POEMS BY BEN. FRANCIS.
Vivat in aeternum REX CAROLUS SECUNDUS; Quem Deus nunc & in saecula saeculorum conservet, oro.
Enter'd according to Order.
LONDON, Printed by T. R. for the Author, 1660.
A Pastorall Elegie, upon the Barbarous decollation of King Charles the first, of ever Glorious memory; written shortly after his death.
Palaemon. Chorus of Shepherds.
PALAE.
I From the Bloodyest Barbarous Act am fled
That ever was by Monsters nourished;
And though my feet pursue an eager flight,
Yet still my soul retaines that horrid sight,
Ah Cursed fate which me unwilling drew
To that sad place this Tragedy to view.
CHOR.
What Luckless fate, what wofull accident
Hath happ't that makes Palaemon to Lament?
[Page 2] What sad misfortune is't that can possess
Thy sprightly soul with so much heaviness?
Needs must the cause be great that moves thee now,
Since sorrow's seldom seen to Cloud thy brow.
PALAE.
Ah dearest mates, mirth sounds a sad retreat;
The day is come our Ruins are compleat:
Our miseries cast up in this most dread
and black prodigious Totall, Charles is dead.
CHOR.
What! Charles the Great, the Good, the Quintessence
Of all our earthly happiness; from whence
Our breath we draw; and by whose beames we live?
Ah! dear Palaemon, 'tis a cause to grieve:
Horror Confounds us; yet we pray thee tell
By what sad Chance this best of Princes fell.
PALAE.
Should death and all Hells powers stand between,
And make Relation what mine eyes have seen,
To hear this execrable Act express't,
Would Conjure Terror in each furies breast.
This Cursed Rout; this most prodigious band
Of Ravenous Tigers that infest this Land,
Great Charls surpriz'd and dragg'd him to the Barr,
Where all his deadlyest foes his Judges were,
Peace is accus'd of Warr; Meekness of Pride;
[Page 3] Mercy of blood, and truth by Treason's try'd:
Whose Royall soul their Arrogance Contemn'd,
Till Monstrous guilt pure innocence Condemn'd,
And sentence past of death: hut O! prepare
Your hearts of Steel, or bid my tongue forbeare.
CHOR.
O no, speak on, and let thy words redound
Such Terror to our souls that may Confound
Our vitall Spirits, in such sort, whereby
We may obtaine the benefit to dye.
PALAE.
O 'twas a Crime past Satans when he fell
A fact no age can yeild it's parallel.
In deep Oblivion Mithridates sleep,
Nero and Tarquin with Tereus keep
A harmless squeaking; Cromwell and his Traine
Outstrip your Rage and Tyrannyes retaine.
From hence he's brought to that most wofull place
Glorious of late by his Illustrious face:
White-hall: whence he his Godlike Mandates gave,
And all the World his bountys did receive.
There whence his vertue through the earth was fam'd
There, there; those impious hands his Scaffold fram'd,
There like a Lamb he's to the Slaughter led,
There Hells stern brood smote off his Royall head.
CHOR.
[Page 4]Was there no signe no miracle discry'd?
The Sun was darkened when our Saviour dy'd,
And could he view this Act so full of Dread
And not amaz'd shrink in his frighted Head?
PALAE.
'Twas not without a signe which did contract
A wonder to attend this monstrous Act,
Five Angels in the shapes of Fouls appear'd,
And from the Aire all Cloudy vapours Clear'd,
These hover'd o're the Fatall place and spread
Their blessed wings just o're his Sacred head,
Eager to catch his Soul before his breath
By that Dire stroke had yeilded unto death.
For one which late above the rest appear'd
With greater evidence the same declar'd,
As if struck dead by these most horrid sights,
Stoops down and almost on the Scaffold lights,
Then up retreats, and wings againe assumes,
And to her former height directs her Plumes,
There stayes a while and hovers in the skyes,
Then with his Soul they vanisht from our eyes.
CHOR.
No more; no more; his fall's a greefe so high,
None can Lament unless a Jeremy:
[Page 5] Yet dear Palaemon we may justly turn
Our greefs from him and for our selves may mourn.
His Blessed Soul now sits above the spheares,
And there most happy Tryumphs ore the Stars,
Whilst we in's blood to our destruction swim,
'Twas us they murder'd when they struck at him.
PALAE.
Hold, Hold, forbear your Mourning and no more
His wrongs, nor your own injuryes deplore:
See; see; his Ashes move; his Blood revives
And there behold where Charles the Second lives:
Where Phaenix like he rises from his dust,
And Charles the great proceeds from Charles the just,
By whose great hand the potent Heaven decrees
A just revenge for these dire Butcheryes.
Mean time (my dear Associates) come, O come,
Let's pay our Tribute to his Sacred Toome
And Begg from Heaven a charme unto our verse
That may for ever Guard his Royall Herse.
Rebellious Traytors Tremble; come not neer;
Hence with your Sacrilegious feet, forbear:
Touch not our dust we Charge ye; but be gone,
And Rue the Act your Cursed hands have done:
Nay rather mourn your miserable fate,
Since no Repentance this can expiate.
