adorn The Diadems which English Queens had worn She as her Glorious Offering did bring To purchase ayd more Sacred for her King. No sooner Covetous Belgians these behold But they Comply on such to lend their Gold Tho' adding to the Summ before deny'd So Sure are Mortalls by their profit try'd But oh the Fate of Princes that deplore Their want of power as well as being poore Orange who from Imperial Linage Came Had by Alliance no less mingled same In seeing late wedded by his hopefull Son The eldest Princess of the Brittish Throne With Generous Greatness to the Queen thus speaks Since my Bloud Glory from the Rule partakes Of your Just King 't were mean should I deny My Purse to ayd his Injur'd Majesty Wishing my Treasure could alone Compleat Such Noble sorce as might his foes defeat And did not Age forbid with such affairs That here Imploy my person and my Cares I 'de like a Soldier 'mongst his Bravest Fight And Honour'd if my death his Cause could right The Queen thus furnish'd by this Great Ally To purchase Arms and Men she does apply Her soonest Care Next Martialists consults And then does ponder from their bold results How best to guide her Force what Port to finde Wishing her Love could wings add to the Winde That soon returning with well-formed Power She might her Charles assist some usefull hour The Queen thus active in a Forraign State My Muse shall by her Measures here relate A further Progress of Intestine broils And how our King prepared for Martial Toyls Whose Rule by stubborn Evills then opprest Tho' it so long Ingratefull Subjects blest Who Kingly Grace and pardon durst neglect The Balms which Publick Cures so oft effect Which Impious arrogance did then Improve In such who their Prince would not fear nor Love. And Notion'd thus th' Impetuons Crowd was taught To vent defyance to his Pallace brought Whitehall his Sacred residence beset By Crowds for Threats and Terrors there had met No Humane Violence could with this Compare But in Men-Monsters who deny'd to Fear The Heavenly Scepter Jove was thought to hold When he Olimpus saw attaqu'd of old The King enough deploring soon beheld Th' Inflam'd vulgar Fury unrepell'd By London Magistrates due advice or ayd Where more then Law was Factions then obey'd Who durst his Pallace wish despoyl'd by such That Royall Mansions thought for Kings too Much The King less greiv'd from his Lov'd Court to move Then there to trust such Pledges of his Love Whose Tender years could not his hast partake Nor Left behind securely for his Sake His Lands Towns Treasure soon to be possest By such as wish'd his Crown should be opprest Whilst he retiring like that Trojan Prince Who could no longer be his Troy's defence Yet with high Courage Resâ—n'd there from Futâ— The Princely Heir of that declining State â—ad many dangers pass'd that round him stood When sav'd the Blooming Hero's of his Blood. â—is Prince of Wales and York's Duke young in years Preserv'd from Foes by his Supremest Cares And by their Fathers Suss'rings grew to know The Streights to Glory they must undergo Who tho' he Kingdoms had and Cities Great Which ow'd obsequiance to his Regal State Yet in their vast Circumference knew not where 'T was best to Influence first his Martial Sphere Till too like Private Majesty remov'd And Journeying far his Prudence had approv'd The North's Metropolis to which adjoyn'd Regions to Loyal Glory full Inclin'd And being a Prince resolv'dly Great and Just In Law supporting as his Scepters trust Thought Heaven and he divinely were obey'd When Subjects should his Cause most dauntless aid Soon did the Nobles then themselves convey Unto their King scorning from him to stay Or with time-serving Disobedience stain Their part of Honour in his Glorious Reign The Generous next their Brave Example take Whilst soon their worst remains both Houses make An Impious Body-Politique to sit Where future Parliaments may blush to sit Since from that Fatal late abused Name A spreading evil kindled first its flame Unhappy Westminster so oft to be The Seat of Publique Good and Infamy Our Second Edward and our Richard tell How black from them thy Records there do dwell And what adds more unto thy Monstrous Date The Best of Kings there doom'd to wicked Fate Which Deeds with their Prodigions Story may Unequall'd stand to the World 's ending day Nor could the Houses subtlest Gloss evade Reflections by the Wise were early made When Actlons how-e're worded did imply They pointed at the fall of Monarchy Design'd by such to Rule would force their way Tho' Slave-like Fellow-Subjects them obey From