhould foreftiew, 
 He fpake to ev'ry State that ftiould enfue. 
 And, that he nought of her, or to her fpake. 
 For hers alone, but alfo for our fake. 
 
 O-a&figne that Gods long-fuffring we have tired, 
 And that his patience is almoft expired, 
 Is this j that many ludgements he hath fent, 
 And ftill remov'd them e're we did repent. 
 For, God (ev'n by his Holineffe) did fweare, 
 (Saith Amos) fuch a Nation he will teare 
 With Bryers, and with Fifh-hookes rend away 
 The whole pofterity of fuch as they. 
 
 Cleane teeth (faith God) I gave them ; and with bread 
 In many places, them I fcantly fed ; 
 And yet they fought me not: Then Irefirained 
 The dewes of heat/ n ; upon this Field I rained. 
 
 And 
 
 54*5 
 
Cant. 8. Rkmembrancer. 273 
 
 And not on that; yea, to one City came 
 Some two or three, to quench their thirjiy flame ; 
 Yet, to returne to me, no care they tooke; 
 With Blajlings then, and Mildewes, Ithemflrook; 
 And mixt among their Fruits the Falmer-worme ; 
 Yet, they their lives did not a jot reforme: 
 Then did I fend the PeJHlence (faid he) 
 Devoured hy the Sword, their youngmen be; 
 Their Horfe areflaine, and up to heaven afcends 
 Their Jlinke ; yet I dif cover no amends. 
 
 The felfe fame things thy God in thee hath done, 
 Oh England! yet, here followes thereupon 
 So fmall amendment, that they are 2i,figne 
 To thee; and their fharp Judgement, will be thine. '' 
 
 The fecond Token which doth fore declare 
 When Cities, States, and Realmes, declining are, 
 Ev'n Chriji himfelfe hath left us .• For, (faith he) 
 When Defolation Jhall approaching be. 
 Of wars, and warlike rumors yefhall heare ; 
 Rarefignes and tokens will in heaven appeare; 
 JDownefrom the Firmament the Stars /hall fall; 
 The hearts of many men, then,faile themfhall; 
 There will be many fcandals and offences ; 
 Great Earth quakes, Schifmes, Deaths, and PefUlences ; 
 Realme, Realme ; and Nation, Nation fhall oppofe ; 
 The nearefi friends, fhall be the greatefl foes. 
 Againfl the Church fhall many tyrannize; 
 Deceivers, andfalfe Frophets, fhall arife; 
 In e^^ry place fhall wickedneffe abound; 
 And, Charity fhall very coldbe found. 
 
 This, Chrifl himfelfe did prophecy : And we 
 Are doubtleffe blind, unleffe confefl. it be. 
 That at this houre, upon this Kingdome here, 
 Thefe marks of Defolation viewed are. 
 
 How 
 
 547 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 How often have we feene prodigeous lights, 
 
 O'refpread the face of heaVn in moonleffe nights 7 
 
 How many dreadful! Meteors have there beene 
 
 In this our Climate, lately heard and feene ? 
 
 Who knoweth not that but awhile agoe 
 
 A Blazing Star did threat, if not forefhow 
 
 Gods ludgements ? In what age, tofore, did here 
 
 So many, who did Saints and Stars appeare, 
 
 Fall (as it were) from heav'n i Or who hath heard 
 
 Of greater Earth-quakes, then have lately fcar'd 
 
 Thefe quarters of the world ? How oft, the touch 
 
 Of Famine have we had ? But, when fo much 
 
 Devoured by the PeJUlence were we, 
 
 As in this prefent yeare our people be ? 
 
 Of Wars, and martiall rumors, never more 
 
 Were heard within thefe confines heretofore ; 
 
 When were all Kingdomes, and all Nations through 
 
 The world, fo oppofite as they are now ? 
 
 We know no Country, whether nigh or far. 
 
 But is engag'd or threatned with fome War. 
 
 All places, either prefent woes bfewaile ; 
 
 Or elfe things feared make mens hearts to faile. 
 
 Falfe Prophets, and Deceivers we have many ; 
 
 We fcarcely find integrity in any .■ 
 
 The Name of Chrijl, begins in ev'ry place 
 
 To fuffer perfecution and difgrace ; 
 
 And, we the greateft. jeopardies are in. 
 
 Among our neighbours, and our neareil kin. 
 
 Strange Herefies do ev'rywhere encreafe, 
 
 Diflurbing Sion, and exiling peace. 
 
 Impietie doth multiply. True love 
 
 Growes cold. And, if thefe tokens doe not prove 
 
 Our fall drawes on, unleffe we doe amend : 
 
 I know not when our folly fhall have end. 
 
 A 
 
 548 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 276 
 
 A third apparant figne which doth declare 
 When fome devouring Plague approacheth neare, 
 Is when a Nation doth anew begin 
 To let Idolatry to enter in ; 
 And openly, or fecretly give place 
 To Herefie, where Truth eftabliflit was : 
 Or when like Jeroboam, to poffeffe 
 An outward profit, or a temporall peace, 
 They either change Religions, or devife 
 A worfhip which doth mixe Idolatries 
 With truth. For this, ev'n for this very crime. 
 The King of AJhur, in Hojhea's time 
 Led Ifr'd captive. And, both from the fight 
 Of God ; and from the houfe oi David quite, 
 They were cut off for ever, and did neither 
 Serve God or Idols ; but ev'n both together ; 
 In fuch a mixt Religion as is that 
 Which fome among us, now, have aymed at. 
 
 Marke, England ; and I prethee marke it well, 
 If this offence which ruin'd Ifrael, 
 On thee appeare not : and, if fo it be, 
 Amend ; or looke for what it threatens thee. 
 
 The fourth true token which doth fore expreffe 
 The ruine of a Land for wickedneffe, 
 Is when the Priejls and MagiHrates begin, 
 To grow extreamly impudent in fin. 
 This Signe, the Prophet Micah giveth us ; 
 And he (not I) to you cryes loudly thus : 
 Heare, oh ye houfe of Jacob, and all ye 
 That Princes of the houfe ofJfrael be: 
 Ye Jufiice hate; and ye pervert what's good; 
 Ye build the walls of Sion up with blood; 
 Jerufalem with fin ye up have reai'd; 
 Your Judges paffe their cenfuresfor reward; 
 
 Your 
 
 549 
 
B R I T T A N's Cant. 8. 
 
 Your Priejls doe preach for hire, your Prophets doe 
 Like them ; and prophecy for mony too. 
 And, for this caufe flail Sion mount (faith he) 
 Ev'n like a plowed field become to be; 
 And like a Forrefl hill where bufhes grow. 
 The City of lerufalemfhallfhow. 
 
 Change but the names, oh Britain, and that token 
 Of defolation, unto thee is fpoken. 
 For, what this day thy Priefls and Princes are, 
 Their aftions, and the peoples cries declare. 
 
 A fifth fure evidence that God among 
 Thy ruines will entomb thy fame e're long, 
 (If thou repent not) is ev'n this, that thou 
 Dofl. ev'ry day the more ungodly grow. 
 By how much more the bleffed meanes of grace 
 Doth multiply it felfe in ev'ry place. 
 God fends unto thee many learned Preachers, 
 Apoflles, Paflors, and all kind of teachers ; 
 His Vifions, and his Prophecies upon thee 
 He multiplies. And (that he might have won thee 
 To more fmcerity) on all occafions. 
 By counfell, by entreatie, and perfwafions, 
 He hath advif'd, allured, and befought thee : 
 With precept upon precept, he hath taught thee ; 
 By line on line ; by miracle ; by reafon ; 
 In ev'ry place ; in feafon, out of feafon ; 
 By little and by little ; and by much 
 (Sometime) at once : yet is thy nature fuch, 
 That dill thou waxeft. worfe ; and in the roome 
 Of pleafant Grapes, more Thiflles daily come : 
 And, thou that art fo haughty, and fo proud, 
 For this, fhalt vanifh like an empty cloud ; 
 And, as a Lion, Leopard, or a Beare, 
 Thy God, for this, (hall thee in pieces teare. 
 
