Angliæ speculum: or Englands looking-glasse.: Devided into two pats [sic], / by C.VV. Mercer.

Angliae Speculum: OR ENGLANDS LOOKING-GLASSE.

The second Part, Consisting of severall Speeches, Anagrams, Epigrams, Acrosticks, and Sonnets. &c.

By C. VV. MERCER.

Scribimus indocti, doctique poaemata passim.

LONDON. Printed by Tho: Paine. MDCXLVI.

To the Right Honourable LORDS Assembled in PARLIAMENT.

SHall dust and ashes dare to utter words In presence of such high & mighty Lords? Who are so set, and circled by the throne Which their dread soveraign use to sit upon: Dare I lift up my eyes upon that place? Or shall I have the honour to imbrace Time for to talk? or will they tell me, I Must stand aside, they are a Majesty; Made up of many: no, no, not so, they Are not so proud, their presence every day They do afford; therefore let me not fail To enterprise, my purpose will prevail: Why should I think of such things as forbearing? The tale is ill that is not worth the hearing. Those noble Lords are Peers into the Land Brooks not such pride: I pray you understand, They are the chief, most eminent, allow'd, For Englands vertues; will you have them proud? No, I perswade you, will you walk about, And view the world, even every way throughout: Scarce shall you find such Worthies as they are, Or such as can compare with them, by far▪ And in pursuance what you hear me speak, Come but and listen, you shall see me seek. And crave their patience, and make bold to ask, And in their presence will present my task.

Most noble Lords, whose constanci's admird▪ Whose Vertues waies, and travels are untyrd; By whose consent, the Scepter beareth sway, And in your great assembly every day. What constant minds, are seen about your throne; What noble Spirits do appeare thereon, What joyfull smiles, shine in the subjects ey, To see amongst you, such a Sympathy; No emulation, nor confounding pride, Your high attempts, nor actions doth divide, Your enterprises are so prudent still, You nothing but, the ancient lawes fullfill, You still concurre, and with the Commons stand Their Honours thereby, beare an equall hand, What high applaus shall be pronounc'd of you, When after ages, shall repeat your due? Declaring how you stayed with the State When there was striving dayly in debate: Some going hence and others doubting what Was best to do, yet you not question'd that; Did not my brave and Noble ESSEX ever 'Gainst all Temptations constantly persever? What shall be said for all your certain waies? Your Noble brow's, shall beare a crown of boyes: Thus if I fail in what my muse affords, I humbly leave it to the House of Lords.

W. M.

To the Honourable House of Commons.

VVHere am I now? O! let me wisely weigh Since I presume thus, to approach so high; As to appeare in presence of that place Which is so stor'd with statelinesse, and grace, The body which doth represent a King, Admits no title but a Sacred thing, Each member there, may well be said to be A perfect part of our chiefe Sanctuarie: The true extract of Wisdom, and the best Which by consent, are sifted from the rest, Whose easlesse labours, with impartiall eyes, Prevents the dangers, dayly which arise, Expires their Spirits, almost to regaine What cursed catives, labours for in vaine, Are early up, can skarcely go to bed, Five falls and springs, such troubles have they had, Must heare the cries, of every one that are Almost confounded with this cruel war. The great man coms, petitions in his griefe; And then the poor petitions for reliefe: The Widdow cryes, my husband's slain, and I Am destitute for want of food may dy. Then comes the Orphan, Loudly cries alasse I most of all am in a fearfull case: As also numbers of the hurt, and lame, All have recourse, calls for reliefe at them: The great and mean, the destitute and poore, All call for pittie at their pious doore.

Yet they have patience, and do much prevent The pressing sorrowes of the discontent: Like to the tender parents, who provide For such, as on them faithfully confide: Themselves are robd of all that was their own, Yet must maintain such as are overthrown. Must strive to still the out-cryes of all those Who have been ruind by their raging foes: But wherewith do they what they have to do? I ask it of thee, and must tell thee too: Their prudence, and unwearied pains appear, They do provide it, though it be not here: Their ardent prayers prevaileth most of all: God grants their suits, they so divinely call; See how they do such certain dayes allot For such occasions as requireth note: Each moneth a solemn publick Fast they keep, Presents their pray'rs in private, and they weep: What they forbear, that is collected truly, And to the poor is dedicated duly: They put restraint long since to sinfull plaies, And have prevented idle holy-daies: They have collections constant for the needy: To act such things, their goodnes makes them greedy: 'Tis not the heat of Summers scorching Sun, Makes them desert the busines begun: Nor yet the sharpnes of the winters day, Prevents their travels, nor provokes delay: But they go on still, with undaunted fear; Observes no times, nor seasons of the year. This is the course continually they keep, More constant then they either eat, or sleep:

Yet all is counted nothing, since they can Not please the persons of each private man; This is the thanks they conquish for their care, They boldly ask them, wherefore sit they there▪ But O! the charge wherein they are ingag'd, Cals for our reverence not to be enrag'd; But these are they, those Worthies whom I would If I had knowledge, faithfully unfold; But since my skill cannot extend so high, I must desist, and pardon of them cry: The•••• actions are true witnesse of their wayes, What ever malice, or Malignants sayes. And in the Evening of their wearied day Their greatest foes, shall be enforc'd to say, They have done well; and in the end of all For their rewards, receive a welcome shall▪ So that at last, they shall be cald to rise, And keep their Meeting farre above the skies.

W. M.

TO The Right Honourable the LORDS COMMISSIONERS of SCOTLAND.

MY LORDS,

AS you are persons of a High discent, So do your persons highly represent, The body of a Kingdomes whole estate, Whose former freedomes, need I not relate; You know the case, therefore I will forbear, Yet let me humbly tell you since ye're here, Scotland hath kepe its Crown unconquish'd ever, Foes oft invaded, but they had it never; Nor did they love it for its riches then, But for the active spirits of the men: By whose assistance, all the world so wide, So much triumphs; and in their faith confide. How great a Glory is it to that place? They had the honour in so short a space, Even by their pow'r, to enter and withstand The sorrowes threatned in their Neighbours Land; By their assistance set the Borders free, And what they did, the world a witnesse be? This is the Land, these are the men, for who, You all were chosen, and came here to do: Be not too slow▪ nor seem not in a fleep, Lose not the thing, which you so long did keep;

Cast not your burthen, on this noble Band, But know your selves best what you have in hand▪ They have affairs so weighty, that they must Begin at home, according to their Trust; Think on your selves, and that, for which you came, It is enough, all is allow'd by them: Nor onely must the Publike be relieved, But every private Member that is grieved, It doth belong a little to your charge, Such to assist; or if you doe inlarge Your warrant there, it cannot do amisse: You may commit a greater sinne then this, And I conceive it cannot give offence To further things that suffer in suspence, Such as were sharers in the self-same thing For w••ich you say, you did your Army bring, And Natives too, it cannot be unfit, For to befriend them, they deserved it, In Suits so just, what is't you may not do? They covenanted for to answer you▪ And then your actions cannot but must thrive Such grave Divines, assist you to contrive, Who constantly invoke with holy words, For blessings from above, and so affords Assistance alway's, from the heavenly Throne, And still obtains the same before they'r gone. Then in a three-fold manner may you take, Concurrence also, and a Linck may make, Of such-like strength, as it will ever last For to prevail, and take it from the rest, I meane of those judicions Gentlemen, Whose Ayd you have, and I am certain then, You nothing can desire, not yet demand But you will surely have it at their hand▪ Excuse my boldnesse, that I speak so much, But I presume because I know you such

You will but smile, to see a souldiers Pen Imployd to write, unto such mighty men; But to be plain, I am so poor in purse And void of learning; which the greater curse? That I consider, neither what I say, Nor what I write, nor have I time to stay: Yet Noble Lords, the errors that I make I pray you pardon, for the Countries sake.

W. M.

TO THE HONOƲRABLE COMMITTEES.

COmmittee-men, so cald, no question then; It were most needfull you were honest men: For by the name Committee, you may finde, All is committed to your honest minde. Abuse not then what comes into your trust, Committee-men should constantly be just; Know you are Members of that Noble place, Which pleads its pow'r proceeds of Law, and Grace. You all are sworn to be just, and then, If yee be so, ye'r right Committee-men▪ I do believe ye all are just, but ye, Must not believe me, not unlesse ye be Both just, and honest, and you must examine Your selves in secret, what concerns the samen; Stain not that State from whence you do proceed, Shun long debate, in things concerning need.

You men of honour, think upon your fame Be not defil'd, it is a fearfull shame: And you who are men of a meaner kinde Be not perswaded to a partiall minde; Nor let not love, nor hatred, nor the lust Of earthly things, move thee to be unjust; Nor waxe too proud, because thou sees thou can, Sit in the Chair as chief Committee-man: But now I fear, that thou wilt shake thy head, And think me sawcie, for the thing ye read, Yet I have had experience now and then Of some of those you call Committee-men, And if you chide or challenge me, in spite, I will accompt you, one of whom I write; Besides, conceive the nature of the time, And you will give me leave to speak in rime: Or if you quarrell, and will call me to it And question me, how I durst dare to do it? I tell you this, the wats have made me bold, And I am lately, very scarce of gold; That to be plain, I have no more to say, But cure this evill, I shall humbly pray.

W. M.

TO The Right Honourable the Earl of Northumberland: Earl ALGERNOUNE PERCIE.

Anagr.

Areall Princel'e Governer.

Vers.

A reall Princely Governour, so be; Thy royall Name denotes so much to me.

Epig.

TO thee brave Piercy, in thy prime of yeers, Who art made choise of 'mongst the chiefest Peers, To be great Guardian for the good of them, The royall Off-springs. of a Diadem. Those hopefull branches of that high-born Stock, Those Infant-Anchors, Englands fenced Rock, The rarest fruit, which heretofore have sprung, Apparent heyrs to Kingdomes, though they'r young: How grea•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trust then, is repos'd in thee, To have su•••• Treasures in thy custody? But sure, experience of thy by-past worth, Hath thee promoted, and haste pointed forth Thee onely fit; for such brave, high designes, The education of such Princely Vines. Long may they live, and rise to honours high, Even till each one become a Majesty. And thou, great Earl, whose Grandor shines in state, Live still in spight of destiny, and fate. I know not whether of thy parts to praise; Thy self, place, fame, thou equall art in these.

