MY Countrey Conscience, prompts me not at all
'On feigned Gods, but oth' true God to call
T'inspire my Muse, and help me to relate
The poor English Protestants case and State
In Ireland, and to shew how they grew poor
And why so now, and then, let's God implore
To be their aid, and pray him to enlarge
Our Rich Countreymens hearts, for to discharge
Their duty naturall: For I conclude,
To Help their Helpers is but gratitude.
These poor are such, whose mishap made them so
And not their Sloath, as plainly here I'le showe,
Four hundred years, this venomless fair Land
(Except the Natives hearts) was at Command
Oth' English Scepter, and Imperialll Crowne,
VVhose often Conquests kept Rebellions down
Till Forty one, when Hell broke loose: the Devill
And Popish Priests, all plotting the vncivill
Late bloudy, barb'rous and Inhumane warre
I want apt words, their mallice to declare
That Authors, Actours, and Contrivers were
To kill and spoyle the English ev'ry where
Then spread abroad throughout this Isle in Peace
At home, and in their beds a sleep, did these
Hell-taught Furies, in one black dismal night
One hundred thousand Murther, e're 'twas light
(Except the light, they made by setting fire
Oth' English dwelling houses) But t'inquire
Of all the Tortures, and vnheard of deaths
(Till then) the tongue of any man that breaths
Cannot expresse; much less then can my Pen
For Burn'd, Hang'd, Drown'd & Whip'd to dath were men
[Page 5]Women with Child, and Babes but newly borne
Alive rip'd open, and to pieces torne
Strip'd naked forc'd to run through Furres & Thornes
And hunted were with Doggs (having sett Horns
Vpon their heads, to make them seem strange beasts
VVhreof they boasted, 'mongst themselves at Feasts
All this was nothing to their Cruelty
VVhich to escape, for England they must flye
VVhere Men in hast are raised to suppresse
Those Caniballs, and help, these comfortlesse
VVho soon arrived (by Gods blessing) here
And dar'd the Slaves to Battell every where
Twenty to one, Nay [...]en, they judg'd no odds
To give the Butchers, where the cause was Gods
And in short space, a handfull of Sick men
This Bloudy Nation had almost againe
Quite Conquered: But oh, alas! the VVarre
Twixt KING an Parliament, our Trophees marre
Those Warlike spirits Quash'd by a Cessation
Of Arms; the bloudy Rebells, take occasion
To gather strength whilst our weake aids do scatter
They seem, themselves with Victorie to flatter
Takeing advantage of the time, their Traine
Is brought with speed, their lost Forts to regaine
All's now their owne, except some Sea-port town
And that's Besieg'd, and almost batter'd downe
VVherein letts leave them, praying for some ayd
And crosse the Seas for England let us wade
VVhere Agents do addresse themselves toth' King
And Parliament, more forces thence to bring
But all in vaine, their owne turnes first they'l serve
Let Ireland sink or swim, or yeild or Starve.
VVhen Youghall was besieg'd, and Corke block'd up
Kinsale, and Bandon bridge dreading the Cup
[Page 6]The Rebells had prepar'd for them to drink
Of Irelands sad estate, what could men think?
The vast Estate of him thats now a Lord
One bit of bread to him did not affoard
VVould he not Promise much, but think ye then,
To VVarlike Officers and all their men
That durst adventure but to fetch a Prey
From his lost Lands; what promises I say
VVould he not make? should not the Soldiers share
Be the one half at least, oth'gaine by warre?
VVould he not Promise much, but think ye too
If ere came Peace, what he for them would do?
They should have Farmes, to live on, at such Rates
As if the same, had been their owne Estates
And, in all Cities, and the Markett townes
They should be Freemen, if not weare Furre Gownes▪
Have ye not heard, how the Mouse in a Kieve
Of good Ale drowning, promised to give
Her self, toth'Cat, if she would help her out
Of that same danger; whereof (there is no doubt)
The Cat was glad; and forthwith lent her hand
And brought her forth: The Mouse then at a stand
What she should do; at length espy'd a hole
Wherein she crept: the Car, seeing her stole
Away; said, Faithless Mouse performe your word
Or ne're againe such help 'Ile you affoard:
The Mouse secure, tells her a pretty tale
Wee keep no promises made in our Ale;
So here I say, Soldiers were promis'd fair
While to regaine Ireland, most did dispaire
But now▪ the work is done, they like the Cat
Payd by the Mouse, are even laughed at.
In England now the broyles are growne so great
Some for the King and others for the State
[Page 7]That men grow scarce, the Father's up in Armes
Against the Son, the Son againe Alarmes
His Fathers Quarters, Roundheads and Cavaliers
They call each other in despight, and Iears
They turne their Colters to sharp Spears, and Swords
And fall to fighting, more with Blows, than words
There is no roome for Cowards, all wil [...] fight
'Tis old mens glory, and the Youths delight
It was long doubtfull, which should overcome
Sometimes the Crowne prevail'd, and other some
'Its Enemie: and to promote each cause
For bounden Prentices they make new Laws,
To take up Armes, and serve their times, ith' warre
No Corporations, may their Freedoms barre
This liberty proclaim'd, like cursed Charmes
Emptyes the Shops, & fills the field with Armes
Some borne by Men, but more, by Boyes they're Soldiers
That can but Musquetts carry on their shoulders.
Most hurtfull prov'd this Act, toth' Age Fifteen
And there abouts as now is plainly seen.
For those that sav'd their lives, they lost their trades
And learn'd to swagger 'mong'st the Roreing blades
They, knew no Parents, but were Sons of Mars,
Soldiers of Fortune, bred up in the VVarres,
Yet Novices they were, and spendthrifts too,
Hott-mettled blades, they did themselves vndoe:
Who was too greedy for the Upper hand,
Which when 'tis gott, then Soldiers must disband
Buffe Coates growe out of fashion, voted downe
And Armes must then give place unto the Gowne
Had they but fought, at the Low Countrey rate
They'd better pleas'd the King, if not the State.
But herein, letts not blame, the Victors hast
To end, those Civil Broyles nor let us cast
[Page 8]The name of Cowards▪ on the Royall bands
VVho were outwitted, not or'ecome with hands.
