XII: On the same

I did but prompt the age to quit their cloggs

By the known rules of antient libertie,

When strait a barbarous noise environs me

Of Owles and Cuckoes, Asses, Apes and Doggs.

As when those Hinds that were transform’d to Froggs

Raild at Latona’s twin-born progenie

Which after held the Sun and Moon in fee.

But this is got by casting Pearl to Hoggs;

That bawle for freedom in their senceless mood,

And still revolt when truth would set them free.

Licence they mean when they cry libertie;

For who loves that, must first be wise and good;

But from that mark how far they roave we see

For all this wast of wealth, and loss of blood.