Susanna: or, the arraignment of the two vniust elders

SVSANNA : OR , THE ARRAIGNMENT OF THE TWO VNIVST ELDERS .

DEVT. 16.20 .

That which is iust and right shalt thou follow , that thou maist liue and enioy the Land which the Lord thy God giueth thee .

LONDON , Printed for Iohn Teage , and are to be sold at his shoppe in Paules Church-yard at the signe of the Ball. 1622.

To the Right Honourable ROBERT , EARLE of WARWICKE , and to his most vertuous and Noble Countesse , the Lady Frances : THou who art in thy Country iustly hight , Another Daniel for iudging right : And thou his Dame , a Susan of this age ; Let Both be graced with your Patronage .

The Argument , or Morall , of the whole Historie . I Chaste Susanna , here interpret Right , Or Iustice ; cleare , as pure celestiall Light ; Whom couetous false Elders , most vniust , Seeke to corrupt , to satisfie their Lust. Diuine Iustice . Astrea , of immortall Seede , Abhominates such foule and wicked deede : Wherefore they to the people her disgrace , And set vp wrong and bribing in her place . The people , alwaies prone to imitate Their vice , not vertues , that do sway the state , Ioine with the Iudges al to beat down right , And take in guifts and doing-wrong delight . Till Ioue , awaked with the piteous cry Of those that grone vnder Iniquity , The gods his Peares to Parlament doth call , And to Ol●● pus court them summons all : W●●re they decree a Daniel to send , To iudge the wo●st , that al the rest may mend : Thence doth Astrea ●l●are , like Susan shine , And iudges measure by her equall Line .

THE FIRST BOOKE OF SVSANNA . Gods goodnesse in Iudahs captiuitie ; Ioachims worth : what Elders ought to be ; A good wife by Susanna is descride , The greatest Blisse that can a man betide . The Elders each to other doe discouer Their Lusts , and plot their wishes to recouer . I Sing the honour of that noble Dame , Who for true vertues sake despised shame ; And rather chose to die with infamy , Then violate her sacred Chastitie : For she him made her confidence and stay , That made her righteousnesse as cleare as day . Lucrece be mute ; if chaste , why should thou die ? If not , why should we praise thy chastitie ? I sing of Iudges base , not more vniust In iudgement , than obscene in filthy lust ; I sing of Iustice , Iudgement , Equitie , And knowledge of discerning Veritie . Oh blessed Spirit , who didst the spirit dispose Of youth , the Elders malice to disclose , Direct my Muse ; Iniustice to discou●r , That hating vice , I may be vertues louer : And teach me sing Susannas sacred story , To all chaste eares delight , and to thy glory . Whilst Canaans Land lay seauenty yeeres vntilde , 2 Chr. 36.21 And Sabbaths all prophan'd had nigh fulfilld : The Abramites that vnder bondage groane , Sate weeping by the streames of Babylon : Their Harpes vpon the willow trees then hung , On which they lately Sions songs had sung ; And though their voices had forgot to sing , And fingers touch of sweetest warbling string ; Iehouah could not , for his Abrams sake , Forget the promise he to him did make : But gaue them fauour in the heathens sight , And dwellings both for profite and delight : And , lest they should these benefits despise , They had , within themselues , t●e exercise Of their owne Lawes ; and Elders euery yeare , The people chose the gouernment to beare , Who might by vprightnesse , and skill in law , Protect the Good , and keepe the bad in awe . Amongst the ●est , that in that region Had large possessions ; In Babylon Ioachim had a house most rich and faire , Most pleasant , fruitfull , healthfull eke for ayre : But was renowm'd and famous , most of all , For one faire , large and open goodly Hall , Whither all Iewish suitours wont resort , For Iustice ; there the Elders kept their Court . Elders whi●h ought , by Iethros counsell wise , Exo. 18.21 . Be men of courage , hating couetise ; Fearing the Lord ; in dealing iust , vpright ; And able to discerne the wrong from right : But these were Ancients in iniquity , Malice , Iniustice and Adultery . Both like in Ignorance , and base condition : Both rais'd by bribing , fauour and ambition : Not vsing Law hard causes to decide , For they all matters by one ballance tride ; Whose guift weighs heauiest , victory obtaines , This mickle profit brings with little paines : Deferring strifes finall determination , Not thereby to take better information , But for to groape whose purse did heauiest way , And vnto him they alwayes giue the day . These iudged then the congregation Of captiue Iewes that were in Babylon : And for Ioachim was a noble man , To him the people with the Elders came ; Where they till noone the causes ouer call , As now our Iudges in Westminster hall . This noble man was not so honorable For ancestry , or ought that 's heritable , As for his vertues , Iustice , Pietie , Humblenesse , Meekenesse and Integritie . These did his minde and actions more adorne , Than wealth , ambition , fauour , armes with scorne : These made him of the highest reputation , And sought vnto of all the Iewish nation ; Who though he Patron was and Aduocate , And wondrous knowledge had , to rule the State , By his great skill in Lawes iudiciall , The Morall and the Ceremoniall ; Yet seeing the corruptions of the Time , And Folly into Seate of Iustice clime : And that the most vniust and ignorant , By bribing , friends , or boldnesse , got the Grant Of highest Offices ; Hee free from charge , Of publique Office , chose to liue at large : But for because , man borne he vnderstood , Not for himselfe , but for his countreys good , He tooke more paines , than any Magistrate , For wronged friends , and good of publike state . So that his was the House of Iustice hight , His mouth an Oracle of Law and Right ; The widows , poores , and orphans sure defendour , Th' Innocents aid , and terrour of th' offendour . He ware a Lawyers Gowne to keepe him warme , But sould no Breath , to doe a poore man harme . He that describe all heauenly Graces can , May tell the vertues of this noble man ; Which he not only learnd , by contemplation , But acted to the good of all his nation . A good wife described . Prou. 31.10.11 . &c. But aboue wealth and all this man possest , He with a faithful , honest wife was blest , In whom her husbands heart might safely trust , In wealth or want contented , true and iust , Who did him good , not euill all her daies , Industrious with her mind and hands alwaies : Like merchants ship that foode from far doth bring , Early and late her houshould ordering : Her working hand still open for to feede , The hungry , and to giue to them that neede : And in the Sommer for the Winter tide , She cloathing for her houshould doth prouide . This made her husband so much set by , and To sit amongst the Rulers of the Land : Her mouth was shut , and couered her face , In one sate modesty , in th' other grace , In one did angelique sweet beautie shine , From th' other wisdome flowes , and grace diuine . To many daughters , Graces rare befall , But chaste Susannna went beyond them all . Amongst the fruits of her Industriousnesse , Who neuer eate her Bread in idlenesse , Shee plants an orchard fruitfull , rich and faire , Whither she with her Lord doth oft repaire , Themselues awhile from worldly cares to free , And on their handy workes Gods blessing see : There might they please , smell , touch , eate , taste and sight , With flowers , fruits , and musiques sweete delight ; For through the same a pure streame murmured , To which the Birds sweete trebles warbeled , The winds amongst the trees a Base did sound , And flowers all enamelled the ground . But lo the winds , birds , streames and all were mute , At nimble touch of Susans trembling Lute , Brooke staid , Birds ceast , and Aire calme became , To heare the heau'nly musique of this Dame ; But most it doth her