Classic Poem

1.

Would you be preserved from ruin?
Stem the tide with all your might?
Such feuds are everywhere a-brewing
Will unhinge the nation quite.
Those who should cement our breaches,
Make 'em wider every day;
And what the sober clergy preaches
Prelates in the House gainsay.

2.

Sancroft unto James was loyal,
But to William's nothing so;
Which shows when put unto the trial
He's the king's and church's foe.
The public weal while you're pursuing,
To your aims he's counter still;
Let the nation sink to ruin,
He can never balk his will.

3.

London once was famed in story,
Equal to the suffering seven;
'Till choosing members showed him Tory,
Savoring of old James's leaven.
" The temple of the Lord, " he cries,
" Preserve the church from violence! "
While Rome and France in ambush lies
To take both it and us from hence.

4.

Yorkshire Tom was raised to honor,
For what cause no creature knew;
Yet he was false to the royal donor,
And will be the same to you.
'Tis not marquisates can please him,
Since he aims at greater things,
And such impious thoughts do seize him
To give rule and law to kings.

5.

Finch's fortunes lie before him
(Sure he must not die in's bed)
Pity 'tis the beast that bore him
Had not then licked off his head.
Mounted contrary to merit,
He with proud disdain looks down,
And his never sated spirit
Would be equal with the crown.

6.

Stock the cards and lift for dealing,
Shuffle and cast knaves again:
Other salves will be more healing
Which may put us to less pain.
If a marquis needs must steer us,
Take a better in his stead,
Who will in your absence cheer us
And has far a wiser head.

7.

Counselors take Romish measures;
Pilots are debarred the helm
By such as waste the nation's treasures,
And would gladly sell the realm.
George is jostled out by Thomas
(Two can't of a trade agree);
Nor must we peace to England promise,
Whilst the Finches favorites be.

8.

The peerage every day are jarring,
Sick of loyalty and zeal;
Factious members are preparing
To advance a commonweal.
So have I seen two dogs contending
Who should bear away the bone,
And whilst they are each other rending,
A third steps in and leaves them none.