Though wee can't Judge, whose numbers were at first
The Greatest; yet now wee know who'de the worst
The Statesmen, strove to weaken, still the King
Whose, Project tooke effect in this one thing
They, Ransom'd still, their Prisoners of Warre
Whereof the other Party, tooke no care
But sufferd theirs, to fill the Prisons, so
That half their men, in field they could not showe▪
Our English Irish Agents then addresses
Make, for those Soldiers, and to them expresses
Great Love, pitty their present case, and then
Doe shew the oddes, 'twixt Prisoners and Free men
They, further Urge: the Justnes, of the cause
'Tis, for their Countrey, King, and all the Lawes
Of God, and Nature, 'gainst a Common Foe
That they should fight, and into Ireland goe
Whilst here, they fought, but Brother against brother
And dearest friends, were killing one another.
The State consented, and the Prisoners yeild
To be at large, once more ith' open field
They cross the Seas, and hast, to Irish Shore
VVhere getting foot-roome, soon doe make it more
They raise the Sieges, that before, was layd
Against the Ports, where first to land they made
Their Cause thus chang'd, a doubtfull, for a Just one
Toth' midst of all their Foes, they boldly thrust on
Where let us leave them, bravely makeing way
For all the good, that's here enjoy'd this day.
The Royall Party, now in England, sees
What 'tis, to lose such men: for by degrees
They are orecome meerly, for want of men
And are past hopes, except, that one, beat ten
[Page 9]Whereof, they doe despaire, knowing their Foe
At Equall numbers, fought them, long agoe
Thus, weaker still, they grow, the other stronger
They needs must yeild, nor can they hold out longer.
The Warre thus ended, th' Agents doe Petition
For fresh supplyes, and shew the sad condition
Their friends are in, in Ireland; who doe want
Both Men, and money, and their Men Provant
That are already there; a Comitte
Reports their case, toth' House, then they decree
The Supernumeraries, to disband,
Or send them over Seas into Ireland
They give Commissions for to beat up Drums
Throughout all England, and list all that comes
For Soldiers; both Round-heads, and Cavaliers
All are accepted. so they'r Volunteers
They promise them large pay, and 'tis no wonder
The Rebells goods, shall be to them free Plunder
Each private man shall there, be a Frecholder
And Gentleman to boot, is ev'ry Soldier.
These Baits prevail'd, with such as lost their trades
In the late VVarre, and could not get by Spades
Their living; and of such, an Army's rais'd
VVbo soon came o're, and made the Rogues amaz'd
They quitt their weaker holds, flye to their stronger
where they are Storm'd, or else are Starv'd with hunger
To Mountaines, VVoods, & Boggs, they're chased then
(Not there secure) they're beaten out againe
In Loughs, and Islands then, they seek to hide
Themselves, and villaines; where to abide
In safety, and unsought for, they suppose
But they're deceav'd: for on drye land, such showes
Of New built Shallops, Shipps, & Boats appeares
Brought by these men, that out they pull byth' ears
[Page 10]Those Murth'ring Runawayes: yet give them Quarter
Who at the first, put the British to torture.
Here, by the way (Reader) I thee advise
To take notice, that I in any wise
Do not ascribe, the glory oth' Conquest
To Men▪ but God; and where it is exprest
The English suffer'd, or such seats did doe
Protestants I mean; English and Scotch too,
Who Brittish are; for diff'recne I make none
Between them, in any Service that's done
For if I should, Mountroes brave Army then
VVould be forgott; who were deserving Men
Episcopants, and Presbyterians
Independants and such Sectarians
I give the Name of Protestants, to all
That joyn'd, against those that wee Papists call
Nor was the Conquest made▪ by Cavaliers
Alone; Nor yet by the Parliamenteers:
The Earl of Ormond, Noble was ith' warre
And so was Inchyquin; who went as farre
In danger, for the time they both Commanded
As any men, could doe till Cromwell Landed.
Now when he came (to give the Deel his due)
In Ireland he praise-worthy was; though true
It is, for all his Acts, in England done
Against both Kings, the Father, and the Son
I count him base: But here some one may say
His Irish Service too's, condemn'd this day:
Well if it be, (I think) 'tis without cause
For Ireland then, was in the very Jawes
Of Death, and had been swallow'd up, no doubt
It the Irish, then had not got the Rout.
But 'twas not He, nor his Army did all
The Service, that was since done: as I shall
[Page 11]Now make appear: for then, brave Sir Charles Coot
Had been exempt, who so Nobly stood too't
Maintaining of the Common cause; Gods just
Revenge against Murther; whose very dust
I honour, who in's Fathers stepps so trod
As to the Rebells, was the Scourge, or Rod
Of the Almighty: He (by good advise)
Did kill the Nitts, that they might not growe Lice
The Lord of Broghill too, herein ought not
Amongst the VVorthyes, once to be forgott.
Generall Iones, Reignolds, and many more
Brave things in Ireland did, but (as before
I said) These were Instruments; now the praise
To God alone, let us returne alwayes.
And left that Teige should say, He, for the King
Did fight (which to me is a hatefull thing)
And pretend, that these Worthyes, were his Fees
My mind, and conscience, I will now disclose
I think, they served God, the King; and State
That were most Active, in breaking Teigs pate,
Nay more I say; I think Broghil, an C [...]ot
Against the King, never lift hand, or foot
Whereas, the Irish Rebel-like, ran out
Against the King, and Law: and meant (no doubt)
To sett the Pope above his head, whose right,
Before the Kings, they did preferre, in spight.
Could ever they, then (though deceitfully
They seem'd reform'd) have claime to Loyalty
I answer nay: God would not them permitt
To goe unpunnish'd, for all their subtile witt
They vs'd: when vanquish'd, and quite overcome
Then Teige, is for the King forscoth: for whome
They Banish'd were, and with him were partakers
In sufferings, impos'd by his forsakers.
