and State. That Poets thence may future Copies take When they 'd Diana's Chorus brightest speak Next unto these their Hero's did attend Whom â—ame for Warlike Deeds could best commend Edge-Hill so near to Keinton-Field adjoyn'd Was then the Sphere where all these Lustres shin'd Tho' Mortals that would bad Presages make From accidental Causes or Mistake Might wonder that this Scene should here display Where Time must still Inroll a Bloudy day As if that Heaven by Circumstantial things Foretold Disasters which the Future brings The Queen whose Meen and Looks was Great beheld And in her Persons figure too excell'd More Comely did to distant eyes appear Then fullest Moon when shining in her Sphere As here the King his Consort did behold High Wonder did a while his words withhold To shew her then Attractions pierc'd him more Then all the Darts that she had beam'd before Which high surprise did on his Soul impose A Sense above what Speech could soon disclose Untill his Thoughts found strength enough to tell How far she did Supreamest praise excell And to what Peril she her Life resign'd To be more Great to his Assistance joyn'd To which the Queen with humble Greatness said What Earthly Glory higher is obey'd Or Power of Love if lasting Time thence know That I your Virtue no less lov'd then you A Greatness which my Life too cheap had cost If I had for your sake in Storms been lost When late th'assaulting Billows of the Main Oppos'd my safe return to you again And Winds so highly Combated in Course As if to Seas in Skies my Wreck they 'd force Tho' Love then gave me such Heroick power That most your Loss in Me I fear'd that hour 'Till Heaven whose Scepter Boundless Flouds obey Through their deep dangers me did safe convey With Valiant Numbers fresh esteem have won In distant Climes may that be far outdone As they your Aid and Safety do assist How stubborn e're your Foes shall dare resist And should these not Success for you obtain Worse Seas I 'de venture more Recruits to gain Tho' Merit seems too narrow for my Breast Who in your Love am more intirely blest And if Kings Beds throughout the World were seen Yours wou'd contain the most obliged Queen What Admirations might this Dialogue bring Or desert heighten in this Queen and King. Whilst throngs in Counties did applauding wait On their Great Persons 'till with Royal State At Famous Oxford Gloriously arrivâ—d And which of Cities stands most beautify'd By Stately Colledges and Learning known And then the Center of the Camp and Throne When for the welcome of the King and Queen This City was more great and splendid seen Then former time could her renown declare Or highest Orbe of Science in her Sphere And as she then did Celebrate her Joys The Camp its mighty Engines too imploys Which as they figure best loud Tongues of Fame To Regions far applauses did proclaim And next best Trumpets Like to such of old By Mars held Sacred when their Charms more bold The Arm'd Inflam'd or for the Conquer'd Field Their loudest Musick did to Triumphs yield Had ears remote delighted with their sound And Ecchoes that no voice before had found And what did eyes as far remov'd imploy T' Admire the Skill was here and signs of Joy The Famous Engineer had made by Art Bodies that acted beyond Natures part When Fireworks did in vary'd Forms arise Some like to Meteors blazing in the Skies Others like fiery Bullets seem'd to â—ly Or shot Granadoes Leaguer'd Towns do ply Which being past the men whose active Might In Running Wrastling Shooting took delight Or durst by hardy Arms for Prizes play In Imitation of Romes Ancient way Had places proper unto them assign'd Where Chiefs and Hero's as Spectators Joyn'd And what sublimest does mans thought extend The Learn'd as Emulators did contend How their Address they should profoundest make Or in as many Tongues refin'dly speak As once th'Apostles did tho' Scriptures tell The Spirit on them for that purpose fell Nor did the Eloquence of Schools outdo The Gloss which Preachers did on praise bestow Tho' Holy Writ no Person did convey That like this King so well could Love and Pray As full his Consort 's Soul they had Admir'd If for Rome's sake they had been then Inspir'd Next these some Poets gladly did dispense In this high Juncture their sublimest Sense With what might most their Sovereigns Fame commend Whose Merit long on Feet of Verse should stand Tho' of all Science least the Muses date Concessions that from Court their value rate In which high Orb few Gawdy things admit Their smallest deference unto better Wit. A vain neglect most Pens dare boldly slight That can of Courts and Men resin'dly write Which Glory then the Muses chiefly sought As that Kings Stile our Tongue had smoothness taught Whose Book so matchless does his figure raise As his Soul perfects there Immortal praise And 'gainst his Foes such Eloquence does spread That they will ever thence be conquer'd read Well might Wise Poets him to Fame commend Whose Wit and Virtue Divine Glory blend These Celebrations past the King and Queen No less Conspicuous in their Courts were seen Where busy Joys and Whispers fill'd the Ear If Joy could Joy be call'd and War so near Whose hours so roughly to their Periods flow That Heaven does them by Angry Stars foreshow The THIRD BOOK The Argument The Wretched State of England in the Year Of Forty Three the Poet's Pencill draws The King abus'd by false Intelligence The Corrupt Minions oft â—ntriguing Art The Authors Numbers in a borrow'd Name Full represent with Dornland's figure shown And for his Loyall praise by Power of Verse To after Story rais'd with how occurr'd The Councills Stratagems and deeds of Arms. THe year recover'd had it's usuall Spring When blooming hours Warrs fatall growth did Bring And Ecchoes did with Tim'rous Voice resound The dreadfull noise of Armed Troups around As by them spacious Randevouz were fill'd Warrs Schools where Men in killing most excell'd Yet would th' effect of discipline that deem That War might have from wicked Art Esteem Essex who had some time at London spent Enough regretted as the Houses Meant His March by all their vigorous Votes to hast That he no time of Action then should wast Or from deliberate thought dispose his mind Less Violent then their rigid Votes design'd Which he their Armies Head might so diffuse As in that Body Nerves might vigour loose The danger most they Fear'd by his delay And next him to confirm the smoothest way Their Pop'lar Charms which most his soul did fit They Syren-like had Modell'd by their Wit. For which Address a Person they select Who thus begins If our Votes can effect Praises sufficient to compleat your worth Or deeds to come by Valour you 'le bring forth Know Great and Honoured Earl the Houses will By due Obsequiousness admire you still Nor shall they your applause less
Was it because thou wert too richly great Or too long pamper'd in a blest Estate That thy Ingratefull heads then seem'd to ake And by pretended flame a Feaver take An Artisice to worst Delusions joyn'd As Zeal transported had the Peoples Minde And if my Verse a Prospect duly take Of what did then so fierce Transactions make Truth soon declares that 't was no publique Sense That had diffus'd so vild an Influence But heatfull Parties that within their Frames For ends devis'd had rais'd such horrid flames And but the name of Parliament did feign On purpose to convey a larger stain And which no well-form'd sense allows to be That full Conventious Publique Infamy A Constitution Great to all effects As it our Good discerns and Bad detects From whence the Nation best their Pulse perceives And when 't is sound more soundness then receives If Craz'd or will not other help endure That prov'd State-Phisick can compleat the Cure. And what beyond all Treasures Aid Imparts It both receives and gives the Peoples Hearts An Envy'd Glory through which Nations see Cause to repine our just felicity When wild exorbitance of Pride and heat In other Rules have their pernicious date And more detects our Late Unhappy Times In which Men boldly strove to heighten Crimes Kindled by such on each side did Convey Their fiery Ends the most destructive way By perverse Parliaments the Factions sought That low and poor their Monarch might be brought Denying for their ends their publick Aid As fiâ—st their Niggard purse him disobey'd Which forc'd Prerogative by Royal Right To claim for Common good the Purses Might An Aidfull Power that Scopâ—… Lest Subjects ill retain what Crowâ—s should 〈◊〉 Tho' Pop'lar Patriots did this Act diâ—own And cast aspersions on the Straiten'd Throne As they 'gainst Shipmoney disgusts proclaim With high Contests which to Tribunals came That their Great Monarchs Rule might want supply Till Senats should less peevishly deny When this fam'd King whose Soul was full propense To give his Royal Claim no wrong defence Consented to give Law it 's due repute That Legall Process might his Plea promote Which Misconceived in a furious Time When Jealousies and fears durst vent their Crimes By deeming things undutiously amiss That men might thence distrust their Nations Bliss Ceas'd not their Rancour tho' by Act of State This Tax abolish'd was to Lasting Date As they abetted a Disloyal fear Of Oblique Motions in the Royal Sphere Whence Crowds were Taught more strictly to embrace What then was call'd their Senat 's sighting Case Lest that subdu'd they might be next undone And Lives and Fortunes grant by Conquest won A Sense devis'd by obloquies of Fame To blemish their King's Rule and Sacred Name Thus some did with most horrid Arts devise How to Impose on all more Just and Wise. Such subtle Members as the Houses sway'd Soon their Delusions takingly convey'd With what by Vulgar Fury cou'd promote The Cause which their sierce Patrons first did Vote To which their violent Spiritual Guides comply'd Who taught Rebellion then was Sanctify'd Was 't not enough that former Ages found How such Incendiaries did then abound That Pulpits must afresh divulge their flame And stead of Beacons publick Broils proclaim Provoking Heaven and Inauspicious Starrs To haste the bloudy Aspects of our Warrs When in their Orbs the rest began to fear Lest Mars in spight of Jove should domineer Nor less the Azur'd Regions did presage Prodigious Fights and Battels in that Age Arms against Arms to mens affrighted eyes Seem'd as array'd Battalions on the Skies Where flashings did like Guns discharging shew And Flames resembled Pikes in Skirmish too Most fear'd what these strange Visions should portend Or hop'd Heav'n might by them bad men amend Whilst nothing the fierce Houses then restrain'd Or that rough Earl whose Conduct they had gain'd Not as they did for Bloud and Treasure thirst Or wou'd for Horrid Spoils of War be Curst More specious they seem Laws and King to treat So subtly Mortals would their guilt abate The SECOND BOOK The Argument Intestine Discords by what Method spread The Quarrel the unhappy Title bears Of King and Parltaments opposed Arms. And like the body of the State confus'd The Members differ Towns Cities Counties Miserably behold their Magistrates Tho' Guardians of their Peace turn'd Enemies And arm'd in this destructive War appear WAR thus prepar'd and boldest Summons sent T'Incite more swiftly Minds to Fury bent Without perceiving the Impetuous Source Of boundless Evils which their Crimes did force Or that Peace seem'd their Universal pain 'Till after War 't were begg'd of Heaven again A Crisis oft gives Furious Tempers ease When War 's rough Physick proves their worst disease What man can in most touching Numbers shew The various Ills with that Time's License grew When neither tie by Bloud or Parents Tears Nor Conscience which man's Soul diviner fears Could Son or Brothers daring heart deterr From being ally'd more guilty by this Warr. Or not with headstrong fury soon oppose The side their dearest Friends for safety chose Nor did the Aged then forbear to show That Peace was wither'd no less then their Brow Conspiring in the Autumn of their Time To misguide others by their Graver Crime Whence Evils with more Grandeur did augmeâ—…t As Age taught Youth so little to repent And by their joint endeavours did assure That this Wars fatal flame would long endure The Forts and Castles that had slighted been And by their Ruines told Wars Antient Sin Laborious hands did Numerously repair And with their Dusty Toils obscur'd the Air. Whilst distant Men affrighted did behold New forms of Terrour far surpassing old When but Bows piercing Shafts from Bulwarks flew And not so horridly as Guns Men slew Thus some Lamented whilst the Many strove Their Nations fury highest to improve And did Tumultuous Rage through Regions spread With Thefts from Wars bold License sadly read Some total Plunder'd and their Persons sent Revil'd by Crowds to loath'd Imprisonment Whilst others forc'd from Houses and Estates Were left like Wanderers unto wretched Fates Tho' Charg'd upon their Souls no other Crime Then not to Aid the Mischiefs of that time When violent Men Delinquencies durst make In such as would not Peace with them forsake Or hop'd that Moderate quiet might be had When but to live secure was counted bad Number the People's Monster like the Birth Of that vast Giant fam'd the Son of Earth It s own unweildy Power did roughly bring To Aid Intended Arms against the King. Who tho' his Life and Crown he soon might Stake Beheld his Leavies for his Cause too weak Courage his Hope sustain'd and Conscious Right Which to defend Best Kings renown'dly fight But e're his Enemies did neer him joyn Or Re-inforcements further their Design Their strongest Parties vigour he 'd first try And teach them from his Sword 't was Just to fly Whilst then his Power in Horse began to spread And
