The spy discovering the danger of Arminian heresie and Spanish trecherie: written by I.R.

THE SPY . MVST I turne mad , like * * Solo●… mentia 〈…〉 mulan ▪ insolitis tibi v●● sibus ( capitis 〈◊〉 ) persuasit Atheniensib 〈◊〉 Mega●●s●● 〈◊〉 b●llu inferre Iust l●… Solon and write rimes , When † † Certain● bitter invectiue oration● of de 〈◊〉nes against Phil. of Macedon and 〈◊〉 Cicero ( 〈◊〉 mitation of him ) against M ▪ Antonius Philippicks would better fit the times ? Yes , Yes , I must . For what soe're they be In presse , or pulpit , dare of speech be free In truth's behalfe ; and vent their grieved mind ▪ In phrase more serious , or some graver kinde , ( Though , at the common good , they onely ayme , And be as strictly Carefull to shun blame As wisdome can devise ) : they cannot scape The malice of the age . Some mouths must gape ( Whos 's guilty Conscience tells them , this was pend To lash at vs ) their sland'rous breath to spend In their disgrace ; and bring them into hate As movers of sedition in the state . As if truth's friend , must needs be Englands foe . These rimes , I hope , shall not be censur'd so Councels , of old , encourag'd such men still ( Till those made Councellours did curbe their will ) Who boldly would , for publique safety , vtter What , now , the best , in private , dare not mutter Vnder the Fleetes damnation . Nay 't is fear'd , That their advise in Councell is not heard Who passe their kewes enioyn'd , or else come short . Nor is this strange , for we have Presidents for 't . Our fathers dead , their sonnes their courage lost : Many of bloud , of spirit few can boast . Where now is Essex ▪ Norris , Rawleigh , Drake ? ( At whose remembrance yet proud Spaine doth quake ) Where 's Burleigh , Cecill , all those axletrees Of state , that brought our foes vpon their knees ? Where are such fearelesse , peerelesse Peeres become ? All silenc'd ? what , is all the world turnd ' dumbe ? Oh how hath trech'rous coward feare enchanted This plying temporizing age ; and danted Our noblest spirits ? what dull heavy fate Hath lull'd asleepe , and stup●fi'd our state ? That few will see , at least none dare disclose Those plots our forreine and domestick foes Haue layd to ruine vs . Shall th' Austrian brood Abroad be gorg'd , and glutted with the blood Of our allies and friends ? nay shall they here At home a Babel of Confusion reare ; And none speake to prevent it ? is there not Vn slaughter'd , or vnpoyson'd left one Scot Dares tell the blindfold state it headlong reeles To Spanish thraldome vpon spanish wheeles ? And that those Pillars may be iustly fear'd Will fall on vs , that we our selues haue rear'd ? Then giue him leaue ( for Stons sake ) to speake , whose heart , with griefe , had it no vent , would breake . Thou therefore , sacred Mother , Christs deare Wife , ▪ From whose pure breasts , I suck'd the food of life ) And thou , deare Countrey , ( in whose peacefull lap First to receiue my breath , 't was my blest hap Vouchsafe t' accept , and graciously peruse Th' abortiue ofspring of an vnripe Muse : And suffer not weake insufficiency To counterpoyse his harts true loyalty In your affections , who to doe you good , Would thinke th' exhausion of his deerest blood Great happines ; and want of liberty Large freedome : nay , could ev'n contented be Or for your safety to be sacrific'd Or your saluation Anathematiz'd . Nor feare I censure , though strict Cato read Whil'st in the well knowne path of truth I tread , And travaile in her cause . The subiects weight Repells the breath of eu'ry vaine Conceit . And for Spaines agents , and times flatt'ring Minions I neither passe their persons nor opinions . For God , that doth the hearts of all men see , Knowes my intentions just and honest be . ' 'T is no vainglorious humour makes me doe it : Nor doth malicious envy force me to it : But hate of Spanish treason , and true zeale Vnto the good of Church and Commonweale . Why therefore , armed with so iust a cause , Should I the censure feare of right-full lawes ? Or once suspect a Check or prohibition From any but a Popish pack'd Commisssion ? Nor can the Councell take such subjects ill , As to true Patriots haue beene wellcome still . What , ever yet , did merit condemnation , Tending alone to publique preservation ? Mistake me not ( you Props of state ) I pray : Such bold presumption never yet bare sway In my acknowled'gd weakenes , as to goe About ●'informe your well tri'd judgments : no I b●● persuade and not prescribe , incite , And not instruct your wisdomes , to what 's right ▪ Those then of malice shall traduce my name , By being guilty , bring themselves to shame , Should such squint Lamian envions eyes reflect O● their owne brests , they would themselues correct Beforeth would censure others but such spight Shall never mount my Muses lowest flight . So high this world I prize not , as to close With falshoods fautours , and Gods favour lose . If friends by flatt'ry be procur'd alone , Befriend me heav'n , on earth I 'le looke for none . Grant therefore ( God of truth ) into his hands I Never fall that holy truth withstands .

The Explanation of the Table Prefixed . AN endles bloudy war , that never yet Cessation , truce , or peace did once admit From the worlds Cradle , so it 's hoary age Hath still beene wag'd , with vnappeased rage , By cursed Sathan , and his damned bands Of reprobates , against Christs church ▪ like sands Her foes in number are : no station 's free From fierce assaults , and furious battery , When time began this malice first began , Nor will it end but with the latest man ' ' Time shall produce . Thus iustice hath decreed ' ' Those shall be crown'd in heav'n , on earth must bleed . To exercise the Churches patience , hope And faith , God hath ordaind a Turke or Pope To persecute her saints : her sins to scourge , And from her purer gold the drosse to purge Of vaine corruption , oft he tryes in flames Her glorions Martyrs : and sometimes he tames Herself ▪ admiring , and applauding pride ( That on presumption of his loue doth ride In to that high conceit , the Iewes haue told her Since God hath chose her , he is bound t' uphold her By † † Neither totally no● fully , but in the sencibility of operation . drawing from her his supporting grace . That see'ing in what a weake and wretched case She is without his helpe : how soone she 'd fall ( If grace be not her leader Generall ) To Heresy , or any other snare , The tempter , to entrap her , shall prepare : She may rely , vpon his power alone Who is the Rock of her salvation . To be exposed thus to Sathans spleene , Of Christs true Church , a true marke still hath beene . The church malignant , whose prodigious head The Divel is himselfe , wee , see , hath led The Captiue world in triumph : liu'd at rest : And most of nations with subiection prest . No streames of Martyrs blood her temples di'de : Nor did she persecution e're abide . His Cruelty , not to his friends , but foes , The Prince of darknes , here in this world , showes . Whom , but th' Apostles , did he sift , like wheate ? And whom , like Paul , did he desire to beat , Without , with Iewish scourges , and within , With buffets of his flesh-assaulting sin ? Such barb'rous tortures , who did e're endure ( Without all pity ) as the saints most pure ? This bold adventurous foe , his fiery darts Directs , with matchlesse cunning , at the harts Of them that are , the best of saints . And where He sees the richest graces shine most cleere , There he his strongest engines doth erect : ( If possible ) ev'n to subvert th' elect . Thus haue we seene in heate of warres alarmes , ( Where bloudy fields are pav'd with broken armes ) The foes redouble all their force and might , To breake the battailes , where the gen'ralls fight . Such was the Syrian monarchs , * * 1. Kin: 22. 