No▪ they did the King much wrong: and great harmes
Pretending, for his right they took up Armes
Yet▪ was not able him for to restore
No: that's a worke for those I nam'd before
Broghil, and Coot, with the Irish Brigade
(So call'd) with Monke, their helping hands so lay'd
That after subduing the Rebells here
His Majesty in Peace, they brought in clear
And re-established him, in his Throne
O're whome on Earth Superiour ther's none▪
All this premis'd, the Rebells vanquish'd quite
Fairly in Field, the Remnant put to flight
Thus Ireland was reduc'd: But letts see how
Our gallant Soldiers are requited now
And whether they that have escap'd their Graves
By their own Countrey men are not made slaves
And first I will begin with those (they say)
Did Cromwell serve, who for Arrears of pay
Had land sect out to them in satisfaction:
You'd think them well: But truth is no detraction▪
Some private Soldiers, were by their Commanders
Chous'd of their Land, and Pack'd away to Flanders
And he that would not goe, but thought to stay
And live on's Land, they sound another way
To make him weary of it, by Law Suits
Against him to commence, whereby the fruits
Of all his hopes, his labour, and his Land;
He spends at Law, his Capraine to withstand
VVeary'd at Law, to purchase Peace, at last
He sells his Land; and then that danger's past▪
Now while his money la [...]ts, or some short space
His Captaine makes him Seargeant of that place
But this nere holds for he with Cap in hand
To's Captaines wife at all turnes cannot stand.
[Page 13]Nor can he, Irish speake to buy and sell
Nor tennants, can procure with them to dwell
Then out hee's turn'd, and in comes teige, in's roome
VVhose double diligence, like a new Broome
Sweeps all clean: is just toth' Captaines mind
VVhat e're, his Master sayes, hee'l swear: so kind
Besides, he proves toth' Children, of his Master
That, when the Maid chides them, he swears hee'l basther
VVith, Vo [...]rneen glagal, and Agra the crea
He takes his Masters Son upon his knee
And Streap [...]h granah, learns the Child, to call
the Maid, Buddah a Man, adding taw Brawl:
And then, teige laughs and sweares by's gossips hand
His Fathers son's, the best in all Ireland
Thus filthy words, are taught the child in's Cradle
Which seldome are left off, when come toth' Saddle
This pleases so the Mother of the child
that, all teig does, is well: she's so beguil'd
VVith flattering, that now Teigs wife must Nurse
The next Child she shall have: Teige sweares his purse
Shall be the Childs; Now, hee's a Fosterfather
Not for his own, but for this Child hee'l gather
Hee'l give the Child, a Coat I Bawn, of Bandle
And buy it, Erogel gaulda, and then dandle
The babe in's Armes, crying shane Poge, Cade Poge
[...]ic a me Vaister, Nab [...]ousa Shane Oge?
Yo [...] tow Lawnah: This pleases, more and more
Teigs now of Kin that was not so before.
VVho now but Teige? His counsel so prevailes,
That all the English Servants, by his tales
Are threatned to be turn'd away: his Cozins
Come flocking round about him, by whole dozens
Donnough the groome steps in, in Richards place
And Sbevane Oge, doth turne out gentle Grace
Are sent for home, who're out amongst the Toryes
VVith them their Morter-pieces: Owna, Sive
And Moar great beastly Drones; creep intoth' Hive
VVho so bewitch the Captaine and his wife
That these must be Followers, all their life.
The English Neighbours (undegenerate)
These Furies cause their Fosterer to hate.
Do Trespass on their land, and drive to Pound
The honest mens Cattle, off their own ground
To Law they goe, now all things sute in fitnes
And Right or wrong, Teige is the Captaines Witnes▪
But may we think that Teige and his salse Crue
To their Fosterer, will alwayes prove true?
No: you may sweare it; for▪ what's bred ith' bone
Will not out of the flesh, when all is done.
'Tis knowne too well, in Ages past, how they
Behav'd themseves in peace; and how ith' day
Of warre, their friendship, was but feing'd, in peace
VVhich gave them great advantage, to encrease
Rebellions: Then, would shew their Cruelty
To Gossips, and their Fosterers: and why
Should any think, that these, who are the seed
And offspring, of a Murdrous Bloudy breed
Be otherwise than they? Had these but power
Both Root and Branch, of English in one houre
They would destroy: are wee not Hereticks?
Say they, and was not that one oth' old tricks
Their Priests did use, to stirre them to Sedition
And Protestants to kill, would they not give Cōmission▪
Yea: Would they not absolve; the breach of Oathes
'Gainst King, and State: their Church, & Pope so loathe
A Protestant? Their Anti-Christian Spirit
Bi [...]'s Murther us, and Saints them too for Merit
What confidence in oathes, then may we have,
Of Papists taken, I would of you crave?
Do wee not see, It is their chief Ambition
Amongst the Protestants to make Division?
'Twas they, invented names, of Separation
In our Religion: which by imitation
Of them (for distinction sake) wee did vse;
But in the Tract of time, did so abuse
Our friends, that at length, they were held as Brands
Of infamy: and weakned so our hands
That amongst Protestants, grew as much strife
As Papists e're could wish: except the Life
Of ev'ry one, that did not goe to Masse
VVhereat they only aim'd to bring to passe
For when distinction was, 'twixt Old and New
Protestants then such hatred grew
As if Turks▪ Iewes, and Infidels combin'd
Had been byth'ears, for what each one design'd,
And 'twixt the standing Army and disbanded
Grew jealousyes, which was the better Landed
They caus'd the Forty nine for to suspect
The Fifty three, as though through their neglect
They was not satisfy'd with them: that they
Remember might, their Christmas-box this day
And I believe nothing hath drawne a Curse
On English New Int'rests, or proved worse
Than that the Forty Nine had no Arrears
VVho served faithfully, in want Eight yeares
Against the Common foe: which thing reflects
On the Estates now, of the greedy Sects.
Nor is it mended yet, since private men
That well deserv'd, are now deceiv'd againe
By their own Officers; pretending they
Of Cromnell since had Arreares of their pay
[Page 16]Yet many of them, never since did serve
And those that did; they must do so or starve▪
But 'tis all one, Cromwell and Forty Nine
Those private Soldiers Arreares did designe
Sould ne're be pay'd: God grant it prove no Rott
To the Estates the Officers have gott
Againe Betwixt the Old and New Intrest
To move Law, Hath not Teige done his best?