by most Gen'rous Bloud of English Led Of whom he thought no praise enough cou'd be Or Greatness joyn'd unto their Dignity Untill Great Rupert his Renown'd Ally He made First Captain of their Cavalry A Prince that did in his High Lineage joyn Best German Race with England's Royal Line And what did most embellish his High Bloud No less in Story fam'd for Brave then Good. Who for this Expedition duly chose Troops best approv'd to meet the hardy Foâ—â— Worcester that had Allegeance early shown When many Cities were disloyal known Tho' her distress from future Fate did bring A Second Charles to live an Exil'd King. Implor'd of Heaven a soon Auspicious hour As near her then took Field the Royal Power To which Campagne the Houses eager Vote That War on their part should its haste promote Had sent their firmest Regiments of Horse In hopes they 'd there succeed by strenuous force Sands had these Glittring Troops resolv'd for Fame Led to this Field with full Couragious Flame His thought 's with Number rais'd and boldest Pride To be held early signal by his Side Not as he wou'd the Juster Cause maintain But Glory sought mixt with pernicious Gain Which profitable Encomium much did sway Men that the Houses serv'd for Praise and Pay. His Troups encounter'd swift Resistance find And next like Stubble scatter'd by the Wind With a Confused Haste their flight confound Whilst with their gasping Friends Death strows the Ground Their Resolute Chief whose Courage could not yield Timely to grant his Foes the Conquer'd Field Too deeply wounded is a Captive made The Prince with Courteous grief his Cure assay'd By best skill'd Surgeons who his wounds explore But found too far past aid his Vital Power Nor did his Valour harden so his end As 't did his Cause then Courage more commend Great Rupert prosp'rous thus and fill'd with hope To gain by future Conquest further scope Unto his Royal Unkle did retire With many Trophies of his Martial Fire The King with Temperate Thoughts so poyz'd his Mind That no events in him a Change could find To his Brave Nephew with Indulgent Grace Did thus express Tho' of my Princely Race I gladly prove thy Valour such as may Preserve my Scepter in each doubtfull day Should my Opposers fiercely still adherè To stain their Crimes more deeply by this War Yet 't is my Royal Soul that bids confess That I must welcome less then they Success Tho' they fight to resist what I maintain Yet still my Subjects are on both sides slain Wherefore so Lead my Battels that I may When Victor shew more Mercy still then they As with Calm Glory thus the King exprest A Warlike heat enflam'd Great Rupert's breast Who thus replies Since your severest Foes Cannot your steady Greatness discompose In nothing I 'le be wanting to incite Your boldest Troups with forward Zeal to fight Nor shal't be said that I one Peril shun Where Service can for you by Arms be done Unto your Powers Heaven daily does dispense Aids undiscern'd by Humane Providence Your Royal Standard no where is display'd But Welsh and English gladly are Array'd Who when War's Discipline improves their Might Will soon for you undaunted Soldiers fight The King tho' in his Nephew thus beheld Example's Grandeur which had oft upheld Daring Attempts by forward Captains Led Who Fortune 's briskest Smiles had sometimes had His Nobless Gentry to Atchievements prone That most Magnanimous might assist his Throne Yet could not â—e allay such Anxious thought As his Affairs in prospect to him brought His Forces newly rais'd and thinly Arm'd And more the Sinews of their Hearts uncharm'd By Coins alluring force his Treasure spent Or greatest part unto his detriment By the bold Houses rigidly possest And in that Nerve of State him first distress'd Whilst to his grief his wanting Files might say That Duty set off almost ali their Pay. All which did in their Grievances declare How deep the King concern'd and Nation were Throughout its Parts and Orders un-intire And Notion'd as did least their Peace conspire Some Vassals with their Lords themselves array Others their Lords by fighting disobey No State or Birth their due distinction find Whilst mean and bad then joyn'd their worst design The Swain his tilt neglected in despair Of what his Globe might yield another year Judging that Camps would better him sustain Then his disorder'd toil for future Grain No Aid whate're but did reception find Wars Darling Force is best with Number joyn'd Essex from London march'd with highest State When throâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…s did his Soul clate By th'Houses manâ—…ent and Crowds design'd To heighten Fervour in his Poplar Mind Who with their Sanguine Zeal had less conspir'd Had not Fame's Tinder so his Temper fir'd By which Impulse or from the Fate of things That Rugged Souls to proner Violence brings He soon his Army full compleated Led Near to Campagnes in which the King 's was spread Not doubting but his Num'rous Warlike Force So well accoutred by the Houses Purse Would soon the King 's best formed Powers defeat When they should boldest his in Battel meet And that his Cause no smooth pretext should lose Which for its Vail the Senate's Votes had chose Unto the King a specious Errand sends That to his Sovereign safety recommends By wishing he 'd from Perils soon withdraw Since no respect can flying Bullets awe Or Swords promiscuoully in Battels kill And may 'mongst Lower Bloud the Highest spill So plausible wou'd men their Figures take If words for their Offence can Varnish make The King whose even Greatness did compose His Person to the wonder of his Foes Thus to the Earl's delusive Message says Tell the bold man who for Inglorious praise Does near Imbattel'd to our sight appear And dares by Arms to bid his Sovereign fear That Phoebus may as soon decline his Lighr When Cloudy Meteors would obstruct his sight As witness my Just Glory I disown Or Deeds my Scepter highest can renown Tho' with my Pers'nal Sufferings shou'd combine The worst that Armed Subjects shall design The King here ends And next Great Lindsey spake Since Me Great Sir your General you make Suffer that I unto this Earl commit What may my Honours Station well besit He is a Captain and I 'de have him know My Prowess shall him equall'd that way show But if before the fury of this day He 'l singly Combate me a Soldiers way Our Persons shall our Battel 's Signal be As we begin to fight for Victory This Errand thus return'd Essex declin'd All other Fight then with his Army joyn'd Who judg'd that'twas a much securer course To wave then meet Brave Lindsey's single force The King from Edge-Hill's top like Jove on high When Mortals once 'gainst Heaven Incamp'd did lie Undaunted saw the near Campagne disclose Power that durst him divine on Earth oppose And as a Royal Chief did next descend Strictly to view if orderly extend His Battel Wings of
Infantry and Horse Inspecting next if their Souls vig'rous force Stood on their Looks and how each Persons Face Spoke daring Conduct in his Martial place 'Mongst these as Valours Ornament he saw Best Peers and Gentry Glistring Swords to draw Not readier to Command then to Obey Where Voluntiers they rank'd themselves that day Mingled with these he more Intent beheld Some by him least oblig'd or favour'd hrld T' inlarge his Royal Files did there resort Without expected Gift or Place from Court. Whilst others by his Royal Bounty rais'd To Honour Wealth ne're in their ' Scutcheons blaz'd Ingratefully from his Just Cause withdrew Or 'gainst him did worst Renegado's shew Which frontless guilt when well the King compar'd With such full-Soul'd with Duty him rever'd Their Loyalty unpamper'd by his Gifts Whilst Falshood had in others gainfull shifts How might this Prince hope Heaven his Crown won'd right Since Conscience thus for him won hearts to sight When Factions did the Houses Votes maintain Blended with various Interests and Gain Some Bankrupt Commons and of Gentry such Who safe Estates and Lives would others grudge And purposely Commotions did Create To share Large Gleanings by their Nation 's Fate Which gave the King occasion to deplore Where his Arms lost they lessen'd Virtues Store And could but low retaliation find If Bloud they vanquish'd mean or unresin'd Essex whose Talent was in words not great Or like such Chiefs whose Oratory's heat The fervour of their Militants could raise And by apt Speech and Conduct mingle praise Yet Lest his Soul too heavy seem'd to fill His Organs or unbent his Armed Will He boldly own'd to Heaven a specious way His Lawless Cause as he presâ—…'d to pray With Canting Teachâ—… who could Prayers devise And Texts expound Rebellion to disguise Besitting well the Factions of those Times And men who fought and begg'd success for Crimes Thus to his Name 's reproach his Files he Led In Keinton-Field against his Nations Head Where soon both Armies furiously Engage That English might kill English on that Stage When first from loudest Canons Bullets slew And Ranks of Men at remote distance slew Some view'd their sever'd Limbs e're they could dye In parts by Deaths severest Cruelty Others were slain outright by one huge blow And happy whom such Guns had killed so Or were by stunning Shot bereav'd of breath As Canons without wound enforc'd their death Some Horse throw Riders wanting Limbs to tread Others by Bullets torn in halfs lay dead Thus with Man's Fate the servile Beast complies And in Wars method most alike him dies This Thund'ring Prologue ceas'd the Scene did fill With thicker Mischiefs tho' less Engines kill Which Musket's close opposing Peals convey Numerous as Attoms when the burning day Provokes their intermingled globulous flight And by their adverse motions seem to sight Which Slaughter past another did ensue That gives some death who had scap'd Powders blow And did as dismal Prospects soon expose As these fierce Legions closer fought their Foes Foot against Foot their brandish'd Pikes imploy And with bold Stands no less the Horse annoy Such soonest fall as wou'd most daring live In so short time Fames Stage can Honour give But now as Fortune wou'd the King assist Or teach his daring Foes less to resist His Cavalry with furious drift had chas'd Th' Enemies Horse on their Right-Wing were plac'd Whilst vanquish'd through this spacious Field they fly Nor thought to stop howe're by flight they dye So strangely fear produc'd Ignoble haste Tho' Fate they prov'd o'retook their Lives too fast Great Rupert who the Royal Cavalry Led And had too far pursu'd Brigades that fled Remembred then the Friends he left behind And how distress'd perhaps he them should find With whom the King might highest dangers share Untill relieved by his Valiant Care. Thus he presag'd and in his Mighty Mind As much his boundless Valour then repin'd That had surpass'd occasions Limits so As Fortunes Time did from him backward go Whose Minutes slipt she proudly does disdain The self-same favours to bestow again Whilst in that hasty hour the Thirst of Spoils Too soon had mingled with his Soldiers Toyls Some seizing Baggage of the op'lent slain When others vaster Booty strove to gain Their Fatal Profit as too early they Would have the Gleaning of the Field that day Which by this Prince discern'd with res'lute Brow And highest Indignation bids them throw To earth mean Pillage and with boldest Might Return with him unbroken Ranks to sight Being rally'd thus like Billows on the Main That with more furious Tides revolve again He forc'd his passage back through Armed Foes And Horse and Man Impetuously o'rethrows His Soul Impatient to accomplish more Then he had left behind undone before Yet could not his Attempts though prais'd by Fame Prevent the froward Cast of Fortunes Game When the Essexians with great Valour fought And the King's Battel unto hardship brought Whose Valiant