James Maxwell

4. 2d Answer. By another Hand

    Too long, Π—, hast thou deceiv’d 
The world and fools thy lies believ’d. 
But now they see thy cursed aim, 
To blast a worthy Monarch’s fame. 
Thus dost thou thy false heart disclose, 
And turn thy warmed friends to foes. 
Too long has thy envenom’d pen 
Been drawn against the best of men. 
Yea, thou hast waged war with Heav’n, 
And darts against thy Maker driv’n. 
And now against thy lawful King, 
Dar’st thou rebellious jav’lins fling?
For this thy life in danger stands,
If thou art found within his lands;
Unless thy insignificance
Should prove thy besd defence for once;
For now no friend can take thy part,
Since thou haft shewn so false a heart.
    And tho’ thou shouldst man’s hand escape, 
Shalt thou thereby advantage reap? 
No! he ’gainst whom thou dar’st rebel, 
Can soon imprison thee in hell. 
There must thou gnaw thy burning chains, 
Where Satan, thy grand master, reigns: 
Then see what satires thou can’st make, 
Amidst that black infernal lake.

*See "On Stirling" (Robert Burns)