Anti-Achitophel (1682) Part 6

_"f" ("If") invisible_ The Uppermost, indisputably Best.

_text reads "indsputably"_ This final Resolution made, at last _line printed after break, but not indented_ But t'Heavens Vice-gerents, Soul, Sense, Reason, all, _the word "vice-gerent" occurs twice_ Why did not th'Oaths of his once-great Colleagues, _apostrophe missing_ Th'Embroiderd Mantle from his Neck he threw.

_apostrophe missing_ By profane Crowds in dirt his Prophets spurn'd, _apostrophe invisible_ ]

Poetical Reflections on a Late

POEM

Ent.i.tuled, Absalom and Achitophel.

_By a Person of Honour._

[Decoration]

_LONDON:_ Printed for _Richard Janeway_. 1681.

TO THE READER.

If ever anything, call'd a _Poem_, deserv'd a severe Reflection, that of _Absalom_ and _Achitophel_ may justly contract it. For tho' Lines can never be purg'd from the dross and filth they would throw on others (there being no retraction that can expiate the conveying of persons to an unjust and publick reproach); yet the cleansing of their fames from a design'd pollution, may well become a more ingenious Pen than the Author of these few reflections will presume to challenge.

To epitomize which scandalous Phamphlet (unworthy the denomination of _Poesy_) no eye can inspect it without a prodigious amazement; the abuses being so gross and deliberate, that it seems rather a Capital or National Libel, than personal exposures, in order to an infamous detraction. For how does he character the King, but as a broad figure of scandalous inclinations, or contriv'd unto such irregularities, as renders him rather the property of Parasites and Vice, than suitable to the accomplishment of so excellent a Prince? Nay, he forces on King _David_ such a Royal resemblance, that he darkens his sanct.i.ty in spite of illuminations from Holy Writ.

Next (to take as near our King as he could) he calumniates the Duke of _Monmouth_ with that height of impudence, that his Sense is far blacker than his Ink, exposing him to all the censures that a Murderer, a Traytor, or what a Subject of most ambitious evil can possibly comprehend: and it is some wonder, that his Lines also had not hang'd him on a Tree, to make the intended _Absalom_ more compleat.

As to my Lord _Shaftsbury_ (in his collusive _Achitophel_), what does he other than exceed Malice it self? or that the more prudent deserts of that Peer were to be so impeach'd before hand by his impious Poem, as that he might be granted more emphatically condign of the Hangman's Ax; And which his Muse does in effect take upon her to hasten.

And if the season be well observ'd, when this Adulterate Poem was spread, it will be found purposely divulg'd near the time when this Lord, with his other n.o.ble Partner, were to be brought to their Tryals.

And I suppose this Poet thought himself enough a.s.sur'd of their condemnation; at least, that his _Genius_ had not otherwise ventur'd to have trampled on persons of such eminent Abilities, and Interest in the Nation. A consideration, I confess, incited my Pen (its preceding respect being paid to the Duke of _Monmouth_) to vindicate their Reputations where I thought it due.

And some are not a little mistaken in their judgments of persons, if any Kingdom has at this time Two men of their Dignity, of more extraordinary Understandings: Which may (if well consider'd) be some inducement to their future preservation and esteem. As I have endeavour'd chiefly to clear their abuse, so I have pa.s.s'd divers considerable persons, under as malign inclinations of this Author's; conceiving, that what I have said for the Princ.i.p.als, may remove such smaller prejudices as are on the value of others on the same concern.

His most select and pecuniary Favourites, I have but barely touch'd, in respect his praise includes a concomitant reprehension, if well apprehended. Besides, I was unwilling to discourage any, that for the future may desire to be admir'd by him according to their liberality.

A method, that perhaps may in time set up some Merchants of _Parna.s.sus_, where the _Indies_ of Fame seem lately discover'd, and may be purchas'd _per Centum_, according to modern example.

As to the Character of _Amiel_, I confess my Lines are something pointed, the one reason being, that it alludes much to a manner of expression of this Writer's, as may be seen by the marginal Notes; and a second will be soon allowed. The figure of _Amiel_ has been so squeez'd into Paint, that his soul is seen in spite of the Varnish.

And none will deny, but it is as easie to send Truth backward, as it is to spur Falsities egregiously forward, and might have caus'd any a.s.se, as knowing as _Balaam_'s, to have rebuk'd such a Poet as will needs prophecy against the sense of Heaven and Men. But I have enough of this _Amiell_, as well as of his Muse, unless that by his means it occasions a further account. And for what is mine here, It will at worst contract censure, in respect it is a brief reflection on a very large Libel. And tho' I believe it did not cost (tho' that be not offer'd for an excuse) the tenth part of the time of the other. As to my Preface, I was willing that he should find, that this smaller work has some Nose.--Tho' I am no more bound to have my Face known by it, than he is willing to obscure his by a Nameless Preamble.

[Asterisks used as side/footnote references are from the original text.]

