That he might to the Court give no Offence,
But live wrapt up in his own fair Innocence,
The wise and thoughtful _Hushai_ he doth find,
And thus to him he breaks his troubled Mind,
Great Councellor, and Favorite of Heav'n,
To whom the Blessing of true Wisdom's giv'n,
Which by no Mortal can possessed be,
Whose Thoughts are not inform'd by Loyalty.
I know Reproaches upon you are thrown;
But judge your Innocency by my own.
I am accused Sir, as well as you,
And the same Foe doth both our Lives pursue.
He fears your Wisdom, may his Hindrance prove,
And me, because I have the People's Love:
His Creatures therefore throw on you and me,
The Scandal of a curs'd Conspiracy,
Against our King and Father to rebell:
Me _Absalom_, and you _Achitophel_
They name; bad Councellor, and worser Son,
Who Traytors, durst into Rebellion run.
My Father governs with so equal Sway,
That all both love him, and his Laws obey:
He seems Heav'n's Care, who set him in the Throne,
Preserved by his wondrous Power alone.
Oh may on him no Blemish fall or stain,
But all live happy in his peaceful Reign:
May he be happy still as he is good,
Like God in Mercy, not inclin'd to Blood.
This is the Prayer that I daily make; }
For Piety shall never me forsake, }