In brief they'd hand in all the hurt was done
Amongst the English, since the world begun
But here some may object, that the whole Nation
Of Irish to this Charge, has no relation.
For some, have prov'd their Innocence so cleare
As 'tis not fit to criminate them here,
And others have been faithfull all the warrs,
VVhose bodyes can their valour shew by Scarres.
All this is granted; but oth first, I say
One in ten thousand, is the most that may
Be so suppos'd: whose Constant good affiction
Did prove: though others (Living in Protection
Durst not run forth) Penn'd up ith' English Quarters
Did Newters stand, who feared to dye Martyrs
As some, would bragg, they did (who had betray'd
The place they liv'd in) when suff'rers were made
And for the last, though Irish by Extraction
I count them English for that very action.
This answer'd thus, another may againe
Object: what though the Irish did in vaine
Their own Religion strive for to advance▪
They had President for it our of France.
But being overcome; should Cruelty
Be measur'd back to them? that I deny▪
And leave to him, who said, Vengeance is Mine
I will repay: To whom let us confine▪
[Page 17]Our selves: yet while we thus resolve, shall we
Vnto our Countreymen, ungratefull be?
In shewing Mercy, forget to be just,
Preferre our Foes, before our friends and thrust
The Protestants, that help'd us in our need
Out of Imployments, Papists put in stead?
I answer, Nay: For that there is no reason.
Ye don't we see 'tis just so at this season
Begin at Dublin, the chief Regal City
And mark how squares goe there (the more's the pitty)
Though English, be the Judges, Irish Clarkes
Do there abound, VVith confidence like sparks
Oth' world they Domineer: and who but they?
VVith Cap in hand to them, brave Soldiers pray
Ith' Court they will be seen; But goe to Church
There Teige and D [...]rmot leaves you in the Lurch.
In Customes, Excize, Offices for Cloath
Leather, Measures, Chimneys and to say troth
In all Money-matters, they are Projectors
And most on end imploy'd to be Collectors
Let's down into the Countrey come and see
How all things there do goe, whos'ever be
High Sherif an Irish man is the Under
Then for the Bayliffs to be so's; no wonder
Apparatours ith' Bishops Court who're they?
But Irish: and VVho are Atturney's pray?
And Proctours, are not they the very men?
For one English, of them is there not ten?
Is not the Army stuff'd, with such like trash
They're Ala mode de France, each one with's Sw
A dirty Crevate, or a Fox-Furre Mufs
And some of them brave fellows are in Buffe
[...]ooted and Spurr'd, have cast off their old [...]roges
And wear great Breeches, that were Trowz'd like Rogues
VVith Vest and Tunicke, stead of Blew Frize Je [...]kin
Can now tell tales of Madam and her Rhyme toot—Merkin
[Page 18]An Irish man was seen in dayes of Old
But with a Skean, while now wee do behold
Him with a Rapier or a good Back sword
A crosse his Arse, with Damme at ev'ry word.
These are the Propps that now support this Nation
God grant they hold if e're come alteration,
All things thus order'd makes the English poore
And poorer needs must be, while they're crow'd o're
By e'vry Snap: For th'Irish wait upon
Our Gentry, where they do but keep a man.
Now here (perhaps) some would themselues excuse
'Tis not for love, they do the Irish use
In all Imployments, spoken of before,
But cause their konwledge is therein farre more
Than English have: But I say that surmise
Is false, and won't pass Muster, with the wise,
VVho know the little skill the Irish have
They learn'd it of the English; yet none (save
Some few of them) that are in any art
Their Crafts-Masters: although for th'botching part
Degenerate English, and their own Nation
Will them imploy, 'gainst which there's no perswasion
And here againe (methinks) I heare some grumbling
Against my last Assertion; and much mumbling
Concerning Scholarship: all Uulgar mouths
Are open▪ affirming this Countrey youths
In Latinc farre exceed our English who
Feigne Common consent: gave them long agoe
Preheminence, For School-Masters therefore
They will have Irish: oh! who, than we, more
Stupid? Good God! since this, so long hath past
For Currant with most men, now at the last,
Help my blunt quill, and my duller braine
These foolish dreames, and fictions to restraine
[Page 19]Amongst my Countreymen: open their eyes
And let them see, what they believ'd were lyes
Remove that plague, which doth so many seize-on
And grant, they may at length be rul'd by reason.
I say of Learning the Irish may not boast
For any thing yet seen in all their Coast
No Art, or Science, have have they yet found out
No Treatise of Religion, and I doubt
No History: or good Romance worth reading
VVas yet by any of them writt, and spreading
In any part oth'world: what they doe call
Philosophy (wherein their boast's not small
Is skill in Sophistry: wherewith to wrangle
They are well verst who do sor Trifles Iangle
And with a Pack of learned Cow-boys they
May with the world compare: none sayes them Nay
On th'other side, VVhole Volumes, English works
through Christendom havegone: yea'mongst the Turks
'Tis true, some Irish speak good Latine: though
The most of their Schoolmasters do not so
But none of them can speak one word of Greek
or Hebrew; in those tongues they are to seek
VVhere all the English that do bear the name
of Scholars; are good linguists in the same.
And such as through the Gramar scarse have read
In England, are Doctours to them here bred.
The Padagog [...]es here cry'd up Humanists
May blush (if shame they had, to come ith'Lists
Of our half-Gramarians; All but the blind
And obstinate, this truth can eas'ly find.
Nothing hath done more hurt toth'English Nation
Than Irish Schoolmasters by all relation
The Fosterer, the babes, the Schools the youth,
Do English turn to Irish: of a truth
[Page 20]Their Speech, and Manners, are corrupted so
That Mongrell-English may for Irish goe
As in all Ages past, they had an hand
In all Rebellions hatch'd within this Land
So will they still, it much is to be doubted
Ioyne with the Irish; if they be not Routed
For many of them, who were well to passe
From Church have lately turn'd: now go to Masse,
So then the Nurse, Schoolmaster, and the Priest
Doe foster, Teach and Preach up Antichrist.
