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THE MESSAGE OF John Lambert Esq, In ANSWER to the PROCLAMATION.
I Have not been so long versed in the Interest and Concern of this State, (in whose greatest Affairs (since a Commonwealth was imagined, and accordingly framed by an Army) I have deserved the name of a Second) as to startle at the sound of a Proclamation, and quit my hopes and designs, or surrender at the first Summons, which scares none but Cowards and men un∣provided: I see 'tis oftentimes the fortune of Greatness and Ambition to be clouded and eclipsed, as 'tis likewise the more eximious and conspicuous lustre of such grandeur to redeem and recover its self from its ruines and obscurity. The great Marius tasted of this vicissitude while he lurked in the Fens of Minturnae, and yet a more popular person great Rome afforded not.
Shall I gratifie by the meanness of a never yet dejected Spirit, the impossible intrigues of my Rival? and must I and my Fame be, prostituted to the pleasure and Lubet of a Treaty victory? Shall I disarm my minde, and abandon my self and my Friends (whose number and courage lackt but its proporti∣on of wisdom,) and kneel at a Bar, that have passed the Pikes and defy'd Artillerie? Ra∣ther let as much reproach stick on my Atchievements in the Camp, as on my wives Feats in the Bed.
Of how much and great importance the very Name of a General is, this last half year hath am∣ply informed the Nation: and can it be rationally thought that I will forgo that Title, and become a private person, further then this my present retirement? I know I am designed a Sacrifice to the Peoples Liberty, whom the interruption and violation of this present Parliament most highly displeaseth. But am I thereforc onely to be blamed? why not Fleetwood, Whitlock? all the burthen must (it seems) rest upon my shoulders, that have more then I can well bear already on my head? or else is it but a fetch, and a specious pretence, thereby utterly to disable and weaken my interest in the Army, and so to make room for a new Gamester.
Well, my Fates, (for I scorn to whine with my Friend Desborow) do you pardon me. I disdain mercy, 'tis a word not befitting a great minde; if I have betrayed or slighted the good and common benefit of three Kingdoms, I have undone my self, and so may others, and thats some part of satis∣faction to my Country. Yet, why may there not be a lucky reserve, and a fortunate aftergame for me, while I have the long Legs of the Anabaptists instead of Fortunes Forelock to hold by.
Sir George Booth and I are now in the same predicament (saving my inviolable Liberty, that Noli∣me tangere, for all Generall Moncks fierceness) my comfort is the Ananias's will not purchase my estate, no more then the Presbyters will Sir George's, and I do not know who else will or can, for the Cavaliers have no money, and besides are no such good State-Husbands: Well, adieu, Fare ye well, if any one enquire after me, I am in the pursuit of Sir Thomas Midleton.
John Lambert.