But you whose breasts this horrid act doth move
With sad Resentments of a Loyall Love,
Draw nearer, and devoutly spend a teare,
'Tis Charles the Great, the Good, the Just, lyes here.
AN ENTERLUDE Upon the sudden Extirpation of our late great Controlers.
- Speakers.
- Philotheus.
- Philolethes,
- Fleetwood.
- Lambert.
- Vane.
- Lenthall.
- Richard, late Protector.
- Mutes.
- Berry.
- Hewson.
Enter Philotheus, Philolethes.
PHILOTH.
VVHat! are our Glorious Plannets set so soon?
Has Tardy Saturn quite outstript the Moone?
And made a quicker Revolution farr,
Then Sol or Luna in our Hemisphere?
Is this great Fleetwood? that great Lambert? he!
These grand Corrivalls in the Soveraignty?
Is all their power defunct? their great Commands
dissolv'd and lost?—
PHILOLE.
Yes see where Fleetwood stands,
A piteous object—
PHILOTH.
Sure it cannot be
That Fleetwood! sure that sniv'ling Elef's not he.
PHILOLE.
But 'tis the same—
PHILOTH.
Truly if it be so
His Excellency's now exceeding low:
[Page 9] He's Courting Lenthall, and for pardon sues,
His late absurd Transgressions to excuse.
PHILOLE.
But hear him speak.
FLEETWOOD.
Great Sir accept I pray;
The Soveraign power, and unbounded sway;
With all those great Exactions, and Commands,
We lately wrested from your sacred hands.
Acknowledging our errour and offence,
Witness these humble teares of Penitence;
Alas 'tis true, cheer'd, with the late success,
We found perform'd with so much easiness,
Crying up Justice, and the good old Cause,
How right we either meant, the auncient Laws
In time may judg between us—
PHILOTH.
Faith 'tis true,
Your fate's the same; when Tyburn claimes his due,
FLEETWOOD.
In overturning puny Richards powers,
We by his fatall fall, advanced yours;
And to your Pristin state, did you restore;
Whence your Protector kick't ye out before.
[Page 10] Thus we first rais'd, then Routed you, and I,
In Imitation of his subtilty,
Manag'd these great affaires: but he alass,
In greater favour with the Devil was;
Who him preserved in the Government
Untill his soul to his Protection went.
When as upon the Contrary, when I
No sooner mounted on the Soveraignty,
As if my service had not equall'd his
In Barbarous Treasons, and Impietys;
When first I seiz'd the Government of State,
You my Commission voted out of date,
My Mushroome Majesty extinguish't, all
My hopes Conclude in this most shamefull fall.
Exit Weeping.
PHILOLE.
What is he gone? doubtless he more had spoke,
But that his teares his stammering words did Choak:
And now behold where Lambert doth appear,
But not as Late onth' Northwick Theater:
When like a Tempest he came Thundring on
Poor timerous Booth and aged Middleton:
VVhom by his looks he vanquished; and now
He looks so poorely, that he knows not how
For shame t' appear; or shew his graceless Face.
PHILOTH.
" These Beagles hunted honor as their Chace:
" They made a faire pursuit and kept the Troyle,
" But now hunt Counter back upon the foyle:
[Page 11]" The prize deserted with a shallow Cry,
" untill they seise their former Beggery,
Now comes to make Confession of his sins:
Hark and observe the Brasen head begins.
PHILOLE.
How well the Epithite befits the place:
" And properly; he's Aries head and Face,
" Nothing deficient, to compleat it so,
" For Hornes his VVife procur'd him long agoe.
LAMBERT.
Most mighty Sir! into whose powerfull hands
Dominion's Crept, by those united bands,
VVe lately from your guard expuls'd and thought
By Clipping your long wings our own t' have brought
To that aspiring pitch; this Land to steer,
And why not I, as well as Oliver?
I had the Sword alike, t' assist my Claime:
And no man doubts, but that our right's the same,
Nor wanted fit associates, to my aide;
Untill your envious Gen'rall Monk betrayd
My rising fortunes; and my hope prevents
By his more gallant, honester intents.
No more let Fleetwood boast himself, 'twas I
That imitated Nolls old Policy,
And things at first to this distraction brought,
being tutor'd by the self same Spirit, wrought
[Page 12] The selfsame way; he purg'd them that withstood
The shedding of Great Charles his sacred blood,
And Fairfax from the Generalship expell'd;
Whereby the rule he uncontrouled hel'd
As need requir'd, reserving you withall
These few dependants, which the Rump we call,
Till time occasion gave, by scattering you,
The Government did to himself accure:
Whereby he Trampled on your yielding necks:
And unreprov'd securely played REX:
All England made observant to his eye:
Whilst none durst murmur at his Tyranny:
This my ambition aim'd at; and went on
Traceing the very footsteps he had gone.
First as a Parliament I called you
(Being still Obsequious to the Sword I knew)
Which prov'd a faire beginning; for in hast
Poor sneaking Richard to the ground we cast,
With all his Titles and his Honors down,
Even so by him Great Charles was overthrown.
Nor herein know I what I more could do
Then what I did unless I'd hang'd him too:
But he poor Fool no further strove to try it,
But took his whipping kindly, and is quiet.