W. M.

To the Right Honourable the Earl of PEMBROOK: Earle PHILLIP HERBERT.

Anagr.

Peer help al liberty.

Vers.

Peer help all liberty; Brave Lord, we see Thy actions, and thy Anagram agree.

REnowned Lord, brave Earl, fair Englands pride, I stile thee so, since England doth conside, And ever did, in thy fidelity, Both in their triumphs and tranquilitie. First, while this Nation did securely rest, As thou wast Noble thou wert worthiest: For still the Court, thy carriage did commend Didst not co-act for thy luxurious end: And now when Mars did muster all at armes, Thou still art constant upon equall termes. True to the State, couragious in faith, Most absolute in minde unto the death. A rare example in a case so high, Friend both to subject and His Majestie. The Tombs of Traitours, where their Hersesare, Shall all bear witnesse, how wise Pembrook, farre Surpass'd their practice; and his Trophées shall Survive in honour, when theirs, perish all, Patron of truth, patern in Pietie, Two matchlesse Emblems, of Nobilitie, Pembrook for Prudence, Piety, and worth▪ These Epethites shall onely set thee forth.

W. M.

To the Right Honourable Earl, Lord WILLIAM CECIL of SALISBURY.

Anag.

I Will really accord.

Vers.

Agree in truth, I will really accord, To nothing else, Will I consent afford.

Epig.

SO high a Task, to undertake or chuse, For my so empty brdin, or shallow Muse, Doth argue Weaknesse, for it is a thing, My knowledge cannot; to perfection bring. Yet in submission, from a loyall heart, I undertake sincerely to impart, Those high extended excellencies, rare, Which with the best; most worthy may compare: A high-born, Baron, ancient Lord, and Earl, Of matchlesse splendor, bright as any Pearl, True Conquerour of Honour, Valour, fame, Of vertue, favour, and magnifick name! So Constant, in, the cause for which we fight, And spend our bloud, maintaining Englands right. Adds thy assisting Land, unto tho••e Lords, Whose matchlesse wisedome, all true worth affords. Of thee therefore, whose Vertues are so high, I take my leave; in all humility.

W. M.

To the Right Honourable the Earl of Warwick, Lord High-Admirall of England. Earle ROBERT RICH.

Anag.

Thrice real, or beter.

Vers.

Warwicks Heroick, Thrice reall, or better, Brave Admirall, all England is thy debtor.

Epigr.

THis new: prepared piece, though it be dumb, Yet represents, as it is Speculum, The chiefest Actors, in this Great debate, Between the Sovereign, and this Mighty State. I am not ty'd, nor must I, stand content, Howbe't it be without my Element. But since your honour had the sole command By Sea, and guarded us upon the Land; Where, when your greatnesse did on Neptune ride, And notwithstanding of his swelling pride, Triumphed there; mongst his frothy flouds, Whose threatnings seem'd to swallow up the Clouds. Yet there you rul'd, and forced forraign pow'rs, For to forbear, these Islands here of ours. Wherefore while I, those Worthies do proclaim, I must make bold, to magnifie your fame; Whose admir'd warfares, and Heroick deeds, Shall be recorded unto all that reads: That your affection to your Native Land, May be perceived, though by the Seas command: Brave Warwicks▪ Valour shall be stated still, Till Neptune no more shall be seen to fiil, Daign yet the greatnesse of your dignity, Accept this signe, of my humility.

W. M.

TO The Right Honourable Bazill Fielding, Earl Denbeigh.

Anagr.

Fli'd il, begin zeal.

Vers.

I fli'd from ill, in zeal I did begin, In all my acts, continued still therein.

Epigr.

BRave Lord thy Banners in this War were born, And were by Mars both massacred, and torn, Thy self bore Arms, when errours thought to rage, And act'd thy part, upon that Tragick Stage: Where dead mens sculs, lay strowed on the ground, A sunder from their bodyes being found. There thou triumph'd, against their tyrannie, And rais'd up Trophees of thy Victory. Prov'd active, faithfull, valourous and just, And no lesse constant, in continuall trust. Expos'd thy person, and didst spend thy state, Incur'd the danger of thy Soveraignes hate; Art one in number of the House of Lords, So all these reasons, matter me affords, To fall upon this subject, and to pen, Thy praise; and place thee with those Noble men.

W. M.

To the Right Honourable, Earle Henerie Rich.

Anagr.

Here hence ir' realj▪

Vers.

Here hence ire really. Thy Eagle-soring Wings▪ Surmounts all envy, Ire, or such like things.

Epig.

WHat high Renown can be return'd by me, Most Noble Lord, as attributes to thee? Extents of honours, in their rarest kinde, On Hollands head have been increas'd I finde: Bounty beyond expressions of my Pen, Thy beauty too, exceeds the Sex of men; The miracle of Fame, Dame Natures glore, The life of vertue, graces house of store: Thy Courtly presence, and thy Princely grace, Adds to the splendor of thy Royall Race. Nor Spain, nor France, the Netherlands, nor all, The Nations, nam'd; on this unmeasured Ball, Can justly brag of such a one in worth, For valour, vertue, and what issues forth. The rarest tongue of Eloquence, and skill, Which doth exceed, brave Cicero his quill. The mindes of Monarchs, and the Courts of Kings, Are onely fit, for such unequald things. The eyes of England, gloried heretofore, In thee brave Holland, pray thee keep thy store, And stand aside, lest any stain thy state, By private Envie, undeserved hate. And when thou find'st occasion, then come on, Thy person fits, for to approach a Throne.

W. M.

To the Right honourable the E. of Manchester, Earl Edward Montigue.

Anagr.

Do not gr'eve me, I rul'd al.

Vers.

Do not grieve me, I rul'd all; at arms, Where I commanded, kept you all from harms.

Epigr.

THat priviledge which Poëts do presume, To practice by, I shall not need assume; These are but fictions, for to figure forth Such counterfeits, as have no reall worth. If I had Tullyes Eloquence of tongues, And all the Nature to the Nine belongs▪ Or rare Apelles knowledge in his Art, And should imploy them all, for to impart, Those Noble vertues, valourous and wise, Heroique actions, which do sympathize, And correspond with these brave Worthies here, They could not yet so exquisite appear, For to demonstrate, nor draw to the life, Thy high deservings, but engender strife; And there should stay; and not determine truly, The rich esteem of thy demerits duly. The Chronicles of Englands true record, Shall eternize thy Noble name, brave Lord. Time shall expire, but that extent shall not Extenuate, nor thy remembrance rot; Succeeding ages, while the ayr gives breath, Shall speak, how thou expos'd thy self to death, In doing service for this famous Land, Wherein thou art a Prince, Peer, Earl, and Which yet is more then each of these, or all; Next to brave Essex, second Generall.

W. M.

To the Right Honourable Henerie Gray, Earl of STANFORD.

Anagr.

Agree herein, realy.

Vers.

Forsake all Shichems, take consent of me, Maintain the truth, herein, really agree.

Epigr.

MOst courteous, and right stately Stanford, thou, To whom I'm bent to pay that reall Vow, Which for thy worth, I solemnly have sworn, And in my breast, so long a time have born: Because thy constant countenance, hath still Been opposite, to Actors in this ill. Hast proved pious, pregnant, painfull, and With resolution, for the Faith didst stand. Sent forth the substance of thy self, thy Sonne, And free-born Heyr; what further could be done? To fight in Battles for thy Native Land, And for the Subjects freedome, for to stand. Thus then thy self, still by uncessant pains, Untill this time untyr'd, and true remains, To serve the State; and as I said, even so Thy Noble Son, as resolute didst go; And made a two-fold tye, to truth and fame, In lines of Gold to write thy worthy Name. And yet another reason moves me too, In humble thanks to do this that I do. Thou art a lover of that Native Land, From whence I came; and who for England stand. All these, and I, shall still be bound to say, Live still in honour, stately Stanford, Gray.

W. M.

TO The Right Honourable John Maitland, Earl of Laudersdale: Earle John Maitland.

Anagr.

I aim'd at reall honer.

Vers.

I aim'd at reall honour; that, I will afford: To lesse then that, I never will accord.

Epigr.

ONe constant Star, still in the North did stand, A Directory both by Sea, and Land: But now two lights, more glorious then that one, Are seen appear, forth from that Horizone. Thou shinest for one, brave Laudersdale, a Star, Whose splendour bright surpasse all others far: But being darkned by the Clouds at home, Thou chang'd thy Seat, and to the South didst come. To let thy Light, shine constant, cleer, and pure, Though wandring Stars, shall vanish, not endure.

W. M.

TO THE RIGHT HONOƲRABLE JOHN ELPHINGSTOWNE. Lord Balmerinoch.

Anagr.

I own honest helping.

Vers.

I own honest helping, and I did engage, For honest help, the Covenant in plage.

Epig.

THat other light for which I lent my word, Thou art; our wise Balmerinoch, brave Lord, Who chang'd thy own true proper place in Sphear, And set thy self to shine in Englands ayr: Shine still, but so, that sending beams abroad, Thy light reflect upon thy old abode. Seek Englands good, next thy Creators glory In all thy actions, and thy Oratorie. But having shin'd, and shew'd thy true intent, Return, and shine in thy own Firmament.

W. M.

TO The Right Honourable William Fiennes, Viscouut SAY and SEAL.

Anagr.

Live man, flee sin. Ʋse in, live in fam▪. Wise man in life.

Vers.

Live man, flee sin'; Use in, live in fame, Wise man in life; These are thy very Name.

Epig.

MEcoenas is made famous for his Wit, Yet thine is not inferiour unto it, Mars by no name but Mars, can be made known, And Say (thy name) doth Say and Seal thine own. Poëts spend time, and speak in praise of Plato, And shew the rare excellencies of Cato: I, reading finde, Remembrances of some So high extold; grave Senators of Rome. But though it did, so brag, and boast, I dar' Avouch, that London, may out-brag it far. For neither Plato, for his wisest parts, Nor Mars for valour, Cato for his Arts, Nor yet Mecoenas, for his worthy praise, They need not make so much report of these. Nor yet needs Rome, extoll, and tell so much, As if the world, nor we, could shew them such. Against them all, I do protest, appeal, To thee brave Fiennes, Lord Viscount Say and Seal.

