For you I write--nor wish a better plan,
The cause of woman is most worthy man--
For you I still will write, nor hold my hand
Whilst there's one slave of Sodom in the land, 690
Let them fly far, and skulk from place to place,
Not daring to meet manhood face to face,
Their steps I'll track, nor yield them one retreat
Where they may hide their heads, or rest their feet,
Till God, in wrath, shall let his vengeance fall,
And make a great example of them all,
Bidding in one grand pile this town expire,
Her towers in dust, her Thames a lake of fire;
Or they (most worth our wish) convinced, though late,
Of their past crimes, and dangerous estate, 700
Pardon of women with repentance buy,
And learn to honour them, as much as I.
* * * * *
Footnotes:
[300] 'Quin:' was a great voluptuary.
[301] 'Chloe:' M. St Clouet, or Chloe, cook to Holles, Duke of
Newcastle.
[302] 'Augusta:' London.
[303] 'Light-footed Greek:' Achilles, who was left at Scyros, dressed
in female attire.
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