Infaâ—…ry tho' o'repowr'd with force At once Encountred tâ—… both Foot and Horse Whence many various sad effects ensu'd As here Death had her Tâ—…k Scene pursu'd The hardy Pikemen that sometime withstood The strenuous Charge of Horse with loss of Bloud 'Mongst Broken Foot defended least by flight In much disorder was enforc'd to fight Their Front compell'd to mingle with the Reare And many kill'd confus'dly sighting there Some trod to death by Horse in furious hast Others by Cruel Leisure fell more fast Too many can't resist resist wou'd fain So much their Valour of their Fate did gain Such Gen'rous Chiefs as could no longer guide Their bravest Conduct 'gainst the prevailing side With their distressed Militants now yield To fall the Glory of this Bloudy Field Where Fortune dreadfull revolutions wrought As if the Destinies her Aid had sought When Valiant Bands which like a Sacred fence Had stood the Royal Standards stout defence Disorder'd were yet then disdain'd to fly Or cease to fight but as they 'd fighting die Belford who res'lutely his Squadrons Led To force their room by laying Files first dead With Steps well dy'd in Bloud a passage made Where the King 's Standard's Glory was display'd Which matchiess Trophy he aim'd to surprize As his bold Present to the Houses eyes Whilst Loyal Varney who with Valiant Trust That highest Ensign's safety hop'd to boast As he with signal Prowess sometime stood Unconquer'd tho' expending Streams of Bloud And as Life had thus bravely from him fled The Standard fast supported held when dead But this Knight's fall tho' in desert alone Enough to save that Emblem of the Throne Could not without conjoyn'd Atchievments bring Sufficient rescue to their Figur'd King. Which Glory valiant Smith with others gain'd And to retire the Enemy constrain'd A Prowess with their Fame must still survive Whilst deeds in Keinton-field with Story live What Epithites in Verse can aptly raise Trophees that may perpetuate their praise Or History that gives Truth such a
valu'd deem Then worthy of the Height of their esteem Tho' Envy mourn or talk her self then dumb To see our Crowds to you with Laurel come You more then Chief did first espouse our Cause When Thâ—… by our displeas'd King and Laws Your Father did to Pop'lar deeds add Grace Tho' Term'd by some the headstrong of his Race Which Oblâ—â—â—y or Court design might blaze When dreading most the Compass of his praise Contemn all Motives wou'd your conduct stay The Peoplâ—s 〈◊〉 oft Cools by small delay The â—arl who little did applaud the Sense Of soothing words the dress of Eloquence Or had for quick reply no ready brain Little return'd unto this speech again Like one that wou'd be understood to be Their Creature by his prone Credulity And next unto his Army did repair Where shouts like suddain winds flew through the Air. From which applauses and a soul well fill'd With such designs the Houses had instill'd Boldly resolv'd he do's towards Redding guide His Armies March a Town the Royall side Had strengthen'd well and Conduct duely plac'd That had with famous trust in War been grac'd Redding a Borough of a large extent Yet greater far in the Emolument Commodious Thames do's plenteously convey And opulent Freights from London stem their way Besides a Pass that might no less withstand A far Commerce with England's East by Land. Which prejudice the Houses hop'd to Cease By soon Compelling by their Power that place But e're this Town 's vast Danger we rehearse Some things at Oxford first require our Verse Which for their strangeness darkly Story'd are Or left for heedfull Poets to declare Whose thoughts do Records most remote sublime And perfect Deeds unfinish'd left by Time. Poets are Authors when they Actions tell That suit with Truth or it resemble well And even the real Deeds I here pursue Seem no less strange then if allow'd untrue Which did so vild from these Commotions spring That all their Changes did still worser bring The King perplex'd how things might further tend As Mediums bad with like effects do end His Subjects ruin'd by a wretched War Some near him spoil'd whilst some from Countrys far Quit their Aboads whence they were forc'd to fly As Objects of their Nations Misery The Gen'rous Born of their Estates bereft And unto Want and Wars wild Ruines left Who thus despoil'd by men of Vulgar Race That strove to levell all above their place Were forc'd by Arms to vindicate their Right And to their loss the Low of Mankind fight Whilst none by suff'ring more renown'd was known Then Valiant Dornland in whose sigure shown The Muses Pencil Story may direct How there his Fame best Copy'd should be Left. Who having dangers Past and sharp distress His worthy Life and duty did address And had affairs of that Importance brought As did require his Soveraigns Ear and Thought And witness'd that his future deeds shou'd be No Less renown'd for dauntless Loyalty Whilst from delays and slights of Court he found Some Tho' too near the King in heart unsound Who cou'd with flattering Mene their Courtships pay For Treacherous ends and Gain the subtlest way Whence too Indulgent Princes often find Their Favours with their Fate too nearly Joyn'd This Generous sufferer full perplex'd that he Could not yet meet sit Opportunity By which he to his Soveraign might convey Things that he found himself might safest say At Last Sydesmond passing by him saw To him he steps and said ere you withdraw Acquaint the King his Loyall Subject here Waits to Impart what 's fit for him to hear Sydesmond with a Glaring Parasits Look Surveying first the Man to him thus spoke Alas mean friend for thou in Cloaths seem'st poor And for thy wants perhaps woud'st Coin Implore Could'st thou no better furnish'd now appear And hope for Cause of thine the Courtiers ear We favours do to Sprucer Men convey And who no Less us quaintly give then pray Perhaps thy person Merit wou'd Import Merit a Drugg that slowly vents at Court. The King's Cause glorys in their Sufferings most Wh'are Poor and Loyall at their proper Cost If thou art So in time the King may know How many kind words he to thee does owe. And how thou dar'st thy person too expose With any Mony-Less against his foes When if well maim'd perhaps I 'le thee Commend Unto some Hospitall thy days to end Aboads I grant few varnish'd Shrines Destow That half-Lim'd Hero's with their exployts show Things which brave Souls will never there repine That can their reliques to their Crutch consine Excuse my hast I must on Men attend Can frankly Give or will their money lend All ways are welcome Treasure may disburse To wanting Courts or such as guide their Purse Thy Name I should have ask'd or let it be With thy Address hereafter known to Me. Dornland's the Name false Minion I do own And wish you to your Prince so just were known Whose Royal Cause I never did despair Or felt in Soul one mean relenting Care When other Loyalties did make their Halt Lest Ruine like to mine should them Assault All this I quit and gladly offer more Then what my single Merit could explore Things that your ready favour might endear Tho' you move nearest to your Sovereigns ear Perhaps a Story aptly may unfold The means of gaining Loyal Friends and Gold. At which Sydesmond shifts his wayward look And with a feign'd Embrace to him thus spoke Alas kind Gentleman how soon amiss May man judge man in such a world as this Tho' not unlike to thee one t'other day No less glad Tidings did by me convey And know if thou hast Courts but slightly read That even Best Kings are oft by profit led Papers I guess thou hast and would'st present Enough the King shall soon know thy Intent The Noble Dornland thus being lest alone Imploy'd his Leisure aptly to bemoan The sad effects which Minions might prepare As they give Pass-ports to the Royal ear And by their Fawning Avarice design How best their Int'rests may their Purses line A Paper reades which next his Breast he wore Some well known Poet written had before And did black guilt of Parasists describe And how to Pride and Sin ally'd their Tribe Which his Emphatick Verse does thus relate 'T is told says he e're Lucifer by Fate Was cast from Stars or Heav'n did him Intend Of all Internal Powers supremest Fiend A Daughter then was his of Mighty Fame Call'd Sycophama if none her Misname Sprung from his Beams what cou'd Serener look took That Stars some tell with her smooth Court were A Tongue so Glibb might Tongue of Fame supplant And for worst deeds no Glozing words did want Composed thus and Garnish'd with a Dress No Painter cou'd by Drapery express Or like to what Aurora best does wear When welcom'd Phaebus to his early Sphere Which Flattering Beauty being thus adorn'd As if for Sins allurement then Suborn'd With soothing Gestures to her
was Aston's by whose brave effort And well prov'd conduct Redding might have found Her Story from his Valour full Renoun'd But Destiny had otherways design'd Glory unto his End ensuing Joyn'd As Fatall Ireland did in Future show And long as stands Tredah his deeds 't will Know. Feilding by Marshall right did then succeed To hold the Town in wounded Aston's stead A Cheif by many held approv'd in War Tho' for what Cause his Genius did appear At that time Clouded has a dubious sense Or darkly read from past Intelligence Some tell that he too soon occasion gave That Essex might the Town surrendred have Altho' no power he wanted to maintain What his Opposers durst attempt to gain Others that he a Treaty wisely chose Lest he was forc'd a strengthless place to lose Which from the Circuit and the large extent Might less Conspire with Warlike Management Which Martial Sense if prevalent in him Did much excuse where others wou'd condemn A further Search my Measures need not guide Of things which Story-Criticks best decide The FOURTH BOOK The Argument Essex with high surprize unto the King Besiegeth Redding Aston disabled by Acasual Shot The place his Conduct wants Mean while the Poet finds an Interval The Love of Lysle and Lucas to rehearse Whose objects here denomination have In Beauteous Rosalin and Flavira's flames The fight at Cawsham-bridge describ'd and how Fielding by Treaty did the Town surrender THE strange surprisal which these Tidings gave The King at Oxford next account must have Who soon did then a Martial Counsel call To prevent Dangers Redding might befall For which he Ruthen Rupert Lucas Lyle Chiefly selects with others whose brave Toyle Their deeds renown'd and from Emergents knew What did Import their Conducts most to do Great Ruthen whom the King had Generall made Of his Fierce Infantry when Lyndsey paid His debt to Fame and Nature tho' of Race Beneath his Predecessor's Noble place Full of Experience and in Courage great An union which best Captains does compleat To him as order duly did require The King thus speaks to what may Fate aspire Whilst my Opposers Redding now surround When Aston Lies disabl'd by a wound And what my fuller Trouble does Increase Feilding already Treats to yeild the Place The Cause or Prudence I 'le not now dispute Or what bad Men too near me might promote Who not by False Intelligeance alone Perplex the Sense and Safety of my Throne But in my Methods so themselves disguise As they Impead my being singly wise Tho' â—is no season now to Count such deeds Whilst Eminent Redding our Assistance needs How Strong so e're that Garrison is Mann'd With such that dare their Enemies withstand Did Feildings Soul their Valour not abate As for the Towns Surrender he does Treat When no Command of mine did him dispose To yeild the place on offer'd Terms by Foes Think timely now what aptest you 'd advise That to save Redding looks both great and wise Ruthen whose Education did Impress No Courtly Mean or words of Splendid dress But rather as a Souldier roughly taught Could act the Sense which sound Experience Brought Unto the King he then did thus reply Much Circumspection in Attempts shou'd lye That Seiges would from Towns by force remove Where men their Strengthen'd Stations first approve With Lines Redoubts and Bulwarks strongly made To Cut off all that shall such Posts Invade And if experience best confirm'd we prize 'T is safe to fear the worst from Enemies Nay rather some Improbables allow Then slight the Conduct of an Armed Foe From which Contempt how often have I known Some Captains fail that else deserv'd Renown Believe me Sir that Conduct's cheifly wise Which hath most dread of Prudent enemies A Skill grown old in Forraign Feilds I sought And saw where headstrong Valour Mischeifs brought Whence torn and Shatter'd Armies did Lament The Bloud which they so dismally had spent Next him great Rupert speaks his Martiall Sense And Soul Inflam'd with highest Conscience Telling the King how much he was betray'd By some who near his Ear themselves