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¶ Judeth and Holofernes.
Hol.
BE of good comfort, woman, let not fear
Presume to have an habitation here:
I never injur'd any man or thing
That willing was to serve the Earth's chief King.
What now is hapned to thy people, they
By their perverseness have hewn out the way:
But, fairest of your Country, let me know
Whither your wandring Beauty means to go?
And why thou fledst to us, leaving those whom
Dame Nature hath commanded from thy Womb,
Thy name in golden Letters to entomb?
Jud.
Receive the Cause thy Hand-maid shall relate,
Who will resolve in truth the same to state:
Follow the way thy servant shall direct,
And God will thee undoubtedly respect.
As lives Nebuchodonozor thy King,
Who sent thee to support each living thing;
Man shall obedience pay to thee, and all
The Beasts, Fowls of the Air, and Cattel, shall
Live under thy command: for we have hear'd
Thy wisdome makes thine Enemies afeard.
Most true it is, a Sword is not the Rod
Can scourge our Nation, till against their God
They sin: Now Death hath got the upper hand,
Their Meat and Water fail, they're at a stand
What to do next, and do resolve to cause
Some things to be consumed, which the Laws
Of God have held unlawful; Tenths or Oyl
Which was once for the Priests, is now for spoil.
A License from the Senate they expect,
As if that Cloak can cover their neglect:
Now when 'tis brought, they'll doat without delay,
And Justice shall condemn them that same day.