Page:Poetical Works of John Oldham.djvu/102

92 To undo a kingdom, to achieve a crime Like his, who would not fall and die like him? Never had Rome a nobler service done, Never had hell; each day came thronging down Vast shoals of ghosts, and mine was pleased and glad, And smiled, when it the brave revenge surveyed. Nor do I mention these great instances For bounds, and limits to your wickedness: Dare you beyond, something out of the road Of all example, where none yet have trod, Nor shall hereafter: what mad Catiline Durst never think, nor's madder poet feign; Make the poor baffled pagan fool confess, How much a Christian crime can conquer his; How far in gallant mischief overcome, The old must yield to new and modern Rome. Mix ills past, present, future, in one act; One high, one brave, one great, one glorious fact. Which hell, and very I may envy Such as a god himself might wish to be Accomplice in the mighty villany, And barter his heaven, and vouchsafe to die. Nor let delay (the bane of enterprise) Mar yours, or make the great importance miss. This fact has waked your enemies, and their fear; Let it your vigour too, your haste and care. Be swift, and let your deeds forestall intent, Forestall even wishes, ere they can take vent, Nor give the fates the leisure to prevent. Let the full clouds, which a long time did wrap Your gathering thunder, now with sudden clap, Break out upon your foes; dash, and confound, And spread avoidless ruin all around.