LIBRARY 
 
 University ol 
 
 California 
 
 Irvine 
 
 
 
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 uOL UA~ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brathwaite's Strappado for 
 the Diuell. 
 
300 Copies only Small Paper and 50 Large. 
 This is 
 
A Strappado for the 
 Diuell. 
 
 By Richard Brathwaite. 
 
 WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY 
 
 THE REV. J. W. EBSWORTH, M.A., 
 
 Editor of the Bagford Ballads, Drolleries 
 of the Restoration, ore. 
 
 BOSTON, LINCOLNSHIRE: 
 Printed by Robert Roberts, Strait Bar-Gate. 
 
 M,DCCCLXXVIII. 
 
PR, 
 
 2 
 63 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 " A mirthful man he was : the snows of age 
 Fell on, but did not chill him. Gaiety 
 Even in life's closing, touched his teeming brain 
 With such wild visions as the setting sun 
 Raises in front of some hoar glacier 
 Painting the bleak ice with a thousand hues." 
 
 ANNE OF GEIERSTEIN. 
 
 OOD Wine," says the Proverb, " needs no 
 bush." Nevertheless, while wine is in de- 
 mand, there hangeth out the advertising 
 bunch of leaves above the door where it is 
 offered to consumers, reminding them of care having 
 been taken to keep the barrel from the sun's scorching 
 heat, when it was brought and stored. So it is with 
 Richard Brathwaite, whose Strappado for the Diuell 
 is now ready for the entertainment of revellers. " Taste 
 and try ! " is all that is absolutely necessary to be said 
 or sung ; yet are we called on, by our friend whose la- 
 bours have provided this choice and accurate reprint, 
 to write a few lines of introduction. 
 
 In sooth, the book well deserved to be copiously 
 annotated, for, like others by the same author, it is full 
 of quaint allusions to subjects out of the common road 
 of thought and conversation, even in the days when it 
 
vi Introduction. 
 
 was first given to the world. It, moreover, illustrates 
 the time by innumerable jocular quips and cranks, 
 proverbs, and a detailed record of the contemporary 
 customs, so that every thoughtful Shakesperian student 
 may rejoice at now possessing the book. It was pub- 
 lished in 1615, when Beaumont and Shakespeare had 
 reached their last year, but while most of the other 
 great dramatists were at their best. It exemplifies 
 alike the laborious trifling which continued to find fa- 
 vour among the wits, as it had done during the reign 
 of the Virgin Queen ; and also that robust and bois- 
 terous vivacity, suited to men of adventurous spirit 
 and hardihood at the time of England's greatest intel- 
 lectual vigour. Of late there has been felt an increased 
 interest in all of Richard Brathwaite's writings, and 
 certainly his Strappado for the Diuell well deserved to 
 be made more generally accessible to students. Fairly 
 to do justice to it, a commentary equalling it in bulk, 
 although without redundancy of annotation, would be 
 required. This is at present deemed inexpedient. The 
 book is offered entire, unadulterated, a verbatim re- 
 print, but nothing more. Those who have detected 
 the inaccuracies of most modern editions of old au- 
 thors will be, doubtless, gratified at securing such an 
 exact reproduction of this rare work as may be deemed 
 equivalent to the original. 
 
 An excellent portrait of Richard Brathwaite is in 
 the frontispiece of his book, A Survey of History ; or, 
 
Introduction. vii 
 
 A Nursery for Gentry : Contrived and Comprized in 
 an Intermivt Discourse upon Historicall and Poeticall 
 Relations, 1638. It is one of William Marshall's choice 
 engravings, an elaborate composition in eight com- 
 partments ; the oval portrait forms the centre. With 
 pointed beard, stiff horizontal moustache, and cleanly 
 shaven cheeks, it gives us such a likeness of the man 
 as carries its own warrant of fidelity. The full point- 
 lace collar falls over a slashed doublet of dark velvet. 
 The strongly-marked features betoken a somewhat 
 fierce animalism : great capacity and impetuosity. 
 The eyes are already dimmed ; they show in their 
 worn and wearied expression a remembrance of by- 
 gone revels, not altogether pleasant. They have lost 
 all the joyous light of youth, and under the knotted 
 brow look out sadly upon the world. A stalwart com- 
 batant is this, ready at all times for a struggle against 
 any odds that offer. He bears the bruises and the 
 scars, in furrowed front and sunken cheek ; but evi- 
 dently he is unsubdued, though weakened, and will 
 " die game," with his face to the foe. He has drank 
 deeply of the cup proffered to him, and has known the 
 bitterness of after-reflections. He has clasped hands 
 firmly in friendship, and has struck hard, when need- 
 ful, at those who may have hated, but dared not scorn 
 him. Yet this face, with its wealth of varied memo- 
 ries, is of a man no older than forty-eight years ! It 
 is thus certified in the engraving. The flame must 
 
viii Introduction. 
 
 have burnt fiercely, to have calcined so much in that 
 short time. With this portrait in view we the better 
 understand and prize his works. 
 
 He is believed to have been born about 1588, and 
 this would make the portrait, marked " aetatis 48," to 
 be representative of him at two years earlier date than 
 when it was published, in 1638, in A Survey of History. 
 It corresponds more closely with William Marshall's 
 full length of him, as " Barnaby," merrily enjoying his 
 newly-lighted pipe at the ale-house door, than with 
 the lean-visaged yet smooth-browed decorous gentle- 
 man in a plaited ruff, whose portrait is prefixed to the 
 Psalms of David, in the same year 1638. Joseph 
 Haslewood writes of this second oval portrait, sub- 
 scribed, " quanquam 6," that it " appears to have been 
 intended for our author, when advanced in years." But 
 Brathwaite can scarcely have been represented as more 
 than two years older than the portrait issued almost si- 
 multaneously, in the Survey, wherein his age is stated. 
 Elsewhere, in his biographical account, Haslewood re- 
 fers to this " engraved title to the Psalms, where he 
 has a more aged appearance, probably adopted as the 
 sedate Christian moralist a character he seemed de- 
 sirous uniformly to sustain in all his serious and reli- 
 gious pieces." It may be that the biographer intends 
 to admit a certain amount of falsification in the Psalms' 
 portrait : that it was, in fact, like the picture of an 
 actor " in character," more or less disguised in its se- 
 
Introduction. ix 
 
 dateness. Otherwise, we should be led to believe that 
 the assigned date of our author's birth may have been 
 a trifle too late. We hold firmly by a belief in the 
 literal fidelity of the original portrait in the Survey, 
 with its motto " Meliori nascimur aevo." 
 
 It is not necessary to repeat here the short account 
 of his life given by his loving biographer. In few of 
 his labours had Haslewood so satisfactorily acquitted 
 himself as when he gave back the Barnaba Itinerarium 
 to the world. He left little for after-gleaners. The 
 first duty now is to reprint Brathwaite's various works 
 with scrupulous fidelity : the second is to add to them 
 such a comprehensive and exhaustive introduction 
 with annotations as they well deserve. From first to 
 last they throw light on our English social history at 
 the most interesting period, from before the time of 
 Shakespeare's final retirement to Stratford, throughout 
 the struggle of the Commonwealth against the Mo- 
 narchy, and beyond the Restoration until 1673. So 
 voluminous an author, one who wrote with a flying 
 pen, and loved to record his own habits, whims, and 
 experiences, beside his allusions to contemporary 
 topics, must reward the student of literature. Nor is 
 he ever wearisome, except by an excess of sparkle and 
 point. His vivacity sometimes fatigues readers who 
 cannot keep pace with his sportive sallies. But he is 
 no mere witling, and quibbler with words. He offers 
 subjects for thought, and would himself have scorned 
 
 b 
 
x Introduction. 
 
 to be considered a jester or buffoon for idle hours. He 
 has some kinship with George Wither,* his contempo- 
 rary ; resembling him alike in the pastoral poems, and 
 in the pungency of his Satires. In the under-current 
 of religious seriousness the two writers are not so far 
 apart as might be imagined. Both were confessors, 
 not martyrs, enduring persecutions for conscience sake. 
 Brathwaite proved his sincerity and fortitude in mani- 
 fold sufferings for the Royal cause, but he seems to 
 have led a much happier and more jovial life than 
 Wither, who was always in opposition amid a factious 
 minority ; always coming into collision with authority, 
 and suffering imprisonments or humiliation, without 
 much benefit to any cause that he chose to advocate. 
 Both men deserve our affectionate remembrance, and 
 are unlikely to be forgotten in the coming age. There 
 will be made a diligent search for every scrap of writing 
 that they left behind them. Except the dreary reli- 
 gious poetry whereunto they piously turned in later 
 years (as a compensation for having earlier indulged 
 
 * Of George Wither, and of William Browne, the author of 
 Britannia's Pastorals, Brathwaite was a warm admirer. In his 
 poem " Vpon the General! Sciolists or Poettasters of Brittaine 
 (our p. 23) he writes "On witty Wither neuer- with ring plaines," 
 and declares that 
 
 " long may England's Thespian springs be known 
 By louely Wither and by bonny Browne." 
 
 Again, in Nature's Embassic, he distinctly alludes to Wither's 
 Abuses Stript and Whipt : " Thou must be Stript, and Wh'tpt, 
 and chastis'd for *t." 
 
Introduction. xi 
 
 in much satirical " stripping and whipping " of what- 
 ever they believed to be Social Abuses), they wrote 
 few things which the world is inclined to cast aside as 
 " alms for oblivion." 
 
 Even without assuming the received date of Brath- 
 waite's birth to be slightly post-dated, we find him 
 certainly reaching the venerable age of eighty-five 
 years. That he retained his mental faculties until the 
 end, or very near the end, seems to be clearly proved. 
 Whatever may have been the wild excesses of his 
 youth, the actions and the words of his closing days 
 were such as secured respect. Anthony a Wood, who 
 is by no means lavish of praise, declares that " he left 
 behind him the character of a well-bred gentleman and 
 good neighbour ; " and his later biographer gladly 
 adds, " a consistent Christian and upright man." As 
 to his appearance, attire, and disposition, " Tradition 
 reports him to have been in person below the common 
 stature, well-proportioned, and one of the handsomest 
 men of his day ; remarkable for ready wit and humour; 
 charitable to the poor in the extreme, so much so as 
 to have involved himself in difficulties by it. He com- 
 monly wore a light grey coat, red waistcoat, and leather 
 breeches. His hat was a high-crowned one, and be- 
 yond what [height] was common in those days, when 
 such hats were worn. His equals in life bestowed on 
 him the name of Dapper Dick, by which he was uni- 
 versally known. In disposition he was as admirable 
 
xii Introduction. 
 
 as in person ; and, always taking from the gaiety of 
 heart a conspicuous part in the neighbourhood in pro- 
 moting the festivities of Christmas, those good times 
 gone by long beheld him the darling of that side of 
 the country." 
 
 We need feel no scruple in borrowing one more 
 paragraph from Joseph Haslewood, for it assists to 
 bring before the reader Brathwaite's Cavalier spirit of 
 hospitality, already mentioned. Soon after 1639, when 
 he married his second wife, a loyal Scotch widow lady, 
 he quitted his own family-residence at Burneshead, in 
 Lancashire, which was probably in disorder and diffi- 
 culties, and, as it seems, removed to Catterick, her 
 jointure manor-house, in Yorkshire. " The fevered 
 state of the times might in part occasion his quitting 
 the family residence at Burneshead. Brathwaite was 
 ' a subject sworn to loyalty,' and not likely under any 
 sway at that lawless period to escape the common 
 wrack of power. Lavish hospitality in support of the 
 royal cause on the one hand, and contributions impe- 
 riously demanded and violently enforced in the name 
 of either the Parliament or the Usurper upon the other, 
 would serve equally to impoverish his hereditary pro- 
 perty, and make a removal to the newly-acquired 
 estate at Appleton a matter of convenience to prevent 
 shading family honours. He declares himself to have 
 been ' a resolute sufferer for both ' sovereign and 
 country, and depicts the very impaired state of his 
 
Introduction. xiii 
 
 fortune at the Restoration, in a poem addressed ' To 
 his Majesty upon his happy arrivall in our late discom- 
 posed Albion ' (1660), which he describes as written 
 ' by him who ever held his intimacy of Loyalty a suf- 
 ficient reward for all his sufferings ; and his house most 
 happy in the hospitality of your [the king's] servants.' 
 
 ' My ruin } d fortunes I shall nere bemone, 
 Though I have felt as much as any one 
 Of the Delinquent's whip : I'm still the man 
 I was, before the Civill warrs began ; 
 Those capitall grand-bugbears had no power 
 T' affright your servant, though they might devour 
 That small remainder which he then possest ; 
 Wherein they grew half-sharers at the least' " 
 
 Thus loyal to King and Church he held his way with 
 cheerfulness, despite the troubles and material losses 
 which it was his lot to encounter. He uses the whip 
 of the Satirist, sometimes playfully, and sometimes in 
 grim earnest ; but in his hands it is not the implement 
 of ruthless cruelty and destruction that it would have 
 been if wielded by a Puritan fanatic. This was no 
 narrow-minded sectary, incapable of feeling any bright 
 influence of joy and beauty from the world that lay 
 before his purblind eyes. No prurient moralist was 
 he, secretly enslaved by desire for the luxuries he 
 could not compass, but openly denounced, in language 
 more offensive than the love-ditties which the Pre- 
 cisians declared to be idolatrous and blasphemous. It 
 
xiv Introduction. 
 
 
 
 is not laid upon us to attempt to reconcile the self- 
 contradictions of such a complex character as Brath- 
 waite's, where the reveller and gallant is conjoined to 
 the austere moralist and pious churchman. We see 
 that he was of open-handed liberality and robust geni- 
 ality, yet religious-minded withal. Like him, in those 
 days, were many others, so that he was not an eccentric 
 humourist, flighty, and almost unintelligible, but a fair 
 sample of a large class of men. Most of them fought 
 for the king's cause against the tyranny of faction, and 
 suffered sore hardships without losing heart or hope ; 
 in many cases yielding up their lives, as well as their 
 estates, in attestation of their loyalty. With this clue 
 to an understanding of the man himself, the writings 
 of Richard Brathwaite become doubly valuable. He is 
 not only an illustrator of rural customs, and of transi- 
 tory habits in the busy city-life ; not only is he of assist- 
 ance to the commentator who desires to learn more of 
 the obsolete phraseology and folk-lore belonging to 
 our richest dramatic literature. He is all this, but he 
 is also a bold and genial Englishman, representative 
 in no small degree of other Cavaliers, who had been 
 roysters and revellers without ceasing to be gentlemen 
 and Christians. 
 
 As to the manner in which he looked upon the prim 
 Sectaries, the men whom later days designated the 
 " unco guid and rigidly righteous," we have a notable 
 example in the present volume, on p. 109. It is an 
 
Introduction. xv 
 
 address " to the Precision, that dares hardly looke (be- 
 cause th' art pure, forsooth) on any book, saue Homi- 
 lies," &c. He gibbets the class of men for posterity, 
 by a reference to this one being 
 
 " wont to slay 
 His cat for killing mice on tK Sabboth day" * 
 
 We desire not to imitate our author in one thing, 
 viz., the keeping back readers from his book by an 
 accumulation of prefatory matter. Among the few 
 
 * It may be the phrase was already proverbial, for it has the 
 imperfect quotational marks before it. This is the earliest- 
 known appearance of the allusion in print. John Taylor the 
 Water-Poet uses it, several years later, of a Brownist, in The 
 Praise of Hempseed : 
 
 " The Spirit still directs him hoiv to pray, 
 Nor -will he dresse his Meate the Sabbath day, 
 Which doth a mighty mysterie imfold, 
 His Zeale is hot, although his Meat be cold ; 
 Suppose his Cat on Sunday kill a Rat, 
 She on the Munday must be hanged for that" 
 Dr. James Smith or Sir John Menzies in Musarum Delicice, 
 1655, mentions "some close-pared Brother" who will work re- 
 tributive vengeance on a Cat (guilty of having eaten certain 
 lute-strings), 
 
 " Or else, profane, be hang'd on Monday, 
 
 For butchering a Mouse on Sunday." 
 
 It has also been noted that the incident had re-appeared in 
 Wm. Sampson's play of The Vow- Breaker 1636. Modern 
 adaptations of a civil-war ballad, telling how " A Presbyterian 
 Cat sat watching of her prey," are found in The Linnet, 
 (=.Orpheus), 1740, p. 20, and (altered into "There was a 
 Cameronian Cat") in James Hogg's Jacobite Relics, ist. series, 
 P- 37. 1819. 
 
xvi Introduction. 
 
 printed copies of the Strappado, still remaining, there 
 are differences in the arrangement of the leaves. 
 Imperfections, similar to what we find in the rare 
 Drolleries and early song-books, arise chiefly from the 
 books having been roughly used in frequent perusal. 
 Even in the best libraries, where any apparently un- 
 mutilated volume of such class may be stored, it has 
 been generally made complete (like the unique first 
 4to. of Hamkt, 1603), by intermixture of several im- 
 perfect exemplars. Our publisher and printer, with 
 whom had rested the labour of preparing this repro- 
 duction, has spared no pains to make it as nearly as 
 possible an exact reprint of Brathwaite's interesting 
 pages. In them we see the author at an early part of 
 his joyous life. He was not more than twenty-seven 
 years old when it was published. Some parts of it 
 may have been written earlier, but we do not think 
 this is probable. He was a quick producer, and seems 
 to have generally flung out whatever he wrote without 
 much delay. Elaboration suited not his humour, and 
 it is not likely that he kept many unused manuscripts 
 long beside him. When he had executed any piece 
 of work that his own judgment approved, as worthy 
 of being tossed out to an expectant public of good 
 fellows,* he probably searched amid his loose papers, 
 
 * In general he seems to have hurried his writings into print, 
 and almost always left them at the mercy of typographical blun- 
 derers, until such time as he could add an " Apology for the 
 
Introduction. xvii 
 
 the fly-leaves of favourite volumes whereon he had 
 jotted down some odd thoughts in epigrammatic form. 
 With the aid of such waifs and strays as these (tokens 
 of their fugitive character remaining visible at this 
 day), he would increase the bulk of his book until it 
 looked big enough to face the world. Even when con- 
 secutively paged, his volumes are often composed of 
 several distinct works. Separate titles, dedications, 
 tables of errata, and other camp-followers are accumu- 
 lated in each. They resemble the highland clans that 
 followed the standard of Prince Charles Edward, each 
 under its own feudal leader, and his chosen subor- 
 dinates ; so that they look less like a disciplined army, 
 than a melee of ill-disciplined and incongruous forces, 
 ready at a word to fall asunder. 
 
 Thus, in the present volume, we find his " Love's 
 Labyrinth ; or, the true-Loners knot : inclvding The 
 disastrous fals of two star-crost Louers Pyramvs and 
 Thysbe," following, with no poetic or logical link of 
 connection, closely after the " Strappado for the 
 
 Errata," under an excuse of the author's absence. But there are 
 a few instances of his keeping manuscript by him for a long 
 time, as in the case of his Comment upon the tivo Tales of our 
 Ancient, Renowned, and Ever Living Poet S r . Jeffray Chaucer, 
 &c., which was not printed until 1665, but appears to have been 
 (in part, at least), written half a century earlier, having been in 
 1617 announced for early publication. The Barnaboe Itinera- 
 rium also bears clear marks of having been written at intervals, 
 and long retained in hand before its appearance about 1649. 
 
 C 
 
xviii Introduction. 
 
 Deuill." Even so in " Nature's Embassie : or, the 
 wilde-mans Measvres," 1621, (already reprinted at 
 Boston by Mr. Robert Roberts, in 1877) : the charm- 
 ing " Shepheard's Tales," with its separate title-page, 
 and " Omphale, or, the Inconstant Shepheardesse," 
 beside " His Odes, or Philomel's Tears," all of the 
 same date, are formed into one volume, consecutively- 
 paged in the reprint. 
 
 There seems to be good reason for believing that 
 the author designed " Nature's Embassie " to be ac- 
 cepted as a continuation of "A Strappado for the 
 Deuill." After our present p. 234 had followed two 
 leaves having signature and direction. " 1F Place this 
 and the leafe following after the end of the First 
 Booke." In lines addressed, at that place, " To the 
 equall Reader," he is told, 
 
 " if these ierks, so lightly laid on, smart, 
 
 Thoull finde rare whipping cheere i the Second Part, 
 Where Furies run diuision on my song : 
 Patience awhile, and thou shalt haue 'f ere long" 
 
 We entertain no doubt whatever that the " Second 
 Part " thus announced was none other than the book 
 published in 1621, under the full title of " Natvres 
 Embassie ; or, The Wilde-mans Measvres : Danced 
 naked by twelve Satyres, with sundry others contained 
 in the next Section." That no close connection exists 
 between the two works, and that no declaration is 
 made to the effect that " this is the promised Second 
 
Introduction. xix 
 
 Part of the Strappado," are facts of infinitely small 
 weight in the balance against the supposition. Puri- 
 tanism was growing more powerful, and there had 
 evidently been objections raised against the introduc- 
 tion of the Devil's name into the title of the earlier 
 volume.* As to connection, there is still less between 
 the component parts of the present, and many another 
 volume, by the same author, than there is between 
 the Strappado and the Wilde-men's Measures. So 
 much need was felt for a " taking title," and the ap- 
 pearance of novelty, that the publisher, Richard 
 Whitaker, would be indisposed to risk the success of 
 the book, in 1621, by permitting the author to call it 
 a "Second Part," even of the successful Strappado. 
 As a matter of fact, we know that two years later the 
 unsold copies were helped into circulation by fresh 
 title-pages, with the more acceptable name of " S hep- 
 heard' s Tales. The two books ought never hereafter 
 to be separated. 
 
 Although his name appeared thus prominently, and 
 
 * Thus, in his Essay on Detraction, Brathwaite writes, 
 " Wonder I cannot chuse (for else should I wonder at my own 
 stupidity) how any should harbour the least conceit of an in- 
 tended Detraction by mee, or by my Labours, unlesse my title 
 of Devill imply so much, which may seem to have affinitie with 
 that which the Greeks terme Sta/JoA/j), Detraction." This ex- 
 tract has, in 1625 (ten years after the publication of the Strap- 
 pado} the following marginal note : " A pleasant poeme by 
 the Author, long since published ; and by some no lesse censo- 
 riously than causelessly taxed." 
 
xx Introduction. 
 
 caused all this connection, the " Deuill " had left very 
 few of his hoof-marks behind him in the books. Per- 
 sonally, he resembles the " harmless fairy," whom 
 Stephano and Trinculo* found to lead them into a 
 
 * The allusion to "Tom Trincalos " on p. 114 is certainly not 
 to Shakespeare's Tempest, but (like Milton's) to a play which 
 was a favourite among the Cambridge students : " Albumazar, 
 A Comedy presented before the King's Maiestie at Cambridge, 
 the ninth of March, 1614: by the Gentlemen of Trinitie College. 
 London, Printed by Nicholas Okes for Walter Burre, and are 
 to be sold at his Shop, in Paul's Church-yard. 1615." Another 
 410. edition was issued in 1634, and a third in 1668, with an 
 Epilogue (instead of the short original), written by Dryden, 
 beginning, 
 
 " To say this Comedy pleased long ago 
 
 Is not enough to make it please you now. 
 
 Yet, gentlemen, your ancestors had ivit, 
 
 When few men censured, and ivhen fnver writ ; 
 
 And lonson, (of those few the best) chose this, 
 
 As the best model of his master-piece. 
 
 Subtle ivas got by our Albumazar, 
 
 That Alchymist by this Astrologer. 
 
 Here he "was fashioned, and ive may suppose 
 
 He liked the fashion "well "who ivore the clothes. 
 
 But Ben made nobly his "what he did mould ; 
 
 What ivas another's lead became his gold." &c. 
 This Epilogue appeared in Couent-Garden Drollery, 1675, no 
 doubt in the same form as when first spoken (afterwards slightly 
 changed), and probably in the characters of Albumazar, or of 
 Trincalo. The latter person had spoken the original Epilogue. 
 The comedy has been included among Dodsley's " Old Plays," 
 and is in the eleventh volume of the recent edition, 1875, in 15 
 vols. Unless there had been an earlier production of " Albuma- 
 zar" than 1614, Dryden must have mistaken the supposed 
 paternity of Ben Jonson's " Alchymist," which was certainly 
 printed in 1612. The author of "Albumazar" is believed to 
 
Introduction. xxi 
 
 reeking horse-pond (where no horses came, any more 
 than to Venice). He is conspicuous by his absence. 
 It might have been said, " omitted by particular de- 
 sire. Brathwaite has given us the fitting explanation, 
 so far as it goes, in his reference to the <5ta/?oAos as the 
 Spirit of Detraction : this it is that receives the whip- 
 ping, as is due. He writes (on p. 33) of his " sharp 
 tooth'd Satire," but he is not venomous. He rebukes 
 the poetasters for their fantastical and mischievous 
 perversions of language and thought, " transform'd 
 from English to Italienate." By their indiscriminate 
 adulation of the unworthy, for self-interest, he declares 
 they " bring The Art of Poetry to Ballading." He 
 knows well the price likely to be paid by any true 
 Poet who dare to rebuke the vices of the Court, 
 " As some have done, and haue been meinfd up for 't." 
 
 He hesitates not to speak his indignant scorn of those 
 who act as poetic panders to luxury, 
 
 "As they runne still in that high-beaten way 
 Of errour, by directing men amisse, 
 Penning whole volumes of licentiousnesse, 
 Descanting on my Ladies Rosie Up, 
 Her Cinthian eie, her bending front, her trip, 
 Her bodies motion, notion of her time, 
 All which they weaue vp in a baudy Rime." 
 
 have been one John Tomkis, or Tomkins. R. Brathwaite's 
 " Epigramme" speedily followed the publication of the play, to 
 which it alludes. Milton's reference to the Cambridge perform- 
 ance of Trincalo is in his Apology for Smectymnuus, 1642. 
 
xxii Introduction. 
 
 Even in his address " To his Booke " he had glanced 
 at the prevalent error of allowing rich and powerful 
 offenders to escape unpunished, while those in lower 
 condition were treated with severity. 
 
 " let this be understood, 
 
 Great men though ill they must be stiled good, 
 Their blaeke is white, their vice is vertue made : 
 But 'mongst the base call still a spade a spade. 
 If thou canst thus dispense (my booke) with crimes, 
 Thou shalt be huggd and honour 1 d in these times." 
 
 As Shakespeare puts it : " that in the Captain's but a 
 choleric word, which in the Soldier were rank blas- 
 phemy." It may not improbably be, that the thought 
 in Brathwaite's mind was to make the Devil the re- 
 presentative of evil-greatness : " spiritual wickedness 
 in high places," and to hint, by his title, that he was 
 not afraid of laying on the lash, if it were deserved, 
 because of the dignity in station held by the culprit. 
 No honest men need fear him, they are avowedly 
 "out of the survey of his Strappado ;" but those who 
 prove " Recreant " by consorting with " the swartie 
 miscreants of Lucifer," are fairly warned of his inten- 
 tions. 
 
 We find little here of that strange perversion or con- 
 fusion of ideas that meets us in all the art and litera- 
 ture of the middle-ages, and still survives to our day, 
 by which the horror against sin and its embodiment 
 in the Arch Spirit of Evil is joined with a sense of the 
 
Introduction. xxiii 
 
 ludicrous, prompting to jests and buffoonery, even to 
 contemptuous scorn ; as though we held it to be true, 
 what Ben Jonson took as title for one of his Comedies, 
 " The Devil is an Ass." Those dangerous tamperings 
 with solemn thoughts, traversing them by daylight, 
 shrinking appalled from them in darkness and solitude, 
 were not besetting failings with Brathwaite. He was 
 of healthier taste and sounder judgment His " Ciuell 
 Diuell " is an ensnaring wanton, whose place of resort 
 and evil enticements are painted with marvellous power 
 and distinctness ; affording a companion picture to 
 John Dickinson's finished portraiture of the downfall of 
 " the faire Valeria," in his Greene in Conceipt, 1598, or 
 Thomas Cranley's A manda ; or, Tlie Reformed Whore, 
 1635. But it was not any inability to make a " righte 
 merrie leste " on the subject of the Arch-enemy, that 
 kept Brathwaite to more legitimate sources of hu- 
 mour ; as any one can see who turns to p. 95, and reads 
 the laughter-stirring tale, which Admetus used to re- 
 late in his hearing, whilst he sat roasting a crab-apple 
 by the fire, on winter nights. It briefly shows the 
 misery of a hen-pecked husband whose helpmate was 
 "an arrant Deuill of her tongue," and how (after 
 time-honoured custom) the poor man sought consola- 
 tion in "a potte of nappy Ale :" how this prototype 
 of Tarn O'Shanter stayed too long at the ale-house, 
 fortifying himself against the home-comforts of his 
 wife's tongue, which he knew to be awaiting his re- 
 
xxiv Introduction. 
 
 turn ; and how, instead of Alloway Kirk full of 
 witches, he encountered what seemed to him the very 
 Leader of that unholy revel. His absence of fear is 
 accounted for by himself in words of wisdom : 
 
 " Good Spirit, if thou be, I need no char me, 
 For well I know thou wilt not doe me harm : 
 And if the Deuill ; sure, me thou shouldst not hurt, 
 I wed'd thy Sister, and am plagued for 't. 
 TJie Spirit, well-approuiug what lie said, 
 Dissolu'd to ay re, and quickly vanished"* 
 
 No less true in humour, and longer sustained, is the 
 excellent poem "Vpon a Poets Palfrey, lying in Lau- 
 ander, for the discharge of his Prouender," (p. 156). 
 To be " laid in lauender " was a mild euphemism for 
 being in pawn. With wit that tires neither its exhibi- 
 tor nor the reader, he courses through a multitude of 
 suppositions, incidentally repeating to us the cry of 
 
 * We well remember an ancient Kirk-yard in the north of 
 Scotland, where-through a path ran straight from the public- 
 house to the minister's manse, often trodden, alas ! by an irre- 
 proachable Mess-John, whom friends had vainly attempted to 
 convert to ways of sobriety by serious advice, and even by that 
 heaviest of trials, praying at him ! One night a well-intentioned 
 clerical-brother disguised himself in a sheet, and awaited, beside 
 a tomb-stone, the return home of the unsteady wanderer, in 
 hope of alarming him into repentance and the Pledge. When 
 fairly holding in view the tall white figure, which a struggling 
 moon-beam made visible, the only ejaculation that expressed 
 consciousness was the pathetic enquiry, " Oh, mon ! is it the 
 general resurrection ? or are ye taking a daunder yer lane?" 
 Nothing was left for it but the Presbytery Kirk-sessions, and 
 their sentence of deposition. 
 
Introduction. xxv 
 
 Shakespeare's Richard III., "A horse, a horse, a king- 
 dom for a horse ! " and the very line from Marlow's 
 Tambourlaine which Pistol mocks, " Hallow, ye pam- 
 per'd lades of Asia, what draw but thirty miles aday ?" 
 Don Quixote's Rozinante, the Trojan Horse, Phae- 
 ton's borrowed coursers of the Sun, are brought in, 
 with a snaffle, to trot before us. As the mother of the 
 minotaur, Queen Pasiphae, is mentioned, we might 
 have expected to encounter Queen Semiramis ; " that 
 injured queen, by chroniclers so coarse, Has been ac- 
 cused, I doubt not by conspiracy, Of an improper 
 friendship," &c. But no, we never mention her. The 
 wonderful performing-horse of Banks the cunjuror 
 (which was burnt, with its master, in Italy, because 
 this cleverness was believed to be of magic), appears 
 in the twelfth and fifteenth verses. The Pageants and 
 religious moralities, from Adam and Eve to Noah and 
 his ark, which were represented at Bartholomew-Fair, 
 are glanced at. So are Duke Humphrey's dinner-less 
 guests. This poem alone might make the volume 
 precious to us. 
 
 In a Satyre, called " The Coni-borrowe," we find a 
 palpable allusion to one of the characters in Shake- 
 speare's Pericles, " the damned door-keeper " Boult 
 The public hangman is mentioned in the proverbial 
 saying of " going to Heaven by Derick in a string : " 
 there was a tune known about that time, with a bur- 
 den "Take 'm, Derrick !" See our Bag ford Ballads, (p. 
 
 d 
 
xx vi Introduction. 
 
 778). Brathwaite's abhorrence of wantonness is spoken 
 with a convincing earnestness, such as few writers have 
 equalled. He uses strong language, but it is because 
 he feels strongly and will not palter with the truth. 
 Our only surprise is that he has not taken his place 
 higher, in the ranks of poetic Satirists, as he deserved, 
 while men inferior to him in command of words, and 
 less impressed with an indignant scorn against un- 
 cleanness, are belauded, if not read, as though they 
 were the masters of their art. The clearness, the col- 
 loquial English, the force and brilliancy of his style, at 
 his best, merit the highest praise. This volume can- 
 not fail to make thoughtful readers desirous of know- 
 ing more of Richard Brathwaite. 
 
 That the writer of such scathing rebukes of lustful 
 dalliance should also be the author of some wanton 
 trifling, as " A Marriage Song," can only be explained 
 by our recollection of the tyranny of moods in destroy- 
 ing self-consistency, and especially by our making 
 allowance for the warmth of the poetic temperament. 
 One never can depend on these Satirists being en- 
 tirely truthful. They have first revelled in iniquity, 
 and then turn approvers or king's evidence, and bear 
 witness against old associates to secure their own 
 escape from punishment No one knew this better 
 than our greatest poet When Jacques in the forest 
 of Arden claimed the privilege of satirising whom- 
 soever he would, to blow on them with " as large a 
 
Introduction. xxvii 
 
 charter as the wind," he made the banished Duke tell 
 what would happen : 
 
 " Most mischievous foul sin in chiding sin ; 
 For thou thyself hast been a libertine, 
 As sensual as the brutish sting itself ; 
 And all the embossed sores, and headed evils, 
 That thou with license of free foot hast caught, 
 Would 'st thou disgorge into the general world" 
 
 Our author is singularly free from the worst vices of 
 these ill-conditioned " censors of the age." He had 
 never been so debauched with pleasures, and he never 
 became so malignant in his vituperation, as most of 
 the gang who assume the vile hangman's office for 
 hangman's wages. 
 
 While there is such richness of allusion to contem- 
 porary matters in his pages, that scarcely one among 
 them fails to yield something valuable to the student 
 of antiquity, we are apt to forget the genuine sweetness 
 and musical fluency of his best lyrics. The rich flow 
 of his lines makes him pleasant reading, even on such 
 comparatively dull subjects as his address to the Al- 
 derman of Kendall, or the companion poem To the 
 Northern Sparks, the Cottoneers (in both of which, 
 nevertheless, appear a multitude of ripe suggestions to 
 cultivated students). We see in these latter the pro- 
 genitors of those industrious communities at Wake- 
 field, Bradford, and the other manufacturing towns of 
 the North, whom Brathwaite knew well, and could 
 
xxviii Introduction. 
 
 bring before us both in their hours of steady labour at 
 the loom, and in their wakes and revels, May-games 
 on the green, with Robin Hood and Morris-dancers : 
 
 " One footing actively Wilson's delight, 
 Descanting on this note, I have done what's right, 
 Another toying to be nanfd 'mongst them, 
 Were made Men-fishers of poore fisher-men. 
 The third as blith as any tongue can tell, 
 Because he's found afaithfull Samuel. 
 The fourth is chanting of his Notes as gladly, 
 Keeping the tune for ttt honour of Arthura Bradly.* 
 The 5. so pranke, he scarce can stand on ground, 
 Asking who'le sing with him Mai Dixon's round? " &c. 
 
 There is poetic grace and daintiness of expression 
 in the charming little lyric, (on p. 93,) 
 
 SUNG TO MAIDS' INCONSTANCY. 
 " Foolish I, why should I grieue 
 To sustaine what others feele ? 
 What suppose, fraile women leaue 
 Those they lou'd, should I conceale 
 
 Comfort's rest, 
 
 from my brest, 
 For a fickle, brittle woman ? 
 
 Noe, Noe, Noe, 
 
 Let her goe, 
 Such as these be true to no man. 
 
 * See the whole available information on this subject gathei ed 
 by the present writer in Choice Drollery re-print, 1876. 
 
Introduction. xxix 
 
 " Long retired hast thou beene, 
 Sighing on these barren rocks, 
 Nor by sheepe nor shepheard seene, 
 Now returne vnto thy flockes, 
 
 Shame away, 
 
 Doe not stay, 
 With these mouing-louing women, 
 
 They remoue 
 
 from their loue ; 
 Such as these doe oft vndoe men" &c. 
 
 So, too, with its own charm of music and deep affec- 
 tion, more quaint in form and expression, The funeral 
 Elegy, (on pp. 242, 243,) has the true ring of poetry. 
 And he who likes not " Admetus's Sonnet " is hard to 
 please. 
 
 The breezy freshness of Browne's Pastorals fans our 
 brow as we read that hearty song of The Woodman, 
 Arthur Standish (pp. 168 to 172), with all its nice 
 discrimination of timber and thicket greenery. 
 
 To some readers the so-called " Epigrams " des- 
 criptive of various characters, such as The Courtier, 
 The Wooer, will commend themselves ; a class of 
 compositions then in fashion, and such as Brathwaite 
 excelled in.* There is also work worth studying in his 
 " Panegirick Embleame, intituled, Saint George for 
 England." It has the tenderness and intricate lingering 
 
 *" See his prose "Whimzies; or, A new Cast of Charac- 
 ters," 1631. 
 
xxx Introduction. 
 
 cadences of the old romances : as befitted days when 
 knights and ladies were content to yield ungrudgingly 
 their time to a perusal or recital of such tales of 
 maiden's sorrow and knightly valour. 
 
 No more need we add, unless we were to annotate 
 his every page, in commendation of this worthy, too- 
 long neglected, but never quite-forgotten. We have 
 not written half the praise we could have ventured, 
 not a tenth part of his due, but those who read him 
 without prejudice will find a hearty friend in Richard 
 Brathwaite, fresh and wholesome, like this first day 
 of Spring. 
 
 J. W. E. 
 
 MOLASH VICARAGE, KENT, 
 
 Match 2i5/, 1878. 
 
A 
 
 STRAPPADO 
 
 for the Diuell. 
 
 EPJGRAMS AND 
 
 Satyres alluding to the time, 
 
 with diuers meafures of no 
 
 leffe Delight. 
 
 By /*ro<rvKos, to his friend 
 
 <iAoK/xiTes. 
 Nemo me impune lacejfit. 
 
 At London printed by I.E. for Richard Redmer 
 
 and are to be fold at the Weft dore 
 
 of Pauls at the Starre. 1615. 
 
The Authors Anagram. 
 
 RICHARDE BRATHWAITE. 
 Vertu hath bar Credit. 
 
 This He auow, (for it is I that f aid it) 
 If Vertue haue no coine,Jhe has no Credit. 
 
 - 
 
 To 
 
TO THE WORTHI- 
 
 lie efteemed the true Character 
 of a Generous difpofttion, Sir THOMAS 
 GAINSFORD Knight, his Vertues endeered 
 Admiror, wifheth fulnefle of content in the 
 Dedication of thefe his Anagrams extra- 
 cted from his Name, and concor- 
 ding with his Nature. 
 
 Thomas Gainsforde. 
 
 Anagram 
 So fame doth raign. 
 
 SO Fame doth raigne with Anagram 's fo Jit 
 As if that Nature had inuentcd it : 
 For lie that knowes thy Vertues and thy Name, 
 Will fay all raigne in tJtce, all ring thy Fame. 
 
 Thomas Gainfford. 
 
 Anagram 
 
 SJtade t* Honours game. 
 A pale for Jhelter of her game is made, 
 And thou to Honours game art made aJJiade, 
 Thy Huntfufis Vertue, and thy Beagle grace, 
 Which (well in winde) hath Jlill the game in chace. 
 
 To 
 
To his much honoured and en- 
 
 deered Mecoenas (the exprefsiuft 
 
 Character of a generous Spirit) iudici- 
 
 ous approwr of beft-meriting Poejie, Guer- 
 
 doner of Arts, cherifher of Wittes, and ferious 
 
 Protectour of all free-borne Studies, M*. 
 
 THOMAS POSTHVMVS DIGGS, the 
 
 A uthor humbly dedicates himfelfe, his 
 
 lime-futing Epigrams with 
 
 the vfe of 
 his diuinely importing Anagram 
 
 Anagramma. 
 
 Thomas Pofthumus Digges. 
 Though time pafle, God fumms. 
 
 H 
 
 In Anagramma Di/lic/ion. 
 
 Ow well thy Anagram with truth it runs, 
 Though time pas nere fo faft, yet God ftill fums. 
 
 Or thus. 
 Hopes iflu moft dem' gag't. 
 
 An 
 
Another Anagram. 
 
 P 
 
 Two verfes including tJie Anagram. 
 
 Vblique and priuate men in young and ag't, 
 on whom moft hope is, the we deem moft gagt. 
 
 Annexed. 
 
 At you (faire mirrour) aime I ; you'r my fcope, 
 Much are you gag't vnto your Contries hope. 
 
To the gentle Reader. 
 
 F I giue thee a deferuing 
 Title (Gentle Reader) no 
 queftion but thou wilt ex- 
 preffe thy felfe in thy cen- 
 fure : th'art no wri-neck critick, politick 
 informer of States, deprauer of wel in- 
 tended lines, nor maligner of others 
 labours : Bee thine owne prefident in 
 the furueigh of thefe diftempered Epi- 
 gmmmes\ and therein thou may per- 
 forme the part of an honeft man : 
 cancell the bill of errours, or chalke 
 them on, & they fhal ferue to make vp 
 a greater volume for next impreffion. 
 If thou bee gentle (as I tearme thee) 
 
 and 
 

 and haft fenfe, thou wilt supplie many 
 defeats, committed in the Preffe by the 
 Authors abfence. Be honeft (till and 
 thou art out of the fwing of this ftrap- 
 pado : if thou play Recreant (by con- 
 forting with the fwartie mifcreants of 
 Lucifer) the Author hath vowed hee 
 will play Arch-Pyrate with thee, tie thee 
 like a Gallie-flaue to the Maft of his 
 Malu-Sperauza, and ferrie thee ouer 
 into Tartarie. 
 
 Farewell. 
 
To his BOOKE. 
 
 BOoke whither goes tliou, I had rather fiaue thee 
 To Jlay Jlill with me, for my Booke may faue me: 
 Saue me, its true, and that's the caufe I craue 
 Thou'de to the world, that thou the world might faue ; 
 But that's a taske (my booke) too hard for thee, 
 Bid Jiang tJte woreldfo thou wilt faue me : 
 Yet pray tJiee be aduis'd whom thou dojl cJiecke, 
 Forfpeaking truth may chance to break thy necke. 
 Which to preuent, let this be vnderftood, 
 Great men though ill they muft be ftiled good, 
 Their blacke is white, their vice is vertue made : 
 But 'mongft the bafe call Jlill afpade afpade; 
 If tJiou canst thus difpenfe (my booke) with crimes, 
 TJwuJhalt be hugg'd and honoured in thefe times. 
 

The Epiftle Dedicatorie. 
 
 To all Vfiirers, Breakers, and Promoters, 
 
 Sergeants, Catch-poles, and Regraters, 
 
 Vfhers, Panders, Suburbes Tra- 
 
 ders, Cockneies that haue 
 
 manie fathers. 
 
 Ladies, Monkies, Parachitoes, Mar 
 
 mofites, and Catomitoes, falls, high- 
 
 tires and rebatoes, falfe-haires, 
 
 periwigges, monchaloes : graue 
 
 Gregorians, and Shee- 
 
 painters. 
 
 Send I greeting at aduentures, and to 
 
 all fuch as be euill, my Jlrappado 
 
 for the Diuell. 
 
Vpon the Errata. 
 
 Entlemen (humanum eft errare) to confirme 
 V-J which pofition, this my booke (as many other 
 are) hath his (hare of errors ; fo as I run ad pr<zlum 
 tanquam ad prcelium, in typos quaji in fcippos: but 
 my comfort is if I be ftrappadoed by the multipli- 
 citie of my errors, it is but anfwerable to my title : 
 fo as I may feem to diuine by my ftile, what I was 
 to indure by the preffe. Yet know iudicious dif- 
 posed Gentlemen, that the intricacie of the copie, 
 and the abfence of the Author from many important 
 proofes were occafion of thefe errors, which defects 
 (if they bee fupplied by your generous coniuence 
 and curtuous difpofition, I doe vowe to fatisfie your 
 affectionate care with a more ferious furueigh in my 
 next impreflion. 
 
Errata. 
 
 "Ddge 2 line 23 for Pine read Vine. ,/. 10. /. 20 alone wanting. 
 * p. 16. I. 13. for fenfelefnefle read fenfeleffe. p. 15. I. 2J. for 
 vainelike, r. vainly, p. 26. I. \\.for both, forfootk fo delete, p. 25 
 /. 2$. for wherefore, read wherefoere. p. 43. J. 22. for ftiirts r. fheets, 
 /or weaues, r. woes zw/ra /). /. 25. .48. /. 4. r. cloze. ifa'd /or 
 backe r. barke. p. 366. /. 23. for miftruft, r. inftruft.ybr curfe rearf 
 fcarfe. 
 
 For other errors as the mifplacing of commaes, 
 colons, and periods (which as they are in euerie 
 page obuious, fo many times they inuert the fence) 
 I referre to your difcretion (iudicious gentle-men) 
 whofe lenity may fooner fupply them, then all my 
 induflrie can portray them. 
 
TO TH E TRVE DIS- 
 
 couerer of fecrets Mounfieur Bacchus, 
 fole Soueraigne of the luy-bufh, Mafter-gunner 
 of the pottle-pot ordinance, prime founder of Red-lat- 
 tices, cheerer of the hunger-ftaru' d Mufes, and 
 their thred-bare followers, finguler Artift 
 in pewter language, and an obfer- 
 uant linguijt for anon 
 
 anon Sir. 
 
 His dere Canary-Bird, wifheth, red-eyes, 
 dropjie-legges, and all other ac- 
 coutrements befitting. 
 
 BOttle-nos'd Bacchus with thy bladder face, 
 To thee my Mufe comes reeling for a place : 
 And craues thy Patronage ; nor do I feare, 
 But my poore fragments fhall be made of there, 
 For good reuerfions by thy fcrambling crew, 
 That belch, and reade, and at each enteruiew 
 Of a fharpe temper'd line, commend the vaine, 
 Digeft it, and then rift it vp againe ; 
 But know thou cup fhot god, what is expreft, 
 Within thefe Pages doe deferue the beft 
 Of thy light-headed Shamroes, nor 's my tutch 
 For fuch as loue to take a cup too-much. 
 No, no my lines (though I did feeme to ftand, 
 And begge a poore protection at thy hand,) 
 
 B Shall 
 
Shall Hue in fpite of Time, for Time (hall fee 
 
 The curtaine of her vices drawne by me ; 
 
 And though portraide by a leffe art-full fift, 
 
 Yet he that limm'd them is a Satyrift, 
 
 For th' lines he writes (if ought he write at all) 
 
 Are drawne by inke that's mixed moft with gall. 
 
 Yea, he was borne, euen from his infancie, 
 
 To tell the world her fhame, and bitterly 
 
 To taxe thofe crimes which harbour now and then 
 
 Within the bofomes of the greateft men. 
 
 " Yea, nought I doe but I againe will doe it, 
 
 " Nor ought will write, but I will anfwer to it : 
 
 Yet would I not, great Bacchus, haue thee thinke 
 
 My Mufe can into that obliuion fmke, 
 
 As to become forgetfull fo of thee, 
 
 (For fo fhe might vnthankfull feeme to be 
 
 As neuer to record thy worthy Name 
 
 Since I confeffe from thee that fpirit came, 
 
 Which firft infpir'd my Mufe (by thee expreft) 
 
 For when fhe fpoke the leaft, fhe wrot the befl. 
 
 Yea, thou it was, (and fo He euer hold,) 
 
 That quickned me and made me fpeake more bold ; 
 
 By that rare quinteffence drawne from the pine, 
 
 Or from thofe fluent Hogges-head pipes of thine, 
 
 And I doe thanke thee : yet thus much He fay, 
 
 For any kindneffe fhowne me anie waie, 
 
 By thee, or thy attendants, I may fweare 
 
 Not any one did euer yet appeare : 
 
 Nay, I could fay (and truly too) far more 
 
 I neuer ran ten millings on thy skore, 
 
 Which 
 
3 
 
 Which may feem ftrange, that I which am fo grown 
 Into acquaintance, and to thee well knowne : 
 " Should in thy booke haue fuch a diffidence, 
 As not be chalkt for want of ready pence ; 
 Nay, there's another reafon I could mew, 
 Which might infer that thou doft duty owe 
 To men of our profeffion, and its this ; 
 (If my conceipt make me not thinke amiffe.) 
 Tell me, Where hadft thou luie-bufh, fay where ? 
 Which as thine ancient liv'rie thou doft weare ; 
 That garland fure me-thinks that I mould know it, 
 From th' Temples fure of fome pot hardy Poet ; 
 Who, caufe he had not wherewithall to pay, 
 Was forc't to leaue his Garland, or to ftay '-.i 
 Till fome of 's Patrons pittied his eftate : 
 But he, poore man, cleere out of hope of that 
 Hauing difcuft it often in his minde, 
 Did think't more fit to leaue his wreath behinde, 
 Then into fuch apparent danger fall, 
 And fo did vnto one of th' Drawers call 
 To tell thee, if thou would'ft be fo content, 
 He would engage his luie-ornament ; 
 Which thou being glad of, for thy priuate vfe 
 Wore it thy felfe, and cheat'd the Poet thus. 
 Now doeft thou thinke, that we can brooke to haue 
 One of our fort thus iniur'd by a flaue, 
 Without all fatisfa6lion : Bacchus no, 
 Vfe 't to thy groomes, we'le not be baffelt fo. 
 Make reftitution of thy bum againe, 
 And tie thy wreath about the Poets braine : 
 
 B2 Of 
 
Or fatisfie his damage in fome fort, 
 
 " Or be thou fure that thou fhalt anfwer for't. 
 
 But thou wilt lightly weigh fuch threats as thefe, 
 
 And fay thou canft bring vs vpon our knees 
 
 By th' power of thy commaund : true thou canft fo, 
 
 Yet (bleere ey'de Bacchus) I would haue thee know 
 
 That we do fo efteeme thy power and all 
 
 Thy followers, we'le vent thee 'gain ft the wall : 
 
 Yea euen the kennell fhall a witneffe be, 
 
 Of the fmall refpect which we do beare to thee. 
 
 Refigne then what thou oweft, or forbeare, 
 
 To taxe our credits when our skore's not cleere. 
 
 For well may'ft thou forbeare both them and me, 
 
 Since thou doft owe vs more, then we owe thee. 
 
 Thou know'ft it Bacchus (if fo thou wilt knowe it) 
 
 That garland which thou weares, it was a Poet 
 
 That firft empaund it, and thou like a lewe 
 
 Wilt not reftore to him what is his due. 
 
 But thou wilt anfwer (as I know thou may) 
 
 Yes, I imagine what tis thou canft fay : 
 
 " Bacchus cares not for outward Jignes a ru/h, 
 
 " Good wine needs not the hanging of a bufh. 
 
 Doft not thou vizzard-fac't ingratefull Elfe ? 
 
 Yes, for want of a bufh thou'd hang thy felfe. 
 
 And caper like a zuinglian (6 my malice 
 
 Burfts out againft thee) titted vnder the gallowes. 
 
 For tell me how fhould men diftinguifti thee ? 
 
 Thoul't fay by thy fire-fparkling phifnomie, 
 
 Thofe wink-apipes of thine, thofe ferret eies, 
 
 Thofe bag-pipe cheeks, thofe fpeciall qualities 
 
 Thou 
 
5 
 
 Thou art endew'd with : true by th'firft th'art known, 
 But for thy qualities thou haft not one 
 To glory in : for fpeeches ornament 
 Anon, anon fir : peutor complement 
 Is all thou canft, and this, thou knoweft is fuch, 
 As th'Iay or Parrat they can doe as much ; 
 But I am loath to taxe each crime of thine, 
 For I do know thou lou'ft the Mufes nine, 
 And they loue thee, yet it is fit their vs'd 
 With more refpe<5t, then to be once abus'd 
 By any apron-prentice that thou haft : 
 Yea, fit it is not they fhould be out-fac't 
 By fuch vnletterd Animals as thefe, 
 But reuerence the Mufes on their knees, 
 For what be thefe attend thee, fuch as loft 
 Their tongue to gaine two or three words at moft, 
 As for example neate and briske, and then 
 Anon, anon fir, welcome gentlemen. 
 And is it fit that fwads of fuch defert 
 Should ftay the very quinteflence of art 
 For a non-payment ? or make Sergeants ftand 
 In a crofle-lane to laie vnhallowed hand 
 On Albions Mercuries ? no, its not fit 
 That Hypocrenes pure riuelings of wit, 
 Should haue their ftreame with honour doubled) 
 By fuch bafe tenter-hooks once troubled. 
 Let this be then amended (and with hafte) 
 Left fome of thefe profeffors fhould be plac't, 
 Before thy prohibition come to ftay 
 Thy will-for in, they'le hardlie get awaie. 
 
 B 3 But 
 
But if I heare thee Bacchus after this 
 
 That thou arrefts but any one I wifh 
 
 Thou fhould'ft exempt I will reuenged be 
 
 Ere many daies, of fome of thine or thee. 
 
 And thanks vnto my Genius (as I craue it) 
 
 Without inuention further now I haue it. 
 
 And thus it is : lie to the Peuterer 
 
 To make thy quart pots greater then they were ; 
 
 And fo condition with him, as't may be 
 
 Thou wilt confeffe one day I begar'd thee : 
 
 Or if I cannot by my meanes intreate 
 
 Thy pottle-pots for to be made more great 
 
 Then th'order is, or th'Citties ftampe allowes, 
 
 I hope I (hall preuaile with fome of thofe 
 
 Who are appointed by their charge to know, 
 
 Whether thy pots be fealed yea or no, 
 
 That fuch as are not feal'd they would reueale them, 
 
 And not take bribes in priuate to conceale them : 
 
 Or if this will not ferue, I will deuife 
 
 How to bring th'potts vnto a larger fize ; 
 
 Which if they do neglefl but to performe, 
 
 According to that Nature and that forme 
 
 They are prefcrib'd, then on default they mail 
 
 Make prefently a forfeiture of all, 
 
 (Which goods confiscate for their great abufe, 
 
 May afterward redound vnto the vfe 
 
 Of all fuch noble skinkers (by confeflion) 
 
 As were deceiv'd by men of this profeflion ; 
 
 But this's not all He doe : Bacchus mail knowe 
 
 His naprie-drawers mall not end it fo. 
 
 Surueighers 
 
Surueighers (hall be-gett (and well may be) 
 
 (For worfer trades haue fought monopolye ; 
 
 And rais'd their ftate by't) which lhall ftriclly take 
 
 Examination, whether you do make 
 
 Your pottles to be bruis'd, bough'd, crufht, & bent 
 
 Vpon fet purpofe and for this intent, 
 
 That you thereby (which is a common crime) 
 
 Might fill your crazie pots with leffer wine, 
 
 For lefler will they hold, through your deceit, 
 
 Being drawne in and made by you more ftraite : 
 
 Yet haue I left the Coopers all this while, 
 
 Which I do know haue fome art to beguile. 
 
 And therefore, if all will not ferue ; He feeke 
 
 And bribe them too, to make your veffels leeke. 
 
 Yea, befide this (know Bacchus) I'ue a meane, 
 
 Which put in practice will vndoe thee cleane, 
 
 And thus I lay my proiect : He expreffe 
 
 What motiues there be of licentioufneffe, 
 
 Within thy brothel clofures, and with-all 
 
 Complaine of thy partitions, how the fall 
 
 Of many a fimple Virgine (though fhee's loath, 
 
 To do't poore-wench) corns from a painted cloath, 
 
 A curtaine, or fome hanging of like fort, (for't. 
 
 Which done god-wot, they'ue caufe to curfe thee 
 
 And that this might better preuented be, 
 
 I will prefer petition inftantly, 
 
 That thou nor none of thine mould fuffer thence, 
 
 (for to auoide this inconuenience) 
 
 Any of different fexes being but payres, 
 
 To goe in priuate manner vp the ftaires : 
 
 B 4 And 
 
And this I know (if that my aime be right, 
 
 Will goe well nie to ouerthrow thee quite. 
 
 If none of thefe will doe, yet fure I am 
 
 There is a creature call'd the Puritan, 
 
 Who'le ferret thee, and by a ftrift furueigh 
 
 Fine thee for bouzing on the Sabboath day, 
 
 Which if they finde, the Righteous they will curfe 
 
 Though their example it be ten times worfe. 
 
 But I would haue thee to repreffe all this, 
 
 Which thou fhalt do by doing what I wifh, 
 
 And that with reafon, which (as I haue fayd it) 
 
 Is but to giue to our profeflion credit : 
 
 They'le pay the man, and if the world goe hard, 
 
 With them at this time, yet they'le afterward, 
 
 Regratulate thy loue (paying th'old skore) 
 
 Which paide they will make bolde to run on more. 
 
 For tell me Bacchus, though the world appeare 
 
 To learned men as if no learning were : 
 
 And that the golden age (not as it was) 
 
 Smiles on the filken foole, or golden Affe ; 
 
 Yet time will come (yea now it doth begin 
 
 To (hew it felfe (as former times haue been) 
 
 When wife Minerua (hall no honour lacke, 
 
 For all the foole, whofe honour's on his backe. 
 
 But I (hall dagger Bacchus if I ftay 
 
 Longer with thee, therefore He packe awaie 
 
 Vnto thy fifter Ceres : I haue fayd 
 
 Onely looke to thy plate, for all is paide. 
 
 To 
 
To the^Queene of Harueft, daughter and heire 
 
 to Satume, and Ops, Goddeffe of the Corne 
 
 flieafe, Ladie Soueraigneneffe of the three Valet 
 
 Efam, Beuar, and White-horfe, Inuentres of the SitL 
 
 Sickle, and -weeding- Hooke : muck honoured 
 
 by theReede, Corne Pipe, and Whiftle; and 
 
 with all obferuance attended by 
 
 Hobnaile and his 
 
 company. 
 
 Her Deities admirer wifheth many a 
 feafonable Harueft. 
 
 HAile fruitfull Ladie, cheerer of our time, 
 Rare in thy bewtie, in thy ftate diuine, 
 Ripener of Harueft, thou it is whofe birth 
 Yields full encreafe vnto the fertile earth : 
 Thou art that cheering mother that renues (dewes, 
 The Plow-mans hope, and giues their toile thofe 
 Which makes them happie, may my Poems pleafe 
 Thy honourd felfe, that glads vs with encreafe : 
 Yet in my mirth I cannot but repine 
 At that vnhappie ackward lofle of thine, 
 That thou which euer haft been debonaire, 
 Faire in thy felfe, making our fields as faire, 
 With thy ender'd refpe6t, fhould be exilde, 
 Of due content, by loofmg of thy childe, 
 Thy heart, thy hope, thy loue, and thy delight, 
 Thy deare Proferpina, whofe vowe is plight 
 
 Vnto 
 
IO 
 
 Vnto, alaffe I cannot fpeake it well, 
 
 That black-blacht-blabber-lipt foule Prince of hell. 
 
 Yet be contented, manie one there bee, 
 
 Yea I know fom which may lament with thee 
 
 For their ftraide daughters, who I much doe feare 
 
 Are lodged now, or will be lodged there. 
 
 Lafle it is nothing for maides now adaies 
 
 For which of them (though modeft) hath not ftraies, 
 
 In youth, in age, which straying I doe call, 
 
 Dotage in maides, and that is worft of all. 
 
 How manie haue wee in this error fwerud, 
 
 Who in themfelues haue iufty wel deferud. 
 
 That punifhment thy daughter firft regainde, 
 
 'Las I haue known them, though they feem containd 
 
 In modeft bounds, yet thus much I will fay, 
 
 Thy daughter was vnchaft, & fo were they. 
 
 And (pray thee Ceres) credit me in this, 
 
 Though my proceeding was not to my wifh, 
 
 Yet this to thy due comfort I muft tell, 
 
 Thy daughter doth not Hue in Hell 
 
 Without acquaintance, yea I know there are, 
 
 Though they in fumptuous raiment and in fare 
 
 Seeme to excell the worthies of our Land, 
 
 Yet being iuftly poized vnder hand, 
 
 They are as neere to Pluto and his heire, 
 
 As if thofe perfons that leffe gorgeous were, 
 
 May I fpeake more, for I am in a vaine, 
 
 To cull ftrange things out of a ftragling braine, 
 
 That there's no wench truly ingenious, 
 
 Wittie by nature, or ambitious 
 
 In 
 
II 
 
 In her conceipt, but that the time will come, 
 
 That fhe will wander full as farre from home, 
 
 As ere thy deare Proferpina diftraide, 
 
 Transform'd from beauty of a louely maidc, 
 
 To be a drudge ('laffe I am forc't to tell) 
 
 Vnto the bafe-borne Skinkird bred in Hell. 
 
 Doe I not know thee Ceres'? yes, I know 
 
 Far more of thee, then I intend to (hew 
 
 In publique eie : 'Laffe I doe know thy worth, 
 
 To be the fruitfull Mother of the earth, 
 
 Albions faire-Foftermother, yea that Queen, 
 
 That makes a hopefull Harueft to be feene. 
 
 Within our flourie Fields : if I might fay, 
 
 What I in due refpe6l am bound alwaie 
 
 For to expreffe I might example thee, 
 
 To be the glorie of our progenie ; 
 
 Honour of ages, and fuccefle of time, 
 
 Erre&ing to thy felfe that noble fhrine, 
 
 Which nere fhall be defaced by time or age, 
 
 The beft of labour in our Pilgrimage. 
 
 Then Ceres let thy daughter work, for one 
 
 Thou art in due refpefl admir'd alone 
 
 To be the foueraigneffe of Albions He, 
 
 Who when retired braines doe fleep the while, 
 
 Shalt fhew thy felfe worthy a facred power, 
 
 Though thy vaine daughter play in hell the whore. 
 
 Yea fit it is, and futing to her birth, 
 
 She fhould play baud in hell plaid whore on earth. 
 
 To 
 
12 
 
 To the Amarous Queene of Delights, Sole 
 Empreffe of loue-ficke Bedlams, profes'd patro- 
 neffe to all young L etchers, Foundreffe of Midnight- 
 Reuels, Sentinell to many a crackt Maidenhead, andfole 
 Benefactor to all lafciuious Nouices ; Beft habilimented 
 by her Coach drawne with foure Turtles, bea- 
 ring for her armes a Pricke in the mid/I of 
 a Center, with this Motto ; 
 
 Pungimur in Medio. 
 
 And on the other Jide a woman-captiue (in/lan- 
 ced in Penthifilaea,) with this word, 
 
 Vincitur a vi6lo, victor. 
 
 Her much Endered and affectionate Paliurus wijheth 
 
 manie long delightful night, Mars his prefence, Vulcans 
 
 abfence, much good fport without difcouerie, 
 
 and many yeeres yet to continue her 
 
 husbands Liuery. 
 
 a Bacchus and Ceres if they be away, 
 
 b Small good doe I looke for, may Venus fay. 
 
 /"~^Herry-lipt Venus with thy dimpled Chin, 
 V^Who by our Letchers, honourd ftill haft bin : 
 For a braue trading damfell, though't may feeme, 
 By my neglect of thee, that I haue cleane 
 
 Car pit enint vires paulatim vritq. videndo. Fentina. Virg. 
 b Res vulgaris amor, semel insanimius omnes. 
 
 Defcar- 
 
13 
 
 Defcarded thee and thine, yet thou fhalt know it ; 
 Venus hath fome aliance with a Poet, 
 And that a neere one too : for pray thee fay, 
 Who can expreffe thy bewty anie way, 
 So well as they ? and though they onely write, 
 hauing nere hap to come to more delight ; 
 Yet art thou much endeared to their Art, 
 Though they can fay nought for the praftick part : 
 Yet mongft our Albion Sibils that are more, 
 In number far, then merit, wit, or power. 
 Some I doe know, euen of the pregnant'ft men, 
 That loue to trade with Vemts now and then. 
 And this the caufe why they obferue that vfe, 
 (As I haue heard) for to enflame their Mufe : 
 And fome I could produce, had their defire ; 
 For they, their Mufe, and all were on a fire : 
 More could I write to touch thee neerer'th quick, 
 But as thou loues thofe ftroakes are fhort & thick. 
 So I defire the very fame to be 
 In writing out that is concerning thee. 
 
 To 
 
Honora. 1 5 
 
 AnHeroyckeEmbleme'vpon the Warriour 
 called HONORA. 
 
 TAra, Tantara, Honours fignall come, 
 Whofe beft of Muficke is the warlike Drumme, 
 Come braue Tyndarian fpirit, heare thy glorie, 
 Shrouded too long in pitchie darke, whofe ftorie, 
 Shall (bine and fhew it felfe more faire, more bright, 
 Then chaft Latona on the fableft night. 
 Now art thou much admird by euery eie, 
 Though lately vaffald to captiuitie. 
 Now art thou fhowne to be a Monument, 
 Of former glorie, and an ornament, 
 Fit for the eare of Kings, now art thou one, 
 Highly efteemed, that was of late as none. 
 Now canft thou fhew thy merit and defert, 
 To be deriued from a royall heart. 
 Not chafd with perfumes, like a Carpet Knight, 
 That cannot fight but in his Ladies fight. 
 Not fick ofth fafhions, (like this amorous frie 
 Of Nouice, who nere knew Enemie) 
 Saue their difdainefull Miftres : not enthrald 
 To loue, for loue thou knowft not how its cald. 
 What ftile it has, or what be louers charmes, 
 Saue that pure loue which thou doft beare to Armes. 
 Not feruile to each apifh complement, 
 Saue Honours feruice, and Warres management. 
 Not flaue to Fortune, nor engagd to fate, 
 But heire to refolution, an eftate 
 More eminent and glorious to thy felfe, 
 Then all the mifers-Mammons mouldred-pelfe. 
 Not vaine-like proud of Titles, but haft Art, 
 To make thy waie to Honour by Defert. 
 Not gage to proftitution, for the name 
 Of Souldiour hate fuch an ignoble ftaine. 
 
 Not 
 
1 6 Honora. 
 