The Cannons of the English Church forbid
Such Schoolmasters; yet of them wee're not rid
And divers Statutes were in Ireland made
Against them, Fostering and Priests, now layd
Behind the backs of such as rule the rost
For 'mongst the Great ones they're conniv'd at most
Though some of them are free from Imputation
Of such like deeds, It is my chief perswasion
Some Justices of Peace for their owne ends
To my own knowledge have bespoke their friends
To send their Children to an IrishMaster
A Papist, and but a Gramaticaster
And seded him within an English towne
VVherein were English SchoolMasters, and downe
Have voted them; whose skill (if not exceed)
Did equall his: of whom there was no need
Vnless it were to teach an Irish smack
To such as did it in their English lack.
This ill Example gave occasion to
The Common people for the like to doe
And by such means the Bread is ta'ne away
Out of the English mouths, now at this day
A good requitall, for their comeing o're
Soldiers into this Land: and it is more
[Page 21]Than Probable, 'twill prove an Invitation
To other English, for planting of this Nation
Shibboleth. Iephthah's word recorded stands
Which try'd the Rebell Ephraimites, whose bands
Were scatterd, when Forty and two thousand
At [...]ordan, Passages fell by his hand
Though they themselues Ephraimites deny'd
By Sibboleth pronouncing they're descry'd.
So here I say the tongue will soon discover
Which is the man that is an Irish lover
Bid him but say, This thing in Mouth A Third
Hee'l fairly say, Dis Ting in Mout A Tird.
Some say the water of St. Patricks well
When English drink thereof, like to a Spell
By Magick Art procur'd makes them forgetfull
Of English Manners: others hold deceitfull
Is the Irish Clime transforming Mens minds
Toth' Countrey Customs, turning with all winds
But not the Water, nor the Irish Clime
Have pow'r o're Noble minds Spirits sublime
Contemne the Elements: there's no mutation
VVith them, Nor subject are to alteration.
'Tis he who hath an evil eye, whose mind
Is not with Vertue but full fraught with wind
And such as place their chiefest happinesse
In things below the Sun▪ whose thoughts are lesse
To be good than great faine would have excuses
For unjust actions: and father abuses
Done to their Neighbours on the land or water
VVhen their base hearts are guilty of the matter▪
He well observ'd in writing Irelands Story
Sir Iohn Davies
Since first the English Conquer'd it the (the glory
VVhereof he gave to Strongbows Martiall hand
VVho then made Englands King Lord of this Land)
[Page 22]How that the great Estates some Chieftaines had
VVithin three Ages, made them prove as bad
Or worse than the Wild-Irish were before
For they did much oppress, and Lord it o're
Their followers, that help'd them for to gaine
The Countrey: So that these poore souls were faine
For England, from their Tyranny to flye
Here quitting their Estates, when by and by
Broke forth Rebellions; for the strongest hand
was all the Law they would have in this Land.
Then England would be forc'd againe to send
More Men to make new Conquests, and defend
The Title, which to Ireland it did claime
For the first Conquerers, were scarce in name
English; Degenerating so in manners
That they did March under the Rebells Banners
And it was harder to suppress that crewe
Than the Wild Irish; who was beat by few.
Nay 'tis suppos'd the Major part this day
Of Irish, are but Mongrells such as they
For many of Queen Elizabeths men
In these last Warres were Rebells, But 'tis ten
To one, that they were Papists, or my life
For it, they Marry'd had an Irish wife
Which were grand Causes of degeneration
Ever observ'd to happen in this Nation.
'Twas not for want of wholsome Laws still made
So long it was e're Ireland could be said,
To be an English Plantation: but 'cause
There wanted Execution of those Laws
For, had Oppression been but peep'd into
The meaner sore had liv'd here as they doe
In England, where Yeomen, and Tradesmen dare
Demand their debts oth' best not standing bare
[Page 23]And if the statutes against Fosterers
And those made, against Irish, SchoolMasters
And Priests, had been observ'd: this Land had then
Been well planted, with perfect English men
Such as to flatter, are asham'd: or turne
From English principles, would sooner burne
VVho love their Countrey speech, bee't ne're so broad
Beyond an Irish Tone: though their abode
Be in the Countrey, chuse to be untarght
Rather than learn'd (esteeming that so naught)
If none but Irish Teachers they can have
They'd Latine Jack their Native tongue to save
And rather than marry an Irish wife
VVill Batchellers remain for tearme of life
And for Religion, had rather than Papists
Be any thing: the Heathens and meer Athists
Did never hold, To Murther men was Just
Because, not of their Sect. As Papists must
Believe: to kill an Heretick is Merit
Monsters in Nature! that's their Divlish Spirit▪
The English Custom's, not to put to Nurse
Their Children, untill Gold have fill'd their purse
Or esse the Mother can't give suck, and then
They claime no Foster-kindred, being Men
Nor are they Foster'd up in Idlenes
Although, their Parents do great wealth possesse
But they do bring them up at such a rate
As is most sutable, to their Estate
Some, shall their Youth at Schoole and Colledge spend
Others, at Inns of Court, their Studies end
Some go to Trades, others their Stately Teams
Are wont to drive: VVhilst here all's in extreames
A Gentleman or Churle, Scholar or Cowboy
No Trade but Merchant serves for ev'ry Plow-boy.
Hee that can reckon but his Pedegree▪
Twenty descents from a Gentleman, Hee
I say as a poor gentleman will beg
All o're the Kingdome, till he hath one leg
Ith 'Grave rather than he will so disgrace
His farre fetche Kindred, and their Gentile race
By being of a Trade, though ne're so good
He will be Hang'd first, and not stain his Bloud.
Another Evil in Ireland we see
VVhich happens most to such as English be
Farmers can't live unlesse their VVealth be great
Or be befriended by some Potentate
A Freehold worth ten pounds a year's no more
To live on: than to make the owner Poor
VVho must attend all Sessions and Assi [...]es
And Turnes and County Courts, and all devices
That may be if his land doe Bound, or's near
Any Great Mans: He dares not but be there
Or else hee's Fin'd, a Quarters Rent at least
That in short space, he shall not have a Beast
To ride on, or a Garran for to Plough
'Twas ever fo in Ireland: and so 'tis now:
Then fain hee'd sett his Land, But who dares take it
For he must Sell't out right, or quite forsake it
'Cause this Great man, doth only aime to Ha'te
Hee Sells it to him, even at's owne Rate.
