Page:Poetical Works of John Oldham.djvu/91

Rh Mistaken honest men, who gravely blame, And hope that gentle doctrine should reclaim. Are texts, and such exploded trifles, fit To impose, and sham upon a Jesuit? Would they the dull old fishermen compare With mighty Suarez, and great Escobar? Such threadbare proofs, and stale authorities May us, poor simple heretics, suffice; But to a seared Ignatian's conscience, Hardened, as his own face, with impudence, Whose faith in contradiction bore, whom lies, Nor nonsense, nor impossibilities. Nor shame, nor death, nor damning can assail, Not these mild fruitless methods will avail. 'Tis pointed satire, and the shafts of wit For such a prize are the only weapons fit; Nor needs there art, or genius here to use, Where indignation can create a muse: Should parts, and nature fail, yet very spite Would make the arrantest Wild, or Wither write.

Rh