 Not lure to lucre, but doft make thy blood, 
 
 An inftrument vnto thy countries good : 
 
 Not in appearance, or in outward fliow, 
 
 To feem to know what thou didft neuer know, 
 
 Not humorous, occafioning offence, 
 
 But with pure valour mixing patience ; 
 
 That two reduc't to one, one drawen from two, 
 
 Might make thee apt to fpeake, & prompt to doe. 
 
 Long haft thou flept, and fome did thinke it ill 
 
 To wake thee, but to let thee fleepe on ftilL 
 
 But how can refolution lie inter'd 
 
 Alas how far haue vulgar iudgements er'd ? 
 
 To thinke thee fenfelefnes ? No, thou didft but winke, 
 
 For to obferue what other men would thinke 
 
 Of thy retired filence, now thou haft 
 
 Rub'd ore thy gummie eies, & ruunes as faft 
 
 To thy intendements forct from coaft to coaft, 
 
 As willing to redeeme what thou haft loft. 
 
 Hallow amaine, downe by the flowrie vale 
 
 Of honour and renowne difplay thy faile, 
 
 Trample on Baftard-greatneffe, bruite their fhame, 
 
 That are efteemed onely great in name, 
 
 Without demerit, tell them worth fhould be 
 
 Drawn from our felues, not from our familie. 
 
 Bid them wipe of that painting from their cheeke, 
 
 Its too effeminate and bid them feeke, 
 
 Actions that feeme them better : its not amber, 
 
 Sleeking, or chafing in a Ladies chamber, 
 
 Phantaftick humors, amorous conceipts, 
 
 Fafhion inuentors finne feducing baits, 
 
 What 
 
of Brittaine. 1 7 
 
 What fuch a Mounfeyr wore, or what Tyres be 
 
 Of eminent requeft in Italic. 
 
 No, no, our perfum'd Gallants now muft looke, 
 
 Like to the fonnes of Valour, fmer'd with fmoke, 
 
 Steeled with fpirit, arm'd with beft of youth, 
 
 Dire6lly planted 'fore a Cannons mouth. 
 
 Shake not (my dapper Courtier) though thou heare 
 
 Nought but the voice of thunder euery where : 
 
 Or if the noife of armes breed in thee feare, 
 
 (No leffe then death) go on and flop thine eare ? 
 
 Bouge not a foot (or if thou feare to kill) 
 
 Winke, and then fay, thou murders gainft thy will. 
 
 How likeft thou this ? This is no camp for loue, 
 
 Nor muft thy wreath be heere a Ladies gloue. 
 
 Anticke and apifh fafhions will not feme, 
 
 In this enobled field, fuch as deferue, 
 
 By a peculiar merit mall receiue 
 
 The Guerdon of their Valour, and in Graue 
 
 Shall finde a liuing monument, which men 
 
 Admiring much, mail euer honour them. 
 
 And is not this a nobler monument, 
 
 Then fpend our time in fruitleffe complements. 
 
 Spend a whole age in making of a legge, 
 
 Or feeking how fome office we may begge. 
 
 Trading for vndeferued Honour, got 
 
 By feruile meanes, and by the fimpleft fot, 
 
 That knowes not Honours effence, O may I 
 
 Rather then be fo Honor'd wifh to dye 
 
 In the obfcureft manner, that when Time 
 
 Shall fhroud my afhes in a homely fhrine, 
 
 C Some 
 
j 8 Honora. 
 
 Some earthy vrne, yet may my memorie 
 
 Liue without reach of enuie after me. 
 
 Sacred Bellona, valours choiceft Saint, 
 
 For now by thee flic we vnto our tent. 
 
 Infufe true refolution in the minde 
 
 Of thy profeffors, that their fpirits may finde 
 
 What difference there is in honours fight, 
 
 Twixt a good Souldier and a carpet-Knight. 
 
 His perfume's powder, and his harmonic 
 
 Reports of Cannons, for his brauerie, 
 
 Barded with fteele and Iron, for the voice, 
 
 Of amorous Ganimedes, the horrid noife 
 
 Of clattering armour, for a Downie bed 
 
 The chill cold ground, for pillow to their head, 
 
 Tinckt with muske Rofes, Target and their fhield, 
 
 For gorgeous Roomes, the purprife of the field, 
 
 For nimble capring, Marching, for the tune 
 
 Of mouing conforts, ftriking vp a drumme, 
 
 For dainties, hunger ; thus is honour fed, 
 
 With labour got, and care continued. 
 
 Can this content my Courtier ? yes, it may, 
 
 When his laciuious night and fruitles day, 
 
 His manie idle howers employed worfe, 
 
 (Though better deem'd) then fuch whofe vagrant 
 
 Incurs a penal cenfure ; fhall be paft, (courfe 
 
 And he with whip of confcience throughly lafh't, 
 
 Shall bid adue to Ladie vanitie 
 
 To Courts applaufe, to humors phantafie, 
 
 To honours vndeferu'd, to parafites, 
 
 To fafhions-brocage, and to all delights. 
 
 Which 
 
Honor a. 1 9 
 
 Which reape no fruit, no guerdon, nor reward, 
 Saue care on earth, repentance afterward : 
 Where luftice oft is forc't from her intent 
 Goodnejfe being onely caufe of puni/hment. 
 Where violence (fo ftrong be great men growne) 
 Makes right fuppreft', and iuftice ouerthrowne. 
 Where fmnes in cloth of Tiffue faire defcri'de, 
 Make that wife Sages Axiome verifi'de. 
 " A great mans foe oft by experience proues, 
 " Of all that be, no thunder like to loues, 
 Heere Magiftrates are clad in violet, 
 Becaufe pure luftice they doe violate. 
 Here vice is mounted, vertue Hues defpif'd, 
 The worft efleem'd, the better meanely priz'd. 
 Corruption rides on foote-cloth, (fome auerre) 
 And vpright dealing fhee does lackie her. 
 Honour's afraide of Sergeants, merits fad, 
 And Hues as one without obferuance had. 
 Wifdom's out of requeft, for temperance, 
 Shee's neuer knowne but in a Moris daunce. 
 And purple luftice feldom's feene to paffe, 
 To any Court, but riding one an Affe. 
 What then but valour mould fupport the State, 
 And make a Realme by vice growne defolate. 
 See her owne fhame, and in her fhame conceiue, 
 The bleft memorial of an happie graue. 
 " On then with honour, let the vfurer 
 Made ftiffe with plenty, feele the mock of war, 
 And tremble, fearing leaft' mould be his lot, 
 To loofe by warre what his opprefllon got. 
 
 C 2 Let 
 
2O To the Poet-afters 
 
 Let the prophane contemner of Gods power 
 
 Be mou'd by terrour, let the Paramour, 
 
 Glaz'd with a fhamelefie fore head leaue her fmne, 
 
 The youthfull Prodigall, thofe nets hee's in. 
 
 Let the prodigious ftate-engrofler feele, 
 
 What harme h'as done vnto the Common-weale. 
 
 Let th'afpiring birth of Dathan fee, 
 
 The end of them, and their confpiracie. 
 
 Let all lafciuious Minions hence reclaime, 
 
 Their odious Hues, and put on robes of fhame. 
 
 Let publique Haxfters (now the moft of all) 
 
 That in their heat, would quarrell for the wall, 
 
 Stand to their Tacklings, let both youth and age, 
 
 Show diftincl: worths in diftant Equipage. 
 
 Lead on Honora, that in time report, 
 
 May make a Campe-Knight gracious in the Court. 
 
 So nobleft minds in bed of Actions fhowne, 
 
 May challenge Honour when it is their owne. 
 
 Vpon the Generall Sciolifts or Poettafters 
 of Britannic. 
 
 A Satyre. 
 
 COme Arethufe come, for nere had we, 
 At any time a greater need of thee. 
 No Lawrell now, but Nettle's beft to grace 
 Our Laureat Poet : fee his vncouth face, 
 Vnapt for poefie : his ftrange difguife, 
 Onely addreft (in Verfe) to Temporize : 
 Now Parafites proue Poets, and exprefle 
 Their oyly workes : for what is more or lefle 
 
 Dilated 
 
of Brittaine. 2 1 
 
 Dilated on, is confecrate to men, 
 
 That are the greateft : O what need is then, 
 
 To thee (deere Arthuje) that didft frame, 
 
 A Poet to the nature of his name ? 
 
 No time-obferuing fmooth-fac'd fycophant, 
 
 No ftrange conceited Affe whofe Element 
 
 Is to infmuate vnder the (hade 
 
 Of a great Mounfeyrs elbow, thour't prou'd lade 
 
 To thy profeflion, not a faffron band, 
 
 But like a roaring boye, can make thee ftand 
 
 And yeeld obferuance to him : filly foole, 
 
 That Artleffe idiots fhould bring to fchoole, 
 
 The beft of Mufes, thou that once waft borne, 
 
 Not as our great Afteons, to the home 
 
 Of their dilhonour, (being of ioy bereft) 
 
 Leauing to others what themfelues haue left. 
 
 (Worfe by degrees then was that Phcebus Car, 
 
 Which Phaeton by rafh attempts did marre : 
 
 And cleere diffolues) laffe fee thy Trophies torne, 
 
 Thy ftatues razed : and that Mount forlorne 
 
 Which firft poffeft the Mufes : now no wreath 
 
 Can be hung vp to memorize the death 
 
 Of any great man, why for vertues due, 
 
 Bids euery Poet (in his verfe) fpeake true 
 
 Of fuch as are deceafed : its true, who then 
 
 Speaking no more then truth, can praife fuch men, 
 
 As rather were then liu'd ? being, but not 
 
 In reall effence, las what fame is got 
 
 By fuch as write of thefe (whofe only good) 
 
 Is to auerre they were of Noble bloud. 
 
 C 3 But 
 
22 To the Poet-after s 
 
 But fo much difproportion'd to their name, 
 As what thy feem'd, they feldome were the fame. 
 The fame ; O noe, their garifh ornament, 
 Their wanton guife, their Loue-ficke complement, 
 Their ftrange diftraftions, their deformed ftate, 
 Transform'd from Englifh to Italienate, 
 Exprefle fmall comfort to a Poets penne, 
 Which onely fhould delight in fhewing them 
 Vnto the worlds eye, whofe fame fucceedes, 
 And makes them Noble by Heroicke deedes, 
 Drawen from the line of Honour : but how farre 
 Seeme Poets in thefe latter times to erre ? 
 Who write not for refpect, or due efteeme, 
 Had to their owne profeffion, but to gaine 
 The fauour of a great one, this it is, 
 Giues priuiledge to men that doe amiffe : 
 Such be our ranke of Poets now adayes, 
 As they adorne th'Immerited with praife 
 Aboue defert Hence is it that we bring 
 The Art of Poetry to Ballading. 
 Hence is it, that the Courtier may intend 
 A ftrange pretended proiect for no end, 
 Saue to augment 's expence, a fuites begun, 
 Which makes a filly Farmer quite vndone, 
 Without all hope of compofition : 1'affe 
 That fuch tranfgreffions fhould fo freely paffe, 
 Without controulement. Many we haue heere, 
 That can compofe their Verfe, but in a fphere 
 So different to the time, as they defcry 
 Their want of braines to each Judicious eye. 
 
 Yea 
 
of Brittaine. 23 
 
 Yea fome I know are Poets in this time 
 
 Who write of fwains, might write as well of fwine, 
 
 For th' profit of their labours is fo fmall, 
 
 As t'were farre better not to write at all, 
 
 Then to confume fuch pretious time in vaine, 
 
 About a fruitleffe, and defertleffe flraine : 
 
 Better indeed : when in their Makers fight, 
 
 They muft accomptants be of what they write, 
 
 Whofe eyes be purer, and extenfion beare, 
 
 Aboue th'Dimenfion of a common fphere. 
 
 Yet ranke I not (as fome men doe fuppofe) 
 
 Thefe worthleffe fwaines amongft the laies of thofe 
 
 Time-honour'd Shepheards (for they ftill (hall be) 
 
 As well they merit) honoured of mee, 
 
 Who beare a part, like honeft faithfull fwaines, 
 
 On witty Wither neuer-withring plaines, (feru'd, 
 
 For thefe (though feeming Shepheards) haue de- 
 
 To haue their names in lading Marble caru'd : 
 
 Yea this I know I may be bold to fay, 
 
 Thames ner'e had f wans tJiat fong more fweet tJian they. 
 
 It's true I may auow't, that nere was fong, 
 
 Chanted in any age by fwains fo young, 
 
 With more delight then was perform'd by them, 
 
 Pretily fhadow'd in a borrowed name. 
 
 And long may Englands Thefpian fprings be known 
 
 " By lonely Wither and by bonny Browne, 
 
 Whileft folid Seldon, and their Cuddy too, 
 
 Sing what our (Swaines of old) could neuer doe. 
 
 Yea I do hope, fith they fo well can write, 
 
 Of Shep-heards fport, and of the fields delight 
 
 C 4 That 
 
24 To tfo Poet-afters 
 
 That when they come to take a view of th' Court, 
 
 (As fome haue done) and haue bin mew'd vp for't, 
 
 They'l tell her freely, (as full well they may) 
 
 That in their ludgements, after due furuay, 
 
 Of th' Court & th' Cottage, they may well maintain, 
 
 Vices in the Court, but vertues in the Swaine ; 
 
 And happy be thofe Authors which doe giue 
 
 Vertue and vice their titles, they fhall Hue 
 
 In fpite of Enuie, when fuch men as teach 
 
 That fuch be onely vertuous as be rich, 
 
 Shall lye inter'd where fame fhall neuer finde them, 
 
 For fuch doe feldome leaue a name behind them. 
 
 Laffe they muft dye and perifh, fo muft we, 
 
 Nor can we gaine ought of eternity : 
 
 Saue that we Hue, Oh then how bleft are they 
 
 That fpend their life in weighing of their daies. 
 
 But of profeffants, which compofe their fong 
 
 To a ftrange defcant ! this He fay they wrong 
 
 Flowrie Parnaffus, where fuch vfed to be, 
 
 As in themfelues made one fet company. 
 
 Thefe fung not what they knew not, but in Verfe, 
 
 What time had taught them they vfe to rehearfe, 
 
 And to reduce it to one perfe6l forme, 
 
 Striuing by proper figures to adorne 
 
 Ech worke, ech compofition : but lafTe now 
 
 How farre's that alteration ? where we know 
 
 Left that we write, adding to our eftate 
 
 (Begg'd meerely) by a great mans Dedicate. 
 
 Heere is no fubftance, but a fimple peece 
 
 Of gaudy Rhetoricke : Which if it pleafe, 
 
 Yeelds 
 
of Brittaine. 25 
 
 Yeelds th' Author dear-contentment : thus we ftraine 
 
 The Mufes Text for a peculiar gaine 
 
 Vnto our felues : hence is it vice abides, 
 
 (And lording-like in filken foot-cloath rides.) 
 
 Hence is it Land-lords make their tenants flaues: 
 
 Hence is it wafte-goods ope their fathers graues : 
 
 Hence is it Mammonifts adore their golde : 
 
 Hence is't the impious to perdition folde : 
 
 Hence Sacriledge a priuiledge obtaines : 
 
 Hence th' fneking Lawyer by his Clyent gaines : 
 
 Hence th' Politician, what fo ere befall, 
 
 Will to his trade and fhew a Machiuell. 
 
 Hence imports rife extortions violence, 
 
 Graced by men that haue moft eminence. (it) 
 
 Hence Sergeants walk vnfroted (though they know 
 
 No friend is worfe then Sergeant to a Poet. 
 
 Hence painted faces (like ill wine in caske) 
 
 Shrow'd their deform'd complexions vnder maske : 
 
 Hence curious Courtiers, gorgeoufly arrayd, 
 
 Weare more vpon their backe then ere was paide : 
 
 Hence th' baudie Pandor, feruile to his whore, 
 
 And hence the Baude that keeps the traders dore ; 
 
 Hence bafe informers take their borrowed light, 
 
 Liuing like Owles that vfe to flic by night : 
 
 Hence wanton Prodigals that fpend their ftate, 
 
 And 'gin repentance when it is too late. 
 
 Hence young and old, hence each in their degree, 
 
 Challenge to them a due Monopolie. 
 
 O how Mimruas temple's now difgrac't, 
 
 By th'skum of Poetry ! flie that was plac't 
 
 Once 
 
26 To tJie Poet-tafters 
 
 Once like th' Ephejian Queene in a pure fhrine 
 
 Of honour and delight, now's forc't to pine. 
 
 And languifh in her bewty, being depreft, 
 
 By fuch men mod, whom fhe fufpec~leth left. 
 
 Vnpiniond Mufes (fuch as nere could flie) 
 
 Further then vnplum'd birds now prefle as high 
 
 As Eagles ; which by the Colour you may know, 
 
 As eminent and cleere as Flaccus Crow : 
 
 Thefe fteale felected flowers from others wit, 
 
 And yet proteft their nature brookes not it, 
 
 They are (for both) fo inuented by their art. 
 
 Making their pen the difplayer of their heart. 
 
 They brooke no Brocage, yet has workes in prefle, 
 
 Which they are guiltleffe of : but this were lefle, 
 
 Worthy reproofe, if in their gleaned lines, 
 
 Like our age Criticks they would curbe thefe times 
 
 For petulancie : but fo vaine be they, 
 
 As they runne ftill in that high-beaten way 
 
 Of errour, by directing men amiffe, 
 
 Penning whole volumes of licentioufnefle, 
 
 Defcanting on my Ladies Rofie lip, 
 
 Her Cinthian eie, her bending front, her trip, 
 
 Her bodies motion, notion of her time, 
 
 All which they weaue vp in a baudy Rime. 
 
 For fince there's no obferuance, Accent neither 
 
 (Sith fence and accent feldome goe together.) 
 
 O what afperfions doe thefe lay on her, 
 
 Who beares the onely natiue character. 
 
 Of her deere iflues merit : fhee, I meane, 
 
 Without whofe nourifhment we had not been, 
 
 She 
 
of Brittaine. 2 7 
 
 She without whofe embrace, the folid earth, 
 Had quite interr'd the honour of our birth : 
 She without whom we haue no biding place, 
 No manfion, no repofe : fhe by whofe grace 
 We are inhabitants, planted in reft, 
 Sucking pure milke out of her tender breft. 
 She whofe our Guardian gouerning our ftate 
 Shoring our weakneffe, arming vs 'gainft fate, 
 Guiding our path-leffe paflage, brething life 
 Into our dulneffe : midiating ftrife 
 Becaufe (a peacefull mother) chering vs 
 With folace, when depreft, tricking our Mufe, 
 With feemly fubiecls (that whil'ft fhepheards fmg) 
 Of rurall paftimes, midft their fonneting, 
 The grauer ranke might compofitions make, 
 Not for themfelues but for their countries fake : 
 Alaffe poore countrie ; where is all that ftore 
 Of diuine wits that thou haft bred before ? 
 Where is that Quint-effence of poefie, 
 That in (fore-times) was wont to breath on thee : 
 Like a coole Zephirus ? Hybles pure mount, 
 Renowm'd in former ages and that Fount, 
 Of facred Caftalie lie defolate. 
 For they with theirs haue loft their former ftate 
 Of Greatneffe : no proportion nor no flower 
 Decks, with a dafie Border, that fweet Bower 
 Where Cinthia vs'd to reuell : but as th' port 
 Of houfe-keeping is now tranfport'd to Court, 
 " Leauing their Country-houfes, which men looke 
 " And gafe at long ere they can fee them fmoke : 
 
 So 
 
28 To the Poet -afters 
 
 So fruitfull Hefperie, which vs'd to be 
 The Ren-de uou for facred poefie 
 Leuing to be her felfe, fhuts vp her dore ? 
 Hence is the bankrout poet becom'd poore : 
 Hence is't hee's forc't to write not for the eafe 
 Of his owne minde (but as his Patrons pleafe.) 
 Hence ift that errors muft be Vertues deem'd, 
 Becaufe, poore Poet, its by Fate ordain'd, 
 That if he will not humour, he muft fterue : 
 " For Great-men loue not heare what they deferue. 
 How iealous be our times of their deferts, 
 When they fuppreffe the eminence of arts ? 
 Making them fpeechleffe whereas we do fee, 
 If perfons were difpos'd as they fhould be; 
 Their fmcere confcience (like a brazen wall) 
 Might beare them vp what euer fhould befall. 
 Then might our Satyre mixe his inke with gal, 
 But with his mixture do no hurt at all. 
 Then might our fcepticke giue his iudgement free, 
 yet do fmall harme to mens integritie. 
 Then might the Lawyer pleade without offence ; 
 Not feare his Confcience with a faire pretence 
 Of doing good, when his corrupted will 
 Vnder pretence of good, acts what is ill. 
 Then might the diuels Factors liue like men, 
 That haue a god, nor for the hundred ten ; 
 Receiuing with aduantage need'd they pay, 
 A greater fumme at that fame latter daie, 
 When due accompts are had : 6 vfurie 
 That art the Cities fcourge, how much haue we 
 
 Occa- 
 
of Brittaine. 29 
 
 Occafion to profcribe thee from our land, 
 
 Since by thy meanes haue we felt heauens hand 
 
 More heauy and reuenging then before, 
 
 VVhofe wrath has vialls euer laid in ftore 
 
 To punifh impious men : its thou (fowle fin) 
 
 Which haft hal'd downe the infection we haue feene 
 
 Rage in this famous He : its thou whofe hight 
 
 Hath turn'd our day of comfort to a night 
 
 Of great affliction : for who more can be 
 
 Afflicted in himfelfe, then inwardly 
 
 Feeling the worme of Confcience gnawing him 
 
 Torment conforting with that birth of finne 
 
 Wherein he's nurtured : alas poore lie ! 
 
 That thou fhouldft fofter fuch as do defile 
 
 Thy once renowmed borders with the hate 
 
 Of a fupernall power, making thy ftate 
 
 Pray to oppreffion, vaffalling thy fame 
 
 (Which once was glorious) to thy odious name 
 
 Of miferie : Great Albion now is growne 
 
 Poore in her felfe, becaufe what is her owne 
 
 She cannot vfe but in depraued wife, 
 
 Makes her selfe fubie6l to all forraine eyes 
 
 As vices fpectacle : 6 that the bliffe 
 
 Which we enioy by minds Synderyjis 
 
 Th' refined part of man, mould foyled be 
 
 By th' worft of ils the ftaine of vfury ? 
 
 And who'le inueigh againft it, few or none, 
 
 For mifer-Nature hardly leaues vs one, 
 
 That can fecurely fpeake againft this ill 
 
 So generall is the poifon of our will : 
 
 For 
 
30 The Poet-afters 
 
 For (deere Pernaffus now is fo oppreft) 
 
 It dare not fpeake for feare that intereft, 
 
 Should be demaunded by the Vfurer 
 
 To whom it ftands engag'd : this is the fate 
 
 That Poets haue, to leaue more wit then ftate 
 
 To their pofteritie : 6 impious time ! 
 
 When wbrft of Fortune followes wits diuine ; 
 
 When noble actions motiue in their fpirit, 
 
 Can leaue nought to their Iffue to inherit : 
 
 Saue their poore fathers papers, monuments 
 
 Scarce worth refpe<5t : how weakes the Element 
 
 Which Poets are compos'd of, when one frowne 
 
 Sent from a great mans vifage can keepe downe 
 
 Their beft inuention ? filly poefie, 
 
 That (though free borne, art forc't to flauery, 
 
 And vndeferu'd fubiection : pittie it is, 
 
 That beft of merit fhould fhut vp her wifh ; 
 
 And dew expectance in no other booke, 
 
 Saue in a Ikrew'd face or a writhed looke ; 
 
 Vnfit to entertaine an Art diuine 
 
 Which is expreft in that poore Mufe of thine. 
 
 Come, come, great regent of that facred quire, 
 
 Come in thy felfe and fo our foules infpire 
 
 With Arts Elixir and with fpirit toe, 
 
 That we may do with boldnes what we do : 
 
 Erecl: our aged fortunes make them fhine 
 
 (Not like the foole in's foot-cloath) but like Time, 
 
 Adorn'd with true experiments which may 
 
 Conuert our odious night to glorious day. 
 
 Let not Ambition mounted in her ftate 
 
 Paffe 
 
of Brittaine. 3 1 
 
 Paffe vncontrol'd : care not for getting hate : 
 
 " For honeft minds are be/I approued Jlill, 
 
 " By gaining hate in curbing what is ill. 
 
 * Let not thefe painted blocks of luuenal, 
 
 Which for their cloaths are moft admir'd of al 
 
 Stand vnreproou'd : let not their dangling plume 
 
 So daunt thee, as thou dare not well prefume 
 
 To blazon their defects, fpeake what thou feeft 
 
 And care not who be pleas'd, or who difpleas'd. 
 
 Let not moth-eaten Auarice appeare 
 
 In this deere He, without her Character : 
 
 Lafh me the Symonift, who though precife 
 
 In fhew, can geld his Parfons Benifice. 
 
 Gall me (our graine-engroffers) moulds of th' earth, 
 
 That in their plentie laugh at others dearth. 
 
 Roufe me the Atheift, let's fecurity 
 
 Heare th'iudgement of fupernall maieflie 
 
 Thundring againft him : let th'lafciuious 
 
 Know their bed-broking fin, how odious 
 
 Their fenfuall meetings are to his pure eyes, 
 
 Who euen the fecrets of our hearts efpies, 
 
 Searching our reines, examining our hearts, 
 
 Difcuffmg each intention (and all parts) 
 
 That haue a working faculty : Euen he 
 
 That well approues of morall poefie, 
 
 He that confirmes the motions of our minde, 
 
 And breath's vpon them if to good inclinde. 
 
 Let not fin-tempting wanton Mermaids reft 
 
 Without due cenfure, who with naked breft, 
 
 * Truncoq ; Simillimus Heros. luuenal. 
 
 Atrac- 
 
32 To the Poet-afters 
 
 Attra&iue eye, and garifh Complement 
 
 Enfnare our fond vnwary Innocent : 
 
 Thefe are thofe Babell publique proftitutes, 
 
 Lures to damnation, Romane Catamites, 
 
 Inuentrefles of pleafures, penfiue ftill 
 
 To doe whats good, but frolike to doe ill. 
 
 O London how thy Vanity abounds, 
 
 Glorying in that which thy renowne confounds. 
 
 Traduced fafhions from the Dutch to French, 
 
 From French to Spanifh, and not longer fmce, 
 
 Then yeflerday, blufh at thy fmne for fhame, 
 
 That Albion (by thy meanes) fhould lofe her name, 
 
 And habit too : fee, fee, how farre thou'rt gone. 
 
 Beyond thy felfe, that therer's no fafhion knowne, 
 
 In forraine Courts, deform'd howfoere it be, 
 
 But by tranfportance it doth come to thee. 
 
 Laffe how immodeft art thou to expreffe, 
 
 Thy felfe fo much by others fafhions leffe ? 
 
 How ftrangely Metamorphif'd to partake, 
 
 For Angells forme, the moft deformed fhape, 
 
 That Countries can bring out : 6 pittie tis 
 
 That Albions much admir'd Metropolis, 
 
 Should make thofe which admir'd her now to hate 
 
 Her vaine condition (introduc'd by flate 
 
 Too plentifull : Here you Hefperian wits 
 
 May you haue fubiect more then well befits 
 
 A modeft pen : for nere was any time 
 
 More prone to ill : no Region, countrey, clime, 
 
 Prouince, Ifle, Regiment fo truly bleft 
 
 With all earths bounties, yet hath leffe expreft, 
 
 Of 
 
of Brittaine. 33 
 
 Of gratitude : here Satirifts refort, 
 And make an ample coment on the Court, 
 Where thou fhalt write, fom's wanton, others vaine, 
 Ambitious fome, others doe couet gaine 
 By feruile meanes : fome beggars, yet who dare 
 Write in thefe daies that any fuch there are. 
 Then (my fharp tooth'd Satire) frame thy ditty 
 In the fame forme, vnrip the Crimes of 'th Citty 
 With a fterne brow : tell the purple Magiftrate, 
 How he has raif'd himfelfe to great eftate 
 By others ruine : fuch as Mercers are, 
 Tell them darke fhops haue got away ill ware. 
 'Such as be Gold-fmiths, and are dangerous, 
 Call them the Siluer-fmith of Ephefus. 
 Long Hue Diana, but no longer then 
 By their Diana they doe reape a gaine. 
 Such as be Brokers, tell them their profeflion, 
 Is not to be a knaue o'th first edition. 
 But as thofe garments which are brought to them, 
 Vfe to be worne before by other men : 
 Euen fo they broke their vices and receiue 
 Som crimes wrapt vp i'th garmets which they haue, 
 Tell them of Wapping, bid them thankfull be, 
 That there is lustice had for Piracie : 
 For if that were not (it may well be faid) 
 Many their fhops would be vnfurnifhed, 
 But in the Country now my Mufe fhall be, 
 For brooke fhee'le not a Brokers Company. 
 Here (halt thou see th'pifture of Auarice, (eyes, 
 Thin-cheek'd, raw-bon'd, faint-breath, and hollow- 
 
 D Nose- 
 
34 To the Poet-afters 
 
 Nofe-dropping, rhewme-deftilling, driueling mouth 
 Hand-shaking, haire down-falling, th'mifers cough, 
 Legs goutie, knees vnweldy, hand on cruch, 
 Eies in his bofome, gafmg on his pouch, 
 His labour torment, reft he cannot take, 
 When all are fleeping, he is forc't to wake : 
 His Eies are euer ope, for riches keepe 
 His eies vnclofed : The mifer cannot Jleepe. 
 He's his owne anguifh, fuch an impious elfe, 
 Thats ill to all, but worft vnto himfelfe. 
 He has not bookes whereon to meditate, 
 Onely a debt booke and an Alminake. 
 The one's for forfeitures, where he will pore, 
 And daie by day trauers them ore and ore : 
 Th'other's his Enterlude that yeelds him mirth. 
 Seeing predictions of the next yeeres dearth. 
 Hope of a deerer Sommer then laft was 
 Vnfeafoned harueft : O thefe hopes furpafle 
 All others, Heere the Mifer fets his eie, 
 And when he does thefe ftrange prenotions fpie, 
 He kiffes th'booke, fweares the profeflion's rare, 
 And wifhes all hee reades fuch fubie6ls were. 
 This Cormorant engroffeth all his graine, 
 Makes his barnes greater by a fecret traine 
 Brings ore his neighbours fonne to fet his hand, 
 Vnto a fale, and fo ioynes land to land. 
 This wicked vlcer that corrupts the ftate, 
 Nere thinkes of death, till that it be too late. 
 His gold's his God, yet vfe it cannot he, 
 But in expreflion of his miferie ; 
 
 which 
 
of Brittaine. 35 
 
 Which puts the poore Mifer to a double paine, 
 
 By telling it and putting't vp againe. 
 
 But now (my nimble Satyre) for to thee 
 
 Tends this impolifht peece of poefie : 
 
 How wilt thou taxe, or where wilt thou begin 
 
 With thy tart phrafe, to ftinge and nettle him ? 
 
 Thou mud be bitter (for in greateft grieues) 
 
 And feftered wounds we vfe no lenitiues 
 
 To mollefie, but corrafiues to gall : 
 
 And of all griefes this is the great'fl of all. 
 
 By it we are degenerate and Hue, 
 
 As fuch as can receiue, but cannot giue 
 
 To Nature competence : Come my deare Mate 
 
 I'll tell thee how to cure their defperate ftate ; 
 
 Which in few words leaft that thy memory faile, 
 
 He fpeake my minde vnto thee in a tale. 
 
 It chaunc't vpon a time (and well might be 
 For fuch like cJtances fall on miferie,) 
 A pinch-gut Mifer fell extreamely Jicke, 
 So, as at laft his Confcience gan to pricke, 
 And tell him of's opprejjion, wherefoere 
 He turrid his eyes, hefaw damnation there. 
 Sleepe could he not, his Jicknejfe was too great, 
 Nor hope for ought, his confcience didfo threate 
 And terrifie his foule : thus lay this wretch 
 Poore in his fpirit, though to the world rich ; 
 Faine would he oft dejire himfelfe confejl. 
 But caufe he was falne out with Parijh prieft 
 A bout a Tith-pigge, he deferred the time, 
 And would in no cafefuffer this Diuine 
 
 D 2 To 
 
36 To the Poet-afters 
 
 To minifter due comfort to his Jlate 
 All woe-begone : fo great was th Mifers hate : 
 for though he were afflicted, yet would he 
 Vp-braide the Parfon full irreuerently, 
 Calling him hedge prieji, belly -god (nay more) 
 That like a Thief e, Jie came not in at dore, 
 But in at windowe to his Benefice ; 
 And that he knew the practice and deuice 
 Of him and 's Patron : who that thlaw might be 
 Difpenfed with in cafe of Symonie, 
 Sold him a horfe (that whatfoere Jhould fall,) 
 The price might pay for th' Benefice and all: 
 This would he fay, concluding merrily, 
 Sir Prieft you come more for my pigge then me. 
 Silent the Parfon was, for well he knew, 
 The Mifer fpoke no more then what was true ; 
 Onely he wifht fuch neighbours as he had 
 Prefent to pray for him, for he was mad, 
 And that by all appearance it was like 
 That his difeafe had made him lunaticke : 
 Thus euery day his fickneffe did encreafe, 
 Bereft of comfort, confcience fweeteft peace, 
 Without all hope of health or here or there, 
 (For th' worm of confcience follows euery where.) 
 There 's no euafion left : where ere we goe 
 She will attend vs in our weale and woe. 
 You heard confeft he would, but as tis true, 
 A mifer loues not him that craues his due : 
 So to fuch men this cenfure ftands for iuft, 
 They loue their Confcience reft leffe then their ruft. 
 
 What 
 
of Brittaine. 3 7 
 
 What fhould he doe ? the Parfon now is gone, 
 
 And he vnto himfelfe is left alone 
 
 T' expoftulate with death : his fmnes did grieue him 
 
 But now the moft when all his friends do leaue him ; 
 
 Torment belowe, iudgement he fees aboue, 
 
 Witneffe within him, that will duly proue 
 
 What he has done on earth (thus all in one 
 
 Make vp a confort in his dying mone : 
 
 Yet as a fhip ore-burdend with her freight 
 
 Sinking before, fayls brauely, being made light ; 
 
 Or as the Ocean beats from fhelfe to fhelfe, 
 
 (Sea-ficke god-wot) till fhe hath purg'd her felfe. 
 
 So this fur-charged foule rowl's here and there, 
 
 And yet to comfort is no whit the neere, 
 
 Till that fame laftage of corruption be 
 
 Exempted quite : then fleepes fhe quietly. 
 
 Confeffe he muft, but to no Prieft, that's vaine : 
 
 But vnto one cleere of another ftraine ; 
 
 Shall I tell Satire ? yes, thou needs muft know it, 
 
 And this he was ; a thrid-bare neighbouring Poet : 
 
 Who after dew confefTion made to him 
 
 Of euery act, and each peculiar fmne, 
 
 Extortion, Violence and Iniurie, 
 
 Preffing of Orphanes, biting vfurie, 
 
 Forfeitures-taken, forged bills, at laft 
 
 He makes confeflion how a Poet paft 
 
 His pikes : who once was of a faire eftate, 
 
 But after had no profpect but a grate : 
 
 O, quoth the Poet, that was ill in you ; 
 
 O (quoth the Mifer) I doe know its true : 
 
 D 3 But 
 
38 To the Poet-afters 
 
 But with remorce I now lament his fall, 
 
 Which 'mongft the reft affli6ls me moft of all. 
 
 Wherefore good Sir, poure out your prayers for me, 
 
 That in diftaft of my impiety 
 
 Languifhing fore, I may be cheerd in ftate, 
 
 Dying in hope, that now lies defperate. 
 
 The faire conditio'nd Poet, though he had heard 
 
 How ill his owne profeffion got reward, 
 
 By this hard-harted Mifer ; yet did he 
 
 Scorne his reuenge fhould in affliction be 
 
 Streight he retires himfelfe a pretty fpace, 
 
 Chufmg for's Orifons a priuate place, 
 
 Which being done, to cheere the drooping man, 
 
 With hands heau'd vp, his praiers he thus began. 
 
 Powerfull lehouah, King of Heauen and Earth, 
 That giu'ft to all things lining life and birth. 
 Thou that protects each thing which thou hajt made, 
 A ndfo preferu's it, as it cannot fade. 
 Before the time prefirid : thou that wilt haue 
 Mercy on fuck as thou dojl meane tofaue. 
 Looke on this wretch (that lies all woe begon) 
 If fo thou thinke hees worthy looking on : 
 Great is thy mercy, fo it needs muft be, 
 If thou wiltfauefuch Mifcreants as he. 
 But what thou meanes to doe, he faine would know, 
 WhetJur he muft afcend, or fall below : 
 That heprouijion may according make, 
 And fit himfelfe for th Voyage he muft take. 
 For if to heauen, he needs the leffe prepare, 
 
 Becauje 
 
of Brittaine. 39 
 
 Becaufe he knowes all needfull things be there. 
 But much he fear W, andfofeare other fome, 
 Mongjl which my felfe, that tJiere he nere JJtall come. 
 But if to hell (the likelier place o'th two) 
 He does dejire, that thou wouldjl this allow. 
 He may hauefomuch refpite as prepare, 
 The Bonds ofallfuch Prodigalls be there: 
 That what he could not cancell herefo well 
 On earth, may there be cancelled in hell. 
 The caufe is this (as it to me appeares) 
 Left that thofe fpend-thrifts fall about his eares ; 
 When they Jhall fee him, which that he may ftay, 
 He'le cancell th Bonds, thought be long after day 
 Or this's the caufe as he was impious here, 
 He meanes to proue an honeft Deuill tJiere. 
 
 " That Time to Times-fucceffors may bring forth, 
 "Hell made him better then he was on Earth. 
 
 Much more he praide, but I doe rather chufe, 
 
 (Satyre) to make of all his praiers an vfe, 
 
 That when the vfe (hall well expreffed be, 
 
 Thou maifl apply the Benefit to thee. 
 
 Sir [quoth the Poet] I my praiers haue made, 
 
 Haue you, (replyed he,) as one difmayed, 
 
 Yes fir, and by them fo my zeale enforc't, 
 
 As I preuaild, though it was long time firft, 
 
 For know an apparifion came to me 
 
 With a fhrill voice, which bad me fay to thee : 
 
 If thou wilt firft a reftitution make, 
 
 And render vp what thou by Fraud didft take, 
 
 D 4 From 
 
4O The Ciuill Diuell. 
 
 From any man, but chiefly what thou tooke 
 From th'Poet : next, deliuer vp thy booke 
 Of all Accounts, greatest caufe of thy defpaire, 
 To thy Confejfour, and make him thy heyre. 
 Thou (halt haue health for this, it bad me tell, 
 But if thou wilt not, thou art markt for hell. 
 For Hell, no marry I : take keyes and ft ate, 
 I will not buy wealth at fo deere a rate. 
 If thou my pretty Satyre couldft reclayme, 
 A mifer thus, I'de thanke thee for the fame. 
 But all too long I haue enforc't thee flay, 
 Vice calleth thee, and Time drawes me away. 
 
 An Epigramme called the 
 Ciuill Deuill. 
 
 IT chanc't one euening as I went abroad, 
 To cheere my cares, and take away my loade, 
 Of difagreeing paflions, which were bred 
 By the diftemper of a troubled head, 
 Midft of my walke, fpying an Allye doore, 
 (Which I protefl I neuer spied before) 
 I entred in, and being entred in, 
 I found the entry was to th'house of fmne. 
 Yet much I wondred, how fin there could be, 
 Where th'fmnes prote<5lreffe fhow'd most modefty. 
 A ciuill matron, lifping with forfooth, 
 As one that had not heart to fweare an oath, 
 In Graue attire, French hood, all Frenchefide, 
 For (he had fome-thing more of French befide, 
 
 Her 
 
The Ciuell DiuelL 4 1 
 
 Her outward rayment in a loofe-gowne made, 
 
 Right after fafhion, with a countnance ftaid, 
 
 And which is ftranger (fhamefaft) her laboord 
 
 (Like a young nouice letcher) making each word 
 
 A proteftation ; she that knew'th deuice, 
 
 T'enfnate a greene wit, feem'd wondrous nife, 
 
 Reprouing of my errour : Sir, I am 
 
 (For thus (he tooke me vp) wife to a man 
 
 Of due refpect, one that has office borne, 
 
 Twice in the Citty, therefore pray forbeare, 
 
 You doe miflake your-felfe, there's none fuch heere 
 
 As you make fute for. I as one difmaid, 
 
 That durft not iuftifie what I had faid, 
 
 Began to flinke away ; fhe feeing this, 
 
 Fearing leaft fhe fhould fuch a Gudgeon miffe, 
 
 Recants what fhe had faid, fwearing though fhe 
 
 Were fuch a mans wife of the Marfhalfie, 
 
 One that had neuer yet incurd ill name, 
 
 Or knew ought more then modefty or fhame, 
 
 Though fhe nere was defam'd in all her life, 
 
 Or loued more then as becom'd a wife, 
 
 Though her affection neuer yet was fhowne 
 
 (Saue to her husband) vnto any one, 
 
 Though fhe was graue in yeers, and therefore might 
 
 Tread rightly now, that had fo long trod right, 
 
 She would pawne name, fame, modeftie, and all 
 
 Affection, husband, yea what ere befall 
 
 Her grauer yeeres fhould once difpence with time, 
 
 " She would, forfooth, remaine entirely mine, 
 
 This alteration made me ftrangely doubt, 
 
 Doubt 
 
42 The Ciuill Deuill. 
 
 And though my feet were in, my mind was out 
 Yet fo was I enthralld by tempting fmne, 
 Though Vertue forc't me out, Vice kept me in. 
 Thus did my tempting Genius, fweare, proteft, 
 That of all creatures fhe did loue me beft, 
 And with diffembling teares difguife her ill, 
 Fond is that man, and fonder is his will, 
 That's thus deprau'd : how feruile are men growne, 
 When thefe fame Vertues we efteeme our owne 
 Are thus Eclipf'd by Hyene faced whores, 
 That proteftation make they will be ours, 
 When they proue nothing leffe, las I do know 
 And by experience, whatfoere they fhow. 
 Their painted Vizards couer naked fmne, 
 Which feeming faire, are euer foule within. 
 A whiten wall, a rotten odious tombe, 
 That proftitutes her felfe to all that come. 
 To all that come, hence then's affection croft, 
 For loue is pure, but luft for them bid moft. 
 But to my Saint-like Deuill : fhe thus precife 
 At firft held credit deere, but now her eyes 
 Like wandring ftars preft to induce fome fin 
 Makes me (the filly fifh) catcht by her gin. 
 Reafon did tell me, and fuggeft her name, 
 Whifpring me in the eare, it was a ftiame 
 To gage my reputation to a whore : 
 But las who knows it not, fenfe hath more power 
 Then reafon in thefe a6ls : I gaue confent 
 To her inducements, thought her Innocent, 
 And a right modeft matron : yet how farre, 
 
 Did 
 
The Ciuill Deiiill. 43 
 
 Did fenfe from reafon in her Verdict erre ? 
 
 For how could fhe be modeft that fo foone, 
 
 Was gain'd ere crau'd, fo quickly wood and wonne ? 
 
 Laffe that my fimple ftraine fhould be fo weake, 
 
 As to continue for a wantons fake, 
 
 So firme in my affection ? fhe was graue, 
 
 Its true, fhe was fo : but how many haue 
 
 That forme of grauity, the more their fmne, 
 
 Being fo graue without, fo gay within, 
 
 But fhe protefted ; true, she fwore an oath, 
 
 As any other tempting wanton doth, 
 
 When fhee's in hope of gaine, vnhappy I, 
 
 To leane fo much to harlots forgery. 
 
 Well my braue Curtizan, fmce I am won, 
 
 To doe that acT: by which I am vndone. 
 
 Since I am fnared, and like a Bird thats caught, 
 
 Fledged in bird-lime, am of wit diflraught, 
 
 And fenfes too : I will runne headlong to it, 
 
 And doe it with force, fmce I perforce mufl doe it. 
 
 Downe goes the filken Carpet all the while, 
 
 Showing thofe fheets, which louers doe beguile, 
 
 Thofe fheets of luft perfum'd delicioufly, 
 
 With rofie odours, where variety 
 
 Of obiedls made recourfe : fee wantons fee, 
 
 How many motiues now enuiron me ? 
 
 Heere my lafciuious Matron wooes with teares, 
 
 There a repofe for lufts retrait appeares. 
 
 Heere a protefling whore (fee whoredomes fhelfe) 
 
 Rather then loofe me, fhe will damme her felfe. 
 
 There Adons picture, clipping Venus round, 
 
 Heere 
 
44 The Ciuill Deuill. 
 
 Here loue Europa lying on the ground. 
 
 Heere Mars difarm'd in Beauties chariot drawen, 
 
 Where faire Eryca couer'd ore with lawne, 
 
 Bids him her beft of welcome, and is ledde, 
 
 For want of roomes vnto her Husbands bedde. 
 
 Heere Dande ftood (admiring diuine power) 
 
 Which did defcend like to a goulden fhoure, 
 
 Into her Virgin-lap, there ftraight I fpide 
 
 The tempting Omphale, and on one fide, 
 
 Her wanton fifter, on the other, faire 
 
 Alcinous daughter, courted for her haire 
 
 By great Apollo : but below her foote, 
 
 Sat Hercles fpinning, fhe enioynd him too't. 
 
 Here I beheld the nimble Satyres dance 
 
 The Druids fung, the water-Sea-nimphs praunce, 
 
 Ore the delicious Mede : there was the Queene 
 
 Of Amorous meetings pictur'd as fh'ad beene 
 
 Taking a greene-gowne (many fuch there are) 
 
 Of Mars that Martiall Enginer of warre. 
 
 Heere Vulcane lay, poore Cuckold as he was, 
 
 And faw them mating on the greeny graffe, 
 
 Yet durft fay nought, how many fuch there be, 
 
 That fee enough, but dare not fay they fee ? 
 
 Sweet heart (quoth fhe) and frnild, feeing me eye 
 
 This picture more then any one was nie, 
 
 Leaue me the fhadow, to the fubftance goe, 
 
 What thou now feeft, let louers action know, 
 
 He be thy Venus, pretty Ducke I will, 
 
 And though leffe faire, yet I haue farre more skill, 
 
 In Loues affaires : for if I Adon had, 
 
 As 
 
The Ciuill Deiull. 45 
 
 As Venus had : I could haue taught the lad. 
 To haue beene farre more forward then he was, 
 And not haue dallied with fo apt a laffe. (be 
 
 Come, come (my youngling) though I nere could 
 Immodeft yet, He mow my felfe to thee, 
 A laffe of mettal : Come, in faith thou fhalt, 
 Thou'rt Mars, I Venus, he that limping halt, 
 My PW<:##-hufband, pox on't he is gone, 
 And I my felfe as defolate alone, 
 Will entertaine thee : I in manlike fhape, 
 Being a man, a man fhould imitate. 
 Protefted I would doe, yet had no power, 
 For who can deale fo ably with a whore, 
 Or with fo free-bred actions, fince I know, 
 None can affection with election show, 
 Sincerely or entirely, but whofe ftrife, 
 S'transform'd from wanton action to a wife 
 Of modeft action : this is me can doe, 
 And euery night has new conceits to wooe, 
 Though (he be won, las what is wooing then, 
 Since wooing, winning, be fmall change in men ? 
 Who knowes not whores affection purchaf'd foon, 
 And that they are not fooner woo'd then wonne ? 
 Or as the world goes, for its more common, 
 Women woe men more oft then men woe women. 
 Hence nature feemes to haue transform'd vs quite, 
 Conuerting day vnto a drerie night, 
 Vertue to vice, a good-names eminence, 
 Expof'd to fhame, and publique impudence. 
 
 Once 
 
46 The Ciuill Diuell. ' 
 
 Once women knew a blufhing fhame-faftneffe, 
 
 But now a blufh is leaft that they expreffe ; 
 
 Vnleffe for fhame of hairing done fome ill 
 
 They feare is known, which they would fhadow ftil, 
 
 Shine brighteft heauen (if thou wilt deigne to fhine, 
 
 And with thy beames difpell this hideous crime, 
 
 Which now (protection has) : curbe them, that call 
 
 Such finnes as veniall, Venereall. 
 
 Let not an He of an Angelicke name 
 
 Expofe her glory to the houfe of fhame : 
 
 Let not thofe many Tropheies of her worth 
 
 Loofe their renowne or honour in our birth. 
 
 Let not faire Albion, flil'd from cliffes fo white, 
 
 Change Vertues day ftar to a vicious night 
 
 Let not thofe many conquefts fhe hath got 
 
 Seeme now depreft, as if remembred not. 
 
 Let not our peace (like Haitian daies) be tane 
 
 From vs and ours and giuen to other men : 
 
 Let not this facred Vine which planted is 
 
 In Albion, fhaken be by wantonneffe. 
 
 Let not our plenty and aboundant ftore 
 
 Occafion be that we fhould finne the more : 
 
 Let not our Realme vnite, diuide that loue 
 
 Which we fhould beare vnto the King aboue : 
 
 Let not our want of wars inuafion bring vs 
 
 A luft-full war encountring within vs. 
 
 Let not thofe manie bleffings we receiue, 
 
 Make vs interre our honour in our graue. 
 
 Let not our feafons yeerly fruitfulneffe 
 
 Produce in vs a loathed barrannefle. 
 
 Let 
 
The Ciuill Diuell. 47 
 
 Let not thofe many ftrange confpiracies 
 
 Which heauen preuented, clofe our thankleffe eyes, 
 
 Let not our being make vs not to be, 
 
 For God is God and will auenged be. 
 
 He feemes fome time to fleepe and fuffer all, 
 
 But calls at laft for vfe and principall. 
 
 Many, I know, there be of crimes that's ill, 
 
 Drawne from the fource of our depraued will, 
 
 But of all crimes that euer were or be, 
 
 "None in this He claimes more impunity. 
 
 A purple fin (for who will not allow it) 
 
 Since purple-fathers oft-times go vnto it ? 
 
 The Citties Elders (which though they reproue) 
 
 They doe but chaftice what themfelues do loue. 
 
 Statifts haue lou'd it too : but marke (my friend) 
 
 For all their ftate they had a loathfome end, 
 
 Like ftinking Herod, loth'd Hertogenes, 
 
 Crook't Damocles, lowfie Pherecides ; 
 
 All thefe experience had of this f ovule euill, 
 
 And could defcribe too-well a ciuell Diuell. 
 
 The 
 
4 8 
 
 The Authors Morall to his 
 Ciuell Diuell. 
 
 COme Nouice, come, fee here the fall of youth, 
 Begun in pleafure, but wouen vp in rueth : 
 See what occurrents meete the heires of fhame, 
 Where end is pouerty, and cloz'd ill-name ? 
 See what the fruits be of licentious fin 
 That end in woe as they in heate begin ? 
 See painted .SW07-apples faire to th'eye, 
 But being tutcht they perifh inftantly. 
 See, fee a wanton Mere-mayd, that does fmg, 
 To bring youths crazie backe to ruining. 
 See Vertue in pretence, but vice in deed, 
 See Harlots action in a Matrons weede : 
 See damned Factors who their trafficke make, 
 Not for their foule but for the diuels fake. 
 See my coach't Lady hurried long the ftreet, 
 Cafting her lufts-eyes on who s'ere (he meet : 
 See, fee her cerus cheeke, made to delight 
 Her apple-fquire, or wanton Marmofite. 
 See, fee her braided haire, her paps laide out, 
 Which witnefle how (he 'le do when fhe's put to 't 
 O fee (he likes vpon th'condition well, 
 So Jhe may coached bejhe'legoe to hell, 
 And willingly : fee, fee adulterate golde, 
 In valew word, yet is the deereft folde. 
 See Albions curfe, Youths gulph, Heires mifery, 
 Our Countries (hame, foules ftaine, earths vanity. 
 
 "O 
 
The Ciuill Dentil. 49 
 
 O Sunne reflect thy gould on my pale Moone, 
 And let this Dathans braunch be rooted foone, 
 Out of this flourie ifle : O let not this 
 (So hideous a crime) eclipfe the bliffe 
 Which Britaine now poffeffeth, may my penne, 
 Be fteeped now in wormewood, that fuch men 
 As haue beene 'erft delighted, now may be, 
 Wain'd from that land-opprefling miferie. 
 And you (damn'd proftitutes) that pawn your name, 
 Making a triuiall may-game of your fhame ; 
 Bed-broaking lechers, Breakers of ill ware, 
 For many fuch bafe factors now there are) 
 Heare me fpit out my malice : May you Hue, 
 Till you haue nought to take, nor none to giue, 
 For your ore-iaded pleafure : may you Hand 
 Banifht for euer in this Fruitfull land, (power) 
 
 Which fares the worfe (and that by Heauens high 
 For giuing harbour to an odious whoore. 
 May you detefted liue, inteftate die, 
 And as I doubt not make your Tragedy 
 By death more wofull : may your vlcerous skin, 
 As it beares here the marks of your fowle fin : 
 Like to the lewes as they did earft appeare, 
 Who in their fore parts circumcifed were) 
 Be circumcis'd : that after times may Jhew, 
 There was f mall difference twixt the whore and I ewe. 
 And you poore haire brain'd youths that doe begin 
 To neftle in thefe lothfome fmkes of fin ; 
 You that fpend fubftance, heritance and all, 
 Becomming fubiect to a doubtful fall : 
 
 E You 
 
5O The Ciuill Diuell. 
 
 You that are fent to praftife ftudious arts, 
 
 But leauing them, betake to worfer parts 
 
 Your vnfledg'd fancies : heare me, and you'le fay, 
 
 It feemes he wifht vs well another day. 
 
 Flie the ftrange woman, let her wanton looke, 
 
 Be vnto you as fome experientft booke ; 
 
 Prefcribing cures for ftrange difeafes be 
 
 As if you did not note, or did not fee 
 
 Her fin-alluring motiues : if fhe fmile 
 
 Confter it thus : this wanton would beguile 
 
 With her affe6led feeming, if fhe play 
 
 With her light capring foote, or bid you flay 
 
 (So brazen fac't is fin) away from thence, 
 
 Taxe, but affecl: not, her loth'd impudence. 
 
 If fhe fhew modeftie (as well fhe may) 
 
 For whoores haue change of faces euery daie 
 
 Vicing new fafhions : you may confter thus, 
 
 It is a painted but no natiue blufh. 
 
 If fhe proteft (beleeue not what fhe fayth) 
 
 For there's no whore but can difpenfe with fayth : 
 
 If fhe inuite you to fome dainty feaft 
 
 Be not entreated, leaft like Circes beaft, 
 
 You be transform'd from that fame forme diuine 
 
 Vnto the beftiall nature of a fwine, 
 
 If fhe allure thee to fome wanton fport 
 
 In that fhe moues you to it, care not for't 
 
 Let S'. foote be (fuch follies luft affoord) 
 
 " For faireft play is euer aboue boord. 
 
 Redart not eyes with her : if fhe looke red 
 
 Say its her guilt, if pale diftempored 
 
 With 
 
The cinell Diuell. 5 1 
 
 With fome lafciuipus paflion : if conceipt 
 
 Be pregnant in her, fweare its but deceipt 
 
 To draw thee on : if fullen, it may be thought 
 
 Her weight of fin has that diffraction wrought. 
 
 If fhe difcourfe, its but fome whorifh tale 
 
 That fhe perchance has purchas't by retaile ; 
 
 If filent, 't may be thought (he's plotting ill, 
 
 And that's the caufe her oily tongue is ftill : 
 
 If feeming modeft, vertuous or precife, 
 
 Its her diffembling, making her lufts eyes 
 
 Like Bafilisks (who naturally haue 
 
 Defire to kill, where they do feeme to faue.) 
 
 If hope of meanes : fie, let no Generous minde, 
 
 Stoope to fo bafe a lure, as be inclin'de, 
 
 To buy a ftipend at fo deare a rate, 
 
 " As gage a foule, to get a little ftate. 
 
 If difcontent : this is no remedie 
 
 Vnto thy griefe, but ads to miferie : 
 
 For who (through difcontent) goes to a Whoore, 
 
 Muft needs be more defected then before. 
 
 If an enforced marriage (as who can) 
 
 Tafte flill the fweete of comforts, being man : 
 
 This is no way to eafe thy troubled head, 
 
 To make thy felfe adulterize thy Bed. 
 
 If to fpend time : how ill is that fpent time, 
 
 Which adds vnto that great accompt of thine 
 
 Thoufands of accufations ? where thy looke 
 
 Shall beare record (if wanton) in that booke, 
 
 Where all our actions duely written be 
 
 From youth to man, to Age from infancy : 
 
 E 2 If 
 
52 The Ciuill Diuell. 
 
 If for acquaintance (as oftimes we heare) 
 The greateft men are moft acquainted there ; 
 Thou feeks amiffe, for what's acquaintance worth, 
 By birth borne great, to baftardife their birth. 
 If to obferue new fafhions, tricks not knowne 
 Before of thee : 'lafle thofe muft needs be growne 
 Quite out of fafhion, when there's none that vfe the 
 Saue Pandors, Bawds, & whoors that ftil abufe them. 
 If to be deem'd a Turne-ball roring lad, 
 Of all the ftraines that be there's none fo bad : 
 " Thefe glorie in deformed fhapes, and third 
 After that guize which doth befeeme them worft : 
 But wouldft thou know them ? then attend to me, 
 (And I in few words will defcribe them thee. 
 Their peak't-mouchatoes bodkinwife oppofe 
 Each other, and ftand brauing of their nofe : 
 They're bluftering boyes, and whatfoe're befall, 
 If they be three to one they'le haue the wall. 
 They haue a mint of oaths, yet when they fweare, 
 Of death and murder, there 's fmall danger there : 
 Bufife-yerkins fay their fouldiers, (but's not fo,) 
 For they were preft indeed but durft not goe. 
 They weare a Cutler's-fhop euer about them : 
 Yet for all that we need not greatly doubt them. 
 For tak't from me by this you foon'ft may know the, 
 They weare the defperat'ft blades, yet dare not draw 
 They're Panders by profeflion, men that get (them. 
 A flauifh meanes out of a feruile wit : 
 They're euer foaking of a pipe, whofe fmoake 
 Makes them contort & wreath their wainskot look 
 
 To 
 
The Ciuill Diuell. 53 
 
 To euery fafhion, they are monftrous proud, 
 
 And what-foere they fpeake they fweare its good : 
 
 They neuer goe to Church, vnlefle it be 
 
 To man their whore, or for formalitie. 
 
 They are and are not : feeming men by fight, 
 
 But beafts, becomming flaues to appetite : 
 
 Their walke is not where Vertue hath recourfe, 
 
 (For to difcourfe of Vertue is a curfe) 
 
 To Roring-boyes : their Rende-voue's Tibb Calles 
 
 Her fhrowd their fhrine, their walk's in Garden-allies 
 
 Doft fee thefe (youngling) ? pray thee fee and mark, 
 
 A whore enticing, and a god-leffe fharke 
 
 Attending her, haue a good eye to him, 
 
 Pray thee beware he's inftrument of fmne : 
 
 Goe not along, let my aduife enforce, 
 
 Leaft thou returne (my boy) by weeping crofle. 
 
 Let not, 6 let not moment of delight, 
 
 Depriue thy foule of her internall light, 
 
 Shame not thy eye of reafon with expence 
 
 Of ill fpent time, expos'd to th'vfe of fence. 
 
 Thy form's Diuine, no fading, vading flower : 
 
 O let not then th'embraces of a whore 
 
 Captiue thy iudgement, but as thou doft take 
 
 Thy Great Creators forme, fo for his fake, 
 
 Referue thy Temple (if thou'le Hue with him, 
 
 To be for Syon, not for place of Sinne. 
 
 E 3 The 
 
54 
 
 The occafion of this Epigram proceeded 
 from the rejlraint of the Author, who in the 
 iujlnes of his caufe (like Zenophons Sparrow) 
 fled for refuge : to the worthily ejleemed, the 
 
 Right Worfhipfull RICH. HVTTON, 
 
 Sergeant at Lawe : to whofe protection the 
 
 retired Author commends his Epi- 
 
 gramme entitled. 
 
 friend, ) 
 itti end. j 
 
 HIS CATCH. 
 
 ( Singing my catch, if you be not my friend, 
 | For all my catch, I Jhall be catcht itti 
 
 NOt in a durance fuite remaine I here, 
 Yet in a fuite like durance hemm'd with feare 
 Retir'd I am : confinement makes me thrall 
 Vnto my felfe, which grieues me moft of all : 
 If I but fee the fhadow of a man. 
 Or th' tinkling of a Braziers copper pan, 
 I feare a Sergeant, fhadow faies its he, 
 And th'Brazier faies, fuch like his buttons be, 
 
 Where 
 
His Catch. 55 
 
 Where (hall I flie to ? 'laffe I know not where : 
 
 For Milford-\a.n.G. is growne too monftrous deere. 
 
 No, there I muft not goe ; for know you how 
 
 That place is ftil'd ? The Gallants Randa-uou. 
 
 Well, fome-where I muft flie : O now I fee't : 
 
 Philofophers fay ; heate is expel'd by heate. 
 
 Moifture by moifture ; Colds extremity 
 
 By cold, deriu'd from pafllons natiuely 
 
 Concurring in vs : if this then be trew, 
 
 Who fhould I flie to (Sir ?) but vnto you 
 
 That are a Sergeant, and has power to place 
 
 Your God-fonne free from any Sergiants Mace ? 
 
 To you ile flie purfu'de by impudence, 
 
 (A Courtiers garbe) crauing fafe refidence 
 
 Vnder your wings : and know (kinde Sir) from me, 
 
 To doe for Orphanes its a charity. 
 
 Little I am poffeft of well you know, 
 
 And of that little, little doe I owe 
 
 To any man : yet for all this am I, 
 
 Made a fit obie<5l for a Sergeants eie. 
 
 I could not beg if that my caufe were bad, 
 
 But to disburfe for that I neuer had. 
 
 Nor anie for me, 'laffe it feemes to me, 
 
 The caufe might pleade it felfe without a fee. 
 
 Pray Sir (at leaft) if th Courtier needes will craue it, 
 
 Let him purfue fuch, where 'has hope to haue it : 
 
 For me theres none : but this his wit God wot 
 
 To fue his bond, wheres nothing to be got, 
 
 Yet for the reputation which I beare 
 
 To my vnblemifht credit, I muft feare 
 
 Not 
 
56 His Catch. 
 
 Not our iuft caufe, nor any fuch pretence, 
 
 But brazen-face, and guilded confcience. 
 
 " For dangers felt are worfe then others feard, 
 
 " Which makes me now conceald which once appeared. 
 
 'Laffe Sir, my ftudies cannot brooke reftraint, 
 
 " Since times obferuance giues me argument. 
 
 Of writing what I write : fo fmal's the flore 
 
 Of La'er I haue, that if I knew not more 
 
 By obferuation, then by reading, men 
 
 Might iuftly fay, I knew not what I pen. 
 
 But luftice whofe pure eie lookes euer right, 
 
 And can admit of none that cloudes her fight, 
 
 Will fhield my caufe : its trues I know (he will, 
 
 Yet in meane time I am be-leagred ftill, 
 
 With thefe injurious burres, thefe tenterhookes, 
 
 That euen af right me with their gajlly looks. 
 
 Thefe engines of defpaire, agents of euill, 
 
 Factors for Mammon, Viceroyes for the diuell 
 
 Thefe that lay hold like bird lime : thefe be they, 
 
 That muft be foundly brib'd, or we muft pay ; 
 
 I haue no hope then but your vertuous felfe 
 
 To faue my crafie veffel from this fhelfe, 
 
 Or (hip-wrack rather, and fo fure am I 
 
 Of your befthelpe, that I fee fafety 
 
 Appearing midft of daunger : for my truft 
 
 So well repof 'd in one that is fo iuft, 
 
 Cannot be fruftrate, but muft needes receiue 
 
 What you may graunt, and I may iuftly haue. 
 
 And well I know that a6lions of this kinde, 
 
 Keepe bed concordance with your generous minde, 
 
 Whofe 
 
His Catch. 57 
 
 Whofe natiue vertues haue been ftill expreft, 
 In giuing breath to caufes that are beft. 
 A great prerogatiue, as't feemes to me, 
 Haue you ore fuck as onely take their fee, 
 Witthout obferuance or difcuflion had, 
 Of what the caufe is : whether good or bad. 
 Thefe like to fpiders, weaue ore iuftice throne 
 A web, to make their actions lie vnknowne, 
 But all in vaine : their vices time defcries : 
 For time has many eares and many eies. 
 Ripe was his wit, and well he vnderftood, 
 Who rouf 't ' Wejlminfter Hal with I rim wood. 
 That Iuftice there profeft', mould like appeare, 
 Suffring no venemous creature to come neere 
 Her sacred throne : no k Spider, worme, nor moth, 
 But that like vertue mould accrew to both. 
 Which makes me mufe : fith Irifh wood can mow, 
 Such pure effects, why Ireland does not fee, 
 O no it were too much to be the fame, 
 In title, temper nature, and in name. 
 But whither wanders my confined Mufe ? 
 Lament thine owne, care not for times abufe, 
 It yields thee matter ro expreffe thy fpleene, 
 Which otherwife would be extinguifh't cleane. 
 
 1 Rufusfmi/hing the Jlately building of Weftminfter hall, 
 found fault for being built too little, faying it was fitter for 
 a chamber, then a Hall for a King of England ; taking a plot 
 for one more fpacious to be added vnto it. 
 
 k This peculiar vertue the fuperftitious Iri/h haue afcriled 
 to the power of Saint Patrick. 
 
58 His Catch. 
 
 Thou mai'ft retire, ther's one will fee thee pla'ft 
 In fafe repofe, till all thefe ftormes be paft : 
 Which paft, may I my conning quite forget, 
 If better numbers doe not defcant it. 
 
 From me and mine 
 to you and yours, 
 From time to time 
 our praters like Jhowers 
 
 Diffufed be 
 
 inceffantlie. 
 
 Your worths obferuer 
 
 R. B. 
 
59 
 
 TO MY APPROVED FRIEND 
 
 T. P. in the condud; of my arreft- 
 
 f earing Epigram his beft 
 
 of Wifhes. 
 
 IF any Sergeant fliould my lines foreftale, 
 Before they fee my Patron enter bayle. 
 
 Ibid. Where fay, 
 
 How Night by Night in feuerall roomes I lye, 
 And that my lines haue farre more Aer then I. 
 
 An 
 
6o 
 
 An Epigramme called the 
 Honeft Lawyer. 
 
