Y'ere

Pardon me, Sir, my Bluntneſs muſt go on ; By barb’rous Fears and Counſels y’ere undone.

Source: wiktionary

Rivers adorn the Earth ; the Fiſh, the Seas ; Flowers and Graſs, the Meadows ; Fruit and Trees ; The Starts, the Fields of Air thro’ which they ride ; And Woman all the Works of God beſide ; Yet baſe detracting Envy won’t allow They ſhould adorn themſelves ; then pray, Sir, now Produce ſome reaſons why y’ere ſo ſevere ; For envious as you are, you know they’re Fair.

Source: wiktionary