husbands heart reioyce , To heare her Lute outwarbled by her voice : Which seem'd a quire of Angels , which did praise The King of heau'n in Dauids holy laies . So haue I often heard , in forrest faire , When Spring begins with calme and gentle aire , Groaues citizens , which thither doe resort , Oft sing by turnes , oft ●oyne in one consort ; Till Philomele to welcome Phoebes light , Hauing their musique heard with due delight : Sends from her brest such lute-like warbeling , The other Birds are all asham'd to sing ; And listening , in one straine most sweete and cleare . Doe all their changes in one Dittic heare . And so haue I often seene the shepheard swaines , Wooing the shepheardesses on the plaines , Challenge their mates by single pipe and voice , And ioyne in consort with harmonious noise : That all the shepheards dance to heare them sing , And forrests all with ioy aloud doe ring , Till Phillis with one stroake of warb●ing Lute , The shepheards pipes , and voices all makes mute ; Yea Collin Clout doth breake his pipe for shame , To heare the heauenly ditties of his Dame . Thus oft she solaced for recreation , But most alone , for holy meditation , She in her orchyard walketh euery day , To reade the Scriptures meditate and pray , Where by sublime pure heauenly contemplation , With God and Angels she hath conue●sation , And by true Faith , and her spirituall eye , As present doth the day of Christ descry . This Di'mond of invaluable prize , Was soone discern'd by Elders lustfull eyes , Lust th●t fierce Fire , which first in eyes conceiues , And raging enters in , and neuer leaues , Till all the body it hath set on fire , And ●eard the soule with wicked strange desire ; L●ke lightning , sent from Heau'n for cursed sinne , Which first on tops of Towers doth begin , Then fires the roofe , thence falls downe to the hall , And is not quench't ti●l it consumeth all . Sweet kindly heate , when youth kept in loues bounds A wife not womankind for scope propounds ; But eu'n a sparke of hell , when it doth rage Amongst the Ancient , politique and Sage . " G●●y heads incontinent when they were young , " As they grow weake in limbs , in lust grow strong . This fire so fierce doth in the Elders burne , It all their mirth to heauinesse doth turne , Their cast downe eyes dare not behold the sight Of Heau'n ▪ nor thinke on God that iudgeth right . Deepe was indeede Selfe-guilty conscience wound , But they more violent Lusts fury found ; Each his owne fire but not his fellowes knew , Not durst one it vnto another shew ; Asham'd their filthy lust to her to tell , Yet both , to quench their flames , would burne in hel ; Both wickedly doe pro●ect day and night , That at the least they may enioy her sight : To haue their will on her both were full faine , But saw no meanes their longings to obtaine . As Satan , when he would vs worke despite , Transformes him to an Angell of the Light , Lest if we should behold his proper Shape , Forearmd , forewarnd , we might his malice scape : So these two Carles in Susans presence sate , As if they all on Iustice meditate , And when they chanc'd with Ioachim to dine , Their table-talke was of all things diuine : Of a sound conscience , and equity , Wiues Loyalty , and virgins chastity ; Thus hoping , by their queint Hypocrisie , To make a way to foule Adultery . One day from Iudgement seate when both did rise , And either turned home as was their guise , Both streight returned , and together mette , With hope the sight of her alone to gett : Where either of the other doth enquire , The cause of their so suddaine backe retire . Brother , said then , the Senior in degree , What is the cause I thee so heauy see ? Doth any Ahab hold from thee some ground , That doth vpon thy house , or vi●eyard bound ? Which thou desir'st for profite or delight , Tell me , and he shall know a iudges might . Or doth there any Mardochee deny To doe obeisance to thy Seignury ? Hast thou receiued wrong of any wight , And wouldst againe with sweete reuenge requite ? Or tell mee , some faire Dame doest thou not loue ? Whose Chastity thou art afraid to prooue : What euer be thy griefe , now tell it me , And vse my power , as I haue vsed thee . What doe we both like Kings o're Iudah raigne ? And shall ought crosse our pleasure or our gaine ? No no , wee 'le breake or make them all obay ; We rule not if our subiects vs gainesay : My Lord , replide the puny Iudge againe , T is not Reuenge , Ambition , Pleasure , Gaine , That so afflict my body and my mind , T is Loue of Faire : but shame there stopt his wind , The word Susanna raine he would haue said , But was of man , though not of God afraid . As two old theeues , that haue companions bin Oft times in Murther , Theft and fowler Sinne ; H●uing a Booty in one place espide , But neither others mind thereto descride , At diuers windowes slipping in by night , Into one Hall , which doth both much aff●ight , ( One for the owner first the other taking , And each a true man , for a Theefe mistaking , ) Till by some secret markes each doth espy His fellow-theefe , there met vnwillingly , Wherewith both glad , hope easelier to obtaine , Their purpose , and be Sharers in the gaine : E●'n so these Elders ; who by might and fraud , Had often ioind in iudgement to defraud The fatherlesse , and widowes of their right , And to oppresse the weaker by their might ; First feard one by the other to be spide , But after they had both their lusts descride , Ioy in their hap , and easelier hope to get , And share the Booty , for which there they met . Thrice noble Mate , the elder Iudge replide , I see one fire in both our hearts doth bide , Which smothered , smoaking inwardly will bu●ne , But blowne and stird , to purest flames will turne : I , by thy meeting here , doe surely ghesse , It is one Dame doth both our hearts possesse : For I haue oft beheld thee sixe thine eye , Vpon her beauty as she passed by , And therewith heard thee ●nly sigh and groane , As thou didst wish to be with her alone . But , since sweete Cupid smites both with one Dart , Let vs not herein one another thwart , If discord our desires shall divide , Our powre and empire can not long abide : Let name of Rivall which breedes mortall hate , In youth , in age , our loues conglutinate . Her beauty that than Sunne doth clearer shine , Hath heate ynough to warme mine heart and thine , And both our longings fully satisfie , Let 's share in loues , as in commodity . As strongest castle which doth fortifie It selfe t' endure the Siege of enemy , By force vnited's ●ooner ouercome , Than if they should assault it one by one : So shall we finde the Fortresse of this Dame , By both , than one , more easy to be t●ne : Yea if through waiwardnesse it shall stand out , By force or policy wee 'le bring 't about , Either with peace our pleasures to enioy , Or ruine it and vtterly destroy . Deare Brother , I mine heart must tell thee plaine , My stomacke can not brooke , so fowle a Swaine As Ioachim , whom the base Multitude Honour as King , should thus vnto be sude Of all , to be their Patrone , Aduocate , And sway our powre in ruling o● the State : Alleadging Law and Custome to maintaine Things , that so crosse our pleasure and our gaine ; That he , I say , should be the onely wigh● , That feeles the Beames of this cleare Suns sweet light ; That in his armes he should enioy alone , Susanna , a fit Bride for Salomon . Let vs bethink's of some conuenient tide , Our selues in some close shady place to hide , And take her in he● Orchard all alone , For there she walketh eu●ry afternoone : The●e , when we see our opo●tunitie , Keepe thou the doo●e , I le keepe Her company , And when I satisfide haue my desire , As I did mine , thou mayst asswage thy fire : Thus wickedly one with another reason , Deferring all to more conuenient season . The end of the first Booke .

