ABSTRACT
John Paulet, Marquis of Winchester, a Roman Catholic and strong supporter of Charles I, defended Basing House, Hampshire, against the Parliamentarian forces in a famous siege from August 1643 to October 1645. He who in impious times untainted stood, And 'midst rebellion durst be just and good; Whose arms asserted, and whose sufferings more Confirmed the cause for which he fought before, Rests here, rewarded by an heavenly Prince For what his earthly could not recompense. Pray, reader, that such times no more appear, Or, if they happen, learn true honour here. Ark of thy age's faith and loyalty, which, to preserve them, heaven confined in thee, Few subjects could a King like thine deserve, And fewer such a King so well could serve. Blessed King, blessed subject, whose exalted state by sufferings rose, and gave the law to fate. Such souls are rare: but mighty patterns given to earth were meant for ornaments to heaven.
