A Vindication of Cheapside Crosse against the Roundheads.
MUst I then downe? is an eternall doome
Past out against me? must I needs to Rome?
And why? it is contrary to the Lawes
To judge th' offendor e're they heare the cause.
Why come you arm'd against me? what may be
The cause of difference 'twixt you and me?
Have I transgrest the Law? or did I ever
Our gracious Soveraigne from his people sever?
Did I to a factious covenant subscribe,
Or turne a Iack on both sides for a bribe?
Rebells have long our wisht for blisse defer'd,
All rose in armes, but yet I never stir'd.
When such a Prick-eare troope upon me gaz'd,
Crying (no Crosse) good faith I stood amaz'd:
I was stroke dumb with wonder, and which worse,
Because I'de gold about me, fear'd my purse.
This zealous rable came not to adore me,
Yet (thanks to th' Butchers) some fel down before me
Others ran quite away, the rest disputed,
Misusing Scripture phrases, but confuted.
Wisdome they cal'd Apocriphall, threw durt on
All Fathers faces, but Saint Prin and Burton.
Was God ith' middle of this congregation?
Or were they led by instinct or revelation?
Kings doft their Crowns, and Cardinals their copes,
All must be bare unto a crew of Crops.
But do's Religion such a hatred bring,
To hate the very picture of a King?
Brethren what would you have? or what d'ye fear?
I draw no sword, nor do I wear long hair.
Ile do no wrong (though arm'd with pikes about)
Would you know why? T'was to keep Roundheads out,
Who have not sworn, but tane a protestation
To leave no golden Crosse to blesse our Nation.
They will divide my coat, my flesh, my bones,
They'le share the gold, and give their wives the stones.
They say they'le pluck the Tower of Babel down,
All things go right when there's no Crosse ith' Town.
But who can live without them? Crosses are
The good mans blessings, and his certain share.
He that would win an everlasting Crowne,
Must elevate his Crosse, not throw it down.
They'le have no Common Prayer, but doe abhor
All that is common, but a common W—
Will you heare reason? that's not common to ye,
Will prayers prevaile? Ile pray ex tempore.
You thinke 'tis justice that your factious crew
Are crosse to me' cause I am Crosse to you.
You will have flesh for flesh, It's very dear
That Peters nose should pay for Malchus ear.
If he should snuffle now, that were a jest,
That very thing would make him full blest:
Youl run to heare him, and cry's doctrine strong,
Though non-sense, in regard he stands so long.
Put out his eyes next time, and you may find
A second like the first, and doctrine blinde.
Some call me Popish, and report they see
Divers adore me, what's all that to me.
Because they worship me shal I fall down
Unto such calves, mechanicks of the Towne.
'Tis Popery, let them kneel that list, Ile stand,
Before Ile bow, Ile fly to some new Land.
Be sorry Brethren, I'm pleas'd to think
'Twas from too litle wit, or too much drink.
Ile be a Roundhead spiritually sent
To pardon your affronts, if youl repent.
I am a foe to Rome, for you shall finde
When I am gone, ther's the more room behinde.
FINIS.