On the Author's Vindication, and

Reply to the scurvy, scribbling,

scolding Alazonomastix original: "Alazonomastix" — A pseudonym used by Henry More (1614–1687). It is Greek for "whip of boasters."

It was well he attacked you, or your foe
could not have struck to your advantage so.
What he calls ignorance is depth of meaning; original: "Sense"
he thinks there is no skill but common sense.
Had Bacon original: "Bacon" — Referring to Francis Bacon (1561–1626), the champion of empirical science and "experience" over abstract theory. lived in this ignorant original: "unknowing" age,
and seen experience laughed at on the stage,
what tempests would have risen in his blood
to side with an art which nature has made good?
Do you think that knowledge comes to you as something innate, original: "Inmate" — Likely meaning "innate" (natural/inborn) or a dwelling presence in the mind.
as preaching suddenly enters into your head? original: "Pate"
No, surely; you are a simpler brother; The term "brother" was often used derisively by Vaughan to mock the Puritans and Presbyterians. fie!
I must sound the alarm for you with a hue and cry.
What are you? From where? A Presbyterian, surely,
an academic rat, holy and pure.
But as for your soul (and Plato tells you so),
you have spoiled that, and plastered over Plato too.
Just like P. T., your poet, who lends
you fancies from Cleveland original: "Cleveland" — Referring to John Cleveland (1613–1658), a famous Royalist poet known for his complex, witty style. from end to end,
and not one of them correctly applied; you mistake
the Stagyrite's original: "Stagyrit's" — A common title for the philosopher Aristotle, who was born in the city of Stagira. philosophy, and make
his logic into magic; what is unknown
is dismissed as conjuration, frothy, and high-flown.
If arguments arise, you immediately grow hoarse;
you do not know what belongs to a logical path. original: "Topic Course" — Referring to "topics" (topoi), a fundamental part of classical rhetoric and logic.
Shall you and I come to a dispute,
in practice or theory, for the total sum?