it, as the most proper
sphere for his wit, learning and loyalty. Here he began a paper war
with the opposite party, and wrote some smart satires against the
Rebels, especially the Scots. His poem called the Mixt Assembly; his
character of a London Diurnal, and a Committee-man, are thought to
contain the true spirit of satire, and a just representation of the
general confusion of the times. From Oxford he went to the garrison of
Newark, where he acted as judge advocate till that garrison was
surrendered, and by an excellent temperature, of both, says
Winstanley, he was a just and prudent judge for the King, and a
faithful advocate for the Country.
Here he drew up a bantering answer and rejoinder to a Parliament
officer, who had written to him on account of one Hill, that had
deserted their side, and carried off with him to Newark, the sum of
133 l. and 8 d. We shall give part of Mr. Cleveland's answer to the
officer's first letter, by which an estimate may be formed of the
rest.
SIXTHLY BELOVED!
"It is so, that our brother and fellow-labourer in the gospel, is
start aside; then this may serve for an use of instruction, not to
trust in man, or in the son of man. Did not Demas leave Paul? Did not
Onesimus run from his master Philemon? Also this should teach us to
employ our talents, and not to lay them up in a napkin; had it been
done among the cavaliers, it had been just, then the Israelite had
spoiled the Egyptian; but for Simeon to plunder Levi, that--that, &c."
The garrison of Newark defended themselves with much courage and
resolution against the besiegers, and did not surrender but by the
King's special command, after he had thrown himself into the hands of
the Scots; which action of his Majesty's Cleveland passionately
resented, in his poem called, the King's Disguise: Upon some private
intelligence, three days before the King reached them, he foresaw,
that the army would be bribed to surrender him, in which he was not
mistaken. As soon as this event took place, Cleveland, who warmly
adhered to the regal party, was obliged to atone for his loyalty by
languishing in a jail, at Yarmouth, where he remained for some time
under all the disadvantages of poverty, and wretchedness: At last
being quite spent with the severity of his confinement, he addressed
Oliver Cromwell in a petition for liberty, in such pathetic and moving
terms, that his heart was melted with the prisoner's expostulation,
and he ordered him t
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