The second Booke of Susanna . Susans devotions , workes and Husewifery , Ioachims iustice , hospitality . Elders her washing tempt ; but she denyes : They offer force , then out for ayde she cryes ▪ On her transferre they ▪ fals●ly , all the blame , Vnto her owne , and all her seruants shame . Now scarce his steedes had Phebus watered , And for long iourney ready harnessed , And faire Aurora vsher of the day Made haste ; because Sol went his longest way , When chaste Susanna from sweete side arose Of Ioachim , and putting on her cloathes , She meditates on ●oabe of righteousnesse . Wherewith the bridegroome his belou'd doth dresse : His merits made her owne by imputation , In spirituall birth , nor fleshly generation . Long costly dressings did the Dame decline , As nurse of pride and mis-expence of time , Wherefore her nightgowe quicke at out her cast , With band and hat in seemely order plac't , She suddainely vp all her maidens calls , And kneeling with them to this prayer falls . Oh King of rest ! that doest appoint the night For rest ; the day that man should in thy sight , To all the duties of his calling tend , Hauing thy glory euer for his end ; We first acknowledge our vnworthinesse , Relying whole , on Lambs vnspottednesse , Which from worlds first foundation was slaine . That he might free vs from eternall pai●e . We , for this wondrous grace , thee euer praise , Thy care and prouidence for vs alwayes , Grant we of this may euer meditate , Our tongues thy praise & noble acts relate , And make vs truely doe all thy commands , So thou the workes maist prosper of our hands . As nimble larke which with the morne doth rise , Mou●ts from her couch , first to salute the skies , And all the way to Heauen and earth she rings , Prayse to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings : But , hauing finished her due devotion , Falls silent downe with swift and nimble motion , And diligent takes paines for daily foode , That may sustaine and keepe her selfe and broode : Eu'n so this Dame as soone as any light , Affoorded her the least vse of her sight , Vp from the bed doth her faire body raise , Her soule mounts vp to heau'n the Lord to praise . But after her devotions finished , And all her seruants duely ordered , Due portions to her maidens she divides And for her houshold daily food provides , Still caring for her husbands table most , To furnish't bounteously with smallest cost : Here she directs her steward , and her cooke , One to provide , the other well to looke , That with her faire allowance they be able , To furnish plenteously her husbands table . This time she soueraigne waters did distill , ( For she in Physicke art had mickle skill ; Yet was her charity , than cunning , more , Stooping to heale the meanest Lazars sore : Her Lyons heart , fine hand , and eagles eye Made her admir'd of all for surgery . ) That done , she backe returneth to her maides , Where either she to them the Scripture reades , Or learnes them some choise precepts she collected , Or hystories which most her soule affected , With piety their minds to exercise Whilst each her taske with nimble ioints applies : Their chiefest workes were roabes ; to keepe from cold , The orphans poore , and widowes that were old ; Of cloath which she had spun of her owne fleece ; Yet oft to shew her skill in curious peece , She for her husband workes a cap or band , To make him be more honour'd in the land , Where thou might see , with cunning needle told , The subtile serpent simple Eue infold . Here stands a tree , all couered with leaues , whose fairest fruit most lookers on deceiues ; By this was shadow'd that Forbidden tree , That Adam ban'de and his posteritee . Many faire trees she planted there around , But none so goodly to the eye was found , Like sinne of pleasing shew , but deadly tast ; Better , than eate such poison , euer fast . But not farre off , her cunning hand contriues An Antidote which out this poison driues : For here the child 's depainted to the life , That trembleth vnder faithfull Abrams knife , Where lo ! aboue his hand an Angell stayes , And doth his faith and firme obedience praise : Here in the bush a spotlesse lambe doth lye , Willing , to saue young Isaacks life , to dye ; A figure of that lambe that offered His life to saue vs all in Isaacks seede . Oft with her maids , about her round , she sings Dauids sweete layes vnto the King of Kings , Who ioyning all with angelique sweete noise , Doe praise the Highest of all as with one voice , Thus was her house of maidens arts the schoole , And Academy to instruct their soule : Her hands with vse so cunning were become , That though her eyes lookd off , her worke was done , The whilst with them her maidens she directs , And her owne businesse no whit neglects : Oft reads she them some holy Hymne of praise , Yet neuer from their worke her fingers stayes . Thus she her time in working spends till noone , Whilst Ioachim which rose from bed as soone , Doth his whole family together call , And ioynes in humble prayer with them all . Then walkes he forth to see his oxen plow , Or mowers pearly lockes of medowes mow , Or widows weeding of his earing graine , Or maidens milke from bagges of kine to straine : Here he appoints a iolly Swaine to tend His flocke , and from the wolfe and flye defend : Oft would he teach a courser for to pace More easy , and to raine with pleasing grace . But euer he returneth home by eight , Where many longing Clyents for him waite , And him for pitty and compassion praid , To be the widowes and the orphans aide . Brethren , saith he , with all my skill and might I 'le stand for you , if that your cause be right , But surely know , I cannot mooue my tongue To doe you good , and doe another wrong : Law is a constant will , a ballance true That giues to eu'ry man what is his due , And therefore must not vnder false pretence , Be made a cloake for wrong or violence : Or be for enuy , to the great a snare , Whilst faults for pitty in the Poore we spare : Right setteth each thing in the proper place , Without respect of persons , feare , or grace . Then would he lend to all a patient eare , Till each his cause in order doth declare : The right with all his might he would defend , And what was wrong would counsell soone to end : Nor for displeasure , feare of losse or might , Would be deterr'd from pleading for the right . Therefore was call'd the iust mans Advocate ▪ Truth 's Champion ▪ and maintainer of the State . For paire thus each their life in labour spends One feedes and cloths them th' other them defends : The wisemans rule is vnto both a guide , Prepare abroade , then things at home prouide : A blessed paire , for Truth which alwayes stood , Their end Gods glory , and their neighbours good . Now had the glorious Titans panting horse Attaind the midway of their longest course , And Sol to checke vaine glorious humane pride , When as he highest sate was least descride ; When Chimes inform'd old stomacks it was noone , So Iudges rose , and all departed soone : And Nature crauing after toile repast , Makes Ioachim vnto his dinner hast . Here should my Muse in order , next propound , How he in order all things ready found ; Susan him greeting , like the wise Kings Bride , With many faire chaste Damsels by her side , Who all with cheerefull comely modest face , Bow to the ground with curteous comely grace ▪ His seruants round about the table stand , Attending all their Lords eye , and command : Who can describe the order of the King , Whose wisedomes glorious fame so far did ring , That it from Seba brought that prudent Dame , Which found his glory farre exceede his fame : He to describe the order's onely able , This noble man obserued at his table ; His seruants , ministers , his drinke and meate Happy were they that at his table eate ; Blissed are they that waiting by doe stand , His gracious words and deeds to vnderstand , Their thirst and hunger being satisfide , And God before and after glorifide , After some sweete discourses , all arose , And to their businesse themselues dispose , 〈◊〉 turnes his bookes the law to find , Which might resolue some doubts then in his mind . With two maydes Susan , as it was her guise , To bathe her sel●e into the orchard hyes ; And sending forth her maides for soape and oile Her daintiest body doth vndresse the while : Oh , Susan stay , oh , stay not here alone , The wiseman saith , two better are than one ; The 〈◊〉 close in wait for thee do ly , So 〈◊〉 that Susan can them not descry . I 〈◊〉 that faire Dame which Iesses son from high , 〈◊〉 her selfe in garden did espy , 〈…〉 dazled with her splendour bright , Thinkes he doth see a new Sunne rise at night : So shines the beauty of Susannas face , Her eyes like starres which frosty night do grace , Her teeth like ivory piles stand row by row , Or'e which her lips like scarlet ribbands show , Her chin , her checkes , her forehead and her nose , Like lillies mixt with red and damaske rose . Her Iu'ry necke , faire shoulders which excell , Her paps that like two haruey apples swell : The which for sport her babes were wont to cull , When they from them haue suckd their bellies ●ull . Her snowy armes each grac'd with milk-white palme , Like two eu'n branches of the fairest Palme , Whose ends were with small fingers ioynted neate , And at their ends smooth stones of Berill set , The rest who knowes ? them to omit I chuse , As not once thought of by my graver Muse. But she into the water leaping light , To coole her heate , inflameth their delight , Where purest waters her faire limbs embrace , As Iuory Sculpture in a cristall case . Like chastest Cinthia when with dreaded dart , She chast the Tigre , Leopard and Hart , Her body ouertoiled with the heate , And fairest skin or'e shadowed with sweate , In purest fountaine in the shade doth wash , Whilst all her darlings round about her pash : Till hunter , to his cost her beauty spyes Which heauenly did amaze his humane eyes : The sight whereof so rauisheth his brest , A reasonable man turnes senselesse beast , With snaggy hornes , cloue hoofes , & frighted looks , That he who vpward erst , now downeward lookes ; And all his Curs , that lately he so fed , Him chasing as their game fast followed : Whom pulling downe , like Iesabel they teare , Such beastly ends , all beastly Letchers feare ; Such beastly ends these Elders eke befall , Whilst clouds of stones sing their curst funerall . As subtile Serpent close himselfe did hide In Eden , till a fit time he espide , When Adam to some other corner gone , He there might take Eue naked all alone : So these two Elders of the Serpents breede , Who beare like enmity to all her seede , This naked Dame alone , watch to assaile , And first with promises seeke to preuaile : Madame , saith one , the ardour which we prooue Burning our hearts with flames of feruent loue , Compell vs life and honour to aduenture , And closely now into your garden enter : If you will vs in true affection meete , Siluer to you shall be like stones in streete , And we with gold will fill your fairest hands Like Danaes lap , or Tagus golden sands : Thy beauty like the Day starres shall be seene , And thou shalt raigne in Iudah like a Queene . But if thou shalt refuse with vs to lye , Behold , we then against thee testify , We saw thee with a youth thy bed defile , And thou hadst sent thy maides away the while . Who can expresse Daphnes perplexitie , When gods for pitty turn'd her to a tree , As she doth naked from Apollo flye , And than her honour lose , would rather dye ? Or who can tell that pittifull sore-taking Of Absolons faire sister , when she baking Cakes for her brother Amnon for to eate , 2. Sam. 13.11 . Perceiu'd her honour was his longd-for meate ? And cride , forbeare , oh brother , to discouer Thy sisters nakednesse ; nay rather couer My shame than force me : oh ! let no man tell Such wickednesse was done in Israel ; And I eu'n whither shall I goe for shame ? And for a foole all Israel shall thee blame : May tell how Helchi's daughter was ashamd ; But most the Elders for their lust she blam'd , That they which ought to iudge adultery , Should authours be of such iniquity ; That those her Lord and she so honoured , Should plot with shame now to defile his bed . Her nakednesse with cloathes she faine would hide , But they all couering to her denide : Her couering was sorrow , griefe and shame , And floods of teares for to expresse the same . As when fierce thunder threats to rend the skies , Great floods by stormes most violent arise , That riuers all their channells ouerflow , And drowne the seede which husbandmen do sow , So fill her teares the lauer to the brim , That drown'd in sorrow , she in teares may swim : Her drops of sweate like pearles do trickle downe , And she is all benumbd as in a swoune : Sol , erst that shin'd , asham'd , now in a cloud Himselfe , from seeing this foule sinne , doth shrowd : Showres fall from heau'n , as if the stars did mourne , And all the birds their songs to murmurs turne : The trees small drops like teares about do das● , And all the vnder shrubs with weeping wash ; The shrubs , the hearbs , and all make lamentation , To see this Dame so neere her desolation : And eu'n my Muse , as I this story write , Laments and mournes to see her piteous plight . At last ●ore grieu'd that humane eye beholds Her naked body , she her mind vnfolds . My Lords for loue of God , this sinne forbeare , If not for loue nor honour , yet for feare , When you condemne another for this crime , You iudge your selues ! T is now a fitter time , To fast and pray in our captiuity , Than thus to double our iniquity . If I like Eue consent vnto your mind , I sure with her a like reward shall find ▪ And if I doe your wickednes withstand , Yet know I not how to escape your hand : But I all mortall deaths will rather dy , Than in Gods sight commit adultery : Who doth with lust her laser lims enroule , Defiles her body , and doth damme her soule : Haue I not promis'd before God and you , To be vnto my husband iust and true ? And must not all by lawes iudiciall dye ? Without exception for adultery ? Oh Iudges graue : but bridle yet your lust , And once a womans Secrecy entrust , That neuer will bewray this offerd shame , For honour of our nation and your name . But howsoeuer you my flesh torment , My heart to wickednesse shall not consent , A guilty conscience is a soarer wound , Than tortures all that Tyrants out haue found . Dame ; said the Iudge ; art thou yet so vnwise , Thou knowst not Polititians did deuise Religion , onely to represse the base , And hold the Noble in the peoples grace ? Dost feare God should vs in this action see ? This Lawyers gowne shall couer thee and me ; Vnder which oft to Heau'n hath past vnseene , Farre greater Trespasses then this , I weene ▪ Lust is a Sport , if closely carried , And from all fleshly eyes close couered ; The Troth which to your husband you did plight , Was but for ceremony in our Sight . And as for our iudiciall Laws offence , Iudges haue power therewith to dispence : Your selfe and honour vnto vs entrust , And you shall find vs faithfull , true , and iust ▪ Great is the honour of an Elders name , Then who shall dare or thee or vs defame ? And for your conscience now so foolish tender , Custome like ours , will strong and valiant render : Wee le not torment your flesh , but it delight , Come , Madame , you must try an Elders might . Then , like fowle Beare , that greedy of his pray , His filthy Paw on milke-white Lamb doth lay , So he by force would bring her to his Lust. But she that in th' Almightie put her trust , Needes no Stilletto , now for to defend Her honour , but loud cries to heau'n doth send ; " Surest defence that women haue to cry , " To saue them from Lusts raging villany . You females-masculine , that doe pretend , You weapons weare your honours to defend , If in the Court or City , villany , Should be attempted 'gainst your chastity : See here this naked woman all alone , Defends her honour hauing two to one . Her modest Lookes were late her sure defence , 'Gainst base attempts , now cries 'gainst violence . Oh modell of a chaste and constant Dame , The world all chaste ones , hence Susannas name . Eue tempted was , and by temptation fell , Faire Thamar forced was against her will , Sarah was tane away , but neuer tride ; Shames Feare made Lucrece yeild , whereof she dide . But Iuda's daughter naked all alone , Here ouercomes her Tempters , two to one . But one of them , ah ! ●uddainely doth run To the fore-gate , which he hath sone vndone , And comming backe , both 'gainst the woman cry , Stop , stop the adulterour , they both must dye . The Seruants much affrighted with the noise , And knowing well the● heard their Ladies voice , Rushing in at the back-dore , found their Dame , Accused by the Elders to their shame . Vile woman ! cride the one of them , fie , fie , Is this thy modest holy Puritie ? Thy Prayer , Fasting , Almes , and Meditation , Sabboths , and New-moones , holy obseruation , With which thou seekst thy wickednesse to couer ? God now will thy Hypocrisie discouer . Thy piteous lookes , and faind strict Conscience Shall be no Subterfuge for foule offence ; Was this the cause thou forth thy maids didst send ? More closely with a young man to offend ; We as true witnesses , doe testifie , That thou art taken in Adulterie , Thy Minion we doe hope to catch ere long , Who brake from vs because he was too strong : For testimony , open see the doore , Through which he scap't , that was close spard before ▪ And see her naked , as with him she lay , Lo here for heate her garments laid away . The Seruants all were grieu'd and much asham'd ▪ To heare their Dame thus by the Elders blam'd , For enuious Fame durst neuer till that day , Least Spot or Blemish on Susanna lay . The end of the second Booke .