W. M.

To the Right Honourable William Gray, Lord GRAY.

Anagr.

Aym, I will agr'e.

Vers.

What good I gather in your mindes to be, First, I will speak, then, Aym, I will agr'e.

Epigr.

THose worthy Heroes, thrice Renowned Earles, Whose lustre shines, more bright then Orient Pearles, Or as those Stars, which glister in the sphear, When duskie darknesse, mantles o'er the ayr; VVhen they brave Lord, in presence of that place Approach, with prudence, statelinesse, and grace, They do make choise to charge thee, for thy worth, To contribute those secret thoughts, sent forth; From their so wise impartiall breasts, they aym, And thou a wise Mecoenas sits with them, And finding all their actions faithfull be, Thou hear'st them speak, then sayes, I will agree. To thee brave Lord, the Loadstone of the State. VVhose worth appears, in intricate debate, Attractive, and, by understanding too, Thou first collects, then wisely dost thou do. Dispensing all in such a pious way, Pure in thy colour, constant, reall Gray. The acts of England shall be clad with thee▪ And thy rich fame, thereby renowned be. But worthy Lord, let me pertake of this, Thy Noble word (though in Parenthesis) And then return, into thy state again, In endlesse honour, and I say Amen.

W. M.

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TO The Right Honourable LORD IOHN ROBERTS: Lord ROBERTS of Truro.

Anagr.

Trie on bold Hero's.

Vers.

Try on bold Hero's, do thou, nothing remove at, In all attempts, Fortuna audaces juvat.

Epig.

HEroick Roberts, and renowned Lord, With Martiall actions, in aboundance stor'd, Whose valour hath triumphantly trode down, Brave Englands foes, with thy undaunted frown. Those feats of Warre which from thy force, did flye, And seconded, so by thy piercing eye, Did crush thy foes, and make them trembling stand, By Manhood, and thy Method, in command. Great Mars Field-Marshall, when his Armies met, Sole sentence-giver, when his Consuls set: Thy worth, thy vertue, and unequal'd fame, Are Epithites, but onely of thy Name; Thy passive actions, pious, peremptory Are reall Emblems of thy endlesse glory. What then although, I often was a witnesse Of thy exploits, yet must my Muse's unfitnesse Forbear, and cease; nor can she solemnize, Thy high deservings in their just degrees. Or why should I, with this my fleeting quill, Seek for to sound thy praise? I do but ill. Thy worth is written with those drops of Blood, Which seals thy Honour for thy Countries good.

W. M.

TO the right Honourable Thomas Bruce, Lord BRUCE.

Anag.

Com, be as tru'.

Vers.

Come, be as true, unto your State as I. Who shall assist with all fidelity,

Epigr.

I Stand obliged, by a strong relation, To pay thee tribute; one is from the Nation, Whereof thou art, an ancient Earl true born, And I a Native of the same am sworn. The second cause, by which I finde me bound, Is this; thy actions have been alwayes found So faithfull here; in what thou dost afford For Englands good wherein thou art a Lord, And hast remained certain, by-past yeers, In Parliament; in number of the Peers. The last is this, which makes a threefold tie, I stand ingaged, by affinitie; These three may challenge, since they all are true, A dutifull remembrance of thy due. And were it not I partiall should be held, I would expresse thee searcely Paralleld. But I forbear, because thy fame doth flie, Beyond the reach of my arrested eye: Continue still in favour, wealth, and fame, And honours, encrease on thy Noble name. And if curst envie, doth affirm I flatter, Yet can my lines, not make thee worse, nor better.

W. M.

TO The Honourable William Lenthall Esq. Speaker of the Honourable House of COMMONS.

Anagr.

I hat' all'vill men.

Vers.

I have all evill men, the chair have I, To sit and plead speak and impartially.

Epig.

THou wast found fittest after long debate, To be chief Speaker in the Chair of State, A place so high, so weighty, honourable, Thou hadst not had it, hadst thou not been able. Nor when thou hadst it, had thou not been just, Thou hadst not had it; so long in thy trust. But thou hast prov'd so painfull, pregnant, wise, Appear'd so upright in brave Englands eyes, That so long as the greatest Councell sit, By all consents thou maist inherit it. The mouth of those who sits about that throne, Speaks all their mindes, and yet thou art but one. To thee each grievance must be given out, Then prudently thou speaks it round about.

And then those worthies what they finde is best, Return't to thee, by thee to be exprest. VVhich thou by Order, causest to dispence, In method, manner, to divulge the sence Of their designe, so that thou still remains, Full of conceptions, and uncessant pains. The place belongs most properly to thee, I wish thou wouldst speak once a word for mee. They fay that Poëts still continue poor, And this makes me so often at the door. But if thou pleasest, when the House is set, Think on my service, and declare my debt: I know I may just curtesie receive, Amongst such Masters, having much to crave: I hope you will not let me praise your pay, And yet my self come craving every day. You all are gods, your actions ever pure, And I presume, because your Creature. Yet I appeal unto that place so high, VVhich is establisht in fidelity. VVhere thou dost sit, whose vertues I adore, I kisse thy hand, and so I say no more.

W. M.

TO THE HONOURABLE JAMES FIENNES.

Anagr.

1. My fansi'seen. 2. I see sinnes aim.

Vers.

My fansie seen, I see sinenesse aime; These are the just Characters of thy Name.

Epig.

I Shall be thought to have some slight intent, Or that I speak by way of complement; Nor can I shun, but they will censure me, Upon the sight of what I say to thee. But I appeal, unto the mindes of those, If thou hast any, who art term'd thy foes; They will bear witnesse, that I have a Theam, In venturing to write upon thy Name: Which neither Poët, Prophet, nor Divine, Can change the Nature, it is truly fien, And what is Fien? But onely the extract, Of all things good, which wholly is compact, In one entire, and formall shape of thing, Which, if they ask me where it is? Must bring Thy self in presence, proving it is thine Or thou art it; that brave and Noble Fien: Which yet I finde, is but a branch that springs, From such re-fiens; as are renowned things. Thus of such ancient Worthies art thou sprung, But wilt exceed them all, thou art but young.

W. M.

To the Right Worshipfull Sir JOHN MERRICK, Knight.

Anagr.

1. I kno' merci's hire. 2. I, one, me'ker, rich.

Vers.

To vertue, knowledge, honour, I aspire, But most to mercy, I know Mercies hire▪

Epigr.

VVHat? Richer, and yet meeker? This is much, One may be meeker, but both, seldome such, This argueth goodnesse; addeth to thy worth, To have such Emblems made to set thee forth▪ Riches is much, but meeknesse is far more, That one is earthly, tother's heavenly store, But now a third thing, in thy name doth sit; It says, I, one, but what a one is it? Add then these two, unite this I, and one, And you shall see, it is nothing but John. Joyn then the summe, and you shall see a Theam, Too high for me to write on such a Name. But one thing yet, lest partiall I appear; If any ask me why thy Name is here? I must return this answer, let them know, I have two reasons, which I truly owe Unto thy vertues, and which ties me to it, And these are sure, the causes why I do it; The one is this, thou hadst a speciall hand, In all this Warfare, and a high command, And wer't beloved by his Excellence, A cause to me, of no small consequence. These two together, with the love I bear, To thee; makes me, stay and consider here: That since I have not better things to grant, Accept of these Sir, and you shall not want.

W. M.

TO THE Right VVorshipfull Sir Henrie Mervyn, Knight; my Father in Law.

Anagr.

Here in my vrne.

Vers.

Here in my urne, when death hath paid its debt, Above this box, or Cabin shall be set, Th' abstract of knowledge, Learnings highest parts, Chief piece of Nature, notable in Arts. All these combin'd, which way you please to turn, Lies here intomb'd, or rests, Here in my Urn.

Epig.

AMongst those worthies, I were much to blame, If I should not remember thee, with them, Whose pregnant parts, appeared so abroad, Thy skill transcended like a demy God: Thou couldst, within thy closet, compasse all, And bring to light the secrets of the Ball, And truly still, contrive within a span, VVhat may be travaild in the age of man. Couldst dip within the Oceans deep, and yet, Keep distance, at the self-same time with it, Prevent the perils therein; which lay hid, Give notice likewise to the blind, who did, Not dare to dive, but did forbear to be, So bold to venture if they wanted thêe▪

Thy skill could reach unto the Starry sky, And know the secrets therein, by and by, Those private periods on the Compasse stands, Did all lye open instant in thy hands. Nothing lay secret, but by thee was seen, That is, or shall be, or hath ever been, Thou wast a feather of the Soveraign Wing, To flie, and serve thy sometime Master, King. Thou also hadst the sole command by Sea, And every one did homage unto thee: Scarce one, but one, so favour'd in the Court, Nor yet hadst been, had not the time cut short, Of famous James, thy Royall Master, than, Whou could distinguish wele twixt man and man: Thou art of those, and it is known most true, Accompted Noble, by thy birth as due; Nor are thy high deservings lessened yet, (But thou forbeareth to be seen in it.) Stands as the Center where men do resort, To learn thy knowledge, wherein they come short. Thou lov's to look, and with indifferent eye, Behold the changes of the time passe by, Else hadst thou doubtlesse had the sole command. On either side, within this troubled Land. For few or none, if I should finde it fit, For to declare, exceeds thy worth, thy wit. For which respects, I may include thy Name, As adding so much to the worth of them, Whom I do chuse most chiefly, for my charge, To play upon their Noble Names at large; And if my duty challeng'd not a tye, Upon my thoughts, I would say more, but I, Will cease; because thy worth is so well known, Write what I will, I give thee but thine own.

W. M.

TO THE RJGHT WORSHJPFƲLL Sir WILLIAM BELFOURE Knight.

Anagr.

1. Lofam' I will be ever. 2. I will be ru'l of fame.

Vers.

Lo fame I will be ever, I will be rule of fame. This is no fiction, but thy very Name.

Epig.

