LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 CAUUOKNIA 
 
 SAN DIEGO
 
 CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH CLASSICS 
 
 The English Writings 
 
 of 
 Abraham Cowley
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Born 1618 
 Died 1667
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 POEMS 
 
 MISCELLANIES, THE MISTRESS, 
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES, DAVIDEIS, 
 
 VERSES WRITTEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 THE TEXT EDITED BY 
 
 A. R. WALLER, M.A. 
 
 CAMBRIDGE : 
 
 at the University Press 
 
 1905
 
 CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS WAREHOUSE, 
 
 C. F. CLAY, MANAGER. 
 ILotrtJOtt: AVE MARIA LANE, E.G. 
 
 eiafloto: 50, WELLINGTON STREET. 
 
 : F. A. BROCKHAUS. 
 tfajgorft: THE MACMILLAN COMPANY, 
 airt Calcutta: MACMILLAN AND CO., LTD. 
 
 PRINTFD (M nRSAT 
 
 [All Rights reserved]
 
 NOTE. 
 
 THE text of this volume is that of the first collected 
 edition of Cowley's works, a folio volume 
 (i i^ ins. x 7 ins.) published in 1668, the year after his 
 death. 
 
 This folio contains * An Account of the Life and 
 Writings of M r ABRAHAM COLLET. Written to 
 M r Af. CLIFFORD,' by Thomas Sprat (later, Dean 
 of Westminster and Bishop of Rochester), following 
 W. Faithorne's engraved portrait of Cowley and the 
 title page (see p. vii), and preceding the Dedicatory 
 Elegy and Cowley's Preface (see pp. i, 4). The 
 'Account' states that 'Mr. Cowley in his Will recom- 
 mended to my care the revising of all his Works that 
 were formerly printed, and the collecting of those 
 Papers which he had design'd for the Press. And he 
 did it with this particular Obligation, That I should be 
 sure to let nothing pass, that might seem the least offence to 
 
 Religion or good Manners According to his desire 
 
 and his own intention, I have now set forth his Latin 
 and English Writings, each in a Volume apart ; and to 
 that which was before extant in both Languages, I have 
 added all that I could find in his Closet, which he had 
 brought to any manner of perfection.' 
 
 The present volume contains the ' four parts ' 
 which had constituted the earlier folio of 1656, re- 
 ferred to in Cowley's Preface (p. 9). It also contains 
 the ' Verses written on several occasions,' published by 
 Cowley in 1663, after an unauthorised edition had 
 been printed in Dublin. A few verse translations,
 
 NOTE 
 
 which had appeared in the 1663 volume, were in- 
 corporated in the 1668 folio in 'Several Discourses 
 by way of Essays in Verse and Prose ' and will be 
 included in the companion volume mentioned below. 
 
 At the end of this book will be found the variations 
 noted in a collation of the 1668 text with the folio of 1656, 
 the volume of 1663, and the edition of 'The Mistress' 
 which had appeared in 1647. 
 
 The course adopted in the case of misprints is the 
 same as that followed in the other texts in this series ; 
 square brackets in the poems indicate where errors have 
 been noticed, and these are explained in the Notes : 
 but a conservative attitude has been deliberately adopted 
 in deciding what are, and what are not, misprints, both 
 in spelling and in punctuation. A few accents only, 
 italic for roman signs, etc., have been silently altered. 
 
 A companion volume to the present is in the press. 
 It will contain the miscellaneous prose contents of the 
 1668 folio, including the 'Several Discourses by way of 
 Essays in Verse and Prose,' Cowley's juvenile writings, 
 not collected by him, and his English plays. The two 
 volumes- will thus contain the whole of Cowley's English 
 writings : it is not intended to reprint his Latin works 
 in this edition. 
 
 A. R. WALLER. 
 
 CAMBRIDGE, 
 
 i June, 1905. 
 
 VI
 
 THE 
 
 WORKS 
 
 OF 
 
 M r Abraham Cowley. 
 
 Consisting of 
 Those which were formerly Printed : 
 
 AND 
 
 Those which he Design d for the Press ^ 
 Now Published out of the Authors 
 
 ORIGINAL COPIES. 
 
 LONDON, 
 
 Printed by J. M. for Henry Herringman y at the Sign of the 
 
 Blew Anchor in the Lower Walk of the New 
 
 Exchange, j668.
 
 ELEGIA 
 
 DEDICATORIA, ad ILLUSTRISSIMAM 
 
 Academiam 
 CANTABRIGIENSEM. 
 
 HOc tibi de Nato ditmima Mater egeno 
 Exiguum immensi pignus Amoris habe. 
 Heu meliora tibi depromere dona volcntes 
 
 Astringit gratas parcior area manus. 
 Tune tui poteris vocem hie agnoscere Nati 
 
 Tam male formatam, dissimilemq; tues? 
 Tune hie materni vestigia sacra decoris, 
 
 Tu Speculum poteris hie reperire tuum ? 
 Post longum, dices, Coulei^ sic mihi tempus? 
 
 Sic mihi speranti, perfide, multa redis ? 
 Quas, dices, Sagte Lemurhq; DJteq; nocentes, 
 
 Hunc mihi in Infantis supposuere loco ? 
 At Tw, sandla Parens, crude/is tu quoque, Nati 
 
 Ne tracles dextra vulnera cruda rudi. 
 Hei mihi, quid Fato Genetrix accedis iniquo ? 
 
 Sit SorSy sed non sis Ipsa Noverca mihi. 
 Si mihi natali Musarum adolescere in arvo, 
 
 Si bene dileclo luxuriare solo, 
 Si mihi de dodla licuisset plenius unda 
 
 Haurire, ingentem si satiare sitim, 
 Non ego degeneri dubitabilis ore redirem, 
 
 Nee legeres Nomen fusa rubore meum. 
 Scis bene, scis quae me Tempestas publica Mundi 
 
 Raptatrix vestro sustulit e gremio, 
 
 c. A
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Nee pede adhuc firmo, nee firmo dente, negati 
 
 Poscentem querulo murmure Laftis opem. 
 Sic quondam aerium Pento bellante per aequor, 
 
 Cum gravidum Autumnum sasva flagellat Hyems. 
 Immatura sua velluntur ab arbore poma 
 
 Et vi vi6ta cadunt ; Arbor & ipsa gemit. 
 Nondum succus inest terrae generosus avitae, 
 
 Nondum Sol roseo redditur ore Pater. 
 O mihi jucundum Grants super omnia Nomen \ 
 
 O penitus toto corde receptus Amor\ 
 O pulchrae sine Luxu SEdes^ vitaeq; beatae, 
 
 Splendida Paupertas, ingenuiisq; decor! 
 O chara ante alias, magnorum nomine Regum 
 
 Digna Domus \ Trinl nomine digna Dei \ 
 O nimium Cereris cumulati munere Campi, 
 
 Posthabitis Ennce quos colit ilia jugis! 
 O sacri Fontes \ & sacrae ^atibus Umbrts, 
 
 Quas recreant Avlum Pieridumq\ chori ! 
 O Camus \ Phcebo nullus quo gratior amnis! 
 
 Amnibus auriferis invidiosus inops \ 
 Ah mihi si vestrae reddat bona gaudia sedis, 
 
 Detq; Deus do6la posse quiete frui ! 
 Qualis eram cum me tranquilla mente sedentem 
 
 Vidisti in ripd, Came serene, tua; 
 Mulcentem audisti puerili flumina cantu ; 
 
 Ille quidem immerito, sed tibi gratus erat. 
 Nam, memini ripa cum tu dignatus utraq; 
 
 Dignatum est totum verba referre nemus. 
 Tune liquidis tacitisq; simul mea vita diebus, 
 
 Et similis vestrae Candida fluxit aquae. 
 At nunc caenosae luces, atq; obice multo 
 
 Rumpitur aetatis turbidus ordo meae. 
 Quid mihi Sequana opus, Tamesisve aut Thybridis unda ? 
 
 Tu potis es nostram tollere, Came, sitim. 
 Foelix qui nunquam plus uno viderit amnel 
 
 Quiq; eadem Saltcis littora more colit! 
 Foelix cui non tentatus sordescere Mundus^ 
 
 Et cui Pauperies nota nitere potest ! 
 Tempore cui nullo misera experientia constat, 
 
 Ut res humanas sentiat esse Nihil \
 
 ELEGIA 
 
 At nos exemplis Fortuna instruxit opimis, 
 
 Et documentorum satq; supeVq; dedit. 
 Cum Caplte avulsum Diadema, infraclaq; sceptra, 
 
 Contusasq; Homlnum Sorte minante minas, 
 Parcarum ludos^ & non traEiabile Fatum, 
 
 Et versas fundo vidimus orbis opes. 
 Quis poterit fragilem post talia credere puppim 
 
 Infami scopulis naufragiisq; Maril 
 Tu quoque in hoc Terra tremuisti, Academia^ Motu, 
 
 (Nee frustra) atq; aedes contremuere tuae. 
 Contremue're ipsae pacatte Palladis arces ; 
 
 Et timuit Fulmen Laurea sanfta novum. 
 Ah quanquam iratum, pestem hanc avertere Numen^ 
 
 Nee saltern Bellls ista licere, velit! 
 Nos, tua progenies, pereamus; & ecce, perimus! 
 
 In nos jus habeat : Jus habet omne malum. 
 Tu stabilis brevium genus immortale nepotum 
 
 Fundes ; nee tibi Mors ipsa superstes erit. 
 Semper plena manens uteri de fonte perenni 
 
 Formosas mittes ad mare Mortis aquas. 
 Sic Penus humana quondam, Dea saucia dextra, 
 
 (Namq; solent ipsis Bella nocere Deis) 
 Imploravit opem superum, questusq; cievit, 
 
 Tinxit adorandus Candida membra cruor. 
 Quid quereris ? contemne breves secura dolores ; 
 
 Nam tibi ferre Necem vulnera nulla valent. 
 
 A 2
 
 THE PREFACE 
 
 OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 AT my return lately into England, I met by great accident 
 J~\_ (for such I account it to be, that any Copy of it should 
 be extant any where so long, unless at his house who printed it) 
 a Book entituled, The Iron Age, and published under my name, 
 during the time of my absence. I wondred very much how 
 one who could be so foolish to write so ill Verses, should yet be 
 so Wise to set them forth as another Mans rather then his own ; 
 though perhaps he might have made a better choice, and not 
 fathered the Bastard upon such a person, whose stock of Repu- 
 tation is, I fear, little enough for maintenance of his own 
 numerous Legitimate Off-spring of that kind. It would have 
 been much less injurious, if it had pleased the Author to put 
 forth some of my Writings under his own name, rather then his 
 own under mine : He had been in that a more pardonable 
 Plagiary, and had done less wrong by Robbery, then he does by 
 such a Bounty ; for no body can be justified by the Imputation 
 even of anothers Merit ; and our own course Cloathes are like 
 to become us better, then those of another mans, though never 
 so rich : but these, to say the truth, were so beggarly, that I my 
 self was ashamed to wear them. It was in vain for me, that 
 I avoided censure by the concealment of my own writings, if 
 my reputation could be thus Executed in Effigie ; and impossible 
 it is for any good Name to be in safety, if the malice of Witches 
 have the power to consume and destroy it in an Image of their 
 own making. This indeed was so ill made, and so unlike, that 
 I hope the Charm took no effect. So that I esteem my self less 
 prejudiced by it, then by that which has been done to me since, 
 almost in the same kinde, which is the publication of some
 
 THE PREFACE 
 
 things of mine without my consent or knowledge, and those 
 so mangled and imperfect, that I could neither with honour 
 acknowledge, nor with honesty quite disavow them. Of which 
 sort, was a Comedy called The Guardian, printed in the year 
 1650. but made and acted before the Prince, in his passage 
 through Cambridge towards York, at the beginning of the late 
 unhappy War; or rather neither made nor afied, but rough- 
 drawn onely, and repeated ; for the haste was so great, that it 
 could neither be revised or perfected by the Author, nor learned 
 without-Book by the Aftors, nor set forth in any measure toler- 
 ably by the Officers of the College. After the Representation 
 (which, I confess, was somewhat of the latest) I began to look 
 it over, and changed it very much, striking out some whole 
 parts, as that of the Poet and the Souldier ; but I have lost the 
 Copy, and dare not think it deserves the pains to writ it again, 
 which makes me omit it in this publication, though there be 
 some things in it which I am not ashamed of, taking the excuse 
 of my age and small experience in humane conversation when 
 I made it. But as it is, it is only the hasty first-sitting of a 
 Piflure, and therefore like to resemble me accordingly. From 
 this which has hapned to my self, I began to reflect on the 
 fortune of almost all Writers, and especially Poets, whose Works 
 (commonly printed after their deaths) we finde stuffed out, 
 either with counterfeit pieces, like false Money put in to fill up 
 the Bag, though it adde nothing to the sum ; or with such, 
 which though of their own Coyn, they would have called in 
 themselves, for the baseness of the Allay : whether this proceed 
 from the indiscretion of their Friends, who think a vast heap 
 of Stones or Rubbish a better Monument, then a little Tomb 
 of Marble, or by the unworthy avarice of some Stationers, who 
 are content to diminish the value of the Author, so they may 
 encrease the price of the Book ; and like Vintners with sophisti- 
 cate mixtures, spoil the whole vessel of wine, to make it yield 
 more profit. This has been the case with Shakespear^ Fletcher, 
 yohnson, and many others; part of whose Poems I should take 
 the boldness to prune and lop away, if the care of replanting 
 them in print did belong to me; neither would I make any 
 scruple to cut off from some the unnecessary young Suckers, 
 and from others the old withered Branches ; for a great Wit is 
 no more tyed to live in a Vast Volume, then in a Gigantick
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Body ; on the contrary, it is commonly more vigorous the less 
 space it animates. And as Statins says of little Tydeus, 
 
 Totos infusa per artus 
 
 Major in exiguo regnabat corpore virtus*. 
 
 I am not ignorant, that by saying this of others, I expose my 
 self to some Raillery, for not using the same severe discretion 
 in my own case, where it concerns me nearer : But though 
 I publish here, more then in stricl: wisdom I ought to have 
 done, yet I have supprest and cast away more then I publish ; 
 and for the ease of my self and others, have lost, I believe too, 
 more then both. And upon these considerations I have been 
 perswaded to overcome all the just repugnances of my own 
 modesty, and to produce these Poems to the light and view of the 
 World ; not as a thing that I approved of in it self, but as a less 
 evil, which I chose rather then to stay till it were done for me 
 by some body else, either surreptitiously before, or avowedly 
 after my death : and this will be the more excusable, when 
 the Reader shall know in what respects he may look upon me 
 as a Dead, or at least a Dying Person, and upon my Muse in this 
 a6lion, as appearing, like the Emperor Charts the Fifth, and 
 assisting at her own Funeral. 
 
 For to make my self absolutely dead in a Poetical capacity, 
 my resolution at present, is never to exercise any more that 
 faculty. It is, I confess, but seldom seen that the Poet dyes 
 before the Man ; for when we once fall in love with that 
 bewitching Art, we do not use to court it as a Mistress, but 
 marry it as a Wife, and take it for better or worse, as an 
 Inseparable Companion of our whole life. But as the Manages 
 of Infants do but rarely prosper, so no man ought to wonder 
 at the diminution or decay of my affection to Poesie ; to which 
 I had contracted my self so much under Age, and so much 
 to my own prejudice in regard of those more profitable 
 matches which I might have made among the richer Sciences. 
 As for the Portion which this brings of Fame, it is an Estate 
 (if it be any, for men are not oftner deceived in their hopes 
 of Widows, then in their opinion of, Exegi monumentum (ere 
 perennius) that hardly ever comes in whilst we are Living to 
 enjoy it, but is a fantastical kind of Reversion to our own selves : 
 
 * Stat. i /. Tbeb.
 
 THE PREFACE 
 
 neither ought any man to envy Poets this posthumous and 
 imaginary happiness, since they find commonly so little in 
 present, that it may be truly applyed to them, which S. Paul 
 speaks of the first Christians, If their reward be in this life, they 
 are of all men the most miserable. 
 
 And if in quiet and flourishing times they meet with so 
 small encouragement, what are they to expeft in rough and 
 troubled ones ? if Wit be such a Plant, that it scarce receives 
 heat enough to preserve it alive even in the Summer of our cold 
 Clymate, how can it choose but wither in a long and a sharp 
 winter ? a warlike, various, and a tragical age is best to write 
 of, but worst to write in. And I may, though in a very unequal 
 proportion, assume that to my self, which was spoken by Tully 
 to a much better person, upon occasion of the Civil Wars and 
 Revolutions in his time, Sed in te intuens, Brute, doleo, cujus in 
 adolescentiam per rnedias laudes quasi quadrigis vehentem transversa 
 incurrit miser a for tuna Relpublicce* . 
 
 Neither is the present constitution of my Mind more proper 
 then that of the Times for this exercise, or rather divertisement. 
 There is nothing that requires so much serenity and chearful- 
 ness of Spirit-, it must not be either overwhelmed with the 
 cares of Life, or overcast with the Clouds of Melancholy and 
 Sorrow, or shaken and disturbed with the storms of injurious 
 Fortune ; it must like the Halcyon, have fair weather to breed 
 in. The Soul must be filled with bright and delightful Idea's, 
 when it undertakes to communicate delight to others; which is 
 the main end of Poesie. One may see through the stile of 
 Ovid de Trist. the humbled and dejefted condition of Spirit 
 with which he wrote it; there scarce remains any footsteps of 
 that Genius, 
 
 Quern nee yovis ira, nee ignes, &c. 
 
 The cold of the Countrey had strucken through all his faculties, 
 and benummed the very feet of his Verses. He is himself, 
 methinks, like one of the Stories of his own Metamorphosis ; and 
 though there remain some weak resemblances of Ovid at Rome, 
 It is but as he says of Niobe, 
 
 In vultu color est sine sanguine, lumina mcestis 
 Stant immota genis ; nihil est in Imagine vivum, 
 Flet tamen { 
 
 * Cic. de Clar. Orator. \ Ovid. Metam. I. 6.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The truth is, for a man to write well, it is necessary to be in 
 good humor; neither is Wit less eclipsed with the unquietness 
 of Mind, then Beauty with the Indisposition of Body. So that 
 'tis almost as hard a thing to be a Poet in despight of Fortune, as 
 it is in despight of Nature. For my own part, neither my 
 obligations to the Muses, nor expectations from them are so 
 great, as that I should suffer my self on no considerations to be 
 divorced-, or that I should say like Horace, 
 
 Quisquis erit vita, Scribam, color*. 
 I shall rather use his wqrds in another place, 
 
 Vixi Cameenis nuper idoneus, 
 Et militavi non sine gloriS, 
 Nunc arma defunttumq; hello 
 Barbiton hie paries habebif\". 
 
 And this resolution of mine does the more befit me, because my 
 desire has been for some years past (though the execution has 
 been accidentally diverted) and does still vehemently continue, 
 to retire my self to some of our American Plantations, not to seek 
 for Gold, or inrich my self with the traffick of those parts (which 
 is the end of most men that travel thither ; so that of these Indies 
 it is truer then it was of the former, 
 
 Improbus extremos currit Mercator ad Indos 
 Pauper iem fugiens. . .) 
 
 But to forsake this world for ever, with all the vanities and 
 Vexations of it, and to bury my self there in some obscure retreat 
 (but not without the consolation of Letters and Philosophy] 
 
 Oblitusq; meorum, obliviscendus ff Hits. 
 
 As my former Author speaks too, who has inticed me here, 
 I know not how, into the Pedantry of this heap of Latine 
 Sentences. And I think Doflor Donnes Sun Dyal in a grave is 
 not more useless and ridiculous then Poetry would be in that 
 retirement. As this therefore is in a true sense a kind of Death 
 to the Muses, and a real literal quitting of this World : So, me- 
 thinks, I may make a just claim to the undoubted priviledge of 
 Deceased Poets, which is to be read with more favor, then the 
 Living 
 
 Tanti est ut placeam tibi, Perire\. 
 * Hor. Sat. I. /. 2. ser. t L. 3. Car. Ode 26. Vixipuel/is, <&Y. + Mart.
 
 THE PREFACE 
 
 Having been forced for my own necessary justificatio[n\ to 
 trouble the Reader with this long Discourse of the Reasons why 
 I trouble him also with all the rest of the Book ; I shall only 
 add somewhat concerning the several Parts of it, and some 
 other pieces, which I have thought fit to reject in this publica- 
 tion : As first, all those which I wrote at School from the age of 
 ten years, till after fifteen ; for even so far backward there 
 remain yet some traces of me in the little footsteps of a child; 
 which though they were then looked upon as commendable 
 extravagances in a Boy (men setting a value upon any kind of 
 fruit before the usual season of it) yet I would be loth to be 
 bound now to read them all over my self; and therefore should 
 do ill to expert that patience from others. Besides, they have 
 already past through several Editions, which is a longer Life 
 then uses to be enjoyed by Infants that are born before the 
 ordinary terms. They had the good fortune then to find the 
 world so indulgent (for considering the time of their production, 
 who could be so hard-hearted to be severe ?) that I scarce yet 
 apprehend so much to be censured for them, as for not having 
 made advances afterwards proportionable to the speed of my 
 setting out, and am obliged too in a manner by Discretion to 
 conceal and suppress them, as Promises and Instruments under 
 my own hand, whereby I stood engaged for more then I have 
 been able to perform ; in which truly, if I have failed, I have 
 the real excuse of the honestest sort of Bankrupts, which is, to 
 have been made Unsolvable, not so much by their own negligence 
 and ill-husbandry, as by some notorious accidents and publick 
 disasters. In the next place, I have cast away all such pieces 
 as I wrote during the time of the late troubles, with any relation 
 to the differences that caused them ; as among others, three 
 Books of the Civil War it self, reaching as far as the first Battel 
 of Newbury, where the succeeding misfortunes of the party stopt 
 the work. 
 
 As for the ensuing Book, it consists of four parts : The first 
 is a Miscellanie of several Subjects, and some of them made 
 when I was very young, which it is perhaps superfluous to tell 
 the Reader ; I know not by what chance I have kept Copies of 
 them ; for they are but a very few in comparison of those 
 which I have lost, and I think they have no extraordinary virtue 
 in them, to deserve more care in preservation, then was bestowed
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 upon their Brethren ; for which I am so little concerned, that 
 I am ashamed of the arrogancy of the word, when I said, / had 
 lost them. 
 
 The Second, is called, The Mistress, [or] Love-verses ; for so 
 it is, that Poets are scarce thought Free-men of their Company, 
 without paying some duties, and obliging themselves to be true 
 to Love. Sooner or later they must all pass through that Tryal, 
 like some Mahumetan Monks, that are bound by their Order, 
 once at least, in their life, to make a Pilgrimage to Meca, 
 
 In furias ignemq; ruunt ; Amor omnibus idem. 
 
 But we must not always make a judgment of their manners from 
 their writings of this kind ; as the Romanists uncharitably do of 
 Beza, for a few lascivious Sonnets composed by him in his youth. 
 It is not in this sense that Poesie is said to be a kind of Painting; 
 it is not the Pifture of the Poet, but of things and persons imagined 
 by him. He may be in his own pradlice and disposition a 
 Philosopher, nay a Stoick, and yet speak sometimes with the 
 softness of an amorous Sappho. 
 
 Feret & rubus asper Amomum. 
 
 He professes too much the use of Fables (though without the 
 malice of deceiving) to have his testimony taken even against 
 himself. Neither would I here be misunderstood, as if I affefted 
 so much gravity, as to be ashamed to be thought really in Love. 
 On the contrary, I cannot have a good opinion of any man who 
 is not at least capable of being so. But I speak it to excuse 
 some expressions (if such there be) which may happen to offend 
 the severity of supercilious Readers ; for much Excess is to be 
 allowed in Love, and even more in Poetry ; so we avoid the two 
 unpardonable vices in both, which are Obscenity and Prophane- 
 ness, of which I am sure, if my words be ever guilty, they have 
 ill represented my thoughts and intentions. And if, notwith- 
 standing all this, the lightness of the matter here displease 
 any body ; he may find wherewithal to content his more 
 serious inclinations in the weight and height of the ensuing 
 Arguments. 
 
 For as for the Pindarick Odes (which is the third part) I am 
 in great doubt whether they will be understood by most Readers ; 
 nay, even by very many who are well enough acquainted with 
 
 10
 
 THE PREFACE 
 
 the common Roads, and ordinary Tracks of Poesie. They 
 either are, or at least were meant to be, of that kind of Stile 
 which Dion. Halicarnasseus calls, Me^yaXo^ue? fcal r)&v //.era 
 SeivorijTos, and which he attributes to Alcteus : The digressions 
 are many, and sudden, and sometimes long, according to the 
 fashion of all Lyriques, and of Pindar above all men living. 
 The Figures are unusual and bold, even to Temeritie, and such 
 as I durst not have to do withal in any other kind of Poetry : 
 The Numbers are various and irregular, and sometimes (especially 
 some of the long ones) seem harsh and uncouth, if the just 
 measures and cadencies be not observed in the Pronunciation. 
 So that almost all their Sweetness and Numerosity (which is to 
 be found, if I mistake not, in the roughest, if rightly repeated) 
 lies in a manner wholly at the Mercy of the Reader. I have 
 briefly described the nature of these Verses, in the Ode entituled, 
 The Resurrection : And though the Liberty of them may incline 
 a man to believe them easie to be composed, yet the undertaker 
 will find it otherwise. 
 
 ...Ut sibi quivis 
 
 Speret idem, multum sudet frustraq, laboret 
 Ausus idem.... 
 
 I come now to the last Part, which is Davideis, or an 
 Heroical Poem of the Troubles of David ; which I designed 
 into Twelve Books ; not for the Tribes sake, but after the 
 Pattern of our Master Virgil ; and intended to close all with 
 that most Poetical and excellent Elegie of Davids on the death 
 of Saul and yonathan : For I had no mind to carry him quite 
 on to his Anointing at Hebron, because it is the custom of 
 Heroic^ Poets (as we see by the examples of Homer and Virgil, 
 whom we should do ill to forsake to imitate others) never to 
 come to the full end of their Story ; but onely so near, that 
 every one may see it ; as men commonly play not out the 
 game, when it is evident that they can win it, but lay down 
 their Cards, and take up what they have won. This, I say, 
 was the whole Design, in which there are many noble and 
 fertile Arguments behind ; as, The barbarous cruelty of Saul 
 to the Priests at Nob, the several flights and escapes of David, 
 with the manner of his living in the Wilderness, the Funeral 
 of Samuel, the love of Abigal, the sacking of Ziglagy the loss and 
 
 ii
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 recovery of Davids wives from the Amalekites^ the Witch of 
 Endor, the War with the Philistines, and the Battel of Gilboa ; 
 all which I meant to interweave upon several occasions, with 
 most of the illustrious Stories of the Old Testament, and to 
 embellish with the most remarkable Antiquities of the yews, 
 and of other Nations before or at that Age. But I have had 
 neither Leisure hitherto, nor have Appetite at present to finish 
 the work, or so much as to revise that part which is done with 
 that care which I resolved to bestow upon it, and which the 
 Dignity of the Matter well deserves. For what worthier subjeft 
 could have been chosen among all the Treasuries of past times, 
 then the Life of this young Prince ; who from so small 
 beginnings, through such infinite troubles and oppositions, by 
 such miraculous virtues and excellencies, and with such incom- 
 parable variety of wonderful actions and accidents, became the 
 greatest Monarch that ever sat on the most famous Throne 
 of the whole Earth ? whom should a Poet more justly seek 
 to honour, then the highest Person who ever honoured his Pro- 
 fession ? whom a Christian Poet, rather then the man after 
 Gods own heart, and the man who had that sacred pre-eminence 
 above all other Princes, to be the best and mightiest of that 
 Royal Race from whence Christ himself, according to the flesh 
 disdained not to descend ? When I consider this, and how 
 many other bright and magnificent subjects of the like nature, 
 the Holy Scripture affords and proffers, as it were, to Poesie, in 
 the wise managing and illustrating whereof, the Glory of God 
 Almighty might be joyned with the singular utility and noblest 
 delight of Mankind ; It is not without grief and indignation 
 that I behold that Divine Science employing all her inexhaustible 
 riches of Wit and Eloquence, either in the wicked and beggerly 
 Flattery of great persons, or the unmanly Idolizing of Foolish 
 Women, or the wretched affe6lation of scurril Laughter, or at 
 best on the confused antiquated Dreams of senseless Fables and 
 Metamorphoses. Amongst all holy and consecrated things which 
 the Devil ever stole [and] alienated from the service of the 
 Deity ; as Altars, Temples, Sacrifices, Prayers, and the like ; 
 there is none that he so universally, and so long usurpt, as 
 Poetry. It is time to recover it out of the Tyrants hands, and 
 to restore it to the Kingdom of God, who is the Father of it. 
 It is time to Baptize it in Jordan, for it will never become 
 
 12
 
 THE PREFACE 
 
 clean by bathing in the Water of Damascus. There wants, 
 methinks, but the Conversion of That, and the Jews, for the 
 accomplishment of the Kingdom of Christ. And as men before 
 their receiving of the Faith, do not without some carnal 
 reludlancies, apprehend the bonds and fetters of it, but find it 
 afterwards to be the truest and greatest Liberty: It will fare no 
 otherwise with this Art, after the Regeneration of it ; it will 
 meet with wonderful variety of new, more beautiful, and more 
 delightful Qbjefls ; neither will it want Room, by being confined 
 to Heaven. There is not so great a Lye to be found in any 
 Poet, as the vulgar conceit of men, that Lying is Essential to 
 good Poetry. Were there never so wholesome Nourishment 
 to be had (but alas, it breeds nothing but Diseases') out of these 
 boasted Feasts of Love and Fables ; yet, methinks, the unalter- 
 able continuance of the Diet should make us Nauseate it : For 
 it is almost impossieble to serve up any new Dish of that kind. 
 They are all but the Cold-meats of the Antients, new-heated, 
 and new set forth. I do not at all wonder that the old Poets 
 made some rich crops out of these grounds ; the heart of the 
 Soil was not then wrought out with continual Tillage : But 
 what can we expecl now, who come a Gleaning, not after the 
 first Reapers, but after the very Beggars ? Besides, though 
 those mad stories of the Gods and Heroes, seem in themselves 
 so ridiculous ; yet they were then the whole Body (or rather 
 Chaos) of the Theologie of those times. They were believed 
 by all but a few Philosophers, and perhaps some Atheists, and 
 served to good purpose among the vulgar, (as pitiful things as 
 they are) in strengthening the authority of Law with the terrors 
 of Conscience, and expectation of certain rewards, and unavoid- 
 able punishments. There was no other Religion, and therefore 
 that was better then none at all. But to us who have no need 
 of them, to us who deride their folly, and are wearied with their 
 impertinencies, they ought to appear no better arguments for 
 Perse, then those of their worthy Successors, the Knights Errant. 
 What can we imagine more proper for the ornaments of Wit 
 or Learning in the story of Deucalion, then in that of Noah ? 
 why will not the actions of Sampson afford as plentiful matter 
 as the Labors of Hercules ? why is not 'Jeptha's Daughter as 
 good a woman as Iphigenia ? and the friendship of David and 
 Jonathan more worthy celebration, then that of Theseus and 
 
 '3
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Perithous ? Does not the passage of Moses and the Israelites 
 into the Holy Land, yield incomparably more Poetical variety, 
 then the voyages of Ulysses or Mneas ? Are the obsolete 
 thread-bare tales of Thebes and Troy, half so stored with great, 
 heroical and supernatural aftions (since Verse will needs find or 
 make such) as the wars of Joshua , of the Judges, of David, and 
 divers others ? Can all the Transformations of the Gods give 
 such copious hints to flourish and expatiate on, as the true 
 Miracles of Christ, or of his Prophets, and Apostles ? what do 
 I instance in these few particulars ? All the Books of the Bible 
 are either already most admirable, and exalted pieces of Poesie, 
 or are the best Materials in the world for it. Yet, though 
 they be in themselves so proper to be made use of for this 
 purpose ; None but a good Artist will know how to do it : 
 neither must we think to cut and polish Diamonds with so little 
 pains and skill as we do Marble. For if any man design to 
 compose a Sacred Poem, by only turning a story of the Scripture, 
 like Mr. Quarles's, or some other godly matter, like Mr. Hey- 
 wood of Angels, into Rhyme ; He is so far from elevating of 
 Poesie, that he only abases Divinity. In brief, he who can 
 write a prophane Poem well, may write a Divine one better ; but 
 he who can do that but ill, will do this much worse. The 
 same fertility of Invention, the same wisdom of Disposition ; 
 the same Judgment in observance of Decencies ; the same lustre 
 and vigor of Elocution ; the same modesty and majestic of 
 Number ; briefly the same kind of Habit, is required to both ; 
 only this latter allows better stuff, and therefore would look 
 more deformedly, if ill drest in it. I am far from assuming to 
 my self to have fulfilled the duty of this weighty undertaking : 
 But sure I am, that there is nothing yet in our Language 
 (nor perhaps in any) that is in any degree answerable to the 
 Idea that I conceive of it. And I shall be ambitious of no other 
 fruit from this weak and imperfect attempt of mine, but the 
 opening of a way to the courage and industry of some other 
 persons, who may be better able to perform it throughly and 
 successfully.
 
 Miscellanies. 
 
 THE 
 MOTTO. 
 
 Tentanda via esf, &c. 
 
 WHat shall I do to be for ever known, 
 And make the Age to come my own ? 
 I shall like Beasts or Common People dy, 
 
 Unless you write my Elegy ; 
 Whilst others Great, by being Born are grown, 
 
 Their Mothers Labour, not their own. 
 In this Scale Gold, in th'other Fame does ly, 
 
 The weight of that, mounts this so high. 
 These men are Fortunes Jewels, moulded bright ; 
 
 Brought forth with their own fire and light. 
 If I, her vulgar stone for either look ; 
 
 Out of my self it must be strook. 
 Yet I must on ; what sound is't strikes mine ear ? 
 
 Sure I Fames Trumpet hear. 
 It sounds like the last Trumpet ; for it can 
 
 Raise up the bur'ied Man. 
 Unpast Alpes stop me, but I'll cut through all, 
 
 And march, the Muses Hannibal. 
 Hence all the flattering vanities that lay 
 
 Nets of Roses in the way. 
 Hence the desire of Honors, or Estate; 
 
 And all, that is not above Fate.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Hence Love himself, that Tyrant of my days, 
 
 Which intercepts my coming praise. 
 Come my best Friends, my Books, and lead me on ; 
 
 'Tis time that I were gon. 
 Welcome, great Stagirite, and teach me now 
 
 All I was born to know. 
 Thy Scholars vitfries thou dost far out-do; 
 
 He conquer'd th' Earth, the whole World you. 
 Welcome learn'd Cicero, whose blest Tongue and Wit 
 
 Preserves Ronies greatness yet. 
 Thou art the first of Orators ; only he 
 
 Who best can praise Thee, next must be. 
 Welcome the Mantuan Swan, Virgil the Wise, 
 
 Whose verse walks highest, but not flies. 
 Who brought green Poesie to her perfect Age; 
 
 And made that Art which was a Rage. 
 Tell me, ye mighty Three, what shall I do 
 
 To be like one of you. 
 But you have climb'd the Mountains top, there sit 
 
 On the calm flourishing head of it, 
 And whilst with wearied steps we upward go, 
 
 See Us, and Clauds below. 
 
 ODE. 
 
 Of Wit. 
 i. 
 
 1 me, O tell, what kind of thing is 
 JL. Thou who Master art of it. 
 
 For the First matter loves Variety less ; 
 Less Women love't, either in Love or Dress. 
 
 A thousand different shapes it bears, 
 Comely in thousand shapes appears. 
 Yonder we saw it plain ; and here 'tis now, 
 Like Spirits in a Place, we know not How. 
 
 16
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 [2.] 
 
 London that vents of false Ware so much store, 
 
 In no Ware deceives us more. 
 For men led by the Colour, and the Shape, 
 Like Zeuxes Birds fly to the painted Grape ; 
 
 Some things do through our Judgment pass 
 
 As through a Multiplying Glass. 
 And sometimes, if the Objeft be too far, 
 We take a Falling Meteor for a Star. 
 
 3- 
 
 Hence 'tis a Wit that greatest word of Fame 
 Grows such a common Name. 
 
 And Wits by our Creation they become, 
 
 Just so, as Titular Bishops made at Rome. 
 'Tis not a Tale, 'tis not a y 
 Admir'd with Laughter at a feast, 
 
 Nor florid Talk which can that Title gain ; 
 
 The Proofs of Wit for ever must remain. 
 
 4- 
 
 'Tis not to force some lifeless Verses meet 
 With their five gowty feet. 
 
 All ev'ry where, like Mans, must be the Soul, 
 
 And Reason the Inferior Powers controul. 
 
 Such were the Numbers which could call 
 The Stones into the Theban wall. 
 
 Such Miracles are ceast ; and now we see 
 
 No Towns or Houses rais'd by Poetrie. 
 
 5- 
 
 Yet 'tis not to adorn, and gild each part ; 
 That shows more Cost, then Art. 
 
 yewels at Nose and Lips but ill appear ; 
 
 Rather then all things Wit, let none be there. 
 Several Lights will not be seen, 
 If there be nothing else between. 
 
 Men doubt, because they stand so thick i' th' skie, 
 
 If those be Stars which paint the Galaxie. 
 
 c. B 17
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 6. 
 
 'Tis not when two like words make up one noise ; 
 Jests for Dutch Men, and English Boys. 
 
 In which who finds out Wit, the same may see 
 
 In Arfgrams and Acrostiques Poetrie. 
 
 Much less can that have any place 
 At which a Virgin hides her face, 
 
 Such Dross the Fire must purge away ; 'tis just 
 
 The Author blush, there where the Reader must. 
 
 7- 
 
 'Tis not such Lines as almost crack the Stage 
 When Bajazet begins to rage. 
 
 Nor a tall Metaphor in the Bombast way, 
 
 Nor the dry chips of short lung'd Seneca. 
 Nor upon all things to obtrude, 
 And force some odd Similitude. 
 
 What is it then, which like the Power Divine 
 
 We only can by Negatives define ? 
 
 In a true piece of Wit all things must be, 
 
 Yet all things there agree. 
 As in the Ark, joyn'd without force or strife, 
 All 'Creatures dwelt ; all Creatures that had Life. 
 Or as the Primitive Forms of all 
 (If we compare great things with small) 
 Which without Discord or Confusion lie, 
 In that strange Mirror of the Deitie. 
 
 9- 
 But Love that moulds One Man up out of Two, 
 
 Makes me forget and injure you. 
 I took you for my self sure when I thought 
 That you in any thing were to be Taught. 
 
 Correct my error with thy Pen ; 
 
 And if any ask me then, 
 
 What thing right Wit, and height of Genius is, 
 I'll onely shew your Lines, and say, 'TiV This. 
 
 18
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 To the Lord Falkland. 
 
 For his safe Return from the Northern Expedition 
 against the SCOTS. 
 
 GReat is thy Charge, O North ; be wise and just, 
 England commits her Falkland to thy trust; 
 Return him safe : Learning would rather choose 
 Her Bodley, or her Vatican to loose. 
 All things that are but writ or printed there, 
 In his unbounded Breast engraven are. 
 There all the Sciences together meet, 
 And every Art does all her Kindred greet, 
 Yet justle not, nor quarrel ; but as well 
 Agree as in some Common Principle. 
 So in an Army govern'd right we see 
 (Though out of several Countrys rais'd it be) 
 That all their Order and their Place maintain, 
 The English, Dutch, the Frenchmen and the Dane. 
 So thousand diverse Species fill the aire, 
 Yet neither crowd nor mix confus'dly there, 
 Beasts, Houses, Trees, and Men together lye, 
 Yet enter undisturbed into the Eye. 
 
 And this great Prince of Knowledge is by Fate 
 Thrust into th' noise and business of a State, 
 All Virtues, and some Customs of the Court, 
 Other mens Labour, are at least his Sport. 
 Whilst we who can no action undertake, 
 Whom Idleness it self might Learned make, 
 Who hear of nothing, and as yet scarce know, 
 Whether the Scots in England be or no, 
 Pace dully on, oft tire, and often stay, 
 Yet see his nimble Pegasus fly away. 
 'Tis Natures fault who did thus partial grow, 
 And her Estate of Wit on One bestow. 
 Whilst we like younger Brothers, get at best 
 But a small stock, and must work out the rest. 
 How could he answer't, should the State think fit 
 To question a Monopoly of Wit ? 
 
 B2 19
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Such is the Man whom we require the same 
 We lent the North ; untoucht as is his Fame. 
 He is too good for War, and ought to be 
 As far from Danger, as from Fear he's free. 
 Those Men alone (and those are useful too) 
 Whose Valour is the onely Art they know, 
 Were for sad War and bloody Batteh born ; 
 Let Them the State Defend, and He Adorn. 
 
 On the Death of Sir Henry Wootton. 
 
 WHat shall we say, since silent now is He 
 Who when he Spoke, all things would Silent be ? 
 Who had so many Languages in store, 
 That onely Fame shall speak of him in More. 
 Whom England now no more return'd must see. 
 He's gone to Heavn on his Fourth Embassie. 
 On earth he travell'd often ; not to say 
 H'had been abroad, or pass loose Time away. 
 In whatsoever Land he chanc'd to come, 
 He read the Men and Manners, bringing home 
 Their Wisdom, Learning, and their Pietie, 
 As if he went to Conquer, not to See. 
 So well he understood the most and best 
 Of Tongues that Babel sent into the West, 
 Spoke them so truly, that he had (you'd swear) 
 Not only Livd, but been Born every where. 
 Justly each Nations Speech to him was known, 
 Who for the World was made, not us alone. 
 Nor ought the Language of that Man be less 
 Who in his Breast had all things to express. 
 We say that Learning's endless, and blame Fate 
 For not allowing Life a longer date. 
 He did the utmost Bounds of Knowledge find, 
 He found them not so large as was his Mind. 
 But, like the brave Pellesan Youth, did mone 
 Because that Art had no more worlds then One. 
 And when he saw that he through all had past, 
 He dy'd, lest he should Idle grow at last. 
 
 20
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 On the Death of Mr. Jordan, 
 
 Second Master at Westminster School. 
 
 HEnce, and make room for me, all you who come 
 Onely to read the Epitaph on this Tombe. 
 Here lies the Master of my tender years, 
 The Guardian of my Parents Hope and Fears y 
 Whose Government ne'r stood me in a Tear ; 
 All weeping was reserv'd to spend it here. 
 Come hither all who his rare virtues knew, 
 And mourn with Me : He was your Tutor too. 
 Let's joyn our Sighes, till they fly far, and shew 
 His native Belgia what she's now to do. 
 The League of grief bids her with us lament ; 
 By her he was brought forth, and hither sent 
 In payment of all Men we there had lost, 
 And all the English Blood those wars have cost. 
 Wisely did Nature this learn'd Man divide ; 
 His Birth was Theirs, his Death the mournful pride 
 Of England ; and t'avoid the envious strife 
 Of other Lands, all Europe had his Life, 
 But we in chief; our Countrey soon was grown 
 A Debter more to Him, then He to'his Own. 
 He pluckt from youth the follies and the crimes, 
 And built up Men against the future times, 
 For deeds of Age are in their Causes then, 
 And though he taught but Boys, he made the Men. 
 Hence 'twas a Master in those ancient dayes 
 When men sought Knowledge first, and by it Praise, 
 Was a thing full of Reverence, Pro/it, Fame ; 
 Father it self was but a Second Name. 
 He scorn'd the profit ; his Instructions all 
 Were like the Science, Free and Liberal. 
 He deserved Honors, but despis'd them too 
 As much as those who have them, others do. 
 He knew not that which Complement they call ; 
 Could Flatter none, but Himself least of all. 
 So true, so faithful, and so just as he, 
 Was nought on earth, but his own Memorie. 
 
 21
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 His Memory , where all things written were 
 As sure and fixt as in Fates Books they are. 
 Thus he in Arts so vast a treasure gain'd, 
 Whilst still the Use came in, and Stock remain'd. 
 And having purchas'd all that man can know, 
 He labor'd with't <~o enrich others now. 
 Did thus a new, and harder task sustain, 
 Like those that work in Mines for others gain. 
 He, though more nobly, had much more to do, 
 To search the fein, dig, purge, and mint it too. 
 Though my Excuse would be, I must confess, 
 Much better had his Diligenc[e] been less. 
 But if a Muse hereafter smile on me, 
 And say, Be thou a Poet, men shall see 
 That none could a more grateful Scholar have ; 
 For what I ow'd his Life, I'll pay his Grave. 
 
 On his Majesties Return out of Scotland, 
 i. 
 
 WElcome, great Sir, with all the joy that's due 
 To the return of Peace and You. 
 Two greatest Blessings which this age can know ; 
 For that to Thee, for Thee to Heaven we ow. 
 Others by War their Conquests gain, 
 You like a God your ends obtain. 
 Who when rude Chaos for his help did call, 
 Spoke but the Word, and sweetly Ordered all. 
 
 2. 
 
 This happy Concord in no Blood is writ, 
 
 None can grudge heav'n full thanks for it. 
 No Mothers here lament their Childrens fate, 
 And like the Peace, but think it comes too late. 
 No Widows hear the jocond Bells, 
 And take them for their Husbands Knells. 
 No Drop of Blood is spilt which might be said 
 To mark our joyful Holiday with Red. 
 
 22
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 3- 
 
 'Twas only Heaven could work this wondrous thing, 
 
 And onely work't by such a King. 
 Again the Northern. Hindes may sing and plow, 
 And fear no harm but from the weather now. 
 Again may Tradesmen love their pain 
 By knowing now for whom they gain. 
 The Armour now may be hung up to sight, 
 And onely in their Halls the Children fright. 
 
 4- 
 
 The gain of Civil Wars will not allow 
 
 Bay to the Conquerors Brow. 
 At such a Game what fool would venture in, 
 Where one must lose, yet neither side can win ? 
 How justly would our Neighbours smile 
 At these mad quarrels of our Isle 
 Sweld with proud hopes to snatch the whole away, 
 Whilst we Bet all, and yet for nothing Play? 
 
 5- 
 
 How was the silver Tine frighted before, 
 
 And durst not kiss the armed shore ? 
 
 His waters ran more swiftly then they use, 
 
 And hasted to the Sea to tell the News. 
 
 The Sea it self, how rough so ere 
 Could scarce believe such fury here. 
 
 How could the Scots and we be Enemies grown ? 
 
 That, and its Master Charls had made us One. 
 
 6. 
 
 No Blood so loud as that of Civil IVar ; 
 It calls for Dangers from afar. 
 
 Let's rather go, and seek out Them, and Fame ; 
 
 Thus our Fore-fathers got, thus left a Name. 
 
 All their rich blood was spent with gains, 
 But that which swells their Childrens feins. 
 
 Why sit we still, our Spirits wrapt up in Lead\ 
 
 Not like them whilst they Liv'd, but now they're Dd? 
 
 23
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 7- 
 
 This noise at home was but Fates policie 
 To raise our Spir'its more high. 
 So a bold Lyon ere he seeks hjs prey, 
 Lashes his sides, and roars, and then away. 
 
 How would the German Eagle fear, 
 To see a new Gustavus there ? 
 How would it shake, though as 'twas wont to do 
 For Jove of old, it now bore Thunder too ! 
 
 8. 
 
 Sure there are aclions of this height and praise 
 Destin'd to Charls his days. 
 
 What will the Triumphs of his Battels be, 
 
 Whose very Peace it self is Victorie ? 
 
 When Heaven bestows the best of Kings, 
 It bids us think of mighty things. 
 
 His Valour, Wisdom, Offspring speak no less ; 
 
 And we the Prophets Sons, write not by Guess. 
 
 On the Death of Sir Anthony Vandike, 
 The famous Painter. 
 
 v< 
 
 rAndike is Dead; but what Bold Muse shall dare 
 (Though Poets in that word with Painters share) 
 T'express her sadness? Po'esie must become 
 An Art, like Painting here, an Art that's Dumb. 
 Let's all our solemn grief in silence keep, 
 Like some sad Piflure which he made to weep, 
 Or those who saw't, for none his works could view 
 Unmov'd with the same Passions which he drew. 
 His pieces so with their live Objefts strive, 
 That both or Pittures seem, or both Alive. 
 Nature her self amaz'd, does doubting stand, 
 Which is her own, and which the Painters Hand, 
 And does attempt the like with less success, 
 When her own work in Twins she would express. 
 
 24
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 His All-resembling Pencil did out-pass 
 The mimick Imagery of Looking-glass. 
 Nor was his Life less perfecl: then his Art, 
 Nor was his Hand less erring then his Heart. 
 There was no false, or fading Colour there, 
 The Figures sweet and well proportion'd were. 
 Most other men, set next to him in view, 
 Appear'd more shadows then the Men he drew. 
 Thus still he liv'd till heav'n did for him call, 
 Where reverent Luke salutes him first of all : 
 Where he beholds new sights, divinely faire ; 
 And could almost wish for his Pencil there ; 
 Did he not gladly see how all things shine, 
 Wondrously painted in the Mind Divine, 
 Whilst he for ever ravisht with the show 
 Scorns his own Art which we admire below. 
 Onely his beauteous Lady still he loves ; 
 (The love of heav'nly Objects Heav'n improves) 
 He sees bright Angels in pure beams appear, 
 And thinks on her he left so like them here. 
 And you, fair Widow, who stay here alive, 
 Since he so much rejoyces, cease to grieve. 
 Your joys and griefs were wont the same to be ; 
 Begin not now, blest Pair, to Disagree. 
 No wonder Death mov'd not his gen'erous mind. 
 You, and a new born You, he left behind. 
 Even Fate exprest his love to his dear Wife, 
 And let him end your Piflure with his Life. 
 
 Prometheus ill-painted. 
 
 HOw wretched does Promethe'us state appear, 
 Whilst he his Second Misery suffers here ! 
 Draw him no more, lest as he tortur'd stands, 
 He blame great Joves less then the Painters hands. 
 It would the Vulturs cruelty outgoe, 
 If once again his Liver thus should grow. 
 Pity him Jove, and his bold Theft allow, 
 The Flames he once stole from thee grant him now. 
 
 25
 
 H 
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 ODE. 
 
 i. 
 
 Ere's to thee Dick ; this whining Love despise ; 
 Pledge me, my Friend, and drink till thou be'st wise. 
 It sparkles brighter far then she : 
 'Tis pure, and right without deceit ; 
 And such no woman ere will be : 
 No ; they are all Sophisticate. 
 
 2. 
 
 With all thy servile pains what canst thou win, 
 But an ill-favor 'd, and uncleanly Sin ? 
 
 A thing so vile, and so short-liv'd, 
 
 That Venus Joys as well as she 
 
 With reason may be said to be 
 
 From the negledted Foam deriv'd. 
 
 3- 
 
 Whom would that painted toy a Beauty move, 
 Whom would it ere perswade to court and love, 
 Could he a womans Heart have seen, 
 (But, oh, no Light does thither come) 
 And view'd her perfectly within, 
 When he lay shut up in her womb ? 
 
 4- 
 
 Follies they have so numberless in store, 
 That only he who loves them can have more. 
 
 Neither their Sighs nor Tears are true ; 
 
 Those idlely blow, these idlely fall, 
 
 Nothing like to ours at all. 
 
 But Sighs and Tears have Sexes too. 
 
 5- 
 
 Here's to thee again ; thy senseless sorrows drown'd ; 
 Let the Glass walk, till all things too go round; 
 
 Again ; till these Two Lights be Four ; 
 
 No error here can dangerous prove ; 
 
 Thy Passion, Man, deceiv'd thee more ; 
 
 None Double see like Men in Love. 
 
 26
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 Friendship in Absence. 
 i. 
 
 WHen chance or cruel business parts us two, 
 What do our Souls I wonder do ? 
 Whilst sleep does our dull Bodies tie 
 Methinks, at home they should not stay, 
 Content with Dreams, but boldly flie 
 Abroad, and meet each other half the way. 
 
 2. 
 
 Sure they do meet, enjoy each other there, 
 
 And mix I know not How, nor Where. 
 Their friendly Lights together twine, 
 Though we perceive't not to be so, 
 Like loving Stars which oft combine, 
 
 Yet not themselves their own Conjunctions know. 
 
 3- 
 
 'Twere an ill World, I'll swear, for every friend, 
 If Distance could their Union end 
 But Love it self does far advance 
 Above the power of Time and Space, 
 It scorns such outward Circumstance, 
 
 His Time's for ever, every where his Place. 
 
 4- 
 
 ram there with Thee, yet here with Me thou art, 
 Lodg'd in each others heart. 
 Miracles cease not yet in Love, 
 When he his mighty Power will try 
 Absence it self does Bounteous prove, 
 
 And strangely ev'n our Presence Multiply. 
 
 5- 
 Pure is the flame of Friendship, and divine 
 
 Like that which in Heav'ns Sun does shine: 
 
 He in the upper ayr and sky 
 
 Does no effects of Heat bestow, 
 
 But as his beams the farther fly 
 He begets Warmth, Life, Beauty here below. 
 
 27
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 6. 
 
 Friendship is less apparent when too nigh, 
 
 Like Objects, if they touch the Eye. 
 Less Meritorious then is Love, 
 For when we Friends together see 
 So much, so much Both One do prove, 
 
 That their Love then seems but Self-love to be. 
 
 7- 
 
 Each day think on me, and each day I shall 
 For thee make Hours Canonical. 
 By every Wind that comes this way, 
 Send me at least a sigh or two, 
 Such and so many I'll repay 
 
 As shall themselves make Winds to get to you. 
 
 8. 
 A thousand pretty wayes we'll think upon 
 
 To mock our Separation. 
 
 Alas, ten thousand will not do ; 
 
 My heart will thus no longer stay, 
 
 No longer 'twill be kept from you, 
 But knocks against the Breast to get away. 
 
 9- 
 
 And when no Art affords me help or ease, 
 
 I seek with verse my griefs t'appease. 
 Just as a Bird that flies about 
 And beats it self against the Cage, 
 Finding at last no passage out 
 
 It sits, and sings, and so orecomes its rage. 
 
 70 the Bishop of Lincoln, 
 
 Upon his Enlargement out of the Tower. 
 
 PArdon, my Lord, that I am come so late 
 T'express my joy for your return of Fate. 
 So when injurious Chance did you deprive 
 Of Liberty, at first I could not grieve ; 
 My thoughts a while, like you, Imprisoned lay ; 
 Great Joys as well as Sorrows make a Stay ; 
 
 28
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 They hinder one another in the Crowd, 
 
 And none are heard, whilst all would speak aloud. 
 
 Should every mans officious gladness hast, 
 
 And be afraid to shew it self the last ; 
 
 The throng of Gratulations now would be 
 
 Another Loss to you of Libertie. 
 
 When of your freedom men the news did hear 
 
 Where it was wisht for, that is every where, 
 
 'Twas like the Speech which from your Lips does fall, 
 
 As soon as it was heard it ravisht all. 
 
 So Eloquence Tully did from exile come ; 
 
 Thus long'd for he return'd, and cherisht Rome, 
 
 Which could no more his Tongue and Counsels miss ; 
 
 Rome, the Worlds head, was nothing without His. 
 
 Wrong to those sacred Ashes I should do, 
 
 Should I compare any to Him but You ; 
 
 You to whom Art and Nature did dispence 
 
 The Consulship of Wit and Eloquence. 
 
 Nor did your fate differ from his at all 
 
 Because the doom of Exile was his fall, 
 
 For the whole World without a native home 
 
 Is nothing but a Prison of larger roome. 
 
 But like a melting Woman sufFer'd He, 
 
 He who before out-did Humanitie. 
 
 Nor could his Spi'rit constant and stedfast prove, 
 
 Whose Art t'had been, and greatest end to Move. 
 
 You put ill Fortune in so good a dress 
 
 That it out-shone other mens Happiness, 
 
 Had your Prosperity always clearly gon 
 
 As your high Merits would have led it on, 
 
 You'had Half been lost, and an Example then 
 
 But for the Happy, the least part of men. 
 
 Your very sufferings did so graceful shew, 
 
 That some straight envy'd your Afflittion too. 
 
 For a clear Conscience and Heroick Mind 
 
 In Ills their Business and their Glory find. 
 
 So though less worthy stones are drown'd in night, 
 
 The faithful Diamond keeps his native Light, 
 
 And is oblig'd to Darkness for a ray 
 
 That would be more opprest then helpt by Day. 
 
 29
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Your Soul then most shew'd her unconquer'd power, 
 Was stronger and more armed then the Tower. 
 Sure unkinde fate will tempt your Spfrit no more, 
 Sh'has try'd her Weakness and your Strength before. 
 To'oppose him still who once has Conquered so, 
 Were now to be your Rebel, not your Foe. 
 Fortune henceforth will more of Providence have, 
 And rather be your Friend, then be your Slave. 
 
 To a Lady who made Posies for Rings. 
 
 i. 
 
 I Little thought the time would ever bee, 
 That I should Wit in Dwarfish Posies see. 
 As all Words in Few Letters live, 
 Thou to few Words all Sense dost give. 
 'Twas Nature taught you this rare art 
 In such a Little Much to shew, 
 Who all the good she did impart 
 To Womankind Epitomized in you. 
 
 2. 
 
 If as the Ancients did not doubt to sing, 
 The turning Tears be well compar'd to a Ring, 
 
 , We'll write what ere from you we hear, 
 For that's the Paste of the Tear. 
 This difference onely will remain, 
 That Time his former face does shew 
 Winding into himself again, 
 But your unweari'd Wit is always Neiv. 
 
 3- 
 
 'Tis said that Conjurers have an Art found out 
 To carry Spirits confin'd in Rings about. 
 The wonder now will less appear 
 When we behold your Magick here. 
 You by your Rings do Prisoners take, 
 And chain them with your mystick Spells, 
 And the strong Witchcraft full to make, 
 Love, the great Dev'il, charm'd to those Circles dwells.
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 4- 
 
 They who above do various Circles finde, 
 Say, like a Ring th' ^Equator Heaven does bind. 
 When Heaven shall be adorn'd by thee 
 (Which then more Heaven then 'tis will be) 
 'Tis thou must write the Paste there, 
 For it wanteth one as yet, 
 Though the Sun pass through't twice a year, 
 The Sun who is esteem'd the God of Wit. 
 
 5- 
 
 Happy the Hands which wear thy sacred Rings, 
 They'll teach those Hands to write mysterious things. 
 Let other Rings, with Jewe/s bright, 
 Cast around their costly light, 
 Let them want no noble Stone 
 By Nature rich, and Art refin'd, 
 Yet shall thy Rings give place to none, 
 But onely that which must thy Mariage bind. 
 
 Prologue to the Guardian 
 
 Before the Prince. 
 
 WHo says the Times do Learning disallow ? 
 'Tis false ; 'twas never Honored so as Now . 
 When you appear, Great Prince, our Night is done ; 
 You are our Morning Star, and shall be'our Sun. 
 But our Scene's London now ; and by the rout 
 We perish, if the Round-heads be about. 
 For now no ornament the Head must wear, 
 No Bays, no Mitre, not so much as Hair. 
 How can a Play pass safely, when ye know 
 Cheapside Cross falls for making but a Show ? 
 Our onely Hope is this, that it may be 
 A Play may pass too, made Extempore. 
 Though other Arts poor and neglected grow, 
 They'l admit Po'esie which was always so. 
 
 31
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 But we contemn the fury of these days, 
 
 And scorn no less their Censure then their Praise. 
 
 Our Muse^ blest Prince, does onely'on you relie ; 
 
 Would gladly Live, but not refuse to Dye. 
 
 Accept our hasty zeal; a thing that's play'd 
 
 Ere't is a Play, and A tied ere'tis Made. 
 
 Our Ignorance, but our Duty too we show ; 
 
 I would all Ignorant People would do so ! 
 
 At other Times expecl our Wit or Art \ 
 
 This Comedy is Atted by the Heart. 
 
 The Epilogue. 
 
 e Play, great Sir, is done ; yet needs must fear, 
 JL Though you brought all your Fathers Mercies here, 
 It may offend your Highness, and we'have now 
 Three hours done Treason here for ought we know. 
 But power your grace can above Nature give, 
 It can give power to make Abortives Live. 
 In which if our bold wishes should be crost, 
 'Tis but the Life of one poor week t'has lost ; 
 Though it should fall beneath your mortal scorn, 
 Scarce could it Dye more quickly then 'twas Born. 
 
 On the Death of Mr. William Hervey. 
 
 Immodicis brevis est tstas, & rara Seneftus. Mart. 
 
 I. 
 
 IT was a dismal, and a fearful night, 
 Scarce could the Morn drive on th'unwilling Light, 
 When Sleep, Deaths Image, left my troubled brest, 
 
 By something liker Death possest. 
 My eyes with Tears did uncommanded flow, 
 
 And on my Soul hung the dull weight 
 Of some Intolerable Fate. 
 What Bell was that ? Ah me ! Too much I know.
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 2. 
 
 My sweet Companion, and my gentle Peere, 
 
 Why hast thou left me thus unkindly here, 
 
 Thy end for ever, and my Life to moan ; 
 O thou hast left me all alone ! 
 
 Thy Soul and Body when Deaths Agonie 
 Besieg'd around thy noble heart, 
 Did not with more reluctance part 
 
 Then /, my dearest Friend, do part from Thee. 
 
 3- 
 
 My dearest Friend, would I had dy'd for thee ! 
 Life and this World henceforth will tedious bee. 
 Nor shall I know hereafter what to do 
 
 If once my Griefs prove tedious too. 
 Silent and sad I walk about all day, 
 
 As sullen Ghosts stalk speechless by 
 
 Where their hid Treasures ly; 
 Alas, my Treasure's gone, why do I stay ? 
 
 4- 
 
 He was my Friend, the truest Friend on earth ; 
 A strong and mighty Influence joyn'd our Birth. 
 Nor did we envy the most sounding Name 
 
 By Friendship giv'n of old to Fame. 
 None but his Brethren he, and Sisters knew, 
 
 Whom the kind youth preferr'd to Me ; 
 
 And ev'n in that we did agree, 
 For much above my self I lov'd them too. 
 
 5- 
 
 Say, for you saw us, ye immortal Lights, 
 How oft unweari'd have we spent the Nights? 
 Till the Ledeean Stars so fam'd for Love, 
 
 Wondred at us from above. 
 We spent them not in toys, in lusts, or wine ; 
 
 But search of deep Philosophy, 
 
 Wit, Eloquence, and Poetry, 
 Arts which I lov'd, for they, my Friend, were Thine. 
 
 c. c 33
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 6. 
 
 Ye fields of Cambridge, our dear Cambridge, say, 
 
 Have ye not seen us walking every day ? 
 
 Was there a Tree about which did not know 
 The Love betwixt us two ? 
 
 Henceforth, ye gentle Trees, for ever fade ; 
 Or your sad branches thicker joyn, 
 And into darksome shades combine, 
 
 Dark as the Grave wherein my Friend is laid. 
 
 7- 
 
 Henceforth no learned Youths beneath you sing, 
 Till all the tuneful Birds to'your boughs they bring ; 
 No tuneful Birds play with their wonted chear, 
 
 And call the learned Youths to hear, 
 No whistling Winds through the glad branches fly, 
 
 But all with sad solemnitie, 
 
 Mute and unmoved be, 
 Mute as the Grave wherein my Friend does ly. 
 
 8. 
 
 To him my Muse made haste with every strain 
 
 Whilst it was new, and warm yet from the Brain. 
 
 He lov'd my worthless Rhimes, and like a Friend 
 Would find out something to commend. 
 
 Hence now, my Muse, thou canst not me delight ; 
 Be this my latest verse 
 With which I now adorn his Herse, 
 
 And this my Grief, without thy help shall write. 
 
 9- 
 
 Had I a wreath of Bays about my brow, 
 I should contemn that flourishing honor now, 
 Condemn it to the Fire, and joy to hear 
 
 It rage and crackle there. 
 Instead of Bays, crown with sad Cypress me ; 
 
 Cypress which Tombs does beautifie ; 
 
 Not Phoebus griev'd so much as I 
 For him, who first was made that mournful Tree. 
 
 34
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 10. 
 
 Large was his Soul ; as large a Soul as ere 
 
 Submitted to inform a Body here. 
 
 High as the Place 'twas shortly'in Heav'n to have, 
 
 But low, and humble as his Grave. 
 So high that all the Virtues there did come 
 
 As to their chiefest seat 
 
 Conspicuous, and great ; 
 So low that for Me too it made a room. 
 
 ii. 
 
 He scorn'd this busie world below, and all 
 
 That we, Mistaken Mortals, Pleasure call ; 
 
 Was fill'd with inn'ocent Gallantry and Truth, 
 Triumphant ore the sins of Youth. 
 
 He like the Stars, to which he now is gone, 
 That shine with beams like Flame, 
 Yet burn not with the same, 
 
 Had all the Light of Youth, of the Fire none. 
 
 12. 
 
 Knowledge he only sought, and so soon caught, 
 As if for him Knowledge had rather sought. 
 Nor did more Learning ever crowded lie 
 
 In such a short Mortalitie. 
 When ere the skilful Youth discourst or writ, 
 
 Still did the Notions throng 
 
 About his eloquent Tongue, 
 Nor could his Ink flow faster then his Wit. 
 
 So strong a Wit did Nature to him frame, 
 As all things but his Judgement overcame ; 
 His Judgement like the heav'nly Moon did show, 
 
 Temp'ring that mighty Sea below. 
 Oh had he liv'd in Learnings World, what bound 
 
 Would have been able to controul 
 
 His over-powering Soul ? 
 We'have lost in him Arts that not yet are found. 
 
 C2 35
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 14. 
 
 His Mirth was the pure Spirits of various Wit, 
 
 Yet never did his God or Friends forget. 
 
 And when deep talk and wisdom came in view, 
 Retir'd and gave to them their due. 
 
 For the rich help of Books he always took, 
 
 Though his own searching mind before 
 Was so with Notions written ore 
 
 As if wise Nature had made that her Book. 
 
 So many Virtues joyn'd in him, as we 
 
 Can scarce pick here and there in Historie. 
 
 More then old Writers Practice ere could reach, 
 As much as they could ever teach. 
 
 These did Religion, Queen of Virtues sway, 
 And all their sacred Motions steare, 
 Just like the First and Highest Sphere 
 
 Which wheels about, and turns all Heaven one way. 
 
 1 6. 
 
 With as much Zeal, Devotion, Pietie, 
 
 He always Liv'd, as other Saints do Dye. 
 
 Still with his soul severe account he kept, 
 
 Weeping all Debts out ere he slept. 
 
 Then down in peace and innocence he lay, 
 Like the Suns laborious light, 
 Which still in Water sets at Night, 
 
 Unsullied with his Journey of the Day. 
 
 Wondrous young Man, why wert thou made so good, 
 
 To be snatcht hence ere better understood? 
 
 Snatcht before half of thee enough was seen ! 
 
 Thou Ripe, and yet thy Life but Green ! 
 
 Nor could thy Friends take their last sad Farewel, 
 But Danger and Infeflious Death 
 Malitiously seiz'd on that Breath 
 
 Where Life, Spirit, Pleasure always us'd to dwell. 
 
 36
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 1 8. 
 
 But happy Thou, ta'ne from this frantick age, 
 
 Where Igno'rance and Hypocrisie does rage ! 
 
 A fitter time for Heav'n no soul ere chose, 
 
 The place now onely free from those. 
 
 There 'mong the Blest thou dost for ever shine, 
 And wheresoere thou casts thy view 
 Upon that white and radiant crew, 
 
 See'st not a Soul cloath'd with more Light then Thine. 
 
 19. 
 
 And if the glorious Saints cease not to know 
 Their wretched Friends who fight with Life below ; 
 Thy Flame to Me does still the same abide, 
 
 Onely more pure and rarifi'd. 
 There whilst immortal Hymns thou dost reherse, 
 
 Thou dost with holy pity see 
 
 Our dull and earthly Poesie, 
 Where Grief and Mis'cry can be join'd with Verse. 
 
 ODE. 
 
 In imitation of Horaces Ode. 
 
 Quis multa gracilis te puer in rosd 
 Perfusus, &c. Lib. I. Od. 5. 
 
 I. 
 
 TO whom now Pyrrha, art thou kind ? 
 To what heart-ravisht Lover, 
 Dost thou thy golden locks unbind, 
 Thy hidden sweets discover, 
 And with large bounty open set 
 All the bright stores of thy rich Cabinet ? 
 
 37
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 Ah simple Touth^ how oft will he 
 
 Of thy chang'd Faith complain ? 
 And his own Fortunes find to be 
 
 So airy and so vain, 
 
 Of so Came/eon-like an hew ; 
 That still their colour changes with it too ? 
 
 3- 
 How oft, alas, will he admire 
 
 The blackness of the Skies ? 
 Trembling to hear the Winds sound higher, 
 
 And see the billows rise ; 
 
 Poor unexperienced He 
 Who ne're, alas, before had been at Sea ! 
 
 4- 
 He'enjoyes thy calmy Sun-shine now, 
 
 And no breath stirring hears, 
 In the clear heaven of thy brow, 
 
 No smallest Cloud appears. 
 
 He sees thee gentle, fair, and gay, 
 And trusts the faith/ess April of thy May. 
 
 5- 
 
 Unhappy ! thrice unhappy He, 
 
 T' whom Thou untried dost shine ! 
 
 But there's no danger now for Me y 
 Since o're Loretto's Shrine 
 In witness of the Shipwrack past 
 
 My consecrated Vessel hangs at last. 
 
 In imitation of Martials Epigram. 
 
 Si tecum mihi chare Martialis, &c. L. 5. Ep. 21. 
 
 F, dearest Friend, it my good Fate might be 
 
 '' enjoy at once a quiet Life and Thee ; 
 If we for Happiness could leisure find, 
 And wandring Time into a Method bind, 
 
 38 
 
 I
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 We should not sure the Great Mem favour need, 
 
 Nor on long Hopes, the Courts thin Diet, feed. 
 
 We should not Patience find daily to hear, 
 
 The Calumnies, and Flatteries spoken there. 
 
 We should not the Lords Tables humbly use, 
 
 Or talk in Ladies Chambers Love and News ; 
 
 But Books, and wise Discourse, Gardens and Fields, 
 
 And all the joys that unmixt Nature yields. 
 
 Thick Summer shades where Winter still does ly, 
 
 Bright Winter Fires that Summers part supply. 
 
 Sleep not controll'd by Cares, confin'd to Night, 
 
 Or bound in any rule but Appetite. 
 
 Free, but not savage or ungracious Mirth, 
 
 Rich Wines to give it quick and easie birth. 
 
 A few Companions, which our selves should chuse, 
 
 A Gentle Mistress, and a Gentler Muse. 
 
 Such, dearest Friend, such without doubt should be 
 
 Our Place, our Business, and our Companie. 
 
 Now to Himself, alas, does neither Live, 
 
 But sees good Suns, of which we are to give 
 
 A stricl account, set and march thick away ; 
 
 Knows a man how to Live, and does he stay ? 
 
 The Chronicle. 
 A Ballad. 
 
 i. 
 
 MArgarita first possest, 
 If I remember well, my brest, 
 Margarita first of all ; 
 But when a while the wanton Maid 
 With my restless Heart had plaid, 
 Martha took the flying Ball. 
 
 2. 
 Martha soon did it resign 
 
 To the beauteous Catharine. 
 
 Beauteous Catharine gave place 
 (Though loth and angry she to part 
 With the possession of my Heart) 
 
 To Elisa's conqu'ering face. 
 
 39
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 3- 
 E/isa till this Hour might reign 
 
 Had she not Evil Counsels ta'ne. 
 
 Fundamental Laws she broke, 
 And still new Favorites she chose, 
 Till up in Arms my Passions rose, 
 
 And cast away her yoke. 
 
 4- 
 Mary then and gentle Ann 
 
 Both [t]o reign at once began. 
 
 Alternately they sway'd, 
 And sometimes Mary was the Fair, 
 And sometimes Ann the Crown did wear, 
 
 And sometimes Both I' obey'd. 
 
 5- 
 
 Another Mary then arose 
 
 And did rigorous Laws impose. 
 A mighty Tyrant she ! 
 Long, alas, should I have been 
 Under that Iron-Scepter" 1 'd Queen y 
 Had not Rebecca set me free. 
 
 6. 
 
 When fair Rebecca set me free, 
 
 'Twas then a golden Time with me. 
 But soon those pleasures fled, 
 For the gracious Princess dy'd 
 In her Youth and Beauties pride, 
 
 And Judith reigned in her sted. 
 
 7- 
 One Month, three Days, and half an Hour 
 
 'Judith held the Soveraign Power. 
 
 Wondrous beautiful her Face, 
 But so weak and small her Wit, 
 That she to govern was unfit, 
 
 And so Susanna took her place. 
 
 40
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 But when Isabella came 
 
 Arm'd with a resistless flame 
 
 And th' Artillery of her Eye ; 
 Whilst she proudly marcht about 
 Greater Conquests to find out, 
 
 She beat out Susan by the By. 
 
 9- 
 But in her place I then obey'd 
 
 Blaclc-ey'd Besse, her Viceroy-Maid, 
 
 To whom ensu'd a Vacancy. 
 Thousand worse Passions then possest 
 The Interregnum of my brest. 
 
 Bless me from such an Anarchy \ 
 
 10. 
 
 Gentle Henriette than 
 
 And a third Mary next began, 
 Then Jone, and Jane, and Andria. 
 
 And then a pretty Thomasine, 
 
 And then another Katharine, 
 And then a long Et cetera. 
 
 ii. 
 
 But should I now to you relate, 
 
 The strength and riches of their state, 
 The Powder, Patches, and the Pins, 
 The Ribbans, Jewels, and the Rings, 
 The Lace, the Paint, and warlike things 
 That make up all their Magazins : 
 
 12. 
 
 If I should tell the politick Arts 
 To take and keep mens hearts, 
 The Letters, Embassies, and Spies, 
 
 The Frowns, and Smiles, and Flatteries, 
 
 The Quarrels, Tears, and Perjuries, 
 Numberless, Name/ess Mysteries \ 
 
 4-1
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 And all the Little Lime-twigs laid 
 
 By Matchavil the Waiting-Maid; 
 I more voluminous should grow 
 (Chiefly if I like them should tell 
 All Change of Weathers that befell) 
 Then Holinshead or Stow . 
 
 14. 
 
 But I will briefer with them be, 
 
 Since few of them were long with Me. 
 An higher and a nobler strain 
 
 My present Emperess does claim, 
 
 Heleonora, First o^iti Name ; 
 
 Whom God grant long to reign \ 
 
 To Sir William Davenant. 
 
 Upon his two first Books of Gondibert, finished before 
 his voyage to America. 
 
 MEthinks Heroick Poesie till now 
 Like some fantastick Fairy Land did show, 
 Gods, Devils, Nymphs, Witches and Gyants race, 
 And all but Man in Mans chief work had place. 
 Thou like some worthy Knight with sacred Arms 
 Dost drive the Monsters thence, and end the Charms. 
 Instead of those dost Men and Manners plant, 
 The things which that rich Soil did chiefly want. 
 Yet ev'en thy Mortals do their Gods excell, 
 Taught by thy Muse to Fight and Love so well. 
 
 By fatal hands whilst present Empires fall, 
 Thine from the Grave past Monarchies recall. 
 So much more thanks from humane kind does merit 
 The Poets Fury, then the Zelots Spirit. 
 And from the Grave thou mak'est this Empire rise, 
 Not like some dreadful Ghost t'affright our Eyes, 
 But with more Luster and triumphant state, 
 Then when it crown'd at proud Verona sate. 
 
 42
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 So will our God rebuild mans perisht frame, 
 And raise him up much Better, yet the same. 
 So God-like Poets do past things reherse, 
 Not change, but Heighten Nature by their Verse. 
 With shame, methinlcs, great Italy must see 
 Her Conquerors rais'ed to Life again by Thee. 
 Rais'd by such pow'erful Verse, that ancient Rome 
 May blush no less to see her Wit o'recome. 
 Some men their Fancies like their Faith derive, 
 And think all 111 but that which Rome does give. 
 The Marks of Old and Catbolick would find, 
 To the same Chair would Truth and Fiflion bind. 
 Thou in those beaten pathes disdain'st to tred, 
 And scorn'st to Live by robbing of the Dead. 
 Since Time does all things change, thou think'st not fit 
 This latter Age should see all New but Wit. 
 Thy Fancy like a Flame its way does make, 
 And leave bright Tracks for following Pens to take. 
 Sure 'twas this noble boldness of the Muse 
 Did thy desire to seek new Worlds infuse, 
 And ne're did Heav'n so much a Voyage bless, 
 If thou canst Plant but there with like success. 
 
 An Answer to a Copy of Verses sent me to 
 Jersey. 
 
 AS to a Northern People (whom the Sun 
 jf~\. Uses just as the Romish Church has done 
 Her Prophane Laity, and does assign 
 Bread only both to serve for Bread and Wine) 
 A rich Canary Fleet welcome arrives ; 
 Such comfort to us here your Letter gives, 
 Fraught with brisk racy rena^ in which we 
 The Soil from whence they came, tast, smell, and see : 
 Such is your Present to'us ; for you must know, 
 Sir, that Perse does not in this Island grow 
 No more then Sack ; One lately did not fear 
 (Without the Muses leave) to plant it here. 
 
 43
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 But it produc'd such base, rough, crabbed, hedge 
 Rhymes, as ev'en set the hearers Ears on Edge. 
 
 Written by Esquire, the 
 
 Tear of our Lord six hundred thirty three. 
 
 Brave Jersey Muse ! and he's for this high stile 
 
 Call'd to this day the Homer of the Isle. 
 
 Alas, to men here no Words less hard be 
 
 To Rhime with, then * Mount Orgueil is to me. 
 
 Mount Orgueil, which in scorn o'th' Muses law 
 
 With no yoke-fellow Word will daign to draw. 
 
 Stubborn Mount Orgueil \ 'tis a work to make it 
 
 Come into Rhime, more hard then 'twere to take it. 
 
 Alas, to bring your Tropes and Figures here, 
 
 Strange as to bring Camels and Ele'phants were. 
 
 And Metaphor is so unknown a thing, 
 
 'Twould need the Preface of, God save the King. 
 
 Yet this I'll say for th' honor of the place, 
 
 That by Gods extraordinary Grace 
 
 (Which shows the people'have judgment, if not Wit) 
 
 The land is undefil*d with Clinches yet. 
 
 Which in my poor opinion, I confess, 
 
 Is a most sing'ular blessing, and no less 
 
 Then Irelands wanting Spiders. And so far 
 
 From th' Aftual Sin of Bombast too they are, 
 
 (That other Crying Sin o'th' English Muse) 
 
 That even Satan himself can accuse 
 
 None here (no not so much as the Divines) 
 
 For th' Motus primb primi to Strong Lines. 
 
 Well, since the soil then does not natu'rally bear 
 
 Verse, who (a Devil) should import it here ? 
 
 For that to me would seem as strange a thing 
 
 As who did first Wild Beasts into 'Islands bring. 
 
 Unless you think that it might taken be 
 
 As Green did Gond'ibert, in a Prize at Sea. 
 
 But that's a Fortune falls not every day; 
 
 'Tis true Green was made by it ; for they say 
 
 The Parliament did a noble bounty do, 
 
 And gave him the whole Prize, their Tenths and Fifteens too. 
 
 * The name of one of the Castles in Jersey. 
 44
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 Tree of Knowledge. 
 
 'That there is no Knowledge. 
 
 Against the Dogmatists. 
 
 I. 
 
 THe sacred Tree midst the fair Orchard grew ; 
 The Phoenix Truth did on it rest, 
 And built his perfum'd Nest. 
 
 That right Porphyrian Tree which did true Logick shew, 
 Each Leaf did learned Notions give, 
 And th' Apples were Demonstrative. 
 So clear their Colour and divine, 
 The very shade they cast did other Lights out-shine. 
 
 2. 
 
 Taste not, said God ; 'tis mine and Angels meat ; 
 
 A certain Death does sit 
 
 Like an ill Worm i'th' Core of it. 
 Ye cannot Know and Live, nor Live or Know and Eat. 
 
 Thus spoke God, yet Man did go 
 
 Ignorantly on to Know ; 
 
 Grew so more blind, and she 
 Who tempted him to this, grew yet more Blind then He. 
 
 The onely Science Man by this did get, 
 
 Was but to know he nothing Knew : 
 He straight his Nakedness did view, 
 
 His ign'orant poor estate, and was asham'd of it. 
 Yet searches Probabilities, 
 And Rhetorick) and Fallacies, 
 And seeks by useless pride 
 
 With slight and withering Leaves that Nakedness to hide. 
 
 45
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 4- 
 Henceforth, said God, the wretched Sons of earth 
 
 Shall sweat for Food in vain 
 
 That will not long sustain, . 
 And bring with Labor forth each fond Abortive Birth. 
 
 That Serpent too, their Pride, 
 
 Which aims at things deny'd, 
 
 That learn'd and eloquent Lust 
 Instead of Mounting high, shall creep upon the Dust. 
 
 Reason. 
 
 The use of it in Divine Matters. 
 
 i. 
 
 SOme blind themselves, 'cause possibly they may 
 Be led by others a right way ; 
 They build on Sands, which if unmov'd they find, 
 
 'Tis but because there was no Wind. 
 Less hard 'tis, not to Erre our selves, then know 
 
 If our Fore-fathers err'd or no. 
 When we trust Men concerning God, we then 
 Trust not God concerning Men. 
 
 2. 
 Visions and Inspirations some expert 
 
 Their course here to dire6l, 
 Like senseless Chymists their own wealth destroy, 
 
 Imaginary Gold t'enjoy. 
 So Stars appear to drop to us from skie, 
 
 And gild the passage as they fly : 
 But when they fall, and meet th'opposing ground, 
 
 What but a sordid Slime is found ? 
 
 3- 
 Sometimes their Fancies they 'bove Reason set, 
 
 And Fast, that they may Dream of meat. 
 Sometimes /'// Spirits their sickly souls delude, 
 
 And Bastard-Forms obtrude. 
 
 46
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 So Endors wretched Sorceress, although 
 
 She Saul through his disguise did know, 
 
 Yet when the Dev'il comes up disguised, she cries, 
 Behold, the Gods arise. 
 
 In vain, alas, these outward Hopes are try'd ; 
 
 Reason within's our onely Guide. 
 Reason, which (God be prais'd !) still Walks, for all 
 
 It's old Original Fall. 
 And since it self the boundless Godhead joyn'd 
 
 With a Reasonable Mind, 
 It plainly shows that Mysteries Divine 
 
 May with our Reason joyn. 
 
 The Holy Book, like the eighth Sphere, does shine 
 
 With thousand Lights of Truth Divine. 
 So numberless the Stars, that to the Eye, 
 
 It makes but all one Galaxie. 
 Yet Reason must assist too, for in Seas 
 
 So vast and dangerous as these, 
 Our course by Stars above we cannot know, 
 
 Without the Compass too below. 
 
 6. 
 
 Though Reason cannot through Faiths Mysferies see, 
 
 It sees that There and such they be ; 
 Leads to Heav'ens Door, and there does humbly keep, 
 
 And there through Chinks and Key-holes peep. 
 Though it, like Moses, by a sad command 
 
 Must not come in to th' Holy Land, 
 Yet thither it infallibly does Guid, 
 
 And from afar 'tis all Descry'd. 
 
 47
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 On the Death of Mr. Crashaw. 
 
 POet and Saint I to thee alone are given 
 The two most sacred Names of Earth and Heaven. 
 The hard and rarest Union which can be 
 Next that of Godhead with Humanitie. 
 Long did the Muses banisht Slaves abide, 
 And built vain Pyramids to mortal pride ; 
 Like Moses Thou (though Spells and Charms withstand) 
 Hast brought them nobly home back to their Holy Land. 
 
 Ah wretched We, Poets of Earth \ but Thou 
 Wert Living the same Poet which thou'rt Now. 
 Whilst Angels sing to thee their ayres divine, 
 And joy in an applause so great as thine. 
 Equal society with them to hold, 
 Thou need'st not make new Songs, but say the Old. 
 And they (kind Spirits!) shall all rejoyce to see 
 How little less then They, Exalted Man may be. 
 Still the old Heathen Gods in Numbers dwell, 
 The Heaifenliest thing on Earth still keeps up Hell. 
 Nor have we yet quite purg'd the Christian Land; 
 Still Idols here, like Calves at Bethel stand. 
 And though Pans Death long since all Oracles broke, 
 Yet still in Rhyme the 'Fiend Apollo spoke : 
 Nay with the worst of Heathen dotage We 
 (Vain men !) the Monster Woman Deifie ; 
 Find Stan, and tye our Fates there in a Face, 
 And Paradise in them by whom we lost it, place. 
 What different faults corrupt our Muses thus ? 
 Wanton as Girles, as old Wives, Fabulous \ 
 
 Thy spotless Muse, like Mary, did contain 
 The boundless Godhead ; she did well disdain 
 That her eternal Perse employ'd should be 
 On a less subject then Eternitie ; 
 And for a sacred Mistress scorn'd to take, 
 But her whom God himself scorn'd not his Spouse to make. 
 It (in a kind) her Miracle did do ; 
 A fruitful Mother was, and Virgin too. 
 
 48
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 *How well (blest Swan) did Fate contrive thy deatli ; 
 And made thee render up thy tuneful breath 
 In thy great Mistress Arms ? thou most divine 
 And richest Offering of Loretto's Shrine \ 
 Where like some holy Sacrifice t'expire, 
 A Fever burns thee, and Love lights the Fire. 
 Angels (they say) brought the fam'ed Chappel there, 
 And bore the sacred Load in Triumph through the air. 
 'Tis surer much they brought thee there, and They, 
 And Thou, their charge, went singing all the way. 
 
 Pardon, my Mother Church, if I consent 
 That Angeh led him when from thee he went, 
 For even in Error sure no Danger is 
 When joyn'd with so much Piety as His. 
 Ah, mighty God, with shame I speak't, and grief, 
 Ah that our greatest Faults were in Belief] 
 And our weak Reason were ev'en weaker yet, 
 Rather then thus our Witts too strong for it. 
 His Faith perhaps in some nice Tenents might 
 Be wrong ; his Life, I'm sure, was in the right. 
 And I my self a Catholick will be, 
 So far at least, great Saint, to Pray to thee. 
 
 Hail, Bard Triumphant \ and some care bestow 
 On us, the Poets Militant Below ! 
 Oppos'ed by our old En'emy, adverse Chance, 
 Attacqu'ed by Envy, and by Ignorance, 
 Enchain'd by Beauty, tortur'd by Desires, 
 Expos'd by Tyrant-Love to savage Beasts and Fires. 
 Thou from low earth in nobler Flames didst rise, 
 And like Elijah, mount Alive the skies. 
 EKsba-Vfce (but with a wish much less, 
 More fit thy Greatness, and my Littleness) 
 Lo here I beg (I whom thou once didst prove 
 So humble to Esteem, so Good to Love) 
 Not that thy Spirit might on me Doubled be, 
 I ask but Half thy mighty Spirit for Me. 
 And when my Muse soars with so strong a Wing, 
 'Twill learn of things Divine, and first of Thee to sing. 
 
 * M. Crashaw died of a Fever at Loretto, being newly chosen Canon 
 of that Church. 
 
 C. D 49
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Anacreontiques : 
 
 OR, 
 
 Some Copies of Verses Translated 
 
 Paraph rastically out of 
 
 An acre on. 
 
 I 
 
 I. 
 
 Love. 
 
 '11 sing of Heroes, and of Kings ; 
 
 In mighty Numbers, mighty things, 
 Begin, my Muse ; but lo, the strings 
 To my great Song rebellious prove ; 
 The strings will sound of nought but Love. 
 I broke them all, and put on new ; 
 'Tis this or nothing sure will do. 
 These sure (said I) will me obey; 
 These sure Heroick Notes will play. 
 Straight I began with thundring fffve t 
 And all th'immortal Pow'ers, but Love. 
 Love smil'd, and from my'enfeebled Lyre 
 Came gentle airs, such as inspire 
 Melting love, soft desire. 
 Farewel then Heroes, farewel Kings, 
 And mighty Numbers, mighty Things ; 
 Love tunes my Heart just to my strings. 
 
 50
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 II. 
 
 Drinking. 
 
 r ~T"*He thirsty Earth soaks up the Rain, 
 
 J_ And drinks, and gapes for drink again. 
 The Plants suck in the Earth, and are 
 With constant drinking fresh and fair. 
 The Sea it self, which one would think 
 Should have but little need of Drink, 
 Drinks ten thousand Rivers up, 
 So fill'd that they or'eflow the Cup. 
 The busie Sun (and one would guess 
 By's drunken fiery face no less) 
 Drinks up the Sea, and when h'as done, 
 The Moon and Stars drink up the Sun. 
 They drink and dance by their own light, 
 They drink and revel all the night. 
 Nothing in Nature's Sober found, 
 But an eternal Health goes round. 
 Fill up the Bowl then, fill it high, 
 Fill all the Glasses there, for why 
 Should every creature drink but /, 
 Why, Man of Morals, tell me why ? 
 
 III. 
 
 Beauty. 
 
 Liberal Nature did dispence 
 To all things Arms for their defence ; 
 And some she arms with sin'ewy force, 
 And some with swiftness in the course ; 
 Some with hard Hoofs, or forked claws, 
 And some with Horns, or tusked jaws. 
 
 D2 51
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 And some with Scales, and some with Wings, 
 
 And some with Teeth, and some with Stings. 
 
 Wisdom to Man she did afford, 
 
 Wisdom for Shield, and Wit for Sword. 
 
 What to beauteous Woman-kind, 
 
 What Arms, what Armour has she'assigne'd ? 
 
 Beauty is both ; for with the Fair 
 
 What Arms, what Armour can compare ? 
 
 What Steel, what Gold, or Diamond, 
 
 More Impassible is found ? 
 
 And yet what Flame, what Lightning e're 
 
 So great an Attive force did bear ? 
 
 They are all weapon, and they dart 
 
 Like Porcupines from every part. 
 
 Who can, alas, their strength express, 
 
 Arm'd, when they themselves undress, 
 
 Cap-a-pe with Nakedness ? 
 
 IV. 
 
 The Duel. 
 
 YEs, I will love then, I will love, 
 I will not now Loves Rebel prove, 
 Though I was once his Enemy, 
 Though ill-advis'd and stubborn I, 
 Did to the Combate him defy, 
 An Helmet, Spear, and mighty shield, 
 Like some new Ajax I did wield. 
 Love in one hand his Bow did take, 
 In th'other hand a Dart did shake. 
 But yet in vain the Dart did throw, 
 In vain he often drew the Bow. 
 So well my Armour did resist, 
 So oft by flight the blow I mist. 
 But when I thought all danger past, 
 His Quiver empty'd quite at last, 
 
 52
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 Instead of Arrow, or of Dart, 
 
 He shot Himself into my Heart. 
 
 The Living and the Killing Arrow 
 
 Ran through the skin, the Flesh, the Blood, 
 
 And broke the Bones, and scorcht the Marrow, 
 
 No Trench or Work of Life withstood. 
 
 In vain I now the Walk maintain, 
 
 I set out Guards and Scouts in vain, 
 
 Since th' En'emy does within remain. 
 
 In vain a Breastplate now I wear, 
 
 Since in my Breast the Foe I bear. 
 
 In vain my Feet their swiftness try ; 
 
 For from the Body can they fly ? 
 
 V. 
 Age. 
 
 OFt am I by the Women told, 
 Poor Anacreon thou grow'st old. 
 Look how thy hairs are falling all ; 
 Poor Anacreon how they fall ? 
 Whether I grow old or no, 
 By th'effe&s I do not know. 
 This I know without being told, 
 'Tis Time to Live if I grow Old, 
 'Tis time short pleasures now to take, 
 Of little Life the best to make, 
 And manage wisely the last stake. 
 
 VI. 
 
 The Account. 
 
 WHen all the Stars are by thee told, 
 (The endless Sums of heav'nly Gold) 
 Or when the Hairs are reckon'd all, 
 From sickly Autumns Head that fall, 
 
 53
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Or when the drops that make the Sea, 
 
 Whilst all her Sands thy Counters be ; 
 
 Thou then, and Thou alone maist prove 
 
 Th' Arithmetician of my Love. 
 
 An hundred Loves at Athens score, 
 
 At Corinth write an hundred more. 
 
 Fair Corinth does such Beauties bear, 
 
 So few is an Escaping there. 
 
 Write then at Chios seventy three ; 
 
 Write then at Lesbos (let me see) 
 
 Write me at Lesbos ninety down, 
 
 Full ninety Loves, and half a One. 
 
 And next to these let me present, 
 
 The fair Ionian Regiment. 
 
 And next the Carian Company, 
 
 Five hundred both Effectively. 
 
 Three hundred more at Rhodes and Crete ; 
 
 Three hundred 'tis I'am sure Complete. 
 
 For arms at Crete each Face does bear, 
 
 And every Eye's an Archer there. 
 
 Go on ; this stop why dost thou make ? 
 
 Thou thinkst, perhaps, that I mistake. 
 
 Seems this to thee too great a Summe ? 
 
 Why many Thousands are to come ; 
 
 The mighty Xerxes could not boast 
 
 Such different Nations in his Host. 
 
 On ; for my Love, if thou be'st weary, 
 
 Must find some better Secretary. 
 
 I have not yet my Persian told, 
 
 Nor yet my Syrian Loves enroll'd, 
 
 Nor Indian, nor Arabian ; 
 
 Nor Cyprian Loves, nor African ; 
 
 Nor Scythian, nor Italian flames ; 
 
 There's a whole Map behind of Names. 
 
 Of gentle Love i'th' temperate Zone, 
 
 And cold ones in the Frigid One, 
 
 Cold frozen Loves with which I pine, 
 
 And parched Loves beneath the Line. 
 
 54
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 VII. 
 Gold. 
 
 A Mighty pain to Love it is, 
 And 'tis a pain that pain to miss. 
 But of all pains the greatest pain 
 It is to love, but love in vain. 
 Virtue now nor noble Blood^ 
 Nor Wit by Love is understood, 
 Gold alone does passion move, 
 Gold Monopolizes love ! 
 A curse on her, and on the Man 
 Who this traffick first began ! 
 A curse on him who found the Ore ! 
 A curse on him who digg'd the store ! 
 A curse on him who did refine it ! 
 A curse on him who first did coyn it ! 
 A Curse all curses else above 
 On him, who us'd it first in Love \ 
 Gold begets in Brethren hate, 
 Gold in Families debate ; 
 Gold does Friendships separate, 
 Gold does Civil Wars create. 
 These the smallest harms of it ! 
 Gold, alas, does Love beget. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 The Epicure. 
 
 Fill the Bowl with rosie Wine, 
 Around our temples Roses twine. 
 And let us chearfully awhile, 
 Like the Wine and Roses smile. 
 Crown'd with Roses we contemn 
 Gyge y s wealthy Diadem. 
 
 55
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 To day is Ours ; what do we fear ? 
 To day is Ours ; we have it here. 
 Let's treat it kindly, that it may 
 Wish, at least, with us to stay. 
 Let's banish Business, banish Sorrow ; 
 To the Gods belongs To morrow. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Another. 
 
 T TNderneath this Myrtle shade, 
 \^J On flowry beds supinely laid, 
 With od'orous Oyls my head o're-flowing, 
 And around it Roses growing, 
 What should I do but drink away 
 The Heat, and troubles of the Day ? 
 In this more then Kingly state, 
 Love himself shall on me wait. 
 Fill to me, Love, nay fill it up ; 
 And mingled cast into the Cup, 
 Wit) and Mirth, and noble Fires, 
 Vigorous Health, and gay Desires. 
 The Wheel of Life no less will stay 
 In a smooth then Rugged way. 
 Since it equally does flee, 
 Let the Motion pleasant be. 
 Why do we precious Oyntments shower, 
 Nobler wines why do we pour, 
 Beauteous Flowers why do we spread, 
 Upon the Mon'uments of the Dead? 
 Nothing they but Dust can show, 
 Or Bones that hasten to be so. 
 Crown me with Roses whilst I Live, 
 Now your Wines and Oyntments give. 
 After Death I nothing crave, 
 Let me Alive my pleasures have, 
 All are Stoicks in the Grave. 
 
 56
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 X. 
 
 77/f Grashopper. 
 
 HAppy I me fl y what can be 
 In happiness compar'd to Thee ? 
 Fed with nourishment divine, 
 The dewy Mornings gentle Wine \ 
 Nature waits upon thee still, 
 And thy verdant Cup does fill, 
 'Tis fill'd where ever thou dost tread, 
 Nature selfe's thy Gammed. 
 Thou dost drink, and dance, and sing ; 
 Happier then the happiest King ! 
 All the Fields which thou dost see, 
 All the Plants belong to Thee, 
 All that Summer Hours produce, 
 Fertile made with early juice. 
 Man for thee does sow and plow ; 
 Farmer He, and Land-Lord Thou \ 
 Thou doest innocently joy ; 
 Nor does thy Luxury destroy ; 
 The Shepherd gladly heareth thee, 
 More Harmonious then He. 
 Thee Country Hindes with gladness hear, 
 Prophet of the ripened year ! 
 Thee Phoebus loves, and does inspire ; 
 Phoebus is himself thy Sire. 
 To thee of all things upon earth, 
 Life is no longer then thy Mirth. 
 Happy Insett, happy Thou, 
 Dost neither Age^ nor Winter know. 
 But when thou'st drunk, and danc'd, and sung, 
 Thy fill, the flowry Leaves among 
 (Voluptuous^ and Wise with all, 
 Epicurean Animal \) 
 Sated with thy Summer Feast, 
 Thou retir'est to endless Rest. 
 
 57
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 XL 
 
 T'/ie Swallow. 
 
 F v Oolish Prater, what do'st thou 
 So early at my window do 
 With thy tuneless Serenade ? 
 Well t'had been had Tereus made 
 Thee as Dumb as Philomel; 
 There his Knife had done but well. 
 In thy undiscovered Nest 
 Thou dost all the winter rest, 
 And dreamest o're thy summer joys 
 Free from the stormy seasons noise : 
 Free from th'Ill thou'st done to me ; 
 Who disturbs, or seeks out Thee ? 
 Had'st thou all the charming notes 
 Of the woods Poetick Throats, 
 All thy art could never pay 
 What thou'st ta'ne from me away ; 
 Cruel Bird, thou'st ta'ne away 
 A Dream out of my arms to day, 
 A Dream that ne're must equall'd be 
 By all that waking Eyes may see. 
 Thou this damage to repair, 
 Nothing half so sweet or fair, 
 Nothing half so good can'st bring, 
 Though men say, Thou bring'st the Spring.
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 ELEGIE 
 
 UPON 
 
 ANACREON, 
 
 Who was choaked by a GRAPE-STONE. 
 Spoken by the God of Love. 
 
 HOw shall I lament thine end, 
 My best Servant, and my Friend ? 
 Nay and, if from a Deity 
 So much De'iffed as I, 
 It sound not too profane and odd, 
 Oh my M aster , and my God \ 
 For 'tis true, most mighty Poet, 
 (Though I like not Men should know it) 
 I am in naked Nature less, 
 Less by much then in thy Dress. 
 All thy Verse is softer far 
 Then the downy Feathers are, 
 Of my Wings, or of my Arrows, 
 Of my Mothers Doves, or Sparrows. 
 Sweet as Lovers freshest kisses, 
 Or their riper following blisses, 
 Graceful, cleanly, smooth and round, 
 All with Venus Girdle bound, 
 And thy Life was all the while 
 Kind and gentle as thy Stile. 
 
 59
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The smooth-pac'd Hours of ev'ery day 
 Glided numerously away. 
 Like thy Verse each Hour did pass, 
 Sweet and short, like that it was. 
 
 Some do but their Youth allow me, 
 Just what they by Nature owe me, 
 The Time that's mine, and not their own, 
 The certain Tribute of my Crown, 
 When they grow old, they grow to be 
 Too Busie, or too wise for me. 
 Thou wert wiser, and did'st know 
 None too wise for Love can grow, 
 Love was with thy Life entwin'd 
 Close as Heat with Fire is joyn'd, 
 A powerful Brand prescrib'd the date 
 Of thine, like Meleagers Fate. 
 Th' Antiperistasls of Age 
 More enflam'd thy amorous rage, 
 Thy silver Hairs yielded me more 
 Then even golden curls before. 
 
 Had I the power of Creation, 
 As I have of Generation, 
 Where I the matter must obey, 
 And cannot work Plate out of Clay, 
 My Creatures should be all like Thee, 
 'Tis Thou shouldst their Id<ea be. 
 They, like Thee, should throughly hate 
 Bus'iness, Honor, Title, State. 
 Other wealth they should not know 
 But what my Living Mines bestow ; 
 The pomp of Kings they should confess 
 At their Crownings to be less 
 Then a Lovers humblest guise, 
 When at his Mistress feet he lies. 
 Rumour they no more should mind 
 Then Men safe-landed do the Wind, 
 Wisdom it self they should not hear 
 When it presumes to be Severe. 
 Beauty alone they should admire ; 
 Nor look at Fortunes vain attire, 
 
 60
 
 MISCELLANIES 
 
 Nor ask what Parents it can shew ; 
 
 With Dead or Old t'has nought to do. 
 
 They should not love yet All, or Any, 
 
 But very Much, and very Many. 
 
 All their Life should gilded be 
 
 With Mirth, and Wit, and Gayety, 
 
 Well remembring, and Applying 
 
 The Necessity of Dying. 
 
 Their chearful Heads should always wear 
 
 All that crowns the flowry year. 
 
 They should always laugh, and sing, 
 
 And dance, and strike th'harmonious string. 
 
 Perse should from their Tongue so flow, 
 
 As if it in the Mouth did grow, 
 
 As swiftly answering their command, 
 
 As tunes obey the artful Hand. 
 
 And whilst I do thus discover 
 
 Th'ingredients of a happy Lover, 
 
 'Tis, my Anacreon, for thy sake 
 
 I of the Grape no mention make. 
 
 Till my' Anacreon by thee fell, 
 Cursed Plant, I lov'd thee well. 
 And 'twas oft my wanton use 
 To dip my Arrows in thy juice. 
 Cursed Plant, 'tis true I see, 
 Th'old report that goes of Thee, 
 That with Gyants blood the Earth 
 Stain'd and poys'ned gave thee birth, 
 And now thou wreak'st thy ancient spight 
 On Men in whom the Gods delight. 
 Thy Patron Bacchus, 'tis no wonder, 
 Was brought forth in Flames and Thunder, 
 In rage, in quarrels, and in fights, 
 Worse then his Tygers he delights ; 
 In all our heaven I think there be 
 No such ill-natur'd God as He. 
 Thou pretendest, Trayferous Wine, 
 To be the Muses friend and Mine. 
 With Love and Wit thou dost begin, 
 False Fires, alas, to draw us in. 
 
 61
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Which, if our course we by them keep, 
 Misguide to Madness y or to Sleep. 
 Sleep were well ; thou'hast learnt a way 
 To Death it self now to betray. 
 
 It grieves me when I see what Fate 
 Does on the best of Mankind wait. 
 Poets or Lovers let them be, 
 'Tis neither Love nor Poesie 
 Can arm against Deaths smallest dart 
 The Poets Head, or Lovers Heart. 
 But when their Life in its decline, 
 Touches ^Inevitable Line, 
 All the Worlds Mortal to'em then, 
 And Wine is Aconite to men. 
 Nay in Deaths Hand the Grape-stone proves 
 As strong as Thunder is in Joves. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 62
 
 THE 
 
 MISTRESS: 
 
 OR, 
 
 SEVERAL COPIES 
 
 OF 
 
 LOVE-VERSES 
 
 Written by A. COLLET. 
 
 VIRG. &n. 4. 
 Haret lateri lethalis arundo. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for Henry Herringman^ at the Sign of the Blew 
 
 Anchor in the Lower Walk of the 
 
 New Exchange. 1668.
 
 THE 
 
 MISTRESS, 
 
 OR, 
 SEVERAL COPIES 
 
 OF 
 
 Love- Verses. 
 
 'The Request. 
 
 i. 
 
 I 'Have often wisht to love ; what shall I do ? 
 Me still the cruel Boy does spare ; 
 And I a double task must bear, 
 First to woo him, and then a Mistress too. 
 
 Come at last and strike for shame ; 
 If thou art any thing besides a name. 
 
 I'le think Thee else no God to be ; 
 But Poets rather Goo's, who first created Thee. 
 
 2. 
 
 I ask not one in whom all beauties grow, 
 
 Let me but love, what e're she be, 
 
 She cannot seem deform 'd to me ; 
 And I would have her seem to others so. 
 
 Desire takes wings and strait does fly, 
 It stays not dully to inquire the Why. 
 
 That Happy thing a Lover grown, 
 
 I shall not see with others Eyes, scarce with mine own. 
 C. E 65
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 3- 
 
 If she be coy and scorn my noble fire, 
 If her chill heart I cannot move, 
 Why Fie enjoy the very Love, 
 And make a Mistress of my own Desire. 
 
 Flames their most vigorous heat do hold, 
 And purest light, if compast round with cold : 
 So when sharp Winter means most harm, 
 The springing Plants are by the Snow it self kept warm. 
 
 4- 
 
 But do not touch my heart, and so be gone ; 
 Strike deep thy burning arrows in : 
 Lukewarmness I account a sin, 
 As great in Love, as in Religion. 
 
 Come arm'd with flames, for I would prove 
 All the extremities of mighty Love. 
 
 Th' excess of heat is but a fable ; 
 We know the torrid Zone is now found habitable. 
 
 5- 
 
 Among the Woods and Forrests thou art found, 
 There Bores and Lyons thou dost tame ; 
 Is not my heart a nobler game ? 
 Let -Venus, Men ; and Beasts, Diana wound. 
 Thou dost the Birds thy Subjects make ; 
 Thy nimble feathers do their wings o'retake : 
 
 Thou all the Spring their Songs dost hear, 
 Make me Love too, I'll sing to' thee all the year. 
 
 What service can mute Fishes do to Thee ? 
 
 Yet against them thy Dart prevails, 
 
 Piercing the armour of their Scales ; 
 And still thy Sea-born Mother lives i'th' Sea. 
 
 Dost thou deny onely to me 
 The no-great privilege of Captivitie ? 
 
 I beg or challenge here thy Bow ; 
 Either thy pity to me, or else thine anger show. 
 
 66
 
 7- 
 
 Come ; or I'll teach the world to scorn that Bow 
 I'll teach them thousand wholesome arts 
 Both to resist and cure thy darts, 
 
 More then thy skilful Ovid e're did know. 
 Mustek of sighs thou shalt not hear, 
 
 Nor drink one wretched Lovers tasteful Tear : 
 
 Nay, unless soon thou woundest me, 
 My Verses shall not onely wound, but murther Thee. 
 
 The Thraldome. 
 
 i. 
 
 I Came, I Saw, and was undone ; 
 Lightning did through my bones and marrow run ; 
 A pointed pain pierc'd deep my heart ; 
 A swift, cold trembling seiz'd on every part ; 
 My head turn'd round, nor could it bear 
 The Poison that was enter'd there. 
 
 2. 
 
 So a destroying Angels breath 
 Blows in the Plague, and with it hasty Death. 
 
 Such was the pain, did so begin 
 To the poor wretch, when Legion entred in. 
 
 Forgive me, God, I cry'd ; for I 
 
 Flattered my self I was to dye. 
 
 3- 
 
 But quickly to my Cost I found, 
 'Twas cruel Love, not Death had made the wound : 
 
 Death a more generous rage does use ; 
 Quarter to all he conquers does refuse. 
 
 Whilst Love with barbarous mercy saves 
 
 The vanquish! lives to make them slaves. 
 
 E 2 67
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 4- 
 
 I am thy slave then ; let me know, 
 Hard Master, the great task I have to do : 
 
 Who pride and scorn do undergo, 
 In tempests and rough Seas thy Galleys row ; 
 
 They pant, and groan, and sigh, but find 
 
 Their sighs encrease the angry wind. 
 
 5- 
 
 Like an Egyptian Tyrant, some 
 Thou weariest out, in building but a Tomb. 
 
 Others with sad and tedious art, 
 Labour i'the' Quarries of a stony Heart ; 
 
 Of all the works thou dost assign, 
 
 To all the several slaves of thine, 
 Employ me, mighty Love, to dig the Mine. 
 
 The Given Love. 
 i. 
 
 I'LL on ; for what should hinder me 
 From Loving, and Enjoying Thee ? 
 Thou canst not those exceptions make, 
 Which vulgar sordid Mortals take, 
 That my Fate's too mean and low ; 
 'Twere pity I should love thee so, 
 If that dull cause could hinder me 
 In Loving, and Enjoying thee. 
 
 2. 
 
 It does not me a whit displease, 
 That the rich all honours seize; 
 That you all Titles make your own, 
 Are Valiant, Learned, Wise alone. 
 But if you claim o're Women too 
 The power which over Men ye do ; 
 If you alone must Lovers be ; 
 For that, Sirs, you must pardon me. 
 
 68
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 3- 
 
 Rather then lose what does so near 
 Concern my Life and Being here, 
 I'll some such crooked ways invent, 
 As you, or your Fore-fathers went : 
 I'll flatter or oppose the King, 
 Turn Puritan, or Any Thing ; 
 I'll force my Mind to arts so new : 
 Grow Rich, and Love as well as You. 
 
 4- 
 
 But rather thus let me remain, 
 As Man in Paradise did reign ; 
 When perfect Love did so agree 
 With Innocence and Povertie. 
 Adam did no jfoynture give, 
 Himself was Joynture to his Eve : 
 Untoucht with Av'arice yet or Pride, 
 The Rib came freely back to 'his side. 
 
 5- 
 
 A curse upon the man who taught 
 Women, that Love was to be bought ; 
 Rather dote only on your Gold; 
 And that with greedy av'arice hold ; 
 For if Woman too submit 
 To that, and sell her self for it, 
 Fond Lover, you a Mistress have 
 Of her, that's but your Fellow-slave. 
 
 6. 
 
 What should those Poets mean of old 
 That made their God to woo in Gold? 
 Of all men sure They had no cause 
 To bind Love to such costly Laws ; 
 And yet I scarcely blame them now ; 
 For who, alas, would not allow, 
 That Women should such gifts receive, 
 Could They, as He, Be what They give. 
 
 69
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 7- 
 
 If thou, my Dear, Thy self shouldst prize, 
 Alas, what value would suffize ? 
 The Spaniard could not do't, though he 
 Should to both Indies joynture thee. 
 Thy beauties therefore wrong will take, 
 If thou shouldst any bargain make ; 
 To give All will befit thee well ; 
 But not at Under-Rates to sell. 
 
 Bestow thy Beauty then on me, 
 
 Freely^ as Nature gave't to Thee ; 
 
 'Tis an exploded Popish thought 
 
 To think that Heaven may be bought. 
 
 Pray'rs^ Hymns, and Praises are the way ; 
 
 And those my thankful Muse shall pay ; 
 
 Thy Body in my verse enshrin'd, 
 
 Shall grow immortal as thy Mind. 
 
 9- 
 
 I'll fix thy title next in fame 
 To Sacharissas well-sung name. 
 So faithfully will I declare 
 What all thy wondrous beauties are, 
 . That when at the last great Assise, 
 All Women shall together rise, 
 Men strait shall cast their eyes on Thee 
 And know at first that Thou art She. 
 
 The Spring. 
 
 i. 
 
 T Hough you be absent here, I needs must say 
 The Trees as beauteous are, and flowers as gay, 
 As ever they were wont to be ; 
 Nay the Birds rural musick too 
 Is as melodious and free, 
 As if they sung to pleasure you : 
 I saw a Rose-Bud o'pe this morn ; I'll swear 
 The blushing Morning open'd not more fair. 
 
 70
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 2. 
 
 How could it be so fair, and you away ? 
 
 How could the Trees be beauteous, Flowers so gay ? 
 
 Could they remember but last year, 
 
 How you did Them, They you delight, 
 
 The sprouting leaves which saw you here, 
 
 And calFd their Fellows to the sight, 
 Would, looking round for the same sight in vain, 
 Creep back into their silent Barks again. 
 
 3- 
 
 Where ere you walk'd trees were as reverend made, 
 As when of old Gods dwelt in every shade. 
 
 Is't possible they should not know, 
 
 What loss of honor they sustain, 
 
 That thus they smile and flourish now, 
 
 And still their former pride retain ? 
 Dull Creatures ! 'tis not without Cause that she, 
 Who fled the God of wit, was made a Tree. 
 
 4- 
 
 In ancient times sure they much wiser were, 
 When they rejoyc'd the Thracian verse to hear ; 
 
 In vain did Nature bid them stay, 
 
 When Orpheus had his song begun, 
 
 They call'd their wondring roots away, 
 
 And bad them silent to him run. 
 How would those learned trees have followed you ? 
 You would have drawn Them, and their Poet too. 
 
 5- 
 
 But who can blame them now ? for, since you're gone, 
 They're here the only Fair, and Shine alone. 
 
 You did their Natural Rights invade ; 
 
 Where ever you did walk or sit, 
 
 The thickest Boughs could make no shade, 
 
 Although the Sun had granted it : 
 The fairest Flowers could please no more, neer you, 
 Then Painted Flowers, set next to them, could do. 
 
 7 1
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 6. 
 
 When e're then you come hither, that shall be 
 
 The time, which this to others is, to Me. 
 The little joys which here are now, 
 The name of Punishments do bear ; 
 When by their sight they let us know 
 How we depriv'd of greater are. 
 
 'Tis you the best of Seasons with you bring ; 
 
 This is for Beasts, and that for Men the Spring. 
 
 Written in yuice of Lemmon. 
 i. 
 
 WHilst what I write I do not see, 
 I dare thus, even to you, write Poetry. 
 Ah foolish Muse, which do'st so high aspire, 
 And know'st her judgment well 
 How much it does thy power excel, 
 Yet dar'st be read by, thy just doom, the Fire. 
 
 2. 
 
 Alas, thou think'st thy self secure, 
 Because thy form is Innocent and Pure : 
 Like Hypocrites, which seem unspotted here ; 
 But when they sadly come to dye, 
 And the last Fire their Truth must try, 
 Scrauld o're like thee, and blotted they appear. 
 
 Go then, but reverently go, 
 And, since thou needs must sin, confess it too : 
 Confess't, and with humility clothe thy shame ; 
 For thou, who else must burned be 
 An Heretick, if she pardon thee, 
 May'st like a Martyr then enjoy the Flame. 
 
 72
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 4- 
 
 But if her wisdom grow severe, 
 And suffer not her goodness to be there ; 
 If her large mercies cruelly it restrain ; 
 
 Be not discourag'd, but require 
 
 A more gentle Ordeal Fire, 
 And bid her by Loves-Flames read it again. 
 
 5- 
 
 Strange power of heat, thou yet dost show 
 Like winter earth, naked, or cloatWd with Snow, 
 But, as the quickning Sun approaching near, 
 
 The Plants arise up by degrees, 
 
 A sudden paint adorns the trees, 
 And all kind Natures Characters appear. 
 
 6. 
 
 So, nothing yet in Thee is seen, 
 But when a Genial heat warms thee within, 
 A new-born Wood of various Lines there grows ; 
 
 Here buds an A, and there a B, 
 
 Here sprouts a V, and there a T, 
 And all the flourishing Letters stand in Rows. 
 
 7- 
 
 Still, silly Paper, thou wilt think 
 That all this might as well be writ with Ink. 
 Oh no ; there's sense in this, and Mysterie ; 
 
 Thou now maist change thy Authors name, 
 
 And to her Hand lay noble claim ; 
 For as She Reads, she Makes the words in Thee. 
 
 8. 
 
 Yet if thine own unworthiness 
 Will still, that thou art mine, not Hers, confess ; 
 Consume thy self with Fire before her Eyes, 
 
 And so her Grace or Pity move ; 
 
 The Gods, though Beasts they do not Love, 
 Yet like them when they'r burnt in Sacrifice. 
 
 73
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Inconstancy. 
 
 Five years ago (says Story) I lov'd you, 
 For which you call me most Inconstant now ; 
 Pardon me, Madam, you mistake the Man ; 
 For I am not the same that I was than ; 
 No Flesh is now the same 'twas then in Me, 
 And that my Mind is chang'd your self may see. 
 The same Thoughts to retain still, and Intents 
 Were more inconstant far ; for Accidents 
 Must of all things most strangely 'Inconstant prove, 
 If from one Subject they t'another move ; 
 My Members then, the Father members were 
 From whence These take their birth, which now are here. 
 If then this Body love what th' other did, 
 'Twere Incest ; which by Nature is forbid. 
 You might as well this Day inconstant name, 
 Because the Weather is not still the same, 
 That it was yesterday : or blame the Year, 
 Cause the Spring, Flowers ; and Autumn, Fruit does bear. 
 The World's a Scene of Changes, and to be 
 Constant, in Nature were Inconstancy; 
 For 'twere to break the Laws her self has made : 
 Our Substances themselves do fleet and fade ; 
 The most fixt Being still does move and fly, 
 Swift as the wings of Time 'tis measur'd by. 
 T'imagine then that Love should never cease 
 (Love which is but the Ornament of these) 
 Were quite as senseless, as to wonder why 
 Beauty and Colour stays not when we dye. 
 
 Not Fair. 
 
 s very true, I thought you once as fair, 
 _ As women in th'Id&a are. 
 Whatever here seems beauteous, seem'd to be 
 But a faint Metaphor of Thee. 
 
