Page:Explication of the prophecies of Thomas Rymer.pdf/3

 8The Engliſh race whom neither force,

nor manners do approve,

Woe is to thee ; by guile and flight,

is only won above.

9This mighty nation was to-fore,

invincible and ſtout,

Has yielded flow to deſtiny,

great pity is but doubt.

10In former age the Scots renown,

did flouriſh goodly gay :

But now. alas! is over-clade,

with a great dark decay.

11Then mark and ſee what is the cauſe,

of this ſo wondrous fall,

Contempt of faith, falſehood, deceit,

the wrath of God withal.

12Inſatiable greed of worldly gain,

oppreſſion, cries of poor,

A perpetual and ſlanderous race,

no juſtice put in ure.

13The haughty pride of mighty men,

of former vice chief cauſe,

The nutriture of wickedneſs,

an unjuſt match of laws:

14Therefore this cauſe the prophets told,

of long time did preſage,

As now has happened every point,

into our preſent age.

15Since fate is ſo, now Scotland learn,

in patience to abide,

Slanders, great fears, and ſudden plagues,

great dolours more beſide,