 SPrightly my mufe, fpeake like the fon of thunder 
 And with a full mouth, ring out Albions wonder : 
 No Sujfex Dragon, no Virginian, 
 But of a Lawer that's an Honeft man. 
 Whofe definition if you wifh to know, 
 Is a blacke Swan, faire Moore, or milke-white Crow. 
 He takes no fees, till he conceiue the caufe, 
 Nor with an Oyly bribe annoints his iawes. 
 He wants the vfe of feeling, feares Heauens curfe, 
 Strings not his confcience with his Clients purfe. 
 Hee'l not be tongue-tide, but for luftice fake, 
 He feekes to earne the mony he does take. 
 He hates aequiuocation and delay, 
 Nor will he make his Threed-bare Client flay 
 For his difpatch : he will not haue his fee, 
 Till he difcuffe the caufes equity. 
 His Judgement will not vaile to wind nor wether, 
 Nor is his confcience made of retching lether. 
 His eye's on luftice, nor will euer he 
 Banke-rupt his foule, t' enrich pofterity. 
 
 His 
 
The honeft Lawyer. 6 1 
 
 His tongue's no time-obferuer, made to pleafe, 
 His fift is fhut from taking double fees. 
 He will not forge a lye, nor wreft the fence, 
 Of law or right, for any faire pretence. 
 He will not backe his Clyent, or maintaine 
 An vniuft fuit, to reape a priuate gaine. 
 He fpeakes and ftands too't, nor is forry for't, 
 Though he by fpeaking truth, incenfe the Court. 
 He hates corruption, nor has euer fould, 
 His peace of Confcience, for a peece of gold. 
 He loues no perfumes, nor is one of thofe, 
 Whofe peak't mouchatoes fkirmifh with their nofe. 
 His beard's not flarcht, he has no fubtile fconce, 
 Nor Ianus-\\\& lookes he ten waies at once. 
 His Eare is neuerfhut to poore mens mones, 
 His Coach-wheele is not made of Clients bones, 
 His Confcience nere did ought that needs relenting 
 Or ' ere made Clients pay for his wiues painting. 
 His foule was neuer foild by corrupt dealing, 
 Nor ftands he on a veluet gowne at fealing. 
 His face was nere at Braziers, nor his skin 
 Sy-fambris-\\\iQ was hung vp to be feene. (can. 
 
 His tongue fpeakes truth, makes peace where ere he 
 This Lawer muft be needs an hone/I man. 
 It's true, he muft : but where now fhall we finde 
 This man : I feare theres none left of his kind. 
 
 e For my pretty tooth-picker, the Criticke Lawyer, who ftands 
 on the puntylio of his honour, I am by Martialls meanes proui- 
 ded of armour. 505. Epig. 
 
 Carper e caufidicus fertur mea carmina: quijit 
 
 Nefcio : f. fciero, we tili, caufidice. 
 
 Yes 
 
62 A Satyr e. 
 
 Yes one I know, and more there be no doubt 
 But that my dull pate cannot find them out, 
 Who's truely honeft : Whom you may difcerne, 
 You Clients you, that vifit this throng Terme, 
 By no example in our Albion more, 
 Then by my Patron in my Catch before. 
 Aske you me why? Experience tells it me, 
 " None 0f s ProfeJJion honejler then he. 
 
 Vpon a Patron, who was at home, and 
 
 yet abroad', in the City, and yet in the 
 
 Countrey : feene, and not to bee 
 
 feene : in any place, but where 
 
 lie was, and as foone to be found 
 
 where he was not, as 
 
 where lie was. 
 
 A good Patrons Anagram : is 
 Patren. Anag. Parent. 
 
 An euill ones 
 Patrone. Anag. Rope arit. 
 
 A Satyre. 
 
 r 1 ^Here is a Patron, to exprefle his name, 
 
 J_ I thinke it needleffe, for you may conie<5lure, 
 Who tis by dumbe fhowes : yet He reade a Lecture, 
 Vpon's Anatomy : " He thinks no fhame 
 To be at home, yet to deny the fame, 
 By one of 's Pander porters : he is proud 
 
 Of 
 
A Satyre. 63 
 
 Of a new Title giuen him, yet it's ftale, 
 Knight-hood I wifh : for's fpeech he fpeaks a tale, 
 With a Beere-brewers Grace, as for his bloud, 
 He faies he can deriu't from Robin hood, 
 And his May-Marian, and I thinke he may, 
 For's Mother plaid May-Marian tother day. 
 
 If a rich country-Boore come to prefent him, 
 With Pigge or Goofe, he fhall no fooner come, 
 But the gate's open, and the Knight's at home, 
 Where the Dog-fawning Knight will queftion him, 
 Why he from's houfe has fo long abfent beene ? 
 Yet tother day, a Poet whom he lou'd, 
 At leaft protefted fo : knocking at's gate, 
 Was full two houres enforced there to waite, 
 And ftill he ftaid to find his loue approu'd, (mou'd, 
 Till th'Brazen head fpake, through a cafement 
 (The Knight I meane) but feeing who it was, 
 I'me not at home (quoth he) good Poet paffe. 
 
 An 
 
6 4 
 
 An Epigram in Curium Lampetram : 
 A Cafhierd Courtier. 
 
 CVrius Lampetra, (as he doth confefle) 
 For he was t'ane i'th nicke, o'th bufmefle, 
 Ha's done, foone done, God wot, a worthy deede, 
 Setting the Courts wreath on the Cities head : 
 But for his wreath, before one Terms demurre, 
 He was degraded of his Courtly fpurre. 
 (True badge of Honour) and from that time fwore, 
 Nere to approach the Cities confines more. 
 What fhould he doe ? the Citie was his gaine, 
 For poore Lampetra nere had courtly ftraine ; 
 But apifh imitation, whofe fmall force 
 Made him admired, like an Hobby-horfe. 
 And yet they fay, he had a wit at will : 
 Running like the rundell of a blind horfe-mill. (fet 
 Could fweare an oath, could fome at mouth could 
 His words in fuftian, and could runne in debt, 
 Could skrew his face, could moralize a fable, 
 Yet nere read ^Efop, fit at Duke Humfreys Table, 
 Could walke a turne in Pau/es, could talke of Spaine, 
 Yet nere was there, and then come home againe. 
 Why this is courtly, and this he could doe, 
 Yea but Lampetra knew not how to woe. 
 Not wooe ? why he could kifle, and as they fmg 
 I'th ballad too, he could doe tother thing. 
 " A Pox thats true : But fhall I tell thee why 
 She told all out ? he did fo fcuruily : 
 
 As 
 
A Satyre. 65 
 
 " As at the very inftant when theyre taine, 
 Shee faid (poore foole) put vp thy pipe againe, 
 For fuch a Fidler is farre worfe then none, 
 That plaies on ftill, yet has no ftroake but one. 
 But prethee fay, what fhall Lampetra doe ? 
 (As other Courtiers) make a foolifh fhow 
 Of what they haue not : no, it is decreed, 
 Being boorifli bred, he muft with boores goe, feede 
 On huskes and hawes ; and that he may retaine 
 Some courtly garbe, his ruins to maintaine 
 Ith Country muft this rufticke fwaine be plaft, 
 To purchafe pardons, when the Judgement's paft : 
 Or he may finde a * Giant at S* Bees 
 And with his fight get money if he pleafe. 
 
 * Vt in antiquiffimis Monumentis in Monafterio SainSt. Bees, ab 
 inclyto eo generofijj'. viro, Qui in hune diem cuius opibus pre- 
 ctpue Alalaftreis verfatur, nuperrime compertus Juit ; et prope 
 Epijlomium in Fleetftreet, pullice ojieiifum, &c. 
 
 An 
 
66 
 
 An Embleme writte vnto a Gentleman, 
 who entreated the Author to diftinguijh 
 
 twixt Rome and roome. 
 
 YOu mou'd me fir, next time I chanc't to come, 
 For to diftinguifh betwixt Rome and roome, 
 Which I haue done : and to the full I hope, 
 Rome being as farre from roome, as Peter Pope. 
 For wherefoere I am, wherefoere I come, 
 I muft haue roome, yet that I hope's not Rome. 
 So whenfoere I fee Saint Peters chaire, 
 I doe inferre, a Saint Peter has beene there. 
 But that Saint Peters heyre is now at Rome. 
 Though he be there, He fay it's not his roome. 
 Peter Romes piller, Cater piller he, 
 Whofe roome I loue more then his company. 
 
 a For we read that in the fecond yeare of Claudius reigne. 
 Peter the Apoftle came to Rome, and there remained 30. 
 yeares after, yet fome diffent from this opinion, &c. 
 
 En 
 
EN TRES EXCEL 
 
 lentifsimo Phantafto Mariano 
 
 del Caftello, equiti tres illuftriffimo 
 feptentrionali. 
 
 Fades rare horned Dicke. 
 An Anagram included in the Satyre. 
 
 FAdes my rare horned Dicke ? 6, out a cry, 
 His homes bud out, and gall him greeuoufly, 
 What remedy ? faith patience : which appeares 
 In's wife, whofe patience, many burden beares. 
 Then he may learne of her : it's true, you fay, 
 And therefore plyes his hornebooke day by day. 
 
 F2 
 
 Ana- 
 
68 
 
 Anagramma. 
 How Riches freed 1 d adorne a gull? 
 
 Epigram. 
 
 Wife is that Foole, that hath his coffers full. 
 And Riches freed adorne the veriejl Gull. 
 Yet but vncafe the AJ/e, and youjhallfee, 
 An Affe isftill an AJfe, andfo is he. 
 
 An Epigram vpon the Anagram, Dedi- 
 cated to the Mirrour of true Excellency, his 
 much admired (though vnacquainted) friend, 
 
 Don MORIANO DELL CASTELLO, 
 To whom the Author wifhes many cheer- 
 full daies, delightful! nights with his 
 his late efpoufed Mi/lreffe, whofe 
 imparalelld Vertues hee hath 
 prefumed to illujlrate in 
 
 Thefe his impolifht (yet affectionate) Poems. 
 
 MOrios Auguftus thou great man of fenfe, 
 That art enftil'd with beft of Excellence. 
 
 To 
 
To Phanta/lo Mariano. 69 
 
 To thee I write : yet doe I not know how, 
 T expreffe thy worth, or with apparant (how, 
 Of thy demerits blaze thee as thou fhould, 
 Yet know (braue northerne fpirit) that I would, 
 Doe full as much as any, if my Art 
 Were but of equall valew with my heart 
 For thou art he amongft all other men, 
 That giues a fubiect to the freeft pen, 
 And canft define true honour by degree, 
 Drawne from the beft, yet inftanced in thee. 
 Mount thee (refolued Heroe) that thy Fame, 
 May be a wreath to Morianos Name. 
 Shine bright, like Eos with his beamy face, 
 Whofe pretious Mantle, fring'd with fome gold lace, 
 Made all the paffengers admire his worth, 
 Defcending from Heauens Court, to lighten earth. 
 I know thou canft doe this, for I haue feene 
 Euen in a place, where many more haue beene, 
 And haue obferu'd thee, galloping thy round, 
 Making low Congees, till thou kiffe the ground 
 With lip of thy humility, and then 
 Putting thy foote in ftirrop once againe, 
 Mounted thy barbed fteed, then with thy hand, 
 Straking thy horfes creft to make him ftand. 
 Who proud on's burden, frolick'd in his ftay, 
 And with a neighing ftomacke trac'd the way. 
 Faire fall thee formall Gallant that haft force, 
 To tame the courage of a head-ftrong horfe, 
 Difplaying refolution in thy eye 
 Courtfhip in cloths, in fpeech propriety. 
 
 F 3 In 
 
7<3 To PJzantaflo Moriano. 
 
 In gefture admiration, in thy looke 
 
 An Orbe of fafhions, or a Table-booke. 
 
 Of new-inuented features : in thy forme, 
 
 Such exquifite perfections as adorne 
 
 Natures beft Mirror, O but that I doubt, 
 
 By fpeaking of thy worth, I fhall be out 
 
 I could epitomize each fpeciall thing, 
 
 Thy birth, thy worth, thy wooing, fonnetting. 
 
 Yet for thy loue-fake (whatfoere befall) 
 
 I will fpeake fomthing, though I fpeake not all. (net 
 
 Mongft which my Mufe records that amorous fon- 
 
 Which who will not admire, that looks vpon it, 
 
 Writ to that faire Alicia now behight, 
 
 The chaft-vow'd wife vnto an honor'd Knight : 
 
 Where with loues paflions, thou fo well did fhow it, 
 
 That none could thinke thee letter then a Poet 
 
 Apt in thy words, in thy dimenfions rare, 
 
 Thy Figures proper, and thy motions faire. 
 
 Art could not fhow, or euer yet bring forth, 
 
 So farre fetcht ftraines inuented fo farre North. 
 
 Now of her Beauty wouldft thou Comment make, 
 
 And vow to take ftrange labours for her fake : 
 
 Then to induce her loue (by meanes moft fit) 
 
 Thou wouldft commend the promptnes of her wit, 
 
 Protefting by the aery powers aboue, 
 
 (As who ere lou'd would not proteft they loue ?) 
 
 Noe fpeech ere Pallas fpake merits more praife, 
 
 Then what thy Miftreffe Dere Alicia faies. 
 
 Then wouldft thou defcant of her rubie lippe, 
 
 (Though thou had neuer lucke to taft of it) 
 
 Then 
 
To Phantafto Moriano. 7 1 
 
 Then of her pure complexion which did praife 
 It felfe, not as complexions now adaies. 
 Then of her louely quallities which might be 
 Styled the Eccoes of heauens harmonic. 
 Then of her vertues fo diuine, fo rare, 
 As they furpaft the reft aboue compare. 
 All this thou didft to fhew her eminence, 
 More grac't by thee being ftil'd his excellence. 
 And faire thy loue had ended as begun, 
 If that a Web had not thy loues web fpun. 
 Great Northerne Atlas, what can I fay more, 
 Then of thy merits hath been faid tofore. 
 At leaft obferu'd ? for many men doe fee, 
 And know it well I write but truth of thee. 
 O that times records Ihould be fo portraide, 
 In leaues of braffe, that what was done or faid, 
 In auncient ages, fhould fo well difplay, 
 Their full euents, as done but t'other day. 
 Whileft thy renowme great mirrour of the North, 
 Showne in our time, wants one to fet it foorth, 
 " Whereas its no leffe glory to a Crowne, 
 
 To haue Authors then haue A6lors of renowne. 
 Yet fhall not vertue fo obfcured bee, 
 Nor thofe accompliflit parts appeare in thee. 
 Lie rak't in Afhes : No great Marios heire, 
 Thou fhalt not Hue as though there nothing were, 
 Worthy pofterity ; its I will write, 
 Though far vnfitting for fo great a light 
 My beft of thee, that art the beft of man, 
 " He does not ill that does the bcft he can. 
 
 F 4 Accept 
 
72 To Phantafto Moriano. 
 
 Accept it needes thou muft, how er't be done, 
 
 Being thy Fathers God-fonne, thou his fonne. 
 
 But of all vertues that attend on thee, 
 
 There's none that equals thy humilitie. 
 
 Yet fo as thou art generous with all, 
 
 A ftile that does adorne thee moft of all. 
 
 Vnto thy humble fpirit annex't there is, 
 
 Another foueraigne vertue, Patience ; 
 
 Or the enduring of an iniurie : 
 
 Which of all others is obferu'd in thee. 
 
 Thou wilt not fnuffe if one correct thee : no, 
 
 Nor hardly aske him why he wrong'd thee fo. 
 
 Thou wilt not anfwere to thine owne disgrace, 
 
 Nor taxe the man that turdefies thy face, 
 
 Thou wilt not grieue for euery light offence, 
 
 Feare is thy guide, thy Jhield is Patience, 
 
 Thou like a chriftian walkes (God wot) in feare, 
 
 And being boxt will turne the other eare. 
 
 Thou art Gods man, and whatfoe're men fay, 
 
 He is the beft man at the later day. 
 
 Thou art no bluftring boy that walkes the ftreete, 
 
 And bindes a quarrell with who fere he meete. 
 
 Thou art no Haxtar that by nature's giuen, 
 
 To rage on Earth, but nere to raigne in Heauen. 
 
 In briefe, thou art the man that God will chufe, 
 
 Wearing a blade for fafhion more then vfe. 
 
 Nor doe I flatter thee for ne're was I 
 
 Seruile to anie man : but if my eie 
 
 Impartiall in her knowledge feeme to fhow, 
 
 What by obferuance other men doe know, 
 
 And 
 
To Phantafto Mariano. 73 
 
 And haue admir'd, pardon I neede not craue, 
 
 Since I expreffe but what thy merits haue 
 
 Deferu'd : enough. Thy vertues are with beft, 
 
 And little need they to be more expreft, 
 
 Then as they are ? Goe on (my honourd friend) 
 
 And as thou haft begun, fo fairely end. 
 
 Be Fame thy Herauld to blaze forth thy worth, 
 
 Making thee Morios, none fuch vpon earth. 
 
 Be as thou art, and more thou canft not be, 
 
 Since beft of being is included in thee. 
 
 Be thou as hee, to whom all may refort, 
 
 Mufes I meane, and coming thank thee for't. 
 
 Be thou as Cczfar in the Capitall, 
 
 So thou of Morios Caftell Centinell. 
 
 Be as thou art reported, great in wit, 
 
 And fo difereet, as thou mai'ft mannage it. 
 
 Be as thou art, founder of iollitie, 
 
 Grauen in the gold-cup of our Langanbie. 
 
 Be as thou would'ft be, and I wifh no more, 
 
 So time fhall fecond what I write before. 
 But 'laffe poore Mufe haft thou no more to fpeake 
 Of fuch a fubie<5t, (pray thee deare awake) 
 And memorife his name in euery page, 
 From this time forth vnto a following age. 
 No ? what is my wit drawne drie ? or I am tane 
 With fome amazement at a great mans name ? 
 Why thou haft writ of men as great before, 
 
 And haft expreft their actions ore and ore. 
 Turn'th ore their beft of glory, and i'th end, 
 
 So won their hearts, as thou becamft their friend. 
 
 And 
 
74 To PJiantafto Moriano. 
 
 And art thou now growne filent ? cannot he 
 
 That merits beft, receiue like praife of thee ? 
 
 No, no : he cannot ; fo obfcur'de he Hues, 
 
 That though I write but truth, yet who belieues 
 
 A true relation, when we feeme to (how 
 
 A man to men whom they doe hardly know ? 
 
 O then (redoubted fir) let me now end 
 
 This home-bred Sonnet (as a louing friend 
 
 That would perfwade) if you perfwad' would be 
 
 To Ihew your felfe fomething more openlie 
 
 Vnto the world : O fee how men repine, 
 
 That you fo long conceal'd, fhould gull the time, 
 
 Hauing fuch parts, as much adorne your birth, 
 
 Yet has no willing mind to fet them forth. 
 
 What is a lewell worth if euer hid ? 
 
 Or whats a cafed Inftrument in (lead ? 
 
 The luftre of the former is not feene, 
 
 Nor can we know by 'th latter what't does meane. 
 
 For Gemmes and inftruments are knowne by tutch, 
 
 And fuch as fhow them men, we know them fuch. 
 
 With like good will doe I prefent thee thefe, 
 
 As Mopfus (that poor fhepard) fent a cheefe 
 
 Vnto his Phillis : and it came to me 
 
 Once in my minde, to fend the like to thee : 
 
 But for I fear'd (and I haue caufe to feare) 
 
 That you had better cheefe then any here : 
 
 In fteed of bride-cakes, cheefecakes I was tide 
 
 In loue, to fend this prefent to your Bride. 
 
 All haile to Himen and this marriage day : 
 Strow rufhes, and quickly come away. 
 
 Bring 
 
To Phantaflo Moriano. 75 
 
 Bring in your flowers, and giue of each of them 
 
 To fuch as lov'd, and are forfaken men : 
 
 For well I know fo louing is the Bride, 
 
 So curteous and fo liberall befide 
 
 Of her difcreete affection, I dare fay 
 
 None muft depart vnfatisfied away. 
 
 Strew rufhes maides, and euer as you ftrew, 
 
 Thinke one day maides, like will be done for you : 
 
 Strew you, He fmg, or if you like not choife : 
 
 Sing you, He ftrew : you haue the better voice. 
 
 Crowned be thou Queene of loue, 
 By thofe glorious powers aboue : 
 Loue and Bewtie ioyn'd together 
 May they col and kiffe each other, 
 And in midft of their delight, 
 Shew thee pleafure in the night. 
 For where a6ls of loue refort, 
 Longeft nights feeme too too fhort ; 
 May thou fleeping dreame of that, 
 Which thou waking doft partake, 
 That both fleepe and watching may 
 Make the darkeft night feeme day : 
 As a fort befieged reft, 
 Yeelding moft, when feeming left : 
 Or in pleafures may thy fmile 
 Burnifh like the Camomile, 
 Which in verdure is encreft 
 Moft, when it is moft depreft. 
 
 Vertues 
 
76 To PJiantafto Mariano. 
 
 Vertues as they doe attend thee, 
 
 So may foueraigne thoughts defend thee. 
 
 A6ling in thy loue with him, 
 
 Wedlocks actions are no fmne : 
 
 Who in Hymens bands is ioyned, 
 
 And in facred loue combined, 
 
 To remaine euer thine. 
 
 He thy Picture thou his fiirine, 
 
 Thou the mettall he the mint, 
 
 Thou the waxe he the print, 
 
 He the Lant-horne, thou the lampe, 
 
 Thou the bulloine, he the ftampe. 
 
 Thou the figure he the feature ; 
 
 He thy former, thou his creature. 
 
 He the image, legge and limme, 
 
 Thou the mould to caft him in. 
 
 He the plummet thou the center, 
 
 Thou to Ihelter he to enter ; 
 
 Thou the Parke or fhady vale, 
 
 " He the dogge that freth's the pale. 
 
 Hammer he to ftrike alone, 
 
 Anuile thou to beate vpon : 
 
 More I could, but more I will not, 
 
 Since to fpeake more much it skils not ; 
 
 Onely I will here extend 
 
 Th' period of my fpeech as friend ; 
 
 And exprefle what I proteft 
 
 Comes from th' center of my breft, 
 
 That my proteftations may 
 
 Beare record another day. 
 
 Jo 
 
To Phantofto Moriano. 
 
 Id Hymen crowne the night 
 Of thefe Nuptials with delight. 
 
 77 
 
 No more, no more : much honour aie betide, 
 The lofty Bride-groome, and the louely Bride : 
 That their fucceeding dayes and yeeres may fay, 
 Each day appeares like to a mariage day. 
 
 But now retire, darke fhades haue lodg'd the fun, 
 Put vp thy pipes for now thy layes are done. 
 
 Finis Epithalami. 
 
 To the hopefull young Gentle- 
 
 man, and his experienced 'friend \ 
 
 M r . CHEATER. 
 
 ANAGRAMM. 
 TEA CHER. 
 
 Teacher you are, for you haue taught me more, 
 Then I was taught in all my life before. 
 
 A G R AT V L AT O RY Epigram. 
 
 (write 
 
 r I "*O thee (young youth) thefe youngling lines I 
 Jl Stor'd with my beft of wifhes : may delight 
 
 Crowne 
 
78 To Phantajlo Mariano. 
 
 Crowne that long-wifht for Nuptial bed of thine, 
 (Which fhould haue been) if Fate had granted mine 
 With many happy nights : Bleft be my fate, 
 Since what one friend has is communicate 
 Vnto an other, that my loue fhould end, 
 And ending, giue beginning to my friend. 
 But why fay I its ended ? fith by thee, 
 A three-loues fong beares defcant merily. 
 And thus it is : I lou'd her, where thou art, 
 Shee thee, thou mee ; three louers in one heart : 
 Shee thine, thou mine (if mine thou ftil'd may be) 
 Makes her in being thine, efpows'd to me. 
 
 An Embleme which the Author compo 
 
 fed in honour of his Mi/iris, to whom 
 
 he refts euer denoted. 
 
 Allufiuely fhadowing her name in the 
 
 title of the Embleme, which 
 
 hee enftiles : 
 
 His Frankes Anatomie. 
 
 FRanke thy name doth promife much, 
 If thy nature were but fuch : 
 But alaffe what difference growe 
 'Twixt thofe two, I onely know ? 
 
 I alafle 
 
Frankes Anatomie. 79 
 
 I alas that to thy bewtie 
 
 Am deuoted in all dewtie ; 
 
 I that once inuented layes, 
 
 Singing them in Shepheards praife, 
 
 I that once from loue was free 
 
 Till I fell in loue with thee : 
 
 I that neuer yet began 
 
 Trade, to hold my miftris fan ; 
 
 I that neuer yet could knowe, 
 
 Whether loue was high or lowe : 
 
 I that neuer loued was, 
 
 Nor could court a looking-glafle : 
 
 I that neuer knew loues lawe, 
 
 Nor lov'd longer then I fawe ; 
 
 I that knew not what's now common, 
 
 To throw fheep-eyes at a woman : 
 
 I that neuer yet could proue, 
 
 Or make fhew of heartie loue : 
 
 I that neuer broke my fleepe, 
 
 Nor did know what charms did keepe 
 
 Louers eyes : now can tell 
 
 What would pleafe a louer well. 
 
 Shall I tell thee ? yes I will, 
 
 And being tolde : or faue, or kill. 
 
 It would pleafe him, if he might 
 
 Euer liue in's Miftris fight : 
 
 It would pleafe him t' haue the hap, 
 
 But to fleep in 's Miftris lap : 
 
 Or to haue his Miftris faire, 
 
 With her hand to ftroke his haire. 
 
 Or 
 
8o Frankes Anatomic. 
 
 Or to play at foot-S'. with him, 
 
 Or at barly-breake to breathe him ; 
 
 Or to walke a turne or two, 
 
 Or to kiffe, or coll, or woe ; 
 
 Or in fome retired Groue, 
 
 But to parly with his loue. 
 
 Or when none that's iealous fpies, 
 
 To looke babbies in his eyes : 
 
 Or when a6lion ginnes to fayle, 
 
 To fupply it with a tale. 
 
 Venus vnto Vulcane wedde, 
 
 Yet came Mars to Vulcanes bedde : 
 
 He and fhe being both in one, 
 
 Whileft poore Vulcan lies alone ; 
 
 Or if this will not affoord 
 
 loy enough : obferue each bird 
 
 How (he fmgles out her make 
 
 And to him does onely take. 
 
 See their billing each with other, 
 
 (Loue and dallying younc't together) 
 
 Mutuall loue inheres in either, 
 
 Being birds both of one feather ; 
 
 Or if this yeeld no content. 
 
 To refort vnto the plant. 
 
 Which being grafted skilfully, 
 
 Brings forth fruit aboundantly : 
 
 Deeper that the plant's we fee, 
 
 Sooner will it fruitfull be, 
 
 Which (my franke) in modefty, 
 
 Thus I will apply to thee. 
 
 Deeper 
 
Frankes Anatomic. 81 
 
 Deeper that thy loue is fet, 
 More impreflion may it get : 
 Riper fruits then fuch as growe, 
 And are planted fcarce fo lowe : 
 If you aske me what I feeme, 
 By impreflion for to meane, 
 I will tell thee : fuch as thefe, 
 Impreflions onely women pleafe. 
 " Coine for ftampe fake we allowe : 
 So for ftampe fake do we you, 
 Weake's that Euidence you know 
 That has neither feale to fhowe, 
 Stampe, impreflion : fuch (I ken) 
 Are you maydes, not ftampt by men 
 Weake, God wot, for why you take 
 Your perfection from your make : 
 Then if thou defire to be 
 Perfect, haue recourf to me : 
 Or fome other that may giue, 
 What old Adam gaue to Eue, 
 'Laffe its nothing : pray thee take it, 
 Many wifh it that forfake it. 
 But when fhamefull dance is done, 
 They could wifh they had begun 
 Many yeeres before they learnt it, 
 (O how gladly would they earne it ?) 
 But too long, I feeme to ftay, 
 Ere thy beauty I difplay : 
 Spare me fweeteft for my Mufe y 
 Seldome makes fo faire a chufe. 
 
 G Chufe 
 
82 Frankes Anatomic. 
 
 Chufe it Loue what ere it be, 
 Reade thy owne Anatomie. 
 
 Pureft of Ophyr-gold, let me prepare 
 Firft for the choice defcription of thy hayre, 
 Which like the fineft thrids of purple feeme 
 Clere to out-ftrip thofe of the Paphian Queene ; 
 Whofe tender treffes were fo neatly wrought, 
 As Cholcos fleece feem'd to be thither brought, 
 And fure it was, what ere fond Poets fay, 
 And this was th' fleece which lafon tooke away. 
 Delicious Amber is the breath which flowes 
 From thofe perfumed conduits of thy nofe, 
 Thy fmile, a fnare, which tempts the way-ward boy 
 Adon the faire, and bids him leaue to ioy 
 In Forreft pleafures, there's a fruitleffe marke, 
 Hauing more (lore of game within thy parke. 
 Thy lippes (two gates) where loue makes entrie in, 
 And yet fo modeft as nere taxt of finne : 
 Thy cheek, that rofie circlet of pure loue, 
 Refembling neereft that Cajlalian groue ; 
 Where fuch variety of flowers appeare 
 That nought feems good, which is not beter'd there. 
 Thy blufh (pure blufh) Embleme of Chaftitie 
 Bluftiing, yet guiltleffe of ought done by thee 
 Portends a maidens honeft-fpotlefle heart, 
 Hauing thy blufh by nature not by Art. 
 Thy chin (that dimpled mount) which hath laft place 
 Yet giues no leffer bewty to thy face : 
 
 Then 
 
Frankes Anatomic. 83 
 
 Then th' greateft ornament : for it doth (how 
 Like to a pleafant Vale feated belowe 
 Some fteepy Mount : thy chriftall eyes the fount, 
 Thy chin the Vale, thy louely face the Mount 
 
 is not then this feature, boue compare, 
 Where breath is perfume, and pure gold is hayre 
 Where fmiles are fnares, lippes gates of luorie, 
 Cheekes rofes, blufhes types of chaftitie : 
 Where chin a vale, the browe the mount, the face 
 That Soueraigne of the heart, that keeps loues place : 
 Where fhall I looke then, or how fliall I moue 
 Thefe eyes of mine and teach them not to loue ? 
 For if my eyes fhould but thy haire beholde, 
 
 1 muft be forc't to loue for it is golde : 
 If thy delicious breath I chaunce to fip, 
 Being the rofie verdure of thy lip ; 
 
 I deeme my felfe in that fweet perfume bleft 
 
 Much more, in that, worfe breaths be in requeft : 
 
 If thou do fmile, I loue, and wifh the while, 
 
 That I might only liue to fee thee fmile. 
 
 If thou do fpeake (pure Orator) I 'me dumb, 
 
 For why ? thy admiration curbs my tongue. 
 
 If thou but blufh (as maydes are wont to doe) 
 
 My paflions are perplex'd, I wot not how, (pale, 
 
 'Twixt feare and loue : feare makes me wondrous 
 
 Fearing thy blufh came from fome wanton tale. 
 
 Too too immodeft fpoken by my felfe. 
 
 Which to aflbyle lie reprehend my felfe ; 
 
 If I but tutch, to tutch 's a veniall fin, 
 
 The pretty circle of thy dimpled chin : 
 
 G 2 I vowe 
 
84 Frankes Anatomie. 
 
 I vowe and in my vowe giues Bewtie thanks, 
 
 That chin was Venus, though it now be Franks. 
 
 Yet haue I not fpoke all that I doe fee ; 
 
 Or at leaft iudge in thy Anatomie : 
 
 For true Anatomifts being men of Art, 
 
 Know the exact defcription of each part, 
 
 Member and arterie : fo mould my fight 
 
 Be in my Franke if I defcribe her right, 
 
 Which that I might reduce to fome full end, 
 
 Though there's no end in loue, I will defcend 
 
 To the diftinct relation of the reft, 
 
 And in my Franks difcouery thinke me bleft. 
 
 Thy wafte, (without wafte) like a curious frame, 
 
 Aptly proportion'd ftill referues the fame : 
 
 Or like fome well compofed Inftrument 
 
 Exact in forme, in accent excellent ; 
 
 So is thy wafte, and happy may he be, 
 
 That's borne to make it ftrike true harmony. 
 
 Thy belly (if coniectures true may be) 
 
 For we muft gueffe at that we cannot fee, 
 
 Is like an orient Cordon pearled faire, 
 
 With diuerfe feats of Nature here and there. 
 
 Where glides a chriftall ftreameling to abate, 
 
 The heate of Nature oft infatiate. 
 
 Pardon me Deere : Nature ordained firft 
 
 That Fount of yours, to quench the place of thirft. 
 
 Thy thigh (imagination now muft doe) 
 
 For I muft fpeake, though well I know not how, 
 
 Like the laborious and the loaden Bee, 
 
 That haftens to her hiue melodioufly. 
 
 Nor 
 
Frankes Anatomie. 85 
 
 Nor is her freight more lufcious (Deere) then thine, 
 
 For thine is full of pleafure, hers of Thyme : 
 
 Thy knee like to an orbe that turnes about, 
 
 Giuing free paffage to thy nimble foote, 
 
 Apt for each motion, actiue in loues fphere, 
 
 Moouing her ioints to trip it euery where. 
 
 Thy legge (like Delias) neither bigge nor fmall, 
 
 But fo well fram'd and featured in all, 
 
 That Nature might feeme enuious to impart, 
 
 So great a good, and hide fo good a part 
 
 Thy foote the curiouft module of the reft, 
 
 For Art and Nature there be both expreft : 
 
 Art in the motion, Nature in the frame, 
 
 Where action works, and motion moues the fame. 
 
 Nor can I credite what our Poets fay, 
 
 Affirming Venus chanc't vpon a day 
 
 To pricke her foote, fo as from th' blood me fhed, 
 
 The damafke-rofe grew euer after red ; 
 
 For if from blood fuch ftrange effe6ls mould be, 
 
 Stanger (ere this) had been deriu'd from thee : 
 
 But Poets though tJtey write, Painters portray, 
 
 It's in ottr choice to credit what they fay. 
 
 Yet credit me (for I would haue thee know it) 
 
 I neuer yet durft challenge name of Poet : 
 
 Onely thine owne I am and ftill will be, 
 
 For whom I writ this poore Anatomie. 
 
 G 3 Vpon 
 
86 
 
 Vpon his Mi/Iris Nuptiall, 
 
 ENSTI LED : 
 
 His Frankes Farewell. 
 
 (pray? 
 
 WHy whither Frankef to th' church? for what to 
 O no : to fay, what thou canft nere vnfay : 
 Alafle poore Girle : I fee thy quondam friend, 
 Hath caufe to fay his hopes are at an end : 
 How vainely then be our affections plafte, 
 On women-kinde, that are fo feeming chafte, 
 And priuately fo forward-well-be gone, 
 (If ere I marry) I'le finde fuch an one, 
 As (in her modefty) will thinke't a difgrace 
 " Others to loue when I am out of place. 
 But I do thank thee Franke, th' haft taught me more, 
 Then I could learne in twice feauen yeere before ; 
 For I did thinke your fimple fexe did hate 
 By double dealing to equiuocate : 
 Where by experience now I finde it common, 
 That faft and loofe is vfuall with women. 
 Yet on thefe rites this line my loue Jhall tell, 
 Fare well or ill, I wi/Ji my Frank & farewell. 
 
 An 
 
An Epigramme called the 
 WOOER. 
 
 COme yee braue wooers of Penelope, 
 Doe not repine that you mould crofled be : 
 For pregnant wits, and ripeft braines can fhow, 
 As much or more then euer you did know. 
 And that my ftorie better may appeare, 
 Attend to my difcourfe, and you fhall heare. 
 
 It chanc't vpon a time (and then was'th time) 
 When the thigh-fraughted Bee gathered her thyme, 
 Stored her platted Cell, her fragrant bower, (er 
 
 Crop't from each branch, each bloffom & each flow- 
 When'th pretty Lam-kin fcarce a fortnight old, 
 Skipped and froliked 'fore the neighbouring fold, 
 When'the cheerfull Robin, Larke, and Lenaret, 
 Tun'de vp their voices, and together met, 
 When'th fearefull Hare to cheere her quaint delight, 
 Did make her felfe her owne Hermaphrodite, 
 When'th louely Turtle did her eies awake, 
 And with fwift flight follow'd her faithfull make, 
 When euery Beaft prepar'd her wonted den, 
 For her owne young, and made to couer them, 
 When Flora with her mantle tucked vp, 
 Gathred the dewie flow'rs, and them did put 
 In her embrodred skirts which were rancke fet, 
 With Prime-rofe, Cow-flip, and the violet, 
 The dill, the dafie, fweet-breath'd Eglantine, 
 The Crowfoote, panfie, and the Columbine, 
 
 G 4 The 
 
88 The Wooer. 
 
 The pinke, the plantaine, milfoile, euery one, 
 With Marigold that opens with the Sunne ; 
 Euen then it was, (ill may I fay it was) 
 When young Admetus woed a countrey laffe, 
 A countrie laffe whom he did woe indeede, 
 To be his Bride, but yet he could not fpeede. 
 Which forc't him grieue : heare but his caufe of woe, 
 And you'le not wonder why he fhould doe fo ? 
 
 Vertuous the maide was, and fo grac't by fate, 
 As fhe was wife, and did degenerate 
 From her weake-witted father : modefty 
 Lodg'd on her cheeke, and fhowd virginity 
 In a faire Rofie colour, which was fpread 
 By equall mixture both of white and red. 
 So as no white it feem'd, but Idas fnow, 
 No red, but fuch where Roses vfe to grow. 
 And though of Hero many one doe write, 
 Styling her foueraigne Goddeffe of delight, 
 So faire as fhe was taken for no other, 
 Of all that faw her, then Adonis mother. 
 So pure her skin, fo motiue to the eie, 
 As it did feeme compof'd of luorie. 
 So high and broad her front, fo fmoth, fo euen, 
 As it did feeme the Frontifpice of Heauen. 
 So purely mixt her cheekes, as it might feeme, 
 She was by nature made for natures Queene. 
 So pretty dinted was her dimpled chin, 
 As't feem'd a gate to let affeclion in. 
 So fweete her breath, (as I haue hard them tell) 
 That like to CaJJla fhe did euer fmell. 
 
 So 
 
T/ie Wooer. 89 
 
 So louely were thofe mounts of pure delight, 
 
 That Gods themfelues wer cheered with their fight : 
 
 So as great loue (for fo our Poets fay) 
 
 Fain'd himfelfe ficke for her vpon a day. 
 
 Wife j&fculapius he was fent forthwith, 
 
 Who felt loues pulfe, yet found no figne of death, 
 
 Or any great diftemper : (yet to pleafe loue 
 
 For he perceiu'd his malady was loue) 
 
 Said ; Sir, Faue found your grief: what i'ft (quoth he ?) 
 
 A meere confumption, yet be rul'd by me, 
 
 And follow my directions (though with paine) 
 
 And then no doubt you (hall be well againe. 
 
 Fiue mornes muft you to'Abidoes towne repaire, 
 
 And fuck pure milke from th' fair'ft virgin there. 
 
 loue hearing what he wifht, obey'd his heft ; 
 
 And war foone well by fucking Heroes bred. 
 
 Yet what was Hero, though the fair'ft that was 
 
 In all her time vnto Admetus laffe ? 
 
 Though Heroes beuty did allure all men, 
 
 The time is chang'd, now's now, and then was then. 
 
 Each milk-maide in fore time was thought a Queen, 
 
 So rare was perfect bewty to be feene. 
 
 But now, where is no Venus to be had ? 
 
 Such ftore I wot there be, that euery lad 
 
 Can haue his trickfie laffe, which wantonlie, 
 
 Scarce crept from fhell, he dandles on his knee. 
 
 But to my ftorie of fuch royall parts 
 
 Was fhe compofed, that the very hearts 
 
 Of her attendants, as it did apeare, 
 
 Were fpouf'd to this pure virgin euery where, 
 
9O T/ie Wooer. 
 
 With what refolued filence would her wit, 
 Oppofe her tongue, and feeme to bridle it ? 
 With what difcretion would fhe fpeake her minde, 
 And nere tranfgrefle thofe limits ftie aflign'd. 
 But with that decencie of grace and fpeech, 
 As She might feeme the elder fort to teach. 
 " What a bleft fexe were woman if this fong 
 Were onely learnt them, for to hold their tongue, 
 And fpeake no more (O t'were a leffon good) 
 Then that were fit, and what they vnderftood ? 
 But when will that be taught them ! O (I feare) 
 Neuer ; for womens tongues be euery where. 
 So as at firft, if they had no tongue, 
 It may be thought they would not haue been dumb. 
 Such is th'ternall motion, that its fayd, 
 When women fpeechlejfe lie they're neerly dead. 
 This virgin which Admetus fought to haue, 
 Befide her vertues, then which who could craue, 
 A better portion, had an ample dowre, 
 Which did enrich thofe gifts that were before 
 Expreffed and dilated, and to tell 
 The very trueth, fhe lou'd Admetus well. 
 And could haue brook't all others t'haue denide, 
 So that fhe might haue been Admetits bride. 
 But he a fhamefaft lad, though oft he fought 
 Her loue, yet durft not vtter what he thought. 
 Nor to her parents could impart his minde, 
 How he affected was, and how inclinde. 
 Yet ftill was he refpefted, and in grace, 
 Nor any fought to put him out of place. 
 
 Nor 
 
The Wooer. 91 
 
 Nor to withdraw th'affection of the maid, 
 
 From that foundation where it once was laid 
 
 For three months fpace, hung it in this fufpence, 
 
 Neither conceald nor fhowne : till's Excellence, 
 
 For fo was th'Title of a noble Squire, 
 
 Whofe liuing bordered in th'adioyning mire, 
 
 By an intendment (as he thought vpon't) 
 
 Put poore Admetus nofe quite out of ioynt, 
 
 And thus it was : for I meane to repeat 
 
 By what deceit, what cunning flight and cheat, 
 
 He bobd this fimple Swaineling ; on a day, 
 
 When young Admetus had addreft his way 
 
 To Troinouant, where he occafion had, 1. ].. ', 
 
 " His Excellence in th'abfence of the ladde, 
 
 Acquaints another with Bellinaes loue, 
 
 (For fo her name was :) he more prompt to moue 
 
 Affe6tion, then Admetus ere could be, 
 
 Wins me Bellina's fort couragioufly, 
 
 By new affaults, incurfions, and difplaid 
 
 His youngling Colours : when the breach was made. 
 
 O how methinks I fee th'young Souldier fweat, 
 
 Till he hath done, and perfected his feat 
 
 How he affailes, affaults, afcends, inclines, 
 
 Inuades, inuirons, mines, vndermines, 
 
 Whil'ft (he like to a Fort opprefl doth lye, 
 
 Depriu'd all meanes of helpe, yet will not crye. 
 
 He like a (lout victorious Hanniball t 
 
 Bidding her yeeld, or he will raze the wall. 
 
 She though made fubie<5l to his conquering hand, 
 
 Like Carthage Oueene ftill at defiance (lands. 
 
 He 
 
92 T/ie Wooer. 
 
 He (with the Spirit of a Mirmidon^) 
 
 Makes her the Carpet which he lies vpon. 
 
 She (Deianira-\fee) will chufe death firft, 
 
 Ere fhe craue mercy, bids him doe his worft. 
 
 He enters th'breach, and doth his fignall rere, 
 
 And leaues fome token that he has beene there : 
 
 She glories in her conqueft, and throwne downe, 
 
 Saies, I am low, yet am not ouercome. 
 
 He doth renew his battery, and ftands too't, 
 
 And fhe Vyrago-like, yeelds not a foote. 
 
 He takes more firmer grounding, yet is fhe 
 
 Still as fhe was, lower fhe cannot be. 
 
 He plants his Engines deeper, labours more, 
 
 Yet fhe protefts, its worfe then twas before. 
 
 He enters parlye, and fpeakes ore the wall, 
 
 But fhe (as fencelefTe) anfwers not at all. 
 
 He founds rerteat, and to his campe doth creepe, 
 
 Which makes her wake out of her pleafant fleepe. 
 
 Then in a fweete entwining doe they clippe, 
 
 And cull and kiffe, and from the rofie lippe 
 
 Of Hymens chad embraces doe they taft, 
 
 The fweets aboue, when lower ioyes be pafL 
 
 Heere is the fpell of fweet-charmd Morpkus 
 
 Diffolu'd to nothing, by charmes amorous. 
 
 For though men (after Labour) reft doefeeke, 
 
 Loues eyes be openftill, and cannot Jleepe. 
 
 Judge what Admetus thought when he did heare, 
 
 Of this report, foone whifpered in his eare, 
 
 How he did looke ? how ftrange perplext he was, 
 
 Thus to bee cheated of his loucly laffe ? 
 
 I'ipe 
 
The Wooer. 93 
 
 Pipe could he not, his cheeks were growne fo thinne, 
 His pipe-bagge torne, no wind it could keepe in, 
 His cloue-ear'd curre lay hanging downe his head, 
 And for foure dayes, would taft no kind of bread. 
 His Flockes did pine (all went contrary way) 
 Heere lay Admetus, there his Sheep-crooke lay, 
 All wea-begane, thus liu'd the Shepheard long, 
 Till on a day infpired with a fong, 
 (For fo it feem'd) to others more then me, 
 Which thus he fung to maids inconftancy. 
 
 Foolifh I, why fhould I grieue, 
 To fuftaine what others feele ? 
 What fuppofe, fraile women leaue, 
 Thofe they lou'd, fhould I conceale 
 
 Comforts reft, 
 
 From my breft. 
 For a fickle, brittle woman, 
 
 Noe, Noe, Noe, 
 
 Let her goe, 
 Such as thefe be true to no man. 
 
 Long retired haft thou beene, 
 Sighing on thefe barren rocks, 
 Nor by fheepe nor fhepheard feene, 
 Now returne vnto thy flockes, 
 
 Shame away, 
 
 Doe not ftay, 
 
 With 
 
94 The Wooer. 
 
 With thefe mouing-louing woman, 
 
 They remoue 
 
 From their loue : 
 Such as thefe doe oft vndoe men. 
 
 Tender-tinder of Affection, 
 
 If I harbour thee againe, 
 
 I will doe it by direction, 
 
 Of fome graue experienc't fwaine. 
 
 Nere will I, 
 
 Loue by th' eye, 
 But where iudgement firft hath tride, 
 
 If I Hue, 
 
 Ere to loue, 
 It is fhe, (hall be my bride. 
 
 When this retired Swaine had end'd his fong, 
 He feem'd as one that had forgot his wrong, 
 His Teres were dried vp, his willow wreath, 
 Throwne quite away, and he began to breath, 
 More cheerefull and more blith then ere he was, 
 Forgetting th' Name and Nature of his lafle, 
 So as no Swaine on all the plaine could be, 
 For any May-game readier then he : 
 Now would he tune his pipe vnto his Eare, 
 And play fo fweet, as ioyed the flocks to heare, 
 Yea I haue heard, (Nor thinke I Fame did lye) 
 So skilfull was this lad in Minftrelfie, 
 That when he plaid (one ftroke) which oft he would, 
 No Laffe that heard him could her water hold. 
 
 And 
 
The Wooer. 95 
 
 And now becaufe I doe remember't well, 
 He tell a tale which I haue heard him tell, 
 On winter-nights full oft vnto my Sire, 
 While I fat rofting of a Crab by th' fire. 
 
 A Man there was wh had Hud a merry life, 
 Till in the end, he tooke him to a wife, 
 One that no image was (forjhe could fpeake) 
 And now and then her hujbands coftrell break. 
 So fierce Jhe was and furious, as in fome 
 She was an arrant Deuill of her tongue. 
 This droue the poore man to a dif content. 
 And oft and many times did he repent 
 That ere lie changed his former quiet Jlate, 
 But las repmtance, then did come too late. 
 No cure he finds to heale this maladie, 
 But makes a verttie of necejjity. 
 The common cure for care to euery man, 
 A potte of nappy Ale : where he began 
 To fortifie his braine 'gainft all Jhould come, 
 'Mongft which the clamor of his wiues loud tongue. 
 This habit graffed in him grew fo ftrong, 
 " That when hee was from Ale, an hourefeem'd long r 
 So well he likd thprofejfion : on a Time, 
 Hauingjlaid long at pot, (for rule nor line 
 Limits no drunkard) euen from Morne to Night > 
 He hafted home apace, by the moone-light : 
 Where as he went, what pJiantaftes were bred, 
 I doe not know, in his dijlempered Juad. 
 
 But 
 
g6 The Wooer. 
 
 But ajlrange Ghojl appear d (and fore' d him flay) 
 With which perplext, he thus began to fay. 
 Good Spirit, if thou be, I need no cJtarme, 
 For well I know, thou wilt not doe me harme, 
 And if the Deuill ; fure, me thoufJiouldft not hurt, 
 I wed'd thyfifler, and am plagued for 't. 
 The fpirit well-approuing what he f aid, 
 Diffolu'd to ayre, and quickly vanijhed. 
 
 For Guide faith, fome fpirits walke on earth, 
 That cheered are, and much delight with mirth, 
 Such doe admire conceits and pregnant braynes ; 
 Others there are, which Melancholy chaines, 
 And keepes in low Subie<5tion, thefe are they 
 Affect the balefull night, frequent that way 
 That is obfcure, filent and intricate, 
 Darke charnell-houfes, where they keep their chat, 
 Of Tortures, Tragicke ends and Funeralls, 
 Which they folemnize for their Fefliualls. 
 Thus would Admettis pafle the winter-night, 
 Wherein he gaue fuch neighbours great delight, 
 As came to heare him : and fuch ftore he had, 
 Of quaint conceits, as there was not a ladde, 
 That of difcourfe had more variety, 
 Or could expreffe his mind more gracefully. 
 But lacke for forrow, how hee's fallen away, 
 That was fo trim a youth but tother day, 
 A meere Anatomy, but skin and bone, 
 One that it pitties me to looke vpon. 
 What fhould the caufe be, fure I cannot fay, 
 But his pale face, fome fickneffe doth bewray ? 
 
 "For 
 
The Wooer. 97 
 
 " For as our thoughts are legible in our eye, 
 " So doth our face our bodies griefe defcry. 
 
 Yet I perchance, by th' Sonnet which hee made, 
 
 May find the caufe for which he is difmaide 
 
 How ere it fall, it fhall be fung by me, 
 
 Now when I want Admetus company. 
 
 Admetus Sonnet. 
 
 NEighbour Swaines and Swainelins heare me, 
 "Its Admetus bids you heare 
 Leaue your Pajlures, and come neere mee, 
 " Come away you need not fear e, 
 By my foule, as I affect you, 
 I haue nought that can infect you. 
 O then come, 
 Heare a tongue, 
 That in difcord keepes apart, 
 With a Woe-fur charged heart. 
 
 Nere was Swaine on plaine more loued, 
 Or could doe more feats then I, 
 Yet one griefe hath now remoued, 
 All my whilome iollity. 
 
 All my Laies be quite forgotten, 
 Sheepe-hooke broken, pipe-bagge rotten, 
 O then come, 
 Heare a tongue, 
 
 That with flattering fpeech doth call, 
 To take long farewell of all. 
 
 H / am 
 
98 The Wooer. 
 
 I am not as once I was, 
 When Eliza firjl didfuite me, 
 Nor when that fame red-hair 'd lajfe. 
 Faire Bellina did inuite me, 
 
 To a Garden there to play, 
 
 Cull, kiffe, clip, and toy all day, 
 O tJten come, 
 Heare a tongue, 
 
 That in ivooing termes was flowing, 
 
 But through Wo has fpoifd his woing. 
 
 All I can or will dejire ye 
 When my breath of life is f pent, 
 That in loue you would interre me, 
 (For it will my foule content,) 
 
 Neare vnto my Fathers hearfe. 
 
 And bejlowfome comely verfe 
 On my Tombe, 
 Then my tongue 
 
 Shall throb out this laft adeu, 
 
 Nere were truer fwaines then you. 
 
 A verfe Admetus ? I will be the fwaine, 
 Though moft vnfit, to vndertake that paine, 
 Which in faire letters fhall engrauen be, 
 Ouer thy hearfe t'expreffe thy memory, 
 And thus it is : Heere is a SJiepJteard layd, 
 Who lou'd, was lou'd,yet liu'dand died a Maid. 
 Yet gain/I his will : pray then goodfpirits tell, 
 WJiether he mujl or no lead Apes in Hell. 
 
 Hoiv 
 
99 
 
 How Fancie is a Phrenfie. 
 An Epigram. 
 
 ANd thou* Euenus whofe renowm's difperft, 
 About thofe fertile coafts which border thee, 
 Whofe well-tun'd Current runs fo pretily, 
 That Fame her felfe, nor fhall it be reuerft, 
 Ha's thus ena6led : that thy liquid breft 
 Should make my confort vp, for there appeares 
 Euen in thine eyes, continuing ftreames of teares. 
 
 Still may thy Sliding-foord, and fpacious courfe, 
 Warn thofe adioyning vales encircle thee, 
 Which by thy meanes yeeld crops fo fruitfully, 
 That thy pure fand may be of Ganges force, 
 Golds pure Elixir : for thou haft remorfe, 
 And pitties my hard hap to loue a fwaine, 
 That hates my loue, and makes my fute in vaine. 
 
 Oft by thy Sliding Channell haue I flood, 
 Bathing my felfe in teares, teares were the drinke, 
 That quench't my thirft, & whe thou feem'd to fink, 
 Into fome hollow cauerne, ftreight my blood, 
 " (That little bloud I had) made thy courfe good 
 
 * Jn Euenum Flumen lubrico pregredicus curfu, 
 
 H2 And 
 
ioo Fanfie is a Phrenfie. 
 
 And fmke into the Cefternes of mine eyes, 
 
 Filling thy ftreams with teares, thy banks with cries. 
 
 Streight fell I downe vpon thy floury more, 
 
 As if the fhore had beene my miftris breft, 
 
 Where I a while conceau'd that fweetned reft, 
 
 As it expell'd the care I felt before, 
 
 Seeming to make my comforts fo much more, 
 
 Becaufe fo long delay'd ; but laffe the while, 
 
 My thoughts chekt me, I chekt my thoghts of guile. 
 
 For well I found, this was a goulden dreame, 
 Yet but a Dreame, that feem'd to reprefent, 
 Vnto mine eyes, that facred Continent, 
 Which fhadowes my content : but this has beene, 
 Euer moft true, Dreames are not as they feeme. 
 And if they were, I'me fure they mift in this, 
 Taking thy Banke for where my miftres is. 
 
 Oft did I cull, and clip, and kifle, and doe, 
 God wot, full madly, for repofing there, 
 I call'd the grafle, the treffes of her haire : 
 And bound it vp, yet well I knew not how, 
 Making a bracelet on't, which I would fhow 
 To euery Sheepheard, fo diftracTd was I, 
 And euery rural! Syluane that paft by. 
 
 All this thou faw, and thou did pitty me, 
 
 " For thy diftreaming teares explan'd no lefle, 
 
 Surcharged brefts muft needs their greefes expreffe, 
 
 Which 
 
Fanjle is a Phrenjie. 101 
 
 Which once expreft ; fuppreffed feeme to be : 
 " Teares unto griefe, yeeld foueraignft remedy. 
 For Teares doe filence greefe, but where appeares 
 Extent of griefe, their griefs doe fitence teares. 
 
 And fuch were mine : fometimes I could not weep, 
 
 But like one fence-lefle, laughed at my diftreffe, 
 
 Mixing a ftraine of Mirth with heauineffe, 
 
 Or as one caften in a deadly fleepe, 
 
 That neither fence nor faculty can keepe, 
 
 Euen fuch was I : but ftreight I chang'd my fong, 
 
 Making my ioyes fhort, but my forrowes long. 
 
 Her fancie was the phrenfie that furprifd 
 My idle brain with thefe diftra<5ted paflions, 
 Ten thoufand fhapes I had, ten thoufand fafhions, 
 Defpifmg, louing, loue where I defpifd'e, 
 Prifmg her mod, where I was loweft prif 'de. 
 Thus my affe<5lions to diffractions turn'd, 
 Made me mourne more then louer euer morn'd. 
 
 And Reafon too : for fome I had, my Friends, 
 
 (At lead they feem'd fo) which contemnd my griefe 
 
 Nor fought to yeeld my filly heart releefe, 
 
 With one poore comfort, but as diuers ends, 
 
 Occafion ftrange effects ; fo Loue depends 
 
 (If I may call inconftant Friend/hip Loue,) 
 
 On Fortune heere below, not truth aboue. 
 
 Let mee vnrippe my forrowes, that my breft 
 
 H 3 May 
 
IO2 Fanjle is a Phrenjie. 
 
 May void fuch Scarabees, that vfe to fit 
 
 Vpon each vlcer : whofe contagious witte, 
 
 Is worfe then Hellebore, for they infeft 
 
 The pureft Manfion, louing euer left 
 
 Where they fhow moft Affection, for their ftraine, 
 
 Is not for loue but profit, and their gaine. 
 
 Record tJiem (fweet Euenus) for they hate, 
 Thy facred ftreams : wafh not their foyled fin 
 With thy pure liquor : for the ALthiops skin, 
 Will be blacke ftill : the doome of enuious fate, 
 (Like Mammons heires) fits skouling ore their ftate : 
 Their Summer-Swall(nvs flourijh, they make one, 
 But if thy ftate be blafted, they are gone. 
 
 And thou (Bleft Hymen) that confirmes the loue, 
 
 Of Mortall foules, with thy diuineft rites, 
 
 Knows whom I mean by, for they quench thy lights 
 
 By their abufe : but there's a power aboue, 
 
 Will dam their gainefull tradings, and remoue, 
 
 Their Bartring from the earth, to th' depth of hell, 
 
 That teach in Marriage how to buy and fell. 
 
 Yet deere Euenus, I haue more to fpeake, 
 For I would haue thee carry me commends, 
 To fuch as be my true approoued friends, 
 (For fame I haue will neittur bow nor breake) 
 Mid'ft my afflictions : but by all meanes feeke 
 To re-infufe life in me : pray the tell 
 When by their houfe thou goeft, that I am well. 
 
 And 
 
Fanjle is a Pkrenjie. 1 03 
 
 And if they aske thee how I brook this place 
 
 Where I'me retired to : fay, as louers vfe, 
 
 Pent from their loues, they cannot will, nor chufe, 
 
 But Hue an Hermits life, and in difgrace 
 
 Of beauty and her name, hath made his face 
 
 Like times annatomie (poore Sceleton) 
 
 An obiecl; fit for Ruth to looke vpon. 
 
 Tell them the bookes I reade, be fuch as treate, 
 
 Of Amadis de Gaul, and Pelmerin, 
 
 Furious Orlando, and Gerilion, 
 
 Where I obferue each fafhion and each feate, 
 
 Of amorous humors, which in my conceipt, 
 
 Seeme to to rare, That they that were fo ftrong, 
 
 Should befo mad, and I be tamefo long, 
 
 But prefently I recollect my fenfe, 
 
 And findes a reafon : queftionles I'me mad 
 
 But who cares for't, or markes it ? if I had 
 
 Land (like an elder brother) Eminence 
 
 Of fome Court-Comet, would haue prefidence, 
 
 Ouer my braine-pan : and would beg my wit, 
 
 Though neither he nor I could mannage it 
 
 So though I loofe my wits I cannot loofe 
 
 My lands, they reft fecure ; where ? can you tell ? 
 
 Where ? yes, where not ? wil't pleafe thee buy, Tie fel : 
 
 What ? wit ? I haue none ; counfell? neither: houfe ? 
 
 The arch of Heauen's my couer ; pray excufe 
 
 My Error, I am pore ; I'haue naught to fell 
 
 H4 But 
 
IO4 Fanjie is a Phrenjie. 
 
 But teares and thofe I cannot part with well 
 
 But (pray thee) fpare thy fpeech to fuch as be, 
 And euer were profeffed foes to loue, 
 And Bayne to marriage, for by them I proue 
 The depth of difcontent : they loue not me, 
 Nor doe I care for't : once I hope to fee, 
 Enuie without a fling, which ftill extends 
 Her hatefull power vnto depraued ends. 
 
 Yet if thou chance to flide by Enuies place, 
 (Which by this true difcription thou fhalt know) 
 Her Jlruftures ruirfd are, and there doth grow, 
 A groue of fatall Elmes, wherein a maze, 
 Or labyrinth is fram'd: heere Enuies race, 
 Had their beginning, For there's yet to fee, 
 The very throne where Enuy vf'd to bee. 
 
 Tell that (proud minion) that ambitious dame, 
 Whofe meagre look and broad disjheaueld lock, 
 Whofe dangling nofe,Jliafit like an apricock, 
 Makes her defert-leffe proud, that I doe blame 
 Her vniuft dealing, though I fcorne to name, 
 Th'uniuftneffe of it : yet this vowe i'le make, 
 I'le nere truft long-nos'd Female for her fake. 
 
 * Et tu quce minio nardoque fulges, extendens occulos alt i us 
 
 proue&os, defijie ceptis. 
 
 Nqfutam dicam et Jane dicerem, 
 Si iuxta nafum polleat ingenium. 
 
 Could 
 
Fanjie is a Phrenjie. 105 
 
 Could (he (hard hearted fhe) for priuate gaine, 
 
 (Such lucring Mammonifts the heauens difpleafe,) 
 
 Sell both the hue and liking of her Niece, 
 
 And where loue fhewd her moft, there to reftraine, 
 
 Affection within bounds ? fweet ftreames complaine, 
 
 To luno on't, I know fhee'l pitty me 
 
 And grant my fuite Thatjhe may barrain be. 
 
 We haue too manie of that odious brood, 
 We neede no more : it is a fruitleffe fruit, 
 That fhames the Parents : luno heare my fuit, 
 For it will doe both heauen and earth much good, 
 And be a caueat vnto woman-hood ; 
 " Rather in Marriage not to deale at all, 
 Then tofet Marriage f acred rites atfale. 
 
 Farewell (Euenus) I haue writ my minde, 
 
 Which I would haue thy ftreamelings to conuey 
 
 To Enuies houfe, by that frequented way, 
 
 Which as a Port or Hauen is ajfigrid 
 
 To euery paffenger : Sweet breathing winde 
 
 Breath on thy failes, that when thou doeft complain, 
 
 Remembring me, thy teare-fwolne eies may raine, 
 
 And fru6lefie the earth : That time mayjhowe, 
 
 This did Euenus for her Poet doe. 
 
io6 
 
 Certaine Sele6l Epigrams, made 
 
 good by obferuance, experience, and 
 
 inftance : with an introduction to Time, 
 
 including fundry conceipted paflages, 
 
 no leffe pleafant then 
 
 prefent 
 
 Its a mad world my Mafters. 
 
 OAge what art thou made of? fure thou art, 
 Compof 'd of other mettall then thou wert, 
 Once was thy glory by thy vertues showen, 
 But now alas thy vertues are vnknowen. (day 
 
 For who fhould fhow worth but great men ? yet each 
 Shews by experience, None more ill then they, 
 Where Honour on a foote-cloth's wont to paffe, 
 Like Appians Land-Lord on his trapped Affe. 
 'Lafle I haue feen what I haue grieu'd to fee, 
 Honour with vertue nere keepe companie. 
 But if they doe (asfome obferuance make} 
 It's not for Confcience, but for fafhion fake. 
 
 O 
 
Epigrams. 107 
 
 O then how vaine is time, to fhowre down good, 
 On fuch as are but great, only by blood ; 
 Not true demerits which makes me contemne, 
 The idle paflions of phantafticke men, 
 Which think't fufficient to be great in ftate, 
 Without leaft vertue fit to imitate : 
 This makes me hence conclude : vice puts on honour : 
 " For vertue, there is none will looke vpon her. 
 
 / in my time hauefeene an vpftart Lord, 
 Raifed to fudden honour like a Gourd, 
 Whom in as f mall time I may chance to fee, 
 As Jonah's gourd, fo withered he may be, 
 And what's the caufe ? becaufe its not demerit 
 Or true defcent, by which he doth inherit, 
 Such new ftolne honors : for then might his name 
 Freely fuch eftimation feeme to claime : 
 But an infmuating humour drawen, 
 " From that fame force of vice, that lothfome fpawne 
 Of all diftempered paflions, which can be 
 Mark't with no better name then flatterie. 
 And is this way to purchafe honour trewly ? 
 Can fuch a man be fayd to merit dewly ? 
 When hows'ere we admire him for his feate. 
 " It was not worth, but bafeneffe made him great. 
 O Time, how ftrangely art thou varied, 
 From what thou once appear'd ; how art thou led 
 By euery fafhion-monger that doth ftand 
 More on the egge-fying of his band 
 
 His 
 
1 08 Epigrams. 
 
 His peak't munchattoes, his Venetian hofe, 
 
 His Buskin-pace, how Gorgon-like he goes, 
 
 His crifpled haire, his fixing of his eye, 
 
 His cerufs-cheeke, and fuch effemnacie : 
 
 " Then on tru-man-like Vertues : for its common, 
 
 Women are liker men, men liker women ; 
 
 Sith I no other difference can make, 
 
 'Twixt man and woman faue the outward fhape 
 
 Their mind's all one : nor doth their fhape appeare 
 
 Much different : fince women th'breeches weare : 
 
 Which fafhion now to th'Countrey makes refort, 
 
 In imitation of their weare at Court ; 
 
 Where it is fayd to fhun the meanes of fmnen, 
 
 Came that vfe vp to weare tJteir breekes of linnen ; 
 
 And can we fee this and not pittie it 
 
 When men that haue more complement then wit, 
 
 Shine in the eye of popular refpe<5l, 
 
 And others of more worth droope in neglel ? 
 
 We cannot : yet muft we admire them ftill, 
 
 (That worthleffe are) though't be againft our will, 
 
 What remedy ? lie tell thee, though thou dare not, 
 
 But congy when thou meets them : laugh & fpare not 
 
 So't be in priuate, burft thy fides with laughter, 
 
 And whileft th'rt laughing, He come lafhing after : 
 
 Mean time (with filence) I would haue thee hear me, 
 
 That haue compos'd thefe Epigrams to cheere thee. 
 
 Take them how ere they be : if fowre in tafte, 
 Reforme thy errors which are former paft : 
 If fweet, let th'relifh of my poems moue 
 That loue in thee, to thanke me for my loue : 
 
 To 
 
109 
 
 To the Precijlan. 
 