PHILOLE.
Whereby 't appeares he never was the Son
Of Oliver but only Maddam Jone.
LAMBERT.
[Page 13]Then I the Cheshire Forces did oppose
With equall Terror, as his dreadfull Nose
Brave Ormond and the Irish overcame,
So this I trusted would augment my fame,
VVhich rais'd my soul to such a height of pride,
When with a Thousand pounds you gratify'd
That rare Exploit, it seemed to express
A glad presage of a more great success.
Next, that I might his Scholar more appear,
And wisely hoping that the time drew near,
The Army (then my slaves) I hither drew,
And like my President supplanted you,
First having by my Patrons Policy,
Advanced Fleetwood to the Generalty,
Thereby the more t' engage him to my aid,
But quickly would of him a Fairfax made.
And thus you see 'twas not my want of brains
That made the Dev'll so soon reward my pains.
Discourteous fate! can Richard now forbeare
Having so fit a subject for to jeare
His Brother Fleetwood, and my self when we
With such disgrace quit our Authority?
O mortall shame! and what is worse 't appeares
We'r subject to Politicus his jeares.
Much more a Devill, would 't not vex a Saint,
He who so lately with our names did paint
His weekly Pamphlets; raisd us to the Skyes,
And all our Actions us'd to Canonize:
[Page 14] Can now imploy his wanton scurrilous Pen
In making matches with Sir Henry Vane,
For Wimbletons Infanta and his Son.
O Hell! 'tis time or never to have done!
Such high disgrace the Boyes will hoot that hear it!
VANE.
O Brother 'tis our fate and we must bear it,
No Remedy remains our shame's so great,
Unless the Alderman of York's Receipt;
Though my ambition soar'd not all so high
As yours, who playd on surer grounds then I?
I alwayes temporiz'd, and where I saw
The Sword prevail, and Justice still withdraw;
I made the Sword my Load-starre; by it steer'd
And ever where it Rul'd, there I appear'd;
Untill this fatall; this prodigious Rout;
Wherein the Sword did with the Hilt fall out,
And strange! when first against it self it bent
It's horrid point; my Craft did still prevent
Approaching dangers; seeing both sides loath
To leave their rule; I took a part with both
Comply'd with you that first brought on the Warre,
And yet sat close with these at Westminster,
That whether side so ere prevaild, I thought
Mine own secure; but now alas I'm brought
To this untimely Ruin.
PHILOTH.
'Tis not so,
'Tis more then time ye all had hang'd ere now.
VANE.
[Page 15]By this discovery and the Dyre event
That made my double dealings evident;
But O what mortall man conceiv'd that ye
Would such revengers be of Treachery.
LENTHALL.
Friends, 'tis your fortune, grudge not at our powers
Theeves have their Reign ye know, & you had yours:
If fates have payd ye what your work deserves
So soon (as Gusman learnedly observes)
You ought not blame them; for the fates are free
And 'twas not them but your simplicity
That wrought your bane; how many of the Trade
Prosper an age, ere their accompts be made?
VVhen others contrary to these we see
(Being not so expert in the Mystery)
Perish upon their first Transgressions: so
Your indiscretions wrought your overthrowe:
What foolish madness was 't possest your brain
To think of acting that old Scoene again,
Wherein as both affirm, you strove t' appear
The perfect Scholars of old Oliver?
You did observe his Policies, 'tis true;
And trac't his steps as neere as men could do:
But fail'd when your design you should have bent
Not the same way, but one equivalent:
O then yee'd gaind your wished ends; when now
The more ye did▪ the more ye made us know
[Page 16] How to prevent your Actions in the State;
Which drawe on all a lamentable fate:
For know 'tis order'd that poor Richard he
(O're whom ye acted your first Tyranny)
Be made your Judge, and what his sole Command
Decrees; it must unalterably stand.
Enter RICHARD in a fools Coat.
Lenthall removing, he takes his place and gives judgement.
RICHARD.
What happy fates this Revolution wrought
That my desires to this perfection brought
Even past my hopes expectancy shall I
An Ideot Censure fools before I dye!
Where's the Delinquents? Cause them to appear
Fleetwood come forth; and Lambert stand you there.
Enter FLEETWOOD.
Brother your will.—I yield unto your rule,
Not as the elder but the greater fool.
RICHARD.
[Page 17]You speak too late friend, 'tis no thanks to yield
To our subjection when ye'r thus compel'd:
Are these the men me from that power constrain'd
Which my late Fathers usurpation gain'd,
And me condemn'd uncapable of Rule
My Father being a Knave and I a fool!
O horrid impudence! dos't not appear
That you as well as subtill Oliver,
Expulst these members from the Parliament,
Whose loud Remonstrance publisht your assent!
Speak damned Hypocrites, must Oliver
The sum of all your curst Transgressions bear,
Condemn'd for all, when you alike as he
Were equall Actors in each Tragedy?
Wading through blood and Tyranny 'tis true
For which I doubt he's damn'd, and so will you:
Your guilt's so evident we shall not need
For further proof but sentence may proceed:
'Tis vain to think that Justice so insenc't,
Can with your worthless lives be recompens't,
Besides our mercy some relief shall give
To your despairing souls; ye all shall live:
Fleetwood and Lambert 'tis to you decreed
That you stark naked shall to Rushia speed
And there remain in the Muscovian fields,
Which sometimes cold yet store of Hony yields.