convey'd What else does this Surprizing Leaguer show By Essex guided before Redding now T is not because he slights your forces there Or that his Soul does thence less slow appear But his Incitement rais'd from some may own Neglect or worser Crime within that Town Small cause there 's else to doubt opposers can The place obtain which your Powers fully Man. Yet this Conjuncture such debates â—ll suit As stay releif from Nicely spun dispute Better to trust some perril to a Day Lest Reddings Loss be charg'd on faint delay Tho' Clouds of Force do now begirt that Town Which when remov'd on your's will six renown Some days I hear to Feilding yet remain Ere his Cold Treaties will effect obtain Perhaps within that space he hopes to finde Royall Assistance from your Arms design'd In straits of War the best resolves I hold Are such as in Attempts appear most bold Lucas and Lyle this Councel soon approv'd Whose Warlike Souls less dangers fear'd then Lov'd Strict in embracing deeds of brave Import And from their Valours friendship gain'd effort None more Heroick in affections were And like the Twins of Honour liv'd as dear Which in our Course of Story we 'le rehearse With what their Fame and end deserve from Verse The King who like the Sun could Beams dilate Conspicuously Serene and calmly great His quickning Rays and looks diffus'd a space And next their persons by apt speech did grace Expressing his Obligements from above That him befriended with their worth and Love. Besides the Gallant Leavies that did own Much Valiant aid and duty to his Throne Which soon cou'd Numbers in each County spread Tho' lately he scarce Chief or Soldier had When forc'd his vast Metropolis to leave And like a Common Man his person save This from Unruly Faction did Commence Which heighten'd more the Senates Inflam'd Sense Whilst there and in Great London many were Who duly did their Prince both Love and fear Untill Compell'd by fury to submit To others Vile disorder'd Rule and Wit From which harsh guilt No outward Comsoâ—… Min But did to humane Sense as soon decline My Consort suff'ring in my Crowns distress Not all my Children safe or seen to Bless My Subjects round me by divisions rent Nothing entire but my within Content The Scepter by Heaven's ayd I 'de cheifly rule That Piety may strengthen most my Soul. If this desert in me did first lacite My Subjects prowess to Assist my right When Treasure and all other Motives fail'd That Scepters in distress have most avail'd My Soul 's bright Banner will my Cause renown Shou'd Ensigns boldest Led not save my Crown Let my Example well with yours conspire That Vileness from our Camp may soon retire With such Licencious Evills that Combine T' avert the good I beg of powers divine Think not the better Cause will have Success From such
adjoâ—n'd Think not faiâ— Son that 't is to man desin'â— The Certain Methods Providence does guide Whos 's Oâ—… flows noâ— Ebbs like other Tide When things Emerge they oft abscond the why They were produc'd from Reesons broadest Eye How far obscurer then must Mortal's doom Things â—…re abstruce with future Causes come If Man the Universe cou'd search around And weigh all Causes and effects there found Tho' in that Compass dues appear to sight One Total Wonde◠〈◊〉 in â—…th and height Cou'd he assure how Stars or things â—elow Come to 〈◊〉 as we â—ehold'em now Or how Heaven did the worlds first Virgin hour Give womb of Time a future Issues power Whence prying Man as doubtfull might Convey The Worlds first Life as â—ix its dying day Who from this mighty round can't understand More boundless being but at Second-hand Since nothing so remote perfection shows As thence Maâ— his Creators essence knows Whilst all the Miracles which the World do fill Pose us to search the unknown Founders skill Thus even the Lowest Tide of Earthly things Often directs us to supremer Springs Like Rills through easy Channels seem to Creep Have Causes that Conceal'd on Mountains keep How then shall Man the Gordian-knot unty That 's knit by much sublimer destiny Or that way Kingdoms revolutions find By far obscurâ—â— Providence design'd Yet what this Inquisition wou'd require Tho' I could wish declin'd thy strict desire My Vig'lant studies shall as far Impart As I can pierce with my Acutest Art And know that I have oft revolv'd with Care The direfull progress of this wicked War With such Catastrophe's I could convey To Future Time my Hieroglyphick way On which 'till now no eye I did admit To guess that dumb Prophetick sigur'd wit. Behold these Scrolls which are in number Three Units whence springs odd Cubick Mystery The First I offer English deeds contains With Sieges Sallies Battells fought on Plains And next in Course this Faithless Irish shows Steep'd deep in Bloud as here it figur'd flows The Third Disloyal Scotland represents With their Fallacious Coâ—'nanted Intents In all of which thou feest how many fall As Honours Catalogue best sums them all Of these observe selectly such set â—orth Who most their Nations honour'd in their worth Of which some Worthies may to thee be known As here in likeness dead or living shown If my Art's Prospect duly shall relate Their Story yet reserv'd to future date And in this Study'd Copy things foresee To no Original yet can liken'd be With Actions that most signally declare The high Intrigues and Fury of this War. No Strife so dear shall other Nations cost In Noblest Bloud and Valiant Gentry lost Which in these Fields by Fate 's regardless powers Fall but to wither with less precious flowers More to Impress their Love and Valour 's due See in what Series here deplor'd do shew The sev'ral Fights and Skirmishes when they Caus'd in their loss their Lovers Mournfull day As seemingly those espous'd forms appear To drown their Souls and Looks as they weep here Next these a mournfull Spectacle is seen Of pity'd Virgins whose soft flame had been Plighted to Warlike Lives and Glories â—â—ed With Joys expected from the Marriage-Bed As Mortals less their Blessings prize possest Then such by Wishes valu'd are or guest And from their liken'd Lustres here do tell That their Forms could with Grief unfaded dwell As Lillies when in Rains they Tears do show Caus'd by rough Storms where their smooth â—â—â—tures grow Their Native Beauty doth impairless Stay Or their last Glory in their dying day Thus Man with Grief these evills must explore That would with full Compassion them deplore Which in this Martial Landskip here present So sadly near and distant Detriment With Turb'lent change and Mischiefs that ensue As unto sight these dreadfull Visions shew And whence the meanly born as bad conspiâ—e To raise by vile degrees their Orb still higher Whilst Heaven when pleas'd to joyn Aâ—llictions worst From Low and Impious fonds their misâ—hiefs burst Next well inspect this face as 't here appears Mark well his Subtle gestures looks and Tâ—ars And how his Sanguine Nose does him betray As Bloody Beaks denote the Birds of prey Observe him rising too from low Commands By boldest Stepps till there ho Gen'ral stands Then Mark his Fawning and his Lips of Zeal That more divinely he Mens Souls might Steal Or Crowds seduce who seldom can adjust How unsafe 't is bad deeds and Prayer to Trust. Then view him here assaulting his Kings ear With Crocodile drops distill'd to shape a Tear. Next see how he does shift his Janus's Face And slights supinely offer'd Sovereign Grace Then forward move thy eye to shadows there Which in the Artfull Pencills stroaks appear And tho' thou dost no Visage of them see Suppose 'em great as English bloud can be Their Coats of Arms above their heads display'd Like Guilded fame on refin'd Honour lay'd Besides a Crown that seems to hang in Air As if the Head were wanted it shou'd wear Observe the Figures do this Curtain hold Which vails these highly Em'nent yet untold As if the Destinies that cann't relent Conceal'd the Horridness of their Intent Do they not represent the Furies when Their dreadfull aspects Joyn with Impious Men Or in their Snaky Tresses wou'd Invite Some one to Act Hell's boldest Proselite See how they court this Bloudy Cheif to rise Yet more detested unto Humane eyes And how his armed hand is stretch'd to Seize The Crown thou seest in hope of Ayd from these Stay thy Inquiry here for 't is a Text My Soul s strict Comment has too far perplex'd Heroick Dornland in whose steady Breast No apprehensions had so deep Impress'd As these by Learned Polyaster shown If Times dark Footsteps were to man Foreknown Or in such Hieroglyphick Shapes expand When Deaths black Trumps most sill her winning hand Besides the Figures of Peculiar Friends Fully describ'd with their Severest ends Some stript in Fields and in that gastly plight Their wounds discern'd through which their Souls took â—light Who Like the Naturall Fall of Humane kinde Whose Endless Issue must to Clay be Joyn'd Embracing Earths smooth Surface Seem'd to Lye The Eve that Last must Joyn Mortallity More 〈◊〉 his Inward Soul these sights Lament Then outward Grief cou'd Saddest represent Mov'd from the Tragick Postures by him seen And objects did as dismall Intervene Tho' in dark prospects they to him were shown As Light that dimly breaks through Clouds is known With many Gallant persons high esteem'd And some of living freinds he dearest deem'd Nor did he well discern where sields seem'd spread Thickest with bodys of the Valiant Dead Whither the Pencills shaddow might not place With others there observ'd his dying Face Yet all these apprehensions did Convey No such â—emoâ—se of Death or dying day As what these figur'd visions might portend Which by this Artists skill had vayl'd the end That through this Wars Success and Cruel
strife His Soveraigns Cause might ruine with his Life And caus'd the Loyall Dornland to Consult What from Polyaster's Knowledge would Result Whom thus he mov'd Tell me thou Fam'd of Men How far this Pencill from your Thoughts and Pen Took the Stupendious Methods I behold And but your Science onely can unfold Or Taught more haply from your sense to know Designs our Soveraign Fortunate may show With Bravest Nobles of this Martiall Isle And Generous Bloud expos'd to Furious Toyl Or that prevented which my doubtfull Thought May sear to your deep prospect's sadly brought To which the Great Polyaster thus reply'd Think not fair Son the Thread is soon unty'd That Subtle Destinies conspire to Twist And what more high Guides Causes which they list Of such how Stars incline Art may declare Tho' they like Nightly guides to Science are Consin'd from Beaming the Sublimest Light Os â—rovidence Then worlds of Suns more Bright The first high Author only can display Tho' pleas'd sometimes to use the darker Ray Of Heavenly Bodies whence sound Art may find Effects dispos'd but no disposers mind So far may Humane Calculations reach Tho' no Coelestiall Text they higher Teach My Study'd skill perhaps might so ascend In seeing deeds o're Kings and Men impend Tho' 't is a Round no even influence shows And like the World to Scituation owes Much vari'd Seasons and distemper'd Times The hot Meridians sorce or colder Climes That bolder Men too pronely may admire Why the Creators Conduct did conspire To form a World proves so unequall Great Or Temper'd like some headstrong acts of Fate Let this thy Further Strict enquiry Stay And where Art 's helpless think 't is best to pray The Noble Dornland having heard how wise This Learned Man did things profound disguise Allow'd his Modesty no more to ask By giving Science a severer Task Hoping that Powers above might over-Rule Thoughts that were too Incumbent on his Soul. Whilst thus from Polyaster he retires And far beyond expression him admires The SIXTH BOOK The Argument Essex by Dream his Fathers Ghost beholde By which is told his Future Deeds and End Chalgrave Field and subtile Hampdâ—n slain Lansdowne fierce Day and Valiant Grenfields fall Waller on Roundway-Hill enforc'd to run Hugon by Spell from Sorc'ress Faction aids Glocester reliev'd and Newberry's Bloudy Fight THE Sun past ending Aprils various Hours Where Stars in Taurus Influence growing Powers Had to May's Gemini advanâ—'d his height When Eyes far North behold no Cloudy Night As Phâ—â—bus Beams dissolve Seas frozen there And never set for some Months of his Year 'Till when they rarely see the early Sun Or how his shining hours on Dyals run But to their homes their Winter Graves compell'd 'Till Night's long Cold by days increase expell'd An aidfull Providence that helps to Tame Men that in Frozen Climes breed fiercest Flame Which in our Brittish Region did appear As Winter check'd War's speed this Fatal Year In which betime the King had Redding lost And could not that prevent with bloudy Cost From whence the haughty Houses thought to raise Further Atchievements