 FOr the Precifian that dares hardly looke, 
 (Becaufe th'art pure forfooth) on any booke 
 Saue Homilies, and fuch as tend to th'good 
 Of thee, and of thy zealous brother-hood : 
 Know my Time-noting lines ayme not at thee, 
 For thou art too too curious for mee. 
 I will not taxe that man that's wont to flay 
 " His Cat for killing mife on th'Sabboth day : 
 No ; know my refolution it is thus, 
 I'de rather be thy foe then be thy pus : 
 And more fhould I gaine by 't : for I fee, 
 The daily fruits of thy fraternity. 
 Yea, I perceiue why thou my booke fliould (hun, 
 "Becaufe there's many faultes th'art guiltie on : 
 Therefore with-drawe by me thou art not call'd, 
 Yet do not winch (good iade) when thou art gall'd, 
 I to the better fort my lines difplay, 
 I pray thee then keep thou thy felfe away. 
 
 The 
 
no 
 
 The Church-Knight. 
 
 A Church-man was there on a time I reade, 
 Of great eftate his father being dead, 
 Which got, his Syrpe-cloth he difcarded quite, 
 Refoluing fully now to be a Knight : 
 Vp to the Court he goes with fpeede he can, 
 Where he encountred a North-britaine man, 
 With whom difcourfmg in his Euening walke, 
 He fpoke of Knights 'mongft other idle talke, 
 How th' title it was worthie, and that he, 
 Could well endure entitled fo to be ; 
 For I do reade (quoth he) of fuch as thefe 
 Within the Ecclefiafticke hiftories : 
 What fame and honour they obtain'd by warre, 
 Which fir (belieue me made me come thus farre, 
 That I (if meanes or mony could obtaine it) 
 Might in refpecl: to my profeflion gaine it. 
 The Brittanne his profeflion did require : 
 A Curate once, quoth he, of Brecknocke-ftiire, 
 Helde, I may fay to you, a learned man ; 
 But fince my fathers death turn'd gentleman. 
 I ioy me in th'occafion WBrittan fayd, 
 (Doubt not fir Prieft) you fhall a Knight be made ; 
 And you deferue't : for though Knights common are 
 " Holy church-knights, fuch as you be, feeme rare, 
 To Long-lane goes the Curate to prouide, 
 An ancient fuite, and other things befide ; 
 
 As 
 
Epigrams. 1 1 1 
 
 As skarfe and rofes all of different colour, ler, 
 
 Which bought, at White-friers ftaires he takes a Scul- 
 
 Prepar'd with refolution all the fooner, 
 
 To gaine this priuiledge and Knightly honour ; 
 
 Which hauing got by long petitioning fuite, 
 
 And pai'd vnto the Brittain his firft fruit, (grieue him 
 
 To's Neighbors ftreight he hies, where they much 
 
 " For, fwearing he's a knight, they'le not belieue him 
 
 Nor would they (fuch incredulous men were thefe) 
 
 Till he had fhowen difcharge for all his fees. 
 
 An Rpigramme alluding to the 
 
 fecond Satyre of Ariq/lo, where he 
 
 tateth the Clergies pride and 
 
 Ambition. 
 
 THe Church-mens doctrine is humility, (they, 
 Yet but obferue them, who more proude then 
 Whofe Damaske caffockes (hew their vanitie. 
 How fliould we then beleeue them what they fay, 
 " Since what they taxe vs in, themfelues bewray : 
 Its too too true : fo that oft-times the Temple, 
 (Though th' houfe of God, giues lay-men word ex- 
 
 (ample. 
 
 Crucem 
 
1 1 2 Epigrams. 
 
 Crucem & coniugem vno petimus fato, 
 Hanging and marrying goe by deftinie. 
 
 It is an axiome in Philofophie, 
 " Hanging and marrying goe by deftinie ; 
 Both reference haue vnto the doome of fate, 
 Both doe our birth and nature calculate : 
 Nor can we fay thefe two be different far, 
 Sith both haue influence from one ominous ftar, 
 Which bodes our happineffe or our mifchance 
 According to the ftarres predominance ; 
 This made Arminus Carthage-Ruler fay 
 " That with a wife he could not well away : 
 For being askt why he with others fhare not, 
 Good fortune in good wiues (quoth he) I dare not, 
 For if I chance to light on one that's wife, 
 " She will be wilfull, felfe-lov'd, or precife, 
 "If wealthy, wanton, vowing to her friend, 
 " I fhall be Cocold ere a fortnight end : 
 " If poore then peeuifh, of condition fhrewde : 
 " If bewtifull me will be monftrous proude ; 
 " And if deformed, lothfome is me then, 
 "And th'leaft of thefe would kill a thoufand men. 
 
 But now fuppofe, I could no longer tarrie, 
 But that I might doe either worfe or marrie, 
 And that I fought a wife to fit my turne, 
 (For better tis to marrie then to burne) (riage) 
 
 Though many (they may thank their own good car- 
 Are all afire the firft day of their marriage : 
 
 Why 
 
Epigrams. 113 
 
 Why then as my pofition was at firft, 
 This marriage-day is either beft or worft 
 I ere was maifter of: for if my wife 
 Be loyall as fhe ought, then is my life 
 Made double bleft in her, where I may fay, 
 " Each day lookes cheerefull like a mariage-day, 
 But if felfe-will'd vntamed, head-ftrong, froward, 
 Immodeft, indifcreete, peeuifh, vntoward : 
 Why then through th'fury of her in-bred malice, 
 In climing to her bed, I clime to th' gallowes. 
 Where euery word that doth proceed from her 
 Strangles me like an Executioner ; 
 Her humour is my neck-verfe, which to fort 
 I cannot, if I fhould be hanged for't, 
 Her tongue's my torture, and her frisking taile, 
 Flies vp and downe like to a wind mills faile, 
 Her hands like Fullers wheels, one vp, one downe, 
 Which ftill lie mailing on my coftrell crowne : 
 Which ere I would endure to take her banging, 
 I would goe round to worke and take a hanging : 
 Since therefore Fate hath doomed this to t/iee t 
 Hanging or wiuing patient thou muft be. 
 
 An 
 
An Epigramme called the 
 Cambrian Alchymift. 
 
 THe Planet-ftroken Albumazar, 
 Shaues the Mufes like a razor ; 
 Fayry-like we therefore (him them, 
 Caufe there is no haire vpon them, 
 Mufes loofe their ornament, 
 Cambria has their excrement. 
 
 Excrement ? it's true indeede, 
 Haire growes from th'exceffe of feede, 
 Which by inftance fmall doth varie 
 From th'peere-lefle Seminarie ; 
 Which to make her worth allow'd, 
 Shrowdes her proie6l in a clowde. 
 
 In a Clowde ? its rather fhowne, 
 like the man that's in the Moone, 
 Where our lies Ardelio, 
 Defcants of Tom Trinkillo ; 
 
 Form'd 
 
Epigrams. 115 
 
 Form'd like one that's all in mift, 
 Like a fecond Akhymift. 
 
 Strange the ProiecT: was I wifh 
 Of this Metamorphofis ; 
 Nought was (if I vnderftood) 
 Good, but that it was deem'd good 
 By the great : 6 worthy feate, 
 To be worthlefle deemed great 
 
 Vpon diuine Rofcius. 
 
 TWo famous Rofcids chanc't I to efpie, 
 Adding a Metamorphofis, while I 
 Sleepe vnder th'couert of a fhady wood, 
 Where great Archyas for the vmpire Hood, 
 Who did their feuerall actions thus define, 
 " Art-full the one, the other moft diuine. 
 
 I 2 Vpon 
 
1 1 6 Epigrams. 
 
 Vpon Rofcius Hackney, in a Dialogue 
 betwixt Expedition, & Endimion. 
 
 (Jleeps, 
 Exped. T ~\ T Hy-Jio, Endimion ; how ttiDormoufe 
 
 V V A wakeforjhame, open thy wink a-peeps! 
 Endim. What Jlur you make, I come with f peed I can 
 
 (and too much f peed) for I Jiaue tyr'd my man; 
 Exped. Who, Dulman ? 
 Endim. Yes. 
 Exped. / tliought the lade would Jhame vs, 
 
 And play vs one horfe-tricke for Ignoramus. 
 
 Vpon TAR BON the Countrey 
 Gentleman. 
 
 TArbon they fay is mellancholly growne, 
 Becaufe his wife takes phificke in the towne : 
 Why, that's no caufe ; who would not hazard faire 
 To leaue both land and name vnto his heire ? 
 Yea, but he doubts, (fo iealous is the man) 
 That th'phyficke workes not but Phyfitian. 
 Which if he finde, he fweares he meanes to call, 
 The child not Tarbon but young Vrinall. 
 
 O 
 
Epigrammes. 1 1 7 
 
 O monftrous, by this thou'ft truly fhowe, 
 Thy wife a punke, thou needs not call her fo : 
 VVhich with thy fowre eyes Talbon if thou finde, 
 He neuer truft face, confcience, nor kinde. 
 
 An Epigram called the Court- 
 Attourney. 
 
 WHo's yon, young Stephana ? why fure you ieft, 
 You gallants ride with 4 coach-horfe at leaft ; 
 Befides there is euen in his very eye, 
 A kinde of Court-like formall maieftie : 
 Its true ; yet it is he : for you muft know, 
 Young Stephana is turn'd a Courtier now 
 Which makes him complete, and whers'ere he goe, 
 He has his ducke, or its not worth a ftrawe : 
 But I do doubt, nor be my doubts in vaine, 
 The Courtier muft Atturney turne againe. 
 And then he muft be ftript of euery ragge, 
 And fall againe vnto his buckram-bagge : 
 If this befall, I fhall be forry for't, 
 Sith lohn aftyles gets but fmall grace at Court. 
 
 I 3 An 
 
n8 
 
 An Epigramme called the 
 Winde-fall. 
 
 Sir Senfuall (a wanton Prieft) there was 
 Who made appointment with a Countrie laffe, 
 That 'gainft the time from market fhe'ft returne, 
 He would keepe tutch and doe her a good turne. 
 The place where thefe two louely mates fhould meet 
 Was a vaft forreft vnfrequent'd with feete 
 of any paffenger, faue fuch as were 
 Keepers of th'wood, 'mongft which a Forrefter, 
 Vpon occafion chaunc't to come that way, 
 And heard eue-dropper-like what they did fay, 
 Their place of meeting, with the maides confent 
 Which he refolv'd as quickly to preuent. 
 And being vnder fhade fecurely fconft, 
 Which place he had elected for the nonft, 
 He ftaies to fee th'returne of this fame Laffe, 
 (which as me wifh't) did quickly come to paffe : 
 For Maids that know not what tis to confent 
 To a loft Maiden-head, nor what is meant 
 by giuing of a greene gowne, fooner will 
 Affent to ill, becaufe they know no ill, 
 
 Then 
 
Epigrams. 119 
 
 Then fuch as haue of aliue pleafures (lore, 
 For well were they experienfl in't before. 
 Yea fuch will neuer deale vnlefle they fmell, 
 Some hope of gaine, or like the trader well. 
 At lafl the maide hauing her market made, 
 (Perhaps far fooner then her Parents bade) 
 With clothes tuckt vp returnes with fpeedy pace, 
 Downe by the Forreft to'th appointed place. 
 Where'th Priefl Sirfenfuall lay all this while, 
 That he the Maid might of her gem beguile. 
 If you had feene what meeting there was then, 
 Betwixt thefe two, you would haue vou'd no men 
 Of any ranke or order were fo good. 
 As Church-profeffors vnto woman-hood. 
 So humble was the prelate, as to pleafe. 
 The fhamefafl maid, he oft fell on his knees. 
 While mumbling pater nofters on her lips, 
 Down fell his breeches from his naked hips. 
 And all this while poore foule fhe flood flock flill, 
 Not thinking (on my confcience) good or ill. 
 At lafl the iolly Priefl (when all was fhowne, 
 That he could fhow) wil'd th'maid to lay her down, 
 Vpon a fhadie banke, which with all forts, 
 Of flowres was checkerd fit for Venus fports. 
 She (though fhe were refolu'd no ill could be 
 By lying downe, yet in her modefly) 
 Would not vnto his motion fo affent, 
 Yet let him blow her downe fhe was content 
 The fhort-breath'd Priefl (for he was wondrous fat) 
 And fluff 'd withall, makes me no bones of that, 
 
 I 4 But 
 
1 20 Epigrammes. 
 
 But yV?/tt.f-like puf's vp his cheeks well growne, 
 And he no fooner blows then flie was downe. 
 The Forrefter who all this time had flood, 
 Vnder a fhadie couert of the wood, 
 Steps in, when'th Prieft his fhriuing fhould begin, 
 Saying all wind-falls they are due to him. 
 Manie fuch Priefts auncient records doe fhow, 
 And prefent times may (how as many now. 
 
 Another Epigram called, A Cuckold 
 with a witnejje. 
 
 AWilie wench there was (as I haue read) 
 Who vf'd to capricorne her husbands head, 
 Which he fufpecling, lay in priuate wait, 
 To catch the knaue, and keep his wife more ftrait 
 But all in vaine : they day by day did mate it, 
 Yet could his foure eies neuer take them at it 
 This fubtile wench perceiuing how they fhould 
 At laft preuented be, doe all they could : 
 For now Italian-like her husband grew, 
 Horne-mad I wifh, and kept her in a Mew. 
 Inuent'd a trick, which to accomplifh better, 
 Vnto her friend fhe clofely fent a letter, 
 And thus it was ; Friend you fhall know by me, 
 My husband keepes me far more narrowlie, 
 Then he was wont, fo as to tell you true, 
 You cannot come to me ; nor I to you. 
 
 Yet 
 
Epigrammes. 1 2 1 
 
 Yet fpite of his eies and as many more, 
 Wele vfe thofe pleafures which we vfd before : 
 Onely be wife, and fecond what I wifli : 
 Which to expreffe (my friend) know this it is. 
 My husband as he hates the home to weare, 
 Of all the Badges forth, fo feares he'th Beare, 
 More then all other Beafts which doe frequent 
 The heathy Forrefts fpacious continent 
 If thou wilt right me then, and pepper him, 
 Couer thy feruant in a falfe Beares skin. 
 And come to morrow, as thou vfd before, 
 Tying thy feruant to my chamber dore. 
 After this quaint direction he attirde 
 His man in beare-skin as me had defir'de 
 Entring the chamber he receiued is 
 With many a fmile, back-fall, and fweetned kiffe : 
 For they'r fecure, of all that was before, 
 Hauing a Beare that kept the Buffe/nwz dore. 
 The wittall foole no fooner inckling had, 
 Then vp the ftaiers he ran as he were mad. 
 But feeing none but th' Beare to entertaine him, 
 Of Homes he neuer after did complaine him. 
 
 In 
 
122 
 
 In Romanum Mneftorem. 
 
 IT chanc't two Romane Conuerts on a day, 
 For pater noftera.t the Cards to play ; 
 She mop'd, he pop'd : his popping could not get her, 
 " For (he thought popping elfewher had been fitter. 
 Thus he went home no wifer then he came, 
 Sith popping was the Puppies chiefeft game. 
 
 In Poetam Hippodramum. 
 OR 
 
 Poft-riding Poet. 
 
 IT tooke a Poet once I'th head to poaft, 
 For what I know not, but I'me fure it coft 
 His purfe far more (as I haue heard foms fay) 
 Then ere his Mufe was able to repay. 
 
 In Numularium antiphylon. 
 
 ? its true ; but he intends to be 
 ftamper of that Coine is due to me. 
 Pray thee (my friend) forbeare to fet it on, 
 (My ftampe I meane) till I haue throughly done : 
 And I proteft to thee, when I haue ended, 
 I'le yeeld to thee, if fhe fay thou canft mend it. 
 
 In 
 
123 
 In Romanum Sacerdotem. 
 
 A Romane Prieft came to abfolue a Virgin by the way, 
 \. As he in his Proceflion went : where hee refolu'd to Hay 
 A night For what ? not to abfolue the tender^Virgins"finne, 
 But as a Ghoflly Fathers wont, to let more errors in : 
 The doore was fhut,the candle out, for I would haue you mark, 
 A carnall Father beft abfolues a Virgin in the darke : 
 Which abfolution fo increafd, in zeale and purity, 
 As within fixe and forty weekes it grew a Tympany, 
 A girle forfooth, baptized loan, nor is it any fhame, 
 for tK wench in time may proue Pope loan thefecond of that name. 
 
 In Phylcetum. 
 
 Hylatus writing loue-lines on a day, 
 A Ratte came in and flole his lines away. 
 Phyletus flept on ftill, and minded not 
 While th'hungry Ratte eat vp the lines he wrote ; 
 If I were to be ludge, as much may be, 
 The Rat mould be in loue, Phyletus free. 
 That feeing th'faucy Rat to loue enthrall'd, 
 Loue-bayne heereafter might be Rats-baine call'd. 
 
 An 
 
12 4 
 
 An Epigram called the 
 Courtier. 
 
 NOW heauen preferue mine eyefight what is here? 
 A man made vp in Wainfcot ? now I fweare, 
 I tooke him for fome Colofle ; fure I erre, 
 This is not he : yes : this's the Courtier, 
 Braue Pun-tevallo, for thofe armes he beares, 
 (An Affe-head rampant) and that chaine he weares, 
 By bleft Saint Martin, doe defcry it's he, 
 Well, ile obferue his carriage narrowly. 
 What makes him go fo ftiffe, has he the gout ? 
 No, but a fire in's hams that went not out 
 Thefe feuen yeares to my knowledge : then it has 
 Begun (it feems bout time) when th'glafle-work was. 
 Its true, it did fo, I haue heard fome fay, 
 He has a pleafant wit, he has one way 
 A pretty thriuing wit, can make a legge, 
 And harken out what office he may begge. 
 Can looke as big and burly on fuch men, 
 (Poore Gnats) that come for to petition him, 
 As Giants in a Pagent, can proteft, 
 For meere formality, laugh at a ieft, 
 (Without concerning ont) has witte enough, 
 To put good clofe on, beare his face in's ruffe. 
 
 Like 
 
The Courtier. 125 
 
 Like a braue fprightly Spaniard, will not let, 
 
 With fome new minted oaths to pay his debt, 
 
 And can difpenfe with them, nor does he more, 
 
 In this, then what his Elders did before. 
 
 With truth (in complement) he feldome meetes, 
 
 For naked truth with Eue lies without Iheetes, 
 
 And he endures not that, nor can incline, 
 
 To fuch a motion, but in progreffe time. 
 
 He cannot blufh (no more can women now) 
 
 Till that their pretie painter tell them how. 
 
 He ha's a kind of vaine in fonnetting, 
 
 Purchaft by brocage or by pilfering, 
 
 With which he wooes his miftreffe, he will fet, 
 
 His face to any fafhion, and will bett, 
 
 Wagers on Ladies honours : hauing forgotten 
 
 What he fhould fpeake, hee's fingering his button, 
 
 Or fome fuch trifling aftion, till he ftore 
 
 himfelfe with wit, which he had loft before : 
 
 Nor did that Morall erre, who wifely would, 
 
 Compare a Courtiers witte to th'Marigold. 
 
 It opens with the Sunne, but beeing fet 
 
 The Mari-gold fhuts vp, fo doth his witte. 
 
 The Marigold's moft cheer'd by mid-day funne, 
 
 So's he, whence i'ft, he lies in bed till noone. 
 
 Occafion is his Cupid, luft his lure, 
 
 Pleafure his Pander, dalliance his whoore, 
 
 He h'as but_one receipt of making loue, 
 
 And being put out, he cannot fpeake, nor moue, 
 
 But like a liue-leffe image, feemes to be, 
 
 Till by good hap his fpeech recouered be. 
 
 He 
 
126 The Courtier. 
 
 He fmells of Complement, in prefence faire, 
 
 And vfes oft to weare bracelets of haire, 
 
 Swearing they came from fuch, but tis not fo, 
 
 For t'was fome tyre-woman he tooke them fro. 
 
 The Ornaments which he admires are thefe, 
 
 To faune, to obferue times, to court, to pleafe, 
 
 To make ftrange faces, fleeke his prefum'd skin, 
 
 Starch his Mouchatoes, and forget his fmne. 
 
 To dance, to dice, to congie, to falute, 
 
 To ftamp, to ftalke, to finger well a lute. 
 
 To tremble at a Cannon when it fhootes, 
 
 To like, diflike, and fill his head with doubts. 
 
 To be in paflion, wind his carelefle armes, 
 
 To plie his Miftreffe with delightfull charmes. 
 
 To be for all, yet ignorant in all, 
 
 To be difguifd, and ftrange fantafticall : 
 
 Briefly to be, what all his kind haue beene, 
 
 Seeme what they be not, be what leajl they feeme. 
 
 Such is my Puntauallo, and in time 
 
 No queftion but hee'l prooue true Pantomime, 
 
 To imitate all formes, fhapes, habits, tyres 
 
 Suting the Court, and forting his defires, 
 
 And then what th'Satyre faid, fhall well appeare : 
 
 The Deuill is the perf efts Courtier, 
 Hauing my complete Courtier thus defin'd, 
 I haue no more that I can call to minde, 
 " Saue what is common, and is knowne to all, 
 " That Courtiers as the tide doe rife and fall, 
 So I will end with what I haue writ before, 
 " Till the'next tide come, and then I wil write more. 
 
 Vpon 
 
127 
 
 Vpon his much honoured friend 
 
 Matter William Afcam, and his 
 
 felefted Temple. 
 
 Whofe Anagram is produced by the Poet. 
 
 William A/cam. 
 -Sum Via Luci 
 
 -Alma. 
 
 Hoc Anagramma tenes Gulielmi) Sum via Luci 
 Alma, per athereos qua iuuat ire locos. 
 
 Qua via ? virtutis via laftea, qua tibi nota eft : 
 Nee minor Exemplis Gloria parta tuis. 
 
 A 
 
 Epigram. 
 
 In Templo, Venerem Speftet 
 Qui amat Venerem. 
 
 Ske him what Temple moft delighteth him, 
 And heel replye, that Temple thou art in. 
 
 Nee Venus eft qua nomen habet veneris,fed Arnica 
 Cafta decs Arcadia, Delia nomen habet, &t. 
 
 Looke 
 
128 The Courtier. 
 
 Aske him what Praiers fhould in that Temple be, 
 And he'le replie, what prayers beft liketh thee. 
 Aske him what Temple yeelds him moft content, 
 And he'le reply thy Temple, ther's his Saynt 
 Aske him what Temple's purer then aboue. 
 He'le fay thy Temple: there's the Queene of Loue ; 
 Then let me aske your Judgement is't not fit, 
 That Temple honour him, that honours it ? 
 
 Pojies vpon bracelets. 
 
 As loue giues life to euery part, 
 So this giues life vnto my hart : 
 This chaftly lies, and Hues with me, 
 O that I might doe fo with thee ? 
 
 Another. 
 
 How might I triumph in my blifle ; 
 If loue were where my Bracelet is. 
 For then fhould loue do no fuch harm 
 To wring my heart, but wreath my arme. 
 
 An 
 
129 
 
 An Eglogue betweene 
 
 Billie and lockie called 
 
 the Muflirome. 
 
 lockie. 
 
 WHon Billie whon, what faire has thou bin at ? 
 Thoufe befo trim, I mickle tor ken at : 
 For wele I wate, laft time I met with thee, 
 Thou hardly had a lapp tofwedle thee. 
 Pray thee (good Bille,) tell me fwith andfoone, 
 lockie may doe what Billy late has done. 
 Billie. What lockie (lither lurderi) leffe for wea, 
 Thorift befo tattert, but theres many fea, 
 That ill can wappe it : but be vif'd by mee, 
 And thou or lang fall glifh in brauery. 
 Swatt on thy tayle man, heeres a bly thy place, 
 And He enfure thee how I gat this grace. 
 
 * Ecloge apud Lucianum extat quce hocticulo plane infcribitur, Mi- 
 rica nimrium, quam Fuiigum ejje exiftimo, intempejliue orientem 
 arentemque, fifo. Eo nomine Romanos Salini appellauere, Gal- 
 los Romani, Tujcos Itali, injlmo nempe genere, f tgnota gente 
 orta, fulitoque prouectos, &c. 
 
 K lockie 
 
130 The MuJJirome. 
 
 lockie. Mickle may Bille thriut, as hees begun, 
 
 My lugges are lit king, Bille now iogge on. 
 
 Billy. Then heare me locky. Boiit mid-belten (was 
 
 Or Ife bethought awrang, when I mufl paffe, 
 
 Ore tK Breamy bourne, and (wele'I tr aw) I had, 
 
 Smaw gere (at tat tide) but a lether-bagge, 
 
 A Motley iacket, an a flop of blew, 
 
 It was my Fadders, I mun tell thee true. 
 
 A lang youd I, (and langer tJun thoulefay) 
 
 And wele, I knew not whether, ne what way, 
 
 Fute-fare I was, for *B\\\eJkoon had neane, 
 
 But an aud pare with him, and they were gane. 
 
 Nor hofe-legs (wele I wate] but skoggers aud, 
 
 That hardly hap't poore Billes legs fra caud. 
 
 Hate was my weajin, empty was my maw, 
 
 And nane I met with, I could ken or knaw, 
 
 So vncath was the gete (as but for JJiame) 
 
 I had comd backe toth place fra whein I came, 
 
 For flier had I skant, nor lej/e nor mare. 
 
 Then three Bawbees, He tell thee all my flare. 
 
 But lith me locky (after many a mile] 
 
 At la/I I hapt to light vpon an lie, 
 
 Bu Come and full a gere, and full aflore, 
 
 For Bille neuer met with like before, 
 
 Sae Greathy was the place where I was driuen 
 
 That I mefecker thought I was in Heauen. 
 
 But 
 
The Mujhrome. 1 3 1 
 
 But wele Ifefure they that this Hand kept, 
 
 Were by our Whilome Fathers Angels clept. 
 
 And wele they might befo, for wele I wate, 
 
 They were fine men, and men of micklejlate. 
 
 Had lujly huffes (that were tricke and trim,} 
 
 Cud wele don on their geere, with euery pin. 
 
 Heerejlood I mufeng lang full keauily, 
 
 Till lockie wha dojl thinkefpeard vp to me. 
 
 lockie. Wha Bille mot that be ? 
 
 Bille. Ane wha thou kens. 
 
 Cand ane, we r aught on meanely, but now fene, 
 
 He has the pricke and preze He fay to thee. 
 
 lockie. Was it not Lobbie ? 
 
 Bille. locky it was he. 
 
 But now the mickle Lurden is fo great, 
 
 Theyr bleft by God, that may with Lobbie fpeake. 
 
 By Gods bread lockie, hefogaifh was, 
 
 I thought no boot to fpeake, but let him pajfe, 
 
 And had donefo, but Lobby wasfo kinde. 
 
 To come to me, and leaue his men behind. 
 
 Great chat we had, and many that were nye, 
 
 Mufd he would chat withjike an ene as I. 
 
 But blith was Lobbie, andfo meeke he was, 
 
 That he vnhorjlfate by me on the grajje, 
 
 Lang did we tauke of this thing and of that, 
 
 A lugge, a Peggy, and a nut-brown Kate, 
 
 K 2 A 
 
132 The Mufltrome. 
 
 A Crowd the Piper, and the Fiddler Twang, 
 And many Jike things, as wee layen alang. 
 Ablangjl the leaue, this Co^mcell gaue he mee, 
 That made me wele to leue,fo may it thee. 
 Billie (quoth Lobby) if thoule prqfper heere, 
 Thou mun be bald, and learne to bandon feare, 
 Thou mun not blujh, nor colour change for oiight, 
 Though tit plea thou hajl in hand be nerefo nought. 
 Thou mun not take petition (lithen me) 
 Nor entertaine him, till thou take thy fee, 
 And (wele I warne tfiee) better way t/iou thriue, 
 If thy hand open be to aw that giue. 
 Get mee fome pr oilers, they are bejl of all, 
 To make thee weet, when fome good office falls, 
 Or a barre-hoisted Lawyer that can fee, 
 With his four e eyne where aud concealments be, 
 But of aw things I mun fore-warne thee hence, 
 To hauefmall dealing with a Confcience. 
 That will vndoe thee (Billy) looke to one, (none. 
 Poore men haue Confcience, but rich men haue 
 'Mongft other things liften to what I fay, 
 For I in brief e willfpeake now what I may. 
 In Teucria here (this Citie where there be] 
 Many a man will haue an eye of thee, 
 Gaine me Acquaintance : ifs thefpring of life, 
 And know thou maift a Tradefman by his Wife. 
 
 Be 
 
The Mujhrome. 133 
 
 Bejicker on her Billy e,fae it is 
 
 Can ope her husbands Casket with a kiffe. 
 
 Diue me into a Mercers Booke, and fay, 
 
 Thoul't pay onjike a time, but doe not pay. 
 
 Chauke me on Vintners, and for aw thy skore, 
 
 Let great words pay for aw,flillrun on more. 
 
 Bejlately Billy (and I doe thee rede) 
 
 Thou mun now throw away thy countrey weed. 
 
 For skoggers, hozen of the Naples twine, 
 
 For thy blew flop, Jike a breeke as mine : 
 
 For thy aud motley iacket, thou mun weare, 
 
 A cloth ajiluer,feke as I haue heere. 
 
 Then mun thou looke big (what way ere thou paj/e) 
 
 As if that Billy were not th man he was. 
 
 Then learne me Billy fame aud Pedegree, 
 
 Noe matter thought belong not vnto thee, 
 
 And fay thy Grand-Jire was a Duke at leaft, 
 
 And jirjl inuentor of Saint Galloway es feajl. 
 
 Maintaine me leeing in a Liuery, 
 
 For that's the firft meanes tJiat mun honour thee : 
 
 Let her be Page-like, at thy elbow Jiill, 
 
 For when thou canjl not doe it, leeing will, 
 
 Let Suters dance Attendance, lithen me, 
 
 Andquicke difpatch, be it thine enemy e. 
 
 Take fees for expedition, for of aw, 
 
 Sutes hajlly ended wreake our ouerthrow. 
 
 K * Get 
 
1 34 The Mujhrome. 
 
 Get me an Heralt (wele I waf] oth be/I, 
 
 That may for Bille find fome pretty Creft, 
 
 A Rat, a Pifmire, or a Butterflie, 
 
 A Cornifh Chucke, a Parrat, or a Pie, 
 
 A nimble Squirrell, or a picke-a-tree 
 
 A Wefell, Vrchin, or a Bumble-Bee. 
 
 Or if of plants, my Bille will haue ane, 
 
 He may full fwithly mange thefe chufe him ane. 
 
 The Brier, tlie haw-thorne : or the Priuet bu/Ji, 
 
 Tlie OJire, Cypreffe, or where thmerry Thru/Jt, 
 
 Sings out her Fa, la, la, but nane tliere be, 
 
 " That like the Mulhrome Bille fitteththee, 
 
 Her grouth is fudden, Bille fo is thine, 
 
 Then take the Mufhrome, its a Crejl of mine. 
 
 Mare need I not fay, keepe but wele my reede, 
 
 Andfeker Ife, thou cannot chufe but fpeede* 
 
 With that he twin'd fra me, and left me there, 
 
 Where I with mickle Carke, and mickle Care, 
 
 Bujlling now vp now downe, at la/I me yode, 
 
 To ply my lej/bn wele I vnderftood, 
 
 And in a pretty while I learnd to bee, 
 
 That cunning Clerke that he awarded me. 
 
 Deftly could I tricke vp me fell, and trim, 
 
 Me featly fine, in euery legge and limme, 
 
 Wele cud I marke my name in Marchants books, 
 
 Fo wele I wate, wha ere he be, that lookes, 
 
 Ife 
 
Mujkrome. 135 
 
 Pfe there in black and white, and wele I may, 
 
 For he is/aid to aw that menes to pay. 
 
 Not a petion would I lijlen ore, 
 
 Till Billie hadfant chinke iris fift before. 
 
 Not a rich mickle lojjell could there be, 
 
 That had a plea but had his path by me. 
 
 Andjine I fau as Lobbie teld beliue, 
 
 That he that had a confcience could not thriue. 
 
 I draue the Haggard fra me,Jine whilke time, 
 
 lockie thoufees how Billie gins toJJiine. 
 
 lockie, And langmay Billiey^zW, butfaynetome 
 
 Fare aw our Coujlrils haufe as wele as thee, 
 
 Billie. lockie they doe, nor neede thou far ken out, 
 
 For we willfeede, wha euer famifli for t : 
 
 O its a place fo full of louifance, 
 
 Play but thy round the Ilanders will daunce. 
 
 Ladies & Lordings, Swaimlings with their 
 
 Will trimly trip it ore the leuie plaines. (fwaines, 
 
 And wele I wat that lockie ance could play, 
 
 For I haue heard him, 
 
 lockie. And fo Billie may. 
 
 Billie. Then tune thy chanter vp and gae with me, 
 
 Come blithly on, 
 
 lockie. lockie does follow tJiee. 
 
 A- 4 A 
 
A Panegirick Embleame, 
 
 Intituled, 
 
 Saint George for England. 
 
 The Argument of the 
 
 Embleame. 
 
 From whence the EngliJJt anciently deriued this Saints 
 canonisation, his orders, inauguration of Sigif- 
 mund, Emperour of Almaine : and his prefent to 
 Henry the Jift. The injlitution of this order where, 
 the folemnizing where : tJte feiierall games, exerci- 
 fes, Races, and Martiall trialls aufpicioujly begunne 
 with that Saint. And tlie like of Honour and ad- 
 uancement. A comparifon had betweene Perfeus 
 
 fonne to lupiter and Danae ; who preferued Andro- 
 meda from the fea monfter, and Saint George, who 
 
 Jlew the Dragon. The difcription of Perfeus, and of 
 Saint George : concluding with a victorious Paean 
 to Saint George. 
 
 H 
 
 The Embleame. 
 
 Aile to thy fhrine thou Saint of Albion, 
 Who had thy auncient confecration 
 
 From 
 
A Panegerick Embleame. 
 
 From thy religious mannagements, as farre 
 
 Difperft, as Turke or Chriftian planted are, 
 
 Thou art the Saint which we in war doe vfe, 
 
 Hoping by thee to be aufpicious. 
 
 Yet void of fuperflition we impart, 
 
 Sole laiid to him, whofe noble Saint thou art 
 
 Nor loofe we th' name of th' Almaine Sigifmund, 
 
 By whom thy precious Reliques firft were found. 
 
 And heere prefented as a royall gift 
 
 To Englands Mirrour, Henry the fift 
 
 Since when thy order is folemnized, 
 
 At Windfor, where a part of thee is fed 
 
 To be inter 'd : thrice happy monument, 
 
 To couer part of one fo eminent 
 
 So Saintly vertuous, as no honour can, 
 
 " Giue thee thy due, as onely due to man. 
 
 O may thy inftitution honour'd be, 
 
 By true deferts, and due folemnity. 
 
 Nor whom thy order doth inaugurate, 
 
 May they by vice ftand fubiecl: vnto hate. 
 
 But fo euen weigh in all their actions here, 
 
 "As Georges Knights may after Saints appear e : 
 
 Which they fhall be, by fhowing feruent zeale 
 
 Vnto the Church, loue to the common-weale. 
 
 137 
 
 In 
 
38 
 
 A Panegirick Embleme. 
 
 In all our games and paftimes feuerall, 
 Euer on George as on our Saint we call: 
 For by that name the auncients vnderftood, 
 Their Fortune could not chufe but to be good, 
 As Turnaments, lufts, Barriers, and tJte reft, 
 In which his name was euermore exprejl. 
 In Races too thefe prefent times affoord 
 Inftances ftore, Saint George he giues the word. 
 So as it was (as common ftories tell) 
 To fay Saint George, as fay Godfpeedeyou well. 
 
 In Martiall trials when our armies met, 
 His name would fpirit in our men beget, 
 " Heightning their courage, perills patting through. 
 " Standing defolu'd before a Cannons mouth. 
 " Out-bearing danger, and with violent breath 
 " Stand at defiance gainft the threats of death. 
 Marching through horrour they would boldly paffe, 
 ( 'As for pale feare, they knew not what it was.) 
 Which may be inftanc'd in that holy war, 
 Where thofe that loft their liues canon iz'd are 
 In leaues of perpetuity : I meane, 
 In the regayning of lemfalem, 
 Where thofe renouned Champions enterprift, 
 For the due honour of their Sauiour Chrijl. 
 
 Either 
 
A panegericke Embleme. 
 
 139 
 
 Either to win that Cittie (maugre th'vaunts 
 Of all thofe hellifh god-leffe mifcreants,) 
 Or if they could not th' Cittie fo furprize, 
 Refolv'd they were their Hues to facrifice ; 
 Euen then I fay when thofe that MarJhaWd ttiem, 
 Could not with-hold from flight their recreant men ; 
 " Saint George appeared in a fubmiffiue Jlww, 
 " Wifliing them not to wrong their Countriefo : 
 And though a ghofl (and therefore leffe belieu'd ; 
 Yet was his mouing prefence fo receiv'd 
 As none to fight it out refolued more, 
 Thenfuch as readiejl were to flie before. 
 Vp went their fcaling-ladders to difplant 
 Th'abhorred of-spring of the mifcreant, 
 And euer as fome danger they efpide, 
 God and S* George for England Jlill they cride. 
 And how fucceffiue that renowned warre 
 Was to thofe Chriftians, which enrolled are 
 In an eternall regifter, may well appeare 
 "By Godfrey Bulloyne who was Jliled there 
 " King of lerufalem, yet as its Jhowne, 
 " By auntient ftories, would receiue no crowne, 
 " Thinking 't vnfit that itjhould be rehear/I, 
 " That where his majlers head with thornes was pierjl. 
 
 Hee 
 
140 A panegericke Embleme. 
 
 He that his feruant was fhould be fo bold, 
 
 As haue his head girt with a crowne of gold. 
 
 What fame in forraine coafts this Hero got, 
 
 The lake m Silene fhewes, if we fhould not ; 
 
 Where in the reskew of a louely Mayde, 
 
 A fearefull Dragon he difcomfited, 
 
 So as we haue portraide to euery viewe, 
 
 On fignes of Innes how George the Dragon flew ; 
 
 Which ftory to expreffe were too too long, 
 
 Being a fubiect for each fidlers fong : 
 
 " Yet caufe there is (I cannot will nor chufe) 
 
 Comparifon 'twixt him and Perfeus, 
 
 Who fonne to loue and fhowre ftain'd Danac, 
 
 In reskew of the faire Andromade, 
 
 Encountred that fea-monfter ; He explane 
 
 Each attribute of their peculiar fame : 
 
 " And then conferring them one with the other, 
 
 " Collect whofe bed their actions laide together. 
 
 And firft for Perfeus ; great I muft confeffe, 
 He was in name, his birth inferres no leffe 
 Being loues fonne, yet can he no way fhun 
 The name of Baftard, though he were his fonne : 
 
 Sylene the pond or lake where 
 the Dragon was. 
 
 Deflow- 
 
A panegericke Embleme. 
 
 141 
 
 Deflowr'd his mother was and in a fhowre 
 
 Of gold, to fhew how gold has foueraigne power, 
 
 T' vnlocke the fort of fancy, and how foone 
 
 " Women are wonne, when golden bayts arejhowne. 
 
 Long loue had woo'd and yet he could not win 
 
 What he defir'd, till gold receiv'd him in, 
 
 Which feemes by eafie confequence to proue, 
 
 " Gifts be the giues that biddes the hands of loue. 
 
 Thus fprung the noble Perfeus, who in time 
 
 " To propagate the honour of that line 
 
 From whence he came, and that it might be fed, 
 
 That he from loue was rightly fathered 
 
 Tooke on him ftrange aduentures ; as to right 
 
 " Iniur'd Ladies by a Jingle fight, 
 
 " Encounter Giants, refcew men diftreft, 
 
 In each whereof his glory was repreft : 
 
 " For valiant & more worthy they doeJJiew them, 
 
 " That wrongs redrejfc, then fuch as vfe to doe them. 
 
 But th'firft and beft attempt he did on Earth, 
 
 " Was, to wipe off tJt blemijh of his birth, 
 
 And th'ftaine of his corrupted mothers honour, 
 
 Which blufhes blaz'd who euer look't vpon her. 
 
 " On them alone imagined it may be 
 
 Went he to th'reskew of Andromade\ 
 
 Who 
 
142 A panegericke Embleme. 
 
 Who now was markt for death, and brought to th' 
 
 Where many maids had bin deuour'd before, (more 
 
 By a fea-monfter : here the Virgin flood, 
 
 To free her Countrey with her guiltleffe blood, 
 
 Whom Perfeus (as he coafted by that way) 
 
 No fooner vew'd then he began to fay. 
 
 Faire Virgin (then he wept) impart to vs 
 What rude vnhallowed hand hath vs'd thee thus 
 And by the honour of my heauenly Sire 
 What ere he be he mail receiue his hire, 
 Giant or Monfter in the earth or Sea, 
 Reueng'd he mall fweete Virgin tell it me. 
 Kind Sir (quoth me) and then fhe ftaide her breath 
 As one addreft to meditate of death, 
 Treate not with me of life, nor aske who 'tis 
 Giant or Monfter that's the caufe of this, 
 Onely know this (thou gentle Knight) that I 
 "Am doomed to death, and Fme refold d to die. 
 To die (faire Maide quoth he) ? if 't be thy fate, 
 He fympathize with thee in equall Mate 
 And die with thee : onely giue griefe a tongue, 
 To tell me who's the Author of thy wrong : 
 Know then (fayd he) I am that hapleffe me, 
 The wretched, pittied, poore Andromade, 
 
 Who 
 
A panegericke Embleme. 143 
 
 Who here am left of friends, bereft of all 
 To be a prey vnto a rauenous whale : 
 Many haue fuffered ere it came to me, 
 Now is my lot and welcome it mail be, 
 To expiate with my vnftained blood 
 The Monfters wrath and doe my countrey good ; 
 As me fpake this vp from the Ocean 
 Came that deuouring vafte Leuiathan, 
 Sweeping along the more, which being fpide ; 
 Good fir retire the noble Damfell cride, 
 Yonder he comes for loue of honour flie, 
 It 's I am doom'd, then let me onely die. 
 But Perfeus (one better tempered, 
 Then to behold a Virgine flaughtered, 
 Without affayd reuenge) did ftreight begin 
 With man-like valour to encounter him, 
 Doubtfull the skirmifh was on either fide, 
 (While th'Maide a fad fpecliator did abide) 
 Wooing with teares which from her cheeks did flow 
 That loue would giue this Monfter th'ouerthrow : 
 At laft her prayers and teares preuail'd fo well, 
 As vnder Perfeus feete the Monfter fell ; 
 Whence came it (as the ftory doth proceede) 
 The Virgin and her Countrey both were freede : 
 
 Which 
 
1 44 -A panegericke Embleme. 
 
 Which to requite (in guerdon of her life) 
 
 Se gaue her felfe to Perfeus as wife, 
 
 " Whom he receiu'd-6 he did ill in this, 
 
 " Sith by the Auncient it recorded is, 
 
 Before that Perfeus to her reskew came, 
 
 She was efpoufed to another man 
 
 " By name Vaxedor, (o it was afinne 
 
 To marrie her that was not dew to him :) 
 
 And better had't been to fuflaine her fate, 
 
 " Then by fuch breach of faith to violate 
 
 Her former Spoufals - which vniuft offence 
 
 " Gods may winke at but ncuer will difpencc : 
 
 Yea to a barraine Rocke though fhe were tyde, 
 
 Yet better 'twas then to be made a Bride 
 
 " To an vfurped Bed, for that did late, 
 
 " That Jlaine on her, time cannot wipe away. 
 
 Thus haue you heard what noble Perfeus was 
 
 With greateft dangers that his worth did pafle, 
 
 The imminence whereof merits due praife, 
 
 " And fuch a Poet as deferues the Bates : 
 
 Laurell and Myrtle-though his Nuptiall knot 
 
 " Loft him more fame then ere his valour got : 
 
 " For fo depratt'd's the Nature of our will, 
 
 " What' s good we laine, wJiafs ill we harpe onftill. 
 
 Now 
 
A panegericke Embleme. 
 
 145 
 
 Now to thy Englifh Saint, my Mufe repaire, 
 
 And lira him fo, that when thou (halt compare 
 
 Thefe two : He Perfeus may out-ftrip as farre, 
 
 As funne the Moone, or th' Moone a twinkling ftar. 
 
 GEORGE now enftil'd the Saint of A Ibion, 
 
 By linage was a Capadocian ; 
 
 Whofe n valour was expreft in all his time, 
 
 That vertue might in euery aftion fhine, 
 
 Which to induce beliefe by mouing fence, 
 
 I will produce his beft description thence, 
 
 Both for th're femblance which hath euer bin, 
 
 Twixt the renowned Perfeus and him : 
 
 As alfo to make good, that not one ftaine 
 
 "Eclipjl that glory which his als did gaine 
 
 All which by inftance feconded fhall be 
 
 "Perfeus was great yet George more great then he. 
 
 Tutching that Dragon on Sylenes more, 
 I haue in part related it before : 
 Yet but as fhadowes doe refemblance make, 
 Vnto the fubftance and materiall fhape, 
 Digrefliuely I onely feem'd to glance, 
 At th'acl it felfe, not at the circumftance : 
 
 n The Etimologie of GE ORGE from Gera and 
 Gion, War-like, or valiant. 
 
 L Know 
 
146 A panegericke Embleme. 
 
 Know then this noble Champion hearing one, 
 
 Along his trauaile making piteous mone, 
 
 In meere remorce drew neerer to the noice, 
 
 " Till he perceiitd it was a Ladies voice, 
 
 Who in a Virgin-milky-white araide, 
 
 Show'd by her habit that fhe was a Maide ; 
 
 Careleffe her haire hung downe, and in her looke, 
 
 Her woes were writ as in a Table-booke : 
 
 Warm-trickling teres came dreaming from her eies, 
 
 Sighs from her heart, and from her accent cries. 
 
 Tyed was fhe faft vnto a pitched flake, 
 
 Bounding on Syleris Dragon-haunted lake, 
 
 All which expreft without a Character 
 
 The wofull flate which did enuiron her : 
 
 Saint George obferv'd her teares, and from his eyes 
 
 Her teares by his finde their renew'd fupplies, 
 
 Both vie as for a wager, which to winne, 
 
 " The more fhe wept, the more fhe forced him : 
 
 At laft with modefl hauiour in reliefe, 
 
 Of her diftreffe, he thus allaide her griefe. 
 
 " Sorrowfull Lady, if griefes lefned are, 
 
 When thofe that pittie griefes receiue their fhare, 
 
 Impart your forrowes to me, and in lew, 
 
 " If right I cannot, I will pittie you. 
 
 AlafTe 
 
A panegericke Embleme. 147 
 
 Alafle (fweet youth quoth fhe) pittie's too late, 
 When my difeafe is growen fo defperate, 
 Yet doe I thanke thee for thy loue to me, 
 That neuer yet deferu'd fo much of thee : 
 "Pray thee begone, fuch friendJJiip lie not trie, 
 To see thy death one is enowe to die, 
 And I am fhee, crofle not the will of Fate, 
 "Better's to loofe one then a double ftate : 
 Be gone I fay do not the time fore-flowe, 
 "Peri/h I mujl of force, fo needs not thou. 
 Imminent horror would admit no more ; 
 For now the Dragon from Sylenes fhore 
 Came fpitting lothfome venome all about, 
 Which blafted trees and dried vp their roote. 
 S' George the Dragon had no fooner vew'd, 
 Then frefh fupplies of fpirit was renew'd 
 In his vnmatched breft : him he affailes, 
 And though ore-matcht his fpirit neuer failes 
 Till he fubdew'd him : and as fome auerre, 
 He tyed him faft and made him follow her 
 Vnto her fathers pallace, where we reade 
 In publike triumph he cut off his head. 
 Here may we fee that a6l of Perfeus 
 Equall'd by George and made more glorious 
 
 L 2 In 
 
148 
 
 A panegericke Embleme. 
 
 In that he aym'd no further nor was fe'd 
 " To put his feete into another s bed, 
 " His conquejl it was temperate and iuft, 
 Not ftayn'd with blemifh of defaming luft 
 For no attempt vs'd he to vndertake, 
 But for true honour and for Verities fake. 
 
149 
 
 A Vi6lorious Paean to our 
 
 Albions 5t, alluding to all noble 
 
 fpirits, natiue affumers of 
 
 his Honor & Order. 
 
 10 Pean then muft wee 
 Giue S* George the mcJorie : 
 JVhofe defert 
 Gract each part ; 
 Where fo ere he vsd to be, 
 None more gract, or loiid then he. 
 
 Perfeus though his renowne, 
 Did to all the world come ; 
 
 Yet oneftaine, 
 
 Dimmd his fame : 
 But the world 's fpatious roome, 
 Shrines S*- George in honours toinbe. 
 
 A 
 
A Satyre called the Coni- 
 
 borrowe. 
 
 NOw in the name of fate what Saint is fhe, 
 That keepes a fhop of publicke Brothelrie ? 
 Harbours the fharking Lawyer for his pence, 
 And Martir-like confumes his euidence ? 
 Nudes my damned Atheift, makes him curfe 
 Nature and fortune, that his thin-lin'd purfe 
 Should be depriv'd of crowns : do you ask what S l ? 
 This Saint was fent from tk' fiery Regiment. 
 A Sodome-apple, a lafciuious ftaine 
 To vertues habite, or a whore in graine, 
 A fucke-blood, Hyene, feigning Crocodile 
 Worse then the monfter bred on th' banks of Nyle, 
 A purple Strumpet, Gangrene to the ftate, 
 Earths-curfe, hels-bliffe, foules-foile, & Angels hate, 
 Smoothed Damnation, fmothered infamie, 
 Horror to Age, and youths calamity, 
 Pritty-fac'd diuell of a ginger pace, 
 Grace-leffe in all faue that her name is Grace, 
 Soules-running vlcer that infec~ls the heart, 
 With painting, purfling and a face of Art. 
 
 Star 
 
The Conyburrow. 151 
 
 Star-blafting honour, vertues foe, expreft 
 
 By hating where (he feemes to fancy beft. 
 
 Vow-breaking periure, that her felfe adornes, 
 
 With thoufand fafhions, and as many formes. 
 
 Creature of her owne making, hollow trunke, 
 
 A Chrijlian Paganif'd with name of Punke. 
 
 A Cell, a hell, where fhe'le no others haue, 
 
 The common Palliard-Pandor, Baud, or flaue, 
 
 A cage of vncleane birds, which is poffeft, 
 
 Of none faue fuch as will defile their neft. 
 
 Where fries of Hell-hounds neuer come abroade, 
 
 But in that earthly Tophet make aboade. 
 
 Where bankrupt Factors to maintaine a ftate, 
 
 Forlorne (heauen knows) and wholy defperate, 
 
 Turne valiant Bonlts, Pimps, Haxtars, roaring boyes, 
 
 Till flefht in bloud, counting but murders toyes, 
 
 Are forc't in th' end a dolefull Pfalme to fmg, 
 
 Going to Heauen by Derick in a firing. 
 
 It's you damn'd proftitutes that foyle this land, 
 
 With all pollutions, haling downe the hand 
 
 Of vengeance and fubuerfion on the State, 
 
 Making her flowrie borders defolate. 
 
 It's you that ruine ancient families, 
 
 Occafion bloodfhed, pillage, periuries. 
 
 Its you that make the wicked prodigall, 
 
 Strips him of fortune, heritance, and all, 
 
 Its you that makes new Troy with factions bleede, 
 
 As much or more then euer old Troy did. 
 
 Its you (fin-branded wantons) brings decay, 
 
 To publique Mates. Its you that hate the day, 
 
 L 4 But 
 
152 T/te Cony burrow. 
 
 But honour night : where euery female finner 
 
 Refembles th' Moone, that has a man within her. 
 
 Lafciuious Burrowes, where there nothing are, 
 
 But toufed, fullied, and ore iaded ware. 
 
 No mufick but defpaire, no other note, 
 
 Saue fome / r m/c^-language from a prophane throat : 
 
 Noe other Accent then the voyce of hell, 
 
 Where Stygian Circe mumbles ore her fpell. 
 
 Shakes her pox -eaten ioynts, and fends for fpies, 
 
 To gaine her traders two fin-tempting eies. 
 
 Where fhe in praife and honour of her trade 
 
 Saies, that t/ie Stewes were in th beginning made, 
 
 For the aduancement of a publick good, 
 
 And well it may, if rightly vnderftood : 
 
 For if in pleafures there fuch bitters be, 
 
 As ftill repentauce lackies vanitie ? 
 
 If luft that's cal'd by th' fenfuall Epicure, 
 
 The beft of mouing pleasures, and the lure, 
 
 That for the inftance makes our organs rife, 
 
 Thinking that place wee'r in is Paradice. 
 
 If fhe (I say) bring forth no fruit at all, 
 
 Saue news from'th Spittle, or the Hofpitall. 
 
 Drie rewmes, catarchs, difeafes of defpaire, 
 
 Puritane-fniueling, falling of the haire. 
 
 Akes in the ioynts, and ring-worme in the face, 
 
 Cramps in the nerues, fire in the priuy place. 
 
 Racking the sinews, burning of the gall, 
 
 Searing the vaines, and bowels moft of all : 
 
 Drying the head, which natur's wont to feede, 
 
 Sucking the blood, whence all diftempers breede. 
 
 If 
 
The Cony burrow. 153 
 
 If beft of pleafures haue no other end, 
 
 Mong'ft earth's delights, the haue we caufe t'extend, 
 
 Our pure affections to an higher ayme, 
 
 Then to corrupt the honour of our name. 
 
 For prefent appetite : I thanke the whoor, 
 
 Thou haft inftru6lted me to haue a power 
 
 Ouer my fence by reafon rectified, 
 
 And haft well neere my fenfes mortefied. 
 
 I know thy habit, and (and I once haue fworne, 
 
 But now recant it, that no earthy forme 
 
 Was of like compofition, but conceiuing, 
 
 That th' period of thy pleafure was in hauing, 
 
 And that thy luft was but defire of gaine, 
 
 I curb'd my selfe that I fhould be fo vaine. 
 
 To fpend my ftate, my ftock, my name, my nature, 
 
 On such a brittle, fickle, faithleffe creature. 
 
 Fond was my iudgement when my reafon ftraid, 
 
 To foile the honourd title of a maide, 
 
 With brothell greeting, or a painted trunke, 
 
 A rotten Tombe, a Bafaliske, a Punke. 
 
 For tell me whore ? what bewty's in thee fhowne, 
 
 Or mouing part that thou canft fay's thine owne ? 
 
 The blufh that's on thy cheeke I know is made 
 
 By 'th Painters hand, and not by nature laid : 
 
 And that fame rofie-red, and lillie white, 
 
 Which feemes to include a volume of delight, 
 
 Is no more thine, then as it may be faid ; 
 
 Faire is tJu waineskote when it's varnijhed. 
 
 Yea I haue heard fome of thy conforts fay, 
 
 Thy night-face is not that thou wearft by day. 
 
 But 
 
154 The Cony burrow. 
 
 But of a different forme, which vnderftood, 
 
 Rightly implies too faces in one hood. 
 
 Now my (prodigious/d^rp) that canft take, 
 
 Vpon occafion a contrary fhape. 
 
 Thou that canft varie habits and delight, 
 
 To weare by day what thou putft of at night. 
 
 Thou that with tempting motiues of despaire, 
 
 Braiding the net-like treffes of thy haire, 
 
 Smoothing thy brazed front, oyling thy skin, 
 
 Taking a truce with Satan, and with finne. 
 
 How canft thou thinke that I will loofe the light, 
 
 Of my deare foule, to pleafe mine appetite ? 
 
 How canft thou thinke that for a moments fweete, 
 
 Wherein the height of pleafures, forrows meete. 
 
 I will engage that effence of delight 
 
 For time eternall, meafure infinite f 
 
 How canft thou thinke I am fo void of fenfe, 
 
 Or blinde, as not to know thy impudence ? 
 
 True, I was blind, when thy fm-Syren voice, 
 
 Made me defpife my felfe, and make a choice 
 
 Of foules-feducing Error : I was blinde, 
 
 When I did hope contented ioyes to finde 
 
 In fo profane a couer : Blinde was I 
 
 When I expected ought but vanitie. 
 
 In fuch an odious harbour : blinde I was 
 
 To looke for vertue in fo vile a cafe. 
 
 But now the glorious effence of my foule 
 
 Tels me, For all thy vertue thou art foule. 
 
 Spotted with Ermins, and that vanitie, 
 
 Of which thar't proud, is like a leprofie. 
 
 Which 
 
The Coniborrow. 155 
 
 VVich runnes to euery vaine, whofe very breath, 
 Poifons the tutcher with infectious death. 
 For whats complexion if I fhould fpeake true, 
 (That which thou wears I meane) but what the lew 
 Of lothfome compofitions's vfd to make, 
 As th' fat of Serpents, and the flough of fnakes, 
 With curfed fpittle or fleagme commixed is, 
 And canft thou thinke this face deferues a kiffe ? 
 No, odious Lecher that beflubbered face, 
 That entertaines no figne nor ftampe of grace, 
 That fm-reflecTiing eye, whose piercings are, 
 Wounds to the soule, and to the mind a care, 
 That artificiall blufh, that painted cheeke, 
 Which neuer feekes, what woman-hood mold seek, 
 That whorim looke drain'd from a wanton mind, 
 Shall make me hate, where I was once inclin'd, 
 Shall make me hate ? O that I did not hate, 
 Before this time : but forrow's nere too late, 
 If feruent, and may I excluded be, 
 If my refolues proceed not inwardly. 
 Farewell, but well I doubt thou canft not fare, 
 So long as thou doft lodge in this difpaire : 
 Preuent me then the caufe, and thou malt fee, 
 The effect thereof will foone preuented be : 
 Till then adew : for till that time I fweare it, 
 Thy Connie-burrow is not for my Ferret. 
 
 Vpon 
 
156 
 
 Vpon a Poets Palfrey, lying 
 
 in Lauander, for the difcharge 
 
 of his Prouender. 
 
 An Epigram. 
 
 IF I had liu'd but in King Richards dayes, 
 Who in his heat of paffion, midll the force 
 Of his Aflailants troubled many waies 
 Crying A liorfe, a Kingdome for a horfe. 
 O then my horfe which now at Liuery ftayes, 
 " Had beene fet free, where now hee's forc't to ftand 
 " And like to fall into the Oftlers hand. 
 
 If I had liu'd in Agamemnons time, 
 
 Who was the leader of the Mirmidons, 
 
 Mounting aloft as wantons in their prime, 
 
 Of frolike youth, planting the Graecians 
 
 In their due order, then this horfe of mine, 
 
 " Had not bin thus confin'd, for there he might, 
 
 " Haue fhowne -himselfe, and done his matter right. 
 
 If 
 
The Poets Palfrey. 1 5 7 
 
 If I had liu'd when Pallas horfe was made, 
 Aptly contriu'd for th'ruine of poore Troye 
 O then there had beene doings for my lade, 
 For he had beene fole author of annoy, 
 Vnto the Troians : well as I haue faid, 
 " He might be Pallas horfe in legge and limme, 
 " Being fo neere proportion'd vnto him. 
 
 If I had liu'd in Pafiphaes raigne, 
 That lusty Laffe, in pleafure euer full, 
 And perfect dalliance : O I bleft had beene, 
 " She fure would loue a horfe, that lou'd a Bull, 
 And better might it with her honour feeme. 
 " A Bui's too fierce, a horfe more modeft aye, 
 " Th'one routs and rores, the others anfwer's ney. 
 
 If I had liu'd in Alexanders age, 
 Crowning my youth 'mongft his triumphant heires, 
 O then that prince, who in his heat of rage, 
 Bad th'Macedons get ftallions for their Mares, 
 More liuely and more likely would not gage, 
 " His loue for nought, to fuch as mongft the reft, 
 " Would bring a Stallion that could doe with beft. 
 
 If I had liu'd amongft th'Amazonites, 
 Thofe Warlike champions, monuments of Fame, 
 Trophies of Honour, friends to choice delights, 
 Who much defired to propagate, their name, 
 " And therefore wifht that they fo many nights, 
 
 Might 
 
1 58 The Poets Palfrey. 
 
 " Might haue free vfe with men, in due remorce, 
 For want of men would take them to my horfe. 
 
 If I had liu'd in Phaeton his daies, 
 
 When with vngiddy courfe he rul'd the Sun, 
 
 O then my Palfrey had beene of great prife, 
 
 For hee's not head-ftrong, nor would haue out-run, 
 
 His fellow-Horfes, but with gentler pace, 
 
 As foft and eafie as the nimble wind, 
 
 He would with hakney pace lagg'd on behind. 
 
 If I had liu'd when th'warre of Agincourt, 
 
 Burnifh't with fhields as bright as Diamond, 
 
 To which our nobleft Heroes made refort, 
 
 O then my Stallion would haue kept his ground, 
 
 And beene at razing of the ftatelieft fort, 
 
 In all that Prouince : and though fmall he may, 
 
 Yet am I fure he would not runne away. 
 
 If I had liu'd but in Don Quixotes time, 
 His Rozinant had beene of little worth, 
 For mine was bred within a coulder clime, 
 And can endure the motion of the earth, 
 With greater patience : nor will he repine 
 At any prouender, fo mild is he, 
 How many men want his humility ? 
 
 If I had liu'd when that proud fayry Queene, 
 Boafted to run with fwift wingd Zephints, 
 Tripping fo nimbly ore the leuie greene, 
 
 Of 
 
The Poets Palfrey. 1 59 
 
 Of Oetas flourie forreft, where each bufti, 
 Taxt her prefumption : then my Horfe had beene, 
 A Horfe of price, O then he had beene tride, 
 And to no manger in fubieclion tide. 
 
 If I had liu'd when Fame-fpred Tamberlaine 
 Difplaid his purple fignalls in the Eaft, 
 Hallow ye pamphred lades, had beene in vaine, 
 For mine's not pamphred, nor was ere at feaft, 
 But once, which once 's nere like to be againe, 
 How methinks would hee haue fcour'd the wheeles, 
 Hauing braue Tamberlaine whipping at's heeles. 
 
 If I had liu'd but in our Banks his time, 
 
 I doe not doubt, fo wittie is my lade, 
 
 So full of Imitation, but in fine, 
 
 He would haue prou'd a mirrour in his trade, 
 
 And told Duke Humphreis Knights the houre to dine 
 
 Yea by a fecret inftinc~t would had power, 
 
 To know an honeft woman from a whoore. 
 
 Well theres no remedy, fmce I am poore, 
 And cannot feede my horfe as I defire, 
 I muft be forc't to fet a Bill oth dore, 
 And with my Bill pay for my horfes hire, 
 Which once difcharg'd, He neuer run o'th skore ; 
 But for my Bill, (inuention play thy part,) 
 And for my horfe-fake, tell men what thou art. 
 
 Heerejlands a beajl that eats and hds no teeth, 
 
 Wiske 
 
160 The Poets Palfrey. 
 
 Wiske out and winches, and yet has no tayle, 
 Looks like Deaths-head, and yet he is not death, 
 Neighs like an AJfe, and crawleth like afnayle, 
 All bones aboue, no belly vnderneath, 
 " Legg'd like a Cammell, with a Sea-horfe foote, 
 " So bigg's his head he cannot be got out. 
 
 Now generous fpirits that inhabit heere, 
 
 And loue to fee the wonders of this Ifle, 
 
 Compar'd with other nations, draw but neere 
 
 And you fhall fee what was expreft ere-while, 
 
 Your pay 's but pence, and that's not halfe fo deere, 
 
 " If you remember, as was that fame toy, 
 
 " Of Banks his horfe, or Fenners Englands ioy. 
 
 What would you fee, that may not heere be feene, 
 A Monfter ? Why, its heere : or would you fee, 
 That which has erft beene fhowne to other men, 
 " A horfes tayle ftand where his head fhould be, 
 Lafle you muft know I am for none of them, 
 That loue fuch nouelties : my two yeeres fayle, 
 Has brought a winching thing that has no tayle. 
 
 Obferue the wonder, it's not obuious, 
 
 Nor each day common : fee now while its heere, 
 
 For its a monfter fo prodigious, 
 
 That if I can, I'll hau't fome other where, 
 
 And fhow my trauell to the generous. 
 
 " For know my monfter doth this Jlable hate, 
 
 " Hauing a headfo great, a roome fo Jlraite. 
 
 Why 
 
The Poets Palfrey. 1 6 1 
 
 Why crowd ye here no fafter ? 'laffe I see, 
 Becaufe I cannot garnifh out my port 
 With faire infcriptions grauen curiouflie. 
 " Like to your Mountebanke or Englifh Foift. 
 The trifling vulgar will not come to me. 
 Nor vifit my ftrange one beaft : let them paffe. 
 My Monfter^s not fet vp for euery Affe. 
 
 It' for thefe braue renowned Caualieres, 
 
 " That craue to fee, and talke of what they fee ; 
 
 Nay talke of more then either eies or eares 
 
 Were witneffe of. Thefe welcome are to me, 
 
 And to my Monjler, for to them't appeares, 
 
 " And to no others, that they might beget, 
 
 " More gaine by th' fight, then ere I gain'd by it. 
 
 What none ? no Mandeuill ? is London growne 
 
 To furfet of new accideats ? why hoe, 
 
 Saint Bartlemews, where all the Pagents fhowne, 
 
 And all thofe acts from Adam vnto Noe 
 
 Vs'd to be reprefent ? canft fend me none, 
 
 Of any fort ? or thou'ld not any fpare, 
 
 But keepe them for the Pagents of thy Faire. 
 
 How many vfd to fwarme from Booth to booth. 
 " Like to Sclauonians, when with famine pinde, 
 Going like Heards, as other cattell doth, 
 Itching for news, yet neuer more inclinde 
 To heare the worft : where now is all that froth, 
 Of crab-fac't Raskals ? O I know their ftraine, 
 " The Faire being done, theyjleepe till faire againe. 
 
 M If 
 
1 62 The Poets Palfrey. 
 
 If mother Red-cap, chance to haue an Oxe 
 Rofted all whole, O how you'le flye to it, 
 Like Widgeons, or like wild-geefe in full flocks, 
 That for his pennie each may haue his bitte : 
 Or if that limping Pedant at the ftocks, 
 Set out a Pageant, whoo'l not thither runne, 
 As twere to whip the cat at Abington. 
 
 Ill-nurtur'd Bowbies, know what I haue heere 
 Is fuch a Monfter, as to know what tis, 
 Would breed amazement in the ftrangeft eare, 
 But vulgar eyes are ayming ftill amiffe, 
 To whom whats onely rare, is onely deere. 
 For you my wonder fleepes, nor fhall't awake, 
 Till riper wits come for my monfter's fake. 
 
