Toney's Soliloquies

When the Plot I first invented, I was ravisht in conceit,
To see its Frame so well cemented, Varnish'd over with Deceit.
It was an Infant of my Spirit, Nay, the Darling of my Soul,
If its contrivance be a Merit, By Jove the C—er did well Boul.

For to give this Engine Motion, To arrive where it did tend,
I fill'd the Vulgar ears with 'Notions, and Gospel of my Oaten Friend;
I antedated all Transactions, Distinguisht Stiles of New and Old,
In the State I made such Fractions; Some I Bought, and some I Sold.

The Mobile I so distemper'd, With the Magick of my Care,
None but wou'd his Soul have ventur'd, Where brave Tony bore a Share;
Have I not in Abomination Held the Miter and Lawn Sleeves,
And Itcht at a second Sequestration, To pull down such Ghostly Theeves.

Have I not Taught the Sanhedrim to Imperate, and not Obey?
Th'had Genuflections done to them, which men to Crowned Heads do pay.
Then would I Barter for Repeal o 'th' Five and Thirtieth of Q. Bess,
To make a way for a Commonweal, (the Centre of our Happiness.)

How many hot and high Debates, in favour of th' Exclusive Bill,
I bandy'd twixt the two Estates, th'effects of my depraved will!)
By Subornation, to the Block I brought, a Loyal Noble Peer;
And trusted others to that Lock, which cost my Buck and me so dear.

In fine, poor prestigated Wretch, for to indulge my Minion Spight,
My Seared Conscience I did stretch, and did Old Rowley's Guards Indict.
I did espouse all Wickedness, and only lov'd what's purely Evil;
In that alone was my excess; Then take thy own Associate, Devil.