 If 
 
 55° 
 
Cant.S. Remembrancer. 275 
 
 If thou fuppofe my Mufe did this devife, 
 Goe take it from Hofea's prophefies 
 
 The fixth undoubted /^fl// when the lafl. 
 Good dayes of fmfull Realmes are ahnoft pall, 
 Is when the people neere to God fhall draw 
 In word, to make profeflion of his Law : 
 And, by their tongues his praifes forth declare ; 
 Yet, in their hearts from him continue far. 
 
 To fuch a Land, their defliny difplayes 
 Ifaiah : for even thus the Prophet fayes : 
 God will produce a marvell in that State, 
 And doe a worke that menjhall wonder at ; 
 The wifdome of their wifejl Counfellor, 
 Shall perijh, and their prudent menjhall erre. 
 On their deepe Counfels, forrow Jhall attend; 
 Their fecret plots Jhall have a difmal end; 
 Their giddy projeils which they have devifed, 
 Shall as the Potters clay be quite defpifed. 
 Like Carmel, Lebanon Jhall feeme ; and be 
 Like Lebanon, Jhall make mount Carmel be. 
 Their pleajant Fields like Defarts Jliall appeare; 
 And, there Jhall Gardens be, where Defarts are. 
 
 God keep (thou Britti/h He) this plague from thee ; 
 For, fignes thereof upon thy Body be, 
 Thou of the purefl worfhip mak'll profeffion ; 
 Yet, waxefl more impure in thy condition. 
 Thou boafleft. of the knowledge of God's word, 
 Yet, thereunto in manners to accord 
 Thou dofl. refufe. Thou makefl proteftation 
 Of pietie ; yet hatefl reformation. 
 Yea, when thy tongue doth fing of praife divine, 
 Thy heart doth plot fome temporall defigne. 
 And, fome of thofe, who in this wife are holy, 
 Begin to ftiew their wifedome will be folly. 
 
 For 
 
 551 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 For, when from fight their fnares they deepefl hide, 
 By God Almighties eyes they are efpide. 
 
 The ieaventh Syrriptome of a dreadfull blow, 
 (If not of a perpetuall overthrow) 
 Is when a flumbring Spirit doth furprize 
 A nation ; and hath clofed up their eyes : 
 Or when the Prophets and the Seers are 
 So clouded, that plaine truths do not appeare : 
 Or when the Vifwns evidently feene 
 Are paffed by, as if they had not beene : 
 Or when, to Nations who can reade, God gives 
 His Booke ; and thereof doth unfeale the leaves, 
 And bids them reade the lame, which they to do 
 Deny ; or plead unableneffe thereto. 
 'Sia.okfignes are thefe. For if that Book to them, 
 Still darke ; or as a Book unfealed feeme ; 
 Or, if they heed no more what here is faid. 
 Then they that have the Booke, and cannot reade ; 
 The Judgements, lafl. repeated, are the doome, 
 That fliall on fuch a ftupid Nation come. 
 
 This Signe is come on us j for, loe, unfealed 
 Gods Book is now among us ; and revealed 
 Are all the Myjkries which doe concerne 
 The children of this prefent age to learne. 
 So well hath he infl.ru6ted this our Land, 
 That we not only reade, but underiland 
 The fecrets of his Word. The prophecies 
 Of his chiefe Seers, are before our eyes, 
 Vnveiled : true interpretations 
 Are made, and many proper applications 
 Ev'n to our felves ; yet is our heart fo blind, 
 That what we know and fee, we do not mind. 
 We heare, and fpeake, and much adoe we keepe ; 
 But we as fenfeleffe are as men afleep 
 
 What 
 
 552 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 276 
 
 What then we doe. Yea, while that we are talking, 
 What fnares are in the way where we are walking, 
 We heed not what we fay, but paffe along ; 
 And, many times, are fail enfnar'd among 
 Thoie mifchiefes, and thofe faults we did condemne. 
 Before our tongues have left to mention them. 
 
 For our negledl of God in former times, 
 (Or for fome prefent unrepented crimes) 
 A flumbring Spirif fo poffeffeth us. 
 That our eftate is wondrous dangerous. 
 We fee and heare, and tell to one another 
 Our perils, yet we headlong haft together 
 To wilfuU ruine : and are growne fo mad. 
 That when our friends a better courfe perfwade, 
 Or feeke to ftop us (when they fee we run 
 That way in which we cannot ruine fhun) 
 We perfecute thofe men with all our foule. 
 That we may damn our felves without controule. 
 
 The eight plaine Signe, by which I underftand 
 That fome devouring mifchiefe is at hand, 
 Is that malicioufneffe which I doe fee 
 Among Profeffors of one Faith, to be. 
 
 We that have but one Father, and one Mother, 
 Doe perfecute and torture one another. 
 So hotly, we oppofe not Antichrijl, 
 As we our fellow brethren doe refift. 
 The Protejlant, the Protejlant defies ; 
 And, we our felves, oiu: felves doe fcandalize. 
 Our Church we have expofed to more fcorne ; 
 And her faire feamleffe Vejiment rent, and tome, 
 By our owne fury, more then by their fpight 
 Who are to us diredlly oppofite. 
 To fave an Aple, we the Tree deftroy ; 
 And, quarrels make for ev'ry needleffe toy." 
 
 ^ & From 
 
 4<? 553 
 
Brittan's Cant.?,. 
 
 » 
 
 From us, if any brother differ fhall 
 But in a crotchet, we upon him fall 
 As eagerly, and with as bitter hate, 
 As if we knew him for a Reprobate. 
 And, what event all this doth fignifie. 
 Saint Paul (by way of caveat) doth imply. 
 Take heed (faith he) left while ye bite each other, 
 You, of your felves, confumed be together. 
 
 Another Signe which caufeth me to feare 
 That our confufion is approaching neere. 
 Are thofe Difunions which I have efpide, 
 In Church and Commonwealth this prefent tide. 
 We cannot hide thefe rents ; for they doe gape, 
 So wide, that fome their lawes can hardly fcape. 
 Would God, the way to clofe them up we knew, 
 Elfe what they threaten, time will fhortly fhew : 
 For, all men know, a City or a Land, 
 Within itfelfe divided, cannot ftand. 
 
 The laft black y^w that here I will repeat, 
 (Which doth to kingdomes defolation threat) 
 Is when the hand of God Almighty, brings 
 The people, into bondage, to their Kings.. 
 I fay, when their owne King (hall take delight, 
 Thofe whom he ftiould protedt, to rob, and fmite. 
 When they who fed the Sheep, the Sheep fhall kill, 
 And eate them ; and fuppofe they doe no ill. 
 When God gives up a Nation unto thofe 
 That are their neighbours, that they may, as foes, 
 Devoure them. When (oh England) thou (halt fee 
 This come to paffe, a figne it is to thee 
 That God is angry ; and a certaine token 
 That into pieces thou (halt quite be broken : 
 If not by forraine (Irength, by force at home ; 
 And, that thy greater torment will become. 
 
