Kirk And State Excisemen

Ye men of wit and wealth, why all this sneering
'Gainst poor Excisemen? Give the cause a hearing.
What are your Landlord's rent-rolls? Taxing ledgers!
What Premiers? What ev'n Monarchs? Mighty Gaugers!
Nay, what are Priests (those seeming godly wisemen)?
What are they, pray, but Spiritual Excisemen!

(Note: - Excisemen were collectors of excise or taxes,
i.e. tax collectors.)

Church And State Excisemen

You men of wit and wealth, why all this sneering
Against poor Excisemen? Give the cause a hearing.
What are your Landlord's rent-rolls? Taxing ledgers!
What Premiers? What even Monarchs? Mighty Gaugers!
No, what are Priests (those seeming godly wisemen)?
What are they, pray, but Spiritual Excisemen!