20
What shall I say? for time would fail,
To tell you of brave Lauderdale,
А great apostate he did prove,
Because, with Balaam, he did love
The wages of iniquity,
To keep him in prosperity;
That his beastly belly might
Have epicurean delight,
To spend his time in carnal pleasure,
Which he esteem'd above all treasure.
He was a member among those,
Who strictest models did compose,
Upon the Presbyterian side,
But quickly he from them did slide.
These covenants which oft he swore,
Most solemnly he did abjure.
All tenderness he did cast off;
On scripture he did droll and scoff.
To Prelate Sharp he thought no shame,
Above Rabshaketh to blaspheme.
By habit he did curse and swear;
With harlots company did bear.
He did counsel and assist
The king, who after blood did thirst,
To bring all to a final end,
For covenants that did contend.
All public mischief in the land,
Was done at Lauderdale's command.
In Mitchell's case he did perjure
Himself, most wrongfully he swore:
For conscience he regarded not,
Himself, he wholly did devote
To serve King Charles and myself,
And to advance his wordly pelf.