 This 
 
 554 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 277 
 
 This Vengeance, and this fearful! preparation, 
 Of bringing ruine on a finfull Nation, 
 (If they remaine impenitent) the Lord 
 Doth menace ; and, by Zachary record. 
 To make us wife. Oh ! let us therefore learne, 
 What now is comming on us, to difcerne. 
 For, (well confidered if all things were) 
 From this Captivity we feeme not farre. 
 It now already feemes to be projefted; 
 Nay, little wants of being quite effedled. 
 For, they that are our Shepheards, now, are they 
 That fleece us, and endevor to betray 
 Our lives and freedomes. Thofe great men that be 
 Our neighbours (and can claime no more then we) 
 Would fell us : and, attempt to gaine a pow'r, 
 Whereby they may, at pleafure, us devoure : 
 And, had not we a King, as loth to make 
 His people flaves, as from himfelfe to take 
 His lawfull right ; (or, were there not fome lett 
 Vnheeded, which is unremoved yet) 
 E're this (and juftly too) the hand of heaven 
 Into perpetuall bondage us had given. 
 And, if we do not more Gods will regard. 
 That mifchiefe is but for a time deferr'd. 
 
 Our King is juft and mercifull ; and tho 
 Some may (with loyall, and a gilded fhow 
 Of pious equity) a while affay 
 To lead his judgement in his youth aftray ; 
 Yet, God (I hope) will keep him fo, that he 
 Shall flill be juft, (though we ungodly be) 
 And, make him in the fittefl. houre expreffe 
 His royall Judgement, and his Righteoufneffe : 
 
 But, if God fliould from us, (as God forbid) 
 Take him, as once he good lofiah did, 
 
 & 2 He 
 
 5SS 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 He alfo will (unleffe we mend) perchance, 
 
 In times to come, a Shepheard here advance, 
 
 Who (hall not plead for what his Youngmen fay 
 
 Is juft; but, take the fame, perforce, away. 
 
 An Idoll Shepheard, who ihall neither care 
 
 To find or feek, for thofe that flrayed are ; 
 
 Nor guard the Lambs ; nor cure what hath a wound ; 
 
 Nor cherifli thofe that firme to him are found ; 
 
 But, take the fat, and rob them of their fleeces ; 
 
 And eate their flefli ; and break their bones in peeces. 
 
 More Signes I might, as yet, commemorate, 
 To fhew Gods patience is nigh out of date. 
 But, thefe are fignes enough, and fo apparant, 
 That twenty more will give no better warrant 
 To what I fpeake. Yet, if thefe falfe appeare. 
 That's one figne more, our/a// approacheth neere. 
 
 Be mindfuU, therefore, while it is to Day ; 
 And, let no good occafion flip away. 
 Now rend your hearts, ye Britains, wafli & rinfe them 
 From all corruption : from all evill clenfe them. 
 Goe ofler up the pleafing facrifice 
 Of Righteoufneffe : from folly turne your eyes. 
 Seeke peace, and follow it, with fl.ri£l purfuit : 
 Relieve the needy ; ludgement execute : 
 Refrefli the weary ; right the fatherleffe : 
 The flrangers, and the widowes wants redreflfe : 
 Give praife to God ; depend with lowly faith, 
 On him ; and what his holy Spirit faith : 
 Remember what a price thy ranfome coft. ; 
 And, now redeeme the time that thou haft. loft. 
 
 Returne, retnrne thou (oh back-fliding Nation) 
 And, let thy teares prevent thy defolation. 
 Asyet, thou maift returne; for, Gods embrace 
 Is open for thee, if thou haft the grace, 
 
 To 
 
 556 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 278 
 
 To give it meeting. Yet, repentance may 
 
 Prevent the mifchiefes of that evill day, 
 
 Which here is raenace'd : yet, thou maift. have peace, 
 
 And by difcreet endeavoring, encreafe 
 
 Each outward grace, and ev'ry inward thing. 
 
 Which will additions to thy comfort bring. 
 
 If this thou doe ; thefe fearful! threatnings all, 
 (Repeated here) to mercies change he Ihall. 
 We cannot fay, it will excufe thee from 
 All chaftifement ; or that no blow fhall come. 
 For, peradventure, thou fo long hafl bin 
 Vnpenitent, that fome loud-ering-fin 
 Hath wak'd that Vengeance, which upon thy crimes 
 Mufl fall (as once in Jeremiahs times) 
 Without prevention ; to exemplifie 
 Gods hate of fin to all poAerity. 
 But, fure we are, that if he doth not flay 
 His threatned hand, the ftroke that he doth lay 
 Will fall the lighter ; and become a bleffing, 
 Thy future joyes, and vertues more encreafing, 
 Then all that large profi^erity and reft 
 Which thou, fo long together, haft poffeft. 
 
 God (with a writirs inke home) one hath fent, 
 To fet a marke on them that (hall repent ; 
 And bids him promife in his Name, that they 
 Who Ihall (recanting) leave their evill way, 
 And in their hearts, bewaile the grievous crimes. 
 And miferies of Sion, in their times ; 
 That they ftiall be fecure, and faved from 
 The hand of thefe Dejiroyers, which muft come : 
 Or elfe by their deftrudtion find a way 
 To that repairing which will ne're decay. 
 
 Yea thou, oh Britaine ! if thou couldft reforme 
 Thy manners, might'ft expell the dreadful! ftorme 
 
 & 3 Now 
 
 557 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 Now threatned ; and thy foes (who triumph would, 
 
 The ruine of thy glory to behold. 
 
 And jeere thee when thou falleft) foone fliall fee 
 
 Thy God returning, and avenging thee 
 
 On their infultings : yea, with angry blowes 
 
 He would efifedl their fliamefuU overthrowes. 
 
 Or turne their hearts. For when from fm men ceafe, 
 
 God makes their enemies, and them, at peace. 
 
 Moreover, thou fhalt have in thy poffeffing, 
 Each inward grace, and ev'ry outward bleffing ; 
 Thy fruitfull Herds fliall in rich paflures feed ; 
 Thy foile fliall plentioufly encreafe thy feed ; 
 Thy Flock, fliall neither Shepherds want, nor meate ; 
 Cleane provander, thy ftabled bead fliall eate; 
 There fliall be Rivers in thy Dales ; and Fountaines 
 Vpon the tops of all thy nobleft. Mountaines : 
 The Moone fliall cafl. upon thee beames as bright 
 As now the Sunne ; and with a fevenfold light 
 The Sun fliall bleffe thee. He that reignes in thee, 
 To all his people reconcil'd fliall be ; 
 And they fhall find themfelves no whit deceived, 
 In thofe good hopes which are of him conceived : 
 But he, (and they, who fliall his throne poffeffe 
 When he is gone) fliall reigne in righteoufneffe ; 
 And be more carefull of thy weale (by far) 
 Then parents of their children s profits are. 
 
 Thy Magijlrates, with wifdome fliall proceed 
 In all that fhall be counfell'd or decreed. 
 As Harbours, when it blows tempeftuoufly ; 
 As Rivers, unto places over dryj 
 As Shadowes are to men opprefl with heat ; 
 As to a hungry fl,omack, wholfome meat ; 
 To thee, fo welcome, and as much contenting, 
 Thy Nobles will become, on thy repenting. 
 
