Sir, be Advis'd before it be too late
" Sir , be Advis'd before it be too late,
" Trust not too far your Evil-boding Fate.
" Great pity tis to lose so brave an Host;
" And more that such a General shoud be lost.
" Then steer another course: thrust not your selves
" To certain ruin on these dangerous shelves:
" Here stop't, and on the English fix'd his Eye,
" With care Expecting what they would reply.
" Brave Mason who had in his breast Enshrin'd,
" A Prudent and Invulnerable mind;
" Weighing the case & ground whereon they stood,
" The Enemy how hard to be subdu'd:
" How if the Field should by the Foe be won,
" The English Settlements might be Undone.
" His little Army now was left alone,
" And all the Allies Hopes and Hearts were gone.
" These and all other things that might Disswade,
" From an Engagement having fully weigh'd:
" But looking on his Chearful Soldiery,
" True Sons of Mars , bred up in Brittanny ;
" Each firmly bent to Glorify his Name
" By Dying bravely in the Bed of Fame,
" In his New Countrys Just Defence, or else
" To Extirpate these Murtherous Infidels;
" This rais'd his Tho'ts his Vital Spirits Clear'd,
" So that no Enemy on Earth he Fear'd.
" And now resolv'd the City to Invade;
" He to the tho'tful Prince this Answer made;
" You say, My Men han't yet a Pequot seen;
" Tis true, yet they e're now in Wars have been,
" Where mighty Captains & brave Men have shed,
" Their Blood, while roaring Canons Ecchoed,
" Yet they Undaunted Resolute go on
" Where dying springs make Sanguine Rivers run.
" Out-braving Danger mount the highest Wall,
" Yea Play with Death it self without appal:
" Nor turn the Back till they have won the Day,
" And from the mighty torn the Spoils away.
" And do you think that any Pequots face,
" Shall daunt us much, or alter much the case?
" The Valour of our Foes we always prize,
" As that which most our Triumph Glorifies.
" Their Strength & Courage but allurements are,
" To make us more Ambitious of the War.
" Then don't Despair, but turn you back again
" Encourag'd, & Confirm your Heartless Men,
" And hinder them in their Intended Flight;
" Only to see how English Men will Fight
" And let your Eyes themselves be Judges then
" 'Twixt Us & Pequots , which are better Men.
" Down bow'd the Prince, down bow'd this trembling 'Squire;
" Greatly the Gen'rals Courage they Admire.
" Back to the Rear, with speedy hast they went,
" And call the Captains of their Regiment;
" To whom the Prince doth in short terms declare ,
" English or Pequots must go and hunt white Deer.
" No Counsel can the General's wrath asswage,
" Nor calm the fury of his Martial rage.
" His men are all resolved to go on,
" Unto the Pequots Ruin, or their own:
" Then we our selves will stand in sight and see
" The last Conclusion of this Tragedie.
" Mean while the General his Oration makes,
" And with his Army thus Expostulates;
" There's such a Crisis now in Providence,
" As scarce has been since time did first Commence.
" Fate has determin'd that this very Day,
" Shall try the Title of America :
" And that these hands of ours shall be the hands,
" That shall subdue or forfeit all these Lands.
" If this days work by us be once well done,
" America is for the English won:
" But if we faint and fail in this design,
" The numerous Nations will as one combine,
" Their Countries Forces and with Violence
" Destroy the English and their Settlements.
" Here we are Strangers, and if we are beat,
" We have no place for Safety or Retreat.
" Therefore our Hands must be Preservatives,
" Of our Religion, Liberties and Lives.
" I urge not this as Motives from Despair,
" To which I know you utter Strangers are.
" Only to shew what great Advantages,
" Attends your Valour urging the Success.
" Mov'd with Despair the coward Fights & Storms,
" But your brave Minds have more Angelick forms
" Your high born Souls in Brighter orbs do move
" And take in fair Ideas from Above.
" Minding the Laurels that the Victor wears,
" And great Example of your Ancestors.
" I know you can't their Mighty acts forget,
" And yet how often did they them repeat?
" What did that ever famous Black Prince do,
" At first at Cressey , after at Poictou ?
" Bravely he led the English Squadrons on,
" Bravely they Fought till they had took King John .
" Bravely he did his Fathers Message bear,
" To save his Life and Honour in the War.
" For in that Fight he rais'd the English Fame,
" Above the Grecian or the Roman Name.
" And with what Force and Martial Puissance.
" Did great King Henry claim the Crown of France
" He like a Gamester play'd his tennis Balls,
" Like Bolts of Thunder over Paris Walls.
" How Lion-like he led his British Bands,
" Tho' few in number through the Gallick Lands.
" To Agin-Court , then Fac'd his mighty Foe,
" And gave his Multitude the overthrow;
" Where e're his Generals came they did Advance
" The English Ensigns on the Towers of France ;
" Until that Nation rendered up to him
" Their Heiress and Imperial Diadem.
" And when of late King Philip did Attempt,
" Quite to Subvert the British Government;
" And for that end sent out his mighty Fleet,
" Whom Howards, Seymore , & bold Drake did meet,
" And meeting took or sunk into the main
" The wealth , the hope , the power & pride of Spain .
" By such Exploits, the English Glory went
" Throughout from Britain to the Orient :
" And there too soon 'twas bounded by the Seas
" And limited from the Antipodies .
" Nought of their worth in the new world was told,
" Nor more could be expressed in the Old.
" Then Fame it self dull and inactive grew
" For want of other Business to Pursue.
" But Fate which long hath Destinated you,
" To prove the Stories of th' old World i'th' New ,
" Shipt you on Board & with full gales hath sent
" You forth from Britain to this Continent;
" And by this Foe gives Opportunity
" Here to evince the English Bravery.
" And give the World Assurance that we be,
" Sons of those mighty Men of Britannie .
" 'Tis true, our Enemies are hard to tame,
" The more the Danger is the more's the Fame.
" But they are Strong, Immur'd, a Multitude:
" The more's the Honour when they are Subdu'd
" But they are Valiant, us'd to overthrow,
" What Glory 'tis to Conquer such a Foe?
" Their very Name hath made our Allies run,
" Oh how will this adorn the Field when won!
" Leave the Success to Him whose boundless Power .
" Will doubtless bless so just a War as ours.
" Then let's not give the sence of Danger place,
" But Storm the Enemies Fortress in the face.
" So shall the Line of your high Praises run
" The same in time and Circle with the Sun:
" And Happy Albeon shall for ever Glory,
" Her distant Sons did here make good her Story
" No more he said, then thro' the Regiment
" Was heard a softly Murmur of Consent.
" Amen , Our Forces said, and then on high
" To the Worlds Arbiter, lift up their Eye,
" And with an Humble Air of Earnestness
" Unto His Majesty made this Address,
" O Most Divine Eternal Majesty,
" Whose Thrones Exalted far above the Sky;
" Where thou by spotless Spirits art Ador'd,
" As their, and our and every things Great Lord.
" Yea so Exalted is thy Majesty,
" So Infinite is thy Divinity:
" That what the best and utmost Praises be,
" Once to behold is Humbleness in thee,
" Yet albeit thou art Exalted so,
" Thou hast a kind Respect unto the Low:
" And from thy most Exalted Stations there,
" Viewest what's Acting on thy Footstool here.
" Thou in thy Word dost oft' and oft' declare,
" Thy Peoples Good is thine Especial Care.
" And hast more often in thy Providence,
" Made good that Word in their Deliverence:
" So that their Motto hitherto hath been ,
" In the Mount of the Lord it shall be seen.