You lov'd and had so sweet a time before
You still shall be with Hony noynted o're.
[Page 18] And being you here are famous for your Arms,
Your office there shall be to guard the swarms
From Wasps invasion which the Hives assail
With the long feather of a Capons Tail.
And you because your impious name is Vane,
Shall to the Pigmies, and affront the Crane
Banisht from hence to Earths remot [...] [...]nd
Your Valour try; your hands behind [...]und,
Whereby you'l give us cause t'accomp [...] wise,
If in those Conflicts you preserve your eyes.
Now Berry you so silent all this while
Whose dark extract came from a Charcole-pile,
Shall post to Aetna, there constrain'd to lie
Where th' hottest showers of flaming Cinders fly
Expecting no relief, or ere come down
From that sad place till Hell shall claim its own.
But you, you Cobling Poliphemus; you
With that your squint Monoculus shall view
These Judgements put in execution,
And see each tittle be exactly done;
But least they grumble that we favour you
You must perform this Charge stark naked too,
Which being done, we doubt not t'will appear,
Of all their sufferings you'l not want a share.
Our Judgement's past! let this our grand report
Be ratify d, and so dissolve the Court.
Flourish. exeunt.
Manent Philotheus. Philolethes.
PHILOTH.
O dearest Philolethes have not we
A Cause to magnifie the Deity?
These black prodigious Clouds dispers't and gone,
Confirms our hope to see the rising Sun.
Advance great Charles, thy storms are overblown,
And smiling Heaven presents thee with a Crown.
PHILOLE.
But O my Philotheus when shall we
Be blest with that compleat felicity
Our souls so long desire (next Heaven alone)
To see him plac't on his bles't Fathers Throne.
PHILOTH.
O doubt not Philolethes, we shall see
A glad reward for all our misery.
Hells pow'rs depos'd, and Heaven's propitious eyes
Benignely looke on our Calamities.
That happy time draws near that will produce
A glorious subject for our drooping Muse:
Then in a lofty strain wee'le chant and sing,
And eccho forth our joy, a King a King!
Deo semper & ubique Gloria.
AN ELEGIE
Upon the death of that most valorous and gallant Gentleman, Capt. Edward Morgan, slain near Northwich in Cheshire, August 19. 1659.
MOst wofull fate! had we but onely one
Right valiant noble soul? and is he gone!
O'twas t' appease the offended Deities
That they chose out this richest sacrifice,
Whereby they might our errors expiate
And make our Adversaries sins compleat.
Brave happy soul! whose spirit did defy
Subordination to the Tyranny
Of Earth-born Brats and Spawns of Hell; who thus
Most insolently Lord it over us.
How did thy rare unerring Judgement see,
The guilt of their abhorred Treachery,
Who like to self-condemning Traytors, fled
Before encounter'd; or scarce threatned:
Then forth most brave Heroick Morgan stood
And seal'd our Causes justice with his blood.
That Hell-belch't flame, that wing'd the fatal Lead,
Which rais'd thy soul, and struck thy body dead.
[Page 21] Hells Instrument encounters and commands
A trembling terror in the Traytors hands,
And so each drop which from thy body fell
Condens't and press't a Rebels soul to hell.
Forbear ye Sonnes of darkness; you that boast
A happy fate by what our party lost,
Falsly accusing Heaven to patronize
Your horrid Treasons and curst villanies;
Nor say that God your foul Rebellion owns,
Because success your damned Actions Crowns.
No, no, just Heaven a while its Arm recalls,
That it may prove the heavier when it falls.
And thus the Cursed Antichristian Crew
Of Mahomet are justly yoak't with you.
Mean while most blessed Soul, our Loyall eyes
Shall pay their Tribute to thy Obsequies:
Lament thy losse; and from the glorious Train
Of happy Martyrs, wish thee back again;
Forgive the Injury (great Saint) which we
Herein commit gainst thy felicity;
Where thou remain'st and from her starry Throne
Thy milk-white soul, on erring men looks down:
Yet still we wish thee here! O sad distress!
Our losse is great, which makes our Crime the less;
This palliates our presumption; and herein
Makes even Sacriledge a veniall sin.
[Page 22] For though that thou 'mongst those bright Troops dost shine,
Yet wanting thee our wofull Troops decline;
And in this sad distraction must abide;
Thus onely labouring to be satisfy'd.
That thou endeavouring Charles a Crown to gain,
Did'st to thy self a glorious Crown attain.
A Relation of a mad merry Ramble, merrily begun, and as madly concluded.
VVHen Pleasant Summer to the colder signes,
It's flowry Meads and verdant Boughs resignes,
And Phaebus cast's on us a Feebler Ray
Cold Winter entring Cloaths the fields in Gray,
Such was the Morne when by my Friend call'd on
I left the House of Noble
Kinaston of Otley.
Kinaston,And straight to Marbury steer'd our course from thence
There to compose 'twixt friends a difference,
Which hardly ended ere we fudd'led were,
And for repose return'd to Combermere.
