shoale of enthuziastick fancies, can become a Basis for an edifice of perfect
Government? Or would you have perfection extracted out of self a
ruining corruption? Ye have chosen an Engineere whose circumdferative
inventions center in absolute vacuity, and do ye imagine that he can
modell any Idea but what transcends all reasonable demonstrations?
No ye empty vessels, your sounds cannot pierce the ears of reason, nor
penetrate the hearts of religious resolutions; ye have imprecated curses,
and deprecated blessings, proclaim your ruins, and prohibit your Salvations;
earth cries, heaven hears, and hell prepares to vanquish what
man fears (not for power of fortitude, but predominancy in mischiefe) at
instant to reward.
And as y'have set England on fire with bate,
Yee'l kindle Hell with a most fierce debate.
Apr. 17. This day (though they had smal hopes to have their propositions
effected) the better to encourage their water-rats, they have ordered
all to be Fish that comes to the ne[unr](which wil be good when it is
caught)viz. any ships or goods that belong to Charles Steuart, or any other
of the Kings sons, may lawfully become an immediat prize to any
that will venter some knocks for the booty, but with this proviso, that
they first tender them to the judgment and disposition of the Admiralty
(a pretty decoy to catch boobies in) thus the mouldy tar-paulins
that feed at their benevolence, with musty bread and magots, are in hope
if they fail Northward to catch some Scotch Barnicles instead of Woodcocks,
these rewards rellish wel of salt-water, and are of bitter digestion,
if they have no more wit to keep from, then courage to get prizes for
the Admiralty, 'tis pitty but they were hang'd at their mainyards: O
but they shal have daintie provision made for their wounded seamen, widdows,
and orphans, an act of charity above a sea faiths comprehension,
and as far beneath the land sherks intentions; but let me advise you my
brave porpusspirits, to make use of this gael of promises, to transport
you into a full sea of performances, Prince Rupert will not bid you take
prizes when you can catch them, but give you your pay before yee persue
them, and (as some of your own faculty have credibly affirmed) what
Vessell soever submits without restraint, the sea-men are forthwith satisfied
their full pay, and discharged, or entertained, according to their
desires to serve, or desert him; but a resistance provokes him to restrain
his bounty, and inflict condigne punishment upon the obstinate; this
favours more of munificence and magnanimity (the most illustrious adornments
of his Heroick atchievements) then the saint bearted promises
of a few fresh water souldiers; besides, they have devided the spoyle already
in conceit, and the disposall of your prizes into so many squadrons,