 Farewell vnciuill Stinkards, skum oth City, 
 The Suberbs pandors, boults to garden Alleys, 
 May you through grates fmg out your doleful ditty, 
 For now my Dragon-Monfter fpits his malice, 
 That as you pitty none, fo none may pitty, 
 Your forlorne ftate : O may't be as I pray, 
 So faddefl night may cloud your cleereft day. 
 And for the Ofller, fmce I reape no gaine, 
 Out of my Monfter, take him for thy paine. 
 Yet for remembrance write vpon this fhelfe, 
 Here flood a Horfe that eat away himfelfe. 
 
 Hymens 
 
Hymens Satyre. 
 
 DOn Bajfiano married now of late : 
 Has got his witlefle pate a faire eftate, 
 I ft poflible, Fortune fhould be fo blind, 
 As of a world of men not one to find, 
 Worthy her training in her thriuing fchool 
 But an admired Wittall or a Foole ? 
 It's true : why then Fortune's a partiall whoore, 
 To make the foolifh rich, the wifeft poore. 
 Whence we obferue (experience teacheth it) 
 The younger brother hath the elder wit, 
 Yea by example inftanc'd euery where, 
 The Cockney-Cittie's rich, the Suburbs bare, 
 O then I fee the Goulden age begins, 
 Whenfooles are mates for wifeft Citizens. 
 
 M 2 
 
164 
 
 A Marriage fong called by the 
 
 Author In and Out : and now de- 
 
 dicated to the lately converted honeft- 
 
 man, W. G. and his long 
 
 hue-crojfed Eliza. 
 
 The Marriage fong, called 
 In and Out. 
 
 HAh, haue I catcht you : prethee fweet-hart fliow, 
 If fo thou canft, who is in Turne-ball now ? 
 Doft fmile my pretious one ? nay I muft know, 
 There is no remedy, then tell me how ; 
 What my ingenuous cheat, doft laugh to fee, 
 All former iarres turne to an harmony, 
 So generally applauded ? trew thou may, 
 The Night is paft, and now appeares the day, 
 Full of true louifance ; long was thy fuit, 
 Ere twas effected, being in and out, 
 Vowing and breaking, making many an oath, 
 Which now I hope's confirmed by you both. 
 O how I clip thee for it ? fince thy name, 
 Is there renued, which first defam'd the fame, 
 For (heare me Bride-groom) thou by this malt faue 
 Thy felfe a Title : I will raze out knaue, 
 
 Difhoneft 
 
The Marriage. 165 
 
 Difhoneft louer : vow infringing fwaine, 
 And fay thou ceaft to loue, that thou againe 
 Might loue more feruent, being taught to wooe, 
 And wooing doe what Silke-wormes vfe to doe ; 
 Who doe furceffe from labour now and then, 
 That after reft the better they might fpin. 
 
 Spin then (my pretty Cobweb) let me fee, 
 How well thy Bride likes thy a6liuitie. 
 That when fhe fees thy cunning, (he may fay ; 
 " Why now I'me pleas'd for all my long delay ; 
 " Play that ftroake ftill, theres none that here can let 
 " For non there is can better pleafe thy Bettie. (thee, 
 " O there (my deere) I hope thou'le nere giue ore, 
 " Why might not this been done as well before ? 
 " Nay faint not man, was Bettie fo foone won, 
 " That her fhort pleafure fhould be fo foone done. 
 " Nay then come vp, are marriage ioyes fo fhort, 
 " That Maydenheads are loft with fuch fmall fport ? 
 " This if fhe fay (as this fhe well may fay) 
 
 Like a good Gamfter hold her ftill out play. 
 Firft night at leaft wife, and it will be hard, 
 But fhe will loue the better afterward. 
 Whence is the Prouerb (as it hath been faid) 
 May dens loue them that haue their maydenhead: 
 
 Come then my lad of mettall make refort, 
 Vnto the throne of loue thy Betties fort. 
 There plant thy Cannon fiedge her round about. 
 Be fure (my Boy) fhe cannot long hold out. 
 ErecT: thy ftanderd, let her tender breft, 
 Be thy pauillion : where thou takes thy reft. 
 
 M 3 Let 
 
1 66 A Marriage Sonnet. 
 
 Let her fweet-rofie Breth fuch ioyes beftow, 
 
 That in that vale of Paradife below, 
 
 Thou may collect thy ioyes to be farre more, 
 
 Then any mortall euer had before. 
 
 Yet heare me friend, if thou fecure wilt be, 
 
 Obferue thefe rules which I prefcribe to thee. 
 
 Be not home iealous, it will make thee madde, 
 
 Women will haue it if it may be had. 
 
 Nor can a iealous eye preuent their fport, 
 
 For if they lou't farre will they venter for't. 
 
 Suppofe her ftraying beauty fhould be led, 
 
 To the embraces of anothers bedde, 
 
 Wilt thou AEleon-like thy houre-glaffe fpend, 
 
 In moning that thou neuer canft amend ? 
 
 No, my kind friend, if thoul't be rul'd by me, 
 
 Fde haue thee winke at that which thou doft fee, 
 
 fhading thy wiues defects with patient mind, 
 
 Seeing, yet feeming to the world blind. 
 
 For tell me friend, what harme is there in it ? 
 
 If then being cloyd, another haue a bitte ? 
 
 Which thou may fpare, and fhe as freely giue, 
 
 Beleeue me friend, thou haft no caufe to greeue. 
 
 For though another in thy faddle ride, 
 
 When he is gone, there's place for thee befide, 
 
 Which thou may vfe at pleafure, and it'h end, 
 
 Referue a pretty morfell for thy friend. 
 
 Let not thy reafon then be counter-bufft, 
 
 Nor thinke thy pillow with horne-fhauings ftuft, 
 
 I ft be thy deftiny to be a monfter, 
 
 Thou muft be one, if not, how ere men confter. 
 
 Thou 
 
Epigrams. 167 
 
 Thou may remaine fecure, exempt from fhame, 
 Though megre Enuie aggrauate the fame. 
 For this has been my firme pofition ftill, 
 The husbands homes be in the womans will. 
 
 the Marriage. 
 
 THis Marriage went the neareft way about. 
 Playing now vp, now downe, now in, now out, 
 But being done I wifh loue may begin, 
 Now to be neuer out, but euer in. 
 
 An Epigramme, 
 Like to like. 
 
 VPon a time (as I informed am) 
 A Sub-vrbs Baud and Countrey Gentleman, 
 Comming at the dore where I doe lie, 
 A gallant rufling wench chanc't to paffe by ; 
 Which th' Baud obferuing, Sir I pray you fee, 
 " How like you gallant and my daughter be. 
 Indeed they much refemble, both in face, 
 Painting, complexion, and in huffing pace, 
 Yea I mould fay nere any two were liker, 
 If this be as thy daughter is ? ajlriker. 
 
 M 4 Vpon 
 
1 68 
 
 Vpon the commodious though 
 
 compendious labor of M*. Arthur Standifh, 
 
 In the inuention of planting of Wood. 
 
 A wood-mans Emblealme. 
 
 c 
 
 Ome Syluanes, come each in his frejh array, 
 Andjing his name that makes you lookefo gay, 
 Euery Braunch, 
 Euery fpray, 
 Budds as in the 
 Month of May e. 
 Heere the mirtle Venus tree, 
 TItere the Chejfenut, wallnut be, 
 Heere the Medlar fet aboue, 
 Intimates what woemen loue. 
 Lofty pine, 
 Fniitfull vine, 
 Make afpring 
 In ivinter time. 
 
 The 
 
The Woodman. 169 
 
 The naked field has put a garment on, 
 With leauy Jhades for birds to peck -upon. 
 Now Nemaea 
 doth appeare, 
 Flower embordered 
 
 euery where. 
 
 Here the popular, Alder there, 
 Witch-tree, holy-thorne and Brere 
 Here thejhady Elme, andfirre, 
 Dew it, tere-dijlilling mirrh. 
 Euery cliff e, 
 euerie clime, 
 Makes afpring 
 in Winter time. 
 
 Wood-haunting Satires now their minions feeke, 
 And hauing found them play at Barley-breke. 
 Where delight 
 makes the night, 
 Short (though long) 
 by louers Jight. 
 
 Wher Marifco Fairies Queene, 
 With her Ladies trace the greene ; 
 Dauncing meafures,finging layes, 
 In the worthy planters praife ; 
 Standifh fame 
 each voice implies, 
 Bliffe to Standifh 
 Ecco cries. 
 
 Heere 
 
170 T/ie Woodman. 
 
 Hereftands the Wilding on the Jleepie rocke, 
 The Quince, the Date, tJte dangling Apricock, 
 Rough Jkind'd Peck, 
 
 lip-died cherrie, 
 Melon citron, 
 
 Mulberie. 
 
 Sallow, Willow, Mellow, Birt, 
 Sweete-breathd Sicamour and Mirt, 
 Heere tJie Plum, the Damfen there 
 The Pujill, and the Katlierins peare 
 Flowers andfiourifh 
 
 blownefo greene, 
 As thefpring 
 doth euer feeme. 
 
 Tlie brittle AJhe and Jhade-obfcuring Yewe, 
 The aged Oke clafpt with the Misjletoe, 
 Hawthornes grow, 
 
 one a row, 
 And tJteir fweetejl 
 fmels bejlow. 
 
 Roy all Palme, Laurell wreath, 
 With young Ofiers vnderneath, 
 Loue-refembling Box tree there, 
 Flowrijhing through all the yeere. 
 Seyons young, 
 tender plants, 
 Wltere the quire 
 of woodbirds chants. 
 
 Flora 
 
The Wood-man. 171 
 
 Flora now takes her throne and for /he knowes, 
 Of Standifh care,JJte decks his aged browes : 
 With crowne 
 of renowne, 
 Monument 
 
 in time to come. 
 
 That what he hath done of late, 
 After times may imitate, 
 
 So ivhen al our Groues grow greene, 
 Albion may a Forrest feeme, 
 Where ifjhe 
 the Forrejl were, 
 Standifh would 
 be Forrejler. 
 
 ThenJJiotild no gorfe grounds, furrie whin, or Brire, 
 Depriue the painefull plough man of his hire. 
 Euery field, 
 then Jhould yield, 
 Great relief e 
 to Jhare & Jhield. 
 To the Plow Jhare for his paine, 
 To the Jhield for difcipline, 
 Sith the firft he fows and reapes, 
 And the last defends and keepes. 
 Standifh giues, 
 to both a part, 
 To the Gauntlet, 
 and the Cart. 
 
 Trees 
 
172 The Wood-man. 
 
 Trees (Standifh fates) in fummer vpward growe, 
 In winter downe-ward to the roote belowe : 
 This I know not, 
 but I know 
 That with him 
 it is not fo. 
 
 For in winter of his time, 
 Now when fap gins to decline, 
 Store offcience blojf/bme out 
 From the top vnto the root : 
 Root of age, 
 toppe of youth. 
 Winter bearing, 
 fummers growth. 
 
 To 
 
173 
 
 To the truely worthy, the Alderman 
 of Kendall and his brethren. 
 
 Sir in regard of due refpect to you, 
 (If I could write ought that might yeeld a due, 
 To th' Corporation of which I may call, 
 (And dewly to) your felfe the principall : 
 I fhould defire, if power were to defire, 
 To take an Eagles wing and foare farre higher, 
 Then hitherto my weake Mufe could attaine, 
 But 'laffe I fee my labour is in vaine ; 
 For th' more I labour to expreffe your worth, 
 The leffe I able am to fet it forth : 
 Yet let not my endeuours fo be taken, 
 As if with power my will had me forfaken ; 
 For know (though my ability be poore) 
 My good-will vie's with any Emperour. 
 Yea I muft write and though I cannot fpeake, 
 What I defire yet I will euer feeke, 
 T' expreffe that loue which hath been borne by me, 
 (And (hall be ftill) to your Society. 
 Then caufe I know your place and haue an ayme, 
 To fhewe your merits in a fhadow'd name : 
 
 I muft 
 
1 74 The Alderman of Kendall. 
 
 I muft be bold (affection makes me bold, 
 To tell you of fome errors vncontrol'd, 
 Which to your beft difcretion He referre, 
 Hauing full power to punifh fuch as erre. 
 Firft therefore I intend to fpeake of is ; 
 Becaufe, through it, there's many do amifle, 
 Is Idleneffe, which I haue partly knowne, 
 To be a vice inherent to your towne : 
 Where errant pedlers, mercinarie flaues, 
 Tinkers, and Tookers and fuch idle knaues 
 Are too too conuerfant : let your commaund 
 Suppreffe this fmne and refufe of the land, 
 They much difparage both your towne and you : 
 Send tliem to tit whipping-ftocke, for that's their dew. 
 You know the Lord (whofe will fhould be obeid) 
 Hath in his facred word exprefly fayd, 
 That thofe which wil not labour they fhould flerue, 
 (For rightly fo their merits do deferue. 
 Yea if we fhould in morall ftories fee, 
 WJiat punijhments inflitted vfe to be 
 On fuch as could not giue accompt what they 
 Did make prof ej/ion of from day to day ; 
 Yea fuch as could not (upon their demaund 
 Expreffe how they did Hue vpon their hand ; 
 I make no quejlion (but by Pagans care,) 
 You that both Magijlrates and Chriftians are, 
 Would fee your Towne (by th' punifhments expreft) 
 By felfe-fame cenfures to be foone redreft. 
 And this fame error do I not efpie, 
 Onely in them, but in the younger frie t 
 
 Who 
 
The Alderman of Kendall. 175 
 
 Who in their youth do lauifh out their time, 
 
 Without correction or due difcipline : 
 
 Refpe6tleffe of themfelues (as't may be fayd) 
 
 They feeme forgetfull wherto they were made : 
 
 O looke to this let them not run at large, 
 
 For ouer thefe you haue a fpeciall charge ; 
 
 And if they fall beleeu't from me it's true, 
 
 Their blood will be required of fome of you. 
 
 We reade in Rome how they didjlill retaine, 
 
 Some exercife that they their yotith might traine, 
 
 In warlike difcipline or liberall arts, 
 
 Or education in fome forraine parts / 
 
 So as in time as after it was Jhowne, 
 
 Thefe actions gained tJteir Citty great renowne. 
 
 But whence can I imagine that this fin, 
 
 Wherein too many haue been nufled in, 
 
 Had her originall but from that ftaine 
 
 Of reputation, and the worlds baine, 
 
 (Which I in briefe am forced to expreffe,) 
 
 To wit, tfiat fwini/h vfe of drunkennejfe ? 
 
 A vice in great requeft (for all receiue it) 
 
 And being once train'd in't there's few can leaue it ; 
 
 How happie mould I in my wifhes be, 
 
 If I this vice out of requeft could fee, 
 
 Within that natiue place where I was borne, 
 
 It lies in you, deere Townes-men to reforme, 
 
 Which to performe, if that I might prefume, 
 
 Or fo much vnder fauour to affume, 
 
 As to expreffe what my obferuance taught me, 
 
 Or bring to you what my experience brought me, 
 
 I could 
 
176 To the Alderman of Kendall. 
 
 I would make bold fome outward grounds to lay, 
 
 Which might in fome fort lye an open way, 
 
 For rectifying fuch abufe as grow, 
 
 By this foule vice, and I will tell you how. 
 
 There is no meane that fooner moues to good, 
 
 If that the fame be rightly -under Jlood, 
 
 Then is example, for it's that doth moue, 
 
 Such firme impreffion as we onely loue, 
 
 What greater wittes approue, and what they say, 
 
 Stands for an axiome mongft the younger aye, 
 
 Which by the Prouerbe euery man difcernes, 
 
 Since as the old Cocke crowes, the young Cock learns ; 
 
 So weake is youth, as there is nought in them, 
 
 Which they deriue not from the Eldermen, 
 
 Quickly peruerted (fo depraud's our will) 
 
 If they fee ought in the Elder fort that's ill, 
 
 And hardly (when they'r cuftomed in fmne,) 
 
 Can they be wain'd from that they'r nufled in, 
 
 But if they once perceiue the Elder fort, 
 
 Hates vice in youth, and will reprooue her for't 
 
 If they fee Vertue honourd by tfte Graue 
 
 And reuerend Magistrate, care they will haue, 
 
 To re&ifie their errors, and reduce, 
 
 Their ftreying courfes to a ciuill vfe. 
 
 If this by due obferuance doe appeare, 
 
 Methinks you that are Elders, you fhould feare, 
 
 To a6l ought ill, left your example fhould, 
 
 Approue in others, what fhould be contrould. 
 
 And ill may th' Father chaftife in his fonne, 
 
 That vice, which he himfelfe is guilty on. 
 
 Your 
 
To the Alderman of Kendall. 177 
 
 Your patternes are moft obuious to the eye, 
 Of each vnfeafon'd youngling paffeth by, 
 Which if he fee defe&iue but in part 
 He prefently applies it to his heart : 
 For Education which we may auerre 
 With that diuinely-learn'd Philofopher 
 To be a fecond Nature) now and then 
 Doth alter quite the qualities of men, (were, 
 
 And make them fo transform'd from what they 
 (As if there did fome other men appeare : 
 Yea fo far from their Nature they're eftraung'd, 
 As if they had been in the cradle chang'd : 
 And of this fecond nature I am fure, 
 Example is the onely gouernour 
 Which Plutarch termes th Idea of our life, 
 Tymon an emelation or ajlrife 
 We haue to imitate, that what we fee, 
 May in our felues as well accomplijht bee. 
 O then you Presidents (whofe yeeres do giue 
 To moft of you a faire prerogatiue) 
 Reforme your felues (if you fee ought) and then 
 You better may reform't in other men. 
 As you are firft by order and by time, 
 So firft inioine your felues a Discipline ; 
 Which being obferv'd by you and dewly kept, 
 You may wake fuch as haue fecurely flept 
 In their excefle of vanities : 'mongft which 
 Let me (with all refpect to you) befeech 
 That you would feek exactly to redreffe, 
 (That brutifh vice of beaftly drunkennefle. 
 
 N And 
 
1 78 The Alderman of Kendall. 
 
 Andfirft to propagate a publique good, 
 
 BaniJKt I pray you from your brother-hood, 
 
 For diuerfe haue obferued it and will ; 
 
 (For man obferues not good fo oft as ill, 
 
 What's done by th' Elders of a Corporation, 
 
 dues vnto other men a toleration : 
 
 If any fuch there be (as well may be) 
 
 For that vice raignes in each Society : 
 
 Firft caution them, bid them for fhame refraine 
 
 To lay on Grauity fo fowle a ftaine ; 
 
 Tell them much happens twixt the cup and lip, 
 
 And those fame teres of tlieir good fellow/hip, 
 
 If they in time reforme not what's amiffe, 
 
 Shall drowne their reeling foules in hels abijfe : 
 
 Where they may yaule and yarme til that they burft, 
 
 Before they get one drop to quench their thirft, 
 
 Since th'punifhment mail be proportion'd there, 
 
 To that delight which we do Hue in here. 
 
 O then, for Gods loue, bid them now prepare, 
 
 To be more ftri6t then hitherto they were, 
 
 Or bid them haue recourfe vnto their glaffe, 
 
 And there furueigh how fwiftly time doth paffe, 
 
 How many aged Emblemes time doth fhowe, 
 
 In thofe fame wrinkles of their furrow'd browe ; 
 
 How many motiues of declining age, 
 
 What arguments of a fhort pilgrimage, 
 
 How many meffengers of inftant death, 
 
 As dropfie, gout, and fhortnes of the breath, 
 
 Catarrs defcending howerly from the head, 
 
 Diftafte of meates, wherein they furfeted : 
 
 And 
 
The Alderman of Kendall. 179 
 
 And thoufand fuch proceeding from ill diet, 
 Nights fitting vp, rere bankets, mid-dayes ryet. 
 But if thefe doting Gray-beards I haue nam'd, 
 Will not by your intreaties be reclaim'd, 
 Then I would wifh (becaufe thefe vices lurke) 
 That you would fall another way to worke, 
 And by dew cafligation force them take 
 Another courfe for youths example fake : 
 For thofe that will not now, at laft repent 
 After fome twice or thrice admonishment, 
 Derferue a punifhment, nay which is worfe, 
 The Churches Anathema or that curfe, 
 Which mail lie heauy on them in that day, 
 When what they owe they muft be forc't to pay : 
 But fome of you fuch Reuerend-men appeare, 
 As you deferue that title which you beare, 
 Townes Guardians, protestors of our peace, 
 Andfole renewers of our hopes encreafe, 
 So difcreete andfo temporate withall, 
 As if Rome did her men Patritians cat, 
 I without ajfentation might be bolde 
 To name you fo, nor could I be control d. 
 Wherefore I need not feare but you that are 
 Of fuch fincerity will haue a care, 
 To roote out thefe (which as they feeme to me) 
 Be maine Corrupters of your libertie, 
 / wifh it and I hope to fee it too, 
 That when I Jhall come to re-vijit it you 
 I may much glory, andfo much the more, 
 To fee them good that were deprau'd before : 
 
 N 2 Nor 
 
180 To the Alderman of Kendall. 
 
 Nor doe I onely fliadow fuch fhould giue, 
 
 Example vnto others how to Hue ; 
 
 But ev'n fuch vice-fupporters as begin, 
 
 Brauado-like to gallant it in Jin : 
 
 Thefe are incorrigible faying their (late 
 
 Tranfcends the power of any Magiftrate : 
 
 For why they're Gentlemen, whence they alleadge 
 
 They may be drunkards by a priuiledge : 
 
 But I would haue you tell them this from me, 
 
 There is no fuch thing in gentilitie, 
 
 Thofe that will worthily derferue that name, 
 
 Muft by their vertues character the fame : 
 
 For vice and generous birth (if vnderjlood) 
 
 Differ as much in them, as ill from, good. 
 
 Befides, if they do fnufife when they're reproou'd, 
 
 Or feeme as if, forfooth their blood were moov'd : 
 
 Tell them that weake and flender is that towne, 
 
 When fnuffes haue power to menace iuftice down : 
 
 Shew me true Refolution, they may know 
 
 That God hath placed Magijlrates below, 
 
 Who haue power to controle and chaftice fin, (bin :) 
 
 (And bleft's that town where fuch commaund hath 
 
 For tell me, if when great men do offend 
 
 Iuftice were fpeech-lefle, to what efpeciall end 
 
 Should lawes enacted be ? Since they do take 
 
 Nothing but Flies, like tti webs which fpiders make 
 
 Where fmall ones they both trine and puni/ttd be, 
 
 While great ones breake away more eajily : 
 
 But rightly is it which tJiat Cynicke fayde, 
 
 Who feeing iujlice on a time ore-fivaid, 
 
 And 
 
jTo the Alderman of Kendall. 181 
 
 And ouer bearded by a great-mans will, 
 Why thus it is, quoth he, with luftice Jlill : 
 Since th golden Age did leue her, for atfirjl 
 She was true-bred andfcorrid to be enforjl 
 To ought but right, yea fuch was Time as then, 
 " Things lawfull were moft royall among ft men : 
 But now Jhe that Jhould be ajharpe edg'd axe, 
 To cut downe all Jin 's made a nofe of waxe ; 
 Wherein it's luftice (if I not miftake it) 
 What ere it be, iuft as tJte Great-men make it. 
 But Saturne is not banifht from your tovvne, 
 For well I know there's perfect iuftice fhowne, 
 There Ttiemis may be fayd to haue her feate, 
 Where poore-ones may be heard as well as great, 
 There's no corruption but euen weight to all, 
 Equally temper'd, firme, impartiall, 
 Sincere, Judicious, and fo well approu'd, 
 As they that iuftice loue or ere haue lov'd, 
 Are bound to hold that Corporation deere, 
 Since in her colours (he's prefented there. 
 Nor do I only fpeake of fuch as be, 
 luftices nam'd within your libertie, 
 But of thofe men wherewith your Bench is grac't 
 And by Commiflion ore the County plac't 
 There may we fee one take in hand the caufe, 
 Ferreting out thefecrecy of thlawes 
 Anatomizing euery circumftance, 
 Where if he ought omit, it's a meere chance, 
 So ferious is he, and withall fo fpeedy 
 Asfure his Pater nofter'-f not more ready : 
 
 N 3 Yea 
 
1 8 2 To the A Iderman of Kendall. 
 
 yea I haue wondred how he could containe 
 So many law-queries infofmalla braine, 
 For as we fee full oft in fummer time, 
 When Sun begins more South-ward to incline, 
 A Jhowre of haile-Jlones ratling in the aire : 
 Euenfo (for better can 1 not compare) 
 His lawe-exhaling meteors) would he 
 Send out his Showre of law-termes vfually : 
 So as I thought and manie in thofe places, 
 That it did thunder lawe, and raine downe cafes. 
 Yea I haue knownefome strucke infuch a blunder 
 As they imagined that his words were thunder ; 
 Which to auoide ( poor e fnakes)fo fear' d were they, 
 As they would leaue the Betich andfneake away. 
 There may we fee another fo well knowne 
 To penall Jlatutes ; as there is not one, 
 (So well experienjl in them he does make him) 
 Which can by any kinde of meanes efcape him. 
 Bejides for execution which we call, 
 The foueraigne end and period of all ; 
 Yea which may truly be efteem'd the head, 
 From whence the life of lujlice doth proceed 
 He merits dew refpett : witnejfe (I fay) 
 Thofe whipping-Jlocks erected in thhigh way 
 Withjlockes and pilleries, which he hathfet 
 To haue tJte vagrant Begger foundly bet : 
 Nor doth he want for any one of thefe, 
 A Jlatute in warmejlore if that he pleafe ; 
 Which on occajion he can well produce, 
 Both for himfelfe and for his Countries vfe, 
 
 An 
 
of Kendall. 183 
 
 Another may we fee, though fpare offpeech, 
 And temperate in difcourfe, yet he may teach 
 By his effefluall words the rajher fort, 
 Who fpeakefo much as they are taxed for' t. 
 Yeafo difcreetly fober, as I wifh, 
 Many were of that temper as he is. 
 For then I know their motions would be good, 
 Nor would they fpeake before they vnderftood. 
 Another J "olid, and though blunt in words, 
 Yet marke him and his countrey curfe affords 
 One more iudicious, pithy in difcourfe, 
 Sound in his reafons, or of more remorce, 
 To fuck as are diftreffed, for he' I take, 
 The pore mans caufe, though he be nere fo weake, 
 And much haue I admir'd him in Surueigh 
 Of his deferts Jhowne more from day to day, 
 That hejhouldfo difualue worldly praife, 
 When euery man feekes his ejleeme to raije. 
 And worthy ly, for neuer nature brought 
 Foorth to the world a manfo meanely wrought, 
 Offuch rare workemanjhip as you Jhall finde, 
 Inth exquijite perfection of his minde. 
 Yea, if too partiall thought I fhould not be, 
 (In that he hath beenjlill a friend to me) 
 I could exprejfefuch arguments of loue, 
 As were of force thobduratft hearts to moue, 
 To admiration of thofe verities reft, 
 Within the generous table of his breft, 
 But I haue euer hated, fo has hee, 
 " To paint mens worths in words offiatteric. 
 
 N 4 yea 
 
184 To the Alderman 
 
 Yea I doe know it derogates from worth, 
 To haue her f elf e in colours Jhadow' d forth, 
 Sith vertue rather craues for to be knowen 
 Vnto her f elf e, then vnto others JJiowen, 
 Onely thus much He fay ; ordain' d he was, 
 Euen in his Cradle others tofurpajfe. 
 Since for his education it may feeme, 
 Being in mountaines bred, that it was meane. 
 But now of fuck an equall forme combiride 
 As he is Jlrong in body and in minde. 
 Sincerely honejl, andfo well approu'd, 
 As where he is not known, hee's heard & lou'd, 
 So as on Mountaines born, his thoughts afpire, 
 To Sions mount, & loues triumphant quire. 
 Another there's, who howfoere he feeme, 
 In tK eie offome diftemper'd iudgements mene. 
 In vnderjlanding, I doe know his wit, 
 Out-Jlrips the moft of thofe that cenfure it. 
 Bejides theres in him parts of more defert 
 For Nature isfupplide in him by Art. 
 And wheras fom to's wit impute the wrong, 
 I rather doe impute it to his tongue. 
 Since well I know by due experience, 
 (At fuch times as he deign' d me conference) 
 For reading, profound reafon, ripe conceipts, 
 Difcourfe of Jlories, arguing of eftates, 
 Such generall iudgement he in all didjhow, 
 As I was wrapt with admiration, how 
 Me could ejleemfo menely (hairebraind-elues) 
 Of fuch an one was wifer then themfelues. 
 
 Its 
 
of Kendall. 185 
 
 Its true indeed, hee's not intemperate. 
 (As this age fajhions) nor opinionate, 
 But humble in his iudgement, which may be. 
 Some caufe that he is cenfur'd, as we fee. 
 Alas of grief e, nonejhould be deemed wife, 
 But fuck as can like timifts temporize. 
 Expofe their reputation to thejhame 
 Of an offenjiue or initirious name. 
 Whereas if we true wifdome vnderjlood, 
 We'd think non could be wife butfuch wer good. 
 And though we quejlion thus, a/king what ma ? 
 Vnleffe he be a polititian, 
 Yet pollicie will be of f mall auaile, 
 When that arch polititian Machauell, 
 Shall flame andfrie in his tormented foule, 
 Becaufe to th world wife, to heauen afoole. 
 Yea I doe wijh (if ere I haue afonne) 
 He may befo wife, as haue wit tojhun 
 A felfe conceipt of being foly wife, 
 In his owne bleared and dim Jighted eies, 
 For then I know there will in him apeare, 
 A Chriftian zealous and religious feare, 
 Which like an Angell will attend himjlill, 
 Mouing to good, and waine him from whats ill. 
 And far more comfort Jhould I haue of him, 
 Then if through vaine conceipt he Jhould begin 
 To pride him in his follies, for by them, 
 We fee how many roote out houfe and name, 
 Yea of all vertues which fubjifting be, 
 None makes more perf eft then htimilitie. 
 
 Since 
 
1 86 To the Alderman 
 
 Since by it man deemes of himfelfe, and's worth, 
 As of the vile/I ivorme the earth brings forth. 
 
 Which difefteeming I may boldly name, 
 More noble then to glorie in our JJtame : 
 For it doth leade vs in a glorious path, 
 
 Withfafejl conduct from the day of wrath. 
 When ftandig Tore that high Tribunall there 
 We're found far better then wee did appeare. 
 And fuch is hee-yet haue I heard it vowde, 
 " Hee has not witt enough for to bee proude. 
 VVheras wee know, and by experience fee, 
 That fooles bee still the proudeft men that be. 
 Nor is he onely humble, for I heare, 
 Of other proper vertues which appeare 
 In his well tempred difpofetion, when 
 I hear of no complaints mongft poorer men, 
 
 Who are his tenaunts for he has report, 
 Of Jhewing mercy, and is blejfed for't. 
 And is not this a poynt of wifedome, fay? 
 For to prouide thus for another day 
 That for terreftriall things, hee may obtayne 
 A farre more glorious and tranfcendent gayne. 
 Sure (I doe thinke) there is no foole to him, 
 That does enrich his progeny by fmne, 
 Makes fhipwrack of a confcience, bars himfelfe, 
 Of after hopes to rake a little pelfe. 
 Ruines his foule, and ads vnto the ftore, 
 Of his accounts, by racking of the pore. 
 Whereas ofth' other fide hees truely wife, 
 (Though not to man, yet in thalmighties eies. 
 
 who 
 
Of Kendale. 187 
 
 Who pitty and companion doth profeffe, 
 To th'forlorne widdow and the fatherlefle, 
 Does right to all men, nor will make his tongue, 
 An aduocate for him who's in the wrong ; 
 Accepts of no aduantage, which may feeme 
 To ftaine his confcience, or to mak't vncleane : 
 Hates an oppreffors name, and all his time, 
 Was neuer wont to take too great a fine. 
 Beares himfelfe blameleffe before God and man. 
 Hee's truely wife, or much deceau'd I am. 
 Indeed he is, and fuch an one is plaft, 
 In that fame Mirror which I f pake of lajl. 
 Who without aflentation may be faid, 
 To haue a patterne vnto others laid, 
 In actions of this kind, yea I may fweare, 
 Rather for thefe refpe6ls I hold him deare, 
 Then for his ftate, which may be well expreft, 
 To equall, if not to furmount the beft. 
 But I'ue too farre digreft, in breefe it's he, 
 Who hates the leuen of the Pharifee, 
 And (which is rare) 'mongft richer men to find, 
 He counts no wealth like th'riches of the mind. 
 How happy you (Graue Elders) to haue thefe, 
 Afliftants in your peace, meanes for your eafe, 
 So as their ferious care, ioyn'd to their powers r 
 May feeme in fome degree to leffen yours, 
 For powers vnited, make the army ftronger, 
 "And minds combin'd preferue that vnion longer. 
 O may there be, one mind and one confent, 
 (Cohering in one proper continent) 
 
 One 
 
1 88 To the Alderman of Kendall. 
 
 One firme opinion, generall decree, 
 
 Amongft you all concurring mutually : (fords, 
 
 And may your Throne, which fuch good men af- 
 
 Nere fall at oddes by multiplying words, 
 
 Since the fpirit of contention ftirres our blood, 
 
 And makes vs oft neglecl: a publique good. 
 
 Thus with my beft of wifhes, I will end, 
 
 Refting your euer true deuoted friend. 
 
 R. B. 
 
1 89 
 
 To all true-bred Northerne Sparks, of 
 
 the generous fociety of the Cottoneers, who 
 
 hold their High-roadeby the Finder of Wake- 
 
 field^tiiz. Shoo-maker of Brandford, and 
 
 tlie white Coate of Kendall : Light gaines, 
 
 Heauie Purfes, good Tradings, 
 
 with cleere Confcience. 
 
 TO you my friends that trade in blacke and white, 
 In blacke and white doe I intend to write. 
 Where He infert fuch things are to be fhowne, 
 Which may in time adde glory and renowne, 
 To your commodious tradings, which fhall be 
 Gracefull to you, and fuch content to me, 
 As I fhould wifh, at lead my lines fhall tell, 
 To after-times, that I did wifh you well, 
 And in my obferuations feeme to fhow, 
 That due refpect I to my country owe. 
 Firfl therefore ere I further goe, He proue, 
 Wherein no leffe, lie manifeft my loue, 
 Then in the greatefl : that of all haue beene, 
 Shall be, or are, you feeme the worthieft men, 
 
 And 
 
190 To tlie Cotteneers. 
 
 And this's my reafon ; which may grounded be, 
 On the firme arches of Philofophy ; 
 We fay, andfo we by experience find, 
 In man there is a bodie and a mind, 
 The body is the couer, and in it 
 TJie minds internall foueraignneffe doth Jit, 
 As a great Princejfe, much admired at, 
 Sphered and reared in for chaire offtate, 
 While th! body like a hand-maid prejl f obey, 
 Stands to performe, what ere her miftreffe fay. 
 Yea fame compare this bodies outward grace, 
 Vnto a dainty fine contriued cafe, 
 Yet for all th cofi which is about Iter fpent, 
 She founds but harjh, without her infirument, 
 Which is tJtefoule : others refembled haue, 
 The bodies feature to a fumptuous graue, 
 Which garnifht is without full tricke and trim, 
 Yet has nought elfe, butfctdls and bones within. 
 Otliers compare the beauty of the mind, 
 To pith in trees, tJte body to the rind. 
 But of all others have bene, be, or were, 
 In my opinion notie doth come fo neere, 
 In true Resfmblanes (nor indeed there can) 
 Then twixt tlie mind and lining of a man, 
 For its the inward fubjlance which to mee, 
 Seemesfor to line the body inwardly, 
 With ornaments of vertue, and from Jtence, 
 As Jte excells, we draw his excellence. 
 Then, my deere countrimen, to giue your due, 
 From whence comes mans perfection, but from you 
 
 That 
 
To the Cotteneers. 191 
 
 That doe maintaine with credit your eftate, 
 
 And fells the beft of man at eafie rate, 
 
 To wit, the minds refemblance, which is gotten, 
 
 By thofe fame linings which you fell of Gotten, 
 
 For fee thofe thin breech Irifh lackies runne, 
 
 How fmall i'th waft, how fparing in the bombe, 
 
 What lacke a Lents they are : yet view them when 
 
 They haue beene lin'd by you, theyr proper men, 
 
 Yea I may fay, man is fo ftrange an Elfe, 
 
 Without your helpe, hee lookes not like himfelfe. 
 
 Indeed if we were in fome parts of thofe, 
 
 Sun-parched countries, where they vfe no clothes, 
 
 But through the piercing violence of heat, 
 
 Which in fome places is intemporate, 
 
 Th' inhabitants go naked, and appeare 
 
 In grifly fort, as if they frenticke were, 
 
 Then you that make vs man-like, mould not need, 
 
 Nor your prof "ejjion ftand in any fteed, 
 
 For why ? the clymate which we then mould haue, 
 
 No Bombaft, Cotten, or the like would craue : (them, 
 
 Since fcorching beames would fmoulder fo about 
 
 As th' dwellers might be hot enuffe without them. 
 
 But heer's an Ifland that fo temprate is, 
 
 As if it had plantation to your wifh. 
 
 Neither fo hote, but that we may abide, 
 
 Both to be clad and bombafted befide. 
 
 Neither fo cold, but we may well allow it, 
 
 To wearefuch yarne, a blind man may looke through it. 
 
 Its true indeed, well may it be confeft, 
 
 If all our parts were like fome womens breft. 
 
 Bared 
 
192 To the Coteneers 
 
 Bared and painted with pure Azure veines, 
 
 Though of themfelues they haue as many ftaines, 
 
 And riueld wrinkles, with fome parts as badde, 
 
 Then th' crooked Greeke Therfytes euer had, 
 
 It might be thought your gaines would be fo fmall, 
 
 As Ime perfwad'd they would be none at all : 
 
 But thanks be giuen to heauens fupernall powers, 
 
 Which fways this Mafle of earth, that trade of yours, 
 
 Hath her dependance fixt in other places, 
 
 Then to be tide to womens brefts or faces. 
 
 Let Painters and Complexion fellers looke, 
 
 To their crackt ware, you haue another booke 
 
 To view into, then they haue to looke in, 
 
 For yours's an honeft trade, but their's is fin. 
 
 Next I exprefle your worth in, fhall be thefe, 
 
 Firft, your fupportance of poore families, 
 
 Which are fo weake in ftate, as I much doubt me, 
 
 They would be forc't to begge or ftarue without ye. 
 
 The fecond is, (wherein you'ue well deferued, 
 
 The care you haue to fee your Country ferued, 
 
 Not as fuch men who Hue by forraine Nations, 
 
 Impouerifhing this Land by tranfportations, 
 
 For their depraued Natures be well fhowne, 
 
 By louing ftrangers better then their owne ; 
 
 Or as it feemes, to fucke their Mothers bloud, 
 
 Their Natiue Countrie for a priuate good. 
 
 The third and lajl, which heere expreft fhall be, 
 
 Shall reference haue to your Antiquity, 
 
 All which I will dilate of, and though I 
 
 Cannot defcribe ech thing fo mouingly, 
 
 As 
 
To the Cotteners. 193 
 
 As I could wifh, yet take it in good part, 
 Proceeding from the centre of a heart, 
 That did this taske and labour vndertake, 
 For ywc profejfion and your countries fake, 
 Whofe ayre I breath'd, O I were worthy death, 
 Not to loue them, who fucKt with me one breath. 
 How many Families fupported be, 
 Within the compafle of one Barronry, 
 By your profeflion I may boldly fhow, 
 (For what I fpeake, I by obferuance know.) 
 Yea by eye-witneffe, where fo many are, 
 Prouided for by your peculiar care, 
 As many would the beggars be (I wot) 
 If your religious care releetfd them not. 
 For there young brats, as we may well fuppofe, 
 Who hardly haue the wit to don their clothes, 
 Are fet to worke, and well can finifli it, 
 Being fuch labours as doe them befit : 
 Winding of fpooles, or fuch like eafie paine, 
 By which the leaft may pretty well maintaine 
 Themfelues, in that fame fimple manner clad, 
 As well agrees with place where they were bred. 
 Each plies his worke, one cards, another fpins. 
 One to the studdles goes, the next begins 
 To rauell for new wefte, thus none delay, 
 But make their webbe-vp, 'gain/I each Market-day^ 
 For to preferue their credit : but pray fee, 
 Which of all thefe for all their induftry, 
 Their early rifing, or late fitting vp, 
 Could get one bit to eat, or drop fuppe. 
 
 O If 
 
194 To the Cotteneers. 
 
 If hauing wrought their webbes, their forc't to ftand, 
 
 And not haue you to take them off their hand. 
 
 But now by th'way, that I my loue may fhew, 
 
 Vnto the poorer fort as well as you, 
 
 Let me exhort you, in refpecl: I am, 
 
 Vnto you all both friend and Countriman, 
 
 And one that wifheth, if hee could exprefle, 
 
 What's wifhes be vnto your Trade fuccefle, 
 
 As to himfelfe, thefe pooremen (vnder fauour) 
 
 Who earne their meanes fo truly by their labour, 
 
 Should not (obferue me) bee enforc't to wait, 
 
 " For what you owe, and what's their due, fo late, 
 
 Time vnto them is pretious, yea one houre, 
 
 If idly e f pent, is charges to t/te poore : 
 
 Whofe labour's their Reuenue : doe but goe, 
 
 To Salomon, and he will tell you fo, 
 
 Who willeth none, exprefly to fore-flow, 
 
 To pay to any man what they doe owe, 
 
 But, if they haue it, not to let them ftand, 
 
 Crauing their due, but pay it out a hand. 
 
 Say not vnto thy friend (faith Salomon) 
 
 I haue not for thee now, but come anon : 
 
 For why Jhouldft thou that Jiajl wherewith to pay, 
 
 Put of till morrow, what thou maift to day. 
 
 Beleeue me friends I could not choofe but fpeake, 
 
 And caution you of this, for euen the weake 
 
 And impotent, whofe foules are full as deere, 
 
 As be the Monarchs, whifper in mine eare, 
 
 And bid.mee tell you yet to haue a care, 
 
 Not to exprefle their names what men they are, 
 
 For 
 
To the Cotteneers. 195 
 
 For then they doubt that you to fpite them more, 
 Would make them flay, far re longer then before. 
 That you would fee their iniuries redreft, 
 Of which they thinke, you were not yet poffeft. 
 But in transferring of the charge to fuch, 
 As be your Factors, which haue had fmall tutch, 
 Of others griefes : your felues haue had the blame, 
 Though't feems your Factors wel deferud the fame. 
 Nor would I haue you thinke Ime feed for this, 
 For they do plead in Forma pauperis 
 That bee my Clyents, yea Ime tied too, 
 In countries loue to doe that which I doe : 
 For euen their teares, mones, and diftreffed ftate, 
 Haue made me for them fo compaflionate, 
 That my foule yern'd within me, but to heare, 
 Their mones defpifd, that were efteem'd fo deere, 
 To their Creator, fee their Image then ; 
 And make recourfe to him that gaue it them, 
 Whofe manfion is aboue the higheft fphere. 
 And bottles vp the fmalleft trickling teare, 
 Shed by the pooreft foule, (which in a word) 
 Shall in that glorious fynod beare record : 
 Where for the leaft non-payment which we owe, 
 Shall paffe this doome-Away ye curfed, goe. 
 But I do know by my Experience, 
 The moft of you haue fuch a Confcience, 
 As in that day, what euer fhall befall, 
 Your fmcere foules will as a brazen wall, 
 Shield you from fuch a cenfure ; for to me, 
 Some doe I know bore fuch integrity. 
 
 O2 As 
 
196 To the Cotteneers. 
 
 As I dare well auow't, tis rare to find, 
 In fuch a crazie time, fo pure a mind. 
 But now I muft defcend (as feemes to me) 
 From the releefe of many Familie, 
 By you fupported, to your fpeciall care, 
 To fee your country ferued with good Ware ; 
 Which of all others (if well vnderftood) 
 Seemes to haue ayme moft at a publique good. 
 Well it appeares, euen by your proper worth, 
 That you were borne for her that brought you forth, 
 Not for your felues, which inftanced may be, 
 In that you ayme at no Monopoly, 
 No priuate Jlaples, but defire to fell, 
 (Which of all other feem's approu'd as well,) 
 Your Ware in publique places, which may ftand 
 No more for your auaile, then good of th' land. 
 Nor are you careleffe what it is you bring, 
 Vnto your Country, for your cuftoming, 
 Dependance has vpon that due efteeme, 
 They haue of you, that are the fame you feem, 
 Plaine Jwme-bred chapmen (yet of fuch due note) 
 Their word is good, how plaine fo ere's their coat. 
 Yea doe I wijh, I may haue fuch as they, 
 Jngag'd to me, for they 1 1 do what they fay, 
 When Jilken coats, andfome of them I know, 
 Will fay farre more then ere they meane to doe. 
 Therefore it much concernes you to produce, 
 That which you know is for a common vfe. 
 Not for -the eye fo much as for the proofe, 
 For this doth tend moft to your owne behoofe : 
 
 Where 
 
To the Cotteneers. 197 
 
 Where Reputation doth fuch cuftome gaine, 
 
 As being got is feldome loft againe. 
 
 Yet fure methinks my Friends, you put to th' venture, 
 
 When your commodities are ftretcht on th' tenter, 
 
 So that as I haue heard, when come to weting 
 
 They Jhrinke a yard at leajl, more then is fitting. 
 
 Yet doe I heare you make excufe of this. 
 
 That for your felues you know not what it is : 
 
 And for your FaElors what they take, they pay, 
 
 If Shere-men ftretch them fo, the more knaues they. 
 
 It's true they are fo, yet for all you vfe 
 
 Thefe words, beleeu't, they'l ferue for no excufe, 
 
 For if you will be Common-weales men, know, 
 
 Whether your Shere-men vfe this feate or no, 
 
 Before you buy, (which found) reprooue them then, 
 
 Or elfe auoid fuch tenter-hooking men. 
 
 There is a Gallant in this towne I know, 
 
 ( Who damnd himfelfe, but mojl of them doe foe) 
 
 If that he had not, to make cloake audfuit, 
 
 Some thirty yards of rug or thereabout, 
 
 Yet hardly came to fifteene afterward, 
 
 It had beene meafur'd by the Taylors yard. 
 
 Now was not this too monftrous and to badde, 
 
 That it fhould leefe full halfe of that it had ? 
 
 I know not what to thinke (but to be breefe) 
 
 Either the Taylor was an arrant theefe, 
 
 And made no bones of Theft, which is a crime, 
 
 Moft Taylors will difpence with at this time : 
 
 Or fure, if my weake wit can iudge of it, 
 
 The rugge was tentred more then did befit : 
 
 O 3 But 
 
198 To the Cotteneers. 
 
 But you will fay, the Gallant fure did lie, 
 
 Faith if you be of that minde fo am I, 
 
 For its fcarce poflible fo much to put, 
 
 In Cloake and fute, vnleffe heed cloath his gut ? 
 
 (And that's of th' largeft fize) and fo't may be, 
 
 For I'ue heard one skild in Anatomic, 
 
 (Auerr thus much that euery gut in man 
 
 For at that time his lecture then began,) 
 
 Was by due obferuation knowne to be 
 
 Seauen times his length: fo that it feemes to me 
 
 If this be true, which Naturalifts doe teach, 
 
 The Taylor plaid the man to make it reach, 
 
 So far, for fure the yards could not be fmall, 
 
 That were to make cloake, fute, cloath guts, and all. 
 
 But I doe finde you guiltleffe, for I know, 
 
 As to your Countrey, you your Hues doe owe, 
 
 If priuate harmes might propagate her good, 
 
 (For Countries loue extends vnto our blood) 
 
 So there's no Commerce which you entertaine, 
 
 Aymes not in fome part at a publique gaine ; 
 
 And that's the caufe, Gods blefimgs doe renew, 
 
 Making all things to cotton well with you. 
 
 " Now to the third Branch, is my mufe addreft, 
 
 To make your Trades Antiquity expreft, 
 
 If I had skill but rightly to define, 
 
 Th' originall foundation and the time, 
 
 The caufe of your encreafe, and in what fpace, 
 
 The people you Commerft with, and the place 
 
 Of your firft planting, then it might appeare, 
 
 Vpon what termes your priuiledges were : 
 
 But 
 
To the Cotteneers. 199 
 
 But fo onfuf'd be times antiquities, 
 As it is hard dire<5lly to fhow thefe, 
 In what efpeciall fort they were begun, 
 (Yet I may doe what other men haue done) 
 And by conie6lures make your Trade difplayd 
 Speaking in Verfe, what fome in profe haue faide 
 Some are opiniond that your trade began 
 From old Carmentis, who in colours fpan 
 Such exquijit rare works, as ttt webs /lie wrought 
 Were farre and nere by forrain nations fought. 
 And as it may in ancient writ appeare. 
 The Phrigian works werefaidto com from her. 
 But now the better to vnfolde the fame, 
 Know that there were two women of that name, 
 The one (for Stories manifejl no lejfe) 
 Euanders mother was, a Propheteffe, 
 Who wrot and f pake in verfe with fuck a grace, 
 Asjhe renoumd the Countrey where Jhe was. 
 The other was a Spinfter, which did come, 
 Along with Aquila (when he from Rome 
 Marching amaine, lancht forth for Britanie) 
 Which Coajl Carmentis did no fooner fee, 
 Then Jhe admir'd^or well Jhe f aw by vfe, 
 Th' inhabitants would proue indujlrious. 
 So as in thefe dates mde, they grew in time, 
 Specially Nooth-ward) by her difcipline, 
 To become ciuill, and where prompt to doe, 
 Any fet Tajke this Matron put them to. 
 Touching the place where Jhe plantation had, 
 Diucrs Hiftorians hau+fo differed, 
 
 O 4 As 
 
2OO To the Alderman 
 
 As hardly iumpe they by a hundred mile, 
 And therefore difficult to reconcile 
 Their different opinions : for they ftriue, 
 Among ft themfelues, & aske wher Jhes'd ariue ? 
 Since it appeares when Aquila came aJJiore, 
 Saue 3 or 4 choice dames, there were no more. 
 Of woman kinde with him : for he was loath, 
 To Jhip fuch old hags, were not for his tooth, 
 And therefore fuch as bewty did adorne, (turne 
 Wer Jhipt with him : for they would ferue his 
 To reconcile thefe doubts, which feems a woder, 
 Know that his fleet deuided was afunder. 
 And driue to fundry creeks, fom Eaft,y^; weft, 
 Som North, fom South ; forfo they wer diftreft. 
 By aduerfe winds (as forced from togetJier) 
 TJiey were difperft, tliey knew not wJtere, nor whither. 
 In which aufpiciotis tempeft, happy ftr ay, 
 For happy was that tempeft may you fay, 
 This modeft matron with an heauy Jieart, 
 Reft of her friends ariued ith North part, 
 With fom young maids which Aquila did minde 
 To bring along to keepe his men in winde. 
 
 The Port whenjhe ariud(as't feemes to me, 
 For I doe ground on probability, 
 Drawne from the clime & Ports defcription) 
 Was the rich hauen of ancient VVorkington, 
 Whofeftately profpeft merits honours fame, 
 In nought more noble than a Curwens name. 
 A nd long may it referue that name whofe worth, 
 Hath many knigJitsfrom that defcent brought forth, 
 
 For 
 
of Kendall. 201 
 
 For if to blaze true fame (I ere haue skill), 
 In Bouskill ioynd with Curweny7z0wY / will. 
 Carmentis thus ariud did trauaile on 
 To find finde fome place fit for plantation : 
 For then that Coaft as we injlories reade, 
 Lay wholy waft, and was unpeopled. 
 Where in her progrejfe by the way Jhe came, 
 She gaue to fundry places different name. 
 " Mongft which her owne name, whence it is they fay, 
 Cartmell or Carment-hill holds to this day 
 Her Appelation . and now neere an end 
 Of her fet tourney, as Jhe did defcend 
 D owne from the neighbouring- Mountaines, Jhe might 
 A woody vale, Jeafd deliciotijly, (fpie, 
 
 Through which a pleafant Riuer feemd to glide, 
 V Vhich did this -vale in equall parts deuide, 
 This haidngjpide, (on Stauelaies Cliffes they fay) 
 She laid her ftaffe, whence comes the name Staff e-lay. 
 Corruptly Staulay, where Jhe Jlaid a Jpace, 
 But feeing it a mojl notorious place, 
 And that tlie trades men were Jo gitien totK Pot, 
 That they would drinke far more then ere they got. 
 She turnd from thence, yet left fame Maids behinde. 
 TJiat might acquaint tJiem in this wool worke kinde. 
 V Vhilejhe did plant, as ancient Records be, 
 Neerer to Kendall in tti Barronrie. 
 Thus haue I drawne your linage as it was, 
 For other Accidents I let them paffe, 
 Onely fuch things as moft obferuant were, 
 (As the erection of your Sturbidge faire. 
 
 I 
 
2O2 To the Cottiners. 
 
 I thought to fliadow briefely, which began, 
 On this occafion by a Kendall man, 
 
 Who camming vp or downe I know not well, 
 Brought his commodities that way to fell : 
 
 Where being benighted, tooke no other Jhield, 
 To lodge him and his ware tJien th open field : 
 A Maftiffe had Jie, or a mungrill Cur, 
 
 Which hejlill cride and cald on, Stur-bitch ftur, 
 Leajl miching knaues now fore thefpring of day, 
 Should come perchance, and filch his ware away. 
 From hence they fay tooke Sturbidge firft her name, 
 Which if fhe did, (he neede not think't a fhame, 
 For noble Princes, as may inftanc'd be, 
 From Braches had their names as well as fhe : 
 Such Romulus and Remus were, whofe name 
 Tane from a fhe- Wolfes dug, raifd Romes firft fame, 
 Yea Cyrus which 's as ill, (if not far worfe,) 
 Had but a Bitch (cal'd Spacon) for his nurfe. 
 For in defcents, it is our leaft of care, 
 To aske what men once were, but what they are. 
 Sith great eftates,yea Lordjhips raifd we fee, 
 (AndfoJJiallftill)fromtti ranke of beggarie. 
 Yea Peafants (fuch hath been their happy fate) 
 Without defert haue come to great eftate, 
 For true it is was faid fo long agon, 
 A paltry Sire may haue a Princely Sonne. 
 " But haft my Mufe in colours to difplay, 
 Some auncient cuftomes in their high roade way, 
 By which thy louing Countrey men doe paffe, 
 Conferring that now is, with which once was, 
 
 At 
 
To the Cotteneers. 203 
 
 At leaft fuch places labour to make knowne, 
 
 As former times haue honour'd with renowne. 
 
 So by thy true relation 't may appeare 
 
 They are no others now, then as they were, 
 
 Euer efteem'd by auntient times records, 
 
 Which fhall be fhadow'd briefly in few words. 
 
 The firft whereof that I intend to fhow, 
 
 Is merry Wakefield and her Pindar too ; 
 
 Which Fame hath blaz'd with all that did belong, 
 
 Vnto that Towne in many gladfome fong : 
 
 The Pindars valour and how firme he ftood, 
 
 In th' Townes defence 'gainft th' Rebel Robin-hood, 
 
 How ftoutly he behav'd himfelfe, and would, 
 
 In fpite of Robin bring his horfe to th' fold, 
 
 His many May games which were to be feene, 
 
 Yeerely prefented vpon Wakefield greene, 
 
 Where louely lugge and luftie Tib would go, 
 
 To fee Tom-liuely turne vpon the toe ; 
 
 Hob, Lob, and Crowde the fidler would be there, 
 
 And many more I will not fpeake of here : 
 
 Good god how glad hath been this hart of mine 
 
 To fee that Towne, which hath in former time, 
 
 So florim'd and fo gloried in her name, 
 
 Famous by th' Pindar who firft rais'd the fame ? 
 
 Yea I haue paced ore that greene and ore, 
 
 And th' more I faw't, I tooke delight the more, 
 
 " For where we take contentment in a place, 
 
 " A whole daies walke, feemes as a cinquepace : 
 
 Yet as there is no folace vpon earth, 
 
 Which is attended euermore with mirth : 
 
 But 
 
204 To the Cotteneers. 
 
 But when we are tranfported mod with gladnefle, 
 
 Then fuddenly our ioyes reduc'd to fadnefle, 
 
 So far'd with me to fee the Pindar gone, 
 
 And of thofe iolly laddes that were, not one 
 
 Left to furuiue : I griev'd more then He fay, 
 
 (But now for Brad-ford I muft haft away). 
 
 Brad-ford if I mould rightly fet it forth, 
 
 Stile it I might Banberry of the North, 
 
 And well this title with the Towne agrees, 
 
 Famous for twanging, Ale, Zeale, Cakes and Cheefe : 
 
 But why Jhould I fet zeale behinde their ale f 
 
 Becaufe zeale is for fome, but ale for all ; 
 
 Zealous indeed fome are (for I do heare t 
 
 Of many zealous fempring Jifter there) 
 
 Who loue their brot/ter, from their heart iffaith. 
 
 For it is charity, as fcripture faith, 
 
 But I am charm'd, God pardon what's amifle, 
 
 For what will th' wicked fay that heare of this, 
 
 How by fome euill brethren 't hath been fed, 
 
 T/i' Brother was found in 's zealous Jifter s bed? 
 
 Vnto thy taske my Mufe, and now make knowne, 
 
 The iolly moo-maker of Brad-ford towne, 
 
 His gentle-craft fo rais'd in former time 
 
 By princely lourney-men his difcipline, 
 
 " VVhere he was wont with paflengers to quaffe, 
 
 " But fuffer none to carry vp their ftaffe 
 
 Vpon their moulders, whilft they paft through town 
 
 For if they did he foon would beat them downe. 
 
 (So valiant was the Souter) and from hence, 
 
 Twixt Robin-hood and him grew th' difference ; 
 
 Which 
 
To the Cotteneers. 205 
 
 Which caufe it is by moft ftage-poets writ, 
 
 For breuity, I thought good to omit, 
 
 " Defcending thither where moft bound I am, 
 
 " To Kendall-white-coates, where your trade began. 
 
 Kendall (to which I all fucceffe do wifh) 
 
 May termed be that parts Metropolis, 
 
 For feate as pleafant, as the moft that are, 
 
 Inftanc't in th' ruin'd Caftle of Lord Par. 
 
 (For feate imparaled) ; where we may fee, 
 
 " Great men to fall as fubiect are as we : 
 
 Yea there (as in a mirror) may be fhowen, 
 
 The Subiects fall refts in the Soueraigne's frowne. 
 
 Many efpeciall bleffings hath the Lord, 
 
 Pour'd on this Towne, for what doth't not afford 
 
 (If neceffary for mans proper vfe) 
 
 Sufficient, if not fuperfluous ? 
 
 Yea I dare fay (for well it doth appeare) 
 
 That other places are more bound to her, 
 
 Then fhe to any, there's no Towne at all, 
 
 (Being for compaffe fo exceeding fmall, 
 
 For commerce halfe fo great, nor is there any 
 
 That doth, confort in trafficke, with fo many. 
 
 But to her priuate bleffings, for pure aire, 
 
 Sweet holefome water, fhe may make compare 
 
 With any clime, for aire nor piercing is, 
 
 Nor in her temprate brething, too remiffe : 
 
 For water, Kent, whence Kendall takes her name, 
 
 VVhofe fpring (from Kent-mere) as they fay, is tane : 
 
 Swift is't in pace, light-poiz'd, to looke in cleere, 
 
 And quicke in boiling (which efteemed were) 
 
 Such 
 
206 To the Coteneers. 
 
 Such qualities, as rightly vnderftood 
 
 Without 'en thefe, no water could be good. 
 
 For Wood (how well fhe was in fore-time growne) 
 
 May foone appeare by th' ftore that is cut downe, 
 
 Which may occafion griefe, when we fhall fee 
 
 What want fhall be to our pofteritie : 
 
 Yet who feekes to preuent this furely none, 
 
 Th' old prouerbe's in requeft, each man for one, 
 
 While each for one, one plots anothers fall, 
 
 " And few or none refpeft the good of all. 
 
 But of all bleffings that were reckoned yet, 
 
 In my opinion there is none fo great, 
 
 As that efpeciall one which they receiue, 
 
 By th! graue and reuerend Pajlor which they Jtaue ; 
 
 Whofe life and doctrine are fo ioint together, 
 (As bothjincere, there's no defect in eitJier,) 
 For in him both Urim and Thummim be, 
 O that we had more Paftorsfuch as he : 
 For then in Sion Jhould Godsflocke encreafe, 
 " Hauingfuch Shepheards would not flea but fleece ; 
 Thus what wants Kendal that Jhe can defire, 
 Tyre'j her Paflor, and her f elf e is Tyre, 
 He to mijlrust her people, Jhe to bring, 
 
 Wealth to her Towne by forraine trafficking? 
 Now muft I haue the White-coates vnder-hand 
 Who were in fore-time a defence to th' land: 
 Yea fuch they were, as when they did appeare, 
 They made their foes perfume their hofe for feare, 
 Experienft Archers, and fo pra6lis'd it, 
 As they would feldome (hoot but they would hit. 
 
 So 
 
To the Cotteneers. 207 
 
 So that though th'darters of rude Scythia, 
 
 The golden-Archers of rich Per/la, 
 
 The Siluer-Jhields of Greece haue borne the name, 
 
 Blaz'd by the partiall trumpe of lying fame. 
 
 Yet in behalfe of Kendall (I durft fweare it) 
 
 For true renovvne thefe Countries came not nere it, 
 
 As for this name of White-coate vs'd to fore 
 
 It came from th' milk-white furniture they wore (lows 
 
 And in good-footh they were but home-fpun fel- 
 
 " Yet would thefe white-coats make their foes dy yel- 
 
 VVhich might by latter times be inftanced, (lows, 
 
 Euen in thofe border-feruices they did : 
 
 But this t'exprefle (fmce it is knowne) were vaine, 
 
 Therefore, my friends, He turne to you againe, 
 
 And of fome fpeciall matters caution you, 
 
 Which being done He bid you all adew : 
 
 Since God hath bleft you with fuch benefits, 
 
 As the reliefe of nature well befits, 
 
 Hauing of euery thing fufficient (lore, 
 
 There's reafon (Country-men) you render more 
 
 To your Creator, who fo kinde has been, 
 
 To you and yours aboue all other men : 
 
 (Though all (I fay) fhould thankfull be) then fuch 
 
 VVho nere receiued of him halfe fo much, 
 
 For well you know its in the Scripture faid, 
 
 Accompt for euerie Talent muft be made, 
 
 And how much more our Talents are, fhall we 
 
 After this life exacl: Accomptants be : 
 
 Be good difpencers then of what you haue, 
 
 And doe not fhut your Eares to fuch as craue 
 
 yet 
 
208 To the Cotteneers. 
 
 Your charities Reliefs (for in a word) 
 
 What you giue th' poore, you lend vnto the Lord, 
 
 And be you fure, your loue is not in vaine, 
 
 For with encreafe hele pay it you againe : 
 
 Put not your labourer off with long delay, 
 
 But fatisfie him if you can this day, 
 
 For pittie 'tis, poore foule, that he fhould fit 
 
 Waiting your time when he hath earned it. 
 
 And this belieue me many crimes produces, 
 
 " Teeming of tenters and fuck like abufes 
 
 Which they are forc't to, caufe they are delaide 
 
 Working for more, then ere they can be paide : 
 
 Be not too rigorous vnto your debtor, 
 
 (If he be poore) forbearance is far better, 
 
 For 'lafle what gaine accrewes to you thereby, 
 
 If that his carkafle doe in prifon lie : 
 
 Yea, if you kept his bodie till 't fhould rot, 
 
 Th' name of hard-hearted men were all you got. 
 
 And fure, if my opinion faile not me, 
 
 T' imprifon debtors ther's no policie, 
 
 Vnleffe they able be and obftinate, 
 
 And like our Bank-rupts break t' encreafe their ftate, 
 
 For th' poore they better may difcharge their debt 
 
 When they 're at libertie and freedome get, 
 
 For labour may they when they are inlarg'd, 
 
 But when they die in prifon atts difc/iarg'd, 
 
 O then (my friends) if you haue fuch as thefe : 
 
 Remember to forgiue your trefpafles, 
 
 At leaft be not extreame to th' poor'ft of all, 
 
 " Giue him but time and he will pay you all. 
 
 So 
 
To the Lanf-lord. 209 
 
 So Time fhall crown e you with an happy end, 
 And confummate the wifhes of a friend. (fure 
 
 So each (through peace of confciece) rapt with plea- 
 Shall ioifully begin to dance his meafure. 
 " One footing attiuely Wilfons delight, 
 " Defcanting on this note, I haue done what's right, 
 "Another toying to benam'd 'mongjlthem, 
 " Were made Men-fijhers of poore fiflier-men. 
 " The third as blith as any tongue can tell, 
 " Becaufe he's found a fait/if ull Samuel. 
 " The fowrth is chanting of his Notes as gladly, 
 "Keeping the tune for th honour of Arthura Bradly. 
 The $.fo pranke, he fear ce can Jland on ground, 
 Asking who'lefing with him Mai Dixons round? 
 But where haue been my fences all this while, 
 That he (on whom prof perity doth f mile) 
 And many parts of eminent refpetl. 
 Should be forgotten by my Jlrange neglecl. ? 
 Take heede my Mufe leaft thou ingratefull be, 
 For well thou knowes he better thinkes of tJiee : 
 On then (I fay] exprejfe what thou doft wifh, 
 And tell the woreld truely what he is : 
 He's one has Jhar'd in Nature fpeciall part, 
 And though beholding little vnto art, 
 Yet beare his words more emphajis or force, 
 Then mojl of tKSchollers that I heare difcourfe, 
 His word keeps tutch (and of all men I know) 
 He has tKbeft injideforfo meane ajhewe, 
 Outwardly bearing, temperate, yet will be 
 A bonus focius in good company. 
 
 P Hee 
 
210 
 
 To the Cotteneers. 
 
 He vnderjlands himfelfe (as I hautfayd) 
 
 And therefore aymes wJiereto he firjl was made, 
 
 In brief e ^mongft all men that deferue applauding, 
 
 None (hauing lejje of A rt} merits more lauding : 
 
 So that though true defert crowne all the reft, 
 
 Yet if ought want in them its here expreft ; 
 
 But th'Euening fhade drawes on, and damps the light 
 
 " Think friends on what I fayd, and fo good night. 
 
 To the Worfhipfull Recorder 
 of Kendall. 
 
