Dat veniam Corvis, vexat censura Columbis

What a Succession of Delusion's here, Whilst righteous Reason is dethron'd? Shall Darkness thus cover our Hemisphere? Ah! Must no other Law be own'd,

But a depraved Will that still inclines To choose the worst, and leave the best; Disdaining to observe the Sun that shines Within the Conclave of the Breast?

Why, both in former and more modern Days, Should Vertue, as an heinous Crime, Be prosecuted! Lest its conquering Rays, Thro' the whole Vniverse should shine,

And thence dispel the the horrid Shades of Night, That does surround poor Mortas, so That till this, rising, undeceive the Sight, They wound their Friend, and spare their Foe:

Striking at pure unspotted Innocence, Condemning true Sincerity, As Malefactors, guilty of Offence; Whilst Barabbas hath Liberty

Granted by common Suffrage: Birds of Prey And Rapine, may uncensur'd tear The harmless Doves; and who dare that gainsay? But unto these, (Oh) how severe!

Yet have some few been rais'd in ev'ry Age, Led by a Spark of Light and Love Divine, which, in secret, did engage To plead a little for the Dove;

At least, to manifest their Discontent, As none of the Confed'racy; That they might either limit or prevent The progress of such Tyranny;

And like the wise Gamaliel, intercede With sober Caution, to beware, Lest some thereby the Prince of Heav'n invade, And cast themselves into a Snare;

Yea, launch thereby into the sad Abyss Of endless Wo and Misery; Except, reclaim'd by such Advice as this, They learn to shew more Clemency.