THE THIRD BOOKE OF SVSANNA . True Louers greeting , willinger to dye , Than suspect mutuall integritie ; An old-man into talke of Susan fals , And her describes from birth to nuptials : She is brought forth ; arraign'd , condemn'd to dye , God her deliuers , soone as she doth cry . NOw clouds black curtaines vnder Heau'n were spread , And Morne was all in Scarlet manteled , ( For chaste Aurora put on this array , To shew the horrour of this bloudy day : ) When Elders from their Beds of Downe arise , Who nought but mischiefe all the night deuise ; And send their Serieants out to summon all The people to assemble at the Hall . Their Loue was turned now to Indignation , Their Lust to mischieuous Imagination , And Hostile-like since they may not enioy Her Fort by parley , seeke it to destroy . But here chaste Susan doth my Muse inuite To tell , how with her Lord she spent that night : Who hearing in his study at his Booke , A wondrous noise , doth from his window looke ; But when he thence but little could discerne , For shade of trees , comes downe the Truth to learne . As wh●n great Ebers Sonne , ( to saue his life , Her , Gen. ●● sister call'd , who was indeede his wife , Which made the King of Gerar for her send And for his owne wife Sarah apprehend : ) Was vext with Feare , Doubts , Loue and Iealousie , For losse of Honour , and the Chastitie Of mother of the faithfull , who for clea●e , Both minde , and body , neuer yet had peere : But when the King conuai'd her home againe , And shee affirm'd her selfe without all staine : Doth vnto Heau'n both Heart and hands aduance , And praisd the Lord for her deliuerance ; And though foule Fame , her for this shame reproue , He her more sure and constantly doth loue . Eu'n so Ioachim was at first afraid , His wife was vsed as the Elders said , But waying well her Faith and Constancie , Soone blames his foolish Feare and Iealousie : And turneth all his doubts and bitter passion To tender Loue , teares , pitty and compassion : And her embracing thus began : My Deare ! Forbeare to weepe ; And let mee from thee heare , The depth of this profound iniquitie , That Both vs plungeth in this misery . The desert sooner shall be fruitfull plaine , Mount Sinas top be drown'd in Ocean maine : And Iordans fruitfull valleys turne to waste , Than I suspect my loyall Wife vnchaste . As when fierce Stormes doe all the mountaines wash , And threat to drowne the valleys with a dash , If Titan please to cast a golden Gleame , The coasts are cleare , and all the Heau'n serene ; So , at these gracious speeches of her Knight , Susanna turnes her clowdinesse to Light ; Her eyes are dride , which fountaines were of teares ▪ Sighs turn'd to speech ; And thus her selfe she cleares , O wretched I ! yet wretched who can bee , That hath so kinde , a noble Lord , as thee ? Who doe'st mee now in louing armes embrace , When enemies doe plot my most disgrace : My Lord ! shouldst thou suspect my Loyalty , My heart should burst for Griefe , and I should die . But Iordanes streames shall sooner backward slide , And Force my Body from my Soule diuide ; Celestiall Fire vnto Earths center tend , And Center Titans fiery coach ascend , Than I consent for feare of Death or Shame , My conscience with eternall spots to blame . Perswaded be that I haue loyall stood , I ioyfully will seale it with my blood ; I feare no accusations vniust , For I doe know in whom I put my trust . These wicked Lords for mee in wait haue laid , But shame and Sorow here her Speeches staid : And suddenly another Cloud appeares , Which dims her Light , and drowneth all in teares : So deepe shee sighs , ●o fast her teares doe flow , That Ioachim doth weepe with her for woe , And both with Sighs and Groanes their loues record ▪ But neither able is to speake a word . As when two Cloud in Sommers day arise , In East and West , which doe obscure the Skies , The lesser Cloud which Zephirus doth blow , Comes swift , but Lo●● the greater comes but slow , Till they both meeting in the Welkin wide , Raise raging ●louds , like to an Easterne tide , Whose violence the eares of Oorne downe beates ; And all the Plough-mans Labour ill intreates : So doe the teares of this grieu'd Couple fall , That they in Sorow drowne Words , Eyes , and All. And eu'n my pen with Sorow drown'd is faint , To leaue them weeping , and you next acquaint , With that which passed in the Iudgement Hall , For there the people doe assemble all . Amongst the rest , one called Ieremy , ( That was a childe of the Captiuity , Who was old Helchi's ancient friend and peare , And from their cradles most familiar were , And often had the Elders office borne , Till Pride and base Ambition with scorne , Had throwne from Seate of Iustice , Equitie , And foisted in her roome base Briberie ) Being now summond to appeare that day , Enquir'd of Tobith then vpon the way , What cause was of this Summons generall , Who told him what to Susan had befall . Susan , said he , what Helchi's daughter faire , Which is her parents onely childe and heire , Could she be brought her fathers house to blame , And bring her husbands honour vnto shame ? Togither with her parents I was one Led Captiue by the King to Babilon : There was no man more noble in the Land , Than he , nor more for Countreys Good did stand , ● Kin. 25.57 We saw our Kings Sonnes slaine before his face , And then his eyes thrust out , for more disgrace ; Yet vertue grac'd to Helchi in this Land , He in high grace soone with the King did stand , And was the first dwelt here in his owne house , Most Valiant , Noble , Wise , Religious , Most happy in one chaste and godly wife , By whom he had this child , their ioy and Life ▪ I tell thee Neighbour , I this Girle did know Eu'n from a childe , as pure as any Snow , Who from her mother suckd milke , as sincere , As euer any nurse to childe did beare : For she so much this infant tendered , As with her owne Brests she it suckeled , " For with the milke , it is an old tradition , " The child may sucke a good or bad condition . So soone as Parents could her tongue prepare To speake , they neither Cost nor Labour spare , To teach her all demeanour mannerly , But aboue all , the dread of the most High : In Scripture they her daily taught to reade , So that in time they sow'd in her such seede , As might produce in Haruest certaine gaine , For all their tillage , labour , cost , and paine . Scarse had the Sunne twelue times through Virgo past , When faire Susannas manners sweete , were cast , By care of Parents , in so faire a mould , That all with wonder did the maide behold : In publique Dancing she doth not delight , Faires , banquets , plays , or sittings vp at night , Nor yet in wandring Dinas conuersation , But keepes at home her fathers habitation : Imploying all her paines and carefull thought , To please and tend on them that vp her brought . Like , Storke who when her parents old haue neede , Sustaines in Eld , who her in youth did feede ; Accounting it a wondrous happinesse , For gifts receiu'd to render thankfulnesse . At vacant houres it was her chiefe delight , To reade the stories of Gods glorious might , Where all the choisest precepts she could find , She stor'd as heau'nly Manna for her mind : The Liues of choisest Dames of Iewish nation , To her as patternes are for imitation , Which oft with needle , lest she should forget , She in most curious Colours neately set . Here in a table she doth tell the story , Of Egypts ouerthrowe , and Iudas glory , Where Miriam leades her Daughters in a dance , To sing Heau'ns Prayses for Deliuerance : The Red Sea here his waters doth diuide , Whilst Israel passeth to the other side ; And here the waues begin to meete againe , To drowne the proud Egyptians in the maine : One breakes , but knowes not how , his Charet wheele , Anothers horse doth of the staggers reele ; Here one yet without hope of Life , doth swim , Another si●●ing catcheth hold on him , And neuer lets him goe , till he him straine , ●nto ●he late-●ry bottome of the Maine . Here stands a Palme , whose height and breadth excell , Whe●e Debora sits iudging Israel . Close by whose side sate valiant Barac , who Vnto the warre without Her , would not goe . Here weanes She Iephtes daughter in a Lome , From Conquest welcomming her father home , When lo , he rends his haire , and teares his beard , That one would thinke the picture had been scard : Who for the Vow he made to the most High , Deuotes her to perpetuall Chastity . Then would She wish her Father such a crosse , So both thereby might haue no greater losse : Oft sings she to her Lute diuinest Layes , And oft to make sweet Hymns her selfe assaies , So that indeede to win her for his Bride , Young Princes sought , but she them all deuide . Thus woo'd of all , but yet Loues fiery dart , Could neuer thaw the chaste y●e of her heart , But like a Diamond , which nothing but A Diamond is able for to cut , So nothing could this peerelesse Lady moue , But pairelesse Ioachims most constant Loue : The yron easelier from beloued Side , Of Loade-stone than their Loues you might diuide : " For as words cut in Diamonds , ay last , " So Loue on vertue grounded standeth fast , " When that which onely doth on Lust depend , " Doth like to Ammons with the Fury end . This man was vertuous , of noble race , Rich , beautifull in Body , and in Face ; To him her parents gladly gaue consent , And with her happy choise were well content . Then see how Loue thus lawfully begun Betwixt this paire , a holy course doth run ; A wise discreete man ; chaste and modest wife , Liu'd as their Bodies both had but one Life ▪ One will , one mouth to wish and to direct , What one delights , the other doth affect , And he offends both , that displeaseth one , Thus are they truely both one flesh and bone . The old man farther would his Tale haue told , But now they at the Hall arriu'd , Behold ! The officers , and sergeants cry out , Roome , Make way , for heere my Lords the Elders come . As Iudges ( which the wicked Iesabel , To get the field which Naboath would not sell ) 1. King . 