31. charge to bring Captiue , o● kill none else but Israels King . So Caesar thought those soldiours worthiest grace , Whose poynts still levell'd at their foemens † face . Miles saci●n ▪ feri . Thus strong temptations , forcibly appli'd , Haue made the best of Gods owne children slide . Lot , Noah , David , Peter , fouly fell ; Because their gifts , did all mens else , excell . Adam , in Paradise , no safety found : Nay he , that of all safety is the ground , Escap'd not vnassaulted : of whose fare , Good reason , all his servants should haue share . Stand forth then , Roman strumpet , wipe thine eyes Pull of thy scales of blindnes : yet be wise . Ere 't be too late . Then shalt thou cleerely see Who the erroneous , who the true Church , be . I will not ( nor is 't fitting ) here discusse Those points of doctrine , where in you from vs Are in Diameter oppos'd , as farre As bright truth from darke fals hood : such a warre Requires a larger and more spatious field , Then this restrained straine can aptly yeeld . Wherefore in freer methode , more solute , I leaue your tenents for the schools dispute . And yet how easy were 't to make you know , Humane traditions are ( alas ) too low To mate Gods sacred word : nor may the vaine Inventions of an erring mortall braine Braue th' oracle of truth . if th' Arke to check Dagon presume , Dagon shall breake his neck ▪ How easy were 't to proue , that saving grace , Of our corrupted nature , must take place ? Errour hath Champions : 't is not my intent That Antichristian Councell , which from Trent Takes it's denomination to refell , Since those blasphemons Cannons now doe smell O're all the world : and you your selues are faine Many ( for shame ) back to revoke againe . No ( were there no marke else , the Church to know ) Our truth , your falshood , this would cleerely show To proue vs Christs , and aggravate your sin We haue the patients , you the agents bin In all massacres , treasons , persecutions , Close murthers , cruell bloudshed , and dirutions Of Cityes , kingdomes wofull devastations . Rebellions , powderplots , and wrong invasions , Perform'd to force mens consciences , and make Inconstant soules , with errour part to take . These are the bloody glosses of your text Which , you well hop'd , we should interpret next . And if your projects be not timely crost Our freedome and religion both are lost . For , that our safety might be vndermind , You haue not onely , all your powers combin'd Abroad , but ev'n at home , prepar'd such way , That we , our selues , should , our owne selues , betray . To what end else , did you ( in time of danger ) You , introduce , we entertaine a stranger T' our reform'd doctrine ? was 't for Conscience sake To bring vs to the truth ? or was 't to make Entrance , for Spanish waspes , to th' English hiue While we , for conscience , with our selues should striue ? Thus simple truth , hath by your cunning bill Assaild without , falsely betrayd within . And when religions bond 's once broke asunder , No mervaile forreigne Atheisme bring vs vnder . Which , that the Church may better take to hart , And yet prevent that , for which else she 'le smart , Her dangers here appeare : that when you view them You better may advise which way t' eschew them . A Truths Fortresse , whose fundation's layd vpon Th' Apostles , Prophets , and that Corner-stone Caste●●o 〈◊〉 ●a verita . Whereon they build ; morter'd and cemented With blood of Martyrs ( for the gospell shed ) Then , by degrees , rays'd to the present frame , By such of ancient , and of later fame , Whose workes , and wordes , liues , lines , harts hands haue made Truth flourish , errour vanish , falshood fade , And shak'd proud Babel : stands beleaguer'd , here , On all sides by her foes . Two Ports appeare , " Gainst which th' assailants ( ar'md with fury rage , And hellish spleene , that nothing can asswage But blood and ruine ) all their engines plant , And forces bend : here is , of plots , no want , B Or Cunning projects : for their braines are filld With all the stratagems that hell can yeeld . Port : orthe dosso . Religions Port's beleaguer'd by the whore C Of erring Babel's cursed Paramour : The Pope . Whose right hand 's armed with the fulmination Of Kingdomes-blasting excommunication : To send to hell , or some such place , all those His jurisdiction , or his lawes oppose . His bull 's his buckler : wherewith he defends ( As he makes credulous soules beleeue ) his friends ; Pardons their sinnes , pulls such from Sathans pawes As damne themselues , for his vnhallowed cause . Next him , the Cardinalls march in pompous sort : ● Wh ' would rather the defendants of the port Corrupt , then force by conquest . This implyes , They shall not want for earthly dignityes , And temp'rall honours , that with Rome will side Gainst heaun : in wordly triumph , those shall ride : And he , for Babels whore , will spend a soule , Shall quaffe in fornications golden boule . Be it so , Lord , such their reward haue here , And plagues hereafter : but thy children deere Now suffer , that they may be after Crown'd , When they shall , in thy cup of wrath be drownd . A squadron of fat Bishops marcheth next ▪ Whose armes are Pickaxes in stead of text . Truth , by the spirit can sustaine no harme : ● Therefore they 'd batter't , with the fleshes arme , 〈…〉 The last ( though not the least in force ) consists Of a whole Legion of * Ignatius Priests . Who ( hauing learnd the vndermining art From him , that taught it first to † Berthold Schwart ) 〈…〉 Doubt not to make Truth 's strongest hold to fly , With * pouderbarrells , vp into the sky . When lying , forging , and equivocation , Too weake , they found , to batter truth's foundation , And that the seeming'st , reasons they could rack From their sublimest braines , reflected back Vpon themselues , with shame , and with disgrace : ( For falshood must , at last , to truth giue place Though ne're so nearly varnish'd ) they betooke Themselues to treasons , and their bookes forsooke , ( As * * 〈…〉 Iulius did his keyes ) with fire and sword , In stead of zeale , and the spirituall word , They take the field : not only to enthrall Mens consciences , but liberty and all . Thus arguments for armes they haue refused , And treasons base for their best reasons ●sed : Thus haue they chose for Pallas powerfull charmes ▪ Mars his more harsh and forcible alarmes . And not prevailing by far-strain'd conclusions , Would put downe Truth by lawlesse wrong confusions . This Germany too sensibly hath felt And smarted for ( whose soule can chuse but melt To thinke on 't ? where the title to the Crowne Of that vnhappy Kingdome , tumbled downe Truth 's best professours . For the plot was layd , Before th' election of the Paltz grave made , How to defeate him . This was onely done To make him on his owne confusion runne . And that they might the eyes of iustice blind With some pretence of equity : and bind Our hands , that were engaged to support So iust a cause . How grossely did they sport With thy mild nature ? thou , whose sacred name The title of the Prince of Peace may Claime . How was thy soule abus'd with false relations ; And , hopes of ne're-meant reconciliations ? How did that damned Don , and 's agents here , That were , of all thy subjects , plac'd most neere Thy nought-suspecting heart , infatuate The wisest Prince on earth ? and captivate That iudgment , whereat all the world did gaze ? Sure he that skrew'd thee into such a maze Of errour , was no Spanyard , but a devill Sent vp from hell , to worke the Church such evill . How couldst thou else with patience sit , and see Truth 's fall , and thine owne childrens misery ? While ( as 't is thought ) there was more treasure spent In fruitles embassades , and complement ; Then would not onely haue the Paltz secur'd But in it's bounds the Austrian pride immur'd . Wer 't nor for this ( blest King ) and th' old ones playster , Thou migh'st ( perchance ) haue , yet , beene Britaines master . Now Germany lyes drow'nd in her owne blood , And all that for Religions quarrell stood Haue suffer'd Martyrdome : and Frances King Is set a worke the Huguenots to bring Into subjection . Yet one sore doth ly In th' eye o' th' Pope , and 's Catholique Majesty , Which needs must be remov'd before the rest And that s our land , of * * Nido d'he●●●tici ▪ ● Heretiques the nest . ( As they please terme it ) how they this may doe , Spaines councell , and the Romane Conclaue too , With Beelzebub , that sits as President At Councell table , haue a long time spent . With forreigne forces to invade a land So rich , so well appointed , so wel mann'd With high resolved spirits , that ever bore Themselues , in warres , victorious heretofore , And made good proofe of perfect valour ( till Base treachery against the valiant's will Did Generally Mislead them now of late , And the whole world may Admire all thereat ) T' invade so stout a people , needs must be A dang'rous action , full of jeopardy . Besides the very thought of eighty eight Dants them , and quells such resolutions straight . Wherefore 't is safest , in such case to fly From open warre , to secret trechery . " He that intends to bring a countrey vnder , " Either he must , before he lighten , thunder : " Or else rayse vp , and nourish in 't a faction , " May make him entrance , through their owne destraction . In eyghty eight , the former they assay'd : Then treating peace , when th' had their anchores waigh'd , To saile to our destruction . But ( be blest You heav'ns ) their sword was turn'd on their owne brest . Now of the second project they make tryall : ( And Spanish gold , alas , finds rare denyall ) From Spaines exchequer some , some from the † † Of Pardons &c. Popes A●e fed with gold , but more with golden hopes . This th' haue attempted long : and how too true T is th' haue prevaild ( I feare ) too late , we rue . ●i●st , seeing † † A Religā●o . Religion is the strongest Chaine To ty mens har●s together : and 't is vaine To hope for conquest , whiles that Concords band Environs ( like a wall of brasse ) our Land : His Holynes hath learn'd of Machiavell , ( In whom all Popes haue ever beene read well ) T' advise his * * The Diuel . standard bearer , to devide Truths chiefest followers : that while they doe side In factions mongst themselues , he may with ease Destroy them all , ev'n as himselfe shall please By taking part with th' one . Which to effect Sathan his writts doth readily direct To all the peeres of darknes . Who being met , And ( capering to the Councell-table ) set : In comes the Divells Duke , great Lucifer : When all , to make obeysance , quickly stir Scraping their cloven feet , and lowely bending : Because their honours are from him depending . Straight Beelzebub , the chosen President After a hem ( that all in pieces rent The walls of L●mbo ) an oration roar'd To all the Luciferians , amply stor'd With threatnings : what he sayd , I did not heare : If needes you 'le know the cause , I was not there . But , by the sequell , I perchance may guesse That solemnly his hate he did professe To Truth , and all her follo'wers : and 's desire T' enlarge his empire , and to bring it ●igher To vniversall greatnes . But there lay ( To curbe his great designes ) a rubbe i' th way , Truths fortresse : whence he often had sustaind Losse irrecov'rable : and seldome gaind Ought else , but shamefull falls , disgracefull foyles , Or strong repulses . Therefore all their wiles Of hellish policy , they now must proue , This let , of their ambition , to remoue . All spend their censure , that , since force prevailes not , Treason must do 't : that too too often failes not . Wherefore with generall voyces they conclude That fiends in shew of friends , must truth delude , And so betray her . To this cursed end , In humane shape Arminius they send ; Got by Pelagius , and in Rome nurst up : Whence , drunke with superstitious errours cup , He 's sent to Leyden by the Popes direction To blast the world with 's heresyes infection , Nor rests th' ambiguons crafty monster there ; But spewes the poyson of 's false doctrine here : Comes , like a protestant , in shew , before ; And vowes he hates the Antichristian whore ; Disclaimes her tenents : Nay none seemes to be More zealous , in the gospells cause , then he . ( Oh that false tongues were ever made so smooth , Or lying lips should haue the power to sooth , ) Tell him the doctrine of the Pope is ' true Concerning merits , he will censure you For errour straight . Say that we may attaine By nature , power saluation to gaine , By working it our selues : he will reply These doctrines are condemnd for heresy : And yet ( what positiuely he thus denyes ) By necessary consequence implyes . So that obserue him well : within you 'le find A friers hart , as here his coule behind . Behold , now , sathans masterpiece , t'or'e spread The Church with Popery , so long banished . Had he , in publique , these his tenents held , And justify'd , he should haue beene expelld From all reformed Churches ; and confuted Had he such , Theses in the schooles disputed . Therefore , with truth , dissembling to take part He ( Ioab like ) doth closely , wound her heart . And silly soules , entangled by him , ly In nets of errors , that they cannot spy . Yet though Arminius , Holla●d had infected , Since we , his poysonous doctrine had detected , And that blest King , most learnedly refelld Those false positions seduc'd Vorstius held : What madnes was 't , for vs , to foster here Those errours , that our Church condemned there ? Had sathans instruments beene all without , The danger were not great : we need not doubt So much our safety . But * * Da chi mi fido mi guar do Dio. Da chi mi non fido mi guar ●●ro 〈◊〉 . within , they lurke , That , vnder name of truth's stout'st champions worke Her ruine : and to back her , making show , Betray her , and conspire her overthrow . No sooner comes Arminius to vntwine The bond of concord , and to vndermine Religion , with condemn'd Pelagianisme ( To make way for the Pope ) but factious Schisme , With sencelesse Atheisme , cold neutrality , H ● . Loose Epicurisme , and damned Policy Are ready t' entertaine him : and declare Themselues ( perfidious wretches as they are ) For him , g'ainst truth receiud . Wherefore , in hast , As he is formost , by the divell plac't With schismes wild fire , Riligions Port to set In a combustion , he is straightway met By messengers sent to salute him . Who They are , I scarce can yet precisely know . But Bishops Chapleines they should be , I deeme For , by their stately port , no lesse they seeme . And such is he , whose purblind Couzning eye ● It's objects ( as 't appeares ) doth multiply , And make two Sacraments seeme sea'vn . Like him . ( But that his Carriage something is more grim ) Is he , that takes vpon him to suppresse All bookes against his Leyden friend : vnlesse His sence of feeling be a little feed . ( Were I his indge ) it should be so indeed . But him that welcomes first this Heretick , His very † † Intus quod latet externa pingitur in facie Ca●e a signatis . lookes proclaime a Schismatick . He hath Commission , with a false forg'd key To let this monster in , and so make way For all the rest of that accursed crew In truthes chiefe Martyrs bloud , their hands t'mbrue . These , these , not those at Clerkenwell we tooke , The strong foundation of our Church haue shooke , And made Religion reele . Our foes we shun : But these false faigned friends haue truth vndone . Oh vipers most vnnaturall ; thus to teare The bowells of that mother , held you deare . Alas , alas , too true it is I see , All men are for themselues ; few Christ , for thee . Errour prevailes : and while thy sheapheards sleepe Wolves in sheepes clothing , Worry all thy sheepe . Who , almost , cares which way Religion bends , So they may compasse their ambitious ends ? How sone doe those that should firme Mo●ntaines be , For truth to build on , leane to popery : Laude Romish lawes , and to disgrace endeavour , In truth's profession , such as would persever . So they may rise , they make their betters fall . Thus doe they ship wrack faith , loue , soule and all . Yet ( blest be God ) Truth ne're was so distrest , But she had still some Champions ( those the best ) T'abet her quarrell . See the faiths defender , ● Wth's brandish'd sword , is ready ayd to lend her ; And thouhands more of soldiours stout there be , Which never yet , to ertour , * * 〈…〉 . 19. 