Alexander Brome (Александр Бром)
The Levellers Rant
Written in 1648. 1. TO the Hall, to the hall, For justice we call, On the King and his pow'rful adherents & friends, Who still have endeavoured, but we work their ends. 'Tis we will pull down what e're is above us, And make them to fear us, that never did love us; We'l level the proud, and make every degree To our Royalty bow the knee; 'Tis no less then treason 'Gainst freedom and Reason For our brethren to be higher than we. 2. First the thing, call'd a King, To judgement we bring, And the spawn of the Court, that were prouder then he, And next the two Houses united shall be, It does to the Romish religion enveagle; For the State to be two headed like the spread-eagle We'l purge the superfluous Members away, They are too many Kings to sway, And as we all teach; 'Tis our Liberties breach, For the Free-born Saints to obey. 3. Not a Claw, in the Law, Shall keep us in aw; We'l have no cushion-cuffers to tell us of hell; For we are all gifted to do it as well; 'Tis freedom that we do hold forth to the Nation, To enjoy our fellow-creatures as at the creation: The Carnal mens wives are for men of the spirit, Their wealth is our own by merit; For we that have right, By the Law called Might, Are the Saints that must judge and inherit.
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