(But think not pray ye Gentlemen that here
Il'e in my Journall turn Geographer,
Nay I beseech ye Sirs forbear t' expect
That here I Speed, or Camden should Correct,
Although 'tis true I travail'd late the bounds
Of a faire Country, which it self surrounds
In fruitfull foyle, and bless't with Auncient fame,
Till late Rebellion forfeited the same:
But I must needs averr 'tis gain'd agen
By diverse Loyall souls that dwell therein,
Yet be it known 'tis not my task to prate
How Rivers run or Townes be scytuate.)
[Page 12] Being here refreshed with a moderate Rest,
Betimes next morning we our selves addrest't
Unto a place where we appointed were
To meet the Auncient Spurstowes gallant heire
Who us Conducted to that goodly seat
That's honord with his name; a house repleat
With noble entertainment; sumptuous cheere,
Free Cordiall welcome; high and mighty Beere:
O thou most terrible and Monstrous (b) Beare
That gav'st me first my entertainment there,
(a) Birch Can with the rough bark on it, that held about a quart.
I can't forget how thou did'st me surprise,
Forcing sad teares to trickle from mine eyes,
Which as a preparation to our course
Of harder drinking must'red up our force,
Wilbraham, Spurstow, Griffiths, Allen, J:
Being at present all the Company,
For earnest bus'ness Fletcher had withdrawn,
And in his absence I remaind his Pawn.
Each man Charg'd Cup observ'd this Watchword—now!
'Tis bravely done Boyes; what's here more to do:
Is all perform'd? the field we needs must win,
Faith we must Rally, Charge 'em up agen:
Whilst thus we ranted and fell on pell mell,
If not the first, I was the next that fell
Where now I do entreat ye let me lye.
Disturb me not I'le waken by and by,
So! now I am reviv'd; prepar'd to try
A fesh encounter with the Enemy
[Page 25] That did so lately foyle me: but what's here,
Methinks a Thund'ring at the Gates I hear;
The word is brought us, Fletcher is return'd,
Whose absence we so much in Beer bouls mourn'd,
A dreadfull sight behind him did appear
As strange, as ugly, so that some did swear
If ere the Devil as fam'd that house assail'd
He then had brought him like a Cloak-bagg mail'd:
But yet to be resolv'd we all drew near,
And that she's split up from the hipps did swear.
Faith Sir I had been so ere I came hither,
But that my C—'s compos'd of stretching Leather,
We bad brave Fletcher Welcome with his guide,
His naked Hanger glitt'ring by his side,
The Scabbert lost when
Out of his Belt.
out the same he drewAnd furiously a drinking-Can he slew.
This Scene performed we settled foot to foot,
The Cups go round, and we a fresh fell to't,
Each Cup contein'd a friends remembrance in't,
Till full four houres we of the night had spent:
Now Fletchers Luggage drunk denyes to take
Cupps as before; nor yet would she forsake
Our Company, but evermore she Cry'd,
Do what ye will, I will not tak't, 'twas try'd:
Quoth I, thy face shall hav't, my breech cryes she
Will better brook it, and more willingly
Shall take it for me; I who first begun't
At her entreaty dash't it in her C—.
[Page 26] Now time it was to part, the far spent night
Our wearied bodyes did to rest invite.
A small repose suffis'd our labouring braines,
As if forgot our last nights taking paines,
Again we freely quaff the flowing juyce
Which Tellus tortured bosom did produce;
And in the afternoon we went to see
A Town of Auncient note call'd Bunbury,
Where being sate we tipp'led there a space,
At night removing to another place,
The Habitation of one Badcock, where
We all encounter'd by our hostess were:
How Bad the Cock may be we nothing know,
But Allan's well assur'd the Hen was so:
For 'twas at first his sad and luckless chaunce,
Calling her VVhore, to cause her to advaunce
Her deadly Tallons, grappling armes at length,
The Devil could hardly match her Mastiff strength,
VVe in our friends defence did all arise:
Away ye Drunken Puppyes she replyes,
Have you been drinking elsewhere all the day,
And now at night come here your wreaks to play?
Her Husband stood and could not speak indeed,
But all the Children were the Mothers breed,
VVhose trebble Throats so sharpe a note did raise
As Challeng'd Hell to match them with a base.
Their tongues; his silence; was enough from whence
To prove her VVhore▪ and quite dissolve suspence.
At length concluding peace from hence we went
Unto another house of more content,
[Page 27] Where being enter'd, I desir'd to know
If Allens strength had fail'd him yea or no,
So too't we fell; and whilst we struggling were,
By chaunce I stumbled o're the Schoolmaster,
What Gentlemen crye's he forbeare your speed,
I have a charge about me; pray take heed,
I trust you will not rob me: out he flyes;
I to intreat him follow'd: whilst he cryes
Hang out your lights, Good people, else these Rogues
VVill rifle here the best of Pedagogues:
Good Sir refraine these extasies quoth I,
Nor thus abandon civell Company.
My charge, my charge cryes he, my charge is lost,
A Mark or neer't: was ever man so cross't?
