English poem
Other VERSES answering likewise
by John Foxe (1516–1587)
Say, White, whom can you find that will agree, That Mary should to Philip married be? It matters not what the vain multitude Do will or nill (they're ignorant and rude). To will and nill is God's chief property: The question then is, What he wills to be? 'Cause God hath will'd the match, (you say) the same Ye will, and loudly every where proclaim: You ought indeed to know what God doth will, Because, dull fool, thou'rt ignorant of it still. This he hath will'd, that in his augury White should a lying pseudo-prophet be. A king, though not the king, she weds indeed, Herself an English queen, though not of English breed. She's pregnant and not pregnant, yet pretends, Her teeming womb a joyful offspring sends: This ye with hearts exulting wish to see; But lo! no offspring comes: this God would have to be. He for a season weds, and then forsakes her: One day a bride, the next a widow makes her: This God would have (whose vengeance overtakes her). So vain the prayers of wicked men are made, Who for their country's ruin have destruction laid. Blessed be the name of the Lord.