Let Sanhedrims be taught to give their own. A king's at least a part of government; And mine as requisite as their consent: Without my leave a future king to chuse, Infers a right the present to depose. True, they petition me to approve their choice; But Esau's hands suit ill with Jacob's voice. My pious subjects for my safety pray; Which to secure, they take my power away. From plots and treasons heaven preserve my years, But save me most from my petitioners![292] Unsatiate as the barren womb or grave; God cannot grant so much as they can crave. What then is left, but with a jealous eye To guard the small remains of royalty? The law shall still direct my peaceful sway, And the same law teach rebels to obey: Votes shall no more established power controul,-- Such votes, as make a part exceed the whole No groundless clamours shall my friend remove, Nor crowds have power to punish ere they prove; For Gods and god-like kings their care express, Still to defend their servants in distress Oh, that my power to saving were confined! } Why am I forced, like heaven, against my mind, } To make examples of another kind? } Must I at length the sword of justice draw? Oh curst effects of necessary law! How ill my fear they by my mercy scan! Beware the fury of a patient man. Law they require, let law then shew her face; They could not be content to look on grace, Her hinder parts, but with a daring eye, To tempt the terror of her front, and die. By their own arts 'tis righteously decreed, Those dire artificers of death shall bleed. Against themselves their witnesses will swear,[293] 'Till, viper like, their mother-plot they tear; And suck for nutriment that bloody gore, Which was their principle of life before. Their Belial with their Beelzebub will fight; Thus on my foes, my foes shall do me right: Nor doubt the event; for factious crowds engage, In their first onset, all their brutal rage. Then let them take an unresisted course; Retire, and traverse, and delude their force: But when they stand all breathless, urge the fight, And rise upon them with redoubled might: For lawful power is still superior found; When long driven back, at length it stands the ground. He said; the Almighty, nodding, gave consent, And peals of thunder shook the firmament. Henceforth a series of new time began, The mighty years in long procession ran; Once more the god-like David was restored, And willing nations knew their lawful lord. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 221: Charles II. See note I.] [Footnote 222: Queen Catherine. See note II.] [Footnote 223: First edit. _this_.] [Footnote 224: Duke of Monmouth. See note III.] [Footnote 225: First edit. _with_.] [Footnote 226: Duchess of Buccleuch and Monmouth. See note IV.] [Footnote 227: Note V.]