which Ambition oft man's proner Curse When tempted by bold perils to be worse The face of War did gradually appear Foreseen by more then durst divulge their fear Seditious Scotland that had first begun To form Rebellion before Forty One And from their wicked Presidents had been Slily instructed in this Impious Sin That where known Story most Allegeance blots 'T will doubtless yield to History of Scots England they saw they could not then compell To grant them Seats where they might warmer dwell For which our King they envy'd tho' their own But most because most Happy in our Crown Craft thus imploy'd that subtly had inclos'd Their labour'd Mischiefs which they thus dispos'd Their Schism and Faction unto England brought Intrigu'd so firm that with their Snares 't was caught Which to uphold both Houses joyn'd their Vote That with Arm'd Scots their Arms they might promote Rebâ—â—liouâ— Ireland that could not stay 'Till Scâ—…ch and English Bloud was cast away With headstrong guilt begins this wicked Time Few apprehend which Nation 's greatest Crime The King his Person offers to oppose Against his Irish Rebells yet not knows Which Kingdom would to him most safety yield Or where best first for him to take the Field England his dearest Pledge imploy'd his Grief Whilst bleeding Ireland call'd for soon relief Which lest he should Conduct the Houses pray That he at home as unsecure might stay Resolv'd their Pow'r his Arms should first oppose More to encourage every where his Foes Fearing lest he from Just occasion might Others subdue and next them stronger fight No Sword by their Consents with him they 'd Trust Whose great Revenge they fear'd yet knew 't was Just. Essex whose stubborn Will and sullen Pride Had with this Poplar Faction long comply'd With greater Zeal Heads their Rebellious Cause Nor grants 't is guilt to fight against the Laws Who fway'd by specious Arts and thirst of Fame Discern'd not then a Loathed General 's Name Forgetting whence Nobility did spring Or how 't is stain'd when Arm'd against the King. Thus crowded into Power he Leads that Force Which the bold Houses Vote their Foot and Horse Numbers no Less then Mighty to Impower The evils which that Age did soon deplore What was thy Crime O London then to be The Numerous Ayd of this Calamity
To colour more three Kingdom 's wretched Fates In hope the Scepter without blow might fall Or shar'd by Lords and Commons at their Call. No Negative Will their Sovereign they 'd admit All they would Act nay kill as they thought sit Thy bloud Great Strafford foremost must be Spilt His Head their fear and death no loss their Guilt Whilst Poz'd the Senats Artisice to Maintain That Law did Treason in his Case Explain Whose fall his Princes Cares did much Augment Who griev'd yet grieving gave his wrong'd Consent Flatter'd with hopes of future good from Men That were bad first but to be worse agen And shows to Kings how dangerous they Comply When they with evil Subjects Gratify Nor less the Multitudes unruly Fate Who thought his Bloud more prosperous days should Date Not judging Heav'n had but deferr'd the time When they must bleed to expiate their Crime All which the Politique Houses had foreseen When left to Crouds Seditions welcome Scene Well knowing that such must for their Crimes be stroak'd Before they could be more subservient yoak'd Or Grants obtain'd Be aiding unto more That should confirm an everlasting Power To sit and Vote To which their Prince Agrees Hoping to winn them with Benignities And this High gift like which none e're had been By Subjects ask'd or given by English King. Whilst they neglecting his too facile Grace Give to their asking still a bolder Face Resolv'd to Compass such Disloyall things As should dethrone him with his line of Kings No thoughts like these did complicate his Cares And pierc'd him deeper in his Consorts Tears Her Person Menac'd and defam'd by those Who most did high disorders then dispose Which tho' 'gainst her Ingloriously apply'd Yet no occasion she her Soul deny'd That to her King her Value could assure Or tell the World what she 'd for him endure To whom with Meen and Greatness duly Joyn'd She briefly thus express'd her Glorious Mind What Fate soe're in these Commotions lyes Or sury staring in your Peoples Eyes Should it shame Starrs that such presages guide Or to your Rebell Subjects joyn their side No day from aiding you shall me deterr How dismall e're may look the face of Warr. Too sure your friend your Foes do me suspect Since my Soul most your Cause must needs affect Like which no Glory from my Life can