to their Armies Praise Though in their Conduct and their Counsels were Divided Factions moving in each Sphere Whilst some from sad effects of Mischiefs past Seem'd less propense to forward others hast Which Sense the Earl tho' Redding then possest Found to lie heavy on his troubled Breast Who by Success could not so swell his Mind As moderate thoughts no room in him did find Besides his Soul was more Apal'd to see The Hand of Heaven his open Enemy As in his Camp Contagious Plague had kill'd Numbers that late his Hardy Legions fill'd Nor could their Loudest Priests by Prayer obtain That Heaven should cease th' Infection these had slain Which much their grieved Gen'ralls Heart opprest His Army Lessen'd thus and hopes deprest Of being Improv'd by Soldierly Repute And Pop'lar Fame which his Soul would promote These Thoughts which on his Mind had fix'd their weight By sleeps soft aid he hoped to abate Which Night invites as Natures Time of Cure When Souls less easy waking sense endure And their Essential Attributes enlarge As Sleep the bodies Clog does most discharge Whilst from the boundless working of the Mind Souls seem in bodies to Live unconsin'd Now had the Earl Repos'd some hours of Night As Stars ascending reach'd their Midnight Height And Gloomy Meteors had Condens'd the Air Whence Forms some Judge do Thicker outsides wear Or mode when Sprites their thin extensions Hide And in contracted shapes their beings guide Or Ghosts assume as Frightfull Stories tell Bodies resembling such in Graves do dwell Which Fantoms much this Chief asslicted then Dreaming on Battels past and dying Men Some War deploring with their Latest breath Others the quarrel Blam'd at point of Death Or charg'd their Loss upon his Pop'lar Guilt That first Allur'd the Bloud was after spilt Besides which Vision to his greatest dread He dreamt of Graves at Keinton-field of Dead Which like to Mighty Tombs of Old remain When Hills of Earth did Cover heaps of Slain And in Idea next his Soul had sight Of Brandsords day and Reddings siercer sight Doubting lest Angry Ghosts should near him wait To scare his Soul who caus'd their bodies Fate At which his Inward Horrors did Arise Seen by his Mind without her bodies Eyes Then sleeping Starts next fears his sleep to break Lest his Souls dream should fright him worse awake As thus he lay perplex'd with various thought Fancies All-forming Power had Figur'd brought His Fathers Person much in looks and Meen And Martiall habit like what his had been His Beaver piâ—rc'd with shot as 't was that time When he in London form'd his daring Crime And in his haughty rage and passion Strove To force his Queens Imperiall Power and Love. Which Guilt as if acknowledg'd e're he spoke Seem'd on his brow imprest and paler look And next he utter'd to his Son this Sense Take from me dead my surest Penitence Since Fame Stands well confirm'd that Spirits walk And Organ'd of this World and t'other talk And know I come to bid thee soon decline Th' Ambitious Steps that were too Lofty Mine When Phaeton like I did attempt to rise Yet in the offer fell the scorn of eyes Much bloud thou 'st spilt and I had done the same Had not the Power of Justice quench'd my Flame Else had Crouds faithfull prov'd no Armed hand Could have Rule boldier chang'd within this land As much perhaps thy Pop'lar Soul wou'd do When Giddy Vulgaâ—â— shall resist thee too More Battles thou wilt sight and then resign Thy Power to Factions that Supplanted Thine Who after Aided by some Stepdams Art Shall by quick Poyson kill thy Stubborn heart At which he stop'd and Tears profusely shed To whom his Son in Trance thus thought he said O Hapless Father in your Ghost to come And next your Fate declare how Stars me doom That from your pure Existence I should
my persons safety you propose If with your wishes mine would kindly close Are you a Soldier and thus guide your Charms Which Cupid would despise did he wear Arms. Or is 't some stratagem I can't discern That you in some loose Forreign Camp might learn. Be 't what it will my Virtue I dare trust Howe're to Honour you 'd appear unjust When this return this Walloon-Chief did hear Guilt touch'd his Soul where love would guilt endear Whilst as she Pleaded Virtues cause to him His lov 's Transport he then did greatest deem Her Grace looks Speech by Natures special Art He Judg'd design'd Allurements to his heart And thought she did luxuriously adjust That Beauty had no Virtue by her trust From this Course Principle he does design How Fraud with Lust should wicked aid combine And by a fond device so manage Time As might compleat his vile intended Crime And thus does by Fictitious Story tell That sad disaster late had him befell As he a Beauty to his Soul most dear Had lost by rude surprize this Time of War. Perhaps conceal'd by some Chiefs rigid Power That but too soon her Person may deslower A Lady lately whether her or no From full report I cannot certain know By Lucas was detain'd I understand If so his Pledge in you is in my hand And if Exchange of Beauty compass may Her wish'd return yours shall her ransome pay But should I apprehend which Heaven avert From e're aâ—â—â—cting of her fair desert That any Impious Man by Lustfull force Has stain'd her Person to her Souls Remorse The same I 'le act on you unless I find That your Embrace proceods from yielding mind Let chance the valiant Lucas hither Bring To fight at once for his Love's sake and King On Terms resolv'd defiance I 'de express And tell that I his Rosaline possess This Synon-Lover having form'd this Tale His wicked Ends pretextly to avail And by feign'd Cause some seeming Grandieur add Unto the Method of his being had Concludes that soon his Subtle Terrors would This Virgins mind unto his purpose mold And to her blushes joyn a yielding sense Till kisses won her totall Complaisance Whose breast now fill'd with sorrow and her eyes Like drops engend'ring in serenest Skies Tho' big with tears yet did allow no grief By which from this vile Man she 'd ask relief But look upon him with a Scornfull ray That more then words did her disdain convey Her faithfull woman tho' attending near Could not the sense Vanbralder utter'd hear He having aside some steps her Lady took Before he had his lustfull accents spoke Yet in her prospect of his dismall Face Where Red and Pale did vary'd Horrors place His rough aspect and eyes that siercely rowl'd As Comets when Prodigious Acts foretold She saw her Ladies danger and by Tears Shed in abundance did imply her Fears And with a womans fury next design'd T' upbraid the fervor of his wicked mind Or else to kill him by some proper way Tho' Guarded by his Troops in open day And if the Fact her Lady could defend She 'd gladly forfeit life to give his End. But otherwise it was above decreed That this Libidinous Forreign Chief should bleed Whose hasty Scouts to him now Tydings brought Of Marching Powers on good Terms might be fought Their Numbers less then he Commanded there And to the next Campaign arrived were Adding that Lucas as Intelligence said Before them as Supream Commander Led When fierce Vanbralder heard brave Lucas's name He bid a Guard surround the Beauteous Dame And next her to some rising space convey Whence she might view the action of that day And with what Courage he 'd her Hero Fight Or kill him if he could her love to spight Then with stern visage does a march Command Till near arriv'd where did Embattled stand His valiant Foes and next a halt he makes And to his Trumpetter this Message speaks Tell Lunas if he Leads the Troups I see That here Vanbralder stands his Enemy Not only as I act the Soldiers part But as a Lover more â—nâ—lam'd my heart The Object I admire he 'l pronely guess When told that I fair Rosaline possess And might alledge if his belief 't would gain That cause besides does bid me her retain Who am from chance of War perhaps of late In my lost Mistress full unfortunate As just it is that I his Lady stay And if occasion calls some future day Her person as a fair exchange allow For her I lost and would recover now This Picture too which Rosaline did wear As his Lov'd figure to him likewise bear When Lucas this strange Errand understood Horror and rage fomented in his Bloud And to express his Detestation said What Theory has vicious Man display'd Like him who does Ingloriously confer Fowlest dishonour on the Name of War And observations more Fruitfull make When heinous presidents from Camps they take As if their Circuits which the Schools should be Of Ethicks rais'd to bravest dignity Did worst conducters unto Vice contain Or such who pronest Lives with vileness stain Wherefore for Honours Cause and Glorious War 'Gainst him my Soul and Sword desiers are And if my Arms can't Rosaline relieve May Heaven her Virtue happy safety give Enough I've spoke and let Vanbralder know My Trumpet soon a warlike charge shall Blow This Messenger return'd in Martial form They led their Powers so Pilots when a Storm Is near approach'd with utmost conduct try To sâ—em the adverse Waves their Enemy Lowd neigh'd the Horse and with erected Ear Fierce noise of War couragiously did hear Whose eager strength would fain his Guider slight And without Reins now carry him to Fight Whilst as the Surface hears his Trampling Feet Earth sounds and vents a Feaverish fume and heat Tedious was time by Gallant Lucas thought Untill his opposits he closely fought Impuls'd at once for his Kings cause to kill And Loves revenge which fury did instill And as their Forces now just meeting were Vanbralder does aloud to his declare That who of them so boldly could succeed As to leave Lucas on the Surfâ—ce dead With Plumes and gifts he should rewarded be For killing his Chiefs hated Enemy Smartly alike both sides their onsets made And first with shot no time of death delay'd Yet scarce a man had room when kill'd to fall As close they fought in Warlike posture all So pois'd their courage and their strength of Horse As neithers shock a while had greatest force When Steeds did opposite Steeds with Fury Bite That could not spurr'd bear Ryders on to Fight Whose shining Swords as yet not coming nigher Enforc'd from their keen clashings sparkling sire And sometimes sever'd by their Strenuous blows Instead of Limbs the Weapons of their foes Till Lucas Lyon-like his way did Force Killing a stout Commander of their horse And with his wounding Sword attained Room For other Valours after his to Come Whilst thus he charg'd three fierce and huge Walloons
Attack'd his Person to one of which deaths wounds He swistly gives and kills the Second so That boldly sought and some think hurt him too The Third Man seeing this away did fly And dis-inhearten'd his strong side thereby Which by degrees as Lucas Troops prest on Did Courage slack and from their Fury run Bold and upright then all more Big and Tall Vanbralder rid and with stern voice did call His Militants to kally or he Swore By lot the Tenth man else should dye or more Expressing what a shame it was to them On Forreign Soyl to fly or desert him And tho' by words he could but few persuade Yet with those few to charge resolv'd he stay'd When Lucas in pursuit near him arriv'd And by his Plumes and Scars the Man descry'd To be the person he that day had sought And would on Loves account have chiefly fought He bids with ready voice the Walloon know That he might singly fight with Lucas now Who would not by success or Numbers stay Him yet from gaining a victorious day If by Encount'ring hand to hand he 'd try Which of them two in Field should boldest dye Glad was Vanbralder to receive this word And charg'd him home with Pistoll-shot and Sword. The first of which had almost Lucas stun'd Tho' not enforcing any Bloudy wound As 'gainst his Head-piece did the Bullet light And left thereon a sign of this fierce sight But Lucas soon recovering near him got Hoping to kill this mighty man with shot Unto whose face his Pistol he advanc'd Which would not sire however so it chanc'd And now their Combat was to end by Sword And one would judge that Method did afford No small advantage to this huge Walloon Who had so vast a Weapon of his own Or near as great as that appears to Eyes That in th'Tower for Conqueror William's lies As here this mighty Sword Vanbralder weilds Whose Edge he thought would cut through hardest shields A furious blow he at Brave Lucas makes Who by his steeds quick motion it escapes And by a Nimble manage turn'd again He Cuts his Foes hand off and bridle Rein Whose furious Horse thus sreed from rule by Biâ— Disdains his riders Weight should on him sit And boundeth oft unto a wondrous height As this or that way moves his ruleless might Till down a Precipice he takes his way And does by fall his Mighty Master slay Thus Providence did death Vanbralder give