18 bow'd their knee , For truths sake , would , in midst of faggots dance : Yea Bishops some . But see a luckles chance Befalls one Prelate : hastning to repell M Arminius and 's adherents back to hell For feare of faction . He himselfe is tane By proud Ambition : that is still the bane N Of all religious acts , the roote of evill , The Character and darling of the devill : Aud violently ( I know not why ) 's throwne downe Vnable to resist , ev'n bv a frowne . Me thinkes 't is pitty , for a cause vniust That godly gravity should ly i' th' dust . But , though he fall , himselfe ( he sayes ) shall rise † † Tu null● plangente . And he shall fall , when none shall wet their eyes . How speed the rest : their well meant labour 's lost : A bald appa'ritour hath their iourney crost : Who muzz'ling them , by virtue of his box Extorts the spirits sword from th' orthodox . Nor doe these flattr'ing Prelates cease to bring Such men in hatred , dayly , with their King : And falsly , that th' are Calvinists , report Onely to make them odious in the court . Nor is 't vnlike , some hope , by pleasing so The Kingdomes secret bane , and Churches foe , They may , in this golden corrupted state , Bishopricks purchase , at an easier rate Then the chiese-iustice-ship . Thus Errour beares Her selfe aloft : while Truth ( bedew'd with teares To thinke vpon the wofull sad events Schismes ever bring vpon the Church ) laments . For , if the monuments of formerages We search : and studiously turne ore the pages Of all historians : they will shew vs plaine , No state , or Kingdome ever did sustaine Such fatall downfalls , gene'rall devastations , Finall subversions , and depopulations , By open foes : ( though ne're so fiercely bent ) 〈…〉 As by intestine civill broyles . How went The Graecian Monarchy to nothing ? why Lost Rome her greatnes ? wherefore doth she ly Buryed in her owne ruines ( who was once The glory of the East ) an heape of stones ? But aske antiquity , how these did fall , 'T will answere , * * In quo discordia cives , Perduxi● mi●eros Virgi . discord hath or'ethrowne them all . Enquire of Carthage , and her rubbish towers Will cry , would Hannos ' house had ne're beene ours . Aske how the Thracian empire's stately seate Became a slaue to Mahomet the great , How we lost all those Countreyes in the East , And how that land our Saviours presence blest ? Truth must reply , dissension was their fall . And Christian princes discord lost them all . This was spide wisely by a graue † † 〈…〉 Bashaw , And as a strong persuasion vs'd to draw Great Soliman to Rhodes . For while ( quoth he ) The Christian princes thus divided be , They hasten their * * Christia●us occas●●●●testinis discordijs lab●●● destruction . 't was too true . This Counsaile Rhodes and Hungary did rue . " Civill dissensions are most mortall ever : " But when religion breeds them , then they sever " The very soules of men . This nature makes " Become vnnaturall : it no notice takes " Of father , brother , friend : but all doth vse " With like Contempt , with equall hate pursues . Which Sathan , ( th' enemy of humane peace . The gospells glory , and the truths encrease ) Perceiving ; and by long experience knowing , That nothing keepes religion more from growing , Then Church contentions . As the surest way To rayse vp errour , and make Truth decay ; He hath suborned , in all ages , those That , vnder † † Qui sub nomine Chri stiano doctri uae resisterent Christianae . Tertul : Christs owne name , should Christ oppose . None 's hurt , but by himselfe : to Christ none is A foe so mortall , as he , that seemes his . Schismes in the church , are like , i' th' soule , a wound : To cure't no Aesculapius can be found . Th' are like * Elias cloud : though small , at first , * Yet still encreasing ; and being dayly nurst With male contented humours : at the length , They ( by degrees ) attaine to so much strength ; Truth 's suune is by them overshadowed quite , And , like a tempest , on the church , they light , Or'ewhelming , with a bloody , inundation Cityes and kingdomes , ev'n to desolation . Such sad proceedings had the Arrian errour ; Which , first contemn'd , prou'd afterwards a terrour To all the world . That sparke , whence once it brake To flames , made Europe , Asia , Afrike quake . And so obscur'd the Churches glory over , She never could her lustre yet recover . So was th' † † Mahomet . Arabian , in Heraclius dayes ( Whom Sathan did another agent rayse Truth to disturbe ) when he began to broach His damned Dogma's , fitter of reproach And scorne reputed , then represt to b'e By force , or Councells censure . And thus he ( Though an vnread Barbarian ) after came , By this connivence , to attaine such fame For false supposed truth ( since no man could Gainsay , as it was thought ▪ because none would , This new-spring doctrine ) that it quickly grew Through force and juggling of this Pagan Iew To such an height of greatnes , and of power , That from that age , vnto this present hower , His barb'rous proud successours still haue beene The executioners of Sathans spleene , And heaviest scourges , for the Gospells side , That ever Christendome did yet abide . " So fatall 't is : ( oh then what state would doe ' ? ) " To let an errour , in the church , take root . If later times examples better take , And in mens minds deeper impression make : What frequent streames of bloud of Christians drew The mad , phantastick , giddy-headed crew Of Germane Anabaptists ? to maintaine Whose grosse erroneous tenents , there were slaine Thrice fifty thousand soules : who lost their breath In that false quarrell by a timeles death If then th' obtrustion of new dogmatiques Vpon th' abused Church , so deepely pricks Her grieved hart : if it her quiet marre And turne her happy peace to bloody warre : What Belials brats , or Bichris sonnes could find In hart , to be s'vnnaturall and vnkind As to that mother , ill for good , to render Who hath beene ever , of their wellfate , tender ? Oh that such dang'rous serpents ere should rest , I' th' choysest mansions , of a Kingdomes brest , Would suck her hart bloud out : it were too much In monster-moulding Africk to find such . Who then would ere suspect a monstrous seed And more prodigious Africk ere did breed Should spawne in England ? in so cold an ayre Where matter of corruption should be rare . That then , that doth this mi'shap'd births create Is not the sunne of zeale , but fire of hate , And slime of pride and treason : these they be That turne a man into a prodigie . And such , there are too many : who doe hope And strongly labour to reduce the Pope , Vs her'd b' Arminius : that themselues , in time , To th' honour of a Cardinalls cap , may clime : First let them breake their necks . And let that hand Be ever mark'd with th' ignominions brand Of infamous sedition , whose appeale , For Spanish-English favour , not for zeale To God or truth , did hither first transferre The Belgian Heretick , to make vs erre . Did we not see , of late , what sad effect This doctrine wrought , in that pernicious sect ? Had not the States , like , to their cost , t' haue felt ( By th' trecherous designes of Barnevelt , His sonnes , and others ) what religious fruites We might expect from such seditious bruites ? If , the same danger , we had meant to shun , Why , the same hazard , did we rashly run ? Nor were these tenents in the schooles discust ( Fit places where such paradoxes must Be controverted ) but in publique print ▪ ( To make vnlearned vulgar eyes to squint From truth on falshood ) all the land about These dang'rous bookes are cast , to make men doubt The truth receiv'd : and not resoluing where Safely to stand , or to what side t' adhere , To fall as fast to Rome or atheisme As * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sozom: Scholis ac parietibus clausit . Aug. de C. D. those in Arrius time to Gentilisme . Better discretion from the heathens lawes Might be observ'd . For no religious cause With them , was handled 'mongst the vulgar sort ▪ And with the Turckes , his life he forfaites for 't Dares question any . Learned Varro shut Such bookes in schooles and private closets . But Boue all th' Apostles and the fathers were Herein most chary . For when ever there Sprung any diff'rence 'twixt them : they ne're made Saucy appeales to temprall Kings , to shade Or bolster up their fancyes . None did write Bitter invectiues gainst his opposite : Nor clamorous bills in any princes court Put up . but * * Act. 15. lovingly they did resort I' th' feare of God together : there propose Their doubtes , alleadge their reasons , confirme those : And then determine from Gods sacred word What must be follow'd , what must be ahorr'd . Good sheapherds lead their flocks to feeding , nigh Those pleasing rivers , that streame * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sep. Ps. 23. 