21 , 8. Corrupted by her Li●es proclaime a fast , And guiltlesse Naboath with the chiefest plac't ; Till that two wicked persons sweare this thing , We heard this man blaspheme God and the King . Wherea● the godly Iurours out doe cry , We finde him guiltie , guiltie let him die ; So came th●se wicked Elders to the Hall , Resolu'd to wreake their Spite and Malice all : But that they might themselues vpright pretend , They cause the people for the Dame to send , Who with her parents , children , and her kin , Appear'd as faire without , as cleare within . As when the course of some much honour'd peere , Vnto her tombe is brought vpon a Beere , Couer'd with veluet blacke downe to the ground , Her friends and kins-folkes all about her round , Their late delights now all to Sorrow turne ; But most her parents and her children mourne , For losse of their deare childe , and carefull mother , Who neuer had , nor shall haue such another : That all the lookers on and standers by , Bewaile the last act of this Tragedie : So was this Dame brought out in blacke array , Vnto the funerall of this sad day , Her faire blacke stole low-reaching to the ground , Vnder which heau'nly Beauties all abound , Follow'd by noble Dames of I●wish nation , Who made for her exceeding Lamentation : Y●a , so her parents and her children mourne , It doth all Iudas hearts to pittie turne ; Yet would the Elders Bowels not relent , Th●●ugh eu'n the rockes and stones seeme to lament . And sure none can the ashes in an vrne , Bewaile more than they all for her doe mourne : Herein the difference doth only lye , A Co●rse is dead , and Susan is to dye . One's Soule is whole in heauenly habitation , Hers there as yet only by contemplation . The Elders burning in old lustfull fire , To satisfie their beastly Lusts desire , Command the Serieants streight her face vncouer , And at the Barre the prisoner plaine discouer . As when the Coffin which the Coarse containes , With blacke all couer'd , on the Herse remaines , The mourners seeme their loud Laments to hould , But when the Sexton doth the Same vnfould , Preparing it for earths last habitation ; All send out loudest groanes and Lamentation ; So all her friends this liuing Coarse bewaile . When from her tender eyes they pull the vaile , Her Face then vnder Sorowes clouds doth shine , As neere as mortals may , like to diuine ; Her haire like wires of burnisht gold appeares , Whereon like pearles do hang her cristall teares . Malicious Curres ! looke off , your Sight is ill , You , like the Basiliske , by eying kill : For her but yesterday your Liues you venterd , And into her Lords orchyard closely enterd , But now I see the flame which you then burn'd , Is all to Malice , Hate , and Fury turn'd . In briefe the Clerke doth her Inditement reade , To which she truely doth non-guiltie pleade , Yet so the Law is , that vpon Deniall , Her Life must stand vpon the peoples triall . Poore wretch ( saith then the eldest Iudge ) confesse , And aske God pardon for thy wickednesse : The Euidence , alasse ! too plaine will be , The witnesses thee in the act did see . " But who feares not to act Adulterie , " In Gods sight , feares not before men to lie . Thou thought'st this thing in secret to haue done , But God shall make it clearer then the Sunne . Then on her guiltlesse head both lay their hands , Whil'st shee like Iepthes virgine-daughter stands , Looking to Heau'n , expecting when priests knife , Should for burnt-offering dispatch her life . And thus they sweare ; A● last daies afternoone , We two in shady arbour sate alone , In at the foregate to the orchard came , With maidens two attending her , this Dame , Whom at the back-gate soone away shee sends , Whil'st some Deuotions priuate she pretends ; But in close shade we suddainly espie , A yong man waiting with this Dame to lye ; And much asham'd of such most wicked fact , Arise and take them in the very act . The man escapes , because he was too strong , For we alas are old , and he was yong : Out of the gate he breakes from vs away , But what hee was this Dame will not bewray : This truth 'fore God and man we testifie , Now heare the Law against adultery . The Clerke then reades : The man that 's lying found , With any woman-kinde in wedlocke bound , Deut. 22.22 . They both shall die , as both together lay , So sinne from Israel is done away . Then as the chimes the clocke doe follow soone , As it hath told her longest tale at noone , Not caring whether it goe false or true , So doe the idle-giddy headed crew , At hearing of the Iudges witnesse , cry , We finde her guiltie , guiltie let her die . Oh Heau'ns ! chaste Susan die ? Thou maist complaine , That thou thine heart hast clensed then in vaine , In vaine hast wash'd thine hands in innocence , And day and night endured chastisements : But vnderstanding well the fearefull end Of those that so malitiously intend , How they consume and perish suddainly , Shee onely thus aloud to God doth cry . Searcher of Secrets : who from euer was , And all things knowst before they come to passe , Thou knowst they falsely these things testifie , Against mee : therefore , Lo I guiltlesse die . Thou knowst I neuer to such things consented , As these men haue maliciously inuented . As Bullet then which force of Powder sends , Swiftly attaines the marke which it intends : Eu'n so these words sent from a wounded Sprite , Fly to the Lord that iudgeth all things right . Who vnderstanding well by this appeale , Guiltlesse Susann's wrong , forthwith doth seale , Without delay , or fee , an Inhibition , And to a yong man grants a new commission . For God ( as was seene often in those daies ) The Spirit of yong Daniel doth raise , Who as shee 's led to execution , cries , I free am from this bloody Sacrifice . The people which all noueltie desire , Returne of him his meaning to enquire , Who in the Spirit of Truth now waxing bold , Before them all their errour doth vnfold . O! Fooles of Israel ! who to discerne The Truth not able are , nor seeke to learne : You one of Israels daughters heere to die , Condemned haue , but know no reason why . Before what Iudges did you her arraigne ? Who her accusers are ? and who againe , Are witnesses ? What , two false Elders shall , Be Iudge , accusers , witnesses , and all ? " He that his throne on Iustice will erect , " Mens causes , no● their persons must respect . If Elders now accusers will become , 〈◊〉 19. ●● . They must before the Priests and Iudges come : And if they faile to prooue their accusation , They must be subiect to like condemnation . Returne , returne , make better inquisition , Pu● the accusers both out of Commission ; Ap●o●nt new Iudges , who with diligence , May tr●e the witnesses and her defence . Returne , returne , in Iudgement sit againe , For they against he● falsely doe complaine . 〈◊〉 41.38 . As when lost Sonne of Iacob did vnfold , The meaning of the Dreame which Pharaoh told , And 〈◊〉 that he should Officers command , To store vp ●oode ●o 〈◊〉 aliue his land : None then in Pharoe● and his seruants eyes , Appe●red then this Hebrew childe more wise ; For by his gracious words they plaine descry , 〈…〉 in him most abund●ntly : And therefore next vnto the King must stand , And 〈◊〉 by his word all Egypt land . So when this youth doth his great Prudence show , 〈…〉 like dew of Heau'n which from him flow , 〈◊〉 one minde conclude for certainetie , 〈◊〉 the Spirit rests of the most High : And therefore as approouing of Gods choise , 〈◊〉 all elect him Elder with one voice : 〈◊〉 other from their offices suspend , 〈…〉 their cause shall haue a finall end . The end of the third Booke .

THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF SVSANNA . The fickle state of seeming men of might : Their peace of conscience that iudge vpright . The people plaine the Elders malice see , In that their testimonies disagree . Susan 's absolu'd , and they condemn'd to die : Of Men and Angels heau'nly melody . YOu Iudges ; that on earth Gods people wield , As husbands trees and bushes in a field , Crop which you list , and which you list let grow , And are as Gods Vicegerents here below ; Loe heere an embleme of your fickle fate , And vaine inconstancy of humane sta●e : Who but this morning ruld both fa●re and neere , Ere noone , as prisoners , at the Barre appeare ; And who eu'n now were Iudges ouer all , Must by their Subiects iudgement stand or fall . Ambition base , light puffe of worthlesse Pride , How dost thou heere vaine mortals thoughts deride ? Them throwing like hand-bals against the ground , That they againe the higher may rebound , And when as thou hast finished thy Sport , Them leau'st all in the Dust in equall sort : Oh happy Elders ! could your conscience Now pleade , 1. Sa● . 12.3 . with Samuels , a iust defence : That willing doth before King Saul appeare , And people all , himselfe of fraud to cleare . Whole Oxe , whose Asse haue I vniustly tane ? Whom haue I wrong'd , saith he , in Goods or Name ? Of whose hands haue I taken lesse or more , To blind mine eyes , and I will all restore ? Before God and 's Annointed ( say they ) wee Acknowledge thee from all corruption free : Thus all acquitted vpright Samuel , Who many yeeres had iudg'd all Israel , But these two Elders had not rul'd one yeare , Ere they are both brought forth themselues to cleare , Before the Iudge , and there to testifie Against themselues , their owne iniquitie . Oh peerelesse pearle of good sound conscience ! When we are call'd to plead our owne defence , Especially before the Lord of might , Before whom all our deeds must come to light , When Angels shall aloud their trumpets blow , And mortals all at once in flesh shall show , For to receiue their iust and finall Dome , When all in person must to Iudgement come . How cheerefull shall good Consciences abide ? Whilst wicked wish the rockes may fall and hide , Them , from the vengeance of that iustest one , Who retributes to all as they haue done . As wisest Salomon when he could finde , 1. King . 2. ●3 . No certaine witnesse to resolue his minde , When as two women did before him striue , Whose was the dead , and whose the childe aliue ▪ Well knowing one of them the truth did know , Deuis'd how by themselues it plaine to show : So this yong Iudge in heau'nly wisedome wise , Doth with the Lords and people thus aduise : Brethren , Lo heere a question betwixt two , Which none on earth , but they , doe truly know . The Dame deny's , what these accusers sweare , Shee 's one , they two ; but both one party are , And witnesses : therefore in lawes conception , They both are lyable to iust exception . Wherefore I will , that one be put aside Whilst th' other is examined and tride : " God that from heau'n the truth of all doth see , " Will neuer let false witnesses agree . When they are parted , first to Barre they call , The elder Iudge , there to be seene of all : Who as base Shemei ( of the cursing kind , After he was by Solomon confind ) For passing 's bounds , 1. Kin , 2 . 4● . then brought before the King , His guilty conscience 'gainst him witnessing , The wickednesse he to King Dauid did , When from his gracelesse Absolon he fled ) Stood mute , amaz'd before the iudgement seate , And , out of hope , no pardon doth intreate : So stood the Carle amazed , shaking , mute , Expecting God should vengeance retribute : Yet being old and full of subtilty , Doth thus his owne proceedings iustify . My heart is confident and bold within , Since all I did was but to punish sinne : If in some circumstances , faile I shall , To be accuser , witnesse , Iudge and all , My witnesse-bearing thus I iustify , There was no more but we , could testify , And better we to bring this accusation , Than leaue vnpunisht such abhomination ▪ As for condemning , let the people say , Who were the onely Iudges here to day . We neuer vrg'd the rigour of the law , We onely testifide what we both saw : Let not her teares or beauty thee so blind , As she a patrone for her sinne may find : Besides the proofe , which we by oaths haue showne ; T is plaine , we found her naked all alone . Alone 〈◊〉 Daniel , ●●nc●ed ●a●e that hast Liu'd wi●kedly , so long and ●o vnchast , Th' ungracious deedes thou actedst in Gods sight , Shall here before vs all be brought to light . False iu●gements thou hast giu'n , and sore opprest The innocent , the guilty hast releast . Yet 〈◊〉 the Lord , The innocent and righteous , 〈…〉 nor iustify th' unrighteous : We haue well mark'd the wicked accusation , Thou bringst against this daughter of our nation , If , as thou swear'st , thou saw'st th' adultery , Tell now vnder what tree they then did lye . A Mulbery tree , the Elder then replyde : Well , then said Daniel , now thou hast lyde Against thy selfe ; the Angell of the Lord , Stands ready to divide thee with a sword , Against thine owne life thou hast testifide ; Bring forth the other , put this wretch aside . Simile . As thee●e which feares , besides his guilty breast , That 's fellow hath before the theft confest , Trembles and quakes at his examination , And seekes to scape by nice equivocation , At last resoluing still to hold his tale , Do●h vtter words that tend to 's finall bale : Eu'n so this second feares , his will not hold Agreement with the tale his fellow told ; Or that his brother might the truth confesse , In hope of pardon for his wickednesse : But in the end , t is his determination , No whit to alter his first accusation , And therefore with a feigned innocence , He boldly speakes thus in his owne defence . Brethren , since you to me this office gaue , I know I did so well my selfe behaue , As guiltlesse now I need not be afraid , To begge vnto mine innocence your aid . That you from me my dignity haue rent , And brought me to the Barre , I am content : My shoulde●s of a burthen is well lighted , For neuer I in Soueraignty delighted ▪ That which mine heart with griefe doth now aff●ct , Is , that you me of Falsity suspect : That you should thinke I durst sweare to a Lye , And not expect ●read lightning suddainely . Young man , God send thee honour in thy place , Thy greatnesse build not yet on our disgrace : What vs befalls may come to thee as soone , We iudged in the morning , thou at noone : Therefore beware , oh man , thou iudgest right , Thou knowst not who may iudge thy selfe ere ●igh● What profit is 't to me in this to lye , And to condemne my true friends wife to dye ▪ Good Ioachims , who were she chaste as faire , They were a holy , noble , pearelesse paire . But that whereof we now accuse this Dame , I sweare is true ; who dares deny the same ? Then Daniel said , Oh thou of Canaans seede , And not of Iudas , Beauty hath indeede Deceiued thee , and lust doth eu'n thy heart And all the powers of thy soule peruert : Thus you with Israels daughters dealt before , And they for feare haue plaid with you the whore ; But Iudas daughter , Ioachims chaste b●ide , Could neuer such foule wickednesse abide . But they that will haue one condemn'd to dye , Ought of the time and place to testifie : Then tell me truely , vnderneath what tree Them companing together thou didst see , Vnder a Pomegranate , he then reply's , Behold now all , how this vile villaine lyes , Saith then the Iudge ; the Angell with a sword , Shall