 Thy 
 
 5S8 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 279 
 
 Thy JPriefts (hal preach true dodtrine in thy Teiles; 
 And make it fruitful! by their good examples. 
 Thy God, with righteoufneffe (hall them aray, 
 And heare and anfwer them, when they do pray. 
 Thy eyes, that much are blinded, Ihall be cleare ; 
 Thy eares, that yet are deafned, then (hall heare ; 
 Thy tongue, that ftamers now, fhall then fpeak plain ; 
 Thy heart fliall perfedt underflanding gaine ; 
 The preaching of the Gofpell fhall encreafe ; 
 Thy God fliall make thy comforts and thy peace, 
 To flow as doth a River ; they who plant, 
 The bleffing of their labour ftiall not want j 
 Thy poorefl people fliall at full be fed ; 
 The meek, fliall of no tyrant fland in dread ; 
 Thou flialt have grace and knowledge, to avoid 
 Thofe things, whereby thy rell may be annoid ; 
 Thou flialt poflefle thy wiflied bleffings all ; 
 And, God fliall heare thee fl.ill before thou call. 
 
 But, as a Chime, whofe frets diford'red grow, 
 Can never caufe it felfe in tune to goe. 
 Nor chime at all, untill feme cunning hand 
 Doth make the fame againe in order fl.and : 
 Or, as the Clock, whofe plummets are not weight, 
 Strikes fometimes one for three, and fixe for eight ; 
 So fareth it with men and kingdomes all. 
 When once from their integrity they fall. 
 They may their motion hurry out of frame, 
 But have no pow'r to redtifie the fame. 
 That curious hand which firfl thofe pieces wrought, 
 Muft mend them flill ; or they will ftill be nought. 
 
 To thee I therefore now my fpeech convert, 
 Thou famous Artijl, who Creator art 
 Of heav'n and earth, and of thofe gooAly ffheares, 
 That now have whirled many thoufand yeares, 
 
 & 4 (And 
 
 559 
 
B R I T T A N'S Cant. 8. 
 
 (And (hall untill thy pleafure gives it ending) 
 In their perpetuall motion, without mending. 
 Oh ! be thou pleafed, by thy poVrfull hand, 
 To fet in order this depraved Land. 
 
 Our vi)\o\e foundation, Lord, is out of eourfe ; 
 And ev'ry thing Hill groweth worfe and worfe ; 
 The way that leads quite from thee, we have tooke ; 
 Thy Covenant, and all thy Lawes are broke ; 
 In mifchiefes, and in folly, is our pleafure ; 
 Our crying fms have almofl fill'd their meafure ; 
 Yet, ev'ry day we adde a new tranfgreffion, 
 And Hill abufe thy favour and compaffion. 
 
 Our Governors, our Prelats, and our Nobles, 
 Have by their fms encreafe, encreafl, our troubles. 
 Our Priejis, and all the People, have mifgone ; 
 All kind of evill deeds, we all have done. 
 We have not lived as thofe meanes of grace 
 Require, which thou hall granted to this place : 
 But rather worfe then many who have had 
 Leffe helpes then we, of being better made. 
 No Nation under heav'n fo lewd hath bin. 
 That had fo many warnings for their fin, 
 And fuch perpetuall callings on, as we. 
 To leave our wickedneffe, and turne to thee. 
 Yet, we in Head of turning, further went ; 
 And when thy Mercies and thy Plagues were fent 
 To pull us backe ; they feldome wrought our Hay, 
 Or moved to repentance one whole day. 
 No bleffing, no affliftion, hath a pow'r 
 To move compundtion in us, for one houre, 
 Vnleffe thou worke it. All that I can fpeake 
 (And all that I have fpoken) till thou breake 
 And mollifie the heart, will fruitleffe be, 
 Not onely in my hearers, but in me. 
 
 If 
 
 560 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 280 
 
 If thou prepare not way for more efteeme 
 All thefe Remembrances will foolifli feeme. 
 Nay thefe, in Head of moving to repent, 
 Will indignation move and difcontent ; 
 Which will mens hardned hearts obdurate more, 
 And make their fault much greater then before. 
 
 Vnleffe thou give a bleffing, I may drive 
 As well to make a marble ftone alive, 
 As to effefl my purpofe : yea, all this 
 Like wholefome counfell to a mad man is, 
 And, I for my good meaning fliall be tome 
 In .pieces, or expofed be to fcorne. 
 For, they againft thy word doe (lop their eare ; 
 And, wilde in difobedience, will not heare. 
 
 In this, we all confeffe our felves to blame. 
 And that we therefore have deferved fliame. 
 Yea, Lord we doe acknowledge, that for this 
 There nothing elfe to us pertaining is, 
 (Refpe<ning our owne worth) but defolation, 
 And finall footing out, without compaffion. 
 
 But gracious God, though fuch our merit be, 
 Yet, mercy flill pertaineth unto thee. 
 To thee the a<5l of pard'ning and forgiving, 
 As much belongs (oh Father everliving) 
 As plagues to us : and it were better far 
 Our fmnes had leffe then their defervings are. 
 Then that thy Clemency (hould be outgone. 
 By all the wickedneffe that can be done. 
 
 As well as theirs whofe lives now left them have, 
 Thou canft command thofe bodies from the grave, 
 Who ftink, and putrifie, and buried be 
 In their- corruption. Such, oh Lord ! are we. 
 Oh ! call us from this grave ; and ftiew thy pow'r 
 Vpon this much polluted Land of our, 
 
 & 5 Which 
 
 4 ^ 561 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 Which is not only fick of works unholy. 
 But almofl. dead and buried in her folly. 
 
 Forgive us all our flips, our negligences, 
 Our fins of knowledge, and our ignorances ; 
 Our daring wickedneffe ; our bloody crimes ; 
 And all the fault of pad and prefent times. 
 Permit not thy jufl v/rath to bume for ever j 
 In thy difpleaJTure doe not ftill perfever ; 
 But, call us from that pit of Death, and Sin, 
 And from that path of Hell which we are in. 
 
 Remember, that this Vineyard hath a Vine, 
 Which had her planting by that hand of thine. 
 Remember, when from Egypt thou remov'dft. it, 
 With what entire affedlion, then, thou lov'dft. it. 
 How thou didft weed and dreffe it heretofore ; 
 How thou didfl fence it from the forrefl Bore j 
 And think, how fweet a vintage then it brought, 
 When thy firfl. worke upon her thou hadfl, wrought .- 
 
 Remember, that without thy daily care. 
 The choicefl plants, foone wilde and fruitleffe are ; 
 And, that as long as thou doft. prune and dreffe, 
 The fowreft Vine fhall bring a fweet encreafe. 
 
 Remember, alfo Lord, how ftill that Foe, 
 Who firft purfued us, doth feek to fow 
 His tares among thy wheat ; and to his pow'r, 
 Break downe thy fence, and trample, and devoure 
 The feeds of grace, as foone as they doe fprout ; 
 And is too ftrong, for us to keep him out. 
 
 Oh ! let not him prevaile, fuch harme to do us, 
 As he defires, but. Lord, returne unto us 
 Returne in mercy. Though thou find us flack 
 To come our felves, fetch, draw, and pull us back 
 From our owne courfes, by thy grace divine, 
 And fet, and keep us, in each way of thine. 
 
 W 
 
CaHt.8. Remembrancer. 281 
 
 We from our foes have faved beene by thee ; 
 
 And in thy love, oh Lord ! triumphed we. 
 
 But now behold, difgrac'd thou throw'fl us by, 
 
 And we before our adverfaries flye. 
 
 At us our neighb'ring Nations laugh and jeere, 
 
 And, us they fcorne, whom late we made to feare. 
 
 Oh God ariie, rejedl us not for aye ; 
 
 No longer hide from us thy face away : 
 
 But, come, oh come with fpeed to give us aid, 
 
 And let us not be lofl. though we have flraid. 
 