" Look down from thy Immense Sublimities,
" To view our Troubles and to hear our Cries.
" Our Eyes are unto thee who canst Subdue
" A Multitude, and Victors make a few.
" Mind Lord, it was thy Power and Right-hand
" Hath bro't us to and set us in this Land.
" ' Twas for thy Sake that we left Britannie,
" And our, Enjoyments there; Here to have thee.
" But how the Heathen Rage, and how their Kings
" Against thee, and thy Christ speak Evil things?
" For sure the Truth of their Intentions be,
" By Driving us from hence to Banish Thee.
" If thou art Silent and allow'st the same,
" What wilt thou do unto thy Dreadful Name?
" Thy Promise to thy Son hast thou forgot,
" That thou wilt give the Heathen for his Lot:
" And of the Earth the utmost parts thereon
" To be to Him for His Possession.
" We hop'd of this to've seen th' Accomplishment,
" Yea and ourselves to help on the Event.
" Then Lord arise and to our help incline,
" And shout as mighty Men shout after Wine.
" Let the Proud Dwellers of the Nations see
" There's none that is Invincible but thee.
" So shall the Wrath of Man Honour thy Name,
" And this shall their remaining Wrath restrain:
" And this thy Peoples Thankful Hearts shall raise
" To Celebrate thy Name with endless Praise.
" After Devotions thus to Heaven Paid,
" Up to the Enemy Our Armys led,
" Silent as the Riphean Snow doth fall,
" Or Fishes walk in Neptunes spacious Hall.
" Now Lucifer had just put out his Head,
" To call Aurora from old Tithon's bed.
" Whereat the Troops of the Approaching light,
" Began to beat the Reg'ments of the Night.
" But Morpheus with his unperceived Bands,
" Had closed the Pequots Eyes & chain'd their Hands.
" All Slept secure save one Sagacious Wretch,
" Whose turn it was to stand upon the Watch.
" His weighty Charge with Diligence he applies,
" And Looking round with fierce, Lyncean Eyes.
" At Length our Avant Couriers he Espy'd,
" Straining his Lungs aloud, Auwunux Cry'd.
( Auwunux , said our King, What doth that mean ?
It signifys, said Winthrop, English Men )
" The startling News doth every Souldier rouse,
" Each Arms and Hastens to his Rendezvouze.
" Mean time the English did the Fort Attach,
" And in the same had opened a Breach.
" Through which our brave Aleides Entred first,
" In after whom his valiant Souldiers thrust.
" Before the breach an Unappalled band,
" Of Warlike Pequots with Bow & Arrows stand.
" With Chearful Accents these themselves Confirm
" To dy like Men or to outface the Storm.
" Then Gallantly the English they assail,
" With winged Arrows like a shower of Hail
" These ours Endure; and with like Violence,
" Sent Lead and Sulphur back in Recompence.
" And now the fight grew more & more Intense,
" Each violent Death Enflames the Violence.
" Charge answered Charge, & shout reply'd to shout
" Both parties like Enraged fury's fought.
" Till Death in all its horrid Forms appears,
" And Dreadful Noise keeps Clamouring in our Ears.
" Now as some Spacious Rivers in their way,
" By which they Travel onwards to the Sea.
" Meet with some mighty Precipice from whence,
" Enrag'd they throw themselves with Violence.
" Upon the Stubborn Rocks that ly below,
" To make Disturbance in the way they go.
" Here tho' the Fury of the fray doth make
" The near Adjacent Rocks & Mountains quake.
" Still the Remorsless Stream keep on its course,
" Nor will abate a Moment of its force,
" But rather hastens by Impetuous Facts
" To throw itself into those Cataracts.
" And so it happened with our Soldiers here,
" Whose Fortune 'twas to Travel in the rear.
" The Combatings of these within the Breaches,
" With Dreadful noise their listening Ears Attaches,
" And from their Foes and from their Bretheren,
" Loud Crys of Fighting and of Dying Men.
" Sense of the Danger doth not them Affright,
" But rather proves a Motive to excite,
" The Martial Flame in every Soldiers Breast;
" And on they like enraged Lyons prest.
" Determined upon the spot to Dy,
" Or from the Foe obtain the Victory.
" Now Fortune shews to the beholders sight,
" A very Dreadful, yet a Doubtful Fight.
" Whilst Mighty Men born in far Distant Land,
" Stood Foot to Foot engaging Hand to Hand.
" As when some Mighty Tempest that arise,
" Meet with Imbattled Fury in the Skies:
" Fire balls of Lightnings & loud Thunders Rend,
" And Tear the Raging parly's that contend.
" So did the Fury of these mighty Foes,
" With which they did each others force oppose,
" Bring on such ruins as might daunt with fears,
" The Hearts of any Men; Excepting Theirs.
" Never did Pequots fight with greater Pride:
" Never was English Valour Better try'd.
" Never was Ground soak't with more Gallant blood
" Than the Aceldama whereon we stood.
" Sometimes one Party Victory soon Expect,
" As soon their eager Hopes are Counterchect.
" And those that seem'd as Conquered before,
" Repel with greater force the Conqueror.
" Three times the Pequots seemed to be beat:
" As many times they made their Foes retreat.
" And now our hope and help for Victory,
" Chiefly Depended from the Arm on High,
" As when Euroclydon the forest rends,
" The bigger Oaks fall down the Lesser bends;
" The beaten Limbs and Leaves before him scour,
" Affrighted and Enforced by his Power;
" To some huge Rock whose Adamantine brow,
" Out braves the Fury of all Winds that blow;
" There hoping to be hid from the high Charge,
" Of Fierce pursuers by his Mighty Verge.
" The Winds in pressing troops Demand Surrender,
" Of the pursued & boisterous Storm & Thunder:
" But he brow-beats, and Masters all their pride,
" And sends them roaring to the Larbord side.
" So Mason here most strongly Drest in arms,
" Re-animates his men, their Ranks Reforms,
" Then Leading on thro' Deaths & Dangers goes,
" And beats the thickest Squadrons of the foes.
" Prince Mononotto sees his Squadrons fly,
" And on our General having fixt his Eye.
" Rage and Revenge his Spirits quickening,
" He set a Mortal Arrow in the String.
" Then to his God and Fathers Ghosts he pray'd,
" Hear, O Immortal Powers, hear me , he faid;
" And pity Mistick, Save the tottering Town ,
" And on our Foes hurl dreadful Vengeance down.
" Will you forsake your Altars and abodes,
" To those Contemners of Immortal God's?
" Will those Pay Hecatombs unto your shrine ,
" Who have deny'd your Powers to be Divine?
" O favour us; our hopes on you are Built
" But if you are Midful of our former guilt,
" Determine final ruin on us all;
" Yet let us not quite unrevenged fall.
" Here I Devote this of our Enemies
" His precious Life to you a Sacrifice.
" Nor shall I Covet long to be Alive,
" If such a Mischief I might once Survive.
" But O Indulgent, Hearken to my Prayer;
" Try us once more; this once the City spare:
" And take my Gift, Let your acceptance be
" An Omen we shall gain the Victory.
" That very Instant Mason did Advance,
" Whereat rage Interrupts his utterance;
" Nor could he add a Word to what was said,
" But drew the winged Arrow to the Head:
" And aiming right Discharged it, whereupon
" Its Fury made the Piercing Air to Groan.
" But wary Mason with his active Spear,
" Glanc'd the Princes Arrow in the Air:
" Whereat the Pequots quite Discouraged.
" Throw down the Gauntlet & from Battel fled.