Then if hee's VVife, for England hee'l away
Before all's gone; where that in Peace he may
Of a small Stock, or by a working hand
Live better there: than here on's Freehold Land▪
To goe, or stay, now doubtfull is the matter
For live he can't here well, if he can't Flatter▪
And if therein, he get not the right knack
He shall have Teige and Dermott on his back
[Page 25]With Mongrell Sheorge, and his appostate friends
To sit on's skirts ('gainst whome good Lord defend's)
Who will back-bite him, and traduce him, so
That though hee's poor, yet poorer he shall grow.
Ill sed, Cloathed, and Lodg'd, the man falls sick
And (weary of the world) cares not how quick
Death summons him unto the silent grave
VVho trusts in Christ, that he his Soul will save
Hee liues not long, but yet he doth survive
His neighbours Charity, which he alive
Amongst his Countreymen, long since saw dead
VVho unto Doggs, do throw the Childrens bread
And wil use means, to save an Oxe, or Cow
Of their owne, but their poor Countrey-man now
They have no need of▪ for he looks for Cates
They say; is too fine mouth'd, and at the rates
The Irish de, can't live: give them Potatoes
They'l Boyle, and Roast, and stroke up their Mustachoes
This makes them Teige employ, ▪cause he will serve
For l [...]sse than English can; so they must starve.
Thus Irish fare, must serve the man that labours
Which hath destroy'd, many poor English neighbours.
The honest man thus deed, now goes to wracke
That family▪ his widdow at her back
Getts up their youngest child: the rest byth' hand
She takes and goes to him who hath much Land
(An English man suppose) and tells her grief
And for her, and the children, beggs relief▪
From thence, they strike o're, to an Irish Village
VVhere Stacks of Corne they see, and store of tillage
But when they're there, the people of the place
Come round about them, stareing in their face
And call them Clan Igauda's in disgrace
That without Alms, from thence they trudge apace
Then doe they goe, to such another man
Though ten miles off (if one such finde they can
As was the Childrens Father) though no kin
VVith whom they doe make bold; he takes them in
And setts such meat before them, as he eats
Condoles their case; and gives advise (not threates)
To goe for England, amongst their owne friends
And (when refresh'd) a Garrane to them lends
To bring them to some towne, with English planted
VVho have not yet forgot that they once wanted
Such men as was these poor soules Father▪ and
They make a purse, to send them for England:
VVhere (we suppose) they shall some comfort find
'Mongst Christians there, who will relieve their kind
And where I leave them, sadly to report
How our Grandees, Oppresse the meaner sort
VVhich to confirm, and to make Assidavit
I'de bring Tea thousand, if need were to have-it▪
But now, 'cause this poor Man, doth personate
The major part oth' English: who of late
VVere Soldiers; let me not begrudge my breath
To tell how it was sound, he came by's Death.
The Crowner being call'd (one Mr, Justman
VVhome, if I mayn't believe, I'le never trust-man)
In pannelled a JURY, whose Fore-man
VVas Mr. Reason, next him (if I can
tells name) I thinke was Mr. Look-sharp, who
VVith three more such was sworn, and next unto
Them▪ Mr. Experience: with his Pair-Royall
And three with Mr. Tell-troth, pass'd oth' Tryall.
First Reason he began the Corps to view
He pass'd byth'old wounds, and look'd about for new
But finding none; he Judged him to die
O [...] Countrey-Disease, or some maladie
[Page 27]Inward; which master'd had, his vitall part
And did suppose Oppression went to's heart,
Next, Mr. Look-sharp with his three espy'd
OId wounds that were on's head, and some ▪on's side
Which look'd like Cutts, & Thrusts or Stals with Skeans
The least whereof might well have been a means
To have brought him to's end: for such like Scarres
Had many Kill'd, the first day of the Warres▪
But 'cause they saw them whole, they pass'd them by
And on his meagre face, they east their eye
Which did denote he had been hardly vsed
And (to say truth) was over much abused
They spy'd his neck to bend, his Sholders black
As if hee'd borne Oppression on his back
VVhich made them judge, that gave the man his Bane
VVhereat the Corps, did (as 'twere) Sneeze againe
Then said Experience, and his three Friends
The Countrey-Disease in three kinds extends
Itselfe: first Murther, then the Blondy- [...]lix
Which hath consum'd more men, by three▪ in six
Than did the Sword, in the late Bloudy VVarre
The last's Oppression whereof lett's take care.
Oth' First and Last Ireland was never free
But to the Last, letts Death ascribed be.
At length comes tell-troth who brings up the Rear
And his companions, all speak without feare:
That this man had been long sore sick: But never
Had any comfortable thing whatever
To cure his grief: the man was Broken-hearted
E're since the day, that he with his Land parted
They said, he faintly spake on his Death-bed
Not all the Wounds he had receiv'd on's head
And in his body: Some at Knocknonosse
Some at Conmell, at Lymrick and at Rosse
That did him Kill: to God he made's Confession
And did declare toth' World; it griev'd him more
To see the English make the English poor
Than all the hardships, he did e're indure
And 'twas too late then, to prescribe him cure
Hee pray'd God to forgivetheir Sin, and turne
Their hearts: for whō to's Death, he needs must mourne
Cause Evil they had done for Good, and did conclude
They was most guilty of Ingratitude.
Though 'tis but some English (I'le not say all)
Are so: and those too now, I hope mend shall.
This said; it was the Vote oth' whole Enquest
The man had liv'd, had he not been Opprest
Which is one kind of the Countrey-Disease
Infectious and Mortall in times of Peace
When bred of Wealth grows envious and haughty
Good mens enemy, and friend to the naughty.
Now since the Disease is found out; the Cure
(To tak't in time) may be effected sure;
The Learned say, whose sayings lett', respect
Remove the Cause, that takes away th'Effect.