 Vouchfafe that ev'ry one in his degree, 
 The fecret errors of his life may fee ; 
 And, in his lawfull calUng, all his dayes, 
 Performe his Chriflian duty, to thy praife. 
 Give peace this troublous age ; for, perilous 
 The times are growne, and no man fights for us 
 But thou oh God ! nor do we feek or crave, 
 That any other Champion we may have. 
 Nay give us troubles, if thy will be fo. 
 That we may have thy flrength to beare them too ; 
 And in afflidlion thee more glorifie, 
 Then heretofore in our profperity. 
 For when thy countenance on us did fhine, 
 Thofe Lands that boafled of their come and wine, 
 Had not that joy which thou didft then infpire, 
 When we were boyld and fryde, in blood and fire. 
 
 Oh ! give againe that joy, although it coil us 
 Our lives. Reflore thou what our fin hath loft. us. 
 Thy Church, in thefe Dominions Lord preferve 
 In purity : and teach us thee to ferve 
 In hohneffe and righteousneffe, untill 
 We fhall the number of our dayes fulfill. 
 Defend thefe Kingdomes from all overthrowes. 
 By forraine enemies, or home-bred foes. 
 
 563 
 
B R I T T A n'S Cant. 8. 
 
 Our King with ev'ry grace and vertue bleffe, 
 Which may thine honour and his owne encreafe. 
 Inflame our Nobles with more love and zeale, 
 To thy true Spoufe, and to this Common-weak. 
 Infpire our Clergie in their feverall places, 
 With knowledge, and all fanflifying graces ; 
 That by their lives and dodlrines they may reare 
 Thofe parts of Syon, which decayed are. 
 Awake this People, give them foules that may 
 Beleeve thy word, and thy commands obey. 
 The Plagues deferv'd already, fave them from. 
 More watchfull make them, in all times to come. 
 For bleflings pafl, let hearty thanks be given. 
 For prefent ones, let facrifice to heav'n 
 Be daily offred up. For what is needing 
 (Or may be ufefull in the time fucceeding) 
 Let faithfull prayers to thy throne be fent, 
 With hearts and hands upright and innocent : 
 And let all this the better furthred be. 
 Through thefe Remembrances, now brought by me. 
 
 For which high favour, and emboldning thus 
 My fpirit, in a time fo dangerous ; 
 For chufmg me, that am fo defpicable, 
 To be employed in this honorable 
 And great employment (which I more efleeme. 
 Then to be crowned with a Diadem) 
 For thy enabling me in this Embaffage ; 
 For bringing to conclufion this my Meffage ; 
 For fparing of my life, when thoufands dy'd. 
 Before, behind me, and on ev'ry fide ; 
 For faving of me many a time fince then. 
 When I had forfeited my foule agen : 
 For all thofe griefes and poverties, by which 
 I am in better things made great, and rich, 
 
 Then 
 
 564 
 
Cant. 8. Remembrancer. 282 
 
 Then all that wealth and honor brings man to, 
 Wherewith the world doth keepe fo much adoe : 
 For all which thou to me on earth hall given ; 
 For all, which doth concerne my hopes of heaven ; 
 For thefe, and thofe innumerable graces, 
 Vouchfafed me, at fundry times, and places, 
 (Vnthought upon) unfained praife I render ; 
 And, for a living facrifice, I tender 
 To thee (oh God) my body, foule, and all, 
 Which mine I may, by thy donation, call. 
 
 Accept it bleffed Maker, for his fake 
 Who did this oifring acceptable make, 
 By giving up himfelfe. Oh ! looke thou not 
 Vpon thofe blemifhes which I have got 
 By naturall corruption ; or by thofe 
 Polluted adls which from that ulcer flowes. 
 According to my skill, I have enroll'd 
 Thy Mercies ; and thy lujlice I have told. 
 I have not hid thy workings in my brell ; 
 But as I could, their pow'r I have exprefl. 
 Among our great affemblies, to declare 
 Thy will arid pleafure, loe, I doe not feare .• 
 And though by Princes I am checkt and blamed ; 
 To fpeake the truth, I am no whit afliamed. 
 Oh ! (hew thou, Lord, thy mercy fo to me. 
 And let thy Love and Truth, my guardians be. 
 
 Forgive me all the follies of ray youth ; 
 My faulty deeds ; the errors of my mouth ; 
 The wandrings of my heart, and ev'ry one 
 Of thofe good workes that I have left undone. 
 Forgive me all wherein I did amiffe. 
 Since thou employd'fl me in performing this : 
 My doubtings of thy calling me unto it ; 
 My feares, which oft difheartned me to doe it; 
 
 My 
 
 565 
 
Brit tan's 
 
 My floth, my negligences, my evafions, 
 And my deferring it, on vaine occafions, 
 When I had vowed that no worke of mine, 
 Should take me up, till I had finilht thine. 
 
 Lord, pardon this ; and let no future fin, 
 Nor what already hath committed bin, 
 Prophane this Worke ; or caufe the fame to be 
 The leffe effe6lual to this land, or me. 
 But to my felfe (oh Lord) and others, let it 
 So moving be, that we may ne're forget it 
 Let not the evill, nor the good eflfedl 
 It takes, or puflfe me up, or me dejedl : 
 Or make me thinke that I the better am, 
 Becaufe I tell how others are to blame : 
 But, let it keep me in a ChriRian feare. 
 Still humbly heedfuU what my a(5lions are. 
 Let all thofe obfervations I have had, 
 Of others errors, be occafions made 
 To mind me of mine owne. And, left. I erre, 
 Let ev'ry man be my Remembrancer ; 
 With fo much charity, as I have fought 
 To bring their duties more into their thought. 
 And, if in any fin I linger long, 
 Without repentance ; Lord, let ev'ry tongue 
 That names me, check me for it : and, to me 
 Become, what I to others faine would be. 
 
 Oh ! let me not be like thofe bufie broomes, 
 Which having clenfed many nafly roomes. 
 Doe make themfelves the fouller : but fweet Father, 
 Let me be like the precious Diamond rather, 
 Which doth by poliihing another flone. 
 The better fhape and luftre, fet upon 
 His owne rough body. Let my life be fuch. 
 As that mans ought to be, who knoweth much 
 
 Of 
 
 S66 
 
CaHt.8. Remembrancer. 283 
 
 Of thy good pleafure. And, mod awfull God, 
 
 Let none of thofe, who fpread of me abroad 
 
 Vnjull reports, the Devills purpofe gaine, 
 
 By making thefe my warnings prove in vaine 
 
 To thofe that heare them : but let fuch difgraces, 
 
 Reflect with Ihame upon their Authors faces, 
 
 Till they repent. And let their fcandall ferve 
 
 Within my heart true meekneffe to preferve ; 
 
 And that humility, which elfe, perchance, 
 
 Vaine glory, or fome naturall arrogance 
 
 Might overthrow, if I Ihould think upon 
 
 (With carnal thoghts) fome good my lines have done 
 
 Reflraine, moreover, them who out of pride, 
 Or ignorance, this Labour fhall deride 
 Make them perceive, who (hall prefer a (lory 
 Compofed for fome temporall friends glory. 
 Before thofe Poems which thy works declare, 
 That vaine and witlefTe their opinions are : 
 And if by thee I was appointed, Lord, 
 Thy Judgements and thy Mercies to record, 
 (As here I do) for thou thy mark on thofe ; 
 Who fhall defpightfully the fame oppofe : 
 And let it publikely be feene of all, 
 Till of their malice they repent them fhall. 
 
