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The Hind and the Panther.
Then said the Hind, as you the ⟨matter state⟩
Not only Jesuits can equivocate;
For real, as you now the Word expound,
From Solid Substance dwindles to a Sound.
Methinks an Esop's fable you repeat,
You know who took the Shadow for the Meat;
Your Churches substance thus you change at will,
And yet retain your former figure still.
I freely grant you spoke to save your Life,
For then you lay beneath the Buthers Knife.
Long time you fought, redoubl'd Batt'ry bore,
But, after all, against your self you swore;
Your former self, for ev'ry Hour your form
Is chop'd and chang'd, like Winds before a Storm.
Thus Fear and Int'rest will prevail with some,
For all have not the Gift of Martyrdom.
Not only Jesuits can equivocate;
For real, as you now the Word expound,
From Solid Substance dwindles to a Sound.
Methinks an Esop's fable you repeat,
You know who took the Shadow for the Meat;
Your Churches substance thus you change at will,
And yet retain your former figure still.
I freely grant you spoke to save your Life,
For then you lay beneath the Buthers Knife.
Long time you fought, redoubl'd Batt'ry bore,
But, after all, against your self you swore;
Your former self, for ev'ry Hour your form
Is chop'd and chang'd, like Winds before a Storm.
Thus Fear and Int'rest will prevail with some,
For all have not the Gift of Martyrdom.
The Panter grin'd at this, and thus reply'd;
That men may err was never yet deny'd.
That men may err was never yet deny'd.
But,
