As a literary curiosity, I shall preserve a very rare poetical tract,
which describes with considerable force the Revolutionists of the
reign of Elizabeth. They are indeed those of wild democracy; and the
subject of this satire will, I fear, be never out of time. It is an
admirable political satire against a mob-government. In our poetical
history, this specimen too is curious, for it will show that the
stanza in alternate rhymes, usually denominated elegiac, is adapted to
very opposite themes. The solemnity of the versification is
impressive, and the satire equally dignified and keen.
The taste of the mere modern reader had been more gratified by
omitting some unequal passages; but, after deliberation, I found that
so short a composition would be injured by dismembering extracts. I
have distinguished by italics the lines to which I desire the reader's
attention, and have added a few notes to clear up some passages which
might appear obscure.