 74
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 But then (methoughts) there something shin'd within, 
 
 Which cast this Lustre o're thy skin. 
 Nor could I chuse but count it the Suns Light, 
 
 Which made this Cloud appear so bright. 
 But since I knew thy falshood and thy pride, 
 
 And all thy thousand faults beside ; 
 A very Moor (methinks) plac'd near to Thee, 
 
 White, as his Teeth , would seem to be. 
 So men (they say) by Hells delusions led, 
 
 Have ta'ne a Succubus to their bed ; 
 Believe it fair, and themselves happy call, 
 
 Till the cleft Foot discovers all : 
 Then they start from't, half Ghosts themselves with fear ; 
 
 And Devil, as 'tis, it does appear. 
 So since against my will I found Thee foul, 
 
 Deform'd and crooked in thy <SW/, 
 My Reason strait did to my Senses shew, 
 
 That they might be mistaken too : 
 Nay when the world but knows how false you are, 
 
 There's not a man will think you fair. 
 Thy shape will monstrous in their fancies be, 
 
 They'l call their Eyes as false as Thee. 
 Be what thou wilt ; Hate will present thee so, 
 As Puritans do the Pope, and Papists Luther do. 
 
 Platonick Love. 
 
 I 
 
 i. 
 
 INdeed I must confess, 
 
 When Souls mix 'tis an Happiness ; 
 But not compleat till Bodies too combine, 
 And closely as our minds together join ; 
 But half of Heaven the Souls in glory last, 
 'Till by Love in Heaven at last, 
 Their Bodies too are plac't. 
 
 75
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 In thy immortal part 
 Man, as well as I, thou art. 
 But something 'tis that differs Thee and Me ; 
 And we must one even in that difference be. 
 I Thee, both as a man, and woman prize ; 
 For a perfel Love implies 
 Love in all Capacities. 
 
 3- 
 
 Can that for true love pass, 
 When a fair Woman courts her glass ? 
 Something unlike must in Loves likeness be, 
 His wonder is, one, and Variety. 
 For he, whose soul nought but a soul can move, 
 Does a new Narcissus prove, 
 And his own Image love. 
 
 That souls do beauty know, 
 'Tis to the Bodies help they owe ; 
 If when they know't, they strait abuse that trust, 
 And shut the Body from't, 'tis as unjust, 
 As if I brought my dearest Friend to see 
 My Mistress, and at th'instant He 
 Should steal her quite from Me. 
 
 The Change. 
 
 i. 
 
 LOve in her Sunny Eyes does basking play ; 
 Love walks the pleasant Mazes of her Hair 
 Love does on both her Lips for ever stray ; 
 And sow s and reaps a thousand kisses there. 
 In all her outward parts Love's always seen ; 
 But, oh, He never went within. 
 
 76
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 2. 
 
 Within Love's foes, his greatest foes abide, 
 
 Malice, Inconstancy, and Pride. 
 So the Earths face, Trees, Herbs, and Flowers do dress, 
 
 With other beauties numberless : 
 But at the Center, Darkness is, and Hell; 
 There wicked Spirits, and there the Damned dwell. 
 
 With me alas, quite contrary it fares ; 
 Darkness and Death lies in my weeping eyes, 
 Despair and Paleness in my face appears, 
 And Grief, and Fear, Love's greatest Enemies ; 
 But, like the Persian-Tyrant, Love within 
 
 Keeps his proud Court, and ne're is seen. 
 
 Oh take my Heart, and by that means you'll prove 
 Within, too stor'd enough of Love : 
 
 Give me but Yours, I'll by that change so thrive, 
 That Love in all my parts shall live. 
 
 So powerful is this change, it render can, 
 
 My outside Woman, and your inside Man. 
 
 Clad all in White. 
 
 i. 
 
 FAirest thing that shines below, 
 Why in this robe dost thou appear? 
 Wouldst thou a white most perfeft show, 
 Thou must at all no garment wear : 
 Thou wilt seem much whiter so, 
 Then Winter when 'tis clad with snow. 
 
 77
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 'Tis not the Linnen shews so fair : 
 
 Her skin shines through, and makes it bright ; 
 
 So clouds themselves like Suns appear, 
 
 When the Sun pierces them with Light : 
 
 So Lillies in a glass enclose, 
 
 The Glass will seem as white as those. 
 
 3- 
 
 Thou now one heap of beauty art ; 
 Nought outwards, or within is foul : 
 Condensed beams make every part; 
 Thy Body's Clothed like thy Soul. 
 Thy soul, which does it self display, 
 Like a star plac'd i'th' Milkie way. 
 
 4- 
 
 Such robes the Saints departed wear, 
 Woven all with Light divine ; 
 Such their exalted Bodies are, 
 And with such full glory shine. 
 But they regard not mortals pain ; 
 Men pray, I fear, to both in vain. 
 
 5- 
 
 Yet seeing thee so gently pure, 
 My hopes will needs continue still ; 
 Thou wouldst not take this garment sure, 
 When thou hadst an intent to kill. 
 Of Peace and yielding who would doubt, 
 When the white Flag he sees hung out ? 
 
 Leaving Me, and then loving Many. 
 
 S' 
 
 IO Men, who once have cast the Truth away, 
 Forsook by God, do strange wild lusts obey ; 
 So the vain Gentiles, when they left t' adore 
 One Deity, could not stop at thousands more. 
 
 78
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 Their zeal was senseless strait, and boundless grown ; 
 
 They worshipt many a Beast, and many a Stone. 
 
 Ah fair Apostate! couldst thou think to flee 
 
 From Truth and Goodness^ yet keep Unity ? 
 
 I reign'd alone ; and my blest Self could call 
 
 The Universal Monarch of her All. 
 
 Mine, mine her fair East-Indies were above, 
 
 Where those Suns rise that chear the world of Love ; 
 
 Where beauties shine like Gems of richest price ; 
 
 Where Coral grows, and every breath is spice : 
 
 Mine too her rich finest-Indies were below, 
 
 Where Mines of gold and endless treasures grow. 
 
 But, as, when the Pelleean Conquerour dy'd, 
 
 Many small Princes did his Crown divide, 
 
 So, since my Love his vanquisht world forsook, 
 
 Murther'd by poysons from her falshood took, 
 
 An hundred petty Kings claim each their part, 
 
 And rend that glorious Empire of her Heart. 
 
 My Heart discovered. 
 
 HEr body is so gently bright, 
 Clear, and transparent to the sight, 
 (Clear as fair Cbristal to the view, 
 Yet soft as that, e're Stone it grew,) 
 That through her flesh, methinks, is seen 
 The brighter Soul that dwells within : 
 Our eyes the subtile covering pass, 
 And see that Lilly through its Glass. 
 I through her Breast her Heart espy, 
 As Souls in hearts do Souls descry, 
 I see't with gentle Motions beat ; 
 I see Light in't, but find no Heat. 
 Within, like Angels in the sky, 
 A thousand guilded thoughts do fly : 
 Thoughts of bright and noblest kind, 
 Fair and chast, as Mother-Mind. 
 But, oh, what other Heart is there, 
 Which sighs and crouds to hers so neer? 
 
 79
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 'Tis all on flame, and does like fire, 
 
 To that, as to its Heaven, aspire, 
 
 The wounds are many in't and deep ; 
 
 Still does it bleed, and still does weep. 
 
 Whose ever wretched heart it be, 
 
 I cannot chuse but grieve to see ; 
 
 What pity in my Breast does raign ? 
 
 Methinks I feel too all its pain. 
 
 So torn, and so defac'd it lies, 
 
 That it could ne're be known by th' eyes ; 
 
 But, oh, at last I heard it grone, 
 
 And knew by th' Voyce that 'twas mine own. 
 
 So poor Alcione, when she saw 
 
 A shipwrackt body tow'ards her draw 
 
 Beat by the Waves, let fall a Tear, 
 
 Which only then did Pity wear : 
 
 But when the Corps on shore were cast, 
 
 Which she her Husband found at last ; 
 
 What should the wretched Widow do ? 
 
 Grief chang'd her straight ; away she flew, 
 
 Turn'd to a Bird : and so at last shall I, 
 
 Both from my Murther'd Heart, and Murttfrer fly. 
 
 Answer to the PI atonic ks. 
 
 1O Angels love ; so let them love for me ; 
 
 When Fam all soul, such shall my Love too be 
 Who nothing here but like a Spirit would do, 
 In a short time (believ't) will be one too : 
 But shall our Love do what in Beasts we see ? 
 E'ven Beasts eat too, but not so well as We. 
 And you as justly might in thirst refuse 
 The use of Wine, because Beasts Water use : 
 They taste those pleasures as they do their food ; 
 Undrest they tak't, devour it raw and crude : 
 But to us Men, Love Cooks it at his fire, 
 And adds the poignant sawce of sharp desire. 
 Beasts do the same : 'tis true ; but ancient fame 
 Says, Gods themselves turn'd Beasts to do the same. 
 
 80 
 
 S'
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 The Thunderer, who, without the Female bed, 
 Could Goddesses bring forth from out his head, 
 Chose rather Mortals this way to create ; 
 So much he 'esteemed his pleasure, 'bove his state. 
 Ye talk of Fires which shine, but never burn ; 
 In this cold world they'll hardly serve our turn ; 
 As useless to despairing Lovers grown, 
 As Lambent fames, to men i'th' Frigid Zone. 
 The Sun does his pure fires on earth bestow 
 With nuptial warmth, to bring forth things below ; 
 Such is Loves noblest and divinest heat, 
 That warms like his, and does, like his, beget. 
 Lust you call this ; a name to yours more just, 
 If an Inordinate Desire be Lust : 
 Pygmalion, loving what none can enjoy, 
 More lustful was, than the hot youth of Troy. 
 
 The vain Love. 
 
 Loving one first because she could love no body, afterwards 
 loving her with desire. 
 
 WHat new-found Witchcraft was in thee, 
 With thine own Cold to kindle Me\ 
 Strange art ! like him that should devise 
 To make a Burning-Glass of Ice ; 
 When Winter, so, the Plants would harm, 
 Her snow it self does keep them warm ; 
 Fool that I was ! who having found 
 A rich, and sunny Diamond, 
 Admir'd the hardness of the Stone, 
 But not the Light with which it shone : 
 Your brave and haughty scorn of all 
 Was stately, and Monarchical. 
 All Gentleness with that esteem'd 
 A dull and slavish virtue seem'd ; 
 Shouldst thou have yielded then to me, 
 Thou'dst lost what I most lov'd in thee ; 
 For who would serve one, whom he sees 
 That he can Conquer if he please ? 
 c. F 81
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 It far'ed with me, as if a slave 
 
 In Triumph led, that does perceive 
 
 With what a gay majestick pride 
 
 His Conqueror through the streets does ride, 
 
 Should be contented with his wo, 
 
 Which makes up such a comly show. 
 
 I sought not from thee a return, 
 
 But without Hopes or Fears did burn ; 
 
 My Covetous Passion did approve 
 
 The Hoarding up, not Use of Love. 
 
 My Love a kind of Dream was grown, 
 
 A Foolish, but a Pleasant one : 
 
 From which I'm wakened now, but, oh, 
 
 Prisoners to dye are wakened so. 
 
 For now th' EffeRs of Loving are 
 
 Nothing, but Longings with despair. 
 
 Despair, whose torments no men sure 
 
 But Lovers, and the Damned endure. 
 
 Her scorn I doted once upon, 
 
 111 Objett for Affettion, 
 
 But since, alas, too much 'tis prov'd, 
 
 That yet 'twas something that I lov'd ; 
 
 Now my desires are worse, and fly 
 
 At an Impossibility : 
 
 Desires, which whilst so high they soar, 
 
 Are Proud as that I lov'd before. 
 
 What Lover can like me complain, 
 
 Who first lov'd vainly, next in vain \ 
 
 The Soul. 
 
 i. 
 
 I 
 
 F mine Eyes do e're declare 
 _ They have seen a second thing that's fair ; 
 Or Ears, that they have Musick found, 
 Besides thy yoke, in any Sound; 
 If my Tast do ever meet, 
 After thy Kiss, with ought that's sweet; 
 
 82
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 If my 'abused Touch allow 
 
 Ought to be smooth, or soft, but You ; 
 
 If, what seasonable Springs, 
 
 Or the Eastern Summer brings, 
 
 Do my Smell perswade at all, 
 
 Ought Perfume, but thy Breath to call ; 
 
 If all my senses Objefts be 
 
 Not controlled into Thee, 
 
 And so through Thee more powe'rful pass, 
 
 As Beams do through a Burning-Glass ; 
 
 If all things that in Nature are 
 
 Either soft, or sweet, or fair, 
 
 Be not in Thee so 'Epitomized, 
 
 That nought material's not compriz'd ; 
 
 May I as worthless seem to Thee 
 
 As all, but Thou, appears to Me. 
 
 2. 
 
 If I ever Anger know, 
 
 Till some wrong be done to You ; 
 
 If Gods or Kings my Envy move, 
 
 Without their Crowns crown 1 d by thy Love; 
 
 If ever I an Hope admit, 
 
 Without thy Image stampt on it ; 
 
 Or any Fear, till I begin 
 
 To find that Your concern'd therein ; 
 
 If a Joy e're come to me, 
 
 That Tasts of any thing but Thee ; 
 
 If any Sorrow touch my Mind, 
 
 Whilst You are well, and not unkind; 
 
 If I a minutes space debate, 
 
 Whether I shall curse and hate 
 
 The things beneath thy hatred fall, 
 
 Though all the World, My self and all ; 
 
 And for Love, if ever I 
 
 Approach to it again so nigh, 
 
 As to allow a Toleration 
 
 To the least glimmering Inclination ; 
 
 F 2 83
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 If thou alone do'st not controul 
 
 All those Tyrants of my Soul, 
 
 And to thy Beauties ty'st them so, 
 
 That constant they as Habits grow ; 
 
 If any Passion of my Heart, 
 
 By any force, or any art, 
 
 Be brought to move one step from Thee, 
 
 Mayst Thou no Passion have for Me. 
 
 If my busie 'Imagination 
 
 Do not Thee in all things fashion ; 
 
 So that all fair Species be 
 
 Hieroglyphick marks of Thee ; 
 
 If when She her sports does keep 
 
 (The lower Soul being all asleep) 
 
 She play one Dream with all her art, 
 
 Where Thou hast not the longest part. 
 
 If ought get place in my Remembrance, 
 
 Without some badge of thy resemblance ; 
 
 So that thy parts become to me 
 
 A kind of Art of Memory. 
 
 If my Understanding do 
 
 Seek any Knowledge but of You, 
 
 If she do near thy Body prize 
 
 Her Bodies of Philosophies, 
 
 If She to the Will do show 
 
 Ought desirable but You, 
 
 Or if That would not rebel, 
 
 Should she another doctrine tell ; 
 
 If my Will do not resign 
 
 All her Liberty to thine; 
 
 If she would not follow Thee, 
 
 Though Fate and Thou shouldst disagree ; 
 
 And if (for I a curse will give, 
 
 Such as shall force thee to believe) 
 
 My Soul be not entirely Thine ; 
 
 May thy dear Body ne're be Mine. 
 
 84
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 The Passions. 
 
 i. 
 
 FRom Hate, Fear, Hope, Anger, and Envy free, 
 And all the Passions else that be, 
 In vain I boast of Liberty, 
 In vain this State a Freedom call ; 
 Since I have Love, and Love is all: 
 Sot that I am, who think it fit to brag, 
 That I have no Disease besides the Plague ! 
 
 2. 
 
 So in a zeal the Sons of Israel, 
 
 Sometimes upon their Idols fell ; 
 And they depos'd the powers of Hell, 
 Baal, and Astarte down they threw, 
 And Accaron and Molock too : 
 All this imperfett Piety did no good, 
 Whilst yet, alas, the Calf of Bethel stood. 
 
 3- 
 
 Fondly I boast, that I have drest my fine 
 
 With painful art, and that the Wine 
 Is of a tast rich and divine, 
 Since Love by mixing Poyson there, 
 Has made it worse than Vinegere. 
 Love even the tast of Neflar changes so, 
 That Gods choose rather water here below. 
 
 4- 
 
 Fear, Anger, Hope, all Passions else that be, 
 Drive this one Tyrant out of me, 
 And pradlise all your Tyranny. 
 The change of ills some good will do : 
 Th' oppressed wretched Indians so, 
 Be'ing slaves by the great Spanish Monarch made, 
 Call in the States of Holland to their aid.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Wisdom. 
 
 Y I "Is mighty Wise that you would now be thought 
 
 J_ With your grave Rules from musty Morals brought 
 Through which some streaks too of Divin'ity ran, 
 Partly of Monk, and partly Puritan ; 
 With tedious Repetitions too y'ave tane 
 Often the name of Vanity in vain. 
 Things, which, I take it, friend, you'd ne're recite, 
 Should she I love, but say t' you, Come at night. 
 The Wisest King refus'd all pleasures quite, 
 Till Wisdom from above did him enlight ; 
 But when that gift his ign'orance did remove, 
 Pleasures he chose, and plac'd them all in Love. 
 And if by 'event the Counsels may be seen, 
 This wisdom 'twas that brought the Southern Queen. 
 She came not, like a good old Wife, to know 
 The wholesome nature of all Plants that grow : 
 Nor did so far from her own Country rome, 
 To cure scall'd heads, and broken shins at home ; 
 She came for that, which more befits all Wives, 
 The art of Giving, not of Saving Lives. 
 
 The Despair. 
 
 i. 
 
 B 
 
 IEneath this gloomy shade, 
 By Nature only for my sorrows made, 
 I'll spend this voyce in crys, 
 In tears I'll waste these eyes 
 By Love so vainly fed ; 
 So Lust of old the Deluge punished. 
 
 Ah wretched youth ! said I, 
 Ah wretched youth ! twice did I sadly cry : 
 Ah wretched youth ! the fields and floods reply. 
 
 86
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 2. 
 
 When thoughts of Love I entertain, 
 I meet no words but Never, and In vain. 
 
 Never (alas) that dreadful name, 
 
 Which fewels the infernal flame : 
 
 Never, my time to come must waste ; 
 In vain, torments the present, and the past. 
 
 In vain, in vain ! said I ; 
 In vain, in vain ! twice did I sadly cry ; 
 In vain, in vain ! the fields and floods reply. 
 
 3- 
 
 No more shall fields or floods do so ; 
 For I to shades more dark and silent go : 
 
 All this worlds noise appears to me 
 
 A dull ill-a6led Comedy : 
 
 No comfort to my wounded sight, 
 In the Suns busie and imperti'nent Light. 
 
 Then down I laid my head ; 
 Down on cold earth ; and for a while was dead, 
 And my freed Soul to a strange Somewhere fled. 
 
 4- 
 
 Ah sottish Soul', said I, 
 When back to 'its Cage again I saw it fly : 
 
 Fool to resume her broken chain \ 
 
 And row her Galley here again ! 
 
 Fool, to that body to return 
 Where it condemn'd and destin'd is to burn \ 
 
 Once dead, how can it be, 
 
 Death should a thing so pleasant seem to Thee, 
 That thou shouldst come to live it o're again in Me ? 
 
 rhe Wish. 
 i. 
 
 WE11 then ; I now do plainly see, 
 This busie world and I shall ne're agree ; 
 The very Honey of all earthly joy 
 
 Does of all meats the soonest cloy, 
 
 87
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 And they (methinks) deserve my pity, 
 Who for it can endure the stings, 
 The Crowd, and Buz, and Murmurings 
 
 Of this great Hive, the City. 
 
 2. 
 
 Ah, yet, e're I descend to th' Grave 
 May I a small House, and large Garden have ! 
 And a few Friends, and many Books, both true, 
 
 Both wise, and both delightful too ! 
 
 And since Love ne're will from me flee, 
 A Mistress moderately fair, 
 And good as Guardian-Angels are, 
 
 Only belov'd, and loving me ! 
 
 3- 
 
 Oh, Fountains, when in you shall I 
 My self, eas'd of unpeaceful thoughts, espy ? 
 Oh Fields \ Oh Woods \ when, when shall I be made 
 
 The happy Tenant of your shade ? 
 
 Here's the Spring-head of Pleasures flood ; 
 Where all the Riches lie, that she 
 
 Has coyn'd and stampt for good. 
 
 4- 
 
 Pride and Ambition here, 
 Only' in far fetcht Metaphors appear ; 
 Here nought but winds can hurtful Murmurs scatter, 
 
 And nought but Eccho flatter. 
 
 The Gods, when they descended, hither 
 From Heav'en did always chuse their way ; 
 And therefore we may boldly say, 
 
 That 'tis the way too thither. 
 
 5- 
 
 How happy here should I, 
 And one dear She live, and embr[ac]ing dy ? 
 She who is all the world, and can exclude 
 
 In desarts Solitude. 
 
 I should have then this only fear, 
 Lest men, when they my pleasures see, 
 Should hither throng to live like me, 
 
 And so make a City here.
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 My Dyet. 
 i. 
 
 NOw by my Love, the greatest Oath that is, 
 None loves you half so well as I : 
 I do not ask your Love for this ; 
 But for Heave'ns sake believe me, or I dye. 
 
 No Servant e're but did deserve 
 His Master should believe that he does serve ; 
 And I'll ask no more wages, though I starve. 
 
 2. 
 
 'Tis no luxurious Diet this, and sure 
 I shall not by't too Lusty prove ; 
 Yet shall it willingly endure, 
 
 If 't can but keep together Life and Love. 
 Being your Priso'ner and your slave, 
 
 I do not Feasts and Banquets look to have, 
 
 A little Bread and Water's all I crave. 
 
 3- 
 
 O'n a Sigh of Pity I a year can live, 
 
 One Tear will keep me twenty at least, 
 Fifty a gentle Look will give ; 
 
 An hundred years on one kind word I'll feast : 
 A thousand more will added be, 
 
 If you an Inclination have for me ; 
 
 And all beyond is vast Eternity. 
 
 The Thief. 
 i. 
 
 Hou rob'st my Days of bus'ness and delights, 
 Of sleep thou rob'st my Nights ; 
 Ah, lovely Thief what wilt thou do ? 
 What ? rob me of Heaven too ? 
 Xhou even my prayers dost steal from me. 
 And I, with wild Idolatry, 
 Begin, to God, and end them all, to Thee. 
 
 T
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 Is it a Sin to Love, that it should thus, 
 Like an ill Conscience torture us ? 
 What e're I do, where e're I go, 
 (None Guiltless e're was haunted so) 
 Still, still, methinks thy face I view, 
 And still thy shape does me pursue, 
 
 As if, not you Me, but / had murthered You. 
 
 3- 
 
 From Books I strive some remedy to take, 
 But thy Name all the Letters make ; 
 What e're 'tis writ, I find That there, 
 Like Points and Comma's every where ; 
 Me blest for this let no man hold ; 
 For I, as Midas did of old, 
 
 Perish by turning ev'ry thing to Gold. 
 
 What do I seek, alas, or why do I 
 
 Attempt in vain from thee to fly ? 
 
 For making thee my Deity, 
 
 I gave thee then Ubiquity. 
 
 My pains resemble Hell in this ; 
 
 The Divine presence there too is, 
 
 But to torment Men, not to give them bliss. 
 
 All-over, Love. 
 
 i. 
 
 tr I A Is well, 'tis well with them (say I) 
 J_ Whose short-liv'd Passions with themselves can dye 
 
 For none can be unhappy, who 
 
 'Midst all his ills a time does know 
 (Though ne're so long) when he shall not be so. 
 
 90
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 2. 
 
 What ever parts of Me remain, 
 Those parts will still the Love of thee retain ; 
 
 For 'twas not only in my Heart, 
 
 But like a God by pow'rful Art, 
 'Twas all in a//, and all in every Part. 
 
 3- 
 
 My ' ' Affettion no more perish can 
 Than the First Matter that compounds a Man. 
 
 Hereafter if one Dust of Me 
 
 Mixt with anothers substance be, 
 'Twill Leaven that whole Lump with Love of Thee. 
 
 4- 
 Let Nature if she please disperse 
 
 My Atoms over all the Universe, 
 At the last they easi'ly shall 
 Themselves know, and together call ; 
 
 For thy Love, like a Mark, is stamp'd on all. 
 
 Love and Life. 
 
 N 
 
 i. 
 
 Ow sure, within this twelve-month past, 
 
 I' have hv'd at least some twenty years or more : 
 The account of Love runs much more fast 
 Than that, with which our Life does score*: 
 So though my Life be short, yet I may prove 
 The great Methusalem of Love. 
 
 2. 
 
 Not that Loves Hours or Minutes are 
 Shorter than those our Being's measur'ed by : 
 
 But they're more close compared far, 
 
 And so in lesser room do lye. 
 Thin airy things extend themselves in space, 
 
 Things solid take up little place. 
 
 9 1
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 3- 
 
 Yet Love, alas, and Life in Me, 
 Are not two several things, but purely one, 
 
 At once how can there in it be 
 
 A double different Motion ? 
 O yes, there may : for so the self same Sun y 
 
 At once does slow and swiftly run. 
 
 4- 
 Swiftly his daily journey 'he goes, 
 
 But treads his Annual with a statelier pace, 
 And does three hundred Rounds enclose 
 Within one yearly Circles space. 
 
 At once with double course in the same Spbtere^ 
 He runs the Day, and Walks the year. 
 
 5- 
 
 When Soul does to my self refer, 
 'Tis then my Life, and does but slowly move ; 
 
 But when it does relate to her, 
 
 It swiftly flies, and then is Love. 
 Love's my Diurnal course, divided right 
 
 'Twixt Hope and Fear^ my Day and Night. 
 
 'The Bargain. 
 
 i. 
 
 TAke heed, take heed, thou lovely Maid, 
 Nor be by glittering ills betraid ; 
 Thy self for Money ? oh, let no man know 
 The Price of Beauty fain so low \ 
 What dangers ought'st thou not to dread, 
 When Love that's Blind is by blind Fortune led ? 
 
 2. , 
 
 The foolish Indian that sells 
 
 His precious Gold for Beads and Bells, 
 Does a more wise and gainful traffick hold, 
 
 Then thou who sell'st thy self for Gold. 
 
 What gains in such a bargain are ? 
 Hee'l in thy Mines dig better Treasures far. 
 
 92
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 3- 
 
 Can Gold, alas, with Thee compare ? 
 
 The Sun, that makes it 's not so fair ; 
 The Sun which can nor make, nor ever see 
 
 A thing so beautiful as Tbee t 
 
 In all the journeys he does pass, 
 Though the Sea serv'ed him for a Looking-glass. 
 
 4- 
 
 Bold was the wretch that cheapned Thee, 
 
 Since Magus, none so bold as he : 
 Thou'rt so divine a thing that Thee to buy, 
 
 Is to be counted Simony ; 
 
 Too dear he'l find his sordid price, 
 H'as forfeited that, and the Benefice. 
 
 5- 
 
 If it be lawful Thee to buy, 
 
 There's none can pay that rate but /; 
 Nothing on earth a fitting price can be, 
 
 But what on earth's most like to Thee. 
 
 And that my Heart does only bear ; 
 For there Thy self, Thy very self is there. 
 
 6. 
 
 So much thy self does in me live, 
 
 That when it for thy self I give, 
 'Tis but to change that piece of Gold for this, 
 
 Whose stamp and value equal is. 
 
 And that full Weight too may be had, 
 My Soul and Body ; two Grains more, I'll add. 
 
 T'he Long Life. 
 i. 
 
 LOve from Times wings hath stoln the feathers sure, 
 He has, and put them to his own ; 
 For Hours of late as long as Days endure, 
 And very Minutes, Hours are grown. 
 
 93
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 The various Motions of the turning Tear, 
 
 Belong not now at all to Me : 
 Each Summers Night does Lucies now appear, 
 
 Each Winters day St. Barnaby. 
 
 i 3' 
 
 How long a space, since first I lov'd, it is ? 
 
 To look into a glass I fear ; 
 And am surpriz'd with wonder when I miss, 
 
 Grey-hairs and wrinkles there. 
 
 4- 
 Th' old Patriarchs age and not their happiness too, 
 
 Why does hard fate to us restore ? 
 Why does Loves Fire thus to Mankind renew, 
 
 What the Flood washt away before ? 
 
 5- 
 Sure those are happy people that complain, 
 
 O' th' shortness of the days of man : 
 Contract mine, Heaven, and bring them back again 
 
 To th' ordinary Span. 
 
 6. 
 
 If when your gift, long Life, I disapprove, 
 
 I too ingrateful seem to be ; 
 Punish me justly, Heaven ; make Her to love, 
 
 And then 'twill be too short for me. 
 
 G ] 
 
 Counsel. 
 i. 
 
 Ently, ah gently, Madam, touch 
 
 The wound, which you your self have made ; 
 That pain must needs be very much, 
 
 Which makes me of your hand afraid. 
 Cordials of Pity give me now, 
 For I too weak for Purgings grow. 
 
 94
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 2. 
 
 Do but a while with patience stay ; 
 
 For Counsel yet will do no good, 
 'Till Time, and Rest, and Heav'n allay 
 
 The vi'olent burnings of my blood, 
 For what effeft from this can flow, 
 To chide men drunk, for being so ? 
 
 3- 
 Perhaps the PhysicPs good you give, 
 
 But ne're to me can useful prove ; 
 MecTcines may Cure, but not Revive ; 
 
 And 1'am not Sick, but Dead in Love. 
 In Loves Hell, not his World, am I ; 
 At once I Live, am Dead, and Dye. 
 
 4- 
 What new found Rhetoric^ is thine ? 
 
 Ev'n thy Diswasions me perswade, 
 And thy great power does clearest shine, 
 
 When thy Commands are disobeyed. 
 In vain thou bidst me to forbear ; 
 Obedience were Rebellion here. 
 
 5- 
 Thy Tongue comes in, as if it meant 
 
 Against thine Eyes t'assist my Heart ; 
 But different far was his intent : 
 
 For straight the Traitor took their part. 
 And by this new foe I'm bereft 
 Of all that Little which was left. 
 
 6. 
 
 The a6l I must confess was wise, 
 
 As a dishonest a6l could be : 
 Well knew the Tongue (alas) your Eyes 
 
 Would be too strong for That, and Me. 
 And part o'th' Triumph chose to get, 
 Rather than be a part of it. 
 
 95
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Resolved to be beloved. 
 
 i. 
 
 1r I "Is true, I'have lov'd already three or four, 
 _1_ And shall three or four hundred more ; 
 
 I'll love each fair one that I see, 
 Till I find one at last that shall love me. 
 
 2. 
 
 That shall my Canaan be, the fatal soil, 
 
 That ends my wandrings, and my toil. 
 I'll settle there and happy grow ; 
 
 The Country does with Milk and Honey flow. 
 
 3- 
 
 The Needle trembles so, and turns about, 
 Till it the Northern Point find out : 
 But constant then and fixt does prove, 
 
 Fixt, that his dearest Pole as soon may move. 
 
 4- 
 
 Then may my Vessel torn and shipwrackt be, 
 . If it put forth again to Sea : 
 
 It never more abroad shall rome, 
 Though't could next voyage bring the Indies home. 
 
 5- 
 But I must sweat in Love, and labour yet, 
 
 Till I a Competency get. 
 
 They're slothful fools who leave a Trade, 
 Till they a moderate Fortune by't have made. 
 
 6. 
 
 Variety I ask not ; give me One 
 
 To live perpetually upon. 
 
 The person Love does to us fit, 
 Like Manna, has the Tast of all in it. 
 96
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 T'he Same. 
 i. 
 
 FOr Heavens sake, what d' you mean to do ? 
 Keep me, or let me go, one of the two ; 
 Youth and warm hours let me not idlely lose, 
 The little Time that Love does choose ; 
 If always here I must not stay, 
 Let me be gone, whilst yet 'tis day ; 
 Lest I faint, and benighted lose my way. 
 
 2. 
 
 'Tis dismal, One so long to love 
 In vain ; till to love more as vain must prove : 
 To hunt so long on nimble prey, till we 
 
 Too weary to take others be ; 
 
 Alas, 'tis folly to remain, 
 
 And waste our Army thus in vain, 
 Before a City which will ne're be tane. 
 
 3- 
 
 At several hopes wisely to fly, 
 Ought not to be esteem'd Inconstancy ; 
 'Tis more Inconstant always to pursue, 
 
 A thing that always flies from you ; 
 
 For that at last may meet a bound, 
 
 But no end can to this be found, 
 'Tis nought but a perpetual fruitless Round. 
 
 4- 
 
 When it does Hardness meet and Pride, 
 My Love does then rebound t'another side ; 
 But if it ought that's soft and yielding hit ; 
 
 It lodges there, and stays in it. 
 
 Whatever 'tis shall first love me, 
 
 That it my Heaven may truly be ; 
 I shall be sure to give't Eternity. 
 
 c. G 97
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The Discovery. 
 i. 
 
 BY 'Heaven I'll tell her boldly that 'tis She ; 
 Why should she asham'd or angry be, 
 To be belov'd by Me? 
 The Gods may give their Altars o're ; 
 They'll smoak but seldom any more, 
 If none but Happy Men must them adore. 
 
 2. 
 
 The Lightning which tall Oaks oppose in vain, 
 To strike sometime does not disdain 
 The humble Furzes of the Plain. 
 She being so high, and I so low, 
 Her power by this does greater show, 
 Who at such distance gives so sure a blow. 
 
 3; 
 
 Compar'd with her all things so worthless prove, 
 That nought on earth can tow'ards her move, 
 Till't be exalted by her Love. 
 Equal to her, alas, there's none ; 
 She like a Deity is grown ; 
 That must Create, or else must be alone. 
 
 4- 
 
 If there be man, who thinks himself so high, 
 As to pretend equality, 
 
 tie deserves her less then / ; 
 For he would cheat for his relief; 
 And one would give with lesser grief, 
 To'an undeserving Beggar than a Thief. 
 
 Against Fruition. 
 
 NO ; thou'rt a fool, I'll swear, if e're thou grant : 
 Much of my Generation thou must want, 
 When once thy kindness puts my Ignorance out ; 
 For a learned Age is always least devout.
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 Keep still thy distance ; for at once to me 
 
 Goddess and Woman too, thou canst not be ; 
 
 Thou'rt Queen of all that sees thee ; and as such 
 
 Must neither Tyrannize, nor yield too much ; 
 
 Such freedoms give as may admit Command, 
 
 But keep the Forts and Magazines in thine hand. 
 
 Thou'rt yet a whole world to me, and do'est fill 
 
 My large ambition ; but 'tis dang'rous still, 
 
 Lest I like the Pelican Prince should be, 
 
 And weep for other worlds hav'ing conquer'd thee ; 
 
 When Love has taken all thou hast away, 
 
 His strength by too much riches will decay. 
 
 Thou in my Fancy dost much higher stand, 
 
 Than Women can be place'd by Natures hand ; 
 
 And I must needs, I'm sure, a loser be, 
 
 To change Thee, as Tboifrt there, for very Thee. 
 
 Thy sweetness is so much within me plac'd, 
 
 That shouldst thou Neftar give, 'twould spoil the tast. 
 
 Beauty at first moves wonder, and delight ; 
 
 'Tis Natures juggling trick to cheat the sight, 
 
 We 'admire it, whilst unknown, but after more 
 
 Admire our selves, for liking it before. 
 
 Love, like a greedy Hawk, if we give way, 
 
 Does over-gorge himself, with his own Prey ; 
 
 Of very Hopes a surfeit he'll sustain, 
 
 Unless by Fears he cast them up again : 
 
 His spirit and sweetness dangers keep alone ; 
 
 If once he lose his sting, he grows a Drone. 
 
 Love undiscovered. 
 i. 
 
 SOme, others may with safety tell 
 The moderate Flames, which in them dwell ; 
 And either find some Med'icine there, 
 Or cure themselves ev'en by Despair; 
 My Love's so great, that it might prove 
 Dang'erous, to tell her that I Love. 
 So tender is my wound, it must not bear 
 Any salute, though of the kindest air. 
 
 G 2 99
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 I would not have her know the pain, 
 The Torments for her I sustain, 
 Lest too much goodness make her throw 
 Her Love upon a Fate too low. 
 Forbid it Heaven my Life should be 
 Weigh'd with her least Conveniency : 
 No, let me perish rather with my grief, 
 Then to her disadvantage find relief. 
 
 3- 
 
 Yet when I dye, my last breath shall 
 Grow bold, and plainly tell her all. 
 Like covetous Men who ne're descry, 
 Their dear hid Treasures till they dye. 
 Ah fairest Maid, how will it chear 
 My Ghost, to get from Thee a tear! 
 But take heed ; for if me thou Pitiest then, 
 Twenty to one but I shall live agen. 
 
 The given Heart. 
 i. 
 
 I Wonder what those Lovers mean, who say, 
 They have giv'en their Hearts away. 
 Some good kind Lover tell me how ; 
 For mine is but a Torment to me now. 
 
 2. 
 
 If so it be, one place both hearts contain, 
 
 For what do they complain ? 
 
 What courtesie can Love do more, 
 Than to join Hearts^ that parted were before ? 
 
 3- 
 Wo to her stubborn Heart, if once mine come 
 
 Into the self same room ; 
 
 'Twill tear and blow up all within, 
 Like a Granado shot into a Magazin. 
 
 100
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 4- 
 
 Then shall Love keep the ashes, and torn parts, 
 Of both our broken Hearts: 
 Shall out of both one new one make, 
 
 From hers, th' 'Allay; from mine, the Metal take. 
 
 5- 
 For of her heart he from the flames will find 
 
 But little left behind : 
 
 Mine only will remain entire; 
 No dross was there, to perish in the Fire. 
 
 The Prophet. 
 
 i. 
 
 TEach me to Love? go teach thy self more wit; 
 I chief Professour am of it. 
 
 Teach craft to Scots, and thrift to Jews, 
 
 Teach boldness to the Stews; 
 In Tyrants Courts teach supple flattery, 
 Teach Jesuits, that have travel! 1 ^ far, to Lye. 
 
 Teach Fire to burn, and Winds to blow, 
 
 Teach restless Fountains how to flow, 
 
 Teach the dull earth, fixt, to abide, 
 Teach Woman-kind inconstancy and Pride. 
 See if your diligence here will useful prove; 
 But, pr'ithee, teach not me to Love. 
 
 2. 
 
 The God of Love, if such a thing there be, 
 
 May learn to love from Me. 
 
 He who does boast that he has bin 
 
 In every Heart since Adams sin, 
 I'll lay my Life, nay Mistress on't, that's more; 
 I'll teach him things he never knew before; 
 
 101
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 I'll teach him a Receipt to make 
 Words that weep, and Tears that speak, 
 I'll teach him Szg^tf, like those in Death, 
 
 At which the Souls go out too with the breath'. 
 
 Still the Soul stays, yet still does from me run ; 
 As Light and jF/Vfl/ does with the Sun. 
 
 3- 
 'Tis I who Love's Columbus am ; 'tis I, 
 
 Who must new Worlds in it descry : 
 Rich Worlds, that yield of Treasure more, 
 Than all that has bin known before. 
 And yet like his (I fear) my Fate must be, 
 To find them out for others', not for Me. 
 Me Times to come, I know it, shall 
 Loves last and greatest Prophet call. 
 But, ah, what's that, if she refuse, 
 To hear the wholesome Dottrines of my Muse? 
 If to my share the Prophets fate must come ; 
 Hereafter Fame, here Martyrdome. 
 
 'The Resolution. 
 
 i. 
 r I >A He Devil take those foolish men, 
 
 J_ Who gave you first such pow'rs; 
 
 We stood on even grounds till then ; 
 If any odds, Creation made it ours. 
 
 2. 
 For shame let these weak Chains be broke ; 
 
 Let's our slight bonds, like Sampson, tear; 
 
 And nobly cast away that yoke, 
 Which we nor our Forefathers e're could bear. 
 
 3- 
 
 French Laws forbid the Female Raign ; 
 Yet Love does them to slavery draw, 
 Alas, if we'll our rights maintain, 
 'Tis all Mankind must make a Salique Law. 
 
 102
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 Called Inconstant. 
 i. 
 
 HA ! ha ! you think y'have kilTd my fame ; 
 By this not understood, yet common Name : 
 A Name, that's full and proper when assign'd 
 To Woman-kind : 
 But when you call us so, 
 It can at best but for a Mefaphor go. 
 
 2. 
 
 Can you the shore Inconstant call, 
 Which still as Waves pass by, embraces #//; 
 That had as leif the same Waves always love, 
 
 Did they not from him move? 
 
 Or can you fault with Pilots find 
 For changing course, yet never blame the wind? 
 
 3- 
 
 Since drunk with vanity you fell : 
 The things turn round to you that stedfast dwell ; 
 And you your self, who from us take your flight, 
 
 Wonder to find us out of sight. 
 
 So the same errour seizes you, 
 As Men in motion think the Trees move too. 
 
 The Welcome. 
 i. 
 
 GO, let the fatted Calf be kill'd ; 
 My Prodigal's come home at last; 
 With noble resolutions fill'd, 
 
 And fill'd with sorrow for the past. 
 No more will burn with Love or Wine : 
 But quite has left his Women and his Swine. 
 
 103
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 Welcome, ah welcome my poor Hearty 
 Welcome; I little thought, I'll swear, 
 
 ('Tis now so long since we did part) 
 Ever again to see thee here : 
 Dear Wanderer, since from me you fled, 
 
 How often have I heard that Thou wer't dead\ 
 
 3- 
 Hast thou not found each womans breast 
 
 (The Lands where thou hast travelled) 
 Either by Savages possest, 
 
 Or wild, and uninhabited? 
 
 What joy couldst take, or what repose 
 In Country* so uncivilized as those? 
 
 4- 
 Lust y the scorching Dog-star ; here 
 
 Rages with immoderate heat; 
 Whilst Pride the rugged Northern Bear, 
 
 In others makes the Cold too great. 
 
 And where these are temp'rate known, 
 The Soyl's all barren Sand, or rocky Stone. 
 
 5- 
 When once or twice you chanc'd to view 
 
 A rich, well-govern'd Heart, 
 Like China, it admitted You 
 
 But to the Frontier-part. 
 
 From Par'adise shut for evermore, 
 What good is't that an Angel kept the Door? 
 
 6. 
 
 Well fare the Pride, and the Disdain, 
 And Vanities with Beauty joyn'd, 
 
 I ne're had seen this Heart again, 
 If any Fair one had been kind : 
 My Dove, but once let loose, I doubt 
 
 Would ne're return, had not the Flood been out. 
 
 104
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 The Heart Jied again. 
 i. 
 
 FAlse, foolish Heart] didst thou not say, 
 That thou wouldst never leave me more ? 
 Behold again 'tis fled away, 
 
 Fled as far from me as before. 
 I strove to bring it back again, 
 I cry'd and hollow'd after it in vain. 
 
 2. 
 Even so the gentle Tyrian Dame, 
 
 When neither Grief nor Love prevail, 
 Saw the dear objecl of her flame, 
 
 Th'ingrateful Trojan hoist his sail : 
 
 Aloud she call'd to him to stay ; 
 The wind bore him, and her lost words away. 
 
 3- 
 
 The doleful Ariadne so, 
 
 On the wide shore forsaken stood : 
 False Theseus, whither dost thou go ? 
 
 Afar false Theseus cut the flood. 
 
 But Bacchus came to her relief; 
 Bacchus himself's too weak to ease my grief. 
 
 4- 
 
 Ah senseless Heart, to take no rest, 
 But travel thus eternally ! 
 
 Thus to be frozen in every breast \ 
 And to be scorcht in every Eye \ 
 Wandring about like wretched Cain, 
 
 Thrust out, /// us'd by all, but by none slain \ 
 
 5- 
 Well ; since thou wilt not here remain, 
 
 I'll ev'en to live without Thee try; 
 My Head shall take the greater pain, 
 
 And all thy duties shall supply ; 
 
 I can more easi'ly live I know 
 Without Thee y then without a Mistress Thou. 
 
 105
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Womens Superstition. 
 i. 
 
 OR I'm a very Dunce, or Womankind 
 Is a most unintelligible thing : 
 I can no Sense, nor no Contexture find, 
 
 Nor their loose parts to Method bring, 
 I know not what the Learn'd may see, 
 But they're strange Hebrew things to Me. 
 
 2. 
 
 By Customs and Traditions they live, 
 And foolish Ceremonies of antique date, 
 We Lovers, new and better Doftrines give. 
 Yet they continue obstinate ; 
 Preach we, Loves Prophets, what we will, 
 Like Jews, they keep their old Law still. 
 
 Before their Mothers Gods, they fondly fall, 
 Vain' Idol-Gods that have no Sense nor Mind: 
 Honour's their dshtaroth, and Pride their Baal, 
 The Thundring Baal of Woman-kind. 
 With twenty other Devils more, 
 Which They, as We do Them, adore. 
 
 But then, like Men both Covetous and Devout, 
 Their costly Superstition loth t'omit, 
 And yet more loth to issue Moneys out, 
 At their own charge to furnish it. 
 To these expensive Deities, 
 The Hearts of Men they Sacrifice. 
 
 106
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 The Soul. 
 i. 
 
 SOme dull Philosopher when he hears me say, 
 My Soul is from me fled away ; 
 Nor has of late inform'd my Body here, 
 But in anothers breast does ly, 
 That neither Is, nor will be /, 
 As a Form Servient and Assisting there : 
 
 2. 
 
 Will cry, Absurd \ and ask me, how I live : 
 And Syllogisms against it give ; 
 
 A curse on all your vain Philosophies, 
 
 Which on weak Natures Law depend, 
 And know not how to comprehend 
 
 Love and Religion, those great Mysteries. 
 
 3- 
 
 Her Body is my Soul-, laugh not at this, 
 For by my Life I swear it is. 
 
 'Tis that preserves my Being and my Breath, 
 From that proceeds all that I do, 
 Nay all my Thoughts and speeches too, 
 
 And separation from it is my Death. 
 
 Eccho. 
 
 I. 
 
 TIr'ed with the rough denials of my Prayer, 
 From that hard she whom I obey, 
 I come, and find a Nymph, much gentler here, 
 That gives consent to all I say. 
 Ah gentle Nymph who lik'st so well, 
 In hollow, solitary Caves to dwell, 
 
 Her Heart being such, into it go, 
 And do but once from thence answer me so. 
 
 107
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 Complaisant Nymph, who do'est thus kindly share 
 
 In griefs, whose cause thou do'est not know ! 
 Hadst thou but Eyes, as well as Tongue and Ear, 
 
 How much compassion wouldst thou show ! 
 
 Thy flame, whilst living, or a flower, 
 Was of less beauty, and less rav'ishing power; 
 
 Alas, I might as easilie, 
 Paint thee to her, as describe Her to Thee. 
 
 3- 
 
 By repercussion Beams engender Fire, 
 
 Shapes by reflexion shapes beget; 
 The voyce it self, when stopt, does back retire, 
 
 And a new voice is made by it. 
 
 Thus things by opposition 
 The gainers grow ; my barren Love alone, 
 
 Does from her stony breast rebound, 
 Producing neither Image, Fire, nor Sound. 
 
 *The rich Rival. 
 i. 
 
 THey say you're angry, and rant mightilie, 
 Because I love the same as you; 
 Alas ! you're very rich ; 'tis true ; 
 But prithee Fool, what's that to Love and Me? 
 You'have Land and Money, let that serve; 
 And know you'have more by that than you deserve. 
 
 2. 
 
 When next I see my fair One, she shall know, 
 How worthless thou art of her bed ; 
 And wretch, I'll strike thee dumb and dead, 
 
 With noble verse not understood by you ; 
 Whilst thy sole Rhetoric^ shall be 
 
 yoynture, and "Jewels, and Our Friends agree. 
 
 1 08
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 3- 
 
 Pox o' your friends, that dote and Domineere: 
 Lovers are better Friends than they : 
 Let's those in other things obey ; 
 
 The Fates, and Stars, and Gods must govern here. 
 Vain names of Blood\ in Love let none 
 
 Advise with any Blood, but with their own. 
 
 4- 
 'Tis that which bids me this bright Maid adore; 
 
 No other thought has had access ! 
 
 Did she now beg I'd love no less, 
 And were she'an Empress, I should love no more; 
 
 Were she as just and true to Me, 
 Ah, simple soul, what would become of Thee! 
 
 Against Hope. 
 
 i. 
 
 HOpe, whose weak Being ruin'd is, 
 Alike if it succeed, and if it miss ; 
 Whom Good or /// does equally confound, 
 And both the Horns of Fates Dilemma wound. 
 Vain shadow! which dost vanish quite, 
 Both at full Noon, and perfect Night! 
 The Stars have not a possibility 
 
 Of blessing Thee ; 
 
 If things then from their End we happy call, 
 'Tis Hope is the most Hopeless thing of all. 
 
 2. 
 
 Hope, thou bold Taster of Delight, 
 Who whilst thou shouldst but tast, devour'st it quite ! 
 Thou bringst us an Estate, yet leav'st us Poor, 
 By clogging it with Legacies before ! 
 
 The joys which we entire should wed, 
 
 Come deflowr'd Virgins to our bed ; 
 
 109
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Good fortunes without gain imported be, 
 Such mighty Custom 1 ?, paid to Thee. 
 For Joy, like Wine, kept close does better tast ; 
 If it take air before, its spirits wast. 
 
 3; 
 
 Hope, Fortunes cheating Lottery \ 
 Where for one prize an hundred blanks there be ; 
 Fond Archer, Hope, who tak'st thy aim so far, 
 That still or short, or wide thine arrows are ! 
 
 Thin, empty Cloud, which th'eye deceives 
 
 With shapes that our own Fancy gives ! 
 A Cloud, which gilt and painted now appears, 
 
 But must drop presently in tears \ 
 When thy false beams o're Reasons light prevail, 
 By Ignes fatui for North-Stars we sail. 
 
 4- 
 
 Brother of Fear, more gaily clad ! 
 The merr'ier Fool o'th' two, yet quite as Mad: 
 Sire of Repentance, Child of fond Desire \ 
 That blow'st the Chymicks, and the Lovers fire ! 
 Leading them still insensibly 'on 
 By the strange witchcraft of Anon ! 
 By Thee the one does changing Nature through 
 
 Her endless Labyrinths pursue, 
 And th'other chases Woman, whilst She goes 
 More ways and turns than hunted Nature knows. 
 
 H 
 
 For Hope. 
 i. 
 
 Ope, of all Ills that men endure, 
 
 The only cheap and Universal Cure \ 
 Thou Captives freedom, and Thou sick Mans Health \ 
 Thou Losers f /r ito'ry, and thou Beggars wealth \ 
 
 Thou Manna, which from Heav'n we eat, 
 
 To every Tast a several Meat \ 
 Thou strong Retreat \ thou sure entaiTd Estate, 
 
 Which nought has power to alienate ! 
 Thou pleasant, honest Flatterer ! for none 
 Flatter unhappy Men, but thou alone ! 
 
 IIO
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 2. 
 
 Hope, thou First-fruits of Happiness ! 
 Thou gentle Dawning of a bright Success I 
 Thou good Preparative, without which our Joy 
 Does work too strong, and whilst it cures, destroy ; 
 
 Who out of Fortunes reach dost stand, 
 
 And art a blessing still in hand! 
 Whilst Thee, her Earnest-Money we retain, 
 
 We certain are to gain, 
 
 Whether she'her bargain break, or else fulfill ; 
 Thou only good, not worse, for ending ill ! 
 
 3- 
 
 Brother of Faith, 'twixt whom and Thee 
 The joys of Heaven and Earth divided be ! 
 Though Faith be Heir, and have the fixt estate, 
 Thy Portion yet in Moveables is great. 
 
 Happiness it self's all one 
 
 In Thee, or in possession ! 
 Only the Future's Thine, the present His ! 
 
 Thine's the more hard and noble bliss ; 
 Best apprehender of our joys, which hast 
 So long a reach, and yet canst hold so fast ! 
 
 Hope, thou sad Lovers only Friend ! 
 Thou Way that mayst dispute it with the End \ 
 For Love I fear's a fruit that does delight 
 The Tast it self less than the Smell and Sight. 
 
 Fruition more deceitful is 
 
 Than Thou canst be, when thou dost miss ; 
 Men leave thee by obtaining, and strait flee 
 
 Some other way again to Thee ; 
 And that's a pleasant Country, without doubt, 
 To which all soon return that travel out. 
 
 in
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Loves Ingratitude. 
 
 i. 
 
 I Little thought, them fond ingrateful Sin, 
 When first I let thee in, 
 And gave thee but a part 
 In my unwary Heart, 
 That thou wouldst e're have grown, 
 So false or strong to make it all thine own. 
 
 2. 
 At mine own breast with care I fed thee still, 
 
 Letting thee suck thy fill, 
 
 And daintily I nourisht Thee 
 
 With Idle thoughts and Poetriel 
 
 What ill returns dost thou allow ? 
 I fed thee then, and thou dost starve me now. 
 
 3- 
 There was a time, when thou wast cold and chill, 
 
 Nor hadst the power of doing ill ; 
 
 Into my bosom did I take, 
 
 This frozen and benummed Snake, 
 
 Not fearing from it any harm ; 
 But now it stings that breast which made /'/ warm. 
 
 4- 
 What cursed weed's this Love ! but one grain sow, 
 
 And the whole field 'twill overgrow ; 
 
 Strait will it choak up and devour 
 
 Each wholesome herb and beauteous flour ! 
 
 Nay unless something soon I do, 
 'Twill kill I fear my very Lawrel too. 
 
 5- 
 But now all's gone, I now, alas, complain, 
 
 Declare, protest, and threat in vain. 
 
 Since by my own unforcd consent, 
 
 The Traytor has my Government, 
 
 And is so settled in the Throne, 
 That 'twere Rebellion now to claim mine own. 
 
 112
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 The Frailty. 
 i. 
 
 I Know 'tis sordid^ and 'tis low ; 
 (All this as well as you I know) 
 Which I so hotly now pursue ; 
 (I know all this as well as you) 
 But whilst this cursed flesh I bear, 
 And all the Weakness^ and the Baseness there, 
 Alas, alas, it will be always so. 
 
 2. 
 
 In vain, exceedingly in vain 
 
 I rage sometimes, and bite my Chain ; 
 
 For to what purpose do I bite 
 
 With Teeth which ne're will break it quite ? 
 
 For if the chiefest Christian Head, 
 Was by this sturdy Tyrant buffeted, 
 What wonder is it, if weak I be slain ? 
 
 Coldness. 
 
 I. 
 
 S water fluid is, till it do grow 
 
 Solid and fixt by Cold\ 
 So in warm Seasons Love does loosely flow, 
 
 Frost only can it hold. 
 A Romans rigour , and disdain, 
 Does his swift course restrain. 
 
 2. 
 
 Though constant^ and consistent now it be, 
 Yet, when kind beams appear, 
 
 It melts, and glides apace into the Sea, 
 And loses it self there. 
 
 So the Suns amorous play, 
 
 Kisses the Ice away.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 3- 
 
 You may in Pulgar Loves find always this ; 
 
 But my Substantial Love 
 Of a more firm, and perfedt Nature is ; 
 
 No weathers can it move : 
 Though Heat dissolve the Ice again, 
 The Chrystal solid does remain. 
 
 I. 
 r I "*Hen like some wealthy Island thou shalt ly ; 
 
 JL And like the Sea about it, / ; 
 Thou like fair Albion, to the Sailors Sight, 
 Spreading her beauteous Bosom all in White : 
 
 Like the kind Ocean I will be, 
 With loving Arms for ever clasping Thee. 
 
 2. 
 But I'll embrace Thee gentli'er far than so ; 
 
 As their fresh Banks soft Rivers do, 
 Nor shall the proudest Planet boast a power 
 Of making my full Love to ebb one hour ; 
 
 It never dry or low can prove, 
 Whilst thy unwasted Fountain feeds my Love. 
 
 3- 
 Such Heat and Vigour shall our Kisses bear, 
 
 As if like Doves we' engendred there. 
 No bound nor rule my pleasures shall endure, 
 In Love there's none too much an Epicure. 
 
 Nought shall my hands or Lips controul ; 
 I'll kiss Thee through, I'll kiss thy very Soul. 
 
 4- 
 Yet nothing, but the Night our sports shall know ; 
 
 Night that's both blind and silent too. 
 Alphteus found not a more secret trace, 
 His lov'd Sicanian Fountain to embrace, 
 
 Creeping so far beneath the Sea, 
 Than 1 will do t' enjoy, and feast on Thee. 
 
 114
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 5- 
 
 Men, out of Wisdom ; Women, out of Pride, 
 The pleasant Thefts of Love do hide. 
 
 That may secure thee ; but thou 'hast yet from Me 
 
 A more infallible Securitie. 
 
 For there's no danger I should tell 
 
 The Joys, which are to Me unspeakable. 
 
 Sleep. 
 
 i. 
 
 IN vain, thou drousie God, I thee invoak ; 
 For thou, who dost from fumes arise, 
 Thou, who Mans Soul dost overshade 
 With a thick Cloud by Vapours made, 
 Canst have no power to shut his eyes, 
 
 Or passage of his Spirits to choak, 
 Whose flames so pure, that it sends up no smoak. 
 
 2. 
 
 Yet how do Tears but from some Vapours rise ? 
 Tears, that bewinter all my Year ? 
 The fate of Egypt I sustain, 
 And never feel the dew of Rain, 
 From Clouds which in the Head appear, 
 
 But all my too much Moysture ow, 
 To overflowings of the Heart below. 
 
 3- 
 
 Thou, who dost Men (as Nights to Colours do) 
 Bring all to an Equality : 
 
 Come, thou just God, and equal me 
 A while to my disdainful She ; 
 In that condition let me ly ; 
 
 Till Love does the favour shew ; 
 Love equals all a better way than You. 
 
 H 2 115
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 4- 
 
 Then never more shalt thou be'invokt by me ; 
 Watchful as Spirits, and Gods I'll prove : 
 Let her but grant, and then will I, 
 Thee and thy Kinsman Death defy. 
 For betwixt Thee and them that love, 
 
 Never will an agreement be ; 
 Thou scorn'st th' Unhappy ; and the Happy, Thee. 
 
 Beauty. 
 I. 
 
 BEauty, thou wild fantastick Ape, 
 Who dost in ev'ry Country change thy shape ! 
 Here black, there brown, here tawny, and there white ; 
 Thou Flatterer which compli'st with every sight ! 
 
 Thou Babel which confound'st the Ey 
 With unintelligible variety \ 
 
 Who hast no certain What, nor Where, 
 But vary'st still, and dost thy self declare 
 Inconstant, as thy she-Professors are. 
 
 2. 
 
 Beauty, Loves Scene and Masker ade^ 
 So gay by well-plac'd Lights, and Distance made ; 
 False Coyn, with which th' 'Impostor cheats us still ; 
 The Stamp and Colour good, but Metal ill ! 
 
 Which Light, or Base we find, when we 
 Weigh by Enjoyment, and examine Thee ! 
 
 For though thy Being be but show, 
 'Tis chiefly Night which men to Thee allow : 
 And chuse t 'enjoy Thee, when Thou least art Thou. 
 
 3- 
 
 Beauty, Thou attive, passive 111 ! 
 Which dfst thy self as fast as thou dost kill! 
 Thou Tulip, who thy stock in paint dost waste, 
 Neither for Physick good, nor Smell, nor Tast. 
 
 116
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 Beauty ', whose Flames but Meteors are, 
 Short-liv'd and low, though thou wouldst seem a Star, 
 
 Who dar'st not thine own Home descry, 
 Pretending to dwell richly in the Eye, 
 When thou, alas, dost in the Fancy lye. 
 
 4- 
 
 Beauty, whose Conquests still are made 
 O're Hearts by Cowards kept, or else betrayed! 
 Weak Vittor \ who thy self destroy'd must be 
 When sickness storms, or Time besieges Thee ! 
 
 Thou'unwholesome Thaw to frozen Age I 
 Thou strong wine, which youths Feaver dost enrage, 
 
 Thou Tyrant which leav'st no man free ! 
 Thou subtle thief, from whom nought safe can be ! 
 Thou Murth'rer which hast killed, & Devil which wouldst 
 Damn me. 
 
 The Parting. 
 i. 
 
 A> Men in Groen-land left beheld the Sun 
 From their Horizon run ; 
 And thought upon the sad half year 
 Of Cold and Darkness they must suffer there : 
 
 2. 
 
 So on my parting Mistress did I look, 
 
 With such swoln eyes my farewel took ; 
 Ah, my fair Star \ said I ; 
 
 Ah those blest Lands to which bright Thou dost fly ! 
 
 3- 
 In vain the Men of Learning comfort me ; 
 
 And say I'm in a warm degree ; 
 
 Say what they please ; I say and swear 
 'Tis beyond eighty at least, if you're not here. 
 
 117
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 4- 
 
 It is, it is ; I tremble with the Frost, 
 
 And know that I the Day have lost ; 
 
 And those wild things which Men they call, 
 
 I find to be but Bears or Foxes all. 
 
 5- 
 
 Return, return, gay Planet of mine East, 
 
 Of all that shines Thou much the Best ! 
 And as thou now descend' st to Sea ; 
 
 More fair and fresh rise up from thence to Me. 
 
 6. 
 
 Thou, who in many a Propriety, 
 
 So truly art the Sun to Me, 
 
 Adde one more likeness, which I'm sure you can, 
 And let Me and my Sun beget a Man. 
 
 My Pitfure. 
 i. 
 
 HEre, take my Likeness with you, whilst 'tis so ; 
 For when from hence you go, 
 The next Suns rising will behold 
 Me pale, and lean, and old. 
 The Man who did this Piflure draw, 
 Will swear next day my face he never saw. 
 
 2. 
 
 I really believe, within a while, 
 
 If you upon this shadow smile, 
 Your presence will such vigour give, 
 (Your presence which makes all things live) 
 And absence so much alter Me, 
 
 This will the substance, I the shadow be. 
 
 118
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 3- 
 
 When from your well-wrought Cabinet you take it, 
 And your bright looks awake it ; 
 Ah be not frighted, if you see, 
 The new-sour d Pifture gaze on Thee, 
 And hear it breath a sigh or two ; 
 
 For those are the first things that it will do. 
 
 4- 
 My Rival-Image will be then thought blest, 
 
 And laugh at me as dispossest ; 
 
 But Thou, who (if I know thee right) 
 
 I'th' substance dost not much delight, 
 
 Wilt rather send again for Me, 
 Who then shall but my Pittures Pifture be. 
 
 The Concealment. 
 i. 
 
 NO ; to what purpose should I speak ? 
 No, wretched Heart, swell till you break ! 
 
 She cannot love me if she would; 
 And to say truth, 'twere pity that she should. 
 
 No, to the Grave thy sorrows bear, 
 
 As silent, as they will be there : 
 Since that lov'd hand this mortal wound does give, 
 
 So handsomly the thing contrive, 
 
 That she may guiltless of it live. 
 
 So perish, that her killing Thee 
 May a Chance-Medley, and no Murther be. 
 
 2. 
 
 'Tis nobler much for me, that I 
 By'her Beauty, not her Anger dy ; 
 This will look justly, and become 
 An Execution ; that, a Martyrdome. 
 
 The censuring world will ne're refrain 
 From judging men by Thunder slain. 
 
 119
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 She must be angry sure, if I should be 
 So bold to ask her to make me 
 By being hers, happier than She. 
 I will not ; 'tis a milder fate 
 
 To fall by her not Loving^ than her Hate. 
 
 And yet this death of mine, I fear, 
 Will ominous to her appear : 
 When, sound in every other part, 
 
 Her Sacrifice is found without an Heart. 
 For the last Tempest of my death 
 Shall sigh out that too, with my breath. 
 
 Then shall the world my noble ruine see, 
 Some pity^ and some envy Me, 
 Then She her self, the mighty She^ 
 Shall grace my fun'rals with this truth ; 
 
 'Twos only Love destroyed the gentle Youth. 
 
 'The Monopoly. 
 i. 
 
 WHat Mines of Sulphur in my breast do ly, 
 That feed th' eternal burnings of my heart ? 
 Not SEtna flames more fierce or constantly, 
 The sounding shop of Vulcans smoaky art ; 
 Vulcan his shop has placed there, 
 And Cupids Forge is set up here. 
 
 2. 
 
 Here all those Arrows mortal Heads are made, 
 That flye so thick unseen through yielding air ; 
 The Cyclops here, which labour at the trade 
 Are Jealousie, Fear, Sadness, and Despair. 
 
 Ah cruel God ! and why to me 
 
 Gave you this curst Monopolie ? 
 
 1 2O
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 3- 
 
 I have the trouble, not the gains of it ; 
 Give me but the disposal of one Dart ; 
 And then (I'll ask no other benefit) 
 Heat as you please your furnace in my Heart. 
 
 So sweet's Revenge to me, that I 
 
 Upon my foe would gladly dy. 
 
 4- 
 
 Deep into'her bosom would I strike the dart ; 
 
 Deeper than Woman e're was struck by Thee ; 
 
 Thou giv'st them small wounds, and so far from th' 'Heart, 
 
 They flutter still about, inconstantly, 
 
 Curse on thy Goodness, whom we find 
 
 Civil to none but Woman-kind \ 
 
 5- 
 
 Vain God ! who women dost thy self adore ! 
 Their wounded Hearts do still retain the powers 
 To travel, and to wander as before ; 
 Thy broken Arrows 'twixt that sex and ours 
 
 So 'unjustly are distributed ; 
 
 They take the Feathers, we the Head. 
 
 The Distance. 
 
 i. 
 
 I 'Have followed thee a year at least, 
 And never stopt my self to rest. 
 But yet can thee o'retake no more, 
 Than this Day can the Day that went before. 
 
 2. 
 
 In this our fortunes equal prove 
 To Stars, which govern them above ; 
 Our Stars that move for ever round, 
 With the same Distance still betwixt them found. 
 
 121
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 3- 
 
 In vain, alas, in vain I strive 
 The wheel of Fate faster to drive ; 
 Since if a round it swiftlier fly 
 She in it mends her pace as much as /. 
 
 4- 
 
 Hearts by Love, strangely shuffled are, 
 That there can never meet a Pare \ 
 Tamelier than Worms are Lovers slain ; 
 The wounded Heart ne're turns to wound again. 
 
 'The Encrease. 
 
 i. 
 
 I Thought, I'll swear, I could have lov'd no more 
 Then I had done before ; 
 But you as easi'ly might account 
 'Till to the top of Numbers you amount, 
 As cast up my Loves score. 
 Ten thousand millions was the sum ; 
 Millions of endless Mi//ions are to come. 
 
 2. 
 I'm sure her Beauties cannot greater grow ; 
 
 Why should my Love do so ? 
 
 A real cause at first did move ; 
 But mine own Fancy now drives on my Love, 
 
 With shadows from it self that flow. 
 
 My Love y as we in Numbers see, 
 By Cyphers is encreast eternallie. 
 
 3- 
 So the new-made, and untride Spheres above, 
 
 Took their first turn from th' hand of "Jove ; 
 
 But are since that beginning found 
 By their own Forms to move for ever round. 
 
 All violent Motions short do prove, 
 
 But by the length 'tis plain to see 
 That Love's a Motion Natural to Me. 
 
 122
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 Loves Visibility. 
 i. 
 
 With much of pain, and all the Art I knew 
 Have I endeavour'd hitherto 
 To hide my Love, and yet all will not do. 
 
 2. 
 The world perceives it, and it may be, she ; 
 
 Though so discreet and good she be, 
 By hiding it, to teach that skill to Me. 
 
 3- 
 Men without Love have oft so cunning grown, 
 
 That something like it they have shown, 
 But none who had it ever seem'd t'have none. 
 
 4- 
 Lovis of a strangely open, simple kind, 
 
 Can no arts or disguises find, 
 But thinks none sees it 'cause it self is blind. 
 
 5- 
 The very Eye betrays our inward smart; 
 
 Love of himself left there a part, 
 When thorow it he past into the Heart. 
 
 6. 
 Or if by chance the Face betray not it, 
 
 But keep the secret wisely, yet, 
 Like Drunkenness, into the Tongue t'will get. 
 
 Looking on, and discoursing with his Mistress. 
 
 i. 
 
 THese full two hours now have I gazing been, 
 What comfort by it can I gain ? 
 To look on Heav 'en with mighty Gulfs between 
 Was the great Misers greatest pain ; 
 So neer was he to Heavens delight, 
 As with the blest converse he might, 
 Yet could not get one drop of water by't. 
 
 123
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 Ah wretch ! I seem to touch her now ; but, oh, 
 What boundless spaces do us part ? 
 
 Fortune, and Friends, and all earths empty show 
 My Lowness, and her high Desert : 
 But these might conquerable prove ; 
 Nothing does me so far remove, 
 
 As her hard Souls aversion from my Love. 
 
 3- 
 
 So Travellers, that lose their way by night, 
 
 If from afar they chance t'espy 
 Th' uncertain glimmerings of a Tapers light, 
 
 Take flattering hopes, and think it nigh ; 
 
 Till wearied with the fruitless pain, 
 
 They sit them down, and weep in vain, 
 And there in Darkness and Despair remain. 
 
 Resolved to Love. 
 
 i. 
 
 I Wonder what the Grave and Wise 
 Think of all us that Love ; 
 Whether our Pretty Fooleries 
 
 Their Mirth or Anger move ; 
 
 They understand not Breath, that Words does want ; 
 Our Sighs to them are unsignificant. 
 
 2. 
 
 One of them saw me th' other day, 
 
 Touch the dear hand, which I admire ; 
 
 My Soul was melting strait away, 
 And dropt before the Fire, 
 
 This silly Wiseman, who pretends to know, 
 
 Askt why I look'd so pale, and trembled so ? 
 
 124
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 3- 
 Another from my Mistress' dore 
 
 Saw me with eyes all watry come ; 
 Nor could the hidden cause explore, 
 
 But thought some smoak was in the room ; 
 Such Ign'orance from unwounded Learning came ; 
 He knew Tears made by Smoak, but not by Flame. 
 
 M 
 
 If learned in other things you be, 
 
 And have in Love no skill, 
 For Gods sake keep your arts from me, 
 
 For I'll be ignorant still. 
 Study or Attlon others may embrace ; 
 My Love's my Business, and my Booh her Face. 
 
 [5-] 
 
 These are but Trifles^ I confess, 
 
 Which me, weak Mortal, move ; 
 Nor is your busie Seriousness 
 
 Less trifling than my Love. 
 The wisest King who from his sacred brest 
 Pronounc'd all Fan'ity, chose it for the best. 
 
 My Fate. 
 i. 
 
 GO bid the Needle his dear North forsake, 
 To which with trembling rev'erence it does bend ; 
 Go bid the Stones a journey upwards make ; 
 
 Go bid th' ambitious Flame no more ascend : 
 And when these false to their old Motions prove, 
 Then shall I cease Thee^ Thee alone to Love.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 The fast-link'd Chain of everlasting Fate 
 
 Does nothing tye more strong, than Me to You ; 
 
 My fixt Love hangs not on your Love or Hate ; 
 But will be still the same, what e're you do. 
 
 You cannot kill my Love with your disdain, 
 
 Wound it you may, and make it live in pain. 
 
 3- 
 
 Me, mine example let the Stoicks use, 
 
 Their sad and cruel doctrine to maintain, 
 
 Let all Pr&destinators me produce, 
 
 Who struggle with eternal bonds in vain. 
 
 This Fire I'm born to, but 'tis she must tell, 
 
 Whether'! be Beams of Heav'en, or Flames of Hell. 
 
 4- 
 You, who mens fortunes in their faces read, 
 
 To find out mine, look not, alas, on Me ; 
 But mark her Face, and all the features heed ; 
 
 For only there is writ my Destiny. 
 Or if Stars shew it, gaze not on the Skies ; 
 But study the AstroFogy of her Eyes. 
 
 5- 
 If thou find there kind and propitious rays, 
 
 What Mars or Saturn threaten I'll not fear ; 
 I well believe the Fate of mortal days 
 
 Is writ in Heav'en ; but, oh my heav'en is there. 
 What can men learn from stars they scarce can see ? 
 Two great Lights rule the world ; and her two, Me. 
 
 The Heart-breaking. 
 i. 
 
 IT gave a piteous groan, and so it broke ; 
 In vain it something would have spoke : 
 The Love within too strong for't was, 
 Like Poyson put into a Venice-Glass. 
 
 126
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 2. 
 
 I thought that this some Remedy might prove, 
 But, oh, the mighty Serpent Love, 
 Cut by this chance in pieces small, 
 
 In all still liii'd, and still it stung in all. 
 
 3- 
 And now (alas) each little broken part 
 
 Feels the whole pain of all my Heart : 
 
 And every smallest corner still 
 Lives with that torment which the Whole did kill. 
 
 4- 
 
 Even so rude Armies when the field they quit, 
 
 And into several Quarters get ; 
 
 Each Troop does spoil and ruine more, 
 Then all joyn'd in one Body did before. 
 
 5- 
 How many Loves raign in my bosom now ? 
 
 How many Loves, yet all of you ? 
 
 Thus have I chang'd with evil fate 
 My Monarch-Love into a Tyrant-State. 
 
 'The Usurpation. 
 
 i. 
 
 THou'hadst to my Soul no title or pretence ; 
 I was mine own, and free, 
 Till I had giv'n my self to Thee; 
 But thou hast kept me Slave and Prisoner since. 
 
 Well, since so insolent thou'rt grown, 
 Fond Tyrant^ I'll depose thee from thy Throne ; 
 Such outrages must not admitted be 
 In an Elective Monarchy. 
 
 127
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 Part of my Heart by Gift did to Thee fall ; 
 
 My Country, Kindred, and my best 
 
 Acquaintance were to share the rest ; 
 But thou, their Covetous Neighbour , drav'est out all 
 
 Nay more ; thou mak'st me worship Thee, 
 And would'st the rule of my Religion be ; 
 Was ever Tyrant claim'd such power as you, 
 
 To be both Emp'rour, and Pope too? 
 
 3- 
 
 The publick Miseries, and my private fate 
 
 Deserve some tears : but greedy Thou 
 (Insatiate Maid /) wilt not allow 
 
 That I one drop from thee should alienate. 
 Nor wilt thou grant my sins a part, 
 
 Though the sole cause of most of them thou art, 
 
 Counting my Tears thy Tribute and thy Due, 
 Since first mine Eyes I gave to You. 
 
 4- 
 
 Thou all my Joys and all my Hopes dost claim, 
 Thou ragest like a Fire in me, 
 Converting all things into Thee ; 
 
 Nought can resist, or not encrease the Flame. 
 Nay every Grief and every Fear, 
 
 Thou dost devour, unless thy stamp it bear. 
 
 Thy presence, like the crowned Basilisks breath, 
 All other Serpents puts to death. 
 
 5- 
 
 As men in Hell are from Diseases free, 
 
 So from all other ills am I ; 
 
 Free from their known Formality : 
 But all pains Eminently lye in Thee : 
 
 Alas, alas, I hope in vain 
 
 My conquer'd Soul from out thine hands to gain. 
 Since all the Natives there thou'st overthrown, 
 
 And planted Gar'isons of thine own. 
 
 128
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 Maidenhead. 
 
 i. 
 
 THou worst estate even of the sex that's worst ; 
 Therefore by Nature made at first, 
 T'attend the weakness of our birth ! 
 Slight, outward Curtain to the Nuptial Bed \ 
 .Thou Case to buildings not yet finished ! 
 Who like the Center of the Earth, 
 Dost heaviest things attract to thee, 
 Though Thou a point imaginary be. 
 
 2. 
 
 A thing God thought for Mankind so unfit, 
 
 That his first Blessing ruin'd it. 
 
 Cold frozen Nurse of fiercest fires \ 
 Who, like the parched plains of Africks sand, 
 (A steril, and a wild unlovely Land) 
 
 Art always scortcht with hot desires, 
 
 Yet barren quite, didst thou not bring 
 Monsters and Serpents forth thy self to sting ! 
 
 3- 
 Thou that bewitchest men, whilst thou dost dwell 
 
 Like a close Conjurer in his Cell \ 
 
 And fear'st the days discovering Eye ! 
 No wonder 'tis at all that thou shouldst be 
 Such tedious and unpleasant Company^ 
 
 Who liv'st so Melancholily \ 
 
 Thou thing of subtile, slippery kind, 
 Which Women lose, and yet no Man can find. 
 
 4- 
 Although I think thou never found wilt be, 
 
 Yet I'm resolv'd to search for thee ; 
 
 The search it self rewards the pains. 
 So, though the Chymick his great secret miss, 
 (For neither it in Art nor Nature is) 
 
 Yet things well worth his toyle he gains : 
 
 And does his Charge and Labour pay 
 With good unsought experiments by the way. 
 
 c. i 129
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Say what thou wilt, Chastity is no more, 
 
 Thee, than a Porter is his Door. 
 
 In vain to honour they pretend, 
 
 Who guard themselves with Ramparts and with Walk, 
 Them only fame the truly valiant calls, 
 
 Who can an open breach defend. 
 
 Of thy quick loss can be no doubt, 
 Within so Hated, and so Lov*d without. 
 
 Impossibilities. 
 
 i. 
 
 I Impossibilities ? oh no, there's none ; 
 Could mine bring thy Heart Captive home ; 
 As easi'ly other dangers were o'rethrown, 
 
 As C<esar after vanquisht Rome, 
 His little Asian foes did overcome. 
 
 2. 
 True Lovers oft by Fortune are envy'd, 
 
 Oft Earth and Hell against them strive ; 
 But Providence engages on their side, 
 
 - And a good end at last does give ; 
 At last Just Men and Lovers always thrive. 
 
 As stars (not powerful else) when they conjoin, 
 Change, as they please, the Worlds estate ; 
 
 So thy Heart in Conjunction with mine, 
 Shall our own fortunes regulate ; 
 
 And to our Stars themselves prescribe a Fate. 
 
 'Twould grieve me much to find some bold Romance, 
 That should two kind examples shew, 
 
 Which before us in wonders did advance ; 
 Not, that I thought that story true, 
 
 But none should Fancy more, then / would Do. 
 
 130
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 5- 
 
 Through spight of our worst Enemies, thy Friends, 
 Through Local Banishment from Thee ; 
 
 Through the loud thoughts of less-concerning Ends, 
 As easie shall my passage be, 
 
 As was the Amo'rous Touttfs o're Helles Sea. 
 
 In vain the Winds, in vain the Billows rore ; 
 
 In vain the Stars their aid deny'd : 
 He saw the Sestian Tower on th'other shore ; 
 
 Shall th' Hellespont our Loves divide ? 
 No, not th' Atlantlck Oceans boundless Tide. 
 
 7- 
 Such Seas betwixt us eas'ly conquer'd are ; 
 
 But, gentle Maid, do not deny 
 To let thy Beams shine on me from afar ; 
 
 And still the Taper let me 'espy : 
 For when thy Light goes out, I sink and dye. 
 
 Silence. 
 i. 
 
 CUrse on this Tongue, that has my Heart betray'd, 
 And his great Secret open laid ! 
 For of all persons chiefly She, 
 Should not the ills I suffer know ; 
 Since 'tis a thing might dang'rous grow, 
 Only in Her to Pity Me: 
 Since 'tis for Me to lose my Life more fit, 
 Than 'tis for Her to save and ransome it. 
 
 2. 
 Ah, never more shall thy unwilling ear 
 
 My helpless story hear. 
 
 Discourse and talk awake does keep 
 
 The rude unquiet pain, 
 
 That in my Breast does raign ; 
 
 Silence perhaps may make it sleep : 
 I'll bind that Sore up, I did ill reveal ; 
 The Wound, if once it Close, may chance to Heal. 
 
 12 131
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 3- 
 No, 'twill ne're heal ; my Love will never dye, 
 
 Though it should speechless lye. 
 
 A River, e're it meet the Sea, 
 
 As well might stay its source, 
 
 As my Love can his course, 
 
 Unless it join and mix with Thee. 
 If any end or stop of it be found, 
 We know the Flood runs still, though under ground. 
 
 T'he Dissembler. 
 i. 
 
 UNhurt, untoucbt did I complain ; 
 And terrifi'd all others with the pain : 
 But now I feel the mighty evil-, 
 Ah, there's no fooling with the Devil ! 
 So wanton men, whilst others they would fright, 
 Themselves have met a real Spright. 
 
 2. 
 
 I thought, I'll swear, an handsome ly 
 Had been no sin at all in Poetry : 
 
 But now I suffer an Arrest, 
 
 For words were spoke by me in jest. 
 Dull, sottish God of Love, and can it be 
 
 Thou understand'st not Raillery ? 
 
 3- 
 
 Darts, and Wounds, and Flame, and Heat, 
 I nam'd but for the Rhime, or the Conceit. 
 
 Nor meant my Verse should raised be, 
 
 To this sad fame of Prophesie ; 
 Truth gives a dull propriety to my stile, 
 
 And all the Metaphors does spoil. 
 
 4- 
 
 In things, where Fancy much does reign, 
 'Tis dangerous too cunningly to feign. 
 
 The Play at last a Truth does grow, 
 
 And Custom into Nature go. 
 By this curst art of begging I became 
 
 Lame, with counterfeiting Lame. 
 
 132
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 5- 
 
 My Lines of amorous desire 
 I wrote to kindle and blow others fire : 
 
 And 'twas a barbarous delight 
 
 My Fancy promis'd from the sight ; 
 But now, by Love, the mighty Phalaris, I 
 
 My burning Bull the first do try. 
 
 T'he Inconstant. 
 i. 
 
 I Never yet could see that face 
 Which had no dart for me ; 
 From fifteen years, to fifties space, 
 
 They all victorious be. 
 
 Love thou'rt a Devil ; if I may call thee One, 
 For sure in Me thy name is Legion. 
 
 2. 
 
 Co/our, or Shape, good Limbs, or Face, 
 
 Goodness, or Wit in all I find. 
 In Motion or in Speech a grace, 
 
 If all fail, yet 'tis Woman-kind ; 
 And I'm so weak, the Pistol need not be 
 Double, or treble charged to murder Me. 
 
 3- 
 If Ta/t, the Name of Proper slays ; 
 
 If Fair, she's pleasant as the Light j 
 If Low, her Prettiness does please ; 
 
 If Black, what Lover loves not Night ? 
 If Yellow-hair 'd, I Love, lest it should be 
 Th' excuse to others for not loving Me. 
 
 4- 
 The Fat, like Plenty, fills my heart ; 
 
 The Lean, with Love makes me too so. 
 If Streight, her Body's Cupid's Dart 
 To me ; if Crooked, 'tis his Bow. 
 Nay Age it self does me to rage encline, 
 And strength to Women gives, as well as Wine. 
 
 '33
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 5- 
 
 Just half as large as Charity 
 
 My richly-landed Love's become ; 
 And judg'd aright is Constancy, 
 
 Though it take up a larger room : 
 Him, who loves always one, why should they call 
 More Constant, than the Man loves Always Alii 
 
 6. 
 Thus with unwearied wings I flee 
 
 Through all Loves Gardens and his Fields ; 
 And, like the wise, industrious Bee, 
 
 No Weed but Honey to me yields ! 
 Honey still spent this dil'igence still supplies, 
 Though I return not home with laden Thighs. 
 
 7- 
 My Sou! at first indeed did prove 
 
 Of pretty strength against a Dart ; 
 Till I this Habit got of Love ; 
 
 But my consum'd and wasted Heart 
 Once burnt to Tinder with a strong Desire, 
 Since that by every Spark is set on Fire. 
 
 The Constant. 
 i. 
 
 GReat, and wise Conqifrour, who where e're 
 Thou com'st, dost fortifie, and settle there ! 
 Who canst defend as well as get ; 
 And never hadst one Quarter beat up yet ; 
 Now thou art in, Thou ne're wilt part 
 With one inch of my vanquisht Heart ; 
 For since thou took'st it by assault from Me, 
 'Tis Garison'd so strong with Thoughts of Thee, 
 It fears no beauteous Enemy. 
 
 2. 
 
 Had thy charming strength been less, 
 I'had serv'd e're this an hundred Mistresses. 
 
 I'm better thus, nor would compound 
 To leave my Pris'on to be a l^agabound.
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 A Pris'on in which I still would be, 
 
 Though every door stood ope to Me. 
 In spight both of thy Coldness and thy Pride, 
 All Love is Marriage on thy Lovers side, 
 
 For only Death can them divide. 
 
 3- 
 
 Close, narrow Chain, yet soft and kind, 
 As that which Spirits above to good does bind, 
 
 Gentle, and sweet Necessity, 
 Which does not force, but guide our Liberty ! 
 
 Tour love on Me were spent in vain, 
 
 Since my Love still could but remain 
 Just as it is ; for what, alas can be 
 Added to that which hath Infinity 
 
 Both in Extent and Quality ? 
 
 Her Name. 
 
 i. 
 
 With more than Jewish Reverence as yet 
 Do I the Sacred Name conceal ; 
 When, ye kind Stars, ah when will it be fit 
 
 This Gentle Mystery to reveal ? 
 When will our Love be Narrfd, and we possess 
 That Christning as a Badge of Happiness ? 
 
 2. 
 So bold as yet no Verse of mine has been, 
 
 To wear that Gem on any Line ; 
 Nor, till the happy Nuptial Muse be seen, 
 
 Shall any Stanza with it shine. 
 Rest, mighty Name, till then ; for thou must be 
 Laid down by Her, e're taken up by Me. 
 
 3- 
 Then all the fields and woods shall with it ring ; 
 
 Then Ecchoes burden it shall be ; 
 Then all the Birds in sev'eral notes shall sing, 
 
 And all the Rivers murmur Thee ; 
 Then ev'ery wind the Sound shall upwards bear, 
 And softly whisper't to some Angels Ear. 
 
 '35
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 4- 
 
 Then shall thy Name through all my Ferse be spread, 
 Thick as the flowers in Meadows lye, 
 
 And, when in future times they shall be read, 
 (As sure, I think, they will not dye) 
 
 If any Critick doubt that They be mine, 
 
 Men by that Stamp shall quickly know the Coyn. 
 
 5- 
 Mean while I will not dare to make a Name 
 
 To represent thee by ; 
 Adam (Gods Nomenclator) could not frame 
 
 One that enough should signifie. 
 Astr&a or Ctelia as unfit would prove 
 For Thee, as 'tis to call the Deity, Jove. 
 
 Weeping. 
 
 i. 
 
 SEE where she sits, and in what comely wise, 
 Drops Tears more fair then others Eyes \ 
 Ah, charming Maid, let not /'// Fortune see 
 Th'attire thy sorrow wears, 
 Nor know the beauty of thy Tears : 
 For shee'l still come to dress her self in Thee. 
 
 2. 
 As stars refle6l on waters, so I spy 
 
 In every drop (methinks) her Eye. 
 The Baby, which lives there, and alwayes plays 
 
 In that illustrious sphere, 
 
 Like a Narcissus does appear, 
 Whilst in his flood the lovely Boy did gaze. 
 
 3- 
 Ne're yet did I behold so glorious weather, 
 
 As this Sun-shine and Rain together. 
 Pray Heav'en her Forehead, that pure Hill of snow, 
 
 (For some such Fountain we must find, 
 
 To waters of so fair a kind) 
 Melt not, to feed that beauteous stream below. 
 
 136
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 4- 
 
 Ah, mighty Love, that it were inward Heat 
 
 Which made this precious Limbeck sweat ! 
 
 But what, alas, ah what does it avail 
 
 That she weeps Tears so wondrous cold, 
 As scarce the Asses hoof can hold, 
 
 So cold, that I admire they fall not Hail. 
 
 Discretion. 
 i. 
 
 Discreet ? what means this word Discreet ? 
 A Curse on all Discretion \ 
 This barbarous term you will not meet 
 In all Loves-Lexicon. 
 
 2. 
 
 Joynture, Portion, Gold, Estate, 
 
 Houses, Houshold-stuff, or Land, 
 
 (The Low Conveniences of Fate) 
 
 Are Greek no Lovers understand. 
 
 3- 
 Believe me, beauteous one, when Love 
 
 Enters into a brest, 
 The two first things it does remove, 
 
 Are Friends and Interest. 
 
 4- 
 Passion's half blind, nor can endure 
 
 The careful, scrup'lous Eyes, 
 Or else I could not love, I'm sure, 
 
 One who in Love were wise. 
 
 5- 
 Men, in such tempests tost about, 
 
 Will without grief or pain, 
 Cast all their goods and riches out, 
 
 Themselves their Port to gain. 
 
 '37
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 6. 
 
 As well might Martyrs, who do choose, 
 
 That sacred Death to take, 
 Mourn for the Clothes which they must lose, 
 
 When they're bound naked to the Stake. 
 
 The Waiting-Maid. 
 i. 
 
 THy Maid? ah, find some nobler theame 
 Whereon thy doubts to place ; 
 Nor by a low suspeft blaspheme 
 The glories of thy face. 
 
 2. 
 Alas, she makes Thee shine so fair, 
 
 So exquisitely bright, 
 That her dim Lamp must disappear 
 
 Before thy potent Light. 
 
 3- 
 
 Three hours each morn in dressing Thee, 
 
 Maliciously are spent ; 
 And make that Beauty Tyranny, 
 
 That's else a Civil Government. 
 
 4- 
 The'adorning thee with so much art, 
 
 Is but a barb'arous skill ; 
 'Tis like the poys'oning of a Dart 
 
 Too apt before to kill. 
 
 5- 
 
 The Min'istring Angels none can see ; 
 
 'Tis not their beauty 'or face, 
 For which by men they worshipt be ; 
 
 But their high Office and their place. 
 
 Thou art my Goddess, my Saint, She ; 
 I pray to Her, only to pray to Thee. 
 
 138
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 Counsel. 
 i. 
 
 A\ \ what advice can I receive ? 
 No, satisfie me first ; 
 For who would P^yj/V^-potions give 
 To one that dyes with Thirst ? 
 
 2. 
 
 A little puff of breath we find, 
 
 Small fires can quench and kill ; 
 
 But when they're great, the adverse wind 
 Does make them greater still. 
 
 3- 
 
 Now whilst you speak, it moves me much ; 
 
 But strait I'm just the same ; 
 Alas, th'effeft must needs be such 
 
 Of Cutting through a Flame. 
 
 The Cure. 
 
 i. 
 
 COme, Doftor, use thy roughest art, 
 Thou canst not cruel prove ; 
 Cut, burn, and torture every part, 
 To heal me of my Love. 
 
 2. 
 
 There is no danger, if the pain 
 
 Should me to 'a Feaver bring ; 
 
 Compar'd with Heats I now sustain, 
 A Feaver is so Cool a thing, 
 (Like drink which feaverish men desire) 
 
 That I should hope 'twould almost quench my Fire.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The Separation. 
 
 i. 
 
 A Sk me not what my Love shall do or be 
 2\_ (Love which is Sou! to Body, and Soul of Me) 
 
 When I am separated from thee ; 
 
 Alas, I might as easily show, 
 What after Death the Soul will do ; 
 'Twill fast, I'm sure, and that is all we know. 
 
 2. 
 
 The thing call'd Soul will never stir nor move, 
 But all that while a liveless Carcass prove, 
 
 For 'tis the Body of my Love ; 
 
 Not that my Love will fly away, 
 But still continue, as, they say, 
 Sad troubled Ghosts about their Graves do stray. 
 
 The Tree. 
 i. 
 
 I Chose the flouri'shingst Tree in all the Park, 
 With freshest Boughs, and fairest head ; 
 I cut my Love into his gentle Bark, 
 
 And in three days, behold, 'tis dead; 
 My very written flames so vi'olent be 
 
 They'have burnt and wither'd up the Tree : 
 
 2. 
 How should I live my self, whose Heart is found 
 
 Deeply graven every where 
 With the large History of many a wound, 
 
 Larger than thy Trunk can bear ? 
 With art as strange, as Homer in the Nut, 
 Love in my Heart has Volumes put. 
 
 3- 
 What a few words from thy rich stock did take 
 
 The Leaves and Beauties all ? 
 As a strong Poyson with one drop does make 
 
 The Nails and Hairs to fall : 
 Love (I see now) a kind of Witchcraft is, 
 
 Or Charafters could ne're do this. 
 
 140
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 4- 
 Pardon ye Birds and Nymphs who lov'd this Shade ; 
 
 And pardon me, thou gentle Tree ; 
 I thought her name would thee have happy made, 
 
 And blessed Omens hop'd from Thee ; 
 Notes of my Love, thrive here (said I) and grow ; 
 
 And with ye let my Love do so. 
 
 5- 
 Alas poor youth, thy love will never thrive ! 
 
 This blasted Tree Predestines it ; 
 Go tye the dismal Knot (why shouldst thou live ?) 
 
 And by the Lines thou there hast writ 
 Deform'dly hanging, the sad PiElure be 
 
 To that unlucky History. 
 
 Her Unbelief, 
 i. 
 
 "TT*Is a strange kind of Ignorance this in you ! 
 JL That you your l/iftories should not spy, 
 
 Victories gotten by your Eye ! 
 That your bright Beams, as those of Comets do, 
 
 Should kill, but not know How, nor Who. 
 
 2. 
 
 That truly you my Idol might appear, 
 
 Whilst all the People smell and see 
 The odorous flames, I offer thee, 
 
 Thou sit'st, and dost not see, nor smell, nor hear 
 Thy constant zealous worshipper. 
 
 3- 
 
 They see't too well who at my fires repine, 
 
 Nay th' unconcern'd themselves do prove 
 Quick-Ey'd enough to spy my Love ; 
 
 Nor does the Cause in thy Face clearlier shine, 
 Then the Effett appears in mine. 
 
 141
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 4- 
 
 Fair Infidel! by what unjust decree 
 
 Must I, who with such restless care 
 Would make this truth to thee appear, 
 
 Must I, who preach it, and pray for it, be 
 Damn'd by thy incredulitie ? 
 
 5- 
 
 I by thy Unbelief am guiltless slain ; 
 
 O have but Faith, and then that you 
 May know that Faith for to be true, 
 
 It shall it self by 'a Miracle maintain, 
 
 And raise me from the Dead again. 
 
 6. 
 
 Mean while my Hopes may seem to be o'rethrown ; 
 But Lovers Hopes are full of Art, 
 And thus dispute, that since my heart 
 
 Though in thy Breast, yet is not by thee known, 
 Perhaps thou may'st not know thine Own. 
 
 The Gazers. 
 
 i. 
 
 COme let's go on, where Love and Youth does call ; 
 I've seen too much, if this be all. 
 Alas, how far more wealthy might I be 
 With a contented Igrforant Povertie ? 
 
 To shew such stores, and nothing grant, 
 Is to enrage and vex my want. 
 For Love to Dye an Infant's lesser ill, 
 Than to live long, yet live in Child-hood still. 
 
 2. 
 
 We'have both sate gazing only hitherto, 
 
 As Man and Wife in Piffure do. 
 The richest crop of Joy is still behind, 
 And He who only Sees, in Love is Blind. 
 
 So at first Pigmalion lov'd. 
 
 But tii 1 Amour at last improv'd : 
 The Statue'' it self at last a woman grew, 
 And so at last, my Dear, should you do too. 
 142
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 3- 
 Beauty to man the greatest Torture is, 
 
 Unless it lead to farther bliss 
 Beyond the tyran'ous pleasures of the Eye. 
 It grows too serious a Crueltie, 
 
 Unless it H eal, as well as strike ; 
 
 I would not, Salamander-like, 
 In scortching heats always to Live desire, 
 But like a Martyr, pass to Heav'en through Fire. 
 
 4- 
 Mark how the lusty Sun salutes the Spring, 
 
 And gently kisses every thing. 
 His loving Beams unlock each maiden flower, 
 Search all the Treasures, all the Sweets devour : 
 Then on the earth with Bridegroom-Hem, 
 He does still new Flowers beget. 
 The Sun himself, although all Eye he be, 
 Can find in Love more Pleasure than to see. 
 
 The Incurable. 
 
 i. 
 
 ITry'd if Books would cure my Love, but found 
 Love made them Non-sense all. 
 I'apply'd Receipts of Business to my wound, 
 But stirring did the pain recall. 
 
 2. 
 As well might men who in a Feaver fry, 
 
 Mathematique doubts debate, 
 As well might men, who mad in darkness ly, 
 
 Write the Dispatches of a State. 
 
 3- 
 I try'd Devotion, Sermons, frequent Prayer, 
 
 But those did worse than useless prove ; 
 For Pray'rs are turn'd to Sin in those who are 
 
 Out of Charity, or in Love.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 4- 
 
 I try'd in Wine to drown the mighty care ; 
 
 But Wine, alas, was Oyl to th' fire. 
 Like Drunkards eyes, my troubled Fancy there 
 
 Did double the Desire. 
 
 5- 
 1 try'd what Mirth and Gayety would do, 
 
 And mixt with pleasant Companies ; 
 My Mirth did graceless and insipid grow, 
 
 And 'bove a Clinch it could not rise. 
 
 6. 
 Nay, God forgive me for't, at last I try'd 
 
 'Gainst this some new desire to stir, 
 And lov'd again, but 'twas where I espy'd 
 
 Some faint Resemblances of Her. 
 
 7- 
 The Physick made me worse with which I strove 
 
 This Mortal III t'expell, 
 As wholesome Med'icines the Disease improve, 
 
 There where they work not well. 
 
 Honour. 
 
 I. 
 
 SHE Loves, and she confesses too ; 
 There's then at last, no more to do. 
 The happy work's entirely done ; 
 Enter the Town which thou hast won ; 
 The Fruits of Conquest now begin ; 
 lo Triumph ! Enter in. 
 
 2. 
 
 What's this, ye Gods, what can it be? 
 
 Remains there still an Enemie ? 
 
 Bold Honour stands up in the Gate, 
 
 And would yet Capitulate ; 
 
 Have I o'recome all real foes, 
 
 And shall this Phantome me oppose ? 
 
 144
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 3- 
 
 Noisy Nothing! stalking Shade! 
 
 By what Witchcraft wert thou made ? 
 
 Empty cause of Solid harms ! 
 
 But I shall find out Counter-charms 
 
 Thy airy Devi* Is hip to remove 
 
 From this Circle here of Love. 
 
 4- 
 
 Sure I shall rid my self of Thee 
 By the Nights obscurity, 
 And obscurer secresie. 
 Unlike to every other spright^ 
 Thou attempt'st not men t'affright, 
 Nor appear'st but in the Light. 
 
 The Innocent III. 
 
 i. 
 
 T Hough all thy gestures and discourses be 
 Coyn'd and stamp't by Modestie^ 
 Though from thy Tongue ne're slipt away 
 One word which Nuns at th' Altar might not say, 
 Yet such a sweetness, such a grace 
 In all thy speech appear, 
 That what to th' Eye a beauteous face, 
 That thy Tongue is to th' Ear. 
 So cunningly it wounds the heart, 
 It strikes such heat through every part, 
 That thou a Tempter worse than Satan art. 
 
 2. 
 
 Though in thy thoughts scarce any Tracks have bin 
 So much as of Original Sin, 
 Such charms thy Beauty wears as might 
 
 Desires in dying confest Saints excite. 
 
 C. K 145
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Thou with strange Adulterie 
 Dost in each breast a Brothel keep ; 
 Awake all men do lust for thee, 
 And some enjoy Thee when they sleep. 
 Ne're before did Woman live, 
 Who to such Multitudes did give 
 The Root and cause of Sin, but only Eve. 
 
 Though in thy breast so quick a Pity be, 
 
 That a Flies Death 1 ?, a wound to thee. 
 Though savage, and rock-hearted those 
 
 Appear, that weep not ev'en Romances woes. 
 Yet ne're before was Tyrant known, 
 Whose rage was of so large extent, 
 The ills thou dost are whole thine own, 
 Thou'rt Principal and Instrument, 
 In all the deaths that come from you, 
 You do the treble Office do 
 
 Of "Judge, of Torturer, and of Weapon too. 
 
 Thou lovely Instrument of angry Fate, 
 
 Which God did for our faults create ! 
 
 Thou Pleasant, Universal III, 
 Which sweet as Health, yet like a Plague dost kill! 
 
 Thou kind, well-natur'ed Tyrannie! 
 
 Thou chast committer of a Rape! 
 
 Thou voluntary Destinie, 
 
 Which no man Can, or Would escape ! 
 So gentle, and so glad to spare, 
 So wondrous good, and wondrous fair, 
 (We know) e'ven the Destroying Angels are. 
 
 146
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 DIALOGUE. 
 i. 
 
 She. ~\ T T Hat have we done ? what cruel passion mov'd thee, 
 VV Thus to ruine her that lov'd Thee? 
 Me thou'hast robbed, but what art thou 
 Thy Self the richer now ? 
 
 Shame succeeds the short-liv'd pleasure ; 
 So soon is spent, and gone, this thy Ill-gotten Treasure. 
 
 2. 
 He. We'have done no harm ; nor was it Theft in me, 
 
 But noblest Charity in Thee. 
 I'll the well-gotten Pleasure 
 Safe in my Memory Treasure ; 
 
 What though the Flower it self do wast, 
 The Essence from it drawn does long and sweeter last. 
 
 3- 
 She. No : I'm undone ; my Honour Thou hast slain, 
 
 And nothing can restore't again. 
 Art and Labour to bestow, 
 Upon the Carcase of it now, 
 
 Is but t'embalm a body dead, 
 The Figure may remain, the Life and Beauty's fled. 
 
 4- 
 He. Never, my dear, was Honour yet undone, 
 
 By Love, but Indiscretion. 
 To th' wise it all things does allow ; 
 And cares not What we do ; but How. 
 
 Like Tapers shut in ancient Urns, 
 Unless it let in air, for ever shines and burns. 
 
 5- 
 She. Thou first perhaps who didst the fault commit, 
 
 Wilt make thy wicked boast of it. 
 For Men, with Roman pride, above 
 The Conquest, do the Triumph love : 
 
 Nor think a perfect Vitto'ry gain'd, 
 Unless they through the streets their Captive lead enchain'd. 
 
 K2 147
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 6. 
 [He.] Who e're his secret joys has open laid, 
 
 The Baud to his own Wife is made. 
 Beside what boast is left for me, 
 Whose whole wealth's a Gift from Thee r 
 'Tis you the Conqu'erour are, 'tis you 
 Who have not only ta'ne, but bound, and gagd me too. 
 
 7- 
 [She] Though publick pun'ishment we escape, the Sin 
 
 Will rack and torture us within : 
 Guilt and Sin our bosom bears ; 
 And though fair, yet the Fruit appears, 
 
 That IVorm which now the Core does wast, 
 When long t'has gnaw'd within will break the skin at last. 
 
 8. 
 [He.] That Thirsty Drink, that Hungry Food I sought, 
 
 That wounded Balm, is all my fault. 
 And thou in pity didst apply, 
 The kind and only remedy : 
 
 The Cause absolves the Crime ; since Me 
 So mighty Force did move, so mighty Goodness Thee. 
 
 9- 
 [She] Curse on thine Arts ! methinks I Hate thee now ; 
 
 And yet I'm sure I love Thee too ! 
 I'm angry, but my wrath will prove, 
 More Innocent than did thy Love. 
 
 Thou hast this day undone me quite ; 
 Yet wilt undo me more should'st thou not come at night. 
 
 Verses lost upon a Wager. 
 
 i. 
 
 S soon hereafter will I wagers lay, 
 'Gainst what an Oracle shall say, 
 Fool, that I was, to venture to deny 
 
 A Tongue so us'd to Pitfory! 
 A Tongue so blest by Nature and by Art, 
 That never yet it spoke but gain'd an Heart : 
 
 148
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 Though what you said, had not been true 
 If spoke by any else but you. 
 Your speech will govern Destiny, 
 And Fate will change rather than you should Ly. 
 
 2. 
 
 'Tis true if Humane Reason were the Guide, 
 Reason, methinks, was on my side, 
 
 But that's a Guide, alas, we must resign, 
 When th' Authority's Divine. 
 
 She said, she said her self it would be so ; 
 
 And I, bold unbeliever, answer'd No, 
 Never so justly sure before 
 Errour the name of Blindness bore, 
 For whatsoe're the Question be, 
 
 There's no man that has eyes would bet for Me. 
 
 3- 
 If Truth it self (as other Angels do 
 
 When they descend to humane view) 
 In a Material Form would daign to shine, 
 
 'Twould imitate or borrow Thine, 
 So daz'eling bright, yet so transparent clear, 
 So well proportion'd would the parts appear ; 
 
 Happy the eye which Truth could see 
 
 Cloath'd in a shape like Thee, 
 
 But happier far the eye 
 Which could thy shape naked like Truth espy ! 
 
 Yet this lost wager costs me nothing more 
 
 Than what I ow'ed to thee before. 
 Who would not venture for that debt to play 
 Which He were bound howe're to pay ? 
 If Nature gave me power to write in verse, 
 She gave it me thy praises to reherse. 
 
 Thy wondrous Beauty and Thy Wit 
 Has such a Sovereign Right to it, 
 That no Mans Muse for publique vent is free, 
 Till she has paid her Customs first to Thee. 
 
 149
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Bathing in the River. 
 
 i. 
 
 r I A HE fish around her crowded, as they do 
 
 JL To the false light that treach'erous Fishers shew, 
 And all with as much ease might taken be, 
 
 As she at first took me. 
 
 For ne're did Light so clear 
 
 Among the waves appear, 
 Though ev'ery night the Sun himself set there. 
 
 2. 
 
 Why to Mute Fish should'st thou thy self discover, 
 
 And not to me thy no less silent Lover \ 
 
 As some from Men their buried Gold commit 
 To Ghosts that have no use of it ! 
 Half their rich treasures so 
 Maids bury ; and for ought we know 
 
 (Poor Ignorants] they're Mermaids all below. 
 
 3- 
 
 The amo'rous Waves would fain about her stay, 
 But still new am'orous waves drive them away, 
 And -with swift current to those joys they haste, 
 
 That do as swiftly waste, 
 
 I laught the wanton play to view, 
 
 But 'tis, alas, at Land so too, 
 And still old Lovers yield the place to new. 
 
 4- 
 
 Kiss her, and as you part, you am'orous Waves 
 (My happier Rivals, and my fellow slaves) 
 Point to your flowry banks, and to her shew 
 
 The good your Bounties do ; 
 
 Then tell her what your Pride doth cost, 
 
 And, how your use and beauty's lost, 
 When rig'orous Winter binds you up with Frost. 
 
 150
 
 THE MISTRESS 
 
 5- 
 
 Tell her, her Beauties and her Touth, like Thee 
 Haste without stop to a devouring Sea ; 
 Where they will mixt and undistinguisht ly 
 With all the meanest things that dy. 
 
 As in the Ocean Thou 
 
 No priviledge dost know 
 Above th' impurest streams that thither flow. 
 
 6. 
 
 Tell her, kind flood, when this has made her sad, 
 Tell her there's yet one Remedy to be had ; 
 Shew her how thou, though long since past, dost find 
 
 Thy self yet still behind, 
 
 Marriage (say to her) will bring 
 
 About the self-same thing, 
 But she, fond Maid, shuts and seals up the spring. 
 
 Love given over. 
 
 i. 
 
 IT is enough ; enough of time, and pain 
 Hast thou consum'd in vain ; 
 Leave, wretched Cowley, leave 
 Thy self with shadows to deceive ; 
 Think that already lost which thou must never gain. 
 
 2. 
 Three of thy lustiest and thy freshest years, 
 
 (Tost in storms of Hopes and Fears) 
 
 Like helpless Ships that be 
 
 Set on fire i'th' midst o'the Sea, 
 Have all been burnt in Love, and all been drown'd in Tears. 
 
 3- 
 Resolve then on it, and by force or art 
 
 Free thy unlucky Heart ; 
 
 Since Fate does disapprove 
 
 Th' ambition of thy Love. 
 And not one Star in heav'n offers to take thy part.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 4- 
 
 If e're I clear my Heart from this desire, 
 
 If e're it home to its breast retire, 
 
 It ne're shall wander more about, 
 
 Though thousand beauties call'd it out : 
 A Lover Burnt like me for ever dreads the fire. 
 
 5- 
 The Pox, the Plague, and ev'ry small disease, 
 
 May come as oft as /'// Fate please ; 
 
 But Death and Love are never found 
 
 To give a Second Wound, 
 We're by those Serpents bit, but we're devoured by these. 
 
 6. 
 
 Alas, what comfort is't that I am grown 
 
 Secure of be'ing again o' rethrown ? 
 
 Since such an Enemy needs not fear 
 
 Lest any else should quarter there, 
 Who has not only Sack't, but quite burnt down the Town. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 152
 
 Pindarique 
 
 ODES, 
 
 Written in Imitation of the 
 
 STILE & MANNER 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ODES 
 
 OF 
 
 PINDAR. 
 
 By A. COWLEY. 
 
 HOR. EP. L. i. 3. 
 Pindaric i fontls qut non expalluit haustus. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for Henry Herringman, at the Sign of the Blew 
 
 Anchor in the Lower Walk of the 
 
 New Exchange. 1668.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 IF a man should undertake to translate Pindar word for 
 word, it would be thought that one Mad man had trans- 
 lated another ; as may appear, when he that understands not the 
 Original, reads the verbal Traduftion of him into Latin Prose, 
 than which nothing seems more Raving. And sure, Rhyme, 
 without the addition of Wit, and the Spirit of Poetry (quod 
 nequeo monstrare & sentio tantum) would but make it ten times 
 more Distracted than it is in Prose. We must consider in 
 Pindar the great difference of time betwixt his age and ours, 
 which changes, as in Pittures, at least the Colours of Poetry, the 
 no less difference betwixt the Religions and Customs of our 
 Countrys, and a thousand particularities of places, persons, and 
 manners, which do but confusedly appear to our Eyes at so 
 great a distance. And lastly, (which were enough alone for my 
 purpose) we must consider that our Ears are strangers to the 
 Musick of his Numbers, which sometimes (especially in Songs 
 and Odes) almost without any thing else, makes an excellent 
 Poet ; for though the Grammarians and Criticks have laboured 
 to reduce his Verses into regular feet and measures (as they have 
 also those of the Greek and Latine Comedies) yet in effedl: they 
 are little better than Prose to our Ears. And I would gladly 
 know what applause our best pieces of English Poesie could 
 expert from a Frenchman or Italian, if converted faithfully, and 
 word for word, into French or Italian Prose. And when we 
 have considered all this, we must needs confess, that after all 
 these losses sustained by Pindar, all we can adde to him by our 
 wit or invention (not deserting still his subjeft) is not like to 
 make him a Richer man than he was in his own Country. This 
 is in some measure to be applyed to all Translations ; and the 
 not observing of it, is the cause that all which ever I yet saw, 
 are so much inferiour to their Originals. The like happens 
 
 155
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 too in Piftures, from the same root of exa6t Imitation ; which 
 being a vile and unworthy kind of Servitude, is incapable of 
 producing any thing good or noble. I have seen Originals both 
 in Painting and Poesie, much more beautiful than their natural 
 Objefts ; but I never saw a Copy better than the Original, which 
 indeed cannot be otherwise ; for men resolving in no case to 
 shoot beyond the Mark, it is a thousand to one if they shoot not 
 short of it. It does not at all trouble me that the Grammarians 
 perhaps will not suffer this libertine way of rendring forreign 
 Authors, to be called Translation ; for I am not so much 
 enamoured of the Name Translator, as not to wish rather to be 
 Something Better, though it want yet a Name. I speak not so 
 much all this, in defence of my manner of Translating, or Imi- 
 tating (or what other Title they please) the two ensuing Odes 
 of Pindar ; for that would not deserve half these words, as by 
 this occasion to reclifie the opinion of divers men upon this 
 matter. The Psalms of David, (which I believe to have been 
 in their Original, to the Hebrews of his time, though not to our 
 Hebrews of Buxtorfius's making, the most exalted pieces of 
 Poesie) are a great example of what I have said ; all the Trans- 
 lators of which (even Mr. Sands himself ; for in despight of 
 popular errour, I will be bold not to except him) for this very 
 reason, that they have not sought to supply the lost Excellencies 
 of another Language with new ones in their own ; are so far 
 from doing honour, or at least justice to that Divine Poet, that, 
 methinks, they revile him worse than Shimei. And Bucanan 
 himself (though much the best of them all, and indeed a great 
 Person) comes in my opinion no less short of David, than his 
 Country does of Jud&a. Upon this ground, I have in these two 
 Odes of Pindar taken, left out, and added what I please ; nor 
 make it so much my aim to let the Reader know precisely 
 what he spoke, as what was his w ay and manner of speaking ; 
 which has not been yet (that I know of) introduced into 
 English, though it be the noblest and highest kind of writing in 
 Verse ; and which might, perhaps, be put into the List of 
 Pancirollus, among the lost Inventions of Antiquity. This Essay 
 is but to try how it will look in an English habit : for which 
 experiment, I have chosen one of his Olympique, and another of 
 his Nemexan Odes ; which are as followeth. 
 
 156
 
 THE SECOND 
 
 Olympique Ode 
 
 OF 
 
 PINDAR. 
 
 Written in praise of Xheron Prince of Agrigentum (a famous 
 City in Sicily built by his Ancestors) who in the seventy 
 seventh Olympique won the Chariot-prize. He is com- 
 mended from the Nobility of his Race (whose story is often 
 toucht on) from his great Riches (an ordinary Common- 
 Place in Pindar) from his Hospitality, Munificence, and 
 other Virtues. The Ode (according to the constant custom of 
 the Poet) consists more in Digressions, than in the main 
 subject : And the Reader must not be chocqued to hear him 
 speak so often of his own Muse ; for that is a Liberty which 
 this kind of Poetry can hardly live without. 
 
 ODE. 
 
 i. 
 
 Ueen of all Harmonious things, 
 Dancing Words, and Speaking Strings, 
 What God, what Hero wilt thou sing ? 
 What happy Man to equal glories bring ? 
 
 Begin, begin thy noble choice, 
 And let the Hills around reflect the Image of thy foice. 
 
 3 Pisa does to Jove belong, 
 Jove and Pisa claim thy Song. 
 
 4 The fair First-fruits of War, th? Olympique Games, 
 
 Abides offered up to Jove ; 
 Alcides too thy strings may move ; 
 
 S7
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 But, oh, what Man to join with these can worthy prove 
 Join Theron boldly to their sacred Names ; 
 
 Theron the next honour claims ; 
 
 Theron to no man gives place, 
 Is first in Pisa's, and in Virtues Race ; 
 
 Theron there, and he alone, 
 Ev'n his own swift Forefathers has outgone. 
 
 2. 
 
 1 They through rough ways, o're many stops they past, 
 
 Till on the fatal bank at last 
 
 2 They Agrlgentum built, the beauteous Eye 
 
 Of fair-faced S id lie, 
 Which does it self i'th' River by 
 
 With Pride and Joy espy. 
 
 Then chearful Notes their Painted Tears did sing, 
 And Wealth was one, and Honour th' other Wing. 
 Their genuine Virtues did more sweet and clear, 
 
 In Fortunes graceful dress appear. 
 
 3 To which great Son of Rhea, say 
 The Firm Word which forbids things to Decay. 
 
 If in Olympus Top, where Thou 
 Sit'st to behold thy Sacred Show, 
 
 4 If in Alpheus silver flight, 
 
 If in my Verse thou dost delight, 
 My Verse, O Rhea's Son, which is 
 Lofty as that, and smooth as This. 
 
 3- 
 
 For the past sufferings of this noble Race 
 (Since things once past, and fled out of thine hand, 
 
 Hearken no more to thy command) 
 Let present joys fill up their place, 
 
 1 And with Oblivions silent stroke deface 
 
 Of foregone Ills the very trace. 
 
 In no illustrious line 
 Do these happy changes shine 
 More brightly Theron than in thine. 
 
 2 So in the Chrystal Palaces 
 Of the blew-ey'd Nereides 
 
 Ino her endless youth does please, 
 And thanks her fall into the Seas. 
 158
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Beauteous Semele does no less 
 Her cruel Midwife Thunder bless, 
 Whilst sporting with the Gods on high, 
 She' enjoys secure their Company, 
 Plays with Lightnings as they fly, 
 Nor trembles at the bright Embraces of the Deity. 
 
 But Death did them from future dangers free, 
 What God (alas) will Caution be 
 
 For Living Mans securitie, 
 Or will ensure our Vessel in this faithless Sea ? 
 
 Never did the Sun as yet 
 So healthful a fair day beget, 
 
 1 That Travelling Mortals might rely on it. 
 
 But Fortunes favour and her Spight 
 Rowl with alternate Waves like Day and Night. 
 Vicissitudes which thy great race pursue, 
 
 2 Ere since the fatal Son his Father slew, 
 
 And did old Oracles fulfill 
 Of Gods that cannot Lye, for they foretel but their own Will. 
 
 5- 
 
 1 Erynnis saw't, and made in her own seed 
 
 The innocent Parricide to bleed, 
 
 2 She slew his wrathful Sons with mutual blows ; 
 
 But better things did then succeed, 
 
 3 And brave Thersander in amends for what was past arose. 
 
 Brave Thersander was by none 
 
 In war, or warlike sports out-done. 
 
 4 Thou Theron his great virtues dost revive, 
 He in my Verse and Thee again does live. 
 
 Loud Olympus happy Thee, 
 
 5 Isthmus and Nemea does twice happy see. 
 
 For the well-natured honour there 
 Which with thy Brother thou didst share, 
 
 Was to thee double grown 
 
 By not being all thine Own. 
 And those kind pious glories do deface 
 The old Fraternal quarrel of thy Race. 
 
 '59
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 6. 
 
 1 Greatness of Mind and Fortune too 
 
 The' Olympique Trophees shew. 
 Both their several parts must do 
 
 In the noble Chase of Fame, 
 
 This without that is Blind, that without this is Lame. 
 Nor is fair Virtues Pifture seen aright 
 
 But in Fortunes golden light. 
 Riches alone are of uncertain date, 
 
 And on short-Man long cannot wait. 
 
 The Vertuous make of them the best, 
 And put them out to Fame for Interest. 
 
 With a frail good they wisely buy 
 The solid Purchase of Eternity. 
 
 They whilst Lifes air they breath, consider well and know 
 Th'account they must hereafter give below. 
 Whereas th'unjust and Covetous above, 
 
 In deep unlovely vaults, 
 By the just decrees of Jove 
 
 2 Unrelenting torments prove, 
 
 The heavy Necessary effetts of Voluntary Faults. 
 
 7- 
 
 1 Whilst in the Lands of unexhausted Light 
 O're which the God-like Suns unwearied sight, 
 
 Ne're winks in Clouds, or Sleeps in Night, 
 An endless Spring of Age the Good enjoy, 
 Where neither Want does pinch, nor Plenty cloy. 
 
 There neither Earth nor Sea they plow, 
 
 Nor ought to Labour ow 
 
 For Food, that whil'st it nourishes does decay, 
 And in the Lamp of Life consumes away. 
 
