Song. Whitehall Alarmed! and a Council Called!!!

Come let us prepare, We statesmen that are Assembl'd on this dread occasion; Let the engines of state, Before 'tis too late, Repel the surrounding invasion

While people were fools, We made them our tools, Our VIRTUE was never suspected; But now they arise, And open their eyes! And all our designs are detected.

'Tis not the mere crew, We have to subdue, Nor armies nor fleets can assist us: 'Tis REASON alone, Besieges the throne, And REASON is strong to resist us.

Nor can we by force, Now alter the course, INQUIRY and REASON are taking: By land and at sea, They cry, TO BE FREE! The POWERS of the world are shaking.

How proudly in France, Doth Reason advance, All nations behold it with wonder: The state and the church Are left in the LURCH, And the partnership broken asunder.

Then while we deplore The traffic no more! The priests and their shops all forsaken, Lest our holy ware, A like fate should share, Let speedy precautions be taken.

The boroughs in vain Endeavour'd to gain, E'en thanks to the king for his kindness, The people too wise, Saw through the disguise, And call'd it Corruption and Blindness.

No thanks could be due, The people well knew, To be told they are HAPPY, if not so; For quickly they found, In CHAINS they were bound, And also could see how they got so.

Then what now remains, To lock them in chains, To lead them on tamely in fetters, How great is the loss! Its almost a toss Whether they'll submit to their betters.

To darken the mind, Let the Press be consin'd, A LAW against reading and speaking: Such bondage might pass Among the low class, And let it be call'd their own seeking.

And next to secure Their LOYALTY sure, Let THINKING be deemed high-treason; For still after all, Our system must fall, Unless we are LORDS of their REASON.