2 quietly And not in whirle pooles . Those of highest place Shall haue fruition in th' almighty's grace , That draw most soules vnto him . Where shall they Become , that fright vnstable soules away ? Consider this , all you , whose hot desire Of worldy honour , far surmounts the fire Of your cold zeale . And fix in heav'n your mind ▪ Where , onely , lasting honour , you shall find . So shall , our Church , be happy in her seed : So shall she be , from present dangers , freed : So shall the Gospell , 'mongst vs , ever flourish : So shall our state , the true professours nourish : So shall the God of Truth your labours blesse And your endeavours Crowne with wish'd successe .

Port della Fidelita . NOw rise vp Rawleigh , helpe me to vnfold A mystery , shall make the bloud grow cold In all true English harts . Which to defeate , Those boundlesse braines ofthine did ever beate , ( Till Wisedome swallowed Spanish figges . ) and thou Great Lesters treach'rous ghost assist me now To vnrip Treasons bowells . That ( may be * * To true ▪ ) Hath harbour'd in as great a Peere as thee , As highly honour'd , and as highly plac'd In Offices of weight : more highly grac'd . And now you Catilines , that agents are For Spaines designes ; to hang your selues prepare . For we already haue ( though late ) detected Your Treasons ( blest be God ) ere th' are effected . Nay now our eyes , peace blinded long , haue found The plots , the meanes to worke by , and the ground Of your attempts : Whereby y' haue slily sought Our English freedome ( Traytor like ) t' haue brought To forreigne slavish thraldome . And our land T' haue made a Province vnder Spaines Command ▪ Now haue we your conceal'd devices spide To weaken ours , strengthen the adverse side . Now haue we found , how the Cinque Ports of state . P The Gate of Loy'lty . Hath enclind , of late , Port della Fidelita . ( As far as yet it could procure Commission ) By th' vndescry'd darke by path of Prodition Into our British I le to let that foe . Whose greatest ioy would be our overthrow . This how they haue attempted : and how far Prevail'd : we must enquire of Gondomar , ● ▪ That Magazine of craft , the Divels factour Th' authour of all pernicious plots , and th' actour ; He , he , in time of peace , that lull'd asleepe Our Salomon : † † Kind of 〈…〉 an ●…an Rat creepes ●…elly a sleeping ●…s out ●utts . Ichneum●n-like to creepe ●n●o his bosome . Where too long he sate To spy our secrets , and anticipate Our foreknowne Counsailes and attempts : that fox Who , by his cunning wiles , pick'd all the locks Of state : he that , like Phocions sonne , him sway'd ( Which way he pleas'd ) whom all the land obay'd ▪ That Witch , whose charmes enchanted vs so farre As to bestow our * instruments of warre ●●●sse ●i● ▪ To be imploy'd against our selues ( a crime Ne're stupid state committed till that time ) He , he , that by procuring † † ●●tu●sse ●●n l●ng ●o●●iers to ●●●●n agt. ●…ke ●●nd agt. 〈…〉 ▪ Arch ●●agt ▪ the 〈…〉 &c. 〈…〉 one ●…hers 〈…〉 . volontiers For Spaines allyes , 'gainst ours , in halfe seav'n yeares More English blood , by English armes , did spill In time of peace ; more English vet'ranes kill By English vet'ranes ▪ Then in ten were slaine In time of warre , in Belgia , France , or Spaine . He that brought Rawleigh to vntimely rest For knowing how , his master , to infest Best of all Captaines living : he that made Our iustice , to his will , a very Iade . He that with hopes of a pretended match , Great Britane , in a purse-net thought to catch . He , he that , all times : in all shapes was clad : The creaft'st agent ere the Divell had ; The Spanish Philips graue Achitophel , That Matchiavilian Oracle of Hell . He , on this side , appeares truths formost foe : For all his actions have approu'd him so . Iustly may he , Spaines colours , then advance ‛ Fore●h ' Austrians , Flandrians , or the men of France . For his succesfull plots haue wrought those harmes They haue but executed with their armes . T' vndoe , by English meanes , this div'l proiected . Truth and the Palsgraue : which he soone effected . And therefore rightly his devise proclaimes Whereto he allwayes bent his fox like aimes . When foxes , muzzled lyons , lead so ●ame They dare not stir for feare of check or blame , 'T is wondrous easy for a Spanish dog Vpon that Lyons whelpes t' impose a Clog . This riddle needs no Oedipus t' expound it : For , too true , Englands onely Daughter found it , Vnto her owne and royall ofsprings Cost . For his helpe wanting , whom she trusted most ( That was by nature , and Religion both , The tye of common danger , and by oth Bound to defend her countrey , and Gods cause ) Forsaking her : she fell into the pawes Of danger : and hath shelter'd , ever since Vnder the wings of the Low-Countreys Prince ▪ To our eternall shame : whom no regard Of honour , nature , common faith , reward Reseru'd in heav'n , for those their liues shall spend To beate downe errour , and the truth defend Could ever draw Truth , falling , to sustaine , Or replant them in Heidelburgh againe . Oh that wee're were forc'd to be disloyall , To such a gratious Princesse and so royall ; How ( without indignation ) can the eyes Of heav'n , such irreligious Cowardise , And sluggish dull stupidity behold ? What made the English thus , but Indian gold . R Had not Spaines Philips † † ●h of Maced . thought no gate so strong but an asse laden with gold might passe ●t . He was not far from ●●uth I feare . Macedonian Asse Permitted bee'ne our Loyall gate to passe ( Driv'n by th' incarnate diu'l ) they had not bin So deepely drench'd in woe : nor we , in sin ▪ But things being thus : and our supplies kept back : Our friends , the Gospell , Paltz , went all to wrack . What could ( but Cursed thirst of tempting coyne ) Our safety , in their ruine , vndermine : To bring vs downe , what readier meanes could be Then vs to cause to breake Confed'racy With our allyes ? that , so , our strength divided , Might broken be with ease : and we derided For willfull blindnes : that would not prevent Those dangers could not be but imminent Better had treasure vndiscover'd layne In hell for ever : then t' haue beene the bane 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ▪ Pind. Of honourable actions : and to cause The shamefull breach of God and natures lawes . Why , why ( abused statesmen ) haue you thus Your selues blindfolded , to endanger vs ? Could you be ignorant that th' Austrian might * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dem. Olynt . 