Page 169
The Answer to the Newark-Summons.
BUT that it argues a greater Courage to pass the Test of a Temptation un∣corrupted, than with a timorous Vertue to decline the Trial, so jealous is this Mai∣den Garrison of sullying her Loyalty, that she had return'd your Summons without perusal. Which rebound of your Letter, as it were a laudable Coyness to preserve her Integrity; so it is the most compendi∣ous Answer to what you propound. For I hope you intend it rather as a Mode and Formality to preface your design, than with expectation of an Issue sutable to your Demands. You cannot imagine this un∣tainted Newark, which hath so stoutly de∣fended her Honour against several intend∣ed Rapes, should be so degenerous from her Virgin Glory as to admit the Court∣ship of either your Rival Nations. Having therefore received a Letter subscribed with Competition of both Kingdoms, she won∣ders not at your busie endeavour to divert her Trent, since the Thames and Tweed with equal Ambition would crowd into her Channel▪ Which Letter, since it proceed∣ed from a Committee, and was directed