Poetical Reflections ON A POEM,

CALLED Absolon and Achitophel.

When late Protectorship was Canon-Proof, And _Cap-a-pe_ had seiz'd on _Whitehall_-Roof, And next, on _Israelites_ durst look so big, That _Tory-like_, it lov'd not much the _Whigg_: A Poet there starts up, of wondrous Fame; Whether _Scribe_ or _Pharisee_, his Race doth name, Or more t'intrigue the Metaphor of Man, Got on a Muse by _Father-Publican_: [Sidenote: A Committee-Man.]

For 'tis not harder much, if we tax Nature, That Lines should give a Poet such a Feature; Than that his Verse a _Hero_ should us show, [Sidenote: _Sir Denzill Hollis_ seeks _annum mirabilis_.]

Produc'd by such a Feat, as famous too.

His Mingle such, what Man presumes to think, But he can Figures daub with Pen and Ink.

A Grace our mighty _Nimrod_ late beheld, When he within the Royal Palace dwell'd, And saw 'twas of import if Lines could bring His Greatness from _Usurper_, to be King: [Sidenote: See his Poem on _Cromwel_.]

Or varnish so his Praise, that little odds Should seem 'twixt him, and such called Earthly G.o.ds.

And tho no Wit can Royal Blood infuse, No more than melt a Mother to a Muse: Yet much a certain Poet undertook, That Men and Manners deals in without-Book.

And might not more to Gospel-Truth belong, Than he (if Christened) does by name of _John._ This Poet, who that time much squanderd thought, Of which some might bring Coyn, whilst some none brought, As Men that hold their Brains of powerful sense, Will least on Poet's Tales bestow their pence, Tho he such Dispensations to endear, Had notch'd his Sconce just level with his Ear.

An Emblem in these days of much import, When Crop-ear'd Wits had such a Modish Court.

Tho some from after-deeds much fear the Fate, That such a Muse may for its Lugs create.

As Stars may without Pillories dispence, To slit some Ears for Forgeries of sense, Which Princes, n.o.bles, and the Fame of Men, Sought to bespatter by a worthless Pen.

But leaving this to Circ.u.mstances fit, With what thence spreads this Renegado-wit.

We'll tell you how his Court he now doth make, } And what choice Things and Persons he doth take, } That Lines for Guinnys might more liquorish speak. } To heigten which we'll to his Muse advance, Which late discover'd its _Judaick_ Trance: Where _Absalon_'s in _English_ Colours di'd, That in a Duke, a Traitor might be spi'd.

Or Heaven on him did Graces so bestow, As only could confer their Pageant Show; Giving his Glories no more fast Renown, Than with more Honour to be taken down: Like Victimes by some Sacrificers drest, Must fall adorn'd, which then they pity least.

But fear not _Monmouth_, if a Libel's quill, Would dregs of Venom on thy Vertue spill; Since no desert so smoothly is convey'd, As next it's Fame, no canker'd Patch is laid; Thou didst no Honour seek, but what's thy due, And such Heaven bids thee not relinquish too.

Whilst it's Impressions so oblig'd thy Task, As leave from Earth thy Soul declin'd to ask.

If this thy Error were, what Influ'nce can Excuse the Duty of more wilfull Man; With such whose Figures shew that squinting Paint, Whence peeps a Mungril _Babylonish Saint_.

Thy Soul's Religion's Prop, and Native Grace, _Rome_, (fears its onsets) looking on the place; What Alt.i.tude can more exalt thy Praise, Tho best Devotion should thy Trophies raise, And 'tis perhaps from thy Diviner Bliss, That some may fear their Souls are seen amiss.

As what so high does Emulation mount, As Greatness when surpa.s.s'd on Heaven's Account; And if th' Ambition would in this excel, 'Twas but to be more great in doing well; And must rebate the worst that Fates intend, Whilst Heaven and _England_ is at once thy Friend.

This just _Encomium_, tho too brief it be To represent thy least Epitome; And but unto thy larger Figure joyn'd, As small proportions are from great design'd; Tho where a line one worth of thine can speak, It does alone, a Poem's Greatness make; Leaving this _Hero_ to his spotless Fame, (As who besides this Wretch will it blaspheme) Or in a Libels Allegorick Way, Men falsely figur'd, to the world convey, Libels the enormous Forgery of sense, Stamp'd on the brow of human Impudence; The blackest wound of Merit, and the Dart, That secret Envy points against Desert.

The l.u.s.t of Hatred pander'd to the Eye T'allure the World's debauching by a Lie.

Th'rancrous Favourite's masquerading Guilt, Imbitt'ring venom where he'd have it spilt.

The Courts depression in a fulsom Praise; A Test it's _Ignoramus_ worst conveys, A lump of Falshood's Malice does disperse, Or Toad when crawling on the Feet of Verse.