 2 Thrice had these men through mortal bodies past, 
 
 Did thrice the tryal undergo, 
 Till all their little Dross was purg'd at last, 
 The Furnace had no more to do. 
 Then in rich Saturns peaceful state 
 
 3 Were they for sacred Treasures plac'ed, 
 The Muse-discovered World of Islands Fortunate. 
 
 1 60
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 8. 
 
 Soft-footed Winds with tuneful voyces there 
 
 Dance through the perfum'd Air. 
 There Stiver Rivers through enamelFd Meadows glide, 
 
 And golden Trees enrich their side. 
 Th' illustrious Leaves no dropping Autumn fear, 
 
 And 'Jewels for their fruit they bear. 
 
 Which by the Blest are gathered 
 
 For Bracelets to the Arm, and Garlands to the Head. 
 Here all the Hero's, and their Poets live, 
 I Wise Rhadamanthus did the Sentence give, 
 
 Who for his justice was thought fit 
 With Soveraign Saturn on the Bench to sit. 
 
 Peleus here, and Cadmus reign, 
 Here great Achilles wrathful now no more, 
 
 Since his blest Mother (who before 
 
 Had try'd it on his Body in vain) 
 Dipt now his Soul in Stygian Lake, 
 Which did from thence a divine Hardness take, 
 That does from Passion and from Vice Invulnerable make. 
 
 9- 
 
 To Theron, Muse, bring back thy wandring Song, 
 Whom those bright Troops expecl: impatiently ; 
 And may they do so long. 
 
 1 How, noble Archer, do thy wanton Arrows fly 
 At all the Game that does but cross thine Eye ? 
 
 Shoot, and spare not, for I see 
 Thy sounding Quiver can ne're emptied be ; 
 Let Art use Method and good Husbandry, 
 Art lives on Natures Alms, is weak and poor ; 
 Nature herself has unexhausted store, 
 Wallows in Wealth, and runs a turning Maze, 
 
 That no vulgar Eye can trace. 
 
 Art instead of mounting high, 
 About her humble Food does hov'ering fly, 
 
 2 Like the ignoble Crow, rapine and noise does love, 
 Whilst Nature, like the sacred Bird of Jove, 
 
 3 Now bears loud Thunder, and anon with silent joy 
 
 The beauteous Phrygian Boy, 
 
 c. L 161
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Defeats the Strong, o'retakes the Flying prey ; 
 4 And sometimes basks in th'open Flames of Day, 
 And sometimes too he shrowds, 
 His soaring wings among the Clouds. 
 
 10. 
 
 Leave, wanton Muse, thy roving flight, 
 To thy loud String the well-fletcht Arrow put, 
 Let \A\grigentum be the But, 
 
 And Theron be the White. 
 And lest the Name of Perse should give 
 Malitious men pretext to misbelieve, 
 By the Castalian waters swear, 
 (A sacred Oath no Poets dare 
 
 To take in vain, 
 i No more then Gods do that of Styx prophane) 
 
 Swear in no City e're before, 
 A better man, or greater-soul'd was born, 
 Swear that Theron sure has sworn 
 
 No man near him should be poor. 
 Swear that none e're had such a graceful art, 
 Fortunes free gifts as freely to impart 
 With an Unenvious hand, and an unbounded Heart. 
 
 II. 
 
 But in this thankless world the Givers 
 Are envPed ev'en by the Receivers. 
 'Tis now the cheap and frugal fashion, 
 Rather to Hide then Pay the Obligation. 
 Nay 'tis much worse than so, 
 It now an Artifice does grow, 
 Wrongs and outrages to do, 
 Lest men should think we ow. 
 Such Monsters, Theron, has thy Vertue found, 
 But all the malice they profess, 
 Thy secure Honour cannot wound : 
 For thy vast Bounties are so numberless, 
 That them or to Conceal, or else to Tell, 
 Is equally Impossible. 
 
 162
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 PInd. ' Avat<p6pfuyyes tifjivoi, TtVa Otov, Tlv' "Hpua, rlv' AvSpa 
 "Hroi Hiffa ntv Aids, 'OXv^iridSa 5' tffra...ffei> 'Hpa/cX&js 'AKp60it>a 
 Q-/lpuva Se rerpaoplat "Ei/e^a viKa.<pl>pov Teyuvrjrtov dirl AtKaiov tyvov "Epetoyt" 
 'AKpdyavros T&VUVV/MV re irarepw 'AwTOv, 6p66iro\tv. 
 
 Hymni-dominantes Cythartz, quern Deum, quern Heroem, quern Virum 
 celebrabimusl Pisa qtiidem Jovis est, Olympicum autem certamen instituit 
 Hercules, primitias belli, sed Theronem ob cursum in quadrigis viftorem sonare 
 oportet voce,justum & hospitalem, columen Agrigenti, laudatorum progenitorum 
 florem, reftorem urbium. 
 
 i. Whereas Pindar addresses himself to his Song, I change it to his Muse; 
 which, methinks, is better called 'Avai-ufdptuy!;, then the Ode which she makes. 
 Some interpret ' Avaup6p(i.iyyes passively (*'.) as subjects of the Harp; but the 
 other sense is more Grammatical. 
 
 i. Horace translates this beginning, Lib. i. Ode \i. Quern virum aut 
 Heroa Lyrd vel acri Tibid sumes celebrarc Clio. Q_ucm Deurn cujus resonet 
 jocosa Nomen Imago? The latter part of which I have added to Pitniar. 
 Horace inverts the order; but the other is more natural, to begin with the God, 
 and end with the Man. 
 
 3. Pisa, a Town in Elis, where the Olympique Games were celebrated 
 every fifth year by the Institution of Hercules, after he had slain Augias Prince 
 of Elis, in honour of Jupiter, sirnamed Olympian from the Mountain Olympus, 
 which is just by Pisa. 
 
 4. 'A>cp66u>a. First-fruits, from &xpov the Top, and Qlv an Heap, because 
 they were taken from the Top of the Heap of Corn, rY. Some interpret it, 
 the spoils of war dedicated to the Gods; so the old Greek Scholiast. I think 
 the Olympique Games are so called, because they were sacred exercises that 
 disposed and improved men for the war, a Sacred bloodless War, dedicated 
 to the Gods. 
 
 t, ot iroXXA 0vfjL<f 'lepov (ff\pv ottcyfjia Hora/J.ou ZtKeX/aj re 
 '0<p0a\fjLos, aluv T' t<f>e...irc fj.6p<ri/j.os ir\ovrt>v...Tf Kal \6.piv ayuv Vvrjcrlais fir' 
 dptrais, 'AXX' w *Kp6vif iro? 'P^as "E5os 'OXty/xirou vtftwv, 'A{6\wv re KOpv<J>av, 
 H6pov T' 'AX^eoO 'lavOfis doittcus lC<ppuv apovpav ?rt ira....rpla.v atylaiv KOfUffor. 
 
 Qui cum mullum laborassent animo, sacram obtinuerunt sedem jliivii, 
 Sicilioeq; fuerunt oculus, Vilaq; insequebatur fcelix, divitias (S gratiam aff'erens 
 nativis virtutibus. Verum O Saturnie fili Rhere, sedem Olympi habitans, 
 &* certaminum summitatem, vidmq; Alphaei, deleftatus Hymnis, benevolus, 
 arvum patrium adhuc ipsis cura 6^ postero generi. 
 
 i. They say, that sEttion the Son of Polydorus, the Son of Cadmus, 
 having slain one of his fellow Citizens as he was hunting, fled from Thebes 
 to Athens, afterwards to Rhodes, and from thence into Sicilie, where he built 
 Agrigentum; and from him to Theron are reckoned many Generations; but 
 the Progenitors of Theron in a right line, came not thither till a long time after. 
 
 7. I rather chuse to call Agrigentum, then Therons Ancestors (as Pindar 
 does) the Eye of Sicilie. The Metaphor in this sense is more natural. 
 
 L2 163
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 So Julian terms Damascus, rrjs Was an-do^s 6<t>0a\fj.ov, The Eye of all the 
 East. So Catullus, Sirmion, Insularum ocellum, The Eye of Islands. Agri- 
 gentum took the name from the River Acragas, or Agragas, upon which it 
 stands, that from &Kpov and 777, as it were, Primaria terra, An especial soil ; 
 or from dypbs and 777, Land good for the plow. I know very well, that it is 
 not certain that this Town was built by Therons Ancestors; neither do the 
 words of Pindar import more than their dwelling there : nevertheless, the 
 thing being doubtful, I make bold to take that sense which pleases me best. 
 
 3. Juppiter. 
 
 4. The River of Elis, by the side of which the Olympique Games were 
 celebrated. 
 
 Aoiirif 7eV. rCiv 5e ireTrpay^t'tai' 'Ep SiKa re Kal irapa olKav 'AiroltjTov ovS' 
 &v X/jivoj 6 irdvTwv wariip AwatTo 0^/j.ev Zpyuv T^\OJ. Adda 5e iroTfj.(f crvv 
 evSal/jiovi 7eVoir' ai>, 'EcrXcDc yap virb x a Pt J - arwv Hijjua 0vd<TKet irdXlyKorov 
 dafj.a<T0ev "Oral* 0eov fiolpa ir^fiirf] 'AveKas o\fiov v\l/-r)\bv, "TZirerai 5e \6yos 
 fi/Opbvois, HdS/j.oLo /co!.''pats Hira...0ov at /j.fyd\a, ir^vdos Ae Trirvel /3apu Kpeffff6vti)v 
 irpbs dyaduf, Zcoei /xef tv '0\v/ut,TrloLS A.iro9avoiffa Pp6/jup Kepavvov ravv{dfi....pa 
 2e//.A?J, (piXel A^ piv IlaXXas alfl Kal Zeus irarrip /J.d\a, 0iXet Ae 7ra?5 6 Kiffffo- 
 06/>os. Aeyovri o' v Kal 0a\dacra Mera Kbpaicn NT/p'iJos 'AXfats filorov atydirov 
 'Ivoi TTdx6at. rbv SKov d/j.<pl XP^ VOV - 
 
 Aclorum autem vel jure vel injurid infefttim tie Tempus quidem omnium 
 pater possit reJdere opernm fineni. Sed Oblivio cum sorte prosper a fiat. Bonis 
 enim a gaudiis mahun molestnm domitum perit, quando divina sors mittit tie 
 cctlo altas iHvitias. Convenit hie sermo Cadmi filiabus bono solio collocatis, ilia 
 passiv sunt magtia (mala) seil gravis bittus opprimitur a potioribus bonis. 
 Vivit quidem in ca-lo mortna fragore fulminis capillis passis Semele. Pallas 
 antem illam amat, &* maxim? Jupiter & 1 filius ejus hederiger. Aiunt etiam 
 in mart cum filiabus Nerei marinis Inoni vitam immortalem constitutam esse 
 per omne tempus. 
 
 i . Ettrip. says excellently well of Oblivion to this purpose, 
 "Q, irorvia A-/]6r) r&v Kaxwv cos el <ro<j>r) 
 Kal roiffi SvffTvxovcnv evKrala 6e6s ! 
 
 O Oblivion the wise Disposer of Evils, and the Goddess propitious to unhappy 
 men ! 
 
 i. For the examples of the change of great misfortunes into greater 
 felicities, he makes use of the Stories of Ino and Semele; because they were 
 both of Therons race, being the Daughters of Cadmus. Ino, after her husband 
 Athamas in his madness had slain Learchus, believing him to be a wild beast, 
 fled with her other Son Melicerta, in her arms, to a Rock, and from thence cast 
 her self into the Sea; where, at the desire of Venus, Neptune made the child 
 a God, and her a Goddess of the Sea ; him by the name of Paltr.mon, and her 
 of Leucothea. See Ovid Rfetam. /. 4. The Blew-ey'd Nereides (/.) The Sea- 
 Nymphs, who were the Daughters of Nereus and Doris. Nereus was the Son 
 of Oceanus and Thetis, and is taken figuratively by the Poets for the Sea it self. 
 
 3. A known Fable. See Ovid. Metam. I. 3. Semele having made Jupiter 
 promise, that he would deny her nothing, askt that he would lie with her in all 
 his Majesty of the Thunderer, and as he was wont to do with Juno ; which 
 her mortal nature not being able to endure, she was burnt to death with his 
 Thunder and Lightning ; but Bacchus her child, by Jupiter, then in the 
 womb, was saved ; for which reason, I call it her Midwife Thunder. 
 
 4. Secure. Without fear of being burnt again. 
 
 164
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 'Hrot jSpoTwv ye K^Kpirai ITe/pas ofl ri Oa.v6.TOV oM' affv^i^ov dfj^pav 'Otrore 
 waid' d\lov 'Areipd ffvv dya.6$ Te\ei/...rci(ro^e^. 'Poai 5' &\\or' AXXcu EvOv/uav 
 re fj^ra. Kal llbvuv is avdpas tfiais. Ovru de /jiolp' a re warpwi'ov T6v 5' ?x el T v 
 tti<j)pova irbr/jiov, Qebpry avv 6X/fy 'Ewt re KCLI irfjn' ^7 el ila\trrpdirc\ov A\\<f> 
 Xpbv<f>, 'E ou irep UKreive Adiov /j.upi(Jios vlbs, ^vvavrbfjievos, fv Si irv...0uvi 
 \f^aOev ira\al<f>arov r{\effffev. 
 
 Cerle terminus nullus cognoscitur mortalium vita:, net/; unquam tran- 
 quillnm diem, filium Solis, stabili cum bono finiemus. Sed fluxus alias alii 
 cum voluptatibtts &* laboribus homines invadunt. Sic & faturn, quod pat ernam 
 hanc habet jucundam sortem cum divitiis a Deo profetflis, aliquant etiam cladem 
 contrariam adducit alto tempore, ex quo fatalis filius occurrens interfecit Laium, 
 & in Pythone editum Oraculum vetus perfecit. 
 
 1. Not men that go a journey, but all men, who in this life are termed 
 Viatores, Travellers. 
 
 2. Oedipus. Fatal, because of the Predictions. Laius King of Thebes 
 being married to Jocasta the daughter of Creon, enquired of the Oracle 
 concerning his Issue, and was told that he should be slain by it. Whereupon 
 he commanded Jocasta to put to death whatsover she should bring forth ; but 
 she moved with natural compassion, and the great beauty of ihe/n/ant, caused 
 one of her servants to expose it in the woods, who making an hole through 
 the feet, hung it by them upon a Tree (from which wound in his feet, he was 
 called Oedipus} and so left it. But Phorbas, chief Herdsman of Polybius King 
 of Corinth passing by, found the Child, and presented it to the Queen his 
 Mistress; who having none of her own, looked upon it as one given her by the 
 Gods, and bred it up as her Son ; who being come to mans age, and desirous 
 to know the truth of his birth, enquired it of the Oracle ; and was answered, 
 that he should meet his Father in Phocis; whither he went, and there in 
 a tumult ignorantly slew Laius, and after married his Mother Jocasta, by whom 
 he had Eteocles and Polynices, the latter Therons Ancestor. 
 
 'I5o((ra 6' 6ei' 'Epivvvs, Ht<j>vi> eot avv a\\a\o...(povig. ytvos dpfy'ov, 
 8 G^/xracSpos, ...pur6vTt HoXvvetKCi, NVots iv d^Xoij, 'Ev /ttdxats TC T 
 Ti/iti/xej'os ' AdpaffTiddv OaXos dpuy6v...S6/j.on. "Q6ev ffTrtp/jLaros &XOV...TO. ptfav, 
 irptirfL Tdv A.lvyo'iSd./j.ov 'EyKWfjilwv re /ueX^wv \vpav re, ruyx.avtfji.ev. '0\Vfjnrla 
 fj^v yap avrbs, IY/>as 5e/cro, TivOuvi, 5' '0/j.OK\apov ^s d5e\<pebi> 'Iffdfuoi re Koival 
 X<ipi...Tes AvOea reOpiiriruv dvtadeKadp6fji.uv ayayov. 
 
 Sed intuita Acris Erinnys interfecit ei per miituain catdem prolent martiam, 
 at relitflus est Thersander interfeiflo Yolymcijuvettilibtis &* in certa minibus dr 1 
 in pugnis belli honoratus, germen auxiliare Adrastidum domui, a quo seminis 
 habentem radicem decet filium ^Lnesidami encomiastica carmina lyrdsq; consequi, 
 nam apud Olympiam ipse premium accepit, apud Pythonam autem (Sr 1 Isthmum 
 communes gratia: ad fratrem ejusdem sortis participem flares attulerunt quad- 
 rigarum duodecim curstts conficientium. 
 
 i. One may ask, Why he makes mention of these tragical accidents and 
 actions of Oedipus and his Sons, in an Ode dedicated to the praise of Theron 
 and his Ancestors? I answer, That they were so notorious, that it was better 
 to excuse than conceal them; for which cause, he attributes them to Fatality, 
 and to mitigate the thing yet more, I adde, The innocent Parricide. 
 
 i. Eteocles and Polynices: The War of which two Brethren, and their 
 
 I6 5
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 slaughter of one another, is made so famous by Statins his most excellent 
 Poem, that it is needless to tell their History. 
 
 3. Thersander, the Son of Polynices by Argia, together with Diomedes, 
 brought an Army against Thebes, to revenge their Fathers deaths, and took it : 
 After that, he carried fifty Ships to the Siege of Troy, and was at last chosen 
 for his valour to be one of the persons that were shut up in the belly of the 
 wooden Horse, and so enter'd the Town. Virg. 1. i. ^En. 
 
 Lati se robore promunt, 
 Thersandrus, Stheneleusq; Duces, &* dims Ulysses. 
 
 4. There are several great actions of Therons mentioned in History, besides 
 his successes in the publique Games, which were in that age, no less honourable 
 than Victories in War ; as that he expelled Terillus out of Hymera, which he 
 had usurped, and defeated Hamilcar, General of the Carthaginians in Sicilie, 
 the same day that the Greeks overthrew the Persians in that memorable battel 
 of Salamis, Herod. 1. 7. 
 
 5. Because in the Olympiquc Games he obtained the victory alone, in 
 those of Nemea and Isthmus jointly with his Brother, who had shared with him 
 in the expence of setting forth the Chariots. 
 
 6. 
 
 To de Tvxfiv Heip(b/J,ei>oi> dyuvias II<x/>aXi5ei va<ppovC)v, '0 fj,ai> TrXoGroj 
 dperdis AedaidaXfifros, 3>^/>et r&v re /cai TWV Katpbv, fSadeiav vir^x uv 'M.^ptf-vav 
 dyporepav. 'AtrrT/p dplfyXos, d\a6ivbv 'Avdpi feyyos, el 84 fuv ?x l Tis, older rb 
 fj.f\\ov, "On Oavbvrwv ftev tv...0dd' O.VTIK dirdXafJLvoi. (pptves Roivds (rurav TO, d' 
 4v rq.Se dibs dpx$ 'AXtr/i Kara yds 5i.Kdei TIS ex^PV Xoyov <f>pdo~ias dvdyxa. 
 
 Sticcessus certaminis dispcllit molestias, divitire autcm virtutibus ornate 
 afferunt (hujus ret) opportunitatem iudagatricem, siistinentes profundam sollici- 
 tudinem. (0 Divitia) stella prizfulgida, verum homini lumen! qui eas habet, 
 etiam futurum novit, quod mortuorum Me intraftabiles mentes panas luunt, & 1 
 qua fiant in hoc Jovis imperio scelera judicat aliquis, inimicd sententiam pro- 
 nuntians necessitate. 
 
 i. The Connexion of this Stanza is very obscure in the Greek, and could 
 not be rendred without much Paraphrase. 
 
 i. This is not a Translation of Tii S' tv rq.de dtos dpxq,, &c. for that is 
 rendred by (Above) but an innocent addition to the Poet, which does no harm, 
 nor I fear, much Good. 
 
 "\ffov de vvKTf<r<nv old "Icrov ei> dfj-tpais d\i....ov Uxovres diroveffrepov 'E<r\ol 
 vep.ovro.1 (3Lo...rov ov xQbva Ta.pd<T<rov...res d\Kq. x P& l 'i ovde ir6vriov iidwp, l\.eivdt> 
 irapd blatrav dX-Xa Trapa, fj^ev rifjdois 6e(av otrtces fx a - l ---P v fvopKlais "Adaxpuv 
 vep.ovra.1 Aluva. rol d' dTrpoff6pa...rov OK^fovn irbvov, "Ocrot 5" trtiK/jiacrav ^y rpls 
 ' neivavres 'Airb wdvruv ddiKuv Sx fLV ^vxdv, HreiXav dibs 'Odbf irapa 
 
 At teqiialiter noclit semper, (Equaliter interdiu Solem habcntes non laborio- 
 sam boni degtmt vitam, neq; terram neq; marinam aqitam vexantes robore 
 mamiuin inopein propter vitflutn, sed apud honoratos deos (vel, Cum Us qui 
 honorantur a Diis) illi qui gaiidebant jidelitate, illachrymabili fnntntur avo, 
 alii autem intolerabilem visu patiunttir cruciatum. Quicunq; sustimterunt 
 ter commorati continere animam ab omnibus injustis peregerunt Jovis viam ad 
 Saturni urbem. 
 
 166
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 i. A description of the Fortunate Islands, or Elysian Fields, so often 
 mentioned by the Poets, and much after this manner. Valer. Hac Lucet via 
 late Igne Dei, donee silvas 6 amccna piorum Deveniant, camposq; ubi Sol, 
 totiimq; per annum Durat aprica dies. 
 
 Virg. JEn. 6. Devenere locos Icctos & amcena vireta 
 Fortunatorum nemorum sedesq; beatas, 
 Largior hie campos (Ether, &* famine vestit 
 Purpureo, solemq; suum, sua sidera norunt. 
 In which Homer shews the way to Pindar, and all. Odyss. 4. 
 'AXXd a' I* 'fl\ijffiov iredlov Kal irelpara yalrjs 
 'kd6.va.roi. rif/ufrawrip, Sdi S-a.vObs 'PaSdfj.avBvj, 
 TjJ irep pijlffrrj (lioTT) irt\i dvOpwjroiffi.i', 
 Oi) vi<pTOS, oOr ap Xfi/J.uv TroXus, otfre TTOT' o/J-fipos, 
 'AXX' old f<f>ijpoto \iyv irvdovra.* dijTcij 
 'O/ceayoj dvirjffiv dva\f/^x eil> dvdpuiirovs. 
 
 i. According to the opinion of Pythagoras, which was much followed by 
 the Poets, and became them better, that souls past still from one body to another, 
 till by length of time, and many pennances, they had purged away all their 
 imperfections. Virg. Mn. 6. 
 
 Pauci Uita arva tenemus, 
 
 Donee longa dies perfefto temporis orbe, 
 Concretam ex emit labem, puriimq; reliquit 
 sEtheriunt sensum atq; attrai simplids ignem. 
 
 And a little before, Anittue quibus altera fato 
 
 Corpora debentur. 
 
 But the restriction of this to the third Metempsychosis, I do not remember any 
 where else. It may be thrice is taken here indefinitely for several times, as is 
 most frequent among the Poets. 
 
 3. Saturn is said to govern here, because the Golden- Age was under his 
 reign, from the resemblance of the condition of mankind then, to that of the 
 Blessed now in the other World. 
 
 fiaicdpuv Naffov 'tiKeavldf! Avpat TrepiflWowtc, &vdefj.a. dl 
 TA ntv 'xepffbOev air a...y\auv devdptuv vdup 5' d\Xa 0^p/3et "O 
 a....ir\^KOvri, Kal ffTC<j>dvoi$ /3oi/XatJ tv 6p6<us 'PadandvOvos 'Ov 
 %X.ei. Kp6t>os frot/JLOv avrov irdpedpov II6(rts 6 wavruv 'P6u virtpTar 
 Ophvov, IlijXe^j re Kal KdSjuoj v roiffiv dX^yoi'Tcu 'Ax'XX^a T' Ivet/c' ^Trei Zyvbs 
 TJrop XITOIS ?7ret<re /j.dri}p. 
 
 Ubi beatorum Insulam Oeeanides atiree perflant, Jloresq; auri coruseant, 
 alii quidem in hnmo ab illustribus arboribus, alias autcm aqua educat, quorum 
 monilibus manus implicant (Sr* corollis (capita) juxla recta decreta Rhadamanthi, 
 quern pater Saturnus maritus Rhere omnium sttpremum habentis solitim, dignum 
 sibi habet Assessorem, Peleus, & Cadmus inter has recensentur, Achille'mq; eo 
 transtulit mater, postquam Jovis animum precibus flexit. There follows a 
 Description of Achilles, from the slaughter of Hettor, Cygnus, and Memnon, 
 which I thought better to leave out ; and instead of it, to adde by what means 
 Thetis made his Soul, that was before so tainted with Anger, Pride, and 
 Cruelty, capable of being admitted into this place ; which I believed it not 
 improper to attribute to her dipping of it in Styx, as she had formerly done 
 his body, all but his heel, by which she held him, and which was therefore the 
 only part where he was Vulnerable. That the water of Styx might have the 
 
 I6 7
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 like effects upon his Soul, I am authorized to feign, by the common Tradition 
 of the water of Lethe, whose power upon the Soul is no less. 
 
 i. Of the three Judges of the Dead, he names only one. Virg. &n. 6. 
 
 Gnossius hac Rhadamanthus habct durissima regna, &v. 
 
 And the Grammarians derive his name from pela and a/j.du, from taming men 
 by the severity of his justice. Cadmus was chosen to be named here for one 
 of the Heroes, by an apparent reason, Theron being descended from him ; as 
 for Peleus and Achilles, there is no particular cause. The Poets imitate some- 
 times the Divine proceeding, and will have mercy on whom they "will have 
 mercy, without any reflecting upon any peculiar merit. It was not hard 
 indeed for those two to be admitted here ; for Abacus, one of the three Judges, 
 was Father to the one, and Grandfather to the other. I make bold to adde, 
 that the Poets are there too, for Pindars honour, that I may not say, for mine 
 own. 
 
 fj.oi IITT' ayKuvos uK^a /S^X?; 'l&vSov tvrl (fxtptrpas <f>wvS.vra ffVVCTMffai 4s 
 A TO TTO.V epp.riv(jjv "xa.~rlei, ffocpbs 6 7roX-Xa etSwj (pvy, ^Ia66vres 6 XcfySpot Ilcfy- 
 y\ti}<rffi(}: n6pa.Kfs us'AKpavra, ya-pverov, 5t6s Trpbs opviKa, delov. 
 
 Multa mihi sub cubito celeres Sagitta; itttra Pharetram sunt sonantes pru- 
 dentibus, apud vulgus autern interpretibus egent. Sapiens est qui multa novit 
 naturae viribus, qui disciplina utun'tur vehementes garrulitate sicut Corvi irrita 
 clamant adversus Jovis Avem divinam. 
 
 i. The Connexion in the Poet is very obscure. This Metaphor of Quiver 
 and Arrows does much delight him. Olymp. 13. 'E/w^ 5' evObv aubvi-wv ttvra. 
 p6fj.f3ov irapd axowbv ou XPV T & 'ToXXd, ^Xea Kaprtivfiv -xfpoiv. Me autem recJuni 
 telorum mittentem, turoincm prater scopum non oportel multa tela dirigere 
 manibus. The like is in the first Olympique, and divers other places. Horace 
 in imitation. 
 
 Prome reconditum 7^halia telum, &c. 
 
 i. Pindar falls frequently into this common place of preferring Nature 
 before Art, as in the first Nemecean Ode, &><:. The Scholiast says, he does it 
 in derogation from his adversary Bacchilides. The comparison of Art to a 
 Crow, and Nature to an Eagle, is very nobly extravagant, but it was necessary 
 to enlarge it. 
 
 [3.] The Poets feigned, that the Eagle carried Joves Thunder, because of 
 the strength, courage, and swiftness of that Bird. They likewise feigned, that 
 Jupiter falling in love with Ganymedes, the Son of Tros, a most beautiful Boy, 
 carried him up to Heaven upon the back of an Eagle, there to fill Neftar to 
 him when he feasted, and for a more ungodly use. Hor. 
 
 Expertus fidelem Jupiter in Ganymede flavo. 
 
 4. Nothing but the Eagle is said to be able to look Full right into the Sun, 
 and to make that tryal of her young ones, breeding up none but those that can 
 do so. 
 
 ^ov "Aye 6vfj. rlva. /SdXXo/xej' 'E fj.a\6aKas avre <f>pfi>bs 
 oi'ffTovs 'I^res ; M rot 'AKpdyavri rawcrcus Av8dcrofji.ai. tvbpKiov A6yov 
 ' fnarbv Fe er^wv ir6\iv ^fXotj &vSpa fj,a\\ov TZufpytTav 
 TT paw Iff iv, d<p...Oovt(rTep6v re x^P a - 
 
 Intende nunc arcum in scopum ; agedum anime mi ; Quern petimus ex 
 molli mente gloriosas sagittas mitteiites? In Agrigentum dirigens proferam 
 veraci mente jusjurandum peperisse nullam centum annis civitatem viritm 
 amicis magis benevolum peflore, & minus invidum manu. 
 
 168
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 i. Virg. StygiAmq; paludem 
 
 Dii cnjus jurare timent & fallere nuinen. 
 
 Castalian -waters. A fountain in Phocis, at the foot of Parnassus, dedicated 
 to Apollo and the Muses ; so called from the Virgin Castalia, who flying from 
 Apollo, was there turned into a Fountain. 
 
 'AXX' olvov tj3a Kopos ov dwq. avvavT6/j.fvos d\-Xa /j.dpywt> inr' avSpuv Td \a\a- 
 Ot\uv K.pv<f>ot> re 6^/j.ev taXGiv KaKois "Epyois, ^Jrei \f/d/j.fj.os dptd/j-ov irepiwt- 
 <pev-yev, ^/cetyoj Sera x^/>M aT> ^X-Xots ?6r}Kev T/S av <ppd.ffcu dwairo; 
 
 Sed Invidia lauclem invasit injustt occurrens, a furiosis viris tumultuari 
 volens, &* occultare beneficia injuriis. Siquidem arena numerurn refugit, ille 
 quot gaudia aliis contulerit quis recensere poterit? 
 
 169
 
 THE FIRST 
 
 Nemeaean Ode 
 
 OF 
 
 PINDAR. 
 
 Chromius, the Son of Agesidamus, a young Gentleman o/"Sicilie, is 
 celebrated for having won the prize of the Chariot-Race in 
 the Nemesean Games (a Solemnity instituted first to celebrate 
 the Funeral of Opheltes, as is at large described by Statius ; 
 and afterwards continued every third year, with an extra- 
 ordinary con/lux of all Greece, and with incredible honor to 
 the Conquerors in all the exercises there practised) upon which 
 occasion, the Poet begins with the commendation of his Country, 
 which I take to have been Ortygia (an Island belonging to 
 Sicilie, and a part of Syracuse, being joyned to it by a Bridg) 
 though the title of the Ode call him JEtnaean Chromius, 
 perhaps because he was made Governour of that Town by 
 Hieron. From thence he falls into the praise of Chromius his 
 person, which he draws from his great end\ow\ments of Mind 
 and Body, and most especially from his Hospitality, and the 
 worthy use of his riches. He likens his beginning to that of 
 Hercules, and according to his usual manner of being trans- 
 ported with any good Hint that meets him in his way, passing 
 into a Digression of Hercules, and his slaying the two Serpents 
 in his Cradle, concludes the Ode with that History. 
 
 ODE. 
 i. 
 
 1 ~T) Eautcous Ortygia, the first breathing place 
 X) Of great Alpheus close and amorous race, 
 
 2 Fair Delos Sister, the Child-Bed 
 
 3 Of bright Latona, where she bred 
 
 4 The Original New-Moon, 
 
 Who saw'st her tender Forehead e're the Horns were grown. 
 
 170
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 5 Who like a gentle Scion, newly started out, 
 
 From Syracuse?! side dost sprout. 
 [6] Thee first my Song does greet 
 
 With numbers smooth and fleet, 
 As thine own Horses airy feet, 
 When they young Chromlus Chariot drew, 
 And o're the Neme&an race triumphant flew. 
 
 Jove will approve my Song and Me, 
 7 Jove is concern'd in Nemea, and in Thee. 
 
 2. 
 
 1 With Jove, my Song ; this happy man, 
 
 Young Chromius too with Jove began ; 
 From hence came his success, 
 Nor ought he therefore like it less, 
 Since the best Fame is that of Happiness. 
 For whom should we esteem above 
 The Men whom Gods do love. 
 'Tis them alone the Muse too does approve. 
 Lo how it makes this vidtory shine 
 
 2 O're all the fruitful Isle of Proserpine \ 
 
 The Torches which the Mother brought 
 When the ravisht Maid she sought, 
 Appear'd not half so bright, 
 But cast a weaker light, 
 
 Through earth, and ayr, and Seas, and up to ^heavenly 
 fault. 
 
 3- 
 
 1 To thee, O Proserpine, this Isle I give, 
 
 Said Jove, and as he said, 
 
 2 Smil'd, and bent his gracious Head. 
 And thou, O Isle, said he, for ever thrive, 
 And keep the value of our Gift alive. 
 
 As Heaven with Stars, so let 
 
 The Countrey thick with Towns be set, 
 
 And numberless as Stars 
 
 Let all the Towns be then 
 
 Replenish'd thick with Men, 
 
 Wise in Peace, and Bold in Wan. 
 
 171
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Of thousand glorious Towns the Nation, 
 Of thousand glorious Men each Town a Constellation. 
 
 Nor let their warlike Lawrel scorn, 
 3 With the Olympique Olive to be worn, 
 
 Whose gentler Honors do so well the Brows of Peace adorn. 
 
 1 Go to great Syracuse, my Muse, and wait 
 
 At Chromius Hospitable Gate. 
 
 'Twill open wide to let thee in, 
 
 When thy Lyres voyce shall but begin. 
 Joy, Plenty, and free Welcome dwells within. 
 The Tyrian Beds thou shalt find ready drest, 
 The Ivory Table crowded with a Feast. 
 The Table which is free for every Guest, 
 
 No doubt will thee admit, 
 
 And feast more upon Thee, then Thou on it. 
 
 Chromius and Thou art met aright, 
 
 2 For as by Nature thou dost Write, 
 
 So he by Nature Loves, and does by Nature Fight. 
 
 I Nature herself, whilst in the womb he was, 
 
 Sow'd Strength and Beauty through the forming Mass, 
 They mov'ed the vital Lump in every part, 
 And carv'ed the Members out with wondrous art. 
 She fill'd his Mind with Courage, and with Wit, 
 
 And a vast Bounty, apt and fit 
 For the great Dowre which Fortune made to it. 
 
 'Tis Madness sure Treasures to hoord, 
 And make them useless, as in Mines, remain, 
 To lose th' Occasion Fortune does afford 
 
 Fame, and publick Love to gain. 
 
 Even for self-concerning ends, 
 
 'Tis wiser much to hoord up Friends. 
 Though Happy men the present goods possess, 
 Th' Unhappy have their share in future Hopes no less. 
 
 172
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 6. 
 
 How early has young Chromius begun 
 The Race of Virtue, and how swiftly run, 
 
 And born the noble Prize away, 
 Whilst other youths yet at the Barriere stay ? 
 I None but Alcides e're set earlier forth then He ; 
 The God, his Fathers, Blood nought could restrain, 
 
 'Twas ripe at first, and did disdain 
 The slow advance of dull Humanitie, 
 The big-limm'ed Babe in his huge Cradle lay, 
 Too weighty to be rockt by Nurses hands, 
 
 Wrapt in purple swadling-bands. 
 When, Lo, by jealous Juno's fierce commands, 
 
 Two dreadful Serpents come 
 Rowling and hissing loud into the roome. 
 To the bold Babe they trace their bidden way, 
 Forth from their flaming eyes dread Lightnings went, 
 Their gaping Mouths did forked Tongues like Thunderbolts 
 
 present. 
 
 1 Some of th' amazed Women dropt down dead 
 
 With fear, some wildly fled 
 About the room, some into corners crept, 
 
 Where silently they shook and wept. 
 All naked from her bed the passionate Mother lept 
 
 To save or perish with her Child, 
 She trembled, and she crfed, the mighty Infant smiFd. 
 
 2 The mighty Infant seem'd well pleas'd 
 
 At his gay gilded foes, 
 
 And as their spotted necks up to the Cradle rose, 
 With his young warlike hands on both he seis'd ; 
 In vain they rag'd, in vain they hist, 
 In vain their armed Tails they twist, 
 And angry Circles cast about, 
 
 Black Blood, and fiery Breath, and poys'nous Soul he squeezes 
 out.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 1 With their drawn Swords 
 
 In ran Amphitryo, and the Theban Lords, 
 
 2 With doubting Wonder, and with troubled joy 
 
 They saw the conquering Boy 
 Laugh, and point downwards to his prey, 
 Where in deaths pangs, and their own gore they folding lay. 
 ? When wise Tiresias this beginning knew, 
 
 *J O O i 
 
 He told with ease the things t'ensue, 
 
 4 From what Monsters he should free 
 
 5 The Earth, the Ayr, and Sea, 
 
 6 What mighty Tyrants he should slay, 
 Greater Monsters far then They. 
 
 7 How much at Pblasgras field the distrest Gods should ow 
 
 To their great Off-spring here below, 
 And how his Club should there outdo, 
 
 8 Apollos silver Bow, and his own Fathers Thunder too. 
 
 i And that the grateful Gods at last, 
 
 The race of his laborious Virtue past, 
 
 Heaven, which he sav'ed, should to him give, 
 Where marry d to eternal Youth he should for ever live ; 
 Drink Neffar with the Gods, and all his senses please 
 In their harmonious golden Palaces. 
 
 Walk with ineffable Delight 
 Through the thick Groves of never-withering Light, 
 
 And as he walks affright 
 [2] The Lyon and the Bear, 
 
 Bull, Centaur, Scorpion, all the radiant Monsters there. 
 
 174
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 i. "A Mirvfv/j.a ffffJLvof 'A.\(f>fiov. Respiramen referendum Alphei. Al- 
 j\. pheus was a River in Elis, which the Poets feigned to have fallen 
 in love with the Nymph Arethusa, whom when he was ready to ravish, Diana 
 turn'd her into a Fountain ; which lest her Lover should mix his waters with 
 hers, fled by secret ways under ground, and under the Sea into Sicilie, rising 
 up in the Island Ortygia, whither Alpheus also followed, and there mingled 
 with her. 
 
 2. AdXou KcuriyvriTa.. Deli soror. The Commentator says, because Delos 
 too was called Ortygia. I think, because Apollo was born in Delos, and Diana 
 in Ortygia, therefore by a Figure he calls the Islands too, where they were 
 born, Sisters. Horn. Hymn. 
 
 X<upf /id/cap' c3 ArjToi tirel T^KCS (i^yXaa rticva 
 'A.Tr6\\(t)va T' &VO.KTO. xal *A.pTefjui> 'lox^aipav 
 Tijj' nv 4v 'OprvyLri, rbv d Kpavar) 4vl A?}Xy. 
 
 Which for Pindars sake, I am content to take for this Ortygia, and not that 
 Island among the Cyclades of the same name. 
 
 [3.] Atfj.t>iov 'Apr^mSos. Cubile Artemidis. Because she was born there, 
 I therefore chose rather to call it, Latoua's Child-Bed, than her Bed. 
 
 4. Because other New-Moons seem but returns of Diana (which is the 
 same with the Goddess Luna} then she had her beginning. 
 
 5. KXfivav 2vpaKoo-ffS.v 6d\os. Germen indytarum Syracusarum, for the 
 reason mentioned in the Argument. 
 
 6. ZtOev rjdveirTjs V/J.VQS bp/j.a.rai Ot^ev Klvov deXXoTroSw^ /j.tyat> tiriruv Zrjvbs 
 Alrvalov xd-P tv - "A/o/xa 5' drptivfi. xpo/Jt-tov Ne/x^a 8' t-pynaaiv viKa<f>6pois 'EyKta/juov 
 feCfas /xAos. A te suaviloqims Hytnnus cum iinpctu aggreditur exponere magnant 
 laudem procellipedum eqiiorum in Jovis /Etnan gratiam, Curnis etiam Chromii 
 cr Nemea me incitant tit adjungam meum landatoriuin melos triumphantibus 
 (certamimini) labor ibus. 
 
 7. In Nemea ; because Hercules having slain the Netnecran Lyon, did 
 Sacrifice Jovi Neme&o, and dedicate the Games to him. In Thee : For having 
 given this Island to Proserpine, for Ceres sake, for the birth of Diana ; for 
 being himself surnamed (as before) SEtmtan Jupiter, from ALlna, where his 
 Thunder was likewise forged. 
 
 i. 'Apxo-l Se ptfiXijvTai Of&v Ketvov crfiv dvdpbs 5ai/j.ovlau aperais. *E<m 5' 
 fv fUTi/X'? iravdolilas &Kpov. 
 
 Proa-mia sumpta sunt a Diis 6 illius viri felicibus virtutibus, est enim in 
 felicitate sum mum fastigiiun omnis gloria. 
 
 i. Of these Torches which Ceres lighted at /Etna, and carried with her all 
 about the world in the search of Proserpine, Claudian speaks thus, L. 3. de R. 
 Proserp. 
 
 - Quacunq', it, in aquore fuhris 
 Adnatat umbra fretis, extremdq; lucis imago 
 Italiam Lybiamq ; ferit, clarescit Hetruscum 
 Littus, & accenso resplendent cequore Syrtes. 
 
 At Enna, where Ceres was most religiously worshipped, her Statue was 
 made with Torches in her hands. See Tull. 4. Afl. in Verr.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 3- 
 
 I. Nvv fyeip' dy\atat> riva. vdcrtf) Tdv '0\v/j.irov dfffirbras ZeOs touxev 
 H.tpfff<pbvr) narevev...aev re ol xatrau dpiffT...eijoi<rav evKapirov -%6ovbs StKeXfav 
 irieipav 6p6<j>...ireiv Kopvipais iro\i(av d(f>veais"&ira<re 8e Kpoviuv Tlo\/J.ov fj.t>affrrjpd 
 ol x^X/fe^r^cs A.abv iiriraixv-ov, 6afj.d 8r) Kal '0\vfj....irid8wv <j>6\\ois (\aidv 
 
 Nunc excita spletuiorem aliquem Insulte quam Olympi Dominus Jupiter 
 dedit Proserpinse & annuit capillis se principem fertilis soli Siciliam pinguem 
 exaltaturum cdebribus fastigiis civitatum, dedltq; eis Saturnius poptdum equis 
 gaudentem, & memorem ferret belli qui sape etiam foliis aureis Olympiacarum 
 Olivarum se immisceret. 
 
 i. Kartvfvfffr re ol x a ^ Tat ^- I s very eloquent in the Greek, but I knew 
 not how to render it but by Head. Homer expresses the same sense most 
 excellently. //. i. 
 
 *H Kal Kva.vt'flffi.v ir 6<j>pvffi vevffe Kpoviuv, 
 'A/jifipbffiai 5' apa "xalrai tirepp&o'a.vTO &VOLKTOS 
 Kparos air' dda.va.roio. 
 
 3. Pindar in his third Olympique, by a great Geographical Error (but 
 pardonable in those times) says, that Hercules obtained of the Hyperboreans at 
 the Fountain of Ister, or the Danube Plants of Wild- Olive, to set about the 
 Temple of Jitpiter in Pisa ; and ordained, that the Conquerors in those Games 
 should alwaies be crown'd with Garlands of the said Olives. It may be askt, 
 in the celebration of a ffemeaan Victory, why he rather mentions the Olympique 
 Prizes born away by the Sicilians, than those of Nemea ? Some say, that in 
 the Neme&an Games too, the like Olive-Garlands were used at first before those 
 of Apium ; which I hardly believe, if the Institution of them was to celebrate 
 a funeral, as the general opinion is. I think he chuses the Olympique Games, 
 only because they were the most famous of all. 
 
 4- 
 
 1. "Effrav 5' r' atfXfeuj 66pais 'A.v5pbs <pi\o^vov KaXct fJLe\Tr6fi,evos, *Ev0a 
 fj.oi a.pfjJ)oi.ov Aeiirvov nceicooyiijTcu, 6afj.d 8' d\\odairut> otix direlparoi. d6/j.oi 4vrl. 
 
 Steti autem in vestibule viri hospitalis egregie cantans, ubi mihi convenient 
 ccena adornata est, neq\ enim frequentium peregrinorum ignarce sunt cedes ejus. 
 
 2. T^x 1 '*' ^""' fTtpw Hrepai xp*) 8' tv evOelats 65ois ^relxovra. fidpvaffffai 
 <f>vffi. Alus aliorum artes sunt, sed oportet reftis in viis ambulantem natura 
 piignare. 
 
 5- 
 
 r. Hpdffffei yap tpytf p.tv ffOtvos BonXaiert 8^ Qpfy iffffAfUvov irpo'ioeiv 
 ofs ftrerai, ' Ayyinddfjiov irat cr^o 5' d/juf>l rpoirip TcDv re Kal T&V xp^^ 1 
 TTO\{IV 4v /j.eydp<f> ir\ovrov Acara/cp^aty <~x eiv '-A.XX' tbvruv ev re iradetv Kal axou... 
 trai ^>/Xotj eapKeii)v Koival yap tpxovr' A7r/5es HoXw&vtav dvopuv, Auxiliatur 
 enim operi quidem robur, consiliis autem mens, quibus naturalis est futurorum 
 providentia, Tuts autem in moribus, o Agesidami Jili, horum & illorum est 
 usus. Non cupio multas in adibus divitias absconditas habere, sed ex its qua 
 adsunt bona percipere, dr benZ audire amicis subveniens, communes enim veniunt 
 spes (zrumnosorum. 
 
 6. 
 
 I. '70; 5' 'HpaK\fos dvTexo/J-ai Trpo<f>p6vus 'Ev KOpvfiais dperav neyd\ats 
 'Apxaiov urpiivuv \6yov, &*<:. 
 
 Ego autem Herculem ampleflor libenter in cacuminibus virtutum maximis 
 antiquum proferens sermonem, &c. 
 
 I 7 6
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Pindar, according to his manner, leaves the Reader to find as he can, the 
 connexion between Chromius and the story of Hercules, which it seem'd to me 
 necessary to make a little more perspicuous. 
 
 7- 
 
 I. 'Ex 6' dp &r\arov Sfos IIXae yvvdiKas offai rvxpv 'AX/c/xTjyaj dpfaoKrai 
 \f\et Kai yap aura vofffflv aVtrXos 6pov<raiff' dwb ffTpufnvas Sfjuas "A^wev 
 
 Intolerabilis melus percussit mulieres qua inserviebant Alcmence Icclo, 
 quinetiam ipsa sine vestibus prosiliens pedibus e lefto propuhavit injuriain 
 bestiarum. 
 
 i. 'Ey Oa\dfj.ov nvxbv evpvv (fia.v T^Kvonnv ci/cei'as yvdffovt 'A/x0eX/a(T0cu 
 /ue^awrey, 6 5' 6p...06v fdv avreivev Kdpa IleipaTO 5 irp&rov fM\i)S. In thalami 
 penetralia lata venerunt piuris celeres malas circumplicare gestientes, sed ille 
 reftum extendit caput, & specimen primutn pugnie edidit. I leave out the 
 mention of his Brother Iphiclns, who lay in the same Cradle, because it would 
 but embroil the story, and addes nothing to the similitude. Pherecides writes, 
 that Amphitryo himself put these Serpents into the Chamber, to try which was 
 his, and which Jupiters Son. 
 
 8. 
 
 KaS/j-etuv dyol x a ^--- K ^ 0i * <*v v &VXots <iOp6oi tdpa./j.ov 'Ev x e />' 5' 
 KoXeoO yvnvov i<pos fKTivdffffuv "Ixer' ($ft'aij dnatcrt TVirots, Con- 
 festini autem Cadmreorum ducts cereis cum armis acairrerunt, Amphitryo quoq\ 
 nndum vagind ensem quatiens venit acutis doloribus saucius. I leave out a 
 sentence that follows; which is a wise saying, but methinks to no great purpose 
 in that place. 
 
 i. This is excellently expressed in the Greek, *E<rra 5 Odnfiti Svff<p6p<f 
 Tep?rj>(j5 re fu\6ds, Constitit autem stupore acerbo deleclabiliq; permixtus. 
 
 3. Telrova 8' tKKdXfffav 5i6s v\f/l-<rTov Trpo<pdrav ^o\ov Op66/j.avri,t> Tipyviav 
 6 5f ol <ppde KO.I iravrl crrparif llotcus oyttiX^ffet Ti/xa'J- Vicimim itaq; advo- 
 cavil Jovis altisslmi Prophetam eximium vera vaticinantem Tiresiam, hie autein 
 ei dixit totiq; turba in qtdbus versaturus esset fortunis. 
 
 4. "0<r<roi;j /j.h tv xty ff V Kravuv "Oeraous 5^ w6vr<f drjpas d'iSpoSiKas Kai nva. 
 <rvv ir\a.yL(f'Avdpuv Kopy ffTfixovra rbv t\Op6ra.Tov (/>$,& viv 8(i)fffiv p.bpov. Kai 
 yap orav 6eol iv TreSiy tp\typa.s yiyavreffffiv nd\a v ' Avridfafffv fifXttav vtrb pi... 
 vdiffi Kflvov (J>ai5lfj.av yaia Te0i/pere<r0a4 /c6/xa^. Qitot in terra interfefturus esset 
 quot in mart belluas perniciosas, & ciiinam /wminum cum obliqua insolentiA in- 
 cedenti inimicissimo mortem daret, quinetiam cum Dii cum Gigantibus in campo 
 Phlegne pnelio occurrerent, telorum illius impetu pncclaram pulveri commixtum 
 iri illorum comam. Where I have ventured to change what he says of his 
 Darts, into his Club, that being his most famous Weapon. 
 
 5. The Earth ; as the Erymanthian Bore, the Nemetzan Lyons. The 
 Air, as the Stymphalian Birds. And the Sea, as the Whale, which the 
 Scholiast says he slew, and cites Homer for the Story. 
 
 6. As Antieus, Busiris, Augias, &c. 
 
 7. The place of the battel between the Gods and the Giants, was Phlegra, 
 a Town in Thrace, where the Earth pronounced an Oracle, that the Giants 
 could not be destroyed, but by the help of two Heroes, or Half- Gods ; for 
 which purpose, the Gods made choice of Hercules and Bacchus, and by their 
 assistance got the victory. Phlegra is called so, dirb rod tp\tyfff6ai, To burn ; 
 perhaps, because of the Gyants being destroyed there chiefly by Thunder; or, 
 as others, from Baths of Hot-water which arise there. Eustaihius says, it was 
 
 C. M 177
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 likewise called Pallene, and gave occasion to the Fable of the Gyants fight, 
 from the wickedness of the Inhabitants. 
 
 8. According to Homers ordinary Epithete of Apollo, 'Ap7f/>6rooj, Silver- 
 bow'd. 
 
 9- 
 
 I. Afirov ftfv tv elfrt)...vq. rbv airavTa \pbvov ff'XfPV 'Rffvxiav KO./J.&TUV 
 fieydXuv irowav \axovra ^alpovra 'OX(3t'ots tv dwnaffi dfdfj.evov 6a\epav "Hfiav 
 S.KOITLV Kat y6.fj.ov Salcravra Trap Ad Kpovldq. Se/xco*' alv-fiaeiv 56/j.ov. Ipsum 
 vero in pace omne tempus deinceps afturum, tranquillitatem magnorum labo- 
 rum premium eximium consequutum, receptd in beatis ccdibus Hebe conjuge 
 florente, &* nuptiis celebratis in domo Jovis venerandi quam ipse admirations 
 videret. 
 
 i. The Names of Constellations, so called first by the Poets, and since 
 retained by the Astronomers. They might be frighted by Hercules, because he 
 was the famous Monster- Killer. 
 
 T'he Praise of Pindar. 
 
 In Imitation of Horace his second Ode, B. 4. 
 Pindarum quisquis studet (emulari^ &c. 
 
 I. 
 
 ndar is imitable by none; 
 The Phcenix Pindar is a vast Species alone. 
 Who e're but D<edalus with waxen wings could fly 
 And neither sink too low, nor soar too high ? 
 
 What could he who followed claim, 
 But of vain boldness the unhappy fame, 
 
 And by his fall a Sea to name ? 
 
 Plndars unnavlgable Song 
 Like a swoln Flood from some steep Mountain pours along, 
 
 The Ocean meets with such a Poice 
 From his enlarged Mouth, as drowns the Oceans noise. 
 
 2. 
 
 So Pindar does new Words and Figures roul 
 
 1 Down his impetuous Dlthyrambique Tide^ 
 
 Which in no Channel deigns t'abide, 
 
 2 Which neither Banks nor Dikes controul. 
 
 178
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Whether th' Immortal Gods he sings 
 In a no less Immortal strain, 
 
 3 Or the great Acts of God-descended Kings, 
 Who in his Numbers still survive and Reign. 
 
 Each rich embroidered Line, 
 Which their triumphant Brows around, 
 By his sacred Hand is bound, 
 
 4 Does all their starry Diadems outshine. 
 
 Whether at Pisa's race he please 
 
 1 To carve in polisht Perse the Conquerors Images, 
 
 2 Whether the Swift, the Skilful, or the Strong, 
 
 Be crowned in his Nimble, Artful, Vigorous Song : 
 
 3 Whether some brave young man's untimely fate 
 In words worth Dying for he celebrate, 
 
 Such mournful, and such pleasing words, 
 As joy to'his Mothers and his Mistress grief affords 
 He bids him Live and Grow in fame, 
 
 4 Among the Stars he sticks his Name : 
 The Grave can but the Dross of him devour, 
 So small is Deaths, so great the Poets power. 
 
 Lo, how th'obsequious Wind, and swelling Ayr 
 [i] The Theban Swan does upwards bear 
 
 Into the walks of Clouds, where he does play, 
 And with extended Wings opens his liquid way. 
 
 Whilst, alas, my tini'erous Muse 
 
 Unambitious tracks pursues ; 
 
 Does with weak unballast wings, 
 
 About the mossy Brooks and Springs ; 
 
 About the Trees new-blossom'ed Heads, 
 
 About the Gardens painted Beds, 
 
 About the Fields and flowry Meads, 
 
 And all inferior beauteous things 
 Like the laborious Bee, 
 
 For little drops of Honey flee, 
 And there with Humble Sweets contents her Industrie. 
 
 M 2 179
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 I. ~JT)ftuiar was incredibly admired and honoured among the Ancients, 
 XT even to that degree that we may believe, they saw more in him 
 than we do now : Insomuch, that long after his death, when Thebes was quite 
 burnt and destroyed (by the Lacedemonians and by Alexander the Great} both 
 times the House wherein he had lived was alone preserved by publick 
 Authority, as a place sacred and inviolable. Among the very many Elogies of 
 him, I will only cite that of Qiiindlilian (than whom no man perhaps ever 
 living was a better Judge) L. 10. C. I. Novem Lyricorum longe Pindarus 
 princeps, spiritus magnificentid, sententiis,figuris beatissimus, rerum verbonimq; 
 copid & 1 velut quodam eloquentice famine, propter qua; Horatius nemini credit 
 emit imitabilem. Where he applys Horace his similitudes of a River to his 
 Wit ; but it is such a River, as when Poetical Fury, 
 
 Tanquam fera diluvies quietum 
 
 Irritat amnem. Hor. 
 And like the rest of that description of the River, 
 
 Nunc pace delabentis Hetmscum 
 
 In mare, nunc lapides adesos 
 
 Stirpesq; raptas o pecus & domos 
 
 Volventis una non sine montium 
 
 Clamor e vicinttq; silva. 
 
 For which reason, I term his Song Unna-vigable ; for it is able to drown 
 any Head that is not strong built and well ballasted. Horace in another place 
 calls it a Fountain ; from the unexhausted abundance of his Invention. 
 
 i. There are none of PinJars Dithyrambiques extant. Dithyrambiques 
 were Hymns made in honour of Bacchus, who did, Sis els O'upa.v dvajSaiveiv, 
 c[o]me inte the world through two Doors, his Mother Senieles Womb, and his 
 Father Jupilers Thigh. Others think, that Dithyrambus was the name of a 
 Theban Poet, who invented that kind of Verse, which others also attribute to 
 Arion. Pindar himself in the 13. Olymp. seems to give the Invention to the 
 Corinthians. Tat Aiovvo'ov irbOev tj>dvav ffbv /So^Xdrp x c V HTeJ Attfu/xx/t/Sy, 
 Uiide Bacchi exortte sunt venuslates cum Boves agente Dithyrambo. For it 
 seems an Ox was given in reward to the Poet ; but others interpret ^ori\a,Ti)v 
 irapa. TTJV poty, from the loud repeating or singing of them. It was a bold, 
 free, enthusiastical kind of Poetry, as of men inspired by Bacchus, that is, 
 Half-Drunk, from whence came the Greek Proverb. 
 
 Ai0vpafj.j3oTroiwv vovv x cts eXdrro^a. 
 You are as mad as a Dithyrambique Poet. 
 And another, 
 
 OI)K tffri Ai6vpa.fji.l3os &i> vSup irlvrf. 
 There are no Dithyrambiques made by drinking water. 
 Something like this kind (but I believe with less Liberty) is Horace his 19. Ode 
 of the i. B. 
 
 Bacchum in remotis carmina ntpibus 
 
 Vidi docentent) &c. 
 
 1 80
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 And neerer yet to it comes his 25. Ode of the 4. B. Quo me Bacche rapis 
 tui plenum ? quce nemora, aut quos agor in specus, Velox menie novd ? For 
 he is presently half-mad, and promises I know not what, 
 
 Dicam insigne recens, 
 
 Indiftum ore alto. And, 
 
 Nil parvum ant humilt mode, 
 
 Nil mortale loquar. 
 And then he ends like a man ranting in his drink, that falls suddenly asleep. 
 
 [2.] Batiks, natural ; Dikes, artificial. It will neither be bounded and cir- 
 cumscribed by Nature, nor by Art. 
 
 3. Almost all the ancient Kings to make themselves more venerable to their 
 subjects, derived their pedigree from some God, but at last that would not 
 content them, and they made themselves Gods, as some of the Roman 
 Emperours. 
 
 4. Diadems (which were used by the ancient Kings, as Crowns are now, 
 for the Mark of Royalty, and were much more convenient) were bindings of 
 white Ribban about the head, set and adorned with precious stones ; which is 
 the reason I call them Siarry Diadems. The word comes avb TOV diadew, To 
 bind about. 
 
 3- 
 
 r. The Conquerours in the Olympiqne Games, were not only Crowned with 
 a Garland of Wild-Olive, but also had a Statue creeled to them. 
 
 2. The chief Exercises there were Running, Leaping, Wrestling, the 
 Discus, which was the casting of a great round Stone, or Ball, made of Iron 
 or Brass ; The Cestus, or Whorle-bats, Horse-Races, and Chariot- Races. 
 
 3. For he wrote Thretti ; or Funeral Elegies : but they are all lost, as well 
 as his Hymns, Tragedies, Encomia, and several other works. 
 
 4. So Hor. 1. 4. Od. 25. 
 
 Stellis inserere, &* concilia jfovis. 
 
 i. From the Fabulous, but universally received Tradition of Swans singing 
 most sweetly before their Death (though the truth is Geese and They are alike 
 melodious) the Poets have assumed to themselves the title of Swans, Hor. 1. 2. 
 Od. 20. would be believed to be Metamorphosed into one, yam, jam, residunt 
 cruribus aspera Pelles, &= album mutor in alitem Superne (or Superna) 
 nascunturq; leves Per digitos humer6sq; pluma:. The Anthologie gives the 
 same name to Pindar, 6j)/3;s wyvylys eXiicwvios taTa.ro idiKvos, Hlvdapos l^epb- 
 tfiuvot. Sweet-tongued Pindar the Heliconian Swan of T/wbes. So Virgil Is 
 called, Mantuanus olor, The Swan of Mantua ; Theocritus terms the Poets, 
 MODO-UV opviOes, The Birds of the Muses ; which the Commentators say, is in 
 allusion to Swans ; to which Callimachus gives the name of Moixrdwp SpvtQes ; 
 and in another place calls them, 'An-^XXowos iraptdpu. A bold word, which I 
 know not how to render : but they were consecrated to Apollo, and consequently 
 beloved by the Muses and Poets. 
 
 181
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Resurrt&wa. 
 
 t Hinds to y yagers at Sea, 
 Nor Shtrwen to Earth more necessary be, 
 {Htm? an vital irarf cast on the ti^nr^ of Earth 
 To give the fruitful Year a Birth) 
 Then ^Vrw to Flrtue, which can do 
 The Midwifes Office, and the Nurses too; 
 It feeds it strongly, and it clmthes it gay, 
 
 And when it dyes, with comely pride 
 Embalms it, and erects a Pyramid* 
 
 That never will decay 
 Till Heaven it self shall melt away, 
 And nought behind it stay. 
 
 2. 
 
 Begin the Sang, and strike the Living Lyre ; 
 Lo how the Years to csnu^ a numerous and well-fitted Quire, 
 All hand in hand do decently advance, 
 And to my Smug with smooth and equal measures dance. 
 [i] Whilst the dance lasts, how long so e're it be, 
 My Muiicks voyce shall bear it companie. 
 Till all gentle Nstts be drown'd 
 In the last Trumpets dreadful sound. 
 [2] That to the Spbfrcs themselves shall silaue bring, 
 Untune the Universal String. 
 Then all the wide extended Slip, 
 And all \tfbarnimiQus Worlds on high, 
 And t'irgih sacred w0rt shall dy. 
 3 And he himself shall see in one Fire shine 
 
 Rich Natures ancient 7rj, though built by Hands Divine. 
 
 3- 
 i Whom Thunders dismal noise, 
 
 And all that Prephets and Apostles louder spake, 
 And all the Creatures plain conspiring vsyce, 
 
 Could not whilst they fiv'edj awake, 
 This mightier sound shall make 
 
 When Dead t'arise, 
 And open Tambs^ and open Eyes 
 
 182
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 2 To the long Sluggards of five thousand years. 
 
 This mightier Sound shall make its Hearers Eon. 
 
 Then shall the scatter'ed Atomes crowding come 
 Back to their Ancient Home, 
 Some from Birds, from Fishes some, 
 Some from Earth, and some from Seas, 
 Some from Beasts, and some from Tree*. 
 Some descend from Clumds on high, 
 Some from Metals upwards fly, 
 
 And where th 1 'attending Soul naked, and shivering stands, 
 Meet, salute, and joyn their hands. 
 
 As disperst Souldiers at the Trumpets call, 
 
 Hast to their Colours alL 
 Unhappy most, like Tortur'ed Men, 
 
 Their yoynts new set, to be new rackt agen. 
 To Mountains they for shelter pray, 
 
 The Mountains shake, and run about no less confus j d then They. 
 
 4- 
 Stop, stop, my Muse, allay thy vigorous heat, 
 
 Kindled at a Hint so Great. 
 Hold thy Pindarique Pegasus closely in, 
 
 Which does to rage begin, 
 
 And this steep Hill would gallop up with violent course, 
 Tis an unruly, and a hard-Mouth 'd Horse, 
 
 Fierce, and unbroken yet, 
 
 Impatient of the Spur or Bit. 
 
 Now praunces stately, and anon flies o're the place, 
 Disdains the servile Law of any settled pace, 
 Conscious and proud of his own natural force. 
 
 'Twill no unskilful Touch endure, 
 But flings Writer and Reader too that sits not sure. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 i. 'T'His Ode is truly Pindarical, falling from one thing into another, 
 J_ after his Enihusiastical manner, and he gives a Hint for the 
 beginning of it in his 14. Olymp. "Rrru- dfffpl-roit artiutr &rt r\eurra. 
 S' oi'pariur vSdruf 'Of^pUff -raiS&r re^c'Xai . El & <riV roftf fit 
 
 >or 
 
 I8 3
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 jue-ydXcus dperait. Est aliquando hominibus ventorum usns, aliquando aqua- 
 rum ctxlestium, filiarum nubis, sed siquis cum labore refle facial dulces Hymni 
 illi principium snnt futura: gloria, & fccdus fidde faciitnt cum magnis 
 virtutibus. 
 
 i. 
 
 i. Whilst the Motion of Time lasts, which is compared to a Dance, from 
 the regular measures of it. 
 
 2. According to the ancient opinion of the Pythagoreans, which does 
 much better befit Poetry, than it did Philosophy. 
 
 3. Shall see the whole world burnt to ashes like Troy, the destruction of 
 which was so excellently written by him, though it was built like Troy too, 
 by Divine hands. The walls of Troy were said to be built by Apollo and 
 Neptune. 
 
 3- 
 
 i . No natural effect gives such impressions of Divine fear, as Thunder ; 
 as we may see by the examples of some wicked Emperours, who though they 
 were Atheists, and made themselves Gods, yet confest a greater divine power 
 when they heard it, by trembling and hiding themselves. 
 
 Horat. Ca'lo Tonantem Credidimus Jovem. 
 
 And Lucrei. speaks it of Epicurus, as a thing extraordinary and peculiar of 
 him, that the very sound of Thunder did not make him superstitious, 
 Quern neq; fama Deum, neq\ fulmina, nee minitanti 
 Murmure compressit ccelum, &-Y. 
 
 Yet the Prophets and Apostles voyce is truly term'd Louder; for as S. Paul 
 says, the voyce of the Gospel was heard over all the habitable world, Ets traa-av 
 oiKovfJ.fv7)v 6 006-yyos avruv. 
 
 i. The ordinary Traditional opinion is, that the world is to last six 
 thousand years ("EKTJI tv yevt-fl Kara-iraiJtreraL KOCT/J.OS) and that the seventh 
 Thousand is to be the Rest or Sabbath of Thousands : but I could not say, 
 Sluggards of Six thousand years, because some then would be found alive, who 
 had not so much as slept at all. The next Perfefl Number (and Verse will 
 admit of no Broken ones) was Five Thousand. 
 
 The Muse. 
 i. 
 
 i /'"""* O, the rich Chariot instantly prepare ; 
 VJT The Queen, my Muse, will take the air ; 
 Unruly Phansie with strong Judgment trace, 
 
 Put in nimble-footed Wit^ 
 
 Smooth-pac'ed Eloquence joyn with it, 
 Sound Memory with young Invention place, 
 
 Harness all the winged race, 
 Let the Postillion Nature mount, and let 
 
 The Coachman Art be set. 
 
 184
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 And let the airy Footmen running all beside, 
 
 Make a long row of goodly pride. 
 Figures, Conceits, Raptures, and Sentences 
 
 In a well-worded dress. 
 And innocent Loves, and pleasant Truths, and useful Lies, 
 
 In all their gaudy Liveries. 
 Mount, glorious Queen, thy travelling Throne, 
 
 And bid it to put on ; 
 For long, though cheerful, is the way, 
 And Life, alas, allows but one ill winters Day. 
 
 2. 
 
 Where never Foot of Man, or Hoof of Beast, 
 The passage prest, 
 
 1 Where never Fish did fy, 
 
 And with short silver wings cut the low liquid Sky. 
 
 2 Where Bird with painted Oars did nere 
 Row through the trackless Ocean of the Air. 
 
 Where never yet did pry 
 The busie Mornings curious Ey : 
 The Wheels of thy bold Coach pass quick and free ; 
 And all's an open Road to Thee. 
 
 3 Whatever God did Say, 
 
 Is all thy plain and smooth, uninterrupted way. 
 Nay ev'n beyond his works thy Voyages are known, 
 Thou 'hast thousand worlds too of thine own. 
 Thou speakst, great Queen, in the same stile as He, 
 And a New world leaps forth when Thou say'st, Let it Be. 
 
 3- 
 
 1 Thou fadom'est the deep Gulf of Ages past, 
 
 And canst pluck up with ease 
 The years which Thou dost please, 
 Like shipwrackt Treasures by rude Tempests cast 
 
 Long since into the Sea, 
 Brought up again to light and publique Use by Thee. 
 
 Nor dost thou only Dive so low, 
 
 But Fly 
 With an unwearied Wing the other way on high, 
 
 2 Where Fates among the Stars do grow ; 
 
 185
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 There into the close Nests of Time do'st peep, 
 
 And there with piercing Eye, 
 Through the firm shell, and the thick White do'st spie, 
 
 Tears to come a forming lie, 
 [3] Close in their sacred Secondine asleep, 
 
 Till hatcht by the Suns vital heat 
 
 Which o're them yet does brooding set 
 
 They Life and Motion get, 
 And ripe at last with vigorous might 
 Break through the Shell, and take their everlasting Flight. 
 
 And sure we may 
 The same too of the Present say, 
 If Past, and Future Times do thee obey. 
 
 Thou stopst this Current, and dost make 
 This running River settle like a Lake, 
 I Thy certain hand holds fast this slippery Snake. 
 The Fruit which does so quickly wast, 
 Men scarce can see it, much less tast, 
 Thou Comfitest in Sweets to make it last. 
 
 This shining piece of Ice 
 [2] Which melts so soon away 
 
 With the Suns ray, 
 
 Thy Verse does solidate and Chrystallize, 
 Till it a lasting Mirror be. 
 Nay thy Immortal Rhyme 
 Makes this one short Point of Time, 
 3 To fill up half the Orb of Round Eternity. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 t. "T^Indar in the 6. Olymp. has a Phansie somewhat of this kind; where 
 JL he says, *fl ff>lvri.s dXXa evov ydi) n&i crdtvos rj/judvuv *A rd^os o(f>pa 
 Kc\ei!i0t? T' tv Ka.6a.pq. pd<rufj.ev otcxov. Sed, 6 Phinty, junge jam mihi robur 
 Mularum quibus celeritas est, ut vid purd ducamus currum. Where by the 
 Name of Phintis he speaks to his own Soul. O, my Soul, join me the strong 
 and swift Mules together, that I may drive the Chariot in this fair way. Some 
 make <f>lvris to be a Dialedl for <f>l\T<.s : as if he should say, Oh my friend : 
 
 186
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Others (whom I rather believe) take it for the proper Name of some famous 
 Chariot-driver. The Attrea Carm. use the same Metaphor, "Rvioyov yvd>fjt,rjv 
 ffrfoas KaOvirepOev dplffryv. Auriga superne constitutA optima ratione; Making 
 right Reason the Chariot -driver of the Soul. Porphyrius calls the Spirits, 
 ^s, The Chariot of the Soul. 
 
 i. For Fins do the same Office to Fish, that Wings do to Birds; and the 
 Scripture it self gives authority to my calling the Sea the Low Sky ; where it 
 says, Gen. i. 6. Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it 
 divide the waters from the waters. 
 
 i. This Metaphor was used by the ancient Poets, Virg. ./?. i. 
 
 Volat ille per aera magnum Remigio alarum. 
 And elsewhere Lucret. before him, L. 6. 
 
 Remigii oblitce pennarum. 
 
 Ovid in his Epistle applies the same to Mens Arms. 
 Remis ego corporis utar. 
 I'll use the Bodies Oars. 
 
 [3.] Whatsoever God made, for his saying, Let it be, made all things. The 
 meaning is, that Poetry treats not only of all things that are, or can be, but 
 makes Creatures of her own, as Centaurs, Satyrs, Faires, &c. makes persons 
 and actions of her own, as in Fables and Romances, makes Beasts, Trees, 
 Waters, and other irrational and insensible things to acl above the possibility of 
 their natures, as to understand and speak, nay makes what Gods it pleases too 
 without Idolatry, and varies all these into innumerable Systemes, or Worlds of 
 Invention. 
 
 3- 
 
 i. That is, The subject of Poetry is all Past, Future and Present Times; 
 and for the Past, it makes what choice it pleases out of the wrack of Time of 
 things that it will save from Oblivion. 
 
 i. According to the vulgar (but false) opinion of the Influence of the Stars 
 over mens atflions and Fortunes. There is no difficulty, I think, in the 
 Metaphor of making a year to come like an Egg that is not yet hatcht, but a 
 brooding. 
 
 3. The thin Film with which an Infant is covered in the womb, so called, 
 because \\. follows the Child. In Latine Secundce, as in the 9. Epistle of Seneca, 
 where he says most admirably. Sed ut ex barbd capillos detonsos negligimus, 
 ita divinus ille animus egressurus hominem quo receptaculum suurn referatur, 
 ignis illud exurat, an fern: distrahant, an terra contegat non magis ad se pertinere 
 judicat quam Secundas ad editttm infantem. 
 
 4- 
 
 i. A Snake with the Tail in the mouth of it, was the ancient Hieroglyphic k 
 of the year. 
 
 i. Because the course of the Sun seems to consume Time, as the Beams 
 of it do Ice. 
 
 3. There are two sorts of Eternity ; from the Present backwards to 
 Eternity, and from the Present fonvards, called by the Schoolmen JEternitas 
 a parte ante, and /Eternitas a parte post. These two make up the whole 
 Circle of Eternity, which the Present Time cuts like a Diameter, but Poetry 
 makes it extend to all Eternity to come, which is the Half- Circle. 
 
 I8 7
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 To Mr. Hobs. 
 i. 
 
 r Ast Bodies of Philosophic 
 I oft have seen, and read, 
 But all are Bodies Dead, 
 Or Bodies by Art fashioned ; 
 I never yet the Living Soul could see, 
 
 But in thy Books and Thee. 
 'Tis onely God can know 
 Whether the fair Idea thou dost show 
 Agree intirely with his own or no. 
 This I dare boldly tell, 
 
 'Tis so like Truth 'twill serve our turn as well. 
 Just, as in Nature thy Proportions be, 
 As full of Concord their Varletle, 
 As firm the parts upon their Center rest, 
 And all so Solid are that they at least 
 As much as Nature, Emptiness detest. 
 
 2. 
 
 1 Long did the mighty Stagirite retain 
 The universal Intellectual reign, 
 
 2 Saw his own Countreys short-liv'ed Leopard slain; 
 
 3 The stronger Roman-Eagle did out-fly, 
 Oftner renewed his Age, and saw that Dy. 
 
 4 Mecha it self, in spite of Mahumet possest, 
 And chas'ed by a wild Deluge from the East, 
 His Monarchy new planted in the West. 
 
 But as in time each great imperial race 
 Degenerates, and gives some new one place : 
 
 So did this noble Empire wast, 
 
 Sunk by degrees from glories past, 
 And in the School-mens hands it perisht quite at last. 
 
 Then nought but Words it grew, 
 
 And those all Barbarous too. 
 It perisht, and it vanisht there, 
 
 The Life and Soul breath'd out, became but empty Air. 
 188
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 3- 
 
 The Fields which answer'd well the indents Plow, 
 Spent and out-worn return no Harvest now, 
 In barren Age wild and unglorious lie, 
 
 And boast of past Fertilitie, 
 The poor relief of Present Povertie. 
 
 Food and Fruit we now must want 
 
 Unless new Lands we plant. 
 We break up Tombs with Sacrilegious hands ; 
 
 Old Rubbish we remove ; 
 
 To walk in Ruines, like vain Ghosts, we love, 
 I And with fond Divining Wands 
 
 We search among the Dead 
 
 For Treasures Buried, 
 Whilst still the Liberal Earth does hold 
 So many Virgin Mines of undiscovered Gold. 
 
 4- 
 
 [i] The Baltique, Euxin, and the Caspian, 
 And slender-limb'ed Mediterrean, 
 Seem narrow Creeks to Thee, and only fit 
 For the poor wretched Fisher-boats of Wit. 
 Thy nobler Vessel the vast Ocean tries, 
 
 And nothing sees but Seas and Skies, 
 Till unknown Regions it descries, 
 
 Thou great Columbus of the Golden Lands of W Philosophies. 
 Thy task was harder much then his, 
 For thy learn'd America is 
 Not onely found out first by Thee, 
 And rudely left to Future Industrie, 
 
 But thy Eloquence and thy Wit, 
 Has planted, peopled, built, and civilizd it. 
 
 5- 
 [i] I little thought before, 
 
 (Nor being my own self so poor 
 Could comprehend so vast a store) 
 That all the Wardrobe of rich Eloquence, 
 Could have afforded half enuff, 
 Of bright, of new, and lasting stuff, 
 To cloath the mighty Limbs of thy Gigantique Sence.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 [2] Thy solid Reason like the shield from heaven 
 
 To the Trojan Heroe given, 
 
 Too strong to take a mark from any mortal dart, 
 Yet shines with Gold and Gems in every part, 
 And Wonders on it grave'd by the learn'd hand of Art, 
 
 A shield that gives delight 
 
 Even to the enemies sight, 
 Then when they're sure to lose the Combat by't. 
 
 6. 
 Nor can the Snow which now cold Age does shed 
 
 Upon thy reverend Head, 
 Quench or allay the noble Fires within, 
 
 But all which thou hast bin, 
 
 And all that Youth can be thou'rt yet, 
 
 So fully still dost Thou 
 Enjoy the Manhood, and the Bloom of Wit, 
 And all the Natural Heat, but not the Feaver too. 
 [i] So Contraries on Mtna's top conspire, 
 
 Here hoary Frosts, and by them breaks out Fire. 
 A secure peace the faithful Neighbors keep, 
 Th'emboldned Snow next to the Flame does sleep. 
 
 And if we weigh, like Thee, 
 
 Nature, and Causes, we shall see 
 
 That thus it needs must be, 
 To things Immortal Time can do no wrong, 
 And that which never is to Dye, for ever must be Young. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 i. \Ristotle; So called from the Town of Stagira, where he was born, 
 
 lx scituated near the Bay of Strimon in Macedonia. 
 
 i. Outlasted the Gracian Empire, which in the Visions of Daniel, is 
 represented by a Leopard, with four wings upon the back, and four heads, Chap. 
 7. v. 6. 
 
 3. Was received even beyond the bounds of the Roman Empire, and 
 out-lived it. 
 
 4. For Aristotles Philosophy was in great esteem among the Arabians or 
 Saracens, witness those many excellent Books upon him, or according to his 
 principles, written by Avcrroes, Avicenna, Avempace, and divers others. /;/ 
 spight of Mahumet : because his Law, being adapted to the barbarous humour 
 of those people he had first to deal withall, and aiming only at greatness of 
 
 IQO
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Empire by the Sword, forbids all the studies of Learning ; which (neverthe- 
 less) flourished admirably under the Saracen Monarchy, and continued so, 
 till it was extinguish! with that Empire, by the Inundation of the Turks, and 
 other Nations. Mecha, is the Town in Arabia where Mahumet was born. 
 
 3- 
 
 i. Virgula Divina', or a Divining Wand is a two-forked branch of an 
 Hazel-tree, which is used for the finding out either of Veins, or hidden 
 Treasures of Gold or Silver ; and being carryed about, bends downwards (or 
 rather is said to do so) when it comes to the place where they lye. 
 
 4- 
 
 i . All the Navigation of the Ancients was in these Seas : they seldom 
 ventured into the Ocean ; and when they did, did only Littus legere, coast about 
 near the shore. 
 
 5- 
 
 i. The meaning is, that his Notions are so New, and so Great, that I did 
 not think it had been possible to have found out words to express them clearly ; 
 as no Wardrobe can furnish Cloaths to fit a Body taller and bigger than ever 
 any was before ; for the Cloaths were made according to some Measure that 
 then was. 
 
 i. See the excellent description of this Shield, made by Vulcan at the 
 request of Venus, for her Son sEneas, at the end of the 8. Book of sEn. 
 
 Et clypei non enarrabile textum, 
 
 Whereon was graven all the Roman History ; and withal, it was so strong, 
 that in the 12. B. when Turnus strook with all his force (which was not small 
 you may be sure in a Poetical Herd) 
 
 Corpore toto 
 
 Altt sublatum consurgit Turnus in ensem. 
 Insomuch, that it frighted all sEneas his friends. 
 
 (Exclamant Troes trepidiq; Latinf) 
 Instead of piercing through these arms, 
 Perfidus ensis 
 
 Frangitur, in medioq; ardentem deserit uflu, 
 Ni fuga subsidio subeat. 
 
 Which is just the case of mens arguing against Solid, and that is, Divine 
 Reason ; for when their argumentation is broken, they are forced to save them- 
 selves by flight, that is, by evasions, and seeking still new ground ; and this 
 Sword did Turnus good service upon the rest of the Trojans. 
 Isq\ diu, dum terga dabant palantia Teucri 
 Suffecit, postquam arma Dei ad Vulcania ventum est, 
 Mortalis Macro glacies ceu futilis iftu 
 Dissiluit. 
 It broke like a piece of Ice, when it met with the Arms of Vulcan. 
 
 6. 
 
 i . The Description of the Neighbourhood of Fire and Snow upon /Etna 
 (but not the application of it) is imitated out of Claud. L. i. de Raptu Pros. 
 Sed quamvis nimio fattens exuberet <eslu, 
 Scit nivibus servare fidem, pariterq; favillis 
 Durescit glacies, tanti secura vaporis 
 Arcano defensa gelu, fumoq; fideli 
 Lambit contiguas innoxia fiamma pruinas. 
 
 191
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Where, methinks, is somewhat of that which Seneca objects to Ovid, Nescivit 
 qtiodbene cessif relinquere. When he met with a Phansie that pleased him, he 
 could not find in his heart to quit, or ever to have done with it. Tacitus has 
 the like expression of Mount Libanus, Prctcipuum montium Libanuin, mirum 
 diftu, (antes inter ardores opacum, fidiimq; nivibus. Shady among such 
 great heats, and faithful to the Snow ; which is too Poetical for the Prose 
 even of a Romance, much more of an Historian. Sil. Italic, of /Etna. L. 14. 
 
 Sum/no cana jugo cohibet (mirabile difiu) 
 
 Vicinam flainmis glaciem, aternoq; rigore 
 
 Ardentes horrent scopuli, stat vertice celsi 
 
 Collis hyeins, calidaq; nivein tegit atra Javilld, 
 See likewise Seneca, Epist. 79. 
 
 Destinie. 
 
 Hoc quoq\ Fatale est sic ipsum expendere Faturn. Manil. 
 
 I. 
 
 Trange and unnatural ! lets stay and see 
 
 This Pageant of a Prodigie. 
 Lo, of themselves th'enlivened Chesmen move, 
 Lo, the unbred, ill-organ'd Pieces prove, 
 
 As full of Art) and Industrie, 
 
 Of Courage and of Policie, 
 As we our selves who think ther's nothing Wise but We. 
 
 2 Here a proud Pawn I'admire 
 That still advancing higher 
 At top of all became 
 Another Thing and Name. 
 
 Here I'm amaz'ed at th'aftions of a Knight, 
 
 That does bold wonders in the fight. 
 Here I the losing party blame 
 
 3 For those false Moves that break the Game, 
 That to their Grave the Bag, the conquered Pieces bring, 
 And above all, th'/7/ Conduct of the Mated King. 
 
 2. 
 What e're these seem, what e're Philosophic 
 
 And Sense or Reason tell (said I) 
 These Things have Life, Eleftion, Libertie ; 
 
 'Tis their own Wisdom molds their State, 
 
 Their Faults and Virtues make their Fate. 
 
 They do, they do (said I) but strait 
 
 192
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Lo from my'enlightned Eyes the Mists and shadows fell 
 That hinder Spirits from being Visible. 
 And, lo, I saw two Angeh plaid the Mate. 
 With Man, alas, no otherwise it proves, 
 
 An unseen Hand makes all their Moves. 
 
 And some are Great, and some are Small, 
 Some climb to good, some from good Fortune- fall, 
 
 Some Wisemen, and some Fools we call, 
 Figures, alas, of Speech, for Desti'ny plays us all. 
 
 Me from the womb the Midwife Muse did take : 
 She cut my Navel, washt me, and mine Head 
 
 With her own Hands she Fashioned ; 
 
 She did a Covenant with me make, 
 And circumcised my tender Sou/, and thus she spake, 
 
 Thou of my Church shalt be, 
 
 Hate and renounce (said she) 
 
 Wealth, Honor, Pleasures, all the World for Me. 
 Thou neither great at Court, nor in the War, 
 Nor at th' 'Exchange shalt be, nor at the wrangling Bar. 
 Content thy self with the small Barren Praise, 
 
 That neglected Verse does raise. 
 She spake, and all my years to come 
 
 Took their unlucky Doom. 
 Their several ways of Life let others chuse, 
 
 Their several pleasures let them use, 
 But I was born for Love, and for a Muse. 
 
 4- 
 
 With Fate what boots it to contend ? 
 Such I began, such am, and so must end. 
 
 The Star that did my Being frame, 
 
 Was but a Lambent Flame, 
 
 And some small Light it did dispence, 
 
 But neither Heat nor Influence. 
 No Matter, Cowley, let proud Fortune see, 
 That thou canst her despise no less then she does Thee. 
 
 c. N 193
 
 Let all her gifts the portion be 
 
 Of Folly, Lust, and Flattery, 
 
 Fraud, Extortion, Calumnie, 
 
 Murder, Infidelitie, 
 
 Rebellion and Hypocrisie. 
 Do Thou nor grieve nor blush to be, 
 As all th'inspired tuneful Men, 
 And all thy great Forefathers were from Homer down to Ben. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 i. ' I ""His Ode is written upon an extravagant supposition of two Angels 
 _L playing a Game at Chess ; which if they did, the spectators would 
 have reason as much to believe, that the pieces moved themselves, as we can 
 have for thinking the same of Mankind, when we see them exercise so many, 
 and so different actions. It was of old said by Piantus, Dii nos quasi Pilas 
 homines habent. We are but Tennis Balls for the Gods to play withal, which 
 they strike away at last, and still call for new ones : And S. Paul says, We are 
 but the Clay in the hands of the Potter. 
 
 i. For a Pawn being the least of the pieces, if it can get up to such a 
 degree, grows the greatest, and then has both another name, and other Motions 
 and Powers ; for it becomes a Queen, which it could never have done, if it had 
 not been removed, and carried to such an height. 
 
 3. Manum injicientibns fatis (says Amm. Marcelling hebetantur sensus 
 hotninurn &* obtunduntur. When the Fates lay hold on a Man, when they 
 arrest him, he's confounded, and loses his wits. And Veil. Paten, speaking 
 of the defeat of Quinftil. Varus. Pravalebant jam fata consiliis omntmq; animi 
 vim perstrinxerant, quippc ita se res habet, ut qui fortunam mutatitrus sit, 
 etiatn consilia corrumpat. Fatality grew too strong for Humane Counsels, and 
 darled the sight of his judgment, for so it also happens, that the designs and 
 tounsels are corrupted of the Man that is to perish. 
 
 i. AM yap e5 irlirrovffov ol Oe&v idifioi. The Dice of the Gods never fling 
 out. Thiicydid. says, with admirable shortness and weight, Aetvai yap efnrpa- 
 uu ffvyicpfyai Kal crvffKidffai ra IK&VTUV aij.apr'ff/j.ara. Which Sallusf imitating, 
 renders yet shorter ; and beats him, as Seneca says, at his own weapon. Jfes 
 secundit miri vttiis sunt obtentui. Faults are not visible through Prosperity : 
 and therefore the old Greek Verse is not much mistaken, that says, 
 
 0Aw TI'X^S <TTa\ayf.ibv, fj <f>pv>i> irldov. 
 I had rather have a Drop of Good Fortune, than a whole Tun of Wisdom. 
 
 194
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Brutus. 
 
 i. 
 
 Excellent Brutus, of all humane race, 
 The best till Nature was improv'ed by Grace, 
 Till men above themselves Faith raised more 
 
 Then Reason above Beasts before. 
 Virtue was thy Life* Center, and from thence 
 Did silently and constantly dispense 
 
 The gentle vigorous Influence 
 To all the wide and fair Circumference : 
 And all the parts upon it lean'd so easilie, 
 Obey'd the mighty force so willinglie 
 That none could discord or disorder see 
 
 In all their Contrarietie. 
 Each had his motion natural and free, 
 And the Whole no more mov'ed then the whole World could be. 
 
 2. 
 
 From thy strict rule some think that thou didst swerve 
 (Mistaken Honest men) in Caesars blood ; 
 What Mercy could the Tyrants Life deserve, 
 From him who kill'd Himself rather then serve ? 
 TNHeroick Exaltations of Good 
 
 Are so far from Understood, 
 We count them Vice : alas our Sight's so ill, 
 That things which swiftest Move seem to stand still. 
 We look not upon Virtue in her height, 
 On her supreme Idea, brave and bright, 
 
 In the Original Light : 
 But as her Beams reflected pass 
 Through our own Nature or ill Customs Glass. 
 
 And 'tis no wonder so, 
 
 If with dejedled Ey 
 In standing Pools we seek the sky, 
 That Stars so high above should seem to us below. 
 
 N 2 195
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 3- 
 
 Can we stand by and see 
 Our Mother robb'ed, and bound, and ravisht be, 
 
 Yet not to her assistance stir, 
 
 Pleas'd with the Strength and Beauty of the Ravisher ? 
 Or shall we fear to kill him, if before 
 
 The cancel? d Name of Friend he bore ? 
 Ingrateful Brutus do they call ? 
 Ingrateful Ctssar who could Rome enthrall ! 
 An adt more barbarous and unnatural 
 (In th'exacl: ballance of true Virtue try'de) 
 Then his Successor Nero's Parricide \ 
 
 There's none but Brutus could deserve 
 That all men else should wish to serve, 
 And Ctesars usurpt place to him should proffer ; 
 None can deserve't but he who would refuse the offer. 
 
 4- 
 
 /// Fate assum'ed a Body thee t'affright, 
 And wrapt itself i'th' terrors of the night, 
 ril meet thee at Philippi, said the Spright ; 
 
 /'// meet thee there, saidst Thou, 
 With such a voyce, and such a brow, 
 As put the trembling Ghost to sudden flight, 
 
 It vanisht as a Tapers light 
 
 Goes out when Spirits appear in sight. 
 One would have thought t'had heard the morning crow, 
 
 Or seen her well-appointed Star 
 Come marching up the Eastern Hill afar. 
 Nor durst it in Philippics field appear, 
 But unseen attaqu'ed thee there. 
 Had it presum'ed in any shape thee to oppose, 
 Thou wouldst have forc'ed it back upon thy foes : 
 
 Or slain't like C&sar, though it be 
 A Conqueror and a Monarch mightier far then He. 
 
 5- 
 
 What joy can humane things to us afford, 
 When we see perish thus by odde events, 
 
 /// men, and wretched Accidents, 
 The best Cause and best Man that ever drew a Sword* 
 
 196
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 When we see 
 The false Ottavius, and wild Antonit, 
 
 God-like Brutus, conquer Thee ? 
 What can we say but thine own Tragick Word, 
 That Virtue, which had worshipt been by thee 
 As the most solid Good, and greatest Dei tie, 
 
 By this fatal proof became 
 
 An Idol only, and a Name, 
 Hold noble Brutus and restrain 
 The bold voyce of thy generous Disdain : 
 
 These mighty Gulphs are yet 
 Too deep for all thy Judgment and thy Wit. 
 The Timis set forth already which shall quell 
 Stiff Reason, when it offers to Rebel/. 
 
 Which these great Secrets shall unseal, 
 
 And new Philosophies reveal. 
 
 ^. few years more, so soon hadst thou not dy'ed, 
 Would have confounded Humane Virtues pride, 
 
 And shew'd thee a God crucified. 
 
 To Dr. Scarborough, 
 i. 
 
 HOw long, alas ! has our mad Nation been 
 Of Epidemick War the Tragick Scene, 
 
 When Slaughter all the while 
 Seem'd like its Sea, embracing round the Isle, 
 With Tempests, and red waves, Noise, and Affright ? 
 Albion no more, nor to be nam'ed from -white \ 
 What Province, or what City did it spare ? 
 It, like a Plague, infecled all the Aire. 
 
 Sure the unpeopled Land 
 Would now untill'd, desert, and naked stand, 
 
 Had Gods All-mighty hand 
 At the same time let loose Diseases rage 
 
 Their Civil Wars in Man to wage. 
 
 But Thou by Heaven wert sent 
 
 This Desolation to prevent, 
 A Medfcinc and a Counter-poyson to the Age, 
 
 197
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Scarce could the Sword dispatch more to the Grave, 
 
 Then Thou didst save ; 
 By wondrous Art, and by successful care 
 The Ruines of a Civil War thou dost alone repair. 
 
 2. 
 
 1 The Inundations of all Liquid pain, 
 
 And Deluge Dropsie thou do'est drain. 
 Feavers so hot that one would say 
 Thou mightst as soon Hell-fires allay 
 (The Damned scarce more incurable then They) 
 
 2 Thou dost so temper, that we find 
 Like Gold the Body but refirfd; 
 No unhealthful dross behind. 
 
 The subtle Ague, that for sureness sake 
 
 Takes its own times th' assault to make, 
 
 And at each battery the whole Fort does shake, 
 
 When thy strong Guards, and works it spies, 
 
 Trembles for it self, and flies. 
 The cruel Stone that restless pain 
 
 That's sometimes rolled away in vain, 
 
 3 But still, like Sisyphus his stone, returns again, 
 Thou break'st and meltest by learn'd Juyces force, 
 (A greater work, though short the way appear, 
 
 4 Then Hannibah by Vinegar) 
 Oppressed Natures necessary course 
 
 It stops in vain, like Moses, Thou 
 Strik'st but the Rock, and straight the Waters freely flow. 
 
 3- 
 
 The Indian Son of Lust, (that foul Disease 
 Which did on this his new-found World, but lately seise ; 
 Yet since a Tyrannic has planted here, 
 As wide and Cruel as the Spaniard there) 
 
 Is so quite rooted out by Thee, 
 
 That thy Patients seem to be 
 Restor'ed not to Health onely, but Virginitie. 
 The Plague it self, that proud Imperial 111 
 Which destroys Towns, and does whole Armies kill, 
 
 198
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 If thou but succour the besieged Heart, 
 Calls all its poysons forth, and does depart, 
 
 As if it fear'd no less thy Art, 
 Then Aarons Incense, or then Phineas dart. 
 What need there here repeated be by me 
 
 The vast and barbarous Lexicon 
 Of Mans Infirmitie ? 
 
 At thy strong charms it must be gon 
 Though a Disease, as well as Devil, were called Leagion. 
 
 From creeping Moss to soaring Cedar thou 
 Dost all the powers and several Portions know, 
 Which Father-Sun, Mother-Earth below 
 
 On their green Infants here bestow. 
 Can'st all those Magick virtues from them draw, 
 
 That keep Disease, and Death in aw. 
 Who whilst thy wondrous skill in Plants they see, 
 Fear lest the Tree of Life should be found out by Thee. 
 And Thy well-travell'd knowledge too does give 
 No less account of tti Empire Sensitive, 
 
 Chiefly of Man, whose Body is 
 
 That active Souls Metropolis. 
 I As the great Artist in his Sphere of Glass 
 
 Saw the whole Scene of Heav'enly Motions pass, 
 So thou know'st all so well that's done within, 
 As if some living Chrystal Man thou'dst seen. 
 
 Nor does this Science make thy Crown alone, 
 
 But whole Apollo is thine owne. 
 His gentler Arts, belov'ed in vain by Mee, 
 
 Are wedded and enjoy 1 d by Thee. 
 
 Thou'rt by this noble Mixture free 
 From the Physitians frequent Maladie, 
 
 Fantastick Incivilitie, 
 
 There are who all their Patients chagrin have, 
 As if they took each morn worse potions then they gave. 
 And this great race of Learning thou hast runne, 
 
 E're that of Life be half yet done. 
 
 199
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Thou see'st thy self still fresh and strong, 
 And like f enjoy thy Conquests long. 
 2 The first fam'd Aphorism thy great Master spoke, 
 Did he live now he would revoke, 
 And better things of Man report ; 
 For thou do'est make Life long, and Art but short. 
 
 6. 
 
 Ah, learned friend, it grieves me, when I think 
 That Thou with all thy Art must dy 
 As certainly as /. 
 
 1 And all thy noble Reparations sink 
 
 Into the sure-wrought Mine of treacherous Mortality. 
 Like Archimedes, hon'orably in vain, 
 
 2 Thou holdst out Towns that must at last be ta'ne, 
 And Thou thy self their great Defender slain. 
 Let's ev'en compound, and for the Present Live, 
 'Tis all the Ready Money Fate can give, 
 
 Unbend sometimes thy restless care ; 
 
 And let thy Friends so happy be 
 
 T'enjoy at once their Health and Thee. 
 Some hours at least to thine own pleasures spare. 
 Since the whole stock may soon exhausted be, 
 
 Bestow't not all in Charitie. 
 Let Nature, and let Art do what they please, 
 When all's done, Life is an Incurable Disease. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 i. /~* Owts, and such kind of Diseases proceeding from tnoysture, and 
 \_J affecting one or some parts of the Body, whereas the Dropsie swells 
 the whole. Inundation signifies a less overflowing than Deluge. 
 
 i. Find, Refind: These kind of Rhymes the French delight in, and call 
 Rich Rhymes ; but I do not allow of them in English, nor would use them at 
 all in any other but this free kind of Poetry, and here too very sparingly, hardly 
 at all without a third Rhyme to answer to both ; as in the ninth staffe of the 
 Nemetzan Ode, Delight, Light, Affright. In the third staffe to Mr. Holts, Ly, 
 Fertility, Poverty. They are very frequent in Chaucer, and our old Poets, but 
 that is not good authority for us now. There can be no Musick with only one 
 Note. 
 
 200
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 3. The Fable of S[isy]phus is so known, that it deserves not to be 
 repeated. He was in his life a most famous Cozener and Robber. Ovid. 
 Metam. 13. 
 
 Quid sanguine cretus 
 
 Sisiphio, furtis ac fraude simillimus Hit? 
 
 For which he was slain by Theseus, and condemned in Hell eternally to thrust 
 a great rolling stone up an hill, which still fell down again upon him, alluding 
 perhaps to the ill success of all his subtilties and wicked enterprizes, in which 
 he laboured incessantly to no purpose. 
 
 4. Hannibal not being able to march with his Army over some Rocks in 
 his passage on the Alpes, made fires upon them, and when the Stone was very 
 hot, poured a great quantity of Vinegar upon it, by which it being softned and 
 putrified, the Souldiers by that means were enabled to cut a way through it. 
 See Livy the i. Book of the 3. Decade. Juven. 
 
 Et montem rupit aceto. 
 
 4- 
 
 i. Archimedes: of which Sphere see Claudians Epigram. The like 
 Sphere of Glass one of the Kings of Persia is said to have had, and sitting in 
 the middle of it, as upon the Earth, to have seen round about him all the 
 Revolutions and motions of the heavenly Bodies. 
 
 5- 
 
 i. For Apollo is not only the God of Physick, but of Poetry, and all kind 
 of Florid Learning. 
 
 i. The first Aphorism in Hypocrates, Ars longa, vita brevis. Known to 
 all men. 
 
 6. 
 
 i. For whilst we are repairing the outward seeming Breaches, Nature is 
 undermining the very foundations of life, and draining the Radical moisture, 
 which is the Well that the Town lives by. 
 
 2. The great City of Syracuse (which Tully calls in his fourth against 
 Verres, Urbem omnium pulcherrimam atq; ornatissimam) sustained a Siege of 
 three years against Marcellus and the Roman Forces, almost only by the 
 art and industry of the wonderful Mathematician Archimedes ; but at last, by 
 the treason of some Commanders, it was entred and taken by the Romans, 
 and in the confusion of the Sack, Archimedes, the Honourable Defender of it so 
 long, being found in his Study drawing Mathematical Lines for the making of 
 some new Engines to preserve the Town, was slain by a common Souldier, who 
 knew him not ; for there had been particular order given by the Roman General 
 to save him. See this at large in Pint, the life of Marcellus, and Livy 5. B. of 
 the 3. Dec. 
 
 Life and Fame. 
 i. 
 
 H Life, thou Nothings younger Brother \ 
 So like, that one might take One for the other \ 
 
 2 What's Some Body, or No Body ? 
 
 3 In all the Cobwebs of the Schoolmen* trade, 
 
 201
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 We no such nice Distinction woven see, 
 As 'tis To be, or Not to Be. 
 
 4 Dream of a Shadow \ a Refleftion made 
 
 From the false glories of the gay reflected Bow, 
 Is a more solid thing then Thou. 
 
 5 Vain weak-built Isthmus, which dost proudly rise 
 
 Up betwixt two Eternities ; 
 Yet canst nor Wave nor Wind sustain, 
 But broken and orewhelm'd, the endless Oceans meet again. 
 
 2. 
 
 And with what rare Inventions do we strive, 
 
 Our selves then to survive ? 
 Wise, subtle Arts, and such as well befit 
 That Nothing Mans no Wit. 
 Some with vast costly Tombs would purchase it, 
 And by the proofs of Death pretend to Live. 
 
 Here lies the Great False Marble, where ? 
 
 Nothing but small, and sordid Dust lies there. 
 Some build enormous Mountain-Palaces, 
 
 The Fools and Architects to please : 
 A lasting Life in well-hew'en Stone they rear : 
 
 1 So he who on th' Egyptian shore, 
 Was slain so many hundred years before, 
 Lives still (Oh Life most happy and most dear \ 
 
 2 Oh Life that Epicures envy to hear !) 
 
 Lives in. the dropping Ruines of his Ampitheater. 
 
 3- 
 
 1 His Father in Law an higher place does claim 
 
 2 In the Seraphique Entity of Fame. 
 
 He since that Toy his Death, 
 
 Does fill all Mouths, and breathes in all mens Breath. 
 'Tis true, the two Immortal Syllables remain, 
 
 But, Oh ye learned men, explain, 
 
 What Essence, what Existence this, 
 What Substance, what Subsistence, what Hypostasis 
 
 In Six poor Letters is ? 
 In those alone does the Great Ccesar live, 
 
 'Tis all the Conquered World could give. 
 
 202
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 We Poets madder yet then all, 
 With a refin'ed Phantastick Vanitie, 
 Think we not onely Have, but Give Eternitie. 
 Fain would I see that Prodigal, 
 Who his To-morrow would bestow, 
 For all old Homers Life e're since he Dfed till now. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 Ecause Nothing preceded it, as Privation does all Being; which 
 perhaps is the sense of the Distinction of Days in the story of the 
 Creation, Night signifying the Privation, and Day, the subsequent Being, from 
 whence the Evening is placed first, Gen. i. 5. And the Evening and the 
 Morning were the first day. 
 
 i. TV dl rls, ri 5' oims ; 2/uaj 6vap avOpuiroi. Pindar, Quid est Aliquis, 
 aut quid est Nemo ? Somnium Umbra Homo est. 
 
 3. The Distinctions of the Schoolmen may be likened to Cobwebs (I mean 
 many of them, for some are better woven) either because of the too much fine- 
 ness of the work which makes it slight, and able to catch only little Creatures; 
 or because they take not the materials from Nature, but spin it out of Them- 
 selves. 
 
 4. The Rainbow is in it self of No Colmr ; those that appear are but 
 Reflections of the Suns light received differently. 
 
 Mille trahit varios adverso Sole Co/ores. 
 
 As is evident by artificial Rainbows ; And yet this shadow, this almost Nothing 
 makes sometimes another Rainbow (but not so distinct or beautiful) by 
 Reflection. 
 
 5. Isthmus is a neck of Land that divides a Peninsula from the Continent, 
 and is betwixt two Seas, FT} d^0i0d\cur<ra. In which manner this narrow 
 passage of Life divides the Past Time from the Future, and is at last swallowed 
 up into Eternity. 
 
 i. Pompey the Great. i. An Irony; that is, Oh Life which Epicures 
 laugh at and contemn. 
 
 3- 
 
 i . Ctzsar, whose Daughter Julia was married to Pompey ; an Alliance 
 fatal to the Commonwealth ; which as Tully says, ought never to have been 
 made, or never ended. 
 
 [j.] Supernatural, Intellectual, Unintelligible Being. 
 
 203
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The Extasie. 
 i. 
 
 I Leave Mortality^ and things below ; 
 I have no time in Complements to wast, 
 Farewel to'ye all in hast, 
 For I am called to go. 
 A Whirlwind bears up my dull Feet, 
 Th'officious Clouds beneath them meet. 
 
 And (Lo !) I mount, and (Lo !) 
 How small the biggest Parts of Earths proud Tittle show ! 
 
 2. 
 
 Where shall I find the noble Brittlsh Land ? 
 Lo, I at last a Northern Spec espie, 
 
 Which in the Sea does lie, 
 And seems a Grain o'th' Sand \ 
 For this will any sin, or Bleed ? 
 Of Civil Wars is this the Meed ? 
 And is it this, alas, which we 
 (Oh Irony of Words !) do call Great Britanie ? 
 
 3- 
 
 I pass by th'arched Magazins, which hold 
 Th' eternal stores of Frost^ and Rain, and Snow ; 
 Dry, and secure I go, 
 Nor shake with Fear y or Cold. 
 Without affright or wonder 
 I meet Clouds charg'd with Thunder , 
 
 And Lightnings in my way 
 Like harmless Lambent Fiers about my Temples play. 
 
 4- 
 
 Now into'a gentle Sea of rowling Flame 
 I'm plung*ed, and still mount higher there, 
 
 As Flames mount up through aire. 
 So perfect, yet so tame, 
 So great, so pure, so bright a fire 
 Was that unfortunate desire, 
 
 My faithful Breast did cover, 
 Then, when I was of late a wretched Mortal Lover. 
 
 204
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 5- 
 
 Through several Orbs which one fair Planet bear, 
 Where I behold distinctly as I pass 
 
 The Hints of Galileos Glass, 
 I touch at last the spangled Sphere. 
 Here all th'extended Skie 
 Is but one Galaxie, 
 
 'Tis all so bright and gay, 
 And the joynt Eyes of Night make up a perfect Day. 
 
 6. 
 
 Where am I now ? Angels and God is here ; 
 An unexhausted Ocean of delight 
 
 Swallows my senses quite, 
 And drowns all What, or How, or Inhere. 
 Not Paul, who first did thither pass, 
 And this great Worlds Columbus was, 
 
 The tyrannous pleasure could express. 
 Oh 'tis too much for Man \ but let it ne're be less. 
 
 7- 
 
 The mighty' Elijah mounted so on high, 
 That second Man, who leapt the Ditch where all 
 The rest of Mankind fall, 
 And went not downwards to the skie. 
 With much of pomp and show 
 (As Conquering Kings in Triumph go) 
 
 Did he to Heav'en approach, 
 And wondrous was his Way, and wondrous was his Coach. 
 
 'Twas gawdy all, and rich in every part, 
 Of Essences of Gems, and Spirit of Gold 
 Was its substantial mold ; 
 Drawn forth by Chymique Angels art. 
 Here with Moon-beams 'twas silver'd bright, 
 There double-^/// with the Suns light 
 
 And mystique Shapes cut round in it, 
 Figures that did transcend a Vulgar Angels wit. 
 
 205
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 9- 
 
 The Horses were of temper' d Lightning made, 
 Of all that in Heav'ens beauteous Pastures feed, 
 The noblest, sprightfulst breed, 
 And flaming Mains their Necks array'd. 
 They all were shod with Diamond, 
 Not such as here are found, 
 
 But such light solid ones as shine 
 On the Transparent Rocks o'th' Heaven Cbrystalline. 
 
 10. 
 
 Thus mounted the great Prophet to the skies ; 
 Astonisht Men who oft had seen Stars fall, 
 Or that which so they call, 
 Wondred from hence to see one rise. 
 The soft Clouds melted him a way, 
 The Snow and Frosts which in it lay 
 A while the sacred footsteps bore, 
 The Wheels and Horses Hoofs hizz'd as they past them ore. 
 
 ii. 
 
 He past by th' Moon and Planets, and did fright 
 All the Worlds there which at this Meteor gaz'ed, 
 And their Astrologers amaz'd 
 With th'unexampled sight. 
 But where he stopt will ne're be known, 
 Till Phoenix Nature aged grown 
 To'a better Being do aspire, 
 And mount herself, like Him, to' Eternitie in Fire. 
 
 70 the New Tear. 
 
 i. 
 
 i /^* Reat 'Janus, who dost sure my Mistris view 
 
 VJT With all thine eyes, yet think'st them all too few 
 
 If thy Fore-face do see 
 No better things prepar'ed for me, 
 
 Then did thy Face behind, 
 If still her Breast must shut against me be 
 
 206
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 2 (For 'tis not Peace that Temples Gate does bind) 
 
 Oh let my Life, if thou so many deaths a coming find, 
 
 With thine old year its voyage take 
 Born down, that stream of Time which no return can make. 
 
 2. 
 
 Alas, what need 1 thus to pray ? 
 Th'old avaritious year 
 Whether I would or no, will bear 
 At least a part of Me away. 
 
 His well-horst Troops, the Months, and Days, and Hours, 
 Though never any where they stay, 
 Make in their passage all their Prey. 
 The Months, Days, Hours that march i'th' Rear can find 
 
 Nought of Palue left behind. 
 
 All the good Wine of Life our drunken youth devours ; 
 Sowreness and Lees, which to the bottom sink, 
 
 Remain for latter years to Drink. 
 Until some one offended with the taste 
 The Vessel breaks, and out the wretched Reliques run at last. 
 
 If then, young year, thou needs must come, 
 
 (For in Times fruitful womb 
 The Birth beyond its Time can never tarry, 
 
 Nor ever can miscarry) 
 Choose thy Attendants well ; for 'tis not Thee 
 
 We fear, but 'tis thy Companie, 
 Let neither Loss of Friends, or Fame, or Libertie, 
 Nor pining Sickness, nor tormenting Pain, 
 Nor Sadness, nor uncleanly Povertie, 
 
 Be seen among thy Train, 
 
 Nor let thy Livery be 
 Either black Sin, or gawdy vanitie ; 
 
 Nay, if thou lov'st me, gentle Tear, 
 
 Let not so much as Love be there : 
 Vain fruitless Love, I mean ; for, gentle Tear, 
 Although I feare, 
 
 There's of this Caution little need, 
 Yet, gentle Tear, take heed 
 
 207
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 How thou dost make 
 Such a Mistake. 
 Such Love I mean alone 
 As by thy cruel Predecessors has been shown, 
 
 For though I'have too much cause to doubt it, 
 I fain would try for once if Life can Live without it. 
 
 4- 
 
 Into the Future Times why do we pry, 
 And seek to Antedate our Misery ? 
 Like Jealous men why are we longing still 
 To See the thing which onely seeing makes an ///? 
 'Tis well the Face is vaird\ for 'twere a Sight 
 
 That would even Happiest men affright, 
 And something still they'd spy that would destroy 
 
 The past and Present Joy 
 
 In whatsoever Character ; 
 
 The Book of Fate is writ, 
 
 'Tis well we understand not it, 
 We should grow Mad with little Learning there. 
 Upon the Brink of every /// we did Foresee^ 
 
 Undecently and foolishlie 
 We should stand shivering^ and but slowly venter 
 
 The Fatal Flood to enter, 
 Since willing^ or unwilling we must do it, 
 They feel least cold and pain who plunge at once into it. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 i. T Anus was the God to whom the Year was dedicated, and therefore it 
 
 I began with his festival; and the first Month was denominated from 
 
 him ; for which cause he was represented with two Faces, to shew that 
 
 he looked both Backward upon the time past, and Forward upon the time to 
 
 come ; and sometimes with four Faces, to signifie (perhaps, for I know other 
 
 Reasons are given) the four Seasons of the year, 
 
 Annorum nitidiq\ sator puhherrime Mundi, 
 Publica quern pritnum vota precesq; canunt. Mart. 
 
 2. This alludes to that most notorious custom of shutting up Janus his 
 Temple in time of an universal peace ; as was thrice done from Numa to 
 Augustus 1 ?, Reign : and when any War began it was opened again with great 
 Ceremony by the chief Magistrate; from which opening and shutting of his 
 Temple Gates, Janus is called Clusius and Patulcius, and esteemed, Deus 
 belli ac pads arbiter. 
 
 208
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Life. 
 
 Nascentes Morimur. Manil. 
 
 1 TT 7"E're ill by these Grammarians us'd ; 
 
 V V We are abus'd by Words, grosly abus'd ; 
 From the Maternal Tomb, 
 To the Graves fruitful Womb, 
 We call here Life ; but Life\ a name 
 That nothing here can truly claim : 
 This wretched Inn, where we scarce stay to bait : 
 We call our Dwelling-place ; 
 We call one Step a Race : 
 But Angels in their full enlightned state, 
 Angels who Live, and know what 'tis to Be, 
 
 2 Who all the nonsense of our Language see, 
 
 Who speak Things, and our Words, their ill-drawn Pictures scorn, 
 When we by'a foolish Figure say, 
 
 3 Behold an old man Dead ! then they 
 Speak properly, and cry, Behold a man-child born. 
 
 2. 
 
 My Eyes are opened, and I see 
 Through the Transparent Fallacie : 
 Because we seem wisely to talk 
 Like men of business ; and for business walk 
 
 From place to place, 
 And mighty voyages we take, 
 And mighty Journeys seem to make, 
 
 1 O're Sea and Land, the little Point that has no space. 
 
 Because we fight, and Battels gain ; 
 Some Captives call, and say, the rest are slain. 
 Because we heap up yellow Earth, and so, 
 Rich, valiant, wise, and vertuous seem to grow ; 
 Because we draw a long Nobilitie 
 
 2 From Hieroglyphick proofs of Herauldrie, 
 And impudently talk of a Posteritie, 
 
 3 And, like Egyptian Chroniclers, 
 
 Who write of twenty thousand years, 
 
 c. o 209
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 4 With Maravedies make the' account, 
 
 That single Time might to a sum amount, 
 We grow at last by Custom to believe, 
 
 That really we Live : 
 
 Whilst all these Shadows that for Things we take, 
 Are but the empty Dreams which in Deaths sleep we make. 
 
 But these fantastique errors of our Dream, 
 
 Lead us to solid wrong ; 
 We pray God, our Friends torments to prolong, 
 
 And wish uncharitably for them, 
 To be as long a Dying as Methusalem. 
 The ripened Soul longs from his pris'on to come, 
 But we would seal, and sow up, if we could, the Womb. 
 We seek to close and plaster up by Art 
 The cracks and breaches of the' extended Shell, 
 
 And in that narrow Cell 
 
 Would rudely force to dwell, 
 The noble vigorous Bird already wing'd to part. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 i . TT) Lato in Timceus makes this distinction : That which Is, but is not 
 j7 generated; and That which is generated, but Is not. *Qv 5e ov54- 
 Trore. This he took from Trismegistus , whose Sentence of God was written 
 in the Egyptian Temples, 'Eyw el/j.1 trav rb yfyovbs Kal ov Kal ecr6fjLei>ov, I am all 
 that Was, Is, or shall be. And he drew this from the very fountain where he 
 calls himself, Exod. 3. n. 'O wv, I am that I am, or, That which is. This 
 doctrine of Plato, that nothing truly Is but God, is approved by all the 
 Fathers. Simplicius explains it thus, That which has more degrees of Priva- 
 tion, or Not-Being then of Being (which is the case of all Creatures) is not 
 properly said to Be ; and again, That which is in a perpetual Fieri or Making, 
 never is quite Made; and therefore never properly Is. Now because this per- 
 petual Flux of Being is not in Angels, or Separated Spirits, I allow them the 
 Title of Being and Living, and carry not the Figure (for in truth it is no other) 
 so far as Plato. 
 
 i. That the Gods call things by other names than we do, was the fancy of 
 Homer. 
 
 *0c ZdvOov Ka\tov<ri. 6eol, avSpes 
 
 *Qv 'Bpidpevv KaX^ovtri 6eol, OvrjTol 5' 
 
 Alyaiuva. 
 
 210
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 And the like in several other places, as also in other Authors, Athenaus, I. 7. 
 c. a. Ovid Metam. &*(. and this is likewise drawn from Scripture; for Isaiah 
 (Chap. 40. v. 36.) makes it a Property of God, that he calls the Stars by their 
 Names. 
 
 3. So Euripid. 
 
 T(j oldev el TO ffjv fdv iffn Ka.r6o.vflv 
 To KO.T0a.veiv 5 fi}i. 
 Who knows whether to Live, be not to Dye ; and to Dye to Live ? 
 
 i. Isa. 40. 16. Behold the Nations are as the drop of a Bucket, and are 
 counted as the small Dust of the Ballance, &v. 
 
 a. Because Heraldry consists in the Figures of Beasts, Stars, Flowers, and 
 such like, as the Hieroglyphicks did of the ancient Egyptians. 
 
 3. An uncertain Number for a ^Certain. The Egyptian Kingdom, ac- 
 cording to Manethon, had 31 Dynasties before Alexandei-s time, 5355 years; 
 others content not themselves with so small a Number; for Diod. says, lib. i. 
 from Osyris to Alexander, they reckon above ten thousand years ; or as others 
 will have it, little less than 13 thousand. See the Egyptian Priests discourse 
 to Solon in Plato's Timceus. But these vast accounts arose from the aequivocal 
 term of a year among them, which sometimes they made Solar, sometimes of 
 Four, sometimes of Three, nay, Two, or One month. Xenoph. de Tempor. 
 Aquin. So/in, c. 7. Plin. 1. 7. c. n. Macrob. in Somn. Scipion. &*c. 
 
 4. A Spanish Coyn, one of the least that is. 
 
 The 34. Chapter of the Prophet Isaiah. 
 
 i. 
 
 Wake, and with attention hear, 
 
 Thou drowsie World, for it concerns thee near ; 
 
 Awake, I say, and listen well, 
 To what from God, I, his loud Prophet, tell. 
 Bid both the Poles suppress their stormy noise, 
 And bid the roaring Sea contain its voyce. 
 Be still thou Sea, be still thou Air and Earth, 
 2 Still, as old Chaos, before Motions birth, 
 A dreadful Host of Judgments is gone out ; 
 In strength and number more 
 Then e're was rais'd by God before, 
 To scourge the Rebel World, and march it round about. 
 
 02 211
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 2. 
 
