What Statesman for a triffle strives,
For saving a few thousand lives?
Or if the merciless account
To full three millions shoud amount,
They all are lightly cast away,
So Sh[elburne] may secure his pay.
But shoud not the First minister
Make it his chief concern and care
To save the nation from disgrace?
“No truly: but to save his place
“And gratify the Factions tribe,
“And sell three kingdoms for a bribe.[”]
The truth let honest Oswald tell
Which knavish Sh[helburne] woud conceal,
Sh[elburne] who as in desperate case
To rebels, and arch-rebels prays,[1]
And for an ignominious peace
Intreats our natural enemies,
Tells them “We can hold out no more:
“For peace we on our knees implore
“We on no previous term insist,
“Nor stipulate for Loyalist
“Fill the Chart blanche with what you please
“Take all, but only give us peace
“Who wait with meekness to receive
“Whate’er ye condescend to give.[”]
Tis thus he courts his French Allies
Tis thus he earns, and gains his price!
The bargain and the peace is made,
His Country sold, his King betray’d,
And all the Patriot’s debts are paid.
[1] Wesley added a footnote: “The Congress and [Benjamin] Franklyn.”