 FOr Townes-abufes (worfhipfull Recorder) 
 I leaue them to your difcreet felfe to order : 
 My Journey's at an end ; hie baculumfixi, 
 My Tale concluded, nought now refts but Dixi. 
 Nor would I haue you fpeak that, (though you may) 
 " Which I haue heard a countrie Maior did fay, 
 Vnto a Scholler, who concluded had 
 His latine fpeech with Dixi I haue fayd : 
 To whom th'vnletter'd Maior to aproue the fame 
 Replying thus, tooke Dixi for his name. 
 " If that thy name be Divi fure I am, 
 Dixi' s a learned vnderftanding man. 
 
 To 
 
21 I 
 
 To the Landf-lord where- 
 
 foeuer. 
 
 LAndf-lord to thee, addreft to fpeake I am, 
 And full as much to thee as any man : 
 For many Errors and fowle crimes I knowe 
 That thou art more then others fubiecl: toe, 
 Which ile in part, vnrip, and fo make cleere, 
 As in that day, when all men fhall appeare 
 Before their heauenly Landf-lord, where is had 
 A dew accompt : This now which I haue fayd 
 May be a witnefle, and beare record ftill, 
 That thou didft know before thy Maifters will, 
 Which not perform'd thou know'ft what thou haft 
 " With manie ftripes thoujhalt be ckaftifed, (read 
 
 But firft, ere I proceed, fo great 's the cries 
 Of widdowes, and fo many tere-fwolne eyes 
 Of Orphanes fuccourleffe that reach to heauen, 
 As I 'me well-nigh into amazement driuen, 
 And cannot perfe6l what I do entend, 
 Vntill I fee their forrowes at an end, 
 At leaft allayd (for I am forc't to keepe, 
 A confort with thefe filly foules that weep :) 
 So moouing is their paffion (as in briefe) 
 So ftrong's compaflion, I do feele their griefe. 
 
 P 2 Where- 
 
212 To the Lanf-lord. 
 
 Wherefore I muft (fo great is griefes extent) 
 Perfwade thefe blubbert wretches be content, 
 And beare with patience, till the Lord (hall fend, 
 In his good time vnto their forrowes end : 
 Which to exprefle the better I will moue them 
 In mildeft tearmes ; and thus will fpeak vnto them. 
 Ceafe, ceafe (poore iniur'dfoule) your teres to flied, 
 Weeping for that cannot be remeded, 
 'Laffeyou are farre deceit? d ; if you fnppofe 
 Teres can moue Landf -lords : tJiey are none of thofe, 
 Their difpojitions are more harder far, 
 Tlien any other of Gods creatures are : 
 For tell me (ftarueling) hath thy trickling eye, 
 Pale-colourd uifage, heauen-afcending crie, 
 Eat th-bending knees, hart throbbing languijhment, 
 Eccoing figlis, fouls-fretting difcontent, 
 Famine at home,furcharg > d with forrowes loade, 
 Debt with a Sergeant dogging thee abroad, 
 Haue any tJiefe whereof tJwu haft had part, 
 Been of that force to mollifie his heart ? 
 Haue all thy cries and Orphanes teres togetJter 
 Moou'd him ? 6 no : they are as if a f ether, 
 Were here and there toft with each gale of winde, 
 Thoujhalt not finde that temper in his mind : 
 For he is cauteris'd and voide of fence, 
 And thanks his God he has a conference, 
 Canftand remorcelejfe 'gainft both winde and weatJier, 
 (Though he and's Confcience %oe to hell together. 
 Yea he doth feele no more thy piteous mone, 
 Then doth an Anuile when its ftrooke vpon. 
 
 Why 
 
To the Land/- lord. 213 
 
 Why then fliouldft thou thusjlriue againjl theftreame, 
 Timportune him that feemes as in a dreame, 
 Secure of hell, carelejfe of thy diftrejfe ? 
 Fie take vfion theefome more manlinejfe, 
 Roufe thy deietted fpirits which now lie, 
 As if furprifed by a lethargie ; 
 
 Wipe, wipe, thofe eyes with briny Jlreamelings drownd, 
 And plant thy felfevpon a firmer ground, 
 Then thus to waft thy grief e-enthralled heart. 
 Which done : pray tell me but, what better art ? 
 Well, if thou wilt butjilence thy iuft wrong 
 For one halfe howre, or hardly for fo long, 
 Ilejhew the beft I can of art andjkill, 
 With an unbounded meafure of good will, 
 To tell thy cruell lord, that there's a doome , 
 As well as here in after time to come : 
 lie tell him boldly though I chance to moue him 
 For all he's lord, tJtere is a Lord aboue him, 
 Before whofe throne he muft come to account ; 
 For Syons-Lord is that Lord Paramount, 
 Who fwayes the majjle orbe of heauen and earth, 
 Brething on euery creature that brings forth ; 
 Its he that giues to each increafe andftore, 
 Girdling the fwelling Ocean with ajhore: 
 The proudeft Peeres lie to fubieftion brings, 
 And proftrate lies the Diadems of Kings : 
 By him opprejfors feele there is a God, 
 That can reuenge and chaftice with his rodde ; 
 Yea, thy iniurious Lord, I meane to tell 
 Though he thinks of no hell, hes finde a hell, 
 
 P 3 And 
 
214 To the Landf-lord. 
 
 And thofe diftreaming teres which thou haftjhed, 
 Are by thy toning father bottled, 
 For there's no teres,Jighs,forrowes, grieues or moms, 
 Which come from any of his little-ones 
 But in his due compajfion ftill exprejl 
 Vnto their caufe, helefee their wronges redrejl. 
 How thinks V of this ? will not thefe things enforce 
 In thy relentlejfe Landf-lord a remorfe, 
 Sooner and deeper (of that minde am I) 
 Then puling with thy finger in thine eye. 
 Well I will make attempt (which if it fall 
 Out to my wijhes as I hope itjliall) 
 The onely fee which I expeft of thee, 
 Is that thou wouldjlpoure out thy prayers for me, 
 Meane time pray for thy f elf e (while I exprejfe 
 Thy grieues, and heauens grant to my hopes fuccejfe.) 
 
 Now (rent-inhauncer) where away fo faft ? 
 Pray ftay a little fir for all your hafte : 
 Perchance you may more profit by your ftay, 
 Then if you fhould leaue me and goe your way : 
 For I conie6lure whither you are going, 
 Nay, (doe not blufh) to fome poore fnakes vndoing, 
 To root out fome poore Family or other ; 
 Speake freely man do not your confcience fmother ; 
 I ft not (you Suck-blood) to oppreffe the poore, 
 And put him and his children out a dore ; 
 Ift not to take aduantage on fome thing 
 Or other for his vtter ruining : 
 Ift not becaufe thou art not halfe content 
 That he fhould fit vpon fo eafie rent. 
 
 And 
 
The Lands-lord. 215 
 
 And therefore takes occafion vpon naught, 
 
 Forging fomthing he neither faid, nor thought. 
 
 If fuch effe<5ls make thee abroad to come, 
 
 Thou might with fafer confcience flay at home. 
 
 For whence be thefe exactions thus to ftretch, 
 
 And racke thy Tenants ? thou wilt fay, f enrich 
 
 Thy priuate Coffers \ which in time may be 
 
 A faire ejlate to thy pofteritie. 
 
 Or if not to encreafe thy wealth, or ftore, 
 
 For to maintaine thy ryot or thy whore. 
 
 O thou forlorne and miferable man, 
 
 Come thefe conclufions from a Chriftian ? 
 
 Be thefe the ends whereto thou wert created, (ted ? 
 
 To loue thofe things which make thy foule moft ha- 
 
 Ime forry for thee, (yet vnhappy Elfe) 
 
 Why mould I grieue that grieues not for thy felfe ? 
 
 How canft thou thinke thy children fhall poffeffe, 
 
 Long that eftate is got by wickedneffe ? 
 
 Or how imaginft that it can fucceede 
 
 Well with thy fhort liu'd heires, or with their feede, 
 
 When all that welth (was gathered to their hand.) 
 
 Came from the cries and curfes of the land ? 
 
 No no, thou greedy fpunge that fucks vp ftore, 
 
 Yet more thou fuckes, thou needeft ftill the more. 
 
 Euill got goods (howbeit neare foe fay re) 
 
 Seldome enioyed are by the third heire 
 
 For wauering is that ftate is raifd by wrong, 
 
 Built its on Sand, and cannot hold out long. 
 
 Yea I haue feene (euen in that little time 
 
 Which I haue liu'd) Som of you in their prime. 
 
 P4 And 
 
2 1 6 To the Landf-lord. 
 
 And fo ere<5led to the height of ftate, 
 
 As you might feeme to be admired at. 
 
 For braue attendance, fumptuous attire, 
 
 For fare & pleafure what you could defire. 
 
 In building gorgeous, fo as you might be 
 
 Styled the heires of Earths felicitie. 
 
 Yet 'laffe (againe) how quickly haue I feene, 
 
 Thefe men fhrunke downe, as if they had not been : 
 
 Their pompe decreaf'd, their great attendance gon, 
 
 And for their many difhes one, or none ? 
 
 True ; for how can it any other's chufe, 
 
 Since God hath promifd not to blefle that houfe, 
 
 Which aimes at welth, and honour, for to rife 
 
 By Orphanes teares, and woefull widows cries. 
 
 Then for the firft thou fees how it is vaine, 
 
 To thinke that thy pofterity can raigne 
 
 Or long abide in that eftates pofleflion, 
 
 Is got by fraud, collufion, or oppreflion. 
 
 Now I will fee whereto thy labours tend, 
 
 To fquize the poor e tJtat thou may better fpend 
 
 On wanton conforts (Souls eternall curfe) 
 
 The firft was ill, but this is ten-times worfe. 
 
 Its well obferu'dy that when wee doe begin, 
 
 Onefinne's attended by an other finne. 
 
 They come in paires, which feemes approud to be, 
 
 In none oppreffor better then in thee. 
 
 Its not enough to prey vpon the Poore, 
 
 But thou muft fpend his ftate vpon thy whoore. 
 
 So that me thinkes I almoft might auer, 
 
 Its rather he then thou maintaineth her. 
 
 Muft 
 
To the Land/- lord. 2 1 7 
 
 Muft his night cares and early rifing to, 
 
 His dayly labours, when and where to fow, 
 
 His painefull tillage, and his (lender fare, 
 
 His griefe when's crops the lefle fuccefliue are, 
 
 His many howers of want, few of content, 
 
 His fpeciall care to pay his Land] '-lords rent, 
 
 Muft he that earnes his liuing beft we know, 
 
 (Being as God command'd) in's fweat ofs Brow, 
 
 Muft he the fleepes with many a troubled head, 
 
 To finde his wife and hungry children bread, 
 
 Muft he (I fay) for all his lifes difquiet, 
 
 Maintaine thy whoredome and excefliue riot, 
 
 Muft he fupport thee in thy vaine delights, 
 
 Thy midnight reuels, and thy pagent fights, 
 
 Thy new inuented fafliions, and thy port, 
 
 Muft he at th'Cart, maintaine thy pride at Court, 
 
 If this he doe ? this doome to thee is gitten, 
 
 Court it on earth, thoiUs nener Court in Heauen. 
 
 No Ahab no, there is no place for fuch, (tutch. 
 
 Whom poore mens grieues and forrowes will not 
 
 Such as will haue companion, mail be there, 
 
 Receiud in mercy that had mercy heere. 
 
 But fuch as thou, who in the Pride of heart, 
 
 Had little feeling of an others fmart, 
 
 Shall heare that Ve, Away thou curfed, goe, 
 
 " Repent in time, or thou fhalt finde it fo : 
 
 For tell me ? why mould whorijh complement 
 
 Force thee to foules eternall languifhment. 
 
 Why mould a minutes pleafure take from thee, 
 
 All after-hope of thy felicitie, 
 
 Why 
 
2 1 8 The Lands-lord. 
 
 VVhy fhould a painted cheeke be fo fought after, 
 Beleeu't in common fenfe it merits laughter 
 That her complexion fhould by thee be fought, 
 That knows its not her owne, but that 'twas bought, 
 Yea one would thinke more reafon theres to feeke, 
 " Complexion in the mop, then on the cheeke. 
 And better wil't with generous humors ftand, 
 To buy't at firft then at the fecond hand. 
 BotKs to be bought : no difference in the f ale ; 
 The one in groffe, the other in Retaile. 
 
 then take heede, mix not two finnes in one, 
 Sinnes linkt together make the foule to groane. 
 Their burdens heauy, yea tis fuch as they, 
 Draw fin in Cart-ropes (as the Prophets fay) 
 But if thou wilt needes to perdition run, 
 
 And follow on that chafe thou haft begun, 
 If thou wilt make thy body (in few words) 
 A filthy Caske, or Cage of vncleane birds, 
 If that fame foule, which mould a Temple be, 
 And dedicated to Gods Maiejty, 
 Muft now be made (it grieues me to expres) 
 A flew for Harlots and licentioufneffe. 
 Yet let not thy oppreffion be the meanes 
 For to maintaine fuch proftituted queanes, 
 That doe expofe themfelues to publique fhame, 
 " One fin's enough : fhun thou oppreffions name. 
 
 1 know indeede what was of Ahab tould 
 Is growne a flory now exceeding old. 
 
 His mouldred bones and afhes who can finde, 
 Yea his example's quite worne out of minde, 
 
 Since 
 
To L andf -lords. 2 1 9 
 
 Since for moft part, mens corps's no fooner rotten, 
 
 Then they and all their a<5lions be forgotten. 
 
 Theftories old indeed, its tme they fay, 
 
 Yet is the vfe experienft euerie day, 
 
 " Eck day we fee a filly Naboth yfozVz*?, 
 
 "And euery day a wicked Ahab raigne. 
 
 Who if he fee one plat of ground that is 
 
 Delightfull in his eye, or bordering his ; 
 
 Whether't be vineyard, garden, or that land, 
 
 (The front I mean) where Naboths houfe doth ftand, 
 
 He cannot be content till he has got, 
 
 By fraud or violence, that fame neighbouring plot. 
 
 For like an eye-fore, it did euer grieue him, 
 
 Nor till ge gain'd it, would he euer leaue him. 
 
 Yet for all this, our moderne Ahabs they, 
 
 No fooner heare what facred Scriptures fay, 
 
 Of that example, then they ftraight begin, 
 
 To giue a curfe to Ahab and his finne. 
 
 Who made no bones (poore Naboth to denye him) 
 
 To haue one little Vineyard lying by him. 
 
 Cruell he was, fay they, and well deferu'd 
 
 His punifhment ; for he was rightly feru'd. 
 
 To be depriu'd of all, life, realme, and crowne, 
 
 That would not fuffer Naboth haue his owne. 
 
 Yea the reward did fit his Tyrant-hart, 
 
 Defpoyl'd of all, that fpoyld the poore of part. 
 
 So their owne iudgements (moft vnhappy Elues) 
 
 That thus pronounce the fentence on themfelues. 
 
 Their owne mouthes do condemn them, for by this 
 
 Each proue their guilt by th'guilt they (how of his. 
 
 Where- 
 
220 To tfie Landf-Lord. 
 
 Wherefore as Nat/tan did to Dauid fay, 
 Taking VriaJis life and wife away, 
 Where he propofd this queftion thereupon. 
 Of him had many Sheepe, another one : 
 Wherein indeed the Prophet Jhadowed, 
 That fatt which Dauid to Vriah did, 
 Which when tltat good King heard, as th Scripture faith 
 He anfwered flraight, he Jtath deferued death, 
 Thou art the man (quoth he)fofure I am, 
 I may be bold to fay tJiou art the man. 
 Thou Ahab, thou that by extortion gaines. 
 Some Skreads of Land to better thy demains. 
 Thou that triumphes in wrongs, and brings the crye 
 And curfe of widdowes to thy Family. 
 Thou that with dainties dofk that carrian feede, 
 That maw of thine, while fuch doe begge their bread, 
 As thou oppreft, (to their extremeft wrong,) 
 Thou art the man, He fmg no other fong. 
 Doft thou not yet relent ? no ftreams of grace, 
 Thrilling or trickling from thy blubber't face ? 
 No figne of reformation ? Las I fee, 
 Cuftome in fmne cannot relinquifht be 
 Vpon the inftant, wherefore I muft fet 
 My refolution not to leaue thee yet, 
 And howfoere thou take it, I will goe, 
 Yet further with thee He not leaue thee fo, 
 Two fpeciall motiues I might here produce, 
 To moue thee to a confcience, and to vfe. 
 A chriftian-like refpe6l to fuch as be, 
 Ordain'd by God for to Hue vnder thee : 
 
 The 
 
To the Landf'lord. 221 
 
 The firft is : to haue eye vnto that forme 
 
 Or image, which doth euery man adorne, 
 
 Euen his creators image, which might moue 
 
 Vs to loue him for his creators loue. 
 
 Thefecond is : a due efpeciall care, 
 
 Or a confideration what wee are, 
 
 Men ; and in that we fhould be humbler ftill, 
 
 " Since beft of vs, are Tennants but at will : 
 
 On which two branches briefly He dilate, 
 
 Or rather curfiuely fo fhadow at, 
 
 As feeing his Forme, thy little caufe of pride, 
 
 This good furueigh may make thee mortified. 
 
 The comely feature which is giuen to man, 
 
 Implies the place from whence this creature came, 
 
 Euen from that fragrant garden of delight, 
 
 That fpicy Eden, where in our makers fight, 
 
 He did enioy farre more then tongue can tell, 
 
 Till from that height he to corruption fell : 
 
 Yet ftill retain'd his forme which firft was giuen him 
 
 In Paradife, whence now the Lord had driuen him ? 
 
 So precious was this forme (as he who made it, 
 
 For as we reade in Scripture, where he faid it, 
 
 Let vs make man after our Image : he 
 
 Saw in this forme (I fay) fuch maieftie 
 
 As he who (in his mercy faft did make it) 
 
 Becomming man of God, vouchfaf 'd to take it. 
 
 So that what th' firft man Adam did before 
 
 Chrift, th'fecond Adam as man, did reftore. 
 
 Thou fees this Image then how it was giuen 
 
 And reprefented by the God of heauen, 
 
 Who 
 
222 To Landf-lords. 
 
 Who in his great companions, thought 't no fcorne, 
 That the Creator take the creatures forme ; 
 And how canft thou (irreuerent wretch) difdaine 
 That forme which thy Creator did retaine ? 
 How canft defpife that image, or prefume 
 To wrong that fhape thy Sauiour did affume ? 
 How canft thou prefle that foule with difcontent/ 
 Which thy Redeemer daign'd to reprefent ? 
 How canft abufe that type for hope of pelfe, 
 Which Chrift thy louer fhadowed in himfelfe ? 
 How canft thou fee that image rack't to be, 
 Which in thy Chrift was ract and rent for thee ? 
 How canft endure to haue that foule bereft, 
 Of all releefe, and to haue nothing left, 
 Driuen from his houfe, forc't from his Tenant-right ? 
 When he that is the way, truth, life and light, 
 Taking his forme to fatisfie for fmne, 
 Had not fo much as houfe to hide him in. 
 Birds had their nefts, and euery beaft his denne, 
 Yet had not he what was permit' d to them, 
 O let me now perfwade, be not extreame, 
 (Its eajie faies the Prouerb) to wade the ftreame, 
 Where tkfoord's at loweft, recollett to minde 
 His noble image, and in it thou'l finde, 
 Such fingular impreflions of reguard, 
 As I doe thinke thou'l honour't afterward. 
 When thou obferu's, ther's nothing that's in him, 
 Was not before in Chrift excepting fmne. 
 O then refine the ayme of thy intents, 
 In raifing rints, thinke on thy Sauiours rents. 
 
 In 
 
To Landf-lords. 223 
 
 In taking of aduantage, thinke on this, 
 
 If God aduantage take for each amifle, 
 
 In what a cafe wert thou, how woe-begon, 
 
 That of a thoufand cannot anfwer one ? 
 
 If thou to grieue Gods little ones begin, 
 
 Thinke therewithall, that thou art grieuing him. 
 
 Who in his mercy heares the widdowes crie, 
 
 And in his pitty wipes the Orphanes eye, 
 
 Which thou haft caufe to thinke on, fo much rather 
 
 Sith God's the widdows ludge, the orphans Father : 
 
 And though earths luftice, be of th'fecond fight, 
 
 Yet hee's fo iuft, hee'l doe the pooreft right. 
 
 But if mans Image, which were ftrange, mould faile, 
 
 With thy remorfeleffe confcience to preuaile, 
 
 From that tranfparent Mirror, He defcend, 
 
 Though it may feeme in it to comprehend 
 
 All humane glory, yea I may fay more, 
 
 The forme of God which he affum'd before, 
 
 Vnto that due obferuance, or that care, 
 
 Whereby we come to acknowledge what we are. 
 
 Man's of a fubftance meane, hauing his birth, 
 
 As his firft natiue Mother, from frayle Earth, 
 
 Brittle's his compofition, and fo weake, 
 
 Be his refolues, as hee can vndertake 
 
 Nought with fo firme a purpofe as may ftand, 
 
 Or will not change with th'turning of a hand. 
 
 His health's aftranger to him, for when moft, 
 
 It feemeth with him, it is fooneft loft ; 
 
 For his abiding, hee's as in a Tent, 
 
 Wherein hees militant, not permanent. 
 
 The 
 
224 To the Landf-lord. 
 
 The world's his campe, his profeft enemies, 
 
 Wherewith he is to grapple, they be thefe. 
 
 The turbulent affeftions of his mind, 
 
 Which euery houre is feuerally inclin'd. 
 
 The goale which he doth ayme at, or th'reward, 
 
 After \htfight, hee lookes for after-ward : 
 
 Thus thou may fee, in this fame earthly cell, 
 
 Though dwell we feeme, indeed, we doe not dwell, 
 
 But foiourne : Its no man/ion but an Inne, 
 
 Syons our home, this pilgrimage is finne. 
 
 As for our ftates, we are but leacers all, 
 
 And fhall be put off, when hee's pleafd to call ; 
 
 Yea I may rather fay (and not amiffe) 
 
 We are the Lejffees, he the Lejfour is. 
 
 And howfoere our Landf-Lords make accompt, 
 
 They'r but inferiour Lords, hee's Paramount. 
 
 Then if thou wilt but duely looke vpon't ; 
 
 Thy tenure ftands vpon a tickle point, 
 
 Yea I doe find thy ftate not worth a ftraw, 
 
 If I haue any iudgement in the law : 
 
 And why fhouldft thou bring poore men into fuit, 
 
 Sith thou thy felfe haft no ftate abfolute, 
 
 But for thy terme of life : fo as methinks, 
 
 When that French gibberijh to my braine-pan finks 
 
 Where lohn a Stiles and 's neighbour lohn an Okes, 
 
 With many other Law-baptized folkes, 
 
 Are brought in feaz'd of land, as they doe finde, 
 
 In Burrow, Englifh, Soccage, Gauell-kinde, 
 
 Fee-toy le, fee-Jimple (it oft feemes to me) 
 
 Thefe Lawyers are thejimplejl men that be; 
 
 who 
 
To the Landf-lord. 225 
 
 Who are perfwaded (and would haue vs too) 
 
 But let's difcent from them : theres fools enough : 
 
 That of al ftates and Tenures are poffeft, 
 
 Or can bee had, Fee-Simple is the beft. 
 
 Whereas I thinke, if well they vnderftood, 
 
 What fpecially concern'd them, and their good. 
 
 They would conclude, Fee-Jimple will not doe, 
 
 A double-Fee is better of the two. 
 
 If we could find indeed a difference, 
 
 In th'liues of \titenures, then there were fome fence 
 
 To fay, that fuch a tenure were the strongeft ; 
 
 Becaufe by it the Tennant Hues the longeft. 
 
 But tell me, are not all eftates that be 
 
 Subie6l alike to mutability : 
 
 To the poffeffour you will fay they are ; 
 
 If vnto him, why fhould we further care, 
 
 Since as the Prouerbe is, when he is gone, 
 
 The world's gone with him, as all in One : (vant, 
 
 O then thou Earth-bred worme, why fhouldeft thou 
 
 As if thou wert a Lord predominant. 
 
 Why shouldft triumph ore th' meaner fort of men, 
 
 Since thour't compofd of one felfe Mould with the ? 
 
 Thou art but Adams fonne, and fo are they, 
 
 Both of you fram'd and fafhion'd of one clay, 
 
 Both haue one image : then compaflion take, 
 
 If not for them, yet for their image fake. 
 
 For though thou canft not one good looke affoord, 
 
 To thefe poore fnakes, they'r deere vnto the Lord, 
 
 As is thy felfe, as pretious in Gods eies, 
 
 Bought and redeemed with as great a price. 
 
 Q And 
 
\ 
 
 226 To the Landf-lord. 
 
 And though there be twixt Snbjlitntes and Kings, 
 
 Superiour dates, and lower vnderlings, 
 
 A difference in the world, yet there shall 
 
 Twixt them (in heauen) no difference be at all, 
 
 Onely what's good fhall approbation haue, 
 
 With King andfubiett, conquerer andflaue. 
 
 O then receiue the bowells of compaffion, 
 
 And beare like mind, as thou doft beare like fafhion : 
 
 Let thy vnrighteous Mammon get thee friends, 
 
 That when thy pilgrime daies of Labour ends, 
 
 Thou may poffeffe a glorious heritage, 
 
 After the period of this pilgrimage. 
 
 My lejfons are but fhort, pray then remember, 
 
 As thou the welfare of thy foule doft tender. 
 
 " The be/I of vs are tennants but at will, 
 
 " Andjland in hazard of diffeifure ftill. 
 
 And though our ftates feeme firmer then the reft, 
 
 They are vncertaine tenures at the beft. 
 
 In briefe, thou earthly Landf-lord ftriue to be, (thee 
 
 As thou wouldft haue Heauens Landf-lord towards 
 
 Not too extreame : thou knowft the doome is giuen, 
 
 That no extortioner fhall enter Heauen. 
 
 Refolue what thou wilt doe : for though it grieue me 
 
 To leaue thee yet, I am enforc't to leaue thee, 
 
 And turne vnto thy Tennant, who difmaide, 
 
 Stands heere at doore to heare what I haue f aid. 
 
 To 
 
227 
 
 To the Tennant 
 
 howfoeuer. 
 
 WHatJtate foeuer thou are feazed on, 
 Or in what Tenure thou doft hold vpon, 
 Il'e now addreffe my fpeech in briefe to thee, 
 Wherein I ayme in part to comfort thee, 
 In part to re<5lifie what may feeme ill, 
 In thy peruerfe and vn-conformed will ; 
 That in them both for th'loue which I doe owe, 
 To him thou reprefents, I may fo fhow, 
 That deere affection which we're bound to beare, 
 To one another while we foiourne heere, 
 As when an end of all our forrowes are 
 Reduc'd to one fet period, and our care 
 Shall haue a finall end, what I haue done, 
 " In loue may be approu'd when I am gone. 
 To moue thee vnto comfort, in a word, 
 I'le vfe th'perfwafion which I gaue thy Lord, 
 To humble his ambicious fpirit, when 
 I told him of the different ftate of Men, 
 How in the eyes of men indeed they were 
 Efteemed great, but when they mould appeare, 
 Before that high Tribunal^ where all mould, 
 (Though if they might auoid it, many would,) 
 
 Q 2 Make 
 
228 To the Tenant. 
 
 Make their appearance, then the great mould know, 
 
 They were no more refpecled then the low : 
 
 One aduocate, one ludge, one barre one triall, 
 
 Confcience the onely difference, when Deniall, 
 
 Seald with abite, or th'accurfed doome, 
 
 Or th'inuitation with Ventfecome, 
 
 Shall in that generall iudgement there exprefle, 
 
 Or weale, or woe, or hell, or happineffe : 
 
 " So as when all are fummon'd fore that feat, 
 
 It's better to be good, then to be great. 
 
 For then, as well it may be vnderftood, 
 
 They onely (hall be great that are found good. 
 
 But thou wilt aske, is there no comfort elfe ? 
 
 Yes that there is, thy daily labour tells, 
 
 There's a reward of glory that's referu'd, 
 
 For fuch as haue their Maifter duely feru'd, 
 
 In their vocation : there's a penny too, 
 
 Which though it be not giuen vnto thee now, 
 
 Yet be aflur'd, (for he that fpoke't is true) 
 
 " When th'euening comes, thou malt receiue thy due. 
 
 And though thou feeme a little while to flay, 
 
 Doe not repine, it's th'euening crownes the day. 
 
 Wouldft know what I by titi Evening fae, intend ? 
 
 I meane the fun-fet of thy life or end 
 
 Of all thy pilgrime daies, which though they bee, 
 
 A very death, or Martyrdotne to thee, 
 
 (So little ioy conceau's thou vpon earth,) 
 
 Yet wil thy Comicke end include thy mirth, 
 
 When from this Vale of labour and of care, 
 
 Thou malt vnto a mount of ioy repaire. 
 
 When 
 
To the Tenant. 229 
 
 When from this floting Sea, this fading cell, 
 
 Thou malt depart, and with thy Sauiour dwell. 
 
 Yea on thy death-bed thou art comforted, 
 
 Thinking how truly thou haft laboured. 
 
 How many carefull nights thou haft orepaft, 
 
 Without the leaft of reft, how thy repaft, 
 
 Was not delighfull feeding with excefle, 
 
 But th'bread thou eate was mixt with carefulnejfe ; 
 
 Noe houre without affliction or fome grief e t 
 
 And now to finde to all thy woes reliefe 
 
 It may no little folace the, when th'end 
 
 Of difcontents fliall bring thee to a friend 
 
 That will in armes of charitie receiue thee, (thee. 
 
 Where beeing lodg'd, no woe, no want can grieue 
 
 Happy tranjlation, and by fo much more, 
 
 In that thofe Lordings which triumph'd before, 
 
 And plaid vpon thy weakeneffe, now fhall ftand, 
 
 To th'doome which thofe oppreffors of the land, 
 
 Are subie6l to : tell me (poore wormeling) then, 
 
 What difference there will bee twixt thee and them ? 
 
 Great were they heere indeed, and did refemble, 
 
 Thofe Bulls of Bafan, yet fee how they tremble, 
 
 How quicke their powerfull greatnejfe is made frnall, 
 
 For little is their pompe, or none at all : 
 
 See, fee thefe Cedars now are ftrucke with thunder, 
 
 And thogh they once fate high, theVr now broght vnder 
 
 Thofe glorious titles which gaue wings to pride, 
 
 Thofe gorgeous buildings made them deifide. 
 
 Thofe many ftate-attendants, more or leffe, 
 
 Like Sommer-Swallows following their fucceffe. 
 
 Q 3 Are 
 
230 To Landf lords. 
 
 Are vanifli't, ruin'd, and difperfed quite, 
 
 Ther's none of thefe can come into their fight, 
 
 Yea which is worfe in-fteed of Eminence ; 
 
 There is an enemy called Confcience, 
 
 That ftill difturbs their quiet and their reft : 
 
 Which if at peace, there were continuall feaft. 
 
 But that's impoflible, fuch men as thefe ; 
 
 Haue in themfelues a thoufand Witneffes, (them, 
 
 And these poorefnakes caufe they did heere contemn 
 
 Shall with their Confcience ftand there to condemne 
 
 Where that fame place, they are appointed to (the, 
 
 Shall Tophet be, their word, yee curfed goe. 
 
 Thou feeft then no difference doth appeare, 
 
 Twixt thou and them faue onely when you're heere 
 
 A little garifh vanity there is, 
 
 Which doth include that happineffe of his, 
 
 Who feemes fo popular, yet thou (halt fee, 
 
 From thence is drawne his greateft miferie. 
 
 For (tel me) doth not that externall ftate, 
 
 Make him forget whereto he was create : 
 
 Doth't not be-lull his foule in finnes delights, 
 
 (Not knowing how the flesh gainft fpirit fights,) 
 
 Whereby he comes, which is the word of all, 
 
 To bring his reafon to his fenfes thrall. 
 
 Yea I haue heard of many great mens end t 
 
 So full of feare and horrour as God fend 
 
 Me lejfe delights on earth fo I may Iiaue, 
 
 A quiet eafie pajfage to my graue. 
 
 " For reafon doth informe me, rare it is, 
 
 That earths delight JJiould bring a man to bliffe. 
 
 More 
 
To the Tenant. 231 
 
 More could I fpeake to comfort thy diftreffe, 
 
 And more I was determinde I confeffe, 
 
 To infift on thy affliftion, but I found, 
 
 By my Experience this efpeciall ground, 
 
 Held euer firme when we doe comforts tutch, 
 
 Such is mans nature he will take too much, 
 
 Rather then too too little, yea its fed ; 
 
 More haue through (lore of comforts furfeted, 
 
 Then fuch as from all outward folace pent, 
 
 Haue famifht been through inward difcontent. 
 
 With Gedeons fouldier therefore preft I am, 
 
 Rather to lap, and like a Jonathan, 
 
 To tutch the hony onely with my rod, 
 
 Then on this fubie6l make too long aboad. 
 
 Which that I may, from comfort He defcend, 
 
 To faults in the which I would gladly mend. 
 
 That God commands from who proceeds all power, 
 
 " Let each be fubiecT: to's Superiour. 
 
 For it would breed confufion in the Land, 
 
 If people did admit of no commaund. 
 
 But like a Platoes Common-wealth, mould be, 
 
 SubiecT: to none, but in equalitie. 
 
 Therefore that Lord, who of his grace doth loue vs, 
 
 Hath ranked fome below vs, fome aboue vs. 
 
 Abotie vs that we might be caution'd thence, 
 
 To (hew vnto them due obedience. 
 
 Below vs, that we might thereby expreffe, 
 
 To them our loue, to God our thankefulneffe, 
 
 Otir loue, that we might our affe6lion (how, 
 
 In loue to them that ranked are fo low. 
 
 Q4 Our 
 
232 To the Tenant. 
 
 Our thankefulneffe, that we fhould more receiue, 
 
 Then other fome, that more deferued haue. 
 
 Againe, aboue vs, to acknowledge here, 
 
 Without that power aboue, how weake we are; 
 
 Below vs, that if we vnhappy Elues, 
 
 Should grudge to fee fom greater then our felues, 
 
 By feeing thefe wee might fuppofe they're fent, 
 
 By their degree to bid vs be content, 
 
 In this fame decent comly order then 
 
 Of high and low, great and inferiour men, 
 
 Thou ranked art, nor richeft, nor mod pore, 
 
 For thou feeft many goe from dore to dore, 
 
 Whofefcrips their fare, whofe wallet is their wealth, 
 
 Whofe ftaffe's their flay, whofe treafure is ttieir health. 
 
 Now in thy ranke there's many things I wifh 
 
 Thou wouldft referme, which I doe fee amiffe. 
 
 " As firft for all thy pouerty and want, 
 
 Thou haft a difpofition arrogant : 
 
 Rq/h, heady, f elf e-wild, prouder then thy Jlate 
 
 Can well beare out, extreamely objlinate, 
 
 Foolijhly peremptory, fancy with all, 
 
 Bejides I fee in thee (I muft tell all) 
 
 A factious wauering nature, apt to rife 
 
 Through difcontent, in any enterprife. 
 
 A very lack Straw, or a cujlome ajfe, 
 
 Alleadging fuch records as neuer was. 
 
 A pejflent member to the Kingdomes quiet, 
 
 Prone to diuijion, enmity, and riot, 
 
 Sower of difcord,f elf e conceitedly 
 
 Wife, yet I cannot well imagine why. 
 
 Yea 
 
To the Tenant. 233 
 
 Yea, I haue feene, fome of thy crew to gather, 
 Like wild-geefe for the wagging of a feather, 
 Making ftrange combinations, which did tend, 
 Still to their owne fubuerfion in the end. 
 Some Terme agoe on one I chanct to light, 
 Was come to towne to trie his tenant-right, 
 With whom difcourfing, he imparfd to me, 
 Mongjl other things how moft iniurioujly 
 He and the reft which held one tenure there, 
 About their ftate or title troubled were, 
 And therewithall alleadgd that he could Jhow, 
 Cuftomes and difcords (fo hefaid) enough, 
 And that from Noahs indignation, when 
 Of all tJte world there were but left 8 men ; 
 No, this is true, quoth he, I will affure yee, 
 Without delayer pannelled a lurie: 
 Where thofe 12 men (the number fcarfe holds right) 
 Rijing to 12, that were before but eight, 
 Found that our anceftry did hold in pottage, 
 Now I imagine he did meane in Soccage, 
 Which to makefure, this Cuftom fpeakes for vs, 
 And he with that draws forth a Mittimus. 
 This I may fweare, more then a fennet after, 
 I could not thinke on, but was forc't to laughter. 
 But now to ttiee, for I haue done thee wrong, 
 To keepe me from difcourfe with thee fo long, 
 Whom I refolu'd to haue aduertifed, 
 Of thefe precedent errors mentioned ; 
 " Conforme thy will vnto thy Lords commaund 
 In fitting things, thou liu'ft vpon his land, 
 
 And 
 
234 To tlte Tenarit. 
 
 And art his Hedge-man, therfore thou fhouldft fhow 
 Thy felfe to him, as thou thy felfe doeft owe. 
 Vnto the Heyre to, a refpe<5l is due, 
 For time may come when he fhall pleafure you. 
 Yet meane I not that thou Jlwuldjl pay a Fine, 
 Vnto the Jieire now in his FatJiers time, 
 " For if I were an heire as I am not, 
 " Belieue it 1 would thinke that fine ill got. 
 What I doe wifh to the is briefely this, 
 Succefle in thy eftate, as thou wouldft wifh, 
 Conformed fo vnto thy LandJ Lord liere, 
 That with Iieauem Land-lord thou may Hue elfewher. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
LO V ES 
 
 LABYRINTH: 
 
 OR 
 
 The true-Louers knot : 
 
 INCLVDING 
 
 The difaftrous fals of two ftar-croft 
 Lowrs PYRAMVS & THYSBE. 
 
 A Subieft heeretofore handled, but 
 
 now with much more proprietie of 
 
 pafsion, and varietie of inuen- 
 
 tion, continued: 
 
 By RICHARD BRATHWAYTE. 
 Res eft foliciti plena timoris amor. 
 
 At London printed by LB. for Richard Redmer 
 
 and are to be fold at the Weft dore 
 
 of Pauls at the Starre. 1615. 
 
239 
 
 CAN DIDO ET 
 
 cordato, Amico faelici Genio, 
 
 perfpicaciingenio, Richardo Mufgraue 
 
 de Harcley Baronetto, coq ; titulo 
 
 vere digno : 
 
 Richardus Brathwaite hofce extre- 
 mes Amatorum amplexus, grati a- 
 nimi primitias, folenniq, officio 
 perfuntlas humillime 
 
 Dedit, Dicauit, Dedicauit. 
 
 Richardus Mufgraueenjis. 
 
 AN AGRA MM. 
 Charus mufis diurna reges. 
 
 Dyjlichon. 
 
 (Sicut amas Mufas, Mufis redamaris ab ipfis, ) 
 Charus vt es Mufis, fecla diurna reges. j" 
 
 Vpon 
 
240 
 
 Vpon the Dedicatorie. 
 
 IHeare one aske me, if I could finde none, 
 To dedicate this Poeme to, but one 
 That's now tranfplanted to another fphere, 
 And better meafures fings then anie's here. 
 Its true indeede, the world's large and wide, 
 And many were there I confeffe befide, 
 My now deceafed Patron, I could finde, 
 But none fo well agreeing with my minde ; 
 He was one that I honour'd, and his worth 
 Deferu'd a pregnant Mufe to fet it forth, 
 Which though I haue not I will mew my beft, 
 To crowne him fleeping in the bed of reft, 
 Where, while I write, my pafiion mail appere, 
 By each lines accent mixed with a tere : 
 But you will fay this fubie<5l cannot moue, 
 Such firme impreflion, caufe it treats of loue, 
 A fadder ftraine would better fitting be 
 " Drain'd from the ftreames of graue Melpomene, 
 Where euery fentence might that paftion breede, 
 " as if himfelfe were here portraide indeed ; 
 This I could doe and fo exprefle him too 
 (But that his worth would be a fhame to you. 
 
 That 
 
Vpon the Dedicatorie. 241 
 
 That are defertleffe to fee him by Fate 
 Lopt, that has left you much to imitate, 
 Of honour I dare fay, (which ere 't be long, 
 " May be a fubiecl to a better fong.) 
 But I would haue you know how ere this is, 
 It was from th' cradle nat'ralized his : 
 Nor would I raze my Patrons dedicate, 
 " How ere he feem'd to be obfcur'd by Fate, 
 But as I lou'd him liuing, my defire 
 Is to expreffe my loue vnto him higher 
 Being now dead ; that though my friend be gone, 
 Yet life and death to friendfhip may be one : 
 For th* print of loue if it beftampt aright, 
 Is moft in lieart when it is leaft injight. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 R 
 
242 
 
 VPON THE PREMA- 
 
 ture death of the moft Generous 
 
 and Ingenious ; the right Worjhipfull, Sir 
 
 RICHARD MVSGRAVE Knight-Barronett of 
 
 Hartley : Who died in Italy, being preuented of 
 
 his religious purpofe, intending to vifit the holy 
 
 Sepulchre of our Sauiour in lerufalem, 
 
 an EPICEDIVM : 
 
 The Author Dedicates thefe Obit-teres, vnto 
 his vertuous and mode/I Lady, the much ho- 
 noured FRANCIS MVSGRAVE, Daugh- 
 ter to the truly honourable P HI LIP 
 LORD WHARTON. 
 
 His Ladies Obit-teres. 
 
 TEres I do JJiedde, yet are they Jhedde in vaine, 
 Nor can they call him backe to life againe : 
 
 Yet 
 
A funerall Elegy. 
 
 Yetjigh I will, to 
 wake him from his 
 
 fleep, 
 
 Thus whiljl hefkepes 
 in Earth, on Earth 
 
 He weepe. 
 
 So my fad groanes fent forth vnfeignedly 
 May moue the hardejl Jieart to pitty me. 
 To pit tie me, that 
 tJwugh I cannot 
 
 haue 
 
 TJie priuiledge to 
 fee my husbands 
 
 graue 
 
 Yet may my teres (as me it doth behoue) 
 Tranfported be to tejlifie my loue : 
 My loue which ener 
 Jhall tfiefe obites 
 
 keepe, 
 
 SJte can doe verie 
 little cannot 
 weepe. 
 
 R 2 
 
 243 
 
244 
 
 Richardus Mufgrauienfis. 
 
 ANAGRAMM. 
 
 Vnis refurgam charus diis. 
 
 Dyjlichon. 
 
 Nafcimur & morimur : fed tu moriendo refurges, 
 Gratior & fan6lis, charioratq ; deis. 
 DC profe6lione eius ad 
 San6tifs, Chrifti 
 Sepulchrum. 
 
 Chriftus erat pretium, Chrifti quia morte fcpwlchru, 
 perluftrare cupis : quern moriendo capis. 
 
 Richard Mufgraue. 
 
 ANAGRAMM. 
 
 Graces reward him : 
 
 or 
 We admire his grace. 
 
 Two Anagrammes included in one verfe. 
 
 Dyftich. 
 
 Graces reward him, we admire his grace, 
 Seme both as proper Mottoes for this place: 
 
A funerall Elegie. 245 
 
 Tlie firft f evpreffe the hope of his reward, 
 Wlience is implied our comfort afterward. 
 
 Vpon his Graue. 
 
 In Mufgraues Jiearfe I finde the Mufes graue, 
 For by his lojfe a Patron loft they haue : 
 Yet lie's not loft, but is afcended higher, 
 Andjings with Mufes of ' tlte heauenly quire. 
 
 His Chara6ler. 
 
 Faire England gaue me breeding, birth, and name, 
 lerufalem was t/t' place where I did ayme, 
 But loe my Sauiours graue I could not fee, 
 For my owne graue was made in Italy. 
 
 Vnto the Italian. 
 
 Doe not contemne my corps Italian, 
 I am tit remainder of a Gentleman, 
 Who knew wJiat honour was : fo after-time 
 May fliew like loue to tliee, thoujhowes to mine. 
 
 R 3 Vnto 
 
246 
 
 A Funerall Elegie. 
 Vnto Report. 
 
 Tofpeake well of the dead is ckaritie, 
 If thoti be tJten a Chriftian, taxe not me 
 Of what I did: (if men, we' re prone to fall,) 
 Speake wtiat is well, or do notfpeake at all. 
 
 
 Morte 
 
 
 Vitam. 
 
 
 Fide 
 
 
 Notitiam. 
 
 Mors fidelium 
 
 Agone 
 
 
 Brauiura. 
 
 eft (de - 
 
 Peregrinatione 
 
 >in 
 
 - Patriam. 
 
 Tranfitus 
 
 Lahore 
 
 
 Refrigerium. 
 
 
 Expedlatione 
 
 
 Praemium. 
 
 
 Mundo 
 
 
 Deum. 
 
 BERNARDVS. 
 Peregi offidum morientis amid. 
 
247 
 
 To all unhappy Loners. 
 
 COme neere me louers, croft by louers fate, 
 And fee thefe ftar-croft louers, that their fight, 
 May fomthing cheere the drovvping of your ftate, 
 Showing fuch beames of comfort in the night, 
 Of your difcomforts : that both loue and hate, 
 " May make you happy louers by renew, 
 " Had to thefe louers croft as well as you. 
 
 You fay you lou'd ; it's true : and fo did these ; 
 " You fay you lou'd a faire one ; fo did he, 
 Who fancied Thifbee ; you fay louers peace, 
 Is feldome purchas'd but by enmity, 
 Deriu'd from parents : fo did loue encreafe, 
 v In thefe vnhappy Louers, who were croft, 
 By Parents meanes, of what they fancied moft. 
 
 Tell me then hapleffe louer, haft thou caufe 
 To grieue at that which others haue endur'd, 
 As if thou wert quite priuiledg'd from lawes, 
 Firme in thy felfe, from louers hate fecur'd, 
 " O no, beleeue it, prickles hath the Rofe, 
 " Tliefweet Jterfower; the hony-Bee her fling, 
 " Loue though a toy, yet fliee's a toilefom tiling. 
 
 R 4 Repofe 
 
248 
 
 Repofe thee then vnhappy louer heere, 
 And fee loues fal in tragick meafures fram'd, 
 That when thou feeft a louer loofe his deere, 
 Thou of like chance may neuer be afham'd 
 Since thou art but as other louers were. 
 
 "Forjhame its none, to loofe whats fcarce begun, 
 " Butjliame is't not to doe wliat Jlwuld be done. 
 
 Your paffion-pittier, 
 
 Richard Brathwaite. 
 
249 
 
 The Author vpon his infant 
 
 Poeme. 
 
 IF ought's amifle, imputed let it be, 
 Toth 1 time wherein this Poeme it was writ, 
 Which was (I muft confefle) my infancy 
 Of Age, Art, Judgement, Knowledge, and of Wit : 
 Nor doe I thinke it would this time befit, 
 To meddle with my youths minority. 
 Vnpolifht and vnhewd, I therefore fend it 
 Freely toth' World, that (he may friendly mend it. 
 
 Vpon the Preffe. 
 
 TRide would I bin byth' Country, Bench, & Prince, 
 Yet but a month agoe, no longer fmce, 
 Was I for fpeaking (as it may be thought) 
 And not for filence to the prefle thus brought, 
 ludge you my friends what confcience there is in't : 
 By th' weights I beare the errors of the Print. 
 
250 
 
 The Argument of Pyramus and 
 Thysbe. 
 
 f~*Hildrens loue and Parents hate, 
 V_/Ai9V affeftion eras' d by fate. 
 True their loue, fo true to eitJier, 
 That they chufd to die together. 
 Curteous woodnimphs, Tigres fierce, 
 " Wajli with teares tlicir doleful Jiearfe, 
 Mirtle branches, rofesfweete, 
 " Satyres ftrow about tJieir feete. 
 Woodnimphs with tJieir Syrens voice, 
 Call their parents by their noife. 
 Who with pace (flow pace God wot,) 
 " Made haft they could, yet hafted not \ 
 Till they f aw their children lie, 
 " Anne in armefull louingly. 
 Oft they fought, but all in vaine^ 
 To bring life to tJtem againe. 
 Trickling teares came dropping doivne, 
 " Groues with teares were ouerflowne> 
 Water mixt with crimfon blood, 
 "Made a deluge where tJiey flood. 
 Thisbees obfequies they fee, 
 " Grauen in an Oliue tree, 
 Their bones to ajhes they doe burne 
 And place them in one f acred vrne. 
 That as tJieir loue was all in all, 
 So tJiey might haue one Duriall. 
 
 To 
 
To this JJirine, this ftatue faire, 
 
 Loners wont for to repayre. 
 Who to confirme their Jlncere Loue, 
 
 Offered them a Turtle Doue. 
 But when tlteir reliques fcattered were, 
 
 Maids nere after offered there 
 Tlieir wonted incenfe, butforfooke, 
 
 The Altar which was wont to f moke, 
 With mirrhe and thime, which they did burne, 
 
 Withfolemne rites about their vrne. 
 Yet left their fame Jhould fo decays 
 
 Their tombe is to befeene this day, 
 Which firft ereEled was to be, 
 
 Conferuer of their memory. 
 
 Nimrods 
 
252 
 
 Pyramids and Thysbe. 
 
 NImrods faire City, beauteous Babylon, 
 which admirations eies once gaz'd vpon, 
 Though grac'd in all, in nought fo gracious, 
 
 as in her Thysbe, and yong Pyramus. 
 Thysbe a maid as faire, as faire could be, 
 
 he for his fexe, was full as faire as fhe. 
 Thefe two refplendent flarres, fhone in one fphere, 
 
 and by contiguate manfions bordering neere, 
 Renewd their loues vnhappy memory, 
 
 preff'd downe too much by parents iealoufie, 
 Aye me too iealous, to preuent that good, 
 
 of fincere loue which cannot be withflood. 
 Thefe two debarr'd of meeting, not of louing, (uing 
 
 for loue, though fmothred, hath an inward moo- 
 Sought means to fhew their mutual loue by woing, 
 
 fupplying that in words, they mift in doing. 
 Their walls abutting neree, fo neere did meet, 
 
 That thefe two Saints might each another greete. 
 A chinke there was, which Thysbe foone efpies, 
 
 for maids in wanton feats, haue Linceus eyes. 
 
 Which 
 
The true Loners knot. 253 
 
 Which beeing feene (well feene) fhe did repaire 
 
 each morne betime to fee if he were there : 
 At laft he fpies it, (men haue duller witte, 
 
 then women haue, yet better manage it.) 
 This crany was the fhrine to which they came, 
 
 where either call'd on other, by their name. 
 And with deuotion ech to other kneeled, 
 
 protefting loue, hid loue, fo long concealed. 
 Why fhould our Parents, Pyramus would fay, 
 
 feeke to protract our loues by long delay ? 
 Or why fhould we, with fuch precifeneffe fhunne, 
 
 that which our parents long before haue done ? 
 Suppofe their loue was pure : our loue's as pure, 
 
 they full as fond as we, were drawen to th' lure. 
 And why, my Thysbe, fhould that comely face, 
 
 for all her feature, haue a ciphers place ? 
 Thou art no fhadow, but a fubftance (deare) 
 
 in fubftances, impreffions beft appeare. 
 Then for my loue, thy ioy, and beauties fake, 
 
 that feemes eclypf'd, let me th' impreffion make, 
 Lets to the field, aye me, we cannot goe, 
 
 we are immur'd within the grate of woe ; 
 And why fhould I, fond man, my Thysbe moue, 
 
 to wanton pleafure ? vvhere's no vfe of loue ; 
 I know thou lou'ft, in that thy griefe is more, 
 
 pent from that S' which thou would fain adore. 
 Thysbe flood peeping through this narrow chinke 
 
 and though fhe fpake nought, yet fhe more did 
 Her blufh, her fmile, her biting of her lip, (think, 
 
 did all the fecrets of her hart vnrippe. 
 
 Thus 
 
254 Loues Labourinth, or 
 
 Thus whilft they flood both (landing at a bay, 
 
 wifhing fome priuate paflage, or fome way, 
 To confummate their vowes : in comes her mother, 
 
 which made them take their leaue one of another. 
 She fkoold her daughter : what my trickfie girle, 
 
 are you befotted with this worthlefle pearle, 
 This beauties bloffome? faire enough, but poore, 
 
 dote on the rich, affe<5l his rags no more. 
 Mother (quoth Thisbe} you are much decau'd, 
 
 if I may fpeake with reuerence, he nere crau'd 
 Loue at my hands : what did he here, quoth flie, 
 
 that he fo priuate fhould difcourfe with thee ? 
 He is (quoth Thisbe} come from Salamine, (vine 
 
 and brought me grapes, pluckt from that tender 
 j*Etolus planted, which me gaue in haft, 
 
 vnto her mother, praying her to taft : 
 Shee tooke and tafled : fruits variety 
 
 feru'd at that time for her Apology. 
 The pitchy (hade of night approach't at hand, (mad 
 
 when Screech-owles, Fauns, and Satyres haue co- 
 Where skipping in their lawne and flowry groue, 
 
 Siluane to Siluane confecrates his loue. 
 Yet when each chirping bird, goes to her neft, 
 
 loues eyes be open, and can take no reft. 
 Beafts to their caues refort, furceafe to prey, 
 
 feeding on that they purchaf'd by the day. 
 Each creature in his kind difpos'd to fleepe, 
 
 but feruent loue continuall watch doth keepe : 
 He tofleth in his bed, wifhing it day, 
 
 Hoping 
 
the Ttrue- loners knot. 255 
 
 hoping thereby his cares to throw away. 
 Yet when the night is paft, the day yeelds more, 
 
 then ere the night afifoorded him before : 
 Thus Pyramus enthrall'd twixt hope and feare, 
 
 hopes, though fmal fruit of hope in him appeare. 
 He cannot fleepe nor wake, but twixt them both, 
 
 fleeping and waking as a letharge doth. 
 Oft would he hugge his pillow in his arme, 
 
 and cling it faft about, to keepe it warme. 
 Suppofing it was Thysbe, and would fweare, 
 
 no creature ere could be more welcome there, 
 Streight would he call on Hymen, then inuite, 
 
 his friends and kinsfolke to his nuptiall rite. 
 And faigning their replies, thanks he would giue, 
 
 vowing requitall once, if he mould Hue. 
 Oh what diftraftions haunt a louers minde 
 
 patting thofe bounds which nature hath affign'd, 
 Nought vpon earth, but limits hath we fee, 
 
 but boundleffe loue can nere contained be. 
 Hearbs yeeld a foueraigne cure to euery wound, 
 
 but for loues cure, in hearbs no vertue's found. 
 Then bleft is he, and in an happie ftate, 
 
 who for loues dart is made inuulnerate. 
 Yet was it hard to fee and not to loue, 
 
 Thysbe's admired beauty, which could mooue, 
 Serpgts, birds, plats brute beads which grafe & feed, 
 
 more then ere Orpheus with his muficke did. 
 Her goulden treffes, pure ambrofian, 
 
 Fairer then all the twifts Arachne fpan, 
 
 Shone 
 
256 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 Shone far more bright then Pkcebus gliftring raies, 
 
 by all mens Judgements, meriting more praife ; 
 Her corall lip, (no lip) but ports of pleafure, 
 
 which feem'd to open to whole mines of treafure, 
 Appeard fo fweet, that all was fweet about it, 
 
 for I am fure nought could be fweet without it. 
 Her brefts two iuory mounts, mounts may I cal the 
 
 for many vales of pleafant veines empall'd them 
 Thefe like two borders, did such fweets difplay, 
 
 that who lodg'd there, lodg'd in the milkie way. 
 Below a fhady vale, aye mee that (hade, 
 
 which nature in her owne defpite had made, 
 Had made for glory of that facred mount, 
 
 with the fweet Ne6lar of a liuely fount. 
 A ftill diftilling fount, an heauenly riuer, 
 
 for theres no earthly fpring can fpring for euer. 
 Her wanton gate, her glance, her fmile, her toying, 
 
 all ioy'd in one, mewed pleafure in enioying. 
 So as b Euphrates^ where this city bounded, 
 
 vents vp his paflions, for he oft refounded 
 Beating his bancks, and eccoing in the aire, 
 
 and then retiring backe, feem'd to defpaire. 
 That Thysbe could not loue a fencelefle one, 
 
 at which repining, he would make his mone. 
 Hath not my current ere renowned beene, 
 
 . for th' eafie paflage of my quiet ftreame ? 
 Hath not my torrent yeelded much content, (fpent ? 
 
 to gild his meanes, whofe meanes where wholly 
 Haue I not fuffered much ? fuftain'd great paines, 
 
 fraugh- 
 
the True-louers knot. 257 
 
 fraughting your trauaile with a double gaines. 
 And for fupporting of fo many fhippes, 
 
 may not Euphrates graze vpon her lippes, 
 Whom thus he loues ? vnthankfull coaft (quoth he) 
 
 refpefting leaft, who did the moft for thee. 
 This being faid, hee could expreffe no more, 
 
 but in a loue-ficke paflion, bett the fhore. 
 And to c confirme, what I haue heard men fay, 
 
 he left his courfe and tooke another way. 
 If fenceleffe riuers that were neuer feene 
 
 to loue, or care for louing, held no meane, 
 In their affecting Thisbe : what fhould hee 
 
 that had both fence and reafons purity ? 
 Pure in his mind, and faire in beauties fhew, 
 
 Narcijfus fecond for his comely hew : 
 Lipp'd like Adonis, Frycina loued, 
 
 fhaped like Alexis Polly os approoued. 
 Grac'd with a fmiling countenance, which did breed, 
 
 a louely white, mix'd with a comely red. 
 Two fparkling eyes pierciue as Diamond, 
 
 which, wherfoere they gaf 'd, they feem'd to woud, 
 That though the Sun were fet, yet his bright eies 
 
 fhone as the Beames which from the fun doe rife : 
 The night being gone, too long god wot in going, 
 
 her wandring lights to Tethis banks beftowing, 
 Titan came peeping in at Thyisbes chamber, 
 
 whom ftie reflected with her locks of amber. 
 Each other greeting, as if had beene there, 
 
 two Suns at once, both in one hemyfphere. 
 
 S Hard 
 
258 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 Hard was the combat, but more hard it were, 
 
 to tell whofe beams diffuf 'd their light moft clear, 
 Yet in the end Titan in an angry mood, 
 
 feeming furpaft, did hide him in a cloud. 
 Thysbe puts on her cloths, bleft were thofe cloths, 
 
 thrice happy fhade, that fhadow'd fuch a Rofe, 
 Where being dreffed, not dreff'd as fhee would bee, 
 
 fhe tooke her to her praiers religioufly. (flow, 
 
 High heauens (quoth fhe) from whence al pleafures 
 
 deigne fome of then on Thysbe to beftow. 
 For by your power, which I doe much adore, 
 
 I loue but that which you haue lou'd before, 
 Thou thundring loue, did dote as well as I, 
 
 when thou dejired with Danae to lye ; 
 Which to effett, tJwu turrid Jter to afliowre. 
 
 a Goulden Jhowre her beauty to defloure, 
 For cloth' d in lightning, Danae denaied, 
 
 to ioyne with thunder : afterward arraid 
 In dewie mot/lure, (moifture we do loue,) 
 
 Jhe caft off Jhame, and did thy Jhape approue. 
 And luno lou's Ixionfor his kijfe, 
 
 Venus, Adonis, for his comelinejfe. 
 Daphne (poore Laurell) chafed by Apollo, 
 
 running as f aft before as he did follow. 
 Thus did your loue, your luft, your thoughts renew, 
 
 if I thinke ill, I thinke no worfe tJien you. 
 And well -may gods with womens fexe dif pence, 
 
 Since they werefirft authorifd their offence. 
 My hue's not f potted with lafciuious tutch, 
 
 imleffe it be by louing ouermuch. 
 
 Nor 
 
The trw Louers knot. 259 
 
 Nor branded with the note of Infamie, 
 
 but pure as Delia Queene of Chaftitie. 
 Thoughts are the worft, my actions they be cleare, 
 
 & he'fe no man whofe thoughts nere foyled were. 
 Then pardon if I loue, fuppofe it zeale, 
 
 whofe paffions be too hote for to conceale : 
 Leauing her Orifons, compofed of Loue, 
 
 loue dallying praiers : her eyes afide fhe moues, 
 And fees the chinke, which fhe firft faw before, 
 
 which did augment her dolors much the more. 
 For fhee recall'd to minde, to memory, 
 
 her mothers chiding, fathers leloufie ; 
 Both which a ftreame of teares extract from her, 
 
 as if pale death her comforts fhould interre. 
 Oft would fhe call on louely Pyramtts, 
 
 with fmothered fpeech, as one fufpitious : 
 Left the pure ayre, and walls adioyning neere, 
 
 fhould prattle loue vnto her parents eare. 
 Oft would fhe nibble out a ftone or two, 
 
 to make the crift feeme bigger to the fhow 
 Of her deepe loue : for they fufpe<5led were, 
 
 therefore debard, left they fhould come too neer. 
 Pyramus pent vp all this while, at laft, 
 
 gets out and hies him to the chinke as faft. 
 Where what difcourfe their mutuall loue affoorded, 
 
 feem'd by the Gods in heauen to be recorded. 
 Either with greedy eye gafmg on other, (ther : 
 
 Thysbe look'd backe fomtimes, doubting her mo- 
 For fhe fufpefled much her iealous eye, 
 
 in her loues prefence to be euer by. 
 
 S 2 Enuious 
 
260 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 Enuious wall, oft would thefe louers fay, 
 
 diuide thy felfe and let vs haue a way, 
 To meete, to kifle, to parley and relate, 
 
 the folemne feftiues of our nuptiall ftate. 
 Why fliould thy marble ftru&ures hold vs out, 
 
 whofe loue encircles Babilon about ? 
 Or why fhould terrene compofition moue 
 
 a breach or Reparation of our loue ? 
 Loue is celeftiall : thou a marble fhrine, 
 
 why fhouldft thou hinder loue that is diuine ? 
 And yet we cannot fo ingratefull be, 
 
 but we muft offer vp our thanks to thee ; 
 Our vowes, our giftes, our beft prifd facrifice, 
 
 in that thou yeelds a passage to our eyes, 
 Yeelding some comfort in this gloomie night, 
 
 fupplying kiffes with the vfe of fight. 
 Loue hath fome harmonic, fome fmall agreeing, 
 
 for what it wants in tutch it hath in feeing. 
 Hefperias garden was by ferpents kept, 
 
 whofe euer watching eye-liddes neuer flept 
 And Colchis Fleece was kept as warily, 
 
 till lafons meanes obtain'd the vi&orie 
 So be our loues immur'd, interred rather, 
 
 by two fufpicious dames, one fubtile father. 
 Then would they kiffe the wall and oft entreat, 
 
 that in companion it would let them meet 
 We will not tell our parents, nor exprefle, 
 
 who twas, gaue way vnto our happinefle, 
 Louers be faithfull, of our faiths beleeue vs, (vs. 
 
 fmce this ftraight durance cannot chufe but grieue 
 
 The 
 
The true-louers knot. 261 
 
 The wall replyde not : yet their words had force, 
 
 pierfmg her hardnefle, foftned with remorfe. 
 For euer fince, as well it may appeare, 
 
 the marble fheds each morne a Trickling teare, 
 Thus did thefe louers paffe the weary morne, 
 
 depriu'd of that which louers bed adorne, 
 And that is priuate meeting, which being miffing, 
 
 we beat the aire but with conceit of luffing, 
 A vaine conceit, to dally with delight, 
 
 Expecting fun-fhine in a clowdy night, 
 Imparadif d in ioyes he cannot be, 
 
 that's clad in sable roabs of mifery. 
 Oh then conceiue what forrow he fuftaines, 
 
 that in perpetuall languifhment remaines. 
 O what diftraftions do his ioyes diffeuer, 
 
 feeding like vultures on his hart for euer. 
 If *Zeuxes pictured grapes, fo liuely were ; 
 
 That many birds in flocks repaired there, 
 Pecking vpon his ftatues, and did browfe 
 
 vpon his liuely grapes, meere liueles fhowes. 
 Well may we thinke, that loue himfelfe can make, 
 
 a farre more liuely, and proportion'd fhape, 
 Then a poore painter ; though his Grapes feeme ripe, 
 
 yet they were drawne from loues firft Archetype. 
 Then loues beft picture, Natures admiration, 
 
 Thysbe, euen Thysbe made for recreation, 
 May well be thought to draw each bird each beaft, 
 
 from Paftures greene, vpon her lippes to feaft. 
 It were a feftiue banquet there to be, 
 
 whofe breath is Nettar, breathing deity. 
 