 As I my confcience have difcharged here, 
 Without concealing ought for love, or feare ; 
 From furious men let me preferved be. 
 And from the fcorne of fooles, deliver me. 
 Vouchfafe at length fome comforting refedtion. 
 According to the yeares of my afflidlion. 
 On me, for good, fome token pleafe to fliow. 
 That they who fee it, may thy bounty know ; 
 Kejoyce, with fellow-feeling of the fame. 
 And joyne with me, in praifmg of thy Name. 
 
 And 
 
 567 
 
B R I T T A n's Cant. 8. 
 
 And left (oh Lord !) fome weake ones may defpife 
 My words, becaufe of fuch neceffities, 
 As they have brought upon me, by their fpight, 
 Who to my Studies have beene oppofite : 
 Oh ! give me that which may fufficient be, 
 Td make them know that I have ferved thee. 
 And that my labours are by thee regarded, 
 Although they feeme not outwardly rewarded. 
 
 Thofe Honors, or that Wealth, I doe not crave, 
 Which they afFedi, who moft endevored have 
 To pleafe the World. I onely aske to gaine 
 'Bat food sxiA rayment, Lord, for all my paine ; 
 And that the flaunders, and the poverties, 
 Wherewith my patience thou (halt exercife. 
 Make not thefe Lines, or me, become a fcorne, 
 Nor leave me to the world-ward, quite forlorne. 
 
 Yet, in preferring of this humble Suit, 
 I make not my requeft fo abfolute, 
 As that I will capitulate, or tye 
 To fuch conditions, thy dread Majejly. 
 For, if to honour but an earthly Prince 
 My Mufe had fung ; it had beene impudence 
 To prompt his bounty ; or, to doubt he might 
 Forget to doe my honeft Labours right. 
 
 Doe therefore as thou pleafeft : only give 
 Thy Servant grace contentedly to live, 
 And to be thankfull, whatfoever fliall 
 In this my weary Pilgrimage befall. 
 
 Such things thou doft command me to require. 
 With earneft, and an abfolute defire : 
 With which I come : befeeching I may finde 
 Thy love continue, though none elfe be kinde ; 
 That bleffedneffe eternall I may get. 
 Though all I lofe on earth, to compaffe it ; 
 
 And 
 
 S6S 
 
The Conclufion. 284 
 
 And that, at lafl,, when my accompt is eaven, 
 My payment may be fummon'd up in heaven. 
 
 Lord, this will pleafe me : call me quickly thither, 
 And pay me there my wages all together : 
 Not that which mine by merit feeraes to be ; 
 But, what by thy meere grace is due to me. 
 
 The Conclufion. 
 
 OC now (though not fo fully as I ought) 
 •J My Vow is paid ; and to an end is brought 
 This workejfor which God pleas' d my life to f pare, 
 
 When thoufands round about me flaughtred were. 
 Now, live or dye J care not : for I fee 
 But little ufefulneffe, or need of me. 
 
 Becaufe none knowes what God may call him to ; 
 / will not fay precifely what Pie doe ; 
 But, in this kind of mnzmg, to endeavor, 
 Or be employ d againe, I purpofe never. 
 For, if this profit not, it will be vaine 
 For me to flrike upon this firing againe. 
 
 Ifthefe doe not prevaile, J fhall fuppofe. 
 Words are not wanting herefo much as blowes : 
 And that the filthy will be filthy Jiill, 
 Till they the meafure of their fin fulfill : 
 Or, that God will to free us from pollution. 
 Put fame unufuall Plague in execution. 
 
 Which to prevent, to him Pie humbly pray. 
 And, whilfl J live, endeaver what I may 
 My Countries welfare ; feeking meanes tofinde, 
 TofpeTidfor her availe, my dayes behinde ; 
 And laVringfo, my Talent to employ, 
 That 7 may come into my Mailers y(?y. 
 And, though (when all is done which I am able) 
 Myfervice will be but unprofitable: 
 
 4 c 5^9 
 
The Conclufion. 
 
 Yet, Jiill y will be doing, that, ivhen he 
 Shall come, I be not idle found to be. 
 
 If any blame what is orfhall be done ; 
 My Confcience knoweth I would injure none ; 
 And that I doe not meddle further, than 
 Becommeth me that am a private man. 
 Though otherwife it feeme to thofe who weigh not 
 When private men may fpeake, and when they may not. 
 
 The building of a Towne we doe preferre 
 Vnto the Mafon and the Carpenter ; 
 But, when it is on fire, we care tiot who 
 Doth come to qttench it, fo the fame he doe. 
 And, though in felled times, the Statutes awe 
 The ruder fort, fometime theris Martiall-Law. 
 
 Tis true indeed, tJiat ordinary titnes, 
 And thofe that are but ordinary crimes. 
 May by the Common luftice be amended, 
 Andfhould not be by others reprehended ; 
 Except it be in termes, refpeBing all 
 States, perfons, times, and fin in generall. 
 Yet (as King DayidfayesJ If overthrowne 
 Foundations be ; what then amiffe is done, 
 By honefl men, if God tofhew our fall, 
 Shall fome, in extraordinary, call ? 
 
 We now have thofe that neither fland in awe 
 Of ordinary Magiftrate, or Law. 
 Nay, Law is made a mockage, and a fcorne, 
 And, they who have appointed beene, and fworne 
 To judge us by the Lawes, deny their ponfr. 
 Except, when they may ferve them to devoure. 
 We now have finners, who are got above 
 The reach of men appointed to reprove 
 In ordinary courfe. Yea, fins have we. 
 Which brook not, toucht, or mentioned to be : 
 
 57° 
 
The Conclufion. 285 
 
 No notfo much asp-aj/d againjl, through f tare 
 Ofangring thofe that their wel willers are. 
 And, this great impudency daily growes 
 Sojlrong, that all our freedomes wejhall lofe, 
 And Natures Lawes ^re long will all be broken, 
 If none /houldfpeake ; and therefore I havefpoken. 
 
 And, if for this I may not live as free 
 As I was borne (and as I ought to be) 
 I hope to dye, doe malice what it can, 
 'An honefl and a conflant Englifhman, 
 Whofe fall Jhall be no blemifh to his Name ; 
 But, infamy to thofe, who caufd the fame. 
 
 But, fuffer this {will Politicians dreame) 
 And,fuch a prefident will hearten them 
 To libellize, who wanting grace, and reafon, 
 Divulge their fharpfang^ d Poems out offeafon : 
 And they who Write for nothing.but tofhow 
 Their fpleens, or that the world may come to know 
 Their Faculty, mens perfons may abufe, 
 And brave it thus, their boldneffe to exctcfe. 
 
 But, what is this to mel (7f others will 
 Becaufe I have done well, be doing ill) 
 Let them and thofe, whom thereby they offend 
 About that matter, by themfelves contend. 
 Tis fit for fober men their fwords to weare, 
 Although by drunkards they abufed are. 
 Which freedome I, have claimed, and us'dyoufee; 
 And from the claime will never beaten be. 
 
 In eifry ^ork& feme parage will difcover 
 To knowing men, what was the chief efl moover : 
 Which they who have the Spirit of difcerning, 
 Should marke; for, tis a matter worth the learning. 
 And, when they find an Author fhould befhent, 
 Let him receive his worthy chaflifement. 
 
 But, 
 
 571 
 
The Conclufion. 
 
 But, when his paines deferveth a reward. 
 AffliSl him not, though him you nought regard. 
 