I'me no Physitian, but (by chance) have gott
Three good Receits, which (in my mind) may not
Be much unfit to be prescribed here
To cure this Countrey-Disease; far and near.
The first Receit.
AGainst the first kinde, cre while call [...]d Murthor
Ne're trust an Irish Papist, further
than you can throw an Oxe: and if he flatter
Suspect deceit, to be the end oth' matter.
Let him not wear a Sword, nor yet a Sk [...]an
Nor be too intimate with him if mean
[Page 29]You do to sleep in a whole skin: Put not
A Gun into his hands Powder or Shott
To kill the Dawes, Nor give, or Lend, or Sell
To such as he, though he shoot ne're so well
Let him not be your Fowler, if you can
In Ireland find, but any English man,
For by such means they Arm'd themselves at first
And after that into Rehellion burst
And with the Weapons of the very Owner
Have Murtherd him: their hearts as hard as stone-are.
Let him not ride in the Militia-troops
Nor in a Man of Warre (whose stately Poops
Was not ordain'd for Shamrogeers) to serve
Lest they Betray or else, doe from you swerve.
Whereby the English, may at Sea, and Land
This Deare-bought Kingdome, keep vnder command
Let not the want of Numbers e're invite
The Ppaists aid, to Joyne with you in fight
But, Trust on God, to Help you in your need
Not Isr'el-like on Egypts broken Reed.
The Scriptures do declare, Armies have been
Too great for God to lead: and that was seene
By David, and valiant Ionathan
Said, God could save by few; the arm of man
He did despise: so say's the Sacred Story
Lest to themselves, Men should a scribe the glory.
If any private Murther chance to be
(As from such like, this Nation's seldome free
Let not the Murtherer escape, whose bloud
Shall be on his owne head, and reason good
GODS Law doth warrant it▪ let not affection
Favour or fear, or any mans Protection
Save the Offenders life: Who sheds mans Bloud
By Man shall his be shed: though ne're so good
Let not pretence of Valour, or a Duell
Have countenance in Law, or to the cruell
Murtherer, be hopes of pardon; this sure
against all Murther (if not to say cure)
Is a good Antidote taken in season
This Kingdome to preserveith' eye of Reason.
The Second Receit.
THis second kind, doth only bear the name
Of the Countrey-Disease: in warre, this same
Doth vse t'outvie the Sword; the cause is want
Of wholsome dyet, and good Lodgings scant
From whence this Disease doth proceed: Fresh men
Are subject most to this; scarce one, in ten
But at some time or other, hath been sick
of this very Disease: 'tis not so quick
As is the former kind; yet more have dy'd
Of it, than of any other beside.
Med'cins for th'Flux are plenty; some will drink▪
New Al [...] over the Kieve for it: some think
The leanest flesh of a Buttocke of Biefe
Fresh, and half broyl'd, Griskin-like's the chief▪
As forth' Ague-in England, so we here
For this, Receits have store; that I'le for bear
Now, any more to name: 'cause I intend
But this one preservative to commend.
First keep Rebellions downe, which causeth Warre
Warre bringeth Scarcity, and that Hard fare
Hard fare, and cold, causeth the Bloudy-Flux
VVhich Thousands English, into their Gravesplucks▪
Now if VVarre happen, to be counted wise
Better than heretofore, your Soldires prize.
Let them have constant Pay, to buy them food
And see their Provant, be wholsome and good:
[Page 31]And let their Garrisons unto them yield
Good Lodgings; and when out they goe toth' Field
Let them have Tents, and pitch on Champaign ground
VVhere Fire and Water, may be eas'ly found
All things so order'd, will doubtlesse prevent
The Bloudy-Flux▪ to Armyes incident
This last in Warre; the rest in simes of Peace
Are Med'cines, against the Countrey-Disease.
The Third Receit.
AGainst Oppression, thus runs my Receit
Take out of Holy Scripture, ev'ry Threat
pronounc'd against that Sin: spread them upon
A fine cloath of Vnderstanding: let none
Of them be lost; and if your Plaister crumble
Or stick not fast; your Vnderstanding humble
By dipping it ith'Oyle of Grace: then cling
(As'twere a Cere-cloath) 'twill toth' V [...]'rous thing
That done, apply the Plaister to the part
That doth Oppresse (which most on end's the Heart
Thence ne're remove it, till it make you say
(Like Samuel) behold I'me here this day
VVitness against me now, before the Lord
And before his Annoynted; (say the word)
VVhose Oxe have I taken? whose Asse? or whome
Have I defrauded? let the Oppressed come;
Of whose hand, have I any Bribe receiv'd
To blind mine eyes therewith? be not deceiv'd)
And I will it restore to them. I doubt
If some Men here, should say the like; then out
VVould come an answer, not like his: the Poor
English would say; then first our Armes restore
[Page 32]VVhich you unjustly tooke away, by force
Not paying what they cost us out of purse
VVherewith (by Gods blessing we did regaine
This lost Kingdome, and made you Lords: in vaine
Have we ventur'd our Lives, and lost our Bloud
To get Estates for you: if this be good
Requitall Judge yee? sure it was not so
That Isr'el answer'd Samuel: No, no,
They said, thou hast not us defrauded, not
Oppressed us: neither did'st thou take for
A Babe, ought of any mans hand; the Lord
And his Anoynted witness, 'tis our word.
This Med'cine may be fitt for the Trustees
Oth' Forty-Nine; who (by their licking Fees
I'le not say Bribes) have got such vast Estates
Makes Wise Men think, of what the Vulgar prates
The Green-Chamber bus'ness, was but a Cheat
Not well perceav'd, (their Jugling was so neat)
Till now; we see, theirs was an Army strange
All Officers, No Soldiers, could they range
In Muster-Rolls: it seems, they all were Slaine
And their Dead-Pays; toth' Trustees now remaine.
This Med'cin's for the use of such as have
A mind like Ahabs, to whome, his Wise gave
Naboths Vineyard; because it was so near
The Kings: let such the Prophets Judgment fear
And (if the Courts of Claims have done amiss)
T [...] Med'cine for their Cure prescribed is.
