_Rasni._ Such be the fruits of Nineveh's repent; And such for ever may our dealings be, That he that call'd us home in height of sin May smile to see our hearty penitence.-- Viceroys, proclaim a fast unto the Lord; Let Israel's God be honour'd in our land; Let all occasion of corruption die, For who shall fault therein shall suffer death Bear witness, God, of my unfeignèd zeal.-- Come, holy man, as thou shalt counsel me, My court and city shall reformèd be. _Jonas._ Wend on in peace, and prosecute this course. [_Exeunt all except_ JONAS. You islanders, on whom the milder air Doth sweetly breathe the balm of kind increase, Whose lands are fatten'd with the dew of heaven, And made more fruitful than Actæan plains; You whom delicious pleasures dandle soft, Whose eyes are blinded with security, Unmask yourselves, cast error clean aside. O London, maiden of the mistress-isle, Wrapt in the folds and swathing-clouts of shame, In thee more sins than Nineveh contains! Contempt of God, despite of reverend age, Neglect of law, desire to wrong the poor, Corruption, whoredom, drunkenness, and pride. Swoll'n are thy brows with impudence and shame, O proud adulterous glory of the west! Thy neighbours burn, yet dost thou fear no fire; Thy preachers cry, yet dost thou stop thine ears; The 'larum rings, yet sleepest thou secure. London, awake, for fear the Lord do frown: I set a looking-glass before thine eyes. O, turn, O, turn, with weeping to the Lord, And think the prayers and virtues of thy queen Defer the plague which otherwise would fall! Repent, O London! lest for thine offence, Thy shepherd fail, whom mighty God preserve, That she may bide the pillar of his church Against the storms of Romish Anti-Christ! The hand of mercy overshade her head, And let all faithful subjects say, Amen! [_Exit._ ORLANDO FURIOSO