Thus I pursu'd him to the furies door,
The fatall House from whence we came before,
VVhere by the Candlelight we might perceive
His Eyeballs from their stations taking leave.
Thus did we leave him half dissolv'd with fear,
And back to Spurstow we that night repaire.
Early next morning ere I could arise,
Thrice that prodigious Bear did me surprise,
Thrice was I forc't to turn that substance o're,
Till rest became as needfull as before,
Yet not permitted me: enforc't to leave
My sweet repose, full goblets to receive
Of flowing Liquor; Liquor that might raise
Strains more sublime to speak the founders praise,
VVhose noble Breast so rare a soul inherits,
Mirrors of sweetness equall to his Merits,
[Page 28] And may a world of happiness pursue
His noble House which now we bid adue.
Still his oblieging presence we retaine,
And back to Bunbury we march againe,
Where long our wandering fancies could not bide,
But for a frollick in the evening tyde,
Remov'd to Northwich nine miles distant, where
With lusty Sack we did our spirits chear,
Our suppers ended, and our brains well try'd,
A brace of Beds convenient did provide
Both in a Roome; we hugg'd our needfull rest
Whilst either Wine or weariness opprest
Our Drowzy sences: but not long our eyes
We soon disclose, and make Obedience rise
To give attendance; stooles instead of Drums
Strook up th' Alarum; till at last she comes
Whereat we all our loathed Beds forsake,
And through the house a match of rambling make:
Room after Room we search resov'd to see
Our Landlord with his Wife in Geminy
As we suppos'd they were; thus in we go,
But she deny'd and Vow'd it was not so:
Well he replyes sweet heart be not afraid,
Thy due benev'lence shall be justly paid,
And shall it so? (then Fletcher cryes) make room
Between ye both, there I to bed must come,
A weak resistance proveing vaine he in
To bed did step, and 'twixt them did begin
A health to their performance on each side
His place resign'd was by the next supply'd,
[Page 29] Till all had pledg'd this jolly health, and then
We all agree to take our restsagen,
Betimes next morning with the Sun we rise
All deadly sick with last nights exercise,
With looks dejected every thirsty soul,
Doth his afflicted Brothers Case Condole,
Till at the length we did our selves assure
What wrought the Malady would work the Cure,
Applauding what the
Bishop Andrews in praise of Ale.
learned Father taughtThe vertue of a plentuous mornings draught:
Now little Mallary did our Tribe Augment
With whom we sound the Cellers deep descent,
Health upon Health, Cup upon Cup we ply,
The Tavern rung with our confused joy,
Not overlong it being Market day,
We of the Town did take a short survay:
And thence to Daneham two miles off repaire,
There drink, and what we left unfinisht there,
Performe at Middlewich, where we that night
Arrive, but how I could not here recite,
Were't not for two occasions which befell
In this dayes journey most remarkable: viz.
As hence we posted at a speedy rate,
I sadly troubled with the Poets fate,
Ill Horst, Lagg'd after, doubtfull which to chuse
For loosing them I needs my self must loose,
And piss I must: there hast my stay forbid,
So I pursu'd them pissing as I rid:
[Page 30] A hansome Girle before me makes a stand,
As I rid on, my whynyard in my hand.
Now out, upon ye Sir: what's that I see?
O been't asham'd sweet heart? troth you may be.
Of what? it's posture. Mistriss I presume
To serve you 'twould a better forme assume:
Hast now denyes me time farewell; but yet
Your new acquaintance pray ye not forget:
He's at your Service, and who knowes but fate
Your familiarity may renovate?
Next (sad remembrance) was a fatall fall
Where Horse and man, and man and Horse and all
Fell to the ground, my Horse above the eares,
Above the Elbowes I in dirt appeares,
Sadly bedabled, not at all asham'd,
Rather in me a haughty spirit it fram'd:
For entring th' Town I forc't a man to stand,
And with obeisance kiss my dirty hand.
Hence to our Inn: noyse flies about the Town,
Gallants are come, mongst whom Ben Johnson's one,
(so Spurstow call'd me) how! a third replyes,
If Ben be there 'tis time for us to rise,
He'l scare them from their witts where e're they go,
Then sure 'tis he; for they'r already so.
Whilst Rumor thus reports our boon arive,
We overhead in monstrous Flaggons dive,
Till overcharg'd of sence and friends bereft,
Poor harmeless I upon a Bed was left.
What then worth notice past my braines so wet,
Must needs be pardon'd if I do forget:
[Page 31] For some report that we a supper had,
Wherein I must confess, my memory's bad;
Yes, and that I thereon did freely feed:
Pardon, sweet Host, I knew not what I did;
Wakening, I assay'd to stand; me thought with ease
My feet perambulate th' Antipodes,
Seeking to go, I imitate the Sun,
When he in his diurnall course doth run;
Whereat enraged, and amaz'd, I sware
That Fates had turn'd me perpendicular;
My head descends, and like a Meteor flies
Through fleeting Aire, I foot the arched skies.
But stay, I am encompast with a roof,
I feel the walls, and come from bed for sooth,
And fain would find't again, but that alas,
I sought about and knew not where it was.