" Mason swift as the chased Roe on Foot,
" Out strips the rest in making the Pursuit:
" Entring the Palace in a Hall he found,
" A Multitude of Foes, who gathering round
" This mighty Man on every side Engag'd
" Like Bears bereav'd of their Whelps enrag'd.
" One finding such Resistance where he came,
" His Mind, his Weapons & his Eyes stroke Flame.
" Their Boldness much his martial sprite Provokes,
" And round he lays his deep inveterate strokes.
" Making his Sword at each enforced blow
" Send great Soul'd Heroes to the shades below.
" But as when Hercules did undertake,
" A doubtful Combate with the Lerman Snake;
" Fondly propos'd if he cut off her Head,
" The Monster might with ease be Vanquished:
" But when he the Experiment did make,
" Soon to his hazard found his dear mistake;
" And that as often as he cut off one,
" Another Instantly sprang in its room.
" So here, tho' Mason laid so many Dead,
" Their number seemed not Diminished;
" And Death the Umpire of this Martial Fray,
" Stood yet expecting Mason for his Prey.
" But Fate that doth the rule of Actions know,
" Did this unequal combate Disallow.
" As too severe to force one Man alone,
" To Beat an Army, take a Garrison:
" Or if he failed in the Enterprize,
" To fall a Victim to his Enemies;
" Sent Heydon in, who with his sure Steel'd Blade,
" Joining the General such a Slaughter made,
" That soon the Pequots ceased to Oppose,
" The Matchless force of such Resistless Foes.
" After so many Deaths and Dangers past,
" Mason was thorowly Enflamed at last:
" He Snatcht a blazing Bavin with his Hand,
" And Fir'd the stately Palace with the Brand.
" And soon the towring & Rapacious Flame,
" All hope of Opposition overcame.
" Eurus and Notus readily Subjoin,
" Their best Assistance to this great Design;
" Drive Pitchy Flames in vast enfoldings down,
" And dreadful Globes of Fire along the Town.
" And now the English Army Marched out,
" To Hemn this Flaming City round about;
" That such as strived to escape the Fire,
" Might by the Fury of their Arms Expire.
" But O what Language or what Tongue can tell,
" This dreadful Emblem of the flames of Hell?
" No Fantasie sufficient is to Dream,
" A Faint Idea of their Woes Extream.
" Some like unlucky Comets do appear,
" Rushing along the Streets with flagrant hair:
" Some seeking safety Clamber up the wall,
" Then down again with Blazing fingers Fall.
" In this last Hour of Extremity,
" Friends and Relations met in Company;
" But all in vain their tender Sympathy,
" Cannot allay but makes their Misery.
" The Paramour here met his amourous Dame,
" Whose eyes had often set his heart in flame:
" Urg'd with the Motives of her Love and Fear,
" She runs and Clasps her arms about her Dear:
" Where weeping on his bosom as she Lies,
" And Languisheth on him she sets her Eyes;
" Till those bright Lamps do with her life Expire,
" And Leave him Weltering in a double fire.
" The Fair & Beauteous Bride with all her Charms,
" This night lay Melting in her Bridegrooms arms.
" This Morning in his bosom yields her Life,
" While he dyes Sympathizing with his Wife.
" In Love relation and in Life the same,
" The same in Death, both dy in the same Flame,
" Their Souls united both at once repair,
" Unto their place appointed thro' the air.
" The Gracious Father here stood looking on,
" His little Brood with deep affection,
" They round about him at each quarter stands,
" With piteous looks, Each lifts his little Hands
" To him for shelter, and then nearer throng,
" Whilst piercing Cries for help flows from each Tongue ,
" Fain would he give their miseries relief;
" Tho' with the forfeiture of his own life:
" But finds his power too short to shield off harms,
" The torturing flame Arrests them in his arms.
" The tender Mother with like Woes opprest,
" Beholds her Infant frying at her breast;
" Crying and looking on her, as it fryes;
" Till Death shuts up its heart affecting Eyes.
" The Conquering flame long Sorrows doth prevent,
" And Vanquisht Life soon breaks Imprisonment,
" Souls leave their Tenements gone to decay,
" And fly untouched through the flames away.
" Now all with speed to final ruin hast,
" And soon this Tragick scene is overpast.
" The Town its Wealth high Battlements & Spires,
" Now Sinketh Weltring in conjoining Fires.
" The General Commands the Officers with speed,
" To see his Men drawn up and Martialed,
" Which being done, they Wheel the ranks,
" And Kneeling down to Heav'n all gave Thanks .
" By this Aurora doth with Gold adorn,
" The ever Beauteous Eylids of the Morn;
" And Burning Titan his Exhaustless rays,
" Bright in the Eastern Horrizon Displays:
" Then soon Appearing in Majestick Aw,
" Makes all the starry Deitys withdraw;
" Veiling their Faces in deep Reverence,
" Before the Throne of his Magnificence.
" And now the English their Red Cross Display,
" And under it march bravely toward the Sea;
" There hoping in this needful Hour to meet,
" Ample Provisions coming with the Fleet.
" Mean time came Tidings to great Sasacus 's Ears,
" That Mistick -Town was taken unawares.
" Three Hundred of his Able Men he sent,
" With utmost hast its ruin to Prevent:
" But if for that they chance to come too late,
" Like Harms on us they should Retaliate.
" These with loud Out-crys met us coming down
" The Hill, about three furlongs from the Town;
" Gave us a Skirmish and then turn'd to gaze,
" Upon the ruin'd City yet on blaze.
" But when they saw this Doleful Tragedy,
" The Sorrow of their Hearts did close their Eye:
" Silent & Mute they stand yet breathe out Grones;
" Nor Gorgons Head like this transforms to Stones.
" Here lay the Numerous Body's of the Dead;
" Some Frying, others almost Calcined:
" All dolefully Imprison'd Underneath
" The Dark and Adamantine Bars of Death.
" But mighty Sorrows never are Content
" Long to be kept in close Imprisonment,
" When once grown desperate will not keep under,
" But break all Bands of their restraint asunder.
" And now with Shrieks the Ecchoing Airthey Wound ,
" And Stampt & Tore & Curst the Suffering Ground.
" Some with their hansts tore off their Guiltlefs Hair,
" And throw up dust & cinder in the Air
" Thus with strange Actions & Horrendous Cries,
" They Celebrate these Doleful Obsequies
" At length Revenge so Vehemently doth Burn,
" As caused all other Passions to adjourn.
" Alecto raves and rates them in the ear,
" O Senseless Cowards to stand blubbering here!
" Will Tears revive these Body's of the Slain,
" Or bring their Ashes Back to Life again,
" Will Tears Appease their mighty Ghosts that are,
" Hoping to be Revenged, hovering here?
" Surely expecting you will Sacrifice,
" To them the Lives of those their Enemies:
" And will you Baffle them thus by delay,
" Until the Enemy be gone away?
" O Cursed Negligence! And then she Strips,
" And Jerks & Stings them with her Scorpion Whips ;
" Until with Anger & Revenge they Yell,
" As if the very Fiends had broke up Hell.
" That we shall Dy, they all Outragous Swear;
" And Vomit Imprecations in the Air;
" Then, full speed! with Ejulations Loud,
" They follow us like an Impetuous Cloud.
" Mason to stop their Violent Career,
" Rally's his Company a New to War;
" Who finding them within a little space,
" Let fly his Blunder-busses in their Face.
" Thick Sulphurous Smoke makes the Sky look black,
" And Heaven's high Galleries Thunder with the crack,
" Earth Grones & Trembles & from underneath,
" Deep Vaulted Caverns horrid Eccho's Breathe.