 [i] I see the Sword of God brandisht above; 
 And from it streams a dismal ray ; 
 
 2 I see the Scabbard cast away. 
 How red anon with Slaughter will it prove ! 
 
 How will it sweat and reek in blood \ 
 
 3 How will the Scarlet-glutton be if regorged with his food ! 
 
 And devour all the mighty Feast \ 
 Nothing soon but Bones will rest. 
 God does a solemn Sacrifice prepare ; 
 
 4 But not of Oxen, nor of Rams, 
 Not of Kids, nor of their Dams, 
 Not of Heifers, nor of Lams. 
 
 The Altar all the Land, and all Men in't the Piftims are, 
 
 Since wicked Mem more guilty blood to spare, 
 
 The Beasts so long have sacrificed bin, 
 
 Since Men their Birthright forfeit still by Sin, 
 
 5 'Tis fit at last Beasts their Revenge should have, 
 And Sacrificed Men their better Brethren save. 
 
 So will they fall, so will they flee ; 
 Such will the Creatures wild distraction be, 
 When at the final Doom, 
 
 Nature and Time shall both be Slain, 
 
 Shall struggle with Deaths pangs in vain, 
 And the whole world their Funeral Pile become. 
 
 The wide-stretcht Scrowl of Heaven, which we 
 
 1 Immortal as the Deity think, 
 
 2 With all the beauteous Characters that in it 
 
 With such deep Sense by Gods own Hand were writ, 
 Whose Eloquence though we understand not, we admire, 
 Shall crackle, and the parts together shrink 
 
 3 Like Parchment in a fire. 
 
 4 Th'exhausted Sun to \tiMoon no more shall lend ; 
 But truly then headlong into the Sea descend. 
 The glittering Host, now in such fair array, 
 
 So proud, so well appointed, and so gay, 
 
 212
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Like fearful Troops in some strong Ambush ta'ne, 
 
 5 Shall some fly routed, and some fall slaine, 
 
 6 Thick as ripe Fruit, or yellow Leaves in Autumn fall, 
 With such a violent Storm as blows down Tree and all. 
 
 4- 
 
 And Thou, O cursed Land, 
 Which wilt not see the Precipice where thou dost stand, 
 
 Though thou standst just upon the brink ; 
 Thou of this poysoned Bowl the bitter Dregs shalt drink. 
 
 Thy Rivers and thy Lakes shall so 
 
 With humane blood oreflow ; 
 That they shall fetch the slaughter'd corps away, 
 Which in the fields around unburied lay, 
 And rob the Beasts and Birds to give the Fish their prey. 
 The rotting corps shall so infecl the aire ; 
 Beget such Plagues, and putrid Genomes there, 
 
 That by thine own Dead shall be slain, 
 
 All thy few Living that remain. 
 I As one who buys, Surveys a ground, 
 
 So the Destroying Angel measures it around. 
 
 So careful and so strict he is, 
 Lest any Nook or Corner he should miss. 
 
 He walks about the perishing Nation, 
 Ruine behind him stalks and empty Desolation. 
 
 5- 
 
 1 Then shall the Market and the Pleading-place 
 
 Be choakt with Brambles and oregrown with grass. 
 The Serpents through thy Streets shall rowl, 
 And in thy lower rooms the frohes shall howl, 
 
 2 And thy gilt Chambers lodge the Raven and the Owl, 
 And all the wing'd Ill-Omens of the aire, 
 
 Though no nnv-llh can be fore-boded there. 
 The Lyon then shall to the Leopard say, 
 [3] Brother Leopard come away ; 
 
 Behold a Land which God has giv'cn us in prey ! 
 
 Behold a Land from whence we see 
 
 Mankind expulst, His and Our common Enem'ie \ 
 
 The Brother Leopard shakes himself, and does not stay. 
 
 213
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 6. 
 
 2 The glutted Vulturs shall expert in vain 
 
 New Armies to be slain. 
 Shall find at last the business done, 
 Leave their consumed Quarters^ and be gone. 
 
 3 Th'unburied Ghosts shall sadly moan, 
 The Satyrs laugh to hear them groan. 
 The Evil Spirits that delight 
 
 To dance and revel in the Mask of Night, 
 
 The Moon and Stars, their sole Spectators shall affright. 
 
 And if of lost Mankind 
 Ought happen to be left behind, 
 
 If any Reliques but remain, 
 They in the Dens shall lurk, Beasts in the Palaces shall raign 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 [i.] f~~*0me mar ye Nations to hear, and hearken ye people, hi the Earth 
 
 \^, hear* , and all that is therein ; the world, and all things that come 
 
 j , forth of it. i , For the Indignation of the Lord is upon all 
 
 P 34> Nations, and his fury upon all their Armies ; he hath 
 
 utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter. 
 
 * Terra & plenitude ejus. 
 
 The manner of the Prophets writing, especially of Isaiah, seems to me very 
 like that of Pindar ; they pass from one thing to another with almost Invisible 
 connexions, /and are full of words and expressions of the highest and boldest 
 flights of Poetry, as may be seen in this Chapter, where there are as extra- 
 ordinary Figures as can be found in any Poet whatsoever ; and the connexion 
 is so difficult, that I am forced to adde a little, and leave out a great deal to 
 make it seem Sense to us, who are not used to that elevated way of expression. 
 The Commentators differ, and some would have it to be a Prediction of the 
 destruction of Judaa, as Hugo, Lyran, and others ; the rest understand it as 
 a Prophesie of the Day of Judgment. The design of it to me seems to be 
 this, first to denounce great desolations and ruines to all Countrys, and then 
 to do it more particularly to Judcea, as which was to suffer a greater measure 
 of them than the rest of the world ; as it has done, I think, much more than 
 any other Land under the Sun ; and to illustrate these confusions by the 
 similitude of them to those of the last Day, though in the Text there be no 
 Transition from the subject to the similitude ; for the old fashion of writing, 
 was like Disputing in Enthyrnemes, where half is left out to be supplyed by the 
 Hearer : ours is like Syllogisms, where all that is meant is exprest. 
 
 2. For as soon as Motion began, it ceased to be Chaos, this being all 
 Confusion, but Natural Motion is regular : I think I have read it somewhere 
 called aKlvrrrov ;(dos. The Scripture says, And darkness was upon the face of 
 
 214
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 the Earth, and the spirit of God moved upon the waters. So that the first 
 Motion, was that of the Spirit of God upon Chaos, to which succeeded the 
 Motion in Chaos. And God said (that is, the motion of the Spirit of God, for 
 it is a Procession of his will to an outward Effetfl) let there be light, and there 
 was light (that is, the first Motion of Chaos.) 
 
 [r.] For my sword* shall be bathed in Heaven, behold it shall come dorvn 
 upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse to Judgment. -^, 
 6. The sword of God is filled with blood, * it is made fat with 
 fatness, and with the blood of Lambs, and Goats, with the fat of the Kidneys of 
 Rams ; for the Lord has a Sacrifice in Botrah, and a great slaughter in the 
 Land of Idumaa. * Quoniam inebriatus est in ccelo gladius meus, & sup. 
 populum interfecliones meae ad judicium * Incrassatus est adipe. 
 
 I have left out the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth Verses ; in which, 
 where the Prophet says Unicorns and Bulls, I take that to be a Metaphor 
 only of Great Tyrants, and men of the mightiest power ; the Horn signifying 
 that in Hebrew, and other Languages too ; as Horace, 
 
 Addet cornua pauperi, &-V. 
 
 And the year of recompences for the controversie of Sion, Annus retributionis 
 judicii Sion. This makes Vatabl. Montan. Sanchez, and divers others interpret, 
 Judicium Sionis, the Judgement which God shall exercise against the Idunuzans 
 in revenge of Sion ; but I take it rather to be, This is the year when Sion 
 shall be judged for her judgment ; that is, for the condemnation and execu- 
 tion of her Messias, who likewise foretels the same things as Isaiah, con- 
 cerning the destruction of Jerusalem, and even in the same manner, part of 
 the threatnings seeming to belong particularly to Jerusalem, and part being 
 only applicable to the Day of Judgment. Observe this remarkable con- 
 formity in the 24. of Matthew. 
 
 i. As not intending to put it up again, or to be ever reconciled ; in which 
 sense it was said, as I take it, to the great Duke of Guise, that he who draws his 
 sword against his Prince, should fling away the Scabbard. 
 
 3. For the Text says, it is made drunk with blond, and made fat with flesh. 
 Like the rich Glutton in the Gospel, who is described to be cloath'd with 
 Purple. 
 
 4. The Text seems to say quite contrary to this, It shall be made fat ruilh 
 fatness, and with the bloud of Lambs and Goats, and kidneys of Rams, &c. 
 
 But the names of Beasts in that place must necessarily be understood, as put 
 for Men ; all sorts of Men. Cornel, a Lap. says, that by Lambs are signified 
 the Common People ; by Goats, the Captains and Princes ; by Rams, the 
 Magistrates. But these two last interpretations of Goats and Rams, seem very 
 slight and forced ; the meaning is, that all sorts of men shall be sacrificed to 
 Gods justice, as Lambs, Goats, and Rams were wont to be. It may be askt, 
 why Idumaa and Bozra (the Metropolis of it) are here particularly mentioned? 
 Is it not with allusion to the Names ? for Idunuta (or Edom} signifies Red, a 
 Countrey that shall be red with bloodshed ; and Bozra signifies a Strong fortified 
 Place. So that in the Psalm 108. v. 10. where we read, Who will bring me 
 into the strong City ? the Hebrew is, Who will bring me into Bozra ? From 
 which word too by a Metathesis of the Letters, some derive Byrsa, the strong 
 Castle of Carthage, which was founded by the Phanicians, and therefore it is 
 more likely the Castle should have a Phoenician (which Language is said to 
 have been little different from the Hebrew) than a Grecian name, to wit, from 
 an Hide, because Dido is reported to have bought of larbas as much 
 
 215
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 ground as could be compost with an Oxes hid*, which cut into very narrow 
 thongs, took up the whole space where she built the Castle. Virg. 
 Mercatiq; so/urn fafti de nomine Byrsam, 
 Taurino quanto possent circumdare tergo. 
 
 Wherefore under the name of Bozra, the Prophet threatens all strong Places, 
 and more especially of Judaa, which God will make an Edom, or red, or bloody 
 Countrey. 
 
 5. Though Beasts were first created in time, yet because Man was first and 
 chiefly designed, and they only in order to him, the right of Primogeniture 
 belongs to him ; and therefore all Beasts at first obeyed and feared him. We 
 need not be angry, or ashamed to have them called our Brethren \ for they 
 are literally so, having the same Creator or Father ; and the Scripture gives us 
 a much worse kindred; I have said to Corruption, thou art my Father ; and 
 to the worm, thou art my mother and my sister, Job 1 7. v. 14. 
 
 3- 
 
 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, * and the heavens shall be rolled 
 y together as a scroll, and all their Host shall fall down as the leaf 
 
 falleth from the vine, and as a falling fig from the Fig-tree. 
 * Et complicabuntur sicut Liber coeli, &c. D. Thomas Hug. and divers others, 
 interpret this to be an Hyperbolical expression of the calamities of those times ; 
 which shall be so great, that men shall think the world at an end, and shall be 
 so distracfled, that the heavens shall seem to be rolled together, and the stars 
 to fall. But methinks, it is more naturally taken for a real description of the 
 end of the world, but by way of a Similitude, to illustrate the confusions that 
 are foretold. 
 
 i. The vulgar opinion, and that of Aristotle, and most Philosophers, has 
 always been, that the Heavens are Inwnitable and Incorruptible, nay, even 
 Immaterial ; in which, though experience it self of visible Mutations in them 
 (as the production and extinction two years after of the New-star in Cassiopaa, 
 1572.) might sufficiently by natural reason convince them, yet some men are so 
 given up even to the most reprobate senses of Aristotle, that not so much as the 
 Divine Authority can draw them from it ; as in this point Suarez, and many 
 others, are so far from the opinion of the Heavens being now Corruptible and 
 Mutable, that .they will allow them to be changed only Accidentally (as they 
 call it) and not Substantially at the last Day. Of which Maldon. upon S. Matth. 
 says well, That he had rather believe Christ who affirms it, than Aristotle who 
 denies it. 
 
 i. The Stars may well be termed Characters or Letters, where the 
 Heavens are called a Scroul, or Book, in which perhaps Metis fortunes, Gods 
 Glory is certainly written ; and in this sense the Psalmist speaks, The heavens 
 shall declare his righteousness. Origen cites a Book of great authority in his 
 days, called Narratio Joseph, in which Jacob says to his Sons, Legi in tabulis 
 cali qmzcunq; contingent vobis &*filiis vestris. 
 
 3. The Text is rolled up like a Scroul, or rather Book ; for the ancient 
 Books were not like ours, divided into leaves ; but made of sheets, of skins, 
 or parchment, and rolled upon a cilinder, after the fashion of our Maps. So 
 that when they had read them, they rolled them up again, as God will the Heavens, 
 when he has done with them. But I thought that this comparison of Parch- 
 ment that shrivels up in the Fire does more represent the violence of their 
 destruction, which is to be by burning. 
 
 4. He supplies now the Moon and Stars that shine by reflection from him, 
 but then shall want light for himself. In those days the Sun shall be darkened, 
 
 2l6
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 and the Moon shall not give her light. Mat. 24. Where I take Her to have 
 an Emphasis ; even her own little Light : for I believe the Moon and Stars not 
 to be totally opaque and dark bodies. 
 
 Truly, is Emphatical ; for according to the Fables, whensoever he sets, he 
 descends into the Sea, but now he really does so ; that is, he will be mingled 
 with the Sea and Earth, and all other things that must then be dissolved : And 
 the Heathens had both this opinion of the end of the world, and fell almost 
 into the same expressions. As Lucan. 
 
 Mistis Sidera sideribus concurrent, Ignea pontum 
 
 Astra petent 
 
 St. Matthew and Mark, And the stars of heaven shall fall; and here, Their 
 host shall fall down &-Y. Sen. ad Marc. Sidera sideribus incurrent, &* 
 omni flagrant e matfrid, uno igne, quicquid mine ex disposito htcet, ar debit. 
 And one might cast up a pedantical heap of authorities to the same purpose. 
 
 5. It is, I hope, needless to admonish any tolerable Reader, that it was not 
 negligence or ignorance of Number, that produced this Stumbling Verse, no 
 more than the other before, And truly then headlong into the Sea descend. And 
 several others in my book of the like kind. 
 
 6. That of the wind is added to the Text here, but taken out of another 
 just like it in the Revelations, Chap. 6. v. 13. And the Stars of heaven fell 
 unto the earth, even as a Jig-tree casteth her untimely figs when she is shaken of 
 a mighty wind. And there follows too the similitude of the Scroll. 
 
 i. Verse u. And he shall stretch out upon it the Line of confusion, and 
 the stones of Emptiness. The Latine very differently, Et extendetur super earn 
 mensura, ut redigatur ad nihil, & perpendiculum in desolationem. The 
 Metaphor is, that as a Carpenter draws a Line to mark exactly the space that 
 he is to build, so God does here, to mark that which he is to destroy. 
 
 Our Translation follows Vatabl. Extendet super earn regulam inanitatis, 
 & lapides vacuitatis. Which stones of Emptiness may have two interpretations, 
 either making the Stones, Termini, that is Bound-stones of Desolation, as if he 
 should say, This is the Land of Desolation, and I have set these bounds and 
 limits to circumscribe it. Or else he says, the Stones of Emptiness, as an 
 effect of Desolation ; for when a ground is uncultivated and abandoned, it 
 grows stony. According to the vulgar Latine Translation it is very like 
 another Text of Isaiah, Ch. 28. v. 17. Judgment also will I lay to the Line, 
 and righteousness to the Plummet. Which is no more in plain language, than, 
 I will be exact in Judgment and Righteousness. There is a much harder Text 
 with the same Metaphor in 2 Sam. Ch. 8. Verse 2. And he smote Moab, and 
 measured them with a Line, casting them down to the ground, even with two 
 lines measured he to put to Death, and with one full Line to keep alive ; And so 
 the Moabites became Davids servants, and brought gifts, Which some interpret, 
 that he put two parts of them to the Sword, and saved the third, who became 
 his servants. And that he did this, not by a just account, or polling of them 
 (for the number was too great) but by measuring out the Land into three parts, 
 and destroying two of them, 2 King. 21. 13. I will stretch over Jerusalem the 
 Line of Samaria, and the Plummet of the House of Ahab, and I will wipe 
 Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping and turning it upside down. The 
 Latine, Pondus damns Achab : and instead of a dish, uses a more noble 
 Metaphor of a Table-book. Delebo Jerusalem sicut deleri solent Tabula, & 
 delens vertam, & ducam crcbrins stilum super faciem ejus. 
 
 217
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 i . Verse 1 1 . The Cormorant and the Bittern shall possess it, the Owl and 
 the Raven shall dwell in it. V. [13.] And thorns shall come up in her Palaces, 
 and Brambles in the Fortresses thereof; and it shall be an habitation for Dragons, 
 and a Court for Owls. 
 
 Et possidebunt illam Onocrotalus & Ericius, Ibis & Corvus habitabunt in 
 ea, V. 13. Et orientur in domibus ejus spinae & urticse, & paliurus in muni- 
 tionibus ejus, & erit cubile Draconum & pascua Struthionum. The Cormorant 
 is called Onocrotalus, from "Ovos an Ass, and Kp6ra\os, Noise : because it 
 makes a noise like the braying of an Ass. I know not whether we are in the 
 right, who translate it a Bittern, or the Latin, which calls it Ericius, an 
 Hedge-Hog. Ericius among the Classick Authors, signifies an Instrument of 
 War, made with iron Pikes, like Palissadoes sticking out of it. Some think a 
 Percullis, from the similitude of which, Echinus was in the time of corrupted 
 Latine, called Ericius. Ibis is a Bird like a Stork most known in Egypt, and 
 worship! there, because it kills multitudes of Serpents, which would else infest 
 the Countrey. We erroneously translate it Owl, for mention of Owls is made 
 afterwards. I do not use the same names of Beasts and Birds exactly which 
 the Prophet does : nor is that material ; for the meaning only is, that the 
 Land shall be possest by Beasts instead of Men. 
 
 i. Of Birds from which the Ancients took Auguries : Some were called 
 Oscines, from whose voyces they drew their Divinations, and other Prapetes, 
 from their manner of flight, Crows, Swallows, Kites, Owls, and such like, were 
 counted inauspicious Birds ; and others (as Vultures) in some cases portended 
 good, and in others evil. 
 
 3. Though the Lyon might call any Beast Brother, yet it may more 
 properly the Leopard ; for the Leopard is begot of a Lyoness, and a he-Panther, 
 which is called Pardus. 
 
 6. 
 
 Verse 14. The wild beasts of the Desart shall also meet with the -wild 
 beasts of the Islands, and the Satyre shall cry to his fellow, the Skrich-Owl shall 
 also rest there, and find for her self a place of rest. V. 15. There shall the 
 great Owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow ; 
 There shall thf Vultures also be gathered every one with her Mate. V. 14. Et 
 occurrent Dsemonia Onocentauris, & Pilosus clamabit alter ad alterum ; Ibi 
 cubavit Lamia, & invenit sibi requiem. V. 15. Ibi habuit foveam Ericius, 
 & enutrivit catulos, & circumfodit, & fovit in umbra ejus ; illuc congregati sunt 
 Milvi, alter ad alterum. 
 
 Here is a great difference between the two Translations ; and it appears, 
 methinks, that none perfectly understood the Hebrew, neither in this nor many 
 other places. From whence they give the fabulous Greek names, as those of 
 Satyrs, Lamice, Onocentaurs, Unicorns, Dragons, Orion, Pleiades, and the like, 
 to several Hebrew words, whose true signification was lost ; which is no 
 wonder, for even in the Greek and Latin we have much ado to translate all 
 the names of Birds, Beasts, Fishes, and Herbs, &c. and I am afraid we are 
 often mistaken in them. So the Septuag. in Job 42. v. 14. translate the name 
 of Jobs third Daughter, The Horn of Arnalthaa, alluding to a Grecian fable 
 born long after Jobs time. Ktpas 'A/j.a.\6flas, which the Latin Cornu stibii 
 the Horn of Antimony, perhaps because Antimony is accounted by some the 
 Mother of Metals. We (I know not why) name her Kerenhappuch, not 
 according to the signification, but the word of the Hebre^v. It seems by the 
 Greek, that Jobs three Daughters names signified Sweetness', Light, or Beauty; 
 
 218
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Plenty, or Fruitfulness. So in the 1 5 of Judith it is translated ; Nee filii 
 Titan percusserunt turn : when the meaning is, They were not the Sons of 
 Gyants that slew him, but, &c. Not great strong men, but a weak woman. 
 
 i. The Latin says Milvi : which Translation is best I know not, nor does 
 it import. The Vultures from their devouring of dead Bodies, were called rd<j>oi 
 tn\f/v\oi, Living Tombs. They are said to assemble themselves together by a 
 natural Divinatory Instinft in the places where any great slaughters are to be 
 made ; which Tradition arises, because they use to follow Armies ; not as fore- 
 seeing the day of Battel, but because even in the marches of Armies there are 
 always a great many men, horses, and other beasts, that fall here and there by 
 the way. y^has the like description of the Eagle, Ch. 39. v. 30. And where 
 the slain are, there is she. 
 
 3. The English mentions only Satyrs, the Latin besides that (for Pilosi, 
 are the same) Dtzmonia, and Lamia, Hobgoblings. The Hebrew is said to 
 signifie Notflurnum speftrurn, An appearance of something in the Night. 
 From whence the Chald. Transl. it, An Owl, the English a Skrich-Owl. 
 Whether there be any such creatures in Nature as Satyrs, &c. I will not 
 determine. S. Antony seeking S. Paul the Hermite is reported by Athanasius 
 to have met with a Monster half Man, and Beast, which he drove away with 
 the sign of the Cross ; and S. Hierotn in the Life of the Hermite, says that 
 such a kind of Monster was in his time brought to Alexandria. Pliny testifies, 
 that he himself saw an Hippocentaur , the body of which was preserved in 
 honey, and brought to Claud. Casar ; but I am sorry he does not describe the 
 form of it, Lib. 7. Cap. 3. 
 
 The Plagues of Egypt. 
 i. 
 
 IS this thy Brav'ery Man, is this thy Pride ? 
 Rebel to God, and Slave to all beside ! 
 Captiv*ed by everything ! and onely Free 
 
 Xo fly from thine own Libertle \ 
 All Creatures the Creator said Were Thine ; 
 No Creature but might since, say, Man is Mine \ 
 In black Egyptian Slavery we lie ; 
 And sweat and toil in the vile Drudgerie 
 
 Of Tyrant Sin-, 
 
 To which we Trophees raise, and wear out all our Breath, 
 In building up the Monuments of Death ; 
 We, the choice Race, to God and Angels Kin \ 
 In vain the Prophets and Apostles come 
 To call us home, 
 
 219
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Home to the promis'ed Canaan above, 
 
 Which does with nourishing Milk, and pleasant Honey flow ; 
 
 And ev'en i'th'way to which we should be fed 
 
 With Angels tasteful Bread: 
 But, we, alas, the Flesh-pots love, 
 We love the very Leeks and sordid roots below. 
 
 2. 
 
 In vain we Judgments feel, and Wonders see ; 
 In vain did God to descend hither dain, 
 He was his own Ambassador in vain, 
 Our Moses and our Guld himself to be. 
 
 We will not let our selves to go, 
 And with worse hardned hearts do our own Pharaohs grow ; 
 
 Ah, lest at last we perish so ! 
 
 Think, stubborn Man, think of ^Egyptian Prince, 
 (Hard of Belief and Will, but not so hard as Thou) 
 Think with what dreadful proofs God did convince 
 The feeble arguments that humane pow'er could show ; 
 
 Think what Plagues attend on Thee, 
 Who Moses God dost now refuse, more oft then Moses He. 
 
 If from some God you come (said the proud King) 
 
 1 With half a smile and half a Frown ; 
 
 2 (But what God can to Egypt be unknown ?) 
 
 3 What Sign, what Powers, what Credence do you bring r 
 
 Behold his Seal, behold his Hand, 
 Cryes Moses, and casts down tiC Almighty Wand. 
 
 4 TN Almighty Wand scarce toucht the Earth, 
 When with an undiscerned birth 
 
 Th 1 Almighty Wand a Serpent grew 
 
 ~y And his long half in painted folds behind him drew. 
 Upwards his threatning Tail he threw ; 
 Upwards he cast his threatning Head, 
 
 He gap'ed and hist aloud ; 
 
 With flaming Eyes survey'd the trembling croud, 
 And like a Basilisk almost lookt the Assembly dead ; 
 
 5 Swift fled ^Amazed King, the Guards before him fled. 
 
 220
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 4- 
 i Jannes and Jambres stopt their flight, 
 
 And with proud words allay'd th'affright. 
 The God of Slaves (said they) how can he be 
 More powerful then their Masters Dei tie ? 
 And down they cast their Rods, 
 1 And mutter'ed secret sounds that charm the servile Gods. 
 
 The evil Spirits their charms obey, 
 And in a subtle cloud they snatch the Rods away, 
 3 And Serpents in their place the airy Juglers lay. 
 Serpents in Egypts monstrous land, 
 
 Were ready still at hand, 
 And all at the Old Serpents first command. 
 
 And they too gap'ed, and they too hist, 
 And they their threatning Tails did twist, 
 But strait on both the Hebrew-Serpent flew ; 
 Broke both their active Backs, and both it slew, 
 And both almost at once devour'ed, 
 
 So much was over-power'ed 
 By Gods miraculous Creation 
 His Servants Natures slightly-wrought, and feeble Generation. 
 
 5- 
 
 1 On the fame'd bank the Prophets stood, 
 Toucht with their Rod, and wounded all the Flood ; 
 Flood now no more, but a long Vein of putrid Blood. 
 
 The helpless Fish were found 
 
 In their strange Current drownd, 
 The Herbs and Trees washt by the mortal Tide 
 
 About it blusht and dyed. 
 Th'amazed Crocodiles made haste to ground ; 
 From their vast trunks the dropping gore they spied, 
 Thought it their Own, and dreadfully aloud they cried. 
 
 2 Nor all thy Priests, nor Thou 
 Oh King, couldst ever show 
 
 From whence thy wandring Nile begins his course ; 
 Of this new Nile thou seest the sacred Sourse ; 
 
 And as thy Land that does oreflow, 
 
 Take heed lest this do so. 
 
 3 What Plague more just could on thy Waters fall ? 
 
 221
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The Hebrew Infants Murder stains them all. 
 
 The kind, instructing Punishment enjoy ; 
 
 Whom the Red River cannot Mend y the Red-sea shall Destroy. 
 
 6. 
 The River yet gave one Instruction more, 
 
 1 And from the rotting Fish and unconcodled Gore, 
 
 Which was but Water just before, 
 A loathsome Host was quickly made, 
 
 That scale'd the Banks, & with loud noise did all the Country 
 invade. 
 
 As Nilus when he quits his sacred Bed 
 
 2 (But like a Friend he visits all the Land 
 
 With welcome presents in his hand) 
 So did this Living Tide the Fields orespread. 
 
 In vain th'alarmed Countrey tries 
 
 To kill their noisome Enemies, 
 From th'unexhausted Sourse still new Recruits arise. 
 Nor does the Earth these greedy Troops suffice, 
 
 The Towns and House?, they possess, 
 
 The Temples and the Palaces, 
 
 Nor Pharaoh, nor his Gods they fear ; 
 
 Both their importune croakings hear. 
 Unsatiate yet they mount up higher, 
 Where never Sun-born Frog durst to aspire ; 
 And in the silken Beds their slimy Members place ; 
 A Luxurie unknown before to all the Watry Race. 
 
 7- 
 The Water thus her Wonders did produce ; 
 
 But both were to no use. 
 
 As yet the Sorcerers mimick power serv'ed for excuse. 
 Try what the Earth will do (said God) and, Lo ! 
 
 They stroke the Earth a fertile blow. 
 And all the Dust did strait to stir begin ; 
 One would have thought some sudden Wind t'had bin ; 
 But, Lo, 'twas nimble Life was got within ! 
 
 And all the little Springs did move, 
 I And every Dust did an arm'ed Vermine prove, 
 Of an unknown and new-created kind, 
 Such as the Magick-Gods could neither make nor find. 
 
 222
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 The wretched shameful Foe allow'ed no rest 
 
 Either to Man or Beast. 
 Not Phar\ad\k from th'unquiet Plague could be, 
 
 With all his change of Rayments free ; 
 
 The Devils themselves contest 
 
 This was Gods Hand', and 'twas but just 
 To punish thus mans pride, to punish Dust with Dust. 
 
 Lo the third Element does his Plagues prepare, 
 And swarming Clouds of Insefls fill the Air. 
 With sullen noise they take their flight, 
 
 And march in Bodies infinite ; 
 In vain 'tis Day above, 'tis still beneath them Night. 
 
 1 Of harmful Flies the Nations numberless, 
 Compos'ed this mighty Armies spacious boast ; 
 Of different Manners, different Languages ; 
 
 And different Habits too they wore, 
 
 And different Arms they bore. 
 And some, like Scythians, liv'ed on Blood, 
 And some on Green, and some on Flowry Food, 
 
 2 And Accaron, the Airy Prince, led on this various Host. 
 Houses secure not Men, the populous ill 
 
 Did all the Houses fill. 
 The Country, all around, 
 
 3 Did with the cryes of tortured Cattel sound ; 
 
 About the fields enrag'ed they flew, 
 And wisht the Plague that was t'ensue. 
 
 9- 
 
 I From poysonous Stars a mortal Influence came 
 
 (The mingled Malice of their Flame) 
 A skilful Angel did th'Ingredients take, 
 And with just hands the sad Composure make, 
 And over all the Land did the full viol shake. 
 Thirst, Giddiness, Faintness, and putrid Heats, 
 
 And pining Pains, and Shivering Sweats, 
 On all the Cattle, all the Beasts did fall ; 
 With deforced Death the Countrey's covered all. 
 
 223
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The labouring Ox drops down before the Plow ; 
 The crowned Viftlms to the Altar led 
 
 Sink, and prevent the lifted blow. 
 The generous Horse from the full Manger turns his Head; 
 
 Does his Lov'ed Floods and Pastures scorn, 
 
 Hates the shrill Trumpet and the Horn, 
 
 Nor can his lifeless Nostril please, 
 With the once-ravishing smell of all his dappled Mistresses. 
 
 The starving Sheep refuse to feed, 
 They bleat their innocent Souls out into air ; 
 The faithful Dogs lie gasping by them there ; 
 Th'astonisht Shepherd weeps, and breaks his tuneful Reed. 
 
 10. 
 
 Thus did the Beasts for Mans Rebellion dy, 
 God did on Man a Gentler Medicine try, 
 And a Disease for Physick did apply. 
 Warm ashes from the Furnace Moses took ; 
 The Sorcerers did with wonder on him look ; 
 And smil'ed at th'unaccustom'ed Spell 
 
 1 Which no Egyptian Rituals tell. 
 He flings the pregnant Ashes through the Air, 
 
 And speaks a mighty Pray'er, 
 
 Both which the Ministring Winds around all Egypt bear. 
 As gentle western Blastswith downy Jiadngs 
 
 Hatching the tender Springs 
 To the'unborn Buds with vital whispers say, 
 
 Ye living Buds why do ye stay ? 
 
 The passionate Buds break through the Bark their way : 
 So wheresoere this tainted Wind but blew, 
 
 Swelling Pains and Ulcers grew ; 
 It from the body call'ed all sleeping Poysons out, 
 
 And to them added new ; 
 
 2 A noysome Spring of Sores y as thick as Leaves did sprout. 
 
 ii. 
 
 Heaven it self is angry next ; 
 
 Wo to Man y when Heav'en is vext. 
 
 With sullen brow it frown'd, 
 And murmur'ed first in an imperfect sound. 
 
 224
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Till Moses lifting up his hand, 
 Waves the expedled Signal of his Wand, 
 And all the full-charg'ed clouds in ranged Squadrons move, 
 
 And fill the spacious Plains above. 
 Through which the rowling Thunder first does play, 
 And opens wi'de the Tempests noisy way. 
 
 And straight a stony shower 
 Of monstrous Hail does downwards pour, 
 Such as nere Winter yet brought forth 
 From all her stormy Magazins of the North. 
 It all the Beasts and Men abroad did slay, 
 I O're the defaced corps, like Monuments, lay, 
 The houses and strong-body'ed Trees it broke, 
 
 Nor askt aid from the Thunders stroke. 
 The Thunder but for Terror through it flew, 
 The Hail alone the work could do. 
 The dismal Lightnings all around, 
 
 Some flying through the Air, some running on the ground, 
 Some swimming o're the waters face, 
 Fill'd with bright Horror every place. 
 
 One would have thought their dreadful Day to have seen, 
 The very Hail, and Rain it self had kindled been. 
 
 12. 
 
 1 The Infant Corn, which yet did scarce appear, 
 
 Escap'ed this general Massacer 
 Of every thing that grew, 
 And the well-stored Egyptian year 
 Began to cloath her Fields and Trees anew. 
 
 2 When, Lo ! a scorching wind from the burnt Countrys blew, 
 
 And endless Legions with it drew 
 
 3 Of greedy Locusts, who where e're 
 
 With sounding wings they flew, 
 Left all the Earth depopulate and bare, 
 As if Winter it self had marcht by there. 
 
 What e're the Sun and Nile 
 Gave with large Bounty to the thankful soil, 
 The wretched Pillagers bore away, 
 And the whole Summer was their Prey, 
 
 c. p 225
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Till Moses with a prayer 
 Breath'd forth a violent Western wind, 
 Which all these living clouds did headlong bear 
 
 (No Stragglers left behind) 
 4 Into the purple Sea, and there bestow 
 
 On the luxurious Fish a Feast they ne're did know. 
 
 With untaught joy, Pharaoh the News does hear, 
 
 And little thinks their Fate attends on Him, and His so near. 
 
 What blindness or what Darkness did there e're 
 
 Like this undocil King's appear ? 
 What e're but that which now does represent 
 And paint the Crime out in the Punishment? 
 
 1 From the deep, baleful Caves of Hell below, 
 
 Where the old Mother Night does grow, 
 Substantial Night, that does disclaime, 
 
 Privation's empty Name, 
 
 Through secret conduits monstrous shapes arose, 
 Such as the Suns whole force could not oppose, 
 They with a Solid Cloud 
 All Heavens Eclypsed Face did shrowd. 
 Seem'd with large Wings spred o're the Sea and Earth 
 To brood up a new Chaos his deformed birth. 
 
 2 And every Lamp, and every Fire 
 Did at the dreadful sight wink and expire, 
 
 To th' 'Empyrean Sourse all streams of Light seem'd to retire. 
 
 The living Men were in their standing-houses buried ; 
 But the long Night no slumber knows, 
 But the short Death finds no repose. 
 I [3] Ten thousand terrors through the darkness fled, 
 
 And Ghosts complain'd, and Spirits murmured. 
 And Fancies multiplying sight 
 
 View'd all the Scenes Invisible of Night. 
 
 14. 
 
 Of Gods dreadful anger these 
 
 Were but the first light Skirmishes ; 
 The Shock and bloody battel now begins, 
 The plenteous Harvest of full-ripened Sins. 
 
 226
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 1 It was the time, when the still Moon 
 
 Was mounted softly to her Noon, 
 
 And dewy sleep, which from Nights secret springs arose, 
 Gently as Nile the land oreflows. 
 
 2 When (Lo !) from the high Countreys of refined Day, 
 
 The Golden Heaven without allay, 
 Whose dross in the Creation purg'ed away, 
 Made up the Suns adulterate ray, 
 
 3 Michael, the warlike Prince, does downwards fly 
 
 Swift as the journeys of the Sight, 
 
 Swift as the race of Light, 
 
 And with his Winged Will cuts through the yielding sky. 
 He past throw many a Star, and as he past, 
 Shone (like a star in them) more brightly there, 
 
 Then they did in their Sphere. 
 
 On a tall Pyramids pointed Head he stopt at last, 
 And a mild look of sacred Pity cast 
 Down on the sinful Land where he was sent, 
 
 T'inflidr, the tardy punishment. 
 Ah ! yet (said He) yet stubborn King repent ; 
 
 Whilst thus unarm'ed I stand, 
 
 Ere the keen Sword of God fill my commanded Hand ; 
 Suffer but yet Thy self, and Thine to live ; 
 
 Who would, alas ! believe 
 
 That it for Man (said He) 
 
 So hard to be Forgiven should be, 
 And yet for God so easie to Forgive \ 
 
 He spoke, and downwards flew, 
 And ore his shining Form a well-cut cloud he threw 
 
 Made of the blackest Fleece of Night, 
 And close-wrought to keep in the powerful Light, 
 Yet wrought so fine it hindred not his Flight. 
 But through the Key-holes and the chinks of dores, 
 And through the narrow'est Walks of crooked Pores, 
 
 He past more swift and free, 
 Then in wide air the wanton Swallows flee. 
 
 P2 227
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 1 He took a pointed Pestilence in his hand, 
 The Spirits of thousand mortal poysons made 
 
 The strongly temper'd Blade, 
 The sharpest Sword that e're was laid 
 Up in the Magazins of God to scourge a wicked Land. 
 Through Egypts wicked Land his march he took. 
 
 2 And as he marcht the sacred First-born strook 
 
 Of every womb ; none did he spare ; 
 
 3 None from the meanest Beast to Cenchres purple Heire. 
 
 16. 
 
 The swift approach of endless Night, 
 Breaks ope the wounded Sleepers rowling Eyes ; 
 They'awake the rest with dying cries, 
 And Darkness doubles the affright. 
 The mixed sounds of scattered Deaths they hear, 
 And lose their parted Souls 'twixt Grief and Fear. 
 Louder then all the shrieking Womens voice 
 Pierces this Chaos of confused noise. 
 
 As brighter Lightning cuts a way 
 Clear, and distinguish! through the Day. 
 
 1 With less complaints the Zoan Temples sound, 
 
 2 When the adored Heifer's drownd, 
 And no true markt Successor to be found. 
 
 Whilst Health, and Strength, and Gladness does possess 
 
 The festal Hebrew Cottages ; 
 The blest Destroyer comes not there 
 To interrupt the sacred cheare 
 7 That new begins their well-reformed Tear. 
 
 3 
 
 Upon their doors he read and understood, 
 Gods Protection writ in Blood ; 
 
 Well was he skild i'th' Character Divine ; 
 
 And though he past by it in haste, 
 He bow'd and worshipt as he past, 
 
 The mighty Mysterie through its humble Signe. 
 
 17- 
 
 The Sword strikes now too deep and near, 
 
 Longer with it's edge to play ; 
 No Diligence or Cost they spare 
 
 To haste the Hebrews now away, 
 
 228
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Pharaoh himself chides their delay ; 
 So kinde and bountiful is Fear \ 
 But, oh, the Bounty which to Fear we ow, 
 Is but like Fire struck out of stone. 
 So hardly got, and quickly gone, 
 
 That it scarce out-lives the Blow. 
 Sorrow and fear soon quit the Tyrants brest ; 
 Rage and Revenge their place possest 
 With a vast Host of Chariots and of Horse, 
 And all his powerful Kingdoms ready force 
 The travelling Nation he pursues ; 
 Ten times orecome, he still th'unequal war renewes. 
 Fill'd with proud hopes, At least (said he) 
 Th' Egyptian Gods from Syrian Magick free 
 
 Will now revenge Themselves and Me ; 
 Behold what passless Rocks on either hand 
 
 Like Prison walls about them stand ! 
 Whilst the Sea bounds their Flight before, 
 And in our injur'ed justice they must find 
 A far worse stop then Rocks and Seas behind. 
 
 Which shall with crimson gore 
 I New paint the Waters Name, and double dye the shore. 
 
 18. 
 
 He spoke ; and all his Host 
 
 Approv'ed with shouts ^unhappy boast, 
 A bidden wind bore his vain words away, 
 
 And drown'd them in the neighb'ring Sea. 
 No means t'escape the faithless Travellers spie, 
 
 And with degenerous fear to die, 
 
 Curse their new-gotten Libertie. 
 But the great Guid well knew he led them right, 
 And saw a Path hid yet from humane sight. 
 He strikes the raging waves, the waves on either side 
 Unloose their close Embraces, and divide ; 
 And backwards press, as in some solemn show 
 The crowding People do 
 
 (Though just before no space was seen) 
 To let the admired Triumph pass between. 
 
 229
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The wondring Army saw on either hand 
 
 The no less wondring Waves, like Rocks of Crystal stand. 
 
 They marcht betwixt, and boldly trod 
 
 The secret paths of God. 
 
 And here and there all scatter'd in their way 
 The Seas old spoils, and gaping Fishes lay 
 
 Deserted on the sandy plain, 
 The Sun did with astonishment behold 
 The inmost Chambers of the opened Main, 
 
 For whatsoere of old 
 
 By his own Priests the Poets has been said, 
 He never sunk till then into the Oceans Bed. 
 
 19. 
 
 Led chearfully by a bright Captain Flame, 
 To th 'other shore at Morning Dawn they came, 
 And saw behind th'unguided Foe 
 
 March disorderly and slow. 
 The Prophet straight from th'Idum<ean strand 
 
 Shakes his Imperious Wand. 
 The upper waves, that highest crowded lie, 
 
 The beckning Wand espie. 
 Straight their first right-hand files begin to move, 
 
 And with a murmuring wind 
 Give the word March to all behind. 
 The left-hand Squadrons no less ready prove, 
 
 But with a joyful louder noise 
 Answer their distant fellows voice, 
 
 And haste to meet them make, 
 
 As several Troops do all at once a common Signal take. 
 What tongue th'amazement and th'affright can tell 
 
 1 Which on the Chamian Army fell, 
 When on both sides they saw the roaring Main 
 
 Broke loose from his Invisible Chain ? 
 They saw the monstrous Death and watry War 
 Come rowling down loud Ruine from afar. 
 In vain some backward, and some forwards fly 
 
 With helpless haste ; in vain they cry 
 
 2 To their Ccelestial Beasts for aid ; 
 
 In vain their guilty King they'upbraid, 
 
 230
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 In vain on Moses be, and Moses God does call, 
 
 With a Repentance true too late ; 
 They're compast round with a devouring Fate 
 That draws, like a strong Net, the mighty Sea upon them All. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 3- 
 Ike that of Virgil, 
 
 Subridens mistd Mezentius ird. 
 And Mezentius was like Pharaoh in his contempt of the Deity, Contemptorq; 
 Deum Mezentius. Exod. 5. 2. And (Pharaoh) answered, Who is the Lord, that 
 I should hear his voice, and let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will 
 I let Israel go. 
 
 2. For no Nation under the Sun worshipt so many Gods as Egypt; so that 
 probably Pharaoh would have known the name of any God but the true one, 
 Jehovah. 
 
 3. That Pharaoh askt a sign, appears by Exod. 7. 9. And when Pharaoh 
 shall say to you, Shew me a sign, <2rY. 
 
 4. Almighty, as it was the Instrument of the Almighty in doing wonders; 
 for which it is called the Rod of the Lord, as well as of Moses and Aaron ; 
 and in this sense Fortune is rightly called by Virgil Omnipotens. 
 
 5. We may well suppose that the King and his Guards fled for fear at the 
 sight, since Moses himself did so at first, Exod. 4. 2. And it was turned into a 
 Serpent, so that Moses fled from it. 
 
 4- 
 
 1. So the Apostle calls the chief of Pharaohs Magicians, 2 Tim. 3. 8. 
 but S. Hieron. translates their names Johannes and Mambres; and they say 
 there is a Tradition in the Talmud, that Juhani and Mamre, chief of Pharaohs 
 Magicians, said to Moses, Thou bringest straw into ^praim, which was where 
 abundance of Corn grew ; as if they should have said, to bring your Magical 
 Arts hither, is to as much purpose, as to bring water to Nilus. Jannts was 
 famous even among Heathen Authors. Plin. lib. 3. c. \. Est & alia Magices 
 
 faftio, a Mose, &* Janne <5r> Jotape Judieis pendens. And Numenius the 
 Pythagorean names him in Euseb. I. 9. Praparat. Evang. They here are 
 called by several names, in several Translations, by the Septuag. <J>a/>/ua/coi, 
 
 Venefici, Poisoners, and 'Eiraoidol, Incantatores, Inchanters ; by Sulpitius 
 Severus, Chaldaans, that is, Astrologers ; by others, Sapientes ? Male/id, 
 
 Wisemen (that is, Men esteemed so among the Egyptians) Philosophers and 
 
 Witches. 
 
 2. Fecerunt etiam ipsi per incantationes ALgypliacas &* arcana quadam 
 similiter. Their Gods may well be called Servile, for in all Enchantments we 
 find them threatned by the Conjurers, and forced whether they will or no, by 
 the power of Spells, to do what they are commanded. Tiresias in the 4 Theb. 
 because they did not obey him at first word, speaks to them like a School- 
 master, with a rod in his hand, 
 
 Et nobis scevire facultas. 
 
 An Scythicis quoties armata venenit 
 
 231
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Colchis aget trepido pallebunt Tartara motu, 
 Nostri cura minor? &c. 
 And Lucan says of Erichtho, 
 
 Omne nefas superi primd jam voce precantis 
 Concedtint, carmenq; timent audire secundum. 
 
 And the Witches used alwaies some obscure murmurings in their charms. So 
 of Erichtho, 
 
 Turn vox Lethczos cundlis pollentior herbis 
 Excantare Deos, confundit murmura primum 
 Dissona, &* humance multuin discordia Lingua. 
 
 3. There are four opinions concerning this action of the Magicians ; the 
 first, that their Rods appeared Serpents by an Illusion of the sight. This was 
 Josephus his opinion ; for he says, Bowers/Hat 01 dpaKovres fdoxovv ; and Tertullian, 
 Hierom, Gregory Nyssen, are cited for it too. Sedulius in lib. 4. Carm. 
 
 Sed imagine falsd 
 
 Visibus humanis magicas tribuere figuras. 
 
 This I like not, by no means ; for if the appearance of the Serpents was an 
 Illusion, so was the devouring of them too by Moses his Serpent. Therefore 
 the second opinion to salve this difficulty, says, that the Devil for the Magicians, 
 did really on the sudden make up some bodies that looked like true Serpents, 
 but were not so, and those bodies were truly devoured by Moses his true 
 Serpent. But it does not fully answer the objection ; and besides by this 
 Deceipt, they might as well have imitated the other miracles. The third is 
 Thorn. Aquinas, and Cajetans, and Delrios, and divers others, That they 
 were true Serpents, not Created in an instant by the Devil (for that is granted 
 by all to exceed his power) but Generated in a moment of Time by application 
 of all things required to the generation of Serpents, which is Spontaneous 
 sometimes. The fourth is of Pererius, Abulensis, and many more, that the 
 Devil snatcht away the Rods, and had trite Serpents there in readiness to put in 
 their place, and this agrees better with the swiftness of the action, for which, 
 and some other reasons, I follow it. 
 
 1. The Bank of Nilus, which is incomparably the most famous River in. 
 the world, whether we consider the greatness and length of it (for it runs about 
 900 German miles) or the things that it produces, or the miraculous flowing 
 and ebbing of it. It is therefore called absolutely in the Scripture, Machal 
 Misraim, The River of Egypt. From whence the word Nile is not unnaturally 
 derived Nahal, Naal, Neel, Neil ; as Bahal, Baal, Beel, Bel, B^Xos : and 
 Pompon. Mela reports, /. 5. c. 10. That the fountain of Nilus is called 
 Nachul by the Ethiopians. Now whereas God says to Moses, Go to Pharaoh 
 in the morning, ivhen he shall go forth to the Water : I believe, as the Persians 
 worshipt every morning the rising Sun, so the Egyptians did Nile ; and that 
 this going forth of the King to the River, was a constant act of Devotion, 
 Theodoret. /J.4ya itypbvow tirl rip iroTap.^ Kal rbv Oebv TOVTOV ivbuifrv. Nay 
 I doubt whether Osyris (their great Deity) be not worshipped for Nilus. Seld. 
 de Diis Syris. 
 
 2. The Fountain of Nilus is now known to be in the mountains called 
 Luna mantes, and one of the Titles of Prester John is, King of Goyome, where 
 Nile begins ; but the Ancients were totally ignorant of it, insomuch that this 
 was reckoned among the famous proprieties of Nilus, that it concealed its 
 
 232
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 Spring, Fontium qui celat origines ; of which see Lucan in the 10. Book ; where, 
 among other things, he says most admirably of Nilus, 
 
 Ubicunq; videris, 
 
 Queer en's, &* nulli contingit gloria genti 
 
 Ut Nilo sit l&ta suo. 
 
 3. Theodoret upon Exodus, says thus of this change of Nilus, per 'aj3\-rj6elt 
 e/j TO alfj.a TTJS yeyevij/j-^vrj^ Karijyopfi iraiSoKrovias. Being changed into Blood, 
 it accused the Egyptians of the Infants Murder ; and the Book of Wisdom in 
 Chap. ii. makes the same observation. 
 
 6. 
 
 1. Computruitfluvius ; and before the Septuag. virotyafi 6 trora/j.6^ where 
 the vulgar Edition says, Computrescent aqua ; that is, fervebit, vel effervescct 
 
 Jluvius, relating perhaps to Blood, which when it corrupts, Boils and burns as 
 it were in the Veins : when the water had been corrupted in this manner, it is 
 no wonder if it produced a great number of Frogs ; but the wonder consists in 
 that the number was so infinite, in that it was so suddenly produced upon the 
 action of Aaron, and that contrary to their nature, they came to molest the 
 Egyptians in their very houses. The like judgment with this we find in 
 profane Histories, and to be attributed to the same hand of God, though the 
 Rod was Invisible. Athentfus in his 8. Book, Ch. i. reports, that in Paonia 
 and Dardanium (now called Bulgary] there rained down so many Frogs from 
 Heaven (that is, perhaps they were suddenly produced after great showers) that 
 they filled all the publick ways, and even private houses, that their domestical 
 furniture was covered with them, that they found them in the very Pots where 
 they boiled their meat ; and that what with the trouble of the Living, and the 
 smell of the Dead ones, they were forced at last to forsake their Country. And 
 Pliny reports in his 8. B. Ch. 29. That a whole City in Gallia hath been driven 
 away by Frogs, and another in Afrique by Locusts ; and many examples of this 
 kind might be collected. 
 
 2. Sen. I. 4. Quasi. Natur. c. n Nilus brings both Water and Earth 
 too to the thirsty and sandy soil ; for flowing thick and troubled, he leaves all 
 his Lees, as it were, in the clefts of the parched ground, and covers the dry 
 places with the fatness which he brought with him, so that he does good to the 
 Country two ways, both by overflowing and by manuring it. So that Herod. 
 calls it 'EpyariKoi', The Husbandman. Tibul. Te propter nullos Tellus tua 
 postulat imbres, Arida nee pluvio supplicat herba Jovi ; for which reason Lucan 
 says, that Egypt hath no need of Jupiter, 
 
 Nihil indiga mercis 
 
 Aut Jovis, in solo tanta est fiducia Nilo. 
 
 And one in Athen(eus bolder, yet calls Nilus excellently well, AlyiJTrrie ZeO 
 Ne?\e. O Nilus thou Egyptian Jupiter : nay, it was termed by the Egyptians 
 themselves, 'Avrf/xt/noj rod ovpavov. The River that emulates and contends with 
 Heaven. 
 
 7- 
 
 i. What kind of Creature this was, no man can tell certainly. The 
 Sept. translate it both here, and in the Psalm 105. Zxviires. And so Philo, 
 and the vulgar edition retains the word, Sciniphes, Ciniphes, or Kniphes, seem 
 to come from the word, KvL^tiv, which signifies to Prick, and they were a kind 
 of Gnat: and Pliny renders them Culices muliones, and sometimes simply 
 Culices; as likewise Columdla. Dioscorid. cap. in. terms them, Orjpla 
 And Hesych. Kvty (aov irT-rjvov, &fju>tov KUVUTU. So Isidor. I. n. 
 
 233
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Origin, and Oros. 7, 8. and 50 Origen. Yet Junius and Tremel. and the 
 French, and the English, and divers other Translations, render it by Lice, and 
 Z/V* too might have wings ; for Diod. Sicul. /. 3. c. 3. speaking of the Acri- 
 dophagi, or eaters of Locusts, says, that when they grow old, their bodies breed 
 a kind of winged Lice, by which they are devoured. It seems to me most 
 probable, that it was some new kind of Creature, called analogically by an 
 old known name, which is Pcrtrsus his conjecture, and is approved by Rivet : 
 And this I take to be the reason why the Magicians could not counterfeit this 
 miracle, as it was easie for them to do those of the Serpents, the Blood, and the 
 Frogs, which were things to be had every where. This I think may pass for 
 a more probable cause than the pleasant fancy of the Hebrews, who say, that 
 the Dft-iis power is bounded to the producing of no Creature less than a grain 
 of Barley, or than S. Augustitus allegorical reason, and too poetical even for 
 Poetry, who affirms, that the Magicians failed in the third Plague, to shew the 
 defect of humane Philosophy, when it comes to the mystery of the Trinity ; 
 but such pitiful allusions do more hurt than good in Divinity. 
 
 i. A grievous Swarm of Flies So our English Translation ; St. Hier. 
 Omne genus muscarum. All sorts of Flies. The Septuag. Kvf6fiviay, Canina 
 Musca, a particular kind of Fly, called a Dog-Fly, from his biting. If it be 
 not to be read Kivouviar, which may signifie Aquilas, Hdftuviar. Some 
 translate this place, A mixture of Beasts. The French, une mesUe de bestes. 
 Jun. and Tremel. Colluviem : and it should seem that Josephus understood it 
 of several sorts of iinld Beasts that infested the Country. For he says, (hiplw 
 rarroitav ecu a-oXiT/wrwr : and Pagninus, Omne genus ferarum ; which is not 
 very probable, for the punishments yet were rather troublesome than mortal, 
 and even this punishment of infinite numbers of small Tormentors, is so great 
 a one, that God calls them his Army, Joel, 2. 25. nay, his Great Army, The 
 Locust, the Canker-worm, and the Caterpillar, and the Palmer-worm, my great 
 Army, which I sent among you. 
 
 i. The God of Flies, Belzebub, a Deity worshipped at Accaron, Jupiter, 
 ar&p.vios, either from bringing or driving away of Swarms of Flies, Plin. lib. 10. 
 c. 28. Those .of Cvrene worship the God Acker, great multitudes of Flits 
 causing there a Pestilence, which presently dy upon the sacrificing to this 
 God\ where Achor, I conceive to be the same with Accaron, most of the Sea- 
 Coasts of Afrique, being ancient Colonies of the Phoenicians. Clemens reports, 
 that in Acar at the Temple of Aclian Apollo, they sacrificed an Ox to 
 Flies : And sElian. 1. 1 1 . de Animal, c. 8. Ovovai BoOr THUS fju-iais. Both, as 
 I suppose, meaning that they sacrificed the Ox, not to the_/fcy themselves, 
 but to Apollo or Jupiter, droftviif, Pausan. 1. . "HXetow 6i-eu> r$ 'Aronvu? Au, 
 f%f\a&roim T-TJ "HXefas '0\vurias TCLS fivias. The Eieans sacrifice to Jupiter (the 
 Driver away of flies) for the driving away of Flies, from the Country of Elea. 
 The Romans called this God not Jupiter, but Hercules Apomyius, though we 
 read not of the killing of Flies among his Labours, Plin. I. 29. c. 6. Xo living 
 creature has less of understanding, or is less docile (than Flies) which makes it 
 the more wonderful, that at the Olympique Games, upon the sacrificing of an 
 Ox to the God whom they call Myiodes, whole clouds of them fly out of the 
 Territory. And among the Trachinians, we read of Hercules, Kopvwv'uav , the 
 Driver away of Gnats, with the Erytkraans of Hercules 'I-roKrbros, the killer 
 of IVorms, that hurt the Vines, and many more Deities of the like honourable 
 imployment are to be found among the ancients. 
 
 234
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 3. Many sorts of Flies molest the Cattle, none so as the Asilus or Oestrum 
 (the Gad-Fly) Virg. Georg. 3. 
 
 Oestrum Graci vertere vocantes, 
 
 Asper, acerba sonans, quo lota exterrita silvis 
 
 Diffugiunt armenta 
 
 Wiiht the Plague that was to ensue; that is, not in the sense that Claudian 
 speaks of Pluto's Horses, 
 
 Craslina ventura exspeftantes gaudia prada. 
 For how (as Scaliger says) could they know it, but simply, Wisht for death. 
 
 9- 
 
 i. (i.) Poisoning. The conjunction of which produce Poisons (L) In- 
 fectious diseases, according to the received opinion of Astrologers. Virgil 
 says, By the sick, or Diseased Heaven ; that is, which causes diseases, but 
 Heaven is there perhaps taken for the Air, 
 
 Hie quondam Marbo cceli miseranda coorta est 
 Tempeslas, totoq; Autumni incanduit atstu, off. 
 Where see his most incomparable description of a Pestilence. 
 
 1. No Books or Writings of the Rites of Magick amongst the Egyptians. 
 
 2. It is called by Moses, Chap. 9, 10. Ulcus ittflationum Germinans in 
 homine, ore. Sprouting out with blains, &c. which Jun. and Tremel. 
 Erumpens muliis pustulis. This in Deuteronomy is one of the curses with 
 which the disobedience to God is threatned, Chap. 18. 27. The Lord shall smite 
 thee with the botch of Egypt, &c. From hence, I believe, came the calumny, 
 that Trog. Pompeius, Diod. Siculus, Tacitus, and other Heathens cast upon the 
 Hebrews, to wit, that they were expelled out of Egypt for being scabbed and 
 leprous, which mistake was easie, instead of being dismist for having brought 
 those diseases upon the Egyptians. 
 
 n. 
 
 i. Not each one like a Monument, for that Metaphor would be too big; 
 but many of them together, like a Monument, and the most ancient Monuments, 
 we know, were heaps of stones, not great Tomb-stones. 
 
 1. (i.) The Wheat and Rye. See Chap. 9. v. 32. 
 
 2. Ch. 10. v. 13. Our Translation has East-wind: And the Lord 
 brought an East-wind upon the Land all that day, and all the night, 5fc. 
 The vulgar has ventum urentem. The Septuagint a South-wind. And Eugub. 
 says, There is no doubt but it was a South-wind; which opinion I follow 
 (though the Jews unanimously will have it to be an East-wind) because the 
 Southern parts of Afrique were most infested with Locusts, where they are in 
 some places the chief food of the inhabitants : so that from thence they might 
 easily be fetcht ; for I cannot agree with some, who imagine, that the hot wind 
 blowing all day and night produced them. 
 
 3. Wonderful are the things which Authors report of these kind of 
 Armies of Locusts, and of the order and regularity of their marches. Aldro- 
 vandus and Fincelius (as I find them cited) say thus, That in the year 852. they 
 were seen to fly over twenty miles in Germany in a day, in manner of a formed 
 Army, divided into several squadrons, and having their quarters apart when 
 they rested. That the Captains, with some few, marcht a days journey before 
 
 235
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 the rest, to chuse the most opportune places for their Camp. That they never 
 removed till Sun-rising, and just then went away in as much order as an Army 
 of men could do. That at last having done great mischief wheresoever they 
 past ; after prayers made to God, they were driven by a violent wind into the 
 Belgick Ocean, and there drown'd, but being cast again by the Sea upon the 
 shore, caused a great Pestilence in the Country. Some adde, that they 
 covered an hundred and forty Acres at a time. St. Hier. upon Joel, speaks 
 thus, When the Armies of Locusts came lately into these parts, and filled all 
 the air, they flew in so great order, that slates in a pavement cannot be laid 
 more regularly, neither did they ever stir one inch out of their ranks and files. 
 There are reckoned thirty several sorts of Locusts, some in India (if we dare 
 believe Pliny} three foot long. The same Author adds, of Locusts (Lib. n. 
 cap. 29.) That they pass in troops over great Seas, enduring hunger for many 
 days together in the search of forreign food. They are believed to be brought 
 by the anger of the Gods; for they are seen sometimes verv great, and make 
 such a noise 'with their wings in flying, that they might be taken for Birds. 
 They overcast the Sun, whilst people stand gazing with terrour, lest they should 
 fall upon their lands - out of Afrique chiefly they infest Italy, and the people 
 are forced to have recourse to the Sybils Books, to enquire for a remedy. In the 
 Country of Cyrene, there is a Law to make war against them thrice a year, 
 first by breaking their eggs, then by killing the young ones, and lastly, the 
 old ones, &c. 
 
 4. The Red-Sea, which, methinks, I may better be allowed to call Purple, 
 than Homer and Virgil to term any Sea so ; 
 
 Ei's aXa Trop<pvpfr]v. 
 
 Virg. In Mare pitrpureum violentior influit amnis. 
 
 Pliny says, Purpuram irati marts faciem referre. And Theophr. Hopfivpovrai 
 }] OdXaffffa, &TO.V rot KiJfMara /^TfupL^6fj.va o~Kia.o~6r]. 
 
 13- 
 
 i. Chap. v. 21. Even darkness that may be felt. The Vulgar, Tarn 
 densa (tenebrcz) ut palpari queant. Whether this darkness was really in the 
 air, or only in their eyes, which might be blinded for the time : Or whether 
 a suspension of Light from the adt of Illumination in that Country : or 
 whether it were by some black, thick, and damp vapour which possest all the 
 air, it is impossible to determine. I fancy that the darkness of Hell below, 
 which is called Utter Darkness, arose and overshadowed the Land ; and I am 
 authorized by the Wisdom of Solom. Chap. 17. v. 14. where he calls it a night 
 that came upon them out of the bottoms of inevitable Hell ; and therefore was 
 the more proper to be (as he says after) An Image of that darkness which should 
 afterwards receive them. 
 
 i. That all Fires and Lights went out, is to be plainly collected from the 
 Text ; for else how could it be truly said, that they could not see one another ? 
 and is confirmed by the Wisdom of Solom. Chap. 17. 5. No power of the fire 
 might give them light. 
 
 3. See the above-cited, Chap. 17. 
 
 14. 
 
 i. Midnight, called also by the Latines Meridies Noftis. 
 
 i. It is very much disputed what that Light was that was created the first 
 day. It seems to me to be the most probable opinion, that it was the 
 Empyraan heaven, out of which the Sun, Moon, and Stars were made the 
 fourth day: and therefore before I say, that all Light seemed to be returned 
 to the Empyraan or highest heaven from whence it came at first. 
 
 236
 
 PINDARIQUE ODES 
 
 3. Some think that God inflicted this Plague upon the Egyptians imme- 
 diately himself, because he says, Chap. ri. v. 4. About midnight will I go out 
 into the midst of Egypt. And to the same effect, Chap. 12. 12. but it is an 
 ordinary manner of speech to attribute that to God, which is done by one of 
 his Angels; and that this was an Angel, appears out of Chap. 12. 23. The 
 Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the Destroyer to come into your 
 houses to smite you. From which place, and Psalm 78. v. 49 where it is said 
 (of the Egyptians) He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and 
 indignation, and troiible, by sending evil Angels among them ; Some collect, 
 that God used here the ministry of an Evil or Evil Angels ; but I cannot 
 believe, that God and the Magicians had the same Agents, and that Text of the 
 Psalm is perhaps ill translated. Jun. and Tremel. understand by it Moses 
 and Aaron, as Nuntios Malorum ; and if we interpret it (as others) of Angels, 
 it were better rendred in English, Destroying or Punishing Angels, Inflicters 
 of Evil upon them. I attribute this infliction to the Archangel Michael: first, 
 because it was he (by name) who fought with the Dragon, and smote him and 
 his Angels, Revel. 12. 7. Secondly, because in Daniel too he is mentioned as 
 an Angel of War, Chap. 10. v. 13. And lastly, because the very name is said 
 to signifie Percussio Dei. The Smiting of God. The Wisdom of Solomon, 
 Chap. 18. v. 14, 15, 16. gives a little hint of the fancy of this Stanza: For 
 whilst all things were in quiet silence, and that the night was in the midst of 
 her swift course, Thine Almighty Word, leapt down from heaven out of thy 
 royal Throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a Land of destruction : 
 And brought thine unfeigned command as a sharp sword, and standing up, 
 filled all things with death, <5rV. 
 
 15- 
 
 1. That this Plague was a Pestilence is the opinion of Josephus, and most 
 Interpreters. 
 
 2. The Law of consecrating all first-borns to God, seems Exod. the 13. 
 to be grounded upon this slaughter of the Egyptian First-born. But that was 
 rather the addition of a new cause why the Hebrews should exactly observe it, 
 than that it was the whole reason of it ; for even by natural right, the First- 
 born, and First-Fruits of all things are Sacred to God ; and therefore anciently, 
 not only among the Jews, but also other Nations, the Priesthood belonged to 
 the Eldest Sons. 
 
 3. The Name of that Pharaoh who was drowned in the Red-Sea. There 
 is great confusion in the succession of the Egyptian Kings, and divers named 
 by some Chronologers, that are quite omitted by others; as Amenophis, 
 whom Mercator, and some others, will have to be the King drowned in the 
 Red- Sea ; but that it was Cenchres, is the most probable, and most received 
 opinion. 
 
 16. 
 
 1. That Zoan, or Tzoan, was the place where Moses did his miracles, 
 and consequently the City where Pharaoh Cenchres lived, we have the 
 Authority of Psalm. 78. 12. It was likewise called Tanis (by the Grecians) 
 and from it that mouth of the Nile near which it stood, Oslium Taniticum. 
 So that they are mistaken, who make Noph, or Moph, that is, Memphis, the 
 place where Pharaoh kept his Court, for that was built afterwards, and lies 
 more Southward. 
 
 2. The Adored Heifer. Apis, and Serapis, and Osyris (who was Misraim) 
 I conceive to have been the same Deity among the Egyptians, known by other 
 Nations by the names of Mithra, Baal, Tamuz, Adonis, S*c. and signifying 
 
 2 37
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 the Sun ; the great lamentations for the disappearing or loss of Osyris, Tamut, 
 and Adonis, and rejoycing for their return, signifying nothing but the Elonga- 
 tion by Winter, and re-approach of the Sun by Summer. The Egyptians 
 under Apis, or Osyris, did likewise worship Nilus ; and their ' A<j>avi(r/j.bs and 
 ECpTjcrij signified the overflowing of A'ilus, and return of it to the Channel. 
 Now owing all their sustenance to the Sun and A'ilus, for that reason they 
 figured both under the shape of an Ox ; and not, I believe, as Vossius, and 
 some other learned men imagine, to represent Joseph, who fed them in the 
 time of the Famine : Besides, the Images of this Ox (like that which Aaron 
 made for the Children of Israel, in the imitation of the Egyptian Idolatry) they 
 kept a living one, and worshipped it with great reverence, and made infinite 
 lamentations at the death of it, till another was found with the like marks, and 
 then they thought that the old one was only returned from the bottom of 
 Nilus, whither they fancied it to retreat at the death or disappearing, 
 
 Quo se gurgite Nili 
 
 Condat adoratus trepidis pastoribus Apis. Stat. 
 
 The Marks were these. It was to be a black Bull, with a white streak along 
 the back, a white mark like an Half-moon on his right shoulder, two hairs 
 only growing on his tail, with a square blaze in his forehead, and a bunch, 
 called Cantharus, under his tongue : By what art the Priests made these marks, 
 is hard to guess. It is indifferently named Ox, Calf, or Heifer, both by the 
 Hebrews, Greeks, and Latines. So that which Exodus terms a Calf, Psalm. 
 ro6. renders an Ox. 
 
 3. See Chap. 12. i. From this time the Hebrews had two computations 
 of the beginning of the year; the one Common, the other Sacred: The Common 
 began in 7^isri. which answers to our September, at the Autumnal dE.quinocT.ial; 
 and all civil matters were regulated according to this, which was the old 
 account of the year. The Sacred, to which all Festivals, and all Religious 
 matters had relation, began at the Vernal /Equinoctial, and was instituted in 
 commemoration of this deliverance. 
 
 J 7- 
 
 i. Give a new occasion for it to be called the Red-Sea. Concerning 
 the name of which, the opinions are very different ; that which seems to me 
 most probable is, that it is denominated from Idumcea, and that from Edom, 
 or Esau, that signifies Red; and the King Erithra, or Erythrus, from whence 
 the Graecians derive it was Esau, and Erythraa his Country, Idumcea, both 
 signifying the same thing in Hebrew and in Greek ; but because that opinion of 
 the Redness of the shore in some places, has bin most received, and is confirmed 
 even to this day by some Travellers, and sounds most poetically, I allude to it 
 here, whether it be true or not. 
 
 tip-] 
 
 i. Plutarch de Is. & Osyr. testifies, that ~S.-qfj.la was an ancient name of 
 Egypt, and that it was called so long after by the most skilful of the Egyptian 
 Priests ; that is, the Country of Cham : As also, the Scripture terms it, Psalm. 
 105. Et Jacob peregrinus fuit in terra Cham. From whose son it was after- 
 wards named Misraim, and by the Arabians Mesre to this day. 
 
 i. Beasts that were deified by the Egyptians, who chose at first the figures 
 of Beasts for the Symbols or Hieroglyphical signs of their Gods, perhaps no 
 otherwise than as the Poets make them of Constellations, but in time the 
 worship came even to be terminated in them. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 238
 
 Davideis, 
 
 A 
 
 SACRED POEM 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TROUBLES 
 
 OF 
 
 DAVID. 
 
 In FOUR BOOKS. 
 
 VIRG. GEORG. 2. 
 Me vero primum dulces ante omnia 
 Quarum sacra fero ingentl percussus amore, 
 Accipiant, Cceliq\ vtas ac Sidera monstrent. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for Henry Herringman, at the Sign of the Blew 
 Anchor in the Lower Walk of the 
 Exchange. 1668.
 
 THE 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 r I ^He Proposition. The Invocation. The entrance into the 
 J_ History from a new agreement betwixt Saul and David. 
 A Description of Hell. The Devils Speech. Envys reply to him. 
 Her appearing to Saul in the shape of Benjamin, her Speech and 
 Sauls to himself after she was vanisht. A Description of Heaven. 
 Gods Speech : he sends an Angel to David, the Angels Message 
 to him. David sent for to play before Saul. A Digression 
 concerning Musick. Davids Psalm. Saul attempts to kill him. 
 His escape to his own house, from whence being pursued by the Kings 
 Guard, by the artifice of his Wife Michol he escapes, and flies 
 to Naioh, the Prophets Colledge at Ramah. Sauls speech, and 
 rage at his escape. A long Digression describing the Prophets 
 Colledge, and their manner of life there, and the ordinary subjeSts 
 of their Poetry. Sauls Guards pursue David thither, and pro- 
 phesie. Saul among the Prophets. He is compared to Balaam, 
 whose Song concludes the Book. 
 
 241
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 DAVIDEIS. 
 
 The first Book. 
 
 I, 2 T Sing the Man who yudahs Scepter bore 
 
 J_ In that right hand which held the Crook before ; 
 
 Who from best Poet, best of Kings did grow ; 
 
 The two chief gifts Heaven could on Man bestow. 
 
 Much danger first, much toil did he sustain, 
 
 Whilst Saul and Hell crost his strong fate in vain. 
 
 Nor did his Crown less painful work afford ; 
 
 Less exercise his Patience, or his Sword ; 
 
 So long her Conque'ror Fortunes spight pursu'd ; 
 
 Till with unwearied Virtue he subdu'd 
 
 All homebred Malice, and all forreign boasts ; 
 
 Their strength was Armies, his the Lord of Hosts. 
 
 Thou, who didst Davids royal stem adorn, joh. 8. 58. 
 
 And gav'st him birth from whom thy self was't born. 
 
 Who didst in Triumph at Deaths Court appear, 
 
 And slew'st him with thy Nails, thy Cross and Spear, 
 
 Whilst Hells black Tyrant trembled to behold, 
 
 The glorious light he forfeited of old, 
 
 Who Heav'ns glad burden now, and justest pride, 
 
 Sit'st high enthron'd next thy great Fathers side, 
 
 (Where hallowed Flames help to adorn that Head 
 
 Which once the blushing Thorns environed, 
 
 Till crimson drops of precious blood hung down 
 
 Like Rubies to enrich thine humble Crown.) 
 
 Ev'en Thou my breast with such blest rage inspire, 
 
 As mov'd the tuneful strings of Davids Lyre, 
 
 Guid my bold steps with thine old travelling Flame, Exod. 13.5 
 
 3 In these untrodden paths to Sacred Fame ; 
 
 242
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 Lo, with pure hands thy heav'enly Fires to take, 
 
 My well-chang'd Muse I a chast Vestal make ! 
 
 From earths vain joys, and loves soft witchcraft free, 
 
 I consecrate my Magdalene to Thee ! 
 
 Lo, this great work, a Temple to thy praise, 
 
 On polisht Pillars of strong Verse I raise ! 
 
 A Temple, where if Thou vouchsafe to dwell, 
 
 4 It Solomons, and Herods shall excel. 
 
 Too long the Muses-Land have Heathen bin ; 
 Their Gods too long were Dev'ils, and Vertues Sin ; 
 But Thou, Eternal Word, hast call'd forth Me 
 
 5 Th' Apostle, to convert that World to Thee ; 
 T' unbind the charms that in slight Fables lie, 
 And teach that Truth is truest Poesie. 
 
 The malice now of jealous Saul grew less, 
 O'recome by constant Virtue, and Success ; 
 
 6 He grew at last more weary to command 
 New dangers, than young David to withstand 
 Or Conquer them ; he fear'd his mastring Fate, 
 And envy'd him a Kings unpowerful Hate. 
 
 Well did he know how Palms by 'oppression speed, 
 
 7 Vilorious, and the Vittors sacred Meed ! 
 
 The Burden lifts them higher. Well did he know, 
 How a tame stream does wild and dangerous grow 
 By unjust force ; he now with wanton play, 
 Kisses the smiling Banks, and glides away, 
 But his known Channel stopt, begins to roare, 
 
 8 And swell with rage, and buffet the dull shore. 
 His mutinous waters hurry to the War, 
 
 And Troops of Waves come rolling from afar. 
 
 Then scorns he such weak stops to his free source, 
 
 And overruns the neighboring fields with violent course. . 
 
 This knew the Tyrant, and this useful thought 
 His wounded mind to health and temper brought. 
 He old kind vows to David did renew, 
 Swore constancy, and meant his oath for true. 
 A general joy at this glad news appear'd, 
 For David all men lov'd, and Saul they fear'd. 
 Angels and Men did Peace, and David love, 
 But Hell did neither Him, nor That approve ; M C 
 
 q.2 243
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 From mans agreement fierce Alarms they take ; 
 And Quiet here, does there new Business make. 
 Beneath the silent chambers of the earth, 
 Where the Suns fruitful beams give metals birth, 
 Where he the growth of fatal Gold does see, 
 Gold which above more Influence has than He. 
 9 Beneath the dens where unfletcht Tempests lye, 
 And infant Winds their tender Voyces try, 
 Beneath the mighty Oceans wealthy Caves, 
 
 10 Beneath th' eternal Fountain of all Waves, 
 Where their vast Court the Mother-waters keep, 
 And undisturb'd by Moons in silence sleep, 
 There is a place deep, wondrous deep below, 
 Which genuine Night and Horrour does o'reflow ; 
 
 11 No bound controls th' unwearied space, but Hell 
 Endless as those dire pains that in it dwell. 
 Here no dear glimpse of the Suns lovely face, 
 Strikes through the Solid darkness of the place ; 
 No dawning Morn does her kind reds display ; 
 
 One slight weak beam would here be thought the Day. 
 No gentle stars with their fair Gems of Light 
 Offend the tyr'anous and unquestion'd Night. 
 Here Lucifer the mighty Captive reigns ; 
 Proud, 'midst his Woes, and Tyrant in his Chains. 
 Once General of a guilded Host of Sprights, 
 Like Hesper, leading forth the spangled Nights. 
 But down like Lightning, which him struck, he came ; 
 And roar'd at his first plunge into the Flame. 
 Myriads of Spirits fell wounded round him there ; 
 With dropping Lights thick shone the singed Air. 
 Since when the dismal Solace of their wo, 
 Has only been weak Mankind to undo ; 
 Themselves at first against themselves they 'excite, 
 (Their dearest Conquest, and most proud delight) 
 And if those Mines of secret Treason fail, 
 With open force mans Pertue they assail ; 
 Unable to corrupt, seek to destroy ; 
 And where their Poysons miss, the Sword employ. 
 Thus sought the Tyrant Fiend young Davids fall ; 
 vX^) And 'gainst him arm'd the pow'erful rage of Saul. 
 
 244
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 He saw the beauties of his shape and face, 
 
 His female sweetness, and his manly grace, ! t Sain ' '*' 
 
 He saw the nobler wonders of his Mind, 
 
 Great Gifts, which for Great Works he knew design'd. 
 
 He saw (t' ashame the strength of Man and Hell) i Sam. 17. 
 
 How by's young hands their Gat hit e Champion fell. ^ 
 
 He saw the reverend Prophet boldly shed 
 
 12 The Royal Drops round his Enlarged Head. i Sam. 16. 
 
 13 And well he knew what Legacy did place, Gen. 49. 10. 
 The sacred Scepter in blest jfudahs race, 
 
 From which th' Eternal Shilo was to spring ; 
 A Knowledge which new Hells to Hell did bring ! 
 And though no less he knew himself too weak 
 The smallest Link of strong-wrought Fate to break ; 
 Yet would he rage, and struggle with the Chain ; 
 Lov'd to Rebel though sure that 'twas in vain. 
 And now it broke his form'd design, to find 
 The gentle change of Sauls recovering Mind. 
 He trusted much in Saul, and rag'ed, and griev'd 
 (The great Deceiver) to be Himself Deceived. 
 Thrice did he knock his Iron teeth, thrice howl, 
 And into frowns his wrathful forehead rowl. 
 His eyes dart forth red flames which scare the Night, 
 And with worse Fires the trembling Ghosts affright. 
 A Troop of gastly Fiends compass him round, 
 And greedily catch at his lips fear'd sound. 
 
 Are we such Nothings then (said He) Our will 
 Crost by a Shepherds Boy? and you yet still 
 Play with your idle Serpents here ? dares none 
 Attempt what becomes Furies ? are ye grown 
 Benum'd with Fear, or Vertues sprightless cold, 
 You, who were once (I'm sure) so brave and boldl 
 Oh my ill-chang'd condition ! oh my fate ! 
 
 14 Did I lose Heav'en for this? 
 
 With that, with his long tail he lasht his breast, 
 
 And horribly spoke out in Looks the rest. 
 
 The quaking Pow'ers of Night stood in amaze, 
 
 And at each other first could only gaze. 
 
 A dreadful Silence fill'd the hollow place, 
 
 Doubling the native terrour of Hells face ; 
 
 245
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Rivers of flaming Brimstone, which before 
 
 So loudly rag'd, crept softly by the shore ; 
 
 No hiss of Snakes, no clanck of Chains was known, 
 
 The Souls amidst their Tortures durst not groan. 
 
 Envy at last crawls forth from that dire throng, 
 Of all the direful'st ; her black locks hung long, 
 Attir'd with curling Serpents ; her pale skin 
 Was almost dropt from the sharp bones within, 
 And at her breast stuck pipers which did prey 
 Upon her panting heart, both night and day 
 Sucking black bloud from thence, which to repair 
 Both night and day they left fresh poysons there. 
 Her garments were deep stain'd in humane gore, 
 And torn by her own hands, in which she bore 
 A knotted whip, and bowl, that to the brim 
 Did with green gall, and juice of wormwood swim. 
 With which when she was drunk, she furious grew 
 And lasht herself-, thus from th' accursed crew, 
 Envy, the worst of Fiends, herself presents, 
 Envy, good only when she herself torments. 
 
 Spend not, great King, thy precious rage (said she) 
 Upon so poor a cause ; shall Mighty We 
 The glory of our wrath to him afford ? 
 Are We not Furies still ? and you our Lord ? 
 At thy dread anger the fixt World shall shake, 
 And frighted Nature her own Laws forsake. 
 Do Thvu but threat, loud storms shall make reply, 
 And Thunder eccho't to the trembling Sky, 
 Whilst raging Seas swell to so bold an height, 
 As shall the Fires proud Element affright. 
 Th' old drudging Sun from his long-beaten way, 
 Shall at thy Poice start, and misguide the day. 
 The jocond Orbs shall break their measur'd pace, 
 And stubborn Poles change their allotted place. 
 Heav'ens guilded Troops shall flutter here and there, 
 Leaving their boasting Songs tun'd to a Sphere ; 
 
 15 Nay their God too for fear he did, when We 
 
 Took noble Arms against his Tyrannie, 
 So noble Arms, and in a Cause so great, 
 That Triumphs they deserve for their Defeat. 
 
 246
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 There was a Day \ oh might I see't again 
 Though he had fiercer Flames to thrust us in ! 
 And can such pow'rs be by a Child withstood ? 
 Will Slings, alas, or Pebles do him good ? 
 What th' untam'd Lyon, whet with hunger too, 
 And Gyants could not, that my Word shall do : 
 I'll soon dissolve this Peace ; were Sauls new Love 
 (But Saul we know) great as my Hate shall prove, 
 Before their Sun twice be gone about, 
 /, and my faithful Snakes would drive it out. 
 
 1 6 By Me Cain offer'd up his Brothers gore, Gen. 4 . 8. 
 A Sacrifice far worse than that before j 
 
 I saw him fling the stone, as if he meant, 
 
 At once his Murder and his Monument, 
 
 And laught to see (for 'twas a goodly show) 
 
 The Earth by her first Tiller fatned so. ^ b xo ^ 
 
 I drove proud Pharaoh to the parted Sea ; 
 
 He, and his Host drank up cold death by Me ; 
 
 By Me rebellious Arms fierce Corah took, 
 
 And Moses (curse upon that Name /) forsook ; Num - *& * 
 
 17 Hither (ye know) almost alive he came 11x31. 
 Through the cleft Earth ; Ours was his Fun 1 era I Flame. 
 
 By Me but I lose time, methinks, and should 
 
 Perform new a6ls whilst I relate the old ; 
 
 David's the next our fury must enjoy ; 
 
 'Tis not thy God himself shall save thee, Boy ; 
 
 No, if he do, may the whole World have Peace ; 
 
 May all ill Actions, all ill Fortune cease, 
 
 And banisht from this potent Court below, 
 
 May / a ragged, contemn'd f^ertue grow. 
 
 She spoke j all star'ed at first, and made a pause ; 
 But strait the general murmur of applause 
 Ran through Deaths Courts ; she frown'd still, and begun 
 To envy at the praise herself had won. 
 
 1 8 Great Belzebub starts from his burning Throne 
 To' embrace the Fiend, but she now furious grown 
 To a& her part ; thrice bow'd, and thence she fled ; 
 The Snakes all hist, the Fiends all murmured. 
 
 It was the time when silent night began 
 T'enchain with sleep the busie spirits of Man ; 
 
 247
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 And Saul himself, though in his troubled breast 
 
 The weight of Empire lay, took gentle rest : 
 
 So did not Envy ; but with haste arose ; 
 
 And as through Israels stately Towns she goes, 
 
 She frowns and shakes her head ; shine on (says she) 
 
 Ruines e're long shall your sole Mon'uments be. 
 
 The silver Moon with terrour paler grew, 
 
 And neighbring Herman sweated flowry dew ; 
 
 Swift *J or dan started, and straight backward fled, 
 
 Hiding among thick reeds his aged head ; 
 
 19 Lo, at her entrance Sauls strong Palace shook ; 
 And nimbly there the reverend shape she took 
 Of Father Benjamin ; so long her beard, 
 
 So large her limbs, so grave her looks appear'd. 
 
 20 Just like his statue which bestrid Sauls gate, 
 And seem'd to guard the race it did create. 
 
 In this known foim she approacht the Tyrants side; 
 And thus her words the sacred Form bely'd. 
 
 Arise, lost King of Israel-, can'st thou lie 
 Dead in this sleep, and yet thy Last so nigh ? 
 If King thou be'est, if y esses race as yit 
 Sit not on Israels Throne \ and shall he sit ? 
 Did ye for this from fruitful Egypt fly ? 
 From the mild Brickhils nobler slavery ? 
 For this did Seas your pow'erful Rod obey ? 
 Did Wonders guid, and feed you on your way ? 
 Could ye not there great Pharaohs bondage beare, 
 You who can serve a Boy, and Minstrel here ? 
 Forbid it God, if thou be'st just ; this shame 
 Cast not on Sauls, on mine, and Israels Name. 
 Why was I else from Canaans Famine lead ? 
 Happy, thrice happy had I there been dead Gen. 43. 
 
 E're my full Loyns discharged this num'erous race, 
 This luckless Tribe, ev'en Crown' d to their Disgrace ! 
 Ah Saul, thy Servants Vassal must thou live ? 
 Place to his Harp must thy dread Scepter give ? 
 What wants he now but that ? can'st thou forget 
 (If thou be'st man thou can'st not) how they met 
 The Youth with Songs ? Alas, poor Monarch ! you i. Sam. 18. 
 
 Your thousand onely, he ten thousand slew ! 
 
 248
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 Him Isra'el loves, him neighbring Countreys fear ; 
 You but the Name, and empty Title bear ; 
 And yet the Traytor lives, lives in thy Court ; 
 The Court that must be his ; where he shall sport 
 Himself with all thy Concubines, thy Gold, 
 Thy costly robes, thy Crown ; Wert thou not told 
 This by proud Samuel, when at Gilgal he i. Sam. 13. 
 
 With bold false threats from God affronted Thee ? 
 The dotard ly'd ; God said it not I know ; 
 Not Baal or Moloch would have us'd thee so ; 
 Was not the choice his own ? did not thy worth 
 Exadt the royal Lot, and call it forth ? 
 
 Hast thou not since (my best and greatest Sonne) * Sam - '9- 
 
 To Him, and to his per'ishing Nation done 
 Such lasting ben'efits as may justly claime 
 A Scepter as eternal as thy Fame ? 
 
 Poor Prince, whom Madmen, Priests, and Boys invade ! 
 By thine own Flesh thy ingrateful Son betray 'd ! 
 Unnat'ural Fool, who can thus cheated be 
 By Friendships Name against a Crown and Thee ! 
 Betray not too thy self ; take courage, call 
 21 Thy 'enchanted Vertues forth, and be Whole Saul. 
 Lo, this great cause makes thy dead Fathers rise, 
 Breaks the firm Seals of their clos'd Tombs and Eyes. 
 Nor can their jealous Ashes, whilst this Boy 
 Survives, the Priv'iledge of their Graves enjoy. 
 Rise quickly Saul, and take that Rebels breath 
 Which troubles thus thy Life, and ev'en our Death. 
 Kill him, and thou'rt secure ; 'tis only He 
 That's boldly interpos'd 'twixt God and Thee, 
 As Earths low Globe robs the High Moon of Light ; 
 When this Eclypse is past, thy Fate's all bright. 
 Trust me, dear Son, and credit what I tell ; 
 I 'have seen thy royal Stars, and know them well. 
 Hence Fears and dull Delays \ Is not thy Breast 
 (Yes, Saul it is) with noble thoughts possest ? 
 May they beget like Afts. With that she takes 
 One of her worst, her best beloved Snakes, 
 Softly, dear Worm, soft and unseen (said she) 
 Into his bosom steal, and in it be 
 
 249
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 My Pice-Roy. At that word she took her flight, 
 And her loose shape dissolv'd into the Night. 
 
 The infected King leapt from his bed amaz'd, 
 Scarce knew himself at first, but round him gaz'd, 
 And started back at piec'd up shapes, which fear 
 And his distracted Fancy painted there. 
 Terror froze up his hair, and on his face 
 Show'rs of cold sweat roll'd trembling down apace. 
 Then knocking with his angry hands his breast, 
 Earth with his feet ; He crys, Oh 'tis confest ; 
 
 22 F have been a pious fool, a Woman-King ; 
 Wrong'd by a Seer, a Boy, every thing. 
 
 23 Eight hundred years of Death is not so deep, 
 So unconcern'd as my Lethargick sleep. 
 
 My Patience ev'en a Sacriledge becomes, 
 
 Disturbs the Dead, and opes their sacred Tombs. 
 
 Ah Benjamin, kind Father \ who for me 
 
 This cursed World endur'st again to see ! 
 
 All thou hast said, great Vision, is so true, 
 
 That all which thou command'st, and more I'll do : 
 
 Kill him ? yes mighty Ghost the wretch shall dy, 
 
 Though every Star in Heav'en should it deny ; 
 
 Nor mock th' assault of our just wrath again, 
 
 Had he ten times his fam'd ten thousand slain. 
 
 Should that bold popular Madman, whose design 
 
 Is to revenge his own disgrace by Mine, i Sam. 8. 
 
 Should my ingrateful Son oppose th' intent, 
 
 Should mine own heart grow scrup'ulous and relent. 
 
 Curse me just Heaven (by which this truth I swear) 
 
 If I that Seer, my Son, or Self do spare. 
 
 No gentle Ghost, return to thy still home ; 
 
 Thither this day mine, and thy Foe shall come. 
 
 If that curst obje6t longer vex my sight, 
 
 It must have learnt to 'appear as Thou to night. 
 
 Whilst thus his wrath with threats the Tyrant fed, 
 The threatned youth slept fearless on his bed ; 
 Sleep on, rest quiet as thy Conscience take, 
 For though Thou sleep'st thy self, thy God's awake. 
 
 24 Above the subtle foldings of the Sky, 
 Above the well-set Orbs soft Harmony, 
 
 250
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 Above those petty Lamps that guild the Night ; 
 There is a place o'reflown with hallowed Light ; 
 Where Heaven, as if it left it self behind, 
 Is stretcht out far, nor its own bounds can find : 
 Here peaceful Flames swell up the sacred place, 
 
 25 Nor can the glory contain it self in th' endless space. ',- 
 For there no twilight of the Suns dull ray, 
 Glimmers upon the pure and native day. 
 
 No pale-fac'd Moon does in stoln beams appear, 
 Or with dim Taper scatters darkness there. 
 On no smooth Sphear the restless seasons slide, 
 No circling Motion doth swift Time divide ; 
 Nothing is there To come, and nothing Past, 
 
 26 But an Eternal Now does always last. 
 There sits th' Almighty, First of all, and End ; 
 Whom nothing but Himself can comprehend. 
 Who with his Word commanded All to Be, 
 And All obey'd him, for that Word was He. 
 Only he spoke, and every thing that Is 
 From out the womb of fertile Nothing ris. 
 
 Oh who shall tell, who shall describe thy throne, 
 
 Thou Great Three-One ? 
 
 There Thou thy self do'st in full presence show, 
 
 Not absent from these meaner Worlds below ; 
 
 No, if thou wert, the Elements League would cease, 
 
 And all thy Creatures break thy Natures peace. 
 
 The Sun would stop his course, or gallop back, 
 
 The Stars drop out, the Poles themselves would crack : 
 
 Earths strong foundations would be torn in twain, 
 
 And this vast work all ravel out again 
 
 To its first Nothing ; For his spirit contains 
 
 27 The well-knit Mass, from him each Creature gains 
 Being and Motion, which he still bestows ; 
 
 From him th' ejfeft of our weak Aflion flows. 
 
 28 Round him vast Armies of swift Angels stand, 
 Which seven triumphant Generals command, 
 They sing loud anthems of his endless praise, 
 And with fixt eyes drink in immortal rayes. 
 
 29 Of these he call'd out one ; all Heav'en did shake, 
 And silence kept whilst its Creator spake. 
 
 251
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Are we forgotten then so soon ? can He 
 Look on his Crown, and not remember Me 
 That gave it ? can he think we did not hear 
 (Fond Man !) his threats ? and have we made the Ear 
 To be accounted deaf? No, Saul, we heard ; 
 And it will cost thee dear ; the ills thou'st fear'd, 
 Praclis'd, or thought on, I'll all double send ; 
 Have we not spoke it, and dares Man contend ! 
 Alas, poor dust ! didst thou but know the day 
 When thou must lie in blood at Gilboa, i sm. 3 i. 
 
 Thou, and thy Sons, thou wouldst not threaten still, 
 Thy trembling Tongue would stop against thy will. 
 Then shall thine Head fixt in curst Temples be, 
 And all their foolish Gods shall laugh at Thee. 
 That hand which now on Davids Life would prey, 
 Shall then turn just, and its own Master slay ; 
 He whom thou hafest, on thy lov'ed Throne shall sit, 
 And expiate the disgrace thou do'st to it. 
 Hast then ; tell David what his King has sworn, 
 Tell him whose blood must paint this rising Morn. 
 Yet bid him go securely when he sends ; 
 
 30 'Tis Saul that is his Foe, and we his Friends. 
 The Man who has his God no aid can lack, 
 And we who bid him Go, will bring him back. 
 
 He spoke ; the Heavens seem'd decently to bow, 
 With all their bright Inhabitants ; and now 
 The jocond Sphaeres began again to play, 
 Again each Spirit sung Halleluia. 
 Only that Angel was strait gon ; Ev'en so 
 (But not so swift) the morning Glories flow 
 At once from the bright Sun, and strike the ground ; 
 So winged Lightning the soft air does wound. 
 Slow Time admires, and knows not what to call 
 The Motion, having no Account so small. 
 So flew this Angel, till to Davids bed 
 He came, and thus his sacred Message said, 
 
 3 1 Awake, young Man, hear what thy King has sworn ; 
 He swore thy blood should paint this rising Morn. 
 
 Yet to him go securely when he sends ; 
 
 'Tis Saul that is your Foe, and God your Friends. 
 
 252
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 The Man who has his God, no aid can lack; 
 And he who bids thee Go, will bring thee back. 
 Up leapt Jessides, and did round him stare ; 
 But could see nought ; for nought was left but air, 
 Whilst this great Piston labours in his thought, 
 Lo, the short Prophesie t'effeft is brought. 
 
 In treacherous hast he's sent for to the King, ' Saa. 18. 
 
 And with him bid his charmful Lyre to bring. 
 The King, they say, lies raging in a Fit, 
 Which does no cure but sacred tunes admit ; 
 
 32 And true it was, soft musick did appease 
 Th'obscure fantastick rage of Sauls disease. 
 
 33 Tell me, oh Muse (for Thou, or none canst tell 
 The mystick pow'ers that in blest Numbers dwell, 
 Thou their great Nature know'st, nor is it fit 
 This noblest Gem of thine own Crown t' omit) 
 Tell me from whence these heav'nly charms arise ; 
 Teach the dull world /' 'admire what they despise, 
 
 As first a various unform'd Hint we find 
 Rise in some god-like Poets fertile Mind, 
 Till all the parts and words their places take, 
 And with just marches verse and musick make ; 
 
 34 Such was Gods Poem, this Worlds new Essay ; 
 So wild and rude in its first draught it lay ; 
 Th' ungovern'd parts no Correspondence knew, 
 An artless war from thwarting Motions grew ; 
 Till they to Number and fixt Rules were brought 
 By the eternal Minds Poetique Thought. 
 
 35 Water and Air he for the Tenor chose, 
 Earth made the Base, the Treble Flame arose, 
 
 36 To th' a6live Moon a quick brisk stroke he gave, 
 To Saturns string a touch more soft and grave. 
 The motions Strait, and Round, and Swift, and Slow, 
 And Short, and Long, were mixt and woven so, 
 Did in such artful Figures smoothly fall, 
 
 As made this decent measur'd Dance of AIL 
 And this is Musick; Sounds that charm our ears, 
 Are but one Dressing that rich Science wears. 
 Though no man hear't, though no man it reherse, 
 Yet will there still be Musick in my Verse. 
 
 253 
 
 i Sam. 16. 
 33-
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 In this Great World so much of it we see ; 
 
 37 The Lesser, Man, is all o're Harmonie. 
 Storehouse of all Proportions ! single Quire ! 
 Which first Gods Breath did tunefully inspire ! 
 From hence blest Musicks heav'enly charms arise, 
 From sympathy which Them and Man allies. 
 Thus they our souls, thus they our Bodies win, 
 Not by their Force, but Party that's within. 
 
 38 Thus the strange Cure on our spilt Blood apply'd, 
 Sympathy to the distant Wound does guid. 
 
 39 Thus when two Brethren strings are set alike, 
 To move them both, but one of them we strike, 
 Thus Davids Lyre did Sauls wild rage controul. 
 
 40 And tun'd the harsh disorders of his Soul. 
 
 41 When Israel was from bondage led, Psai. 
 
 Led by th' Almighty's hand 
 
 From out a forreign land, 
 The great Sea beheld, and fled. 
 As men pursu'd, when that fear past they find, 
 Stop on some higher ground to look behind, 
 So whilst through wondrous ways 
 
 The sacred Army went, 
 The Waves afar stood up to gaze, 
 
 And their own Rocks did represent, 
 Solid as Waters are above the Firmament. 
 
 Old Jordans waters to their spring 
 Start back with sudden fright ; 
 The spring amaz'd at sight, 
 Asks what News from Sea they bring. 
 The Mountains shook ; and to the Mountains side, 
 The little Hills leapt round themselves to hide; 
 As young affrighted Lambs 
 
 When they ought dreadful spy, 
 Run trembling to their helpless Dams; 
 
 The mighty Sea and River by, 
 Were glad for their excuse to see the Hills to fly. 
 
 What ail'd the mighty Sea to flee ;
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 / 
 ^ fe" 7 
 
 Or why did Jordans tyde 
 Back to his Fountain glide ? 
 'Jordan* Tyde, what ailed Thee ? 
 
 Why leapt the Hills ? why did the Mountains shake ? 
 What ail'd them their fixt Natures to forsake ? 
 Fly where thou wilt, O Sea ! 
 
 And Jordans Current cease ; 
 "Jordan there is no need of thee, 
 
 For at Gods word, when e're he please, 
 The Rocks shall weep new Waters forth instead of these. xod - *7- 6 - 
 
 Num. ao. ii. 
 
 Thus sung the great Musician to his Lyre ; 
 And Sauls black rage grew softly to retire ; 
 But Envys Serpent still with him remain'd, 
 
 42 And the wise Charmers healthful voice disdain'd. p s . s s. 5. 
 
 Th' unthankful King cur'd truly of his fit, 
 Seems to lie drown'd and buryed still in it. 
 From his past madness draws this wicked use, 
 To sin disguis'd, and murder with excuse : 
 For whilst the fearless youth his cure pursues, 
 And the soft Medicine with kind art renews ; 
 The barb'arous Patient casts at him his spear* * Sa - l8 - 
 
 - 1 ! I 1 \ II. & IJ. 10. 
 
 (T. he usual Scepter that rough hand did bear) 
 
 Casts it with violent strength, but into th'roome 
 
 An Arm more strong and sure then his was come; 
 
 An Angel whose unseen and easie might 
 
 Put by the weapon, and misled it right, 
 
 How vain Mans pow'er is ! unless God command, 
 
 The weapon disobeys his Masters hand ! 
 
 Happy was now the error of the blow ; 
 
 At Gilboa it will not serve him so. 
 
 One would have thought, Sauls sudden rage t'have seen, 
 
 He had himself by David wounded been. 
 
 He scorn'd to leave what he did ill begin, 
 
 And thought his Honor now engag'ed i'th' Sin. 
 
 A bloody Troop of his own Guards he sends 
 
 (Slaves to his Will, and falsly call'ed his Friends) 
 
 To mend his error by a surer blow, 
 
 So Saul ordain'ed, but God ordain'ed not so. 
 
 Home flies the Prince and to his trembling Wife
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Relates the new-past hazard of his life, 
 Which she with decent passion hears him tell ; 
 For not her own fair Eyes she lov'ed so well. 
 
 43 Upon their Palace top beneath a row 
 
 Of Lemon Trees, which there did proudly grow, 
 
 And with bright stores of golden fruit repay 
 
 The Light they drank from the Suns neighb'ring ray, 
 
 (A small, but artful Paradise) they walk'd ; 
 
 And hand in hand sad gentle things they talk'd. 
 
 Here Michol first an armed Troop espies 
 
 (So faithful and so quick are loving Eyes) 
 
 Which marcht, and often glister'd through a wood, 
 
 That on right hand, of her fair Palace stood ; 
 
 She saw them ; and cry'd out ; They're come to kill i! Sam 
 
 My dearest Lord ; Sauls spear pursues thee still. 
 
 Behold his wicked Guards ; Haste quickly, fly, 
 
 For heavens sake haste ; My dear Lord, do not dy. 
 
 Ah cruel Father, whose ill-natur'ed rage 
 
 Neither thy Worth, nor Marriage can asswage ! 
 
 Will he part those he joyn'd so late before ? 
 
 Were the two-hundred Foreskins worth no more ? x Sam - 
 
 27* 
 
 He shall not part us ; (Then she wept between) 
 At yonder Window thou mayst scape unseen ; 
 This hand shall let thee down ; stay not, but hast ; 
 'Tis not my Use to send thee hence so fast. 
 Best of all women, he replies and this 
 Scarce spoke, she stops his answer with a Kiss ; 
 Throw not away (said she) thy precious breath, 
 Thou stay'st too long within the reach of death. 
 Timely he'obeys her wise advice, and streit 
 
 44 To unjust Force she'opposes just deceit. 
 
 She meets the Murd'erers with a vertuous L\\ J Sam - 
 
 J > 13. 
 
 And good dissembling Tears ; May he not dy 
 
 In quiet then ? (said she) will they not give I Sam- 
 
 That freedom who so fear lest he should Live ? 
 
 Even fate does with your cruelty conspire, 
 
 And spares your guilt, yet does what you desire. 
 
 Must he not live ? for that ye need not sin ; 
 
 My much-wrong'd Husband speechless lies within, 
 
 And has too little left of vital breath 
 
 256
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 ;sH 
 
 To know his Murderers, or to feel his Death. 
 
 One hour will do your work 
 
 Here her well-govern'd Tears dropt down apace ; 
 
 Beauty and Sorrow mingled in one face 
 
 Has such resistless charms that they believe, 
 
 And an unwilling aptness find to grieve 
 
 At what they came for ; A pale Statues head 
 
 In linnen wrapt appear'd on Davids bed ; 
 
 Two servants mournful stand and silent by, 
 
 And on the table med'cinal reliques ly ; 
 
 In the close room a well-plac'ed Tapers light, 
 
 Adds a becoming horror to the sight. 
 
 And for th' Impression God prepar'ed their Sence ; 
 
 They saw, believ'd all this, and parted thence. 
 
 How vain attempts Sauls unblest anger tryes, 
 
 By his own hands deceiv'd, and servants Eyes ! 
 
 It cannot be (said he) no, can it ? shall 
 Our great ten thousand Slayer idly fall ? 
 The silly rout thinks God protects him still ; 
 But God) alas, guards not the bad from /'//. 
 Oh may he guard him ! may his members be 
 In as full strength, and well-set harmonic 
 As the fresh body of the first made Man 
 E're Sin, or Sins just meed, Disease began. 
 He will be else too small for our vast Hate ; 
 And we must share in our revenge with fate. 
 No ; let us have him Whole ; we else may seem 
 To'have snatcht away but some few days from him, 
 And cut that Thread which would have dropt in two ; 
 Will our great anger learn to stoop so low ? 
 I know it cannot, will not ; him we prize 
 Of our just wrath the solemn Sacrifice, 
 45 That must not blemisht be ; let him remain 
 Secure, and grow up to our stroke again. 
 'Twill be some pleasure then to take his breath, 
 When he shall strive, and wrestle with his death ; 
 
 Go, let him live And yet shall I then stay 
 
 So long ? good and great actions hate delay. 
 Some foolish piety perhaps, or He 
 That has been still mine honors Enemie, 
 
 C. R 257
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Samuel may change or cross my just intent, 
 And I this Formal Pity soon repent. 
 Besides Fate gives him me, and whispers this, 
 That he can fly no more, if we should miss ; 
 Miss ? can we miss again ; go bring him strait, 
 Though gasping out his Soul ; if the wisht date * Sam 
 
 Of his accursed life be almost past, 
 Some Joy 'twill be to see him breath his last. 
 The Troop return'd, of their short Virtue 1 asham'ed, 
 Sauls courage prais'd, and their own weakness blam'ed, 
 But when the pious fraud they understood, 
 Scarce the respel due to Sauls sacred blood, 
 Due to the sacred beauty in it reign'ed, 
 From Michols murder their wild rage restrained. 
 She'alleag'ed the holiest chains that bind a wife, 
 Duty and Love ; she alleag'ed that her own Life, J 7 Sam 
 
 Had she refus'ed that safety to her Lord, 
 Would have incurr'd just danger from his sword. 
 Now was Sauls wrath full grown ; he takes no rest ; 
 A violent Flame rolls in his troubled brest, 
 And in fierce Lightning from his Eye do's break ; 
 Not his own fav'orites, and best friends dare speak, 
 Or look on him ; but mute and trembling all, 
 Fear where this Cloud will burst, and Thunder fall. 
 So when the pride and terrour of the Wood, 
 -A Lyon prickt with rage and want of food, 
 Espies -out from afar some well-fed beast, 
 And brustles up preparing for his feast ; 
 If that by swiftness scape his gaping jaws ; 
 His bloody eyes he hurls round, his sharp paws 
 Tear up the ground ; then runs he wild about, 
 Lashing his angry tail, and roaring out. 
 Beasts creep into their dens, and tremble there ; 
 Trees, though no wind stirring, shake with feare ; 
 Silence and horror fill the place around. 
 Eccho it self dares scarce repeat the sound. 
 
 46 Midst a large Wood that joyns fair Ramahs Town 
 (The neighbourhood fair Rama's chief renown) 
 
 47 A College stands, where at great Prophets feet 
 The Prophets Sons with silent dili'gence meet, 
 
 258 
 
 Sam.
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 By Samuel built, and mod'erately endow'ed, 
 
 Yet more to' his lib'ral Tongue then Hands they ow'ed : 
 
 There himself taught, and his blest voice to heare, 
 
 Teachers themselves lay proud beneath him there. 
 
 The House was a large Square ; but plain and low ; 
 
 Wise Natures use Art strove not to outgo. 
 
 An inward Square by well-rang'd Trees was made ; 
 
 And midst the friendly cover of their shade, 
 
 A pure, well-tasted, wholsome Fountain rose ; 
 
 Which no vain cost of Marble did enclose ; 
 
 Nor through carv'd shapes did the forc'ed waters pass, 
 
 Shapes gazing on themselves i'th' liquid glass. 
 
 Yet the chaste stream that 'mong loose peebles fell 
 
 48 For Cleanness, Thirst, Religion serv'd as well. 
 
 49 The Schollars, Doflors and Companions here, 
 Lodg'ed all apart in neat small chambers were : 
 Well-furnisht-Chambers, for in each there stood, 
 
 50 A narrow Couch, Table and Chair of wood ; 
 More is but clog where use does bound delight ; 
 
 And those are rich whose Wealth'?, proportion'ed right 
 
 To their Lifes Form ; more goods would but becom 
 
 A Burden to them, and contrail their room. 
 
 A second Court more sacred stood behind, 
 
 Built fairer, and to nobler use design'd : 
 
 The Halls and Schools one side of it possest ; 
 
 The Library and Synagogue the rest. 
 
 Tables of plain-cut Firre adorn'ed the Hall ; 
 
 51 And with beasts skins the beds were cov'red all. 
 
 52 The reverend Dottors take their seats on high, 
 Th' Elefl Companions in their bosoms ly. 
 
 The Schollars far below upon the ground, 
 On fresh-strew'd rushes place themselves around. 
 With more respect the wise and ancient lay ; 
 But eat not choicer Herbs or Bread then they, 
 Nor purer Waters drank, their constant feast ; 
 But by great days, and Sacrifice encreast. 
 The Schools built round and higher, at the end 
 With their fair circle did this side extend ; 
 To which their Synagogue on th'other side, 
 And to the Hall their Library replide. 
 
 R 2 259
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The midst tow'ards their large Gardens open lay, 
 
 To'admit the joys of Spring and early day. 
 
 I'th' Library a few choice Authors stood ; 
 
 Yet 'twas well stor'ed, for that small store was good ; 
 
 Writing, Mans Spiritual Physick was not then 
 
 It self, as now, grown a Disease of Men. 
 
 Learning (young Virgin) but few Suitors knew ; 
 
 The common Prostitute she lately grew, 
 
 And with her spurious brood loads now the Press ; 
 
 Laborious effetts of Idleness ! 
 
 Here all the various forms one might behold 
 
 How Letters sav'd themselves from Death of old ; 
 
 53 Some painfully engrav'ed in thin wrought plates, 
 Some cut in wood, some lightlier trac'ed on slates ; 
 
 54 Some drawn on fair Palm leaves, with short-live'd toyl, 
 Had not their friend the Cedar lent his Oyl. 
 
 55 Some wrought in Silks, some writ in tender barks ; 
 Some the sharp Stile in waxen Tables marks ; 
 
 56 Some in beasts skins, and some in Biblos reed ; 
 Both new rude arts, with age and growth did need. 
 The Schools were painted well with useful skill ; 
 Stars, Maps, and Stories the learn'd wall did fill. 
 Wise wholesome Proverbs mixt around the roome, 
 
 57 Some writ, and in Egyptian Figures some. 
 Here all the noblest Wits of men inspir'ed, 
 
 From earths slight joys, and worthless toils retir'ed, 
 Whom Samuels Fame and Bounty thither lead, 
 Each day by turns their solid knowledge read. 
 
 58 The course and power of Stars great Nathan thought, 
 And home to man those distant Wonders brought, 
 How toward both Poles the Suns fixt journey bends, 
 And how the Tear his crooked walk attends. 
 
 By what just steps the wandring Lights advance, 
 And what eternal measures guid their dance. 
 Himself a Prophet ; but his Lettures shew'ed 
 How little of that Art to them he ow'ed. 
 Mahol th'inferior worlds fantastick face, 
 Though all the turns of Matters Maze did trace, 
 Great Natures well-set Clock in pieces took ; 
 On all the Springs and smallest Wheels did look 
 
 260
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 Of Life and Motion ; and with equal art 
 Made up again the Whole of ev'ry Part. 
 The Prophet Gad in learned Dust designes 
 Th'immortal solid rules of fanci'ed Lines. 
 Of Numbers too th' unnumbred wealth he showes, 
 And with them far their endless journey goes. 
 
 59 Numbers which still encrease more high and wide 
 From One, the root of their turn'd Pyramide. 
 
 Of Men, and Ages past Seraiah read ; 
 Embalm d in long-liv'd History the Dead. 
 Show'd the steep falls, and slow ascent of States ; 
 What Wisdom and what Follies make their Fates. 
 Samuel himself did Gods rich Law display ; 
 Taught doubting men with Judgment to obay. 
 And oft his ravisht Soul with sudden flight 
 Soar'd above present Times, and humane sight. 
 These Arts but welcome strangers might appear, 
 Musick and Perse seem'd born and bred up here ; 
 Scarce the blest Heav'en that rings with Angels voyce, 
 Does more with constant Harmony rejoyce. 
 The sacred Muse does here each brest inspire ; 
 Heman, and sweet-mouth'd Asaph rule their Quire : 
 Both charming Poets, and all strains they plaid, 
 By artful Breath, or nimble Fingers made. 
 The Synagogue was drest with care and cost, 
 (The onely place where that they'esteem'd not lost) 
 The glittering roof with gold did daze the view, 
 
 60 The sides refresh't with silks of sacred blew. 
 Here thrice each day they read their perfect Law, 
 Thrice pray'ers from willing Heav'en a blessing draw ; 
 Thrice in glad Hymns swell'd with the Great Ones praise, 
 
 6 1 The plyant Poice on her sev'en steps they raise, 
 Whilst all th' enlivened Instruments around 
 
 To the just feet with various concord sound ; 
 
 Such things were Muses then, contemn'd low earth ; 
 
 Decently proud, and mindful of their birth. 
 
 'Twas God himself that here tun'ed every Toung ; 
 
 And gratefully of him alone they sung. 
 
 62 They sung how God spoke out the worlds vast ball ; 
 From Nothing, and from No where call'd forth All. 
 
 261
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 No Nature yet, or place for't to possess, 
 But an unbottom'ed Gulf of Emptiness. 
 Full of Himself, th' Almighty sat, his own 
 63 Palace, and without Solitude Alone. 
 
 But he was Goodness whole, and all things will'd ; 
 
 Which ere they were, his attive word fulfill'd ; 
 
 And their astonisht heads o'th' sudden rear'ed ; 
 
 An unshap'ed kind of Something first appear'ed, 
 
 Confessing its new Being, and undrest 
 
 As if it stept in hast before the rest. 
 
 Yet buried in this Matters darksome womb, 
 
 Lay the rich Seeds of ev'ery thing to com. 
 
 From hence the chearful Flame leapt up so high ; 
 
 Close at its heels the nimble Air did fly ; 
 
 Dull Earth with his own weight did downwards pierce 
 
 Xo the fixt Navel of the Universe, 
 
 And was quite lost in waters : till God said 
 
 To the proud Sea, shrink in your ins'olent head, 
 
 See how the gaping Earth has made you place ; 
 
 That durst not murmure, but shrunk in apace. 
 
 Since when his bounds are set, at which in vain 
 
 He foams, and rages, and turns back again. 
 
 With richer stuff he bad Heav'ens fabrick shine, 
 
 And from him a quick spring of Light divine 
 
 Swell'd up the Sun, from whence his cher'ishing flame 
 
 Fills the whole world, like Him from whom it came. 
 
 He sm'ooth'd the rough-cast Moons imperfe6t mold, 
 
 And comb'ed her beamy locks with sacred gold ; 
 
 Be thou (said he) Queen of the mournful night, 
 
 And as he spoke, she' arose clad o're in Light, 
 
 With thousand stars attending on her train ; 
 
 With her they rise, with her they set again. 
 
 Then Herbs peep'ed forth, new Trees admiring stood, 
 
 And smelling Flow'ers painted the infant wood. 
 
 Then flocks of Birds through the glad ayr did flee, 
 
 Joyful, and safe before Mans Luxur'ie, 
 
 Teaching their Maker in their untaught lays : 
 
 Nay the mute Fish witness no less his praise. 
 
 For those he made, and cloath'd with silver scales ; 
 
 From Minoes to those living Islands, Whales. 
 
 262
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 Beasts too were his command : what could he more ? 
 Yes, Man he could, the bond of all before ; 
 In him he all things with strange order hurl'd ; 
 In him, that full Abridgment of the World. 
 
 This, and much more of Gods great works they told ; 
 His mercies, and some judgments too of old : 
 How when all earth was deeply stain'd in sin ; 
 With an impetuous noyse the waves came rushing in. 
 Where birds e're while dwelt, and securely sung ; 
 There Fish (an unknown Net) entangled hung. 
 The face of shi[pw]rackt Nature naked lay ; 
 The Sun peep'd forth, and beheld nought but Sea. 
 This men forgot, and burnt in lust again ; 
 Till show'rs, strange as their Sin, of fiery rain, 
 And scalding brimstone, dropt on Sodoms head ; 
 Alive they felt those Flames they fry in Dead. 
 No better end rash Pharaohs pride befel 
 When wind and Sea wag'ed war for Israel. 
 In his gilt chariots amaz'ed fishes sat, 
 And grew with corps of wretched Princes fat. 
 The waves and rocks half-eaten bodies stain ; 
 Nor was it since call'd the Red-sea in vain. 
 Much too they told of faithful Abrams fame, 
 64 To whose blest passage they owe still their Name : 
 Of Moses much, and the great seed of Nun ; 
 What wonders they perform'd, what lands they won. 
 How many Kings they slew or Captive brought ; 
 They held the Swords, but God and Angels fought. 
 
 Thus gain'd they the wise spending of their days ; 
 And their whole Life was their dear Makers praise. 
 No minutes rest, no swiftest thought they sold 
 To that beloved Plague of Mankind, Gold. 
 Gold for which all mankind with greater pains 
 Labour towards Hell, then those who dig its veins. 
 Their wealth was the Contempt of it ; which more 
 They valu'd then rich fools the shining Ore. 
 The Silk-worm's pretious death they scorn'd to wear, 
 And Tynan Dy appear'd but sordid there. 
 Honor, which since the price of Souls became, 
 Seem'd to these great ones a low idle Name. 
 
 263
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Instead of Down, hard beds they chose to have, 
 Such as might bid them not forget their Grave. 
 Their Board dispeopled no full Element , 
 Free Natures bounty thriftily they spent 
 And spar'ed the Stock ; nor could their bodies say 
 We owe this Crudeness t'Excess yesterday. 
 Thus Souls live cleanly, and no soiling fear, 
 But entertain their welcome Maker there. 
 The Senses perform nimbly what they're bid, 
 And honestly, nor are by Reason chid. 
 And when the Down of sleep does softly fall, 
 65 Their Dreams are heavenly then, and mystical. 
 With hasty wings Time present they outfly, 
 And tread the doubtful Maze of Destiny. 
 There walk and sport among the years to come ; 
 And with quick Eye pierce ev'ery Causes womb. 
 Thus these wise Saints enjoy 'd their Little All ; 
 Free from the spight of much-mistaken Saul : 
 For if mans Life we in just ballance weigh, 
 David deserv'd his Envy less then They. 
 Of this retreat the hunted Prince makes choice, 
 Adds to their Quire his nobler Lyre and Foyce. 
 But long unknown even here he could not lye ; 
 So bright his Lustre, so quick Envies Eye ! 
 
 Th'offended Troop, whom he escap'ed before, a Sam ' I9 
 
 Pursue him here, and fear mistakes no more ; 
 Belov'ed revenge fresh rage to them affords ; 
 Some part of him all promise to their Swords. 
 
 They came, but a new spirit their hearts possest, 
 Scatt'ring a sacred calm through every brest : 
 The furrows of their brow, so rough erewhile, 
 Sink down into the dimples of a Smile. 
 Their cooler veins swell with a peaceful tide, 
 And the chaste streams with even current glide. 
 A sudden day breaks gently through their eyes, 
 And Morning-blushes in their cheeks arise. 
 The thoughts of war, of blood, and murther cease ; 
 In peaceful tunes they adore the God of Peace. 
 New Messengers twice more the Tyrant sent, ib. v. ai. 
 
 And was twice more mockt with the same event. 
 
 264
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 His heightned rage no longer brooks delay ; 
 
 It sends him there himself ; but on the way 
 
 His foolish Anger a wise Fury grew, ib. v. 23. 
 