And still the more I search, the more I'm led
Through darksome entryes, black Enigma's thred,
Whereat I stamp't, and swore I was crept in
The Labyrinth where Minotaur had been,
Hopeless of restauration, crying, where
Is faithfull Phaedra, Ariadne neer?
When lo at last, most welcome one appears,
Take heed, your worship's tumbling down the stairs.
In fine, the rest, which I two hours had sought,
Obtain'd, again I to the bed was brought,
Whereon ere I could hardly close mine eyes,
We are inform'd again, 'tis time to rise;
For that most Noble Manwaring had then
Vouchsaf't a visit to the Gentlemen;
Manwaring of Bostok,
[Page 32] Whose courteous favours, if my pen forget,
May I in shames black Catalogue be set.
For base Ingratitude, in which 'tis said
All Crimes and Vices are at once display'd.
No time delay'd; but up they all arose,
I shortly after, mockt with a repose,
With all celerity forsook my rest,
And shook my ears, no sooner up but drest.
And hence we went to please a various mind,
Where every Woodcock on a Woodcock din'd.
What next we acted, few men understood,
Being half distracted, mad with foolish food;
Fletcher and Spurstowe, with young Mallery,
Maintain a combat 'gainst poor Jack and I,
And whil'st brave Mallery on the table fought
Op'e stood the Casement, whil'st I striving sought
To pull him down, he less himself amends;
For out the window he from them, descends.
I fearing's hurt, lookt after him, and thought
To call for help, when by the heels I'm caught,
And after him sent; partaker of his fate,
To wish me back 'twas quickly grown too late,
Whil'st both supposd we by our falls should dye,
But 'twas not so, we fell so dextrously,
Excelling Airey Hope, or Pudding's sleight:
For like to Cats, on hands and feet we light,
Nor fear'd, nor hurt, insensible of pain,
We rise and breath, and to't we fall again.
Two hours this lasted, till in fine made friends
With Ale which Caesars Coments so commends.
He who but came and look't and overthrew
Yet still assirm, proceeding ages will,
His conquering sword was conquer'd by his Quill.
Ale, thy rare vertuses, and thy sacred use,
Is th'glorious subject of his crowned Muse.
I'le not relate what afterwards besell;
But here we bid brave Manwaring farewell,
And little Mallery: hence we undertake
A three miles journey, for our Hoses sake,
For them no further we that night compell,
They did but little, but they did it well;
For on the Road an Inne we found, and there
A boon and bounteous Host, indifferent Beer,
Who us before our money did regard,
So he with us in every pottle shar'd:
For what for four pence they to others sold,
Afforded us for three, and swore 't should hold
Whil'st we remain'd there; to't we sate that night,
Till bright Aurora put the starrs to flight.
And then, as we prepar'd to go away,
Comes Erswick's Minshul, and procures our stay,
With him re-entring, there we drink again,
Till onely one half barrell did remain,
Which we resolve at one health to drink up,
And for that purpose found a Posset cup,
environ'd with black handles round about,
Which held four Flagons justly measur'd ouu.
This monstrous dish we drink, of sable hue,
Horrendum dictu; but by—'tis true.
[Page 34] Now bound for Namptwich, without lets or stays,
O're hedge and ditch, to'voyd the fouler wayes;
At length arriving neer the place where late
The Kings Army being routed there
A thousand Gallant souls receiv'd their fate.Here we alighted in the Towns survay,
And till their Preachment's past resolv'd to stay;
During which time, by chance there hapn'd to be
Two brethren of Saint Hugh's fraternity,
With me dispos'd to quarrell; till the one
Recants, and crys, to you I am unknown:
Brave 'squier Starky (thus for him mistook
He Spurstow) but were Spurstow here, he'd look
More favourably, and him defend from harms;
He oft had hugg'd the Booby in his arms:
And sure he was, he'd free him from abuses.
Spurstow begins, and thus himself accuses:
Spurstow's an Ass, a base ignoble slave,
I long since lent him money; which to have
I now dispair: how much was't, he requires;
But fourty shillings; onely my desires
Are these, to have thee beat him for't sometime,
And here behold the moiety is thine.
Sir, let me see him; I will do the deed,
Though he in strength, or stature should exceed
The great Golias; here's the man will do't,
I'le bring his neck beneath your worships foot.
Then here's thy money; now prepare thy hands,
And here, behold where little Spurstow stands:
[Page 35] Hereat the valiant young man's valour's quail'd,
Throws down the money, lest he be assayl'd
By us, and beaten; to a Chamber by
He quits the room, and there takes sanctu'ry,
There rests secure, when he that hold had gain'd,
Bolted within, without the key remain'd:
And that he might more safely there abide,
We lock't him in, and thence with th' key did ride.
Neerer the Town an Inne we sought; in fine,
We found a Reverend Host, more reverend Sign,
Which to the view in ample distance spreads,
Such as imaginarily the heads
Of many new-bred Nobles, oft adorns,
And frequently in English, call'd The Horns.
Here we alighted, and resolv'd to sup,
There, though the lodgings were before ta'ne up.
Much taken with our Host's boon merriment:
Bedless that night we rather are content
To stay, then enter th' clamorous town, much more
We'd rest that night, as we the night before
Had done: the night we shorten, being long,
With wine and mirth; sometimes John Dory's song.
