A Poetical Enquiry what Advantage P. Pratt could promise himself by his late Engagement with a Dead Man

I Marvel that when Peter Pratt in Armour did appear, HE should engage in such a Rage a Man that's dead three Year. Could he suppose for to disclose his Valour in the Field, Or by his Word, or wooden Sword to make his En'my yield? Did he advance, thinking by chance and taking so much pain, To fright away a lump of Clay, some Honour for to gain? Was his intent, by Argument some Honour for to have? Or gain Repute, by making mute a Man that's in his Grave? Why did he strain his foolish Brain, and muse upon his Bed, To study Lies, for to despise a Man when he is dead? Why did he flout his Venom out against the harmless Dirt? Which when alive, did never strive to do the Creature hurt. No manly Face, or godly Grace such Actions will uphold, Yet 'tis not new, Apostates crew did do the like of old. When Cain let in that dreadful Sin, which never could be pardon'd, He then did hate his loving Mate, because he was so harden'd. Tho' Saul before, did much adore his well-beloved David, Yet in the state which I relate, his Life he greatly craved. In Judas we may also see another strange Disaster, Who for small gain, did take such pain to sell his blessed Master. Apostates then, the vilest Men They're always most forlorn; Because such Deeds from them proceeds, which other Men do scorn. Such raging Waves Satan depraves of all Humanity; They can embrace no saving Grace, nor yet Civility. Had but this Strife been in the Life of his supposed Foe, Then Peter Pratt would like a Rat, into a Corner go; Or flee apace, or hide his Face, Although that now he glories, To trample on, one dead and gone, with his debauched Stories.