 And Blessings from his mouth unbidden flew. 
 
 His Kingly robes he laid at Naioth down, 
 
 Began to understand and scorn his Crown ; 
 
 Employ'd his mounting thoughts on nobler things ; 
 
 And felt more solid joys then Empire brings. 
 
 Embrac'ed his wondring Son, and on his head 
 
 The balm of all past wounds, kind Tears he shed. 
 
 So cov'etous Balam with a fond intent Num. n. 
 
 Of cursing the blest Seed, to Moab went. 
 But as he went his fatal tongue to sell ; 
 His Ass taught him to speak, God to speak well. 
 
 How comely are thy Tents, oh Israel! 
 (Thus he began) what conquests they foretel ! 
 Less fair are Orchards in their autumn pride, 
 Adorn'd with Trees on some fair Rivers side. 
 Less fair are Galleys their green mantles spread ! 
 Or Mountains with tall Cedars on their head ! 
 'Twas God himself (thy God who must not fear ?) 
 Brought thee from Bondage to be Master here. 
 Slaughter shall wear out these ; new Weapons get ; 
 And Death in triumph on thy darts shall sit. 
 When yudahs Lyon starts up to his prey, 
 The Beasts shall hang their ears, and creep away. 
 When he lies down, the Woods shall silence keep, 
 And dreadful Tygers tremble at his sleep. 
 Thy Cursers, Jacob, shall twice cursed be ; 
 And he shall bless himself that blesses Thee. 
 
 265
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 NOTES 
 
 UPON THE 
 
 FIRST BOOK 
 
 He custom of beginning all Poems, with a Proposition of the whole 
 work, and an Invocation of some God for his assistance to go through 
 with it, is so solemnly and religiously observed by all the ancient Poets, that 
 though I could have found out a better way, I should not (I think) have 
 ventured upon it. But there can be, I believe, none better ; and that part, of 
 the Invocation, if it became a Heathen, is no less Necessary for a Christian 
 Poet. A Jove principium, Mustz; and it follows then very naturally, Jovis 
 omnia plena. The whole work may reasonably hope to be filled with a Divine 
 Spirit, when it begins with a Prayer to be so. The Grecians built this Portal 
 with less state, and made but one part of these Two; in which, and almost all 
 things else, I prefer the judgment of the Latins ; though generally they 
 abused the Prayer, by converting it from the Deity, to the worst of Men, their 
 Princes: as Lucan addresses it to Nero, and Statins to Domitian; both imi- 
 tating therein (but not equalling) Virgil, who in his Georgicks chuses Augustus 
 for the Objeft of his Invocation, a God little superior to the other two. 
 
 2. I call it Judah' 1 *,, rather than Israel's Scepter (though in the notion of 
 distinct Kingdoms, Israel was very much the greater) First, because David 
 himself was of that Tribe. Secondly, because he was first made King of 
 Judah, and thjs Poem was designed no farther than to bring him to his In- 
 auguration at Hebron. Thirdly, because the Monarchy of Judah lasted 
 longer, not only in his Race, but out-lasted all the several Races of the Kings 
 of Israel. And lastly, and chiefly, because our Saviour descended from him in 
 that Tribe, which makes it infinitely more considerable than all the rest. 
 
 3. I hope this kind of boast (which I have been taught by almost all the 
 old Poets) will not seem immodest ; for though some in other Languages have 
 attempted the writing a Divine Poem ; yet none, that I know of, has in 
 English: So Virgil says in the 3. of his Georgicks, 
 
 Sed me Parnassi deserta per ardua dulcis 
 
 Raptat amor, juvat ire jugis, qua nulla priorum 
 
 Castaliam molli divertitur orbita clivo. 
 Because none in Latin had written of that subject. So Horace, 
 
 Libera, per vacuum posui vestigia princeps, 
 
 Non aliena meo pressi pede. 
 
 And before them both Lucretiits, 
 
 Avia Pieridum peragro loca, nullius ante 
 
 Trita solo, juvat integros accedere fontes 
 
 Atq; haurirt 
 
 266
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 And so Nemesianus, 
 
 Ducitq; per avia, quh sola nunquam 
 
 Trita rods 
 
 Though there he does wrong to Gratius, who treated of the same argument 
 before him. And so Oppian, i. Ven. 
 
 "Eppeo, Aral rpaxeiav tiriffTflpufjiev arapiroit 
 
 TV fjLepoirwv oOirw ris tijs tir&Triffev doiSats. 
 
 My own allusion here is to the passage of the Israelites through the Wilderness, 
 in which they were guided by a Pillar of Flame. 
 
 4. Though there have been three Temples at Jerusalem, the first built by 
 Solomon, the second by Zorobabel, and the third by Herod (for it appears by 
 Josephus that Herod pluckt down the old Temple, and built a new one) yet 
 I mention only the first and last, which were very much superiour to that of 
 Zorobabel in riches and magnificence, though that was forty six years a building, 
 whereas Herods was but eight, and Solomons seven; of all three the last was 
 the most stately; and in that, and not Zorobabels Temple, was fulfilled the 
 prophesie of Hagai, that the glory of the last House should be greater than of 
 the first. 
 
 5. To be made an Apostle for the conversion of Poetry to Christianity, as 
 S. Paul was for the conversion of the Gentiles; which was done not only by 
 the Word, as Christ was the Eternal Word ot his Father; but by his becoming 
 a Particular Word or Call to him. This is more fully explained in the Latin 
 Translation. 
 
 6. It was the same case with Hercules ; and therefore I am not afraid 
 to apply to this subject that which Seneca makes Juno speak of him in 
 HercuL Fur. 
 
 Superat, &* crescit malis, 
 Irdq; nostrA fruitur, in laudes suas 
 Mea vertit odia, dum nimis stzva impero. 
 Patrcm probavi ; gloria fed locum. 
 And a little after, 
 
 Minorq; labor est Herculi jussa exequi, 
 Quam mihi jubere 
 
 7. In the publique Games of Greece, Palm was made the sign and reward 
 of Victory, because it is the nature of that Tree to resist, overcome, and thrive 
 the better for all pressures, 
 
 Palmaq; nobilis 
 
 Terrarum dominos evehit ad Deos. Hor. Od. I. 
 
 From whence Palma is taken frequently by the Poets, and Orators too, for the 
 VicJory it self. And the Greek Grammarians say, that VIKO.V (to overcome) is 
 derived from the same sense, wapa rov /tij efrretv, & non cedendo. 
 
 8. Shore is properly spoken of the Sea, and Banks of Rivers', and the 
 same difference is between Littus and Ripa ; but yet Litlus is frequently taken 
 among the best Latin Authors for Ripa, as I do here Shore for Bank; Virgil 
 
 Littora qua dulces auras diffunditis agris, 
 Speaking of Mineius. 
 
 9. That the Matter of -winds is an Exhalation arising out of the concavities 
 of the Earth, is the opinion of Aristotle, and almost all Philosophers since him, 
 except some few who follow Hippocrates his do<5lrine, who defined the wind to 
 be Air in Motion, or flux. In those concavities, when the Exhalations (which 
 Seneca calls Subterranean Clouds') overcharge the place, the moist ones turn 
 into water, and the dry ones into Winds ; and these are the secret Treasuries, 
 out of which God is in the Scripture said to bring them. This was also meant 
 
 267
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 by the Poets, who feigned that they were kept by ^Eolus, imprisoned in deep 
 caves, 
 
 Hie vasto Rex ^Eolus antro 
 
 LucJantes ventos tempestatesq; sonoras 
 
 Imperio premit, ac vinclis dr 3 carcere fr&nat. 
 
 Upon which methinks, Seneca is too critical, when he says, Non intellexit, nee 
 id quod clausum est, esse adhuc ventum, nee id quod ventus est, posse claudi; 
 nam quod in clauso est, quiescit, & aeris statio est, omnis in fugd ventus est: 
 For though it get not yet out, it is wind as soon as it stirs within, and attempts 
 to do so. However, my Epithete of unfleteht Tempests might pass with him ; 
 for as soon as the wings are grown, it either flies away, or in case of extream 
 resistance (if it be very strong) causes an Earthquake. Juvenal Sat. 5. ex- 
 presses very well the South "wind, in one of these dens. 
 
 Dum se eontinet Auster, 
 
 Dum sedet, &r siecat madidas in careere pennas. 
 
 10. To give a probable reason of the perpetual supply of waters to 
 Fountains and Rivers, it is necessary to establish an Abyss or deep gulph of 
 waters, into which the Sea discharges it self, as Rivers do into the Sea ; all 
 which maintain a perpetual Circulation of water, like that of Blood in mans 
 body: For to refer the original of all Fountains to condensation, and afterwards 
 dissolution of vapors under the earth, is one of the most unphilosophical 
 opinions in all Aristotle. And this Abyss of waters is very agreeable to the 
 Scriptures. Jacob blesses Joseph with the Blessings of the Heavens above, and 
 with the Blessings of the Deep beneath; that is, with the dew and rain of 
 Heaven, and with the fountains and rivers that arise from the Deep ; and Esdras 
 conformably to this, asks, What habitations are in the heart of the Sea, and 
 what veins in the root of the Abyssl So at the end of the Deluge, Moses says, 
 that God stopt the windows of Heaven, and the fountains of the Abyss. 
 
 And undisturbed by Moons in silence sleep. For I suppose the Moon to be 
 the principal, if not sole cause of the Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea, but to 
 have no effect upon the waters that are beneath the Sea it self. 
 
 ir. This must be taken in a Poetical sense; for else, making Hell to be 
 in the Center of the Earth, it is far from infinitely large, or deep ; yet, on my 
 conscience, where e're it be, it is not so strait, as that Crowding and sweating 
 should be one of the Torments of it, as is pleasantly fancied by Bellarmin. 
 Lessius in his Book de Morib. Divinis, as if he had been there to suivey it, 
 determines the Diameter to be just a Dutch mile. But Ribera, upon (and out 
 of the Apocalypse) allows Pluto a little more elbow-room, and extends it to 
 1600 furlongs, that is 200 Italian miles. Virgil (as good a Divine for this 
 matter as either of them) says it is twice as deep as the distance betwixt 
 Heaven and Earth: 
 
 Bis patet in prtzceps tantum tenditq; sub umbras 
 
 Quantus ad athereum cceli suspect us Olympum. 
 Hesiod is more moderate : 
 
 T6crcro' frep6' virb yijs ocrov otipavds ecrr' airb yalrjs. 
 
 Statius puts it very low, but is not so punctual in the distance : He finds out 
 an Hell beneath the vulgar one, 
 
 Indespedla tenet vobis qui Tartara, quorum 
 
 Vos estis superi- 
 
 Which sure JEschylus meant too by what he calls Tdprapos vtpQev atdov, the 
 Scripture terms it Utter Darkness, SKOTOS Qurfpov, & Z60<w (ncdrovs. 
 
 12. There are two opinions concerning Samuels annointing of David: one 
 (which is Josephus\) that he did it privately, and that it was kept as a secret 
 
 268
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 from Davids Father and Brethren ; the other, that it was done before them, 
 which I rather follow ; and therefore we use the word Boldly : nay, I believe, that 
 most of the people, and Jonathan, and Saul himself knew it, for so it seems by 
 Sauls great jealousie of his being appointed to succeed him ; and Jonathan 
 avows his knowledge of it to David himself; and therefore makes a Covenant 
 with him, that he should use his family kindly when he came to be King. 
 Anointing did properly belong to the Inauguration of High Priests; and was 
 applyed to Kings (and likewise even to Prophets') as they were a kind of extra- 
 ordinary High Priests, and did often exercise the duties of their Function, 
 which makes me believe that Saul was so severely reproved and punished ; 
 not so much for offering Sacrifice (as an usurpation of the Priests Office) as for 
 his infidelity in not staying longer for Samuel, as he was appointed by Samuel; 
 that is, by God himself. But there is a Tradition out of the Rabbins, that the 
 manner of anointing Priests and Kings was different; as, that the Oyl was 
 poured in a Cross (decussatim, like the figure of Ten X) upon the Priests heads, 
 and Round in fashion of a Crown upon their Kings; which I follow here, 
 because it sounds more poetically ( The royal drops round his enlarged head] not 
 that I have any faith in the authority of those Authors. 
 
 1 3. The Prophesie of Jacob at his death concerning all his Sons, Gen. 49. 
 v. 10. The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the Lawgiver from 
 between his feet, till Shilo come, and to him shall belong the assembling of 
 Nations. All Interpreters agree, that by Shilo is meant the Messias ; but almost 
 all translate it differently. The Septuagint, Donee veniant, ret airoKel^eva 
 avrif, qua reposita sunt ei. Tertullian, and some other Fathers, Donee veniat 
 cui repositum est. The vulgar Edition, Qui mittendus est; some of the Rabbies, 
 Filius ejus ; others, Filius mulieris ; others, Rex Messias ; others, Sospitator, 
 or Tratiquillator; ours, and the French Translation retain the word Shilo, 
 which I choose to follow. 
 
 14. Though none of the English Poets, nor indeed of the ancient Latin, 
 have imitated Virgil in leaving sometimes half-verses (where the sense seems to 
 invite a man to that liberty) yet his authority alone is sufficient, especially in 
 a thing that looks so naturally and gracefully : and I am far from their opinion, 
 who think that Virgil himself intended to have filled up those broken Heme- 
 stiques : There are some places in him, which I dare almost swear have been 
 made up since his death by the putid officiousness of some Grammarians ; as 
 that of Dido, 
 
 Moriamur inulta? 
 
 Sed moriamur, ait. 
 
 Here I am confident Virgil broke off; and indeed what could be more proper 
 for the passion she was then in, then to conclude abruptly with that resolution ? 
 nothing could there be well added ; but if there were a necessity of it, yet that 
 which follows, is of all things that could have been thought on, the most im- 
 proper, and the most false, 
 
 Sic, sic juvat ire sub umbras ; 
 Which is contrary to her sense ; for to have dyed revenged, would have been 
 
 Sic, sic juvat ire sub umbras. 
 
 Shall we dye (says she) unrevengedl That's all that can make death un- 
 pleasant to us : but however it is necessary to dye. I remember, when I made 
 once this exception to a friend of mine, he could not tell how to answer it, but 
 by correcting the Print, and putting a note of Interrogation after the first Sic. 
 
 Sic ? sic juvat ire sub umbras : 
 
 Which does indeed a little mend the sense ; but then the expression (to make 
 an Interrogation of Sic alone) is lame, and not like the Latin of Virgil, or of 
 
 269
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 that age : But of this enough. Though the Ancients did not (as I said) 
 imitate Virgil in the use of these broken verses ; yet that they approved it, 
 appears by Ovid, who (as Seneca reports in the 16. Controversy} upon these two 
 verses of Varro, 
 
 Desierant latrare canes, urbesq; silebant, 
 Omnia noflis erant placidd composta quiete, 
 
 Said they would have been much better, if the latter part of the second verse 
 had been left out ; and that it had ended, 
 
 Omnia nocJis erant 
 
 Which it is pity that Ovid saw not in some of his own verses, as most re- 
 markably in that, 
 
 Omnia pontes erant, deerant quoq; littora ponto, 
 All things was Sea, nor had the Sea a Shore. 
 Where he might have ended excellently with 
 
 Omnia pontus erat 
 
 But the addition is superfluous, even to ridiculousness. 
 
 15. An Aposiopcesis, like Virgils 
 
 Quos ego Sed motos prcestat componere fluftus. 
 
 This would ill befit the mouth of any thing but a Fury ; but it were improper 
 for a Devil to make a whole speech without some lies in it ; such are those 
 precedent exaltations of the Devils power, which are most of them false, but 
 not All, for that were too much even for a Fury, nor are her boasts more 
 false, than her threatnings vain, where she says afterwards, 'Tis not thy God 
 
 himself- yet Seneca ventures to make a man say as much in Her. Fur. 
 
 Ampleclere aras, nullns eripiet Deus 
 Te niihi 
 
 16. Cain was the first and greatest example of Envy in this world; who 
 slew his Brother, because his Sacrifice was more acceptable to God than his 
 own ; at which the Scripture says, He was sorely angred, and his countenance 
 cast down. It is hard to guess what it was in Cains Sacrifice that displeased 
 God; the Septuagint make it to be a defect in the Quality, or Quantity of the 
 Offering, OVK, eav opdws irpoaevtyKris, 6p0us 5e fj.i) Si^Xjs, ^/j-apres ; If thou hast 
 offered right, but not rightly divided, hast thou not sinned? but this Transla- 
 tion, neither the Vulgar Edition, nor ours, nor almost any follows. We must 
 therefore be content to be ignorant of the cause , since it hath pleased God not 
 to declare it; neither is it declared in what manner he slew his Brother: And 
 therefore I had the Liberty to chuse that which I thought most probable ; 
 which is, that he knockt him on the head with some great stone, which was 
 one of the first ordinary and most natural weapons of Anger. That this stone 
 was big enough to be the Monument or Tombstone of Abel, is not so Hyper- 
 bolical, as what Virgil says in the same kind of Turnus, 
 
 Saxtini circumspicil ingens, 
 
 Saxtim antiquum ingens, campo qui forte jacebat 
 Limes agro posittts, litem ut discerneret agris, 
 Vix illud lefti bis sex cervice subirent, 
 Qualia nunc hominum producit corpora tellus, 
 llle manu raptum treptdd torquebat in hostem: 
 
 Which he takes from Homer, but addes to the Hyperbole, 
 "0 5' ov duo &vdpe (ptpoLtv, 
 Ofot vvv fipoTol eiaiv, 6 5^ p.iv pta, TreiXXe 5 olos. II. 21. 
 
 Ovid is no less bold, Metamorph. \i. 
 
 Codice qui misso quern vix juga bina movtrent 
 jfunfia, Phololeniden a summo vertice fregit. 
 
 270
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 1 7. Though the Jews used to bury, and not to Burn the Dead, yet it is very 
 probable that some Nations, even so anciently, practised Burning of them, 
 and that is enough to make it allowable for the Fury here to allude to that 
 custom : which if we believe Statius, was received even among the Grecians 
 before the Theban War. 
 
 1 8. Belzebub. That one evil Spirit presided over the others, was not only 
 the received opinion of the Ancients, both Jews and Gentiles ; but appears out 
 of the Scriptures, where he is called, Prince of this world, John 12. 31. Prince 
 of this age, Corinth, n.6. Prince of the power of the Air, Ephes. 11.2. Prince 
 of Devils, Mat. 11. 24. by the express name of Belzebub; which is the reason 
 why I use it here. Porphyrius says his name is Serapis, Mijirore ovroi efoiv uv 
 oipxfi o SdpoTrtj, 5e TOUTUV ZiV/3oXoi' 6 TpiKdpyvos KVWV, TOUT' effriv 6 tv TOIS rpial 
 ffroixflois, vdari, yrj, atpi vovnpbs dai^wv . According to which Statius calls him 
 Triplicis tnundi summum ; but names him not : for he addes, Quern scire ntfas- 
 tum est. This is the Spirit to whom the two verses, cited by the same Porphyry 
 address themselves, 
 
 Acu/xoi' d\irpov6uv \[svx&v SidSrifia. \e\6yx us 
 'Hepiuv virtvfpOe /tirw>, x^ovluv T' i<t>tiirfp6fv. 
 
 O thou Spirit that hast the command of guilty souls, beneath the vaults of the 
 Air, and above those of the Earth; which I should rather read xOoviwv T' 
 vwtvfpde; And beneath the Vaults of the Earth too. 
 
 Now for the name of Belzebub, it signifies the Lord of Flies ; which some 
 think to be a name of scorn given by the Jews to this great Jupiter of the 
 Syrians, whom they called BeeXcrd/u.?;*', id est, Ala oupdviov, because the Sacrifices 
 in his Temple were infested with multitudes of Flies, which by a peculiar 
 privilerlge, notwithstanding the daily great number of Sacrifices, never came 
 (for such is the Tradition] into the Temple at Jerusalem. But others believe it 
 was no mock-name, but a Surname of Baal, as he was worship! at Ekron, 
 either from bringing or driving away swarms of Flies, with which the Eastern 
 Countrys were often molested ; and their reason is, because Ahaziah in the 
 time of his sickness (when it is likely he would not railly with the God from 
 whom he hoped for relief) sends to him under the name of Belzebub. 
 
 19. That even insensible things are affected with horrour at the presence of 
 Devils, is a frequent exaggeration of stories of that kind; and could not well 
 be omitted at the appearance of Poetical Spirits, 
 
 Tartaream intendit vocem, qua protinus ornne 
 Contremuit nemus, & sylvte intonuere profundcf, 
 
 Audiit & Trivia longe lacus, &c. Virg. /Eneid. 7. 
 
 And Seneca nearer to my purpose in Thyestes : Sensit introitus tuos Damns, 
 
 & nefando tola contatflu horruit Jam tuum mcesta pedem Terrce gravantur, 
 
 Cernis ut fontes liquor Introrsus a<flus linquat, ut regio vacent, &>t. And after, 
 Into inugit e fundo solum, Tonal dies serenus ac totis domus ut fracJa tecJis 
 crepuit, (2r moti Lares vertere vultum. When Statius makes the Ghost of 
 Laius to come to Eteocles to encourage him to the war with his Brother, I cannot 
 understand why he makes him assume the shape of Tiresias, Longavi vatis 
 opacos Induitur vultus, vocemq; <Sr vellera, since at his going away he discovers 
 him to be Laius, 
 
 Ramos, ac vellera fronti 
 
 Diripuit confessus avum 
 
 Neither do I more approve in this point of Virgils method, who in the -j.&neid, 
 brings Aleclo to Turnus at first in the shape of a Priestess, 
 
 Fit Calybe Junonis anus; 
 
 But at her leaving of him, makes her take upon her, her own figure of a Fury, 
 
 271
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 and so speak to him ; which might have been done, methinks, as well at first, 
 or indeed better not done at all ; for no person is so improper to perswade man 
 to any undertaking, as the Devil without a disguise : which is the reason why 
 I make him here both come in, and go out too in the likeness of Benjamin, 
 who as the first and chief of Sauls Progenitors, might the most probably seem 
 concern'd for his welfare, and the easiliest be believed and obeyed. 
 
 20. I fancy here that the statue of Benjamin stood in manner of a Colossus 
 over Sauls Gate; for which perhaps I shall have some Criticks fall severely 
 upon me ; it being the common opinion, that the use of all statues, nay, even 
 pictures, or other representations of things to the sight, was forbidden the Jews. 
 I know very well, that in latter ages, when they were most rigid in observing 
 of the Letter of the Law (which they began to be about the time when they 
 should have left it) even the civil use of Images was not allowed, as now among 
 the Mahumetans. But I believe that at first it was otherwise : And first, the 
 words of the Decalogue forbid the making of Images, not absolutely, but with 
 relation to the end of bowing down, or worshipping them; and if the Command- 
 ment had implyed more, it would bind us Christians as well as the Jeius, for it 
 is a Aloral one. Secondly, we have several examples in the Bible, which shew 
 that statues were in use among the Hebrews, nay, appointed by God to be so, as 
 those of the Cherubins, and divers other Figures, for the ornament of the 
 Tabernacle and Temple; as that likewise of the Brazen Serpent, and the Lyons 
 upon Solomons Throne, and the statue of David, placed by Michol in his Bed, 
 to deceive the Souldiers who came to murder him ; of which more particularly 
 hereafter. Vasques says, that such Images only were unlawful, as were Ereditz 
 aut constitute modo accommodate adorationi, made, erected, or constituted in 
 a Manner proper for Adoration ; which Modus accommodatus adorationis, he 
 defines to be, when the Image is made or erected Per se, for its own sake, and 
 not as an Appendix or addition for the ornament of some other thing; as for 
 example, Statues are Idols, when Temples are made for them ; when they are 
 only made for Temples, they are but Civil Ornaments. 
 
 21. Enchanted Vertues. That is, whose operation is stopt, as it were, by 
 some Enchantment. Like that Fascination called by the French, Nouement 
 d 'esguillette, which hinders the natural faculty of Generation. 
 
 12. So Homer, 'AxatSes, OVK fr' 'Axaiol. 
 
 Arid Virg. O vert Phrygia, neq\ enim Phryges! 
 
 23. The number of years from Benjamin to Sauls reign; not exactly: but 
 this is the next whole number, and Poetry will not admit of broken ones : and 
 indeed, though it were in prose, in so passionate a speech it were not natural to 
 be punctual. 
 
 24. In this, and some like places, I would not have the Reader judge of 
 my opinion by what I say; no more than before in divers expressions about 
 Hell, the Devil, and Envy. It is enough that the Doctrine of the Orbs, and 
 the Mustek made by their motion had been received very anciently, and 
 probably came from the Eastern parts; for Pythagoras (who first brought this 
 into Greece) learnt there most of his Philosophy. And to speak according to 
 common opinion, though it be false, is so far from being a fault in Poetry, that 
 it is the custom even of the Scripture to do so; and that not only in the 
 Poetical pieces of it; as where it attributes the members and passions of 
 mankind to Devils, Angels, and CW himself; where it calls the Sun and Moon 
 the two Great Lights, whereas the latter is in truth one of the smallest; but is 
 spoken of, as it seems, not as it Is, and in too many other places to be collected 
 here. Seneca upon Virgils Verse, 
 
 Tarda venit seris fadlura nepotibus umbram, 
 
 272
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 Says in his 86. Epistle, That the Tree will easily grow up to give shade to the 
 Planter : but that Virgil did not look upon, what might be spoken most Truly, 
 but what most gracefully ", and aimed more at Delight ing his Readers, than at 
 instructing Husbandmen : Infinite are the examples of this kind among the 
 Poets; one there is, that all have from their Master Homer; 'tis in the descrip- 
 tion of a Tempest (a common place that they all ambitiously labour in) where 
 they make all the four winds blow at once, to be sure to have enough to swell 
 up their Verse, 
 
 Una Eurtisq; Notusq; ruunt, creberq; procellis 
 
 Africus And Statius, 
 
 Qualiter hinc gelidus Boreas, hinc nubifer Eurus. 
 
 And so all the rest. Of this kind I take those Verses to be of Statius to 
 Sleep in his fifth Sylva, which are much commended, even by Scaliger himself, 
 
 yacet otnne pecus, volucresq; feraque, 
 
 Et simulant fes sos curvata cacumina somnos. 
 
 Hitherto there is no scruple ; for he says only, The bowing Mountains seem to 
 nod. He addes, 
 
 Nee trucibus fluviis idem sonus, occidit horror 
 sEquoris, & terris maria inclinata quiescunt', 
 Which is false, but so well said, that it were ill changed for the Truth. 
 
 25. I am sorry that it is necessary to admonish the most part of Readers, 
 that it is not by negligence that this verse is so loose, long, and as it were, Vast ; 
 it is to paint in the number the nature of the thing which it describes, which 
 I would have observed in divers other places of this Poem, that else will pass for 
 very careless verses: as before, And over-runs the neighboring fields -with 
 violent course. In the second Book, Down a precipice deep, down he casts them 
 
 all and, And fell adown his shoulders with loose care. In the 3. Brass was 
 
 his Helmet, his Boots Brass, and ore his breast a thick Plate of strong Brass he 
 wore. In the 4. Like some fair Pine ore-looking all tKignobler Wood; and, 
 Some from the Rocks cast themselves down headlong; and many more : but it is 
 enough to instance in a few. The thing is, that the disposition of words and 
 numbers should be such, as that out of the order and sound of them, the things 
 themselves may be represented. This the Greeks were not so accurate as to 
 bind themselves to ; neither have our English Poets observed it, for ought I can 
 find. The Latins (qui Musas colunt severiores] sometimes did it, and their 
 Prince, Virgil, always. In whom the examples are innumerable, and taken 
 notice of by all judicious men, so that it is superfluous to collect them. 
 
 26. Eternity is defined by Boet. Lib. 5. de Consolat. Interminabilis vita 
 tola simul & perfetfla possessio. The whole and perfect possession, ever all at 
 once, of a Being without beginning or ending. Which Definition is followed by 
 Tho. Aquin. and all the Schoolmen ; who therefore call Eternity Nunc stans, 
 a standing Now, to distinguish it from that Now, which is a difference of time, 
 and is alwaies in Fluxu. 
 
 27. Seneca, methinks, in his 58. Epist. expresses this more divinely than 
 any of the Divines : Manent enim cuncJa, non quia (ztirna sunt, sed quia de- 
 fenduntur curd regentis, Immortalia tutore non egent, h<zc conservat Artifex, 
 fragilitatem materia vi sud vincens. And the Schoolmen all agree (except, 
 I think, Durandus) that an immediate concourse of God is required as well now 
 for the Conservation, as at first it was necessary for the Creation of the world, 
 and that the nature of things is not left to it self to produce any action, without 
 a concurrent act of God ; which when he was pleased to omit, or suspend, the 
 fire could not burn the three young men in the red-hot furnace. 
 
 18. The Book of 7^obias speaks of Seven Angels superior to all the rest ; 
 
 c. s 273
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 and this has been constantly believed according to the Letter, by the ancient 
 Jews and Christians. Clem. Alexand. Stromat. 6. 'Eirrd. rovs r-t]v fj.eyiffTTjv 
 Sijva/uv ^x oi>T<ls irpuroybvovs d-yyAous. The Seven that have the greatest power, 
 the First-born Angels, Tob. 12. i.s. I am Raphael, one of the Seven holy 
 Angels, which present the Prayers of the Saints, and which go in and out before 
 the glory of the Holy one; and this Daniel may very well be thought to mean, 
 when he says, Chap. 10. 13. Lo Michael, one of the chief Princes came to help 
 me. That some Angels were under the command of others, may be collected 
 out of Zechar. 2. 3. where one Angel commands another; Run, speak to this 
 young man, &c. and out of Rev. 12. 7. where Michael and his Angels, fought 
 with the Dragon and his Angels. The number of just seven supream Angels, 
 Grotius conceived to be drawn from the seven chief Princes of the Persian 
 Empire; but I doubt whether the seven there were so ancient as this Tradition. 
 Three names of these seven the Scripture affords, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael; 
 but for the olher four, Oriphiel, Zachariel, Samael, and Anael, let the Authours 
 of them answer, as likewise for their presiding over the Seven Planets. 
 
 The Verses attributed to Orpheus have an expression very like this of the 
 Angels. 
 
 TdSSe Bpbvtp irvpsevTi TrapeffTaaiv iro\v/M>x^ l 
 "Ayyf\oi, olffi fjL^fj,rj\e ftporois us iravra. reXeirat. 
 
 So Gabriel is called Luke i. 19. 6 TrapeffTrjKus iv&inov TOV Oeov, He that 
 stands before the face of God. And Daniel had his vision interpreted by one, 
 rwv e<jT-t}K.bTu>v, of the standers before God. 
 
 29. The Poets are so civil to Jupiter, as to say no less when he either 
 Spoke, or so much as Nodded. Horn. 
 
 M^ya^ 5' i\i\if.v "OXvpirov. 
 
 Virgil. Annuit, <Sr totum nutu tremefecit Olympum. 
 Stat. Placido quatiens tamen omnia vultu. 
 
 30. Friends in the plural, as an intimation of the Trinity; for which 
 cause he uses sometimes We, and sometimes /, and Me. 
 
 31. I do not like Homers repeating of long Messages just in the same 
 words: but here I thought it necessary, the Message coming from God, from 
 whose words no creature ought to vary, and being delivered by an Angel, who 
 was capable of doing it punctually. To have made him say a long, eloquent, 
 or figurative -speech, like that before of Envy to Saul, would have pleased 
 perhaps some Readers, but would have been a crime against TO irp^irov, that is, 
 Decency. 
 
 32. That Timotheus by Musick enflamed and appeased Alexander to what 
 degrees he pleased, that a Musician in Denmark by the same art enraged 
 King Eridus, even to the striking of all his friends about him ; that Pythagoras 
 taught by the same means a woman to stop the fury of a young man, who came 
 to set her House on fire; that his Scholar Empedocles liindred another from 
 murdering his Father, when the Sword was drawn for that purpose; that the 
 fierceness of Achilles his nature was allayed by playing on the Harp (for which 
 cause Homer gives him nothing else out of the spoils of Eelioti) that Damon 
 by it reduced wild and drunken Youths; and Asclepiades, even seditious multi- 
 tudes to Temper and Reason; that the Corybantes and effeminate Priests of 
 Cybele, could be animated by it to cut their own flesh (with many more 
 examples of the like kind) is well known to all men conversant among Authors. 
 Neither is it so wonderful, that sudden passions should be raised or supprest 
 (for which cause Pindar says to his Harp, Tbt> alxM-drav kepavvov fffjevvvets. 
 Thou quenchesl the raging Thunder.) But that it should cure settled Diseases 
 in the Body, we should hardly believe, if we had not both Humane and Divine 
 
 274
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 Testimony for it. Plin. Lib. 28. cap. i. Dixit Homerus profluvium sanguinis 
 vulnerato femine Ulyssem inhibuisse carmine, Theophrastus Ischiadicos sanari, 
 Cato prodidit luxatis membris carmen auxiliari. Mar. Varro Podagris; Where 
 Carmen is to be understood as joined with musical notes. For the cure of the 
 Sciatick, Theophrastus commends the Phrygian Musick upon the Pipe, and 
 A. Cell, for giving ease to it, Ut memories proditum est, as it is (says he) re- 
 ported. Apollon. in his Book de Miris speaks thus. It is worthy admiration, 
 that which Theophrastus writes in his Treatise of Enthysiasm, that Musick 
 cures many passions and diseases, both of the Mind and Body, Kaddirep Xeiiro- 
 0i>/jLlas, <j>6flovs, Se TO.J tirl /jLaxpov, yiyvo^vas rrjs Atavola? ^/rtrrCuretj. t'arcu 
 yap tfnjaiv r) /caTa^Xijcrij 5 'I<r\i6.oa. 8t 'Eiri\t)\J/tav. And the same Author 
 witnesses, that many in his time, especially the Thebans, used the Pipe for the 
 cure of several sicknesses, which Galen calls /carauXeti/ rov rbirov, Superloco 
 affetflo tibia canere; or, Loca dolentia decantare. So Zenocrates is said to have 
 cured Mad men, Terpander and Arion divers other Maladies. But if it were 
 not for this example of David, we should hardly be convinced of this Physick, 
 unless it be in the particular cure of the Tarantism, the experiments of which 
 are too notorious to be denyed or eluded, and afford a probable argument that 
 other Diseases might naturally be expelled so too, but that we have either lost, 
 or not found out yet the Art. For the explication of the reason of these cures, 
 the Magicians fly to their Colcodea; the Platoniques, to their Anima Mundi; 
 the Rabbies to Fables and Prodigies not worth the repeating. Baptista Porta 
 in his Natural Alagick, seems to attribute it to the Magical Power of the 
 Instrument, rather than of the Musick; for he says, that Madness is to be 
 cured by the harmony of a Pipe made of Hellebore, because the Juice of that 
 Plant is held good for that purpose ; and the Sciatique by a Musical Instrument 
 made of Poplar, because of the virtue of the Oyl of that Tree to mitigate 
 those kind of pains. But these, and many Sympathetical experiments are so 
 false, that I wonder at the negligence or impudence of the Relators. Picus 
 Mirand. says, That Musick moves \\\e Spirits to act upon the Soul, as Medicines 
 do to operate upon the Body, and that it cures the body by the Soul, as Physick 
 does the Soul by the Body. I conceive the true natural reason to be, that in 
 the same manner as Musical sounds move the outward air, so that does the 
 Inward, and that the Spirits, and they the Humours (which are the seat of 
 Diseases) by Condensation, Rarefaction, Dissipation, or Expttlsion of Vapours, 
 and by Vertue of that Sympathy of Proportion, which I express afterwards in 
 Verse. For the producing of the effect desired, Athan. Kercherus requires 
 four conditions: i. Harmony, i. Number and Proportion. 3. Efficacious 
 and pathetical words joined with the Harmony (which (by the way) were fully 
 and distinctly understood in the Musick of the Ancients}. And 4. An adapt- 
 ing of all these to the Constitution, Disposition, and Inclinations of the Patient. 
 Of which, and all things on this subject, he is well worth the diligent reading, 
 Liber de Arte magnd Consoni & Dissoni. 
 
 33. Scaliger in his Hypercrit. blames Claudian for his excursion concerning 
 the burning of /Etna, and for enquiring the cause of it in his own person. If 
 he had brought in, says he, any other person making the relation, I should 
 endure it. I think he is too Hypercritical upon so short a Digression; however, 
 I chuse here upon this new occasion, by the by to make a new short Invoca- 
 tion of the Muse, and that which follows, As first a various unfornfed, is to 
 be understood as from the person of the Muse : For this second Invocation 
 upon a particular matter, I have the authority of Homer and Virgil; which 
 nevertheless I should have omitted, had the digression been upon any subject 
 but Musick. Horn. II. i. 
 
 S2 275
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 "EcrTrere vvv /uoi Mowrtu 'OXi/yUTTta 
 
 'T/xets yap 6eai tare, irdpeffrt re, fore re iravra. 
 
 'Hyuets 5 K\^OS olov aKovo^ev, oi>5 TI (5/j.ev. 
 And Virgil twice in the same Book (^En. 7.) 
 
 Nunc age qui Reges, Erato - 
 
 Tu Vatem tu Diva matte, <&Y. - 
 And a little after, 
 
 Pandite nunc Hdicona De&, cantusq; ciete - 
 
 Et meministis enim Diva, & memorare potestis, 
 
 Ad nos vix tenuis fames perlabitur auras. 
 
 34. I have seen an excellent saying of S. Augustines, cited to this purpose, 
 Ordinem sxculorum tanquam pulcherrimum Carmen ex quibusdam quasi 
 antithetis honestavit Deus - sictit contraria contrariis opposita sermonis pul- 
 chritudinem reddunt, ita qu&dam non verborum sed rerum eloquentid contrario- 
 rum oppositione saculi pulchritude componitur. And the Scripture witnesses, 
 that the World was made in Number, Weight, and Measure ; which are all 
 qualities of a good Poem. This order and proportion of things is the true 
 Musick of the world, and not that which Pythagoras, Plato, Tully, Macrob. 
 and many of the Fathers imagined, to arise audibly from the circumvolution of 
 the Heavens. This is their musical and loud voice, of which David speaks, 
 Psalm 19. The Heavens declare the glory of the Lord - There is no Speech nor 
 Language where their voice is not heard. Their sound is gone out through all 
 the Earth, and their words to the end of the world - Or as our Translation 
 nearer the Hebrew (they say) renders it, Their Line is gone out, Linea, vel 
 amussis eorum : To shew the exactness of their proportion. 
 
 35. Even this distinction of sounds in the art ;of Musick, is thought by 
 some to have been invented from the consideration of the elementary qualities : 
 In imitation of which, Orpheus is said to have formed an Harp with four 
 strings, and set them to different Tunes : The first to Hypate, to answer to the 
 Fire. The second to Parhypate, for the Water. The third to Paranete, for 
 the Air. And the fourth to Nete, for the Earth. 
 
 36. Because the Moon is but 28 days, and Saturn above 29 years in 
 finishing his course. 
 
 37. There is so much to be said of this subject, that the best way is to say 
 nothing of it. See at large Kercherus in his 10. Book de Arte Consoni &= 
 Dissoni. 
 
 38. The Weapon-Salve. 
 
 39. The common Experiment of Sympathy in two Unisons, which is most 
 easily perceived by laying a straw upon one of the strings, which will presently 
 move upon touching the other. 
 
 40. Here may seem to want connexion between this verse and the Psalm. 
 It is an Elleipsis, or leaving something to be understood by the Reader; to 
 wit, That David sung to his Harp, before Saul, the ensuing Psalm. Of this 
 kind is that in Virgil, 
 
 Jungimus hospitio dextras, 6 tefta subimus. 
 
 Templa Dei saxo venerabar strufta vetusto. 
 
 Da propriam Thymbrae domum, &=c. - 
 
 Where is understood Et venerans dixi, or some such words, which methinks, 
 are more gracefully omitted, than they could have been supplyed by any care. 
 Though Scaliger be of another mind in the 4. Book of Poesie, where he says, 
 that there are some places in Virgil, where the sense is discontinued and 
 interrupted by the leaving out of some verses, through the overmuch severity of 
 his judgment (morosissimo judicio} with an intent of putting in better in their 
 
 276
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 place ; and he instances in these, where for my part I should be sorry that 
 Virgil himself had filled up the gap. The like Elleipsis is in his 5. Book, upon 
 the death of Palinurus, 
 
 Multa gemens casuq; animum percussus amici, 
 
 O nimium calo dr> pelago confise sereno, 
 
 Nudus in ignotd Palinure jacebis arena. 
 And such is that in Statius, i Theb. 
 
 Ni tu Tritonia Virgo 
 
 Consilio dignata virum. Sate gente superbi 
 
 Oeneos, absentes cui dudum vincere J^hebas 
 
 A nnu itn us 
 
 And why do I instance in these, since the examples are so frequent in all Poets? 
 
 4 1 . For this liberty of inserting an Ode into an Heroick Poem, I have no 
 authority or example; and therefore like men who venture npon a new coast, 
 I must run the hazard of it. We must sometimes be bold to innovate, 
 
 Nee minimum meruere decus vestigia Graca 
 Ausi deserere Hor. 
 
 42. Psal. 58. 5. They are like the deaf Adder, that stoppeth her ear, which 
 will not hearken to the voice of the Charmer, charm he never so wisely. So 
 Jerem. 8. 17. Behold I will send Serpents, Cockatrices among you, which will 
 not be charmed: Serpentes Regulos quibus non est Incantatio: which Texts are 
 ill produced by the Alagick-mongers for a proof of the power of Charms : For 
 the first is plainly against them, Adder being there taken for Serpent in general, 
 not for one Species of Serpents, which alone had a quality of resisting Incanta- 
 tions : And the other is no more than if the Prophet should have said, Though 
 you practise Magick Arts, like other Nations; and think like them, that you 
 can charm the very Serpents, yet you shall find with all your Magick, no remedy 
 against those which I shall send among you ; for nothing in all the whole 
 humane, or diabolical Illusion of .Magick was so much boasted of as the power 
 of Spells upon Serpents, they being the creatures most antipathetical and 
 terrible to humane nature. 
 
 Frigidus in pratis cantando rumpitur anguis. Virg. 
 Vipereas rumpo verbis 6 carmine fauces. Ovid. 
 Inq; pruinoso coluber distenditur arvo, 
 Viperei coeunt abrupto corpore nodi, 
 Humanoq; cadit Serpens afflata veneno. Lucan. 
 
 43. Nothing is more notorious (for it was accounted one of the wonders of 
 the World} then the KTJTTOJ or irapaSeicros Kpe/xa<rr6s, rendred by the Latines, 
 Hortus pensilis at Babylon, which was planted on the top of prodigious 
 buildings, made for that purpose, fifty Cubits high, foursquare, and each side 
 containing four Acres of ground. It was planted with all sorts of Trees, even 
 the greatest, and adorned with many Banquetting- Houses. The particular 
 description see in Diodor. Sicul. /. 1 1. and out of him in Qu. Curt. I. 5. It was 
 built, they say, by a Syrian King (to wit, Nabuchodotiosar, for so Josephus,l. 10. 
 and Suidas expresly say) in favour of a Persian Wife of his, who as Q. Curt. 
 speaks, Desiderio nemorum sylvarumq; in campestribus locis virum compulit 
 natures genium amcenitate hujus operis imitari. And D. Chrysostome mentions 
 another of the like kind at Suste, in his Sermon pf Riches, Oi)5' &v yivoiro ITOT 
 AvSpuiroi e&8alfj.oi>es OLVOT/JTOI. 5e a<j>pov(s, ovS' av rov tv Zovaois trapaSeiffov 
 olxodo/j.-fiffuxTU' , 6s riv, ws 0a<ri, /iT^wpos dVas. These were miracles of their 
 kind ; but the use of Gardens made upon the top of Palaces, was very frequent 
 among the ancients, Seneca, Trag. Ah. 3. Thyest. 
 
 Nulla culmimbus meis Imposita nutat sylva. Sen. Epist. 122. 
 Non vivunt contra naturam qui pomaria in summis titrribtis serunt? quorum 
 
 277
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 in teiflis domorum ac fastigiis nutant, inde ortis radicibus qub improbt 
 cacumina egissent. Plin. In tefta olim Roma scandebant silvcz ; Which luxury, 
 as all others, came out of Asia into Europe; and that it was in familiar use 
 among the Hebrews, even in Davids time, several Texts of Scripture make me 
 conjecture, 2 Sam. 16. 22. They spread for Absalom a Tent upon the Top of 
 the House, and Absalom went unto his Fathers Concubines in the sight of all 
 Israel, i Sam. n. 2. And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose 
 from off his bed, and walked tipon the roof of the Kings house; and from the 
 roof he saw a woman washing herself . And i Sam. 9. 25. Samuel communed 
 with Saul upon the top of the House. And again, verse 26. 
 
 44. r Sam. 19. 13. And Michol took an image, and put it in the bed, and 
 put a pillow of goats hair for his Bolster, and covered it with a cloath. An 
 Image, the Hebrew is Theraphim, a word much disputed of, and hardly ever 
 used in a good sense but here. The Images that Rachel stole from Laban, are 
 so called ; which there the Septuagint translate by EWwXov, in other places by 
 Qfpa<t>eiv, or Qepa<fiv, sometimes by y\virrbi>, here by Kevordfaov, the most 
 improperly of all, Herse, or the representations of the Dead, laid upon Herses. 
 The Latin uses Simulachrum, or Statua, and Aqnila, /j.op<pia/j.a.Ta. The fancy 
 of jfosephits is extraordinarily Rabbinical. He says, that Michol put between 
 the cloathes the Liver of a she-Goat, newly cut out, and shewed the palpitation 
 of it under the coverlet to the Souldiers saying that it was David, and that he 
 had not slept all night : How come such men as he to have such odd dreams ? 
 Ribera upon Hosea says thus, What Statue was it that she placed in the bed ? 
 Certainly no Idol, for those were not to be found in the house of David; nor 
 any Astronomical Image, made for the reception of celestial influences, which 
 R. Abraham believes, for those were not allowable among the Jews ; but she 
 made some figure like a man, out of several cloaths, which she stuffed with 
 other things, like Scar-crows, or those figures presented to wild Bulls in the 
 Theaters, or those that are placed upon great mens Herses. And she put the 
 skin of a she-Goat about his head, to represent his red hair; which last is most 
 ridiculous, and all before only improbable : For what time had she to make up 
 such a Puppet ? I do therefore believe, that she had a statue of David in the 
 house, and laid that in the bed, pretending that he was speechless ; & even 
 this deceit I am forced to help, with all the circumstances I could imagine, 
 especially with that most material one, And for th? impression God prepared 
 their sense. And now concerning the Civil use of Images among the Jews, 
 I have declared my opinion before, which whether it be true or no, is not of im- 
 portance in Poetry, as long as it hath any appearance of probability. 
 
 45. It was a necessary condition required in all Sacrifices, that they should 
 be without Blemish. See Levit. i. and this was observed too among the 
 Heathen. 
 
 46. Rama, or Ramatha, and Naioth, were not several Towns, but Naioth 
 was a place in, or close by Rama, where there were wont to be solemn Re- 
 ligious meetings. Adricom. 
 
 47. The Description of the Prophets Colledge at Naioth, looks at first 
 sight, as if I had taken the pattern of it from ours at the Universities ; but the 
 truth is, ours (as many other Christian customs) were formed after the example 
 of the Jews. They were not properly called Prophets, or foretellers of future 
 things, but Religious persons, who separated themselves from the business of 
 the world, to employ their time in the contemplation and praise of God ; their 
 manner of praising him was by singing of Hymns, and playing upon Musical 
 Instruments: for which cause in i Sam. 10. 5. they carried with them a Psaltery, 
 Tabret, Pipe, and Harp; These it is probable were instituted by Samuel', for 
 
 the 19, and 20. they saw the company of Prophets prophesying (that is, saw 
 
 278
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 them together in Divine Service) and Samuel standing, as appointed over them, 
 Stantem super eos; which the Chaldee interprets Stantem docentem eos, Preach- 
 ing to them. These are the first Religious Orders heard of in Antiquity, for 
 whom David afterward composed Psalms. They are called by the Chaldee 
 Scribes, because they laboured in reading, writing, learning and teaching the 
 Scriptures; and they are called Filii Prophetarum, as 2 King. 2.3. The Sons of 
 the Prophets that were at Bethel; and v. 5. the Sons of the Prophets that were 
 at Jericho: out of which may be collected, that Colledges of them were founded 
 in several Towns. They are thus named (Sons of the Prophets} either because 
 they were taught by Samuel, Elias, Elisha, or some of the great and properly 
 called Prophets, or in the sense that the Greeks term Physitians, 'larpuv 
 iraiSai, The Sons of the Physitians; and the Hebrews Men, the Sons of Men; 
 but I rather believe the former, and that none but the young Scholars or 
 Students are meant by this appellation. To this alludes S. Matth. it. 19. 
 Wisdom is justified of her Children. And the Masters were called Fathers, 
 as Elisha to Elijah, 2 King. i. 12. My Father, my Father, &*c. 
 
 48. For the several Sprinklings and Purifications by water, commanded in 
 the Law of Moses, and so often mentioned in the Books of Exod. Levit. Numb. 
 and Dtuteron. the omission of which, in some cases was punished with no less 
 than death, Exod. 30. 20. 
 
 49. I have learned much of my Masters, or Rabbies, more of my Com- 
 panions, most of my Scholars, was the speech of an ancient Rabbi; from 
 whence we may collect this distinction, of Scholars, Companions, and Rabbies, 
 or Doclors. The chief Doctors sate in the Synagogues, or Schools, in high 
 chairs (perhaps like Pulpits) the Companions upon Benches below them, and 
 the Scholars on the ground at the feet of their Teachers, from whence S. Paul 
 is said to be brought up at the feet of Gamaliel; and Mary sate at Jesus his 
 feet, and heard his word, Luke 10. 39. After the Scholars had made good 
 progress in learning, they were Elected and made, by imposition of hands, 
 Companions to the Rabbies, like our Fellows of Colledges to the Masters, which 
 makes me call them TA' Eletfl Companions. 
 
 50. The Furniture of the Prophet Elisha^ chamber, 2 Kings 4. 10. 
 
 51. It was the ancient custom to cover the Seats and Table- Beds with 
 Beasts skins: So Eumaus places Ulysses, Odyss. 14. 
 
 'Effrbpifffv 5' 4irl Stp/jia. lovddSov aypios ody6s. 
 Collocavit super pellem villosie silvestris caprcs. 
 So Euander ALneas, 8 sEneid. 
 
 Prtzciptmmq; toro & villosi pelle Leonis 
 
 Accipit ALneam 
 
 Ovid. Qui poteral pelles addere, dives erat. 
 
 52. There is a great dispute among the Learned, concerning the antiquity 
 of this custom of Lying down at meat'; and most of the Critiques are against 
 me, who make it here so ancient. That the Romans at first used sitting at 
 table, is affirmed by Pliny; that the Grecians did so too, appears by 
 Alhenaus, I. 7. c. 15. That in our Saviours time (long before which the 
 Romans and Grecians had changed sitting into lying) the Je^us lay down is 
 plain from the several words used in the New Testament upon this occasion, 
 as dvairiirTeiv, Luke 22. dfciKeartfat, Matth. 26. (raraKeurflcu, Luke 14. dva- 
 K\i0T}i>ai, Matth. 14. so John is said to lean on Jesus bosom, Joh. 13. 23. that 
 is, lay next to him at the Feast ; and alluding to this custom, Christ is said to 
 be in the bosom of his Father, and the Saints in the bosom of Abraham. Some 
 think the Jews took this fashion from the Romans after they were subdued by 
 them, but that is a mistake; for the Romans rather took it from the Eastern 
 people : even in the Prophets time we have testimony of this custom, Ezek. 23.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 41. Thou safest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, Amos 2, 8. 
 They lay themselves upon cloathes laid to pledge by every Altar ; that is, they 
 used garments laid to pledge instead of Beds, when at the Altars they eat 
 things sacrificed to Idols. What was the fashion in Samuels time, is not 
 certain; it is probable enough for my turn, that Disctibation was then in 
 practice, and long before ; for the plucking off their shoes when they went to 
 Table, seems to imply it, that being done to preserve the Beds clean. And why 
 had the yews a strict particular command to have their shoes on their feet at 
 the eating of the Passover, but because they were wont to have their shoes off 
 at other meals ? 
 
 53. There is no matter capable of receiving the marks of Letters, that 
 hath not been made use of by the Ancients for that purpose. The twelve 
 Tables of the Roman Laws were ingraven in Brass ; so was the League made 
 with the Latines, Liv. Dec. j. Lib. i. and Talus among the Cretans was feigned 
 to be a Man made of Brass by Vulcan (of whom they report many ridiculous 
 stories) because he carried about in that Country the Laws graven in brass, and 
 put them severely in execution. Pausan. \nBoetic. makes mention of the whole 
 Book of Hesiods "Eoyuv Kal T^u.epwj', written in Lead ; which kind of plates, 
 Sueton. in Nerone calls Chartam plumbeam, Leaden paper. This fashion was in 
 use before Jobs time; for he says, Job 19. 23. 24. Oh that my words were 
 graven with an Iron pen and Lead in the Rock for ever. Rock, that is, the 
 Leaden plates should be placed upon Rocks or Pillars. They likewise anciently 
 engraved the very pillars themselves ; as those two famous ones of Enoch, one 
 of which was extant even in Josephus his days. And lamblicus avows, that 
 he took the principles of his mystical Philosophy from the Pillars of Mercuric. 
 Plin. I. 7. 56. reports, that the Babylonians and Assyrians write their Laws in 
 Cofiis lateribus, that is, Pillars of Brick. Moses his in Stone. Horace, 
 
 Non incisa notis marmora publicis. 
 
 But of this kind of writing, I was not to make mention in a private Library. 
 They used also of old Plates or Leaves of Ivory, from whence they were 
 termed Libri Elephantini; not as some conceive, from their bigness. Mart. 
 
 Nigra tibi niveum liltera pingat ebur. 
 
 As for Wood and Slates, we may easily believe, that they and all other capable 
 materials were written upon. Of thin shavings of wood the Longobards at 
 their first coming into Italy, made Leaves to write on : some of which Panci- 
 rollus had seen and read in his time. 
 
 54. See Plin. I. 13. n. From whence Letters are called Phcenicean, not 
 from the Country, but from <f>oivi^, a Pa/m-tree. But Guiland. de Papyro, 
 thinks that Phccnicea in Pliny is not the same with (j>olvi%, and has a long 
 discourse to prove that Palm Leaves were not in use for writing, and that we 
 should read Malvarum instead of Palmarum, which is a bold correction upon 
 very slight grounds. It is true, they did anciently write too upon Mallows, as 
 appears by Isidor. and the Epigram of Cinna cited by him : 
 
 HCEC tibi Arateis multum invigilata lucernis 
 Carmina queis ignes novimus cethereos, 
 Ltevis in aridulo Malva descripta libello 
 
 Prusiaca vexi munera navicula. 
 
 But this was a raritie ; for Mallows are too soft to be proper for that use. At 
 Athens the names of those who were expelled the Senate, were written in some 
 kind of Leaf, from whence this sentence was called 'EK$iAAo0<5/>->;<rij, as the 
 names of those banisht by the people were mShells; but at Syracuse, it was in 
 Olive Leaves, and called Hera\i.(r/j.ol airb TOV TrerdXoi/ Aafas. And in this 
 manner wrote Virgils Sybilla, 
 
 Foliis tantum ne carmina manda. 
 
 280
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK I 
 
 Pliny testifies that the Books of Nutna continued so long a time under 
 ground unperished, by having been rubbed over with the Oyl of Cedar. Horace, 
 de Ar. Po. 
 
 Speramus carmina fingi 
 
 Posse linenda Cedro, atit l<evi servant/a Cupresso? 
 
 Ovid. Nee Cedro charta notetur; and, 
 
 Cedro digna locutus; 
 
 Who speaks things worthy to be preserved always by Cedar Oyl; which was 
 likewise used in the Embalming of dead Bodies. 
 
 55. Of Linen Books Liny makes often mention : They were called Libri 
 Lintei, and were Publique Records ; by others termed too Lintete Mappa, and 
 Carbasina volumina, Silken Volumns, Claud, de B. Get. 
 
 Quid carmina pascal 
 
 Fatidico custos Romani carbasus cevi. 
 
 And Sym. 1. 4. Epist. Monitus Cumanos lintea texla sumpserunt. And Pliny 
 says, the Parlhians used to have Letters woven in their cloaths. 
 
 55. Tender Barks. The thin kind of skin between the outward Bark and 
 the body of the Tree. The paper used to this day in China and some part of 
 the Indies, seems to be made of the same kind of stuff. The name of Liber, 
 a Book, comes from hence. 
 
 Some the sharp style, &c. These waxen Table-books were very ancient, 
 though I am not sure there were any of them in the Library at Naioth. Iliad. 
 6. Prcetus sent a Letter in such Table-books by Bellerophon. The Style or Pen 
 with which they wrote, was at first made of Iron, but afterwards that was 
 forbid at Rome, and they used styles of Bone; it was made sharp at one end to 
 cut the Letters, and flat at the other to deface them; from whence stylum 
 vertere. 
 
 56. Pliny says, that Paper (so called from the Name of the Reed of which 
 it was made) or Charta (termed so of a Town of that name in the Marshes of 
 Egypt) was not found out till after the building of Alexandria ; and Parchment, 
 not till Euntenes his time, from whose Royal City ofPergamus it was denominated 
 Pergamena. In both which he is deceived ; for Herod, in Terps. says, that 
 the lonians still call Paper-skins, because formerly when they wanted Paper, 
 they were forced to make use of skins instead of it. See Melch. Guiland. 
 de Pap. upon this argument. And the Dipthertz of the Grecians were nothing 
 else but the skins of beasts; that wherein Jupiter is feigned to keep his 
 Memorials of all things was made of the she-Goat that gave him milk. And 
 many are of opinion, that the famous Golden- Fleece was nothing but a Book 
 written in a Sheep-Skin. Diod. Sicul. I. i. affirms that the Persian Annals 
 were written in the like Books ; and many more Authorities, if needful, might 
 be produced: however, I call Parchment and the Paper of Egypt new Arts 
 here, because they were later than the other. 
 
 57. Hieroglyphicks. The use of which it is very likely the Jews had from 
 Egypt where they had lived so long, Lucan I. 3. 
 
 Nondum fiumineas Memphis contexere Biblos 
 Noverat, & saxis tantum volucresq', ferceq', 
 Sculptaq; servabant magicas animalia linguas. 
 
 58. Nathan and Gad were famous Prophets in Davids time ; and therefore 
 it is probable they might have lived with Samuel in his Colledge, for their par- 
 ticular Professorships, the one of Astronomy, the other of Mathematicks, that 
 is a voluntary gift of mine to them, and I suppose the places were very lawfully at 
 my disposing. Seraia was afterwards Scribe or Secretary to David, called 
 i Kings 42. Sisha, and i Chron. 18. 16. Shausha. Mahol the Reader of 
 Natural Philosophy, is mentioned, i Kings 4. 31. ffemanand Asaph are often 
 
 28l
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 spoken of in the Scripture, i Kings 4. i Chron. 15. 17, 19. and 16. 5. and 37.41, 
 42. and 25. 
 
 59. A Pyramide is a figure broad beneath, and smaller and sharper by 
 degrees upward, till it end in a point, like our Spire-Steeples. It is so called 
 from IIOp, Fire, because Flame ascends in that Figure. Number is here called 
 a Turned Pyramide, because the bottom of it is the point One (which is the 
 beginning of Number, not properly Number, as a Point is of Magnitude') from 
 whence it goes up still larger and larger, just contrary to the nature of Pyra- 
 midical Ascension. 
 
 60. Sacred Blew. Because of the use of it in the Curtains of the J^aber- 
 nacle, the Curtain for the Door, the Vail, the Priests Ephod, Breast- Plate, and 
 briefly all sacred Ornaments. The reason of chusing Blew, I suppose to have 
 been in the Tabernacle, to represent the seat of God, that is, the Heavens, of 
 which the Tabernacle was an Emblem, Numb. 15. 38. The Jews are com- 
 manded to make that lace or ribband of Sleiv, wherewith their fringes are 
 bound to their cloaths ; and they have now left off the very wearing of 
 Fringes; because, they say, the art is lost of dying that kind of Blew, which 
 was the perfedlest sky-colour. Ccendeus is derived by some, Quasi cceluleus. 
 
 61. Virg. I. 6. sEn. 
 
 Obloijuitur numeris Septan discrimina vocum. 
 
 From which Pancirollus conjectures that, as we have now six notes in Mustek, 
 Ut. Re. Mi. Fa. So. La. (invented by a Monk from the Hymn to S. John, 
 beginning every line with those syllables) so the ancients had seven ; according 
 to which Apollo too instituted the Lyre with seven strings ; and Pindar calls it 
 "Eiir-raroirov, his Interpreter, "Etwrd^rov , and the Argives forbad under a penalty, 
 the use of more strings. 
 
 62. Porphyrius affirmed, as he is cited by Eusebius, 3. Prcepar. Evang. 
 that the Egyptians (that is, the Thebans in Egypt) believed but one God, whom 
 they called K.vf)<f> (whom Plutarch also names de Is. &* Osyr. & Straho, 1. 17. 
 Cnuphis) and that the image of that God was made with an Egg coming out of 
 his mouth, to shew that he Spoke out the world, that is, made it with his word; 
 for an Egg with the Egyptians was the symbol of the world. So was it too in 
 the mystical Ceremonies of Bacchus, instituted by Orpheus, as Pint. Syinpos. 
 1. ii. Qiicest. 3. and Macrob. 1. 7. c. 16. whence Proclus says upon Tinuzus, 
 To 'Qp<t>iK.bv uov KO.I TO rov IlXcirwyos "Ov, to be the same things. Voss. de Idol. 
 
 63. Theophil. 1. 2. adversus Gent. Ge6j ou ^wpetrai, dX/V ai;ri5s etrrt TOTTOS 
 TWV S\uv, God is in no place, but is the Place of all things ; and Philo, Ai)ris 
 eavrif T6iros, ical avrbs eauroO TrXripys. Which is the same with the ex- 
 pression here. 
 
 64. Gen. 14. 13. And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram 
 the Hebrew, &c. which Text hath raised a great controversie among the 
 Learned, about the derivation of the name of the Hebrews : The general 
 opinion received of old was, that it came from Eber ; which is not improbable, 
 and defended by many learned men, particularly of late by Rivet upon Gen. 1 1. 
 The other, which is more followed by the late Critiques, as Arpennius, Grotius, 
 and our Selden, is, that the name came from Abrahams passage over Euphrates 
 into Canaan (as the name of Welch is said to signifie no more than strangers, 
 which they were called by the people amongst whom they came, and ever after 
 retained it) which opinion is chiefly grounded upon the Septuagint Translation 
 in this Text, who render Abram the Hebrew, r< Trepdrr;, The Passenger; and 
 Aquila, Hepa/rj. 
 
 65. For even these Sons of the Prophets that were Students in Colledges did 
 sometimes likewise foretel future things, as to Elisha the taking up of Elijah, 
 2 King. 2. 3, &c. 
 
 282
 
 THE 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 THe Friendship betwixt Jonathan and David ; and upon that 
 occasion a digression concerning the nature of Love. A dis- 
 course between Jonathan and David, upon which the latter absents 
 himself from Court, and the former goes thither, to inform himself 
 of Sauls resolution. The Feast of the New-Moon, the manner of 
 the Celebration of it ; and therein a Digression of the History of 
 Abraham. Sauls Speech upon Davids absence from the Feast, and 
 his anger against Jonathan. Davids resolution to fly away ; he 
 parts with Jonathan, and falls asleep under a Tree. A Description 
 of Phansie ; an Angel makes up a Vision in Davids head ; the 
 Vision // self, which is, A Prophesie of all the succession of his 
 Race till Christs time, with their most remarkable actions. At his 
 awaking, Gabriel assumes an humane shape, and confirms to him 
 the truth of his Vision. 
 
 283
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 DAVIDEIS. 
 
 The second Book. 
 
 BUt now the early birds began to call 
 The morning forth ; up rose the Sun and Saul ; 
 Both, as men thought, rose fresh from sweet repose ; 
 But both, alas, from restless labours rose. 
 For in Sauls breast, Envy, the toilsome Sin, 
 Had all that night active and ty'rannous bin, 
 She'expell'd all forms of Kindness, Pertue, Grace ; 
 Of the past day no footstep left or trace. 
 The new-blown sparks of his old rage appear, 
 Nor could his Love dwell longer with his feat\_ 
 So near a storm wise David would not stay, 
 Nor trust the glittering of a faithless Day. 
 He saw the Sun call in his beams apace, 
 And angry Clouds march up into their place. 
 The Sea it self smooths his rough brow awhile, 
 Flattering the greedy Merchant with a smile ; 
 But he, whose ship-wrackt Barque it drank before, 
 Sees the deceit, and knows it would have more. 
 Such is the Sea, and such was Saul. 
 But Jonathan, his Son, and Only Good, 
 Was gentle as fair J or dans useful Flood. 
 Whose innocent stream as it in silence goes, 
 
 i Fresh Honours, and a sudden spring bestows 
 
 On both his banks to every flower and tree ; 
 ^*The manner How lies hid, \tieffeR we see. 
 
 But more than all, more than Himself he lov'ed 
 The man whose worth his Fathers Hatred mov'ed. 
 For when the noble youth at Dammin stood 
 
 284
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 Adorn 'd with sweat, and painted gay with Blood, 
 
 ^Jonathan pierce'd him through with greedy Eye 
 
 And understood the future Majestie z Sam. 18. 
 
 Then destin'ed in the glories of his look ; 
 
 He saw, and strait was with amazement strook, 
 
 To see the strength, the feature, and the grace 
 
 Of his young limbs ; he saw his comely face 
 
 Where Love and Rev'erence so well mingled were ; 
 
 2 And Head, already crown d with golden haire. 
 He saw what Mildness his bold Sp'irit did tame, 
 Gentler then Light, yet powerful as a Flame. 
 He saw his Valour by their Safety prov'ed ; 
 
 He saw all this, and as he saw, he Levied. 
 
 What art thou, Love, thou great mysterious thing ? 
 From what hid stock does thy strange Nature spring ? 
 'Tis thou that mov'est the world through every part 
 And holdst the vast frame close, that nothing start 
 From the due Place and Office first ordain'd. 
 
 3 By Thee were all things Made, and are sustained. 
 Sometimes we see thee fully, and can say 
 
 From hence thou took'est thy Rise, and went'st that way ; 
 
 But oftner the short beams of Reasons Eye, 
 
 See onely, There thou art, nor How, nor Why. 
 
 How is the Loadstone, Natures subtle pride, 
 
 By the rude Iron woo'd, and made a Bride ? 
 
 How was the Weapon wounded ? what hid Flame 
 
 The strong and conqu'ering Metal overcame ? 
 
 4 Love (this Worlds Grace) exalts his Natural state ; 
 He feels thee, Love, and feels no more his Weight. 
 
 5 Ye learned Heads, whom Ivy garlands grace, 
 Why does that twining plant the Oak embrace ? 
 The Oak for courtship most of all unfit, 
 
 And rough as are the Winds that fight with it ? 
 
 How does the absent Pole the Needle move ? 
 
 How does his Cold and Ice beget hot Love ? 
 
 Which are the Wings of Lightness to ascend ? 
 
 Or why does Weight to th' Centre downwards bend ? 
 
 Thus Creatures void of Life obey thy Laws, 
 
 And seldom We, they never know the Cause. 
 
 In thy large state, Life gives the next degree, 
 
 285
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 6 Where Sense, and Good Apparent places thee ; 
 But thy chief Palace is Mans Heart alone, 
 Here are thy Triumphs, and full glories shown, 
 
 7 Handsome Desires, and Rest about thee flee, 
 Union, Inherence, Zeal, and Extasie. 
 Thousand with Joys cluster around thine head, 
 O're which a gall-less Dove her wings does spread, 
 A gentle Lamb, purer and whiter farre 
 
 Then Consciences of thine own Martyrs are, 
 
 Lies at thy feet ; and thy right hand does hold 
 
 The mystick Scepter of a Cross of Gold. 
 
 Thus do'est thou sit (like Men e're sin had fram'ed 
 
 A guilty blush) Naked, but not Asbatn'ed. 
 
 What cause then did the fab'ulous Ancients find, 
 
 When first their superstition made thee blind? 
 
 'Twas They, alas, 'twas They who could not see, 
 
 When they mistook that Monster, Lust, for Thee. 
 
 Thou art a bright, but not consuming Flame ; 
 
 Such in th'amazed Bush to Moses came ; ETO. 3 . 2 . 
 
 When that secure its new-crown'd head did rear, 
 
 And chid the trembling Branches needless fear. 
 
 Thy Darts of healthful Gold, and downwards fall 
 
 Soft as the Feathers that they're fletcht withal. 
 
 Such, and no other, were those secret Darts, 
 
 Which sweetly toucht this noblest pair of Hearts. 
 
 Still to one end they both so justly drew, 
 
 As courteous Doves together yok'd would do. 
 
 No weight of Birth did on one side prevaile, 
 
 Two Twins less even lie in Natures Scale. 
 
 They mingled Fates, and both in each did share, 
 
 They both were Servants, they both Princes were. 
 
 If any Joy to one of them was sent, 
 
 It was most his, to whom it least was meant, 
 
 And fortunes malice betwixt both was crost, 
 
 For striking one, it wounded th'other most. 
 
 Never did Marriage such true Union find, 
 
 Or mens desires with so glad violence bind ; 
 
 For there is still some tindture left of Sin, 
 
 And still the Sex will needs be stealing in. 
 
 Those joys are full of dross, and thicker farre, 
 
 286
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 These, without matter, clear and liquid are. 
 Such sacred Love does he'avens bright Spirits fill, 
 Where Love is but to Understand and W"ill^ 
 With swift and unseen Motions ; such as We ^' 
 Somewhat express in heightned Charitie. 
 
 ye blest One \ whose Love on earth became 
 So pure that still in Heav'en 'tis but the same ! 
 There now ye sit, and with mixt souls embrace, 
 Gazing upon great Loves mysterious Face, 
 
 And pity this base world where Friendship's made 
 
 A bait for sin, or else at best a Trade. 
 
 Ah wondrous Prince! who a true Friend could'st be, 
 
 When a Crown Flattened, and Saul threatned Thee ! 
 
 Who held'st him dear, whose Stars thy birth did cross ! 
 
 And bought'st him nobly at a Kingdoms loss \ 
 
 Israels bright Scepter far less glory brings ; 
 
 There have been fewer Friends on earth then Kings. 
 
 To this strange pitch their high affections flew ; 
 Till Natures self scarce look'd on them as Two. 
 Hither flies David for advice and ayde, i Sam. ao. 
 
 As swift as Love and Danger could perswade, 
 As safe in Jonathans trust his thoughts remain 
 As when Himself but dreams them o're again. 
 
 My dearest Lord, farewel (said he) farewel ; 
 He'aven bless the King ; may no misfortune tell 
 Th'injustice of his hate, when I am dead ; 
 They'are coming now, perhaps ; my guiltless head 
 Here in your sight, perhaps, must bleeding ly, 
 And scarce your own stand safe for being nigh. 
 Think me not scar'ed with death^ howere't appear, 
 
 1 know thou can'st not think so : tis a fear 
 
 From which thy Love^ and Dammtn speaks me free ; 
 Fhave met him face to face, and ne're could see 
 One terrour in his looks to make me fly 
 When ferine bids me stand ; but I would dy 
 So as becomes my Life, so as may prove 
 Sauls Malice^ and at least excuse your Love. 
 
 He stopt, and spoke some passion with his eyes ; 
 Excellent Friend (the gallant Prince replyes) 
 Thou hast so prov'd thy Virtues, that they're known
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 To all good men, more then to each his own. 
 
 Who lives in Israel, that can doubtful be 
 
 Of thy great actions ? for he lives by Thee. 
 
 Such is thy Valour, and thy vast success, 
 
 That all things but thy Loyalty are less. 
 
 And should my Father at thy mine aim, 
 
 'Twould wound as much his Safety as his Fame. 
 
 Think them not coming then to slay thee here, 
 
 But doubt mishaps, as little as you feare. 
 
 For by thy loving God who e're design 
 
 Against thy Life must strike at it through Mine. 
 
 But I my royal Father must acquit 
 
 From such base guilt, or the low thought of it. 
 
 Think on his softness when from death he freed 
 
 The faithless King of dm' a leeks cursed seed ; , Sam , 
 
 Can he to'a Friend, to'a Son so bloudy grow, 
 
 He who ev'n sin'd but now to spare a Foe ? 
 
 Admit he could ; but with what strength or art 
 
 Could he so long close, and seal up his heart ? 
 
 Such counsels jealous of themselves become, 
 
 And dare not fix without consent of some. 
 
 Few men so boldly ill, great sins to do, 
 
 Till licens'ed and approv'ed by others too. 
 
 No more (believe't) could he hide this from me, iSam. * 
 
 Then /, had he discover'd it, from Thee. 
 
 Here they embraces join, and almost tears ; 
 Till gentle David thus new prov'd his fears. 
 The praise you pleas'd (great Prince) on me to spend 
 Was all out-spoken when you stil'd me Friend. 
 That name alone does dang'erous glories bring, 
 And gives excuse to th' Envy of a King, 
 What did his Spear, force, and dark plots impart 
 But some eternal rancour in his heart ? 
 Still does he glance the fortune of that day 
 When drown'd in his own blood Goliah lay, 
 And cover'd half the plain ; still hears the sound 
 How that vast Monster fell, and strook the ground : 
 The Dance, and, David his ten thousand slew, 
 Still wound his sickly soul, and still are new. 
 Great a6ts t'ambitious Princes Treasons grow, 
 
 288
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 So much they hate that Safety which they ow. 
 Tyrants dread all whom they raise high in place, 
 From the Good, danger ; from the Bad, disgrace. 
 They doubt the Lords, mistrust the Peoples hate, 
 Till Blood become a Principle of State. 
 Secur'd nor by their Guards, nor by their Right, 
 But still they Fear ev'en more then they Affright. 
 Pardon me, Sir, your Father's rough and stern : 
 His IV ill too strong to bend, too proud to learn. 
 Remember, Sir, the Honey 's deadly sting; 
 Think on that savage Justice of the King. 
 When the same day that saw you do before 
 Things above Man, should see you Man no more. 
 'Tis true th'accursed Agag mov'ed his ruth, 
 He pitied his tall Limbs and comely youth 
 Had seen, alas the proof of heav'ens fierce hate, 
 And fear'd no mischief from his powerless fate. 
 Remember how th'old Seer came raging down, 
 And taught him boldly to suspect his Crown. 
 Since then his pride quakes at th' Almighties rod, 
 Nor dares he love the man belov'ed by God. 
 Hence his deep rage and trembling Envy springs ; 
 Nothing so wild as Jea/ousie of Kings. 
 Whom should he counsel ask, with whom advise, 
 Who Reason and Gods counsel does despise ? 
 Whose head-strong will no Law or Conscience daunt, 
 Dares he not sin, do'you think, without your grant ? 
 Yes, if the truth of our fixt love he knew, 
 He would not doubt, believe't, to kill ev'en you. 
 
 The Prince is mov'ed, and straight prepares to find 
 The deep resolves of his griev'd Fathers mind. 
 The danger now appears, Love can soon show't, 
 And force his Stubborn piety to know't. 
 
 They 'agree that David should conceal'd abide, ^ s - '- 
 
 Till his great friend had the Courts 'temper tryde, 
 Till he had Sauls most secret purpose found, 
 And searcht the depth and rancour of his wound. 
 
 'Twas the years seventh-born Moon ; the solemn Feast L T ev - 23. 24. 
 
 r^t , J J 1 NU - 2<5 - ' 
 
 i hat with most noise its sacred mirth exprest. 
 From op'ening Morn till night shuts in the day, 
 
 c. T 289
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 On Trumpets and shrill Horns the Levites play. 
 9 Whether by this in mystick Type we see 
 The New-years-Day of great Eternitie, 
 When the chang'd Moon shall no more changes make, 
 And scatter'd Deaths by Trumpets sound awake ; 
 
 10 Or that the Law be kept in Mem'ory still, 
 Giv'en with like noise on Sina's shining Hill, 
 
 1 1 Or that (as some men teach) it did arise 
 From faithful Abrams righteous Sacrifice, 
 Who whilst the Ram on Isaac's fire did fry, 
 His Horn with joyful tunes stood sounding by. 
 Obscure the Cause ; but God his will declar'ed ; 
 And all nice knowledge then with ease is spar'ed. 
 
 12 At the third hour Saul to the hallowed Tent 
 Midst a large train of Priests and Courtiers went; 
 The sacred Herd marcht proud and softly by; 
 
 13 Too fat and gay to think their deaths so nigh. 
 Hard fate of Beasts, more innocent than We \ 
 Prey to our Lux'ury, and our Pietie \ 
 
 Whose guiltless blood on boards and Altars spilt, 
 Serves both to Make, and Expiate too our guilt ! 
 
 14 Three Bullocks of free neck, two guilded Rams, 
 Two well-washt Goats, and fourteen spotless Lambs, 
 With the three vital fruits, Wine, Oyl, and Bread, 
 (Small fees to heav'en of all by which we're fed) 
 Are offer'ed up ; the hallowed flames arise, 
 
 And faithful pray'rs mount with them to the skies. 
 
 1 5 From thence the King to th'outmost Court is brought, 
 Where heav'enly things an inspir'ed Prophet taught, 
 And from the sacred Tent to 'his Palace gates, 
 With glad kind shouts th'Assembly on him waites; 
 The chearful Horns before him loudly play, 
 
 And fresh-strew'd flowers paint his triumphant way. 
 Thus in slow state to th' Palace Hall they go, 
 Rich drest for solemn Luxury and Show ; 
 
 1 6 Ten pieces of bright Tap'estry hung the room, 
 The noblest work e're stretcht on Syrian loom; 
 For wealthy Adri'el in proud Sydon wrought 
 
 And giv'en to Saul when Sauls best gift he sought 
 The bright-ey'd Merab ; for that mindful day 
 
 290
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 No ornament so proper seem'd as they. 
 
 17 There all old Abrams story you might see; 
 
 1 8 And still some Angel bore him companie. 
 His painful, but well-guided Travels, show 
 The fate of all his Sons, the Church below. 
 
 19 Here beauteous Sara to great Pharo came, Gen. ai. 14. 
 He blusht with sudden passion, she with shame ; 
 
 Troubled she seem'd, and lab'oring in the strife 
 
 'Twixt her own Honor, and her Husbands Life. 
 
 Here on a conqu'ering Host that careless lay, 
 
 Drown'd in the joys of their new gotten prey, Gen. M . 
 
 The Patriarch falls; well mingled might you see 
 
 20 The confus'd marks of Death and Luxury. 
 
 21 In the next piece blest Salems mystick King Gen. 14. 18. 
 
 22 Does sacred Presents to the yiElor bring; 
 
 Like him whose Type he bears, his rights receives; 
 
 Strictly requires his Due, yet freely gives. 
 
 Ev'en in his port, his habit, and his face ; 
 
 The Mild, and Great, the Priest and Prince had place. 
 
 Here all their starry host the heavens display ; Gen. 15. 5. 
 
 And, Lo, an heav'enly Youth, more fair then they, 
 
 Leads Abram forth ; points upwards ; such, said he, 
 
 23 So bright and numberless thy Seed shall be. 
 
 24 Here he with God a new Alliance makes, Gen. 17. 
 And in his flesh the marks of Homage takes; 
 
 25 Here he the three mysterious persons feasts, Gen. 18. 2. 
 Well paid with joyful tidings by his Guests. 
 
 Here for the wicked Town he prays, and near 2 en - l8 - 2 3- 
 
 r j 7 den. 19. 24. 
 
 Scarce did the wicked Town through Flames appear. 
 And all his Fate, and all his Deeds were wrought, 
 
 26 Since he from * Ur to * Ephrons cave was brought. *Gen. n. 3 i. 
 But none 'mongst all the forms drew then their eyes 
 
 Like faithful Abrams righteous Sacrifice. vlr'"' 
 
 27 The sad old man mounts slowly to the place, 
 With Natures power triumphant in his face 
 O're the Minds courage ; for in spight of all 
 From his swoln eyes resistless waters fall. 
 
 28 The inn'ocent Boy his cruel burthen bore Ver. e. 
 With smiling looks, and sometimes walk'd before, 
 
 And sometimes turn'd to talk; above was made 
 
 T 2 291
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The Altars fatal Pile, and on it laid 
 
 29 The Hope of Mankind; patiently he lay, 
 And did his Syre, as he his God, obey. 
 The mournful Syre lifts up at last the knife, 
 And on one moments string depends his life 
 
 In whose young loyns such brooding wonders ly. 
 A thousand Spirits peep'd from th'affrighted sky, 
 Amaz'ed at this strange Scene; and almost fear'd, 
 For all those joyful Prophesies they'd heard. 
 Till one leapt nimbly forth by Gods command 
 Like Lightning from a Cloud, and stopt his hand. 
 The gentle Spirit smil'ed kindly as he spoke, 
 New beames of joy through Abrams wonder broke. 
 The Angel points to'a tuft of bushes near, 
 Where an entangled Ram does half appear, 
 And struggles vainly with that fatal net, 
 Which though but slightly wrought, was firmly set. 
 For, lo, anon, to this sad glory doom'd, 
 The useful Beast on Isaac's Pile consum'ed ; 
 Whilst on his Horns the ransom'ed couple plaid, 
 And the glad Boy danc'd to the tunes he made. 
 Near this Halls end a Shittim Table stood ; 
 Yet well-wrought plate strove to conceal the wood. 
 For from the foot a golden vine did sprout, 
 And cast his fruitful riches all about. 
 Well might that beauteous Ore the Grape express, 
 Which does weak Man intoxicate no less. 
 Of the same wood the guilded beds were made, 
 And on them large embroidered carpets laid, 
 From Egypt the rich shop of Follies brought, 
 But Arts of Pride all Nations soon are taught. 
 
 30 Behold sev'en comely blooming Youths appear, 
 And in their hands sev'en silver washpots bear, 
 
 31 Curl'd, and gay clad; the choicest Sons that be 
 Of Gibeons race, and Slaves of high degree. 
 Seven beauteous Maids marcht softly in behind ; 
 Bright scarfs their cloathes, their hair fresh Garlands bind, 
 
 32 And whilst the Princes wash, they on them shed 
 Rich OyntmentSy which their costly odours spread 
 O're the whole room ; from their small prisons free 
 
 292
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 With such glad haste through the wide ayr they flee. 
 
 33 The King was plac'ed alone, and o're his head ' Sam - *> 
 A well-wrought Heaifen of silk and gold was spread. 
 
 Azure the ground, the Sun in gold shone bright, 
 
 But pierc'd the wandring Clouds with silver light. 
 
 The right hand bed the Kings three Sons did grace, 
 
 The third was Abners, Adrieh, Davids place. 
 
 And twelve large Tables more were filPd below, 
 
 With the prime men Sauls Court and Camp could show ; 
 
 The Palace did with mirth and musick sound, 
 
 34 And the crown'd goblets nimbly mov'ed around. 
 But though bright joy in every guest did shine, 
 The plenty, state, musick, and sprightful wine 
 Were lost on Saul', an angry care did dwell 
 In- his dark brest, and all gay forms expell. 
 
 Davids unusual absence from the feast, \6*^ 2 ' 
 
 To his sick spir'it did jealous thoughts suggest. 
 Long lay he still, nor drank, nor eat, nor spoke, 
 And thus at last his troubled silence broke. 
 
 Where can he be ? said he ; It must be so : 
 With that he paused awhile ; Too well we know 
 His boundless pride : he grieves and hates to see 
 The solemn triumphs of my Court and Me. 
 Believe me, friends, and trust what I can show 
 From thousand proofs, th'ambitious David now 
 Does those vast things in his proud soul design 
 That too much business give for Mirth or Wine. 
 He's kindling now perhaps, rebellious fire 
 Among the Tribes, and does ev'n now conspire 
 Against my Crown, and all our Lives, whilst we 
 Are loth ev'en to suspeft, what we might See. 
 
 35 By the Great Name, 'tis true. 
 
 With that he strook the board, and no man there 
 
 But Jonathan durst undertake to clear i Sam. 20. 
 
 The blameless Prince; and scarce ten words he spoke, 
 
 When thus his speech th'enraged Tyrant broke. v. 3 o. 31. 
 
 36 Disloyal Wretch ! thy gentle Mothers shame ! 
 Whose cold pale Ghost ev'en blushes at thy name ! 
 Who fears lest her chast bed should doubted be, 
 And her white fame stain'd by black deeds of thee ! 
 
 293
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Can'st thou be Mine ? a Crown sometimes does hire 
 Ev'en Sons against their Parents to conspire, 
 But ne're did story yet, or fable tell 
 Of one so wild, who meerly to Rebel 
 Quitted th'unquestion'd birthright of a Throne, 
 And bought his Fathers mine with his own : 
 Thou need'st not plead th'ambitious youths defence ; 
 Thy crime clears his, and makes that Innocence. 
 Nor can his foul Ingratitude appear, 
 Whilst thy unnatural guilt is plac'ed so near. 
 Is this that noble Friendship you pretend ? 
 Mine, thine own Foe, and thy worst En'emies Friend? 
 If thy low spirit can thy great birthright quit, 
 The thing's but just, so ill deserv'est thou it. 
 /, and thy Brethren here have no such mind ; 
 Nor such prodigious worth in David find, 
 That we to him should our just rights resign, 
 Or think Gods choice not made so well as Thine. 
 Shame of thy House and Tribe ! hence, from mine Eye, 
 To thy false Friend, and servile Master fly ; 
 He's e're this time in arms expecting thee ; 
 Haste, for those arms are rais'ed to ruine Mee. 
 Thy sin that way will nobler much appear, 
 Then to remain his Spy and Agent here. 
 When I think this, Nature by thee forsook, 
 Forsakes me too. With that his spear he took 
 To strike at him ; the mirth and musick cease ; 
 The guests all rise this sudden storm t'appease ; Ver. 33 . 
 
 37 The Prince his danger, and his duty knew ; Ver. 34. 
 
 And low he bow'd, and silently withdrew. 
 
 To David strait, who in a forest nigh Ver. 35. 
 
 Waits his advice, the royal Friend does fly. 
 The sole advice, now like the danger clear, 
 Was in some foreign land this storm t'outwear. 
 All marks of comely grief in both are seen ; 
 And mournful kind discourses past between. 
 Now generous tears their hasty tongues restrain, v e r. 42 . 
 
 Now they begin, and talk all o're again 
 
 A reverent Oath of constant love they take, Ver. 42 . 
 
 And Gods high name their dreaded witness make ; 
 
 294
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 Not that at all their Faiths could doubtful prove ; 
 But 'twas the tedious zeal of endless Love. 
 Thus e're they part, they the short time bestow 
 In all the pomp Friendship and Grief could show. 
 And David now with doubtful cares opprest, 
 Beneath a shade borrows some little rest ; 
 When by command divine thick mists arise, 
 And stop the Sense, and close the conque'red eyes. 
 
 38 There is a place which Man most high doth rear, 
 The small Worlds Heav'en, where Reason moves the Sphere. 
 Here in a robe which does all colours show, 
 
 (The envy of birds, and the clouds gawdy bow} 
 Phansie, wild Dame, with much lascivious pride 
 By tw'm-Ckamelions drawn, does gaily ride. 
 Her coach there follows, and throngs round about 
 Of shapes and airy Forms an endless rout. 
 A Sea rowls on with harmless fury here ; 
 Straight 'tis a field, and trees and herbs appeare. 
 Here in a moment are vast Armies made, 
 And a quick Scene of war and blood displaid. 
 Here sparkling wines, and brighter Maids come in, 
 The bawds for sense and lying baits of sin. 
 
 39 Some things arise of strange and quarr'elling kind, 
 The forepart Lyon, and a Snake behind ; 
 
 Here golden mountains swell the cove'tous place, 
 
 40 And Cenatures ride Themselves a painted race. 
 Of these slight wonders Nature sees the store, 
 And onely then accounts herself but poore. 
 
 Hither an Angel comes in Davids trance ; 
 And finds them mingled in an antique dance ; 
 Of all the numerous forms fit choice he takes, 
 And joyns them wisely, and this Piston makes. 
 
 First David there appears in Kingly state, 
 Whilst the twelve Tribes his dread commands await ; 
 Straight to the wars with his joyn'd strength he goes, Sam. 5.^1. 
 Settles new friends, and frights his ancient Foes. 23. 
 
 To Solima, Cana'ans old head, they came, 
 (Since high in note, then not unknown to Fame) 
 
 41 The Blind and Lame th'undoubted wall defend, 3 Sam. j. 6. 
 And no new wounds or dangers apprehend. 
 
 295
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The busie image of great yoab there 
 
 Disdains the mock, and teaches them to fear. 
 
 He climbs the airy walls, leaps raging down, 
 
 New-minted shapes of slaughter fill the town. 
 
 They curse the guards their mirth and bravery chose ; 
 
 All of them now are slain, or made like those. 
 
 42 Far through an inward Scene an Army lay, 
 Which with full banners a fair Fish display. 
 From Sidon plains to happy Egypts coast 
 They seem all met ; a vast and warlike Hoast. 
 Thither hasts David to his destin'ed prey, 
 Honor, and noble Danger lead the way ; 
 
 43 The conscious Trees shook with a reverent fear 
 Their unblown tops ; God walkt before him there. 
 Slaughter the wearied Ripbaims bosom fills, 
 Dead corps imboss the vail with little hills. 
 
 44 On th'other side Sophenes mighty King 
 Numberless troops of the blest East does bring : 
 Twice are his men cut off, and chariots ta'ne ; 
 
 45 Damascus and rich Adad help in vaine. 
 
 46 Here Nabathcean troops in battel stand, 
 With all the lusty youth of Syrian land ; 
 Undaunted Joab rushes on with speed, 
 Gallantly mounted on his fiery steed ; 
 
 He hews down all, and deals his deaths around ; 
 
 The Syrians leave, or possess dead the ground. 
 
 On th' ' other wing does brave Abishai ride v er . 10. 
 
 Reeking in blood and dust ; on every side 
 
 The perjur'd sons of Ammon quit the field, 
 
 Some basely dye, and some more basely yield. 
 
 Through a thick wood the wretched Hanun flies, 
 
 And far more justly then fears Hebrew Spies. 
 
 47 Moloch, their bloody God, thrusts out his head, -j Sam. 
 Grinning through a black cloud ; him they'd long fed fchro. 
 In his sev'en Chambers, and he still did eat 
 
 New-roasted babes, his dear, delicious meat. 
 
 Again they'arise, more ang'red then dismaid ; Ver. 15. 
 
 48 Euphrates, and Swift Tygris sends them aid : 16. 
 In vain they send it, for again they're slain, 
 
 49 And feast the greedy birds on He/ay plain. iCh' 
 296
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 50 Here Rabba with proud towers affronts the sky, 
 And round about great jfoabs trenches ly. 
 
 They force the walls, and sack the helpless town ; * Sam " 
 
 51 On Davids head shines Ammons massy Crown. iChro. 20. 2. 
 Midst various torments the curst race expires, Tchi-olio. 3 . 
 David himself his severe wrath admires. Ichron'' 
 
 Next upon Israels throne does bravely sit 23- j- 
 
 52 A comely Youth endow'ed with wondrous wit. ! 2 . '"' 
 
 53 Far from the parched Line a royal Dame, i 2 Chr ' ' 
 To hear his tongue and boundless wisdom came. M King ' I0 ' 
 She carried back in her triumphant womb Lu. 11.31. 
 The glorious stock of thousand Kings to come. 
 
 Here brightest forms his pomp and wealth display, 2 chro. 19. 
 
 Here they a Temples vast foundations lay. ^ s- 6 - 
 
 A mighty work ; and with fit glories fill'd. & 4. s 
 
 For God t'enhabit, and that King to build. 
 
 Some from the quarries hew out massy stone, 
 
 Some draw it up with cranes, some breathe and grone 
 
 In order o're the anvile ; some cut down 
 
 Tall Cedars, the proud Mountains ancient crown ; 
 
 Some carve the Truncks, and breathing shapes bestow, 
 
 Giving the Trees more life then when they grow ; 
 
 But, oh (alas) what sudden cloud is spread 
 
 About this glorious Kings eclypsed head ? , King. n. 
 
 It all his fame benights, and all his store, 
 
 Wrapping him round, and now he's seen no more. 
 
 When straight his Son appears at Sichem crown'd. , Kin. 12. 
 With young and heedless Council circled round ; 
 Unseemly objecl: ! but a falling state 
 Has always its own errours joyn'd with fate. 
 Ten Tribes at once forsake the Jessian throne, 
 And bold Adoram at his Message stone ; 
 
 Brethren of Israel ! more he fain would say, Ver. 18. 
 
 But a flint stopt his mouth, and speech i'th'way. Is. 
 
 Here this fond Kings disasters but begin, 
 
 He's destin'ed to more shame by'his Fathers sin. 
 
 Susack comes up, and under his command i Ki. 14 25. 
 
 54 A dreadful Army from scorcht Africks sand 
 As numberless as that ; all is his prey, 
 
 The Temples sacred wealth they bear away ; 
 
 297 
 
 12. 2.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 5 5 Adrazars shields and golden loss they take ; 
 
 Ev'n David in his dream does sweat and shake. 
 Thus fails this wretched Prince ; his Loyns appear 
 Of less weight now, then Solomons Fingers were. 
 
 Abijah next seeks Israel to regain, 
 And wash in seas of blood his Fathers stain ; 
 
 56 Ne're saw the aged Sun so cruel fight, 
 Scarce saw he this, but hid his bashful light. 
 Nebats curst son fled with not half his men, 
 Where were his Gods of Dan and Bethel then r 
 Yet could not this the fatal strife decide ; 
 God punisht one, but blest not th'other side. 
 
 Asan a just and vertuous Prince succeeds ; 
 High rais'd by fame for great and godly deeds ; 
 
 57 He cut the solemn groves where Idols stood, 
 And Sacrificed the Gods with their own wood. 
 
 He vanquisht thus the proud weak powers of hell, 
 Before him next their doating servants fell. 
 
 58 So huge an Host of Zerahs men he slew, 
 As made ev'en that Arabia Desert too. 
 
 59 Why fear'd he then the perjur'd Baasha^s fight ? 
 Or bought the dangerous ayd of Syrian's might ? 
 Conquest Heav'ens gift, cannot by man be sold ; 
 Alas, what weakness trusts he ? Man and Gold. 
 
 Next Josaphat possest the royal state ; 
 An happy Prince, well worthy of his fate ; 
 His oft -Oblations on Gods Altar made, 
 With thousand flocks, and thousand herds are paid, 
 Arabian Tribute \ what mad troops are those, 
 Those mighty Troops that dare to be his foes ? 
 He Prays them dead ; with mutual wounds they fall ; 
 One fury brought, one fury slays them all. 
 Thus sits he still, and sees himself to win ; 
 Never o'recome but by's Friend Ahabs sin ; 
 
 60 On whose disguise fates then did onely look ; 
 And had almost their Gods command mistook. 
 Him from whose danger heav'en securely brings, 
 And for his sake two ripely wicked Kings. 
 
 6 1 Their Armies languish, burnt with thirst at Seere, 
 Sighs all their Cold, Tears all their Moisture there. 
 
 298
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 They fix their greedy eyes on th'empty sky, 
 
 And fansie clouds, and so become more dry. 
 
 Elisha calls for waters from afarre 2 Ki. 3. 13. 
 
 To come ; Elisha calls, and here they are. 
 
 In helmets they quaff round the welcome flood ; 
 
 And the decrease repair with Moabs blood. ? Ki. 3 . 24. 
 
 62 Jehoram next, and Ochoziah throng ? Ki. 8. 16. 
 For Judahs Scepter ; both short-liv'd too long. 2 Chr. ii. i. 
 
 63 A Woman too from Murther Title claims ; f ictn.'ii. i. 
 Both with her Sins and Sex the Crown she shames. ^chron. 22. 
 Proud cursed Woman \ but her fall at last 
 
 To doubting men clears heav'en for what was past. 
 
 Joas at first does bright and glorious show ; * " 2 "; 
 
 In lifes fresh morn his fame did early crow. 
 
 Fair was the promise of his dawning ray, 
 
 But Prophets angry blood o'recast his day. 
 
 From thence his clouds, from thence his storms begin, 21. 
 
 64 It cryes aloud, and twice let's Aram in. I chr^ 8 ' 
 
 65 So Amaziah lives, so ends his raign ; ^ in 
 Both by their Trayferous servants justly slain. * Chro. 25. 
 Edom at first dreads his victorious hand, 2 Ki. J4 . 7. 
 Before him thousand Captives trembling stand. *,. ron ' 25 ' 
 Down a prec'ipice deep, down he casts them all, & 25 " 
 
 66 The mimick shapes in several postures fall. 
 
 But then (mad fool!) he does those Gods adore, aChron. 25. 
 
 Which when pluckt down, had worshipt him before. 
 Thus all his life to come is loss and shame ; 
 No help from Gods who themselves helpt not, came. 
 6? All this Uzziahs strength and wit repairs, 2 KI 's- ' 
 
 ' T . 11 i -i i TT 2 Chr. 26. 
 
 Leaving a well-built greatness to his Heirs. 
 
 68 Till leprous scurff o're his whole body cast, 2 Ki. 15. $. 
 Takes him at first from Men, from Earth at last. 
 
 69 As vertuous was his Son, and happier far ; 
 Bui/dings his Peace, and Trophies grac'ed his War. 
 But Achaz heaps up sins, as if he meant 
 
 To make his worst forefathers innocent. 
 
 70 He burns his Son at Hinon y whilst around 
 
 The roaring child drums and loud Trumpets sound. 
 This to the boy a barbarous mercy grew, 
 And snatcht him from all mis'eries to ensue. 
 
 299
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Here Peca comes, and hundred thousands fall, 
 Here Rezin marches up, and sweeps up all : 
 
 71 Till like a Sea the Great Belochus Son 
 Breaks upon both, and both does over-run. 
 The last of A dads ancient stock is slain, 
 Israel captiv'ed, and rich Damascus ta'ne. 
 All this wild rage to revenge Judo's wrong ; 
 
 72 But wo to Kingdoms that have Friends too strong ! 
 
 Thus Hezechiah the torn Empire took, 
 And Assurs King with his worse Gods forsook, 
 Who to poor Judo, worlds of Nations brings, 
 There rages ; utters vain and Mighty things, 
 Some dream of triumphs, and exalted names, 
 Some of dear gold, and some of beauteous dames ; 
 Whilst in the midst of their huge sleepy boast, 
 
 73 An Angel scatters death through all the hoast. 
 Th'affrighted Tyrant back to Babel hies, 
 
 74 There meets an end far worse then that he flies. 
 Here Hezekiahs life is almost done ! 
 
 So good, and yet, alas ! so short 'tis spunne. 
 Th'end of the Line was ravell'd, weak and old ; 
 Time must go back, and afford better hold 
 To tye a new thread to'it, of fifteen years ; 
 'Tis done ; TN almighty power of prayer and tears \ 
 
 75 Backward the Sun, an unknown motion, went ; 
 The Stars gaz'ed on, and wondred what he meant : 
 
 76 Manasses next (forgetful man!) begins; 
 Enslav'ed, and sold to Ashur by his sins. 
 Till by the rod of learned mis'ery taught, 
 
 Home to his God and Countrey both he's brought. 
 It taught not Amman, nor his hardness brake ; 
 He's made th' Example he refus'd to take. 
 
 Yet from this root a goodly Cyan springs ; 
 
 gosiah best of Men, as well as Kings. 
 own went the Calves with all their gold and cost ; 
 The Preists then truly griev'ed, Osyris lost, 
 These mad Egyptian rites till now remain'd ; 
 Fools ! they their worser thraldome still retain'd ! 
 78 In his own Fires Moloch to ashes fell, 
 
 And no more flames must have besides his Hell, 
 
 300
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 79 Like end Astartes horned Image found, 
 
 80 And Baah spired stone to dust was ground. 
 
 8 1 No more were Men in female habit seen, 
 Or They in Mens by the lewd Syrian Queen. 
 
 82 No lustful Maids at Benos Temple sit, 
 
 And with their bodies shame their marriage get. 
 
 83 The double Dagon neither nature saves, 
 Nor flies She back to th' 'Erythraean waves. 
 
 84 The travelling Sun sees gladly from on high ^King. 23 
 His Chariots burn, and Nergal quenched ly. 
 
 The Kings impartial Anger lights on all, 
 
 85 From fly-blown Acca'ron to the thundring Badl. 
 Here Davids joy unruly grows and bold ; 
 
 Nor could Sleeps silken chain its vio'lence hold ; 
 
 Had not the Angel to seal fast his eyes 
 
 The humors stirr'd, and bad more mists arise : 
 
 When straight a Chariot hurries swift away, 
 
 And in it good Josiah bleeding lay. 
 
 One hand's held up, one stops the wound ; in vain 
 
 They both are us'd ; alas, he's slain, he's slain. 
 
 yehoias and Jehoikim next appear ; a King. 23. 
 
 Both urge that vengeance which before was near. ib. v. 26. 
 
 He in Egyptian fetters captive dies, & s . r ' 
 
 86 Thus by more courteous anger murther'd lies. aciirofsM. 
 
 87 His Son and Brother next do bonds sustain, ^K' 36 ' 3 s' 
 Isra'els now solemn and imperial Chain. 2 chro. 3 6. 
 Her'es the last Scene of this proud Cities state ; 
 
 All ills are met ty'ed in one knot of Fate. 
 
 88 Their endless slavery in this tryal lay ; 
 Great God had heapt up Ages in one Day : 
 Strong works around the wall the Caldees build, 
 
 The Town with grief and dreadful bus'iness fill'd. 2 Kin. 25. i. 
 
 To their carv'ed Gods the frantick women pray, 
 
 Gods which as near their ruine were as they. 
 
 At last in rushes the prevailing foe, 
 
 Does all the mischief of proud conquest show. 
 
 The wondring babes from mothers breasts are rent, 
 
 And suffer ills they neither fear'd nor meant. 2 chr. 36. 17. 
 
 No silver rev'erence guards the stooping age, 
 
 No rule or method ties their boundless rage. 
 
 301
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The glorious Temple shines in flame all o're, 3 Chro. 3 < 
 
 Yet not so bright as in its Gold before. 2 9 King. 25 
 
 Nothing but fire or slaughter meets the eyes, 
 
 Nothing the ear but groans and dismal cryes. 
 
 The walls and towers are levi'ed with the ground, 
 
 And scarce ought now of that vast Citie's found 
 
 But shards and rubbish which weak signs might keep 
 
 Of forepast glory, and bid Travellers weep. 
 
 Thus did triumphant Assur homewards pass, 
 
 And thus Jerusalem left, Jerusalem that was. 
 
 Thus Zedechiah saw, and this not all ; 
 
 Before his face his Friends and Children fall, 3 Km. 25. 
 
 The sport of ins'olent vigors ; this he viewes, 
 A King and Father once ; ill fate could use 
 His eyes no more to do their master spight ; 
 All to be seen she took, and next his Sight. 
 
 89 Thus a long death in prison he outwears ; 
 Bereft of griefs last solace, ev'en his Tears. 
 
 Then Jeconiahs son did foremost come, Mat. J - I2 
 
 And he who brought the captiv'ed nation home ; 
 A row of Worthies in long order past 
 O're the short stage ; of all old Joseph last. 
 Fair Angels past by next in seemly bands, 
 All gilt, with gilded basquets in their hands. 
 Some as they went the blew-ey'd violets strew, 
 Some spotless Lilies in loose order threw. 
 Some did the way with full-blown roses spread ; 
 Their smell divine and colour strangely red ; 
 Not such as our dull gardens proudly wear, 
 Whom weathers taint, and winds rude kisses tear. 
 Such, I believe, was the first Roses hew, 
 Which at Gods word in beauteous Eden grew. 
 Queen of the Flowers, which made that Orchard gay, 
 The morning blushes of the Springs new Day. 
 
 90 With sober pace an heav'enly Maid walks in, 
 Her looks all fair ; no sign of Native sin 
 Through her whole body writ ; Immoderate Grace 
 Spoke things far more then humane in her face. 
 
 It casts a dusky gloom o're all the flow'rs ; 
 
 91 And with full beams their mingled Light devowrs. 
 
 302
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 An Angel straight broke from a shining clowd, 
 
 And prest his wings, and with much reve'rence bow'd. 
 
 Again he bow'd, and grave approach he made, 
 
 And thus his sacred Message sweetly said : 
 
 Hail, full of Grace) thee the whole world shall call LU. i. 8. 
 Above all blest; Thee^ who shalt bless them all. 
 Thy Virgin womb in wondrous sort shall shrowd 
 Jesus the God', (and then again he bow'd) 
 Conception the great Spirit shall breathe on thee; 
 
 92 Hail thou, who must Gods wife^ Gods mother be ! 
 With that, his seeming form to heav'n he rear'd ; 
 She low obeisance made, and disappear'd. 
 
 Lo a new Star three eastern Sages see; 
 
 (For why should onely Earth a Gainer be?) Mat. a. i. 
 
 They saw this Phosphors infant-light, and knew 
 
 It bravely usher'd in a Sun as New. 
 
 They hasted all this rising Sun t'adore; 
 
 93 With them rich myrrh, and early spices bore. 
 Wise men ; no fitter gift your zeal could bring ; 
 You'll in a noisome Stable find your King. 
 Anon a thousand Dev'ils run roaring in; 
 
 Some with a dreadful smile deform'edly grin. 
 Some stamp their cloven paws, some frown and tear 
 The gaping Snakes from their black-knotted hair. 
 As if all grief, and all the rage of hell 
 Were doubled now, or that just now they fell. 
 But when the dreaded Maid they entring saw, 
 All fled with trembling fear and silent aw. 
 In her chast arms th' Eternal Infant lies, 
 TtfAlmighty voyce chang'ed into feeble cryes. 
 Heav'en contain'd Virgins oft, and will do more; 
 Never did Virgin contain Heav'en before. 
 Angels peep round to view this mystick thing, 
 And Halleluiah round, all Halleluiah sing. 
 
 No longer could good David quiet bear, 
 The unwieldy pleasure which ore-flow'd him here. 
 It broke the fetters, and burst ope his ey. 
 Away the tim'erous Forms together fly. 
 Fixt with amaze he stood; and time must take, 
 To learn if yet he were at last awake. 
 
 33
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Sometimes he thinks that heav'en this Vision sent, 
 And order'ed all the Pageants as they went. 
 Sometimes, that onely 'twas wild Phandes play, 
 The loose and scatter'd reliques of the Day. 
 
 94 When Gabriel (no blest Spirit more kind or fair) 
 
 95 Bodies and cloathes himself with thickned ayr. 
 All like a comely youth in lifes fresh bloom ; 
 
 Rare workmanship, and wrought by heavenly loom ! 
 
 He took for skin a cloud most soft and bright, 
 
 That e're the midday Sun pierc'ed through with light: 
 
 Upon his cheeks a lively blush he spred ; 
 
 Washt from the morning beauties deepest red. 
 
 An harmless flaming Meteor shone for haire, 
 
 And fell adown his shoulders with loose care. 
 
 He cuts out a silk Mantle from the skies, 
 
 Where the most sprightly azure pleas'd the eyes. 
 
 This he with starry vapours spangles all, 
 
 Took in their prime e're they grow ripe and fall. 
 
 Of a new Rainbow e're it fret or fade, 
 
 The choicest piece took out, a Scarf is made. 
 
 Small streaming clouds he does for wings display, 
 
 Not Vertuous Lovers sighes more soft then They. 
 
 These he gilds o're with the Suns richest rays, 
 
 Caught gliding o're pure streams on which he plays. 
 
 Thus drest the joyful Gabriel posts away, 
 And carries with him his own glorious day 
 Through the thick woods; the gloomy shades a while 
 Put on fresh looks, and wonder why they smile. 
 The trembling Serpents close and silent ly, 
 
 96 The birds obscene far from his passage fly. 
 A sudden spring waits on him as he goes, 
 Sudden as that by which Creation rose. 
 Thus he appears to David, at first sight 
 
 All earth-bred fears and sorrows take their flight. 
 
 In rushes joy divine, and hope, and rest ; 
 
 A Sacred calm shines through his peaceful brest. 
 
 Hail, Man belov'ed ! from highest heav'en (said he) 
 
 My mighty Master sends thee health by me. 
 
 The things thou saw'est are full of truth and light, 
 
 97 Shap'd in the glass of the divine Foresight. 
 
 34
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 Ev'n now old Time is harnessing the years 
 
 To go in order thus; hence empty fears; 
 
 Thy Fate's all white; from thy blest seed shall spring 
 
 The promis'd Shilo, the great Afystick King. 
 
 Round the whole earth his dreaded name shall sound, 
 
 And reach to Worlds, that must not yet be found. 
 
 The Southern Clime him her sole Lord shall stile, 
 
 98 Him all the North, ev'en Albions stubborn Isle. 
 
 99 My Fellow-Servant, credit what I tell. 
 
 100 Straight into shapeless air unseen he fell. 
 
 c. u 305
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 NOTES 
 
 UPON THE 
 
 SECOND BOOK. 
 
 i. T T Onours, that is, Beauties, which make things Honoured; in which 
 JL~J. sense Virgil often uses the word, and delights in it : 
 
 Et Icztos oculis affl&rat Honores. 
 And in the i Georg. (as in this place) for Leaves. 
 
 Frigidus &* silvis Aquilo decussit honor em, 
 
 i. Josephus calls David, Hats l-ai>dbs. The yellow, that is, yellow-haired 
 Boy, or rather, Yotith. Cedrenus says, that Valentinian the Emperor was like 
 David, because he had beautiful Eyes, a ruddy complexion, and red, or rather, 
 yellow hair. 
 
 3. Power, Love, and Wisdom, that is, the whole Trinity (The Father, 
 Power; the Son, Love; the Holy Ghost, Wisdom} concurred in the Creation of 
 the world : And it is not only preserved by these Three, the Power, Love, and 
 Wisdom of God, but by the emanations and beams of them derived to, and 
 imprest in the Creatures. Which could not subsist without Power to AcJ, 
 Wisdom to direft those Aftions to Ends convenient for their Natures, and 
 Love or Concord, by which they receive mutual necessary assistances and 
 benefits from one another. Which Love is well termed by Cicero Cognatio 
 Natures, The Kindred, or Consanguinity of Nature. And to Love the Creation 
 of the world, was attributed even by many of the ancient Heathens, the Verse 
 of Orph. 
 
 Kai MTJTIS TrpcDros yevtrup Kai "Epws TroXvT^Trrjj. 
 
 Wisdom and Love were Parents of the world : And therefore Hesiod in his mad 
 confused Poem of the Generation of the Gods, after Chaos, the Earth, and //is//, 
 brings in Z.0W, as the first of all the Gods, 
 
 "H5" "Epos 8s KCtXXicrros ^ d^avdroKri OeoiffL. 
 
 Pherecides said excellently, that GW transformed himself into Love, when he 
 began to make the world, 
 
 Et's "Epwra y.fTafiXrjo'Oai rbv 
 
 4. As Humane Nature is elevated by Grace, so other Agents are by Z,OT><f 
 to Operations that are above, and seem contrary to their Nature, as the ascension 
 of heavy bodies, and the like. 
 
 5. Garlands of /zy were anciently the ornaments of Poets, and other 
 learned men, as Laurel of Conquerors, Olive of Peace-makers, and the like. 
 Horace. 
 
 Me dotflarum Hederce pramia frontium 
 Diis mi scent sit peris - 
 
 306
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 Me Ivy the reward of learned brows does mingle with the Gods. Virg . 
 
 Atq; hanc sine tempora circum 
 
 Inter viftrices hederam tibi serpere laurus. 
 
 And let this humble Ivy creep around thy Temples with triumphant Laurel 
 
 bound. Because Ivy\s> always green, and requires the support of some stronger 
 
 Tree, as Learning does of Princes and great men. 
 
 6. The Object of the Sensitive Appetite is not that which is truly good, 
 but that which Appears to be Good. There is great caution to be used in 
 English in the placing of Adjectives (as here) after their Substantives. I think 
 when they constitute specifical differences of the Substantives, they follow best ; 
 for then they are to it like Cognomina, or Surnames to Names, and we must 
 not say, the Great Pompey, or the Happy Sylla, but Pompey the Great, and 
 Sylla the Happy ; sometimes even in other cases the Epithete is put last very 
 gracefully, of which a good ear must be the Judge for ought I know, without 
 any Rule. I chuse rather to say Light Divine, and Command Divine, than 
 Divine Light, and Divine Command. 
 
 7. These are the Effects of Love, according to Th. Aquinas in Prima Sec. 
 Quasi. 28. the i, 2, 3, and 4. Artie, to whom I refer for the proof and explana- 
 tion of them, Amor est affecJus quo cum re amatd aut unimur, aut perpetuamus 
 unionem. Seal, de Subt. 
 
 8. i Sam. 5. And David said unto Jonathan, behold to morrow is the new- 
 Moon, and I should not fail to sit with the King at meat, but let me go, &c. 
 Ecce Calendae sunt crastino, & ego ex more sedere soleo juxti regem ad 
 vescendum, &c. The first day of every month was a Festival among the 
 Jews: for the First-fruits of all things, even all distinctions of Times were 
 Sacred to God; In it they neither bought nor sold, Amos 8. 4. When will the 
 new-Moon be gone, that we may sell Corn ? the Vulg. Quando transibit mensis 
 (that is, Primus dies, or Festum Mensis) &* venundabimus merces? They 
 went to the Prophets to hear the word as upon Sabbaths, i Kings 4. 23. 
 Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither New- moon nor Sabbath; 
 which was likewise a Custom among the Romans : for the day of the Calends 
 the High Priests called together the people (from whence the name of Calends 
 a Calando plebem) to instruct them in the divine dutys which they were to 
 perform that month, Macro, i. Saturnal. And lastly, there were greater 
 Sacrifices on that, than upon other ordinary days, Num. 28. n. But of all 
 New-moons, that of the seventh month was the most solemn, it being also the 
 Feast of Trumpets. It is not evident that this was the New-Moon spoken of in 
 this story of David; but that it was so, may probably be conjectured, in that 
 the Text seems to imply a greater Solemnity than that of ordinary Calends, 
 and that the Feast lasted above one day, x Sam. 20. 27. And it came to pass, 
 that on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, Davids place was 
 empty. Now the reason of this greater observation of the Calends of the 
 Seventh Month (called Tisri, and answering to our September) was, because 
 according to the Civil Computation (for the Jews had two accounts of the 
 beginning of the year, one Civil, the other Religious ; this latter being instituted 
 in memory of their passage out of Egypt in the month Abib, that is, about our 
 March) this was the beginning of the year ; from hence contracts, and the 
 account of Sabbatical years and Jubilees bare date. It is called by some 
 Sabbathum Sabbathorum, because it is the Sabboth of Months ; for as the 
 seventh day, and the seventh year, so the seventh month too was consecrated 
 to God. Of this New-Moon it is that David speaks, Psal. 81. 3. Blow the 
 Trumpet in the New-Moon, in the time appointed on our solemn Feast-day. 
 In insigni die solennitatis vtstra. And the Psalm is inscribed, Pro Torcu- 
 
 U 2 307
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 laribus ; which concurs just with this seventh Moon ; which Philo in Decal. 
 terms, rr\v lepo/j.fvLa.v ffv ff6\Triyiv \nro<j ijfia.lv ovai. And S. August, reads, 
 In initio Mensis Tuber. See the Institution of this Festival, Levit. 23. 24. 
 and Numb. 29. I. 
 
 9. The Priests were wont to blow the Trumpets upon all Festivals, the 
 year of Jttbilee was proclaimed by them with the sound of Trumpets through 
 the whole Land ; nay the Sabbath it self was begun with it, as Josephus 
 testifies, /. 5. Bel. Jud. c. 9. But why the Trumpets were sounded more 
 extraordinarily on this day, is hard to find out ; for which it is named Dies 
 Clangoris. Some will have it to be only as a Solemn Promulgation of the 
 New-year ; which opinion is likewise adorned with an allusion to the beginning 
 (or as it were Ntrw-years-Day) of Eternity; which is to be proclaimed by Angels 
 in that manner with a great sound of a Trumpet, Mat. 24. 31. 
 
 10. This was Saint Basils opinion, but is not much followed, because when 
 Festivals are instituted in memory of any past Blessing, they used to be observed 
 on the same day that the blessing was conferred. 
 
 1 1. This third is the common opinion of the Jews ; who therefore call this 
 Festival Festum Cornu, and say, that they sounded only upon Rams Horns : 
 but that, methinks, if this be the true reason of it, is not necessary. 
 
 12. The Third Hour ; i. Nine a clock in the morning: For the day began 
 at six a clock, and contained twelve Little, or Four Great Hours, or Quarters. 
 The first Quarter from Six to Nine, was called the Third Hour, because that 
 closed up the Quarter. 
 
 13. Gay, because the Beasts to be Sacrificed, used to be Crowned with 
 Garlands, and sometimes had their Horns gilt, as I say afterwards. 
 
 14. For on the ordinary Neiu- Moons there was offered up two Bidlocks, 
 one Ram, and seven Lambs of the first year without spot, Numb. 28. u. and 
 a Kid of the Goats, v. 15. and there was added on this New-Moon, one young 
 Bullock, one Ram, seven Lambs of the first year without blemish, and one 
 Kid, Numb. 29. which joined, make up my number. Bullocks of Free-neck', 
 that is, which had never been yoked, implyed in the Epithcte Young. Intafta 
 cervice Juvenci. 
 
 15. The outmost Court of the Tabernacle. 
 
 1 6. The custom of having Stories wrought in Hangings, Coverlits, nay 
 even wearing Garments, is made to be very ancient by the Poets. Such is the 
 history of Theseus and Ariadne in the Coverlit of Thetis Pulvinar, or Marriage 
 Bed. Catull. Argonaut. 
 