1. At length , would on our shoulders heavy light ? Seing Religion , but that sugar'd baite Wherewith , to catch mens freedomes , they lay waite , And fish for a fift Monarchy no other But a cloake of Pretence , to hide and smother Their proud ambitious ends : whereto t' impose . Limits of right and title , were t' enclose The swelling sea , confin'd within a grate . Since then Religion , and invete'rate hate 'Gainst vs , ( as they that haue opposed most Their great'st designes , and weighti'st proiects crost ) Enfor'cd , in vs , a double interest In that long plotted quarrell : why addrest Not we , in time , our succours ? what did then The forc'd detention of the Englishmen But ev'n our friends betray , our selues pull downe , And helpe t' advance , and spread , th' Imperiall Crowne ? We * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 & . the same case Dem. Oly. 1. Germany at Austria's foote haue layd ' Because Prince Fred'rick we refus'd to ayd . Spaines valour made th' Imperiall greatnes rise Not halfe so much , as English Cowardise ▪ A humane body ( in this case ) is like Vnto a states great body Politique In th' one , to keepe disturbing humours low Preserues from sickues : so to curbe a foe Princip●●● obsta . In th' other , frees from danger . Keepe out fin In it's first motions , scarce 't can e're come in . But giue it entrance , suddainly t' will raigne , And hardly ever be expell'd againe . See then ( abused Britanies ) see at length And mend your errours : reassume that strength Hath beene abated by your vaine excesse Your soft effeminacy and wantonnes . These idle pleasures did your Courage tame , So Cyrus , once , the * * 〈…〉 2 ▪ Lydians overcame . Draw out those swords in peace have long time rusted , And since how far a Spanyard may be trusted You now perceiue ( who promises and vowes Not onely , for his owne advantage , bowes Which way he pleaseth : but with perjur'd hand Fides non est ●enonda cum h●reticis . Slightly ( Lysander-like ) doth breake the band Of sacred oathes , expresly 'gainst the word ) Which even Turkes and Pagans haue abhorr'd Trust him no more , be sure , no more regard him : But , as he hath deserved , so reward him . Nor haue thy projects , with thy life , an end , Old Spanish fox , while there 's a Spanish friend In th' English Court , to execute thy will : But stratagems of such like nature still We must , against our state , expect . For who But vnto Spaine a friend ; a faithlesse foe To Englands good , would giue advise to breake Our peace with France , to make our party weake , And force th' affronted French in league to close Offensiue and desensiue with our foes ? Whereas the way to safeguard vs , and keepe Proud Spaine at such a bay , she durst not peepe Beyond her confines , was with France to hold Good correspondence , So we might be bold ( Thus countenane'd ) courage and life t'infuse Vnto the Belgians : and to make them bruise The head of his ambition , till it Crack , Borne , and assisted by so strong a back ▪ This then was but a Spanish plot , t'intangle Our armes in civill broyles : for while we wrangle With France , designing to the Dane no ayd ; His townes , the Austrian , at his foote hath layd . Beates him from Holsteyn , makes him still giue ground , And theatneth to be master of the Sound : Which if he be , then must we make great store O' th' ships we haue , for we shall ne're haue more . 'Twixt brothers then , this vnexpected breach , Was not so much for malice , as to teach Our foes the time t' invade vs : having thus Pull'd ( like curs'd Ismaël ) all the world on vs : Provoking some , and other friends abusing : Witnes the lawlesse staying and perusing The letters of that state , we ever found To vs in league of friendship , firmely bound . How many bones , likewise , to rayse vp iarres Betwixt our neerest friends the Hollanders And vs , haue oft beene cast ? that we , bereft Of all assistance , might , alone , be left Vnto the rage of all the world expos'd . Thus haue our actions aym'd ( if rightly nos'd ) At losse of honour : and to bring our state Amongst all nations to contempt and hate . Nor , that remonstrance , will I feare to blame , Although I saw prefix'd the authours name ; Wherein the quarrell , Rochell to support Religion was ( poore soules ) they ' le suffer for 't . This was the onely way , indeed , to draw All that are Champions for the Romish law 'Gainst the Reformists : and to bend their spleene Wholly at vs : because we still haue beene Truths ablest Patrons . Till the Gospells light Should be ( which God forbi'd ) extinguesh'd quite . This , blest King Iames , thy wisdome did foresee , And , being fear'd , prevent as carefully : Lest , Civill discord from the deepe vnbound ' All Christendome should in her bloud be drown'd . Nor did there want a plotted grosse abuse Might giue iust cause , to vs , to breake the truce . Our Admirall the French , some ships hath lent , Which were , he knew , 'gainst Rochell to be sent : This could not chuse , but in our stomacks breed A secret grudge , and so it did indeed . These ships be'ing then detain'd , to open flame The sparke breakes out : and quite burnes downe the frame Of that Confed'racy we late had rear'd Gainst Spaines designes , by both states iustly fear'd ' ▪ And now , a huge Armado , giues assault To th' I le of Re , as if we meant with salt To powder France . Our fleete environs th' Ile And yet it is not taken , all this while , To shew our courage , though , is free from dread ; And what trimme stratagems of warre , w' haue read , We scorne to man th' abandon'd little Fort , Or with our navy to secure a Port ; Although we rue the issue , what care they That seeke our good , the cleane contrary way ? Torax ( that , to the Spanyards next , doth lead A squadron of proud Monsieurs , who doe tread Their match in galliards , and in 's banner beares A Cock insulting 'cause away he feares Gallus gallicus . A lyon ) kindly doth a white mare send For present , to his long expected friend . Which was from others of that hue desery'de By a blew scarfe before her shoulders ty'de . These favours we requite , since they begin them , With Pyes : pray God there were no papers in them . What these Commanders meant , or whereunto These missiues tended , we will leaue to you ( Sage British Senate ) but , I feare , you 'le find , Our English leader had a French mans mind : How , ever , else , when th' Ile was compas'd round , Had they such vndisturbed entrance found ? Vnlesse with legends you would blind our eyes And make vs thinke they drop'd downe from the skyes . Or that from th' earth , like Cadmus leeth they sprung ▪ Or else engend'red in the ayre they hung : ( And that Conceit might well for currant passe . One squadron of them , seene at Wantage was ) Or make 's beleue because they came so soone , They leap'd downe from the mountaines in the Moone , Or that sir Hugh of Burdeaux thither sent Iuvisibly , a fayery Regiment . Or that th' were shot in Archimedes gin . From France , and so the Iland lighted in . How ere ( no English ships , or power with standing ) Ev'nas they pleas'd , they had a quiet landing . Then like a storme orewheln'd our men , that had 'Gainst such impressions , no entrenchments made , Of any moment , but securely lay . As France had England beene . Yet might the day On th' English side beene won , had th' horse gone on With thy couragious resolution Heroick Cunningham : or with thy hart Whom neither losse of bloud , nor stinging smart Of raging wounds could ere enforce to yeeld ( Brave Rich ) oh that this pen of mine could build An everlasting Pyramis of prayse Your fame and worth , aboue the starres , to rayse . But you not back'd , the rest , to saue their throates , Did drowne themselues , because they wanted boates , ( For they had ships enough ) you , that haue eyes , May reade these riddles , spy these mysteries . Let then those partiall tongues , these things impute T' inevitable fate , be ever mute . And tell me ( if you dare of speech be free , That of your gen'ralls valour Praeco's be ) If , as you say , he ventur'd so i' th' warres , When few scap'd life , how could he scape from scarres ? How many French did his great prowesse kill ? What wounds receiu'd he ? what bloud did he spill ? Th are not Lambs philters , nor a Beldames charmes , Can flesh and bloud , secure from gen'rall harmes . But say he did : was 't not as like as not , That Torax present made him free from shot ? Who durst not presse into the midst of 's foes , When he is sure he shall receiue no blowes ? But had he beene so : * * Neque enim bénefacta ma ligne , detrectare meum est . Mat. 13 ( for I' de not detract Deserved worth from any ) was 't an act Of wholesome policy , one that was vntrayn'd In feates of warre , nor ere experience gain'd In former service , and yet scorn'd to be Advis'd by men of try'd sufficiency , So many worthyes should vntimely lead To ruine , warn'd before , vnquestioned ? Once in a month , to take a leafe to taske In