 A Libeller is impudently bold, 
 When he hath Times, or Patrons to uphold 
 His biting Strain es ; andfoorie is he defcryd; 
 For he, to Jb-ike all faults, is terrifld : 
 Andfeares what perills may his aB attend. 
 If none he knowes fave God to be his Friend. 
 But, they who have my minde, willbefo far 
 From fear e to write, although you doe not f pare 
 To punifh me, that they will write the more ; 
 Make up thefumme that wanteth on my f core ; 
 And reprehenfions forth fo loud will thunder. 
 That at your follies times to come will wonder. 
 For, outward hopes, have not my tongue unloof 'd, 
 Nor can my mouth by outward feares be clos'd 
 
 What J have done is done : and 7 am eaf'd, 
 And glad, how ever others will be pleaf'd. 
 Let them who fhall perufe it, praife, or laugh. 
 Revile, or fcoffe, or threat, or fweare, or chafe. 
 All's one to me ; So I within be ftiU, 
 Without me, let men keepe what noife they will. 
 For, fare I am, though they my flefh confound, 
 Thefoule, Ifeeke tofave,JhallfUll be found. 
 And this I ktww ; that nor the brutijh rages 
 Of this now prefent, or fucceeding Ages, 
 Shall root this Poeme out; but, that to all 
 Enfuing times, the fame continue fhall, 
 To be perufed tn this Land, as long 
 As here they fhall retaine the Englifh tongue : 
 Or, while there fhall be Errors, and offences, 
 Diforders, Difcords, Plagues, or Peftilences. 
 
 And, if our evills we depart not from. 
 Before the day of our deflrtdlion come, 
 
 This 
 
 572 
 
The Conclufion. 286 
 
 This 'RoQ^ Jriall to the times that follow Jhow, 
 What fins they were which cauf'd our overthrow : 
 And tefiifie to others (for their learning) 
 That Vengeance did not feize us without warning. 
 
 If they who know thefiate of this our Land, 
 CanjufHyfay that her Affaires doefland 
 In fuch a pollure as was ordinary ; 
 Or, that thefe Times the face doe feeme to cary 
 Which they have had : or, if they fee not here, 
 More wants, more doubts, and terrors, then there were : 
 Or, if this Meffage (whatfoirefucceedeth) 
 Be more (or more infifled on) then needeth : 
 Or, if it giveih any juft fufpition 
 That thence may fpring occafions tf^fedition ; 
 Nay if that all my Readers may not gather 
 Good motives thence, to flop fedition, rather; 
 And fuch like meanes of reSlifying that 
 Which is, or may be liarmfull to the State : 
 Let me beflriflly quefiioned, and blamed. 
 And cenfur'd too ; as one that hath defamed 
 Or injured his Country. Or, if they 
 Who fhall perufe this Booke, can truly fay. 
 That I have cakifed Mw R e M e M B R a n c e r 
 Tofpeake like ev'ry vulgar Meffenger; 
 If any circutnfiance can prove, I bend 
 My purpofes, to worke my private end; 
 Or, that I perfons fcandalize, or flatter ; 
 Or that I in the manner, or the matter, 
 Refemblefuch a Patnphleter, asfeares 
 The lofing of his liberties, or eares : 
 Or, that Ifpeake like them who railing come, 
 They neither care at what, nor yet at whom. 
 So they may raile; Or, if I have notfhowed 
 My M.t^ts, from fuch a ^^vcit flowed. 
 
 573 
 
The Conclufion. 
 
 As is well ktwwne unto him, and whereby 
 He can defend them, with good warranty : 
 If thefe, or ought like thefe things may be f aid, 
 (To prove the part of an Impott-or plaid) 
 Let him who thinks he can unmask me, Jlrive 
 To do it, and as he fhall doe, beleeve. 
 
 But if they find (which doubtleffe they Jliall find ) 
 Who view this Poeme with afingle minde) 
 That I have here delivered tfdngs exceeding 
 My meanes of knowledge, or my helps of breeding, 
 So far, as that my Readers cannot chufe 
 But know fome pow'r divine did them infufe: 
 If they fhall find, by my confeffions here. 
 That I am fubjeSl to the felfe fame feare 
 Which others feele ; and yet have dared more 
 Jnfome refpeHs, then others heretofore : 
 Jf they perceive, that J did oft defire 
 Through frailty, from this aflion to retire ; 
 And, that I had a fupernaturall Will, 
 My naturall Defires refifling fKll, 
 Attd forcing me, ev'n in my owne defpight, 
 That matter of this Volume to endite : 
 If they perceive, as well perceive they may. 
 That I had many lets within my way. 
 So cumberfome, as made the Work appeare 
 Scarce pojfible, to him that willing were; 
 And, how God madefuch hindrances become 
 More helpfull at the lafl, then troublefome. 
 
 If they obferve, how when my fortunes all 
 At hazard lay (and were to fiand or fall 
 According to th^ir wils, who may, with me. 
 For this, if God forbid not, angry be) 
 That I, though mafiy did the fame condemne. 
 Did (this tofinifh) quite ^ve over them, 
 
 Which 
 
 574 
 
The Conclufion. 287 
 
 Which then J might havefetled; had I thought 
 Gods kingdome ought notfirjl to have been fought. 
 
 If they did know how well I know the rage, 
 The fottijhneffe, and malice of this age; 
 How little confcience fame doe make to kill, 
 Oppreffe, or ruinate, to get their will; 
 Or whatfmall meanes, or hope of friends y have. 
 My body from their violence to fave : 
 
 Jfthefe, andfuch like things as thefe were heeded, 
 All thefe preventions Jhould not now have needed: 
 For, they would fee, this had not beene effeiled, 
 Vnleffe Gods hand had fh-engthned and direiled : 
 And they who elfe my perfon may contemne, 
 Would feare, that they in me would injure him. 
 
 J know, fome pleafe to fay, that thus I vent 
 Bold words ; becaufe I feeke imprifonment : 
 As if to me thereby there might arife 
 A profit, by conceaPd Gratuities. 
 Thus many Schifmaticks indeed have done, 
 And honefl men and women prefd upon, 
 To charities abufe : But, God doth know 
 That yet with me it never hath beene fo : 
 But that my heart both fcornes and hates to be 
 Sofalfe and bafe, as thefe doe cenfure me. 
 
 I doe, and will confeffe unto the praife 
 Of him, who unto me my friends did raife, 
 That when J did, in thrall oppreffed grow. 
 With wants, which none but God and I did know ; 
 And was meiiJd up fo clofe, that to no friend, 
 I might a Prayer, or Petition fend, 
 But unto God : he moi'd the hearts of fome 
 To fend me fuccour : And, I vow, to whom, 
 Except to him, J Jhould my thanks repay, 
 (For much thereof) I know not to this day. 
 
 S7S 
 
The Conclufion. 
 
 // was enough tojhow me, that God will 
 
 In all extreames, provide things needfull JKll. 
 
 And decently and well did it fuffice 
 
 In my rejlraint, for all necefflties. 
 
 But, whatfoe^refome thinke, I brought not forth 
 
 7nto the world with we, one farthing worth 
 
 Aleve my charge : hut, there jufl eaven made 
 
 Of all which frojn Gods bountious hand I had. 
 
 For, what was more thai fervid to fet me free, 
 
 I gave to others, as he gave to me. 
 
 Which, not in boafl, J mention ; but, Ifpeake 
 
 The truth, that this the more effell may take. 
 
 A foolifh policie in me it were 
 (Forfuch a bafe uncertainty as here 
 Objeiled is) to venture as I doe 
 The loffe of that which I had reacht unto 
 E're now : had this beene left, to fettle that 
 Which doth concerne tny temporall eflate. 
 