 Talibtts amplified vestis variata jiguris 
 
 Pulvinar complexa suo velabat amiftu. 
 
 So AUneas in 5. sn. gives a Coat to Cloanthus, in which was wrought the 
 rape of Ganymede, 
 
 Intextusq; puer frondosa regins Ida. 
 And many authorities of this kind might be alleged if it were necessary. 
 
 17. You might see. That is, // might be seen, or, Any one might see. This 
 manner of speaking, which puts the second person Indefinitely, is very frequent 
 among the Poets ; as Homer, 
 
 <f>alr]s Kev frdKorov riva HnjJ.fva.1. 
 Virg. 4. ^En. 
 
 Migrantes cernas : 
 
 Upon which Sen-ius says, Honesta Jigtira si rem tertice personce in secundam 
 trans/eras. Mugire videbis, that is, Videbit aut poterit videre aliquis. So 
 8. JEn. 
 
 Credas innare revulsas Cycladas ; that is, Credat quis. 
 
 3 08
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 1 8. God is said to have spoken with Abraham Nine times; that is, so 
 many times Angels brought him Messages from God. An Angel is called by 
 Josephus Upbcruirov Oeov. 
 
 19. Some make Sara to be the Daughter of Haran, Abrams Brother; 
 others of Therah by another Wife, which marriages were then lawful, but the 
 Scripture Gen. n. calls her Terahs Daughter in Law, not Daughter; others 
 think she was only Abrams Kinswoman ; all which the Hebrews called Sisters. 
 'A5e\<t>idi) non 'A6e\<^. Grot. Beauteous were a strange Epithete for her at 
 the Age she then had, which was above threescore years, but that the Scripture 
 calls her so, and she proved her self to be so, by striking two Kings in love, 
 Pharaoh and Abimelech. It is to be believed that people in those days bore 
 their age better than now, and her barrenness might naturally contribute some- 
 what to it ; but the chief reason I suppose to be a Blessing of God as particular, 
 as that of her child-bearing after the natural season. 
 
 20. The Scripture does not say particularly, that Abram surprised this 
 Army in, or after a debauch, but it is probable enough for my turn, that this 
 was the case. Of these Confused marks of death and luxury, there is an excel- 
 lent description in the 9 ^Eneid, where Nistis and Etirialus fall upon the 
 quarter of the Enemy. 
 
 Somno vinoq; sepultam. 
 
 Purpuream vomit ille animam, & cum sanguine mista 
 Vina refert moriens, dr=r. 
 But I had no leisure to expatiate in this place. 
 
 21. St. Hierom says this Salem was a Town near Scythopolis, called Salem 
 even to his Time; and that there were then remaining some ruines of the 
 Palace of Melchisedec, which is not very probable. I rather believe him to 
 have been King of Jerusalem ; for being a Type of Christ, that seat was most 
 proper for him, especially since we are sure that Jerusalem was once named 
 Salem, Psal. In Salem is his Tabernacle, and his habitation in Sion. And 
 the addition of Jeru to it, was from Jebu, the Jebusites; that is, Salem of the 
 Jebusites, Adric. The situation of Jei usalem agrees very well with this story. 
 For Abram coming to Hebron from the parts about Damascus, passes very near 
 Jerusalem, nay nearer then to the other Salem. But concerning this King of 
 Salem, Melchisedec, the difficulties are more important. Some make him to be 
 no man, but God himself, or the Holy Ghost, as the ancient Melchisedecians and 
 Hieracites; others, to be Christ himself; others, an Angel, as Origen; others 
 to be Sem the son of Noah ; which is little more probable then the former 
 extravagant fancies. That which is most reasonable, and most received too, is, 
 that he was a King of a little Territory among the Canaanites, and a Priest for 
 the true God, which makes him so remarkable among those Idolatrous Nations; 
 for which cause he is termed, dyeveaXd-yijTos, because he was not of any of the 
 Genealogies of the Scripture ; and therefore the better typified or represented 
 Christ, as being both a King and a Priest, without being of the Tribe of Levi : 
 But this and the other controversies about him, are too copious to be handled 
 in a Comment of this Nature. 
 
 22. Ver. 1 8. And Melchisedec King of Salem brought forth bread and 
 wine, &c. The Romanists maintain, that this was only a Sacrifice, and a 
 Type of the Eucharist, as Melchisedec himself was of Christ; others, that it 
 was only a Present for the relief of Abrams men. Why may we not say that it 
 was both ? and that before the men were refresht by bread and wine, there was 
 an offering or prelibation of them to God, by the Priest of the most High God, 
 as he is denominated? for even this oblation of bread and wine (used also 
 among the Hebrews'] is called Ovffla, Levit. 2. and Philo says of Mekhisedec 
 
 39
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 upon this occasion, ivivlKia Z6ve. I therefore name them Sacred Presents. 
 Like him whose Type he bears ; that is, Christ. And the Dues he received were 
 Tenths, whether of all Abrams substance, or of the present Spoils (aKpoOlvia) is 
 a great controversie. 
 
 23. Gen. 15. 5. and Gen. 22. 17. / will multiply thy seed as the stars of 
 the heaven, and as the sand upon the sea shore. An ordinary Proverb in all 
 languages, for great numbers. Catul. Aut quot sidera multa cum facet nox; 
 and in another place he joyns the sand of the sea too as this Text does. Ille 
 pulveris Erythrai Sidenlmq; micantium subducat numerum. It does no hurt, 
 I think, to add Bright as well as Numberless to the similitude. 
 
 24. Gen. 17. It is called a Covenant', and circumcision may well be 
 termed a Mark of Homage, because it was a renouncing of the flesh, and 
 peculiar dedication of Abram and his seed to the service of the true 
 God. 
 
 25. The received opinion is, that two of these persons were Angels, and 
 the Third, God himself; for after the two Angels were gone towards Sodom, it 
 is said, Gen. 18. 22. But Abraham stood yet before the Lord. So Sulpit. 
 Sever. Dominus qui cum duobus Angelis ad eum venerat. Lyra and Tostatus 
 report, that the Jews have a Tradition, that these Three were Michael, Gabriel, 
 and Raphael. The first of which represented God, and remained with Abraham, 
 the second destroyed Sodom, and the third brought Lot out of it. It was a very 
 ancient opinion that these were the Three persons of the Trinity ; from whence 
 arose that notorious saying, Tres vidit 6 unum adoravit. This appearing of 
 Gods in the manner of strangers to punish and reward men was a common 
 tradition too among the Heathens, Horn. p. Odyss. 
 
 Kai re 6eol Zeivoiffiv eoiKores a.\\oTra.8o'io~i 
 HavToloi TfXtOovres ltri(TTp<i}<pui(n TroX^os 
 'Avdpwiruv vfipiv re Kal evt>o>J.lrjv <f>opun>res. 
 
 The Gods in the habits of strangers went about to several Towns to be eye- 
 witnesses of the justice and injustice of men. So Homer makes the Gods to 
 go once a year to feast, 
 
 With the unblameable Ethiopians. And we find these peregrinations frequent 
 in the Metamorphosis, 
 
 Summo delator Olympo - 
 
 Et Deus humand lustra sub imagine terras, i. Metam. 
 
 26. From Ur, the place of his Birth, to Ephrons Cave, the place of his 
 Burial. Ur of the Chaldees, Gen. n. 31. Some of the Jews take Ur here for 
 Fire, and tell a ridiculous fable, that Abraham and Haran his brother were 
 cast by the Chaldeans into a burning furnace for opposing their Idolatry, in 
 which Haran was consumed, but Abraham was preserved. Josephus and 
 Eusebius, lib. 9. Prcepar. Evang. say Ur was the name of a City, which 
 Josephus calls ovprjv, and Plin. 1. 5. c. 24. makes mention of Ura, a place 
 Usq; quern fertur Euphrates. It was perhaps denominated from the worship 
 of Fire in that Country. The name continued till Ammianus his time. 
 Ammian. lib. 25. 
 
 27. Mounts. For the place was the Hill Moriah, which the Vulgar 
 translates Montem Visionis. Aquila ryv yijv rrjv Karatpavrj ; which I conceive 
 to be, not as some render it, In terram lucidam, but terram apparentem, the 
 place which appears a great way off, as being a Mountain. Symmachus for 
 the same reason has 'OTrrao-las, which is the same with the Latine Visionis ; 
 and the Septuag. call it v\l/i)\i]v, the High Country; others interpret it, The 
 Country of Worship, by Anticipation. And it was not perhaps without relation 
 
 310
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 to this Sacrifice of Abrahams, that this was chosen afterwards to be the seat of 
 Solomons Temple. 
 
 28. The Boy. Our English Translation, Lad, which is not a word for 
 verse, the Latin Puer, Boy. Aben Ezra is cited to make him at that time but 
 ten or twelve years old. But that is an age unfit for the carrying of such 
 a Burden as he does here. Rivet for that reason conceives that he was about 
 16 years of age, Josephus 25. Others 33, because at that age our Saviour 
 (whose Type he was) was sacrificed. Some of the Jews 36. none of which are 
 contrary to the Hebrew use of the word Boy ; for so all young men are termed, 
 as Benjamin, Gen. 43. 8. and Joseph, Joshua, and David when he fought with 
 Goliah. The Painters commonly make him very young, and my description 
 agrees most with that opinion, for it is more poetical and pathetical than the 
 others. 
 
 29. Because the Covenant and Promises were made in Isaac, Gen. 17. 21. 
 Heb. u. 17, 1 8. 
 
 30. The ancients (both Hebrews and other Nations) never omitted the 
 washing at least of their hands and feet before they sat or lay down to Table. 
 Judg- 19. 11. it is said of the Levite and his Concubine, They washt their feet 
 and did eat and drink. So Abraham says to the three Angels, Gen. 18. 4. Let 
 a little -water, I pray you be fetcht, and wash your feet, and rest your selves 
 under the Tree, and I will fetch a morsel of Bread, &>c. So likewise Josephs 
 Steward treats his Masters brethren. So David to Uriah, 2 Sam. n. 8. Go 
 down to thy house, and wash thy feet, &c. and there followed him a mess of meat 
 from the King. It is in vain to adde more authorities of a thing so notorious. 
 And this custom was then very necessary, for their Legs and Thighs being bare, 
 they could not but contract much dirt, and were (of which this custom is some 
 argument) to lie down upon Beds, which without washing they would have 
 spoiled. Homer makes the Wives and Daughters even of Princes to wash the 
 feet of their guests, 
 
 dpxdiov 8e TOVTO ZQos. Athen. L. i.e. 8. 
 
 For this (says he) was the ancient custom ; and so the daughters of Cocalus 
 washt Minos at his arrival in Sicilie. But the more ordinary, was to have 
 young and beautiful servants for this and the like ministeries. Besides this, 
 it was accounted necessary to have wash pots standing by at the Jewish feasts, 
 to purifie themselves, if they should happen to touch any thing unclean. And for 
 these reasons six Water-pots stood ready at the wedding feast of Cana in Galilee. 
 
 31. Eccles. 2. 8. I gate men-singers and women-singers, the delights of the 
 sons of men, olvoxbov /cai olvoxoas. He and she servants to fill wine, says the 
 Septuagint : Though I know the Vulgar, and our English Edition translate it 
 otherwise; both differently : And it is incredible, how curious the ancients were 
 in the choice of Servants to wait at Table. Mart. 
 
 Stant pueri, Dominos quos precer esse meos. 
 
 32. After washing they always anointed themselves with precious oyl. 
 So Jtidith 10. 2. So Naomi to Ruth, Wash thy self therefore, and anoint thy 
 self. So David after the death of his child, Rose up and washt, and anointed 
 himself, &c. So Horn. Od. 6. of Nausicaa and her maids, 
 
 Al 5e \0o-o-dfj,ei>ai. /cai xP'^/uecai M""' AcUw 
 AeiVj'OJ' l-irfiO' e'CKovTQ trap oxdjjcriv Trora/xoto. 
 
 But this too is as notorious as the other fashion of washing. Small Prisons. 
 Boxes of Oyntments, such as the woman poured upon the head of our Saviour, 
 Mat. 26. 7. d\dpa<rrpov pvpov, that is, as we say, an Inkhorn, though it be not 
 made of Horn, but any other matter; for this was not of Alabaster, S. Mark 
 affirming that it was broken. Horace, 
 
 3 11
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Nardi parvus Onyx. 
 
 Claudian. Gcmmatis alii per totum balsama teftum 
 Effudere cadis 
 
 33. The Roman custom was, to have three Beds to each Table (from 
 whence the word Triclinium} and three persons to each bed (though sometimes 
 they exceeded in both ;) and it is likely they took this from the Asiatiques as 
 well as the very fashion of discubation, for conveniently there could be no 
 more. To Saul for state I gave a whole Bed; and the other two, to his 
 own Sons, Jonathan, Ishui and Melchisua, i Sam. 1 4. 49. to Abner his Cosin 
 German, and Captain of his Hosts, and to his two Sons in Law, Adriel and 
 David. Neither does it convince me, that Lying down was not in use, because 
 it is said here, i Sam. 20. 25. And Saul sate upon his seat as at other times, 
 even upon a seat by the wall: because the words of Session and Accubation are 
 often confounded, both being in practice at several times, and in several 
 Nations. 
 
 34. At the feasts of the ancients, not only the rooms were strewed with 
 flowers, but the Guests and the Waiters, and the very drinking Bowls were 
 crowned with them. Virg. 
 
 Crateras magnos statuunt & vina coronant ; and 
 Turn pater Anchises magnum cratera corond 
 Induit, implevitq; mero 
 Which cannot be interpreted as some do Homers, 
 
 K.pa.Trjpas ^wiffTe\f/avro TTOTOIO. 
 
 Which they say are said to be Crowned, when they are filled so full, that 
 the liquor standing higher than the brims of the Bowl, looks like a Crown 
 upon it, Athen. 1. j. c. n. But why may we not construe Homer, They 
 Clowned, Kparrjpas TTOTOIO, Bowls of drink, as well as They Crowned Bffivls 
 with drink ? 
 
 35. The name of God, the Tetragrammaton, that was not to be pro- 
 nounced. 
 
 36. I Sam. 20. 30. Thou Son of the perverse rebellious -woman, &*c. The 
 Vulg. Fili mulieris virum ultrb rapientis ; that is as much as to say, Thou Son 
 of a Whore. Upon which place Grotius. Sons use to be like their Parents, 
 and therefore Saul who would not accuse himself, casts the fault of his 
 stubbornness and ill nature upon his Mother. In which I cannot abide to 
 be of his opinion ; the words are so ungracious from the mouth of a Prince : 
 I rather think that they import this, thou who art so stubborn and unnatural, 
 that thou mayest seem to be not my son, but a Bastard, the son of a whore or 
 rebellious woman ; and that which follows in the same verse confirms this to 
 me. Thou hast chosen the Son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and to the 
 confusion of thy Mothers nakedness; that is, to her shame, who will be thought 
 to have had thee of some other man, and not of me. 
 
 37. i Sam. 20. 34. And Jonathan arose from the Table in fierce anger , In 
 ira furoris. But his passion (it seems) did not overcome his duty or discretion ; 
 for he arose without saying any thing. 
 
 I omit here Jonathans shooting arrows, and sending his Page for them, 
 from the 35 to the 40 verse; By Horace his rule, 
 
 Et qiuz 
 
 Desperes traiflata nilescere posse, relinqtias. 
 
 And what art or industry could make that story shine? besides it was a 
 subtlety that I cannot for my life comprehend ; for since he went to David, 
 and talked to him himself, what needed all that politique trouble of the 
 shooting ? 
 
 312
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 38. The Head, which is the seat of Fansie. 
 
 39. These are called by the Schoolmen, Entia Rationis, but are rather 
 Entia Imaginationis, or Phantastique Creatures. 
 
 Inter se quorum discontia membra videmus, Lucr. L. 5. 
 And afterwards, 
 
 Prima Leo, postrema Draco, media ipsa Chimcera, 
 Which is out of Homer, 
 
 n.p6o-0f \tuv 5e oiriffde 5pa.icuv. 
 
 40. When the Country people in Thessaly saw men first that came on 
 horseback, and drove away their Cattel, they imagined the Horse and Men to 
 be all one, and called them Centaures from driving away of Oxen ; according 
 to which fancy, they are truly said to ride upon themselves. 
 
 41. Unless thou take away the Lame and the Blind, thou shall not come 
 in hither, thinking David cannot come in hither, 2 Sam. 5. 6. There are 
 some other interpretations of the place, then that which I here give ; as that 
 the Idols of the Jebusitcs were meant by the Lame and the Blind. But this 
 carries no probability. Thinking David cannot come hither, is a plain proof 
 that they did it in scorn of David, and confidence of the extraordinary strength 
 of the place ; which without question was very great, or else it could not have 
 held out so many hundred years since the entrance of the Israelites into the land, 
 in the very midst of them. 
 
 42. Fish', Dagon the Deity most worshipt by the Philistims. 
 
 43. The English says Mulberry trees; the Latine, Pear trees ; the safest is 
 to leave it indefinite. The sound of a going in the Tops of the Mulberry trees, 
 v. 24. Some interpret, The noise of the dropping of the dew like Tears from 
 the Trees. From whence the Greek rov K\a.v6fj.uvos. 
 
 44. Hadad-Esar King of Zobah, which is called by Josephus Sophene, 
 a part of Ccelosyria, confining upon the Half Tribe of Manasses. This Kingdom 
 is first mentioned, r Sam. 14. 47. at what time (it seems) it was under several 
 Princes, and against the Kings of Zoba. 
 
 45. Adad was at that time King of Damascus, according to Josephus, and 
 the family of the Adads reigned there long after in great lustre. 
 
 46. The Children of Amman. 
 
 47. Moloch is called peculiarly the Godot the Ammonites, i King. 1 1. 5. & 7. 
 Fonseca takes it to be Priapus, confounding it with Belphegor of the Moabites; 
 Arias Montani4s will have it to be Mercury, deriving it from Malach, Nuncius. 
 Others more probably, Saturn, because the like Worship and like Sacrifices 
 were used to him. Macrob. i. Saturn. Curt. Lib. 4. Diodor. Lib. 20, &c. 
 I rather believe the Sun was wor*hipped under that name by the Ammonites, 
 as the King of Heaven ; for the word signifies King; and it is the same Deity 
 with Baal, or Bel of the Assyrians and Sidonians, signifying Lord. Some 
 think that children were not burnt or sacrificed to him, but only consecrated 
 and initiated by passing between two fires ; which perhaps might be a custom 
 too. But it is evident by several places of Scripture, that this was not all : 
 And the Jews say, that passing through the Fire, is but a Phrase for Burning. 
 He had seven Chappels from the number of the Planets, of which the Sun is 
 King; for which reason the Persians likewise made seven Gates to him. In 
 the first Chappel was offered to him a Cake of fine flower, in the second 
 a Turtle, in the third a Sheep, the fourth a Ram, the fifth an Heifer, the sixth 
 an Ox, and the seventh a Man, or Child, commonly a young Child. The 
 Image was of Brass, of wonderful greatness, with his hands spread, and set on 
 fire within, perhaps to represent the heat of the Sun, and not as some think, to 
 burn the Children in his Arms. He had likewise the face of a Bullock, in 
 
 313
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 which figure too Osyris among the Egyptians represented the Sun, and Mithra 
 among the Persians. 
 
 Stat. Indignata sequi torquentem cornua Mithram. 
 
 But though they intended the worship of the Sun, under this name of Moloch, 
 it was indeed the Devil that they worshipped ; which makes me say, Grinning 
 through a black Cloud, &*c. 
 
 48. Swift Tygris. Curt. L. 4. No River in the East runs so violently as 
 Tygris, from which swiftness it takes the name; for Tygris in the Persian 
 Language signifies an Arrow. 
 
 49. Helam, or Chelam, which Ptolomy calls Alamatha, a Plain near the 
 Foords of Euphrates. 
 
 50. The Metropolis of Amman, since Philadelphia. 
 
 5 1 . And he took their Kings Crown from off his head (the weight whereof 
 was a Talent of Gold, with the precious stones) and it was set on Davids head, 
 i Sam. 12. 30. and the like, i Chro. 20. 2. Tulit diadema regis eorum de 
 capite ejtts, <5rV. But the Seventy have it, Kai ?Xa/3e rbv ffT^<t>avov MO\XOM roO 
 Ba(riX<:ws OMT&V a7ro TTJs Kf<j>a\?is oMTov, &c. He took the Crown of Molchom 
 their King from off his head. That is, The crown upon the head of their 
 Idol Moloch, or Melchom ; which makes some of the Greek Fathers say, 
 That Melchoms Image had a bright precious stone in form of the Morning- 
 star, placed on the top of his forehead. I rather follow the English 
 Translation. 
 
 52. Some would have Solomon to have begun his reign at eleven years old, 
 which is very unreasonable. Sir W. Raughley, methinks, convinces that it was 
 in the 19. year of his age; at which time it might truly be said by David 
 to Solomon, Thott art a wise man ; and by Solomon to God, I am but a young 
 child. 
 
 53. I am not ignorant that I go contrary to most learned men in this point, 
 who make Saba, of w ch she was Queen, a part of Arabia Falix, 
 
 Virg. Soils est thurea virga Sabceis. 
 
 And Frankincense was one of her presents to Solomon. Psalm 72. The Kings 
 of Arabia and Saba. The City where she lived they say was called Marab; 
 by Strabo, Mariaba ; and her, some name, Nicanna ; others, Makeda ; the 
 Arabians, Bulkis. This consists well enough with her title of the Queen 
 of Ethiopia; for there were two Ethiopia's, the one in Asia, the other in 
 Africk. Nevertheless, I make her here Queen of this latter Ethiopia for two 
 reasons ; first because she is called in the New Testament Queen of the South, 
 which seems to me to be too great a Title for the Queen of a small Territory 
 in Arabia, lying full East, and but a little Southward of Jud&a ; and therefore 
 the Wisemen that came to worship Christ from those parts, are termed Eastern, 
 and not Southern Sages. Secondly, all the Histories of the Abyssines or 
 African- Ethiopians affirm, that she was Queen of their Country, and derive 
 the Race of their Kings from her and Solomon, which the ordinary names of 
 them seem to confirm, and the custom of Circumcision used even to this day, 
 though they be Christians. In fine, whatever the truth be, this opinion makes 
 a better sound in Poetry. 
 
 54. This Egyptian Kings name is very variously written. Shishac the 
 English, Sesac Latine, Susakim Septuagint, Susac Josephus, Susesin Cedrenus 
 also, Sasuges, Sosonchis, Sosachis; and by Eusebius Smendes, Josephus, I. 8. 
 proves that Herodot. falsely ascribes the acts of this Susac to Sesostris, and 
 particularly his setting up of pillars in Palatine, with the figures of womens 
 privy parts graven upon them, to reproach the effeminateness of those Nations. 
 The Scripture says, his Army was without number, composed of Lubims, 
 
 3*4
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 i. Lybians, the Countreys west of Egypt, Sukkyms, from Succoth Tents, 
 Lat. Trogloditce, a people bordering upon the Red sea; by others, Arabes 
 Egyptii, or Ichthyophagi ; and Ethiopians, Cusita, Joseph, which is more 
 probable, then to make them, as some do, the people of Arabia Deserta and 
 Petrcea. From this time the Egyptians claimed the Soveraignty of Judaa, 
 i Chr. n. 8. 
 
 55. Adadesar, i Chron. 18. 7. I mention rather the golden shields taken 
 by David, then those made by Solomon, because David might be more 
 concerned in them. 
 
 56. The story of this great battel between Abijah and Jeroboam is one 
 of the strangest and humanely most hard to believe, almost in the whole Old 
 Testament, that out of a Kingdom, not half so big as England, five hundred 
 thousand chosen and valiant men should be slain in one battel ; and of this not 
 so much as any notice taken in Abijahs or Jeroboams lives in the first of Kings. 
 It adds much to the wonder, that this defeat should draw no other consequence 
 after it but Abijahs recovery of two or three Towns ; no more then all the 
 mighty troubles and changes in Israel, that hapned afterwards in Asa's time, 
 who had besides, the advantage of being a virtuous and victorious Prince. 
 Sir W. Raitghley makes a good discourse to prove the reason of this to have 
 been, because the successors of Solomon still kept up that severity and arbitrari- 
 ness of Government, which first caused the separation, but that all the Kings 
 of Israel allowed those liberties to the people, upon the score of which 
 Jeroboam possest himself of the Crown ; which the people chose rather to 
 enjoy, though with great wars and disturbances, than to return to the quiet 
 which they enjoyed with servitude under Solomon. There may be something 
 of this perhaps in the case ; but even though this be true, it is so strange that 
 the Kings of Judah should never (among so many changes) find a party in 
 Israel to call them in again, that we must fly to the absolute determination 
 of Gods will for a cause of it, who being offended with the sins of both, 
 made both his instruments of vengeance against one another, and gave 
 victories and other advantages to Judah, not for blessings to that, but 
 for Curses and Scourges to Israel. God punisht one, but blest not the other side. 
 
 57. This Superstition of consecrating Groves to Idols grew so frequent, 
 that there was scarce any fair green Tree that was not dedicated to some 
 Idol, 
 
 Lucosq; vetustd 
 
 Religione truces & robora Numinis instar. Claud. 
 
 The word it self Lucus is conceived by some to come a Lucendo, from the 
 constant Light of Sacrifices burnt there to the Gods, or rather perhaps from 
 Tapers continually burning there in honour of them. At last the very Trees 
 grew to be the Idols : 
 
 Quercus, oracula prima. Ovid. 
 
 The Druidce had their name from worshipping an Oak ; and among the Celtce 
 an Oak was the Image of Jupiter, the Holm Tree had no less honour with the 
 Hetrurians. Tacitus says the ancient Germans called Trees by the names of 
 the Gods, i Kings 23. 6. Josiah is said to bring out the Groves from the house 
 of the Lord; where it seems the Idols themselves are called Groves: either 
 having gotten that name from standing commonly in Groves, or perhaps because 
 they were the Figures of Trees adored by them, or of Idols with Trees repre- 
 sented too about them ; as Atfts 19. 24. the silver similitudes of Diana's Temple, 
 made by Demetrius, are termed Temples of Diana. 
 
 58. The number of the Armies is here likewise more than wonderful, Asa's 
 consisting of five hundred and eighty thousand, and Zerahs of ten hundred 
 
 315
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 thousand men, called Ethiopians, Cusittz: Now though I took the Cusites 
 of Susacs Army to be the Ethiopians of Africk, for it is very likely he might 
 bring up those as well as Lybians, into Palestine; yet it is improbable that 
 Zerah should march with such an Army through all Egypt, out of that 
 Ethiopia ; besides, Gerar and the Cities thereabout are spoiled by Asa, as 
 belonging to Zera, but that is in Arabia Petraea, which I suppose to be his 
 Kingdom, though perhaps with other Countrys thereabouts; and with the help 
 of his neighbour Princes : for otherwise it is hard to believe, that his Army 
 could be so great. It is clear that the Arabians were called Ethiopians as well 
 as the Abyssines, both descending from Chus. 
 
 He lost so many of his Subjects of Arabia Petr&a, as might make that like 
 Arabia Desert a. 
 
 59. It is strange, that after his being able to bring such an Army into the 
 field, after his great success against Zerah, and his Fathers but a little before 
 against Jeroboam, he should be so alarmed with the War of Baasha 
 (a murtherer, and an unsetled Usurper ; for which cause I call him Perjured] 
 as to give his own and the Temples Treasures for the assistance of Benhadad: 
 But it was not so much out of fear of Baasha alone, as of Benhadad too at the 
 same time, who would have joined with Baasha, if he had not been bought off 
 to join with Asa. The Family of the Adads then reigned in Damascus, were 
 grown mighty Princes, and so continued long after. But the Assistance was 
 very Dangerous ; for the Syrians having by this occasion found the weakness 
 of both Kingdoms, of Israel and Judcsa, and enriched themselves at once upon 
 both, never ceased afterwards to molest and attaque them. 
 
 60. The Fates ; that is, according to the Christian Poetical manner of 
 speaking, the Angels, to whom the Government of this world is committed. 
 The meaning is, that having a command to kill the King, and seeing Jehosaphat 
 in Kingly Robes, and looking only upon the outward disguise of Ahab (without 
 staying to consider who the person was) they had like to have caused the King 
 of Judah to be slain instead of the King of Israel. He had like to have dyed 
 as Virgil says, Alieno vulnere. 
 
 61. Seir, A little Country lying between Edom and Moab. 
 
 62. Jehoram is said to have reigned eight years in Jerusalem, i Kings 
 8. 17. i Chron. -21. 20. but it is apparent by most evident collection out of the 
 Text, that either seven of those eight years (as some will have it) or at least 
 four, are to be reckoned in the life of his Father Jehosaphat. Which makes me 
 wonder at Sulpit. Severus his mistake, who says, Joram filius regnuni tenuit 
 (Josaphat rege defundlo) annos duo deviginti : Reigned eighteen years. I rather 
 think it should be annos duos, and that deviginti is crept in since. Ochosia, or 
 Ahazia reigned scarce one year. 
 
 63. Athalia, by some Gotholia, Her murder of all that remained (as she 
 thought) of the Family of David, made her only pretence to the Government, 
 which was then Vacua Possessio, and belonged to the first Possessor. She had 
 been in effect in possession of it all the time of her Husband Jehoram, and Son 
 Ochosia, 'E<r7roi;5acre ^Slva. r&v CK TOV Aaj3i5ov KaTaXiireiv O'IKOV, trav d' $fa^>a- 
 vlffai rb ytvos. Joseph. And after these Murders here was a double Usurpation 
 of Athaliah, first as she was not of the House of David. And secondly, as she 
 was a Woman. For the Crown of David did not, as the French say, Fall to 
 the Distaff, Tomber en quenoiiille, Deut. 17. 15. Yet she reigned peaceably 
 almost seven years, which was very much to be wondred at, not only in regard 
 of her murders, usurpation, tyranny and Idolatry at home, but because Jehu 
 then King of Israel, was a sworn enemy of the House of Ahab, and had vowed 
 to root it all out, which likewise he effected, except in the person of this 
 
 316
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 wicked woman, who nevertheless perished at last as she deserved, Absolvitq; 
 Deum. 
 
 64. i Kings mentions but one Invasion of Hazaels King of Aram or Syria, 
 which was compounded by Joas for a great sum of money. The i of Chronicles 
 mentions likewise but one, which ended in the loss of a battel by yoas, and the 
 slaughter of most of the Princes of Judah. Some think that both those places 
 signifie but one war, and that the composition followed the victory. That they 
 were several Invasions appears to me more probable, and that mentioned in 
 the Chronicles to be the former of the two, though it be generally otherwise 
 thought; for it is more likely, that Joas should be driven to accept of that 
 costly and shameful composition, after the loss of a battel, and of the greatest 
 part of his Nobility, against a small number, then before he had ever tried his 
 fortune in the field against the Aramites. Neither is it so probable that the 
 Syrians having made that agreement for a vast treasure, should again break it, 
 and invade them with a small company, as that having at first with a party 
 only defeated the Jucfoan Army, they should afterwards enter with greater 
 Forces to prosecute the Victory, and therewith force them to accept of so hard 
 and dishonourable conditions. But it may be objected, that it is said, 2 Chron. 
 24. 25. When they (the Syrians] departed from him (for they left him in great 
 diseases) his own servants conspired against him, and slew him ; as if this 
 followed immediately after the battel. But he that observes the manner 
 of writing used in the Kings and Chronicles, and indeed all other Historical 
 parts of the Scripture, shall find the relation very imperfedl and confused 
 (especially in circumstances of Time} reciting often the latter things first, by 
 Anticipation. So that When they departed, &*c. may relate not to this defeat 
 which in the Text it immediately follows, but to the other composition after- 
 wards ; which may be here omitted, because that second invasion was but a 
 consequence ; and almost Continuance of the former : In which respect one 
 Relation (2 Chronicles) mentioning the first part, which was the battel only; 
 and the other (i Kings) the second, which was the sending in of new Forces, 
 and the conditions of agreement both have fulfilled the duty of Epitomies. 
 
 65. That is, In the same manner as his Father Joas; both being virtuous 
 and happy at first, wicked and unfortunate at the last ; with the same re- 
 semblance in their defeats, the one by the Syrians, the other by the Israelites; 
 and in the consequences of them, which were the loss of all their treasures, 
 and those of the Temple, a dishonourable peace; and their murders, by their 
 own servants. 
 
 66. This punishment, I suppose, was inflicted on them as Rebels, not as 
 enemies. 
 
 67. Uzziah, so he is called in our Translation of the Chronicles, the 
 Septuagint 'Offas, and so Josephus ; but in Kings he is named Azarias, which 
 was the High Priests name in his time. 
 
 68. At first from men, 2 Chron. 26. 21. Dwelt in an house apart, being a 
 Leper. So likewise 2 Kings 15. 5. according to the Law concerning Lepers, 
 Levit. 13. 46. From earth at last: For Josephus reports, that the grief caused 
 his death XP^ VOV ^ v Ttva Sirjyev w TTJJ irb\fus I5ulrri}v Airofwv fiiov tireim 
 virb XI/TTTJS ACOI dtfr/xtaj air^Oavev. 
 
 69. Josephus gives Jothan an high Elogy. That he wanted no kind of 
 vertue, but was religious towards God, just to men, and wise in Government. 
 
 70. To the Idol Moloch, of which before. When they burnt the Child in 
 Sacrifice, it was the custom to make a great noise with Drums, Trumpets, 
 Cymbals, and other Instruments, to the end that his cryes might not be heard. 
 Hinnon, a. valley full of Trees close by Jerusalem, where Moloch was wor- 
 
 3'7
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 shipped in this execrable manner, called Gehinnon, from whence the word 
 Gehenna comes for Hell; it was called likewise Tophet. Some think (as 
 Theodor. Salia, &C.) that Achaz only made his Son pass between two fires for 
 a Lustration and Consecration of him to Moloch, because it is said, 2 Kings 
 16. 2. He made his Son to pass through the fire. But 2 Chron. 28. 3. Explains 
 it, He burnt his Children in the fire. And Josephus, e^c&Xois tdioi> oKoKavruae 
 Traida. 
 
 71. Tiglat-pilleser, or Tiglat-phul-asar. The Son of Phul, called by 
 Annius Phul Belochus, by others Belosus, by Diador, Beleses, the Associate 
 of Arbaces in destroying Sardanapalus, and the Assyrian Empire. After 
 which, the Government of Babylon and Assyria was left to him by Arbaces, 
 which he soon turned into an absolute Soveraignty, and made other great 
 additions to it by conquest. 
 
 72. For after the spoil of Syria and Israel, which he destroyed upon 
 Achas quarrel, he possest himself also of a great part of Judaa, which he 
 came to succour, bore away the chief riches of the Countrey, and made Achas 
 his Tributary and servant. 
 
 73. The Rabbies, and out of them Abulensis and Cajetan say the Angel 
 of God destroyed them by fire from Heaven. Josephus says by a Pestilence, 
 \OI/MKJJ v6o~<{>. 
 
 74. He was slain in the Temple of Nesroth, Septuagint, Xe<re/><i, Josephus, 
 Ttji va< 'ApdaKri Xeyo/uLtvif), by his two eldest Sons Adramelec and Sarasar, 
 some say, because in his distress at Pelusium (of which see Herodot.) he had 
 bound himself by vow to sacrifice them to his Gods. Others more probably, 
 because he had declared Asarhaddon, their younger brother by another Mother, 
 his Successor* Herod, reports that this Sennacheribs Statue was in the Temple 
 of Vulcan in Egypt, with this Inscription, 
 
 Ei's e'/te TIS opdwv ev<ref3r]s &TTW. 
 Let him who looks upon me learn to fear God. 
 
 75. It is not plain by the Scripture, that the Sun went backward, but that 
 the shadow only, upon that particular Dial, which Vatablus, Montanus, and 
 divers others believe. However this opinion hath the authority of all the Greek 
 and Latin Fathers. 
 
 76. Forgetful Man, which is the signification of his name. 
 
 77. The Egyptians worshipped Two Calves, Apis and Mnevis, the one 
 dedicated to the Sun, and the other to the Moon ; or rather, the one being an 
 Idol or Symbol of the Sim, and the other of the Moon ; that is in their Sacred 
 Language, of Osyris and Isis. From the Egyptians the Israelites took this 
 Idolatry, but applying to it the name of the True God, whom they thought fit 
 to worship under the same figure, as they had seen Osyris worshipped in 
 Egypt. Such was Aarons Calf, or Oxe, and Jeroboams two Calves creeled in 
 Dan and Bethel (which Religion he learnt at the time of his banishment in 
 Egypt) which I do not believe to have been two different Idols, in imitation of 
 Apis and Mnevis, but that both were made to represent the same true God, 
 which he thought might as well be adored under that Figure, as the Osyris 
 was, or Sun of the Egyptians. 
 
 Of Osyris, see before the Note upon the Ode called, The Plagues of Egypt, ib. 
 
 78. See Note 47. where I say that his Image was of Brass; how then 
 could it fall to Ashes in his own Fires? that is, it was first melted, and then 
 beaten to dust, as the graven Image of the Groves which Manasses set up, and 
 which Josiah burnt, and then stampt to powder; which stamping was not 
 necessary if it had been of wood, for then it would have burnt to ashes. 
 2 King. 23. 6. 
 
 318
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 79. The Sydonians had two Principal Idols, Baal and Astarte, or Ashta- 
 roth, i. The Sun and the Moon; which Astarte is perhaps the i) BaaX, 
 mentioned often in the Septuagint, Tab. i. 5. ZOvov rfj BaaX ry Aa/xdXei. 
 They sacrificed to She-Baal the Cow. Both the Sun and Moon were repre- 
 sented anciently under that Figure, Luc. de Ded Syr. 'AffTdprrjv 8' ^YW doK^u 
 fff\r)vaiav t/ji/j.ei>a<., her Image was the Statue of a Woman, having on her head 
 the head of a J3u/t. 
 
 Syderum Regina bicornis. Hor. 
 
 80. Herodian testifies, that Heliogabalus (that is, the Baal of the Tyrians) 
 was worshipped in a Great Stone, round at bottom, and ending in a Spire, to 
 signifie the nature of Fire. In the like Figure Tacitus reports that Venus 
 Paphia was worshipped, that is, I suppose, the Moon ; Astarte (for the Cyprian 
 superstition is likely to have come from the 7yrias) the Wife of Baal. I find 
 also Lapis to have been a sirname of Jupiter ; Jupiter Lapis. 
 
 81. Dea Syria, which is thought to be Venus Urania, that is, the Moon, 
 Men sacrificed to her in the habit of women, and they in that of Men, because 
 the Moon was esteemed, df>pevo6ij\is, both Male and Female, Macrob. Saturn. 
 3. 8. from whence it was called Lunus as well as Luna, and Venus too, Deus 
 Venus, Jul. Firm, says of these Priests, Virilem sexum ornatu muliebri dedeco- 
 rant, which is the occasion of the Law, Deut. 22. 5. 
 
 82. 2 Kings 17. 30. And the nun of Babylon made Succoth Benoth ; that 
 is, built a Temple or Tabernacle (for Succoth is a Tabernacle) to Benoth, or 
 Benos, or Binos; for Suid. has Bu/os, ovo^a. 0eas, (i.) To Melita, the Babylonian 
 Venus. Of whose worship Herodot. L. i. reports, That Virgins crowned with 
 Garlands sate in order in her Temple, separated from one another by little 
 cords, and never stirred from thence till some stranger came in, and giving 
 them a piece of money took them out to lie with them ; and till then they 
 could not be married. 
 
 83. Some make Dagon to be the same with Jupiter Aratrius, 'Ziruv, 
 deriving it from Dagon, Corn; but this is generally exploded, and as generally 
 believed, that it comes from Dag, a Fish ; and was an Idol, the upper part 
 Man, and the lower Fish. Desinit in Piscem mulier formosa superne. I make 
 it rather Female than Male, because I take it to be the Syrian Atergatis 
 {Adder dagan, the mighty Fish) and DerecJo, whose Image was such, and her 
 Temple at Ascalon, which is the place where Dagon was worshipped. Diodor. 
 says of the Image, L. 3. TO fitv irpdcrwjrov ?x el ywaiKbs, rb 5e dXXo au^a. irav 
 ixOvos. And Lucian, ' Hfjuff^rj /j.fv yw^, rb d OKdcrov K (j.T)puii> eh dV/x>i>s 
 ir<5Sas IxGvos airo-rclvera.!.. There is an ancient Fable, that Mi>vr)s, a Creature 
 Half-Man and Half-Fish, arose out of the Red-Sea, and came to Babylon, and 
 there taught men several Arts, and then returned again to the Sea. Apollodor. 
 reports, that four such Oannes in several ages had arose out of the Red-sea, 
 and that the name of one was wddicui>. From whence our learned Selden 
 fetches Dagon, whom see at large upon this matter. De D. Syris. Syntag. 
 2. t. 3. 
 
 84. 2 Kings 23. n. Chariots and Horses were dedicated to the Sun, in 
 regard of the swiftness of his motion. See Zen. 1. 8. de Cyro. n. "Ava/Sds. 
 Pausan. in Lacon. Heliodor. ALth. 10. Justin, i. Herod, i. They were Living 
 white Horses to represent the Light. Nergal, i Kings 17. 30. And the mm 
 of Cuth made Nergal, which signifies Fire; to wit, the sacred Fire that was 
 kept always burning in honour of the Sun, as that of Vesta among the Romans. 
 The ancient Persians worshipt it, and had no other Idol of the Sun. From 
 thence the Cuthites brought it, when they were removed into Samaria, who 
 came from the borders of Cuthus, a River in Persia, Strabo says of the Persians,
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 6eip irp&rtf) rf Ilvpi eCx ovrai > which was the reason they abhorred the burning 
 of dead bodies, as a prophanation of their Deity. 
 
 85. Belzebub. The God of Ekron or Accaron. The God of Flies. See 
 the Note on the eighth Stanza of the Ode called, The Plagues of Egypt, and 
 the Note 18. upon the first Book. 
 
 Thundring Baal. The Jupiter and Sun of the Sidonians, and other 
 neighbouring Countrys. See the Note 45. L. 3. 
 
 86. Neither the Book of Kings nor Chronicles make particular mention 
 of the slaughter of Jehoiakim by the Assyrians. Nay the second of Chron. 
 36. 6. seems at first sight to imply the contrary. Against him came up 
 Nebuchadnezar, and bound him in Fetters to carry him to Babylon. That is, 
 he first bound him with an intent to carry him away captive, but after caused 
 him to be slain there, to fulfil the Prophesies of Jeremiah, Jer. 36. 30. and 
 Josephus says expresly, that Nebuchadnezar commanded him to be slain, and 
 his body to be cast over the walls. 
 
 87. Jehoiachin, the Son of Jehoiakim, a Child, and who was taken away 
 captive after three months and ten days, Zedechia being set up in his place, 
 the younger brother of Jehoias and Jehoiakim ; The fourth King of the Jews 
 successively, that was made a Bond-slave. Israels now solemn and imperial 
 Chain : for it was the custom of the great Eastern Monarchs, as afterwards of 
 the Romans too, Ut haberent instnimenta servitutis &> reges. Tacit. 
 
 88. For though they were restored again to their Country, yet they never 
 recovered their ancient Liberty, but continued under the yoke of the Persians, 
 Macedonians, and Romans till their final destruction. 
 
 89. In this manner Oedipus speaks, after he had put out his own eyes. 
 In Theb. 
 
 Quid hie manes meos detineo! 
 Why do I keep my Ghost alive here so long ? And to Antigone, 
 
 Funus extendis meum, 
 
 Longasq; vivi ducts exequias patris. 
 And Oed. Ad. 5. 
 
 Mors eligatur longa, quaratur via 
 
 Qua nee sepultis mistus & vivis tamen 
 
 Exemptus errem. Seneca the Philosop. 
 
 (But as a Poet, not a Philosopher) calls Banishment it self (the least of Zedechia^ 
 affliction) a Death, nay a Burial, 
 
 Parce religatis, hoc est, jam parce sepultis. 
 
 Vivorum cineri sit tua terra Levis. 
 
 But Seneca the Father in the 19. Contr overs, has raised an objection against 
 the next verse, Bereft of griefs, &*c. Cestius (says he) spoke a most false sense, 
 into which many fall. She was the more to be lamented, because she could not 
 weep her self. And again, So much cause, and no more power to weep. As if 
 (says he) Blind people could not weep. Truly, Philosophically speaking, The 
 moysture that falls through the place of the Eyes, if provoked by grief, is as 
 much weeping, as if the Eyes were there ; yet (sure) weeping seems to depend 
 so much upon the Eyes, as to make the expression Poetically true, though not 
 Literally. And therefore the Tragedian was not frighted with his Criticism; 
 for Oedip. says in Theb. 
 
 CuncT.a sors mihi infesta abstulit. 
 LacrymcK supererant, has quoq; eripui mihi. 
 I confess indeed in a Declamation I like not those kind of Flowers so well. 
 
 90. I do not mean, that she was without Original Sin, as her Roman. 
 Adorers hold very temerariously ; but that neither Disease nor Imperfection, 
 
 320
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK II 
 
 which are the effects and footsteps, as it were, of Sin, were to be seen in 
 her body. 
 
 91. Their mingled Light; \. Their Colours; which are nothing but the 
 several mixtures of Light with Darkness in the superficies of opacous bodies ; 
 as for example, Yellow is the mixture of Light with a little darkness ; Green 
 with a little more ; Red with more yet. So that Colours are nothing but Light 
 diversly reflected and shadowed. Plato calls them, <f>\bya TWV aufj-druv 
 eKdffTwv diroptovo-av. Flames, that is, Light continually flowing from Bodies ; 
 and Pindar, Od. 6. elegantly attributes to Flowers, IIa/xiro/xi$poi/j dtcTivas. 
 Purple Beams. 
 
 97. Gods Wife. Though the word seem bold, I know no hurt in the 
 figure. And Spouse is not an Hcroical word. The Church is called Christs 
 Spouse, because whilst it is Militant, it is only as it were Controlled, not 
 Married, till it becomes Triumphant, but here is not the same reason. 
 
 93. Early, L Eastern Spices. From Arabia which is Eastward of Judaa. 
 Therefore the Scripture says, that these Arabian wise men came drd dvaroXwv. 
 We have seen his Star, tv ry dvaro\fj. Virg. 
 
 Ecce Dionai processit Ccesaris astrum. 
 
 And the Presents which these wise men brought, shew that they came from 
 Arabia. 
 
 94. Gabriel; the name signifies, The Power of God. I have seen in some 
 Magical Books, where they give barbarous names to the Guardian Angels of 
 great persons, as that of Mathattron to the Angel of Moses, that they assign one 
 Cerviel to David, And this Gabriel to Joseph, Josua and Daniel. But 
 I rather use this than that Diabolical Name (for ought I know) of an Angel, 
 which the Scripture makes no mention of. Especially because Gabriel is 
 employed particularly in things that belong to the manifestation of Christ, as 
 to the Prophet Daniel, to Zacharia, and to Mary. The Rabbies account 
 Michael the Minister of Gods Justice, and Gabriel of his Mercies, and they call 
 the former Fire, and the latter Water. 
 
 95. Tho. Aquinas, upon the second of the Senten. Distinft. 9. Art. 2. 
 It is necessary that the Air should be thickned, till it come near to the propriety 
 of earth ; that is, to be capable of Figuration, which cannot be but in a solid 
 body, &c. And this way of Spirits appearing in bodies of condensed air 
 (for want of a better way, they taking it for granted that they do frequently 
 appear) is approved of by all the Schoolmen, and the Inquisitors about 
 Witches. But they are beholding for this Invention to the ancient Poets. 
 Virg. 12. 
 
 Turn Dea nube cava tenuem sine viribus umbram, 
 In faciem sn. &c. 
 
 Which is the reason (perhaps) that Apollo, as the drawer up, and best Artificer 
 of Vapours, is employed to make the Phantasm of Aineas, 5. Iliad. 
 Ai/r4/> 6 elSwXov TeO' dpyvp6ro!-os 'A.ir6\\uv 
 Atrip T' Alveia tKf\ov ical re^x effl TOIOV. 
 
 96. Obscene was a word in use among the Augures, signifying that which 
 portended ill-Fortune. And it is most frequently applyed to Birds of ill Omen. 
 Virg. 3. ^En. 
 
 Sive Dea, ceu sint Dirce, obscanceq; volucrts. 
 
 &n. 12. Nee me terrete timentem 
 
 Obscana volucres. 
 
 Ovid. Obscana quo prohibentur aves. 
 
 And Servius interprets Virgils Obsccenam famem, to be, The hunger that drives 
 
 c. x 321
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 men to Obscene, that is, unclean or shameful things, or because it was foretold 
 by an Obscene ; i. unluckie Bird. 
 
 97. It is rightly termed a Glass or Mirror, for God foresees all things by 
 looking only on himself, in whom all things always are. 
 
 98. Albion is the ancientest name of this Island, yet I think not so ancient 
 as Davids time. But we must content our selves with the best we have. It is 
 found in Arist. de Munch, in Plin. Ptolem. and Strabo; by which appears the 
 vanity of those who derive it from a Latin word, Ab Albis Rupibus. 
 
 99. So the Angel to S. John, Revel. 19. 10. and 22. 9. calls himself His 
 Felloui-servant. 
 
 too- Virg. Cum circumfusa repentl 
 
 Scindit se nubes 6 in aera pur gat apertum \ and again, 
 
 Tenues fugit sen Fumus in auras. 
 Horn. 2/ctfl f/ceXoi/ r) Kal dvelpifi 
 
 322
 
 THE 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 DAvids flight to Nob, and entertainment there by the High 
 Priest ; from thence to Gath in disguise, where he is dis- 
 covered and brought to Achis ; He counterfeits himself Mad, and 
 escapes to Adullam. A short enumeration of the forces which 
 come thither to him. A description of the Kingdom of Moab, 
 whither David flies ; His entertainment at Moabs Court, a Di- 
 gression of the History of Lot, Father of the Moabites, represented 
 in Pidture. Melchors Song at the Feast ; Moab desires Joab to 
 relate the story of David. Which he does ; His Extraction, his 
 excellency in Poesie, and the effects of it in curing Sauls malady. 
 The Philistims Army encamped at Dammin, the Description of 
 Goliah and his Arms, his Challenge to the Israelites, Davids 
 coming to the Camp, his speech to Saul to desire leave to fight 
 with Goliah ; several speeches upon that occasion, the combat and 
 slaughter of Goliah, with the defeat of the Philistims Army. 
 Sauls envy to David. The Characters of Merab and Michol. 
 The Love between David and Michol, his Song at her window, 
 his expedition against the Philistims, and the Dowry of two 
 hundred foreskins for Michol, with whom he is married. The 
 Solemnities of the Wedding ; Sauls relapse, and the causes of 
 Davids flight into the Kingdom of Moab. 
 
 X2 323
 
 y-4, s, 
 
 Mat. 12 
 
 DAVIDEIS. 
 
 The third Book. 
 
 RAis'd with the news he from high Heav'en receives, i Sam. 
 Straight to his diligent God just thanks he gives. 
 
 1 To divine Nobe directs then his flight, 
 
 A small Town great in Fame by Levy's right, 
 
 2 Is there with sprightly wines, and hallowed bread, 
 (But what's to Hunger hallowed ?) largely fed. 
 
 3 The good old Priest welcomes his fatal Guest, 
 And with long talk prolongs the hasty feast. 
 
 4 He lends him vain Goliahs Sacred Sword, Ver. 9 . 
 (The fittest help just Fortune could afford) 
 
 A Sword whose weight without a blow might slay, 
 Able unblunted to cut Hosts away, 
 A Sword so great, that i[t] was only fit 
 To take off his great Head who came with it. 
 Thus he arms David ; I your own restore, 
 Take it (said he) and use it as before. 
 I saw you then, and 'twas the bravest sight 
 That e're these Eyes ow'ed the discovering light. s * m - 
 
 When you stept forth, how did the Monster rage, 
 -In scorn of your soft looks, and tender age ! 
 Some your high Spirit did mad Presumption call, 
 Some piti'ed that such Youth should idly fall. 
 Th'uncircumcis'ed smil'ed grimly with disdain ; 
 I knew the day was yours : I saw it plain. 
 Much more the Reverend Sire prepar'ed to say, 
 Rapt with his joy ; how the two Armies lay ; 
 Which way th'amazed Foe did wildly flee, 
 All that his Hearer better knew then He. 
 
 3 2 4
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 But Davids hast denies all needless stay ; 
 
 To Gath an Enemies Land, he hastes away, | Sam- "' 
 
 Not there secure, but where one Danger's near, 
 The more remote though greater disappear. 
 So from the Hawk, Birds to Mans succour flee, 
 So from firmed Ships Man leaps into the Sea. 
 There in disguise he hopes unknown t'abide ! 
 Alas ! in vain ! what can such greatness hide ? 
 Stones of small worth may lye unseen by Day, 
 But Night it self does the rich Gem betray. 
 5 Tagal first spi'ed him, a Philistian Knight, 
 
 Who erst from Davids wrath by shameful flight- 
 
 Had sav'd the sordid remnant of his age ; 
 
 Hence the deep sore of Envy mixt with Rage. 
 
 Straight with a band of Souldiers tall and rough, 
 
 Trembling, for scarce he thought that band enough, 
 
 On him he seises whom they all had fear'd, 
 
 Had the bold Youth in his own shape appear'd. 
 
 And now this wisht-for, but yet dreadful prey 
 
 To Achis Court they led in hast away, 
 
 With all unmanly rudeness which does wait 
 
 Upon th' 'Immod Derate f/ulgars Joy and Hate. 
 
 His valour now and strength must useless ly, 
 
 And he himself must arts unusu'al try ; 
 
 Sometimes he rends his garments, nor does spare 
 
 The goodly curies of his rich yellow haire. J Sam - 2X - 
 
 Sometimes a violent laughter scru'd his face, 
 
 And sometimes ready tears dropt down apace. 
 
 Sometimes he fixt his staring eyes on ground, 
 
 And sometimes in wild manner hurl'd them round. 
 
 More full revenge Philistians could not wish, 
 
 6 But call't the Justice of their mighty Fish. - 
 They now in height of anger, let him Live ; 
 
 And Freedom too, t'encrease his scorn, they give. v r. 15. 
 
 He by wise Madness freed does homeward flee, 
 And Rage makes them all that He seem'd to be. 
 
 7 Near to Adullam in an aged Wood, i Sam. 22. i. 
 An Hill part earth, part rocky stone there stood, 
 
 Hollow and vast within, which Nature wrought 
 As if by 'her Scholar Art she had been taught. 
 
 3*5
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Hither young David with his Kindred came, 
 --Servants, and Friends ; many his spreading fame, 
 Many their wants or discontents did call ; 
 Great men in war, and almost Armies all ! 
 
 8 Hither came wise and valiant Joab down, 
 
 One to whom Davids self must owe his Crown, 
 A mighty man, had not some cunning Sin, 
 Amidst so many Virtues crowded in. 
 With him Abishai came by whom there fell 
 At once three hundred ; with him Asahel : 
 
 9 Asahel, swifter then the Northern wind ; 
 
 Scarce could the nimble Motions of his Mind 
 Outgo his Feet ; so strangely would he runne, 
 That Time it self perceiv'ed not what was done. 
 Oft o're the Lawns and Meadows would he pass, 
 His weight unknown, and harmless to the grass ; 
 Oft o're the sands and hollow dust would trace, 
 Yet no one Atome trouble or displace. 
 Unhappy Youth, whose end so near I see ! 
 There's nought but thy /// Fate so swift as Thee. 
 IO Hither "Jemdes wrongs Benaiah drew, 
 
 -He, who the vast exceeding Monster slew. 
 T\\' Egyptian like an Hill himself did rear, 
 Like some tall Tree upon it seem'd his Spear. 
 But by Benaiahs staff" he fell orethrown j 
 The Earth, as if worst strook, did loudest groan. 
 Such was Benaiah ; in a narrow pit 
 He saw a Lyon, and leapt down to it. 
 As eas'ily there the Royal Beast he tore 
 As that it self did Kids or Lambs before. 
 Him Ira follow'ed, a young lovely boy, 
 ; o D -But full of Sp'irit, and Arms was all his joy. 
 Oft when a child he in his dream would fight 
 With the vain air, and his wak'ed Mother fright. 
 Oft, would he shoot young birds, and as they fall, 
 Would laugh, and fansie them Philistians all. 
 And now at home no longer would he stay, 
 Though yet the face did scarce his Sex betray. 
 Dodos great Son came next, whose dreadful hand 
 Snatcht ripened Glories from a conque'ring band ; 
 
 326
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 Who knows not Dammin, and that barley field, 
 
 Which did a strange and bloody Harvest yield ? - 
 
 Many besides did this new Troop encrease ; 
 
 Adan, whose wants made him unfit for peace. 
 
 Eliel, whose full quiv'er did alwaies beare 46"' "' 
 
 As many Deaths as in it Arrows were. 
 
 None from his hand did vain or inn'ocent flee, 
 
 Scarce Love or Fate could aim so well as Hee. 
 
 Many of Judah took wrong'ed Davids side, J c 1 ""- " 
 
 And many of old 'Jacobs youngest Tribe ; 
 
 But his chief strength the Gathite Souldiers are, i chro. 12. 8. 
 
 Each single man able t'orecome a Warre ! - 
 
 Swift as the Darts they fling through yielding air, 
 
 And hardy all as the strong Steel they bare, 
 
 A Lyons noble rage sits in their face, 
 
 Terrible comely, arm'ed with dreadful grace ! 
 
 Th'undaunted Prince, though thus well guarded here, ' Chr. 12. a. 
 Yet his stout Soul durst for his Parents fear ; 
 He seeks for them a safe and qui[et] seat, 
 Nor trusts his Fortune with a Pledge so great. 
 So when in hostile fire rich As'ias pride 
 For ten years siege had fully satisfi'ed,- - 
 
 /Eneas stole an at of higher Fame, <%'*' 
 
 And bore Anchises through the wondrmg flame, 
 A nobler Burden, and a richer Prey, 
 Then all the Grecian forces bore away. 
 Go pious Prince, in peace, in triumph go ; 
 Enjoy the Conquest of thine Overthrow ; 
 To have sav'd thy Troy would far less glorious be ; 
 By this thou Overcorn'est their ^iftorie. 
 
 1 1 Moab, next yudah, an old Kingdom, lies ; 
 
 12 Jordan their touch, and his curst Sea denies. - 
 
 13 They see North-stars from o're Amoreus ground, 
 
 14 Edom and Petra their South part does bound. 
 
 15 Eastwards the Lands of Cush and Amman ly, 
 The mornings happy beams they first espy. 
 The region with fat soil and plenty's blest, 
 A soil too good to be of old possest 
 
 1 6 By monstrous Emms ; but Lots off-spring came 
 And conquer'ed both the People and the Name. 
 
 327
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 1 7 Till Seon drave them beyond Arnom flood, Num. at. 
 -And their sad bounds markt deep in their own blood. 
 
 1 8 In Hesbon his triumphant Court he plac'ed, 
 Hesbon by Men and Nature strangely grac'ed. 
 A glorious Town, and fill'ed with all delight 
 
 Which Peace could yield, though well prepar'ed for fight. 
 But this proud City and her prouder Lord ^ u ^ *' 
 
 Felt the keen rage of Israels Sacred Sword^ 
 Whilst Moab triumpht in her torn estate, 
 To see her own become her Conqu'erers fate. 
 Yet that small remnant of Lots parted Crown 
 --Did arm'ed with Israels sins pluck Israel down, 
 
 Full thrice six years they felt fierce Eglons yoke, Judg. 3. 
 
 Till Ehuds sword Gods vengeful Message spoke ; 
 Since then their Kings in quiet held their owne, 
 Quiet the good of a not envy'd Throne. 
 And now a wise old Prince the Scepter sway'd, 
 Well by his Subjects and Himself obey'd. 
 Onely before his Fathers Gods he fell ; 
 Poor wretched Man, almost too good for Hell! 
 Hither does David his blest Parents bring, 
 
 With humble greatness begs of Moabs King, i Sam. 2 
 
 A safe and fair abode, where they might live, 
 Free from those storms with which himself must strive. 
 The King with chearful grace his suit approv'd, 
 
 19 By hate to Saul, and love to Virtue mov'd. 
 Welcome great Knight^ and your fair Troop (said he) 
 Your Name found welcome long before with me. 
 
 20 That to rich Ophirs rising Morn is knowne, 
 And stretcht out far to the burnt swarthy Zone. 
 
 21 Swift Fame^ when her round journey she does make, 
 Scorns not sometimes Us in her way to take. 
 
 Are you the man, did that huge Gyant kill ? 
 
 22 Great Baal of Phegor \ and how young he's still ! 
 
 From Ruth we heard you came ; Ruth was born here, RU. i. 4. 
 In yudah sojourn'd, and (they say) matcht there Ru. 4. * 
 
 To one of Bethlem ; which I hope is true ; 
 Howe're your Virtues here entitle you. 
 Those have the best alliance always bin, 
 To Gods as well as Men they make us Kin. 
 
 328
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 He spoke, and straight led in his thankful Guests, 
 To'a stately Room prepar'ed for Shows and Feasts. 
 The Room with golden Tapestry glister'ed bright, 
 At once to please and to confound the sight, 
 
 23 Th' excellent work of Babylonian hands ; 
 
 24 In midst a Table of rich Iv'ory stands, 
 
 By three fierce Tygers, and three Lyons born, 
 Which grin, and fearfully the place adorn. 
 Widely they gape, and to the eye they roare, 
 As if they hunger'd for the food they bore. 
 
 25 About it Beds of Lybian Citron stood, 
 
 26 With coverings dy'ed in Tyrian Fishes blood, 
 They say, th' 'Herculean art ; but most delight 
 
 27 Some Pictures gave to Davids learned sight. 
 
 Here several ways Lot and great Abram go, Gen. 13. 6. 
 
 Their too much wealth, vast, and unkind does grow. 
 
 Thus each extream to equal danger tends, 
 
 Plenty as well as Want can separate Friends ; 
 
 Here Sodoms Towers raise their proud tops on high ; 
 
 The Towers as well as Men outbrave the sky. 
 
 By it the waves of rev'erend Jordan run, 
 
 Here green with Trees, there gilded with the Sun. 
 
 Hither Lots Houshould comes, a numerous train, 
 
 And all with various business fill the plain. ib. v. I0 . 
 
 Some drive the crowding sheep with rural hooks, 
 
 They lift up their mild heads, and bleat in looks. 
 
 Some drive the Herds ; here a fierce Bullock scorns 
 
 Th' appointed way, and runs with threatning horns ; 
 
 In vain the Herdman calls him back again ; 
 
 The Dogs stand off afar, and bark in vain. 
 
 Some lead the groaning waggons, loaded high, 
 
 With stuff, on top of which the Maidens ly. -~ 
 
 Upon tall Camels the fair Sisters ride, 
 
 And Lot talks with them both on either side. 
 
 Another Pitfure to curst Sodom brings G*"- x * " 
 
 28 Elams proud Lord, with his three servant Kings : 
 
 They sack the Town, and bear Lot bound away ; it>. v. 10. 
 
 Whilst in a Pit the vanquisht Bera lay, 
 Buried almost alive for fear of Death. 
 
 29 But heav'ens just vengeance sav'ed as yet his breath.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Abraham pursues, and slays the Vigors Hoast, Gen. 14. 
 
 Scarce had their Conquest leisure for a boast. 
 
 Next this was drawn the reckless Cities flame, Gen. 19. 
 
 30 When a strange Hell pour'd down from Heaven there came. 
 Here the two Angels from Lots window look 
 
 With smiling anger ; the lewd wretches, strook ib. v. n 
 
 With sudden blindness, seek in vain the dore, 
 
 31 Their Eyes y first cause of Lust y first Vengeance bore. 
 Through liquid Air, heav'ns busie Souldiers fly, 
 And drive on Clouds where seeds of Thunder ly. 
 Here the sad sky gloes red with dismal streaks, 
 Here Lightning from it with short trembling breaks. 
 Here the blew flames of scalding brimstone fall, 
 Involving swiftly in one ruine all. 
 
 The fire of Trees and Houses mounts on high, 
 And meets half way new fires that showre from sky. 
 Some in their arms snatch their dear babes away ; 
 At once drop down the Fathers arms^ and They. 
 Some into waters leap with kindled hair, 
 And more to vex their fate, are burnt ev'en there. 
 Men thought, so much a Flame by Art was shown, 
 -The Pictures self would fall in ashes down. 
 Afar old Lot to'ward little Zoar hyes, 
 And dares not move (good man) his weeping eyes. Gen - 19. 
 
 32 Behind his Wife stood ever fixt alone ; 
 No more a Woman, not yet quite a Stone. 
 A lastfng Death seiz'd on her turning head ; 
 One cheek was rough and white, the other red, 
 And yet a Cheek ; in vain to speak she strove ; 
 Her lips, though stone, a little seem'd to move. 
 One eye was clos'ed, surpris'ed by sudden night, 
 
 -*-The other trembled still with parting light. 
 The wind admir'ed which her hair loosely bore, 
 Why it grew stiff, and now would play no more. 
 To heav'en she lifted up her freezing hands, 
 And to this day a Suppliant Pillar stands. 
 She try'ed her heavy foot from ground to rear, 
 And rais'd the Heel, but her Toe's rooted there : 
 Ah foolish woman ! who must always be, 
 A sight more strange then that she turn'd to see ! 
 
 330
 
 Whilst David fed with these his curious eye, 
 The Feast is now serv'ed in, and down they lye. 
 Moab a goblet takes of massy gold, 
 
 33 Which Zippor, and from Zippor all of old 
 
 Quaft to their Gods and Friends ; an Health goes round 
 In the brisk grape of Arnons richest ground. 
 
 34 Whilst Mekhor to his harp with wondrous skill 
 
 35 (For such were Poets then, and should be still) 
 His noble verse through Natures secrets lead ; 
 
 He sung what Spirit, through the whole Mass is spread, 
 Ev'ery where All; how Heavens Gods Law approve, 
 And think it Rest eternally to Move. -- 
 How the kind Sun usefully comes and goes, 
 Wants it himself, yet gives to Man repose. 
 How his round Journey does for ever last, 
 
 36 And how he baits at every Sea in haste. 
 
 He sung how Earth blots the Moons gilded Wane, 
 
 37 Whilst foolish men beat sounding Brass in vain, 
 Why the Great Waters her slight Horns obey, 
 Her changing Horns, not constanter than They ; 
 
 38 He sung how grisly Comets hang in ayr, 
 
 Why Sword and Plagues attend their fatal hair. 
 Gods Beacons for the world, drawn up so far, 
 To publish ills, and raise all earth to war. 
 
 39 Why Contraries feed Thunder in the cloud, 
 What Motions vex it, till it roar so loud. 
 
 40 How Lambent Fires become so wondrous tame, 
 And bear such shining Winter in their Flame. 
 
 41 What radiant Pencil draws the Watry Bow : 
 What tyes up Hail, and picks the fleecy Snow. 
 What Palsie of the Earth here shakes fixt Hills, 
 
 From off her brows, and here whole Rivers spills. 2 
 
 Thus did this Heathen Natures Secrets tell, 
 
 And sometimes mist the Cause, but sought it Well. 
 
 Such was the sawce of Moabs noble feast, 
 Till night far spent invites them to their rest. 
 Only the good old Prince stays Joab there, 
 And much he tells, and much desires to hear. 
 He tells deeds antique, and the new desires ; 
 Of David much, and much of Saul enquires.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Nay gentle Guest (said he) since now you're in, 
 ~~The story of your gallant friend begin. 
 His birth, his rising tell, and various fate, 
 And how he slew that man of Gath of late, 
 What was he call'd ? that huge and monstrous man ? 
 With that he stopt, and Joab thus began : 
 
 His birth, great Sir, so much to mine is ty'd, 
 That praise of that might look from me like pride. 
 Yet without boast, his veins contain a flood 
 
 42 Of the old Judtean Lyons richest blood. 
 
 From Judah Pharez, from him Esrom came 
 
 ~Ram, Nashon, Salmon, Names spoke loud by Fame. 
 A Name no less ought Boaz to appear, 
 By whose blest match we come no strangers here. 
 From him and your fair Ruth good Obed sprung, 
 From Obed Jesse, Jesse whom fames kindest tongue, 
 Counting his birth, and high nobirity, shall 
 Not Jesse of Obed, but of David call, 
 David born to him sev'enth ; the six births past 
 Brave Tryals of a work more great at last. 
 Bless me ! how swift and growing was his wit ? 
 
 The wings of Time flag'd dully after it. 
 
 Scarce past a Child, all wonders would he sing 
 Of Natures Law, and Powder of Natures King. 
 His sheep would scorn their food to hear his lay, 
 And savage Beasts stand by as tame as they. 
 The fighting Winds would stop there, and admire ; 
 Learning Consent and Concord from his Lyre. 
 Rivers, whose waves roll'd down aloud before ; 
 Mute, as their Fish, would listen to'wards the shore. 
 
 'Twas now the time when first Saul God forsook, 
 *~God Saul; the room in's heart wild Passions took; 
 Sometimes a Tyrant-Frensie revell'd there, 
 Sometimes black sadness, and deep, deep despair. 
 No help from herbs or learned drugs he finds, 
 They cure but sometime Bodies, never Minds. 
 Musick alone those storms of Soul could lay ; 
 Not more Saul them, then Musick they obey. 
 Davia's now sent for, and his Harp must bring ; 
 His Harp that Magick bore on ev'ery string. 
 
 332
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 When Sauls rude passions did most tumult keep ; 
 
 With his soft notes they all dropt down asleep. - 
 
 When his dull Spirits lay drown'd in Death and Night ; 
 
 He with quick strains rais'd them to Life and Light. 
 
 Thus chear'd he Saul, thus did his fury swage, 
 
 Till wars began, and times more fit for rage. 
 
 To Helah Plain Philistian Troops are come, i Sam. 17. 
 
 And Wars loud noise strikes peaceful Musick dumb. 
 
 Back to his rural Care young David goes, 
 
 For this rough work Saul his stout Brethren chose. 
 
 He knew not what his hand in War could do, 
 
 Nor thought his Sword could cure mens Madness too. - 
 
 Now Dammins destin'ed for this Scene of Blood, 
 
 On two near Hills the two proud Armies stood. 
 
 Between a fatal Valley stretcht out wide, 
 
 And Death seem'd ready now on either side, 
 
 When (Lo !) their Host rais'd all a joyful shout, 
 
 43 And from the midst an huge & monstrous man stept out. i Sam. 17. 4. 
 Aloud they shouted at each step he took ; 
 
 We and the Earth it self beneath him shook, 
 
 Vast as the Hill, down which he marcht, he'appear'd ; 
 
 Amaz'ed all Eyes, nor was their Army fear'd. 
 
 A young tall Squire (though then he seem'd not so) 
 
 Did from the Camp at first before him go ; 
 
 At first he did, but scarce could follow strait, 
 
 Sweating beneath a Shields unruly weight, 
 
 44 On which was wrought the Gods, and Gyants fight, 
 Rare work ! all fill'd with terrour and delight. 
 
 45 Here a vast Hill, 'gainst thundring Baal was thrown, 
 Trees and Beasts on't fell burnt with Lightning down. 
 One flings a Mountain, and its River too 
 
 Torn up with't ; that rains back on him that threw. - 
 Some from the Main to pluck whole Islands try ; 
 The Sea boils round with flames shot thick from sky. 
 This he believed, and on his shield he bore, 
 And prais'd their strength, but thought his own was more. 
 The Valley now this Monster seem'd to /// ; 
 
 46 And we (methoughts) lookt up to'him from our Hill. 
 
 47 All arm'd in Brass, the richest dress of War 
 (A dismal glorious sight) he shone afar. 
 
 333
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The Sun himself started with sudden fright, 
 -~To see his beams return so dismal bright. 
 
 Brass was his Helmet, his Boots trass ; and o're * Sam. i 
 
 His breast a thick plate of strong brass he wore, 
 
 His Spear the Trunk was of a lofty Tree, 
 
 Which Nature meant some tall ships Mast should be, 
 
 The'huge I'ron head six hundred shekels weigh'd, 
 
 And of whole bodies but one wound it made, 
 
 Able Deaths worst command to overdo, 
 
 Destroying Life at once and Carcase too ; 
 
 Thus arm'd he stood ; all direful, and all gay, 
 And round him flung a scornful look away. 
 
 So when a Scythian Tyger gazing round, 
 
 An Herd of Kine in some fair Plain has found 
 
 Lowing secure, he swells with angry pride, 
 
 48 And calls forth all his spots on ev'ery side. 
 Then stops, and hurls his haughty eyes at all, 
 In choise of some strong neck on which to fall. 
 Almost he scorns, so weak, so cheap a prey, 
 And grieves to see them trembling hast away. 
 
 Ye men of Jury, 'he cries, if Men you be, ib. v. &. 
 
 And such dare prove your selves to Fame and Me, 
 Chuse out 'mongst all your Troops the boldest Knight, 
 To try his strength and fate with me in fight. 
 The chance of War let us two bear for all, 
 
 49 And they the Conqueror serve whose Knight shall fall. ib. v. 9. 
 At this he paws'd a while ; straight, I defie 
 
 Your Gods and You ; dares none come down and dy ? 
 Go back for shame, and Egypts slav'ery bear, 
 Or yield to us, and serve more nobly here. 
 Alas ye'have no more Wonders to be done, 
 ._____Your Sorcerer Moses now and Josua's gone, 
 
 Your Magick Trumpets then could Cities take, Jos. 6. * 
 
 And sounds of Triumph did your Battels make. 
 
 Spears in your hands and manly Swords are vain ; 
 
 Get you your Spells, and Conjuring Rods again. 
 
 Is there no Sampson here : Oh that there were ! 
 
 In his full strength, and long Enchanted Hair. Judg. 16 
 
 This Sword should be in the weak Razors stead ; 
 
 It should not cut his Hair off, but his Head. 
 
 334
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 Thus he blasphem'd aloud ; the Galleys round 
 Flatt'ering his voice restored the dreadful sound. 
 We turn'd us trembling at the noise, and fear'd 
 We had behind some new Gollah heard. 
 
 'Twas Heav'en, Heav'en sure (which Davids glory meant ^* m - '? 
 Through this whole Aft) such sacred terrour sent 
 To all our Host, for there was Saul in place, 
 Who ne're saw fear but in his Enemies face, 
 His god-like Son there in bright Armour shone, 
 Who scorn'd to conquer Armies not Alone. t Sam. 14. 
 
 Fate her own Book mistrusted at the sight ; 
 On that side War, on this a Single Fight. 
 There stood Benaiah, and there trembled too, 
 He who th' Egyptian, proud Goliah slew. 
 
 In his pale fright, rage through his eyes shot flame, Chr. n. 
 
 50 He saw his staff, and blusht with generous shame. 
 Thousands beside stood mute and heartless there, 
 Men valiant all ; nor was / us'ed to Fear. 
 
 Thus forty days he marcht down arm'd to fight, 
 Once every morn he marcht, and once at night. 
 Slow rose the Sun, but gallopt down apace, 
 With more than Evening blushes in his face. 
 When Jessey to the Camp young David sent ; 
 His purpose low, but high was Fates intent. ! 2 S & ' 7 ' 
 
 For when the Monsters pride he saw and heard, 
 Round him he look'd, and wonder'd why they fear'd. 
 Anger and brave disdain his heart possest, 
 Thoughts more than manly swell'd his youthful brest. 
 Much the rewards propos'd his spirit enflame, j C Sam> * 7 ' 
 
 Sauls Daughter much, and much the voice of Fame. 
 These to their just intentions strongly move, 
 But chiefly God, and his dear Countrys Love, 
 Resolv'd for combat to Sauls Tent he's brought, 
 Where thus he spoke, as boldly as he fought : 
 
 Henceforth no more, great Prince, your sacred brest Ib - v - ** 
 With that huge talking wretch of Gath molest. 
 This hand alone shall end his cursed breath ; 
 Fear not, the wretch blasphemes himself to death, 
 And cheated with false weight of his own might, 
 Has challeng'd Heaven, not Us, to single fight. 
 
 335
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Forbid it God, that where thy right is try'd, 
 The strength of man should find just cause for pride ! 
 Firm like some Rock, and vast he seems to stand, 
 But Rocks we know were op'ed at thy command. Exod. 
 
 That Soul which now does such large members sway, 
 Through one small wound will creep in hast away. 
 And he who now dares boldly Heaven defie, 
 To ev'ery bird of Heav'en a prey shall lie. 
 For 'tis not humane force we ought to fear ; 
 Did that, alas, plant our Forefathers here ? 
 
 51 Twice fifteen Kings did they by that subdue? Josh. 
 
 By that whole Nations of Goliahs slew ? 
 The wonders they perform'd may still be done ; 
 Moses and Josua is, but God's not gone. 
 We'have lost their Rod and Trumpets, not their skill: 
 Prayers and Belief are as strong Witchcraft still. 
 These are more tall, more Gyants far then He, 
 Can reach to Heaven, and thence pluck Vittorie. 
 Count this, and then, Sir, mine th'advantage is ; 
 He's stronger far then /, my God then His. 
 
 Amazement seiz'd on all, and shame to see, 
 Their own fears scorn'd by one so young as He. 
 
 Brave Youth (replies the King) whose daring mind 
 
 Ere come to Manhood, leaves it quite behind ; 
 
 Reserve thy valour for more equal fight, 
 
 And let thy Body grow up to thy Spright. 
 
 Thou y rt yet too tender for so rude a foe, 
 
 Whose touch would wound thee more then him thy blow. 
 
 Nature his Limbs onely for war made fit, 
 
 In thine as yet nought beside Love she'has writ. 
 
 With some less Foe thy unflesht valour try ; 
 
 This Monster can be no first Victory. 
 
 The Lyons royal whelp does not at first 
 
 For blood of Basan Bulls or Tygers thirst. 
 
 In timorous Deer he hansels his young paws, 
 
 And leaves the rugged Bear for firmer claws. 
 
 So vast thy hopes, so unproportion'd bee, 
 
 Fortune would be ashum'ed to second Thee. 
 
 He said, and we all murmur'd an assent ; 
 But nought moves David from his high intent. 
 
 33 6 
 
 San 
 
 33.
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 It brave to him, and om'inous does appear, 
 
 -To be oppos'ed at first, and conquer here, 
 
 Which he resolves ; Scorn not (said he) mine age, 
 
 For yiffory comes not like an Heritage, \ Sam. 37 . 
 
 At set-years ; when my Fathers flock I fed, 
 
 A Bear and Lyon by fierce hunger led, 
 
 Broke from the wood, and snatcht my Lambs away ; 
 
 From their grim mouths I forc'ed the panting prey. 
 
 Both Bear and Lyon ev'en this hand did kill, 
 
 On our great Oak the Bones and yaws hang still. 
 
 My Goa"s the same, which then he was, to day, 
 ^And this wild wretch almost the same as They. 
 
 Who from such danger sav'ed my Flock, will he 
 
 Of Isra'el, his own Flock less careful be ? 
 
 Be't so then (Saul bursts forth :) and thou on high, 
 
 Who oft in weakness do'st most strength descry, 
 
 At whose dread beck Conquest expediting stands, 
 
 And casts no look down on the Fighters hands, 
 
 Assist what Thou inspir'est ; and let all see, 
 
 As Boys to Gyants, Gyants are to Thee. 
 
 Thus ; and with trembling hopes of strange success, 
 52 In his own arms he the bold Youth does dress. i Sam. 17. 
 
 On's head an helm of well-wrought brass is place'd, 
 
 The top with warlike Plume severely grace'd. 
 
 His breast a plate cut with rare Figures bore, 
 
 A Sword much praclis'ed in Deaths art he wore. 
 
 Yet David use'd so long to no defence, 
 
 But those light Arms of Spirit and Innocence, 
 
 No good in fight of that gay burden knows, 
 
 But fears his own arms weight more then his Foes. 
 
 He lost himself in that disguise of warre, 
 __^-And guarded seems as men by Prisons are. 
 
 He therefore to exalt the wondrous sight, 
 
 Prepares now, and disarms himself for fight. 
 
 'Gainst Shield, Helm, Breast-plate, and instead of those s m - '7- 
 
 Five sharp smooth stones from the next brook he chose, * 
 
 And fits them to his sling ; then marches down ; 
 
 For Sword, his Enemies he esteem'd his Own. 
 
 We all with various passion strangely gaz'ed, 
 
 Some sad, some 'sham'd, some angry, all amaz'ed. 
 
 c - Y 337
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Now in the Valley'he stands; through's youthful face 
 Wrath checks the Beauty, and sheds manly grace. 
 Both in his looks so joyn'd, that they might move 
 Fear ev'n in Friends, and from an En'emy Love. 
 Hot as ripe Noon, sweet as the blooming Day, 
 Like July furious, but more fair than May. 
 Th'accurst Philistian stands on th'other side, ib. v. 45. 
 
 Grumbling aloud, and smiles 'twixt rage and pride. 
 The Plagues of Dagon ! a smooth Boy, said he, 
 A cursed beardless foe oppos'd to Me ! 
 Hell ! with what arms (hence thou fond Child) he's come ! 
 Some friend his Mother call to drive him home. 
 Not gone yet ? if one minute more thou stay, 
 The birds of heav'en shall bear thee dead away. 
 Gods ! a curst Boy ! the rest then murmuring out, 
 He walks, and casts a deadly grin about. 
 David with chearful anger in his Eyes, 
 Advances boldly on, and thus replies, 
 
 Thou com'est, vain Man, all arm'ed into the field, ib. v. 45. 
 
 And trustest those War toys, thy Sword, and Shield; 
 Thy Pride's my Spear, thy Blasphemies my Sword ; 
 My Shield, thy Maker, Fool ; the mighty Lord 
 Of Thee and Battels ; who hath sent forth me 
 Unarm'ed thus, not to Fight, but Conquer thee. 
 
 53 In vain shall Dagon thy false Hope withstand; 
 In vain thy other God, thine own right hand. 
 
 Thy fall to man shall heavens strong justice shew ; 
 Wretch ! 'tis the only Good which thou canst do. 
 
 He said ; our Hoast stood dully silent by ; 
 And durst not trust their Ears against the Eye. 
 As much their Champions threats to him they fear'd, 
 As when the Monsters threats to them they heard, 
 His flaming Sword th'enrag'd Philistian shakes, 
 And hast to'his ruine with loud Curses makes. 
 Backward the Winds his aftive Curses blew, 
 
 54 And fatally round his own head they flew. 
 
 For now from Davids sling the stone is fled, ib. v. 49. 
 
 And strikes with joyful noise the Monsters head. 
 It strook his forehead, and pierc'ed deeply there ; 
 As swiftly as it pierc'ed before the Ayre. 
 
 338
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 Down, down he falls, and bites in vain the ground ; 
 
 Blood, Brain, and Soul crowd mingled through the Wound. 
 
 So a strong Oak, which many years had stood 
 
 With fair and flourishing boughs, /'/ self a Wood ; 
 
 Though it might long the Axes violence bear, 
 
 And play'd with Winds which other Trees did tear ; 
 
 Yet by the Thunders stroke from th'root 'tis rent ; 
 
 So sure the blows that from high heav'en are sent. 
 
 What tongue the joy and wonder can express, 
 
 Which did that moment our whole Host possess? 
 
 Their jocond shouts th'air like a storm did tear, 
 
 Th'amazed Clouds fled swift away with Fear. 
 
 But far more swift th'accurs'd Philistians fly, ; 2 Sam> ' 7 ' 
 
 And their ill fate to perfecl, basely dye. 
 
 With thousand corps the ways around are strown, 
 
 Till they, by the days flight secure their own. 
 
 Now through the Camp sounds nought but Davids name ; 
 
 All joys of several stamp and colours came 
 
 From several passions ; some his Valour praise, 
 
 Some his free Speech, some the fair pop'ular rayes 
 
 Of Youth, and Beauty, and his modest Guise ; 
 
 Gifts that mov'd all, but charm'ed the Female Eyes. 
 
 Some wonder, some they thought t'would be so swear ; 
 
 And some saw Angeh flying through the air. 
 
 The basest spi'rits cast back a crooked glance 
 
 On this great a6l, and fain would give't to Chance. 
 
 Women our Host with Songs and Dances meet, l s a m. 18. 
 
 With much joy Saul, David with more they greet. 
 
 Hence the Kings politique rage and envy flows, ib. \. s. 
 
 Which first he hides, and seeks his life t'expose 
 
 To gen'erous dangers that his hate might clear, 
 
 And Fate or Chance the blame, nay David bear. 
 
 So vain are mans designs ! for Fate, and Chance, 
 
 And Earth, and Heav'en conspir'ed to his advance ; 
 
 His Beauty, Youth, Courage and wondrous Wit, 
 
 In all Mankind but Saul did Love begit. ; 6 Sam ' l8 ' 
 
 Not Sauls own house, not his own nearest blood, 
 
 The noble causes sacred force withstood. 
 
 You'have met no doubt, and kindly us'ed the fame, 
 
 Of God-like Jonathans illustrious Name ; 
 
 Y 2 339
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 A Name which ev'ery wind to heav'en would bear, 
 Which Men to speak, and Angel* joy to hear. 
 
 55 No Angel e're bore to his Brother-Mind 
 A kindness more exalted and refin'd, 
 
 Then his to David, which look'd nobly down, 
 And scorn'd the false Alarums of a Crown. 
 At Dammin field he stood ; and from his place 
 Leapt forth, the wondrous Conqueror to embrace ; 
 
 56 On him his Mantle, Girdle, Sword, and Bow, it>. v. * 
 On him his Heart and Sou! he did bestow. 
 
 Not all that Saul could threaten or perswade, 
 
 In this close knot the smallest looseness made. 
 
 Oft his wise care did the Kings rage suspend. 
 
 His own lifes danger shelter'd oft his Friend 1 Skm - 
 
 Which he expos'ed a Sacrifice to fall 
 
 By th^undi seeming rage of furious Saul. 
 
 Nor was young Davids aftive vertue grown 
 
 Strong and triumphant in one Sex alone. 
 
 Imperious Beauty too it durst invade, 
 
 And deeper Prints in the soft breast it made, lefts' 
 
 For there t' esteem and Friendships graver name, 
 
 Passion was pour'd like Oyl into the Flame. 
 
 Like two bright Eyes in .a fair Body plac'ed, 
 
 Sauls Royal house two beauteous Daughters grac'ed. 
 
 Merab the first, Michol the younger nam'ed, 
 
 Both equally for different glories fam'ed. 
 
 Merab with spatious beauty fill'ed the sight, 
 
 But too much aw chastis'ed the bold delight. 
 
 Like a calm Sea, which to th'enlarged view, 
 
 Gives pleasure, but gives fear and rev'erence too. 
 
 Michols sweet looks clear and free joys did move, 
 
 And no less strong, though much more gentle Love. 
 
 Like virtuous Kings whom men rejoyce t'obey, 
 
 Tyrants themselves less absolute then They. 
 
 Merab appear'd like some fair Princely Tower, 
 
 Michol some Virgin Queens delicious Bower. 
 
 All Beauties stores in Little and in Great ; 
 
 But the contracted Beams shot fiercest heat. 
 
 A clean and lively Brown was Merabs dy, 
 
 Such as the Prouder colours might envy. 
 
 340
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 Michols pure skin shone with such taintless White, 
 
 As scatter'd the weak rays of humane sight. 
 
 Her lips and cheeks a nobler red did shew, 
 
 Then e're on fruits or flowers Heav'ens Pencil drew. 
 
 From Merabs eyes fierce and quick Lightnings came, 
 
 From Michoh the Suns mild, yet active flame ; 
 
 Merabs long hair was glossy chestnut brown, 
 
 Tresses of palest gold did Michol crown. 
 
 Such was their outward form, and one might find 
 
 A difference not unlike it in the Mind. 
 
 Merab with comely Majesty and state 
 
 Bore high th'advantage of her Worth and Fate. 
 
 Such humble sweetness did soft Michol show, 
 
 That none who reach so high e're stoopt so low. 
 
 Merab rejoyc'd in her wrackt Lovers pain, 
 
 And fortifi'd her vertue with Disdain. 
 
 The griefs she caus'd gave gentle Michol grief, 
 
 She wisht her Beauties less for their relief, 
 
 Ev'en to her Captives civil; yet th'excess 
 
 Of naked Virtue guarded her no less. 
 
 Business and Power Merabs large thoughts did vex, 
 
 Her wit disdain'd the Fetters of her Sex. 
 
 Michol no less disdain'd affairs and noise, 
 
 Yet did it not from Ignorance, but Choise. 
 
 In brief, both Copies were most sweetly drawn ; 
 
 Merab of Saul, Michol of "Jonathan. 
 
 The day that David great Goliah slew, 
 Not great Goliahs Sword was more his due, 
 Then Merab ; by Sauls publick promise she 
 Was sold then and betroth'd to Vittory. 
 But haughty she did this just match despise, 
 Her Pride debaucht her judgment and her Eyes. 
 An unknown Youth, ne're seen at Court before, 
 Who Shepherds-staff, and Shepherds habit bore ; 
 The seventh-born Son of no rich house, were still 
 Th'unpleasant forms which her high thoughts did fill. 
 And much aversion in her stubborn mind 
 Was bred by being promised and designed. 
 Long had the patient Adriel humbly born 
 The roughest shocks of her imperious scorn, 
 
 341
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Adriel the Rich, but riches were in vain, 
 And could nor set him free, nor her enchain. 
 Long liv'ed they thus ; but as the hunted Dear 
 Closely pursu'ed quits all her wonted fear, 
 And takes the nearest waves, which from the shore 
 She oft with horrour had beheld before. 
 So whilst the violent Maid from David fled, 
 She leapt to Adrieh long avoided bed. iS 
 
 The match was nam'd, agreed, and finisht strait ; 
 So soon comply'd Sauls Envy with her Hate. 
 But Afichol in whose breast all virtues move 
 That hatch the pregnant seeds of sacred Love, 
 With juster eyes the noble ObjecJ meets, 
 And turns all Merabs Poyson into Sweets. 
 She saw and wondred how a Youth unknown, 
 Should make all Fame to come so soon his own : 
 She saw, and wondred how a Shepherds Crook 
 Despis'd that Sword at which the Scepter shook. 
 Though he seventh-born, & though his House but poor, 
 She knew it noble was, and would be more. 
 Oft had she heard, and fansied oft the sight, 
 With what a generous calm he marcht to fight. 
 In the great danger how exempt from Fear, 
 And after it from Pride he did appear. 
 Greatness, and Goodness, and an Ayr divine, 
 She saw through all his words and aftions shine. 
 She heard his eloquent Tongue, and charming Lyre, 
 Whose artful sounds did violent Love inspire, 
 Though us'd all other Passions to relieve ; 
 She weigh'd all this, and well we may conceive, 
 When those strong thoughts attaqu'd her doubtful brest, 
 His Beauty no less active than the rest. 
 The Fire thus kindled soon grew fierce and great, 
 When Davids brest reflected back its heat. 
 Soon she perceiv'd (scarce can Love hidden ly 
 From any sight, much less the Loving Eye) 
 She Conqueror was as well as Overcome, 
 And gain'd no less Abroad than lost at Home. 
 57 Even the first hour they met (for such a pair, 
 Who in all mankind else so matchless were, 
 
 342
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 Yet their own Equals, Natures self does wed) 
 
 A mutual warmth through both their bosoms spred. 
 
 Fate gave the Signal ; both at once began 
 
 The gentle Race, and with just pace they ran. 
 
 Ev'en so (methinks) when two Fair Tapers come, 
 
 From several Doors entring at once the Room, 
 
 With a swift flight that leaves the Eye behind ; 
 
 Their amorous Lights into one Light are join'd. 
 
 Nature herself, were she to judge the case, 
 
 Knew not which first began the kind embrace. 
 
 Michol her modest flames sought to conceal, 
 
 But Love ev'en th' Art to hide it does reveal. 
 
 Her soft unpraclis'd Eyes betray'd the Theft, 
 
 Love past through them, and there such footsteps left. 
 
 She blusht when he approacht, and when he spoke, 
 
 And suddenly her wandring answers broke, 
 
 At his names sound, and when she heard him prais'd, 
 
 With concern'd haste her thoughtful looks she rais'd. 
 
 UncalFd for sighs oft from her bosome flew, 
 
 And Adr'ieh aftive friend she'abruptly grew. 
 
 Oft when the Courts gay youth stood waiting by, 
 
 She strove to a6fc a cold Indifferency ; 
 
 In vain she acled so constrain'd a part, 
 
 For thousand Nameless things disclos'd her Heart. 
 
 On th'other side David with silent pain 
 
 Did in respectful bounds his Fires contain. 
 
 His humble fear t'offend, and trembling aw, 
 
 Impos'd on him a no less rigorous Law 
 
 Then Modesty on her, and though he strove 
 
 To make her see't, he durst not tell his Love. 
 
 To tell it first the timorous youth made choice 
 
 Of Musicks bolder and more adlive voice. 
 
 And thus beneath her Window, did he touch 
 
 His faithful Lyre ; the words and numbers such, 
 
 As did well worth my Memory appear, 
 
 And may perhaps deserve your princely Ear. 
 
 343
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 i. 
 
 Awake, awake my Lyre, 
 And tell thy silent Masters humble tale, 
 
 In sounds that may prevail ; 
 Sounds that gentle thoughts inspire, 
 
 Though so Exalted she 
 
 And I so Lowly be, 
 Tell her such different Notes make all thy Harmonie. 
 
 2. 
 
 Hark, how the Strings awake, 
 And though the Moving Hand approach not near, 
 
 Themselves with awful fear, 
 A kind of num'erous Trembling make. 
 
 Now all thy Forces try, 
 
 Now all thy charms apply, 
 Revenge upon her Ear the Conquests of her Eye. 
 
 3- 
 
 Weak Lyre ! thy vertue sure 
 Is useless here, since thou art only found 
 
 To Cure, but not to Wound, 
 And she to Wound, but not to Cure. 
 Too weak too wilt thou prove 
 My Passion to remove, 
 Physick to other Ills, thou'rt Nourishment to Love. 
 
 4- 
 
 Sleep, sleep again, my Lyre ; 
 For thou can'st never tell my humble tale, 
 
 In sounds that will prevail, 
 Nor gentle thoughts in her inspire ; 
 All thy vain mirth lay by, 
 Bid thy strings silent ly, 
 Sheep, deep again, my Lyre, and let thy Master dy. 
 
 She heard all this, and the prevailing sound 
 Toucht with delightful pain her tender wound. 
 Yet though she joy'd th' authentique news to hear, 
 Of what she guest before with jealous fear, 
 
 344
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 She checkt her forward joy, and blusht for shame, 
 
 And did his boldness with forc'ed anger blame. 
 
 The senseless rules, which first False Honour taught, 
 
 And into Laws the Tyrant Custom brought, 
 
 Which Womens Pride and Folly did invent, 
 
 Their Lovers and Themselves too to torment, 
 
 Made her next day a grave displeasure fain, 
 
 And all her words, and all her looks constrain 
 
 Before the trembling youth ; who when he saw 
 
 His vital Light her wonted beams withdraw, 
 
 He curst his voice, his fingers, and his Lyre, 
 
 He curst his too bold Tongue, and bold Desire. 
 
 In vain he curst the last, for that still grew ; 
 
 From all things Food its strong Complexion drew : 
 
 His Joy and Hope their chearful motions ceast, 
 
 His Life decay'd, but still his Love encreast. 
 
 Whilst she whose Heart approv'd not her Disdain, 
 
 Saw and endur'd his pains with greater pain. 
 
 But Jonathan, to whom both hearts were known 
 
 With a concernment equal to their own, 
 
 Joyful that Heav'en with his sworn love comply'd 
 
 To draw that knot more fast which he had ty'd, 
 
 With well-tim'd zeal, and with an artful care, 
 
 Restor'd, and better'd soon the nice affair. 
 
 With ease a Brothers lawful power o'recame 
 
 The formal decencies of virgin-shame. 
 
 She first with all her heart forgave the past, 
 
 Heard David tell his flames, and told her own at last. 
 
 Lo here the happy point of prosperous Love ! 
 
 Which ev'en Enjoyment seldom can improve ! 
 
 Themselves agreed, which scarce could fail alone, 
 
 All Israels wish concurrent with their own. 
 
 A Brothers powerful ayd firm to the side, 
 
 By solemn vow the King and Father tyde : 
 
 All jealous fears, all nice disguises past, 
 
 All that in less-ripe Love offends the Tast, 
 
 In cithers Breast their Souls both meet and wed, 
 
 Their Heart the Nuptial-Temple and the Bed. 
 
 And though the grosser cates were yet not drest, 
 
 By which the Bodies must supply this Feast ; 
 
 345
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Bold Hopes prevent slow Pleasures lingring birth, 
 
 As Saints assur'd of Heav'en enjoy't on Earth. 
 
 All this the King observ'd, and well he saw 
 
 What scandal, and what danger it might draw 
 
 T'oppose this just and pop'ular match, but meant 
 
 T' out-malice all Refusals by Consent. 
 
 He meant the poisonous grant should mortal prove, 
 
 He meant t'ensnare his Virtue by his Love. ' Sam. 
 
 And thus he to him spoke, with more of art 
 
 And fraud, then well became the Kingly part. 
 
 Your valour, David, and high worth (said he) 
 To praise, is all mens duty, mine to see 
 Rewarded ; and we shall t'our utmost powers 
 Do with like care that part, as you did yours. 
 Forbid it God, we like those Kings should prove, 
 Who Fear the Fertues which they're bound to Love. 
 Your Piety does that tender point secure, 
 Nor will my Afts such humble thoughts endure. 
 Your neerness to't rather supports the Crown, 
 And ^honours giv'en to you encrease our own. 
 All that we can we'll give ; 'tis our intent 
 Both as a Guard, and as an Ornament 
 To place thee next our selves ; Heav'en does approve, 
 And my Sons Friendship, and my Daughters Love, 
 Guide fatally, methinks, my willing choice ; 
 I see, methinks, Heav'en in't, and I rejoice. 
 Blush' not, my Son, that Michols Love I name, 
 Nor need she blush to hear it ; 'tis no shame 
 Nor secret now ; Fame does it loudly tell, 
 And all men but thy Rivals like it well. 
 If Merabs choice could have comply 'd with mine, 
 Merab, my elder comfort, had been thine. 
 And hers at last should have with mine comply'd, 
 Had I not Thine and Michols heart descry'd. 
 Take whom thou West, and who loves thee ; the last 
 And dearest Present made me by the chast 
 Ahinoam ; and unless she me deceive, 
 When I to Jonathan my Crown shall leave, 
 'Twill be a smaller Gift. 
 If I thy generous thoughts may undertake 
 
 346
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 58 To guess, they are what "Jointure thou shalt make, 
 Fitting her birth and fortune : and since so 
 Custom ordains, we mean t'exaft it too. 
 
 The Joynture we exadl, is that shall be 
 
 No less advantage to thy Fame than She. 
 
 Go where Philistian Troops infest the Land ; 
 
 Renew the terrours of thy conquering hand. 
 
 When thine own hand, which needs must conqu'ror prove, 
 
 In this joint cause of Honour and of Love, 
 
 An hundred of the faithless Foe shall slay, 
 
 59 And for a Dowre their hundred foreskins pay, ' Sam - l8 
 Be Michol thy Reward ; did we not know 
 
 Thy mighty Fate, and Worth that makes it so, 
 
 We should not cheaply that dear blood expose 
 
 Which we to mingle with our own had chose. 
 
 But thou'rt secure ; and since this match of thine 
 
 We to the publick benefit design, 
 
 A publick good shall its beginning grace, 
 
 And give triumphant Omens of thy race. 
 
 Thus spoke the King : the happy Youth bow'd low ; 
 Modest and graceful his great joy did show, 
 The noble task well pleas'd his generous mind ; 
 And nought t' except against it could he find, 
 But that his Mistress price too cheap appear'd, 
 No Danger, but her Scorn of it he fear'd. 
 She with much different sense the news receiv'd, 
 At her high rate she trembled, blusht, and griev'd. 
 'Twas a less work the conquest of his Foes, 
 Than to obtain her leave his life t'expose. 
 Their kind debate on this soft point would prove 
 Tedious, and needless to repeat : If Love 
 (As sure it has) e're toucht your princely brest, 
 'Twill to your gentle thoughts at full suggest 
 All that was done, or said ; the grief, hope, fears ; 
 His troubled joys, and her obliging Tears. 
 In all the pomp of Passions reign, they part ; 
 And bright prophetique forms enlarge his heart ; 
 Viffory and Fame ; and that more quick delight 
 Of the rich prize for which he was to fight. 
 
 Tow'ards Gath he went ; and in one month (so soon 
 
 347
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 A fata/, and a willing work is done) 
 
 A double Dowre, two hundred foreskins brought 
 
 60 Of choice Philistian Knights with whom he fought, 
 Men that in birth and valour did excel, 
 
 Fit for the Came and Hand by which they fell. 
 Now was Saul caught ; nor longer could delay 
 The two resistless Lovers happy day. 
 Though this days coming long had seem'd and slow, 
 Yet seem'd its stay as long and tedious now. 
 For now the violent weight of eager Love, 
 
 6 1 Did with more haste so near its Centre move, 
 He curst the stops of form and state, which lay 
 
 62 In this last stage like Scandals in his way. 
 
 On a large gentle Hill, crown'd with tall wood, 
 Neer where the regal Gabaah proudly stood, 
 
 63 A Tent was pitcht, of green wrought Damask made, 
 And seem'd but the fresh Forrests nat'ural shade, 
 Various, and vast within, on pillars born 
 
 Of Shittim Wood, that usefully adorn. 
 
 Hither to grace the Nuptial-Feast does Saul 
 
 Of the Twelve Tribes th' Elders and Captains call, 
 
 And all around the idle, busie crowd, 
 
 With shouts and Blessings tell their joy alowd. 
 
 Lo, the press breaks, and from their several homes 
 
 In decent pride the Bride and Bridegroom comes. 
 
 Before the Bride, in a long double row 
 
 With solemn pace thirty choice Virgins go, 
 
 And make a Moving Galaxy on earth ; 
 
 All heav'enly Beauties, all of highest Birth ; 
 
 64 All clad in liveliest colours, fresh and fair, 
 
 65 As the bright flowers that crown'd their brighter Hair, 
 All in that new-blown age, which does inspire 
 Warmth in Themselves, in their Beholders Fire. 
 
 But all this, and all else the Sun did ere, 
 
 Or Fancy see, in her less bounded Sphere, 
 
 The Bride her self out-shone ; and one would say 
 
 They made but the faint Dawn to her full Day. 
 
 Behind a numerous train of Ladies went, 
 
 Who on their dress much fruitless care had spent, 
 
 Vain Gems, and unregarded cost they bore, 
 
 348
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 For all mens eyes were ty'd to those before. 
 
 The Bridegrooms flourishing Troop fill'd next the place, 
 
 66 With thirty comly youths of noblest race, 
 
 That marcht before ; and Heav'en around his head, 
 The graceful beams of Joy and Beauty spread. 
 
 67 So the glad star which Men and Angels love, 
 Prince of the glorious Host that shines above, 
 No Light of Heav'en so chearful or so gay, 
 Lifts up his sacred Lamp, and opens Day. 
 The King himself, at the Tents crowned gate 
 In all his robes of ceremony' and state 
 
 Sate to receive the train ; on either hand 
 
 Did the High Priest, and the Great Prophet stand. 
 
 Adr'iel behind, Jonathan, Abner* Jesse, 
 
 And all the Chiefs in their due order presse. 
 
 First Saul declar'd his choice, and the just cause, 
 
 Avow'd by' a gene'ral murmur of applause, 
 
 68 Then sign'd her Doufre, and in few words he pray'd, 
 And blest, and gave the joyful trembling Maid 
 
 T' her Lovers hands, who with a chearful look 
 And humble gesture the vast Present took. 
 
 69 The Nuptial-Hymn strait sounds, and Musicks play, 
 
 70 And Feasts and Balls shorten the thoughtless day 
 To all but to the wedded ; till at last 
 
 The long-wisht night did her kind shadow cast ; 
 
 At last th' inestimable hour was cpme 
 
 To lead his Conquering prey in triumph home, 
 
 71 To' a Palace near, drest for the Nuptial-bed 
 (Part of her Dowre) he his fair Princess led, 
 Saul, the High-Priest, and Samuel here they leave, 
 Who as they part, their weighty blessings give. 
 
 72 Her Pail is now put on; and at the gate 
 The thirty Youths, and thirty Virgins wait 
 
 73 With golden Lamps, bright as the flames they bore, 
 To light the Nuptial-pomp, and march before. 
 The rest bring home in state the happy Pair, 
 
 To that last Scene of Bliss, and leave them there 
 
 All those free joys insatiably to prove 
 
 With which rich Beauty feasts the Glutton Love. 
 
 74 But scarce, alas, the first sev'en days were past, 
 
 349
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 In which the publick Nuptial Triumphs last, 
 
 When Saul this new Alliance did repent, 
 
 Such subtle cares his jealous thoughts torment, 
 
 He envy'ed the good work himself had done ; 
 
 Fear'd David less his Servant than his Son. 
 
 No longer his wild wrath could he command ; 
 
 He seeks to stain his own imperial hand 
 
 In his Sons blood ; and that twice cheated too, 
 
 With Troops and Armies does one life pursue. 
 
 Said I but One ? his thirsty rage extends 
 
 To th' Lives of all his kindred^ and his friends ; 
 
 Ev'en ^Jonathan had dyed for being so, 
 
 Had not just God put by th' unnat'ural blow. 
 
 You see, Sir, the true cause which brings us here ; 
 No sullen discontent, or groundless fear, 
 No guilty Aft or End calls us from home. 
 Only to breath in peace a while we come, 
 Ready to Serve, and in mean space to Pray 
 For You who us receive, and Him who drives away. 
 
 350
 
 NOTES 
 
 UPON THE 
 
 THIRD BOOK. 
 
 Town not far from Jerusalem, according to S. Hieron. in his Com- 
 mentary upon Isaiah, by which it seems it was re-edified, after the 
 destruction of it by Saul; he says that JeriisaL'm might be seen from it. 
 Adricomius knows not whether he should place it in the Tribe of Benjamin, or 
 Ephraim. Abulensis sure is in an errour, placing it in the Half Tribe of 
 Manasses beyond Jordan. I call it Nobe according to the Latin Translation ; 
 for (methinks) Nob is too unheroical a name. 
 
 2. Panes Propositionis, in the Septuagint, aproi evdirioi, from the Hebrew, 
 in which it signifies Panes Facierum, because they were always standing before 
 the Face of the Lord', which is meant too by the English word Shew-bread, 
 The Law concerning them, Levit. 23. commands not only that they should be 
 eaten by the Priests alone, but also eaten in the holy Place. For it is most 
 holy unto him, of the offerings made unto the Lord by fire, by a perpetual 
 statute, Verse 9. In the Holy place ; that is, at the door of the Tabernacle ; 
 as appears, Lev. 8. 31. and that which remained was to be burnt, lest it should 
 be eaten by any but the Priests. How comes it then to pass, not only that 
 Ahimelech gave of this bread to David and his company, but that David says 
 to him, i Sam. 21. 5. The bread is in a manner common? The Latine 
 differently, Porro via hac polluta est, seJ & ipsa hodie sanftificabitur in vasts. 
 The words are somewhat obscure ; the meaning sure must be, that seeing here 
 are new Breads to be set upon the Table, the publique occasion (for that he 
 pretended) and present necessity makes these as it were common. So, what 
 more sacred than the Sabboth ? yet the Maccabees ordained, that it should be 
 lawful to fight against their enemies on that day. Seneca says very well, 
 Necessitas magnum humane imbeclllitatis patrocinium, quicquid cogit excusat. 
 And we see this adl of Davids approved of in the Evangelists. 
 
 3. Fatal, in regard his coming was the cause of Ahimelechs murder, and 
 the destruction of the Town. 
 
 4. Sacred : made so by Davids placing it in the Tabernacle as a Trophee 
 of his Viftory, avaQwa. Thus Judith dedicated all the stuff of Holophernes 
 his Tent as a Gift unto the Lord, Jud. 16. 19. avaQijua. r$ Kvpiy 5u>Ke where 
 the Latin commonly adds Oblivionis ; in anathema oblivionis, which should be 
 left out. Josephus of this word, rty f>ofj.<paiav avtBrjKe rip 0e$. And Sulpit. 
 Sever. Gladium postea in Templum posuit ; i. In Tabernaculum Nobte : where, 
 
 351
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 methinks, In Templum signifies more then if he had said in Templo. The 
 reason of this custom is, to acknowledge that God is the giver of Viftory. And 
 I think all Nations have concurred in this duty after successes, and called (as 
 Virgil says) 
 
 In pradam partemq; Jovem. 
 
 So the Philistims hung up the Arms of Saul in the Temple of Ashtaroth, and 
 carried the Ark into the Temple of Dagon. Nicol. de Lyra believes that this 
 Sword of Goliah was not consecrated to God : for then Ahimelech in giving, 
 and David in taking it had sinned ; for it is said, Levit. 27. 28. Whatsoever is 
 devoted is most holy unto the Lord ; but that it was only laid up as a Monument 
 of a famous victory, in a publick place. There is no need of this evasion ; for not 
 every thing consecrated to God is unalienable (at least for a time) in case of 
 necessity, since we see the very vessels of the Temple were often given to Invaders 
 by the Kings of Judah, to make peace with them. Pro Rep. plerumq; Templa 
 nudantur. Sen. in Controvers. 
 
 5. This particular of yagal and Davids going in disguise into the Land of 
 the Philistims (which seems more probable then that he should go immediately 
 and avowedly to Achis Court so soon after the defeat of Goliah) is added to the 
 History by a Poetical Licence, which I take to be very harmless, and which 
 therefore I make bold to use upon several occasions. 
 
 6. Their Goddess Dagon, a kind of Mermaid- Deity. See on the second 
 Book. 
 
 7. Adullam, An Ancient Town in the Tribe of Judah, even in Judah's 
 time, Gen. 38. in Joshua's, it had a King, Josh. 12. 15. the Cave still remains; 
 and was used by the Christians for their refuge upon several irruptions of the 
 Turks, in the same manner as it served David now. 
 
 8. In this Enumeration of the chief Persons who came to assist David, 
 I choose to name but a few. The Greek and Latin Poets being in my opinion 
 too large upon this kind of subject, especially Homer, in enumerating the 
 Grecian Fleet and Army ; where he makes a long list of Names and Numbers, 
 just as they would stand in the Roll of a Muster-Master, without any delight- 
 ful and various descriptions of the persons; or at least very few such. Which 
 Lucan (methinks) avoids viciously by an excess the other way. 
 
 9. i Sam. 2. And Asael was as swift of foot as a wild Roe. Joseph, says 
 of him, that he would out-run tirirov Karao-Tdvra els a/j.i\\av, which is no such 
 great matter. The Poets are all bolder in their expressions upon the swiftness 
 of some persons. Virgil upon Nisus jLn. 5. 
 
 Emicat & ventis, & fulminis ocyor alis. 
 But that is Modest with them. Hear him of Camilla, ^En. 7. 
 
 Ilia vel intafia: segetis per summa volaret 
 
 Gramina, nee teneras cursu l&sisset aristas. 
 
 Vel mare per medium Jlutflu suspensa tumenti 
 
 Ferret iter, celeres nee tingeret aquore plantas. 
 
 From whence I have the hint of my description, Oft o^re the Lawns, fc. but 
 I durst not in a Sacred Story be quite so bold as he. The walking over the 
 waters is too much, yet he took it from Homer. 20. Iliad. 
 
 Al 5" $re fjiev <TKipr<ei> tirl feldupov apovpav 
 
 "A.KOOV iir' 'AvBeplKWv Kapirbv Beov, ovSe KO.T{K\UV. 
 
 'AXX' ore Si) ffKtprifev, eir' ebpta. vCira. OaXdffffrjs 
 
 "Aifpov tirl priy/juvoi aXoj woXtoto BteffKOv. 
 
 They ran upon the top of flowers without breaking them, and upon the back 
 of the Sea, &c. where the Hyperbole (one would think) might have satisfied 
 any moderate man ; yet Seal. 5. de Poet, prefers Virgils from the encrease of 
 
 352
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 the miracle, by making Camilla?*, flight over a tenderer thing then Antherici, 
 and by the exaggerations of Intacta, Gramina, Volaret, Suspensa, Nee tingeret. 
 Apollon. i. Argonaut, has the like Hyperbole, and of Polyphemus too, a Monster, 
 that one would believe should rather sink the Earth at every tread, then run over 
 the Sea with dry feet, 
 
 Ketvos avijp Kal TTOVTOV tirl yXavxoio 
 
 OtSfiaros, ov8 0ooi)j fiairrev ir68as, d\X' 
 
 "Ixveffi Teyy6/J.evos dieprj ire(j>6pi)TO Ke\evO 
 And Solinus reports historically of Ladas (the man so much celebrated by the 
 Poets) cap. 6. That he ran so lightly over the dust (supra cavum pulverem) that 
 he never left a mark in it. So that a Greek Epigram calls his 
 
 The swiftness of a God. 
 
 All which, I hope, will serve to excuse me in this place. 
 
 10. Jessides, the Son of Jesse; a Patronymique after the Greek form. 
 
 1 1 . Moab, that part of the Kingdom of Moab that was possest by Ruben, 
 lying upon the Dead-Sea, which divides it from the Tribe of Judah ; but 
 Jordan divides it from the Tribes of Benjamin and Ephraim, so Judah is not 
 here taken in a precise sense for that Tribe only. 
 
 12. His: because Jordan runs into it, and is there lost. It is called 
 promiscuously a Sea, or Lake, and is more properly a Lake. 
 
 13. Amoreus was the fourth Son of Canaan; the Country of his Sons 
 extended East and West between Arnon and Jordan, North and South 
 between Jaboc and the Kingdom of Moab. They were totally destroyed by 
 the Israelites, and their Land given to the Tribe of Gad, Gen. 10. 14. Numb. 
 11. 32. Deut. 3. Josh. 13. Judg. 11. 
 
 14. Edom : called by the Greeks Idumcea : denominated from Esau. 
 Josephus makes two Idum[(z]a's, the Upper and the Lower; the upper was 
 possest by the Tribe of Judah, and the Lower by Simeon : but still the 
 Edomites possest the Southern part of the Country, from the Sea of Sodom 
 towards the Red, or, Idumaan Sea. The great Map of Adricomius places 
 another Edom & Monies Seir, a little North of Rabba of the Ammonites, 
 which I conceive to be a mistake. The Greeks under the name of Idume 
 include sometimes all Palestine and Arabia. 
 
 Petra. The Metropolis of Arabia Petraa. Adric. 77. 
 
 Petraa autem dicJa a vetustissimo oppido Petra 
 deserti ipsius Metropoli supra mare mortuum 
 sitd. 
 
 It is hard to set the bounds of this Country (and indeed of all the little ancient 
 Kingdoms in those parts ;) for sometimes it includes Moab, Edom, Amalec, 
 Cedar, Madian, and all the Land Southward to Egypt, or the Red-Sea : but 
 here it is taken in a more contracted signification, for that part of Arabia 
 which lies near the Metropolis Petra, and denominates the -whole. I doubt 
 much, whether Petra Deserti, which Adric. makes to be the same, were not 
 another City of the same name. Adric. is very confused in the description of 
 the Countries bordering upon the Jews, nor could well be otherwise, the matter 
 is so intricate, and to make amends not much important. 
 
 15. Cush. Arabia Sabcea, so called from Saba the Son of Cush, and 
 Grand-child of Cham. All the Inhabitants of Arabia, down to the Red-sea 
 (for Jethro 1 * daughter of Midian was a Cusite, though taken by Josephus to 
 be an African Ethiop) are called sometimes in Scripture Cusites, and translated 
 Ethiopians; and I believe the other Ethiopians beyond Egypt descended from 
 these, and are the Cusita at other times mentioned in the Scripture. 
 
 c - z 353
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Amman is by some accounted a part of Arabia Fcelix, and the Country called 
 since Philadelphia, from the Metropolis of that name, conceived by Adricom. 
 to be the same with Rabba of Amman, the Son of Lot. 
 
 1 6. Accounted of the race of the Giants, that is, a big, strong, and war- 
 like sort of people ; as Amos says Poetically of the Amorites, As tall as Cedars, 
 and strong as Oaks. These Ernins were beaten by Chederlaom, Gen. 14. and 
 extirpated afterwards by the Moabites, who called that Country Moab, from their 
 Ancestor the Son of Lot. 
 
 17. Seon King of the Amorites, who conquered the greatest part of the 
 Kingdom of Moab all westward of Arnon, and possest it himself till the 
 Israelites slew him, and destroyed his people. Arnon, a River that discharges 
 it self into the Dead-sea, and rises in an high Rock in the Country of the 
 Amorites, called Arnon, which gives the name to the River, and that to the 
 City Arnon, or Arear seated upon it. Or, 
 
 1 8. Esebon. A famous and strong City seated upon an hill, and encom- 
 passed with brick-walls, with many Villages and Towns depending on it. It 
 was twenty miles distant from "Jordan. Adric. 
 
 19. For Saul had made war upon the Moabites ', and done them much hurt, 
 I Sam. 14. 49. 
 
 20. I take it for an infallible certainty, that O/^zV was not as some imagine 
 in the West- fndies ; for in Solomons time, where it is first mentioned, those 
 Countrys neither were nor could be known, according to their manner of 
 Navigation. And besides, if all that were granted, Solomon would have set 
 out his Fleet for that voyage from some Port of the Mediterranean, and not of 
 the Red-sea. I therefore without any scruple say, Ophirs rising Morn, and 
 make it a Country in the East-Indies, called by Josephus and S. Hierom, The 
 Golden Country. Grotius doubts whether Ophir were not a Town seated in 
 the Arabian Bay, which Arrian calls Aphar, Pliny Saphar, Ptolomy 
 Sapphara, Stephanus Sapharina, whither the Indians brought their Merchan- 
 dizes, to be fetcht from thence by the Merchants of the more Western Countrys. 
 But that small similitude of the name is not worth the change of a received 
 opinion. 
 
