You have from us at second hand As if a pilot, that appears To sit still only while he steers, 270 And does not make a noise and stir Like ev'ry common mariner, Knew nothing of the card, nor star, And did not guide the man of war; Nor we, because we don't appear 275 In councils, do not govern there; While, like the mighty <m> PRESTER JOHN, Whose person none dares look upon, But is preserv'd in close disguise, From being made cheap to vulgar eyes, 280 W' enjoy as large a pow'r unseen, To govern him, as he does men; And in the right of our Pope JOAN, Make Emp'rors at our feet fall down; Or <n> JOAN DE PUCEL'S braver name, 285 Our right to arms and conduct claim; Who, though a Spinster, yet was able To serve FRANCE for a Grand Constable. We make and execute all laws; Can judge the judges and the cause; 290 Prescribe all rules of right or wrong To th' long robe, and the longer tongue; 'Gainst which the world has no defence; But our more pow'rful eloquence. We manage things of greatest weight 295 In all the world's affairs of state Are ministers of war and peace, That sway all nations how we please. We rule all churches and their flocks, Heretical and orthodox; 300 And are the heavenly vehicles O' th' spirits in all conventicles. By us is all commerce and trade Improv'd, and manag'd, and decay'd; For nothing can go off so well, 305 Nor bears that price, as what we sell. We rule in ev'ry publique meeting, And make men do what we judge fitting; Are magistrates in all great towns, Where men do nothing but wear gowns. 310 We make the man of war strike sail, And to our braver conduct veil, And, when h' has chac'd his enemies, Submit to us upon his knees. Is there an officer of state 315 Untimely rais'd, or magistrate, That's haughty and imperious? He's but a journeyman to us. That as he gives us cause to do't, Can keep him in, or turn him out. 320 We are your guardians, that increase Or waste your fortunes how we please; And, as you humour us, can deal In all your matters, ill or well.