Numb. 1.
Mercurius Politicus.
Comprising the Summ of all Intelligence,
with the Affairs, and Designs now
on foot, in the three Nations of
England, Ireland, and Scotland.
In defence of the Common-wealth, and
for Information of the People.
------It à vertere Seria Luào. {Hor. de
Ar. Poet.
From Thursday, June 6. to Thursday, June 13. 1650.
WHY Should not the Common-wealth have a
Fool, as well as the King had? 'Tis a point of
State, and if the Old Court humors should return
in this new Form, 'twere the ready Road
to Preferment, and a Ladies Chamber. But
you'll say, I am out of fashion, because I make
neither Rimes nor Faces, for Fidlers pay, like the Royal Mercuries;
Yet you shall know I have authority enough to create
a fashion of my own, and make all the world to follow the
humor. Besides, any fashion will fit, being now bound beyond
Berwick, to strike in with Bread and Cheese, and the Clouted
Commissioners, that are to welcome his Scottish Majesty home
to the Stool of Repentance. For, the truth is, they say, he is
coming (with better luck than his Father;) only, he lingers
a little to learn to catch Mackerel, of some other odd fish which
he hath to frie upon his Landing.