Machiavell : or , wearied with a maske , To reade ones selfe asleepe in Aelian's tacticks , Makes not a gen'rall , but tri'd Morgans practicks . Thy Holsteyn ( iniur'd Dane ) had ne're beene lost : Had we , in thy defence , imploy'd that host , Commanded by some one , well knowne to be Faithfull , and of well try'd sufficiency . I envy honour to no loyall hart : But from my life I could haue wish'd to part , So ( noble Essex ) thou , or thou , whose name Addes a Rich ornament to Warwicks fame , Or thou ( whom Newport sounds ) victorious Vere , Had ( as you best deserv'd ) led th' English there . Then France had found , our ancient British might ( Though long time layd aside ) not rusted quite . Then had not your triumphant soules , for shame , Blush'd ( matchlesse English Hero's ) that your name We doe but beare , having your courage lost : And , of your victories , can onely boast : Wanting your harts , your acts to imitate . Nor had the French , then , at so easy rate , In temples hung our ensignes , 'fore their eyes . As monuments of English Cowardise . Then had there beene no reason to suspect Ourselues of treason , or as bad neglect . Whereas 't is settled now in every thought Not French , but English our Confusion wrought , Disloyalty , not fortune , lost the day . So did we looke on Cales , and run away . Whereat aym'd that ? but that we might giue Spaine Our land ( in earnest ) cause t' invade againe . Nor onely were three subsidies spent there , To makes vs laugh'dat : but our soldiours were With stinking vitailes poyson'd : by this plot We weak'ned were , and yet perceiv'd it not . Was not anothers voyage likewise barr'd With a degree i' th' south ? Who might haue marr'd The plate fleete , had he beene in earnest sent , Or they that set him on plaine dealuig meant . But now of late our waightiest expeditions Are allwayes frustrate by ill-meant commissions . All plots pretended for our Kingdomes good Ly drown'd and buried in our Kingdomes blood And , as not here projected , but in Spaine On our part loose , but on our foes side gaine . Affaires , of such great consequence , of old ( When great ones did not scorne to be controll'd ) Were wont to be concluded by consent Of the states body in a Parliament , And not by factious spirits , made alone Of plying mettle , to be wrought vpon : Such greene-wax councell , that will onely take Th' impression , he that made them such , would make . And so , his will , not daring to gainsay That hates the state , they doe the state betray . Thus is our land made weake , our treasure wasted , Our court corrupted , and our honour blasted , Our lawes are broke , our iustice sold : and they That should reforme these mischiefes , giue them way . All symptomes of a Kingdome , that hath beene Declining long , may be in England seene : Our strength 's decayd , the flow're of all the land Haue perish'd vnder Buckinghams command . Those that their liues , haue ventur'd for their King , Home , nought but labour for their paines can bring . Hence 't is , our saylours are constrain'd to fly . ( For want of pay ) vnto the enemy . Whereby it comes to passe : a * * Dunkirke fisher towne , The very name of England once could drowne , Doth , with the terrour of some thirty saile At most , the power of that Kingdome quaile Which in the life of her renowned Queene Kept all the world in aw . Who e're hath seene So strange an alteration ? they that then Did feare † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Xerx . de Artem . in Her . a woman , now contemne our men . Admire it not : our marchants taken are Vnder the nose o' th' royall men of war ? Oh that some angell would , from heav'n relate Vnto our King , what wrongs are done the state He might beleeue 't . And not giue eare alone To them that nothing haue to liue vpon But glorious titles , and their Countreys spoyle , The Kings exchequer , and the Fav'rites smile . No mervaile then such Caterpillers vse Their witts , the authour of these ills t' excuse . And Papists : whom he rais'd in policy Religion and the gospells bane to be . For if he once ( on whom they hang ) but crack : Their credit , state and Conscience , must to wrack , Yet can not those gold flourishes they cast Vpon his canker'd actions , blind in hast The weakest iudgments . Nor is that conceit ( So often in their mouth ) of any weight Pretending it a Paradox that those . Whom highest honours , on all sides , enclose , Should not enioy content : but still aspire From high'st preferments to ascend vp higher ▪ As if the large desires of humane pride Could be ( alas ) with bonds of reason ti' de . Ambition brookes no equalls : and much lesse Superiours . 't is imperfect happines ( She thinkes ) in greatest power to be plac'd , And not with so v'raigne titles to be grac'd . Thus great things gain'd , we ayme at greater things Earles would be Dukes : and Dukes would faine be Vn is Pellaeo iuveni , non sufficit orbis . Kings . Should Spaine ( great King ) but promise , to him , this For whose sake all your Kingdome fares amisse , ( As who knowes but it hath ) you soone should proue Whether your person or your Crowne he loue . Then should you see , how of your power he made Vse , to abuse your selfe : and be a shade For such his actions , As being rightly scan'd ( You 'le find ) all tended to vndoe your land . Your subjects riches are your strength : these he Consum'd in riot and in luxury . Their loue 's the maine supporter of your state : Which treach'rously he did alienate . That destitute of all your peoples ayd , Your selfe , the state , the truth might be betrayd . Which that he might effect , his doings all Aym'd at our foes advancement , and our fall . ' ' Great states affayers should allways manag'd be ' ' ( If we would haue them speed ) with secrecy , ' 'Till they are ripe for practise : with all speed ' ' And expedition then they must proceed . This ( Macedonian ) did thy honour rayse : This , Caesar , crownd thee , with immortall prayse . But all our plots , our foes did vnderstand So well , they seem'd proiected in their land . Spaine ever ( ere our selues ) knew our intention : And therefore , still , were readyer for prevention Then we for action . Thus at Cales and Ree We lost our liues , and purchas'd infamy . Nor can I , without horrour , call to mind Thy wrongs , poore Rochell , now with famine pin'd Through our default . whose fleete your safety broke , And forc'd your necks vnto the tyrants yoke . Then promising protection , and pretending Supplies , from time to time , we would be sending , Which were detain'd of purpose , till too late . ●T was we that made your case thus desperate . For if w 'had sent assistance with good will , Why lay graue valiant Denbighs navy still , Without empeachment of those French , that made ●He looking on ) the forts and Pallisade ? Why lack'd , after they should haue launch'd , so long Our fleetes , provision ? but that all went wrong . Search out this fault ( wise King ) in time : and mend it And wheresoever treason harbours , end it . For feare those vipers that your favours wing Giues warmth vnto , at last your hart shall sting . Next to th' insulting French , the German comes Beating with f●ry his victorious drummes : And flesh'd in bloud of slaughter'd Protestants , No liberty of consultation grants ; But summons ( 'cause he 's master of the field ) Without resistance made , Truths Fort to yield . But stay proud Austrian , though thy conquring blade , In seas of Christian bloud , hath passage made Through which thou sailst to the desired port Of monarchy : thy hopes may fall too short . ●Tis true : the world 's well mended with thee now , Since venice made thy humbled knees to bow . Presume not on 't : for thou shalt doubtlesse find The greatest labour to remaine behind . A Lyon yet may stop the Eagles flight . And take revenge on that iniurious spight The gospell hath endur'd . If God be just , Know tyrant , that his sword shall never rust . Shall he not hearken to the wofull plaints And lamentations of his martyr'd saints ; And for that bloud , shed for his owne deare sake , Sharpe vengeance on the