 S 3 Heere 
 
262 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 Here Pyramus would be, if heauens would grant it, 
 
 for he efteemes no treafure whileft he wants it, 
 Since fuch a lewell, fuch a pretious Gem, 
 
 in that it's rare, is more admired by men. 
 Thus Tantalifed, the Gods doe feeme to loue him. 
 
 fetting him fruite, but fruite too farre aboue him. 
 For when his lips (pure lips) fhould but com ny them 
 
 they mocke his lips and in derifion flie them. 
 Doft flie my lips (quoth he) 6 doe not flie me, 
 
 for what I doe, I doe it but to trie thee, 
 To trie thy loues which though our parents thwarted 
 
 our conioin'd loue difioin'd fhall nere be parted, 
 Well may our bodies be difioin'd a funder, 
 
 but loue's to head-ftrong, none can keepe it vnder : 
 Loue is free-borne, it cannot feruile be, 
 
 to begge for curtefie with a bended knee. 
 Thysbe kept concord, for each word he fpake, 
 
 feem'd her retired paffions to awake, 
 Stird vp her fpirit, as infpir'd by fate, 
 
 making her ftout that was effeminate. 
 Continue thy intendments fweete, quoth fhe, 
 
 and as thy fhadow I will follow thee, 
 Faffing a fea of dangers launching deepe, 
 
 till I the fhadow to the fubftance creepe, 
 Paffe Oeta's as forreft, fnow-cliued Caiicafus 
 
 Thysbe will follow fteps of Pyrantus ; 
 Thee Riphean Mountaines, or the Hetririan plaines, 
 
 Each morne refounding with the notes of fwains. 
 If thou loue Vinolus, with her fragrant fpices, 
 
 or Eriflhea famous for deuices : 
 Thysbe will follow thee with fpeed fhe may, 
 
 only 
 
The true- Loners knot. 263 
 
 only, her trauaile with thy loue repaie. 
 But thefe are but difcourfes of our ill, 
 
 which if not cured, be augmented ftill. 
 For that you know renues the maladie, 
 
 which rubs the fore, and yields no remedie : 
 For why fhould any labour me remoue, 
 
 From that admired mirror whom I loue. 
 And I am of that nature : more they hold me, 
 
 from fancying thee, more pafiions do enfould me, 
 Then plot (my Pyramus,} contriue, inuent, 
 
 that we may harbour loue in loues content, 
 Till wearied with ioy, wearyed too foone, 
 
 thou leaue adoring of the watrie Moone. 
 Where being cloyed with the fweetes of loue 
 
 mayft leaue the vale, and tafte the fruits aboue. 
 Thou art my fheepheard, I will be thy plaine, 
 
 I the poore cottage, thou the homely fwaine, 
 Thou fhalt refrefh thy felfe vpon my banckes, 
 
 which hauing don, I know thou'le giue me thanks, 
 For my diffufed ftreames, ftreams meerely fent, 
 
 not much enforc'd from Thysbes continent, 
 Come then, for why (hould any marble wall 
 
 being materiall fubftance, fo appall 
 Our ardent wifhes, wifhes which proceede 
 
 from loue-fick paflions, which more paffions feed. 
 Let our diftilling teares congeal'd in one, 
 
 disffolue the hardnes of this flinty ftone. 
 Remorfe may moue this ftone by diuine wonder, 
 
 to let vs meete, diuide herfelfe a funder. 
 This faid, maine riuers of diftreaming teares, 
 
 in their woes-torrents purblinde eies appeares, 
 
 S 4 Seeking 
 
264 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 Seeking, but feeking all in vaine God wot, 
 
 to moue that fhrine, which weeping moued not. 
 // wept to fee true loue fo ftraite confinde, 
 
 difioyn'd by fates, which fauours had combinde. 
 It wept to fee their parents fo vnkinde, 
 
 to curbe their bodies prefence, whofe pure minde, 
 Rapt with content of feeing, not enioying, 
 
 acts difcontent, debard of further toying. 
 It wept to fee their minds fo well agreeing 
 
 in one felfe place, not to haue one felfe-being. 
 It wept and much repin'd that difmall fate, 
 
 Should crofle pure loue by loue-difioyned hate : 
 And pittying their cafe fhed many a teare, 
 
 Shedding fo many, fhe her felfe did were. 
 Oh what hard harted parents had thefe two, 
 
 fmce what the ftones allow'd, they'l not allow, 
 Reproouing that in theirs, themfelues affected, 
 
 foiling their youth with what their youth refpected 
 Are thefe the fruits and honours of our time, 
 
 the fruitleffe bloffomes of a fterile clyme ? 
 Are thefe our louing Sires ? oh no, they are hard, 
 
 to preffe downe loue, that cannot be debar'd. 
 You high refplendent heauens, whofe cherifhing heat 
 
 with feafoned warmth, our fpacious borders greet, 
 Temper fuch parents hearts, as are not won, 
 
 till both their line and linnage be vndone. 
 Soften their ftifned minds, oppreff'd with rage, 
 
 playing fharpe tyrants in declining age. 
 For why fhould they find fault their children play, 
 
 fmce in their prime they playd as much as they. 
 
 Decrepit 
 
The True-louers knot. 265 
 
 Decrepit age, (lilted for want of ftrength, 
 
 with brinifh teares deplores their fins at length ; 
 But thus I confter't : They their age deplore, 
 
 theyr youth is fpent, and they can doe no more. 
 And like an enuious viper, would haue none, 
 
 to vfe their ftrength, becaufe their ftrength is gone. 
 But old age ers in this : experienc'd wit 
 
 fwaies their proceedings, youth abandons it. 
 Nor doe they know what hurt poore maides receiue, 
 
 to pen them vp from that they wifh to haue. 
 For though they be immur'd in walles of Braffe, 
 
 Loue hath her loope-holes by which Jhe will pajfe, 
 Infpite of iealous 'dotage ; and efpies 
 
 fome priuy chinke, though wacht by % Linceus eies, 
 For loue enclof'd like raging elements 
 
 of fire and water, though imprifoned, vents, 
 And muft eruption haue, it cannot be 
 
 an heauenly motion fhould want libertie. 
 ^Eurydice though fhes enforc't to dwell, 
 
 in Stygian Plutoes court infernall hell, 
 Yet her tranfmounting paflions doe remoue 
 
 themfelues from hell vnto the earth aboue. 
 Poore fwaine Dorinda though by Satires kept, 
 
 in a vaft caue, whofe watchfull eies nere flept, 
 But with reflexion both by night and day, 
 
 had fpeciall care left fhe fhould get awaie, 
 Comforts her felfe in louing, fearing not, 
 
 but chaft defires ore long would get her out, 
 Loue is enfranchifd not in bonds retained, 
 
 fpotleffe as Chriftall, for no foile can ftaine it. 
 
 The 
 
266 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 The boiftrous windes (hut vp in iron grates, 
 
 on each occafion and intendment waites, 
 When they come forth their tempefts hurrie more 
 
 grieu'd at their durance, then they did before. 
 That morn which feds her glittering raies too foone, 
 
 fables her funne in cloudes ere it be noone, 
 But when its long ere that her beames appeare, 
 
 we doe prefage ere night they'le fhine more cleere. 
 ' Thetis exiled from her marine feate, 
 
 a willing exile with the Sea-nimphs meetes, 
 To celebrate Achilles funeralls, 
 
 in fable robes, in difmall feftiuals. 
 Each wept whole flouds of teares to wafh his hearfe, 
 
 whereon engrauen was a doleful verfe ; 
 That no hard harted paffenger came by, 
 
 but feeing it, would fheede teares inftantly : 
 Some made relation of his valiant fpirit, 
 
 fome of the glory which his acts did merit : 
 And wofull Brujis one amongft the reft, 
 
 being his captiue, whom fhe loued beft, 
 Emburied him with liquid flreames of forrow, 
 
 renewing griefe with each renewing morrow. 
 So did thefe louers, louers too fmcere, 
 
 rife ere the morning dayftar could appeare, 
 Bewayling much their parents frowardneffe, 
 
 that kept them from the fupport of happineffe. 
 Happie, if happy in enioying loue, 
 
 to fee the Turtle billing with the Done, 
 The skipping Kid, the Goate, the penfiue Hinde, 
 
 conforting each with other in their kinde : 
 
 Yet 
 
The trm-louers knot. 267 
 
 Yet thefe two louers are debard from this ; 
 
 what brute beafts haue, they haue not but in wifh : 
 And wifhes yield fmall comfort, poore releefe 
 
 to fuch as are preft downe with heapes of griefe. 
 O that heauens fplendor, her tranflucent eie 
 
 mould fee, and feeing, pittie miferie, 
 Yet fuffer man to be oppref 'd therewith, 
 
 Making him die a neuer dying death. 
 Or why mould man endu'd with reafons light, 
 
 in his owne bowels harbour fuch a fight, 
 As may fubuert the pallace of the foule, 
 
 ecclipfing it, making her bewty foule ; 
 Conuerting that by her depraued will, 
 
 as firft feem'd good to fome apparant ill ; 
 Not gathering hony from each bitter flower 
 
 of difcontent, nor reaping fweet of fower, 
 But in diftra6lions paflionate we run, 
 
 in headlong courfe till that we be vndone : 
 And then defpairing, we refide in woe 
 
 fhut vp in melfes : we know not where to goe. 
 The fillie Bee that labours in her hiue, 
 
 in her Hyblaean works addres'd to ftriue, 
 With nature in proportion : feemes to make, 
 
 more for her felfe then nature for her fake, 
 In her digefting and difpofmg fit, 
 
 what me had gathered by her natiue wit, 
 She refts fecure of loue, worfe hap haue we, 
 
 oppreft with loue-fick paflions then hath me 
 But heauens haue fo decreed ; this is our lotte 
 
 Creatures that haue moft reafon, mojljtiould dote. 
 
 Thus 
 
268 Loues labyrinth, or 
 
 Thus each ore-fhadowing eu'ning fliadowed hope, 
 
 ayming at loue, loue was their onely fcope : 
 At which they leuelled : But ('las) difdaine 
 
 foaring aloft, the frute of loue retaines : 
 Lockt from all comfort, fhut from fweete repofe, 
 
 (he to their parents doth their loue difclofe. 
 Telling them how their children made repaire, 
 
 vnto a chinke which breath'd a cooling aire. 
 Yeelding content enough : and they fhould fee 
 
 that ere long time Thyfbe would frutefull bee. 
 Their parents ftamp'd, but Tymon moft of all, 
 
 for hee was rich and feard his daughters fall. 
 Yet well he could haue brook'd her nuptiall bed, 
 
 if he were rich that fhould his daughter wed. 
 Fie on fuch Gould-adoring parentage, 
 
 that refts refpectlefle both of youth and age, 
 Who meafure loue by wealth are fure to haue, 
 
 Midas his eares, depriu'd of what they craue, 
 They wreft their childrens minds to make them tafte, 
 
 the fweet of Gold, which works their baine at laft. 
 m Thus parents are as vipers to their feed, 
 
 fmce they their venome in their bofomes feede. 
 Which like to Naptha that being once inflamed, 
 
 Burnes of it felfe, and cannot be reftrained. 
 But loue the more reprefld the more confin'd, 
 
 encreafeth fo much more in louers minde. (them, 
 11 For though their watchfull eies did ftill looke ore 
 
 Gods pittying their diftres did more deplore them ; 
 And loue himfelfe yields foueraigne remedy, 
 
 to thefe two louers fraught with mifery. 
 
 And 
 
the true Louers-knot. 269 
 
 And well might loue yield comfort to their wounds, 
 
 fince he his paflions on like paflions grounds, 
 For he (though God) did doate as well as man, 
 
 transforming Leda to a milke white Swan. 
 loue in his aiery throne with piercing eies, 
 
 thefe louers griefes from high Olimpus fpies, 
 And fpying them oppres'd, pref'd downe with louing 
 
 Their humane paflions force a diuine mouing. 
 You fruitfull fprigs fprung of a fruitfull tree, 
 
 I heare your plaints, and I doe pittie yee, 
 That the ioynt tablet of two louing hearts 
 
 fhould be deuided into feuerall parts 
 Hard-hearted Parents, made of Marble fure 
 Or elfe they could not fuch diftreffe endure, 
 That their owne budding bloffoms which did grow, 
 
 from their vnfeafoned bofome fhould beftow 
 Their oile, their labour in affections ftraines, 
 
 yet kept in thraldome by their parents reynes. 
 But I that haue the Regiment aboue, 
 
 rules Cupids arrows, knows the vfe of loue, 
 I that haue poafted down from heauens high fphere, 
 
 to Danae, Io, and the milke-maides here, 
 And to Latona bewties facred Queene, 
 
 yet to this hower, as loue I nere was feene, 
 Nor euer knowen, fuch was our diuine power, 
 
 tranfuming fhapes of plants and roarie mowers, 
 Will pittie your affections and apply, 
 
 Vnto your wounds are prefent remedy. 
 For we (as men) do naught of woemen craue, 
 
 but what they well may giue, and we may haue. 
 
 If 
 
270 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 If the orefhadowing cloudes whofe duskie face, 
 
 obfcures heauens fplendor, Sols refulgent grace : 
 If mifty vapours, foggy excrements, 
 
 thickned by mixture of grofe elements, 
 If Heauen, earth, Sea, plants, ftones, or ferpents may 
 
 yield you content, or can your woes allay, 
 Rely on me ; for I ones high diademe, 
 
 was firft ordained to fuccour wretched men, 
 And by the flagrant creffet of the Sunne, 
 
 wele either fee your minds vnited one, 
 Or elfe my power mall contradict her felfe, 
 
 Making affection vaffaile vnto pelfe, 
 Which were difcordant mufique, harfher ftraines, 
 
 then ere Pan fung among his countrie fwains 
 For its not fit that hand-maids fhould command vs 
 
 or fubiect powers mould in their a6ls withftand 
 Pelfe (worlds tram) in loweft ranke mould fit, (vs. 
 
 loue as a Miftris framd to manage it : 
 For who will contemne the daie, the night adore, 
 
 fet beft behinde, and worft part before. 
 loue hauing in companion feene their woes, 
 
 to Hefperus the euening ftar he goes, 
 And bids her mew her light, for by her aide, 
 
 (he might yeeld fuccour to a helpleffe maide, 
 Hefperus roufed, rous'd before her time 
 
 in heauens horizon ftreight began to mine : 
 Ore cannoping heauens beawtie with a clowde, 
 
 all which by loue himfelfe was well allowde, 
 Then wandring ftarrs in different dignity, 
 
 fent out their lights difparkled orderly. 
 
 Artto- 
 
The true Loners knot. 2 7 1 
 
 Arftophilax begotten of the beare, 
 
 and Cajfiopeia likewife did appeare, 
 The Pleiades, Orion, with the reft, 
 
 Ca/lor and Pollux, whom loue loued beft ; 
 All thefe confort and make one conftellation, 
 
 at loues command for louers recreation. 
 The heauens be-fprinkled thus with fundry lights, 
 
 limit the day by bringing on the night, 
 To comfort wearied fpirits fpent with toyle, 
 
 whofe troubled brains the night-time fhuld affoil. 
 For loue at firft conceiuing mortall feede, 
 
 amidft his labors fome repaft to need, 
 Created night thofe cares to take away, 
 
 which had beene foftred on the toilefome day, 
 Night wifhed night, to Louers that defire 
 
 to be partakers of that heauenly fire, 
 Cupid (blind boy) infufeth in their breft, 
 
 which once infus'd engendreth their vnreft. 
 But its no matter, leaue we cannot louing, 
 
 though bitter fruits redound to our approuing : 
 This gloomy night yeelds comfort to their wo, (go, 
 
 For loue had fhowen the place, where they mould 
 To Ninus toomb, a toomb to bury griefe 
 
 fhaded with couert, fit for loues reliefe : 
 Thefe two bleft louers, bleft in loues appearing, 
 
 addreffe their eye for fight, their eare for hearing. 
 Left their fufpicious Parents mould fift out, 
 
 Their fond intendments which they went about : 
 The Night was very darke, darke nights be beft, 
 
 For fuch as on the day-time take no reft. 
 
 Since 
 
272 Loues labyrinth, or 
 
 Since each difparkling beame which doth appeare, 
 
 yeelds to a Jealous louer caufe of feare. 
 But duskie nights which Louers beft approue, 
 
 giue free acceffe of parly vnto loue. 
 Thisbe loue-ficke, for loue had made her ficke, 
 
 time thus occafioned, findes a pretie tricke 
 To gull her keepers and her Parents too, 
 
 which who can blame her, all that loue will doe : 
 Deere be our Parents loues, their wils, their bleflings 
 
 by which we profper : deerer be the kiflings 
 Of thofe we loue fmcerely from our heart, 
 
 for where they be there is our chiefeft part. 
 No vnfrequented defert can remoue 
 
 our hearts from them whom we entirely loue. 
 No diftance can difioine vnited mindes, 
 
 no labyrinth fram'd with Meanders winds : 
 We reft the fame or elfe it cannot be, 
 
 that our affections ground on conftancie. 
 Thijbe with creeping pace pac'd ore the floore, 
 
 oyling the hinges of the creeking dore, 
 Left it fhould fhew her meaning to her mother, 
 whofe eies fhe q feared more then anie other. 
 For they were too too iealous and would fpie, 
 
 more in her dealing then her fathers eye : 
 For he was bed-rid and could hardly moue 
 
 his fenceleffe ioints and knew not what was loue : 
 Yet this bed full of bones, this fap-leffe wretch 
 
 had fap within his cheft, for he was rich ; 
 And more, for which all wifemen-may deride him, 
 he euer lov'd to haue his golde befide him. 
 
 For 
 
The true-louers knot. 273 
 
 For on his trafh he was fo deeply rooted, 
 
 that he (fond-man could neuer fleepe without it : 
 Thus had he much, yet he defir'd much more 
 
 his gold, his Idole which he did adore. 
 And though he had no vfe for that he got, 
 
 yet he from raking more furceafed not 
 Which punimment was firft inflicTd by loue, 
 
 Rich men fhould haue no vfe of what they loue ; 
 But in an in-bred appetite to golde, 
 
 delight to haue it euery minute tolde : 
 Which being done making an endleffe paine, 
 
 they tell their trafh and put it vp againe. 
 Thus did this aged Tymon : and refpe&ed, 
 
 wealth more then youth of girles moft affected, 
 For richleffe was the fcope he leuel'd at, 
 
 heele call none fonnes but men of good eftate. 
 Worth worthleffe feemes, if worth haue no retire, 
 
 nor meanes by which their honour might afpire. 
 For beggar Irus whofe eftate was poore, 
 
 made Ithacus to driue him out of dore. 
 And feeing him arraide in beggars lift, 
 
 in furious paffion flew him with his fift 
 Thus men are made refpe<5lleffe for their want, 
 
 and pouerty, though faire, yet whole not taunt ? 
 Deeming them moft vnfit of honours throne, 
 
 that haue more wit then fortune of their owne, 
 But he that poifeth worth as worth mould be, 
 
 will not obfcure true worth for pouertie ; 
 Being the fubftance and maine difference, 
 
 twixt fauage beafts and humane excellence. 
 
 T And 
 
274 Loue labyrinth, or 
 
 And more is trafh inferior to the minde, 
 
 then pith of trees fuperior to the rinde : 
 Thysbe efcaping, hies her to the place 
 
 which was appointed : her admired face 
 Caft fuch a luftre on the plaines belowe, 
 
 as fteepy'mountaines couered with fnow. 
 In Maiden white appareld : maides fhould be 
 
 arraied fo to fhew their modeftie ; 
 Such piercing eyes fhe had, which fhon fo bright, 
 
 that they gaue day vnto a gloomy night : 
 So that each Wood-nimph, Faune and Satyre there, 
 
 rofe from their caues perceiuing light appeare. 
 Siluanus god of woods and defert groues, 
 
 his fhaggy head from off his pillow moues ; 
 And halfe afleepe feeing his arbour fhine 
 
 and all about him, long before his time 
 He girds his quiuer to him, and drew neere (cleere : 
 
 to Nintis toombe, where fun-beames fhon moft 
 Where he no fooner came ; ay me ! too foone 
 
 to that vnluckie fhrine that ominous toombe : 
 But feeing her he caft all fleepe afide, 
 
 fewing, and futing Thysbe for his bride. 
 Mirror of women, beft of Natures art, (heart 
 
 heare a poore wood-god that hath pledg'd his 
 To thee and to thy feature : heauenly queene 
 
 that would thefe flowrie thickets well befeeme, 
 Sit thee downe here : this is an arbour fweet, 
 
 where al the wood nymphs vfe each euen to meet 
 Making a concord ; whofe mellifluous found, 
 
 would glad the birds and all the desert round : 
 
 The 
 
The True-loners Knot. 275 
 
 The Nimphs fhall make their praiers and renew, 
 
 each morne their hymnes, that they may pleafure 
 The Mufes nine from Pyerus fhall defcend, (you 
 
 and to our mufique their attention lend, 
 Where if there anie difcord chance to be, 
 
 Mufes themfelues will yeeld a remedie. 
 There Clio, Erato, and Melpomene, 
 
 Euterpe, Thalia, and Calliope, 
 Terpfychore, Vrania, and that fweet 
 
 tong'd Poly-himnia fmging at thy feet 
 All thefe fhall grace thee in this rurall plaine, 
 
 if thou canft brooke to loue a Countrie fwaine : 
 Yet am I borne more high then mortall men, 
 
 deriu'd from gods euen of immortall ftem, 
 1 Sprung my beginning, therfore fcorne not me, 
 
 fince if thou match thou match's with deitie. 
 The flowery fhrubbs thou feeft doe I command, 
 
 nay euen the Cedar which fo high doth ftand, 
 Refts at my power : there is no branch doth grow, 
 
 whofe moifture doth not from Syluanus flow. 
 The fweeteft fpices of Arabia, 
 
 the preciou'ft perfumes breth in Lidia, 
 Smell by my meanes : for my celefliall power 
 
 can make each ftinking weede a fragrant flower. 
 Then deare affect me, for no perfume's good 
 
 if I want thee that perfumes euery Wood. 
 
 T2 The 
 
276 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 Thysbees replie. 
 
 IF you (quoth Thysbee) as you doe profefie, 
 deriue your birth from gods then fhew no lefle : 
 For its not fit that gods with ftarres araid, (maid, 
 
 and heauens immortall fphaeres, fhould loue a 
 n A Countrie laffe beft fits a Countrie fwaine, 
 
 his oaten pipe beft fuites with her harmy?ro7, 
 Thofe gods that in Olympus regiment, 
 
 fit and beare rule skorne bafer elements. 
 Then if you be diuine, as fure you be, 
 
 furceafe your fuite which yeelds indignity, 
 To that high of-fpring whence you did proceed, 
 
 ftaine not your loue with any mortall feed. 
 
 Doth mine high linage (quoth Syluanus) fhew, 
 
 that I am too diuine to match with you ; 
 Thou art fure born of that ambrofian aire t 
 
 which loue infus'd in me : thou art too faire 
 To be of mortall race, oh do not then 
 
 debafe that faire fo much to mach with men : 
 Yet if thou wilt not match but with a fwaine, 
 
 He be no god that I thy loue may gaine. 
 A Shepheards habite I wil take vpon me, 
 
 if in that habite I may liue with thee. 
 For credit me (heauens faint) if thou partake 
 
 of man, all men ile honour for thy fake : 
 Then loue Siluanus, doe not blufh be free, 
 
 loue god or fwaine, Syluanus both will be. 
 
 T/iysbe 
 
the True-louers knot. 277 
 
 Thisbees reply. 
 
 IT ill becomes, quoth fhe, your peereleffe ftate, 
 with filly maides to be importunate : 
 You fhould protect our weakneffe and defend 
 
 our brittle fexe, and euer be a friend 
 To womans weake proceedings, ceafmg ftill 
 
 to drawe deuoted Virgins to your will : 
 We that are confecrate to Vestas fhrine, 
 
 muft in no lafciuious meetings fpend no time : 
 If thou (quoth he) to Vejla dedicate 
 
 thy vowes, thy hefts : what mak'ft the here fo late ? 
 For well I know dame Vefta cannot bide 
 
 her maides fhould walke alone in euening tide. 
 And thofe that meane to fatisfie her will, 
 
 muft both be chaft and feare fufpicions ill. 
 Thysbe flood mute, fhe knew not what to fay, 
 
 without reply fhe went a prety way 
 And could not anfwer, for her tripping tongue 
 
 and modeft filence told fhe fpoke awrong. 
 For fhe nere Vefta lou'd nor Vejlas order, 
 
 but this was beft excufe the time afford'd her. 
 Churlifh Syluanus (for he was a churle) 
 
 fo to importune a poore Countrie girle, 
 Halfe mad with anger that fhe would not yeeld 
 
 vnto his fuite : takes in his hand his fhield, 
 And raging fternely, fweares he meanes to goe, 
 
 where he will plunge her in a depth of woe. 
 
 T 3 Are 
 
278 Loues-labyrinth, or 
 
 Are you fo coy (quoth he) that youle denie, 
 
 to ioine with gods immortall deitie ? 
 Wele learn young girles manners if we Hue, (grieue 
 
 and make them rew, that they our power fhould 
 With this he went faft trotting vp the hill, 
 
 purfuing hot the proiect of his will. 
 Intending to command fome fauage beaft, 
 
 vpon her, whom he lou'd, he lik'd to feaft. 
 And reaching neere vnto the hill aboue, 
 
 he wagg'd his hand, and ask'd if fhe would loue ? 
 But fhe denied him loue : doe you denie me ? 
 
 fond ? quoth Syluanus, fauages fhall trie thee, 
 And thy affection : which no fooner faid, 
 
 then he fent out a Lion to this Maide. 
 A Lion new returnde from rauening pray, 
 
 came to the fount, his blood to wafh away. 
 Where with a fhaking pace he feem'd to come 
 
 towards the place appointed Ninus tombe. 
 But Luna pitting poore Thysbes cafe, 
 
 fends out her light, to tell her who it was 
 That now approach'd her, whom no fooner fpide, 
 
 then in a Caue, poore Thysbe did her hide. 
 But out alaffe for feare, fhe ran fo faft, 
 
 that fhe forgot her tire 'through too much haft : 
 For fhe all breathleffe, and quite out of winde, 
 
 running fo faft did leaue her tire behind. 
 And as one careleffe of her weale or woe, 
 
 diftreffed thus, fhe knew not were to goe, 
 Careleffe of what fhe left or what fhe had, 
 
 not knowing what was good, from what was bad. 
 
 Yet 
 
The true- Louers knot. 279 
 
 Yet nature grafts in all a natiue feare, 
 
 by which th' euent of all things doe appeare, 
 As we conceaue yeeld daunger to our ftate, 
 
 and feare by time, left we fhould feare too late. 
 Thus fhe pent vp within a defart caue, 
 
 with fobs & fighes, expreffe what fhe would haue, 
 For in that Caue fhe wifh'd her loue were there, 
 
 For loues embraces would exempt her feare. 
 Oft did fhe thinke the Lion ftaid without. 
 
 and therefore trembling Thysbe made a doubt, 
 To take the open ayre, but pent within, 
 
 wifh'd in her heart, fhe had cara6lred him, 
 Whom fhe admires and loues, whofe fweet refpe6l, 
 
 makes her to haue her parents in neglect 
 But he too flow, aye me, too flow in doing, 
 
 being fo forward in his formall woing : 
 Staies too too long, being more warely kept, 
 
 by fuch fharpe keepers, that all night nere flept : 
 But as one grafmg Hart the reft doth keepe, 
 
 by watchfull eyes warning the reft that fleepe ; 
 So euer one was waking, that might call 
 
 vpon the reft if any thing befall : 
 The Lion hauing quencht his fcorching thirft, 
 
 with fpringing water which he long'd for firft : 
 Found Thysbes tyre, and with his bloody pray, 
 
 befmeard the fame, which done, he went away. 
 Now in the end Pyramus tooke a time, 
 
 a time too late to anfwere loue diuine : 
 Yet in this filent courfe of nighterne race, 
 
 with quick recourfe he runs vnto the place. 
 
 T 4 So 
 
280 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 'So that to fee him frolick ore the plaine, 
 
 were worth more prife then z Hipodamias gaine, 
 For golden apples drew her tempting eie, 
 
 But this young youth affefts no vanity 
 But the true touch of loue : vaine, if abufed ; 
 
 but precious as pure gold, if rightly vfed. 
 Then who wil blame vs, labours to endure, 
 
 if we by labours can our loue make fur e ? 
 For conftant loue no trauaile will efchew, 
 
 that conftant loue by trauaile may renew. 
 Alcides he can ferue the Lidian queene, 
 
 in fpinning, carding, which doe ill befeeme 
 So ftout a mirrors magnanimity, 
 
 but he muft doe it, theres no remedy. 
 For when his manly nature did withftand it, 
 
 one glance of her could wel enough command it. 
 No fpacious confines nor indurate labour, 
 
 if thefe ore -part, could purchafe ere her fauour, 
 Would he refufe : one fmile reward enough, 
 
 for all the labours he had paffed through. 
 Thysbe the trophic of his breathing courfe, 
 
 Thysbe the garland which doth him enforce. 
 Her he refpe&s, and whiles he runs apace, 
 
 he meditates of Thysbes beuteous face ; 
 Her comely feature made for l Adons fhrine, 
 
 whofe luory orbs like Pelops moulders mine, 
 Had made that deep impreflion in his heart, 
 
 that Nature feem'd to ftriue with Natures Art. 
 Nature had giuen her much, Art much the more, 
 Art decking that which Nature dres'd before. 
 
 For 
 
The True-louers knot. 281 
 
 For that fame creature cannot perfect be, 
 
 where Art and nature ioyne not mutuallie. 
 If you would haue the module of true wit, 
 
 Nature creates, but Art muft polifh it. 
 Thysbe was perfect both in Natures hew, 
 
 and artificiall colours, which did fhew, 
 As if both A rt and Nature fhould contend, 
 
 to make her fuch an one no skill could mend ; 
 For fhe was witty, pregnant, full of fauour, 
 
 DiElinna like, fent out a fragrant fauour, 
 That when fhe walkt' in Babilons faire Jlreete, 
 
 fhe made the kennel with her perfumes fweet. 
 Pyramus comming, comming all too late, 
 
 to Ninus tombe expefls his bewteous mate, 
 Whom when he could not finde, he fear'd her end. 
 
 Feare is an adiuntt to a faitkfull friend. 
 Roundly he goes vnto the filuer fpring, 
 
 where all the water-nimphs were wont to fmg, 
 In honour of their Goddeffe and her bewty, 
 
 to whom they offred hymnes as was their duty. 
 He afk'd the Nimphes if they his Thysbe knew, 
 
 defcribing her, and eke her matchleffe hew : 
 And if they did, he praid them feeke about 
 
 their Ne<5tar fprings with him to finde her out, 
 For if you be immortall, as you feeme, 
 
 and dedicate your feruice to your Queen, 
 A beter feruice fure you cannot doe her, 
 
 then to redreffe them owe their feruice to her. 
 This if you will in your companion doe, 
 
 I fweare each morne He offer thime to you. 
 
 Better 
 
282 Loues- labyrinth, or 
 
 Better then any Hyble, can affoord, 
 
 with mufick fweete to which the heauens accord, 
 And euer reft deuoted to your ftirine, 
 
 in that you dayn'd to glad this heart of mine. 
 The water-nimphs replide with curtuous cheere, 
 
 they knew none fuch, nor any did apeare, 
 But if it pleafd him, they their fprings would feeke, 
 
 exquire each bufhie fhade, each priuate creeke, 
 To fee if fhe were in their manfions hid, 
 
 which he aflented to ; all which they did : 
 But when with watrie tripping they had fought 
 
 both brake and brier ; yet could not finde her out, 
 Wearied with their diurnall labour, left 
 
 Pyramus fighing, of all ioy bereft ; 
 Yet did thefe nimphes bemone his hard miftiap, 
 
 for fitting downe vnder Nereus lap, 
 They turnd their Warbling firings to that fad ftraine, 
 
 that all the woods re-eccoed them againe. 
 Each in their order fung their dolefull verfe, 
 
 as if it had been ouer Thysbes hearfe, 
 And tun'd their odes with that vnfeafoned time, 
 
 as that brute beafts to pittie did incline, 
 For they in fable colours did portend, 
 
 that their two loues were neere a tragick end. 
 Thus fhadie night, Sea-nimphes, ftars, plan'ts & all 
 
 prefage to them and to their loues a fall. 
 Yet Pyramus though fad, for he was fad 
 
 to haue thofe hopes extinguifht, which he had, 
 Seeks ftill about the tombe : fad tombe (quoth hee) 
 
 that hides my loue, fo much admir'd of me : 
 
 Yet 
 
the True Loners knot. 283 
 
 Yet if thou wilt but tell me where fhe is, 
 
 I vow by Heauens He pardon whats amifle, 
 Yea I'le remit thine error and thy wrong, 
 
 for keeping her within thy cheft fo long. 
 Say, wilt thou ? tell me what became of her ? 
 
 Didft thou her bewty in thy fhrine inter ? 
 Didft thou immure her in thy marble toombe ? 
 
 what makes thee filent ? bewty makes thee dumb : 
 Wilt thou fo wrong a louer to conceal e, 
 
 From him the mirrour of his ioy, his weale, 
 His heart, his liking euen the flower of youth ? 
 
 and yet conceiues within thy heart no ruth. 
 Fie, fie for fhame : ift fit that monuments 
 
 mould fo ecclipfe natures beft ornaments ? 
 As to obfcure the glory of her face, 
 
 that where fhe is giues honor to the place. 
 Thou much abftra6ls from trophies Ninus won, 
 
 in doing that which he would nere haue done. 
 Thou leffens much the honour he obtained, 
 
 loofmg that fame which Ninus conquefts gained. 
 For what great gaine or conqueft i'ft t' haue faid, 
 
 I haue poffeffion of a countrey maide. 
 A young vnnurtur'd girle fit for men, 
 
 vnfit for liueleffe tombes which couer them ? 
 This faid this doting young man, blind with louing, 
 
 thinking ould mouldy mrines had liuely mouing. 
 Mou'd with her loue, whom he did more efteeme, 
 
 then any gem that ere on earth was feene. 
 But when he faw into his error well, 
 
 He feem'd thofe loue-fick pafllons to difpell, 
 
 And 
 
284 Loues labyrinth, or 
 
 And to repaire vnto his fearch againe, 
 
 feeking each couert, each vnhaunted plaine, 
 Each thick-fet hill, each groue that he might finde, 
 
 the diapafon of his troubled minde. 
 At laft too foone, by feeking long he found, 
 
 (Thysbe) not Thysbe, but her tire on ground. 
 Vnhallowed ground, vnfeafoned her attire, 
 
 to croffe the paflions of an hot defire. 
 Oh now conceiue what forrows gall his breft, 
 
 to fee the tire of her he loued beft, 
 Befmeard with bloud, for it all bloudy (hews, 
 
 her fanguine colour tinft with Lyons iawes ; 
 Oft would hee looke vpon it, and would kiffe, 
 
 the tire befmear'd with blood, wifhing it his, 
 His fate, his fortune, to remaine with her. 
 
 fmce his long abfence thus had iniur'd her. 
 How to remaine (quoth he) fmce me is dead, 
 
 oppreff'd by death, inclos'd in mourneful weede ? 
 How mould I Hue with her whofe life is gone, 
 
 and hath left me (vnhappy me) alone. 
 Die, die, with her, with whom thou canft not Hue, 
 
 For thou by dying malt thy life repriue. 
 And haue her prefence that enthroned is, 
 
 in perfect ioies of heauens Elifian bliffe. 
 Yet ft ay awhile, this is not Thysbes tire, 
 
 ftay there (fond wretch) againft thy tongue a Iyer. 
 This was her roabe, this was her comely weede, 
 
 which hauing loft her owner gins to bleede. 
 Oh loue what caufe hadft thou thus to remoue 
 
 two, that had their intentions voud to loue, 
 
 Or 
 
the true Louers-knot. 285 
 
 Or why fhould thou this faire occafion fhow vs, 
 
 which being fhowne, doft feeke for to vndoe vs ? 
 Be gods fo iron-hearted, to requite 
 
 conftant affection with a difmall fpite ? 
 A fharpe reuenge it is, to fet vs on, 
 
 and then to leaue vs when we are begun. 
 Did not high loue yeeld vs more hopes then thefe, 
 
 when he commanded Phoebus to furceafe, 
 For to diffufe his beames, bidding him go, 
 
 retire in haft vnto the fhades below. 
 Calling for Luna to fupply his place, 
 
 fhrowding heauens luftre with her clowdy face. 
 That our efcape fufpe6led leffe might be, 
 
 by the darke vaile of nights obfcurity. 
 But heauens I fee, repine at our fucceffe, (leffe, 
 
 fmce Gods themfelues by Fates haue fhew'd no 
 To plunge my weale in woe, my loue in teares, 
 
 producing nought, but fighes, and fruitleffe feares. 
 Thou harm tun'd Neme/is, thou tragicke ghoft, 
 
 againft whofe a6ls my loue declaimeth moft ; 
 What caufe hadft thou to fing this dolefull fong, 
 
 vpon her herfe that neuer did thee wrong ? 
 She neuer raild againft thy Soueraigne power, 
 
 but like an harmeleffe doue, a fragrant flower ; 
 Flourifh'd fecure at home, yeelding content, 
 
 by gracefull fmiles, a maids beft ornament : 
 She neuer curb'd thy rage, nor did me mell 
 
 with ought but loue, which made worft for her fell : 
 But Fates haue made the inftrument of finne, 
 
 refpe<5Ueffe of our loffe, fo they may win. 
 
 The 
 
286 Loues labyrinth, or 
 
 The pretious fpoyle of Thysbes bleeding foule, 
 
 whofe fad mifhap the plants themfelues condole. 
 Yet thou remorfeleffe art, ill may betide thee, 
 
 that wold haue none to loue that Hue befide thee. 
 Yet for all this thou canft not me depriue, 
 
 of louing her, whofe life did mee reuiue, 
 For being dead, He rather chufe to die, 
 
 then liuing, lofe her loving company. 
 This faid : he takes her tyre, and kifling it, 
 
 vpon the fountaine banks did water it, 
 With dewie moiflure of ftill-flowing teares, 
 
 which being fhed, renuing drops appeares. 
 Teares liquefied the arbour where he fate, 
 
 which water nimphs perceiuing, wondred at 
 Oft would he beat his breft, and teare his haire, 
 
 fhutting his hopes in clouds of deepe defpaire. 
 Oft would he curfe the day, the houre, the night, 
 
 that banifht him from Thisbes gladfome fight. 
 Wifhing that night had neuer beene defcride, 
 
 for nere did night more harm euents betide. 
 Oh Pyramus, and then he figh'd to fpeake, 
 
 for gufts of forrow made his hart-ftrings breake. 
 What meant thou to allure a fimple maid, 
 
 to thefe wild woods ? her loue is well repaid, 
 That me mould come vnto the place affignd, 
 
 and thou (bafe coward) come fo farre behind. 
 Thou with a tardy pace came at thy leifure, 
 
 fuch flow-pac'd couriers ill deferue fuch pleafure. 
 Thou too precife, made bones of what thou did, 
 
 fuch fond precifenes feldome hath good fpeed. 
 
 Shee 
 
The true- Loners knot. 287 
 
 Shee to enioy her ioy, cut off delay, 
 
 that Ihe her minds perfection might difplay, 
 And with a courfe as quicke as Pegafus, 
 
 run ore thefe plaines to meet with Pyramus, 
 Which thou requited ill, bafeft of men, 
 
 which time fhall character with fcandalls pen. 
 A fcandall to thy fexe, and to thy ftate, 
 
 to leaue thy loue in deferts defolate. 
 Oh what mifhap had fhe to loue a fwaine, 
 
 that could not yeeld her loue for loue againe ? 
 Hard was her fortune to affe6l that creature, 
 
 who for a childifh feare delaid to meet her. 
 The gods I know more forward would haue beene, 
 
 to meet loues Parragon, fo faire a Queene. 
 As for her beauty, aye me, beauties faire, 
 
 with Ericina fhe might well compare ; 
 And farre more modeft : Venus had her mole, 
 
 but nere was Thysbe ftain'd with bewties foile. 
 But thou haft ftain'd her beauty by thy fault, 
 
 ruin'd that fort, which neuer had affault, 
 But by thy felfe, and by thy felfe too foone, 
 
 fince by thy meanes her fhrine is razed downe. 
 Turne thee to heauen, and loe the heauens difmaid, 
 
 to fee the tragicke downefall of a maide : 
 Frowning at thee that was the caufe of this, 
 
 caufmg her end that was thy Soueraigne bliffe. 
 Turne thee to earth, and fee her turn'd to earth, 
 
 which makes the caues below refound with mirth 
 That they enioy which thou didft once enioy, 
 
 reaping their comfort from thy deepe annoy. 
 
 Turn 
 
288 Loues labyrinth, or 
 
 Turne thee vnto the Sea, and thou (halt fee, 
 
 The Nymphes and Syrens crying out 'gainft thee. 
 That fhould make promife, yet not promife hold, 
 
 calling thee coward, but thy Thysbe bold. 
 Bold, to aduenture on the gloomy night, 
 
 bold to encounter with Latonas light 
 Bold in her courfe, fwift in her curfme mouing, 
 
 bold to efcape, and conftant in her louing : 
 Thus heauen, earth, Sea, concording all in one, 
 
 do fimpathize with thy difcording mone. 
 And wilt thou Hue for this ? O doe not liue, 
 
 but to requite her loue, let earth receiue 
 This little All of thine : which when they haue, 
 
 they may interre two louers in one graue. 
 Adioyning to this fount, a rocke there was, 
 
 fo fteepe and craggy, that no man could paffe. 
 To which wilde beafts repair'd, making their den 
 
 in th' hollow cauernes which did couer them. 
 Which feene by him 8 : what doe not louers fee ? 
 
 with face delected, thus difcourfed he. 
 If any Lion or fierce fauage Beare, 
 
 lodge in this ragged rocke, or coucheth neere, 
 Let him come out, for heere is amorous food, 
 
 9 and cooling ftreames to wafh away our bood, 
 That this may beare record by euery wight, 
 
 two faithfull louers perifht on one night. 
 But thefe are but delaies which cowards vfe, 
 
 10 their trembling paflions feeking to excufe, 
 Caft off vaine feare, feare is a vaffalls weede, 
 
 and place true Refolution in her fteed. 
 
 This 
 
The true Louers knot. 289 
 
 This faid " with praiers vnto his houfhold Gods, 
 
 Off ring to Venus altar, myrtle rods, 
 Which grew hard by that fpring where he did fit, 
 
 with other ceremonialls which befit 
 A louers laft farewell : he wifht his friends 
 
 for their too hard reftraint to make this mends, 
 And to erel his flirine by Ninus tombe, 
 
 as witnes of his loue in time to come. 
 Which faid : with hand refolu'd, refolu'd to dye, 
 
 with fword vnfheath'd, he ends his mifery. 
 Thus hauing ended, ended ere begun, 
 
 for thus the thred of his fhort life was fpun, 
 The fad euents and obfequies enfue, 
 
 which thus in briefe my Mufe relates to you. 
 Tkysbe, poore Thysbe, trembling all this while, 
 
 fhut vp within her caue : began to fmile. 
 And with a cheerefull countenance caft off" feare, 
 
 for in that coaft, no ill fhe faw appeare. 
 And much delighted with her fpeedy courfe, 
 
 vnto the fprings, fad fprings, fhee made recourfe. 
 She tuck'd her cloaths vp, for the euening dew, 
 
 had wafh'd the herbs that in the forreft grew ; 
 And tucking vp as Country maids doe vfe, 
 
 the high bet path to Ninus tombe to chufe ; 
 Where fhe (vnhappy fhe) no fooner came, 
 
 then like NarciJ/us eccho, founds his name, 
 Whom fhe affecTis, admires, whofe onely face, 
 
 drew her (poore wench) vnto that difmall place. 
 Come, come, quoth fhe, thou knowft not how to wo 
 
 Come to thy Thysbe fhe will tell thee how. 
 
 V Shee 
 
Loue labyrinth, or 
 
 She wil prefcribe the rules, with fruits of woing, 
 
 for fruitleffe be thofe fruits that haue no doing. 
 We that doe hazard our good names for men, 
 
 if they'l not pleafure vs : what profit then, 
 Of all our toylfome labour we fuftaine, 
 
 that reape no harueft from fuch gufts of pain ? 
 We patient are to beare, and what we bore, 
 
 we doe accept, and wifh it ten times more, 
 That we might pleafure you : how fond are we ? 
 
 The weaker fort beares your infirmity. 
 But its our Nature, Nature hath ordain'd, 
 
 mans ftrength by womans weakneffe is fuftain'd. 
 In this fame cloudy night, with what defire, 
 
 did all my thoughts, and my intents afpire ? 
 To that fame treafure thou haft promif'd me, 
 
 promife is debt, it muft be kept by thee, 
 With what affection haue I croff'd thefe plaines. 
 
 cheered by wood-nimphs, finging plefant (trains, 
 And danf'd Laualto till I came to thee, 
 
 longing for that which thou didft promife mee. 
 Sad Philomela skared from her reft, 
 
 fung with a pricking flothorne at her breft, 
 And fung of Tereus fomething, what I know not, 
 
 which if I knew, yet would I neuer fhow it. 
 12 For Tereus impious in his prophane life, 
 
 to wrong a fifter, and fo chaft a wife. 
 Suftains the torture of his wickedneffe, 
 
 transform'd into a Bird : whofe filthinefle, 
 Loues marifh places, flies the folid ground, 
 
 good reafon why : his confcience was not found. 
 
 For 
 
The True- loners Knot. 291 
 
 13 For Tireus was a King and for his luft, 
 
 by loue himfelfe, was from his fcepter thruft. 
 A fenfuall Prince to wanton motions ftirr'd, 
 
 chang'd from a prince, vnto a loathfome bird. 
 Thus did I paffe the filence of the night, 
 
 till I arriu'd within my louers fight, 
 Which yet I cannot doe : oh why fhould we, 
 
 14 to get a little fport, paune modefty ? 
 Thefe fhady thickets, and that fecret caue, 
 
 thofe pratling Sea-nimphes, & this marble graue, 
 Beare all record what trauell I haue taken, 
 
 yet like a Turtle of her make forfaken, 
 Cannot enioy my loue, aye me, vnkind, 
 , that feemes inconftant, to a conftant mind. 
 Why mould our fauors fo deuoted reft, 
 
 to them, whofe hardned harts bred our vnreft 
 And make vs fubiecl to more inward griefe, 
 
 then ere their comforts can affoord releefe. 
 But thou art too too ram : (beleeue me fweet,) 
 
 in more remiffe Appearance doe I greete, 
 Thy diuine beauty ; pardon what is faid, 
 
 conceyue no harme fpoke by a harmeleffe maide ; 
 For if thou mould (as fure I thinke thou doft,) 
 
 lie hid vnder fome bum, and hearft this noif'd, 
 This fhrowd inueclion, gainft thy loue and thee, 
 
 thou might as well condemne my fpeech and me. 
 Why mould I fpeake againft fo hallowed mrine, 
 
 to whom I haue bequeath'd both me and mine ? 
 Or why mould I detract from that faire funne, 
 
 which (if ecclipf 'd) my gliftring raies bee done ? 
 
 V 2 Then 
 
292 Loues 'Labyrinth, or 
 
 Then enuious thou, to daze that glorious bright, 
 
 whofe firfl arifmg gaue thy fetting light. 
 Roufe vp thy felfe for fhame, and honour him, 
 
 whom if I get, heauens treafure I doe winne. 
 More prife and richer then thofe fifters three, 
 
 which kept the apples of faire J S Hefpery. 
 This was no fooner faid, then ferioufly, 
 
 ech Bufh, ech place, fhe fought that bordered nie, 
 Doing as children vfe, that feeke about, 
 
 their hid companions, till they find them out. 
 Hard by this tombe, a Mulbery there was, 
 
 16 encircled round with tuffs of greenefl graffe : 
 Which tree look'd once as white as white could be, 
 
 but now was chang'd, like to the Eben tree, (more 
 *7 Whofe blooms were black as ieat, and which was 
 
 it loft the forme which it retain'd before. 
 Vnder thefe fhady fpraies, lay Pyramus, 
 
 depriu'd of fence, a fcene too ominous. 
 Which when poore Thysbe, iudge what tis to fee 
 
 a conftant loue in fuch perplexity ? 
 For fure I am, fuch heapes of paffions cloid her, 
 
 that in his death a double death annoid her. 
 Long time fhe brethleffe flood aboue her loue, 
 
 depriu'd of fences, for they could not moue. 
 And as one liuing in a lethargy, 
 
 hath not the vfe of fences faculty ; 
 But fleeping feemes fecure of any ill, 
 
 fo in this fenceleffe mouing, flood fhe flill : 
 At laft awaked with watry drops downe-falling, 
 
 of her loues name, fhe fell to inftant calling. 
 
 Calling 
 
The trtie Louers-knot. 293 
 
 Calling him by his name : awake, arife, 
 
 with that he heaued vp his heauy eies. 
 Thysbe (faith (he) calls on thee, fie awake, 
 
 leaue off thy fenceleffe dulneffe for her fake : 
 Thysbe no fooner fpake, but at her name, 
 
 he op'd his eies, and fhut them vp againe. 
 Such was the force of Thysbe, that being dead, 
 
 by loues reflexe, he mou'd his louely head. 
 And when he lay him downe, as laid before, 
 
 yet his two flaring eies, ftill glimmering more 
 Were preft vpon his loue, as if his heart, 
 
 was giuen her by his eyes at lifes depart. 
 For they ftill gaz'd vpon her, as if he 
 
 had feen the heauen where he wifht to be. 
 Thrice did he moue his head, yet all in vaine, 
 
 for wanting ftrength, it bended backe againe. 
 Thrice did he kiffe the ground, thrice kiffe the ayre, 
 
 fuppofmg that his Thysbe had beene there. 
 And when he could not find her, hee vnrips, 
 
 his loue effedls, and fmackers with his lips. 
 Thysbe conceiuing what he meant, admired, 
 
 his feruent loue, and to a fhade retired. 
 Hard by this Tombe, where with all blubbered face, 
 
 fhe made this fad narration to the place. 
 Haplefle and hopeleffe is mine ending friend, 
 
 cruell the Fates that fhould fuch torments fend, 
 Vnto a faithfull Louer : . heauens haue done, 
 
 that which the plants within this forreft fhun. 
 They lofe their forme, their feature, and their ihape, 
 
 and what they doe, they doe it for his fake. 
 
 V3 For 
 
294 Loues-labyrinth, or 
 
 For this fame Tree, beares record of our wracke, 
 
 decolored quite from white, to difmall black, 
 And this fame ground, all in a gore of bloud : 
 
 No chirping bird within this fatall wood, 
 And this for loue of him, that now is gone, 
 
 leauing his forlorne Thysbe all alone. 
 Hard was mine hap, to fee his dolefull end, 
 
 at whofe fad hearfe the Fates themfelues attend : 
 Hard was mine hap, more harfh the courfe of time, 
 
 to crop my loue, my dazie in his prime. 
 Hard was his hap to extinguifh his defire. 
 
 with apparition of a bloody tire : 
 Hard was his hap to forrage heere fo late, 
 
 to miffe his loue, and meete fo foone with Fate. 
 Turne to thy loue, fee if thy vitall breath, 
 
 can call him from the (lumber of pale death. 
 See if thou canft reuiue his gafping foule, 
 
 for loe his eies within his head doe rowle. 
 Embrace his ioury necke with foulded armes, 
 
 deftill life in him by thy louing charmes. 
 Buzze in his eares of loue, it will not bee, 
 
 his dying fences haue no mind of thee. 
 Thus round empalld with greefe, was Thysbes mind, 
 
 no hope of life in him can Thysbe find, 
 For he grew ftiffe engor'd with bloudy wound, 
 
 and by his bloud faft glued to the ground. 
 Thysbe efpied her Tire which hee did hould, 
 
 faft in his hand, and did the fame enfould, 
 As if it were fome Antidote to cure 
 
 his gaping wound and make him ere endure : 
 
 Vnhappie 
 
The tn^e-Louers knot. 295 
 
 Vnhappy Tire (quoth fhe) vnhappy were, 
 
 that gaue occafion to my loue of feare. 
 Thou that haft preft my foule in anguifli more, 
 
 then all the robes which ere I wore before. 
 Thou wandring ftragler, fliding from mine head, 
 
 gaue the firft onfet to this vgly deede. 
 For if thou hadft not been, my loue had liu'd, 
 
 that now of fence & mouing is depriu'd. 
 What hap had I at firft to put thee on, 
 
 when darke Latonas lights were drawing on, 
 Or what misfortune had I for to leaue thee, 
 
 fmce thy departure doth fo greatly grieue mee. 
 It needes muft grieue me : for it cuts my heart, 
 
 as if my foule from body fhould depart 
 He was my foule, my body cannot breath, 
 
 When as my foule is feifed on by death. 
 Why fhould I haue fuch curious regard 
 
 to Nightern robes, whe meaner would haue ferud ? 
 For well I know it was my loues defire, 
 
 to meete my felfe and not my curious tire. 
 Fie on this nice precifeneffe weomen vfe 
 
 in garifh dreffings : men fhould weomen chufe, 
 Not by their bodies habit, but their minde, 
 
 in lifts of vertue, and refpe6l confinde. 
 We that doe loue as we proteft we doe, 
 
 muft not get husbands with a painted fhow, 
 Like puppets in a play, addref 'd to play 
 
 ftrange a6ls by night, to purchafe loue by day. 
 Beft honour that befeems a countrey maide, 
 
 is to be modeft, in her actions ftaid. 
 
 4 For 
 
296 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 For this (beleeue me) modeft lookes doe win 
 
 more hearty loue, then baits of tempting fin. 
 And yet we cannot leaue lafciuious ftraines, 
 
 to draw young men to our immodeft traines, 
 But if young girles would be rul'd by me, 
 
 They'l make their preciou'ft iewel mode/lie. 
 Thysbe with this beheld the bloody blade 
 
 which lay all moiftned vnder that fame fhade 
 Where her true louer lay, and feeing it, 
 
 with many a balefull ban fhe curfed it, 
 Calling it cruell : l8 Cruell Jword (quoth fhe) 
 
 that in this fort did part my lone and me, 
 What made thee Jo remorcelejfe,fo hard-hearted, 
 
 to fee two conjlant louer s fo foone parted ; 
 Parted by thee ; fie on thee for the deede, 
 
 thou murdered him, and makes my foule to bleede, 
 Bleede in defpaire of feeing him againe, 
 
 wJw gaue a cordiall to my toilfom paine. 
 He was the Saint that lining I adored, 
 
 this is his Trunke thefe watrie eies deplored, 
 yet ioyne with me to honour his fad hcarfe, 
 
 let plaints and teares thine Jiardned temper pierce, 
 Pierce thine owne bofome, Bofom if thou haue, 
 
 that brought my louefo timelejfe to his graue. 
 And thou vnhallowed l9 Tombe t/tat cotters him, 
 
 who firjl enlargd this Empire and did win, 
 Trophies of honour, which remaine to thee ; 
 in times fuccejfion to pojleritie. 
 2 Open thy marble bofome and receiue, 
 
 two friends at once in one renoivmed graue. 
 
 Thou 
 
The trw-louers knot. 297 
 
 Thou hides the honour of a worthy King, 
 
 that lining did great conquefts hither bring, 
 Send him abroade out of thy Jhrine, with f peed, 
 
 and take vs two to thee in Ninus _/?<?#/. 
 But thou wilt anfwere thoujhould wrong him then, 
 
 to place our reliques amongjl fuch prince-like men ; 
 Which is notfo : Forrejl affur'd that we 
 
 purchafe more fame then euer purchased he. 
 He conquered Realmes by fates aufpicious : 
 
 But thou may trujl me, more is got by vs : 
 For we haue conquered Loue, which he could neuer, 
 
 which in our praife Jhall be recorded euer. 
 What if his name be fpread in euery place, 
 
 this founds not much vnto his reliques grace ; 
 Thou couers but his ajlies turnd to dujl, 
 
 we turne to earth, andfo all Princes mujl. 
 If that thy Monument were fo diuine, 
 
 as the huge gulf e of mountaine Inarime. 
 That doth pojfeffe Typhaeus Gy ant fierce, 
 
 andjhrouds him lining in her hollow hierce. 
 Where he with reft of his afpiring rout, 
 
 at end of each feauen yeers doe turne about. 
 Yet preffed downe with hills that lie aboue them, 
 
 for all their ftrength they hardly can remoue them. 
 Then wert thou famous (for good might betide thee) 
 
 to haue fuch liuing wonders Jleepe bejlde thee. 
 But now thou art not fo : for what is he, 
 
 that he can challenge more of death than we ? 
 He might whil'ftliefuruiifd and bore the fway, 
 
 his purple flag in euery coaft difplay. 
 
 He 
 
298 Loues labyrinth, or 
 
 21 He might command, and haue what he commanded, 
 
 but death, pale death now fwaies, & Jhe'l withftand it. 
 Then honour d hearfe, if hearfes honour haue, 
 
 yeeld to my fute, and perfect what I craue. 
 Doe not denie me : to deny me this, 
 
 were to depriue thee honour, me of blijfe. 
 Nay doe notfmile, (for I doe fee thee f mile) 
 
 if tttat our bones thou in thy brejl compile, 
 And recollecT, them after Thysbes death, 
 
 the NimpJies themfelues Jhall fet a laurell wreath 
 Upon thy back : e'r honourdjhalt thou be, 
 
 for this good turne tJwu did my loue and me. 
 But if thoufcorne my vows, and cat them vaine, 
 
 yeelding no eare to louers tliat complaine, 
 Reft well ajfured tJte NimpJts reuengd will be. 
 
 And for our fakes will quite demolifli thee. 
 WJten trufty Aiax & Achilles came, 
 
 to Patrocles tombe, with teares they batJid the fame 
 For euery word they f pake of Patrocles, 
 
 drew teares from them, as ftreames from Caucafus. 
 Whofe ragged top fends riuers out amaine, 
 
 and being fent, renews her fpr ings againe. 
 So they deplor'd his death, his f acred Jtearfe, 
 
 ranckfet with embleames and with dolefull verfe. 
 The /wanes of Caifter and eke of Poe, 
 
 came to enfable him in fongs of woe: 
 Since which fad time the Poets liaue reported, 
 
 that each daie twice tJiefwannes haue there reforted. 
 PaJJing byfiockes along the Greequi/h plaine, 
 
 feeking by fongs to make him Hue againe. 
 
 But 
 
The True-Loners knot. 299 
 
 But when it would not be, tJte Swans there fwore, 
 
 that from that time they nere would warble more ; 
 But at their 23 death which they performe : for why 
 
 they neuer Jing but hower before they die. 
 Why Jhould a Grecian hauefuch honour done, 
 
 that neuer any Trophies ere had wonne, 
 Butjlaine by Hetor : for no fame he had 
 
 of doing greatly good or greatly bad. . 
 And yst forfooth he muft characters haue, 
 
 in golden letters ore his worthleffe graue. 
 In polifltt marble muft his Jhrine befet 
 
 infaphires, 24 tophies and in britijh ieate. 
 Thus muft he haue refpett, when we, god wot, 
 
 muft lie obfcure as if men knew vs not. 
 And yet our fame deferues more praife then he, 
 
 more grace, more glorie, and more memorie : . ,-,. ,. 
 Timejhall race out that marble hearfe of his, 
 
 time/hall amend what time hath done amijje. 
 For we fliall Hue infpite of Fates decree, 
 
 when lowe interred this famous Greeke fliall be. 
 Loue cannot die, we loued and therefore death 
 
 fliall crowne our hearfe with times immortal wreath, 
 And though we die we loue and Hue in dying, 
 
 loue to pale death perpetuall life applying. 
 Why Jhould prince Ilus acts hauefuch refpeft 
 
 whofe toomb with precious emeralds bedeckt ? 
 For well I know fuck ac~ls did neuer he, 
 
 In amorous pajfions of true loue as we, 
 2 5 Yet Batias toomb muft haue infcriptions faire, 
 
 to Jhew wliat man of birth was buried tftere.. . 
 
3OO Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 A crowne vpon his Jiead, and in his hand, 
 
 a royall fcepter which did Troy command, 
 Thefe mujl exalt his glory and make roome, 
 
 for Fames refounding trumpe in time to come ; 
 And as that hearfe doth memorize his name, 
 
 fo after times by it might doe the fame. 
 O thou iniurious time, that time obferues, 
 
 yeelding not honour as our deeds deferues. 
 Dojl partialife and modeft bounds furpaffe, 
 
 bejlowing honour on each worth-lejfe AJfe : 
 Ilus ajiranger was vnto thy foyle 
 
 an 26 vp-ftart Prince, who for a little toyle 
 To win a crowne, was thus aduaunc't by thee, 
 
 from Beggers ragges to Princes dignitie. 
 Looke at his low beginning whence he came, 
 
 what were his copes-mates his deiected name, 
 Looke at his pompe, how ill he could befeeme, 
 
 tlie ftile of King, or fhe the name of Queene. 
 And then exile his glory from thy coaft, 
 
 thy greafjl dif grace of whom thou gloriejl moft : 
 Receiue our ajhes, aflies of true loue, 
 
 keepe them as hallowed in thy f acred Groue, 
 Receiue our ajhes and abandon his, 
 
 that liuing, luffing, dying we may kiffe. 
 For what great grace wilt be in time to come, 
 
 vnto thy foile, to fay, thou keep' ft the toomb 
 Of two true-louers, mirrors of affection, 
 
 louingfo long till loue came to perfection. 
 Perfett in loue, fo perfecT, in our loue 
 
 that nought (faue death) could our affections moue : 
 
 And 
 
The true-Louers knot. 301 
 
 And yet in death we languifh not in louing, 
 
 though 2 ' 'death depriue vs of all vitall mootdng : 
 For we conceiue more ioy intoomVd togetlier, 
 
 then if we liu'd deprittd the one of otJier. 
 More mujl I fay to feale thefe obfequies ; 
 
 for death is fearefull and inuents delaies, 
 And moft of all in vs : a weaker brood, 
 
 the talke of death yeeldes fear e to woman-hood. 
 And yet, me thinkes 1 Jlay from him too long, 
 
 and in my Jlay I doe him double wrong. 
 Firjl to depriue him life, and then begin 
 
 with tar die pace aloof e to follow him. 
 Well lie prepare my felfe, the Fates decree 
 
 two L otters Jhould fuftaine their crueltie. 
 And yet not cruell, cruelty is Jhowne 
 
 when either is debarred of his owne. 
 But we by 28 Cupids meanes, that pur blind boy, 
 
 obtaine by death we could not earft enioy, 
 Death yeelds more comfort then our life time did, 
 
 JJiewing our loue which long before was hid. 
 No priuate cranie nor no fecret chinke 
 
 need we finde out, nor fearefull need wejhrinke. 
 For Parents hot purfuite we rejlfecure, 
 
 Jince heauen our hearts, as earth our corps immure. 
 Wee need not haue our Parents infufpect, 
 
 they may reft carelejfe now whom we affetT. : 
 For well I know we can be hardly feene, 
 
 twixt heauen and earth, fo great a fpace between. 
 Thus loue an heauenly motion doth afcend, 
 
 from earth to heauen to gratulate her friend, 
 
 Thysbis 
 
302 Loues- labyrinth, or 
 
 Thysbees EPIC^EDIVM. 
 
 YEt Thy she ftay thine hand : thine obfequies, 
 defire more celebrating exequies ; 
 Die not inteftate, in this defert groue, 
 
 but confecrate in token of thy loue 
 Thine hefts to Vejla, yet let Vejla know, 
 
 Thysbe unwilling is enforced fo. 
 Then let thy 29 Parents, Parents though vnkinde 
 
 By Natures lawe, fome flwrt memorials finde, 
 Of thy afFe<5lion : Swannes before they die, 
 
 leue penfiue odes and warble merrily. 
 30 Yet muft I needs declaime againft your feare, 
 
 iealous of hurt where no hurt could appeare : 
 For I am fure nere was your thriuing blifling, 
 
 more deere to me then was my louers kifling. 
 Oh then vnkind vnkindneffe did not fit, 
 
 our chafte defires that could not bridle it. 
 Loue was the hott'ft when it did feeme. conceal'd, 
 
 and hid in afhes, yet in time reueal'd. 
 Then blame your felues, not vs : you caus'd our end, 
 
 barring a louer from her long fought friend, 
 Which we doe pardon if youle let vs haue, 
 
 our toomb in one, our ajhes in one graue. 
 Which if you fhall performe our hope extends, 
 
 our difioin'd corps conioin'd you make amends. 
 Well do I know our funerals renew, 
 
 currents of teres and ftreames of griefe in you. 
 
 And 
 
The true-Louers knot. 303 
 
 And many pagent mixd with liquid teares, 
 
 will make attendance on our defolate beres, 
 Many diftreaming drops will dim your eie, 
 
 to fee two louers end fo fuddenly. 
 Yet all in vaine, being dead, your teares reftraine : 
 
 for teeres cannot recall vs back againe. 
 The 3l Nimphes themfelues with Poplar twigs will 
 
 an ofier basket for Idalias fake, make 
 
 Wherein collect you may fuch fragrant flowers, 
 
 as fhall adorne our monumentall bowers : 
 Yet when you fpreade your flowers ech in degree, 
 
 Strow more on his fide then you ftrow on me. 
 He was more conftant, he did firft begin, 
 
 I like his fhadow did but follow him. 
 He came vnto the place, and fpite of death 
 
 feeing my tire engor'd did lofe his breath. 
 I like an Ape, to imitate my loue, 
 
 follows his worth, his prefence to approue. 
 A glorious prefence where the gods accord 
 
 all wealth, all ioy, Elizium can affoord. 
 Fruitfull Elyjis where ech conftant mate, 
 
 raignes in fruition of his happie ftate, 
 Where Hero fmiles to grapple with her deere, 
 
 lealous of nothing, for no caufe of feare 
 Can croffe loues action ? theres no Helefpont, 
 
 But the fweet relifh of a NecJar fount 
 Hight the Cajlalian fount which Gods adore, 
 
 where hauing drunke thei're neuer thirfty more. 
 By this renowmed brooke, fhall he and I. 
 
 prattle of loue, and parents cruelty. 
 
 Yet 
 
304 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 Yet fo wele prattle that we may receaue, 
 
 loues harueft purchaf'd by our irckfom graue. 
 A happy Graue, that is a fpicie vrne, 
 
 where louers vfe to fmile, furceafe to mourne, 
 For by their dying they doe more obtaine, 
 
 then euer here enthral'd they thought to gaine. 
 And can tliat death be cald a death ? O no ; 
 
 for by that death from death to life we goe. 
 Reaping the bloffomes of experienc'd good, 
 
 which while we Pilgrims were, we neuer could. 
 Then doe not weepe deere friends ; for we enioy, 
 
 the hauen of our hopes, where no annoy 
 Can make difturbance, but empal'd by loue, 
 
 we get renoume for our furpafling loue. 
 Let no fad Odes our burials folemnife, 
 
 nor let no teares com trickling from your eies. 
 The 32 folemne^/frr which euer old hath been, 
 
 our buried reliques will full well be feem : 
 Yet when you burne our afhes, you fhould fee, 
 
 His ajhes tiaue the vpper hand of me : 
 For Cupid with his mother Queene of loue, 
 
 Pres'd downe t/te female, fet ttie male aboue. 
 Then for an order (fince the Gods ordaine it) 
 
 It were prefumption for you to reftraine it. 
 For reft affured if we had mift this chance, 
 
 we had obaid ere this their ordinance. 
 O let our loues recorded be by you, 
 
 and when you fing vnto our hearfe adew, 
 Euer imprint this caution in your minde, 
 
 Be not vnto your childrens loues vnkinde. 
 
