A WESTERN WONDER.
Reading edition
1 Do you not know, not a fortnight ago, How they bragg'd of a Western Wonder? When a hundred and ten slew five thousand men, With the help of lightning and thunder?
2 There Hopton was slain, again and again, Or else my author did lie; With a new thanksgiving, for the dead who are living, To God, and his servant Chidleigh.
3 But now on which side was the miracle tried? I hope we at last are even; For Sir Ralph and his knaves are risen from their graves, To cudgel the clowns of Devon.
4 And there Stamford came, for his honour was lame Of the gout three months together; But it proved, when they fought, but a running gout, For his heels were lighter than ever.
5 For now he outruns his arms and his guns, And leaves all his money behind him; But they follow after; unless he take water, At Plymouth again they will find him.
6 What Reading hath cost, and Stamford hath lost, Goes deep in the sequestrations; These wounds will not heal, with your new great seal, Nor Jephson's declarations.
7 Now, Peters and Case, in your prayer and grace, Remember the new thanksgiving; Isaac and his wife, now dig for your life, Or shortly you'll dig for your living.