 2 1 . Like this is that of Dido to ALneas, 
 
 Non obtusa adeb gestamus pedlora Pceni, 
 ' Nee tarn aversus equos Tyrid Sol jungit ab urbe. 
 And in Stat. of Adrasttis to Polynices, 
 
 Nee tarn aversum fama 
 Myccenis Volvit iter. 
 
 22. Phegor, or Phogor, or Peor, was an high Mountain upon the Top of 
 which Balaam was desired by Balac to curse, but did bless Israel. This place 
 was chosen perhaps by Balac, because upon it stood the Temple of his God 
 Baal. Which was, I believe the Sun, the Lord of Heaven, the same with 
 Moloch of the Ammonites and the Moabites Chemos ; only denominated Baal 
 Phegor, from that particular place of his worship, as Jupiter Capitolinus. 
 Some think that Baal Peor was the same with Priapits the obscene Idol, so 
 famous in ancient Authors ; it may be the Image might be made after that 
 fashion, to signifie that the Sun is the Baal, or Lord of Generation. 
 
 23. The making of Hangings with Figures came first from Babylon, 
 from whence they were called Babylonica, Plin. 1. 8. c. 48. Colores diversos 
 pitflurtz intertexere Babylon maxime Celebravit, & nomen imposuit. Plaut. in 
 Sticho. 
 
 Turn Babylonica peristromata consutaq; tapetia 
 Advexit minimum bonce ret. 
 
 354
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 He calls the like Hangings in Pseud. 
 
 Alexandria belluata conthiliata peristromata. 
 Mart. 1. 8. Non ego pratulerim Babylonica pifia superbt 
 
 Texta SemiramiA qua variantur acu. 
 And long before, Lucret. I. 4. 
 
 Babylonica magnifico splendore. 
 
 24. These kind of Ivory Tables born up with the Images of Beasts, were 
 much in esteem among the Ancients. The Romans had them, as also all other 
 instruments of Luxury, from the Asiatiques, 
 
 Putere videntur 
 
 Unguenta atq; rostz latos nisi sustinet orbes 
 Grande ebur, & magno sublimis Pardus hiaiu, 
 Dentibus ex illis quos mittet porta Sienes 
 Et Mauri celeres. Juven. IT. 
 Mart. Et Mauri Lybicis centum stent dentibus orbes. 
 
 25. Citron : It is not here taken for the Lemon Tree (though that be in 
 Latine called Citrus too, and in French Citronnier) but for a Tree something 
 resembling a wild Cypress, and growing chiefly in Africk : it is very famous 
 among the Roman Authors, and was most used for banquetting Beds and 
 Tables. Martial says it was more precious than Gold. 
 
 Accipe fcelices, Atlantica munera, mensas, 
 
 A urea gut dederit dona, minor a dabit. 
 
 See Plin. I. 13. c. 15. The spots and crispness of the wood, was the great 
 commendation of it : From whence they were called, Tygrina and Pantherinte 
 Mensce. Virg. Ciris. 
 
 Nee Lybis Assyria sternetur Letftulus astro. 
 Where Lybis Leflulus may signifie either an Ivory, or a Citron Bed. 
 
 26. Purple Coverlets were most in use among great persons. Horn. II. 9. 
 
 "Eilffev 6' tv K\ifffj.o1cri rdwrjirl re irop<t>vptoi<ri. 
 
 Virg. Sarrano dormiat astro. 
 
 That is, Tyrian purple. Stat. Theb. i. 
 
 Pars astro tenues aurdq; sonantes 
 
 Emunire toros. 
 
 They lye (says Plato the Comedian in Athen. 2.) iv K\lvais tXeQavrbiroffi ical 
 ffTpw/jiaffi iroptyvpo/Sdirrois &C. 
 
 The Purple of the Ancients was taken out of a kind of Shell-fish called 
 Purpura ; where it was found in a white vein running through the middle of 
 the mouth, which was cut out and boyled ; and the blood used afterwards in 
 Dying, produced the colour Nigrantis rosa sublucentem, which Pliny witnesses 
 to be the true Purple, though there were other sorts too of it, as the colour of 
 Violet, Hyacinth, drv. Of this Invention now totally lost, see Plin. 1. 9. c. 
 38. and Pancirollus. The greatest Fishing for these Purples was at Tyre, and 
 there was the greatest manufacture and Trade of Purple ; there likewise was 
 the invention of it, which is attributed to Hercules Tyrius, who walking upon 
 the shore, saw his Dog bite one of those Fishes, and found his mouth all 
 stained with that excellent colour, which gave him the first hint of teaching 
 the Tyrians how to Dye with it : From whence this colour is called in Greek 
 "AXoup-yoj, Aristot. quasi a\6s tpyov, the work of the Sea ; and Plato in Tim. 
 defines 'AXovpyovv to be Red mingled with White and Black. 
 
 27. So dSneas in the i. JEn. finds the story of all the Trojan War painted 
 upon the walls of Juno's Temple at Carthage. I chuse here the history of Lot, 
 because the Moabites descended from him. 
 
 28. Chedor-loanter, who according to the general opinion, was King of 
 
 22 355
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Persia, but to me it seems altogether improbable that the King of Persia should 
 come so far, and joyn with so many Princes to make a war upon those five 
 little Kings, whose whole Territories were scarce so big as the least shire in 
 England, and whose very names are unlikely to have been heard of then, so 
 far as Persia. Besides Persia was not then the chief Eastern Monarchy, but 
 Assyria under Ninias or Zamais, who succeeded Semiramis ; which makes 
 me likewise not doubt but that they are mistaken too, who take Amraphel King 
 of Shinaar, which is interpreted Babylonia, for the same with Ninias, since 
 Chedor-laomtf commanded over him ; a fouler error is theirs, who make 
 Arioch King of Ellasar to be the King of Pontus, as Aquila and S. Hierome 
 translate it ; or as Tostatus, who would have it to be the Hellespont. Stephan. 
 de Urb. places Ellas in Ccelosyria, others on the borders of Arabia, and that 
 this was the same with Ellasar has much more appearance. But for my part, 
 I am confident that Elam, Shinaar, Ellasar and Tidal, were the names of 
 some Cities not far distant from Sodom and Gomorra, and their Kings such as 
 the thirty three that Joshua drove out of Canaan ; otherwise how could 
 Abraham have defeated them (abating miracles) with his own family onely? 
 perhaps they were called of Elam, that is Persia, of Shinaar, that is Babylonia, 
 of Ellasar, that is Pontus, or rather the other Ellas, because they were 
 Colonies brought from those Countreys ; which the fourth Kings title, of Tidal, 
 seems to confirm ; that is, of Nations ; Latine, Gentium ; Symmach. Ilajtt- 
 0i/Xta,s, to wit, of a City compounded of the conflux of people from several 
 Nations. The Hebrew is Goijm, which Vatablus, not without probability, 
 takes for the proper name of a Town. 
 
 29. That he might be consumed presently after with his whole people and 
 Kingdom, by fire from Heaven. 
 
 30. For Fire and Brimstone is named in Scripture, as the Torment of 
 Hell; for which cause the Apostle Jude, v. 7. says that Sodom and Gomorra 
 are set forth for an example, irvpbs aluvlov S'IKIJV vir^ovffaL, suffering the 
 vengeance of eternal fire ; So our English ; the Latine, Ignis ceterni pcenam 
 sustinentes. But I wonder none have thought of interpreting Attajv adverbially, 
 for, Instar habentes ignis atemi, Suffering the similitude of eternal, that is, 
 Hell Fire. So Alicr)v is used Arist. de Mund. Kal ptovcri TroXXd/cts iroranGiv 
 diKT)v, nay even A^KT?, the subst. is taken sometimes in that sense, as Homer, 
 Ulyss. . ' 
 
 'H yap 8fj.&<av Sinri to~rl. 
 
 For this is the Manner or fashion of Suitors. It is not improbable, that this 
 Raining of Fire and Brimstone was nothing but extraordinary Thunders and 
 Lightnings; for Thunder hath sulphur in it, which (Grotius says) is therefore 
 called Qeiov, as it were, Divine, because it comes from above. Several 
 prophane Authors make mention of this destruction of Sodom ; as Tacitus, 
 L. 5. Histor. Fulminum itflu arsisse, drY. and by and by, Igne ccelesti 
 flagrasse, &*c. 
 
 31. The blindness with which these wretches were strooken, was not a 
 total Blindness or Privation of their sight, but either such a sudden darkness 
 in the ayr as made them grope for the door, or a sudden failing of the sight, as 
 when men are ready to fall into a Trance ; Eblouissement ; or that which the 
 Greeks term dopcuria, when men see other things, but not the thing they look 
 for. For says S. Augustine, De Civit. Dei Lib. 22. c. 19. If they had been 
 quite blind, they would not have fought for the Door to go into Lots House, but 
 for Guides to conduct them back again to their own. 
 
 32. I describe her not after she was changed, but in the very act or 
 moment of her changing, Gen. 19. 26. Our English says, she became a Pillar 
 
 356
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 of Salt, following the Greek ffT^\rj a\6s. The Latine is, Statua Salts. Some 
 call it Cumulum ; others, Columnam. Sulpit. Sever. Reflexit oculos, statimq; 
 in moltm conversa traditur. It is pity Josephus, who says he saw the Statue 
 himself, omitted the description of it. Likely it is, that it retained her form. 
 So Cyprian in better verse than is usual among the Christian Poets, 
 
 Stetit ipsa Sepulchrum, 
 
 Ipsaq; Imago sibi, formam sine cor pore servant. 
 
 Some with much subtlety, and some probability, understand a Pillar of Salt, 
 to signifie only an Everlasting Pillar, of what matter soever, as Numb. 18, 
 19. A Covenant of Salt. But we may very well too understand it Literally ; 
 for there is a Mineral kind of Salt which never melts, and serves for building 
 as well as stone; of which Pliny speaks, /. 31. c. 7. besides, the conversion 
 into Salt is very proper there, where there is such abundance, mixt with 
 Sulphur, and which place God had, as it were, sowed with salt, in token of 
 eternal barrenness, of which this Statue was set up for a Monument. The 
 Targum of Jerusalem is cited, to give this reason why she looked back ; it 
 says, she was a woman of Sodom, and that made her impatient to see what 
 became of her friends and Country. The moral of it is very perspicuous, but 
 well exprest by S. August. Uxor Loth in Salem conversa magno admonuit 
 Sacramento neminem in vid liberationis su<z prceterita desiderare debere. 
 
 33. Zippor the Father of Balac, and first King of Moab mentioned in 
 Scripture. Some Authors, I know, name one Vaheb before him, but Zippor 
 is the more known, more authentical, and better sounding Name. Among 
 the Ancients there was always some hereditary Bowl with which they made 
 their Libations to the Gods, and entertained Strangers. Virg. 
 
 Hie Regina gravem gemmis auroq; poposcit 
 
 Implevitq; mero pateram, qud Belus &" omnes 
 
 A Belo soliti 
 
 And presently she begins to the Gods. So Stat. 1. i. Theb. 
 
 Signis perfetftam auroq; nitentem 
 
 lasides pateram famulos ex more poposcit, 
 
 Qud Danaus libare Deis, seniorq', Phoroneus 
 
 Assueti 
 
 And then he addes the Stories engraven on the Bowl, which would not have 
 been so proper for me in this place, because of the Pifirtres before. Sen. 
 Thyest. Poculum infuso cape Gentile Baccho. This Libation to the Gods 
 at the beginning of all Feasts came from the natural custom of paying the 
 First Fruits of all things to the Divinity by whose bounty they enjoyed 
 them. 
 
 34. This too was an ancient custom that never failed at solemn Feasts, to 
 have Musick there (and sometimes dancing too) which Homer calls, 
 
 'AvaOrinara. SCUTOJ. 
 
 The Appendixes ; or as Heisich interpretes, KOff/j.ri/j.aTa t the Ornaments of a 
 Feast. And as for wise and honorable persons, there was no time of their Life 
 less lost, then that they spent at Table; for either they held then some profit- 
 able and delightful discourses with Learned men, or heard some remarkable 
 pieces of Authors (commonly Poets) read or reported before them ; or if they 
 were Princes, had some eminent Poet (who was always then both a Philosopher 
 and Musician) to entertain them with Musick and Verses, not upon slight or 
 wanton, but the greatest and noblest subjects. So does Jopas in Virg. 
 Cythara crinitus lopas 
 
 Personat auratd docuit qua maximus Atlas 
 Hie canit errantem Lunam Solisq; /adores, &c. 
 
 357
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 So does Orpheus in Apollon. i. Argonaut. 
 
 *Hei5ev 5' us yala iced ovpavbs rjSe 6d\acrcra, 
 T6 irplv fir d\\-/i\OLffL jMtfj ffwapripora /J.op<j>H 
 Ndxeos ii- 6\ooio di^KpiOev, &C. 
 
 So does Demodocus in Homer ; though there the subject, methinks, be not so 
 
 well chosen. 
 
 35. See Athen. L. i. c. 12. upon this matter, where among other things, 
 he speaks to this sense, The Poets were anciently a race of wise men, both in 
 learning and practice Philosophers ; and therefore Agamemnon (at his expedi- 
 tion for Troy) leaves a Poet with Clytemnestra, as a Guardian and Instrufter 
 to her, who by laying before her the vertues of women, might give her impres- 
 sions of goodness and honour, and by the delightfulness of his conversation, 
 divert her from worse pleasures. So sEgysteus was not able to corrupt her till 
 he had killed her Poet. Such a one was he too who was forced to sing before 
 Penelopes Lovers, though he had them in detestation. And generally all Poets 
 were then had in especial reverence. Demodocus among the Phceacians, sings 
 the adultery of Mars and Venus, not for the approving of the like actions, but 
 to divert that voluptuous people from such unlawful appetites, &c. The old 
 Scholiast upon Homer, says, 3. Odyss. 
 
 T6 Apxatov ol 'AoiSol cj>i\off(><t><i}v rdiv tTrelxov. 
 
 Anciently Poets held the place si Philosophers. See Quintil. /. i.e. 10. Strab. 
 I. i. Geogr. &c. 
 
 36. By drawing up vapours from them, with which the Ancients believed 
 that the Stars were nourished. Virg. 
 
 Polus dum sidera Pascit. 
 
 37. This was an ancient fashion among the Heathens, not unlike to our 
 ringing of Bells in Thunder. Juvenal says of a loud scolding woman, that she 
 alone was able to relieve the Moon out of an Eclipse. 
 
 Sola laboranti poterat succurrere Luna. 
 
 This superstition took the original from an opinion, that Witches by muttering 
 some charms in verse, caused the Eclipses of the Moon, which they conceived 
 to be when the Moon (that is, the Goddess of it) was brought down from her 
 Sphere by the virtue of those enchantments ; and therefore they made a great 
 noise by the beating of Brass, sounding of Trumpets, whooping and hollowing, 
 and the like, to drown the Witches murmurs, that the Moon might not hear 
 them, and so to render them ineffectual. Ovid. 
 
 Te quoq; Luna traho, quamvis Temesina labor es 
 tuos minuant. - 
 
 Tib. Cantus & e curru Lunam diducere tentat, 
 
 Et faceret, si non cera repuha sonent. 
 Stat. 6. Theb. - Attonitis quoties avellitur astris 
 
 Solis opaca soror, procul auxiliantia gentes 
 &ra crepant. 
 
 Sen. in Hippol. Et nuper rubuit, nullaq; lucidis 
 Nubes sordidior vultibus obstitit. 
 At nos sollidti lumine turbido 
 Tradlam Thessalicis carminibus rati 
 Tinnitus dedimus. 
 
 38. The world has had this hard opinion of Comets from all ages, and not 
 only the vulgar, who never stay for a Cause to believe any thing, but even the 
 Learned, who can find no reason for it, though they search it, and yet follow the 
 vulgar belief. Aristotle says, Comets naturally produce Droughts by the ex- 
 traction of vapors from the earth to generate and feed them ; and droughts 
 
 358
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 more certainly produce sicknesses : but his authority cannot be great concerning 
 the effects of Comets, who supposes them to be all Sublunary. And truly 
 there is no way to defend this Prediction of Comets but by making it, as God 
 speaks of the Rainbow, Gen. 9. the supernatural Token of a C<n>enant between 
 Cod and Man ; for which we have no authority, and therefore might do well to 
 have no fear. However the ancients had, 
 
 Luc. Terris mutantem regna Cometem. 
 
 Claud. Et nunquam ccelo speftatum impune Cometem. 
 
 Sil. Ital. Regnorum eversor rubuit lathale Cometes. 
 
 39. For Thunder is an Exhalation hot and dry shut up in a cold and moist 
 Cloud, out of which striving to get forth, it kindles it self by the agitation, and 
 then violently breaks it. 
 
 40. Lambent fire is, A thin unctuous exhalation made out of the Spirits of 
 Animals, kindled by Motion, and burning without consuming any thing but it 
 self. Called Lambent, from Licking over, as it were, the place it touches. It 
 was counted a Good Omen. Virg. describes the whole nature of it excellently 
 in three verses, ^En. i. 
 
 Ecce levis summo de vertice visus lull 
 Fundere lumen apex, laifluq; innoxia molli 
 Lambere fiamma comas & circum tempora pasci. 
 
 41. Fleecy Snow, Psal. 147. He giveth Snow like Wool. Pliny calls Snow 
 ingeniously for a Poet, but defines it ill for a Philosopher. The Foam of Clouds 
 when they hit one another. Aristotle defines it truly and shortly. Snow is a 
 Cloud congealed, and Hail Congealed Rain. 
 
 41. Gen. 49. 9. Judah is a Lyons whelp ; from the prey my son thou art 
 gone up, he stooped down, he couched as a Lyon, and as an old Lyon, who shall 
 rouse him up ? 
 
 43. I Sam. 17. 4. And there went out a Champion out of the camp of the 
 Philistines, named Goliah, <2fc. wherein we follow the Septuagint, who render 
 it, Swarbs, a Strong man : but the Latine Translation hath, Et egressus est vir 
 spurius, a Bastard. Grotius notes, that the Hebrews called the Gyants so ; 
 because being contemners of all Laws, they lived without matrimony, and con- 
 sequently their Fathers were not known. It is probable he might be called so, 
 as being of the race of the Anakims (the remainders of which seated themselves 
 in Gath) by the Father, and a Gathite by the Mother. 
 
 44. See Turnus his shields, 7. JEn. and sEneas his 8. /En. with the stories 
 engraven on them. 
 
 45. For Baal is no other than Jttpiter. Baalsemen Jupiter Olympius. 
 But I like not in an Hebrew story to use the Europaan names of Gods. This 
 Baal and yupiter too of the Grecians, was at first taken for the Sun, which 
 raising vapours out of the earth, out of which the Thunder is engendred, may 
 well be denominated the Thunderer, ZeCj v^t/Spe^T^j- and Jtivans Pater fits 
 with no God so much as the Sun. So Plato in Phad. interprets Jupiter; and 
 Heliogabalus is no more but Jupiter-Sol. 
 
 The Fable of the Gyants fight with Gods, was not invented by the Grecians, 
 but came from the Eastern people, and arose from the true story of the building 
 of the Tower of Babel. 
 
 46. This perhaps will be accused by some severe men for too swelling an 
 Hyperbole ; and I should not have endured it my self, if it had not been miti- 
 gated with the word Methought ; for in a great apprehension of fear, there is no 
 extraordinary or extravagant species that the imagination is not capable of 
 forming. Sure I am, that many sayings of this kind, even without such excuse 
 
 359
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 or qualification, will be found not only in Lucan or Statius, but in the most 
 judicious and divine Poet himself. He calls tall young men, 
 
 Patriis & montibus <equos. 
 Equal to the Mountains of their Country. 
 He says of Polyphemus, 
 
 Graditurq; per cequor 
 
 Jam medium, nee dum fluftus latera ardua tingit. 
 
 That walking in the midst of the Sea, the waves do not wet his sides. Of 
 Orion, 
 
 Quam magnus Orion 
 
 Cum pedes incedit medii per maxima Nerei 
 Stagna viam scindens humero supereminet undas. 
 Aut summis referens annosam montibus ornum, 
 Ingrediturq; solo, & caput inter nubila condit. 
 
 And in such manner (says he) Mezentius presented himself. He says of 
 another, that he flung no small part of a Mountain, 
 Haud partem exiguam Montis. 
 
 Of which Seneca, though he addes to the greatness, he does not impudently 
 recede from truth. One place in him occurs ; for which Sen. i. Suasor. makes 
 that defence which will serve better for me, 
 
 Credas innare revulsas 
 
 Cycladas, aut mantes concurrere montibus altos. 
 
 That is, speaking of great ships, but yet such as would seem very little ones, if 
 they were near the Soveraign ; you would think the Cyclades loosned from their 
 roots were floating, or that high Mountains encountred one another. Non dicit 
 hoc fieri, sed videri; propitiis auribus auditur quicquid incredibile est, quod 
 excusatur antequam dicitur. He does not say it Is, but Seems to be (for so he 
 understands Credas} and any thing, though never so improbable, is favourably 
 heard, if it be excused before it be spoken. Which will serve to answer for 
 some other places in this Poem ; as, 
 
 TK Egyptian like an Hill himself did rear ; 
 Like some tall Tree upon it seemed his spear. 
 Like an Hill, is much more modest then Montibus aquus. 
 
 47. Because Gold is more proper for the ornaments of Peace then War. 
 
 48. Sen. in Thyest. Jejima silvis qualis in Gangeticis Inter juvencos 
 Tygris erravit duos, Utriusq; pradcE cupida, quo primos ferat Incerta morsus, 
 
 flecT.it hue ridlus suos, Illo reflecTit, & famem dubiam tenet. And the Spots of 
 a Tygre appear more plainly when it is angred. 
 
 Stat. i. Theb. Qualis ubi audito venantum murmure Tygris 
 
 Horruit in Maculas, &*c. 
 
 Nay Virgil attributes the same marks of Passion to Dido, 
 
 Sanguineam volvens aeiem, Maculisq; trementes 
 Interfusa genas. 
 
 49. See the like conditions of a publick duel in Homer, between Paris and 
 Menelaus ; in Virgil, between Turnus and sEneas ; in Livy, between the 
 Horatii and Curiatii. 
 
 50. The Egyptian- Goliah; i. The Egyptian-Gyant, whom he slew only 
 with his staff, and therefore at the sight of it might well be ashamed, that he 
 durst not now encounter with Goliah. This is that shame which Virgil calls 
 Conscia Virtus. 
 
 51. They were 33. but Poetry instead of the broken number, chuses the 
 next entire one, whether it be more or less then the truth. 
 
 ?6o
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 52. It appears by this, that David was about 20 years old (at least) when 
 he slew Goliah ; for else how can we imagine that the Armor and Arms of 
 Saul (who was the tallest man in all Israel) should fit him? neither does he 
 complain that they were too big or heavy for him, but that he was not accus- 
 tom'd to the use of them ; besides he handled dextrously the Sword of Goliah, 
 and not long after said, There is none like it. Therefore though Goliah call 
 him Boy and Child, I make Saul term him Youth. 
 
 53. For the men who are so proud and confident of their own strength, 
 make that a God to themselves, as the humane Polititians are said in the Scrip- 
 ture to sacrifice to their own Nets. That is, their own Wit. Virg. of Mezent. 
 Dextra mihi Deus, <Sr> Telum quod missile libra. 
 
 And Capaneus is of the same mind in Statius ; 
 
 Illic Augur ego, c^ mecum quicunq; parati 
 Insanire manu 
 
 54. The Poets made always the Winds either to disperse the prayers that 
 were not to succeed, or to carry those that were. Virg. 
 
 Audiit, & voti Phoebus succedere partem 
 Mente dedit, partem volucres dispersit in auras. 
 Ovid, de Trist. 
 
 Terribilisq; Notu\s\ jaftat mea verba, precesque; 
 Ad quos mittuntur non sinit ire Deos. 
 Virg. Partem aliquam venti Divum referatis ad aures, &*c. 
 
 55. *'. To another Angel. 
 
 56. i Sam. 18. 4. And Jonathan stript himself of the robe that -was upon 
 him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his Sword, and to his Sow, 
 and to his Girdle. Some understand this gift exclusively, as to the Sword, Bow, 
 and Girdle, believing those three to be the proper marks of a Souldier, or 
 Knight; and therefore not to be parted with. But therefore, I say, to be 
 parted with upon this occasion. Girdle was perhaps a mark of Military 
 honour; for Joab promises to him that should kill Absalom, ten shekels of 
 silver, and a Girdle, i Sam. 18. 12. But it was besides that, a necessary part 
 of every mans dress, when they did any work, or went abroad, their under Robe 
 being very long and troublesome, if not bound up. If the Sword, Bow and 
 Girdle had not been given; it could not have been said, And his Garments; 
 for nothing would have been given but the outward Kobe or Mantle, which was 
 a loose garment not exactly fitted to their bodies (for the profession of Taylors 
 was not so ancient, but clothes were made by the wives, mothers & servants 
 even of the greatest persons) & so might serve for any size or stature. 
 
 57. I Sam. 18. 20. Septuagint. Kai ijydvrfffev Me\x^X >] ffvyaTtjp SaouX 
 rbv Aavfld, which our English Translation follows, but the Latine Translations 
 vary; for some have, Dilexit autem Michol filia Saul altera David. Michol 
 Sauls daughter loved David. And others, Dilexit autem David Michol filiam 
 Saul alteram. David loved Michol Sauls daughter. To reconcile which, I 
 make them both love one another. 
 
 58. The Husband at the Contract gave his Espoused certain Gifts, as 
 pledges of the Contract. Thus Abrahams Steward in the name of Isaac gave 
 to Rebecca Jewels of silver, and of gold, and raiment, Gen. 24. 53. which custom 
 the Greeks too used, and called the Presents "ESva. But at the day of the 
 marriage he gave her a Bill of Joynture or Dowre. 
 
 59. Josephus says, Saul demanded so many Heads of the Philistines, which 
 word he uses instead of Foreskins to avoid the raillery of the Romans. Heads 
 I confess, had been a better word for my turn too, but Foreskins will serve, and 
 sounds more properly for a Jewish Story. Besides the other varies too much
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 from the Text ; and many believe that Saul required Foreskins, and not Heads, 
 that David might not deceive him with the heads of Hebrews, instead of 
 Philistines. 
 
 60. If it might have been allowed David to carry with him as many 
 Souldiers as he pleased, and so make an inroad into the Philistines Country, 
 and kill any hundred men he could meet with, this had been a small Dowre for 
 a Princess, and would not have exposed David to that hazard for which Saul 
 chose this manner of Joynture. I therefore believe, that he was to kill them all 
 with his own hands. 
 
 61. As Heavy Bodies are said to move the swifter, the nearer they approach 
 to the Centre. Which some deny, and others give a reason for it from the 
 Medium through which they pass, that still presses them more and more ; but 
 the natural Sympathetical attractive power of the Centre is much received, and 
 is consonant to many other experiments in Nature. 
 
 62. Scandals in the sense of the New Testament, are Stumbling blocks, 
 \l0oi irpoffK6/jL/j,aTos, Stops in a mans way, at which he may fall, however they 
 retard his course. 
 
 63. Jansenius in his explication of the Parable of the Virgins, thinks it 
 was the custom for the Bridegroom to go to the Brides house, and that the 
 Virgins came out from thence to meet him. For in that Parable there is no 
 mention (in the Greek, though there be in the Latine) of meeting any but the 
 Bridegroom. 
 
 Others think that Nuptials were celebrated neither in the Brides nor Bride- 
 grooms house, but in publick houses in the Country near the City, built on 
 purpose for those Solemnities, which they collect: out of the circumstances of 
 the Marriage, r Maccab. 9. 37. Hos. 2. 14. and Cant. 8. 5, &c. Whatever the 
 ordinary custom was, I am sure the ancients in great Solemnities were wont to 
 set up Tents on purpose in the fields for celebration of them. See the descrip- 
 tion of that wonderful one of Ptolomaus Philadelphus in A then. I. 5. c. 6. and 
 perhaps Psal. 19. 4, 5. alludes to this. He hath set a Tabernacle for the Sun, 
 which is as a Bridegroom coming out of his Chamber. 
 
 64. Habits of divers colours were much in fashion among the Hebrews. 
 See judges 5. 30. Ezek. 16. 10. & 26. 16. such was Josephs coat, Gen. 
 37. 3. Septuagint \ITUV iroiKlXt) ; as Homer calls Peplum Minerva, vestes Poly- 
 mitce. 
 
 65. It appears by several places in Scripture, that Garlands too were in 
 great use among the Jews at their feasts, and especially Nuptials, Isa. 61. 10. 
 The Latine reads, like a Bridegroom crown'd with Garlands, Wis. 2. 8. Ezek. 
 16. 12. Lam. 5. 15. Eccles. 32. i, &c. 
 
 66. I take the number of Thirty Maids, and Thirty young Men from the 
 story of Sampsons marriage- feast, Judg. 14. n. where Thirty Companions were 
 sent to him, whom I conceive to have been viol TOV vvfjuplov, Children of the 
 Bridegroom, as they are called by S. Matthew. 
 
 67. Qualis ubi Oceani perfusus Lucifer iind&, 
 Quern Vemis ante alias astrorum diligit ignes, 
 Extulit os ccelo sacrum, tenebrasq; resolvit. Virg. 
 
 Which Verses Scaliger says, are sweeter then Ambrosia. Homer led him 
 
 the way. 
 
 'Affr^p' dirupivif lva\iyKiov, os re /j.d\i<TTa 
 Aa/j.Trpov va/jL^alvriffi XeXov/u&'os '^Keavoto, and, 
 Ofos 5' dffr^ip elffi /j.fT dtrrpdo-i VVKTOS dfj.o\y$ 
 "Efftrepos, 6s /cdXXiOTos iv ovpavif} Iffrarai do~T^p. 
 
 68. The Bride also brought a Dowre to her Husband. Raguel gave with 
 
 362
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK III 
 
 his daughter Sara half his goods, servants, cattel and money, Tab. 10. 10. See 
 Exod. 11. 17, 5rY. 
 
 69. The Alarriage-Song was called Hillalim, Praises, and the house it self 
 Beth-hillula, the House of Praise, Psalm. 78. 63. Their Maidens were not given 
 to marriage; the Chald. Paraphras. reads, Are not celebrated, with Epithal- 
 amiums. So Arias too, and Aquila, ovx v/j-vriB-rjffav . 
 
 70. See Gen. 29. 11. Tob. c. 7. Esth. i. 18. Luke 14. i. Judg. 14. 17. 
 Apoc. 19. 9. 
 
 71. The custom seems to have been for the Bridegroom to carry home the 
 Bride to his house, i King. n. 27. Judg. 11. 9. 6V. 24. 67. Cant. 3. 4. but 
 because Michol was a Princess, and David not likely to have any Palace of his 
 own at that time, I chose rather to bring them to one of the Kings houses 
 assigned to them by the Dowre. 
 
 72. The Bride when she was delivered up to her Husband, was wont to 
 cover her self with a Vail (called Radid from Radad, to bear rule) in token of 
 her subjection, Gen. 24. 65, <5rV. 
 
 73. See the Parable of the Virgins, Mat. 25. 
 
 74. The time of the Marriage-feast appears clearly to have been usually 
 seven days. See Judg. 14. 10. and [Gen.] 29. 27. Fulfil her week, &>c. It was 
 a Proverb among the Jews, Septem dies ad convivium, 6^ Septem ad Luftutn. 
 
 3 6 3
 
 THE 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 MOab carries bis Guests to hunt at Nebo, in the way falls 
 into discourse with David, and desires to know of him the 
 reasons of the Change of Government in Israel, how Saul came 
 to the Crown, and the story of Him and Jonathan. Davids 
 Speech^ containing^ The state of the Commonwealth under the 
 Judges, the Motives for which the people desired a King ; their 
 Deputies speech to Samuel upon that subject, and his reply. The 
 assembling of the People at the Tabernacle to enquire Gods 
 pleasure. Gods Speech. The Character of Saul, his Anointing 
 by Samuel, and Election by Lot ; the defection of his people. The 
 war of Nahas King of Ammon against Jabes Gilead ; Saul and 
 Jonathans relieving of the Town. Jonathans Chara6ter, his 
 single fight with Nahas, whom he slays, and defeats his Army. 
 The confirmation of Sauls Kingdom at Gilgal, and the manner of 
 Samuels quitting his office of Judge. The war with the Philistins 
 at Macmas, their strength, and the weakness of Sauls Forces, his 
 exercising of the Priestly function, and the judgment denounced by 
 Samuel against him. Jonathans discourse with his Esquire ; 
 their falling alone upon the enemies out-guards at Senes, and after 
 upon the whole Army, the wonderful defeat of it ; Sauls rash vow, 
 by which Jonathan is to be put to death, but is saved by the 
 People. 
 
 3 6 4
 
 DAVIDEIS. 
 
 The fourth Book. 
 
 T Hough state and kind discourse thus rob'd the Night 
 Of half her natural and more just delight, 
 Moab, whom Temperance did still vig'orous keep, 
 And regal cares had us'd to mod'erate sleep, 
 
 1 Up with the Sun arose, and having thrice 
 With lifted hands bow'd towards his shining rise, 
 And thrice to'wards Phegor, his Baals holiest Hill, 
 (With good and pious prayers directed ill) 
 
 Call'd to the Chase his Friends, who for him stay'd ; 
 The glad Dogs barkt, the chearful Horses neigh'd. 
 Moab his Chariot mounts, drawn by four Steeds," 
 
 2 The best and noblest that fresh Zerith breeds, 
 
 3 All white as Snow, and sprightful as the Light, 
 With Scarlet trapt, and foaming Gold they bite. 
 He into it young David with him took, 
 
 Did with respecl and wonder on him look 
 
 Since last nights story, and with greedier ear, 
 
 The Man, of whom so much he heard, did hear. 
 
 The well-born Youth of all his flourishing Court 
 
 March gay behind, and joyful to the sport._ 
 
 Some arm'd with Bows, some with strait Javelines ride ; 
 
 4 Rich Swords and gilded Quivers grace their side. 
 Midst the fair Troop Davids tall Brethren rode, 
 
 5 And Joab comely as a Fancied God ; 
 They entertain'd th' attentive Moab Lords, 
 With loose and various talk that chance affords, 
 Whilst they pac'ed slowly on ; but the wise King 
 
 3 6 5
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Did Davids tongue to weightier subjects bring. 
 
 Much (said the King) much I to Joab owe, 
 
 For the fair Pitture drawn by him of you. 
 
 'Twas drawn in little, but did adls express 
 
 So great, that largest Histories are less. 
 
 I see (methinks) the Gathian Monster still, 
 
 His shape last night my mindful Dreams did fill. 
 
 Strange Tyrant Saul with Envy to pursue 
 
 The praise of deeds whence his own safety grew ! 
 
 I'have heard (but who can think it ?) that his Son 
 
 Has his lifes hazard for your friendship run ; 
 
 His matchless Son, whose worth (if Fame be true) 
 
 Lifts him 'above all his Countrymen but you, 
 
 With whom it makes him One ; Low David bows, 
 
 But no reply Moabs swift tongue allows. 
 
 And pray, kind Guest, whilst we ride thus (says he) 
 
 6 (To gameful Nebo still three leagues there be) 
 The story of your royal friend relate ; 
 
 And his ungovern'd Sires imperious fate, 
 
 7 Why your great State that nameless Fam'ily chose, 
 And by what steps to Israels Throne they rose. 
 
 He staid ; and David thus ; from Egypts Land 
 You 'have heard, Sir, by what strong, unarmed hand 
 Our Fathers came ; Moses their sacred Guid, 
 But he in sight of the Giv'en Country dy'd. Deut 
 
 His fatal promis'd Canaan was on high ; 
 And "Joshua's Sword must th' active Rod supply. 
 It did so, and did wonders. josh. x . , 
 
 8 From sacred Jordan to the Western main, 
 From well-clad Litfanus to the Southern Plain 
 Of naked sands, his winged Conquests went ; 
 
 And thirty Kings to Hell uncrowned he sent. j^ . 
 
 Almost four hundred years from him to Saul, 
 
 9 In too much freedom past, or forreign thral. 
 Oft Strangers Iron Scepters bruis'd the Land 
 (Such still are those born by a Conquering Hand) 
 Oft pity'ing God did well-form'd Spirits raise, 
 Fit for the toilsome business of their days, 
 
 To free the groaning Nation, and to give 
 Peace first, and then the Rules in Peace to live. 
 366
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 But they whose stamp of Power did chiefly ly 
 In Characters too fine for most mens Ey, 
 Graces and Gifts Divine ; not painted bright 
 With state to awe dull minds, and force \? affright, 
 Were ill obey'd whil'st Living, and at death, 
 Their Rules and Pattern vanisht with their breath. 
 The hungry Rich all near them did devour, 
 Their Judge was Appetite, and their Law was Power. 
 Not want it self could Luxury restrain, 
 For what that emptied, Rapine fiWd again. 
 Robbery the Field, Oppression sackt the Town ; 
 What the Swords Reaping spar'd, was glean'd by th'Gown. 
 At Courts, and Seats of Justice to complain, 
 Was to be robb'd more vexingly again. 
 Nor was their Lust less active or less bold, 
 Amidst this rougher search of Blood and Gold. 
 Weak Beauties they corrupt, and force the strong ; 
 The Pride of Old Men that, and this of young. 
 You 'have heard perhaps, Sir, of leud Gibeahs shame, judg. 19. 
 Which Hebrew Tongues still tremble when they name, 
 Alarmed all by one fair strangers Eyes, 
 As to a sudden War the Town does rise 
 Shaking and pale, half dead e're they begin 
 The strange and wanton Trag'edy of their sin, 
 All their wild Lusts they force her to sustain, 
 Till by shame, sorrow, weariness, and pain, 
 She midst their loath'd, and cruel kindness dies ; 
 Of monstrous Lust th' innocent Sacrifice. 
 This did ('tis true) a Civil War create 
 (The frequent curse of our loose-govern'd State) 
 All Gibea's, and all Jabes blood it cost ; 
 
 10 Near a whole Tribe and future Kings we lost. judg. TO. 
 
 Firm in this general Earthquake of the Land, 
 How could Religion, its main pillar, stand ? 
 Proud, and fond Man, his Fathers worship hates, 
 Himself, Gods Creature, his own God Creates. 
 Hence in each Houshold sev'eral Deities grew, 
 And when no old one pleas'd, they fram'd a New. 
 The only Land which serv'd but one before, 
 Did th' only then all Nations Gads adore.
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 They serv'd their Gods at first, and soon their Kings ; 
 
 Their choice of that this latter slavery brings. 
 
 Till special men arm'd with Gods warrant broke 
 
 By justest force ^unjustly forced yoke. 
 
 All matchless persons, and thrice worthy they 
 
 Of Power more great, or Lands more apt t'obey. J Sam - 
 
 11 At last the Priesthood join'd in Ith'amars Son, 
 
 12 More weight and lustre to the Scepter won. 
 But whilst mild Ely, and good Samuel were 
 Busi'ed with age, and tit Altars sacred care ; 
 
 To their wild Sons they their high charge commit, * Sam. 
 
 Who 'expose to Scorn and Hate both them and it. 
 
 -E/y's curst House th'exemplar vengeance bears 
 
 Of all their Blood, and all sad Israels Tears. 
 
 His Sons abroad, Himself at home lies slain, 
 
 Israel's captiv'd, Gods Ark and Law are tane. * Sam 
 
 Thus twice are Nations by /// Princes vext, 
 
 They suffer By them first, and For them next. 
 
 Samuel succeeds ; since Moses none before z Sanli 
 
 So much of God in his bright bosom bore. 
 
 In vain our arms Philistian Tyrants seis'd ; i Sam 
 
 Heav'ens Magazines he open'd when he pleas'd. 
 
 He Rains and Winds for Auxiliaries brought, n>- v - 
 
 He muster'd Flames and Thunders when he fought. 
 
 13 Thus thirty years with strong and steddy hand 
 
 He held th 'unshaken Ballance of the Land. i Sam 
 
 At last his Sons th'indulgent Father chose 
 
 To share that State which they were born to lose. 
 
 Their hateful adls that Changes birth did hast, 
 
 14 Which had long growth \\\\ > JFomb of Ages past. 
 To this (for still were some great Periods set, 
 There's a strong knot of sev'eral Causes met) 
 
 The threats concurr'd of a rough neighb'ring War ; 
 
 A mighty storm long gathering from afar. 
 
 For Amman, heightned with mixt Nations aid, 
 
 Like Torrents swoln with Rain prepar'd the land t'invade. 
 
 Samuel was old, and by his Sons ill choice 
 
 Turn'd Dotard in th' unskilful Vulgars voice. 
 
 His Sons so scorn'd and hated, that the Land 
 
 Nor hopped nor wisht a yiftory from their hand : 
 
 368
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 These were the just and faultless causes why 
 
 The general voice did for a Monarch cry, 
 
 But God *'// grains did in this Incense smell, 
 
 Wrapt in fair Leaves he saw the Canker dwell. 
 
 A mut'inous Itch of Change, a dull Despair 
 
 Of helps divine, oft prov'd ; a faithless care 
 
 Of Common Means ; the pride of heart, and scorn 
 
 Of th' humble yoke under low Judges born. 
 
 They saw the state and glittering pomp which blest 
 
 In vulgar sense the Scepters of the East. 
 
 They saw not Powers true Source, and scorn'd t'obey 
 
 Persons that looked no dreadfuller than They, 
 
 They mist Courts, Guards, a gay and num'erous train ; 
 
 Our Judges, like their Laws, were rude and plain. 
 
 On an old bench of wood, her Seat of State J"d- 4- s 
 
 Beneath the well-known Palm, Whe Debar a sate. 
 
 Her Maids with comly dil'igence round her spun, 
 
 And she too, when the Pleadings there were done : 
 
 With the same Goad Samgar his Oxen drives 
 
 Which took the Sun before six hundred lives judg. 3 . 3 i. 
 
 From his sham'd foes ; He midst his work dealt Laws ; 
 
 And oft was his Plow stopt to hear a Cause. 
 
 Nor did great Gid'eon his old Flail disdain, judg. 6. 14. 
 
 After won Fields, sackt Towns, and Princes slain. 
 
 His Scepter that, and Ophras Threshing Floore 
 
 The Seat and Embleme of his Justice bore. 
 
 What should I Jair, the happiest Father, name ? Judg. 10. 3. 
 
 Or mournful Jephta known no less to fame ib. 34 . 
 
 For the most wretched ? Both at once did keep 
 
 The mighty Flocks of Isra'el and their Sheep. 
 
 Oft from the field in hast they summon'd were 
 
 Some weighty forreign Embassy to hear, 
 
 They call'd their Slaves, their Sons, and Friends around, 
 
 Who all at several cares were scattered found, 
 
 They washt their feet, their only Gown put on ; 
 
 And this chief work of Cer'emony was done. 
 
 These reasons, and all else that could be said, 
 
 In a ripe hour by factious Eloquence spread 
 
 Through all the Tribes, make all desire a King; 
 
 And to their Judge selected Dep'uties bring , s am . 8. 3. 
 
 C. AA 369
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 This harsh demand ; which Nacol for the rest 
 (A bold and artful Mouth} thus with much grace exprest. 
 We' are come, most sacred Judge, to pay th' 'Arrears 
 Of much-ow'd thanks for the bright thirty years 
 Of your just Reign ; and at your feet to lay 
 All that our grateful hearts can weakly pay 
 In unproportlon'd words ; for you alone 
 The not unfit Reward, who seek for none. 
 But when our forepast ills we call to mind, 
 And sadly think how Little's left behind 
 Of your important Life, whose sudden date 
 Would disinherit th'unprovided State. 
 When we consider how unjust 'tis, you, 
 Who nere of Power more than the Burden knew, 
 At once the weight of that and Age should have ; 
 Your stooping days prest doubly towards the grave. 
 When we behold by Ammons youthful rage, 
 Proud in th' advantage of your peaceful age, 
 And all th'united East our fall conspir'd ; 
 And that your Sons, whom chiefly we desir'd J Sam 
 
 As Stamps of you, in your lov'd room to place, 
 By unlike a6ts that noble Stamp deface : 
 Midst these new fears and ills, we're forc'd to fly 
 To' a new, and yet unpraftis'd Remedy ; 
 A new one, but long promis'd and foretold, 
 15 By Moses, and to Abraham shown of old. 
 
 A Prophesie long forming in the Womb Deut. 
 
 Of teeming years, and now to ripeness come. 
 
 This Remedy's a King ; for this we all 
 
 With an inspir'd, and zealous Union call. 
 
 And in one sound when all mens voices join, 
 
 The Mustek's tun'd (no doubt) by hand divine. 
 
 'Tis God alone speaks a whole Nations voice ; 
 
 That is his Publique Language ; but the choice 
 
 Of what Peculiar Head that Crown must bear 
 
 From you who his Peculiar Organ are 
 
 We'expecl to hear ; the People shall to you 
 
 Their King, the King his Crown and People owe. 
 
 To your great name what lustre will it bring 
 
 T'have been our yudge, and to have made our King \ 
 
 37
 
 N 
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 He bow'd, and ended here ; and Samuel streight, i Sam. 8. 6. 
 Pawsing a while at this great questions weight, 
 With a grave sigh, and with a thoughtful Ey 
 That more of Care than Passion did descry, 
 Calmly replys : You're sure the first (said he) 
 Of freeborn men that begg'd for Slavery. 
 I fear, my friends, with heav'enly Manna fed,* 
 (Our old forefathers crime) we lust for Bread. 
 Long since by God from Bondage drawn, I fear, 
 We build anew th' Egyptian Brickiln here. 
 
 1 6 Cheat not your selves with words: for though a King i Sam. s. n. 
 Be the mild Name, a Tyrant is the Thing. 
 
 Let his power loose, and you shall quickly see 
 
 How mild a thing unbounded Man will be. 
 
 He'll lead you forth your hearts cheap blood to spill, 
 
 Where e're his Guidless Passion leads his Will. 
 
 Ambition, Lust, or Spleen his wars will raise, 
 
 Your Lives best price his thirst of Wealth or Praise. 
 
 Your ablest Sons for his proud Guards he'll take, 
 
 And by such hands your yoke more grievous make. 
 
 Your Daughters and dear Wives he'll force away, 
 
 His Lux'ury some, and some his Lust t'obey. 
 
 His idle friends your hungry toils shall eat, 
 
 Drink your rich Wines, mixt with your Blood and Sweat. 
 
 Then you'll all sigh, but sighs will Treasons be ; 
 
 And not your Griefs themselves, or Looks be free. 
 
 Rob'd even of Hopes, when you these ills sustain, 
 
 Your watry eyes you'l then turn back in vain, 
 
 On your old "Judges, and perhaps on Me, 
 
 Nay ev'en my Sons, howe're they 'unhappy be 
 
 In your displeasure now ; Not that I'd clear 
 
 Their Guilt, or mine own Innocence indear, 
 
 17 Witness th' unutterable Name, there's nought 
 Of private ends into this question brought. 
 
 But why this yoke on your own necks to draw ? 
 Why Man your God, and Passion made your Law ? 
 
 Methinks (thus Moab interrupts him here) 
 The good old Seer 'gainst Kings was too severe. 
 'Tis Jest to tell a People that they're Free, 
 Who, or How many shall their Masters be 
 
 AA 2 371
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Is the sole doubt ; Laws guid, but cannot reign ; 
 
 And though they bind not Kings, yet they restrain. 
 
 I dare affirm (so much I trust their Love) 
 
 That no one Moabite would his speech approve. 
 
 But, pray go on. 'Tis true, Sir, he replies ; 
 
 Yet men whom age and action renders wise, 
 
 So much great changes fear, that they believe 
 
 All evils will, which may from them arrive. 
 
 On men resolv'd these threats were spent in vain, 
 
 All that his power or el'oquence could obtain ' Sam 
 
 Was to enquire Gods will e're they proceed 
 
 To'a work that would so much his blessing need. 
 
 A solemn day for this great work is set, 
 
 1 8 And at th' Anointed Tent all Israel met Ex 4l 
 ExpecT: th' event ; * below fair bullocks fry &f- 
 In hallowed flames; * above, there mount on high 
 
 The precious clouds of Incense, and at last 
 
 The Sprinkling^ Prafers, and all due Honours past. 
 
 19 Lo ! we the Sacred Bells o'th' sudden hear, EXO. 
 
 20 And in mild pomp grave Samuel does appear. 
 
 21 His Ephod) Mitre, well-cut Diadem on, Ex. 3 
 
 22 Th' Orac'ulous Stones on his rich Breast plate shone. 
 Tow'ards the blew curtains of Gods holiest place 
 
 23 (The Temples bright Third Heaven) he turn'd his face. 
 Thrice bow'd he, thrice the solemn Mustek plaid, 
 And at third rest thus the great Prophet praid : 
 
 Almighty God, to whom all men that be 
 Owe all they have, yet none so much as We ; 
 Who though thou fill'st the spacious world alone, 
 Thy too small Court) hast made this place thy Throne. 
 With humble Knees, and humbler Hearts, Lo, here, 
 Blest Abrahams Seed implores thy gracious Ear. 
 Hear them, great God, and thy just will inspire ; 
 From Thee, their long-known King, they'a King desire. 
 Some gracious signs of thy good pleasure send, 
 Which, lo, with Souls resign'd we humbly here attend. 
 
 He spoke, and thrice he bow'd, and all about 
 Silence and reverend Horrour seiz'd the rout. 
 The whole Tent shakes, the Flames on th' Altar by, 
 
 24 In thick dull rolls mount slow and heavily. 
 
 372
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 The * seven Lamps wink; and what does most dismay, *Exod. 25. 
 
 TtfOrafulous Gems shut in their nat'ural day. 
 The Rubies Cheek grew pale, the Enferaud by 
 
 Faded, a Cloud o'recast the Saphirs Skie. 
 
 The Diamonds Eye lookt Sleepy, and swift night 
 
 Of all those little Suns eclypst the Light. 
 
 Sad signs of Gods dread anger for our sin, 
 
 But straight a wondrous brightness from within 
 
 Strook through the Curtains, for no earthly Cloud 
 
 Could those strong beams of heav'enly glory shroud. 
 
 The Altars fire burnt pure, and every Stone 
 
 Their radiant Parent the gay Sun outshone. 
 
 Beauty th' illustrious Vision did impart 
 
 To ev'ery Face, and Joy to ev'ery heart. 
 
 In glad effects Gods presence thus appear'd, 
 
 And thus in wondrous sounds his Voice was heard : 
 This stubborn Land sins still, nor is it Thee, but Us 
 (Who have been so long their King) they seek to cast off thus. 
 Five hundred rolling years hath this stiff Nation strove 
 To 'exhaust the boundless stores of our unfathom'd Love. 
 Be't so then ; yet once more are we resolv'd to try 
 T'outweary them through all their Sins Variety. 
 Assemble ten days hence the num'erous people here ; 
 To draw the Royal Lot which our hid Mark shall bear. 
 Dismiss them now in peace ; but their next crime shall bring 
 Ruine without redress on Them, and on their King. 
 
 The Almighty spoke ; th' astonisht people part 
 
 With various stamps imprest on every heart. 
 
 Some their demand repented, others prais'd, 
 
 Some had no thoughts at all, but star'd and gaz'd. 
 
 There dwelt a Man, nam'd Kis in GiUeah Town, i Sam. 9. i. 
 
 For -wisdom much, and much for Courage known. ib. v. 2 . 
 
 More for his Son, his mighty Son was Saul, 
 
 Whom Nature, e're the Lots, to' a Throne did call. 
 
 He was much Prince, and when, or wheresoe're 
 
 His birth had been, Then had he reign'd and There. 
 
 Such Beauty as great Strength thinks no disgrace, 
 
 Smil'd in the manly features of his Face. 
 
 His large black Eyes, fill'd with a sprightful light, 
 
 Shot forth such lively and illustrious Night, 
 
 373
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 As the Sun beams, on yet reflecting show, 
 
 His Hair, as black, in long curl'd waves did flow. 
 
 His tall, strait Body amidst thousands stood, 
 
 Like some fair Pine o'relooking all th' ignobler Wood. 
 
 Of all our rural sports he was the pride ; 
 
 So swift, so strong, so dextrous none beside. 
 
 Rest was his Toil, Labours his Lust and Game ; 
 
 No nat'ural wants could his fierce dil'igence tame, 
 
 Not Thirst, nor Hunger ; he would journeys go 
 
 Through raging Heats, and take repose in Snow. 
 
 His Soul was ne're unbent from weighty care ; 
 
 25 But aclive as some Mind that turns a Sphere. 
 His way once chose, he forward thrust outright, 
 Nor stept aside for Dangers or Delight. 
 
 Yet was he wise all dangers to foresee ; 
 But born t' affright, and not to fear was He. 
 His Wit was strong ; not Fine ; and on his tongue 
 An Artless grace above all Eloquence hung. 
 These Virtues too the rich unusual dress i Sam, 
 
 Of Modesty adorn'd and Humbleness. 
 Like a clear Varnish o're fair Pictures laid, 
 More fresh and Lasting they the Colours made. 
 Till Power and violent Fortune, which did find 
 No stop or bound, o'rewhelm'd no less his Mind, 
 Did, Deluge-like, the nat'ural forms deface, 
 And brought forth unknown Monsters in their place. 
 Forbid it God, my Masters spots should be, 
 Were they not seen by all, disclos'd by me ! 
 But such he was ; and now to Ramah went 
 ,__(So God dispos'd) with a strange, low intent. 
 Great God! he went lost Asses to enquire, ib. v. i 
 
 And a small Present his small questions hire, 
 Brought simply with him to that Man to give, 
 From whom high Heav'ens chief Gifts he must receive, 
 Strange Play of Fate ! when might'iest humane things 
 Hang on such small, Imperceptible Strings ! 
 
 26 'Twas Samuels Birth-day, a glad ann'ual feast i Sam 
 All Rama kept ; Samuel his wondring Guest 
 
 With such respect leads to it, and does grace 
 
 27 With the choice meats o'th' feast, and highest place. 24.' v ' 
 
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 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 Which done, him forth alone the Prophet brings, 
 
 And feasts his ravisht ears with nobler things. ib. v. 26. 
 
 He tells the mighty Fate to him assign'd, 
 
 And with great rules fills his capacious mind. i Sam. 10. i. 
 
 Then takes the sacred Viol, and does shed 
 
 28 A Crown of mystique drops around his head. 
 Drops of that Royal Moisture which does know 
 No Mixture, and disdains the place below. 
 Soon comes the Kingly Day, and with it brings 
 
 29 A new Account of Time upon his wings. i Sam. 10. 
 The people met, the rites and pray'rs all past, 
 
 Behold, the Heav'en instruffed-Lot is cast. 
 
 'Tis taught by heaven its way, and cannot miss ; 
 
 Forth Benjamin, forth leaps the House of Cis. 
 
 As Glimm'ering stars just at the'approach of Day, 
 
 Casheer'd by Troops, at last drop all away, 
 
 By such degrees all mens bright hopes are gone, 
 
 And, like the Sun, Sauls Lot shines all alone. 
 
 Ev'en here perhaps the peoples shout was heard, 
 
 The loud long shout when Gods fair choice appear'd. 
 
 Above the whole vast throng he'appear'd so tall, 
 
 30 As if by Nature made for th'Head of all. 
 
 So full of grace and state, that one might know 
 
 31 'Twas some wise Eye the blind Lot guided so. 
 But blind unguided Lots have more of choice 
 And constancy then the slight Vulgars voice. 
 Ere yet the Crown of sacred^_0y/ is dry, 
 Whil'st Ecchoes yet preserve the Joyful cry, 
 Some grow enrag'd their own vain hopes to miss, 
 Some envy Saul, some scorn the house of Cis. 
 Some their first mut'inous wish, A King, repent, 
 As if, since that, quite spoil'd by Gods consent. 
 Few to this Prince their first just duties pay ; 
 All leave the Old, but few the New obey. 
 Thus changes Man, but God is constant still 
 
 To those eternal grounds, that mov'ed his Will. 
 And though he yielded first to them, 'tis fit 
 That stubborn Men at last to him submit. 
 
 32 As midst the Main a low small Island lies, 
 Assaulted round with stormy Seas and skies. 
 
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 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Whilst the poor heartless Natives ev'ery hour 
 
 Darkness and Noise seems ready to devour : 
 
 Such Israels state appear'ed, whilst ore the West 
 
 Philistian clouds hung threatning, and from th'East 
 
 All Nations wrath into one Tempest joines, 
 
 Through which proud Nahas like fierce Lightning shines. 
 
 Tygris and Nile to his assistance send, 
 
 33 And waters to swoln Jabocs Torrent lend. 
 Seir, Edom.) Soba, Amalec adde their force, 
 
 34 Up with them march the Three Arabia 1 ?, Horse. 
 
 And 'mongst all these none more their hope or pride, 
 
 Then those few Troops your warlike land supply'ed. 
 
 Around weak Jabes this vast Host does ly, i sm. i 
 
 Disdains a dry and bloodless [/iftory. 
 
 The hopeless Town for Slave'ry does intreat, 
 
 But barb'arous Nahas thinks that grace too great. 
 
 He (his first Tribute) their right Eyes demands, ib. v. 2. 
 
 35 And with their Faces shame disarms their Hands. Ver. 3. 
 If unreliev'ed sev'en days by Israels aid, 
 
 This bargain for ore-rated Life is made. 
 Ah, mighty God y let thine own Israel be 
 Quite blind it self, ere this reproach it see \ 
 
 By'his wanton people the new King forsook, 
 To homely rural cares himself betook. Ver. 5. 
 
 In private plenty liv'd without the state, 
 Lustre and Noise due to a publique fate. 
 Whilst he his slaves and cattel follows home, 
 Lo the sad Messengers from Jabes come, 
 
 Implore his help, and weep as if they meant i Sam. i 
 
 That way at least proud Nahas to prevent. 
 Mov'ed with a Kingly wrath, his strift command Ver. 7 . 
 
 He issues forth t'assemble all the land. 
 He threatens high, and disobedient they 
 
 Watted by such Princely terrors learnt t'obey. Ver. 8. 
 
 A mighty Host is rais'd ; th'important cause 
 Age from their Rest ; Touth, from their Pleasure draws. 
 Arm'd as unfurnisht Hast could them provide, 
 But ConduR, Courage^ Anger that supply'ed. 
 All night they march, and are at th'early dawn 
 On Jabes heath in three fair bodies drawn. 
 
 37 6
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 Saul did himself the first and strongest band, t s*m. n. 
 
 His Son the next, Abner the third command. 
 But pardon, Sir, if naming Sauls great Son, 
 I stop with him a while ere I go on. 
 
 This is that "Jonathan, the yoy and Grace, 
 The beautifull'st, and best of Humane Race. 
 That Jonathan in whom does mixt remain 
 All that kind Mothers wishes can contain. 
 His Courage such as it no stop can know, 
 And ViSfory gains by 1 astonishing the Foe. 
 With Lightnings force his enemies it confounds, 
 And melts their Hearts e're it the Bosom wounds. 
 Yet he the Conquered with such Sweetness gains, 
 As Captive Lovers find in Beauties Chains. 
 In war the adverse Troops he does assail, 
 Like an impet'uous storm of wind and Hail. 
 In Peace, like gentlest Dew that does asswage 
 The burning Months, and temper Syrius rage. 
 Kind as the Suns blest Influence ; and where e're 
 He comes, Plenty and yoy attend him thece* 
 To Help seems all his Power, his Wealth to Give ; 
 To do much Good his sole Prerogative. 
 And yet this gen'eral Bounty of his Mind, 
 That with wide arms embraces all Mankind, 
 Such artful Prudence does to each divide, 
 With diffe'rent measures all are satisfi'd. 
 
 Just as wise God his plenteous Manna dealt, Exod. 16. 18. 
 
 Some gather'd more, but want by none was felt. 
 To all Relations their just rights he pays, 
 And worths reward above its claim does raise. 
 The tend rest Husband, Master, Father, Son, 
 And all those parts by'his Friendship far outdone. 
 His Love to Friends no bound or rule does know, 
 What He to Heav'en, all that to Him they owe. 
 Keen as his Sword, and pointed is his Wit : 
 His Judgment, like best Armour, strong and fit. 
 And such an Eloquence to both these does join, 
 As makes in both Beauty and Use combine. 
 Through which a noble Tinfture does appear 
 By Learning and choice Books imprinted there. 
 
 377
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 As well he knows all Times and Persons gone, 
 As he himself to th' future shall be known. 
 But his chief study is Gods sacred Law ; 
 And all his Life does Comments on it draw, 
 As never more by Heaven to Man was giv'en, 
 So never more was paid by Man to Heaven. 
 And all these Virtues were to Ripeness grown, 
 E're yet his Flower of Youth was fully blown. 
 All Autumns store did his rich Spring adorn; 
 Like Trees in Par'dice he with Fruit was born. 
 Such is his Sou/; and if, as some men tell, 
 36 Souls form and build those mansions where they dwell ; 
 Whoe're but sees his Body must confess, 
 The Architect no doubt, could be no less. 
 From Saul his growth and manly strength he took, 
 Chastised by bright Ahino'ams gentler look. 
 Not bright Ahin'oam^ Beauties lowdest Name, 
 Till she to' her Children lost with joy her fame, i Sam 
 
 Had sweeter strokes, Colours more fresh and fair, 
 More darting Eyes, or lovelier auborn Hair. 
 Forgive me that I thus your patience wrong, 
 And on this boundless subjett stay so long. 
 Where too much hast ever to end t'would be, 
 Did not his Afls speak what's untold by Me. 
 Though from the time his hands a Sword could wield, 
 He ne're mist Fame and Danger in the field. 
 Yet this was the first day that call'd him forth, 
 Since Sauls bright Crown gave luster to his worth. 
 'Twas the last morning whose unchearful rise, 
 Sad yabes was to view with both their Eyes. 
 Secure proud Nahas slept as in his Court, 
 And dreamt, vain man ! of that days barb'arous sport, 
 Till noise and dreadful tumults him awoke ; 
 Till into'his Camp our vi'olent Army broke. 
 The careless Guards with small re[s]istance kill'd, 
 Slaughter the Camp, and wild Confusion fill'd. 
 Nahas his fatal duty does perform, 
 And marches boldly up t'outface the storm. 
 Fierce Jonathan he meets, as he pursues 
 Th' Arabian Horse, and a hot fight renewes. 
 
 378
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 'Twas here your Troops behav'd themselves so well, 
 
 Till Uz and Jathan their stout CoVoneh fell. 
 
 'Twas here our ViSfory stopt, and gave us cause. 
 
 Much to suspecl th'intention of her pause. 
 
 But when our thundring Prince Nahas espy'd, 
 
 Who with a Courage equal to his Pride 
 
 Broke through our Troops, and tow'ards him boldly prest, 
 
 A gen'erous joy leapt in his youthful brest. 
 
 As when a wrathful Dragons dismal light 
 
 Strikes suddenly some warlike Eagles sight. 
 
 The mighty foe pleases his fearless eyes, 
 
 He claps his joyful wings, and at him flies. 
 
 With vain, though vi'olent force, their darts they flung; 
 
 In Ammons plated belt Jonathans hung, 
 
 And stopt there ; Amman did his Helmet hit, 
 
 And gliding off, bore the proud crest from it. 
 
 Straight with their Swords to the fierce shock they came, 
 
 Their Swords, their Armour, and their Eyes shot flame. 
 
 Blows strong as Thunder, thick as Rain they delt; 
 
 Which more then they th'engag'ed Spefiators felt. 
 
 In Amman force, in Jonathan address, 
 
 (Though both were great in both to an excess) 
 
 To the well-judging Eye did most appear; 
 
 Honour, and Anger in both equal were. 
 
 Two wounds our Prince receiv'ed, and Amman three ; 
 
 Which he enrag'ed to feel, and 'sham'd to see, 
 
 Did his whole strength into one blow collecl: ; 
 
 And as a Spani'el when we'our aim direcl 
 
 To shoot some Bird, impatiently stands by 
 
 Shaking his tail, ready with joy to fly 
 
 Just as it drops, upon the wounded prey; 
 
 So waited Death it self to bear away 
 
 The threatned Life ; did glad and greedy stand 
 
 At sight of mighty Ammons lifted hand. 
 
 Our watchful Prince by bending sav'd the wound, 
 
 But Death in other coyn his reckoning found : 
 
 For whilst th'tmrnotTerate strokes miscarry'ng force 
 
 Had almost born the striker from his horse, 
 
 A nimble thrust his active En'emy made, 
 
 'Twixt his right ribs deep pierc'ed the furious blade, 
 
 379
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 And opened wide those secret vessels, where 
 37 Life's Light goes out, when first they let in aire. 
 He falls, his Armour clanks against the ground, 
 From his faint tongue imperfect curses sound. 
 His amaz'd Troops strait cast their arms away ; 
 Scarce fled his Soul from thence more swift then they. 
 As when two Kings of neighbour Hives (whom rage 
 And thirst of Empire in fierce wars engage, 
 Whilst each lays claim to th' 'Garden as his owne, 
 And seeks t'usurp the bord'ring flowers alone) 
 Their well-arm'd Troops drawn boldly forth to fight, 
 In th'aires wide plain dispute their doubtful right. 
 If by sad chance of battel either King 
 Fall wounded down, strook with some fatal sting, 
 His Armies hopes and courage with him dy; 
 They sheath up their faint Swords, and routed fly. 
 On th'other sides at once with like success 
 Into the Camp, great Saul and Abner press, 
 From "Jonathans part a wild mixt noise they hear, 
 And whatsoere it mean long to be there, 
 At the same instant from glad Jabes Town, 
 The hasty Troops march loud and chearful down. 
 Some few at first with vain resistance fall, 
 The rest is Slaughter, and vast Conquest all. 
 The fate by which our Host thus far had gon, 
 Our Host with noble heat drove farther on. 
 Victorious arms through Ammons land it bore; 
 Ruine behind, and Terror marcht before. 
 Where ere from Rabba's towers they cast their sight, 
 Smoak clouds the Day, and Flames make clear the Night. 
 This bright success did Sauls first aclion bring, 
 The Oy/, the Lot, and Crown less crown'd him King. 
 The Happy all men judge for Empire fit, 
 And none withstands where Fortune does submit. 
 Those who before did Gods fair choice withstand, i Sam. 
 
 Th' excessive Vulgar now to death demand. 
 
 But wiser Saul repeal'd their hasty doom ; Ver. 13. 
 
 Conquest abroad, with Mercy crown'd at home. 
 Nor stain'd with civil slaughter that days pride, 
 Which foreign blood in nobler purple dy'ed. 
 
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 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 Again the Crown th 'assembled people give, Ver. 15. 
 
 With greater joy then Saul could it receive. 
 
 Again, th'old Judge resigns his sacred place, Sam. 12. 
 
 God Glorijied with wonders his disgrace. 
 
 With decent pride, such as did well befit 
 
 The Name he kept, and that which he did quit. 
 
 The long-past row of happy years he show'd, 
 
 Which to his heav'enly Government they ow'd. 
 
 How the torn state his just and prudent raign 
 
 Restor'ed to Order, Plenty, Power again. 
 
 In war what conqu'ering Miracles he wrought ; 
 
 God, then their King, was General when they fought. 
 
 Whom they deposed with him. And that (said he) 
 
 You may see God concern'd in't more then Me, 
 
 Behold how storms his angry presence shrowd, 
 
 Hark how his wrath in thunder threats alowd. 
 
 'Twas now the ripen'ed Summers highest rage, 
 
 Which no faint cloud durst mediate to asswage. 
 
 Th'Eartb hot with Thirst, and hot with Lust for Rain, 
 
 Gap'ed, and breath'd feeble vapours up in vain, 
 
 Which straight were scatter'd, or devour'd by th'Sun ; 
 
 When, Lo, ere scarce the attive speech was done, 
 
 A vi'olent Wind rose from his secret Cave, 
 
 And troops of frighted Clouds before it drave. 
 
 Whilst with rude haste the confus'ed Tempest crowds, 
 
 Swift dreadful flames shot through th'encountring clowds, 
 
 From whose torn womb th'imprison'ed Thunder broke, 
 
 And in dire sounds the Prophets sense it spoke. 
 
 Such an impet'uous shower it downwards sent, 
 
 As if the Waters 'bove the Firmament 
 
 Were all let loose; Horrour and fearful noise 
 
 Fill'd the black Scene; till the great Prophets voice 
 
 Swift as the wings of Morn, reduc'ed the Day; 
 
 Wind, Thunder, Rain and Clouds fled all at once away. 
 
 Fear not (said he) God his fierce wrath removes, i sm. x. 
 
 And though this State my service disapproves, 
 
 My Prayers shall serve it constantly. No more, 
 
 I hope, a pardon for past sins t'implore, 
 
 But just rewards from gracious heav'en to bring 
 
 On the good deeds of you, and of our King. 
 
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 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Behold him there ! and as you see, rejoyce 
 
 In the kind care of Gods impartial choice. 
 
 Behold his Beauty, Courage, Strength and Wit ! 
 
 The Honour heav'en has cloath'd him with, sits fit 
 
 And comely on him ; since you needs must be 
 
 Rule'd by a King, you'are happy that 'tis He. 
 
 Obey him gladly, and let him too know 
 
 You were not made for Him, but he for You, 
 
 And both for God. 
 
 Whose gentlest yoke if once you cast away, 
 
 In vain shall he command, and you obey. 
 
 To foreign Tyrants both shall slaves become, 
 
 Instead of King, and Subjects here at home. ib. v. 25 
 
 The Crown thus several ways confirm'ed to Saul, 
 One way was wanting yet to crown them all; 
 And that was Force, which only can maintain 
 The Power that Fortune gives, or worth does gain. 
 Three thousand Guards of big, bold men he took; i Sam. r 
 
 Tall, terrible, and Guards ev'en with their Look; 
 His sacred person too, and throne defend, 
 The third on matchless Jonathan attend. 
 Ore whose full thoughts, Honour, and youthful Heat, 
 Sate brooding to hatch Actions good and great. 
 On Geba first, where a Philistian band Ib 3 
 
 Lies, and around torments the fettered land, 
 He falls, and slaughters all ; his noble rage 
 Mixt with Design his Nation to engage 
 In that just war, which from them long in vain, 
 Honour and Freedoms voice had strove t'obtain. 
 Th'accurst Philistian rows'd with this bold blow, ib. v. 5. 
 
 All the proud marks of enrag'ed Power does show. 
 Raises a vast, well-arm'd, and glittering Host, 
 If humane strength might authorize a boast, 
 Their threats had reason here ; for ne're did wee 
 Our selves so weak, or foe so potent see. 
 Here we vast bodies of their Foot espy, 
 The Rear out-reaches far th' 'extended Eye. 
 Like fields of Corn their armed Squadrons stand ; 
 As thick and numberless they hide the land. 
 Here with sharp neighs the warlike Horses sound ; 
 
 382
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 38 And with proud prancings beat the putrid ground. 
 
 39 Here with worse noise three thousand Chariots pass 
 With plates of Iron bound, or louder Brass. 
 About it forks, axes, and sithes, and spears, 
 Whole Magazines of Death each Chariot bears. 
 Where it breaks in, there a whole Troop it mows, 
 And with lopt panting limbs the field bestrews. 
 Alike the Valiant, and the Cowards dy; 
 
 Neither can they resist^ nor can these fly. ib. v. s . 
 
 In this proud equipage at Macmas they ; 
 
 Saul in much different state at Gilgal lay. 
 
 His forces seem'd no Army, but a Crowd, 
 
 Heartless, unarm'd, disorderly, and lowd. 
 
 The quick Contagion Fear ran swift through all, 
 
 And into trembling Fits th'infefted fall. 
 
 Saul, and his Son (for no such faint Disease 
 
 Could on their strong-complexion'd Valour seise) 
 
 In vain all parts of virtuous Condutt show'd, 
 
 And on deaf Terror gen'erous words bestow'd. 
 
 Thousands from thence fly scattered ev'ery day; 
 
 Thick as the Leaves that shake and drop away, 
 
 When they th'approach of stormy Winter find 
 
 The noble Tree all bare expos'd to the' Wind. 
 
 Some to sad Jordan fly, and swim't for hast, 
 
 And from his farther bank look back at last. 
 
 Some into woods and caves their cattel drive, 
 
 There with their Beasts on equal terms they live, 
 
 Nor deserve better; some in rocks on high, 
 
 The old retreats of Storks and Ravens ly. 
 
 And were they wing'ed like them, scarce would they dare 
 
 To stay, or trust their frighted safety there. 
 
 As th'Host with fear, so Saul disturb'd with care, ib. s. 
 
 T'avert these ills by Sacrifice and Prayer^ 
 
 And Gods blest will t'enquire, for Samuel sends; 
 
 Whom he six days with troubled hast attends. 
 
 But ere the seventh unlucky day (the last 
 
 By Samuel set for this great work) was past, 
 
 Saul (alarm'd hourly from the neigh b'ring foe, 
 
 Impatient ere Gods time Gods mind to know, 
 
 'Sham'd and enrag'ed to see his Troops decay, 
 
 383
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Jealous of an affront in Samuels stay, 
 
 Scorning that any's presence should appear 
 
 Needful besides when He himself was there ; 
 
 And with a pride too nat'ural thinking Heaven 
 
 Had given him All, because much Power t'had giv'en) 
 
 Himself the Sacrifice and Ojffring's made, 
 
 40 Himself did th'high selected charge invade, 
 Himself inquir'ed of God; who then spake nought; 
 But Samuel straight his dreadful answer brought. 
 For straight he came, and with a Virtue bold, 
 
 As was Sauls sin, the fatal Message told. 
 
 His foul Ingratitude to heav'en he chid, 
 
 To pluck that Fruit which was alone forbid 
 
 To Kingly power in all that plenteous land, 
 
 Where all things else submit to his command. 
 
 And as fair Edens violated Tree, 
 
 To 'Immortal Man brought in Mortalitie: 
 
 So shall that Crown, which God eternal meant, 
 
 From thee (said he) and thy great house be rent, z Sam 
 
 Thy Crime shall Death to all thine Honours send, 
 
 And give thy'Immorta/ Royalty an End. 
 
 Thus spoke the Prophet, but kind heav'en (we hope) 
 
 (Whose threats and anger know no other scope 
 
 But Mans Amendment) does long since relent, 
 
 And with Repentant Saul it self Repent. 
 
 Howere (though none more pray for this then we 
 
 Whose wrongs and sufferings might some colour be 
 
 To do it less) this speech we sadly find 
 
 Still extant, and still adlive in his Mind. 
 
 But then a worse effecl: of it appear'd ; 
 
 Our Army which before Modestly fear'd, 
 
 Which did by stealth and by degrees decay, 
 
 Disbanded now, and fled in troops away. 
 
 Base Fear so bold and impudent does grow, 
 
 When an excuse and colour it can show. 
 
 Six hundred only (scarce a Princely train) iSam 
 
 Of all his Host with distrest Saul remain, 
 
 Of his whole Host six hundred ; and ev'en those 
 
 41 (So did wise Heaven for mighty ends dispose, 
 Nor would that useless Multitudes should share 
 
 384
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 In that great Gift it did for One prepare) 
 Arm'd not like Souldiers marching in a War, 
 But Country-Hinds alarmed from afar 
 By Solves loud hunger, when the well-known sound 
 Raises th' affrighted Villages around. ib. v. 19, ao. 
 
 Some Goads, Flails, Plow-shares, Forks, or Axes bore, 
 Made for Lifes use and better ends before, 
 Some knotted Clubs, and Darts, or Arrows dry'd 
 42 I'th'fire, the first rude arts that Malice try'd, 
 
 E're Man the sins of too much Knowledge knew, 
 
 And Death by long Experience witty grew. 
 
 Such were the Numbers, such the Arms which we 
 
 Had by fate left us for a Viftorie 
 
 O're well-arm 'd Millions; nor will this appear 
 
 Useful it self, when Jonathan was there. 
 
 'Twas just the time when the new Ebb of Night 
 Did the moist world unvail to humane sight. 
 The Prince, who all that night the field had beat 
 With a small party, and no en'emy met 
 (So proud and so secure the en'emy lay, 
 And drencht in sleep th'excesses of the day) 
 With joy this good occasion did embrace, 
 With better leisure, and at nearer space, 
 The strength and order of their Camp to view; 
 Abdon alone his gen'erous purpose knew; 
 Abdon a bold, a brave, and comely Youth, 
 Well-born, well-bred, with Honour fill'd and Truth, 
 Abdon his faithful Squire, whom much he lov'd, 
 And oft with grief his worth in dangers prov'd. 
 Abdon, whose love to'his Master did exceed 
 What Natures Law, or Passions Power could breed, 
 Abdon alone did on him now attend ; 
 His humblest Servant, and his dearest Friend. , Sam. 14. i. 
 
 They went, but sacred fury as they went, 
 Chang'd swiftly, and exalted his intent. 
 What may this be (the Prince breaks forth) I find, 
 God or some powerful Spirit invades my mind. 
 From ought but Heaven can never sure be brought 
 So high, so glorious, and so vast a thought. 
 Nor would /'// Fate that meant me to surprise, 
 
 c. BB 385
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Come cloath'd in so unlikely a Disguise. 
 Yon Host, which its proud Fishes spreads so wide, 
 O're the whole Land, like some swoln Rivers Tide, 
 Which terrible and numberless appears, 
 
 43 As the thick Waves which their rough Ocean bears, 
 Which lies so strongly ['ejncampt, that one would say 
 The Hill might be remov'd as soon as they, 
 
 We two alone must fight with and defeat ; 
 
 Thou'rt strook, and startest at a sound so great. 
 
 Yet we must do't; God our weak hands has chose 
 
 T'ashame the boasted numbers of our Foes, 
 
 Which to his strength no more proportion'd be, 
 
 Than Millions are of Hours to his Eternitie. 
 
 If when their careless Guards espy us here, 
 
 With sportful scorn they call to' us to come neer, r San 
 
 We'll boldly climb the Hill, and charge them all ; 
 
 Not They, but Israels Angel gives the call. 
 
 44 He spoke, and as he spoke, a Light divine 
 
 Did from his Eyes, and round his Temples shine, 
 
 Louder his Voice, larger his Limbs appear'd; 
 
 Less seem'd the num'erous Army to be fear'd. 
 
 This saw, and heard with joy the brave Esquire, 
 
 As he with Gods, fill'd with his Masters Fire. 
 
 Forbid it Heav'en (said he) I should decline, i srr 
 
 Or wish (Sir) not to make your danger mine. 
 
 The great Example which I daily see 
 
 Of your high worth is not so lost on me; 
 
 If wonder-strook I at your words appear, 
 
 My wonder yet is Innocent of Fear. 
 
 Th' Honour which does your Princely breast enflame, 
 
 Warms mine too, and joins there with Duties Name. 
 
 If in this A6t /// Fate our Tempter be, 
 
 May all the /// it means be aim'd at me. 
 
 But sure, I think, God leads, nor could you bring 
 
 So high thoughts from a less exalted Spring. 
 
 Bright signs through all your words and looks are spread, 
 
 A rising Vifory dawns around your head. 
 
 With such discourse blowing their sacred flame, 
 
 Lo to the fatal place and work they came. 
 
 Strongly encampt on a steep Hills large head, 
 386
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 Like some vast wood the mighty Host was spread. IB. v . 4 . 
 
 Th' only 'access on neighb'ring Gabaa's side, 
 An hard and narrow way, which did divide 
 Two cliffy Rocks, Bases and Series nam'd, 
 Much for themselves, and their big strangeness fam'd, 
 More for their Fortune, and this stranger day ; 
 On both their points Philistian out-guards lay; 
 From whence the two bold Spies they first espy'd; 
 And, lo ! the Hebrews! proud Eleanor cry'd ; 
 From Senes top ; Lo ; from their hungry Caves 
 A quicker Fate here sends them to their graves. 
 Come up (aloud he crys to them below) 
 Ye' Egyptian Slaves, and to our Mercy owe 
 The rebel lives long since to' our Justice due; 
 Scarce from his lips the fatal Omen flew, 
 When th'inspir'd Prince did nimbly understand 
 God, and his God-like Virtues high command. 
 It call'd him up, and up the steep ascent 
 With pain and labour, hast and joy they went. 
 Eleanor laught to see them climb, and thought 
 His mighty words th' affrighted Suppliants brought, 
 Did new affronts to the great Hebrew Name, 
 (The barbarous!) in his wanton Fancy frame. 
 Short was his sport; for swift as Thunders stroke 
 Rives the frail Trunk of some heav'en-threatning Oak, 
 The Princes Sword did his proud head divide; 
 The parted Scull hung down on either side. 
 Just as he fell, his vengeful Steel he drew 
 Half way; no more the trembling Joints could do, 
 Which Abdon snatcht, and dy'ed it in the blood 
 Of an amazed wretch that next him stood. 
 Some close to earth shaking and grove'ling ly, 
 Like Larks when they the Tyrant Hobby spy. 
 Some wonder strook stand fixt ; some fly, some arm 
 Wildly, at th' unintelligible Alarm. 
 45 Like the main Channel of an high-swoln Flood, 
 In vain by Dikes and broken works withstood: 
 So Jonathan, once climb'd th'opposing hill, 
 Does all around with noise and mine fill. 
 Like some large Arm of which another way 
 
 BB2 387
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Abdon o'reflows ; him too no bank can stay. 
 
 With cryes th' affrighted Country flies before, 
 
 Behind the following waters lowdly roar. 
 
 Twenty at least slain on this out-guard ly, 
 
 To th' adjoin'd Camp the rest distracted fly, i Sar 
 
 And ill mixt wonders tell, and into't bear, 
 
 Blind terrour, deaf disorder, helpless fear. 
 
 The Conquerors too press boldly in behind, 
 
 Doubling the wild confusions which they find. 
 
 Hamgar at first, the Prince of Ashdod Town, 
 
 46 Chief 'mongst the Five in riches and renown, i San 
 And General then by course oppos'd their way, 
 
 Till drown'd in Death at Jonathans feet he lay, 
 And curst the Heavens for rage, and bit the ground ; 
 
 47 His Life for ever spilt stain d all the grass around. 
 His Brother too, who vertuous hast did make 
 
 His fortune to revenge, or to partake, 
 
 Falls grove'ling o're his trunk, on mother earth ; 
 
 Death mixt no less their Bloods than did their birth. 
 
 Mean while the well-pleas'd Abdons restless Sword 
 
 Dispatcht the following train t'attend their Lord. 
 
 On still o're panting corps great Jonathan led ; 
 
 Hundreds before him fell, and Thousands fled. 
 
 Prodigious Prince I which does most wondrous show, 
 
 Thy' Attempt, or thy Success! thy Fate or Thou! 
 
 Who durst alone that dreadful Host assail, 
 
 With purpose not to Dye, but to Prevail! 
 
 Infinite Numbers thee no more affright, 
 
 Then God, whose Unity is Infinite. 
 
 If Heav'en to men such mighty thoughts would give, 
 
 What Breast but thine capacious to receive 
 
 The vast Infusion ? or what Soul but Thine 
 
 Durst have believ'd that Thought to be Divine? 
 
 Thou follow 'dst Heaven in the Design, and we 
 
 Find in the Aft 'twas Heav'en that follow'd Thee. \f 
 
 Thou ledst on Angels, and that sacred band 
 
 (The De'ities great Lieutenant) didst command. 
 
 'Tis true, Sir, and no Figure, when I say 
 
 Angels themselves fought under him that day. 
 
 Clouds with ripe Thunder charg'd some thither drew, 
 
 388
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 And some the dire Materials brought for new. 
 48 Hot drops of Southern Showers (the sweats of Death) 
 The voyce of storms and winged whirl-winds breath : 
 The flames shot forth from fighting Dragons Eyes, 
 The smokes that from scorcht Fevers Ovens rise, 
 The reddest fires with which sad Comets glow ; 
 And Sodoms neighb'ring Lake did spir'its bestow 
 Of finest Sulphur-, amongst which they put 
 Wrath, Fury, Horrour, and all mingled shut 
 Into a cold moist Cloud, t'enflame it more; 
 And make th'enraged Prisoner louder roar. 
 Th'assembled Clouds burst o're their Armies head ; 
 Noise, Darkness, dismal Lightnings round them spread. 
 Another Spirit with a more potent wand 
 Than that which Nature fear'd in Moses hand, 
 And went the way that pleas'd, the Mountain strook ; 
 The Mountain felt it; the vast Mountain shook. 
 Through the wide ayr another Angel flew 
 About their Host, and thick amongst them threw 
 Discord, Despair, Confusion, Fear, Mistake ; 
 And all th' Ingredients that swift ruine make. 
 The fertile glebe requires no time to breed ; 
 It quickens and receives at once the Seed. 
 One would have thought, this dismal day to'have seen, 
 That Natures self in her Death-pangs had been. 
 Such will the face of that great hour appear; 
 Such the distracted Sinners conscious fear. 
 In vain some few strive the wild flight to stay; 
 In vain they threaten, and in vain they pray ; 
 Unheard, unheeded, trodden down they ly, 
 Beneath the wretched feet of crouds that fly. 
 O're their own Foot trampled the vi'olent Horse. 
 The guidless Chariots with impet'uous course 
 Cut wide through both ; and all their bloody way 
 Horses, and Men, torn, bruis'd, and mangled lay. 
 Some from the Rocks cast themselves down headlong; 
 The faint weak Passion grows so bold and strong. 
 To almost certain present death they fly 
 From a remote and causeless fear to dy. 
 Much diffe'rent error did some troops possess; 
 
 389
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 And Madness that lookt better, though no less. 
 Their fellow troops for th'entred foe they take ; 
 And Israels war with mutual slaughter make. 
 Mean while the King from Gabaas hill did view, 
 And hear the thickning Tumult as it grew 
 Still great and loud ; and though he knows not why 
 They fled, no more then they themselves that fly ; 
 Yet by the storms and terrors of the aire, 
 Guesses some vengeful Spirits working there; 
 Obeys the loud occasions sacred call, 
 And fiercely on the trembling Host does fall. 
 At the same time their Slaves and Prisoners rise; 
 Nor does their much-wisht Liberty suffice 
 Without Revenge; the scatter'd arms they seise, 
 And their proud vengeance with the memory please 
 Of who so lately bore them; All about 
 From Rocks and Caves the Hebrews issue out 
 At the glad noise ; joy'd that their foes had shown 
 A fear that drowns the scandal of their own. 
 Still did the Prince midst all this storm appeare, 
 Still scatter'd Deaths and Terrors every where. 
 Still did he break, still blunt his wearied Swords; 
 Still slaughter new supplies to'his hand affords. 
 Where troops yet stood, there still he hotly flew, 
 And till at last all fled, scorn'd to pursue. 
 All fled at last, but many in vain ; for still 
 Th'insatiate Conqu'eror was more swift to kill 
 Then they to save their Lives. Till, lo ! at last, 
 Nature, whose power he had so long surpast, 
 Would yield no more, but to him stronger foes, 
 Drought, faintness, and fierce Hunger did oppose. 
 Reeking all o're in dust, and blood, and sweat, 
 Burnt with the Suns and violent affions heat, 
 'Gainst an old Oak his trembling Limbs he staid, 
 For some short ease ; Fate in th'old Oak had laid 
 Provisions up for his relief; and Lo ! 
 The hollow trunck did with bright Honey flow. 
 With timely food his decay'd Sp'irits recruit ; 
 Strong he returns, and fresh to the pursuit, 
 His strength and sp'irits the Honey did restore ; 
 
 390
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 But, oh, the bitter-sweet strange poison bore! 
 Behold, Sir, and mark well the treacherous fate, 
 That does so close on humane glories wait ! 
 Behold the strong, and yet fantastic^ Net 
 T'ensnare triumphant Virtue darkly set ! 
 Could it before (scarce can it since) be thought, 
 The Prince who had alone that morning fought, 
 A Duel with an Host, had th'Host orethrowne, 
 And threescore thousand hands disarm'd with One; 
 Washt off his Countrys shame, and doubly dyde 
 In Blood and Blushes the Philistian pride, 
 Had sav'ed and fixt his Fathers tott'ering Crown, 
 And the bright Gold new burnisht with renown, 
 Should be e're night by's King and Fathers breath, 
 Without a fault, vow'd and condemn'd to death? 
 Destin'ed the bloody Sacrifice to be 
 Of Thanks Himself for his own ViEloritt 
 Alone with various fate like to become, 
 Fighting^ an Host ; Dying, an Hecatombe ? 
 
 Yet such, Sir, was his case. ! Sam. 14. 
 
 For Saul, who fear'd lest the full plenty might 24 - 
 
 (In the abandon'ed Camp expos'ed to sight) 
 His hungry men from the pursuit diswade ; 
 A rash, but solemn vow to heav'en had made. 
 Curst be the wretch, thrice cursed let him be 
 Who shall touch food this busie day (said he) 
 Whil'st the blest Sun does with his fav'ouring light 
 Assist our vengeful Swords against their flight. 
 Be he thrice curst ; and if his Life we spare, 
 On us those Curses fall that he should bear. 
 Such was the Kings rash vow; who little thought 
 How near to him Fate th' Application brought. 
 The two-edg'd Oath, wounds deep, perform'd or broke; 
 Ev'en Perjury its least and bluntest stroke. 
 'Twas his own Son, whom God and Mankind lov'ed, 
 His own victorious Son that he devov'ed ; 
 On whose bright head the baleful Curses light ; 
 But Providence, his Helmet in the fight, 
 Forbids their entrance or their setling there ; 
 49 They with brute sound dissolv'ed into the ayre. 
 
 39 1
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Him what Religion, or what vow could bind, 
 
 Unknown, unheard of, till he'his Life did find 
 
 Entangled in't ? whilst wonders he did do 
 
 Must he dye now for not be'ing Prophet too? 
 
 To all but him this Oath was meant and said ; 
 
 He afar off, the ends for which 'twas made 
 
 Was acting then, till faint and out of breath, 
 
 He grew half dead with toil of giving death. 
 
 What could his Crime in this condition be, 
 
 Excus'ed by Ignorance and Necessitie? 
 
 Yet the remorseless King, who did disdain 
 
 That man should hear him swear or threat in vain, 
 
 Though 'gainst himself; or fate a way should see 
 
 By which attaqu'ed and conquer'd he might be : 
 
 Who thought Compassion, female weakness here, 
 
 And Equity Injustice would appeare 
 
 In his own Cause; who falsely fear'd beside 
 
 The solemn Curse on 'Jonathan did abide, 
 
 And the infected Limb not cut away, 
 
 Would like a Gangrene o're all Isra'el stray; 
 
 Prepar'ed this God-like Sacrifice to kill; 
 
 And his rash vow more rashly to fulfil. 
 
 What tongue can th'horror and amazement tell 
 
 Which on all Israel that sad moment fell? 
 
 Tamer had been their grief, fewer their tears, 
 
 Had the Philistian fate that day bin theirs. 
 
 Not Sauls proud heart could master his swoln Ey ; 
 
 The Prince alone stood mild and patient by, 
 
 So bright his sufferings, so triumphant show'd, 
 
 Less to the best then worst of fates he ow'ed. 
 
 A victory now he o're himself might boast ; 
 
 He Conquer'd now that Conqu'eror of an Host. 
 
 It charm'd through tears the sad Spectators sight, 
 
 Did reverence, love, and gratitude excite 
 
 And pious rage, with which inspir'ed they now 
 
 Oppose to Sauls a better publick Vow. 
 
 They all consent all Israel ought to be 
 
 Accurst and kill'd themselves rather then He. 
 
 Thus wi[t]h kind force they the glad King withstood, i Sam 
 
 And sav'ed their wondrous Saviours sacred blood. 4S ' 
 
 392
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 Thus David spoke; and much did yet remain 
 Behind th'attentive Prince to entertain, 
 
 Edom and Zoba's war, for what befel ib. v. 47 . 
 
 In that of Moab, was known there too well. 
 
 The boundless quarrel with curst Anf alecs land ; Sam. 15. 3 . 
 
 Where Heav'en it self did Cruelty command 
 And pradlis'ed on Sauls Mercy, nor did e're 
 More punish Inno'cent Blood, then Pity there. ib. 23. 
 
 But, Lo ! they 'arriv'ed now at th'appointed place ; 
 Well-chosen and well furnisht for the Chase. 
 
 393
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 NOTES 
 
 UPON THE 
 
 FOURTH BOOK. 
 
 i. r I ^Hat is, He bow'd thrice towards the Sun it self (which Worship is 
 J_ most notorious to have been used all over the East) and thrice 
 towards the chief Temple and Image of the Sun standing upon the Hill 
 Phegor. For I have before declared that Baal was the Sun, and Baal Peor, 
 a sirname, from a particular place of his worship. To which I meet with 
 the opposition of a great person, even our Selden, who takes Baal Peor to 
 be Stygian Jupiter, or Pluto (De D. Syris Synt. j. c. 5) building it upon 
 the authority of the 105. (according to our English Translation the 106.) 
 Psal. v. 20. They joyned themselves to Baal-Peor, and eat the Sacrifices of the 
 Dead; which Sacrifices he understands to be Justa, or Inferias, Offerings 
 in memory of the Dead. Novendiales ferias. But why by the name of the 
 Dead may not Idols be meant? The Sacrifices of Idols? it being usual for the 
 Jews to give Names of reproach and contempt to the Heathen Gods, as this 
 very Baal-Peor they called Chemos, Jer. 48. 7. and 13, &c. that is Blindness, 
 in contradiction to his Idolaters, who called him the Eye of the World? or 
 perhaps they are called Sacrifices of the Dead, in regard of the immolation of 
 men to him; for Baal is the same Deity with Moloch of the Ammonites, and 
 had sometimes, though not so constantly, humane Sacrifices. However these 
 verses will agree as well with Mr. Seldens interpretation; for then the sense 
 of them will be, that he bow'd first to the Sun, and next to Baal, another 
 Deity of that Country. 
 
 a. Zerith, a place in Moab near the River Arnon. 
 
 3. White Horses were most in esteem among the Ancients; such were 
 those consecrated to the Sun. Herodian calls them Atos frnrot, Jupiters 
 Horses, which is the same. This was the reason that Camillus contracted so 
 much Envy for riding in Triumph with white Horses, as a thing Insolent and 
 Prophane, Maxime conspectus ipse est, curru equis albis junfto urbem inueflus, 
 parumq; id non civile modb sed humanum etiam visum, Jovis Solisq; equis 
 cequiparatum Diiflatorem in Religionem etiam trahebant. Liv. Horace, 
 
 Barros ut equis prtzcurreret albis. 
 Ovid, de Art. Am. 
 
 Quatuor in niveis aureus ibis equis. 
 Virg. 11. Jungit equos, gaudetq; tuens ante ora frementes 
 
 Qui candore Nives anteirent cursibus auras. 
 
 394
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 In which he imitates Homer. 
 
 A(VK6repot -xiovos, Ofletv, 8' dc^u,oi<rtc 6fj.oi.oi. 
 
 4. Their side. Scal.l. 5. Poet, says, that none but Apollo and Diana wore 
 their Quivers upon their Shoulders; others, by their Sides, which he collects 
 out of some places in Virg. \. Ain. of Diana, 
 
 Ilia pharetram 
 
 Pert humero, gra\di\ensq; Deas supereminet omnes. 
 ALn. 4. of Apollo, Tela sonant humeris. 
 
 But of a Carthaginian Virgin, Succinftam pharetrd 
 
 Yet I am afraid the observation is not solid; for JEn. 5. speaking of the Troop 
 of Ascanius and the Boys, he hath, 
 
 Pars leves humero pharetras. 
 However Side is a safe word. 
 
 5. 0eoe/Ke\os. Like a God, is a frequent Epithete in Plomer for a beautiful 
 person. 
 
 6. Nebo was a part of the Mountain Abarim in the land of Moab; but not 
 onely that Hill, but the Country about, and a City, was called so too, Jer. 
 48. i. Dent. 32. 49. 
 
 7. i Sam. 9. ii. And Saul anrwered and said, Am not la Benjamite, 
 of the smallest of the Tribes of Israel; and my family the least of all the families 
 of the Tribe of Benjamin ? Wherefore then speakest thou so to me? 
 
 8. Josh. 41. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even unto the 
 great River, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the 
 great Sea, towards the going doivn of the Sun, shall be your coast. This was 
 fulfilled all ways but Eastward, for their Dominion never reacht to Euphrates ; 
 and it was but just fulfilled to the Letter, Westward, for they had very little 
 upon the Mediterranean, or Western Main. Their own sins were the cause, 
 which made God preserve for thorns in their sides those Nations which he had 
 conditionally promis'ed to root out. It is true, they went Eastward beyond 
 Jordan, but that was not much; and therefore, like an odde Number in 
 accounts (as presently, where I say but Thirty Kings] may be left out. Jordan 
 is the most noble and notorious Boundary. 
 
 a. For all the wickednesses and disorders that we read of during the time 
 of the Judges, are attributed in Scripture to the want of a King. And in those 
 days there -was no King hi Israel. 
 
 TO. For it was the Tribe of Benjamin that was almost extirpated, from 
 whence Saul the first King descended. David says, Kings, as seeming to 
 suppose that Sauls Sons were to succeed him. 
 
 n. In Eli, who descended from Ithamar, the youngest Son of Aaron, 
 till which time the High Priesthood had continued in Eleazar the elder 
 Brothers Race. This was the succession, Aaron, Eleazar, Phineas, Abisua, 
 Bukki, Uzzi, and then Eli of the younger house came in. In which it con- 
 tinued till Solomons time. 
 
 1 2. The Scepter is not appropriated to Kings, but to the Supreme Magi- 
 strates, as in the famous Prophesie, G[e]n. 49. 10. The Scepter shall not depart 
 from Judah, nor a Law-giver from bet-ween his feet, till the Shilo come. 
 
 13. There is nothing in the whole Scripture that admits of more several 
 opinions then the time of Sauls & Samuels reign. This I will take in the first 
 place for granted, that the 40 years assigned by S. Paul (A<5ls 13. 20) to Saul, 
 are to include Samuels Judicature ; for else there would be found more then 
 480 years from the departure out of Egypt, to the building of Solomons Temple, 
 neither could Saul be a young man when he was elected; besides, David 
 would not have been born at the time when he is said to slay Goliah. We 
 
 395
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 are therefore to seek how to divide those 40 years between Samuel and Saul. 
 Josephus gives Saul 38 years, 18 with Samuel, and 20 after his death. Most 
 Chronologers (says Sulpit. Severus) 30. Rtiffin. and divers others 20, to wit, 
 1 8 with Samuel, and two after. None of which can be true; for the Ark was 
 carried to Cariath-jearim before Sauls reign, and at the end of 20 years was 
 removed from thence by David to Jerusalem ; wherefore Salianus allows Saul 
 18 years, Calvisius 15, Petavius 12. some u. Bucolcer 10. Others make 
 Saul to have reigned but two years, and these considerable Authors, as Arias 
 Montan. Mercator, Adricom. &c. grounding it upon a Text of Scripture, i Sam. 
 13. i. Filius uniiis anni erat Saul, cum regnare ccepisset, & duobus annis 
 regnavit super Israel; which others understand to be three years, to wit, two 
 after the first. Sulpit. Sever, indefinitely, parvo admodum spado tenuit im- 
 perium; which opinion seems to me extremely improbable, i. Because we 
 cannot well crowd all Sauls actions into so small a time. 2. Because David 
 must then have been about 29 years old when he slew Goliah ; for he began to 
 reign at Hebron at 30. 3. Because it is hard, if that be true, to make up the 
 20 years that the Ark abode at Cariath-jearim. 4. The Text whereon this 
 is built, doth not import it ; for it signifies no more, then that he had reigned 
 one year before his confirmation at Gilgal, and two when he chose himself 
 Guards. Our Translation hath, Saul reigned one year; and when he had 
 reigned two years over Israel, he chose him 3000 men, &c. To determine 
 punctually how long he reigned, is impossible; but I should guess about 
 10 years, which his actions will well require, and David \\'\\\ be a little above 
 20 years old (a fit age) when he defeated the Gyant. and the 20 years of the 
 Arks abiding at Cariath-jearim will be handsomely made up, to wit, three 
 years before Sauls anointing, and 10 during his Government, and seven whilst 
 David was King at Hebron. So that of the 40 assigned by the Apostle to 
 Samuel and Saul, there will remain 30 years for the Government of Samuel. 
 
 14. For first, the Israelites knew they were to be governed at last by 
 Kings. And secondly, they desired it by reason of the great disorders and 
 afflictions which they suffered for want of it ; and it is plain, that this is not 
 the first time that they thought of this remedy; for they would have chosen 
 Gideon King, and annexed the Crown to his Race, and did after actually choose 
 Abimelech. 
 
 15. See Moses his Prophesie of it, Deut. 17. 14. and to Abraham God 
 himself says, Genes. 17. 6. And Kings shall come out of thee. 
 
 16. It is a vile opinion of those men, and might be punished without 
 Tyranny, if they teach it, who hold, that the right of Kings is set down 
 by Samuel in this place. Neither did the people of Israel ever allow, or the 
 Kings avow the assumption of such a power, as appears by the story of Ahab 
 and Naboth. Some indeed did exercise it, but that is no more a proof of the 
 Right, then their Practise was of the Lawfulness of Idolatry. When Cam- 
 byses had a mind to marry his Sister, he advised with the Magi, whether the 
 Laws did allow it ; who answered, that they knew of no Law that did allow it, 
 but that there was a Law which allowed the King of Persia to do what he 
 would. If this had been the case with the Kings of Israel, to what purpose 
 were they enjoyned so strictly the perpetual reading, perusing, and observing 
 of the Law {Deut. 17.) if they had another particular Law that exempted 
 them from being bound to it? 
 
 1 7. The Tetragrammaton, which was held in such reverence among the 
 Jews, that it was unlawful to pronounce it. It was called therefore at>eK<t>ui>7)Toi>, 
 Unutterable. For it they read Adonai; the reason of the peculiar Sanftity of 
 this Name, is, because other names of God were appliable to other things, as 
 
 39 6
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 Eloh\t\m, to Princes; but this name Jehovah, or Jave, or Jai (for it is now 
 grown unutterable, in that no body knows how to pronounce it) was not 
 participated to any other thing. Wherefore God says Exod. 3. 16. This is 
 my ttame for ever, and this is my memorial to all generations. And Exod. 
 6. 3. But by my name Jehovah was I not known unto them . Josephus calls 
 this Tetragrammaton, To. lepa ypdfj./j.aTa, The Sacred Letters; and, Il/xxr^o- 
 piav iff pi ijs o0 fj-oi 6t/jus tlireiv, A name of which it is not Lawful for me to 
 speak ; and again, T6 tppiKrbv OVOLLO. rod Qeov, The Dreadful Name of God. 
 Stat. 
 
 Triplicis mundi sutnmum, quern Scire Nefastum est. 
 
 Whose name it is not lawful to know. 
 
 And Philo relating how Caligula used him and his fellow Ambassadors from 
 the Jews. You (said Caligula to them) are Enemies to the Gods, and will 
 not acknowledge me to be One, who am received for such by all the rest of 
 the world : but by the God that you dare not name (rov o.Ka.ra.v6fM.ffrov v/juv) 
 and then lifting up his hands to heaven, he spoke out the Word, which it is 
 not lawful so much as to hear, &c. And the Heathens had something like 
 this custom ; for the Romans kept secret the name of the Tutelar God of their 
 City; lest the enemies, if they knew how to call him right, might by charms 
 draw him away. And in their Solemn Evocation of Gods from the Cities which 
 they besieged, for fear lest they should mistake the Deities proper name, they 
 added always, Sive quo alia nomine voceris. 
 
 1 8. The Tabernacle, Exod. 39. 9. And thou shalt take the anointing oyl, 
 and anoint the Tabernacle, and all that is therein ; and shalt hallow it, and 
 the vessels therein and it shall be holy. 
 
 19. The Bells upon the High-Priests Garments, Exodus 38. 25. 
 
 20. There want not Authors, and those no slight ones, who maintain 
 that Samuel was High-Priest as well as Judge; as S. Angitstine, and Sulpit. 
 Severus, who says, Admodum senex sacerdotio funiflus refertur. And some 
 make him to have succeeded Eli, others Achitob. But there is a manifest 
 error, for he was not so much as a Priest, but onely a Levite ; of the Race of 
 Isahar, the yonger Brother of Amram, from whom Aaron came, and all the 
 succession of Priests, i Chronic. 6. It will be therefore askt, Why I make 
 him here perform the office of the High-Priest, and dress him in the Pontifical 
 Habits? For the first, it is plain by the story that he did often do the duty of 
 the High-Priest, as here, and when Saul was appointed to stay for his coming 
 to celebrate the Sacrifice, &c. For the latter, I know not why he might not 
 as well wear the Habit, as exercise the function ; nay, I believe the function 
 could not be well exercised without the habit. I say therefore with Petavius, 
 L. 10. de Doftr. Tempor. That he was constituted of God, High-Priest 
 Extraordinary, and lookt upon as such by reason of the extraordinary visible 
 marks of Sanctity, Prophesie, and Miracles, without which singular testimonies 
 from God we know that in latter times there were often two at once, who did 
 execute the High-Priests Office, as Annas and Cai\a\phas. 
 
 21. Well-cut Diadem: i. The Plate of pure Gold tyed upon the Mitre, on 
 which was engraven, Holiness to the Lord, Exod. 28. 36. and Exod. 39. 
 
 22. This Breast- Plate is called by the Septuagint, Td Xoyetov r(av xplo-fuv, 
 The Oracle of Judgments: Because whensoever the High-Priest consulted 
 God, he was to have it upon his Breast. The Description of it, and the 
 Stones in it, see Exod. 28. 15. These stones so engraven, and disposed as 
 God appointed, I conceive to be the Urim and Thumnn\m\ mentioned Verse 30. 
 the DocJrina <5r Veritas, as the Latine; the (purio-fiol ical reXeiuo-eij, Light 
 and Perfection, as Aquila; the dXijfleta nal SrjXwm, Truth and Demonstration, 
 
 397
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 as the Septuagint : All which signifie no more then Truth and Manifestation, 
 or, the Manifestation of Truth by those Stones; which some say, was by the 
 shining of those particular Letters in the Names of the 7'ribes, that made up 
 some words or word to answer the question propounded. Others, that when 
 the stones shone very brightly, it implyed an Affirmative to the qu[est]ion ; and 
 when they looked dimly and cloudily, a Negative. But when the Demands 
 required a prolix, or various answer, that was either given by Illumination of 
 the High-Priests understanding, making him speak as Gods Organ or Oracle 
 (as the Devil is believed to have inspired Sybils and Pythian Priests) or by an 
 audible voyce from within the Sanftum Sanctorum ; which latter way I take 
 here, as most proper for Poetry. 
 
 23. The Tabernacle is called a Temple, i Sam. 19. i Sam. 11. 7. Psalm 18. 
 
 3. Josepfms terms it va6v /j-eratpepofifvov, A Moveable Temple The Temples 
 
 bright third Heaven The Tabernacle being Gods seat upon earth, was 
 
 made to Figure out the Heavens, which is more properly his Habitation ; and 
 was therefore divided into three parts, to signifie the same division of the 
 Heavens in Scripture Phrase. The first was the Court of the Tabernacle, 
 where the Sacrifices were slain and consumed by fire, to represent the whole 
 space from the earth up to the Moon (which is called very frequently Heaven 
 in the Bible) where all things are subject to corruption. The second was the 
 Sanftum, the Holy Place, wherein stood the Altar of Incense, to represent all 
 that space above which is possest by the Stars. The third was the SancJum 
 Sanftorum, the Holiest Place, to represent the third Heaven (spoken of by 
 S. Paul] which is the Dwelling-Place of God, and his Cherubins or Angels. 
 Neither did the colours of the Curtains allude to any thing but this similitude 
 betwixt the Tabernacle and Heaven. 
 
 24. In all times and all Countreys it hath been counted a certain sign of 
 the displeasure of the Deity to whom they sacrificed, if the Fire upon the 
 Altar burnt not clear and chearfully. Seneca in Thyest. 
 
 Et ipse fuwus tristis ac nebula grams 
 Non recJus exit, seq; in excelsum levans 
 Ipsos Penates nube deformi obsidet. 
 And a little after, 
 
 Vix lucet ignis, &c. 
 
 25. According to the old senseless opinion, that the Heavens were divided into 
 several Orbes or Spheres, and that a particular Intelligence or Angel was assigned 
 to each of them, to turn it round (like a Mill-horse, as Scaliger says) to all eternity. 
 
 26. How came it to pass that Samuel would make a solemn Sacrifice in a 
 place where the Tabernacle was not? which is forbid, Dent. 12. 8. Grotius 
 answers, first, that by reason of the several removes of the Tabernacle in 
 those times, men were allowed to sacrifice in several places. Secondly, that 
 the authority of an extraordinary Prophet was above that of the Ceremonial 
 Law. It is not said in the Text, that it was Samuels Birth-day ; but that is 
 an innocent addition, and was proper enough for Rama, which was the Town 
 of Samuels usual Residence. 
 
 27. A choice part of the meat (for we hear nothing of several Courses] 
 namely the Shoulder. The Left Shoulder (Grotius observes) for the right 
 belonged to the Priest, Levit. 7. 32. This Josephus terms fteplda BacriXi/cV, 
 The Princely Portion. The men over subtle in Allusions, think this part was 
 chosen to signifie the Burden that was then to be laid upon his shoulders. So 
 Menochius, as Philo, says ^zX. Joseph sent a part of the Breast to Benjamin, to 
 intimate his hearty affection. These are pitiful little things, but the Ancients 
 did not despise sometimes as odde Allusions. 
 
 398
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 In old time even at feasts men did not eat of dishes in common amongst 
 them, but every one had his Portion apart; which Plut. calls, 'OwpiKa. Sflirva, 
 and '0/xijpi/cds Sutras, Homer ique Feasts \ because Homer makes always his 
 Heroes to eat so, with whom the better men had always the most commons. 
 Ajax, vuroiffi StriveK^tffffi ytpalpercu, hath a Chine of Beef, Perpetui tergum 
 bovis. And Diomedes hath both more meat and more cups of drink set before 
 him; of which see Athen. 1. i. c. 11. who says likewise that Aais a Feast, 
 comes & AaTficrOai, from dividing equally, which makes Homer call it so often, 
 Aalra. ta-r)v. 
 
 28. See Note 12. on Book r. That Oy/mixt with any other liquor, still 
 gets uppermost, is perhaps one of the chiefest Significances in the Ceremony of 
 Anointing Kings and Priests. 
 
 29. The Kingly day. The day for election of a King, which causes a 
 new sEra, or Beginning of Chronological accounts. As before they were 
 wont to reckon, From the Going out of Egypt, or From the beginning of the 
 Government by Judges: So now they will, From the Entrance of their Kings. 
 Almost all great changes in the world are used as Marks for separation of 
 Times. 
 
 30. In many Countreys it was the custom to choose their Kings for the 
 comeliness and majesty of their Persons; as Aristotle reports of the Ethiopians; 
 and Heliogabalus ', though but a Boy, was chosen Emperour by the Roman 
 Souldiers at first sight of him, for his extraordinary beauty. Eurip. says 
 finely, ET5os atoi> rvpawldos, a countenance that deserved a Kingdom. 
 
 31. Aristotle says, Z. 6. Pol. -That it was a popular Institution to choose 
 Governors by Lots. But Lots left purely in the hand of Fortune would be 
 sure a dangerous way of Electing Kings. Here God appointed it, and there- 
 fore it was to be supposed would look to it ; and no doubt all Nations who 
 used this custom did it with reliance upon the care of their Gods. Priests 
 were likewise so chosen. 
 
 Laocoon duftus Neptuni sorte sacerdos. 
 
 32. This Seneca in Th. says, was the case of Ithaca. 
 
 Et putat mergi sua posse pauper 
 Regna Laertes Ithaca tremente. 
 
 33. Jaboc, a River, or Torrent in the Country of Amman, that runs into 
 the River Arnon. 
 
 34. Arabia the Stony, Arabia the Desert, and Arabia the Happy. 
 
 35. For some conceive that the reason of this extravagant demand of 
 Nahas, was to disable them from shooting. 
 
 36. It was Themistius his saying, that the Soul is the Architect of her own 
 dwelling place. Neither can we attribute the Formation of the Body in the 
 womb to any thing so reasonably as to the Soul communicated in the Seed ; 
 this was Aristotles opinion, for he says, Semen est artifex, The Seed is a 
 skilful Artificer. And though we have no Authorities of this nature beyond 
 the Grecian time ; yet it is to be supposed, that wise men in and before 
 Davids days had the same kind of opinions and discourses in all points of 
 Philosophy. 
 
 37. In allusion to the Lamps burning in the Sepulchres of the Ancients, 
 and going out as soon as ever the Sepulchres were opened and air let in. We 
 read not (I think) of this Invention but among the Romans. But we may well 
 enough believe (or at least say so in verse) that it came from the Eastern parts, 
 where there was so infinite expence and curiosity bestowed upon Sepulchres. 
 
 That Naas was slain in this battel, I have Josephus his authority; that 
 Jonathan slew him, is a stroke of Poetry. 
 
 399
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 38. In emulation of the Virgilian Verse, 
 Quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungttla campum. 
 
 39. The Text says, Thirty thousand Chariots; which is too many for 
 six thousand Horse. I have not the confidence to say Thirty thousand in 
 Verse. Grotius believe[s] it should be read '1 hree Thousand. Figures were 
 often mistaken in old Manuscripts, and this may be suspected in several 
 places of our Bibles, without any abatement of the reverence we owe to 
 Scripture. 
 
 40. I confess I incline to believe, that it was not so much Sauls invasion 
 of the Priestly office, by offering up the Sacrifice himself (for in some cases 
 (and the case here was very extraordinary) it is probable he might have done 
 that) as his disobedience to Gods command by Samuel, that he should stay 
 seven days, which was the sin so severely punisht in him. Yet I follow here 
 the more common opinion, as more proper for my purpose. 
 
 41. i Sam. 13. 10. 27. So it came to pass in the day of battel, that there 
 was neither sword nor spear found in the hands of any of the people that were 
 with Saul and Jonathan; but with Saul and Jonathan his Son there were 
 
 found, &*c. And before, There was no Smith throughout the Land of Israel. 
 But for all that, it is not to be imagined, that all the people could be without 
 arms, after their late great victories over the Philistines and Ammonites; but 
 that these six hundred by Gods appointment were unarmed, for the greater 
 manifestation of his glory in the defeat of the enemy, by so small and so ill- 
 provided a party; as in the story of Gideon, God so disposed it, that but three 
 hundred of two and twenty thousand lapped the water out of their hands, 
 because (says he) the people are yet too many. 
 
 42. At first men had no other weapons but their Hands, &c. 
 
 Arma antiqtia, manus, ungues, dentesq; fuerunt. 
 Then Clubs, 
 
 Stipitibus duris agitur sudibusq; prczustis. 
 And at last Iron, 
 
 Turn Ferri rigor, &fc. 
 
 Turn varitz venere artes, <SrY. 
 
 Hie torre armatits adusto, 
 
 Stipitis hie gravidi nodis, quod cuiq; repertum 
 
 Rimanti, telum ira facit. 
 
 43. The Mediterranean, upon the coast of which the whole Countrey of 
 the Philistines lies, and contains but very few miles in breadth. 
 
 44. Horn. 6. Odyss. 
 
 Tdy fj.ev 'AGrjvai-r) OTJKCV Aibs ticyeyavia 
 Me/fiwd r' elaid&tv xai irdffffova, KaS 5e Kdpyros 
 OtfXas yKe /coyuas vaKivOivif avOei bfiolas. 
 Virg. Lumenq; juventa 
 
 Purpureum, &* Icetos oculis affl&rat honores. 
 
 45. Horn. 5. II. 
 
 Qvve yap Sifi iredLov iroTO.^ ir\^8omi 
 ~Kifj.ap6<f>, o$ T' UKO. ptuv fKeavo-e 
 TOV 5' O$T' &p re y(f>vpai eep/jitvai 
 O#T' apa epxea, ?0"X ft aXifduv epi6r) 
 
 IloXXa 5' inr 1 avrov tpya Karripnre KO\' 
 And in the 13. //. there is an excellent comparison of Heftor to a River, and 
 the like too in the 1 1. so that it seems he pleased himself much with the simili- 
 tude. And Virgil too liked it very well, 
 
 400
 
 DAVIDEIS BOOK IV 
 
 Non sic aggeribus ruptis cum spumeus amnis 
 Exiit, <Srv. 
 And in several other places. 
 
 46. i Sam. 6. 4. Five golden Etnerods, and Jive golden Mice, according to 
 the number of the Lords of the Philistines. 
 
 47. His Blood. Moses says often, that the Soul is in the Blood, thrice in 
 one Chapter, Levit. 17. and he gives that reason for the Precept not to eat 
 Blood. Virg. 
 
 Purpureatn vomit ille animam. 
 
 48. See the Cyclops making of Thunder in Virg. dEn. 8. 
 
 49. Brute. That signified nothing. So Thunders from whence the Ancients 
 could collect no Prognostications, were called Brute Thunders; From Brute 
 Beasts, whose sounds are inarticulate. 
 
 c. cc 401
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Verses written on several occasions. 
 CHRISrS PASSION, 
 
 Taken out of a Greek Ode^ written by 
 Mr. Masters of New College in Oxford. 
 
 E 
 
 i. 
 
 Nough, my Muse, of Earthly things, 
 
 And inspirations but of wind, 
 Take up thy Lute, and to it bind 
 Loud and everlasting strings ; 
 And on 'em play, and to 'em sing, 
 The happy mournful stories, 
 The Lamentable glories, 
 Of the great Crucified King. 
 Mountainous heap of wonders ! which do'st rise 
 
 Till Earth thou joynest with the Skies ! 
 Too large at bottom, and at top too high, 
 To be half seen by mortal eye. 
 How shall I grasp this boundless thing ? 
 What shall I play ? what shall I sing ? 
 I'll sing the Mighty riddle of mysterious love, 
 Which neither wretched men below, nor blessed Spirits above 
 
 With all their Comments can explain ; 
 How all the whole Worlds Life to die did not disdain. 
 
