Numb. 59.
Mercurius Politicus.
Comprising the summe of all Intelligence,
with the Affairs and Designs
now on foot in he three Nations of
England, Ireland, and Scotland.
In defence of the Common-wealth, and
for Information of the people.
------It à vertere Seria. {Hor. De
Ar. Poet.
From Thursday July 17 to Thursday July 24. 1651.
SUppose now, that some Gentleman of
Utopia were found a murtherous
Traitor, and condemned for the bloudy
Treason: Suppose too, that he were
one that had been my friend, and of
my own profession, and that good nature
should lead me so farr, as to Petition
in his behalf, do ye think that
I should entitle him my beloved Brother? Do ye think
that I should represent him and his Treasons in such a lovely
strain, without any abhorrent Reflections upon so horrid
a Crime? Truly, I durst not, for fear of being thought
even such a one as himself, or, (at least) that my Loyalty
to the State should be judged of a Laodicean Temper.
Put case too, it be pretended he was carried on to this
Treason by the principles of an erroneous Conscience; could
I think this might be a comperent Plea in his behalf? Truly,