LEONARD VVHEATCROFT, OF ASHOVER. 57 



And my good people would to me retourne 



Which in my sickness did both weep & mournc. 



Then blest be he that soar'd so ver)' high 



To do'fF and d'on my crown with majesty 



That now's a subject willing to obey 



The wind and weather both by night and day. 



And like the swann i'th pond so I i'th wind 



Move loftily, to see how dull mankind 



Is grown of late, that once I could not hcare 



The sound of bells resounding in mine eare 



Like to my neighbours (bells) east west & north & south. 



I'll find the rope ; find you the wheel and mouth 



And the six Vulcans in my parish will 



Make mee to speake and shew my Maker's Skill. 



In warbling Echoes and in Hymen's Charmes 



We'll sweetly toll to save you from all harmes, 



So as no high loud sounding c}'TnbaIs near us 



Shall us outring, or find a flaw to jeer us. 



Then come you lovers of my musicke sweet 



And buy another bell, and I'll you greet." 



" Vpon the gilding of Chesterfield Weathercocke, with its 

 Speech to the Mayor of >'*= Towne. a.d. 1673: — 



" Good-morrow, Maister Mayor, I am glad to see 

 You upon earth beare rule in Seventy three ; 

 It was my chance a prisoner for to bee 

 On the main mast, where thousands did mee see. 

 'Twas nayther Stormes of Wind or Snow or Raine 

 Could get me loose, till I was cut in twaine. 

 Then blest be all the gods that rule the wind, 

 And blest be you that to me was so kind. 

 And blest be he that soar'd so very high 

 To take me down and gild me gloriously : 

 But at whose cost, as yet, I cannot tell. 

 I pray you sir be pleased to pay them well 

 For this my golden coate which you have given ; 

 I'll ne'er ask more of you while that you liven. 

 But out ! alas ! my sorrows to renew, 

 I'm up againe for those who're pleased to view ; 

 Tho' many greasy butchers jeerd my friend 

 Because they could no sooner make an end ; 

 But now they've done their worke, let them be paid : 

 I'll face about, when all of you are dead 

 I'll wheele and turne, let th' wind bee ne'er so small 

 And by that means I'll satisfie you all." 