spring Or Courage in the Wife of such a King. What Ally won't your Warrs concern embrace Or Prince descending from a Royall Race When I your praises shall to them declare And how Compleat to Rule your Virtues are These your best Standards I 'le abroad display If through the Occean Starrs assist my way To these obligements of her Soul to him Whose Virtue best their Merit could esteem He thus replyes If Heaven designes to me By Peace or Warr a due prosperity The greatness of thy Mind and Love I 'le own Above Attempts that may support my Crown My Kingdoms dangers threaten every where As from black Clouds Men future Thunder 〈◊〉 Fierce Pop'lar rage above its Region swells Whence few discern where most the mischief dwells But more severe that Crime unto my Heart As your affliction has with mine its part What Absence can you sever from my mind Where like another Soul your value's join'd Whilst I assisting of thy Just Retreat Shew my Affection 's no less kind then Great Nor would I that true Annals should disperse My Acts of Glory and not Thine rehearse His Queen in whose Heroick Soul did meet All things that Love and Majesty compleat Yields to depart with so Serene a Grace That Gries seem'd vanquish'd in her Tender Face Much kindness she express'd and more forbears Lest Words too sadly should produce her Tears Or that her Soul to utter wanted power How kind she 'd leave him in that dismal hour Such Nobless as with Duty did attend On this Departure how did they contend To six Impressions on their Souls that might Admiâ—e the Grief and Grandeur of this sight Nor Judg'd they sorrow could enough Address With tears their wives and daughters did Express As they fear'd evills from that hour would spring That destin'd was to part a Queen and King. Thus they Lamented and next Joyntly pray That Heaven might safely guide on Seas her way And from the Glory of her Voyage yield Faâ—r fam'd Assistance to her King in field Winds soon their wishes take whilst Neptun's face His Azur'd Curls and smoothest Billows grace Proud that his Swiftest waves her fraight must bear As her stout Ship to Belgick ports did steer Had former Poets this Atcheivment known Not their verse Thetis Queen of Seas would own Since Love and Glory more Sublimely raise A Consort to our Empire on the Seas The Queen thus to a Forraign Coast retir'd Where Highest Potentates her worth admired And how she more then Woman's skill apply'd That her Kings Cause might soonest be supply'd When Belgian States so long oblig'd had been To Fam'd Elizabeth our English Queen By whom their Body-Politique did rise In spight of Spain then held so Great and Wise She with Pathetick words did highly move Wishing their Power as Gratefull as her Love. Since by a sad Vicissitude of Fate The English Crown Courts their obliged State Letting 'em know to what a Glorious end They may for ever be call'd Englands freind To which the Belgick State with Supine pride Th' effect of Power and Riches thus reply'd What er's the Cause that this Address does bring Thus Honour'd by the Queen to Brittains King. An Envoy which our Greatness must confess Does more then Humane Majesty express Far be 't that our now Mighty-States disown Their past Oblig'ments to the English Throne By whose brave Aid's we did best force obtain On Land and Sea to Curb Aspiring Spain And what is more did next advantage take Our selves of Subjects Mighty Lords to make For which Spain Lowdly did us Rebells call Who durst hope Safety by that Scepters fall A bold Necessity which Subjects brings First to oppose and then Dethrone their Kings Whether the Brittish quarrell be the same Or from a specious greivance would disclaim Like us their Monarch's Rule in either Case We can't the English Crown 's demand embrace Least held our States high Blemish to resist Our Prince at Home and one abroad assist We with most Kings a free Commerce Maintain Whose coin may Ships Arms Men from us obtain No Princes Wanting Cause our States espouse To gain 's our business when our Neighbours Loose The Queen by prudence and experience taught Disdains to utter the Contempt she thought These Courser States deserved tho' well she knew How few Dominions are to others true And what a Cold redress most Princes sinde When Fortune is to their affairs Unkinde Yet with her self concludes tho' stript of all That could a Monarch's suffering Spouse befall Nothing to Mis-imploy that can assure Her King 's great Safety or his Ayd procure Such Matchless Gemms whose Luster did
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
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