" The Volley that our Men First made,
" Strook down their Stout File-leaders Dead.
" To see them fall a Stupifying Fear,
" Surpris'd and Stopt their Soldiers in the Rear:
" The numerous Natives stopt, and fac'd about;
" Whereat the Conquering English gave a shout.
" At which they start & through the Forrest Scour,
" Like Trembling Hinds that hear the Lions roar.
" Back to great Sasacus they now return again;
" And of their Loss they thus aloud Complain,
" Sir , 'tis in Vain to Fight: The Fates Engage,
" Themselves for those with whom this War we Wage.
" We Mistick Burning saw, & 'twas an Awful Sight;
" As Dreadful are our Enemies in Fight:
" And the loud Thunderings that their Arms did make,
" Made Us , the Earth , yea Heaven itself to shake.
" Very unwelcome to great Sasacus 's Ears,
" Were these Misfortunes and his Subjects Fears:
" Yet to his Men, the English he Contemns,
" And Threats to ruin us with Stratagems.
" And now his tho'ts Ten Thousand ways Divide,
" And swift through all Imaginations Glide.
" Endless Projections in his Head he lays,
" Deep Policies and Stratagems he Weighs.
" Sometimes he thinks, he'll thus the War maintain,
" Reviews the Scheme & throws it by again:
" Now thus, or thus, Concludes tis best to do;
" But neither thus, nor thus, on the Review.
" And thus his mind on endless Projects Wanders,
" Till he is lost in Intricate Meanders.
" At last gives up the Case as Desperate,
" And Sinks, Bewailing his Forlorn Estate.
" He and his People quite Discouraged,
" Now leave their Seats, & towards Monhattons fled.
" But in his way the English sword o're takes
" His Camp, and in it sad Massakers makes.
" Yet he Escap'd and to the Mohawks goes,
" Where he to them keeps Reckoning up his woes:
" And they to cure the Passions of his breast,
" Cut off his Head, and all his Cares releas'd.
" Thus great Sasacus ! and his Kingdom fell,
" Who in their time so greatly did Excel.
" So frail and full of Mutabilities,
" Are all Times Adjuncts, underneath the Skies.
" Since this fair Towns have spread the Conntry o're,
" Both on the River and along the Shore:
" All which with English names Your Subjects stile,
" In dear remembrance of our Parent Isle.
" The Land thus either Purchas'd , or Subdu'd ,
" 'Twas our Intent then Early to have sued,
" Unto the Throne , where your Illustr'ous Father sate,
" That he would Graciously Incorporate
" Us, by his Royal Charter, with such Liberty,
" As I Petition from Your Majesty.
" But soon those Cloudy Days came on,
" (Ripen'd for Ruin and Destruction)
" Wherein the Subjects in Rebellion rose,
" Drowning their Soveraign & Themselves in woes.
" 'Till nothing could Appease the Multitude,
" Less than that Blessed Martyrs Royal Blood.
" Nor yet Content; Their Rage Inveterate,
" Together with his Life Seise on the State.
" Neither could that Extinct the hateful Flame,
" Without Endeavours to destroy his name.
" And all his race to ruin to Consigne,
" For being Branches of the Royal Line.
" But here my tongue does falter, Spirits sink,
" And my Heart bursts asunder once to think,
" That such a King the Glory of his age,
" Should fall a victim to the Popular Rage.
" And that such Miserys should fall on them,
" That were Descendants of the Royal Stem.
" But God who dwelleth in Approachless light,
" And whose wise counsel doth surpass our sight,
" As far as Heaven doth the Earth in height,
" In his Un-erring Counsel Infinite.
" Covers sometimes the Footstool of his Throne,
" And makes thick Darkness his Pavilion.
" And as we fondly Guess by the Event,
" Laughs at the Tryal of the Innocent.
" Yet He by Ways and Means that seem to us,
" The clean Contrary and Preposterous.
" Bringeth about the Good He did Decree,
" In His wise Counsel from Eternity.
" He having set His Love Transcendantly,
" Upon your Father from Eternity,
" The Restlest Motions of his constant Love,
" Ne'er ceast to Act but in his Interest strove.
" That he should be Prepar'd to sit on High,
" In some Especial seat of Dignity.
" Surely 'twas this that led him to and fro,
" Along those Pathless Labyrinths of Wo,
" And made his Life as 'twere a Tragedie,
" Concluding in that sad Catastrophe.
" Being thus Conformed to the King of Kings,
" Who was made Perfect thorow Sufferings.
" He took him from his Kingdom Transitory,
" And set him on a throne of Endless Glory.
" And then to shew the Good he did design,
" Unto that Blessed Martyrs Royal Line.
" Accomplished your Happy Restauration,
" And set you safely on your Fathers Throne.
" From whence your liberal Hand doth freely pour ,
" Most Royal Bounty's like an Heavenly shower.
" Distilling on the Grass that's newly Mown,
" And we your Supplyants before the Throne,
" Beg leave to hope while all your Favours Tast,
" Connecticut will not be overpast.
Great C HARLES who gave attention all the while,
Looking on Winthrop with a Royal Smile,
Until that of his Fathers woes he speaks,
Which drew the Christal Rivers down his Cheeks.
But seeing Winthrop his Address had clos'd,
The King his Mind and Countenance Compos'd
And with as bright an Air of Majesty,
As Phaebus shews when he Serenes the Sky,
Made this Resolve upon the Agency,
Be it so then, and WE OUR SELF Decree ,
CONNECTICUT shall be a COLONY:
Enfranchis'd with such Ample Liberties
As thou , Their Friend, Shalt best for them Devise ;
And farther know Our Royal Pleasure thus;
And so it is Determined by US;
Chief in the Patent W INTHROP Thou shalt stand ,
And Valiant Mason Place at thy next Hand .
And for Chief Senators end Patentees,
Take Men of Wealth and known Abilities;
Men of Estates and Men of Influence,
Friends to their Country and to US their Prince .
And may the People of that Happy Place
Whom thou haft so Endeared to My Grace;
Till times last Exit, through Succeeding Ages,
Be Blest with Happy English Privileges.
And that they may be so, bear thou from hence
To them these Premonitions from their Prince.
First, Let all Officers in Civil Trust ,
Always Espouse their Countrys Interest.
Let Law and Right be Precious in their Eyes ,
And hear the Poor Mans Cause when e're he Crys.
Preserve Religion Pure and Understand ,
That is the Firmest Pillar of a Land:
Let it be kept in Credit in the Court,
And never fail for want of due Support.
And let Sacred Order of the Gown,
With Zeal apply the Business that's their own.
So Peace may Spring from th' Earth & Righteousness,
Look down from Heaven, Truth and Judgment Kiss.
Then, Let the Freemen of your Corporation ,
Always beware of the Insinuation,
Of those which always Brood Complaint and Fear,
Such Plagues are Dangerous to Infect the Air:
Such Men are Over-Laden with Compassion,
Having Mens Freedom in such Admiration:
That every Act of Order or Restraint
They'll Represent as matter of Complaint.
And this is no New Doctrine, 'tis a Rule
Was taught in Satans first Erected School.
It serv'd his turn with wonderful Success,
And ever since has been his Master-piece.
'Tis true the sleight by which that field he won,
Was argued from man's benefit alone.
But these outdo him in that way of Evil,
And will sometimes for God's sake play the Devil.
And Lastly, Let Your New English Multitude ,
Remember well a bond of Gratitude
Will Lye on them and their Posterity
To bear in mind their Freedom came by Thee.