thee diuide , of God and man abhord . Had she in orchyard to your lust consented , This crime against her had not beene inuented . Well knew I this before by reuelation , But would make 't plaine by their examination , Before ! vnto iudgement did proceede . The sentence . Wherefore ● , In Gods name , this sentence reade . I Daniel , a iudge by your commission , Hauing with diligence made inquisition , In cause pretended of Adultery , Betweene this Dame , and these two Elders by , And witnesses in diffrent tales so found , That thereby one the other doth confound , First doe absolue from guilt this chastest Dame , Restoring her to her good name and fame . Deu. 19.16 Next I pronounce , that who so vp shall rise , And gainst his brother falsely testifi's , Ought iustly to receiue that punishment , Which wickedly he to his brother ment ; Do to him as he would haue done , I say , So ill from Israel is done away . And so shall other heare of it and feare , And henceforth no false testimony beare , Let not your eyes of them take least compassion , Respect not greatnesse , person , age or nation : A hand for hand , for tooth tooth , eye for eye , A foote for foote , for murther let them dye . Neuer did any people say Amen , More gladly to the preachers prayer , when He for the safety of our King doth pray , And their confusion , that would him betray , Than all the multitude their shoutings raise , To blisse his iustice and their maker praise . God that from fraud deliuereth the iust , And from the wicked , all that in him trust . And as when Faux that arcenall full fraught Gun-powder treason . With treason , mischiefe , and rebellious thought , ( Plotting the death and vtter desolation , Of King , Priests , Nobles , and of all our nation , Because like Susan here we did deny , Reu. To leaue our Lord , and to accompany , With Iezabel in foule abhomination , With whom earths Princes commit fornication , ) Condemned was by Iudges iustest dome , Lo all the people doe together come , With ioyfull hearts , vnto his execution , Where he receiueth iustest retribution : Eu'n so when Daniel for false-witnesse-bearing , The Elders had convict in peoples hearing , Vpon them the whole multitude doth run , And did to them eu'n as they would haue done , To chastest Dame ; so sinne was done away , And her blood innocent was sau'd that day . My history is done , but not my song , For they that all this while haue held their tongue , Vp now their voices vnto heauen raise , And for this Dames deliuerance sing praise : First old Helchias spirit doth ●euiue , As Iacobs hearing Ioseph was aliu● , And like to vpright godly Simeon old When he his Sauiour in his armes doth hold , Sings nunc Dimittis , Oh now let me dye : In Susan ▪ s found not least dishonesty . And next his wife like Miriam doth sing , The noble praises of her heauenly King . When as she saw her enemies confounded , And all th' Egyptians in the red sea drowned . Oh Ioachim , who can the ioy descry ! That thou conceiud'st for her deliuery ? He onely that hath skill to touch the st●ing , Of Dauids Harpe , and Psalmes like his to sing , Can here describe the heauenly melody , Was made on earth by this whole company . Father and mother for their daughter sung , The children which about their mother hung , Like f●ir●st clusters of the f●uitfull vine , S●ng all with angelique , sweete voice divine . ●oe all her kindred , and her seruants sing , And eu'n Dame Eccho seem'd from heauen to ring ; But t' was not Eccho , but sweete Angels voice , That for this Dames deliu'rance did reioyce . And now my Muse , the Reader onely stayes , To sing one ditty of this stories praise . Ha●●e all chaste Ladies , all iust Iudges heare , Both old and young vnto my words giue eare , Let them like dew vpon your hearts distill , And siluer drops which heau'ns on meadowes spill . Ioachim , Susan , Hel●hi with me sing The glorious bounty of the righteous king : And babes who scarce haue learnd to tune your voice , Yea : sucklings in his noble strength reioyce . He , to whom earst you lifted vp your eyes , Now heares your groanes , and listens to your cryes , And you deliuers from Beares cruell pawes , The Lyons throate , and Crocodiles foule iawes . He in all ages past hath sau'd the iust , And those that put in him their hope and trust ; But neuer plainer haue we heard or read , Than here , his prouidence discouered . Susanna chaste to iustice I compare , The Elders two corrupted Iudges are , Who seeke for pleasure , fauour , gaine , ambition , Her to corrupt , but to their owne perdition . Iudges corrupt , when you this story heare , At Gods iust vengeance tremble , quake and feare ; And iudging others for the like offence , Condemne your owne soule , guilty conscience . And thinke not when you finde your selues vniust , Such punishment is onely due for lust . Who for ambition , fauour , feare or gaine , Doe iudge vniustly , merit equall paine . You that proiect to prooue by witnesses , Things false , for gaine , or for malciousnesse ; Lo here your Fate in this example see , Your testimonies neuer shall agree . Old letchers that in beastly lust delight , See here your deeds of darknesse brought to light ; Who doth from heauen your secret sins behold , Will one day to your shame , them all vnfold . Iudges and people diligently try The truth , before you one condemne to dye ; For some for malice , some will sweare for gaine , Of enuy and ambition some will straine . When as you see th' accusers violent , And offer oath to prooue their owne intent , Though it may seeme them little to concerne , Yet wa●ily , before you iudge , discerne . Chaste Dames ! who rather had endure the shame , Th●n pr●u●●y your consciences to blame , Waite on the Lord , and in his lawes delight , So he will bring all wickednesse to light . Whilst Susan-like your innocence shall shine , And be commended to succeeding time . Henceforth let all the Ladies that liue chast , Be with the title of Susannas grac't : So far as Isaacks seede the Scepter swayes , And Phoebus doth divide the nights from dayes , So far shall honourd be chaste Susans name , And all chaste Dames shall glory in the same . And when as witnesses doe disagree , Iudges shall praise her honourd chastity : And Daniels prudent diligence admire , And by this patterne , out the truth enquire ▪ In this she suffers like that holy One , Who though he neuer ill had thought or done ▪ Mark . 14.58 , 59. Yet was accusd for cursed Blaspheme , But neuer could the witnesses agree . Lo wicked Pilate like these Elders stands , Was●ing before iust iudge , his guilty hands , Yet nothing but hells lake shall wash from thence , That guiltlesse blood , the blood of innocence . In thee two wicked Iudges I doe see , The diuell and the world accusing me , Whose malice surely had me ouercome , Had not the Prophet to my rescue come . I see in Daniel , sitting on the throne , A true resemblance of that holy One , Who though he all things past as present knows , By Spirit which the truth to Daniel shows , Yet by discussing will make all things cleare , That men and Angels which his Dome do heare , May second it with finall approbation , The Iusts reward , the wickeds condemnation . Go on , braue Daniel , in doing right , And thou shalt fauour find in Princes sight , Gen. 41.40 . Cyrus succeedes in Persian Monarchy , Who thee shall raise to high Authority , And like wise Ioseph place thee next his throne , He Egypt , thou shalt Persia rule alone . IN all thy Poems thou dost wondrous well , But thy Susanna doth them all excell . R. C. FINIS .

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