Epistle X. To his Friend C. S. Esquire

Inspir'd with plum-brth, and mine'd pies,
This Letter comes in humble wise,
To know how Su. and how you do?
Or whether you do do, or no:
Whether you Christmas keep, or not?
For here we such a Mayor have got,
That though our Taverns open stand,
Church doors are shut, by his command:
He does as good as say (we think)
Leave off this preaching, and go drink:

But this I doubt's no news to you,
The Countrey's Atheist part, part Jew;
And care no more for Christ or's Mass,
Then he for them: So let 'um pass:
And could the Priests be sure of pay,
They'ld down with that, and t'other day.

Yet spite of all our May'r could say,
We would not fast, though could not pray.
Here's feasting still throughout the City,
And drinking much (the more's the pity).

And that's the cause why all this time,
I did not answer your last Rhithme:
Nor did I know; 'Tis not my fashion,
In verse to make a disputation:
What ever Su. and you have writ,
Shews both your kindness and your wit:

But only I desire to know
If you're a Member made or no;
For here we have a great adoe,
About our choice, whom, how, and who
Elects, or is Elected; some
To be made Members, send, and come;
While others of the wiser sort,
Sit still at home, and care not for't.
Richard, 'tis thought, has no intent
To have an endless Parliament:
Nor must they share his goods and lands,
For what he has he'l keep in's hands:
Much is not left to be divided,
The business has so well been guided;
Nay he himself (I tell no lye)
Wants money more then you or I:

No reason therefore can I see,
Why you should bustle much to be
A Senatour, unless it were,
For honour; yet that is but air,
And not the sweet'st, or saf'st, but still
Depends on other peoples will.

But trust me (Charles) you have a vain
That does more love and honour gain;
And longer keep't then all the tricks,
Of those that study Politicks.
Protections needless, for (they say)
You owe no debts, that you can pay;
To Nature one, which during life,
You cannot pay, nor that t' your Wife:

Yet I would have you come away,
That though the House don't meet, we may:
When every one gets up, and ride,
'Tis good to be o'th rising side:
For as i'th Church, so 'tis i'th State;
Who's not Elect, is Reprobate.