 2. 
 I'll sing the Searchless depths of the Compassion Divine, 
 
 The depths unfathom'd yet 
 By reasons Plummet, and the line of Wit, 
 Too light the Plummet, and too short the line, 
 How the Eternal Father did bestow 
 His own Eternal Son as ransom for his Foe, 
 
 I'll sing aloud, that all the World may hear, 
 The Triumph of the buried Conquerer. 
 How Hell was by its Pris'ner Captive led, 
 And the great slayer Death slain by the Dead. 
 
 402
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 3- 
 
 Me thinks I hear of murthered men the voice, 
 Mixt with the Murderers confused noise, 
 
 Sound from the top of Calvarie ; 
 My greedy eyes fly up the Hill, and see 
 Who 'tis hangs there the midmost of the three ; 
 
 Oh how unlike the others he ! 
 
 Look how he bends his gentle head with blessings from the Tree ! 
 His gracious Hands ne'r stretcht but to do good, 
 Are nail'd to the infamous wood : 
 And sinful Man do's fondly bind 
 The Arms, which he extends t'embrace all humane kind. 
 
 4- 
 Unhappy Man, canst thou stand by, and see 
 
 All this as patient, as he ? 
 
 Since he thy Sins do's bear, 
 
 Make thou his sufferings thine own, 
 
 And weep, and sigh, and groan, 
 
 And beat thy Breast, and tear, 
 
 Thy Garments, and thy Hair, 
 
 And let thy grief, and let thy love 
 
 Through all thy bleeding bowels move. 
 Do'st thou not see thy Prince in purple clad all o're, 
 Not purple brought from the Sidonian shore, 
 
 But made at home with richer gore ? 
 Dost thou not see the Roses, which adorn 
 
 The thorny Garland, by him worn ? 
 
 Dost thou not see the livid traces 
 
 Of the sharp scourges rude embraces ? 
 
 If yet thou feelest not the smart 
 
 Of Thorns and Scourges in thy heart, 
 
 If that be yet not crucifi'd, 
 Look on his Hands, look on his Feet, look on his Side. 
 
 5- 
 
 Open, Oh ! open wide the Fountains of thine eyes, 
 
 And let 'em call 
 
 Their stock of moisture forth, where e're it lies, 
 For this will ask it all. 
 
 cc 2 403
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 'Twould all (alas) too little be, 
 Though thy salt tears came from a Sea : 
 Canst thou deny him this, when he 
 
 Has open'd all his vital Springs for thee ? 
 
 Take heed ; for by his sides misterious flood 
 May well be understood, 
 
 That he will still require some waters to his blood. 
 
 On Orinda s Poems. 
 ODE. 
 
 WE allow'd You Beauty, and we did submit 
 To all the Tyrannies of it ; 
 Ah ! Cruel Sex, will you depose us too in Wit ? 
 
 Orinda does in that too raign, 
 Does Man behind her in Proud Triumph draw, 
 And Cancel great Apollo's Salick Law. 
 
 We our old Title plead in vain, 
 Man may be Head, but Woman's now the Brain. 
 Verse was Loves Fire-arms heretofore, 
 In Beauties Camp it was not known, 
 Too many Arms besides that Conquerour bore : 
 'Twas the great Canon we brought down 
 
 T'assault a stubborn Town ; 
 Orinda first did a bold sally make, 
 
 Our strongest Quarter take, 
 And so successful prov'd, that she 
 Turn'd upon Love himself his own Artillery. 
 
 2. 
 
 Women as if the Body were their Whole, 
 
 Did that, and not the Soul 
 
 Transmit to their Posterity ; 
 
 If in it sometime they conceiv'd, 
 
 Th' abortive Issue never liv'd. 
 'Twere shame and pity' Orinda^ if in thee 
 A Spirit so rich, so noble, and so high 
 
 Should unmanur'd, or barren lye. 
 
 404
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 But thou industriously hast sow'd and till'd 
 
 The fair, and fruitful field ; 
 And 'tis a strange increase, that it does yield. 
 As when the happy Gods above 
 Meet altogether at a feast, 
 A secret Joy unspeakably does move, 
 In their great Mother Cybele's contented breast : 
 With no less pleasure thou methinks shouldst see, 
 This thy no less immortal Progenie. 
 And in their Birth thou no one touch dost find, 
 Of th' ancient curse to Woman-kind, 
 
 Thou bringst not forth with pain, 
 It neither Travel is, nor labour of the brain, 
 So easily they from thee come, 
 And there is so much room 
 In th' unexhausted and unfathom'd Womb, 
 That like the Holland Countess thou mayst bear 
 A child for every day of all the fertil year. 
 
 o- 
 
 Thou dost my wonder, wouldst my envy raise 
 to be prais'd I lov'd more than to praise, 
 
 3- 
 
 Thou dost my wonder, w 
 If 
 
 Where e're I see an excellence, 
 I must admire to see thy well knit sense, 
 Thy numbers gentle, and thy Fancies high, 
 Those as thy forehead smooth, these sparkling as thine eye. 
 'Tis solid, and 'tis manly all, 
 Or rather 'tis Angelical, 
 For as in Angels, we 
 Do in thy Verses see 
 Both improv'd Sexes eminently meet, 
 They are than Man more strong, and more than Woman sweet. 
 
 4- 
 
 They talk of Nine, I know not who, 
 Female Chimera's that o're Poets reign, 
 
 I ne'r could find that fancy true, 
 But have invok'd them oft I'm sure in vain : 
 They talk of Sappho, but alas, the shame ! 
 Ill manners soil the lustre of her Fame : 
 
 405
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Orinda's inward virtue is so bright, 
 
 That like a Lanthorn's fair inclosed Light, 
 
 It through the Paper shines where she do's write. 
 
 Honour and Friendship, and the generous scorn 
 
 Of things for which we were not born, 
 (Things that can only by a fond Disease, 
 Like that of Girles, our vicious Stomachs please) 
 Are the instructive Subjects of her pen, 
 
 And as the Roman Vidtory 
 Taught our rude Land, Arts, and Civility, 
 At once she overcomes, enslaves, and betters Men. 
 
 5- 
 
 But Rome with all her Arts could ne'r inspire, 
 A Female Breast with such a fire. 
 The warlike Amazonian train, 
 Who in Elysium now do peaceful reign, 
 And wits milde Empire before Arms prefer, 
 Hope 'twill be setled in their sex by her. 
 Merlin the Seer, (and sure he would not ly, 
 
 In such a sacred Company,) 
 Does Prophecies of Learn'd Orinda show, 
 Which he had darkly spoke so long ago. 
 
 Ev'n Boadicid's angry Ghost 
 Forgets her own misfortune, and disgrace, 
 
 And to her injur'd Daughters now does boast, 
 That Rome's o'ercome at last, by a woman of her Race. 
 
 ODE. 
 
 Upon occasion of a Copy of Verses of my 
 Lord Broghills. 
 
 B 
 
 E gon (said I) Ingrateful Muse, and see 
 
 What others thou canst fool as well as me. 
 Since I grew Man, and wiser ought to be, 
 My business and my hopes I left for thee : 
 
 406
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 For thee (which was more hardly given away) 
 
 I left, even when a Boy, my Play. 
 
 But say, Ingrateful Mistress, say, 
 What for all this, what didst Thou ever pay ? 
 
 Thou'lt say, perhaps, that Riches are 
 Not of the growth of Lands, where thou dost Trade, 
 And I, as well my Countrey might upbraid 
 
 Because I have no vineyard there. 
 Well : but in Love, thou dost pretend to Reign, 
 
 There thine the power and Lordship is, 
 Thou bad'st me write, and write, and write again ; 
 
 'Twas such a way as could not miss. 
 
 I like a Fool, did thee Obey, 
 I wrote, and wrote, but still I wrote in vain, 
 For after all my expense of Wit and Pain, 
 A rich, unwriting Hand, carry'd the Prize away. 
 
 2. 
 
 Thus I complain'd, and straight the Muse reply'd, 
 
 That she had given me Fame. 
 Bounty Immense ! And that too must be try'd, 
 When I my self am nothing but a name. 
 
 Who now, what Reader does not strive 
 T'invalidate the gift whilst w'are alive ? 
 For when a Poet now himself doth show, 
 
 As if he were a common Foe, 
 
 All draw upon him, all around, 
 
 And every part of him they wound, 
 Happy the Man that gives the deepest blow : 
 And this is all, kind Muse, to thee we owe. 
 
 Then in a rage I took 
 
 And out at window threw 
 Ovid and Horace, all the chiming Crew, 
 
 Homer himself went with them too, 
 Hardly escap'd the sacred Mantuan Book : 
 I my own Off-spring, like Agave tore 
 And I resolv'd, nay and I think I swore, 
 That I no more the Ground would Till and Sow, 
 Where only flowry Weeds instead of Corn did grow. 
 
 407
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 When (see the subtil ways which Fate does find, 
 
 Rebellious man to bind, 
 Just to the work for which he is assign'd) 
 The Muse came in more chearful than before, 
 And bad me quarrel with her now no more. 
 
 Loe thy reward ! look here and see, 
 
 What I have made (said she) 
 My Lover, and belov'd, my Broghil do for thee. 
 Though thy own verse no lasting fame can give, 
 Thou shalt at least in his for ever live. 
 What Criticks, the great Heffors now in Wit, 
 Who Rant and Challenge all men that have Writ, 
 
 Will dare t' oppose thee when 
 Broghil in thy defence has drawn his conquering Pen ? 
 
 I rose and bow'd my head, 
 And pardon askt for all that I had said, 
 
 Well satisfi'd and proud, 
 I straight resolv'd, and solemnly I vow'd, 
 That from her service now I ne'r would part. 
 So strongly, large Rewards work on a grateful Heart. 
 
 Nothing so soon the drooping Spirits can raise 
 As 'Praises from the Men, whom all men praise. 
 'Tis the best Cordial, and which only those 
 Who have at home th' Ingredients can compose, 
 A Cordial, that restores our fainting Breath, 
 
 And keeps up Life even after Death. 
 The only danger is, lest it should be 
 
 Too strong a remedie : 
 Lest, in removing cold, it should beget 
 
 Too violent a heat ; 
 And into madness, turn the Lethargic. 
 
 Ah ! Gracious God ! that I might see 
 A time when it were dangerous for me 
 
 To be o're heat with Praise ! 
 But I within me bear (alas) too great allayes. 
 
 408
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 5- 
 
 'Tis said, Apelles, when he Venus drew, 
 Did naked Women for his pattern view, 
 And with his powerful fancy did refine 
 Their humane shapes into a form Divine ; 
 None who had set could her own Picture see, 
 
 Or say, One part was drawn for me : 
 So, though this nobler Painter when he writ, 
 Was pleas'd to think it fit 
 That my Book should before him sit, 
 Not as a cause, but an occasion to his wit : 
 Yet what have I to boast, or to apply 
 To my advantage out of it, since I, 
 Instead of my own likeness, only find 
 The bright Idea there, of the great Writers mind ? 
 
 ODE. 
 
 Mr. CowleyV Book presenting it self to the 
 University Library of Oxford. 
 
 HAil Learnings Pantheon \ Hail the sacred Ark 
 Where all the World of Science do's imbarque ! 
 Which ever shall withstand, and hast so long withstood, 
 
 Insatiate Times devouring Flood. 
 
 Hail Tree of Knowledg, thy leaves Fruit ! which well 
 Dost in the midst of Paradise arise, 
 
 Oxford the Muses Paradise, 
 From which may never Sword the blest expell. 
 Hail Bank of all past Ages ! where they lye 
 T* inrich with interest Posterity ! 
 
 Hail Wits Illustrious Galaxy ! 
 
 Where thousand Lights into one brightness spread ; 
 Hail living University of the Dead ! 
 
 2. 
 
 Unconfus'd Babel of all tongues, which er'e 
 The mighty Linguist Fame, or Time the mighty Traveler, 
 That could speak, or this could hear. 
 
 409
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Majestick Monument and Pyramide, 
 Where still the shapes of parted Souls abide 
 Embalm'd in verse, exalted souls which now 
 Enjoy those Arts they woo'd so well below, 
 Which now all wonders plainly see, 
 That have been, are, or are to be, 
 In the mysterious Library, 
 The Beatifick Bodley of the Deity. 
 
 3- 
 
 Will you into your Sacred throng admit 
 The meanest British Wit ? 
 
 You Gen'ral Councel of the Priests of Fame, 
 Will you not murmur and disdain, 
 That I place among you claim, 
 The humblest Deacon of her train ? 
 
 Will you allow me th' honourable chain ? 
 
 The chain of Ornament which here 
 Your noble Prisoners proudly wear ; 
 
 A Chain which will more pleasant seem to me 
 
 Than all my own Pindarick Liberty : 
 
 Will ye to bind me with those mighty names submit, 
 Like an Apocrypha with holy Writ ? 
 
 What ever happy book is chained here, 
 
 No other place or People need to fear ; 
 
 His Chain's a Pasport to go ev'ry where. 
 
 4- 
 
 As when a seat in Heaven, 
 Is to an unmalicious Sinner given, 
 
 Who casting round his wondring eye, 
 Does none but Patriarchs and Apostles there espye ; 
 
 Martyrs who did their lives bestow, 
 
 And Saints who Martyrs liv'd below; 
 With trembling and amazement he begins, 
 To recoiled: his frailties past and sins, 
 
 He doubts almost his Station there, 
 His soul sayes to it self, How came I here ? 
 It fares no otherwise with me 
 When I my self with conscious wonder see, 
 Amidst this purifi'd eledted Companie. 
 
 410
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 With hardship they, and pain, 
 
 Did to this happiness attain : 
 No labour I, nor merits can pretend, 
 I think Predestination only was my friend. 
 
 5- 
 
 Ah, that my Author had been ty'd like me 
 To such a place, and such a Companie ! 
 Instead of sev'ral Countries, sev'ral Men, 
 
 And business which the Muses hate, 
 He might have then improv'd that small Estate, 
 Which nature sparingly did to him give, 
 
 He might perhaps have thriven then, 
 And setled, upon me his Child, somewhat to live. 
 'T had happier been for him, as well as me, 
 
 For when all, (alas) is done, 
 
 We Books, I mean, You Books, will prove to be 
 The best and noblest conversation. 
 
 For though some errors will get in, 
 
 Like Tinctures of Original sin : 
 
 Yet sure we from our Fathers wit 
 
 Draw all the strength and Spirit of it : 
 Leaving the grosser parts for conversation, 
 As the best blood of Man's imploy'd in generation. 
 
 ODE. 
 
 Sitting and Drinking in the Chair ^ made out of the 
 Reliques of Sir Francis Drake's Ship. 
 
 CHear up my Mates, the wind does fairly blow, 
 Clap on more sail and never spare ; 
 Farewell all Lands, for now we are 
 In the wide Sea of Drink, and merrily we go. 
 Bless me, 'tis hot ! another bowl of wine, 
 
 And we shall cut the Burning Line : 
 Hey Boyes ! she scuds away, and by my head I know, 
 We round the World are sailing now. 
 
 411
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 What dull men are those who tarry at home, 
 When abroad they might wantonly rome, 
 
 And gain such experience, and spy too 
 
 Such Countries, and Wonders as I do ? 
 But prythee good Pilot take heed what you do, 
 
 And fail not to touch at Peru ; 
 
 With Gold, there the Vessel we'll store, 
 
 And never, and never be poor, 
 
 No never be poor any more. 
 
 2. 
 
 What do I mean ? What thoughts do me misguide ? 
 As well upon a staff may Witches ride 
 
 Their fancy'd Journies in the Ayr, 
 As I sail round the Ocean in this Chair : 
 
 'Tis true ; but yet this Chair which here you see, 
 For all its quiet now, and gravitie, 
 Has wandred, and has travailed more, 
 Than ever Beast, or Fish, or Bird, or ever Tree before. 
 In every Ayr, and every Sea't has been, 
 'T has compas'd all the Earth, and all the Heavens 't has seen. 
 Let not the Pope's it self with this compare, 
 This is the only Universal Chair. 
 
 3- 
 
 The pious Wandrers Fleet, sav'd from the flame, 
 (Which s.till the Reliques did of Troy persue, 
 
 And took them for its due) 
 A squadron of immortal Nymphs became : 
 Still with their Arms they row about the Seas, 
 And still make new and greater voyages ; 
 Nor has the first Poetick Ship of Greece, 
 (Though now a star she so Triumphant show, 
 And guide her sailing Successors below, 
 Bright as her ancient freight the shining fleece ;) 
 Yet to this day a quiet harbour found, 
 The tide of Heaven still carries her around. 
 Only Drakes Sacred vessel which before 
 
 Had done, and had seen more, 
 
 Than those have done or seen, 
 Ev'n since they Goddesses, and this a Star has been ; 
 
 412
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 As a reward for all her labour past, 
 
 Is made the seat of rest at last. 
 
 Let the case now quite alter'd be, 
 And as thou went'st abroad the World to see ; 
 
 Let the World now come to see thee. 
 
 The World will do't ; for Curiosity 
 Does no less than devotion, Pilgrims make ; 
 And I my self who now love quiet too, 
 As much almost as any Chair can do, 
 
 Would yet a journey take, 
 An old wheel of that Chariot to see, 
 
 Which Phaeton so rashly brake : 
 
 Yet what could that say more than these remains of Drake? 
 Great Relique ! thou too, in this Port of ease, 
 Hast still one way of Making Voyages ; 
 The breath of fame, like an auspicious Gale, 
 
 (The great Trade-wind which ne're does fail,) 
 Shall drive thee round the World, and thou shalt run, 
 
 As long around it as the Sun. 
 The straights of time too narrow are for thee, 
 Lanch forth into an indiscovered Sea, 
 And steer the endless course of vast Eternitie, 
 Take for thy Sail this Verse, and for thy Pilot Mee. 
 
 Upon the Death of the Earl of Balcarres. 
 
 i. 
 
 TIs folly all, that can be said 
 By living Mortals of th' immortal dead, 
 And I'm afraid they laugh at the vain tears we shed. 
 'Tis, as if we, who stay behind 
 In Expectation of the wind 
 Should pity those, who pass'd this strait before, 
 
 And touch the universal shore. 
 Ah happy Man, who art to sail no more ! 
 
 413
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 And, if it seem ridiculous to grieve 
 Because our Friends are newly come from Sea, 
 Though ne're so fair and calm it be ; 
 What would all sober men believe 
 If they should hear us sighing say : 
 Balcarres^ who but th' other day 
 Did all our Love and our respecl: command, 
 At whose great parts we all amaz'd did stand, 
 Is from a storm, alass ! cast suddenly on land ? 
 
 2. 
 
 If you will say : Few persons upon Earth 
 
 Did more then he, deserve to have 
 A life exempt from fortune and the grave ; 
 
 Whether you look upon his Birth, 
 And Ancestors, whose fame's so widely spred, 
 But Ancestors alas, who long ago are dead ! 
 Or whither you consider more 
 The vast increase, as sure you ought, 
 Of honor by his Labour bought, 
 And added to the former store. 
 All I can answer, is, that I allow 
 The priviledge you plead for ; and avow 
 That, as he well deserv'd, he doth injoy it now. 
 
 3- 
 
 Though God for great and righteous ends, 
 Which his unerring Providence intends, 
 Erroneous mankind should not understand, 
 Would not permit Balcarres hand, 
 That once with so much industry and art 
 Had clos'd the gaping wounds of ev'ry part, 
 To perfeft his distracted Nations Cure, 
 Or stop the fatal bondage, 't was t'endure ; 
 Yet for his pains he soon did him remove 
 From all th' oppression and the woe 
 Of his frail Bodies Native Soil below, 
 To his Souls true and peaceful Count'ry above : 
 So God, like Kings, for secret causes known 
 Sometimes, but to themselves alone, 
 
 414
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 One of their ablest Ministers elect, 
 
 And send abroad to Treaties, which th' intend 
 
 Shall never take effect. 
 
 But, though the Treaty wants a happy end, 
 The happy agent wants not the reward, 
 For which he Labour'd faithfully and hard ; 
 His just and righteous Master calls him home, 
 And gives him near himself some honourable Toom. 
 
 Noble and great endeavours did he bring 
 
 To save his Country and restore his King ; 
 
 And whilst the Manly half of him, which those, 
 
 Who know not Love, to be the whole suppose ; 
 
 Perform'd all parts of Virtues vigorous Life ; 
 The beauteous half his lovely Wife 
 
 Did all his Labors and his cares divide ; 
 
 Nor was a lame, nor paralitick side. 
 
 In all the turnes of human state, 
 And all th' unjust attacques of fate 
 She bore her share and portion still, 
 
 And would not suffer any to be ill. 
 
 Unfortunate for ever let me be, 
 
 If I believe that such was he, 
 Whom, in the storms of bad success, 
 
 And all that error calls unhappiness, 
 His virtue, and his virtuous Wife did still accompany. 
 
 With these companions 't was not strange 
 That nothing could his temper change. 
 
 His own and Countries union had not weight 
 Enough to crush his mighty mind. 
 
 He saw around the Hurricans of State, 
 
 Fixt as an Island 'gainst the waves and wind. 
 Thus far the greedy Sea may reach, 
 All outward things are but the [beach] ; 
 
 A great Mans Soul it doth assault in vain. 
 
 Their God himself the Ocean doth restrain 
 
 415
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 With an imperceptible chain, 
 
 And bid it to go back again : 
 His Wisdom, Justice, and his Piety, 
 His Courage both to suffer and to die, 
 
 His Virtues and his Lady too 
 
 Were things Celestial. And we see 
 In spight of quarrelling Philosophic, 
 
 How in this case 'tis certain found, 
 That Heav'n stands still, and only Earth goes round. 
 
 ODE. 
 
 Upon Dr. Harvey. 
 
 i. 
 
 C 
 
 kOy Nature, (which remain'd, though aged grown, 
 A Beauteous virgin still, injoy'd by none, 
 
 Nor seen unveil'd by any one) 
 When Harveys violent passion she did see, 
 Began to tremble, and to flee, 
 Took Sanctuary like Daphne in a tree : 
 There Daphnes lover stop't, and thought it much 
 
 The very Leaves of her to touch, 
 But Harvey our Apollo, stopt not so, 
 Into the Bark, and root he after her did goe : 
 
 No smallest Fibres of a Plant, 
 For which the eiebeams Point doth sharpness want, 
 
 His passage after her withstood. 
 
 What should she do ? through all the moving wood 
 Of Lives indow'd with sense she took her flight, 
 Harvey persues, and keeps her still in sight. 
 But as the Deer long-hunted takes a flood, 
 She leap't at last into the winding streams of blood ; 
 Of mans Meander all the Purple reaches made, 
 
 Till at the heart she stay'd, 
 
 Where turning head, and at a Bay, 
 Thus, by well-purged ears, was she o're-heard to say. 
 
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 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 2. 
 
 Here sure shall I be safe (said she) 
 None will be able sure to see 
 
 This my retreat, but only He 
 
 Who made both it and me. 
 The heart of Man, what Art can e're reveal ? 
 
 A wall impervious between 
 
 Divides the very Parts within, 
 And doth the Heart of man ev'n from its self conceal. 
 
 She spoke, but e're she was aware, 
 
 Harvey was with her there, 
 And held this slippery Proteus in a chain, 
 Till all her mighty Mysteries she descry'd, 
 Which from his wit the attempt before to hide 
 Was the first Thing that Nature did in vain. 
 
 3- 
 
 He the young Practise of New life did see, 
 
 Whil'st to conceal its toilsome Poverty, 
 It for a living wrought, both hard, and privately. 
 Before the Liver understood 
 
 The noble Scarlet Dye of Blood, 
 
 Before one drop was by it made, 
 Or brought into it, to set up the Trade ; 
 Before the untaught Heart began to beat 
 The tuneful March to vital Heat, 
 From all the Souls that living Buildings rear, 
 Whether imply'd for Earth, or Sea, or Air, 
 Whether it in the Womb or Egg be wrought, 
 A stricl account to him is hourly brought, 
 How the Great Fabrick does proceed, 
 What time and what materials it does need. 
 He so exactly does the work survey, 
 As if he hir'd the workers by the day. 
 
 4- 
 
 Thus Harvey sought for Truth in Truth's own Book 
 The Creatures, which by God himself was writ ; 
 
 And wisely thought 'twas fit, 
 Not to read Comments only upon it, 
 But on th'original it self to look. 
 
 C. DD 417
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Methinks in Arts great Circle others stand 
 
 Lock't up together, Hand in Hand, 
 
 Every one leads as he is led, 
 
 The same bare path they tread, 
 A Dance like Fairies a Fantastick round, 
 But neither change their motion, nor their ground : 
 Had Harvey to this Road confin'd his wit, 
 His noble Circle of the Blood, had been untroden yet. 
 Great Dodlor ! Th' Art of Curing's cur'd by thee, 
 
 We now thy patient Physick see, 
 From all inveterate diseases free, 
 
 Purg'd of old errors by thy care, 
 New dieted, put forth to clearer air, 
 
 It now will strong and healthful prove, 
 It self before Lethargick lay, and could not move. 
 
 These useful secrets to his Pen we owe, 
 And thousands more 'twas ready to bestow ; 
 Of which a barb'rous Wars unlearned Rage 
 
 Has robb'd the ruin'd age ; 
 O cruel loss ! as if the Golden Fleece, 
 
 With so much cost, and labour bought, 
 And from a far by a Great Heroe brought 
 Had sunk ev'n in the Ports of Greece. 
 O' cursed Warr ! who can forgive thee this? 
 Houses and Towns may rise again, 
 
 And ten times easier it is 
 To rebuild Pauls, than any work of his. 
 That mighty Task none but himself can do, 
 
 Nay, scarce himself too now, 
 For though his Wit the force of Age withstand, 
 His Body alas ! and Time it must command, 
 And Nature now, so long by him surpass't, 
 Will sure have her revenge on him at last. 
 
 418
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 ODE. 
 
 Acme and Septimius out of Catullus. 
 
 Acmen Septimius suos amores 
 Tenens in gremio, &c. 
 
 WHilst on Septimius panting Brest, 
 (Meaning nothing less then Rest) 
 Acme lean'd her loving head, 
 Thus the pleas'd Septimius said. 
 
 My dearest Acme, if I be 
 
 Once alive, and love not thee 
 
 With a Passion far above 
 
 All that e're was called Love, 
 
 In a Lybian desert may 
 
 I become some Lions prey, 
 
 Let him, Acme, let him tear 
 
 My Brest, when Acme is not there. 
 
 The God of Love who stood to hear him, 
 (The God of Love was always near him) 
 Pleas'd and tickl'd with the sound, 
 Sneez'd aloud, and all around 
 The little Loves that waited by, 
 Bow'd and blest the Augurie. 
 
 Acme enflam'd with what he said, 
 Rear'd her gently-bending head, 
 And her purple mouth with joy 
 Stretching to the delicious Boy 
 Twice (and twice could scarce suffice) 
 She kist his drunken, rowling eyes. 
 
 My little Life, my All (said she) 
 
 So may we ever servants be 
 
 To this best God, and ne'r retain 
 
 Our hated Liberty again, 
 
 So may thy passion last for me, 
 
 As I a passion have for thee, 
 
 Greater and fiercer much then can 
 
 DD 2 419
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Be conceiv'd by Thee a Man. 
 
 Into my Marrow is it gone, 
 
 Fixt and setled in the Bone, 
 
 It reigns not only in my Heart, 
 
 But runs, like Life, through ev'ry part. 
 
 She spoke ; the God of Love aloud, 
 
 Sneez'd again, and all the crowd 
 
 Of little Loves that waited by, 
 
 Bow'd and blest the Augurie. 
 
 This good Omen thus from Heaven 
 
 Like a happy signal given, 
 
 Their Loves and Lives (all four) embrace, 
 
 And hand in hand run all the race. 
 
 To poor Septimius (who did now 
 
 Nothing else but Acme grow) 
 
 Acmis bosome was alone, 
 
 The whole worlds Imperial Throne, 
 
 And to faithful Acmes mind 
 
 Septimius was all Human kind. 
 
 If the Gods would please to be 
 
 But advis'd for once by me, 
 
 I'de advise 'em when they spie, 
 
 Any illustrious Piety, 
 
 To reward Her, if it be she ; 
 
 To reward Him, if it be He ; 
 
 With such a Husband, such a Wife, 
 
 With Acme's and Septimius 1 Life. 
 
 ODE. 
 
 Upon His Majesties Restoration and Return. 
 
 Virgil. Quod optanti Divum promittere nemo 
 
 Auderet, vohenda dies, en, attulit ultra. 
 
 i. 
 
 NOw Blessings on you all, ye peaceful Starrs, 
 Which meet at last so kindly, and dispence 
 Your universal gentle Influence, 
 To calm the stormy World, and still the rage of Warrs. 
 
 420
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 Nor whilst around the Continent, 
 Plenipotentiary Beams ye sent, 
 
 Did your Pacifick Lights disdain, 
 
 In their large Treaty to contain 
 The world apart, o're which do raign 
 Your seven fair Brethren of Great Charh his Wane 
 No Star amon[g]st ye all did, I believe, 
 
 Such vigorous assistance give, 
 
 As that which thirty years ago, 
 
 At *Charh his Birth, did, in despight 
 
 Of the_ proud Sun's Meridian T-'ght, 
 
 His future Glories, and this Tear foreshow, 
 
 No less effects than these we may 
 
 Be assur'd of from that powerful Ray, 
 Which could out-face the Sun, and overcome the Day. 
 
 2. 
 
 Auspicious Star again arise, 
 And take thy Noon-tide station in the skies, 
 Again all Heaven prodigiously adorn ; 
 
 For loe ! thy Charh again is Born. 
 
 He then was Born with and to pain : 
 
 With, and to Joy he's born again. 
 
 And wisely for this second Birth, 
 
 By which thou certain wert to bless 
 The Land with full and flourishing Happiness 
 
 Thou mad'st of that fair Month thy choice, 
 
 In which Heaven, Air, and Sea, and Earth, 
 And all that's in them all does smile, and does rejoyce. 
 'Twas a right Season, and the very Ground 
 Ought with a face of Paradise to be found, 
 
 Th[e]n when we were to entertain 
 Felicity and Innocence again. 
 
 3- 
 
 Shall we again (good Heaven !) that Blessed pair behold, 
 Which the abused People fondly sold 
 
 * The Star that appeared at Noon, the day of the Kings Birth, just as 
 the King His Father was riding to St. Pauls to give thanks to God for 
 that Blessing. 
 
 4 2I
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 For the bright Fruit of the forbidden Tree, 
 
 By seeking all like gods to be ? 
 Will Peace her Halcyon Nest venture to build 
 
 Upon a Shore with Shipwracks fill'd ? 
 And trust that Sea, where she can hardly say, 
 Sh'has known these twenty years one calmy day, 
 
 Ah ! mild and gaulless Dove, 
 Which dost the pure and candid Dwellings love : 
 
 Canst thou in Albion still delight ? 
 
 Still canst thou think it white ? 
 Will ever fair Religion appear 
 In these deformed Ruins ? will she clear 
 Th'dug<zan Stables of her Churches here ? 
 
 Will Justice hazard to be seen 
 Where a High Court of Justice e're has been ? 
 
 Will not the Tragique Scene, 
 And Bradsbaw's bloody Ghost affright her there, 
 
 Her who shall never fear ? 
 
 Then may White-hall for Charles his Seat be fit. 
 If Justice shall endure at Westminster to sit. 
 
 4- 
 
 Of all, methinks, we least should see 
 The chearful looks again of Liberty. 
 That Name of Cromwell, which does freshly still 
 The C.urses of so many sufferers fill, 
 
 Is still enough to make her stay, 
 
 And jealous for a while remain, 
 Lest as a Tempest carried him away, 
 Some Hurican should bring him back again. 
 
 Or she might justlier be afraid 
 Lest that great Serpent, which was all a Tail, 
 (And in his poys'nous folds whole Nations Prisoners made) 
 
 Should a third time perhaps prevail 
 To joyn again, and with worse sting arise, 
 As it had done, when cut in pieces twice. 
 
 Return, return, ye Sacred Four, 
 And dread your perisht Enemies no more, 
 
 Your fears are causeless all, and vain 
 
 Whilst you return in Charles his train, 
 
 422
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 For God does Him, that He might You restore, 
 
 Nor shall the world him only call, 
 Defender of the Faith, but of ye All. 
 
 5- 
 
 Along with you Plenty and Riches go 
 With a full Tide to every Port they flow, 
 With a warm fruitful wind o're all the Countrey blow. 
 Honour does as ye march her Trumpet sound, 
 
 The Arts encompass you around, 
 
 And against all Alarms of Fear, 
 
 Safety it self brings up the Rear. 
 And in the head of this Angelique band, 
 Lo, how the Goodly Prince at last does stand 
 (O righteous God!} on his own happy Land. 
 'Tis Happy now, which could, with so much ease 
 Recover from so desperate a Disease, 
 
 A various complicated ///, 
 Whose every Symptoms was enough to kill, 
 In which one part of Three Frenzey possest, 
 
 And Lethargy the rest. 
 'Tis Happy, which no Bleeding does indure 
 
 A Surfet of such Blood to cure. 
 
 'Tis Happy, which beholds the Flame 
 In which by hostile hands it ought, to burn, 
 
 Or that which if from Heaven it came 
 It did but well deserve, all into Bonfirt turn. 
 
 6. 
 We feared (and almost toucht the black degree 
 
 Of instant Expectation) 
 
 That the three dreadful Angeh we 
 
 Of Famine, Sword and Plague should here establisht see ; 
 (God's great Triumvirate of Desolation) 
 To scourge and to destroy the sinful Nation. 
 Justly might Heav'n Protestors such as those, 
 And such Committees for their Safety impose, 
 Upon a Land which scarsely Better chose. 
 
 We fear'd that the Fanatique war 
 Which men against God's houses did declare, 
 
 423
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Would from th' 'Almighty Enemy bring down 
 
 A sure destruction on our Own. 
 We read th' Instructive Histories which tell 
 Of all those endless mischiefs that befell, 
 The Sacred Town which God had lov'd so well, 
 After that fata! Curse had once been said, 
 His Blood be upon ours, and on our Childrens head. 
 We knew, though there a greater Blood was spilt, 
 
 'Xwas scarcely done with greater Guilt. 
 We know those miseries did befall 
 Whilst they rebell'd against that Prince whom all 
 The rest of Mankind did the Love, and Joy, of Mankind call. 
 
 7- 
 
 Already was the shaken Nation 
 Into a wild and deform'd Chaos brought 
 
 And it was hasting on (we thought) 
 Even to the last of [///*,] Annihilation. 
 When in the midst of this confused Night, 
 Loe, the blest Spirit mov'd, and there was Light. 
 For in the glorious General's previous Ray, 
 
 We saw a new created Day. 
 We by it saw, though yet in Mists it shone, 
 The beauteous Work of Order moving on. 
 Where are the men who bragg'd that God did bless, 
 
 And with the marks of good success 
 Signe his ' allowance of their wickedness ? 
 Vain men ! who thought the Divine Power to find 
 In the fierce Thunder and the violent Wind: 
 
 God came not till the storm was past, 
 In the still voice of Peace he came at last. 
 'The cruel business of Destruction, 
 May by the Claws of the great Fiend be done. 
 Here, here we see th' Almighty's hand indeed, 
 Both by the Beauty of the Work, we see't, and by the Speed. 
 
 8. 
 
 He who had seen the noble British Heir, 
 Even in that ill disadvantageous Light, 
 With which [misfortune] strives t'abuse our sight ; 
 He who had seen him in his Clowd so bright : 
 
 424
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 He who had seen the double Pair 
 Of Brothers heavenly good, and Sisters heavenly fair, 
 
 Might have perceiv'd (me thinks) with ease, 
 (But wicked men see only what they please) 
 That God had no intent t'extinguish quite 
 
 The pious King's eclipsed Right. 
 He who had seen how by the power Divine 
 All the young Branches of this Royal Line 
 Did in their fire without consuming shine, 
 How through a rough Red sea they had been led, 
 By bonders guarded, and by Wonders fed. 
 How many years of trouble and distress 
 They'd wandred in their fatal Wilderness, 
 And yet did never murmure or repine ; 
 
 Might (me-thinks) plainly understand, 
 That after all these conquer'd Trials past, 
 
 T\IL Almighty Mercy would at last 
 Conduct them with a strong un-erring hand 
 
 To their own promised Land. 
 
 For all the glories of the Earth 
 
 Ought to be entailed by right of Birth 
 
 And all Heaven's blessings to come down 
 Upon his Race, to whom alone was given 
 The double Royalty of Earth and Heaven, 
 Who crowned the Kingly with the Martyrs Crown. 
 
 9- 
 
 The Martyr's blood was said of old to be 
 
 The seed from whence the Church did grow. 
 The Royal Blood which dying Charles did sow 
 Becomes no less the seed of Royalty. 
 
 'Twas in dishonour sown, 
 
 We find it now in glory grown, 
 The grave could but the dross of it devour ; 
 'Twas sown in weakness, and 'tis raised in power. 
 We now the Question well decided see, 
 
 Which Eastern Wits did once contest 
 
 At the Great Monarch's Feast 
 Of all on earth what things the strongest be : 
 And some for Women, some for Wine did plead ; 
 
 425
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 That is, for Folly and for Rage, 
 Two things which we have known indeed 
 
 Strong in this latter Age. 
 But as 'tis prov'd by Heaven at length, 
 The King and Truth have greatest strength, 
 When they their sacred force unite, 
 
 And twine into one Right, 
 No frantick Common-wealths or Tyrannies, 
 No Cheats, and Perjuries, and Lies, 
 No Nets of humane Policies ; 
 
 No stores of Arms or Gold (though you could joyn 
 Those of Peru to the great London Mine) 
 No Towns, no Fleets by Sea, or Troops by Land, 
 No deeply entrencht Islands can withstand, 
 
 Or any small resistance bring 
 Against the naked Truth, and the unarmed King. 
 
 The foolish Lights which Travellers beguile, 
 
 End the same night when they begin ; 
 No Art so far can upon Nature win 
 As e're to put out Stars, or long keep Meteors in. 
 Wher's now that Ignis Fatuus which e're while 
 
 Mis-lead our wandring Isle? 
 
 Wher's the Imposter Cromwel gon ? 
 Where's now that Falling-star his Son ? 
 Where's the large Comet now whose raging flame 
 So fatal to our Monarchy became ? 
 Which o're our heads in such proud horror stood, 
 Insatiate with our Ruine and our Bloodl 
 The fiery Tail did to vast length extend ; 
 And twice for want of Fuel did expire, 
 
 And twice renew'd the dismal Fire ; 
 Though long the Tayl we saw at last its end. 
 
 The flames of one triumphant day, 
 
 Which like an Anti-Comet here 
 
 Did fatally to that appear, 
 
 For ever frighted it away; 
 Then did th'allotted hour of dawning Right 
 
 First strike our ravisht sight 
 
 426
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 Which Malice or which Art no more could stay, 
 Than Witches Charms can a retardment bring 
 To the Resuscitation of the -Day, 
 
 Or Rtsurreflion of the Spring. 
 We welcome both, and with improv'd delight 
 Bless the preceding Winter and the Night. 
 
 II. 
 
 Man ought his future Happiness to fear, 
 
 If he be always Happy here 
 
 He wants the bleeding Mark of Grace, 
 The Circumcision of the chosen race. 
 
 If no one part of him supplies 
 
 The duty of a Sacrifice, 
 
 He is (we doubt) reserv'd intire 
 
 As a whole Piftime for the Fire. 
 
 Besides even in this World below, 
 
 To those who never did /// Fortune know, 
 The good does nauseous or insipid grow. 
 Consider man's whole Life, and you'l confess, 
 The sharp Ingredient of some bad success 
 Is that which gives the taste to all his Happiness. 
 But the true Method of Felicity, 
 
 Is when the worst 
 
 Of humane Life is plac'd the first, 
 And when the Childs Correction proves to be 
 The cause of perfecting the Man 
 Let our weak Dayes lead up the Pan, 
 Let the brave Second and Triarian Band, 
 Firm against all impression stand ; 
 The first we may defeated see ; 
 The Virtue and the Force of these, are sure of Piclory. 
 
 12. 
 
 Such are the years (great Charles} which now we see 
 Begin their glorious March with Thee: 
 
 Long may their March to Heaven, and still Triumphant be. 
 Now thou art gotten once before, 
 
 /// Fortune never shall o're-take thee more. 
 
 427
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 To see't again, and pleasure in it find, 
 
 Cast a disdainful look behind, 
 Things which offend, when present, and affright, 
 In Memory, well painted, move delight. 
 
 Enjoy then all thy afflictions now ; 
 
 Thy Royal Father's came at last : 
 
 Thy Martyrdom's already past. 
 
 And different Crowns to both ye owe. 
 No gold did e're the Kingly Temples bind, 
 
 Than thine more try'd and more refined. 
 As a choise Medal for Heaven's Treasury 
 God did stamp first upon one side of Thee 
 The Image of his suffering Humanity : 
 On th' other side, turn'd now to sight, does shine 
 The glorious Image of his Power Divine. 
 
 13- 
 
 So when the wisest Poets seek 
 
 In all their liveliest colours to set forth 
 
 A Pifture of Heroick worth, 
 (The Pious Trojan, or the Prudent Greek} 
 They chuse some comely Prince of heavenly Birth, \ 
 
 (No proud Gigantick son of Earth, 
 Who strives t' usurp the god's forbidden seat) 
 They feed him not with Nettar, and the Meat 
 
 That cannot without Joy be eat. 
 
 But in the cold of want, and storms of adverse chance, 
 They harden his young Virtue by degrees ; 
 The beauteous Drop first into Ice does freez, 
 And into solid Chrystal next advance. 
 His murdered friends and kindred he does see, 
 
 And from his flaming Country flee. 
 Much is he tost at Sea, and much at Land, 
 Does long the force of angry gods withstand. 
 He does long troubles and long wars sustain, 
 
 E're he his fatal Birth-right gain. 
 
 With no less time or labour can 
 
 Destiny build up such a Man, 
 
 Who's with sufficient virtue fill'd 
 
 His ruin'd Country to rebuild. 
 
 428
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 14. 
 
 Nor without cause are Arms from Heaven, 
 To such a Hero by the Poets given. 
 No human Metal is of force t' oppose 
 
 So many and so violent blows. 
 
 Such was the Helmet, Breast-plate, Shield, 
 
 Which Charles in all Attaques did wield : 
 And all the Weapons Malice e're could try, 
 Of all the several makes of wicked Policy, 
 Against this Armour struck, but at the stroke, 
 Like Swords of Ice, in thousand pieces broke. 
 To Angels and their Brethren Spirits above, 
 No show on Earth can sure so pleasant prove, 
 
 As when they great misfortunes see 
 
 With Courage born and Decency. 
 So were they born when Worcester's dismal Day 
 Did all the terrors of black Fate display. 
 So were they born when no Disguises clowd 
 
 His inward Royalty could shrowd, 
 And one of th' Angels whom just God did send 
 
 To guard him in his noble flight, 
 (A Troop of Angels did him then attend) 
 Assur'd me in a Vision th' other night, 
 That He (and who could better judge than He?) 
 
 Did then more Greatnesse in him see, 
 
 More Lustre and more Majesty, 
 Than all his Coronation Pomp can shew to Human Eye. 
 
 Him and his Royal Brothers when I saw 
 New marks of honour and of glory, 
 From their affronts and sufferings draw, 
 
 And look like Heavenly Saints even in their Purgatory; 
 
 Me-thoughts I saw the three Judtsan Youths, 
 
 (Three unhurt Martyrs for the Noblest Truths) 
 In the Chaldtean Furnace walk ; 
 
 How chearfully and unconcern'd they talk ! 
 
 No hair is sindg'd, no smallest beauty blasted ; 
 Like painted Lamps they shine unwasted. 
 
 429
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The greedy fire it self dares not be fed 
 With the blest Oyl of an Anointed Head. 
 
 The honourable Flame 
 (Which rather Light we ought to name) 
 Does, like a [G]lory compass them around, 
 
 And their whole Body's crown'd. 
 What are those Two Bright Creatures which we see 
 
 Walk with the Royal Three 
 
 In the same Ordeal fire, 
 
 And mutual Joyes inspire ? 
 
 Sure they the beauteous Sisters are, 
 
 Who whilst they seek to bear their share, 
 Will suffer no affliction to be there. 
 Less favour to those Three of old was s'^own, 
 
 To solace with their company, 
 The fiery Trials of Adversity ; 
 Two Angels joyn with these, the others had but One. 
 
 1 6. 
 Come forth, come forth, ye men of God beloved, 
 
 And let the power now of that flame, 
 Which against you so impotent became, 
 
 On all your Enemies be proved. 
 Come, mighty Charts, desire of Nations, come ; 
 
 Come, you triumphant Exile, home. 
 He's come, he's safe at shore ; I hear the noise 
 Of a whole Land which does at once rejoyce, 
 I hear th' united People's sacred voice. 
 
 The Sea which circles us around, 
 
 Ne're sent to Land so loud a sound; 
 The mighty shout sends to the Sea a Gale, 
 
 And swells up every sail ' y 
 
 The Bells and Guns are scarcely heard at all ; 
 The Artificial Joy's drown'd by the Natural. 
 All England but one Bonefire seems to be, 
 One /Etna shooting flames into the Sea. 
 The Starry Worlds which shine to us afar, 
 
 Take ours at this time for a Star. 
 With Wine all rooms, with Wine the Conduits flow; 
 And We, the Priests of a Poetick rage, 
 
 43
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 Wonder that in this Golden Age 
 
 The Rivers too should not do so. 
 There is no Stoick sure who would not now, 
 
 Even some Excess allow ; 
 And grant that one wild fit of chearful folly 
 Should end our twenty years of dismal Melancholy. 
 
 Where's now the Royal Mother, where, 
 
 To take her mighty share 
 
 In this so ravishing sight, 
 And with the part she takes to add to the Delight ? 
 
 Ah ! Why art Thou not here, 
 Thou always Best, and now the Happiest Queen, 
 To see our Joy, and with new Joy be seen ? 
 God has a bright Example made of Thee, 
 
 To shew that Woman-kind may be 
 Above that Sex, which her Superiour seems, 
 In wisely managing the wide Extreams 
 Of great Affliftion, great Felicity. 
 How well those different Virtues Thee become, 
 Daughter of Triumphs, Wife of Martyrdom ! 
 Thy Princely Mind with so much Courage bore 
 Affliction, that it dares return no more ; 
 With so much Goodness us'd Felicity, 
 That it cannot refrain from coming back to Thee ; 
 'Tis come, and seen to day in all it's Bravery. 
 
 18. 
 
 Who's that Heroick Person leads it on, 
 
 And gives it like a glorious Bride 
 
 (Richly adorn'd with Nuptial Pride) 
 
 Into the hands now of thy Son ? 
 'Tis the good General, the Man of Praise, 
 
 Whom God at last in gracious pitty 
 
 Did to th' enthralled Nation raise, 
 
 Their great Zerubbabel to be, 
 To loose the Bonds of long Captivity, 
 And to rebuild their Temple and their City. 
 
 43 1
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 For ever blest may He and His remain, 
 
 Who, with a vast, though less-appearing gain, 
 
 Preferr'd the solid Great above the Vain, 
 
 And to the world this Princely Truth has shown, 
 
 That more 'tis to Restore, than to Usurp a Crown. 
 
 Thou worthiest Person of the Brittlsh Story, 
 
 (Though 'tis not small the Brittish glory) 
 Did I not know my humble Perse must be 
 But ill-proportion'd to the Heighth of Thee, 
 
 Thou, and the World should see, 
 How much my Muse, the Foe of Flattery, 
 Do's make true Praise her Labour and Design ; 
 An Iliad or an Mneid should be Thine. 
 
 19. 
 
 And ill should We deserve this happy day, 
 If no acknowledgments we pay 
 To you, great Patriots, of the Two 
 Most truly Other Houses now, 
 
 Who have redeem'd from hatred and from shame 
 
 A Parliaments once venerable name ; 
 
 And now the Title of a House restore, 
 
 To that, which was but slaughter-house before. 
 
 If my advice, ye Worthies, might be ta'ne, 
 Within those reverend places, 
 Which now your living presence graces, 
 
 Your Marble-Stataw alwayes should remain, 
 
 To keep alive your useful Memory, 
 
 And to your Successors th' Example be 
 
 Of Truth, Religion, Reason, Loyalty. 
 
 For though a firmly setled Peace 
 
 May shortly make your publick labours cease, 
 
 The grateful Nation will with joy consent, 
 That in this sense you should be said, 
 (Though yet the Name sounds with some dread) 
 
 To be the Long, the Endless Parliament. 
 
 43*
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 On the Queens Repairing Somerset House. 
 
 WHen God (the Cause to Me and Men unknown) 
 Forsook the Royal Houses, and his Own, 
 And both abandon'd to the Common Foe ; 
 How near to ruine did my Glories go ? 
 Nothing remain'd t' adorn this Princely place 
 Which Covetous hands could Take, or Rude Deface. 
 In all my rooms and galleries I found 
 The richest Figures torn, and all around 
 Dismembred Statues of great Heroes lay ; 
 Such Naseby's Field seem'd on the fatal Day. 
 And Me, when nought for Robbery was left, 
 They starv'd to death ; the gasping walls were cleft, 
 The Pillars sunk, the Roofs above me wept, 
 No sign of Spring, or Joy, my Garden kept, 
 Nothing was seen which could content the Eye, 
 Till Dead the impious Tyrant Here did lye. 
 
 See how my face is chang'd, and what I am 
 Since my true Mistress, and now Foundress, came. 
 It does not fill her Bounty to restore 
 Me as I was (nor was I small) before. 
 She imitates the Kindness to Her shown ; 
 She does, like Heaven (which the dejedled Throne 
 At once restores, fixes, and higher rears.) 
 Strengthen, Enlarge, Exalt what she Repairs. 
 And now I dare (though proud I must not be, 
 Whil'st my great Mistress I so Humble see 
 In all her various Glories) now I dare 
 Ev'n with the proudest Palaces compare, 
 My Beauty, and Convenience will (I'm sure) 
 So just a boast with Modesty endure. 
 And all must to me yield, when I shall tell, 
 How I am plac'd, and Who does in me dwell. 
 
 Before my Gate a Street's broad Channel goes, 
 Which still with Waves of crowding people flows, 
 And every day there passes by my side, 
 Up to its Western Reach, the London Tide, 
 
 C. EE 433
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 The Spring-Tides of the Term ; my Front looks down 
 
 On all the Pride, and Business of the Town. 
 
 My other Front (for as in Kings we see 
 
 The liveliest Image of the Deity, 
 
 We in their Houses should Heaven's likeness find, 
 
 Where nothing can be said to be Behind) 
 
 My other fair and more Majestick Face 
 
 (Who can the Fair to more advantage place ?) 
 
 For ever gazes on it self below 
 
 In the best Mirrour that the world can show. 
 
 And here, Behold, in a long bending row, 
 How two joynt Cities make one glorious Bow, 
 The Midst, the noblest place, possess'd by Me ; 
 Best to be Seen by all, and all O'resee. 
 Which way soe'r I turn my joyful Eye, 
 Here the Great Court, there the rich Town, I spy ; 
 On either side dwells Safety and Delight ; 
 Wealth on the Left, and Power upon the Right. 
 T' assure yet my defence, on either hand, 
 Like mighty Forts, in equal distance stand 
 Two of the best and stateliest piles, which e're 
 Man's liberal Piety of old did rear, 
 Where the two Princes of th' Apostles Band, 
 My Neighbours and my Guards, watch and command. 
 
 My warlike Guard of Ships, which farther lye, 
 Might be my Object too, were not the Eye 
 Stopt by the Houses of that wondrous Street 
 Which rides o're the broad River, like a Fleet. 
 The Stream's eternal Siege they fixt abide, 
 And the swoln Stream's Auxiliary Tide, 
 Though both their ruine with joynt power conspire, 
 Both to out-brave, they nothing dread but Fire. 
 And here my Thames, though it more gentle be 
 Than any Flood, so strength'ned by the Sea, 
 Finding by Art his Natural forces broke, 
 And bearing, Captive-like, the Arched Yoke, 
 Do's roar, and foam, and rage at the disgrace, 
 But recomposes strait and calms his Face, 
 Is into reverence and submission strook, 
 As soon as from afar he does but look 
 
 434
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 Tow'rds the White Palace where that King does reign 
 Who lays his Laws and Bridges o're the Main. 
 
 Amidst these lowder Honours of my Seat, 
 And two vast Cities, troublesomly Great, 
 In a large various plain the Country too 
 Opens her gentler blessings to my View, 
 In me the Active and the Quiet Mind 
 By different wayes equal content may find. 
 If any prouder Vertuoso's sence 
 At that part of my Prospeft take offence, 
 By which the meaner Cabanes are descri'd, 
 Of my Imperial River's humbler side, 
 If they call that a Blemish, let them know, 
 God, and my God-like Mistress, think not so ; 
 For the distrest and the afflifted lye 
 Most in their Care, and always in their Eye. 
 
 And thou, fair River, who still pay'st to Me 
 Just Homage, in thy passage to the Sea, 
 Take here this one Instruction as thou goest ; 
 When thy mixt Waves shall visit every Coast, 
 When round the world their Voyage they shall make, 
 And back to Thee some secret Channels take, 
 Ask them what nobler sight they e're did meet 
 Except thy mighty Master's Soveraign Fleet, 
 Which now triumphant o're the Main does ride, 
 The Terror of all Lands, the Ocean's Pride. 
 
 From hence his Kingdom's Happy now at last, 
 (Happy, if Wise by their Misfortunes past) 
 From hence may Omens take of that success 
 Which both their future Wars and Peace shall bless : 
 The Peaceful Mother on mild Thames does build, 
 With her Son's Fabricks the rough Sea is fill'd. 
 
 I 
 
 The Complaint. 
 i. 
 
 N a deep Vision's intellectual scene, 
 
 Beneath a Bow'r for sorrow made, 
 
 Th' uncomfortable shade, 
 Of the black Yew's unlucky green, 
 
 EE 2 435
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Mixt with the mourning Willow's careful gray, 
 Where Reverend Cham cuts out his Famous way, 
 
 The Melancholy Cowley lay : 
 And Lo ! a Muse appear'd to' his closed sight, 
 (The Muses oft in Lands of Vision play) 
 Bodied, arrayed, and seen, by an internal Light, 
 A golden Harp, with silver strings she bore, 
 A wondrous Hieroglyphick Robe she wore, 
 In which all Colours, and all figures were, 
 That Nature or that Fancy can create, 
 
 That Art can never imitate ; 
 And with loose Pride it wanton'd in the Air. 
 In such a Dress, in such a well-cloath'd Dream, 
 She us'd, of old, near fair Ismenus Stream, 
 Pindar her Theban Favourite to meet ; 
 A Crown was on her Head, and wings were on her Feet. 
 
 2. 
 
 She touch'd him with her Harp, and rais'd him from the Ground ; 
 The shaken strings Melodiously Resound. 
 
 Art thou return'd at last, said she, 
 
 To this forsaken place and me ? 
 Thou Prodigal, who didst so loosely waste 
 Of all thy Youthful years, the good Estate ; 
 Art thou return'd here, to repent too late ? 
 And gather husks of Learning up at last, 
 Now the rich harvest time of Life is past, 
 
 And Winter marches on so fast ? 
 But, when I meant t' adopt Thee for my Son, 
 And did as learn'd a Portion assign, 
 As ever any of the mighty Nine 
 
 Had to their dearest Children done ; 
 When I resolv'd t' exalt thy' anointed Name, 
 Among the Spiritual Lords of peaceful Fame j 
 Thou Changling, thou, bewitcht with noise and show, 
 Wouldst into Courts and Cities from me go ; 
 Wouldst see the World abroad, and have a share 
 In all the follies, and the Tumults there, 
 Thou would'st, forsooth, be something in a State, 
 And business thou would'st find, and would'st Create : 
 
 436
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 Business ! the frivolous pretence 
 Of humane Lusts to shake off Innocence ; 
 
 Business ! the grave impertinence : 
 Business ! the thing which I of all things hate, 
 Business ! the contradiction of thy Fate. 
 
 Go, Renegado, cast up thy Account, 
 
 And see to what Amount 
 Thy foolish gains by quitting me : 
 The sale of Knowledge, Fame, and Liberty, 
 The fruits of thy unlearn'd Apostacy, 
 Thou thought'st if once the publick storm were past, 
 All thy remaining Life should sun-shine be : 
 Behold the publick storm is spent at last, 
 The Sovereign is tost at Sea no more, 
 And thou, with all the Noble Company, 
 
 Art got at last to shore. 
 But whilst thy fellow Voyagers, I see 
 All marcht up to possess the promis'd Land, 
 Thou still alone (alas) dost gaping stand, 
 Upon the naked Beach, upon the Barren Sand. 
 
 4- 
 As a fair morning of the blessed spring, 
 
 After a tedious stormy night ; 
 Such was the glorious entry of our King, 
 Enriching moysture drop'd on every thing : 
 Plenty he sow'd below, and cast about him light. 
 
 But then (alas) to thee alone, 
 One of Old Gideons Miracles was shown, 
 For every Tree, and every Herb around, 
 
 With Pearly dew was crown'd, 
 And upon all the quickned ground, 
 The fruitful seed of Heaven did brooding lye, 
 And nothing but the Muses Fleece was dry. 
 
 It did all other Threats surpass, 
 When God to his own People said, 
 (The Men whom through long wandrings he had led) 
 
 That he would give them ev'n a Heaven of Brass: 
 
 437
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 They look'd up to that Heaven in vain, 
 
 That Bounteous Heaven, which God did not restrain, 
 
 Upon the most unjust to Shine and Rain. 
 
 5- 
 
 The Rachel^ for which twice seven years and more, 
 Thou didst with Faith and Labour serve, 
 And didst (if Faith and labour can) deserve, 
 Though she contracted was to thee, 
 Giv'n to another thou didst see, 
 Giv'n to another who had store 
 Of fairer, and of Richer Wives before, 
 And not a Leah left, thy recompence to be. 
 Go on, twice seven years more, thy fortune try, 
 Twice seven years more, God in his bounty may 
 
 Give thee, to fling away 
 Into the Courts deceitful Lottery. 
 
 But think how likely 'tis, that thou 
 With the dull work of thy unweildy Plough, 
 Shouldst in a hard and Barren season thrive, 
 
 Shouldst even able be to live ; 
 Thou, to whose share so little bread did fall, 
 In the miraculous year, when Manna rain'd on all. 
 
 6. 
 
 Thus spake the Muse, and spake it with a smile, 
 
 That seem'd at once to pity and revile. 
 
 And to her thus, raising his thoughtful head, 
 The Melancholy Cowley said, 
 Ah wanton foe, dost thou upbraid 
 The Ills which thou thy self hast made ? 
 
 When in the Cradle, Innocent I lay, 
 
 Thou, wicked Spirit, stolest me away, 
 
 And my abused Soul didst bear, 
 
 Into thy new-found Worlds I know not where, 
 Thy Golden Indies in the Air ; 
 And ever since I strive in vain 
 My ravisht freedom to regain ; 
 Still I Rebel, still thou dost Reign, 
 
 Lo, still in verse against thee I complain. 
 
 438
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 There is a sort of stubborn Weeds, 
 Which, if the Earth but once, it ever breeds. 
 
 No wholsom Herb can near them thrive, 
 
 No useful Plant can keep alive : 
 The foolish sports I did on thee bestow, 
 Make all my Art and Labour fruitless now ; 
 Where once such Fairies dance, no grass doth ever grow. 
 
 7- 
 
 When my new mind had no infusion known, 
 Thou gav'st so deep a tindlure of thine own, 
 
 That ever since I vainly try 
 
 To wash away th' inherent dye : 
 Long work perhaps may spoil thy Colours quite, 
 But never will reduce the Native white : 
 
 To all the Ports of Honour and of Gain, 
 
 I often steer my course in vain, 
 Thy Gale comes cross, and drives me back again. 
 Thou slack'nest all my Nerves of Industry, 
 
 By making them so oft to be 
 The tinckling strings of thy loose minstrelsie. 
 Who ever this worlds happiness would see, 
 
 Must as entirely cast off thee, 
 
 As they who only Heaven desire, 
 
 Do from the world retire. 
 This was my Errour, This my gross mistake, 
 My self a demy-votary to make. 
 Thus with Saphira, and her Husbands fate, 
 (A fault which I like them, am taught too late) 
 For all that I gave up, I nothing gain, 
 And perish for the part which I retain. 
 
 Teach me not then, O thou fallacious Muse, 
 
 The Court, and better King t' accuse ; 
 The Heaven under which I live is fair ; 
 The fertile soil will a full Harvest bear ; 
 Thine, thine is all the Barrenness ; if thou 
 Mak'st me sit still and sing, when I should plough, 
 
 439
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 When I but think, how many a tedious year 
 
 Our patient Soveraign did attend 
 
 His long misfortunes fatal end ; 
 How chearfully, and how exempt from fear, 
 On the Great Soveraigns Will he did depend : 
 I ought to be accurst, if I refuse 
 To wait on his, O thou fallacious Muse ! 
 Kings have long hands (they say) and though I be 
 So distant, they may reach at length to me. 
 
 However, of all Princes thou 
 
 Shouldst not reproach Rewards for being small or slow 
 Thou who rewardest but with popular breath, 
 
 And that too after death. 
 
 A s 
 
 The Adventures of Five hours. 
 
 when our Kings (Lords of the spacious Main) 
 Take in just wars a rich Plate Fleet of Spain ; 
 The rude unshapen Ingots they reduce 
 Into a form of Beauty and of use ; 
 On which the Conquerors Image now does shine, 
 Not His whom it belong'd to in the Mine ; 
 So in the mild Contentions of the Muse 
 (The War which Peace it self loves and persues) 
 So have you home to us in triumph brought, 
 This Cargazon of Spain with Treasures fraught, 
 You have not basely gotten it by stealth, 
 Nor by Translation borrow'd all its wealth, 
 But by a pow'rful Spirit made it your own 
 Metal before, Money by you 'tis grown. 
 'Tis currant now, by your adorning it 
 With the fair stamp of your victorious wit : 
 
 But though we praise this voyage of your Mind, 
 And though our selves enricht by it we find, 
 We 're not contented yet, because we know 
 What greater stores at home within it grow ; 
 We 've seen how well you forrain Oars refine, 
 Produce the Gold of your own Nobler Mine. 
 
 440
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 The world shall then our Native plenty view, 
 And fetch materials for their wit from you, 
 They all shall watch the travails of your Pen, 
 And Spain on you shall make Reprisals then. 
 
 On the death of Mrs. Katherine Philips. 
 
 CRuel disease ! Ah, could it not suffice 
 Thy old and constant spight to exercise 
 Against the gentlest and the fairest Sex, 
 Which still thy Depredations most do vex ? 
 
 Where stil thy Malice most of all 
 (Thy Malice or thy Lust) does on the fairest fall ? 
 And in them most assault the fairest place, 
 The Throne of Empress Beauty, ev'n the Face ? 
 There was enough of that here to asswage, 
 (One would have thought) either thy Lust or Rage, 
 Was't not enough, when thou, prophane Disease, 
 
 Didst on this Glorious Temple seize. 
 Was't not enough, like a wild Zealot, there, 
 All the rich outward Ornaments to tear, 
 Deface the innocent pride of beauteous Images? 
 Was't not enough thus rudely to defile 
 But thou must quite destroy the goodly Pile ? 
 And thy unbounded Sacriledge commit 
 On th' inward Holiest Holy of her Wit? 
 Cruel disease ! There thou mistook'st thy power ; 
 
 No Mine of Death can that devour, 
 On her embalmed Name it will abide 
 
 An everlasting Pyramide, 
 As high as Heav'n the top, as Earth, the Basis wide. 
 
 2. 
 
 All Ages past, record, all Countreys now, 
 In various kinds such equal Beauties show, 
 
 That ev'n Judge Paris would not know 
 On whom the Golden Apple to bestow, 
 Though Goddesses to' his sentence did submit 
 Women and Lovers would appeal from it : 
 
 441
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Nor durst he say, Of all the Female race, 
 
 This is the Sovereign Face. 
 
 And some (though these be of a kind that's Rare, 
 That's much, ah, much less frequent then the Fair) 
 So equally renown'd for Virtue are, 
 That it the Mother of the Gods might pose, 
 When the best Woman for her guide she chose. 
 
 But if Apollo should design 
 
 A Woman Laureat to make, 
 Without dispute he would Orinda take, 
 
 Though Sappho and the famous Nine 
 Stood by, and did repine. 
 
 To be a Princess or a Queen 
 Is Great ; but 'tis a Greatness always seen ; 
 The World did never but two Women know, 
 Who, one by fraud, th' other by wit did rise 
 To the two tops of Spiritual Dignities, 
 One Female Pope of old, one Female Poet now. 
 
 Of Female Poets who had names of old 
 
 Nothing is shown, but only Told, 
 And all we hear of them perhaps may be 
 Male-Flatt'ry only, and Male-Poetry. 
 Few minutes did their Beauties Lightning waste, 
 The Thunder of their voice did longer last, 
 
 But that too soon was past. 
 The certain proofs of our Orlnda's wit, 
 In her own lasting Characters are writ, 
 And they will long my praise of them survive, 
 
 Though long perhaps too that may live. 
 The Trade of Glory mannag'd by the Pen 
 Though great it be, and every where is found 
 Does bring in but small profit to us Men ; 
 'Tis by the number of the sharers drown'd. 
 Orinda on the Female coasts of Fame, 
 Ingrosses all the Goods of a Poetique Name. 
 
 She does no Partner with her see, 
 Does all the business there alone, which we 
 Are forc'd to carry on by a whole Company. 
 
 442
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 4- 
 
 But Wit's like a Luxurian[t] Vine ; 
 
 Unless to Virtue's prop it joyn, 
 
 Firm and Ereft towards Heaven bound ; 
 Though it with beauteous Leaves and pleasant Fruit be crown'd, 
 It lies deform'd, and rotting on the Ground. 
 
 Now Shame and Blushes on us all, 
 
 Who our own Sex Superior call ! 
 Orinda does our boasting Sex out-do, 
 Not in Wit only, but in Virtue too. 
 She does above our best Examples rise, 
 In Hate of Vice, and scorn of Vanities. 
 Never did spirit of the Manly make, 
 And dipt all o're in Learnings Sacred Lake, 
 A temper more Invulnerable take. 
 No violent Passion could an entrance find, 
 Into the tender Goodness of her Mind 
 Through walls of Stone those furious Bullets may 
 
 Force their impetuous way 
 When her soft Brest they hit, powerless and dead they lay. 
 
 5- 
 
 The Fame of Friendship which so long had told 
 Of three or four illustrious Names of old, 
 Till hoarse and weary with the tale she grew 
 
 Rejoyces now t' have got a new, 
 
 A new, and more surprizing story, 
 Of fair Leucasias and Orindas Glory. 
 As when a prudent Man does once perceive 
 That in some Forrain Countrey he must live, 
 The Language and the Manners he does strive 
 
 To understand and practise here, 
 
 That he may come, no stranger there 
 So well Orinda did her self prepare 
 In this much different Clime for her remove 
 To the glad World of Poetry and Love. 
 
 443
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Hymn. To light. 
 i. 
 
 First born of Chaos, who so fair didst come 
 From the old Negro's darksome womb ! 
 Which when it saw the lovely Child, 
 The melancholly Mass put on kind looks and smil'd, 
 
 2. 
 Thou Tide of Glory which no Rest dost know, 
 
 But ever Ebb, and ever Flow ! 
 
 Thou Golden shower of a true Jove \ 
 Who does in thee descend, and Heav'n to Earth make Love ! 
 
 3- 
 Hail active Natures watchful Life and Health ! 
 
 Her Joy, her Ornament, and Wealth ! 
 
 Hail to thy Husband Heat, and Thee ! 
 Thou the worlds beauteous Bride, the lusty Bridegroom He ! 
 
 4- 
 Say from what Golden Quivers of the Sky, 
 
 Do all thy winged Arrows fly ? 
 
 Swiftness and Power by Birth are thine : 
 From thy Great Sire they came, thy Sire the word Divine. 
 
 5- 
 'Tis, I believe, this Archery to show, 
 
 That so much cost in Colours thou, 
 
 And skill in Painting dost bestow, 
 Upon thy ancient Arms, the Gawdy Heav'nly Bow. 
 
 6. 
 Swift as light Thoughts their empty Carriere run, 
 
 Thy Race is finisht, when begun, 
 
 Let a Post-Angel start with Thee, 
 And Thou the Goal of Earth shalt reach as soon as He : 
 
 444
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 7- 
 Thou in the Moons bright Chariot proud and gay, 
 
 Dost thy bright wood of Stars survay ; 
 
 And all the year dost with thee bring 
 Of thousand flowry Lights thine own Nocturnal Spring. 
 
 8. 
 Thou Scythian-like dost round thy Lands above 
 
 The Suns gilt Tent for ever move, 
 
 And still as thou in pomp dost go 
 The shining Pageants of the World attend thy show. 
 
 9- 
 
 Nor amidst all these Triumphs dost thou scorn 
 The humble Glow-worms to adorn, 
 And with those living spangles gild, 
 
 (O Greatness without Pride !) the Bushes of the Field. 
 
 10. 
 Night, and her ugly Subjects thou dost fright, 
 
 And sleep, the lazy Owl of Night ; 
 
 Asham'd and fearful to appear 
 They skreen their horrid shapes with the black Hemisphere. 
 
 ii. 
 
 With 'em there hasts, and wildly takes the Alarm, 
 
 Of painted Dreams, a busie swarm, 
 
 At the first opening of thine eye, 
 The various Clusters break, the antick Atomes fly. 
 
 12. 
 
 The guilty Serpents, and obscener Beasts 
 
 Creep conscious to their secret rests : 
 Nature to thee does reverence pay, 
 
 111 Omens, and ill Sights removes out of thy way. 
 
 13- 
 
 At thy appearance, Grief it self is said, 
 
 To shake his Wings, and rowse his Head. 
 And cloudy care has often took 
 
 A gentle beamy Smile reflected from thy Look. 
 
 445
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 14. 
 
 At thy appearance, Fear it self grows bold ; 
 
 Thy Sun-shine melts away his Cold. 
 
 Encourag'd at the sight of Thee, 
 To the cheek Colour comes, and firmness to the knee. 
 
 15- 
 
 Even Lust the Master of a hardned Face, 
 Blushes if thou beest in the place, 
 To darkness' Curtains he retires, 
 In Sympathizing Night he rowls his smoaky Fires. 
 
 16. 
 
 When, Goddess, thou liftst up thy wakened Head, 
 Out of the Mornings purple bed, 
 Thy Quire of Birds about thee play, 
 
 And all the joyful world salutes the rising day. 
 
 J 7- 
 The Ghosts, and Monster Spirits, that did presume 
 
 A Bodies Priv'lege to assume, 
 
 Vanish again invisibly, 
 And Bodies gain agen their visibility. 
 
 1 8. 
 
 All the Worlds bravery that delights our Eyes 
 Is but thy sev'ral Liveries, 
 Thou the. Rich Dy on them bestowest, 
 
 Thy nimble Pencil Paints this Landskape as thou go'st. 
 
 19. 
 
 A Crimson Garment in the Rose thou wear'st ; 
 A Crown of studded Gold thou bear'st, 
 The Virgin Lillies in their White, 
 
 Are clad but with the Lawn of almost Naked Light. 
 
 2O. 
 
 The Violet, springs little Infant, stands, 
 
 Girt in thy purple Swadling-bands : 
 On the fair Tulip thou dost dote ; 
 
 Thou cloath'st it in a gay and party-colour'd Coat. 
 
 446
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 21. 
 
 With Flame condenst thou dost the Jewels fix, 
 And solid Colours in it mix : 
 Flora her self envyes to see 
 
 Flowers fairer then her own, and durable as she. 
 
 22. 
 
 Ah, Goddess ! would thou could'st thy hand withhold, 
 
 And be less Liberall to Gold ; 
 
 Didst thou less value to it give, 
 Of how much care (alas) might'st thou poor Man relieve 
 
 To me the Sun is more delightful farr, 
 
 And all fair Dayes much fairer are. 
 But few, ah wondrous few there be, 
 
 Who do not Gold preferr, O Goddess, ev'n to Thee. 
 
 24. 
 
 Through the soft wayes of Heaven, and Air, and Sea, 
 Which open all their Pores to Thee; 
 Like a deer River thou dost glide, 
 
 And with thy Living Stream through the close Channels slide. 
 
 25. 
 
 But where firm Bodies thy free course oppose, 
 Gently thy source the Land oreflowes ; 
 Takes there possession, and does make, 
 
 Of Colours mingled, Light, a thick and standing Lake. 
 
 26. 
 
 But the vast Ocean of unbounded Day 
 
 In th' Empyraean Heaven does stay. 
 Thy Rivers, Lakes, and Springs below 
 
 From thence took first their Rise, thither at last must Flow. 
 
 447
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 To the Royal Society, 
 i. 
 
 PHilosophy the great and only Heir 
 Of all that Human Knowledge which has bin 
 Unforfeited by Mans rebellious Sin, 
 
 Though full of years He do appear, 
 (Philosophy, I say, and call it, He, 
 For whatso'ere the Painters Fancy be, 
 
 It a Male-virtue seemes to me) 
 Has still been kept in Nonage till of late, 
 Nor manag'd or enjoy'd his vast Estate : 
 Three or four thousand years one would have thought, 
 To ripeness and perfection might have brought 
 
 A Science so well bred and nurst, 
 And of such hopeful parts too at the first. 
 But, oh, the Guardians and the Tutors then, 
 (Some negligent, and some ambitious men) 
 
 Would ne're consent to set him Free, 
 Or his own Natural Powers to let him see, 
 Lest that should put an end to their Autoritie. 
 
 2. 
 
 That his own business he might quite forget, 
 They' amus'd him with the sports of wanton Wit, 
 With the Desserts of Poetry they fed him, 
 In stead of solid meats t' encrease his force ; 
 In stead of vigorous exercise they led him 
 Into the pleasant Labyrinths of ever-fresh Discourse : 
 
 In stead of carrying him to see 
 The Riches which doe hoorded for him lie 
 
 In Natures endless Treasurie, 
 
 They chose his Eye to entertain 
 
 (His curious but not covetous Eye) 
 With painted Scenes, and Pageants of the Brain. 
 Some few exalted Spirits this latter Age has shown, 
 That labour'd to assert the Liberty 
 (From Guardians, who were now Usurpers grown) 
 Of this old Minor still, Captiv'd Philosophy ; 
 
 448
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 But 'twas Rebellion call'd to fight 
 
 For such a long-oppressed Right. 
 Bacon at last, a mighty Man, arose 
 
 Whom a wise King and Nature chose 
 
 Lord Chancellour of both their Lawes, 
 And boldly undertook the injur'd Pupils cause. 
 
 3- 
 
 Autority, which did a Body boast, 
 Though 'twas but Air condens'd, and stalk'd about, 
 Like some old Giants more Gigantic Ghost, 
 
 To terrific the Learned Rout 
 With the plain Magick of true Reasons Light, 
 
 He chac'd out of our sight, 
 Nor suffer'd Living Men to be misled 
 
 By the vain shadows of the Dead : 
 To Graves, from whence it rose, the conquer'd Phantome fled ; 
 
 He broke that Monstrous God which stood 
 In midst of th' Orchard, and the whole did claim, 
 
 Which with a useless Sith of Wood, 
 
 And something else not worth a name, 
 
 (Both vast for shew, yet neither fit 
 
 Or to Defend, or to Beget; 
 
 Ridiculous and senceless Terrors !) made 
 Children and superstitious Men afraid. 
 
 The Orchard's open now, and free; 
 Bacon has broke that Scar-crow Deitie ; 
 
 Come, enter, all that will, 
 Behold the rip'ned Fruit, come gather now your Fill. 
 
 Yet still, methinks, we fain would be 
 
 Catching at the Forbidden Tree, 
 
 We would be like the Deitie, 
 When Truth and Falshood, Good and Evil, we 
 Without the Sences aid within our selves would see; 
 
 For 'tis God only who can find 
 
 All Nature in his Mind. 
 
 4- 
 
 From Words, which are but Pidures of the Thought, 
 Though we our Thoughts from them perversly drew) 
 
 c. FF 449
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 To things, the Minds right Objedl, he it brought, 
 Like foolish Birds to painted Grapes we flew; 
 He sought and gather'd for our use the True ; 
 And when on heaps the chosen Bunches lay, 
 He prest them wisely the Mechanick way, 
 Till all their juyce did in one Vessel joyn, 
 Ferment into a Nourishment Divine, 
 
 The thirsty Souls refreshing Wine. 
 Who to the life an exa6l Piece would make, 
 Must not from others Work a Copy take ; 
 
 No, not from Rubens or Vandike; 
 Much less content himself to make it like 
 Th' Idaeas and the Images which lie 
 In his own Fancy, or his Memory. 
 
 No, he before his sight must place 
 
 The Natural and Living Face ; 
 
 The real object must command 
 Each Judgment of his Eye, and Motion of his Hand. 
 
 5- 
 
 From these and all long Errors of the way, 
 In which our wandring Predecessors went, 
 And like th' old Hebrews many years did stray 
 
 In Desarts but of small extent, 
 Bacon, like Moses, led us forth at last, 
 
 The barren Wilderness he past, 
 
 Did on the very Border stand 
 
 Of the blest promis'd Land, 
 And from the Mountains Top of his Exalted Wit, 
 
 Saw it himself, and shew'd us it. 
 But Life did never to one Man allow 
 Time to Discover Worlds, and Conquer too ; 
 Nor can so short a Line sufficient be 
 To fadome the vast depths of Natures Sea : 
 
 The work he did we ought t' admire, 
 And were unjust if we should more require 
 From his few years, divided 'twixt th' Excess 
 Of low Affliction, and high Happiness. 
 For who on things remote can fix his sight, 
 That's alwayes in a Triumph, or a Fight ?
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 6. 
 
 From you, great Champions, we expedl to get 
 These spacious Countries but discover'd yet ; 
 Countries where yet in stead of Nature, we 
 Her Images and Idols worship'd see : 
 These large and wealthy Regions to subdue, 
 Though Learning has whole Armies at command, 
 
 Quarter'd about in every Land, 
 A better Troop she ne're together drew. 
 
 Methinks, like Gideons little Band, 
 
 God with Design has pickt out you, 
 To do these noble Wonders by a Few : 
 When the whole Host he saw, They are (said he) 
 
 Too many to O'rcome for Me; 
 
 And now he chuses out his Men, 
 
 Much in the way that he did then : 
 
 Not those many whom he found 
 
 Idely extended on the ground, 
 
 To drink with their dejefted head 
 The Stream just so as by their Mouths it fled : 
 
 No, but those Few who took the waters up, 
 And made of their laborious Hands the Cup. 
 
 7- 
 Thus you prepar'd ; and in the glorious Fight 
 
 Their wondrous pattern too you take : 
 Their old and empty Pitchers first they brake, 
 And with their Hands then lifted up the Light. 
 
 lo ! Sound too the Trumpets here ! 
 Already your victorious Lights appear; 
 New Scenes of Heaven already we espy, 
 And Crowds of golden Worlds on high ; 
 Which from the spacious Plains of Earth and Sea ; 
 
 Could never yet discover'd be 
 By Sailers or Chaldaans watchful Eye. 
 Natures great Workes no distance can obscure, 
 No smalness her near Objedts can secure 
 
 Y' have taught the curious Sight to press 
 
 Into the privatest recess 
 Of her imperceptible Littleness. 
 
 FF2 451
 
 ABRAHAM COWLEY 
 
 Y' have learn 'd to Read her smallest Hand, 
 And well begun her deepest Sense to Understand. 
 
 Mischief and true Dishonour fall on those 
 
 Who would to laughter or to scorn expose 
 
 So Virtuous and so Noble a Design, 
 
 So Human for its Use, for Knowledge so Divine. 
 
 The things which these proud men despise, and call 
 
 Impertinent, and vain, and small, 
 Those smallest things of Nature let me know, 
 Rather than all their greatest Actions Doe. 
 Whoever would Deposed Truth advance 
 
 Into the Throne usurp'd from it, 
 Must feel at first the Blows of Ignorance, 
 
 And the sharp Points of Envious Wit. 
 So when by various turns of the Celestial Dance, 
 
 In many thousand years 
 
 A Star, so long unknown, appears, 
 Though Heaven it self more beauteous by it grow, 
 It troubles and alarms the World below, 
 Does to the Wise a Star, to Fools a Meteor show. 
 
 9- 
 With Courage and Success you the bold work begin ; 
 
 Your Cradle has not Idle bin : 
 None e're but Hercules and you could be 
 At five years Age worthy a History. 
 
 And ne're did Fortune better yet 
 
 Th' Historian to the Story fit : 
 
 As you from all Old Errors free 
 And purge the Body of Philosophy; 
 
 So from all Modern Folies He 
 Has vindicated Eloquence and Wit. 
 His candid Stile like a clean Stream does slide, 
 
 And his bright Fancy all the way 
 
 Does like the Sun-shine in it play ; 
 It does like Thames^ the best of Rivers, glide, 
 Where the God does not rudely overturn, 
 
 But gently pour the Crystal Urn, 
 
 452
 
 VERSES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 
 
 And with judicious hand does the whole Current Guide. 
 
 T' has all the Beauties Nature can impart, 
 
 And all the comely Dress without the paint of Art. 
 
 Upon the Chair made out of Sir Francis Drakes 
 ship. Presented to the University Library in 
 Oxford, by John Davis of Deptford, Esquire. 
 
 TO this great Ship which round the Globe has run, 
 And matcht in Race the Chariot of the Sun, 
 This Pythagorean Ship (for it may claim 
 Without presumption so deserv'd a Name, 
 By knowledge once and transformation now) 
 In her New Shape this sacred Port allow. 
 Drake and his Ship could not have wish'd from Fate, 
 A more blest Station, or more blest Estate. 
 For (Lo !) a Seat of endless Rest is given, 
 To her in Oxford, and to him in Heaven. 
 
 453
 
 NOTES 
 
 A = The Mistress, 1647. B = The First Folio of 1656. C = The Second 
 Folio of 1668. D = The Verses of 1663. 
 
 When necessary, words from the present text are attached to each variant to 
 indicate where the difference begins or ends. Titles and verse-numbers are 
 counted as lines. 
 
 p. 5, 1. 17. B] taking in the. 1. 21. B] which had. ..reflect upon. 
 
 p. 6, 1. 14. B] lesser. 
 
 p. 8, 1. 7. B] upon no. 1. 25. B omits} there. 
 
 p. 9, 1. i. C misprints'] justification 1. 33. B adds after} work; for it 
 is so uncustomary, as to become almost ridiculous, to make Lawrels for the 
 Conquered. Now though in all Civil Dissentions, when they break into open 
 hostilities, the War of the Pen is allowed to accompany that of the Sword, and 
 every one is in a maner obliged with his Tongue, as well as Hand, to serve 
 and assist the side which he engages in ; yet when the event of battel, and the 
 unaccountable Will of God has determined the controversie, and that we have 
 submitted to the conditions of the Conqueror, we must lay down our Pens as 
 well as Arms, we must march out of our Cause it self, and dismantle that, as 
 well as our Towns and Castles, of all the Works and Fortifications of Wit and 
 Reason by which we defended it. We ought not sure, to begin our selves to 
 revive the remembrance of those times and actions for which we have received 
 a General Amnestie, as a favor from the Victor. The truth is, neither We, 
 nor They, ought by the Representation of Places and Images to make a kind of 
 Artificial Memory of those things wherein we are all bound to desire like 
 Themistocles, the Art of Oblivion. The enmities of Fellow- Citizens should be, 
 like that of Lovers, the Redintegration of their Amity. The Names of Party, 
 and Titles of Division, which are sometimes in effect the whole quarrel, should 
 be extinguished and forbidden in peace under the notion of Acts of Hostility. 
 And I would have it accounted no less unlawful to rip up old wounds, then to 
 give new ones; which has made me not onely abstain from printing any things 
 of this kinde, but to burn the very copies, and inflict a severer punishment on 
 them my self, then perhaps the most rigid Officer of State would have thought 
 that they deserved. 
 
 p. 10, 
 p. n, 
 p. 12, 
 P- 13, 
 P- 17. 
 
 4. C misprints} ro. 
 
 26. B] upon the. 
 
 t6. B] sat upon. 1. 35. C misprints} and and. 
 
 I. B] Waters. 1. 3. B] accomplishing. 
 
 I. C misprints} 8. 
 
 455
 
 NOTES 
 
 p. 18, 1* 13. B] th' Oxford. 
 
 p. 28, 1. 21. A full-stop has been supplied at the end of the line here, and 
 in similar obvious cases where it has been omitted. 
 
 p. 40, 1. 10. C misprints] ro. 
 
 p. 48, 11. 11, 23. B] breaks... speaks. 
 
 p. 50, 1. 11. B] and soft. 
 
 p. 54, 1. 24. B] many a Thousand. 1. 35. B] Loves. 
 
 p. 58,1. 16. B] Of all the. 
 
 p. 65. The poems that follow were published in 1647. The title-page 
 and Preface are as follows : 
 
 The Mistresse, or Severall Copies of Love-Verses. Written by Mr. A. 
 Cowley. Hccret lateri lethalis arundo. London, Printed for Humphrey 
 Moseley, and are to be sold at his shop at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls 
 Church-yard. Anno Dom. 1647. [6 ^ ins. x 4^ ins.] 
 
 To the Reader. 
 
 A Correct Copy of these -verses [some copies and] (as I am told) written by 
 the Authour himselfe, falling into my hands, I thought fit to send them to the 
 Presse ; cheifely because I heare that the same is like to be don from a more imper- 
 fect one. It is not my good fortune to bee acquainted with the Authour any farther 
 then his fame (by which hee is well kncnvne to all English men) and to that I am 
 sure 1 shall doe a service by this Publication : Not doubting but that, if these verses 
 please his Mistresse but halfe so well as they will generally doe the rest of the 
 world, he will bee so well contented, as to forgive at least this my boldenesse, 
 which proceedes onely from my Love of Him, who will gaine reputation, and 
 of my Countrey, which will receive delight from it. I shall use no more 
 preface, nor add one word (besides these few lines) to the Booke ; but faithfully 
 and nakedly transmit it to thy view, just as if came to mine, unlesse perhaps 
 some Typographicall faults get into it, which I will take care shall be as few as 
 may be, and desire a pardon for them, if there be any. 
 
 Farewell. 
 
 Copies of this small 8vo. of 1647 exist in which the readings differ from 
 those in other copies dated the same year. Some of these variants are probably 
 misprints, corrected in some sheets but not in all. The variations given below 
 under A have been arrived at after a collation of five copies all dated 1647. 
 
 p. 65, 1. ii. A] And a. 1. 24. A] When I'me that thing. 
 
 p. 66, 1. 9. A] The spring Plants. 1. 11. A] a Noble. 11. 26, 27. A] 
 At every spring they chant thy praise; 
 Make me but love like them, I'le sing thee better laies. 
 1. 30. A] by Dart. 
 
 p. 67, 1. 7. A] Nor drink no more one wretched Lovers Teare. 
 p. 68, 1. 6. A] Thy part. 1. 7. A] Thy sighs. 1. 16. A] The Given 
 Lover. 1. 21. A and B] Which thin-sould, under-mortalls take. 
 
 p. 73, 1. 12. A] The Planets. 1.17. A and B] But soon as. 1.33. A] 
 Grace and. 
 
 p. 75, 11. 29, 30. A and B] 
 
 too doe joyn, 
 And both our Wholes into one Whole combine. 
 
 p. 78, 1. 20. A] But oh they 'tend not. 
 456
 
 NOTES 
 
 p. 79, 1. 17. A] and treasures. 1. 25. A] The brightest. 1. 16. A] 
 Our Eyes through th' radiant covering passe. 
 
 p. 80, 1. 24. A] them for. 
 
 p. 8l, 1. 13. A] most just. 1. 34. A] should you have. 1. 35. A] 
 You'had...most I. 
 
 p. 82, 1. 15. A] For now my Fires and Wishes are. 
 
 p. 83, 1. 13. A] Are not. 1. 14 omitted in some copies of A.. 1. 35. A] 
 Appeare to. 
 
 p. 85, 1. 9. A] beside the. 
 
 p. 87, 11. 23 25. A and B] his Cage. ..resume his. ..row his. 
 
 p. 88, 1. 15. A] Oh, Founts! oh, A inserts between 11. 19, 20] Here's 
 
 wealthy Natures Treasury. 1. 33. C misprints} embraning. 1. 38. A] 
 Should all come, im'itate Mee. 
 
 p. 89, 1. 32. A] Even in my prayers thou hauntest me. 
 
 p. 92, 1. 9. A] daily course. 1. 10. A] And walkes. 11. 13, 14. 
 
 A omits. 
 
 p. 93, 1. 24. A] when for it thy. 1. 27. A] Yet lest the weight be 
 counted bad. 
 
 p. 97, 1. 13. A] long one. 
 
 P- 99' ! 5- A] freedome. 1. 31. A and B] I, others. 
 
 p. 100, 1. 15. A] how should. 
 
 p. 101, 1. 18. A] Teach Sophisters and Jesuites to. 1. 24. A] But, neither, 
 teach. 1. 30. A] Life, my Mistress. 
 
 p. 102, 1. 2. A] Tears, which shall understand, and speak. 
 
 p. 104, 1. 7. A] that you were. 1. 9. A] Hadst thou found. 1. 28. A] 
 Shut the. 
 
 p. 107, 1. 8. there, as in C, altered to there : 1. 27. A] come in and. 
 
 p. no, 1. 4. B] his spirits. 1. 20. A] That blows. 1. 22. A] the 
 strong. 
 
 p. 113, 1. 17. A adds} 
 
 3- 
 
 As, when the Sunne appeares, 
 The Morning thicknesse cleares ; 
 So, when my thoughts let sadnesse in, 
 And a new Morning does begin, 
 If any Beauties piercing ray 
 
 Strike through my Trembling Eyes a suddaine day; 
 And those grave sullen Vapours melt in Teares. 
 [All those, in some copies.] 
 
 p. 114, 1. 8. Entitled in A and B] The Injoyment. 1. 34. A] Creeping 
 beneath th ./Egaean Sea. 
 
 P- ZI 5) 1. 3'. A and B] the same favour, 
 p. 116, 1. 17. A] certain When. 
 
 p. 117, 1. 14. A] whom none safe. 1. 22. there, as in C, altered to 
 there : 
 
 p. 118, 1. 5. A] and Foxes. 
 
 FF 5 457
 
 NOTES 
 
 p. 122, 1. 4. A] if round. 
 
 p. 125, 11. 8, 15. No number and numbered 3, respectively, in C. 1. 27. 
 B] t' ascend. 
 
 p. 127, 1. 16. A] hast me. 
 
 p. 131, I. 3. A] from Mee. 1. 17. A and B] still that. 
 
 p. 134, 1. 36. A] and would. 
 
 p. 138, 1. 6. After the title A adds] (Suspected to Love her.) 
 
 pp. 142, 150. 'The Gazers ' and the six poems that follow are omitted in A, 
 ' Love given over ' ending the volume, followed by these verses : 
 
 To the Reader. 
 
 In stead of the Authors Picture in the beginning, I thought fit to fixe here 
 this following Copy of Verses, being his owne illustration of his Motto, and 
 (as I conceive) the more lively representation of him. 
 
 Tentanda via est qua me quoq; passim 
 Tollere humo victorq; virftm volitare per ora. 
 What shall I do to bee for ever knowne, 
 
 And make the Age to come mine owne? 
 I shall like Beasts or Common People dy, 
 
 Unlesse you write mine Elegy; 
 Whilst others great by being borne are growne ; 
 
 Their Mothers Labour not their owne. 
 In this Scale Gold, in th'other Fame does ly; 
 
 The weight of that mounts this so high. 
 These men are fortunes Jewells, moulded bright; 
 
 Brought forth with their owne fire and light. 
 If I, her vulgar stone, for either looke ; 
 Out of my selfe it must bee strooke. 
 Yet I must on ; what sound 1st' strikes mine eare ? 
 
 Sure I Fames Trumpet heare. 
 It sounds like the last Trumpet; for it can 
 
 Raise up the buried Man. 
 
 Unpast Alps stop mee, but I'le cut through all ; 
 - And march, the Muses Hanniball. 
 Hence all yee flattering Vanities that lay 
 
 Nets of Roses in the way. 
 Hence the desire of Honours or Estate; 
 
 And all, that is not above Fate. 
 Hence Love himselfe, that Tyrant of my dayes, 
 
 Which intercepts my comeing Praise. 
 Come my best Friends, my Bookes, and lead mee on ; 
 
 'Tis time that I were gonne. 
 Welcome great Stagirite, and teach mee now 
 
 All I was borne to know. 
 Thy Schollars Vict'ories thou doest farre out doe ; 
 
 He conquered th'Earth, the whole World you. 
 Welcome learn'd Cicero, whose blest Tongue and Wit 
 
 Preserves Romes Greatnesse yet. 
 Thou art the first of Or'atours; onely hee 
 
 Who best can praise thee, next must bee. 
 
 Welcome the Mantuan Swan, Virgill the wise ; 
 
 Whose Verse walkes highest, but not flies, 
 
 45 8
 
 NOTES 
 
 Who brought green Po'esie to her perfect age; 
 
 And mad'st that Art, which was a Rage: 
 Tell mee, yee mighty Three, what shall I doe 
 
 To bee like one of you ? 
 But you have climb'd the Mountaines top, there sit 
 
 On the calme flourishing head of it, 
 And whilst with wearied steps wee upward goe, 
 
 See us, and Clouds below. 
 Finis. 
 
 p. 147, 1. i. Entitled in B] Dialogue. After Enjoyment, 
 p. 148, 11. 2, 9, 1 6, 23. He. She. He. She. omitted in C. 
 p. 152, 1. 3. B] to'his. 
 
 p. 153. The imprint of the 1656 version runs thus : ' Printed for Humphrey 
 Moseley, at the sign of the Princes Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard.' 
 
 p. 155, 1. 4. B] when a person who understands, 
 p. 156, 1. 19. B] Buxtorfius his. 
 p. 157, 1. 9. B] toucht upon. 
 
 p. 162, 1. 8. C misprints] grigentum. 1. 28. B] Nay worser much 
 then so. 
 
 p. 168, 1. 35. Unnumbered in C. Here and elsew here, where the numbering 
 of the note reference is incorrect in C, as frequently is the case, it has been 
 corrected. 
 
 p. 170, 1. 8. B] Funerals. 1. 18. C misprints} endwoments. 1. 20. 
 B] likeneth. 1. 23. B omits} and. 
 
 p. 174, 1. 13. B] More Monsters, 
 p. 1 80, 1. 29. C] came, 
 p. 181, 1. i. Should be 3. B. 
 p. 182, 1. 7. B] which does, 
 p. 183, 1. 36. Should be n. Olymp. 
 p. 193, 1. 9. B omits} for. 
 P- 195. ! 24- B] count it. 
 
 p. 197, 1. 24. B] Whilst Slaughter. 1. 25. B] to embrace round, 
 p. 198, 1. 15. B] Takes his. 1. 36. B] himself, 
 p. 201, 1. i. C misprints} Sysisphus. 
 p. 204, 1. 31. BJ I plunge my'ascents, and. 
 p. 211, 1. 31. B] contain his. 
 p. 218, 1. 3. C misprints} 13. 
 
 p. 221, 1. 12. B] Were never not. 1. 13. B] And ready all. 
 p. 223, 1. 3. C misprints} Pharoah. 
 p. 226, 1. 1 8. B] shades arose. 
 
 p. 239. Imprint in B is} Printed for Humphrey Moseley, at the Princes 
 Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard, 
 p. 247, 1, 9. B] twice more oe. 
 p. 259, 1. 22. B] to the man contracts his room. 1. 25. B] Hall. 
 
 459
 
 NOTES 
 
 p. 260, 1. to; B] which age. 1. 29. B] Nathan taught. Possibly a mis- 
 print in C. 
 
 p. 261, 1. 20. B] Does with more. 
 
 p. 263, Lit. C misprints'] Shiwprackt. 
 
 p. 267, 1. 46. B] Mincius. 
 
 p. 269, 1. i. B] therefore use. 
 
 p. 285, 1. 23. B] not How. 
 
 p. 286, 1. 6. B] Thousand bright Joys. Probably a misprint in C. 
 
 p. 289, last side-note. B] 29. i. 
 
 p. zgi, first side-note. B] 12. 14. 
 
 p. 297, 1. 34. B] flint stops. 
 
 p. 298,1.22. B] Syrian. 1. 19 of side-notes. B] 15. 24. 
 
 p. 301, 1. 24. B] This by. 
 
 p. 324, 1. 10. B] with kind. 1. 15. B] it. C misprints] is. 
 
 p. 326, 1. 7 of side-notes. B] 2 Sam. 
 
 p. 327, 1. 19. C] quite. 
 
 p. 333, 1. 25. C] strait, not strait, 
 
 P- 334. l-3i- B] Alas, there's no. 
 
 P- 335> 1. 31. B] just extentions. 
 
 p. 348, 1. 9. B] his stay. 
 
 P- 353> 1. 28. C misprints] Idumesea's. 
 
 p. 354, 1. 14. B omits] Or. Probably left in C by mistake. 
 
 p. 361, 1. 20. C] Notu. 
 
 p. 363, 1. 19. C omits] Gen. 
 
 p. 370, 1. 30. B] and wantless. 
 
 p. 371, 1. 10. B] Brick hill. 1. 14. B] How wild. Probably a misprint 
 in C. 
 
 P- 374, 1-34- B] Gift. 
 
 p. 378, 1. 35. C misprints'} ressstance. 
 
 p. 385, 1. 37. B] invade my. 
 
 p. 386, 1. 6. C misprints'} strongly e'ncampt. 
 
 p. 390, 1. 9. B] are working. 
 
 p. 392, 1. 39. C misprints] wish. 
 
 P- 393. ! 3 of side-notes. B] Ib. V. 23. 
 
 P- 395. ! 7 C] gravidensq; 1. 45. C misprints'} Gan. 
 
 P- 397) 1- i- C misprints'} Elohiem. 1. 44. C misprints'} Caiphas. 1. 51. 
 C misprints} Thummin. 
 
 p. 398, 1. 5. C misprints'} qusteion. 
 p. 400, 1. 5. C] believe. 
 
 p. 402. Most of these verses were published in 1663. The title-page and 
 publisher's note run as follows : 
 
 460
 
 NOTES 
 
 Verses, Lately Written upon several Occasions, By Abraham Cowley. 
 London, Printed for Henry Herringnian, and are to be sold at his Shop on 
 the Lower walk in the New Exchange. 1663. 
 
 Most of these Verses, which the Author had no intent to publish, haring 
 been lately printed at Dublin without his consent or knowledge, and with many, 
 and some gross mistakes in the Impression, He hath thought Jit for his justifica- 
 tion in some part to allow me to reprint them here. 
 
 Henry Herringman. 
 
 Some copies, in which the publisher's note is absent, can be met with, 
 bearing on the title-page ' To which is added a Proposition for the Advance- 
 ment of Experimental Philosophy, by the same Author'. These have bound in 
 at the end the 1661 pamphlet named, separately paged [sf ins. x 3! ins.], 
 p. 402, 1. i. D] written upon. 
 
 p. 410, 11. 5, 14. Grosart, who states that he has 'collated with the 
 Author's holograph,' prints 'wonders printed plainly' and 'I a place.' The 
 former redundant word was probably omitted by Cowley purposely in his 
 published text : he may not have noticed the slipped out ' a.' 
 p. 415, 1. 35. C] the breach ; Beach, 
 p. 418, 1. 5. D] And Dance. 
 
 p. 420, 11. 28, 29. Published separately in 410. (7! ins. x 5^ ins.) in 1660, 
 under the title ' Ode, upon the Blessed Restoration and Returne of His Sacred 
 Majestic, Charls the Second... London, Printed for Henry Herringman, and 
 are to be sold at his Shop on the Lower Walk in the New Exchange. Anno 
 Dom. 1660. 
 
 p. 421, 1. 7. C misprints] amonst. 1. 31. C, D and 1660] Than, 
 p. 422, 1. 1 8. D and 1660] who should. 
 
 p. 424, 1. 17. C misprints} Illis, Between 11. 23. 24, 1660 edition adds] 
 Ere the Great Light, our Sun, his Beams did show, 
 
 Our Sun it self appears but now, 
 
 1. 38. C] misfortunes strives. D and 1660] misfortunes strive. Folio of 1681] 
 misfortune strives. 
 
 p. 430, 1. 5. C misprints] Clory. 
 p. 432, 1660 adds at end] 
 
 "T would be the richliest furnish'd House (no doubt) 
 If your Heads always stood within, and the Rump-heads without. 
 p. 443, 1. 1. C misprints'] Luxurian. 
 
 p. 445, 1. 30. The word way is -written, not printed, in the copy used for 
 the present edition. 
 
 p. 448. These verses will be found in ' The History of the Royal Society 
 of London, for the Improving of Natural Knowledge.' By Jo. Sprat, 1667. 
 Between the last line of p. 451 and the first of p. 452 this version adds: 
 She with much stranger Art than his who put 
 
 All th' Iliads in a Nut, 
 
 The numerous work of Life does into Atomes shut. 
 P- 453> 1. 15- C misprints] endlest. 
 
 The following poems are not given in the 1 663 edition of Verses : 
 Upon the Death of the Earl of Balcarres. 
 Ode. Acme and Septimius out of Catullus. 
 On the Queens Repairing Somerset House. 
 
 4 6l
 
 NOTES 
 
 The Adventures of Five hours. 
 
 On the death of Mrs. Katherine Philips. 
 
 Hymn. To light. 
 
 To the Royal Society. 
 
 Upon the Chair made out of Sir Francis Drakes ship, Presented to the 
 
 University Library in Oxford, etc. 
 
 A few poems in the 1663 volume form part of 'Several discourses by way 
 of Essayes in Verse and Prose.' See Preface to this volume and the text of the 
 companion volume. These are : 
 
 The Country Mouse. A Paraphrase upon Horace i bk. Sat. 6. 
 Horace to Fuscus Aristius. A paraphrase upon the io th Epistle of the 
 
 first book of Horace. 
 A Translation out of Virgil. 
 Claudian's Old Man of Verona. 
 Martial Book TO. Epigram 96. 
 A Paraphrase on an Ode in Horace's third Book, beginning thus, 
 
 Inclusam Danaen turris ahenea. 
 
 462
 
 INDEX OF TITLES 
 
 Account, The 53 
 
 Acme and Septimius out of Catullus, 
 
 Ode 419 
 
 Adventures of Five hours, The 440 
 Against Fruition 98 
 Age 53 
 
 All-over, Love 90 
 Anacreon, Elegie upon 59 
 Anacreontiques 50 
 
 Balcarres, Upon the Death of the 
 
 Earl of 413 
 Bargain, The 92 
 Bathing in the River 150 
 Beauty 51, 116 
 Broghills, Ode, Upon occasion of a 
 
 Copy of Verses of my Lord 406 
 Brutus 195 
 
 Called Inconstant 103 
 
 Change, The 76 
 
 Christs Passion 402 
 
 Chronicle, The 39 
 
 Clad all in White, 77 
 
 Coldness 113 
 
 Complaint, The 435 
 
 Concealment, The 119 
 
 Constant, The 134 
 
 Counsel 94, 139 
 
 Crashaw, On the Death of Mr. 48 
 
 Cure, The 139 
 
 Davenant, To Sir William 42 
 
 Davideis 239 
 
 Despair, The 86 
 
 Destinie, 192 
 
 Dialogue 147 
 
 Discovery, The 98 
 
 Discretion 137 
 
 Dissembler, The 132 
 
 Distance, The 121 
 
 Drakes Ship, Sir Francis, Upon the 
 Chair made out of, Presented to the 
 University Library in Oxford, by 
 John Davis of Deptford, Esquire 453 
 
 Drake's Ship, Sir Francis, Ode, 
 Sitting and Drinking in the Chair, 
 made out of the Reliques of 41 1 
 
 Drinking 51 
 Duel, The 52 
 
 Eccho 107 
 
 Elegia dedicatoria, ad illustrissimam 
 
 Academiam Cantabrigiensem i 
 Encrease, The 122 
 Epicure, The 55 ; Another 56 
 Extasie, The 204 
 
 Falkland, To the Lord, For his safe 
 Return from the Northern Ex- 
 pedition against the Scots 19 
 
 Frailty, The 113 
 
 Friendship in Absence 27 
 
 Gazers, The 142 
 given Heart, The 100 
 Given Love, The 68 
 Gold 55 
 
 Grashopper, The 57 
 Guardian, Prologue to the 31 ; 
 Epilogue, The 32 
 
 Harvey, Ode, Upon Dr 416 
 
 Heart-breaking, The 126 
 
 Heart fled again, The 105 
 
 Her Name 135 
 
 Her Unbelief 141 
 
 Hervey, On the Death of Mr. Wil- 
 liam 32 
 
 His Majesties Restoration and Re- 
 turn, Ode, Upon 420 
 
 Hobs, To Mr. 188 
 
 Honour 144 
 
 Hope, Against 109 
 
 Hope, For no 
 
 Horaces Ode, Ode In imitation of 
 37 
 
 Impossibilities 130 
 Inconstancy 74 
 Inconstant, The 133 
 Incurable, The 143 
 [Injoyment, The] 114 
 Innocent 111, The 145 
 Isaiah, The 34. Chapter of the Pro- 
 phet 2 I I 
 
 463
 
 INDEX OF TITLES 
 
 Jersey, An Answer to a Copy of 
 Verses sent me to Jersey 43 
 
 Jordan, On the Death of Mr., Second 
 Master at Westminster School 21 
 
 Juice of Lemmon, Written in 72 
 
 Lady who made Posies for Rings, 
 
 To a 30 
 
 Leaving Me, and then loving Many 78 
 Life 209 
 
 Life and Fame 201 
 light, To 444 
 Lincoln, To the Bishop of. Upon his 
 
 Enlargement out of the Tower 28 
 Long Life, The 93 
 Looking on, and discoursing with his 
 
 Mistress 123 
 Love 50 
 
 Love and Life 91 
 Love given over 151 
 Loves Ingratitude 112 
 Loves Visibility 123 
 Love undiscovered 99 
 
 Maidenhead 129 
 
 Martials Epigram, In imitation of 38 
 
 Miscellanies 15 
 
 Mistress, The 63 
 
 Monopoly, The 120 
 
 Motto, The 15 
 
 Muse, The 184 
 
 My Dyet 89 
 
 My Fate 125 
 
 My Heart discovered 79 
 
 My Picture 118 
 
 Nemesean Ode of Pindar, The First 1 70 
 New Year, To the 206 
 Not Fair 74 
 
 Ode [to Dick] 26 
 
 Olympique Ode of Pindar, The 
 
 Second 157 
 
 Orinda's Poems, On 404 
 Oxford, Ode, Mr. Cowley's Book 
 
 presenting it self to the University 
 
 Library of 409 
 
 Parting, The 117 
 Passions, The 85 
 Philips, On the death of Mrs 
 
 Katherine 441 
 Pindarique Odes 153 
 
 464 
 
 Pindar, The Praise of 178 
 Plagues of Egypt, The 219 
 Platonick Love 75 
 Platonicks, Answer to the 80 
 Preface of the Author, The 4 
 Prometheus ill-painted 25 
 Prophet, The 101 
 
 Reason 46 
 
 Request, The 65 
 
 Resolution, The 102 
 
 Resolved to be beloved 96; The 
 
 Same 97 
 
 Resolved to Love 124 
 Resurrection, The 182 
 rich Rival, The 108 
 Royal Society, To the 448 
 
 Scarborough, To Dr 197 
 
 Scotland, On his Majesties Return 
 
 out of 22 
 
 Separation, The 140 
 Silence 131 
 Sleep 115 
 Somerset House, On the Queens 
 
 Repairing 433 
 Soul, The 82, 107 
 Spring, The 70 
 Swallow, The 58 
 
 Thief, The 89 
 Thraldome, The 67 
 Tree, The 140 
 Tree of Knowledge, The 45 
 
 Usurpation, The 127 
 
 vain Love, The 81 
 
 Vandike, On the Death of Sir 
 
 Anthony 24 
 
 Verses lost upon a Wager 148 
 Verses written on Several Occasions 
 
 402 
 
 Waiting-Maid, The 138 
 Weeping 136 
 Welcome, The 103 
 Wisdom 86 
 Wish, The 87 
 Wit, Of 1 6 
 
 Womens Superstition 106 
 Wootton, On the Death of Sir Henry 
 20
 
 INDEX OF FIRST LINES 
 
 Ah ! what advice can I receive, 1 39 
 A Mighty pain to Love it is 55 
 Ask me not what my Love shall do 
 
 or be 140 
 As Men in Groen-land left beheld 
 
 the Sun i i 7 
 As soon hereafter will I wagers lay 
 
 148 
 As to a Northern People (whom the 
 
 Sun 43 
 
 As water fluid is, till it do grow, 113 
 As when our Kings (Lords of the 
 
 spacious Main) 440 
 Awake, and with attention hear 211 
 
 Beauteous Ortygia, the first breathing 
 
 place 170 
 
 Beauty, thou wild fantastick Ape 116 
 Be gon (said I) Ingrateful Muse, and 
 
 see 406 
 
 Beneath this gloomy shade 86 
 By 'Heaven I'll tell her boldly that 
 
 'tis She 98 
 
 Chear up my Mates, the wind does 
 
 fairly blow 411 
 Come, Doctor, use thy roughest 
 
 art, 139 
 Come let's go on, where Love and 
 
 Youth does call 142 
 Coy Nature, (which remain'd, though 
 
 aged grown 416 
 Cruel disease ! Ah, could it not suffice 
 
 441 
 
 Curse on this Tongue, that has my 
 Heart betray 'd 131 
 
 Discreet? what means this word 
 Discreet 137 
 
 Enough, my Muse, of Earthly things 
 402 
 
 Excellent Brutus, of all humane race 
 '95 
 
 Fairest thing that shines below 77 
 False, foolish Heart 1 didst thou not 
 
 say 105 
 
 Fill the Bowl with rosie Wine 55 
 First born of Chaos, who so fair 
 
 didst come 444 
 Five years ago (says Story) I lov'd you 
 
 74 
 
 Foolish Prater, what do'st thou 58 
 For Heavens sake, what d'you mean 
 
 to do 97 
 From Hate, Fear, Hope, Anger, and 
 
 Envy free 85 
 
 Gently, ah gently, Madam, touch 94 
 
 Go bid the Needle his dear North 
 forsake 125 
 
 Go, let the fatted Calf be kill'd 103 
 
 Go, the rich Chariot instantly pre- 
 pare 184 
 
 Great, and wise Conqu'rour, who 
 where e're 134 
 
 Great is thy Charge, O North ; be 
 wise and just 19 
 
 Great Janus, who dost sure my 
 Mistris view, 206 
 
 Ha ! ha ! you think y'have kill'd my 
 
 fame 103 
 Hail Learnings Pantheon ! Hail the 
 
 sacred Ark 409 
 Happy Insect, what can be 57 
 Hence, and make room for me, all 
 
 you who come 21 
 Her body is so gently bright 79 
 Here's to thee Dick ; this whining 
 
 Love despise 26 
 Here, take my Likeness with you, 
 
 whilst 'tis so 118 
 
 465
 
 INDEX OF FIRST LINES 
 
 Hoc tibi de Nato ditissima Mater 
 
 egeno i 
 Hope, of all Ills that men endure 
 
 no 
 Hope, whose weak Being ruin'd is 
 
 109 
 How long, alas ! has our mad Nation 
 
 been 197 
 
 How shall I lament thine end 59 
 How wretched does Promethe'us state 
 
 appear 25 
 
 I came, I Saw, and was undone 67 
 I Choose the flouri'shingst Tree in 
 
 all the Park 140 
 If, dearest Friend, it my good Fate 
 
 might be, 38 
 
 If mine Eyes do e're declare 82 
 I'Have followed thee a year at least 
 
 121 
 I'Have often wisht to love ; what 
 
 shall I do 65 
 
 I Know 'tis sordid, and 'tis low 113 
 I Leave Mortality, and things below 
 
 204 
 I Little thought the time would ever 
 
 bee 30 
 I Little thought, thou fond ingrateful 
 
 Sin 112 
 
 I'll on ; for what should hinder me 68 
 I'll sing of Heroes, and of Kings 50 
 Impossibilities? oh no, there's none 
 
 13 
 
 In a deep Vision's intellectual Scene 
 
 435 
 
 Indeed I must confess 75 
 I Never yet could see that face 133 
 In vain, thou drousie God, I thee 
 
 invoak 115 
 I sing the Man who Judahs Scepter 
 
 bore 242 
 Is this thy Brav'ery Man, is this thy 
 
 Pride 219 
 It gave a piteous groan, and so it 
 
 broke 126 
 I Thought, I'll swear, I could have 
 
 lov'd no more 122 
 It is enough ; enough of time, and 
 
 pain 151 
 I Try'd if Books would cure my 
 
 Love, but found 143 
 It was a dismal, and a fearful night 
 
 3* 
 466 
 
 I Wonder what the Grave and Wise 
 
 124 
 I Wonder what those Lovers mean, 
 
 who say 100 
 
 Liberal Nature did dispence 51 
 Love from Times wings hath stoln 
 
 the feathers sure 93 
 Love in her Sunny Eyes does basking 
 
 play 76 
 
 Margarita first possest 39 
 Methinks Heroick Poesie till now 
 4* 
 
 No ; thou'rt a fool, I'll swear, if e're 
 thou grant 98 
 
 No ; to what purpose should I speak 
 119 
 
 Not Winds to Voyagers at Sea 182 
 
 Now Blessings on you all, ye peace- 
 ful Starrs 420 
 
 Now by my Love, the greatest Oath 
 that is 89 
 
 Now sure, within this twelve month 
 past 91 
 
 Oft am I by the Women told 53 
 Oh Life, thou Nothings younger 
 
 Brother 201 
 
 Or I'm a very Dunce, or Woman- 
 kind 1 06 
 
 Pardon, my Lord, that I am come 
 
 so late 28 
 Philosophy the great and only Heir 
 
 44 8 
 
 Pindar is imitable by none 178 
 Poet and Saint ! to thee alone are 
 
 given 48 
 
 Queen of all Harmonious things 157 
 
 See where she sits, and in what 
 comely wise 136 
 
 She Loves, and she confesses too 
 144 
 
 So Angels love ; so let them love 
 for me 80 
 
 Some blind themselves, 'cause pos- 
 sibly they may 46 
 
 Some dull Philos'opher when he 
 hears me say 107
 
 INDEX OF FIRST LINES 
 
 So Men, who once have cast the 
 
 Truth away 78 
 
 Some, others may with safety tell 99 
 Strange and unnatural 1 lets stay 
 
 and see 194 
 
 Take heed, take heed, thou lovely 
 
 Maid 92 
 Teach me to Love? go teach thy 
 
 self more wit 101 
 Tell me, O tell, what kind of thing 
 
 is wit 1 6 
 
 The Devil take those foolish men 102 
 The fish around her crowded, as 
 
 they do 150 
 The Play, great Sir, is done ; yet 
 
 needs must fear 31 
 The Sacred Tree midst the fair 
 
 Orchard grew 45 
 The thirsty Earth soaks up the Rain 
 
 5i 
 
 Then like some wealthy Island thou 
 
 shall ly 114 
 These full two hours now have I 
 
 gazing been 123 
 They say you're angry, and rant 
 
 mightilie 108 
 Thou'hadst to my Soul no title or 
 
 pretence 127 
 Thou rob'st my Days of bus'ness 
 
 and delights 89 
 Thou worst estate even of the sex 
 
 that's worst 129 
 
 Though all thy gestures and dis- 
 courses be 145 
 Though you be absent here, I needs 
 
 must say 70 
 Thy Maid ? ah, find some nobler 
 
 theame 138 
 Tir'ed with the rough denials of my 
 
 Prayer 107 
 'Tis a strange kind of Ign'orance 
 
 this in you 141 
 
 Tis folly all, that can be said 413 
 'Tis mighty Wise that you would 
 
 now be thought 86 
 'Tis true, I'have lov'd already three 
 
 or four 96 
 'Tis very true, I thought you once 
 
 as fair 74 
 
 'Tis well, 'tis well with them (say I) 90 
 To this great Ship which round the 
 
 Globe has run 453 
 To whom now Pyrrha, art thou kind 
 
 37 
 
 Underneath this Myrtle shade 56 
 Unhurt, untoucht did I complain 
 132 
 
 Vandike is Dead ; but what Bold 
 
 Muse shall dare 24 
 Vast bodies of Philosophic 188 
 
 We allow'd You Beauty, and we did 
 
 submit 404 
 Welcome, great Sir, with all the 
 
 joy that's due 22 
 
 Well then ; I now do plainly see 87 
 We're ill by these Grammarians us'd 
 
 209 
 What have we done? what cruel 
 
 passion mov'd thee 147 
 What Mines of Sulphur in my breast 
 
 do ly 1 20 
 What new-found Witchcraft was in 
 
 thee 8 i 
 What shall I do to be for ever known 
 
 15 
 What shall we say, since silent now 
 
 is He 20 
 When all the Stars are by thee told 
 
 53 
 When chance or cruel business parts 
 
 us two 27 
 When God (the Cause to Me and 
 
 Men unknown) 433 
 Whilst on Septimius panting Brest 
 
 419 
 Whilst what I write I do not see 
 
 72 
 Who says the Times do Learning 
 
 disallow 31 
 With more than Jewish Reverence 
 
 as yet 135 
 With much of pain, and all the Art 
 
 I knew 123 
 
 Yes, I will love then, I will love 
 
 5' 
 
 CAMBRIDGE: PRINTED BY JOHN CLAY, M.A. AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.
 
 x. 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
 REC'D C '- 
 
 315