WHen England did impartially imploy, The Nations spirits, for them for to fight. They did desire the honour to enjoy, Thee, in the fields, for their foes despight; And with consent, thee to a place did call, Which was indeed, their second Generall. Lo how their high intentions unto thee, And thy performance did so well agree. Thou prov'd so faithfull in their Royall Tow'r, They almost did idolatrize Belfoure. But they peceiv'd thy spirit was too high, To be so private, in extremitie. And thus resolv'd, to satisfie the eyes, Of those who long'd to see some enterprize Perform'd by thee; but with a sad goodnight, When thou departed, from thy former right, There, were they sorry, that thou shouldst go hence, Yet must submit to such a fair pretence,

And then their care, into a terrour turn'd, The multitude made much ado and mourn'd, Suspected, and exprest themselves dismaid, In jealous doubts, the Tow'r might be betraid. Yet they must part, thy presence must be gone, Thou must be mounted, thou wert called on; Thy by-past vertues to thy valour-yeilds, A Saint in private, Lyon in the Fields, It was enough, to hear thy Noble name, Thy constant courage, did thy worth proclaim; And with such action, as thou didst perform, Prov'd dexterous in many dangerous storm, I did behold thee, when thou hadst to do, In publike fights, and private counsels too. I saw thy practice and thy prudence fit, Renownd for courage, and cride up for wit, The fierce encounters which did crush thy foes, Triumphing on them by undaunted blowes, Did move an Eccho, made the Mountains shake, And forc'd thy foes to call abake, abake, Belfours abroad, O do not venture then, To re-encounter, lest ye lose your men: This was thy practice in the place of Warre, Thus did thou then, but now behold you are, Injoyd in peace, thy presence is at hand, At home, and hence, thus hast thou had command: And in each place, where ever thou hadst trust, None will accuse thee, thou prov'd wondrous just, Thou prov'd a pattern in each place of Note, An honour to the Nation of the Scote; From whence thou cam'st, and didst thy being take, But I will cease, it is in vain to make More Lines, unlesse I had more Letters too, That I may know more promptly what to do. And so resolve to say no more, but rest, My thoughts are such, they cannot be exprest.

W. M.

TO THE RJGHT WORSHJPFƲLL Sir PHILIP STEPLETON, Knight.

Anagr.

1. O thy pleasant lips. 2. Help on, pitie still.

Vers.

O thy pleasant lips, farre from speaking ill, Make good thy Anagram; Help on, pitie still.

Epig.

I should be much asham'd, to see thee look, And not perceive thy Name within my Book, Who having had such favours at thy hand, May well afford, a room for thee to stand; Amongst those Worthies where you daily sit, Thy many vertues well deserveth it. The Romans who were ruled by a seat, Of worthy Senat's, had none more compleat, Then thou who hast a double burthen taken, With heart and hand, hast not the Cause forsaken, Thy valour, and discretion did agree, In open fight, I oft perceived thee, A sometime second, to that Noble Lord, To whose decrees thou truly didst accord, Abroad a pattern often didst appear, And for thy wisedome art renowned here, Thus hast thou had a hand in every thing, To reunite the State, unto the King. Thy double vertues, doth deserve renoune, And Lawrell Boughes, to loyall Stepletone.

W. M.

TO THE RJGHT WORSHJPFƲLL Sir JOHN CLATWORTHYE, Knight.

Anag.

Now thy holj care.

Vers.

Now thy holy care, and ayd's requir'd, Thy knowledge and thy vertues are admir'd.

Epigr.

VVHat? But a few prove loyall to the State? When all the Irish Rebels, made debate, And of those few it is my onely aim, To speak of thee, because I know not them. I finde thy vertues makes thee much renown'd, Thy wayes are upright, and thy wits profound▪ Thou art a Member of that House so high, Which is a Touchstone to fidelitie. Of ancient stock, which addeth to thy fame: A Noble Nature, and a Worthy Name: Who sometimes hath shew'd friendship unto me, Shall then my Book, not bear the Name of thee? Yes whilst it lasts, thy Name shall live therein, And when its lost, thy praises shall begin.

W. M.

TO The VVorshipfull his most Respected, WILLIAM JEPSONE.

Anagr.

I am one espj evill.

Vers.

I am one (in all things) espy evill. I seek the good, but shun, despise the Devill.

AN ACCROSTICK SONNET.

Wise Maro pend, Mecoenas worthy praise, Instately stile, in high, and lofty phrase: Likewise my lines can give no lesse to thee, Lesse of themselves, though they of nature be; In civill things, so prudent and so just, And, one espying evill, shunning lust. Mirrour of vertue, active in the truth, Jngenuous, gentle, scorning idle sloth; Evill espying, and one pursuing good; Prudently pious, one of Noble blood: Sincere, so wise, and vertuous in thy minde, One who to me, hath proved truly kinde: Nothing shall therefore make me to forbear, but want of Letters to extoll thee here.

W. M.

TO The VVorshipfull Sir Charles Erskin, Knight.

Anagr.

1. Search, kill Siners. Shin's liker Caesar▪

Epigr.

VVHat praise may my impartiall pen expresse, And yet thy worth not to the full confesse? Nor need I urge, to make my matter fine, False flourishings, nor can I reach the line Of thy profound approved prudence, neither; Who searches first, then kils the sinners; rather Then thou wilt not, shine liker Caesar, and Though thou be young, gain honour to that Land, From whence thou cam'st, and for thy worth who chus'd thee, To send thee here; and for thy faith have us'd thee: In state affairs, search and kill sinners; then Shine liker Caesar, more then other men.

W. M.

To the Worshipful ALEXANDER POPHAM, Esquire.

Anagr.

Read here an 'xample.

Vers.

Of all unconquer'd worth, Read, here, an 'xample, Thy Name, and fame, sufficiently is ample.

Epigr.

TO thee, I come, brave Conquerour of fame, Of valour, vertue, and Heroick Name, And on this Stage, or new impressed stamp, Or in this Glasse, where Englands Worthies Camp, About brave Essex, and where each do shine, I represent that Noble worth of thine: By Birth in number with the best, and yet, Thou rests not there, but addeth unto it, By acts of honour in the highest kinde, The parallels of Alexanders minde: What passive patience hath importun'd thee? Thy Edifices ruines witnesse be: What vast estate, by tyranny destroid? Which thy innumered Ancestors injoyd? Yea what expences, hast thou pleast to spend? Thy faith and freedome, truly to defend. Nor didst thou, yet, here limit thy delight, But all thy curious buildings didst thou quit, With great estate; (the Grandor of that glory) Seem'd, but to thee, like Esop in his story. And Mounted, marcht in most Magnifick manner, VVhen Mars threw out, his sacrifizing Banner; Bedect with Emblems of pale death, and darts, To dull the sences of submissive hearts. Yet all was nothing, when they were combinde, Nor could they conquer Alexanders minde.

W. M.

For the Worshipful, DENZAL HOLLIS Esquire.

Anagr.

Holds in Zeal.

Epigr.

REader, be rev'rend all the time thou stands And hath our famous Holles in thy hands, Who, though the sin Apostacie prevail Yet changes not, but he still Holds in Zeal. Religions encrease, he hath ever aim'd, I mean the true Religion, which is nam'd The Protestant, and purely doth apply, Himself thereto, with an impartial Eye; Shun's faithlesse Factions, Errours, and Pretences, Still Holds in Zeal, and pow'rfully convinces Connivings, sides not, with Schismatick bands, But for the Tim's opposed Truth, he stands. Wise, holy Holles, Heavens let thee not fail, Pattron of Piety, thou who Holds in Zeal, Long may'st thou live, renowned for thy worth, Whose Actions well become thy honoured birth. And thou who run the hazard of thy bloud For thy Religion, and thy Countrey's good; Nor stood upon, the losse of thy Estate, Nor greater dangers, nor the highest hate Thou could'st incurre, but constantly did'st stand, To all these things, sign'd with thy heart and hand.

W: M,

For the Worshipfull, JOHN GOODWIN, Esquire,

Anagr. Ho! I winn Good▪

HO! I winn Good, Dost win it where thou sits? No, That's enough to win men from their wits: The whole Petitions of this plundered Land Must be presented to thy piou hand: The bloudy, thirsty, starving Souldier, greeves, Haunts your Committee, every day beleeves To have relief: and by Petitions, Calls in your eares, have pitty Sir upon's, The handsom, and hard-favor'd widows, wooe, They much importune, puts you to it too, Officers wives, and Waggoners conveen, At your Committee, and are alwayes seen, Soliciting, yea threatning you for food, Is this the way then, that ye Win your Good? No, 'tis by granting favour unto them, VVho stand in need, that way ye win your Name. And were it not, your goodnesse did appeare In all your pains, you had not had the Chaire. Brave Noble Sir, then since ye are so free, Loose not the Good ye VVin, prove good to me.

VV. M.

For the VVorshipful MICHAEL NOBLE ESQVIRE.

Anagr.

Lo men be Clay, Call him Noble.

Vers.

In Heaven Archangel, in Earth, we call him Noble. Lo Men be Clay, a Two fold praise, one trouble.

Epigr.

THy real goodnesse, and thy noble Name, Requires me to remember thee with them, VVhose high deservings, and renowned praise (In such Encomiums as thou seest I raise) Are here inrol'd, as Emblems to remain And signes of Honour, Trophies in a Train, To Eternize your Vertues, Names, and Fames, So long as London stands upon the Thames.

VV. M.

To the truly Honourable Collonel, Collonel Audelay Mervin, my brother in Law.

Anagr.

Adieu al my ru'ne.

Vers.

Adieu al my ru'ne, resolutely I dare, Withstand, contemn, all frowning Fortunes far▪

Sonot.

WHat shall I say, for to extoll thy Praise? Which formerly is not expres't of these To whom I writ? So that without offence I think I may, extract the Quintessence Of most those Vertues, which are here allow'd, And yet may my Hiperboles make good; It cannot lessen their Esteem, for they Are truly valued, therefore must I say, Though thou art young, yet are thy parts so rare, Ther's no disparage, freely to compare Thy Pregnancie, and thy approved Fame May well be coupled, and annex'd to them: Thy high Discent, heroick actions too Makes me take freedom, for the thing I doe▪

W. M.

To the Right Worshipful, Sir Richard Strode, Knight.

Anagr.

Rid Christs order.

Vers.

Stop those who strive to stray from Iustice border, Hereby thou shalt gal•• Fame, and Rid Christs order▪

Epigr.