" Trust not too far your Evil-boding Fate.
" Great pity tis to lose so brave an Host;
" And more that such a General shoud be lost.
" Then steer another course: thrust not your selves
" To certain ruin on these dangerous shelves:
" Here stop't, and on the English fix'd his Eye,
" With care Expecting what they would reply.
" Brave Mason who had in his breast Enshrin'd,
" A Prudent and Invulnerable mind;
" Weighing the case & ground whereon they stood,
" The Enemy how hard to be subdu'd:
" How if the Field should by the Foe be won,
" The English Settlements might be Undone.
" His little Army now was left alone,
" And all the Allies Hopes and Hearts were gone.
" These and all other things that might Disswade,
" From an Engagement having fully weigh'd:
" But looking on his Chearful Soldiery,
" True Sons of Mars , bred up in Brittanny ;
" Each firmly bent to Glorify his Name
" By Dying bravely in the Bed of Fame,
" In his New Countrys Just Defence, or else
" To Extirpate these Murtherous Infidels;
" This rais'd his Tho'ts his Vital Spirits Clear'd,
" So that no Enemy on Earth he Fear'd.
" And now resolv'd the City to Invade;
" He to the tho'tful Prince this Answer made;
" You say, My Men han't yet a Pequot seen;
" Tis true, yet they e're now in Wars have been,
" Where mighty Captains & brave Men have shed,
" Their Blood, while roaring Canons Ecchoed,
" Yet they Undaunted Resolute go on
" Where dying springs make Sanguine Rivers run.
" Out-braving Danger mount the highest Wall,
" Yea Play with Death it self without appal:
" Nor turn the Back till they have won the Day,
" And from the mighty torn the Spoils away.
" And do you think that any Pequots face,
" Shall daunt us much, or alter much the case?
" The Valour of our Foes we always prize,
" As that which most our Triumph Glorifies.
" Their Strength & Courage but allurements are,
" To make us more Ambitious of the War.
" Then don't Despair, but turn you back again
" Encourag'd, & Confirm your Heartless Men,
" And hinder them in their Intended Flight;
" Only to see how English Men will Fight
" And let your Eyes themselves be Judges then
" 'Twixt Us & Pequots , which are better Men.
" Down bow'd the Prince, down bow'd this trembling 'Squire;
" Greatly the Gen'rals Courage they Admire.
" Back to the Rear, with speedy hast they went,
" And call the Captains of their Regiment;
" To whom the Prince doth in short terms declare ,
" English or Pequots must go and hunt white Deer.
" No Counsel can the General's wrath asswage,
" Nor calm the fury of his Martial rage.
" His men are all resolved to go on,
" Unto the Pequots Ruin, or their own:
" Then we our selves will stand in sight and see
" The last Conclusion of this Tragedie.
" Mean while the General his Oration makes,
" And with his Army thus Expostulates;
" There's such a Crisis now in Providence,
" As scarce has been since time did first Commence.
" Fate has determin'd that this very Day,
" Shall try the Title of America :
" And that these hands of ours shall be the hands,
" That shall subdue or forfeit all these Lands.
" If this days work by us be once well done,
" America is for the English won:
" But if we faint and fail in this design,
" The numerous Nations will as one combine,
" Their Countries Forces and with Violence
" Destroy the English and their Settlements.
" Here we are Strangers, and if we are beat,
" We have no place for Safety or Retreat.
" Therefore our Hands must be Preservatives,
" Of our Religion, Liberties and Lives.
" I urge not this as Motives from Despair,
" To which I know you utter Strangers are.
" Only to shew what great Advantages,
" Attends your Valour urging the Success.
" Mov'd with Despair the coward Fights & Storms,
" But your brave Minds have more Angelick forms
" Your high born Souls in Brighter orbs do move
" And take in fair Ideas from Above.
" Minding the Laurels that the Victor wears,
" And great Example of your Ancestors.
" I know you can't their Mighty acts forget,
" And yet how often did they them repeat?
" What did that ever famous Black Prince do,
" At first at Cressey , after at Poictou ?
" Bravely he led the English Squadrons on,
" Bravely they Fought till they had took King John .
" Bravely he did his Fathers Message bear,
" To save his Life and Honour in the War.
" For in that Fight he rais'd the English Fame,
" Above the Grecian or the Roman Name.
" And with what Force and Martial Puissance.
" Did great King Henry claim the Crown of France
" He like a Gamester play'd his tennis Balls,
" Like Bolts of Thunder over Paris Walls.
" How Lion-like he led his British Bands,
" Tho' few in number through the Gallick Lands.
" To Agin-Court , then Fac'd his mighty Foe,
" And gave his Multitude the overthrow;
" Where e're his Generals came they did Advance
" The English Ensigns on the Towers of France ;
" Until that Nation rendered up to him
" Their Heiress and Imperial Diadem.
" And when of late King Philip did Attempt,
" Quite to Subvert the British Government;
" And for that end sent out his mighty Fleet,
" Whom Howards, Seymore , & bold Drake did meet,
" And meeting took or sunk into the main
" The wealth , the hope , the power & pride of Spain .
" By such Exploits, the English Glory went
" Throughout from Britain to the Orient :
" And there too soon 'twas bounded by the Seas
" And limited from the Antipodies .
" Nought of their worth in the new world was told,
" Nor more could be expressed in the Old.
" Then Fame it self dull and inactive grew
" For want of other Business to Pursue.
" But Fate which long hath Destinated you,
" To prove the Stories of th' old World i'th' New ,
" Shipt you on Board & with full gales hath sent
" You forth from Britain to this Continent;
" And by this Foe gives Opportunity
" Here to evince the English Bravery.
" And give the World Assurance that we be,
" Sons of those mighty Men of Britannie .
" 'Tis true, our Enemies are hard to tame,
" The more the Danger is the more's the Fame.
" But they are Strong, Immur'd, a Multitude:
" The more's the Honour when they are Subdu'd
" But they are Valiant, us'd to overthrow,
" What Glory 'tis to Conquer such a Foe?
" Their very Name hath made our Allies run,
" Oh how will this adorn the Field when won!
" Leave the Success to Him whose boundless Power .
" Will doubtless bless so just a War as ours.
" Then let's not give the sence of Danger place,
" But Storm the Enemies Fortress in the face.
" So shall the Line of your high Praises run
" The same in time and Circle with the Sun:
" And Happy Albeon shall for ever Glory,
" Her distant Sons did here make good her Story
" No more he said, then thro' the Regiment
" Was heard a softly Murmur of Consent.
" Amen , Our Forces said, and then on high
" To the Worlds Arbiter, lift up their Eye,
" And with an Humble Air of Earnestness
" Unto His Majesty made this Address,
" O Most Divine Eternal Majesty,
" Whose Thrones Exalted far above the Sky;
" Where thou by spotless Spirits art Ador'd,
" As their, and our and every things Great Lord.
" Yea so Exalted is thy Majesty,
" So Infinite is thy Divinity:
" That what the best and utmost Praises be,
" Once to behold is Humbleness in thee,
" Yet albeit thou art Exalted so,
" Thou hast a kind Respect unto the Low:
" And from thy most Exalted Stations there,
" Viewest what's Acting on thy Footstool here.
" Thou in thy Word dost oft' and oft' declare,
" Thy Peoples Good is thine Especial Care.
" And hast more often in thy Providence,
" Made good that Word in their Deliverence:
" So that their Motto hitherto hath been ,
" In the Mount of the Lord it shall be seen.