Thus till the travellers for their march prepar'd,
We drank and sung, and then their places shar'd.
Spurstow and I a little stay'd behind,
The rest afore unto a place design'd
To take our parting tap-lash; for our way
Lay through the town where Spurstow bids me stay,
There at the Holy Lamb we 'lighted down,
Which might be styl'd the Embleme of the Town:
[Page 36] For what more proper simile may be,
Compar'd to painted out-side sanctity:
Or who more fitly can such zeal define,
A house of riot, and a sacred Sign.
Here, to avoyd prolixity of time,
Five pintes apiece of brisk Canary wine
We drank to friends, but chiefly he to one,
To me most dear, although to him unknown,
Which made the favour double; then came in
The Mistress pint, that drunk, we did begin,
To think of Fletcher, who by this, though t's long,
When lo a voyce amidst the ruder throng
Call'd Spurstow, Spurstow; turn again, come hither,
He wanting second thoughts, turn'd, and went thither,
Where being come a Matron grave appears,
One who for beauty aged Sibils years,
Might well example; but for impudence,
and vicious acts, with Circe might commence,
Then with a complement, old as her self, she brought
A Jack with silver tipt, and at a draught
O're turn'd it, though the Jack contain'd a quart.
Then gives it him; here boy, observe my art.
Now heavens protect me, this upon our Wine!
She'l Circe-like transform us both to Swine.
And Beldam for thy favour take this curse;
The pox confound thee, or some plague that's worse.
Thus parted noble Spurstow with his train,
Fletcher and I to Marbury march again.
Some business of the first day's left undone,
Where we remember our companions gone,
[Page 37] Past Acts recount, as loth to part we fit,
And all that redious night we frolick it:
This my fourth night, and Fletchers third, since we
our cloaths put off, or any sheets did see.
So in the morn appearing, you might then
Behold a brace of parboyl'd Gentlemen,
Like cattle standing at Avernus brink,
Even dead with thirst, yet daring not to drink.
Now farwell dearest Fletcher, let's give over,
'Tis time to try, can we our sense recover,
And what my soul to Spurstow renders due,
Thrice noble Fletcher, must return to you;
And pray that heaven may ever let me see,
A bliss on you, and your Posterity;
So to his wishes fortune condescend,
Whose life's your servant, and whose faith's your friend.
BEN. FRANCIS.
Postscript.
CRiticks, excuse the rudeness of my stile,
Perchance my Muse could better Verse compile.
But here my Penn presumes to be as free,
As was our noble Gallant Company;
Nor say I have your tyred sense abus'd
Being over tedious, since 'tis thus excus'd.
The Ramble's long, and those that did it see,
Confess I have affected brevity.
Then howsoe'r my Verse by you's approv'd,
Doubt not, but 'tis by better Wits belov'd.
A Recantation.
1.
YE false deluding Joyes Terrestriall,
Your fond Temptations I despise;
My thoughs are soaring to a Caelestiall,
And never fading Paradise.
Wherefore farewell
Ye steps to Hell,
Your flattering paths I'le tread no more,
Nor your false vanities adore.
2.
Base world, amongst the worst I rank thee,
of ills that e're created were,
As yet I ne're had cause to thank thee.
Thy smiles but base delusions are,
Which since I scorn'd,
To frowns they turn'd;
But thus thy injuries I'le retort,
Detesting to be made thy sport.
3.
'Tis true, I doated on thy pleasures,
And thy alluring treachery;
My soul betray'd in horrid measures
To honour thy impiety,
But now I see
Thy slavery,
I bid farewell to all thy joyes,
And these my most lov'd vanities.
4.
Farewell my Dear, my Boon Companions,
Farewell, Eternally adue;
And for the favours which were many ones,
And loves I alwayes gain'd from you,
I thanks return
To you, and mourn
The precious time we spent in vain,
Which now I'le labour to regain.
5.
By you my company was prized,
And far beyond its worth esteem'd,
So I your joyes have Idolized,
And equall to the blessed deem'd;
But since our love
Did often prove
A lewd debauchery in the end,
Ile to diviner thoughts attend.
6.
And you, fair Virgins, who resemble
The brightness of the radiant skies,
With whom I oft did thus dissemble,
And heavens created in your eyes;
A fairer now,
My thoughts pursue,
And pure devotions duly pay
To one whose splendors ne'r decay.
7.
Yet pray mistake not lovely fair ones,
Your beauties I do still admire,
And bear due Reverence to the Rare ones
Of your most sweet selected quire;
For, when I view
Those forms in you,
My breast with admiration fills
Of your Creators heavenly skills.
8.
And now to you that are devoted,
Alone to serve the Deity;
And to that happiness promoted,
To wait upon the Trinity,
I come, I come,
Vouchsafe me room,
Where I with you my offerings may
Before the sacred Altar lay
9.
Where though this earth our feet retaineth,
Our souls surmount the starry skies,
And in that blest estate remaineth,
Adoring of the Mysteries;
And though 't appear
We wander here,
And breath from this dull Aire receive,
Yet Aliens to the world we live.
FINIS.