Fame's impious Hireling and mean Reward, The Knave that in his Lines turns up his Card, Who, tho no Rabby, thought in Hebrew wit, He forc'd Allusions can closly fit.

To _Jews_ or _English_, much unknown before, He made a _Talmud_ on his Muses score; Though hop'd few Criticks will its _Genius_ carp, So purely Metaphors King _David_'s Harp, And by a soft Encomium, near at hand, Shews _Bathsheba_ Embrac'd throughout the Land.

But this Judaick Paraphrastick Sport We'll leave unto the ridling Smile of Court.

Good Heav'n! What timeful Pains can Rhymers take, When they'd for Crowds of Men much Pen-plot make?

Which long-Beak'd Tales and filch'd Allusions brings, As much like Truth, as 'tis the Woodc.o.c.k sings.

What else could move this Poet to purloin So many _Jews_, to please the _English_ Swine?

Or was it that his Brains might next dispense To adapt himself a Royal Evidence?

Or that he'd find for _Dugdale_'s Wash some Spell, In stead of once more dipp'd in _Winifred_'s Well; And ope his Budget, like _Pandora_'s Box, Whence Overt-acts more _Protestants_ should Pox, Which might the Joyner's Ghost provoke to rise, And fright such Tales with other _Popish_ Lies?

But _Starr's_ or _Ignoramus_'s may not give Those Swearers longer swinge by Oaths to live.

A Providence much _English_ Good protects, And sends Testees to Trade for new Effects; Which none of the Long-Robe, 'tis hop'd, can aid, So well by Oaths the Devil's already paid; And most suppose, if e're both Plots can die, Or eat up one anothers Perjury, 'Twou'd _Pluto_ strangely pose to find a Third, Sould he in his a _Popish_ Legion Lard.

A Policy some Poems much embrace, As is discern'd in _Shaftsbury_'s Great Case; Where Verse so vile an Obloquy betray, As for a Statist-_Jew_ they'd him convey.

Tho hard it is to understand what Spell Can conjure up in him _Achitophel_, Or tax this Peer with an Abused Sense Of his so deep and apt Intelligence: A Prompt.i.tude by which the Nation's shown To be in Thought concurrent with his own.

_Shaftsbury_! A Soul that Nature did impart To raise her Wonder in a Brain and Heart; Or that in him produc'd, the World might know, She others did with drooping Thought bestow.

As in Mans most perspicuous Soul, we find The nearest Draught of her Internal Mind, Tho it appears her highest Act of State, When Human Conducts she does most compleat, And place them so, for Mankinds good, that they Are fit to Guide, where others miss their Way; It being in Worldly Politiques less Great To be a Law-maker, than Preserve a State.

In Publick Dangers Laws are unsecure, As strongest Anchors can't all Winds endure; Though 'tis in Exigents the wisest Ease To know who best can ply when Storms encrease; Whilst other Prospects, by mistaking Fate, Through wrong Preventions, more its Bad dilate.

Whence some their Counter-Politicks extend, To ruine such can Evils best amend.

A Thwarting _Genius_, which our Nation more Than all its head-strong Evils does deplore; And shews what violent Movements such inform, That where a Calm should be, they force a Storm; As if their Safety chiefly they must prize In being rid of Men esteem'd more Wise.

To this Great, Little Man, we'll T'other joyn, Held Sufferers by one Tripart.i.te Design.

As from a Cubick Power, or Three-fold Might, Roots much expand, as Authors prove aright; But of such Managements we'll little say, Or shamm'd Intrigues, for Fame left to convey; Which may by peeping through a Gown-mans Sleeve, Tell such grave Tales, Men cannot well believe: With what for Plots and Trials has been done, As Wh.o.r.es depos'd, before away they run; All which was well discern'd by numerous Sense, Before the Doctors py'd Intelligence, Who, with some Motley Lawyers, took much care To gain the _Caput_ of this Knowing Peer; When after so much Noise, and nothing prov'd, Heaven thank'd, to Freedom he's at last remov'd, Leaving a Low-Bridge _Cerberus_ to try In what Clerks Pate his monstrous Fee does lie; Or by the help of _Tory-Roger_ tell How Sacred Gain-Prerogativ'd should spell.

But these are Thoughts may fit some Pensive Skulls, Or Men concern'd to bait their several Bulls; Whilst on this Peer we must some Lines bestow, Tho more he merits than best Verse can show: Great in his Name, but greater in his Parts, Judgment sublim'd, with all its strong Deserts; A Sense above Occasions quick surprize, That he no Study needs to make him Wise, Or labour'd Thoughts, that trains of Sinews knit, His Judgment always twin'd unto his Wit; That from his clear Discussions Men may know He does to wonder other Brains out-do.

Whilst they for Notions search they can't compact, His _Genius_ fitly stands prepar'd to act.

Admir'd of Man, that in thy Sense alone So ready dost exalt high Reason's Throne; That Men abate Resentments to expect Thou mayst rise Greater, having past Neglect.