STay yet my Muse, for as the case doth stand, Thou art too rash, and tak'st too much in hand, Dost thou intend of active Strode to write? Though thou indeed wilt prove most imperfit▪ To pen his praise, when Plato might come short, If he were living, and would labour for't. His noble birth is equall with the best. His other Ʋertues cannot be exprest; Hath he not lost, and left his state behind; And hath endeavor'd, with a faithful mind, To make this Kingdome, stand engag'd, and grant My skill is scarce; though I no matter want To write upon, in penning of his praise, And me approve, to crown his head with Bayes. Who was so forward, for to serve the State He did not stand, as others to debate, What place was best, according to his Birth, Or fit for gain, or equall to his worth, But put himself, for Devons good to be, Upon imployment, night, nor day was free▪ Nor did he cease, thus with his Sword to stand But with his Pen, hath pleaded for this Land; Nor rests he there, but sets himself at odds, Against all Persons, wbo by practice plods As he perceives; by self-conceited skill, To do the Kingdoms Priviledges ill, Then in a word, let Strode be still renown'd, In whom those vertues so much do abound.

To the Right Honourable, Thomas Adams, Lord Major.

Anagr.

Or I add more alm's as Th'am,

Vers.

Our Londoners Thames, adds much Alms to them: Yet I do more, Or I add more al'ms as Th'am.

Epigr.

MOst admir'd, vertuous, Governour supream, Whose well-deserving actions▪ gaind the Name, As only fit, to sway the Sword, and bear The Badge of Honour, so renowned here. In time of War, a token of such state It were too high for me, for to relate. Amongst such Members, of admired worth, By all consents, to chuse thee only forth. And for the trust, they truly put in thee, They all accompted it absurdity To strive, or study as they use, or wooe it, But cal'd thee there, a▪ ber•• thou hadst bin to it, And solemnized, thy new elected Name, With no lesse new Inventions on the Theam. VVhat high Attendance to thy Trains allow'd? Enough to move a Monarch to be proud? Yet such is that unmatched mind of thine, Thou Values not these outwards, but dost shine By those reflects, which from thy Vertues flyes, And so yeelds comfort to Spectators eyes▪ That course which Custome for a Right doth claime, Shall cease, and no more change its Majors Name. Because it onely changed with intent, To chuse a new one for amendement. Long mayst thou live, Lord Major and remain Renownd in London, till the Floods refraine To flow, or fall and till the Thames return, And change its Nature in a Fire to burn.

W. M.

The Right Honourable, Lord Major, and Court of Aldermen.

HEre Adam on his Paradizial Throne Is Circled with his Off-Spring thereupon; Or view Him sitting on a Seat so high, And representing of a Majestie, VVith Four and twenty Elders in a Train Attending on him, while he doth remain Upon the Plane; yea one more yet you see, But at his right hand, the Recorder be. And everyone; because I can not bring Themselves; these letters, signifie the thing.

[illustration]

Behold out first Man Adam, Lord Major Chiefe, Surrounded with his Off-Spring, here in briefe: Recorder, Knights, Grave Aldermen, and yet I Place them all in order▪ as they sit.

1 Renown'd Recorder, pregnant Glinn, in Law, 2 Knight Rainton likewise, for his worth I saw, 3 Brave Pennington, so prudent, wise, and just, 4 Knight Williston, so upright in his trust; 5 Applauded Atkins, famous for his Faith▪ 6 Knight Cordwell also, honoured to the death.

7 Solatious Soums, Knight, be thou also crown'd, 8 Grave, pious, Geer, Knight, likewise and renown'd▪ 9 Good Gerret, Knight, in Vertues with the best, 10 And worthy Warner ought to be exprest; 11 Renowned, Reverend, Reinoldson, so wise, 12 And gracious Gerrer, so in each mans eyes. 13 Commended Clerk thy knowledge doth excell, 14 Beloved Langham, thy worth I cannot tell; 15 Admired Andrew's modest, free of Pride, 16 Let faithfull Ponks, in memory abide▪ 17 But Bunce thy bounty cannot be forgot, 18 And Gibs, much goodnesse falleth to thy lot; 19 See cheerfull Chambers, Cabinet of worth, 20 Firm Foot in friendship, London paints thee forth: 21 Kind Kindrick courteous, constant, active, and 22 Couragious Cullom, fit for high Command; 23 Esteem brave Edmonds, eternize his Name, 24 Acknowledge Evere, admir'd for his Fame; 25 Behold brave Byde, bedeck'd with vertues high▪ 26 Thrice worthy Witham, keeps a simpathie,

And makes a Court of Aldermen, and Knights, Whose glory shines, even like as many Lights, And all in one do contribute their skill To keep this famous City free from ill. Thus have I plai'd impartially on their Names, Being ly'd to Termes, and Titles, two extreams, But briefly thus, I boldly do afford, And put their Names for ever on Record.

To the Right Worshipfull Sir John Northcute Knight.

Anagr,

He cherisht honnour,

Vers.

He cherisht honnour, when he was at warre, And still goes on in this same straine as farre.

Epigr.

THy wisdom, valour, and fidelity, Thy knowledge actions▪ and thy constancy, First mov▪d the Kingdom cal for thee, as fit, In its High Court, and Councell for to sit, From thence a two fold testimony too Thou didst afford▪ couragiously didst do, In open fields, and there didst fight, and stand, VVith constant mind, and an heroick hand: Thy loyall self, sequestrate for a time, For no offence, nor for a sinfull crime, Yet there▪ with patience, then thou didst submit, Nor didst thou therefore shrink aside at it: But didst continue to the State, so true, That I come short to solemnize thy due.

W. M.

To the Right worshipfull, Sir Samuel Roule.

Anagr.

Rise me real soul.

Vers.

Rise my real soul, henceforth take no rest, Till thou enioy the ioy, is not exprest.

Epigr.

THy name, thy nature, and thy practice too, Are all prepar'd, what they resolve to do. Thy name sayes Rise my real soul, no rest, Till thou injoy, the joy is not exprest.

Thy nature likewise really is bent, And to as early rising gives consent: And then thy reall practice every day Of early rising, makes it good, I say.

The age of time, nor yet the times of year, Nor losse of gain, nor wearied travels here, Makes thee omit: but thou prevents the day By early rising, and makes hast to pray.

In publike place, and sacred sermons haunts, Where schismes are not, amongst protestants, In number art one of that noble band, Who for the Nations priviledges stand.

And in its service sent thy noble Sonne, And freeborn heir, what more then could be done? Thus to the State thy good extends, and I Am likewise bound unto thy courtesie.

Wherefore in reason I could do no lesse, Then represent thy vertues in my Glasse.

W. M.

To the worshipfull Anthonie Nicholls, Esquire.

Anagr. T'schine holi alon.

THough thy name saies, T'schine holi alon, And where thou'rt set, thou dost not shine but one Yet lo thy vertues, like the Eastern star, Shines with those worthies where thou placed are.

Their splendour adds unto that light of thine, And they get encrease by thy glorious shine, Be holy also, though not so alone,, And strive thou to be singular for one.

And as thy name comes nigh to say so much, Still enterprise to make thy actions such: Shine holy still, be upright in thy place, Deferre not justice in a needfull case.

For holy, just, the humble, meek, and true, And such as are not, shall receive their due.

VV. M.

To the much honoured, Major Generall Edward Massie.

Anagr.

Made wars's aid.

Vers.

Thy valour, vertue, have thee famous made, Deservedly thou art made wars's aide.

Sonnet.

MAy not my Muse one sonnet sing, to raise The famous name of Massies worthy praise? May not my glasse, a glimps give of his glory, Although deficient of so fine a Story?

Yes, they may both be busied in the same, And yet scarce add one tittle to his fame: 'Tis not the dulnesse of my Moses wit, Nor yet a glasse, that can discover it.

Yet since he ha••h been active on this stage, Where most those worthies honours did ingage, My Muses musick, shall make melodie, And sing his praise, so shall my glasse let see,

Though not himself, yet something of that kind, Words cannot well expresse so high a mind.

W. M.

To the worshipfull Godfraie Bossezile, Esquire.

Anagr.

If zeal is Gods Robe. Gods zeal is before.

Vers.

If zeal is Gods Robe, ô Covet that store, Be covered therewith, Gods zeal is before.

Epigram.

IF Vertue, Valour, Honour, and the rest Thy attributes which cannot be exprest, Such as is Wisdom, Gravitie, and Wit, Discretion, knowledge, in abundance fit, Besids that sacred Excellence of Faith Which thou hast vow'd and seal'd unto the death. Joyn'd with that favour, and that free good will Which thou affords to others in their ill, Makes me acknowledge that it is my part Amongst those worthies, fitly to insert Thy selfe; and yet the rather since thou 'rt one Who in this warfare hast so freely gone, And much expoz'd thy person for the State, To tyranny and irreligious hate; Those things I say, shall keep alive thy name, When after ages shall thy praise proclaime: And Titan shall not undertake to rise, Nor run his race throughout the spangled skies: Before the Trumpet of thy Fame forbeare To sound abroad thy high deservings here,

W. M.

To the VVorshipfull, Mr. Hue Kennedie.

Anagr.

Hee, even kind.

Vers.

Endowd With divers vertues of the mind, Such as is conscience, knowledge, hee even kind.

Epigr.

SInce in the wisdom of a twofold state, (When matters stand at such a high debate) In their election they did look on thee, Most proper for employment Kennedie: It was the good opinion of thy friends, Who would intrust thee in such publike ends, By which thou art in number one of those, Whose prudence shal suppres the Nations foes. Go on therefore, joyn in that just designe, Give God the glory, and the honours thine.

W. M.

To his worthy friend, Mr. Iohn Cheesly, Secretary to the Commissioners for Scotland.

Anagr.

Hence is holy.

Ʋers.

What he records, it is so far from folly, He pennes With prudence, and he hence is holy.

Epigr:

REnowned Cheesly, unto thee I speak, And for thy worth, unfained praise I seek What perfect practice is performd by thee, It cannot fully be exprest by me: But they appoint thee promptest, I averre, For fittest pen-man, wisest Secretair. Ioyn then th••t iudgment which thou dost ingage The honour of thy Nation l••es in pledge, Add thy assistance, intimate thy will, Require performance prorogate no ill, And then no doubt thou wilt be, I beleeve, Fit for employment, more superlative.

W. M.

To the Honourable, and Right worshipfull, Sir Archibald Iohnstoun, Lord Warestone.