Whose Soul in Body was too bad to live The King's Troops many besides Walloon foes Kill'd here of English we may well suppose But to what Number Fighters fell that day Our Muse does no Particulars convey Tho' near a thousand Horse on each side fought If from her Computation deeds be sought What strange disâ—…ay by fears and doubts was then Th' Aâ—â—â—iction of the Beauteous Rosaline Who Guarded by Vanbralders Power might see The Bloudy Toyles of that days Victory And more concern'd in Soul perhaps beheld Her belov'd Lucas engag'd in that Field With Stout Wallooâ—s or huge Vanbralders might As they two did in Terrible Combat fight Who having fully now dispers'd his Foes To free her Person next he boldly goes Whom â—ierce Vanbralder had plac'd under guard Which now its bold Attendance soon discharg'd After beheld the fortune of this day And to prevent their danger fled away When he to her arriv'd and saw a space The gastly paleness of her lips and Face And how her Cheeks were sometimes drawn awry Like Mortall whom Convulsive sits do ply And as the fixed Stars appear in Skies Moveless beheld the Glory of her Eyes And thus within her womans arms she lay Who diligent was by every carefull way Her Lady in Lifes conflict to Assist And by her help her grievous pains resist As sometimes she her Beautious Temples strok'd Or had by Prayers and Tears heaven's ayd Invok'd In hast had Lucas from his steed remov'd Yet fear'd to see the face of her he Lov'd As he beheld her Cheeks Impair'd of red And features like remains of Beauty dead When from his Souls deep anguish thus he said If Speech by me to Rosaline here Made Can passage find and wellcome from her ear 'T is beg'd that she 'd think Lucas now does fear And that his Soul that never yet could weep Or suffer from his breast a sigh to creep When his bloud by most desperate wounds was shed Or seen in fields his bravest friends lye dead Does both as he her danger does behold And if his Lips from hers could remove cold He 'd willingly by it Loves power explore If that might her Life 's pristine warmth restore At Least he 'd take it as his Last farewell If her Soul must on earth no longer dwell But whilest he thus did his Lov 's passion vent Her woman on her Ladies Cure intent Had from a Violl Cordiall-drops convey'd Which Polyasters skill 't is thought had made And 'twixt her Lips dispos'd so much of them As did her Life from Danger soon redeem Tho' to that weakness brought she scarce could speak As by the hand he kindly her did take Whilest all she utter'd was but to express Why she remov'd and love of him Confess Which soon he granted who before perceiv'd The Cause that had her Gentle Temper griev'd And how for love of him and kindest fear She had withdrawn to her disaster here Yet would not further passages relate That to her Mind disquiet might create And chiefly did conceal how with brave Lyle He had conspir'd to Ryvall Martiall Toyl But to oblige heroickly her Sense From his Souls Greatness did these words dispense Sorry is Lucas that he now must â—ay That he can't Love appoint a Nuptiall day Since vow'd I am that Hymen ne're shall light Taper for me till Rebells cease to sight Nor Houses sit that by obtruded vote Dare Arms in Field against their King promote But when with smoothest Brow peace yields her smiles And rightfull war requires no more my Toyls I 'le then fair Rosalines embrace desire And meet her wishes with a Lovers fire Till when to Heaven's protection I 'le her leave And place she Judges best may her receive Or where she least may of fierce Battells hear Or what in them my Martiall perills are And whenso'ere I full perceive their end The wellcome News to Rosaline I 'le send In whose behalf her woman does declare Her Lady as yet weak and speech would spare That well the Method he propos'd conspir'd With what by present thought she most desir'd Assuring him that when they fix'd on place He should have notice in Convenient space Being thus resolv'd and by Brave Lucas seen That in few Minuts perfectly Serene The Beauteous form appear'd of Rosaline And strength restor'd by wonderous Medicine He gently lifts her to her Saddles seat And with his kindest farewell kiss'd her feet And that she might the more securely ride Appoints to ayd her way a knowing guide But to what place her person
she withdrew My Muse in proper time Intends to shew Whilest valour Loyalty and Love's high Glory Commends this Hero's worth to future story Who having then obtain'd a Glorious day With Trumpets Sound he March'd his design'd way Thus raging war fermented every where By Fates decree this most unhappy year In which the King tho' much his Force Impair'd As 'gainst him had the Houses four years warr'd Their Interest Mighty and no less their power From Londons Endless Srength and Treasures store Was Northward March'd as many did suppose T' encounter in those Regions Scottish Foes Who would not Grant that duty should compell Their Persons in their colder Clime to dwell And Southward to Assist the Houses came Their Friends by League but with more zealous slame Their bold partakers as they hop'd to share Treasures and Spoyls of England by this War. Yet nearer then these Enemies were found That 'gainst the King at that time did abound Thus was great Leicester fill'd with fighting Men That the King might not there have passage then But be repuls'd in case he should assay To Curb that daring City in his way The King his Summons sends to this bold Town Which like to others Principled did own That Royal Power did not of right Command Whilst it the Houses Arms in Field withstand So far Allegiance badly then decay'd As Men by Power or Interest were sway'd Affronted thus the King soon Storms the place Which Stifly did resist some few hours space Till oft attaqu'd by res'lute Foot and Horse Like Boistrous Waves that break through Bays by force This City they by Strenuous onset take And with its Spoils their numbers richer make This Action great yet Signally must be By the Permissive will of Heavens decree The last Successfull that the King obtain'd As he by Arms his Crown and Life maintain'd Forward the King meant to have Northward gone His Soldiers heighten'd by this City won And were for number and reputo the Flower Of his remaining Millitary Power But soon diverted was his design'd course As Fairfax led his sierce New modell'd force In sight of Oxford and dread to Create Seem'd Siege-like there his Army to dilate Hoping that Town the Kings Force not at hand Durst not if frighted well his Power withstand Nor did he want Intelligence within That could avail him from Sydesmonds Sin Or others by the Houses money paid As usefull Tydings they to them convey'd The Queen who with her Court and Ladies there Resided then what unkind cause of fear Did this Appearance to her bosom bring Tho' the dear Consort to a Mighty King Since Londons furious Senate durst decree Her Person Guilty cause their Enemy And that she like a Kings Imperiall Wife Endeavour'd to preserve his Crown and life When her concern was by Fame's speedy wing Carry'd unto the most Indulgent King He as a Lover and a Sovereign Chief Resolv'd to give his Heroin Queen relief The EIGHTH BOOK The Argument Fairfax does sometime before Oxford stay The Queen a prospect of his Army takes A Martial Habit 's by Flavira worn In which she deeds to wonder does perform Sydesmond subtile Cromwell does deceive For private Gain not service of his Prince Naisby's Fierce Battle and the fatal loss The Crown there suffers after which the King His Forces every where declining is By the vile Armys power sometime Restrain'd And next Imprison'd in the Isle of Wight SMall was at Oxford Loyall hearts repose As Eyes there saw how bold and numerous Foes Begirt the Town and as appear'd days light Allarum'd all within to Arm for Fight If as Defendants Bulwarks they 'd maintain And posts that did least Fortify'd remain Or for more Glory skirmishes design By daring parties led beyond their Line Whilst youthfull Students Colledges forsake And Pikes and Guns to defend Science take To lead whom Gravest of the Long Robe joyn'd And unto Arms their Pupills disciplin'd Inciting them from apt and Learned Phrase To Merit Next the Muses Martial praise When the fair Queen and Ladies of her Court Early awak'd and with a Glorious port Ascended to a Turret rais'd on high That fac'd the thick arrayed Enemy Where being seated by each Mene and Grace She added to the splendors of her Face Or such from Grandeur of her Bloud relate To Daughter of French Henry the Great And now Magnanimously beheld the force Of her Opposers ranks of Foot and Horse Their Martial equipage and daring Spirit And what their valours she allow'd might Merit Did they by rightfull War their King assist Or Forreign powers by his Command resist Next pittying their bold errors dropt a Tear Whose Soul in perills ne're had wept for fear The Female Nobless waiting round the Queen Like lesser Stars in Constellations seen When one of supreme Magnitude and height Appears the most conspicuous to sight By aptest words did sev'rally extoll The serene worth of her Majestick Soul Wishing that for her sake Time did allow As heretofore when Dames us'd dart and bow That they might with Men hardy Courage vye And force them when array'd by arms to â—â—y This Glorious Spectacle by Fairfax seen And known that there spectator â—ate thâ— Quâ—â—n His Modesty that always did attend Actions that do his Vaâ—our most commend Produc'd his Blush and thought his Cause less brave As their perfections it desiance gave But Cromwell hating all superiour sway And Legall power which Subjects should obey Projected had in his aspiring thought How he 'd to supreme height himself promote As gradually the Ligaments of State He 'd sever and vile Factions animate That in the end he might subvert the Throne And Line of Brittish Kings so famous known And in this juncture gladly would have gain'd This Town where for security remain'd The Queen and Royall Children whom to surprize He now and after blackly did devise And calling Hugon on whose preaching part Aided besides 't is thought by Magick-Art He much rely'd to fascinate the Soul And spirit Men against their Sovereigns rule To him thus said well I discern thy Gifts In Prayer and Preaching and such Spiritual shifts As do Enthusiasms usefully disperse For which I can't enough thy Fame rehearse When I revolve that quaintest Pulpit-cheat Could but thin schisms heretofore dilate Whilst thy Insinuations Men incite To Aid our Cause yet know not why they sight Which Mighty Nothing from thy Preached sense Does fruitfull use of Souls to us dispense O're Church and State Faith's Chaos first must spread E're here Created Rule Improveth dread Then Hugon hugs and bids him apt Texts find T'â—nstruct their Forlorn hopes when next design'd To which this Canting Imp did thus reply What words enough can Cromwell magnify Fairfax too meanly were to you compar'd As you for Brain and Valour stand rever'd Heaven has throughout your Visage Sprinkl'd grace Like Moses shines your elect Nose and face Each of your Features do by Semblance speak A Scripture Hero and his Context make When to New-England