" Look down from thy Immense Sublimities,
" To view our Troubles and to hear our Cries.
" Our Eyes are unto thee who canst Subdue
" A Multitude, and Victors make a few.
" Mind Lord, it was thy Power and Right-hand
" Hath bro't us to and set us in this Land.
" ' Twas for thy Sake that we left Britannie,
" And our, Enjoyments there; Here to have thee.
" But how the Heathen Rage, and how their Kings
" Against thee, and thy Christ speak Evil things?
" For sure the Truth of their Intentions be,
" By Driving us from hence to Banish Thee.
" If thou art Silent and allow'st the same,
" What wilt thou do unto thy Dreadful Name?
" Thy Promise to thy Son hast thou forgot,
" That thou wilt give the Heathen for his Lot:
" And of the Earth the utmost parts thereon
" To be to Him for His Possession.
" We hop'd of this to've seen th' Accomplishment,
" Yea and ourselves to help on the Event.
" Then Lord arise and to our help incline,
" And shout as mighty Men shout after Wine.
" Let the Proud Dwellers of the Nations see
" There's none that is Invincible but thee.
" So shall the Wrath of Man Honour thy Name,
" And this shall their remaining Wrath restrain:
" And this thy Peoples Thankful Hearts shall raise
" To Celebrate thy Name with endless Praise.
" After Devotions thus to Heaven Paid,
" Up to the Enemy Our Armys led,
" Silent as the Riphean Snow doth fall,
" Or Fishes walk in Neptunes spacious Hall.
" Now Lucifer had just put out his Head,
" To call Aurora from old Tithon's bed.
" Whereat the Troops of the Approaching light,
" Began to beat the Reg'ments of the Night.
" But Morpheus with his unperceived Bands,
" Had closed the Pequots Eyes & chain'd their Hands.
" All Slept secure save one Sagacious Wretch,
" Whose turn it was to stand upon the Watch.
" His weighty Charge with Diligence he applies,
" And Looking round with fierce, Lyncean Eyes.
" At Length our Avant Couriers he Espy'd,
" Straining his Lungs aloud, Auwunux Cry'd.
( Auwunux , said our King, What doth that mean ?
It signifys, said Winthrop, English Men )
" The startling News doth every Souldier rouse,
" Each Arms and Hastens to his Rendezvouze.
" Mean time the English did the Fort Attach,
" And in the same had opened a Breach.
" Through which our brave Aleides Entred first,
" In after whom his valiant Souldiers thrust.
" Before the breach an Unappalled band,
" Of Warlike Pequots with Bow & Arrows stand.
" With Chearful Accents these themselves Confirm
" To dy like Men or to outface the Storm.
" Then Gallantly the English they assail,
" With winged Arrows like a shower of Hail
" These ours Endure; and with like Violence,
" Sent Lead and Sulphur back in Recompence.
" And now the fight grew more & more Intense,
" Each violent Death Enflames the Violence.
" Charge answered Charge, & shout reply'd to shout
" Both parties like Enraged fury's fought.
" Till Death in all its horrid Forms appears,
" And Dreadful Noise keeps Clamouring in our Ears.
" Now as some Spacious Rivers in their way,
" By which they Travel onwards to the Sea.
" Meet with some mighty Precipice from whence,
" Enrag'd they throw themselves with Violence.
" Upon the Stubborn Rocks that ly below,
" To make Disturbance in the way they go.
" Here tho' the Fury of the fray doth make
" The near Adjacent Rocks & Mountains quake.
" Still the Remorsless Stream keep on its course,
" Nor will abate a Moment of its force,
" But rather hastens by Impetuous Facts
" To throw itself into those Cataracts.
" And so it happened with our Soldiers here,
" Whose Fortune 'twas to Travel in the rear.
" The Combatings of these within the Breaches,
" With Dreadful noise their listening Ears Attaches,
" And from their Foes and from their Bretheren,
" Loud Crys of Fighting and of Dying Men.
" Sense of the Danger doth not them Affright,
" But rather proves a Motive to excite,
" The Martial Flame in every Soldiers Breast;
" And on they like enraged Lyons prest.
" Determined upon the spot to Dy,
" Or from the Foe obtain the Victory.
" Now Fortune shews to the beholders sight,
" A very Dreadful, yet a Doubtful Fight.
" Whilst Mighty Men born in far Distant Land,
" Stood Foot to Foot engaging Hand to Hand.
" As when some Mighty Tempest that arise,
" Meet with Imbattled Fury in the Skies:
" Fire balls of Lightnings & loud Thunders Rend,
" And Tear the Raging parly's that contend.
" So did the Fury of these mighty Foes,
" With which they did each others force oppose,
" Bring on such ruins as might daunt with fears,
" The Hearts of any Men; Excepting Theirs.
" Never did Pequots fight with greater Pride:
" Never was English Valour Better try'd.
" Never was Ground soak't with more Gallant blood
" Than the Aceldama whereon we stood.
" Sometimes one Party Victory soon Expect,
" As soon their eager Hopes are Counterchect.
" And those that seem'd as Conquered before,
" Repel with greater force the Conqueror.
" Three times the Pequots seemed to be beat:
" As many times they made their Foes retreat.
" And now our hope and help for Victory,
" Chiefly Depended from the Arm on High,
" As when Euroclydon the forest rends,
" The bigger Oaks fall down the Lesser bends;
" The beaten Limbs and Leaves before him scour,
" Affrighted and Enforced by his Power;
" To some huge Rock whose Adamantine brow,
" Out braves the Fury of all Winds that blow;
" There hoping to be hid from the high Charge,
" Of Fierce pursuers by his Mighty Verge.
" The Winds in pressing troops Demand Surrender,
" Of the pursued & boisterous Storm & Thunder:
" But he brow-beats, and Masters all their pride,
" And sends them roaring to the Larbord side.
" So Mason here most strongly Drest in arms,
" Re-animates his men, their Ranks Reforms,
" Then Leading on thro' Deaths & Dangers goes,
" And beats the thickest Squadrons of the foes.
" Prince Mononotto sees his Squadrons fly,
" And on our General having fixt his Eye.
" Rage and Revenge his Spirits quickening,
" He set a Mortal Arrow in the String.
" Then to his God and Fathers Ghosts he pray'd,
" Hear, O Immortal Powers, hear me , he faid;
" And pity Mistick, Save the tottering Town ,
" And on our Foes hurl dreadful Vengeance down.
" Will you forsake your Altars and abodes,
" To those Contemners of Immortal God's?
" Will those Pay Hecatombs unto your shrine ,
" Who have deny'd your Powers to be Divine?
" O favour us; our hopes on you are Built
" But if you are Midful of our former guilt,
" Determine final ruin on us all;
" Yet let us not quite unrevenged fall.
" Here I Devote this of our Enemies
" His precious Life to you a Sacrifice.
" Nor shall I Covet long to be Alive,
" If such a Mischief I might once Survive.
" But O Indulgent, Hearken to my Prayer;
" Try us once more; this once the City spare:
" And take my Gift, Let your acceptance be
" An Omen we shall gain the Victory.
" That very Instant Mason did Advance,
" Whereat rage Interrupts his utterance;
" Nor could he add a Word to what was said,
" But drew the winged Arrow to the Head:
" And aiming right Discharged it, whereupon
" Its Fury made the Piercing Air to Groan.
" But wary Mason with his active Spear,
" Glanc'd the Princes Arrow in the Air:
" Whereat the Pequots quite Discouraged.
" Throw down the Gauntlet & from Battel fled.