 The King hathjhowne me favour : at this houre, 
 I doe not know that man, ^Name, or ponfr 
 Whofe perfon y envy or difaffeSl, 
 Or whom of any malice Ifufpeil 
 To me or mine : with me they all are friends. 
 That were at odds ; and to attaine my ends 
 In my Affaires, T never had a day 
 So probable as now, if I would flay 
 This Meffage : and perchance, this bring mejhall 
 In all my outward hopes unto a fall; 
 Yet, this Jhall firfl be told, that you may fee. 
 My Hopes are greater, then my Feares can be ; 
 And that it may be knowne, I doe difclaime 
 Thofe ends, at which mofi thinke I bafely aime. 
 
 Thefe Arguments, asfuch like words as may 
 Anticipate, I here beforehand, fay ; 
 
 Not 
 
 576 
 
The Conclufion, 286 
 
 Not that I thinke it pojfMe, by them 
 To change their mindes that will this Book contemne, 
 For, tis not in the pow'r ^Argument, 
 Or words, to make the wilfull provident. 
 It lieth not in honejl protiftations 
 To overthrow malicious combinations \ 
 No nor in Miracles, till God Jhall pleafe 
 ( Who of all hearts doth keepe the locks and keyes, 
 Tojhut and open them.) For they that heard 
 And lii/d to fee fulfill' d, what was declafd 
 By leremy againfi lerufalera ; 
 His counfell they did natheleffe contemne, 
 When he their flight to .^Egypt did oppofe ; 
 And fo became of their owne overthrowes 
 The wilfull caufe. Nay, when our ^2LV\Qm fpake 
 To ludas, and that Band which came to take 
 His perfon ; to the ground thofe men heflrooke 
 Ev'n with his voice : and, on the Croffe, hefhooke 
 The Earth, and rent the Temple with his cry ; 
 Yet, that and all the reft waspaffed by 
 Of mofl beholders, as if they had beene 
 VnfenfMe of what was heard andfeene. 
 
 I therefore, thefe Preventions doe infert. 
 To aggravate t/ie hardneffe of their heart 
 Whofhall be obfiinate. And here declare 
 What may be f aid or done, e're done they are; 
 That all may know, whenfuch things come to paffe 
 Nought fals on me, but what expelled was ; 
 And that the better working this may have 
 On thofe whofhall Gods Meffages receive 
 By this Remembrancer. For, God hath fent, 
 Though I (unworthy) am his infirument 
 
 Him, unadvifedly composed I not, 
 Nor was he by a miracle begot. 
 
 * To 
 
 4 d 577 
 
The Conclufion. 
 
 To fit him for this furpofe ; I have thrice 
 
 Imprifonment endur'd: Clofe-prifon twice. 
 
 Much trouble I have paji which thence enfu'd; 
 
 Through wants and /launders not a few Ifcru'd; 
 
 And, being guarded by Gods Providence, 
 
 / lately walked through t/ie Peftilence, 
 
 Andfaw, and felt, what Nature doth abhor, 
 
 To harden me, and to prepare me for 
 
 This Worke. And therefore he, who thinkes hefliall 
 
 With his big lookes or fpeeches me appall, 
 
 Mufl look more grim then Death ; more ugly, far. 
 
 Then Vizards, or thefliapes of Devils are ; 
 
 Breathe ranker poifon then a plague filPd grave ; 
 
 Andflamp, and rore, and teare, and flare, and rave, 
 
 More dreadfully, and louder then a man 
 
 InfeMed with fix Peililences can : 
 
 Elfe, I (to play with terrors being borne) 
 
 Shall laugh both him and all he doth, to fcorne. 
 
 And, though I may, perchance (as did the befl 
 Of all Gods children when they were opprefl) 
 Sometime bewaile my fuffrings, or declare 
 That J doefeele them when their waight I beare ; 
 Yet murmur will I not, at what is laid 
 Vpon me, neither feeke toflefhfor aid. 
 
 By what's here done, may trouble come upon me ; 
 But, not performing it, had quite undone me : 
 Since, 7 through feare of what the world may doe, 
 NegleEled had, what God had call'd me to. 
 For, of his calling me, the meanes and wayes 
 Whereby my weakneffe he to this did raife, 
 Vnquefiionable evidence doe give. 
 And, they who doe not, yet, the fame beleeve. 
 Will think the fame, perhaps, when they fJiall fee 
 Themfslves enclofed with new Plagues to be. 
 
 Thus 
 
 S78 
 
The Conclufion. 287 
 
 Thus I beleeving, and confidering. 
 What fearlefn^e this a6l therewith doth bring, 
 ( With what affiirances, I doe poffejfe) 
 Me thinks it were a matchleffe wickedneffe 
 To difobey. Yea fur e, I more in that 
 Wron^d God, then JJhallfeeme to wrong the State, 
 In uttring what fome few are loth to heare. 
 However divers thinke; this is my feare. 
 Yea, to my foule,fo horrible a thing 
 The wilfull difobeying that ^eat King 
 Appeared hath \ that, never fliould Jfleepe 
 In peace againe, if I did filence keepe. 
 And therefore, neither all the royall graces 
 Of Kings ; nor gifts, nor honourable places. 
 Should flop my mouth. Nor would I fmother this. 
 Though twenty Kings hadfworne that Ifhould ki/Je 
 The Gallowes for if : lefl my Ccra.iae.mx. fhould 
 Ibrmeni me more, then all men living could. 
 
 Yea, though this minde were but my ignorance, 
 Or fancy (as it will be thought, perchance) 
 Yet, fince this Fancy may prefent to me 
 As hideous feares, as things that reall be, 
 rie hazard rather twenty deaths to dye. 
 Then to be tortur'd by my Fantafie. 
 For, I had rather in a dungeon dwell 
 Five yeares ; then in myfoule tofeele a hell 
 Five minutes : and,fo God will be my friend, 
 Jfhall not care how many J offend. 
 
 And, yet, (now I remember) troubled is 
 My heart a little, for one thing amiffe 
 
 Which I have done. This Meffenger hath bin 
 Long time kept out ; and I did thrufl him in 
 
 Without a Licence ; lefl he comminglate. 
 Might fhew you a CommiiTion out of date. 
 
 579 
 
The Conclufion. 
 
 r could excufe thefaB, and lay the crime 
 Vpon the much dif order of the time : 
 For, moji men know, that in a Watch or Clocke 
 When it is out of order once or broke, 
 The wheeles that are unfaultie move awry 
 As well as they in whom the faults doe lye. 
 But, that you may not thinke F doe prof effe 
 Againfl the State, as wholly mercileffe, 
 ' Or that I thinke it nothing to mifdoe 
 Againfl good Order, though comf did thereto ; 
 For this I aske forgiveneffe ; andfubmit. 
 My felfe to them, whojhall in judgement fit 
 Vpon the fail. For which if I obtaine 
 My Pardon, JJhall humbly entertaine 
 Their favours with my thankefullefl refpeils. 
 And, hope this Meffage will have good effelh. 
 
 yfotherwife Ifinde; my Bodyj^all 
 Be ready to fubjeSl itfelfe to all 
 Their firiilefl Penalties : and when I am 
 Enough affliSledfor what is to blame 
 Jn this, or me: I know, God will releafe 
 By Body, or my Soule, againe in peace. 
 
 To him alone, for Patronage, / run : 
 Lord, let thy pleafnre, and thy will he done. 
 
 The glory be to God. 
 
 THe faults efcaped in the printing, wee had not 
 fuch meanes to prevent, as we defired ; nor could 
 we conveniently coUedl them, by reafon of our haft, 
 or hazard, and other interruptions : wee therefore 
 leave them to be amended, cenfured, and winked at, 
 according to the Readers courtefie or difcretion. 
 
 580 
 

 
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