London fled Escaping perills of a various Form Like some stout snip that boldly stemms a Storm Besides the fast assurance he did bring Of being a brave Assistant to his King Soon won the Most Heroick in those days To serve his person and advance his praise Who next unto the Royall Camp repair'd Where high Caresses soon his worth declared In which bold Station my Pen leaves him now Till future deeds his value ampler show This Age so strange a Curtain did undraw And Scenes of various wonders thence had saw That Hoary Time might Novice-like behold Such new Amazements as surpass'd the old And must his future perspective disclos'd Confess ensuing hours for ever pos'd Whence this Wars Story finds too narrow room For deeds that did so thick together come Tho' wise Historians with less Care relate The small occurrences and Arts of Fate Then Councills Battells and such mighty things Which Fame applauds in Hero's and in Kings Permitting Time some lesser deeds to vail Or cheaply leave 'em to their own Entail Which method if my Lines can here pursue Selecting facts and things as likely True With such besides that Nature wou'd present Whose gloss on Story to the Muse is lent Enough Parnassus is Implor'd by me Or Time allow'd Supremest dignity Tho' nothing can effectually deplore What did ensue on this Wars Fatall Score No wicked age before so dear did cost That Bloud and Treasure had profusely lost And what if well Imploy'd had Conquer'd more Then all Great England own'd in France before And forc'd the bold offensive French to be Confin'd unto their Just Capacity Whilst now their prosperous Arms so daring spread As France appears a universall dread How many Countries seiz'd and more in Claim By such dependencies he 's pleas'd to name As if the World he 'd by like parcels take 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Netherlands their ruine speak An apprehension better understood When more compos'd our Mode of publique good 'Till when 't is left with Mysteries of State That with their Leisure best their Sense dilate And now my Story closer to declare Which might some space for this digression spare As usefully sometimes the eye is stay'd When Prospects near it aptly are convey'd To Redding next my Muse directs her Course Which Town was compass'd by the Houses Force And if made theirs would the Advantage bring Of straitening more the Quarters of the King. Which known Inducements with applause of Fame The Earl's slow Genius Jointly did enflame A Man that Pop'lar Motions much indear'd Tho' for their Compass he too slowly Stear'd And sitter seem'd his Conduct to make strong Then with their eager Flames to hold it long As Furious Crowds the Man will most admire That kindles from his Soul the quickest Eire Skippon a Leader by the Houses Chose To shape and act Designs when ripe for Blows And had in Belgick War repute obtain'd From Towns by bold Attacques or Sieges gain'd Besides a powerfull Talent in him lay T' Inflame his Party their own Canting way Which Scripture Furies strongly did incite For who ador'd Enthusiasms much could fight Being thus compos'd he Essex does present With Zeal Harrangu'd instead of Complement Letting him know that Heaven by Mighty Love Did his Stout Spirit for their Cause approve A Cause that boundless Sanctity extends And for which Holy Light within contends Captain Messias sure the Houses Led When their Votes you for Gospel-Conduct sped An Act the pious Souls of Saints espouse And like the Holy Tribes Life fearless lose You are their Moses and but bid them sight They 'l out-do wonder by their Spiritual Might Can Redding stop us should Bulwarks be its Wall Alas like Rabbah soon 't will yield to fall You lead as Trusty Israelites as they 'Gainst that strong City cou'd both Fight and pray Our Guns are Mounted our Approaches sixt Let prayer with these be timely intermixt Next let our Shot the distant Regions stun Or tell how Loud we fight 'till Redding's won This Pious Leader if reputed so Did in those days for Major-Gen'ral go And if men did his Genius rightly weigh He could not bolder sight then he durst pray Essex who had this Zealot calmly heard Tho' he for Modern Zeal but little car'd Or found much struggling in his Thoughts to know Whether his older Faith were best or no. Besides some Tinctures of Allegeance still Had intermixture with his Stubborn Will Did his divided mind perplex'dly pose How to discern what thought cou'd best propose Tho' such who strictest have his Soul desin'd To Moderation grant him most inclin'd Whilst soon this War expended so much