" Mason swift as the chased Roe on Foot,
" Out strips the rest in making the Pursuit:
" Entring the Palace in a Hall he found,
" A Multitude of Foes, who gathering round
" This mighty Man on every side Engag'd
" Like Bears bereav'd of their Whelps enrag'd.
" One finding such Resistance where he came,
" His Mind, his Weapons & his Eyes stroke Flame.
" Their Boldness much his martial sprite Provokes,
" And round he lays his deep inveterate strokes.
" Making his Sword at each enforced blow
" Send great Soul'd Heroes to the shades below.
" But as when Hercules did undertake,
" A doubtful Combate with the Lerman Snake;
" Fondly propos'd if he cut off her Head,
" The Monster might with ease be Vanquished:
" But when he the Experiment did make,
" Soon to his hazard found his dear mistake;
" And that as often as he cut off one,
" Another Instantly sprang in its room.
" So here, tho' Mason laid so many Dead,
" Their number seemed not Diminished;
" And Death the Umpire of this Martial Fray,
" Stood yet expecting Mason for his Prey.
" But Fate that doth the rule of Actions know,
" Did this unequal combate Disallow.
" As too severe to force one Man alone,
" To Beat an Army, take a Garrison:
" Or if he failed in the Enterprize,
" To fall a Victim to his Enemies;
" Sent Heydon in, who with his sure Steel'd Blade,
" Joining the General such a Slaughter made,
" That soon the Pequots ceased to Oppose,
" The Matchless force of such Resistless Foes.
" After so many Deaths and Dangers past,
" Mason was thorowly Enflamed at last:
" He Snatcht a blazing Bavin with his Hand,
" And Fir'd the stately Palace with the Brand.
" And soon the towring & Rapacious Flame,
" All hope of Opposition overcame.
" Eurus and Notus readily Subjoin,
" Their best Assistance to this great Design;
" Drive Pitchy Flames in vast enfoldings down,
" And dreadful Globes of Fire along the Town.
" And now the English Army Marched out,
" To Hemn this Flaming City round about;
" That such as strived to escape the Fire,
" Might by the Fury of their Arms Expire.
" But O what Language or what Tongue can tell,
" This dreadful Emblem of the flames of Hell?
" No Fantasie sufficient is to Dream,
" A Faint Idea of their Woes Extream.
" Some like unlucky Comets do appear,
" Rushing along the Streets with flagrant hair:
" Some seeking safety Clamber up the wall,
" Then down again with Blazing fingers Fall.
" In this last Hour of Extremity,
" Friends and Relations met in Company;
" But all in vain their tender Sympathy,
" Cannot allay but makes their Misery.
" The Paramour here met his amourous Dame,
" Whose eyes had often set his heart in flame:
" Urg'd with the Motives of her Love and Fear,
" She runs and Clasps her arms about her Dear:
" Where weeping on his bosom as she Lies,
" And Languisheth on him she sets her Eyes;
" Till those bright Lamps do with her life Expire,
" And Leave him Weltering in a double fire.
" The Fair & Beauteous Bride with all her Charms,
" This night lay Melting in her Bridegrooms arms.
" This Morning in his bosom yields her Life,
" While he dyes Sympathizing with his Wife.
" In Love relation and in Life the same,
" The same in Death, both dy in the same Flame,
" Their Souls united both at once repair,
" Unto their place appointed thro' the air.
" The Gracious Father here stood looking on,
" His little Brood with deep affection,
" They round about him at each quarter stands,
" With piteous looks, Each lifts his little Hands
" To him for shelter, and then nearer throng,
" Whilst piercing Cries for help flows from each Tongue ,
" Fain would he give their miseries relief;
" Tho' with the forfeiture of his own life:
" But finds his power too short to shield off harms,
" The torturing flame Arrests them in his arms.
" The tender Mother with like Woes opprest,
" Beholds her Infant frying at her breast;
" Crying and looking on her, as it fryes;
" Till Death shuts up its heart affecting Eyes.
" The Conquering flame long Sorrows doth prevent,
" And Vanquisht Life soon breaks Imprisonment,
" Souls leave their Tenements gone to decay,
" And fly untouched through the flames away.
" Now all with speed to final ruin hast,
" And soon this Tragick scene is overpast.
" The Town its Wealth high Battlements & Spires,
" Now Sinketh Weltring in conjoining Fires.
" The General Commands the Officers with speed,
" To see his Men drawn up and Martialed,
" Which being done, they Wheel the ranks,
" And Kneeling down to Heav'n all gave Thanks .
" By this Aurora doth with Gold adorn,
" The ever Beauteous Eylids of the Morn;
" And Burning Titan his Exhaustless rays,
" Bright in the Eastern Horrizon Displays:
" Then soon Appearing in Majestick Aw,
" Makes all the starry Deitys withdraw;
" Veiling their Faces in deep Reverence,
" Before the Throne of his Magnificence.
" And now the English their Red Cross Display,
" And under it march bravely toward the Sea;
" There hoping in this needful Hour to meet,
" Ample Provisions coming with the Fleet.
" Mean time came Tidings to great Sasacus 's Ears,
" That Mistick -Town was taken unawares.
" Three Hundred of his Able Men he sent,
" With utmost hast its ruin to Prevent:
" But if for that they chance to come too late,
" Like Harms on us they should Retaliate.
" These with loud Out-crys met us coming down
" The Hill, about three furlongs from the Town;
" Gave us a Skirmish and then turn'd to gaze,
" Upon the ruin'd City yet on blaze.
" But when they saw this Doleful Tragedy,
" The Sorrow of their Hearts did close their Eye:
" Silent & Mute they stand yet breathe out Grones;
" Nor Gorgons Head like this transforms to Stones.
" Here lay the Numerous Body's of the Dead;
" Some Frying, others almost Calcined:
" All dolefully Imprison'd Underneath
" The Dark and Adamantine Bars of Death.
" But mighty Sorrows never are Content
" Long to be kept in close Imprisonment,
" When once grown desperate will not keep under,
" But break all Bands of their restraint asunder.
" And now with Shrieks the Ecchoing Airthey Wound ,
" And Stampt & Tore & Curst the Suffering Ground.
" Some with their hansts tore off their Guiltlefs Hair,
" And throw up dust & cinder in the Air
" Thus with strange Actions & Horrendous Cries,
" They Celebrate these Doleful Obsequies
" At length Revenge so Vehemently doth Burn,
" As caused all other Passions to adjourn.
" Alecto raves and rates them in the ear,
" O Senseless Cowards to stand blubbering here!
" Will Tears revive these Body's of the Slain,
" Or bring their Ashes Back to Life again,
" Will Tears Appease their mighty Ghosts that are,
" Hoping to be Revenged, hovering here?
" Surely expecting you will Sacrifice,
" To them the Lives of those their Enemies:
" And will you Baffle them thus by delay,
" Until the Enemy be gone away?
" O Cursed Negligence! And then she Strips,
" And Jerks & Stings them with her Scorpion Whips ;
" Until with Anger & Revenge they Yell,
" As if the very Fiends had broke up Hell.
" That we shall Dy, they all Outragous Swear;
" And Vomit Imprecations in the Air;
" Then, full speed! with Ejulations Loud,
" They follow us like an Impetuous Cloud.
" Mason to stop their Violent Career,
" Rally's his Company a New to War;
" Who finding them within a little space,
" Let fly his Blunder-busses in their Face.
" Thick Sulphurous Smoke makes the Sky look black,
" And Heaven's high Galleries Thunder with the crack,
" Earth Grones & Trembles & from underneath,
" Deep Vaulted Caverns horrid Eccho's Breathe.