Face Her vest of Azure-Colour like the morn When Brightest Estearn Streaks her sphere adorn Her amber-locks unto her Bosome long In shining Curls to admiration hung And dallying with the air did seem to play Like finest Gossamours in Summers day And as they mov'd was seen the Ivory white That in her neck 's soft form display'd to sight Whose presence did by miracle Restore Sight to Hermanders eyes tho' blind before â—…drous Intervalls to him was given â—…'s account by the sole Act of Heaven â—…ld towards her his eyes did move Kind as when they time past assured Love. Tho' something more did her soft Beams Imply Then Languishments of Love in Beauteous eye And sometimes bIush'd and sometimes smil'd a space Whose Blush her smiles whose smiles her blush did grace More Gay then such on virgin Cheeks are shed On the first night within th'espouss'd bed To kiss her Rosy Lips he did assay As bashfully she seem'd to yield him way But when he thought t' arrive unto that bliss He could not feel the Lip he thought to kiss Which she excus'd and said no sense could finde The Method by which she to him was kinde A Secret that hereafter he 'd perceive When Heaven his Soul Eternity should give To Rosaline who had devoutly kneel'd Since miracle she Judg'd this sight reveal'd She kindly spoke and bid her understand That she would Commune with her hand in hand And thus a while this vision with her walk'd And of refined Souls divinely talk'd Assuring her that Love could only be In Heaven possess'd by full felicity Which she found there because her youth Inclin'd T' affect Hermander with no earthly mind And promis'd had If she that Grace could Merit To visit him as thus beheld in Spirit A Miracle he had perceiv'd before When Heaven to see her did his sight restore And from above had leave now to appear As by Hermander was desir'd by prayer That she might unto her Sublimly tell Whose Grace and Beauties mortalls much excell How she hop'd soon to meet her form above Where no Fate could be Enemy to Love. But Rosaline who'ad of Prognosticks heard By holy Spirits said t o'ave been declar'd Doubting lest words by this bright vision spoke Were Ominous to her Loves mortall hope Whose tender Soul not willing to allay The wishes which she plac'd on future day When she might Lucas see from dangers free'd And to her Bosom peaceably decreed Desirous was some such presage to hear When soon this Beauteous form disâ—ers'd to Air. And as it did now wond'rously depart Voices were heard that sung by Heavenly art As such Stupendious accents then did sound That in no Humane Speech were ever found Which done Hermander Leads her back again And this sight past did after Blind remain When Rosaline had these strange deeds admir'd And of his wond'rous Love enough Inquir'd He kindly told That since she Leave did to her virtue give In his Society and home to Live The entertainment that he deem'd most great He had Implor'd as his divinest Treat Which in his Loves bright vision she perceiv'd And Heavenly Comfort had from thence receiv'd An object that till then no other eye But his restor'd by wonder could espy Which Intervall so fill'd him with delight As he to see her only Car'd for sight Thus his discourse had of this Subject end At other times he his converse did Blend With pleasant stories of his younger years And things most facile to divert her Cares Relating how his youth in war had been Where bold he fought yet no wound receiv'd then And wish'd that her renouned Lover might Be so preserv'd when next engag'd in Fight But wishly told her that tho' humane Minde To wellcome best events was most Inclin'd Yet when no adverse-fate the Soul could ply God-like appear'd it's then Security And next his prudence suitably advis'd Her Guardianess near unto him ally'd Whom he oblig'd should Martiall tidings Come To her by means unthought of to his home No sad Intelligence or actions to declare That might provoke her Ladies Grief or fear Since after he had Fasting Spent a day That with more Zeal he for his King might pray By Dream he bloudy Battles saw at night And persons slain in cold Bloud after fight Some shot to death some Murder'd to disport Of Impious Men and their Mock-Justice Court Where to his horrour he in Vision saw His King Condemn'd against Imperial Law. After which dream he little had desir'd To hear of War or how bad men conspir'd Wherefore he did with caution her advise Lest Rosaline were griev'd with Novelties That she 'd no Cruel sights to her relate Or what to him she Lov'd might bode ill fate To which his prudent Kinswoman reply'd How she her Circumspection had apply'd That no bad Tidings might such passage sind As should afflict her Ladies tender Mind Tho'in due time by promise she must tell Great Lucas where his Rosaline did dwell Howe're remote her person might reside From hearing Novells that might worse betide Thus they express'd Whilst as by dream Hermander was soretold His Nation Wars Irruptions did behold As Hambleton had Scottish powers prepar'd And 'gainst the Houses forces had declar'd Hostility that the Imprison'd King He might by Arms to Royal freedom bring Brave Langdals Levies met him in the North By Risings Seconded which first brake forth In powerfull Kent where Goring Capell then With Lyle and Lucas and renowned Men Were Num'rous form'd the Houses to reâ—…st And by bold deeds the Royal Cause aâ—…ist These Voluntary Files of Kentish force Led by reputed Chiefs of Foot and Horse Besides the Insurrections then begun In Wales to aid what in the North was done Occasion gave the Houses to provide That to sight these their Army should divide Who Fairfax to make War in Kent Injoyn'd Whilst Cromwell to march Northward was design'd But first to reduce Wales they him Imploy'd E're by his Conduct Scots must be destroy'd At Maidstone Kentish valour did exceed Wonders which Martial Men in stories read When long there Fairfax Army did Assail Before his powers by Fighting could prevail And if a foot of Ground they seem'd to win With greater fury 't was forc'd back again The Women here their Heroine Leader sought And under her like Amazons then fought Not Penthesilia to assist Troy's King So siercely did her Warlike Females bring As these at Maidstone for their Sovereign's Aid To repell Foes by Valour had assay'd Whose dauntless seed in Girls and Striplings young To second them 'gainst daring force did throng Who with sharp Stones instead of shot some kill'd And streets where late they suck'd with Foes bloud sill'd What eye could not have wept t o'ave seen this sight Where Children did for bleeding Mothers Fight And the fair Virgin and young Beauteous wife Dy'd to ayd Fathers or the Husbands Strise As here from Evening unto Midnight past Gainst Enemies did bloudy Combats last Thus bravely they had long this
Town maintain'd Till from both Sexes Fairfax it obtain'd Glad that his Trophees might that Glory share Since women brave as Men oppos'd him there Soon many Valiant did from hence Retreat That they to make War might in Essex meet Where Goring Capell had with Lucas joyn'd And Levies which to aid them were design'd Tho' much the loss at Maidstone did impair Th' Assistance they expected in this War. When many dreading of the Houses Force Declin'd to bring them promis'd Foot and Horse That some held sit to take into Debate Whether not Wisest then to seperate And more recruits not Venture to obtain After their first attempts in Kent prov'd vain But Gallant Lucas in whose Soul was found Courage that did in Wars Extreams abound With some disdain such Counsells then did hear That seem'd tho' Wise accompany'd with fear And with a Steady Considence thus said Let Rebells be of their vild Cause affraid And Prompt their wicked Senate to Confess That Civill War was Voted wickedness E're Loyall Man to oppose them should cease Or to give up his Sword oblig'd by Peace Unless he would a Tame Speâ—tator live On Slavish Terms which such Dictators give Or Pitiously his Kings restraint bewail And Nation ruin'd and yet not arm'd assail The Foes of Both Let rather Stories say That Lucas 'gainst his Life advis'd this day Who is resolv'd if but one Valiant File Of Militants shall company his Toyl The Royal Cause shall not deserted be What e're his Stars unhappily decree When Goring Capell and brave Lyle did hear This Martiall Speech with all their Armed there Like Men whom Mars to wonder had inslam'd Their full resolve to do brave deeds proclaim'd And next their Valiant Chiefs to quicken hearts Declar'd their hope of aid from Northern parts As Hambleton his March did thither guide And promis'd had to aid the Royal side In Essex many discontented were And 'gainst the Voting Houses welcom'd War After Imprison'd by their force the King To whom for Peace they 'd duly nothing bring Incited thus a hasty March they made And Colchester well Strengthen'd with their aid Resolv'd their Enemies there to withstand And Conquer when besieg'd by Armed hand Whose Garrison Numbers could not soon prepare Materialls for their bold subsistance there No Granaries they wanting Time could sill Or Magazins of shot that Foes should kill Nor leisure had they Regular line to form â—hilst nobler Fortify'd to repulse Storm â—n Courage they for their defence rely Eowe're assaulted by the Enemy When Fairfax soon his Army thither guides Contriving their distress all ways besides And in his first Attempt perceiv'd the Town To bravely Man'd by onset to be won Where Goring Capell Lyle and Lucas were And famous Chiefs who to increase siles there Like Common Militants for Glory's sake Did ranks of Foot and Horse more Gallant make Which Fairfax sinding by Wars saser mode He timely straightens them with want of food That Famine might force them to yield at last Since no Hearts long can fight whose Mouths do Fast. Thus leaving him before this Leagur'd Town My Muse a prospect takes of what was done By Cromwells Conduct as he March'd through Wales Where 'gainst the Valiant Welsh he soon prevails And Gallant Owen Powell Laughorn Poyer With others fam'd made Captive by his Power Which being done and full subdu'd that Clime His furious Soul does next delay no time That he with Scottish Hambleton might meet And him in Field by armed force defeat At Preston soon these opposite Armies fought Where this Scotch Duke receiv'd a Totall rout Nor could brave Langdail with his Loyall Powers Joyn'd with this Peer's prevail by bloud those hours When adverse Fortune had inclin'd to bring Ruine on all that by War serv'd their King. And more admir'd because this battells day The odds of Number on the Kings side lay As hapless had some Risings been before In Surrcy made against the Houses Power Which Holland did and Loyall Nobles Head And with bloud lost were swiftly vanquished So ominously did Stars that time conspire As best Men were deprest and bad rais'd higher Thus Fatall War had Royalists undone A Second Time and every Strong hold won But Colchester where unto highest Glory The deeds of Heroes fix their Fame on Story Full forty days had thâ—y been distress'd there By all the Miseries of Cruell War Their numbers much impair'd by bloudy Fights And wasted by long hardships days and Nights When Fairfax and his Mirmidons thought sit That straits should force that City to submit As Monster famine whose hungry Hectic kills And seems to eat tho' her Gorge never fills When her devourings Jaws and Bowells wast And them compell to Pining deaths at last Did by degrees her Ghastly Visage Spread In Colchester where scarce was Meat or Bread And could not long or healthfully sustain Valours that nobly did that place maintain To Forrage Fields they often foes assayl'd And sustain'd lives as that way they prevail'd When their bold Swords did food the Aged give And Mothers on whose breasts did Insants live Some Virgins wept in Fear what would betide The Men to whom their Souls had been ally'd Whilst other Females more Heroique hold To aid their Lovers durst sierce weapons hold And like Virago's with locks loosly spread On Naked breasts and tuck'd up Vests did speed Their ready Courage to defend the Post That then requir'd such fierce assistance most Thus bravely had they Loyalty endear'd And neither Enemies Swords nor famine fear'd Resolv'd whilst they life's sinews could sustain Tho' by course food no Force the Town should gain Flavira now return'd from Forreign soyls Where she experienc'd more her Martiall Toyls And hearing of this City's sad estate With what thence might unto her Lyle relate By quickest means had gather'd Loyall force Compos'd of Reliques of brove Langdall's Horse Which joyn'd with others that dispersed were As Holland rose in Surrey to make War About an hundred Cavaliers in Sum As from Fame's Lists they to us Number'd come Who deeming that she was some youthfull Chief Imploy'd to give the Royal Cause relief Gladly did to her sprightly Conduct yield As she to lead 'em had appear'd in Field Discreetly cautious as that time requir'd When for Brave Deeds men secretly Conspir'd Whilst want of Circumspection ost did bring Ruine to such as Rose to serve their King. Her Truâ—â— Blaâ—â—-a-Moor Page to Lysle she sent Letting him know by Letter her intent Was with that Party t'wards the Town she led To aid him there or leave her person dead And where the posted Enemy she 'd charge And by her Prowess match to him enlarge Resolv'd that she by days next Early break Would this attempt with her best Conduct make Obliging him whate're might her befall That he 'd her Name and Sex conceal to all This Message highly did Fam'd Lysle surprize Her danger weigh'd and â—ed extremities The Town endur'd which could not many hours In all respects withstand