heat As Calmer thoughts cou'd not it's rage abate And shews how men tast Politicks by Rote That Mischiefs stir and next wou'd Good promote And thus this Peer who less his Cause admir'd Then Pop'lar Courtships to which he aspir'd Tho' seldom Crowds their fondness long allow So near their Plaudits their detractings go Did in this Juncture res'lutely intend That Reddings Siege shou'd him to Fame commend When he to Skippon and some eager Chiefs Thus did express to gain their smooth beliefs What-e're the busy World of me can say Through cold mistake of my advis'd delay Or that no Feavour in my Veins I raise To vent hot Bloud or rashly sight for praise Which Caution if some Tempers do despise They 'le learn from Foes to grant my Conduct Wise. Nor shall this Town long hope to be so bold As 'gainst our Power it s own defence to hold Tho' for its succour Aids from Oxford come Unless through Trenches they can force their room Aston against us does this place Command A Captain much approv'd I understand And adds to our esteem and Warlike use If 'gainst his Conduct we this Town reduce Which said his weighty Shot does Redding ply Like force of Thunder bursting from the Sky Walls Houses Roofs their scatter'd ruins show As what withstands the Canons mighty blow Whose monstrous Strength doth various ruine force And like no other thing Kills out of Course As it by confus'd deaths does lives Bereave Of Children mothers whom worst foes would save So much beyond Mans Aim his brain design'd When wicked art did this huge murtherer find Great Redding thus distrest quick rumour flew With noise of Guns whose sounds the danger shew With what approaches made and more begun That soon the Town might be by Essex won Whence Subsequent Expresses swiftly bring More Fatall News unto the asslicted King. Letting him know as there vast bullets flew That roofs had torn and their hard ruins threw High as the Sulpherous blast of Etna bears Stones that like Thunderbolts from Rocks it Tears Which falling Low might Men or Creatures Maim As here bold Aston's harm was much the same Who from a Tile that by extravagant Chance A Shot had forc'd against his head to Glance Receiv'd so deep a Wound upon that part As doubted 't was above a Cure from Art. A strange disaster and of more Import Because 't
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-New-England
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
banish'd for a Crime By Prelats held Sedition at that time In dream I there Prophetique Vision had And saw as now your Person Arm'd and â—lad And how at Marston-Moor a Cannon shot By Miracle swarv'd that else had miss'd you not For Joy asleep I smil'd and will some day To applaud you my dream in Pulpit say Accept this List in which you 'l some perceive That to our Cause their lives will fearless give â—… â—… and Plot. Their Courage â—â—tly will this Town oppose Where Bookmens rules assist our greatest foes The Goths that sack'd old Superstitious Rome Did not more fierce destroyers thither come Then these would Oxfords Libraries despoil And Profligate the Studious Gownmens Toyl Thy Catalogue said Cromwell I embrace And for facin'rous deeds against this place Such Principles and Swords I will Imploy As Our Foe prating Science shall destroy And thou a Spiritual Renagado known Our Army shall for that Complyance own Thee Chaplain-General and Impower'd to preach Sworded when e're thou men wouldst boldest teach To aid our counsells few we must sâ—elect Tho' in that manage Fairfax we neglect Or else allure his easy Nature on To forward deeds he meant not should be done But now the motions of this Town let 's see And how t' oppose prepar'd the Enemy Mean while Flavira who from height of Mind Fame to her Sex and beauty had design'd And would not grant that Natur 's elder choice Or cuâ—â—om deem'd by her man's partiall voice Should Prowess most on Sex of men confer And Value heighten'd by their deeds in war Excluding women by a tender Name And habit from advent'ring life for fame Or seldom rais'd to higher future Glory Then to adorn with Men a painted Story And next Magnanimously does disdain That womans habit should her Soul restrain From such Atchievments Hero's might admire And in her brave esteem her Sex raise higher Discreetly weighing the Commanding Cause That Subjects call'd to Fight for King and Laws And tho' no woman Summon'd it to Ayd None were forbid she judg'd if not afraid Nor did she doubt but in Lyles Gallant Minde Her virtues would sublimer value â—inde If as her Soul his valour did esteem His might on that account her worthyer