" The Volley that our Men First made,
" Strook down their Stout File-leaders Dead.
" To see them fall a Stupifying Fear,
" Surpris'd and Stopt their Soldiers in the Rear:
" The numerous Natives stopt, and fac'd about;
" Whereat the Conquering English gave a shout.
" At which they start & through the Forrest Scour,
" Like Trembling Hinds that hear the Lions roar.
" Back to great Sasacus they now return again;
" And of their Loss they thus aloud Complain,
" Sir , 'tis in Vain to Fight: The Fates Engage,
" Themselves for those with whom this War we Wage.
" We Mistick Burning saw, & 'twas an Awful Sight;
" As Dreadful are our Enemies in Fight:
" And the loud Thunderings that their Arms did make,
" Made Us , the Earth , yea Heaven itself to shake.
" Very unwelcome to great Sasacus 's Ears,
" Were these Misfortunes and his Subjects Fears:
" Yet to his Men, the English he Contemns,
" And Threats to ruin us with Stratagems.
" And now his tho'ts Ten Thousand ways Divide,
" And swift through all Imaginations Glide.
" Endless Projections in his Head he lays,
" Deep Policies and Stratagems he Weighs.
" Sometimes he thinks, he'll thus the War maintain,
" Reviews the Scheme & throws it by again:
" Now thus, or thus, Concludes tis best to do;
" But neither thus, nor thus, on the Review.
" And thus his mind on endless Projects Wanders,
" Till he is lost in Intricate Meanders.
" At last gives up the Case as Desperate,
" And Sinks, Bewailing his Forlorn Estate.
" He and his People quite Discouraged,
" Now leave their Seats, & towards Monhattons fled.
" But in his way the English sword o're takes
" His Camp, and in it sad Massakers makes.
" Yet he Escap'd and to the Mohawks goes,
" Where he to them keeps Reckoning up his woes:
" And they to cure the Passions of his breast,
" Cut off his Head, and all his Cares releas'd.
" Thus great Sasacus ! and his Kingdom fell,
" Who in their time so greatly did Excel.
" So frail and full of Mutabilities,
" Are all Times Adjuncts, underneath the Skies.
" Since this fair Towns have spread the Conntry o're,
" Both on the River and along the Shore:
" All which with English names Your Subjects stile,
" In dear remembrance of our Parent Isle.
" The Land thus either Purchas'd , or Subdu'd ,
" 'Twas our Intent then Early to have sued,
" Unto the Throne , where your Illustr'ous Father sate,
" That he would Graciously Incorporate
" Us, by his Royal Charter, with such Liberty,
" As I Petition from Your Majesty.
" But soon those Cloudy Days came on,
" (Ripen'd for Ruin and Destruction)
" Wherein the Subjects in Rebellion rose,
" Drowning their Soveraign & Themselves in woes.
" 'Till nothing could Appease the Multitude,
" Less than that Blessed Martyrs Royal Blood.
" Nor yet Content; Their Rage Inveterate,
" Together with his Life Seise on the State.
" Neither could that Extinct the hateful Flame,
" Without Endeavours to destroy his name.
" And all his race to ruin to Consigne,
" For being Branches of the Royal Line.
" But here my tongue does falter, Spirits sink,
" And my Heart bursts asunder once to think,
" That such a King the Glory of his age,
" Should fall a victim to the Popular Rage.
" And that such Miserys should fall on them,
" That were Descendants of the Royal Stem.
" But God who dwelleth in Approachless light,
" And whose wise counsel doth surpass our sight,
" As far as Heaven doth the Earth in height,
" In his Un-erring Counsel Infinite.
" Covers sometimes the Footstool of his Throne,
" And makes thick Darkness his Pavilion.
" And as we fondly Guess by the Event,
" Laughs at the Tryal of the Innocent.
" Yet He by Ways and Means that seem to us,
" The clean Contrary and Preposterous.
" Bringeth about the Good He did Decree,
" In His wise Counsel from Eternity.
" He having set His Love Transcendantly,
" Upon your Father from Eternity,
" The Restlest Motions of his constant Love,
" Ne'er ceast to Act but in his Interest strove.
" That he should be Prepar'd to sit on High,
" In some Especial seat of Dignity.
" Surely 'twas this that led him to and fro,
" Along those Pathless Labyrinths of Wo,
" And made his Life as 'twere a Tragedie,
" Concluding in that sad Catastrophe.
" Being thus Conformed to the King of Kings,
" Who was made Perfect thorow Sufferings.
" He took him from his Kingdom Transitory,
" And set him on a throne of Endless Glory.
" And then to shew the Good he did design,
" Unto that Blessed Martyrs Royal Line.
" Accomplished your Happy Restauration,
" And set you safely on your Fathers Throne.
" From whence your liberal Hand doth freely pour ,
" Most Royal Bounty's like an Heavenly shower.
" Distilling on the Grass that's newly Mown,
" And we your Supplyants before the Throne,
" Beg leave to hope while all your Favours Tast,
" Connecticut will not be overpast.
Great C HARLES who gave attention all the while,
Looking on Winthrop with a Royal Smile,
Until that of his Fathers woes he speaks,
Which drew the Christal Rivers down his Cheeks.
But seeing Winthrop his Address had clos'd,
The King his Mind and Countenance Compos'd
And with as bright an Air of Majesty,
As Phaebus shews when he Serenes the Sky,
Made this Resolve upon the Agency,
Be it so then, and WE OUR SELF Decree ,
CONNECTICUT shall be a COLONY:
Enfranchis'd with such Ample Liberties
As thou , Their Friend, Shalt best for them Devise ;
And farther know Our Royal Pleasure thus;
And so it is Determined by US;
Chief in the Patent W INTHROP Thou shalt stand ,
And Valiant Mason Place at thy next Hand .
And for Chief Senators end Patentees,
Take Men of Wealth and known Abilities;
Men of Estates and Men of Influence,
Friends to their Country and to US their Prince .
And may the People of that Happy Place
Whom thou haft so Endeared to My Grace;
Till times last Exit, through Succeeding Ages,
Be Blest with Happy English Privileges.
And that they may be so, bear thou from hence
To them these Premonitions from their Prince.
First, Let all Officers in Civil Trust ,
Always Espouse their Countrys Interest.
Let Law and Right be Precious in their Eyes ,
And hear the Poor Mans Cause when e're he Crys.
Preserve Religion Pure and Understand ,
That is the Firmest Pillar of a Land:
Let it be kept in Credit in the Court,
And never fail for want of due Support.
And let Sacred Order of the Gown,
With Zeal apply the Business that's their own.
So Peace may Spring from th' Earth & Righteousness,
Look down from Heaven, Truth and Judgment Kiss.
Then, Let the Freemen of your Corporation ,
Always beware of the Insinuation,
Of those which always Brood Complaint and Fear,
Such Plagues are Dangerous to Infect the Air:
Such Men are Over-Laden with Compassion,
Having Mens Freedom in such Admiration:
That every Act of Order or Restraint
They'll Represent as matter of Complaint.
And this is no New Doctrine, 'tis a Rule
Was taught in Satans first Erected School.
It serv'd his turn with wonderful Success,
And ever since has been his Master-piece.
'Tis true the sleight by which that field he won,
Was argued from man's benefit alone.
But these outdo him in that way of Evil,
And will sometimes for God's sake play the Devil.
And Lastly, Let Your New English Multitude ,
Remember well a bond of Gratitude
Will Lye on them and their Posterity
To bear in mind their Freedom came by Thee.
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