as his Cause Bassl'd their Sense and shew'd to them his Laws But this must not confute their horrid Crime However Monstrous left to future Time When soon their Haughty Minos did reply That they could O'rerule pleas of Majesty By power which they held much a finer thing Then yielding due submission to their King Yet could not better reason for it give Then that it might with Vagabond Commons Live As these course representatives in fact allow'd Who had no other title to their Crowd Whilst their Sollicitor Sputtering Cook did plead That Justice was by them too long delay'd And of his Lordship much did it intreat To make their farce-Tribunal seem more great As thus Currs did the Royal Lyon bait And by their forked Tongues design'd his fate Far more Inglorious then the pointed steel That Caesar did from Romes pack'd Senate feel None there was found that durst by Loyal Speech This horrid Courts high wickedness Impeach Untill a Lady did with Grandeur say Words that her Husband should have own'd that day By which she did unto their guilt imply Their bold Contempt of Royal Dignity So far the Woman did the Man out-do Whose power could not correct their fury now Above Treasons height this Court soon Sentence pass'd Deeming time long whilst their Kings Life did last That at his end Regalios of the Throne By Sacrilege before that time unknown Might with Church-Rapines to them Incom's yield As if the spoils of Heaven they 'd won by Field The Rebell Soldier who from Thirst of Gold And Lawless power thought conscience richly sold Conducted by the Scum of Humane-kind That on State Ruine had their rise design'd By sound of Trumpet and by beat of Drum Prepar'd for Triumph when the hour should come In which by a New-Modell'd Jewish way The King their Nations Saviour they would slay And like Unchristned Files when Martyrs fell His Bloud by parcells for their Lucre sell. To fast and pray their Leaders durst pretend When to no rules of Heaven their Souls did bend And could their prayers so horridly Intrigue As they still more Improv'd with Hell their League And since by Upstart force they much had won And Men of place and dignity undone They defy'd Scutch'ons because never said That Coats of Arms had Rebells famous made Or such in Birth did with Plebcians snare And ought by right to be disarmed there Yet this truth could not their course Pride abate Who raised were in spite of Fame by Fate Their Rampant Wives and Daughters that before Had never comely Tire or Garment wore Now pamper'd with best Meat and pleasing Wine Chose their Gallants and Lady-like kiss'd fine As thus deprav'd of Mankind did aspire And by their Monarch's death sought to rise higher The Gen'rous English who in Field before Had bravely fought to aid Majestique power Now being conâ—in'd to homes and full opprest By Methods which the Juncto's Votes exprest Wish'd that their sep'rate Numbers could unite And tho' disarm'd with Armed Rebells fight When many hearts that had before endear'd The Senates Cause Abhorrers now appear'd As of that Body was a Faction made Of Men that endless Scenes of Mischief laid And had appointed by their heinous power To the Worlds wonder their Kings dying hour One worthy person who sometime had been A bold Complyer with the Houses Sin At Midnight time did to the place arrive Where a Caball was sitting to Contrive The Circumstance and manner of this deed That to the Nations shame was to succeed Half Naked was he upright stood his hair And like distracted Man his Eyes did stare Who to them these words spake Dumb for some days I 've been and at this time My Speech restor'd by Heaven to speak your Crime Too long alas as my wounds may declare I was assistant to your Cause in War. And now my Soul Englighten'd is to know What guilt was Mine and how much worse you do As you to Supreme wickedness Ascend And guide the blow meant for your Soveraigns end In hope to plume your Junctos Callow State Which before fledg'd shall with you dissipate As your own Arm'd will â—leight your sway and birth And move you from your Seats with scornfull Mirth Does Cromwell your Ulisses want deceit Or Soul that swells with hope of being great Tho' low your heads presumptuously he lays And for his Brow Usurp Imperial Bays But when his Bloudy Rule shall have an end You shall with one another next Contend Till Anarâ—hy the Leveller of State Does give your confus'd force a finall date As unto Royal Power without won field Your Armed Bands and Nations hearts shall yield Destin'd by Heaven as its restoring day The Throne shall have an Admir'd splendid way When Regicidall Patriots soon shall find That 'gainst their hearts an Arm of Steel's design'd This and much more to me by Vision 's shown Which I this dreadfull Night to you must own And if Fates terrors may your hearts unsear Or slack the Iron Crimes yet harden'd there Know with affright and sorrow I beheld Your quarter'd Limbs on Towers and Steeples pil'd And like your Treasons height erected high Heads that on Bodies here I now espy And Cromwell think tho' Death-bed end you 'l have And with vast pomp born to an Usurp'd grave Where for base Glory amongst Royal duâ—t Your Carcasse shall be impudently thrust That Sacred Vault it shall not desile long Before thy Bones with Tyburn-Rebells throng And as thy head did Monstrously aspire Its Skeleton shall be advanced higher Then any loathed Skull whose brain with you Plotted both King and Nation to undo Till yours and their vil'd reliques to dust fall As the Suns angry Eye will burn 'em all Enough I 'ave said and if by heavens decree I 'm Dumb again and still so doom'd to be The Sacred Power that prompted this address If penitenco it does on you impress Will grant for your sakes whensoe're I 'm dead That on my Grave that Epitaph be read The Cruel Grandees when they heard this speech That did their King-killing design Impeach On which they plac'd their Avaricioâ—s aim And thirst of Rule which did their hearts inflame They bit their Lips and with a haughty frown Denounâ—'d that he his Life should soon lay down Till when to their Loath'd Prison him they send And hasten with more rage their Monarchs end Soon to the World did Fames loud Tongue relate The Kings distress and his sad Nations fate When Forreign hearts no less then English strove For this Great Prince to blaze their grief and Love. As passionately their Souls did apprehend That just dominion every where would end Since Englands rule in him on Earth the best Could not upon its Royal Fabrick rest Thus as the World had one great Mourner been And fear'd the dire effects of Englands Sin As Kings and Subjects did at once lament The Horrid Nature of that President Like which none burden'd e're the Tongue of Fame Or for
House of Members that did own Complyance by their Treaty with the Throne When a Caball of Traytors left behind Of their vilde Senate horridly combin'd How a Prodigious Court they might devise That should the Murder of their King disguise By such pretexts as sub'tly they 'd Infuse And that way People the deed done Amuse That fam'd Appartment where to serve the State In happy times oft Lords and Commons Met And to their Loyall Glory did Confer On means to make Kings great in Peace and War Gave now reception to a Crew of Men Whose figures Liken'd Feinds in Pluto's den When in their dismall shapes they Councells Joyn And vent with Forked Tongues their black design Whilst from Earth's deepest Caverns winds arise That Sigh as they 'd Alarum Earth and Skys By telling how Hells Boldest Imps Imploy Wit more then usuall Wicked to Destroy The Bloody Cromwell in whose Direfull Face His Nations Fatall Comet seem'd to Blaze Had Impious Men Inroll'd that by his skill Were guided to advance his Monstrous will. Ireton his Gastly Son in Law Accurst Prepar'd their Regicidall plotform first When Harison a Butchers Son by Birth Cruell by Nature like these Sons of Earth And in Cold Bloud as fame his figure draws Instead of Beasts slew men to Glut his Cause Thought he possess'd deservedly a Chair Amongst such Regicidall Patriots there With whom had close Caball'd the Plodding Vane Who had more Subtile Theorems in his Brain Then Schoolmen teach when Ubi's they desine Or Entities which no Space can Consine From some such resin'd Sistems perhaps He Resolv'd that Rules of State Immense should be And if the Soveraign Power were laid aside Design'd no order Longer should abide Then the Ideas of his Brain should please That with no Government could be at ease Who thought the Pop'lace but his Lump of Clay Which he 'd Proâ—ietheus like still â—old his way And was for Pious phrase and Mene admir'd No less then if the Man had been inspir'd Whilst Scot and Martin who did not pretend By Inspiration Men or State to mend Did from their Vicious Taint and Lawless Soul Avow that Change was Luxury of rule And thought new Government was like fresh Choice Of Women they 'd Lasciviously rejoyce And as this Lustfull Tenent they explor'd In fancy they with the Republick whor'd Thus these debauch'dly had their Wit employ'd That the best King and rule should be destroy'd By such pernicious Maxims they 'd convey And Martin us'd at this Courts Meeting day Letting 'em know that in lowd Vulgars Name They must their Sovereign e're destroy'd defame And if the Charge by which King Charles shall dye Be call'd the Peoples who dare say we Lye. Well Answer'd Harrison thou hast dâ—vis'd For which thou Merits to be rebaptiz'd Amongst the Godly unto whom I Preach And to asperse the Man did such words teach Nor can ought blacken more his Rule and Fame Then to sall Charg'd in the Lowd Peoples name Thus they conspir'd as each here took their seat Where Regicides with plaudits them did Greet And fully Number'd by their Mutual Vote Did Brâ—dsham their grim President promote Whose petty fogging Genius soon embrac'd That wicked Grandeur howe're Law debas'd Which tells that if worst Cause be gainfull found 'T will want no aid from Malefactor Gown'd Hugon in Black Coat like Hells Pestor there As Feinds 't is said sometimes that Livery were Dissembling of a Gospell Mene and face Pray'd for their sakes without all sense of Grace And had 't was thought by help of Witches spell Who was his Punck tho' Succubus to Hell Convey'd with Scripture such Prestigious sense As more Inflam'd their bloudy Impudence This vast stupendious wickedness thus lay'd Whose Horrors did all Loyall hearts Invade And like worst prodigies that Men amuse More then unusual terrors did Infuse When some by grief were Metamorphis'd so As they Gray-hair'd before their time did show More stunn'd with sorrow then in that sad day When London in vast heaps of Cindars lay And Crowds by Millions did with dread retire To Fields where Bedless they deplor'd the fire Hopeless that from her ashes e're should rise A Fairer Phoenix to delight their Eyes In Zeal to Westminster a many went At Sacred Tombs of Sovereigns to Lament Doubting that Foes presumptuously would be With Royal Reliques there at Enmity Or worse then Goths or Vandalls soon destroy Repose which dust of Monarchs did enjoy Tho' to their wonder each Essigy'd Face Of Kings should weep to pitty this King's case And the Fam'd Virgin Queen with Blushes shed Tears in her sigure on her Marble Bed. One Man that Night who from devoutest Zeal Found means a while his Person to conceal Address'd to Holy Edwards sacred Shrine For Saint-like aid unto the Royal Line When he conceiv'd a Voice thus to him said Heavens high permissive will must be obey'd Nor think Great Charles less Glorious shall dye Then Martyr'd for his steady Piety Whose Faith tho' not call'd by Catholique Namâ— Shall have a Universall Christian Fame And from the Merit of his Sacrifice Agrandiz'd shall the English Scepter rise And in a Second Charles and James dilate Above what e're in Brittish King was great These accents utter'd or else fancy'd so As Thought sometimes may suture things foreshow This devout person from the shrine retir'd And as Heavens words th' Imagin'd speech admir'd Thus holy Men sought Comforts from above Whilst Impious hearts were eager to remove The Life of Majesty and next that deed Settle a Deform'd Rule without a head Cromwell whose Cous'ning face could Laugh or Câ—y As Grave or Comick was his Villany With feign'd Humility did them desire Not in the least to judge he would aspire But serve their Common ends like one that fought To raise their State whilst he no greatness sought Who to no Anâ—alls did pretend or Line That could him more then private Life assign Wishing his Wife and Children might partake No Blessing if sincere he did not speak Thus he allur'd 'em whilst his Inward Soul Smil'd to think how he 'd their Ambition sool And now their Bloudy Court presum'd to sit Where Bradshaw Mouth'd what he and they thought sit Like Judge to Pluto was he seated there And Men that Feind-like his Pack'd-Jury were Furious his looks his Gown high Crimson Red Who sate for Bloud and suitably was clad If Poets past had like this heard of Court Their Indignation had rais'd their transport Beyond what they of Stygian Monsters tell Whose loathsom rout Tribunalls sills in Hell And had instead of those to us describ'd The Representment by â—mps here Contriv'd Since never of Hells deeds or Earths 'tis read That Goblins there or here so Judg'd their Head. Yet worse then such this wicked Court durst do Gainst the best Prince till then the World did know Th' Excellent King being brought unto this place Where none of them deserv'd to see his face With reason as Majestique