Yet I for my part can no Man accuse
And (if I could) I should be loath to use
[...]y pen 'gainst English, they too my Superiours
To whome, is Honour due; from all inferiours
Some [...]old the want of Money, and bad Tradeing
Somes of Oppression; nay there is no wading
[Page 33]In this great Sea, where that a Ship may ride
Not Sound the Depth, at lowest Ebbe of Tide.
Oppression, is so various that I
Can only Hint, what's obvious to each eye:
The Wearer of the Shoe, he best doth knowe
VVhether it wring his Instep or his Toe.
Then briefly where to doe, Men make profession
As they'd be done to, that doth cure Oppression.
The Authors Prayer.
NOw thou O God, who didst the Heavens make
The Sea▪ and Land: when first the word thou spake
Let there be Lihgt; 'twas so; to thee alone
We poor Distressed English, make our moane
O God, who art the Scarcher of all hearts
Tryest the Reines, and in the inward parts
Of Man, has writt thy Law; Reveal I pray.
Thy will On Earth, that our Governours may
Know that they Rule for thee: the Kingdom's thine
And in thy hand, all Power is Divine
Make them to dread thy Name, that sit at Helme
Lest by ill Steering, they at length o're whelme
This floating bottome Ireland, spoyl'd of Rigging
Since th' English lost the VVells of their owne digging▪
Their owne, say I? 'twas. thou didst take this land
From a Barb'rous People, and in our hand
Hast given it: that we should not doe like
The Nations, whome thou didst in fury strike
O let, our Rulers see, that they alone
VVere not the men, that hath this Kingdom wonne
Nor, that they can defend the same, from harme
By humane policy, or fleshly arme.
VVhen Israel did all th' abominations
Of the Heathen, and round about the Nations
[Page 34]Thou didst drive out, whose Land thou didst them give
Thou mad'st them flee before their Foes, and live
Captives in a strange Land: so let us sear
That our Back-slidings, make us not appeare
Like them: then, what may wee, from thee expect
But that our punishment, may in effect
Be like to theirs? good God, take thou away
From our Great Men, their stonyhearts I pray
And give them Hearts of Flesh: that ev'ry one
May do, but as unto, he would be done.
Remove O Lord the spleen, and take away
The Gall that's in mens hearts, now at this day
VVho Persecute their Brethren, without Cause
VVresting the Old, and inventing New Lawes
To punish Anabaptists, and the Quakers
And make the Cov'nanters, turn Cov'nant-breakers▪
Grant this Good God, and whatsoever more
Thou knowest needfull for us, wee implore
Thy Divine Goodness, to bestow it on us
And answer ev'ry Lord have Mercy 'pon us
Pronovnc'd at Church, at home, or other place
With tokens of thy Favour, and thy Grace.
The KING, his Counsells, and his Kingdoms blesse
And all his Subjects, the Great ones, and the Lesse
The Rev'rend Clergie, each man in his station
The Lay-man too, which comprehends the Nation▪
Yea, and the Irish, that are honest hearted
Gods blessings be amongst them all imparted▪
And last of all O God, Blesse, and defend
Both mee, and mine; and so I make an END.
The Conclusion.
ALL things that e're begining had
Must have an end; bee't good, or bad
So hath this Book, a Story sad
that's come sir
To see you and some speciall friends
And pray's you give your recommends
To those in pow'r that may defend's
from some sir
That would abuse the Cavalier
For writeing what he hath done here
Though 'tis not half, I'le make appear
he could sir
VVho is so Moderate, that drives
At the amendment of mens lives
And that Peace be amongst them, strives
there should sir.
Now, if the Soldier favour find
Amongst his friends, to be so kind
As to Imprint his Book: my mind
to you sir▪
I'le tell; is that the Kingdome o're
It goe, to shew what some before
Ne're knew: and I'le say more
TIS TRVE SIR
A Dialogue, betwixt the Soldier, Author of the Book, and an Echo, being a summary Discourse of the whole matter; briefly resounded by the Echo.
Sold: Hark I heere is an Echo; listen and hark
Ech: Mark: S: I will ralk with it, shall I nor now?
Ech: Now: S: and tell the passage [...] and then mark
Ech: Mark: S: what answer it make [...] [...]ll how▪
[Page 36] Ech: How: S: the Irish into Rebellion first
Ech: First: S: gathered in a Riottous Rout?
Ech: Rout: S: against Protestants, their fury burst
Ech: Burst: S: for they were so full it needs must out;
Ech: Out. S: of all measure was the cruell Papist
Ech: Papist: S: Bloudy: a Murdrous Rogue was Teige
Ech: Teige: S: and Dermot too, worse than a meer Athist
Ech: Athist: S: who Cov'nant keeps, there is no league
Ech: League: S: but the Pope doth indulge to be broke
Ech: Broke: S: who to the Rebbells sent into Ireland
Ech: Ireland: S: a Bull, that made the Kingdom smoak
Ech: Smoak; S, and to burne, as if it were a fire-brand
Ech, Fire-brand S; so starting mad, the Bull was made
Ech; Made. S, so that the British should be pilled
Ech, Pilled, S, plundred, their Cattell stoln & prey'd
Ech, Prey'd: S, and ev'ry Protestant should be Killed
Ech, Killed, S, hanged, star [...]ed, to pitty no-man
Ech, No-man, S, that was of Brittish race, a child
Ech, Child, S, newly born, and ev'ry tender VVoman
Ech, Woman, S, to put toth'Sword, he judg'd too mild
Ech, Mild, S, So was the Bull for the POVVDER PLOT
Ech, Plot, S, the Lords Annoynted must not be spared
Ech, Spared, S, then all his Kingdoms sure should not
Ech, Not, S, but the Lord (who for our safetyes cared
Ech, Cared. S, his Name alone be praised) then
Ech, Then, S, both the King and State preserved. we see
Ech, See, S, which should be a warning to all men
Ech, Men S, Watchfull and Carefull alwayes to be
Ech, Be, S, Pondering these things and keeping sober
Ech, Sober, S, so that they may alwayes Remember
Ech, Remember, S, FORTY ONE the moneth OCTOBER
Ech, October, S, and the FIFTH day of NOVEMBER.
Ech, NOUEMBER.
FINIS.