Simeon and Levi’ or Jacobite Villany and French Treachery, Hand in Hand is an early anti Jacobite, polemical response, written by supporters of William III. Part of a print run of roughly sixteen hundred copies, it is a significant part of a ‘print-culture war’ in support of William III. It was a reaction to the Assassination Plot of 1696, a failed Jacobite assassination attempt and French military invasion. The text is a violent condemnation of Jacobite assassins – and exhorts supporters to commit violence against Jacobites - or those wavering in support of William III. The reference to Simeon and Levi is from Genesis, Chapter 34, and links the Biblical passage to the political situation of William – addressing the extent of revenge one should take upon one’s enemies. The pamphlet also addresses a legal truth. William’s survival allowed the government to introduce a loyalty ‘oath’ to William as a ‘renowned, rightful and lawful’ king. The law compelled ‘non-jurors’ or clergy previously ambiguous in their support, to acknowledge William III as de jure ruler- as king ‘ in law’. The pamphlet consolidated English, Irish and Scottish support for William III and agitated for the violent suppression of Jacobite enemies - and tainted those waverers as potentially treasonous. 

Simeon and Levi, or, Jacobite villany and French-treachery hand in hand : being remarks upon the horrid and barbarous conspiracy to assassinate the person of His Most-Sacred Majesty King William, as also on the intended-invasion from France : published for the edification of the Jacks, and their brethren the Papists, and the whole tribe of non-jurors in England, Scotland, and Ireland. By a person of Quality. London : Printed and sold by most booksellers in London and Westminster, 1696. [2], 31, [1] pages; 21 cm. Archival & Special Collections, University of Guelph Library (s0152b28).

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