Mercurius verax, or, The prisoners prognostications for the year 1675 wherein are prophesied several truths of very great moment yet to come to pass, which he that contradicts let him have a care he does not find them true by experience / by the author of the first Montelion and Satyr against hypocrites.

March's Observations.

BUt now 'tis Vacation, Every man to his Cage, No budging without the Territo∣ries of S. George. Room enough a-conscience for the holy Exercises there performed, Dice∣ing, drabbing, drinking. Venus is very Powerful here, but Bacchus much more, being indeed the very Baal Peor of this place. As for the stars of the first Magnitude, you shall find them at the Leg or the Golden Lyon; but all must not be such, for then what would the lesser orbs of Alehouses do for the Com∣fort of their enclining Influences. But, quoth the Creditors, What tydings does your hea∣venly Post bring yee concerning the pay∣ment of our Debts? not a tittle by Jove. No my dear friends, this is the Land of Oblivion. Not a quartern of Brandy but is an Antidote against Sorrow, not a pipe of Wine, or a bar∣rel of Beer, but was perfect Letye. In a short while they forget you, in a long time you forget them. Alas, should all men pay their debts, Some would have nothing left, and others would have all; there would be no flux and reflux of Fortune, should the Tide run all one way, no loss aswel as again, and cheating would have too great an inco∣ragement

should it alwaies prosper. Prove that ever, in any age of the world, all men paid their Debts, and we will entreat the starrs to let ye have it so again. But do you think to alter the course of Nature for your humours? Having received this sad news from the heavenly Intelligencer, the Poor Creditors are as various in their Humour as the weather. The Mercer shakes his head and cries, I'le spend five hundred pounds before I'le be thus trapann'd. The Milliner cries—Hang't give us t'other Cup of Sack 'tis well 'tis no worse—by my soul the Gentleman seemed to me to be such an honest man, that I would have trusted him with all the goods in my Shop. The Poor Taylor holding his hands under his Arm Pitts, well quoth he, I know as cunning a fellow as any is in England, and if there be ever a trick i'the Law, Begarr, I'le make him smoke for't. Ad's foot he ows me beside for above a twelve months Lodging.—But a Pox a my Wife she is so willing to entertain handsom Gentlemen.