cruell murth'rers take ? Yes , yes , he will : and bloudy Tyrants shall Themselues , orewhelm'd * * Ad gene● Cereris sin●c aede & sa● guine pan● &c. Iuve . ● sat . with bloud , like Tyrants Nor is thy greatnes built on such a ground . But Spaine will vndermine 't . Who , ever , found fall . Corrivalls in a throne , endure each other ? What ere he be , friend , kinsman , father , brother , ( When empires ly at stake ) the one must downe ▪ Such jealousies ever attend a Crowne . And think'st thou then , cause th' art imploy'd by Spaine The German princes freedome to restraine : Th' empire shall by succession be deriu'd To the right line ? no that must be depriu'd To make thy founders large extents entire . Thus thou art but the faggot , set to fire Thy friends , and burne thy selfe : the bee , whose sting In others fix'd her selfe to death shall bring . The same ( ignoble Saxon ) is thy case . T Whom envy stir'd and emulation base , Against the checks of conscience , to forsake Truth 's cause ; and part with errours friends to take . What hast thou gain'd hereby ? first God , that knowes The harts of all men , heavy iudgments showes , ( To curbe such irreligious Atheists pride ) That , willfully , with earth , 'gainst heav'n doe side . He loues no sinners : but such reprobates , And grosse dissemblers , from his soule he hates . Hereby ( blind Duke ) what purchase hast thou made ? But ev'n a yoke , vpon thine owne neck layd ; And made thy children slaues . Could'st not foresee , When Austria hath subiected Germany , Th' Empire shall by inheritance descend , ( As Boheme long hath done ? ) then to what end Serue the Electours ? but to serue , like slaues , Spaines Tyrants , and endure their basest braues ? By ayding thus , in friendly sort , thy foes ; And with an envyous spleene pursuing those That were thy friends . Th' hast cut with luckles hand Thy right hand of . So maymed shalt thou stand Vnpityed to posterity . As one Who , by opposing that religion ( Against his conscience ) he himselfe profest : On earth gain'd slauery , and in hell vnrest . So speed Truths foes : that dry deaths seldome see . Such ( turne coate Saxon ) 's like thy end to be . Now march on Spaines right arme : whose hardned V skill In feates of war , so many mouthes doth fill With high encomious : as if thou , of men , Deseru'dst , alone , to make the Worthyes ten . Why dost thou here , ( whose well knowne name and force Frights further then it strikes ) the Troian horse . Beare for device ? what , doth it intimate Thy Sinon craft got the Palatinate ? Yes , sure it iustly may . For all know well That since your divelish maxime rose from hell , Of breaking oathes and leagues , when ere you please , Y' haue gained more , by such damn'd tricks as these , Then by your swords . When thou hadst past the Rhine Into the countrey of the Palatine , Thou knew'st thy iourney like to cost thee deare If Thurlach and Count Mansfield tarried there . The Tyger then his wonted courage wanted Being by a more couragious Lyon danted See what the fox can doe . Thou knew'st so farre Our peacefull King did hate the name of warre , That rather then he would of battels heare He 'd beg for peace , or purchase 't ne're so deare . Therefore th' Arch-duchesse sends to him with speed An embassade , as Spinola decreed . King Iames did ' by persuasion soone consent ( Desiring blouds effusion to prevent ) That on condition Spinola would away . To free the countrey , Mansfield should not stay . The time 's prefix'd . By th' style th' Arch-duchesse gets Ten dayes . And first Count Mansfield forward sets , And marcheth fairely , with his army , thence As Thurlach did ; when now without defence The Paltz was left : th' Italian quit , indeed , The land in person , as it was decreed But left his army , with Gonzales there Who seconded by Mounsieur Tilly were . These , none opposing , wast with fire and sword , And all the cruelty warre can afford The miserable countrey . Naked left Vnto th' invaders fury . And bereft Of Mansfields helpe ( for whom in wait they lay But , through their sides , his valour made him way ) Then might you see , flames , frequent murthers , rapes On all sides : none the soldiours fury scapes : But , torrent-like , the Wallon beares downe all : Not sparing yong or old , or great or small . And in contempt of God and men detaines Perfidiously these his ill-purchas'd gaines . Our King , being made , by this Italian wile , The Instrument his children to beguile , Iustly , with such a base affront , incens'd . Had with his quiet nature now dispens'd ( Then zealous in Gods cause , and ours wert thou Earle Pembroke , but the case is alter'd now ) And vowes to take revenge by open warre . Which to prevent , Spaines old * * Too familiar with K. Iames. familiar Most cunningly corrupts the English court , Suborning some , and those of highest sort ; In vaine , their King , to credulous , to persuade For all wrongs satisfaction should be made ; ( Which ne're was meant , they knew . ) sometimes they 'd fire him With high encomions . All the world admire him As peaces Patron : all posterityes Him , as the Prince of peace shall memorize . But , if his sword were drawne : oh what a floud Would it draw out with it , of Christian bloud ? Then should that honour he , by peace , had gain'd Be lost : and with a boutefeaus title stain'd . At other times his feare they 'd worke vpon With faign'd surmises of invasion For breach o' th' league , if he should succour those That must be Spaines , because th' are Austrias foe● ▪ Hac ratione potes iustus Rex forte videri , sed non crudelis , non potes esse pater . Thus while too iustly he doth weigh the cause They make him breake the bond of natures lawes . Yet nettled something with so grosse a wrong From one that to th' Arch duchesse did belong . He sent to let her know he was abus'd . She , flightly , with a Punick trick , excus'd Her servants actions . Sending word withall Neither Gonzales was her generall Nor Tilly , therefore by no meanes it lay In her the army to command away . ( Which yet she vndertooke ; till those had quit The countrey , who had else safe guarded it ) And Spinolas army lay there . Then amaine Another posts vnto the King of Spaine : He answere makes , it was not in his power Tilly commanded for the Emperour : To whom another's sent : and he replyes Lieutenant for Bavaria there he lyes . Bavaria this disclames : and doth professe , He tooke and kept it for his Holynesse . So was thy Paltz , Prince Frederick , quite forsaken Of all thy friends , by fraud , not valour taken . But rise thou God of Truth , awake from sleepe : How long shall thy distres'd and slaughter'd sheepe Be thus by Wolues devour'd ? lift vp thine head And let thine enemies be scattered . Though we haue been thus backward all this while , And let our foes ( as 't were ) besiege our Ile ; Yet now , oh now at last , your hearts combine , Great Caesar and graue Senate : yet now joyne Your force , witts , whatsoe're is yours t' abate French , Spanish , Austrian pride ; and let our state Gaine , once againe , what rate so ere it cost , ( If possible ) the honour it hath lost . The fire , in frost , its heat doth recollect T' expell the cold , let this conceit reflect Vpon your breasts . Let publique danger bind In publick vnity , your soule , and minde So may our concord , giving life and heate To our allies abroad , remoue the seate Of war from home . which had bene done ere this , Had not our Councels guided bene amisse . So may I liue to see proud Austria sit ( perchance ) as low , as poore as ever yet . So may the Gospell flourish and regaine It 's former splendour : and our land retaine Her ancient prosperous happines : and rest Neither abroad , nor yet at home opprest . Which that it may doe : and th' unconquer'd Fort Of Truth , for ever safely may support Thy poore distres'd ones . Let , oh Lord , the Eye X Of thy most watchful Providence descry All danger may annoy't . And let it stand Y Safe guarded with thy strong Protections Hand : And let the Scepter of thy Power defend Z The Scepter that defends it to the end . FINIS .