Anagr.

Sober, and just, holi Shrin.

Vers.

Thy name saies Sober, just and holi Shrine: So that by Nature thou must be divine▪

TO be so honour'd and esteem'd so hie, And so promoted, in a Kingdoms Ey, And yet be sober in so great a trust, Declares thee truly Noble, surely just. But then to be so holy and divine, Of all these vertues for to be the shrine, Is somewhat far above my rurall pen, To paraphrase upon such pious men. Thy prudent practice in affairs of State Are things beyond my knowledge to relate. Thy Art in learning is so eminent, And reaches so above my Element, That if I strive to walk into that aire, I stand in danger, lest I perish there.

W. M.

To the Right worshipfull Sir Oliver Fleming.

Anagr.

Vse firm religion.

Ʋers.

Vse firm religion, this imports thy name, Let then thy practise alwaies be the same.

Sonnet.

THy Name, thy Nature, and thy practise too Iuvites thee to use firm religion, doe Even as the number of these letters lead What these Characters spell, let practise road: But why should I take on me to advise Thy Noble self, whose constant enterprise Is to perswade the people to go on In zeal, and to Vse firm Religion. Nor yet is this the scope of thy designe, Nor full intent, but Morralls with divine, Thou contributes, so by a twofold Care, Thou gain'st the name of Act ve, upright, rare, Therefore I cease to paint thy praises forth: Thy selfe, and actions, shew thy reall worth.

W. M.

To the Right Honourable IchCambell, Earle Lowdon, Lord high Chancelour of Scotland.

Anagr.

Cal him real'e noble.

Vers.

Cal him real'e nohle, sound his fame, Since you do read his actions in his name.

Epigram.

A Hand divine. or some heroick quill, Imploid with all Parnassus muses skill▪ Must contribute their knowledge to contrive, The excellence, the eminence, and strive, Yea strain themselves for to extoll thy fame, Thy noble nature, and renowned name. Thy worth, thy vertue, and admired wit, Made all thy Nations wisdom, think thee fit, For to be chosen Chancelour Supream, And to support a Monarchs diadem. Thy birth that burthen best became, but then, Thy education did exceed all men: As far as Phoebus in his highest sphear, Excels the smallest meteors in the aire. Most famous Lord, beloved Lowdon Earle, More beautifull then is the brightest pearl: Whose price surpasse those estimations high, Within the compasse or Capacitie

Of my conceptions, surely I may aim To intimate, but cannot come to them. All Europs eies have long time gazd to see Those enterprises entertaind by thee: And duly did determine for to stand, To those intentions thou didst take in hand. When faith fell foul, and noman must appear, In none of these three kingdoms, thou camst here▪ And with a constant courage, and a mind Most certain, zealous, in undaunted kind, Thou didst declare, with hazard of thy blood, Thy resolutions for Religions good. And when confin'd by Soveraign high consent, Nor did thy thoughts nor alter, nor relent: But in a pious and a prudent forme: Past through the power of that tempestuous storme: Stood stedfast, faithfull, as that fixed Star, Which stands, whereby all others ruled are. A learned l••ght, a Peer unparaleld: Whose high expressions in the tongues exceld, And still excels, the eloquence or skill Of Cato, Plato, or Apollo's quill: When time shall cease, when Phoebus shall not shine, And human nature shall become divine, When day in darknesse shall disolve, and when A thousand years shall be the age of man: Yea when the Spring to winter time shall turn: And when the Ocean in a fire shall burn. Then shall they cease to sing thy praise, and then Thy name shall be quite cancelled by men. But not till then (and that will never be) Shall after ages cease to honour thee.

VV. M.

TO THE RIGHT HONOƲRABLE, Lord Major of the Citie of LONDON. WITH The Honourable Aldermen, and the rest of the Common-councell-men.

REnowned worthies; when I weigh your fame, Your greatnesse, lustre, and your vertuous Name, Your wisedome, knowledge, providence, and arts, Your grace, your goodnes, and diviner parts, The Zeal, the love, the charities, and what Belongs, as proper attributes to that▪ Your power, your plenty, with your worth, and wit, Your faith and forward arguments of it; The highest honour of your enterprise, Which from the secret of your hearts arise,

Your noble Natures, not enough admired, Your reall actions, active, and untyred, Your constant Cariage, and uncessant care, The vast expences, daily you prepare; Your paines and practice, in a pleasant kinde, Proceeding from your piety of minde: Makes up a modell of admyred worth, To beautifie, and set your glory forth, Before whose feast, in presence of whose table, And in whose eyes, so high and honorabel, My meane designes, or infants of my Muse, Scarce date approach; yet doubting to refuse, They do draw nigh; submissively to tender▪ Those true intentions, which I freely render, In these few lines, Characters here, insert, As reall Emblems, of a zealous heart, And do acknowledge I am bound to prayse, Those who may claime, such Epithets as these, Grave Judges then, admit me as I am, Though one unworthy; yet with what I came Contemne the treasure, not a whit for mee, Although I bring it, yet behold, and see, What I present, and at your vacant how'rs, Look on his lynes, whose life is wholly yours. I have contrived in a mean degree, Though not the whole, yet an Epitomie, Of Englands troubles, and a true relation, Of all the sufferings, of this famous Nation, The cause was Gods, the glory is your own, You have maintain'd the truth, and made it known, I need not bid you perseveer, you are, I do perceive you, what you alwaies were, I only throw my myte into your store, To shew affection not to make it more, And do advise you, humbly to eschew, The bad divisions, of a factious crue,

Go on with courage, as you have done ay, It is the evening, that doth crowne the day: Your Fame is flown' with its wings so far, You do not know what things reported are, The eyes of Europe, opened are to view, If you continue and prove constant true, Great be the Grander, wherein you may shine, And heaps of honour from a hand Divine, Be daily added in your heads, and then, You will appeare the rarest of all men, This is the sum: I have for to present, Your servant can afford no complement, Accept of these, and if you think it fit, As you are pleased let me heare of it, Your good acceptance may incourage much, I hope your Greatnes will vouchsafe me such, So shall my book bear witnes at your table, I am your Servant, Devoted as I am able.

W. M.

To the Renowned, Learned, and Worthy, DIVINES;

• Mr. ALEXANDER HENDERSON.
• Mr. SAMUEL RUTHERFORD.
• Mr. ROBERT BAYLY.
• Mr. GEORGE GILESPIE.

Commissioners for the CHURCH of SCOTLAND.

Author. Eccho.

I Could not be resolved of my doubt, Nor could I finde Divinity well out: But askt the Eccho, and it answer'd [ (Ecch.)] I Do know four Fathers of Dininity. I cald again, if it knew where they were? And it repli'd, [ (Ecch.)] Ile tell thee where they are. I askt the place, or if it knew their names, And then it said, [ (Ecch.)] I know them by their ayms. What do they aym at? Then I askt aloud, It answer'd me, [ (Ecch.)] To pay what they allow'd. What do they pay? Preach Peace to all that sins? Then did it answer, [ (Ecch.)] Pardon all that's in's. I askt if it could name them one by one, [ 1] And thent it answer'd, [ (Ecch.)] Learned Hindersons. I cald a second, and it Eccho'd [ (Ecch.)] I [ 2] Must Ecch out rare B. A. I. L. Y. And then the third, I askt it to afford, [ 3] The Eccho then did eccho Rutherford. For one more yet, I prayd it to espie, [ 4] The Ayrie Eccho whisperd [ (Ecch.)] Gil es pie. These are the four profound Renownd Divines. The Eccho ended, praising their Ingin's.

W. M.

For Apologie to these Persons of Honour.

BLame not my Muse nor my impartiall eye, If I mistake your place of Heraldry; I am not hanted with the same, nor yet, Have I advised with your selves in it: I seek not to engender discontent, Nor meddle with your place in Parliament; But see how Mars did muster you in Warre, As I conceive, so you inserted are: Or if I place a Member here amisse, Misconster not my meaning here in this. You all are Members of one body, be Not disunited, 'twere bad policie. You did attend upon his Excellence At Arms, I pray then take it in that sence. And if your charge did challenge you the Van; If I mistake it, yet be you the man. But you remember often in the Reer, The best be ranked, think it not a jeer, Nor that I jest; it was more honour then To strive for place, so do Heroick men; Or if I borrow for a friend, a place, I hope you will excuse me in this case. Yea, take this New'ars gift gladly, and confesse, Ye joy to shine so in your Generals Glasse. And since your honours I do seek with thirst, Let him that's first be last, and last be first.

W. M.

To the Right Worshipfull and Renow∣ned Physitian; Doctor Alexander Ramsey.

Anagr.

Examen all rare ayd.

Vers.

Examine all rare ayd, yet you shall still, Rev'rence the excellencie of Ramsay's skill.

Epigr.

HYpocrates, and Galen got the praise, The rarest of Phisitians in their dayes, But Ramsay, had those times produced thee, Thou hadst been Reckoned rarest of the three, They were Renown'd for Knowledge, but thy Name, Shall be more famous, far, then both of them, They practised most on subjects; by report, Thy Soveraigne skill, was singular, at Court, I knew no fit preferment for thy worth, To place thee in; but I have picked thee forth, For best Phisitians; to attend on them, Whose noble Presence, may promote thy Name, Preserve them then, in honour strength and health, From paines displeasure, and in heaps of wealth; Which if you do, you shall pertake of that, Their happie being; and your selfe know's what▪ But singular Ramsay, by thy admired skill, Say, canst thou cure this Epidemick ill, Of Iealousies and fears, or this sad griefe, The want of gold, of all diseases chiefe; Which if thou dost, as is no doubt thou may, (If men will but, submit unto thy way) Then we shall be made rich, and thou renoun'd, Thou shalt have patience still: none will be sound,

TO MY BROTHER, Captain John Mercer.

Anagr.

Hence, no more ir.

Vers.

Hence, no more ire; this comes well nigh your name. Let Anagram and actions; be the same.

Sonnet.

THose curtesies which common are to others, May very well be us'd between two Brothers, You see I have presumed with my pen, To write my minde to many worthy men. I shall not therefore think it much amisse, To visit you with these few lines, in this.

Nor think's unproper, though you have the age, For to receive, this Sonnet for a pledge Of my respects; and be advis'd by me, To let your outwards, and your minde agree.

