Caroloiades, or, The rebellion of forty one in ten books : a heroick poem.

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 ••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 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 Th•…•… 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 Obl••••••y, or Court design might blaze, When dreading most the Compass of his praise. Contemn all Motives wou'd your conduct stay, The Peopl••s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 oft Cools by small delay. The ••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; 'Tis 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 Haughty Sire Did thus address: Since Jove and Fate Conspire

That shining Seats no longer now must be The Wide Extent of your Sovereignty. Tho' to Coelestial Records 'twas unknown That any Sublime Power cou'd Star dethrone. But grant that Heavens decree does you remove •…•… the Illustrious Sphere is yours above. •…•… Command that Lower you descend •…•… Unfathom'd Sea, or Earth extend: •…•… you o're Churlish Fiends, and Ghost must Reign, •…•… win even them t'obey without their Chain. And if your Rule repute would varnish'd raise, Sin shall from me receive the smoothest praise. Me I am sure you will not leave behind, So well my Arts may to your Throne be joyn'd. This Court address'd unto her Stately Sire, She fawning kn••els to perfect her desire. To which her Haughty Father, thus reply'd, Hard 'twere smooth Daughter, if to you deny'd What Greatness by my Scepter may be given, Tho' that must fall beneath my Orb in Heaven;

Where next my shining Pomp I joy'd to see The taking Meen and Gestures form'd by thee. A Greatness Angry Jove to me denies, Lest even in Hell thy Quaint Hypocrisies Should those quick Spirits heighten to be worse Then does consist with Heavens precedent Curse. Tho' for thy Glory Highest Powers do grant, That thou no Greatness shalt below e're want. Courts there thou't find most gladly thee will own, And make their Arts, in thine more taking known. And should none Earth their Paradise now call, Thou't least, of any there, repine thy fall. This said, he downward fell with confus'd hast, No Thought did ever Time surprize so fast. Tho' some suppose that 'twas no more then when A Star doos seem to fall to sight of Men. His Daughter left, his Counsel she obeys, And swiftly unto Earth her self conveys. Kingdoms and States were soon made her abode (So pronely Sin finds out the Largest Road.)

Where more her Artfull Flatteries to disperfe, She leaves her Fame to future Prose, and Verse. The Gen'rous Dornland having ponder'd well The usefull Sense, which wiser Poets tell, When they by choicest Allegories teach How man's best Morals Vileness shou'd Impeach. Commits this Poet's Verse to further thought, With what Instructions might from it be sought. Griev'd, that he did so long his Sovereign wait. E're told what did import his Royal State. Which apprehension soon did lessen here, As he beheld the King in Person near. Whom by his Speech he humbly thus does move: Since you, Just Prince, oblige no less the Love Of Loyal Minds, then what their Souls shou'd dare, When utmost Perils wou'd Impress their fear. Howe're's the plight in which I'me now beheld; From Friends, Lands, Houses, Impiously compell'd My Life unto a Cruel end Design'd ••y that strong Rage against your Powers combin'd.

Which Fury, tho'it late did me surround, When Guards and Scouts were my Pursuers found: Whom as I flew through uncouth Tracts and Woods, And swimming (more then weary) dangerous Flouds; Some Star's compassion me did hither guide To serve your Cause, and to express besides Things which my Duty would to you impart, And full assure the Conduct of my Heart. The King took thought a-while e're he reply'd, (Sydesmond having whisper'd him aside) And next to Dornland turning, thus did speak: What-e're's the Figure thou woud'st seem to make, Think not that 'tis unto thy King unknown How vilely men for ends have falshoods shwon. And have sometimes deceiv'd our Royal Ear, As one can witness that attends Us here. Proof I expect of what thou wouldst express, And if thy Flight's from London as I guess, Supplies from thence I secretly expect: 'Twas told thy Errand might the like effect.

Howe're proceed, that I may surely know Whether thy Merit be mistook or no. Tho'Souls of Kings (next Heaven) there's nothing can So high oblige as well-deserving Man. Since, Mighty Sir, you do admit that I Attest before you my Integrity. Which (without Blush) I wish as much to some That to your favours hold the nearest roome. Alas, I fear you are too far betray'd By such as should your Royall Councells ayd. And with sincerest Faith preserve untold, What Souls corruptly guided sell for Gold. Your Secret Councells by the soothings found Of Men unto your safety most unsound. Friends thus deterr'd would else profusely show Their Coyn and Persons offer'd unto you. With whatso'ere your Cause might best supply, If fighting so, they unbetray'd may dye. Nor shall Lights Orb one days bright Measure run, Till in that revolution deeds be known.

That most perniciously themselvos display, And shew what Serpents move too near your way, Towards Redding, now does March a mighty so••de, I saw Roads thickly ••ill'd with Foot and Horse. Whence Clouds of Dust so strove to darken sight, As if they next would smother ayr and Light. Essex their Cheif amongst them too I saw, His Looks confus'd, as if some thoughtfull awe Hung on his Soul, or that he did devise How he might soon that eminent Town Surprize. Which Lest my Sov•…•…, should not timely know, What I have pass'd, I willing un dergo: Nor shall your Cause Assistance want from me, What ere's my Cross or Future destiny. More he had said, but that some suddain thought Too deeply on his Soul Impression wrought; Of what had been predicted for his Fate, And might too nearly to his King's relate. Which Gracious Prince did Dornland further Grace. Beholding strictly his firm Mene and Face.

And next thus speaks, excuse thou didst not sind More quick remembrance from our Royall Mind. Tho' better then by sight th'art known to Me, So well thy Merit, and thy Fame agree. Thou didst before, Intelligence Convey, Which gives thy story Credit too this day. Releif for Redding I'le command in time, Tho' some in Trust, cannot discharge their Crime; Who by Improper Correspondence sail, Or wou'd by faithless ends themselves avail. From which this usefull observation springs; Few, Earth affords, Heaven duely serve, or Kings. Sydesmond, let it be thy Task to shew, By what we give, how more to him we owe. The King withdraws, whilst false Sydesmond stays; His eyes fresh Garnish'd by their fawning rays, Like Glozing Parasits, some Courts have known, When to their Princes Smiles they faign their own. Dornland discover'd had this Minion well, (Whose Mene did partly what he Look'd for tell.)

Next lets him know, since 'tis his ••'hriving way To hold it meet Men should for favours pay: He'l something add to what he can expect, If but one Just Obligement he'l effect: Which was, that if his Covetous Soul could be Induc'd to value Future Honesty, And that his Royall Master's Cause sustain No Mischeif from his Tongue, and Impious Gain: The Gift the King to Dornland lately gave, He now (to bribe thee honest) bids thee have. Which said, this Generous sufferer next departs; Enough observ'd by him some Courtly Arts: With what neglects endur'd and cold delay, Mens expectations their attendance pay: Whilst busy rumour soon his Name had spread, And how endanger'd he from 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, 'tis 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 'twill 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 its 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 'twas above a Cure from Art. A strange disaster, and of more Import Because 'twas 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 'twill 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.

Notes

• A Name here us'd by Poetical License to describe in his Character the Sufferings of many Eminent Persons in behalf of the Crown.
• A borrow'd Denomination to avoid what otherwise in his Character might reflect on the Honour of any known Name or Family.
• Sir Arthur A•…•…on slain at the taking of Tredah by Oliver Cromwell, where all that bore Arms were put to the Sword.