 Hinge 
 
The True-louers Knot. 305 
 
 Hang not the willow token of difdaine 
 
 vpon our Toome : for that each country fwaine 
 Can fet vpon his fhrine : let Venus tree, 
 
 the louely mirtle fhew our conftancie. 
 If you want any rites or folemne heftes, 
 
 which may befeem our graues : the birds protefts 
 Each in their order to folemnife them, 
 
 and gods themfelues for to eternize them : 
 Each mourning Turtle hauing loft her make, 
 
 will mourning make refort for Venus fake. 
 And fweet Leucothoe will reprefent 
 
 of Vmolus odours a delicious fent. 
 The Nighterne owle, that night wil ceafe from prey 
 
 howling by night, as fhe did howle by day. 
 The little Batt (though fearefull heretofore) 
 
 will flocke amongft the reft and feare no more. 
 Thus euery Bird, for it is Gods defire, 
 
 will with their prefence decke our funerall fire. 
 To purge our guilt dame Venus promis'd me, 
 
 (hele goe to heauen with lowe and bended knee. 
 And well I know loue, Venus loues fo well, 
 
 he will belieue what tale fo ere (he tell. 
 Then for her loue let Venus altars fmoke, 
 
 and in each corner of her Temple looke ; 
 No ornament which beft may her be-fit, 
 
 Be there awanting but to perfect it. 
 You know our Cittie much relies on her : 
 
 for by her fuccour no diftreffe can fturre 
 The profperous failes of our profperitie, 
 
 but like a fterne (he's euer fixed nie, 
 
 X To 
 
306 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 To rid her from thofe rocks vnto the fhore, 
 
 in Hew whereof we do her fhrine adore. 
 Yet ere I die I muft take leaue of you, 
 
 you f acred man/ions which my woes renew : 
 Thou oliue-tree that planted was fo nie 
 
 vnto my fathers houfe where I came by 
 This laft vnhappie night : thou tender vine, 
 
 whofe fupple flips thefe fingers oft did twine. 
 Thou 33 rojie border fet with rofes fayre, 
 
 to which each morne I vfed to repaire, 
 And rob thee of thy ftore to bewtifie 
 
 my haplefle tire with crimfon puritie, 
 Farewell at once farewell, long may the dew 
 
 of filuer hair'd Aurora water you, 
 Long may you flourifh, this I onely craue, (graue. 
 
 that with your flowers each morne you deck my 
 Such fweetes, fuch fragrant rofes reprefent, 
 
 that your repofe may make it redolent 
 Send out your fpicy odours and attend, 
 
 with Hyble fruites vpon my bleeding friend ; 
 For manie time and oft hath he and I, 
 
 chas'd one another full lafciuioufly : 
 And if he chaunc't to be too flow in running, 
 
 I would hold ^back and linger for his comming. 
 But of all monuments I bid adew, 
 
 broad Jhadowing beech-trees to the fight of you : 
 You many times haue yeelded fweet repofe 
 
 vnto our loue and feafoned haue our woes, 
 By your contented fhades bleft be you euer, 
 
 and like EliJian-Jhades fade may you neuer. 
 
 O many 
 
The true- loners knot. 307 
 
 O many times haue we two fported there, 
 
 (for we alone were priuiledged there) 
 And twitting nofe-gaies we our flowers would hide, 
 
 left by fome Satyre we fhould be efpide : (them, 
 Oft would we crop fweete flowers and hauing cut 
 
 within our wicker baskets we would put them : 
 And when we more had gathered then we needed, 
 
 we gatherd ftill for fo our loue exceeded, 
 That euery flower we cropt we did apply 
 
 vnto the flower of our virginitie. 
 
 " For if fuch flowers fuch fweetnejfe did beftowe, 
 flowers are muchfweeter that do fpring below e. 
 
 Fare-well thou fpacious plaine amongft the reft, 
 I haue no caufe but to refpect thee beft : 
 
 For manie time and oft haue we two plaide 
 at Barli-breake, but now that fports decai'd, 
 
 Full many fecret corners doft thou yeelde, 
 for Louers fports within thy louely field. 
 
 And thou vnhappy Pine that mounts fo hie. 
 
 as if thou meant by height to tutch the skie ; 
 Thou mai'ft repine at fates that murdred me, 
 
 fince Thysbees hand each morne did cherilh thee, 
 Oft haue I planted grafts within ihyfamme, 
 
 which now are growne fo high they fhadowe men 
 And with a 35 Water-pot which I did bring 
 
 each morne by time ; I made thine arms to fpring : 
 
 X 2 But 
 
308 Loue labyrinth, or 
 
 But now, poore Pine, pine maift thou now and die, 
 
 for none that I know cherifh thee but I : 
 Now (hall thy fhadowing branches fall away, 
 
 their falling leues to winters fury paie. 
 And none remaines there now to pittie thee, 
 
 When I am dead that liuing nourifht thee ; 
 But be content ; fhed teres in loue of me, 
 
 and when thou hear'ft my death deie<5t.ed be : 
 Caft down fome withered leues & fend them hither, 
 
 portending thus much, we muft die together ; 
 This if thou doft I will thee thankfull call, 
 
 and wil with Laurel thy fad head empall : 
 That though thou die, yet that thou dieft with me. 
 
 in after-times ftill honoured thou maift be. 
 And thou Jlraite chinke to which full many time 
 
 we made repaire : through thee our loue did mine, 
 And fpearft her beames ; farewell, for neuer more, 
 
 mail we refort to thee as heretofore ; 
 Thou waft the author of our firft vndoing, 
 
 for by thy meanes thou gaueft vs means of woing, 
 Giuing eyes liberty, which eyes fo wounded 
 
 that by their paflions paflions new rebounded, 
 Yet we do thank thee for thy fore-paft loue, 
 
 for by our deaths the gods themfelues approue 
 Our conftant minds, recorded which muft be 
 
 in heauens conuentions to our memorie. 
 O happy thou whilft our two fragrant breaths 
 
 made thee fo rich, impouerifht by our deaths : 
 For this I thinke, this is my prophefie, 
 
 Nere 
 
The true-Louers knot. 309 
 
 nere fliall fuch lips beftowe their breath on thee, 
 When thou malt heare of our difcording end, 
 
 fome foftned teares vpon our funeralls fpend : 
 Let thine hard marble be diffolv'd to ftreames 
 
 of liquid water, fmce thofe radiant beames 
 Which our reflecting eyes the marble gaue 
 
 might pierce him more, then euer Lyricks haue 
 The fauage beafts, whofe natures were made tame, 
 
 at the rehearfall of fweet A mphions name : 
 What then mould Bewtie ? whofe attra6tiue power 
 
 commands ftones, ferpents & fweet budding flowr : 
 What mould the Splendor of faire Beawties eie 
 
 a6l, fmce fuch acls were done by harmonic ? 
 Open your flinty bofome, let remorfe 
 
 fhed riuolets of teres vpon my coarfe : 
 Or if you will not fo, at leaft reftraine 
 
 your ayrie chinke, and fhut it vp againe : 
 Let not fuch Monuments liue when we die, 
 
 for they'le augment our Parents iealoufie : 
 That as we lov'd, kifs'd toy'd when we're liuing, 
 
 fo we may loue, kiffe, toy at lifes depriuing. 
 Then fhut that crany vp left after time, 
 
 impute the fault vnto that chinke of thine. 
 This laft record by Thysbe thus recorded 
 
 bred floods of teres : for teres their fighs afforded, 
 the Balme-trees wept, their teres concrete in one 
 
 diftilled into th' fubftance of a ftone : 
 Which ftone it feemes, did after couer them, 
 
 for after times found it laid ouer them, 
 With many faire infcription which did mew 
 
 X 3 Of 
 
3 1 o Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 of loue recorded neuer none more true, 
 Then this of Thysbe and her louing mate, 
 
 fuppofmg mutuall death a bleffed date, 
 A ftate more bleft in that they had their wifh, 
 
 Thy/be had hers and Pyramns had his ; 
 They were depriv'd of louing in their liuing, (uing 
 
 but by their deaths the gods themfelues were gi- 
 Tokens of loue, for they enioied their loue, 
 
 which no tranfparent iealous eye could moue. 
 Empall'd by diuine power, heauens maiefty, 
 
 to honour them, that honour'd conftancie ; 
 And which was more : dame Venns (as we read) 
 
 yoking her Doues, came to high loue with fpeed, 
 Her milke-white doues with ayrie coloured wings, 
 
 vnto loues throne their beawteous lady brings ; 
 Where me with fmiling countenance, for her fmile, 
 
 all foggie mifts Olympus did exile, 
 Thus fpake to loue, who feeing her did grace her, 
 
 and with enfolded arms 'gan to embrace her. 
 
 Heauen-habiting loue, that in companion fees, 
 
 loners inflamed pajjions : on my knees, 
 Doe I entreate as I am Queene of loue 
 
 for Jhipwrackt louers : that thou wilt remoue 
 Tkeir earthly members to participate 
 
 the glorious funjhine of one heauenly Jlate, 
 For they were conftant, conftancy thou loues 
 
 and in thy f elf e their pajjions thou approues : 
 Deigne to eternize them with f acred Baife, 
 
 Ifsfitfuch mirrors Jhould haue endleffe dates. 
 
 That 
 
the True-louers knot. 3 1 1 
 
 TJtat confecrate their vowes to gods diuine, 
 
 then fo propitious to thefe praiers of mine, 
 They were enabled with a conjlant minde, 
 
 Such f acred lights, its hard on earth to finde : 
 They were adorn d with Veftas puritie : 
 
 Veftas purejhape deferues eternitie. 
 They liu'd in louing, and in louing did'e, 
 
 nor did two Vrns their ioyned loue diuide : 
 But both inter' d together, they haue wonne 
 
 a fame recorded in all times to come. 
 She was as fair e as fairenes could be laid 
 
 on mortall colours, though a country maide, 
 Yet for her thoughts as pure, as was her face, 
 
 Jhe well deferues to haue an heauenly place. 
 Doe not frown (deare Sire) me thinks tJiat frowne, 
 
 doe ill befeeme, tofuch as be your owne. 
 I am your daughter, and I know you loue me ; 
 
 and I prefume my praiers needs mujl moue you, 
 Or elfe I Jhould defpaire e're to refort 
 
 from Idas mount, vntoyour heauenly court. 
 Then yeeld ajfent vnto your daughters fuite, 
 
 if you denie it me, I will be mute, 
 And neuer make recourfe vnto your Jhrine, 
 
 which cannot choofe but gall this heart of mine. 
 This earthly goddejfe will full well befeeme, 
 
 in lunoes abfence tofupply as Queene. 
 loue fmilde at this, for he defired change, 
 
 and therfore oft from heaue to earth would range 
 For pleafure and delight : variety 
 
 willing vnwilling, wrefted this reply. 
 
 X4 You 
 
3 1 2 Loues- labyrinth, or 
 
 Youfpeake of wonders (daughter) quoth high 37 loue, 
 
 of mortall wights fo conjlant in their loue. 
 Thefe two in conjlant louing you furpajfe, 
 
 For they'r more conjlant then ere Venus was. 
 Death cannot part afunder their defires, 
 
 which like bright flames vnto our throne afpires, 
 They're worthy (daughter) of a glorious croivne, 
 
 and they JJiall haue it : for wele vfe our owne. 
 But to enioy that ioy, that amorous die 
 
 of bewties fweete complexion : how Jhould I 
 Dijioyne thefe two, both would I gladly grace, 
 
 if I could dijlance them in feuerall place. 
 TJtat faire form' d creattire thou dojlfo much praife, 
 
 I doe remember in her former dates : 
 For Jhe entirely wijhtjhe might haue time 
 
 to vfe her loue, and off red to my Jhrine 
 Great Jlore of incenfe ; incenfe it was fweete, 
 
 that I would giue them time and place to meete. 
 Which I did promife : but I did not pay : 
 
 for Jeeing her more bewtious then the day, 
 Faire as Orgon, purer then that white 
 
 louely 38 Alcmena wore vpon the night 
 When Jhe fuppos'd Amphitrio her deare loue 
 
 pojfejl the place which was fupplide by loue. 
 Being thus faire, (for Thysbe was more faire) 
 
 I much amazed Jlood, oppres'd with care, 
 Seeming ajleepe, yetfleeping I did moane. 
 
 my too large promife which was pajl and gon. 
 Oft did I wijh I had been Pyramus, 
 
 oft I refolu'd (the night fo tedious) 
 ' For to tranfliape my felfe, and to defcend, 
 
The True-Louers knot. 3 1 3 
 
 and meete with Thysbe as her pointed friend. 
 But luno iealous Queene, with open eie 
 
 Jlept not all night, but fraught with iealoufie, 
 Askt me full oft what aild me : turne (quoth Jhe) 
 
 and with my nectar lips He comfort thee. 
 Are you in hue? I blujhd: that blujh difplaies, 
 
 you are inclind (quoth Jhe) fome otherwaies : 
 You haue fome trickjie Girle, that doth keepe 
 
 your heart enchain' d, your powrefull eies from Jleepe. 
 Fie fie (quoth Jhe) as you are loue, affect 
 
 her that affoords to you the mojl refpect : 
 I am celejliall 39 wife and Jijter both 
 
 vnto your felfe : and luno would be loth 
 To violate the glory of her fpoufe 
 
 with euery fwaine, in eu'ry brothell houfe: 
 And can you then without regard of me, 
 
 or of your felfe, dif grace your deitie 
 With euery Leda, euery milke-maide, toie, 
 
 while luno is depriued of her ioye ? 
 Now by my God head mortall men adore, 
 
 Paue borne fo much that I can beare no more. 
 Either content you with your choice, your Queene, 
 
 or He tell that which would ful ill befeeme 
 The glory of your Jlate : the Gods Jhall heare, 
 
 what heretofore to tell I did forbeare. 
 Then as you tender th honour of your name, 
 
 Be charie henceforth howyoufoile the fame. 
 This faid dame luno, but I curbd her fpeech 
 
 with brows contracted, tilljhee did befeech 
 With trickling teares, that I would pardon giue, 
 
 protejling Jlie ivould neuer after grieue 
 
3 1 4 Loues labyrinth, or 
 
 My royall perfon ; ivijhing my delight, 
 
 if it pleas' d me, euen in my \\inosjight 
 Wherewith I feemd appeafd, andfayning ^Jleepe, 
 
 with eie-lids Jhtit, my heart a watch did keep ; 
 Euer conceiuing fomthing what I know not, 
 
 which if I knew it's jhame for Gods to JJtow it, 
 Being lafciuious pajjions, which were bred 
 
 of the dijlempred humors of my head. 
 But to be brief e, I did by meanes contriue 
 
 their longfottght loues fruition to depriue, 
 Which thus accomplifli d, I am glad of this, 
 
 Venus intreates what loue himfelfe did wi/Ji. 
 This I will doe, (which done) may feeme a wonder, 
 
 equall their ioies, yet dijlance them afunder. 
 He from his Thysbe, "Thysbefrom her loue, 
 
 loue for his Thysbe, Thysbe/*?/' her loue. 
 This faid : bright Venus happy to receiue 
 
 The full accomplifht fute which fhe did craue, 
 Takes leaue of loue, and taking leaue he 4l kift her, 
 
 amidft his kiffes with his prayres he blift her. 
 Venus to 4z Ida hies, Idas fhe fends 
 
 Embaffadour to Thysbe, who attends, 
 The Gods decree ; where hauing come at laft, 
 
 tels to Thysbe all difcourfe was part 
 Twixt loue & Venus, yet not all fhe told, 
 
 for Venus bade him loues intendments hold, 
 Left his narration fhould more forrow breede, 
 
 then any comfort drawne from humane feede : 
 For well I know no loue fo precious 
 
 to her, as was her louely Pyramus. 
 
 When 
 
The True-louers knot. 3 1 5 
 
 When Idas had expreft what loue decreed, 
 
 he tooke his leaue of Thysbe, and with fpeede 
 Return'd to Venus, Venus Queene of loue, 
 
 whom he with Mars found lying in a groue 
 Of leauy Poplars, fporting midft their pleafure. 
 
 Vulcan was abfent, they had time and leifure. 
 Where we will leaue them, and fwift Idas traine, 
 
 and to our loue-fick Thy she turne againe. 
 Thysbe addreffd to die, yet long in dying, 
 
 Draws courage to her, & that blade efpying. 
 Which was becrimfond with the bloudy gore, 
 
 of that fame murder it had done before ; 
 Takes it into her hand, (her hand God wot 
 
 as foft as downe,fuch weapons handled not 
 Before this time, (and this time was too foon 
 
 to vanquifh bewty, and to cut it downe. 
 43 Poore wench fhe knew not how to vfe the blade, 
 
 for other armour Nature had her made. 
 But like an vntraind Souldier wanting skill, 
 
 knows not to fight, yet vfeth his good will, 
 Trauerfe his ground as other fouldiers doe, 
 
 yet hath no method, for he knows not how : 
 Euen fo this heauenly creature handled it, 
 
 long time vncertaine how to mannage it. 
 At laft by reafon, ^reafon did acquaint, 
 
 which was the pummell, which the fatall/d/;/l, 
 Grafping the blade which fhe before did take, 
 
 to th' fhade which fhadowed Pyramus fhee fpake. 
 Thou Jhadowing tree, that ^Jhadowes this dark tombe, 
 
 JJielter vs two, that pajfengers which come, 
 
 Vnto 
 
316 Loues labyrinth, or 
 
 Vnto this forreft, may thy pitty praife, 
 
 and memorife thy loue in after daies. 
 Thoufeeft we are depriu'd of friend or make, 
 
 which may deplore with teres our forlorne Jlate, 
 Supply our want with thy remorfeftdl fhade, 
 
 fence (as it feemes) for pitty thou was made, 
 Couer vs two (two louers) that would be 
 
 gladly ore-cannoped with ttt leaues of thee. 
 Thou^ couerjl him already : happy time, 
 
 that twijls about him with thofe fpraies of thine. 
 If Nature had accorded to our vowes, 
 
 thefe armes had clept that necke, thofe fiowry bowes, 
 Doe now enfold ; but heauens hauefo decreed, 
 
 to haue two louers clad in fable weed. 
 Which I accord vnto, heauens purge my Jinne, 
 
 hee's gone before, and I mufl follow him. 
 Which f aid, Jhe fix d the fword vnto her Breft, 
 
 with more then womans fpirit which exprejl, 
 Her loue vnto her Saint, who lay along, 
 
 congeal'd in bloud, whofe trunke fhee fell vpon. 
 The treefent out her Branches, which did couer, 
 
 their corps with vernant blojfomes, JJiadowed ouer. 
 Aurora breath d vpon them, whofe fweet breath, 
 
 perfumd their bodies, feazd vpon by death. 
 
 Siluan. 
 
The true- Loners knot. 3 1 7 
 
 Siluan. Epiccedium. 
 
 THis done in filent paffage of the Night, 
 when ftars fhone fair & bright in Thetis fight, 
 The rural Wood-nimphes did their Odes difplay, 
 
 fabled with woes : which woes to take away, 
 They fung thefe verfes, verfes ominous, 
 
 Ore Thisbes hearfe, and louely Pyramus. 
 Long may your fame *& and glory heer remain, 
 
 honoured by vs, and by each country Swaine. 
 Long may you Hue renowned, for your loue 
 
 hath made perpetuall eccoes in this groue. 
 A thrice b left groue, bleft graue, for fuch bleft Saints, 
 
 That in this fiowry pale heere pitch their tents, 
 Wherein loues warre eternized for aye, 
 
 loft that by night, which was reftor'd by day, 
 Smell fweet for euer, fweeteft of allfweets : 
 
 you fpringing blojfoms which the fpring-time greets. 
 Send out your fragrant fauor and releeue, 
 
 our troubled fprings which be addreffd to grieue. 
 Let not yotir vernant bofome fo retaine, 
 
 all comfort from the oat-pipe of a Swaine, 
 That no releafe offorrow or diftrejfe, 
 
 makes diminution of his wretchedneffe. 
 What Jhould we Jlng ? no hymne of melody : 
 
 Jhall ere poffejje our defert empery. 
 No tune of ioy, no pleafant ftraine of mirth, 
 
 JJiall yeeld contentment to Nereus birth. 
 
 For 
 
318 Loues labyrinth, or 
 
 Forfarre more faire, more beautious, Thysbe was 
 
 then any wood-Nimph, any Country LaJJe. 
 49 Campafpey&tf was faire, and was belou'd, 
 
 of potent Monarchs : her proportion mou'd, 
 Doting Apelles, loues effects to Jhew, 
 
 to that fame picture which his Pencile drew. 
 Yet if Campafpe were enjhrined heere, 
 
 no caufe of loue would in her frame appeare. 
 More diuine feature was in Thysbes face, 
 
 a more delight f ull f mile, more comely grace, 
 Then ere Apelles, though in skill mojl rare, 
 
 could make his picture any way compare. 
 Bring mirtle branches, let vs couer them, 
 
 Jhrowding tlieir corps with wreaths laid ouer them ; 
 And euery time and tide, lefs JJted a teare, 
 
 ouer the fad memoriall of their Bere, 
 Well doe thefe odes offorrow vs befeeme, 
 
 and better would they pleafe Arcadias Queene, 
 Then ifwithfeajls and triumphs we Jhould fpmd, 
 
 our difmall houres, about a louers end. 
 Wee are not for Dianas cheerefull game, 
 
 though we (foretime) haue well approou'd the fame. 
 No quiuer, nor no bow, will we receiue, 
 
 till wee haue fpent our dirges on their graue t 
 Whofe glorious loues, fo well conioyn'd in one, 
 
 makes their two teares diftill into onejlone. 
 For euery drop of bloud which doth defcend, 
 
 from Thisbes wound, flies to her lotting friend : 
 And thofefamejlream.es which ijfued out amaine, 
 
 from Pyramus make their recourfe againe. 
 
 And 
 
the true Louers-knot. 319 
 
 And ioyne with Thysbe, whofe refpeftiue wound, 
 
 licks vp the blood was Jhed vpon the ground. 
 Eternall Trophies hung vpon your hearfe, 
 
 made euerlafting, by our penjiue verfe ; 
 And let this marble which doth couer you, 
 
 her teares (each morne) with moijlned drops rene^v, 
 Which in remorfe, compajjionate may fpend, 
 
 fome dewie drops to witneffe your fad end. 
 You pretty gliding Jlreames which run apace, 
 
 leaue off your courfe, and flow vnto this place, 
 That you may moijlen this fad monument, 
 
 this defert herfe with watry element. 
 And gratifie our loue, that loue you deare, 
 
 and wijh entirely your fweet prefence heere. 
 Leaue off to wafh thofe cliues and ruggy caues, 
 
 and now repaire to monumentall graues, 
 To rinfe all foule infection which didftaine, 
 
 the corps deceafd by your Jlill Jlreaming vaine. 
 Why doeyoujtay ? why feeme you fo hard harted, 
 
 to Jhed no teares, at conjlant loue departed ? 
 If that our Queene Jhould heare, as Jhee Jhall heare, 
 
 this your remorfeleffe hart, would cojt you deare. 
 Doe you not fee how we in fable weede, 
 
 to weepe amaine, haue heere repaired withfpeed? 
 And in dijlreffe enclofd, full fraught with woe, 
 
 may aske of you what's caufeyou doe not foe ? 
 See how echfprig $ fends out a pearled drop, 
 
 and when the pruner feemes their height to crop, 
 They feeme to thanke him for it, wijhing death, 
 
 to decke thefe louers with aflowry wreath. 
 
 See 
 
320 Loues-labyrinth, or 
 
 See how each bird reforts vnto their Jhrine, 
 
 as if it were vnto fome power diuine : 
 And dedicates vnto their mournfull tombe 
 
 laies, which Jhal ferue in after times to come. 
 They warble out their dole f nil funer alls, 
 
 hauing forgot their forepaft feftiualls. 
 Their fad 5i afpefls fuch f arrow doth affoord, 
 
 that we our felues their for rows may record 
 Time yeelds no tune, nor tune obferu's no time, 
 
 time, tune, nor meafure keep we ore this Jhrine, 
 We cannot defiant, defiant there is none, 
 
 to fuch as know no defiant but to mone. 
 Like fpoufe-lojl Turtles, do wefiocke together, 
 
 and on each morn by time, confort we hither 
 To celebrate their deaths with memorie, 
 
 whofe conflant loues make them charaflred be. 
 Nor will we ceafe, or make an end of grief e, 
 
 till that their parents yeeld them fome relief e, 
 To confummate their wifhes, andfupply 
 
 their former hardnes by their clemency : 
 For in no time did euer children find, 
 
 parents more wilfull, to their loues vnkind. 
 Yet for that Fate hath done her worjl of ill, 
 
 in that Jhe did the bloud of louers fpill. 
 And tyrannif'd in Jhewing of her force, 
 
 raging gainjl loue, depriued of remorfe : 
 Let Parents ceafe to hate, and make amends, 
 
 by folemne hejls for their vntimely ends, 
 It is not fit that $ 2 death and enmity 
 
 fhould wage their battaile euer mutually. 
 
 For 
 
The true Loners knot. 321 
 
 For none I know, but when their foe is dead 
 
 they fcorne bafe enuy in their brefts to feede. 
 But let vs to our worke, and build vs bowres, 
 
 compof'd of fragrant bloffomes, and of flowers, 
 Hard by this tombe, this herfe, this defert graue, 
 
 where we may giue what conftant loue doth craue, 
 An ode difplaying paflion : and relate, 
 
 the fad euent of loues vnhappy ftate. 
 Each nimph addreffe her to her dolefull voice, 
 
 that we may charme the furies with our noife ; 
 And draw their hapleffe parents from their cell, 
 
 to heare the faid Narration we fhall tell. 
 So fhall our firft mornes mone performed bee, 
 
 in honour of thefe louers conftancy. 
 
 I 
 
 Siluanor: Threnodia. 
 
 F any rurall God, or poore fwaine, 
 confecrate Leucothoes rod, to this plaine : 
 This herfe, deckt with fable verfe, 
 Shall commend 
 Him as our friend, 
 Ourfprings, or groues, our flraine. 
 
 Let your Temples fweet, mixed be, 
 
 With perf times, let their feete embalmed be. 
 Then will we, 'mutually 
 Still expreffe, 
 And confeffe, 
 You deferue eternitie. 
 
 Y Venus 
 
322 Loues Labyrinth^ or 
 
 Venus with mil tlewand, Cupids bow, 
 
 Pelops with his hwry hand will bcftow ; 
 All in one, to thisjlone 
 To declare 
 Loue is rare, 
 Loue that hath no painted Jhow. 
 
 loue admires Thysbes face full of fauor, 
 
 Mirrha likes the Jlriplings grace and behauiour, 
 Venus lippe, los skippe, 
 Were both rare, 
 Yet both are, 
 In one Thysbe, loue would /mue her. 
 
 From Olympus loue efpies Thysbes beauty, 
 Which no fooner he def cries, then in duety. 
 Cupids dart wounds his lieart, 
 He by force, 
 Sues diuorfe, 
 luno cannot pleafe his fancy. 
 
 Thus did Thysbe Hue and dye, Hue by dying 
 Death confirmes her deity, in applying 
 To her Jhrine, power diuine, 
 Which dothjhew, 
 And renew: 
 Life anew, renewed by dying. 
 
 This ode thus tuned in more dolefull fort, 
 Then any Mufe of mine can make report : 
 
 Such 
 
The true Loners knot. 323 
 
 Such errours made refound both farre and neere, 
 
 that thefe fad Jlraines came to their parents eare. 
 They much perplex'd to heare fuch wofull newes, 
 
 which floods of teares in their moift eies renues ; 
 With fpeed they could, (which fpeed but eafie was,) 
 
 they made recourfe vnto that forlorne place. 
 Teares trickled downe, as drops from ALtas hil. (fill 
 
 which with their flreams ech hollow 53 ca ue did 
 For woes exceeded more in that their Tombe, 
 
 had bard them hope of future ioys to come. 
 For they were old, old folkes defire to fee, 
 
 a good fucceffe vnto their progeny. 
 But now no hope, mifhap had croffd their hope, 
 
 e're to attaine at their defired fcope. 
 Oh what 54 fait feas for feas they feem'd to be, 
 
 no drops but floods, which run inceffantly 
 From their dim eies, for teares had made them dim, 
 
 which, nere the leffe, they took much pleafure in. 
 Oft would the Mother clip her Tkysbe round, 
 
 which lay all fenceleffe on the bloudy ground. 
 And with a kiffe (as old wiues vfe to doe,) 
 
 her entire loue, her withered lips did mow. 
 Turne to thy Mother (quoth he) or receiue, 
 
 thy dolefull Mother in thy haplefle graue ; 
 Acknowledge her that firft aye me too foone, 
 
 brought thee to light, which is eclypf'd & done ; 
 I nourifhed thee, and with a kind embrace, 
 
 made me an Idoll of that beauteous face ; 
 For I conceiu'd, deceiu'd I could not be, 
 
 No birth more perfect, then the birth of thee. 
 
 Y 2 Thus 
 
324 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 Thus did doting 55 trot deplore her fall, (all 
 
 with dropping nofe, faint breth, more then them 
 That did attend her paflion : for the reft 
 
 did more repreffe thofe paflions fhe expreft, 
 Nor is it proper, well I know, that man 
 
 foouldjhed his teares with eafe as women can ; 
 For they more prompt to comfort, yeeld releefe, 
 
 to fuch as are oppreft with heapes of greefe, 
 And can conceale their forrow, as is fit, 
 
 knowing the meanes and way to bridle it. 
 They thus remaining ore their childrens grane, 
 
 the hatefull ground, which did their corps receiue, 
 They did confult how they might expiate, 
 
 that wrong of theirs, which they had done fo late. 
 Which whilft they did aduife, they ftraight did fee, 
 
 their childrens vowes, grauen in an Oliue tree. 
 Which were to this effe6t. " Surceafe to mourne, 
 
 " and place our feuerall afhes in one Vrne. 
 For whilft we liu'd, we lou'd, then fmce we dye, 
 
 let one poore vrne preferue our memory. 
 And let this day recorded bee by you, 
 
 and feftiue kept : eternife louers true. 
 Giue vpper hand to him, for he was firft : 
 
 refpecl: with care, our bones be not difperft 
 Amongft vnhallowed reliques which will ftaine 
 
 the glorious Trophies which our loue did gaine, 
 Bee not vnkind vnto your childrens loue, 
 
 but what they like, let your confent approue, 
 For if your minds difpofed fo had beene, 
 
 this fpacious glaffe of woe you nere had feene. 
 
 But 
 
The true Loners knot. 325 
 
 But we forgiue, forget, fo you performe, 
 
 what we haue wifh'd : we feaft, ceafe you to mourn. 
 Thefe heftes, thefe rites thus read : without delay, 
 
 they fought their forepart guilt to take awaie, 
 And rinfe their former ill by prefent good, 
 
 yeelding to loue which they before with-flood : 
 For admiration rapt them, and they faw, 
 
 no curbe could hold the reins of Venus lawe : 
 For fhe enioyn'd them loue, which they obey'd, 
 
 which by no Parents wifhes could be ftai'd. 
 Each in their order did their obfequies, 
 
 with folemne rites as their lad exequies, 
 Making a fire of Juniper compos'd, 
 
 in which their louely corps feem'd well difpos'd, 
 Which were confum'd to afhes and conferu'd, 
 
 in one fmall Hpot, as wel their fame deferu'd. 
 This vrne,poore vrne, which kept their afhes fure, 
 
 was made of Brajfe, that it might ere endure, 
 And as a relique, reliques then were vfed, 
 
 in 58 Nimrods Temple in a cheft enclofed. 
 There was it put, to which as fome report, 
 
 all conjlant louers vf'd to make refort. 
 No marriage rite was to be confummate, 
 
 Before they did this relique inuocate, 
 That it would be propitious to their loue, 
 
 in figne whereof each gaue a Turtle-Done, 
 To explicate their truth, their conjlancie, 
 
 which they obferu'd for euer folemnly. 
 Thus were thefe two with honour well rewarded, 
 
 their afhes, as times Monuments regarded, 
 
 Y 3 Kept 
 
326 Lows Labyrinth, or 
 
 Kept and referu'd for Fame, Fame grac'd the earth, 
 
 in differing Nature bring fo faire a birth 
 Into the world, which world vnworthy was, 
 
 to haue two mirrors and to let them paffe. 
 But time, vnthankfull time, too foone forgot 
 
 the Gem fhe had, as if fhe had it not. 
 Soild in the luftre, luftre it had none, 
 
 depriu'd of Fame, when her renowne was gone, 
 For Parents breathleffe were, and with their birth, 
 
 by times fucceflion were interr'd in earth. 
 \T\felfe-fame earth for they defir'd to haue, (graue 
 
 their childrens 59 hearfe their vrne, their comely 
 Which hauing got, men neuer did adore, 
 
 their facred hearfe as they had done before. 
 For leffe were they efteem'd, fo from that time, 
 
 nere any louer came vnto their Jhrine. 
 Yet to this day, their pictures doe remaine, 
 
 in Marble wrought, defcribing euery vaine. 
 Ech ruby blufh, mix'd with a crimfon die, 
 
 with Thysbes fmile decolour'd wantonly. 
 With face defac'd by times iniurious frowne, 
 
 hath fhown more beauty the my Mufe hath fhown. 
 
 The 
 
The trw Loners-knot. 327 
 
 The anfwere 0/~Hipolitus unto 
 Phaedra. 
 
 The Argument. 
 
 Hippolitus fon to Thefeus, by the Amazo Hippolite, 
 folicited by his Jlep mother Phedra to fenfuality, 
 feekes by all meanes to reprejfe her inordinate luft by 
 exemplifying the worth, refolution, and magnanimity 
 of his father & her hufband Thefeus : as alfo aggra- 
 uating the foulenes of the fact Jhe intended producing 
 reafons to dijjwade her from profecuting her purpofe 
 any further : as more particularly the fcandall of the 
 world, which of necejjity would enfue vpon committing 
 of a fact fo deteftable to the fupreame deitie, fo exorbi 
 tant to the law of nature. Next he propoudeth the ine- 
 uitable reuenge of the Gods aboue, who could not fuf- 
 fer fuck impieties to pajfe with impunity : but would 
 chajlife incejluous actions with the etquifiteft punijh- 
 ments they referue for any delinquent : concluding 
 his Epiftle more emphatically: ajfuring her if Jhe would 
 not dejift from her lafciuious intendments, Thefeus 
 Jltould be acquainted with her entirejl thoughts, who 
 in no wife could brooke her infatiable dejires, but ere 
 long would expiate tJte guilt of her Jin with tJtefacri- 
 fice of her blood. 
 
 F 4 The 
 
328 
 
 The Epiftle of Hyppolitus 
 vnto Phedra. 
 
 IF modeft lines fend out a modeft fmile, 
 and thofe immodeft vows you dedicate 
 Vnto my youth ; youths frailty to beguile, 
 
 my vertuous bloffoms to extenuate, 
 What mould I write ? or in what tempred ftile 
 
 mould I defcribe the ruine of my ftate ? 
 Since vertue is my centre, truth thefcvpe, 
 At which I aime the leuell of my hope ? 
 
 I will not call you wanton, but you feeme 
 
 too too refpecHes of your glorious fame, 
 That once in Greet for bewty deem'd a Queene, 
 
 mould now grow careleffe to eclipfe the fame. 
 O better fruits mould in that groue be feene, 
 
 then to neglecl: the glory of your name. 
 Minos efteemed was more pure, more iuft, 
 
 then to expofe his houfe to mamefull Iuft. 
 
 Turne to yourfpoufe my father, and obferue 
 his worth, his merits, and difclaime your vow, 
 
 See 
 
The true-louers knot. 329 
 
 See what refpe6l your Thefius doth deferue, 
 who confecrates his loue & life to you : 
 
 Then I am fure you will be loth to fwerue 
 from your allegeance, which is Thefeus dew. 
 
 He thinkes him bleft in you, O doe not then 
 impaire the bleffing of fuch bleffed men. 
 
 But if you will diftaine my fathers bed, 
 
 make it a brothel proftitute to fmne, 
 Reft well affur'd He neuer heare it faid, 
 
 that I his fonne that leudneffe did begin, 
 To prime the prime rofe, or to fee it fade 
 
 within his bed where I haue nourifh'd been, 
 For ill it would befeeme both him and me, 
 
 tJiat his gray headjhould weare my liuerie. 
 
 Let not the glory of your ancient houfe 
 
 attainted be, or dazed by your ftaine : 
 For after ages would fpeake worfe of vs, 
 
 and this our fhame would euermore remaine : 
 Which could not chufe but grow pernicious 
 
 to the renowme your Thefetis did attaine. 
 That he who many monfters vanquifhed, 
 
 fhould let a monfter Hue within his bed. 
 
 Employ thofe thoughts fo wantonly inclin'd 
 toth' comfort of your fponfe, let him receaue 
 
 Th' elixir of your loue anew refin'd 
 your loues the harueft which your Lord doth craue : 
 
 Then keepe not from him that which is afligned, 
 
 By 
 
33O Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 by powers fupernall for his worth to haue : 
 Adore no fhrine but his, let mine alone, 
 I am his image, he and I are one. 
 
 How ill would it befeeme diftaftfull youth, 
 
 to wrong the winter of his reuerend age : 
 Whom (if not graceleffe; would it not moue to 'ruth ? 
 
 to foile his bed, Whofe nie-fpent Pilgrimage 
 Craues pitty \yy prefcription, grac'd by truth, 
 
 and vertues colours, making fame his page, 
 To follow euery action with her breath, 
 
 to giue him life when feaz'd vppon by death. 
 
 Looke at the trophies Crejfa doth poffefie, 
 
 times monumentall characters of worth, 
 And you fhall fee his fpoiles deferue no lefle, 
 
 then adoration deifid on earth. 
 Since euery act proclaimes his mightineffe, 
 
 as if defcended from loues diuine breath. 
 His wars, his conqueft, each expreffe his merit, 
 
 indude with more then Adamantine fpirit. 
 
 Leaue of inuiting your Hyppolitus 
 
 to feftiue banquets, of inceftuous meeting, 
 Well loues he Phadra, better Thefeus, 
 
 then to wrong age with fuch licentious greeting, 
 To make his owne to be moft trecherous. 
 
 the fowreft taft from him that feemd his fweeting, 
 In working fhame 'gainft him who firft fuftained 
 
 far more for me then in me is contained. 
 
 Much 
 
The true-louers knot. 331 
 
 Much do I wonder how you fhould conceiue, 
 
 fuch a fufpicious thought of my negle6t, 
 Vnto my fathers age ? or how you haue, 
 
 grounded the reafons of your fowle fufpecT: ? 
 That I his childe, my childehood fhould depraue, 
 
 affecting that which loue cannot effe6l, (wot,) 
 
 Which loathed pleafures, loath'd they are (God 
 
 to vfe thofe fports which Nature fancieth not. 
 
 Thefe ^pa/limes which I follow yeelde content 
 
 without repentance : heere's no Parents fhame, 
 No worlds Rumor : dangers imminent, 
 
 haue no repofe mongft thefe : admired fame 
 Followes the Court, and places eminent, 
 
 each feeking how they might dilate their name. 
 But I refpe6lleffe of Fames admiration, 
 
 reape the content of harmeleffe recreation. 
 
 Heere fteepy clifts, and heauen-afpiring Hilles, 
 
 Yeeld a fweet aier to relifh my delight, (deftills 
 There pleafant fprings, from whence fweet flreames 
 
 to quench my thirft : and when the glomie night, 
 Shuts vp the raies of Pkcebus, reft we ftill 
 
 till rofie check'd Aurora (hew her light 
 Then we addrejfe vs to our fports againe, 
 
 For where we take delight there is no paine. 
 
 Then pardon me, (if pardon I may aske) 
 
 that knowes no other pleafure then is heere, 
 That neuer tooke vpon me any taske, 
 
 but 
 
332 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 but the purfuing of the harmlefle Deere. 
 I need not fliame, my blufh requires no mafke, 
 
 I haue no obie<5ls of affection neere, 
 But the true fplendor of a Natiue face, 
 
 not mix'd with colours to augment her grace. 
 
 If Ariadne defolate, forlorne, 
 
 fhould heare of your intendments : what would fhe 
 Reply, but ieafl, that he who had forfworne 
 
 thofe folemne vowes which fhould obferued be, 
 Hath well deferu'd to weare his wantons home, 
 
 that dedicates her felfe to luxurie. 
 O fie for fhame, let fhame repreffe that fmne, 
 
 which not reprefs'd will fhame both you and him. 
 
 How glad would Ariadur heare of this, 
 
 who refls deie&ed, rob'd of that fame Gem, 
 Which you refpe<5t not : fhe conceiu'd a bliffe 
 
 in his fweet fmile, whofe fweetneffe did regaine 
 Her much prifd loue, hzrfpels explan'd no leffe ; 
 
 In the fubduing him, who more had flaine, 
 Then any monfler, that in Crete was bred ; 
 
 yet by her Art was foone difcomfited. 
 
 But fhe ! vnhappy fhe, as Bachus would, 
 
 depriu'd of him, for whom fuch paneis fhe tooke. 
 
 In Chios left, neere after to behold 
 
 her darling T/tefetis, who (you know) forfooke 
 
 Her much diflrefs'd diftreffes did enfold 
 
 the very manjion pitch 'd on 62 high to looke, 
 
 At 
 
The true-Louers knot. 333 
 
 At that vnhappy place where Thefius left her, 
 whofe abfent fteps all comfort had bereft her. 
 
 Then you that are preferr'd before her loue, 
 
 fet not at fale the treafure you poffeffe, 
 Let Ariadnes exile fomething moue 
 
 that fickle minde of yours, whofe wantonneffe, 
 Seemes more tranfparant in that you approue 
 
 more of my loue, then of his excellence. 
 Whofe beautious outfide's faire, but you may finde, 
 
 a farre more beauteous injide of his minde. 
 
 Conjlant he is, witnefle Peritheus, 
 
 whofe two combined hearts fo well vnited, 
 Haue eterniz'd the loue of Thefeus : 
 
 Mirrour of men, that men fhould be exiled, 
 To paffe fuch fhelfes of perrils dangerous, 
 
 With fight of poore Proferpina delighted : 
 Whom to exempt with Pluto, they remaine, 
 
 the one imprifon'd clofe, the other flaine. 
 
 Yet could not Pluto barr his eies from teares, 
 
 which he pourd out each morne vpon the hearfe, 
 Of his deare friend, loue after death appeares, 
 
 which like an Ecco earths abyffe did pierce, 
 Opprefs'd with woe, furmifes of vaine feares, 
 
 Maugre the furie, of thofe Furies fierce, 
 And Fiends below, which could not him furprife 
 
 with daftard feare : ^Braue Spirits feare defpife. 
 
 O 
 
334 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 O doe not then expofe his vertuous age, 
 
 to fuch difhonour adde no difcontent 
 Vnto his outworne ftrength, left you enrage 
 
 his patient fpirit aboue his element 
 Doe not corrupt your honour nor engage, 
 
 the glory of your birth fo eminent 
 Scandalls are foone engendred fooner bred, 
 
 then after-times can make extinguifhed. 
 
 Doe not degrade your Thefeus from his throne, 
 
 Which he enioies, conceiuing more delight, 
 In that he hath this little of his owne, 
 
 reaping contented Jiarbour on the night, 
 Then th' husband man to reape what he hath fowne, 
 
 or the poore Turtle, in her Turtles fight. 
 Beleeue me Queene, more doth your prefence plcafe 
 
 Your Thefeus heart, then any one of thefe. 
 
 If you would haue Hippolitus to loue, 
 
 Loue aged Thefeus for Hippolitus fake ; 
 For by thofe heauenly powers that raigne aboue, 
 
 more comfort fhall Hyppolitus partake 
 By that affe<5lion, then Idalias groue, 
 
 ere reap'd in Venus when he did awake, 
 And rous'd from filent (lumber to returne, 
 
 vnto her Birds which for their Queen did mourn. 
 
 Alas, faire queene, why mould you thus affault, 
 the vnprouided fortrejfe of mine hart ; 
 
 Or 
 
The true-Louers knot. 335 
 
 Or why fhould you your colours thus exalt, 
 
 difplaying ruine to my chiefeft part, 
 And vnder ground as in fome fecret vault 
 
 laying your (hot, intending to fubuert, 
 The Bulwarks which fupports my flender being, 
 
 to raze my Fort and put my friends to fleeing. 
 
 The fort which I poffeffe is my pure heart, 
 
 my friends the vertues which doe keepe my fort, 
 The firft in all my dolours beares a part, 
 
 \hefecond in diflreffe do make refort, 
 To arme my foule againft inuafions dart 
 
 vpon their foe, their furie to retort. 
 Were 't not a pittie then to fee that fall. 
 
 which doth fufbaine my felfe my meanes and all ? 
 
 But fure you fee in me fame fhew of pleafure, 
 
 and gladly would haue me expreffe my thought, 
 Objecting to my fenfes time and leafure, 
 
 feldome are fuch delights fo lightly bought, 
 High is the price of fuch a precious treafure, 
 
 and well deferues it to be throughly fought : 
 But I reply that pleafure lafts not long 
 
 that tis vfurp't by force, and tane by wrong. 
 
 I loue no bitter fweets immixd with gall, 
 
 whofe fharp repentance drowns the pleafure part, 
 
 A pure vnfpotted foule, whofe M Brafen wall 
 can hold out battrie and wil euer laft 
 
 That feare no ruine, no declining fall, 
 
 Soil'd 
 
336 Loues Labyrinth, or 
 
 foilde with no blemifh of her mindes diflafte, 
 But fraught with wealth, thrice happy in her wealth 
 feeding on free delights, not got by ftelth. 
 
 What is that pleafure, where attendeth feare, 
 
 As faith-infringers doe : who violate 
 The faith they owe : whereby it doth appeare, 
 
 they reft refpectleffe of their future ft ate, 
 Preferring luft before their Spoufals deare, 
 
 their fhame with fhameleffe A6ls to aggrauate : 
 O none God wot : no pleafure can be there, 
 
 where there is nought but actions of defpaire. 
 
 O let thofe hefts inuiolable ftand, 
 
 which heauens aboue confirme, and let them be 
 As Charattres, writ by dame Natures hand 
 
 to eleuate our fenfes purity : 
 Proceeding from the immortall powers command, 
 
 to confummate our Hues integrity. 
 That loue's well fquared by an equall line. 
 
 whofe ground-worke is grounded on the lawes di- 
 
 (uine 
 
 But if thefe motiues cannot caution you, 
 
 not to adulterife your Nuptiall bed, 
 Be you aflur'd to Thefeus I will fhew 
 
 thofe indigefted humors which are bred, 
 By your vnfetled thoughts which doe renew 
 
 an heape of paflions in your troubled head. 
 All which concording make that difcord true. 
 
 No faith more faithleffe then the Faith of you. 
 
 Your 
 
Hypolitus to Phcedra. 337 
 
 Your brittle fexe, fo brittle is your mould, 
 
 you cannot long be free from alteration : 
 Grounds \^QV foundation on no certaine hold, 
 
 but toft with fundrie gufts of times mutation, 
 Expos'd to fhame and to confufion fold, 
 
 infringing loue to purchafe recreation, 
 Which we by nature do accompt a fhame, 
 
 to fet them light that haue efteemed them. 
 
 Vertues furprifer, chaftities depriuer, 
 
 fower of difcord, refuge to the worft. 
 Forge of ambition enmities contriuer : 
 
 an hatefull monfter, vipers birth accurft, 
 Friend/hips diffoluer,jimple foules deceiur, 
 
 which from perdition had her birth-right firfi. 
 The foile andfale of honour fooneft Jliowen, 
 
 where men ajfett all pleafure faue their oivne. 
 
 And what be thofe but vaine, vnfauourie ioyes, 
 
 whofe fruits vnfeas'ned yeeld but frnall delight, 
 When comforts are conuerted to annoies, 
 
 the beauty of our day obfcur'd by night, 
 And that we iudg'd for ferious feeme as toies, 
 
 which haue eclips'd the glory of their light : 
 And then reuoluing what we did admire 
 
 let fall our hopes, to greater things afpire. 
 
 O be afham'd to blemifh that faire Roote, 
 which had deriuall from the powers aboue, 
 Z 
 
 Staine 
 
338 Hypolitus to Phesdra. 
 
 Staine not your bed with your polluted foot, 
 loue him alone whom you are bound to loue, 
 
 Giue no occafion to your Spoufe to doubt 
 of your licentious paflion, but remoue, 
 
 Both guilt and guilts, fufpicion, whofe bright eyes, 
 lealoufe of nought your fecret'ft councels fpies. 
 
 Will you for any pleafure lofe refpecl:, 
 
 of all your kindred that attend your fame, 
 Which once furpriz'd by infamies fufpecl, 
 
 will call your acts augmenters of their fhame ? 
 O doe not fo : let not your luft effecT:, 
 
 the ruine of that houfe from whence you came : 
 But as your glorie doth furpaffe the reft, 
 
 fo in your heart let virtue build her neft. 
 
 Vaine is the flower, foone fading, foone forgot, 
 
 which you do pamper to your ouerthrow, 
 Time will be, when thofe beautious corps fhall rot, 
 
 their poore remainder to the earth beftowe; 
 Then you (hall be as if you flourifh'd not 
 
 plac'd in earths centre, Stigian lake belowe, 
 Where Minos iudgement giues of euery fin, 
 
 that thofe are guiltie may remaine with him. 
 
 He was your father, yet his equitie, 
 will not permit his Phcedra to tranfgreffe : 
 
 His lawes haue no exception, puritie 
 onely exempted is, whofe eminence 
 
 Was 
 
Hypolitus to Phadra. 339 
 
 Was firft ordain'd to raigne eternally, 
 
 in the Elijlan fields loues rejldence ; 
 Then chufe which two youpleafe, whether you'le dwel, 
 
 in heauen with loue, or with your Sire in hell. 
 
 Ere<5l your thoughts depreffed downe belowe, 
 
 and let them foare vnto an higher pitch 
 Then terrene pleafures, let that beauteous fhow 
 
 of outward colours your affection teach (flowe 
 To tafte the Spring of fweetes, from whence doth 
 
 fuch mines of treafure, as will more enrich 
 The A rs 1 nail of your minde then vaine delight, 
 
 which lopped is before it come to height. 
 
 Recall to minde Ixions punifhment, 
 
 fee in a mirror what his folly got, 
 Who whil'ft he foar'd aboue his element, 
 
 kindly receiv'd of loue, himfelfe forgot : 
 And as a ftreame which runs too violent, 
 
 palling his bounds and limits, knoweth not 
 How foone that flowe mail haue a fudden fall, 
 
 whofe boundleffe current kept no mene at all. 
 
 So did Ixion who in felfe-conceit 
 
 of his proportion did afpire too high, 
 Affecting luno which did ruinate, 
 
 the manfion of his Priftine dignitie, 
 Bailing that fun which fhone fo bright of late, 
 
 for with a clowde deceived engendred he 
 
 Z 2 The 
 
34O Hypolitus to Ph&dra. 
 
 The Centaurs varied formes, which being bred, 
 to Pelion came, where they inhabited. 
 
 O then confine affection with the bound, 
 
 of vertues honour, giuing her the place 
 In euery afUon, making reafons ground 
 
 the ftrong foundation, Time cannot deface, 
 With beautious faire contexture clofed round, 
 
 a correfpondence twixt the minde and face : 
 The one renown'd by th' others puritie, 
 
 as if both made to make one vnity. 
 
 Shall Hymens temple be defac'd by you, 
 
 Her facred hefts by your inconftancy : 
 O be affur'd the gods will punifh you, 
 
 imbranding ftiame in your pofteritie, 
 To breake your faith and wrong a friend fo true, 
 
 vnder pretence of mere fimplicitie : 
 Leue vertus fliadowe, and your felfe betake, 
 
 to loue the fhadow for fazfubftance fake. 
 
 What vertues did your maiden yeeres attend ? 
 
 white was your roabe but whiter was your mind, 
 When all your actions did to vertue tend ; 
 
 Each fence her proper function had aflign'd, 
 Vertues foundation had perfections end, (finde, 
 
 youth mix'd with grace : rare was't your like to 
 But now your luftre foil'd by lhameleffe finning, 
 
 argues your end farre worfe then your begin ing. 
 
 Crete 
 
Hypdlitus to Pluedra. 341 
 
 Crete made renown'd by fathers memory, 
 
 fhal't be extinguifh'd by the daughter's fhame ? 
 Times auntient browe records his equitie. 
 
 for time-impartialifters merit fame, 
 Proude was the earth to haue fuch men as he : 
 
 earth feem'd by him to change her earthly name. 
 For nere did fame with truth fo neerely meete, 
 
 as when your aged father gouern'd Crete. 
 
 O then be daughter to fo good a father ; 
 
 be his lifes pattern, mew from whence you fprang, 
 Seeke to reuiue his glorie tropheis rather, 
 
 then by your fhame to fee them ouerthrowne, 
 Some fruitfull bloffomes from his vertues gather : 
 
 fo may you make your fathers fame your owne : 
 Crete %vas fuftained oft by others fall. 
 
 but JJte s fujlain d by Phaedra mojl of all. 
 
 How will this trumpe of glorie make your mind 
 
 too low deie&ed, feeke an other port 
 Then that you aime at now : where you mall finde, 
 
 more perfe6l folace when you make refort 
 Vnto \hzjhrine of Vertue, that's refined 
 
 with pureft colours, where the ftrongeft/<7/tf 
 That could be built by Nature or by Art, 
 
 conferues the facred treafure of the heart. 
 
 O time deceing youth abufing time, 
 making her ftale to obiecls of delight, 
 
 Z 3 Seeing 
 
342 Hypolitus to Phtzdra. 
 
 Seeing the bejl will to the worjl decline : (light, 
 
 Night-owle, whofe works dare not approach the 
 
 Prophaning that which was before diuine, 
 Truth's great'ft opponent, vertues fecond fight, 
 
 Whofe minde bewitching vanities ensnare, 
 ourcaptiv'd reafon with & feeming faire. 
 
 More fhould I write, but that I loath to write 
 
 of fuch a fubiect whofe lafciuious foyle, 
 Makes my poore lines afham'd of fuch delights, 
 
 Tltat Parents birth, Jhould Parents bed defile, 
 Or to play falfe when he is out of fight : 
 
 diftrufting nought fhould I his truft beguile ? 
 O ceafe to loue Hue to aduance your fame, 
 
 freeing your Bed and me from Parents fhame. 
 
 Yours if your owne : But being not your owne, 
 / will not reope what ottier men haue fowne. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
343 
 
 To the ^under/landing Reader. 
 
 FOr your better direction I haue re- 
 duced thefe enfuing notes Alpha- 
 bettically, with an apt relation to 
 each particular included in the Poeme, 
 which may minifter no leffe Grace to the 
 inuention, then delight to your rea- 
 ding. 
 
 A lamina infula eft Atheniejis, quam Telamon gu- 
 bernaj/e dicitur, vitibus et myrtetis eiufq. generis 
 arboribus veftita. vid. Plutarch. 
 
 b Flumen maxime omnium inclytum, &c. Flumen e 
 Niphati monte originem ducens, et Babiloniam celer- 
 rimo curfufecans, in rubrum mare prolabitur. 
 c Alueum mutajfe fertur ibid. &c. 
 d In perfonam amatorum. 
 
 e Zeuxis vuce viuis coloribus depiftce. &c. vid. Plu- 
 tarch, in Apoth. 
 
 f Riph<zi monies Arcadia, qui afperrimis verticibus 
 fubnixifunt. vid. Caf. cowmen. 
 
 Ruph<zi 
 
344 
 
 s Lyncens & Argos incredibili perfpicacia luminum 
 praditi. 
 
 h Coniux Orp/tei, qua per deferta loca currens, vt 
 Ariftceum, earn immodefte minis fequentem, euitaret, a 
 ferpente venenato infefla extremam diem obijt, earn ve- 
 re legimus, a Plutone raptam ejfe, etfub imperio fuo mi- 
 ferrimam vitam tranfegiffe, vid. Quid, et Senec. Trag. 
 Her. Fu. 
 
 ' Homer, in Iliad, vid: fuper hunc locum. Calabr. 
 in quar. lib. de fuppk. 
 
 k Turture fie Turtur iungit amandafuo. poet. 
 
 1 Timon pater Thisbis qui ingetem Thefauri molem 
 in Area recondidiJJ'e arbitrator, eiufque afpectu minim 
 in modum delecJabatur. vid fab. in Quid. Metam. 
 
 m Naphtha bituminis genus quod afperjione aqua ve- 
 Jiementius exaftuat. Tejlat. Plinio. 
 
 Loue is more vehement depriued of her obie<5t. 
 
 Stellam Veneris appellat Homerus "Ecnrepov. 
 P Vid Lucan. et pallin, de fid : nominibus. 
 
 * Res eft imperiofa timor. 
 
 * Sordities, ira, nummorum copia mira, his natura 
 fenis tribus eft infecla venenis. 
 
 f Vnde Veftales virgines candidis ftolis indutas ejfe 
 legimus in Aulo. Cell, in no6i Att. 
 
 1 Sublimi ftemmate ductus. 
 
 u Namfi vis apte nubere, nube pari, Quid. 
 x SuccincJis humeris fcuto. 
 
 y Vid. Plinium in natur. hi/I. & Arift. de Natur. 
 animal. 
 
 Quos 
 
345 
 
 Quos fi Argus f cruet? qui occulatus totus fuit. Plant, 
 in Aulular. 
 
 z Hippodamia filia cenomai quant Pelops cekritate 
 curfus obtinebat. 
 
 1 Pelopid : humeri : prouerb. 
 
 2 Diana. 
 
 3 Luftra ferarum. Virg. 
 
 4 Noflis opaco cardine fulgebant Jlella. 
 
 5 Campi Elyjij. 
 
 6 Nemejis vltionis dea. 
 
 I Pegafus alatus equus, a quo Hypocrene originem 
 duxit. 
 
 8 O quicunque fub hac habitatis ntpe leones, &c. O- 
 uid. in Metam. 
 
 9 Vna duos (inquit) nox perdit amantes, Quid. 
 
 10 Sed timidi eft optare necem : ibid. 
 
 II Myrtus Verier., &c. 
 
 12 Progne Philomela, & Itys. 
 
 13 Ter. in vpupam. Rex fueram Jic crifta probat : fed 
 fordida vita immundam e tanto culmine fecit auem, 
 
 Campan. in Ter. 
 
 14 Exegi monumentum cere perennius : marmore du- 
 rius, eboreferenius, vid. Eleg. Flac. et Propert. 
 
 f 5 ALgle Aretufa, & Hefperitufa Atlant : filue, qua 
 hortum Hefperia aureis pomis refertijjinmm ope ferpen- 
 tis perpetuam vigiliam feruantis tenebant, quain poftea 
 Hercules inter emit, vid. ope : Her : in Sen : Trag. 
 
 16 Arbor niueis pulcherrima pomis Ardua 
 
 Morus erat : Ibid. ! ? Corticis exigua, nigrique colo- 
 ns Ebenus, &c. de natura gagatis : vid. Plin. 
 
 Poftquam 
 
346 
 
 18 Pojlquam veftem cognouit, et eiufdem. Quid. 
 
 19 In tumulum Nini, allocutio. 
 
 20 Vifcera plus quant marmorea. 
 
 21 Purpurea vela, leniorem auram traJuntia, &c. 
 
 22 Homer in Iliad, vid. Calab. in deliquijs fuper hunc 
 locum. 
 
 23 Fluminis vt cecinit littore cicmis, obit. 
 
 24 Gagates qua monumeta excolere folebat non tarn 
 ob eximia natura proprietates, quam polita et exarata 
 Forma elegantias vfurpata. vid. Plin. in Natur. hifto. 
 
 2 5 Batia,fepulchrum Hi, quod in Ilio erigebatur et in 
 Troiano bello folenni honore effici legimus. vid. Horn. ib. 
 
 26 wi/09, honos. 
 
 2 ? Et mihi fortis in vnum hac manus eft : et amor, 
 &fc. Quid. ibid. 
 
 28 Quoq. magis tegitur tanto magis ceftuat ignis. 
 
 29 In parentes nania. 3 Vt fup. vid. eleg. Mart. 
 
 31 Volat irreuocabile verbum. 32 Pyra folennis vid. 
 Funer. antiq. in Gell. et al. 33 Rofa qua redolet, cre- 
 fcit cumfpina qua punget. 3* Et fugit adfalices, &fe 
 cupit ante videri. Virg. 3 S Vid Virg. in i. lib. Georg. 
 de Irrigatione, &c. 36 a Poetical fiElion. 3 7 loues reply. 
 
 38 Vid. Hejiod de general, deor. de natal. Hercul. et 
 
 Plau. in Amphitruo -pol me haud p&nitet ; Scilicet 
 
 boni dimidium mihi diuidere cum loue. 
 
 39 Etforor et coniux, &c. Virg. in sEnead. i. lib. 
 
 40 Nocle fomniat, qua vigilans voluit. Terent. 
 
 41 Ofcula libauit nata. Virg. 42 Idas filius Apharei 
 qui celeritate equorum incredibili, Marpejfam egregia 
 forma puella corripuit. vid. Quid. 43 Horat. in i. lib. 
 
 Rationc 
 
347 
 
 44 Ratione verum a falfo difcernimus, quam a Natura 
 nobis infitam /iabemusv\&. Cic. i.lib. offi. 4 5 Qua lato 
 culmine Buftum occulit, arbuftis teneris intexit opacis. 
 vide Proper. 46 Tu qua ramis arbor miferabile corpus, 
 nunc tegis vnius mox & teclura duorum. Quid. Metam. 
 4 ? Qui viret in folijs venit e radicibus humor, et patntm 
 in natos abeunt cum ftemmate mores. 48 Viuit pojl fune- 
 ra virtus, &c. 49 Vid. Apoth. rom. apud Plutarch. 
 
 5 Et germina gemmis effulfere fuis, fragrantia 
 
 pafcua veris pramia diffundunt, nouafert nouafemina. 
 Terra. 5i O quam difficile eft crimen no prodere vultu ? 
 
 52 CeJJit poft funera liuor. vid. Apoth. Plut. de Aefchin. 
 et Demofth. inimicit. et de obitu Demoft. 
 
 53 Ingentia terra antra replere folent currentia fonte 
 perenni, &c. 54 Mare mittit amara, &c. 55 Vetus 
 vietus veternofus muftellino colore. Terentius. 
 
 56 De Oliua refert Plinius, quod poft initi f(deris fode- 
 tatem, ramos eius arboris Fetialis geftare folebat, cuius 
 indicio pads fpecimina proferebantur, vid. in Philip, 
 comm. de Bell. Neapol. Oliua ramos pads indicia cir- 
 cumferre folebant if, cum quibus coditiones pads confir- 
 mata funt. &c. 57 Recipit populos vrna citatos. Senec. 
 58 Babilon mine vero Bagadeth appellata, a Nimrode 
 extruebatur, & a Semiramide extendebatur. In Euphra- 
 tem Flu : amaemif : fita : vid : Gee-graph, comen. 59 Quia 
 ojfa parentum eorum rogis immifcebantur. 
 60 Minotaure. 6l Afcendo : vires animus dabat aeque 
 ita late ^Equora profpecT.ii metior alia meo. Quid, in op. 
 Ariad. Thef. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
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 reviews, including the Athenceum, Academy, &c. Also in 
 letters from eminent literary men F. J. Furnival, J. P. 
 Collier, J. O. Halliwell-Phillips, W. Chappell, A. B. Grosart, 
 &c., &c. 
 
 Extract from a Letter from F. J. Furnival, Esq. 
 
 "You have added a most rare and curious set of Reprints to the 
 Ballad and Song-Collectors' Library of now-a-days, and have revived 
 the picture of the Stuart times. I hope your series will meet with the 
 success it deserves." 
 
 A Book for a Shakespearean Library. 
 
 NATURES EMBASSIE I 
 
 Divine and Morall Satyres : Shepheards 
 
 Tales, both parts : Omphale : Odes, 
 
 or Philomels Tears, &c. 
 
 BY 
 
 R. BRATHWAITE. 
 
 The " Shepheards Tales " are so graceful and melodious, 
 and are so full of allusions to old customs, sports, and the 
 
Limited Reprints. 
 
 actual details of the country life of the period the England 
 of the time of Shakespeare that it is very surprising the 
 whole book has not been reprinted before. "Philomels 
 Tears" are among the most charming Odes of the period, 
 and will be appreciated by all true lovers of old-fashioned 
 poetry. Although the " Divine and Morall Satyres** of the 
 above are like most others of the family rather dull, they 
 have been included to make the book perfect. 
 
 The original has long been in great request with Collectors, 
 and has grown to be very scarce and dear : one of our fore- 
 most booksellers lately catalogued a copy without the very 
 scarce first part of the " Shepheards Tales" at ;io, and I 
 believe it readily found a purchaser at that price. 
 
 The present Reprint contains the whole of the various parts 
 published under the general titles of " Natures Embassie," 
 "Shepheards Tales," &c., and is a literal Reprint, all the 
 peculiarities of spelling being carefully preserved. The amus- 
 ing title-page, and the old-style head and tail pieces, initial 
 letters, &c, have all been facsimiled or imitated. 
 
 Four hundred copies only on Small Paper at IQJ. 6//., 50 
 on Large Paper at i Guinea, and 10 on Whatman's Drawing 
 Paper at 2 Guineas. Every copy numbered and signed. 
 
 " Mr. Roberts has expended on the book all the wealth of his expe- 
 rienced taste; and type, paper, and binding are all most winning." 
 Academy. 
 
 "There is a pleasant flavour of the old times in this volume, and 
 much opportunity of adding to a dictionary of quotations. The whole 
 is creditable in the highest degree to Mr. Roberts." Notes and Queries. 
 
 ROBERT ROBERTS, BOSTON, LINCOLNSHIRE. 
 
LIMITED REPRINTS. 
 
 The ^4pophthegmes of 
 Erafmus 
 
 into oBngligf) tip ^Ricolag 
 
 Literally reprinted from the scarce edition of 1564, the only 
 difference being, that, to make it easier for the general 
 reader, the contractions have been filled in, and the Greek 
 quotations, which were exceedingly incorrect, have been, in 
 most cases, put right. 
 
 To make the volume more complete, a Memoir of Erasmus, 
 by the Rev. E. Johnson, M.A., has been added; also an 
 Appendix of Notes and Illustrations, facsimiles of leaves of 
 the original edition, and a portrait 
 
 Probably no old English work so abounds with colloqui- 
 alisms and idiomatic expressions. It is a pleasant, gossipy 
 book, containing a good deal of grave pleasant humour, 
 the thoughts and sayings of great men, with the notes and 
 remarks of Erasmus upon the same. It is well printed on 
 antique ribbed paper, demy 8vo., 540 pages. 
 
 * # * Only 250 are printed, which are numbered and signed. 
 Price i is. 
 
 ROBERT ROBERTS, BOSTON, LINCOLNSHIRE. 
 

 
 
 
DATE DUE 
 
 GAYLORD 
 
 PRINTCD IN US. A- 
 
UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
 A 000 569 861 8