Nature, in each thing, hath perform'd, and Art, In you; and Parents also, playd their part; Make good these gifts, curb passion, lose no time, And though you think me, guilty of the crime; Which I condemn, yet strive you to be better, And for so doing, I shall be your debter.

W. M.

TO THE FAMOUS POET Capt. George Withers.

Anagr.

I go gether Verso.

Vers.

Thy name it selfe sayes; I go gether verse. So that thy store-house never can be scarce. The Stock Whence thou, thy lines, and loaves, do gether, Shall fresh continue, and revive, though Wither.

Epigr.

ALL ye who brag of brave Saint George come hither, And England, henceforth, boast of thy George Wither, Lay off your emblems, do no Trophies raise, Unlesse for Withers solemnize no dayes, Rare Withers, thou whose verses were foretold, As Prophesies; and secrets to unfold, Whose young, and yet, undaunted spirit priz'd, Thy rare inventions, (well nigh sacrifiz'd) Before thy freedome; and whose fluent pen, Makes thee more famous then those mighty men, Whose mines of gold, and greatest store of such, Can not be reckoned, near thy worth by much, To thee, my Muse, though unacquainted must, Into thy wing of fame; a feather thrust, To mount thee higher, and to make thee flye, Above thy own expressions, mortals eye: The best of wits, the rarest of the Nine, Whose high inventions, in thy verse divine, Makes me admire thee far much more, then others, Renowned Poet; ra••e and worthy Withers.

W. M.

The Pen-mans Apologie to the Common Reader.

IF any take me for to be a stranger That penn'd this peece, I hope there is no danger, Or if a Native here his seed hath sown, No doubt, you will excuse him as your own: And if a Poet you presume I am, The Muses will excuse me whence I came, In any thing if I have pleased thee, Then I am sure thou wilt not censure me: But 'tis a thing impossible, that I Can please all parties, or the standers by: 'T may be thou hates some one of whom I write, And therefore thou must rail at me in spight: Or else thou'rt angry that I did not touch Thy praises likewise, speak of thee as much: My free-borne Muse, or mother of my rime, Cannot be ti'de to humor every time: Yet I am certain that I speak to thee▪ If not my self, my Satyre is not free: But if thou wrongs me with an angry look; I love not thee, more then thou loves my book. My mind's my grand Committee, must not seek Another Chair-man, I am charg'd to speak.

VV. M.

A Satyre.

GO swift wingd Satyre, fly abroad, and spare no earthly thing, Thou art not to obey a law, nor subject to a King, Pluck out a feather from thy quill, and fear nothing but write, And see thou neither▪ spare thy friend, nor foe, nor men of might. Fly in the air, where thou maist see, through clearnes▪ of the Sun, And cease not till thou censures all, when once thou art begun: Tell every kind of creature who bears the shape of man, That thou must prove impartiall, and with thy feathers fan: Till thou wilt take the quintesscence of every thing thats quick, And with a feather from thy wing wilt freely chuse and pick: Tell first the highest of us all, whose footstool is a throne, That Kings themselves may catch a fall, if they be left alone: And tell our Soveraigne, spare him not, but ask him, what is he If he his Subjects once forsake? he cannot answer thee. Tell tyrannizers in their teeth that they tryumph too far. And tell the proud & mighty men, they know not what they are, Tell subjects, that they must remember they are subjects still, And tell the self conce••••••d tool, thou cat'st not for his ill Tell Divines that the most of them are divelish and that they Have but a shew of Godlines and do not as they say Tell ludges that they are unjust nor do they judge a••ight And tell them that their avarice is alwaies in thy sight Tell Protestants profession is almost dead and gone: And tell thou knows not where to go to find Religion. Tell that the City's full of schismes, sects, and herisies, And that the hainous sins of Sodome lurks, and in it lies: Ma••k as thou marchest in the streets, take notice, they will cry, What do you lack? what want you Sir? what is it you will buy? This is the Scriptures call you know▪ but in another sence,

For thou must pay for every thing thou getst, ere thou goes hence▪ The Scripture bids thee buy for nothing, here's all things good and evil, Thou maist for thy money have, and thou maist buy the Divel; Go tell the bloody thirsty souldier, running inarreer, And Lawyers craving whole accompts, when they come to ap∣pear, And plead for their oppressions, at that impartiall bar, Arguing pro, and con, and what equivocations are: There shall the trumpet sound, and tell them▪ they were paid, and wood; But Item then, and memorandum, if it be allow'd: When all accompts shall be cast up, & reckonings be made even▪ By the high Committee of accompts, for the whole Kingdom of heaven: O! then how gladly would they wish the most part of their pay Should be abated▪ and the rest put to the longest day. Tell when thou comes in open place, amongst the multitude, They are become pernicious, impertinent, and rude: Tell Gentlemen that they are just like unto Apes, and that The Courtiers are play the knaves, and say they know not what. Tell trades-men they mistake themselves, and for their former pride, Some have shut up their shops at home, and gone abroad to ride Tell such of them as are become Commanders for the cause, They will repent them ere 'tis long, they learned souldiers lawes: Tell such as practice plundering, their pastime will not last: And tell the idle loyterer, 't were good that he were prest. Tell to the City, that their sins, and insolencies odd, Have been the cause that many souls are sacrific'd abroad, Tell to the Preacher in the Pulpit, seeming so precise, He may deceive the peoples sight, but not his masters eyes: And tell the hearers of the word, some comes but for the fashion: Tell all of them, ere it be long, must answer their transgression. Tell husbands they are bad become, their families prophane, And tell the females in their faces, they are wondrous vain.

Tell every one their part, I pray thee, spare not high, nor low, And tell them▪ that thou came of purpose for to tell them so And having flown both far and nigh▪ returne, and do not fear▪ But tell the errors of the time unto them that are here; Tell in the House of Parliament, but not as persons there, Tell them that private men may fail▪ and that is wondrous faire Tell Englands Looking-glasse, it fails, for all its golden case And that it shewes not really, but counterfets the face: Tell also him that made it too, what ever he pretends, That Poets often flatter men, and have their private ends. Thus telling all the truth abroad, returne, and do not stay; For having spoke thy mind so much, thou knowes not but they may Be so incens'd against thy self, before thou art aware, They may make bold to question thee, how thou durst fly so far: For though the truth be best to hear, thou knowes we alwaies would, That oftentimes you should forbear, the truth must not be told But thou hast done good service sure unto the States, in this, Thou hast dischargd thy conscience too, so that thou canst not misse To be maintaind, and much made of; or else thy paines are lost: Thou nothing hast, but only this, thy labour for thy cost.

To the Right Honourable, the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament: and the Right Honourable Lord Major of London, The Right worshipfull Aldermen, and the rest of the Common Councel.

The humble petition of Captain William Mercer, Who's forc'd to leave of prose, and turn a Verser.

Sheweth,

THough here I never did my suits preferre, Yet I have been an old Petitioner; And after long times wearyed fights abroad, Am sore tormented; with this angry rod Of Courting, Crouching, Craving, and my eyes, Cast down so low, that I Idolatrize▪ Must haunt Committees, follow on the Clerk, Must pray, solicite, and make such a worke, As I have been in severall Nations six, But all my troubles came not nigh to vex▪ Your supplicant, in manner like to those, As I had been one of your greatest foes, I have been true in standing for the State And of my friends have therefore had much hate. I never plundred money, horse nor arms, Nor did the Country any kind of harms; But took free quarter, when I had not pay, And that was often but one meal a day:

Would never let them kill a handsome Hen, To feed me, if I could not pay it then, Have borrowed from my boy, who could disburse Money, when I had nothing in my purse: Preserv'd the People from the plundring band Of Souldiers, and still for their good did stand. Yea, and with patience suffered for the cause, According to our Covenant, and Lawes, Not doubting, though I much run in areer, But I should surely have it some time here. And if I were to write my finall will, Upon my death, I never did more ill. But now your true petitioner indeed Is so confounded, as you here may read, That I am almost wearied of my life, Tir'd and tormented with this cruel strife The cries of children and an angrie woman, Two heavy Anchors, when their ty'de unto men, They cry for money, bread, and beer, and beefe, But they may eat their fingers for reliefe, Then call they Father; What have we to burne? Poor children thinks that I can do their turne. How doth your selves content these Infant cares? Or do you bid them go and say their Prayers? Perchance ye do, and't may be so do I, But then they enter in a lachry my, And tels me this, what have we now to eat? The grace is said, but we can get no meat, My creditors have cal'd so oft unto me That now they sweare they shortly will undoe me. They say my charge hath turn'd me in a cheat, And such like things have hapned me of late

When I'me abroad, I stand and stare to skan, Lest I on sudden meet a Marshalls man: This is most grievous, and a great disgrace, A Souldier dare not look men in the face: And I'me already run so in the score To tell the truth, they will not trust me more. And now the Printer, and the Stationer, Threatens to prison your Petitioner. For I who could before these Wars did enter, Attaine more trust upon one lines debenter, Then now I can for either word or writ, They do not care for both, here is the spite: And if I tell them much to me is * 1.1 ow'd, Then say they; Item, if it be alow'd. Nor can I walk along the street, and look Vpon a Butcher, nor come nigh a Cook But they step in, between me and their stall, And there they stand, till I be in the Hall, Still as I passe, I hear them whispering, So, And sends a boy to dog me where I go; They are afraid lest hungry men prove rash And seize upon their unprepared fl••sh. This is my case, but this doth me recherish, So many worthies will not let me perish, Nor lay my lines aside, (it is not that) Unlesse contented, which is aimed at. Nigh four years now I have been in this war, Yet I am poorer then I was, by far, And all this time, a Captain too, to Horse, But my estate still waxed worse and worse. How could I choose, you see what was my pay, And what I took, you likewise heare me say:

In two years time I had not pay almost For once a day to buy a buttered toast. I lost my being in that Irish land, Where by commission I had first Command. My Fathers heir was therein put to Sword, His wife was also cruely devour'd, His goods destroy'd, his Children sent abroad To beg; and I was scourged with this rod. Yet not the lesse, if prose nor verse prevails, There's no more hope, I must ly by the heeles: Nor dare I speak, or if, this is my lot, They shake their heads, and say, you are a Scot, Deriding me, as if I were forlorne; Or to be cald a Scots man were a scorn, The case is alter'd, for when I came here The Scots were counted Loving brethren deare: Nor's that the love the Scripture doth commend, Whom Christ did love, he lov'd unto the end. But good my Lords, and noble Gentlemen Be pleas'd to heare, and have but patience then, Yea, pardon me, who is so forc'd to presse Vpon your patience, I can do no lesse: Nor let the spleen of any one or two If there be such; stop what you mind to doe, The best amongst you, have some private foe, And so may I, for any thing I know. Vertue's alwaies envide, there's none so witty To shun the slandrous tongues, the more's the pitty. But let them speak and prove, which if they do, I'le burne my bookes, and will be banisht too. The Parliament for freedome needs not sit, If one will do all that's requir'd in it:

And if that Justice may not claim its place Where malice sits, that were a fearfull case. I'le take my oath, (all times I were abroad) And prove it too, though ye may think it odd: I never went into a Tavern twice Nor in an Ale-house was I ever thrice To call for drink: nor drunken in my time, There's no man can accuse me of that crime: Nor do I know, (pray think it not a tale) The prizes of the Wines, nor beer, nor ale: So, never drinking for to make me rash, I'me sure I seldom faulted being fresh. I scorn'd to plunder, cal'd it base to rob, Resolved rather to be just like Iob, Both poor and upright, but I see what falls In favours of such cursed Animals As plaug'd the people, Fortune smiles on them, They rise to honours, and they have no blame. But this may be, that saying to fulfill Which is, The wicked flourish in their ill, I have more comfort of my honest mind, Though for a time I opposition find, Then they who gain their riches so with sorrow, And may be proud to day, but poor to morrow. My heart shall hold my resolution still, Endure with patience, if I do no ill, I have perform'd that part to me belongs, And God shall be a witnesse of my wrongs, If I must perish, but I do appeal Vnto your honours, hops for to prevaile In this my suit so honest, just and true, But do submit me, wholy unto you,

Whose greatnesse will grant pardon to my sin, For being so presumptuous herein, How can I choose? For after three yeers war I find them striving fully to debarr Me of my pay, which truly I deserve, The only way me to constrain to strave, Or beg my bread, as others dayly do: But more then this I'le tell thee something too: At six moneths end, when I my 'compts desir'd, To go to Cornhill then I was requir'd, To that Committee, which of Lawyers be, Be what they will, they were too hard for me: For though my debts I did present most true, Yet they write Item, if the same be due: Which when I saw, I vex'd, and waxed wroth, And then they told me, they were on their oath: For what? said I; they answer'd, to do right, Or as it should seem good in their own sight: Well, this they did, but when we came to read, We found it needfull they would come to plead At that Committee; where they did returne us Who when we came with our accompts, did scorne us: This griev'd my soule, to run so up and down From him, to him, and thorow so long a Town As this, and yet when all is come to all I cannot get a penny, though I call My very eyes out of my dolefull head, Al's noe to them, for they will make no speed. They send me there to heare the monie Chink In Lumberstreet, no question some men think That that will tempt me, then they will pretend If I should rob men, I'me for my own end.

Then think not strange although my verse be bad▪ For such like things, have made me almost mad. I borrowed oft to pay my men abroad, And not to pay me that, were very odd: My poor half * 1.2 part, out of the publick purse, Or lesse then that, would free me from this curse, I do not crave you in so high a measure So small a sum would not exhaust your treasure. What comes of all Collections and excise? Malignants monie? Flies it in the skies? Pray if ye will not pay me, make me then But one full fortnight a Committee-man, I'e pay my selfe; nor will I charge the State, But only take the mony I can get: If I would ask a Groat, you would not grant It think, although ye saw me strave for want▪ Ten thousand pounds to call for or a penny Is all alike, ye cannot part with any. To give me nothing were a bad revenge, And for my pains to let me starve were strange: It makes me think the thing is true they say, Ye are resolved never for to pay: But that were strange, would make me wonder too, Since for the truth ye make so much adoe: but therein act as you shall think it best, Give me my pay; I strive not for the rest: There's not a man will do so much as speek Or look, without allowance every week: Yet I did fight, Fast, watch, had much to do To save my life, and must have nothing too. Malignants sees me in so poor a plight, They laugh, ond tellsme I am served right:

Nor hate they me because that it is I, But I will tell the reason by and by, They do abhor all of that Northern Nation Who joynes not with them in their Congregation: For though they did make promise thereunto, It was when they had greater things to do: Like people in a strait, but now they'r free, The turns nigh done, they care no more for me. 'Tis not our part upon their souls to presse, And for my part I freely must confesse: If they will pay me I will speak and plead Against my Country men to go with speed. And let them preach, and use their minds to pray, Or do ev'n what they please to do or say, Or where or how, yea be they wives or men, And so I think they would be pleased then: For can I force them, where they will not do? Time is not yet for lew and Gentile too. I hold me bound of Conscience for to move them, But I must neither challenge nor reprove them. Preach in their streets or in their private Hall, (If not in Church) by my consent they shall. Nor say I'me wanton, though I write in verse, I had not done so, had I not been scarce Of mony, Lodging, credit, and the rest: Nor could I well consider what was best To do; for I had spent so long a time I prose, that I was forc'd to write in rime, Resolving what in me did ly, to do, And if I perish, lay the fault on you. I was made come, and go, and come again, But all I did was labour spent in vain:

From one to tother, to that Committee man, And then as wise as when I first began. Some said I'le do't, then said I am but one, And then they said ye must petition: They bid me fast and pray, if I bee sick, When I have well nigh fasted all the weeke, And if I tell them that my spirit's spent, They bid me then, be patient, and content, The Colonels have laid their cloaths in paund, And many Majors have not strength to stand, The Captains and Commanders all in chiefe Are quite confounded, even with very griefe, And many good men fast a moneth from meate, And when they have it, then they cannot eat; Now tell them this, and zealous like they pause, And sayes, that we must suffer for the cause: Those Characters Jobs messengers may spell, For I alone, am only left to tell: Is this the dealing with a friend or brother? Or mutuall manner of maintaining other? Yet if I must go, furnisht as I came, I cannot be made worser then I am, Nor is this halfe the burthen that I beare, No flesh, and blood would suff••r nor endure Those great neglects, wherewith I am supprest, So that I am ashamed to confes't; But if it were not for the reverence, (A matter of so mighty consequence,) Which I do bear this hopefull Parliament, And that I likewise look for some content, I would cry out, though I therefore should dy, And let the World even know my destiny.

Thus craving leave to speak, please you to read, This is the Subjects freedom which I plead, As for the issue, I prescribe not what, The honour of the house will think on that. But I beleve your greatnesse will consider To make my State, as first when I cam hither, So wrestling with you, till I have my will Then will I think it time for to be still: You know that Iacob, by his faith abode, Nor would he leave off wrestling with his God Till he obtain'd; so you still with your King Have wrestled likewise, till ye have the thing. Even so the woman in the Gospel got What she desir'd, yea she departed not Till she obtain'd; and Jacob on demand Obtain'd the blessing, at good Isaacks hand. What shall I say? Is not one Isaack then Amongst so many full five hundred men? Or if ther be: in vain bear not the name, Let me receive the blessing then from them. For I'me affraid lest Esau like I sell My whole debenter for a dish of Kell, Therefore I do determine still to call, Till I have some part, I desire not all. I hate to beg, but being so orethrown I humbly hope ye'l help me to mine own. I have petition'd, and I do not doubt before the question is resolv'd about. Amongst those worthies whom I do implore, But they will take a course to cure my sore:

For if I had but third part of my pay To free my charges, I would go my way.

I have no more to say, but I shall ever pray.

William Mercer.

Anagr. I am very ill cu'r me.

Iam very ill cu'r me of my Paine, Or else my wars and verses are in vain.

I am veri ill cu'r me, if I die Of this disease ye'l spoil my Poetry.

I am veri ill cu'r me, but if not, I never will write more while I'me a Scot.

I am veri ill cu'r me, if so long, My muse may chuse to sing another song.

One word more to Momus.

Ba••e wide mouthd Momus rage and rail thy fill Spue out thy venom words can do no ill, But to thy self, thy being is thereby, For having spent thy spirits, thou must die. The crawling snail the passenger to scorne, Cannot forbear, extols his feeble horne, But trod upon, he quickly doth withdraw, Because he knowes his weapons have no awe; Pluck in thy horne, spue out thy venom then, Thou Miscreant, vile creature of men. This is the worst I wish to such a snail, Thy slandrous tongue were st••••king in thy—

To the scornfull Passenger.

SLight not my lines, nor lay my labours by, Laugh not to scorn, because the Author's I: I know thou'st come, and with disdainfull look, Wilt, passing by, say, what's this Mercers book?

But Mercers book, if thou couldst take the time, Or stay from Taverns, to peruse his rime: Will pay thee home, presuming to appear, Or lay thy hands upon these Persons here.

Without thou stand bareheaded, and a farre, Such one as thou shouldst not come wherethey are. Forbear therefore, in silence, stand aside, Or take not notice, Mercer makes a pride▪

If he approach, and sples such in the place, To look amisse: he spits into their face.

VV. M.

Ad Eundem.

MY Christall glasse, clear, spotlesse, clean, and pure, Can no infectious filt by breath indure, To blow upon't so also would my Muse Be even as rash, if she knew how to chuse: But she is mine, and cares not for the frown Of any churlish, base, backbiting clowne, As for my glasse, in innocence it stands, If staind by thee, between a knaves two hands.

William Mercer, Anagr.

I am merrili cru'l,

Vers.

I am merrili cru'l to Momus, For I wish all such fellowes were from us.

From my Lodging in King-street Westminster, at the three Pidgeons. Ian. 6. 1645.

Vpon the title of the Book.

THere are some books which bears the very Name That mine does own, yet they are not the same, Thou never heldst a glasse before thine eyes, VVherein thou saw all these Nobilities, And worthies, wherefore thou must needs con∣fesse, 'Tis fitly named Englands Looking-glasse. Or if this glasse should have been calld by me, The glasse of these three Kingdoms 'twere no lye. Then with a threefold reverence see thou stand And looking in it, hold thy hat in hand.

VV. M.

Notes

• * 1.1

  900. l.
• * 1.2

  400. l.