Part 6 (1/2)

_”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 Protectors.h.i.+p 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.