deem And by alternate Glory next Improve The estimate of Fame as well as Love. But her designs she so resolv'd to Guide As for Flavira she 'd be not espy'd Whilest habited like man to fields she 'd go And there encounter with the warlike Foe Her woman-dresser did not now explore Further her Ladies sense then told before Thinking that to raise Mirth by some Surprise She did intend her person to disguise Or from her love of Arms and sprightly Minde To visit the Kings Camp thus clad design'd Perhaps that valiant Lysle might there confess How well she did become a Heroine dress But this she might intend her waiter thought When way from Oxford might be safer sought Or chiefly to take pleasure in her glass By seeing how Arm'd her Figure Beauteous was By quick degrees her Lady she undrest And on her slender Body plac'd a Vest For mode and Colour like the youthfull wear Of such as Gayest then led Troops of war. Next compass'd round her tender wast with Steel Which tho' her pain she seem'd no pain to feel Upon her helmet a white Cross was plac'd To shew that Spotless Faith her valour grac'd And Just defyance of the bloudy Crime Of Boundless Heresies that Fatall Time. A Negro Page she for attendant took That to her Horse and Arms would carefull Look Charging her woman if inquiry made Of means by which she undiscern'd convey'd Her personall remove she was to say The wonder must remain to future day When in convenient time she should receive Notice to come and serve 〈◊〉 if alive And mounted on her Steed by eaâ—ly day Through Lanes and Streets she took the privat'st way Till beyond Oxfords outworks she had Joyn'd With Forces for stout Skirmishes design'd Where with a dauntless ear she heard the Noise Of Canon that most terribly destroys And saw how shot off heads from bodies fiew And Comely Limbs whose want the Owners slew Nor brandish'd weapons nor the array'd field Or grimmest looks which Foes embattell'd yeild Could her concern as with a gentle Brow These Horrors with contempt she then did view Whil'st boldly weilding of her Naked Sword She thought it's bright reflection did afford More beauty to her face then e're before She from her clearest Mirror could explore And like some youthfull Squire that had abroad Attain'd in Camps a gen'rous warlike Mode She courteously to Militants then speaks As room amongst their marshall ranks she takes Adding besides their courage to Incite The Causes Just concern for which they sight And how tho' young She early had Inclin'd To season with best fortitude her Minde Whilst other Tempers if but sine in face To meaner charms in stead of War 's gave place As she had thus express'd some Troops appear That to attaque her Party order'd were Which when observ'd she blam'd Cheifs of her side That now too slow she thought to charge did guide Longing to come to Strenuous handy blows And dye her Maiden Sword in Bloud of Foes Engage they sharply did and for a while Fairfax his Party something did prevail For they selected Bodies were of Men By Cromwell held most Zealous sighters then But soon Flavira wanting other guide Did rally into Form her worsted side And by renewing of the Charge again Not only did th' opposiâ—g Force restrain But them pursuing to their body threw A hand Granade which firing divers slew Some tell it near to Cromwells Horse did light As with reserves he seconded the sight But howsoe're same does her deeds report 'T is sure that he observ'd her brave effort And blam'd his Soldiers 'cause they could not slay One that so boldly fought their Rancks that day And swore by Lord of Hosts that they should try Once more to slay this daring Enemy For sure some Spirit 't is or not the least Of Devills in a lusty Popish Priest As by the Cross I plainly apprehend That does upon the Youngsters Hâ—lmet stand Such Crossing Enemies I 'de first destâ—â—â— That with their Catholick Arms our Cauâ—…oy And will be Loyal to their Sovereigns trust Tho' his Laws their Faiths safety don 't adjust Away and lose no time by longer halt Lest valour cool e're you again assault 'T is but a party howe're â—old they are And yours is more if Numbers we compare Our General would scorn it should be said That he detach'd more Troops to give you aid And if you can't leave all that party dead I 'le him reward that but the Crosiers head To me presents a Superstitious fool That after Crossing fights without a Rule Commanded thus they readily assail And hope their valours â—iercely may prevail When Oxfords Chiefs no less couragious led That both sides receiv'd loss from Numbers dead But this could not