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

To the Worthy Author of Caroloiades, &c.

LOng I expected that First Charles should Live In such a Poem as the World you give. His Character so highly did Excell, That I admire to find it Writ so well. No Royal worth did e're in King appear But was in him, and such I reade him here. And as his Sacred Virtues you rehearse, I fully grant 'em Canoniz'd in Verse. His Famous Queen, by you describ'd, I find Like her self Beauteous both in form and Mind: Vandiks best Art could neither of 'em show, So far his Pencill does give place to you. Smooth and succinctly great still run your Lines, A Genius in which Wit and Nature shines. Tho' hard an Epique Poem 'tis to Write, That can with that just Temper raise its height, Our Brittish Heroes, tho' to story known, Have no Record like yours of their Renown. Thus Lucas and brave Lyle to Fame are read, Best as you Write their deeds and what they said:

Whether as Heroes or as Lovers they, By Noblest Passions are express'd your way. The Rebell Patrons, and their dark designs, Are found by your Clear Lamp that flames in Lines: Stories their Actions but in parcells show, Whilst their Black Souls I fully see from you. And doubtless it approves your Muses skill, That could describe their excellence in Ill. Prodigious Noll, whose rise and wondrous height, I thought too big for the whole Nine to Write, Does from your Muses Grandeur so appear, As he's, full siz'd, a mighty Villain there. Usefully great your Poem is design'd, And Allegory unto Actions joyn'd, And sure none will of such a Muse complain As to Embellish Truth can duly ••eign. And who would not that Artifice allow, Forfeits his Judgment justly unto you: But what need I prompt Men to do you right, When your Performance value does Invite.

J. S.