Some specious reasons for those wrongs were found;} The dire magicians threw their mists around, } And wise men walked as on enchanted ground. } But now when time has made the imposture plain, } (Late though he followed truth, and limping held her train,} What new delusion charms your cheated eyes again? } The painted harlot might a while bewitch, But why the hag uncased, and all obscene with itch?[220] The first reformers were a modest race; Our peers possessed in peace their native place, And when rebellious arms o'erturned the state, They suffered only in the common fate; But now the sovereign mounts the regal chair, And mitred seats are full, yet David's bench is bare.[221] Your answer is, they were not dispossest; They need but rub their mettle on the Test To prove their ore;--'twere well if gold alone Were touched and tried on your discerning stone; But that unfaithful test unfound will pass The dross of Atheists, and sectarian brass; As if the experiment were made to hold For base production, and reject the gold. Thus men ungodded may to places rise, And sects may be preferred without disguise; No danger to the church or state from these, The Papist only has his writ of ease. No gainful office gives him the pretence To grind the subject, or defraud the prince. Wrong conscience, or no conscience, may deserve To thrive, but ours alone is privileged to starve. Still thank yourselves, you cry; your noble race We banish not, but they forsake the place; Our doors are open:--true, but ere they come, You toss your 'censing test, and fume the room; As if 'twere Toby's rival to expel, And fright the fiend who could not bear the smell.[222] To this the Panther sharply had replied,} But having gained a verdict on her side, } She wisely gave the loser leave to chide; } Well satisfied to have the _but and peace_,[223]} And for the plaintiff's cause she cared the less, } Because she sued _in forma pauperis_; } Yet thought it decent something should be said, For secret guilt by silence is betrayed; So neither granted all, nor much denied, But answered with a yawning kind of pride: Methinks such terms of proffered peace you bring, As once Æneas to the Italian king:[224] By long possession all the land is mine; } You strangers come with your intruding line,} To share my sceptre, which you call to join.} You plead like him an ancient pedigree, And claim a peaceful seat by fate's decree. In ready pomp your sacrificer stands, To unite the Trojan and the Latin bands; And, that the league more firmly may be tied, Demand the fair Lavinia for your bride. Thus plausibly you veil the intended wrong, But still you bring your exiled gods along;