[Orpheus his iourney to hell and his musicke to the ghosts]

ORPHEVS His lourney to Hell WHen as the world in her first ●olden time , frutefull in euerie blessing did abound : when Floras pride was alwaies in her prime , and Winters wrath did ner' offend the ground But without labour euery thing encreased , And pleasant sommers seasons neuer ceased . No harsh aspect of heauens restlesse frame did alter earthly creatures in their kinde : Each sauage beast and bird that time was tame , and all the world accorded in one minde . For then dissention was a thing vnknowne , And seedes of enuie and debate not sowne . When as olde Saturne had in peace disposed , his scepter and his glorious throne in heauen : And in their seuerall kingdome had inclosed , each of his children and by portions euen , Making all seueral kings in seuerall places , Deuided to them all his giftes and graces . Then did great Ioue in peace succeede his Sire , and Neptune bridled in the lawlesle seas : Pluto in hell amidst a world of fire , keeping tormented soules from rest and ease , Orerules the hagges that in those dungeons moyles , And to the Ghosts imposes endlesse toyles . In this contented time was Orpheus borne , compos'd of purer mettell than a man : Made mortall by the Gods in Natures scorne , that earth might witnes how the heauens can Inclose in Elementall shapes celestiall thinges , Whose life from quintescence of heauen springs . This pure composed shape the Gods endued with their owne vertues , els had it been shame , That he whose bodie from the heauens issued , should haue a soule forg'd in a baser frame . Thus did the Gods agree for to combine A heauenly body and a soule diuine . This was that Orpheus , whose delightfull stringes , drew to their siluer sound the sencelesse trees : That still'd the musicke of the bubbling springs , and staide the streames to heare his harmonies : That made the sauage beasts forsake their praie , And gently come to heare sweet Orpheus play . The craggie rockes that walles the Oceans bound , where Neptune keeps his watrie regiment , Rose from their flinty roots to heare him sound , and whil'st he sang seem'd for to sta●d content . The fishes left the seas to liue a shore , Which neuer heard of Musicks name before . Thus liu'd be long the woonder of his time , whose heauen-borne musicke wonne 〈◊〉 loue of all Aspiring honor taught his fame to clime , and made him liue secure from thought of fall . Till Fortune that orerules the state of kinges , Did oreturne him , as she doth other things . The pleasiing poyson of self-killing Loue , at last made entrance to his mayden-heart : Where once being anchored , neuer would remoue , but with sweet tickling wounds there bred his smart . Yet did his wish preuaile , his hope 's effected , His Loue found loue , and neuer was rejected . But as it is in things being soonest growne , whose flowered blossoms euery blast decayes : And neuer stayes the Autumne to be mowne , but floorishes and falles within few dayes : So is 't in loue , which being quicklie sproong , Dies oftentimes when as it is but yoong . Euridice , the flower of flowering Thrace , whom Orpheus often in his ditties praised , She that had all perfection in her fa●… , and at her face made euery thing amazed : For loue of her Orpheus incurr'd this paine , Though she with loue requited loue againe . Being thus agreed in loue , and both contented , the day was pointed for their marriage right : When most assur'd they soonest were preuented , and sundred by vnconstant Fortunes spight . So by the meanes of a malignant power , Their ioyes began and ended in an hower . The marriage day being come , and all things fit , and Hymeneus rites now done and ended : Home they returne , and at their banquets sit , with pleasures such , as to such meetings tended . And when at home was ended all their sport , Then to the pleasant Meades did all resort . Where as the Maides by custome came in thronges , when any Maid was married from their traine : And there they spend the time in sport and songs , that other may doe so to them againe : Where some were dancing hand in hand in ringes , And others sit to heare how Orpheus sings . Here Orpheus warbles on his trembling stringes , for to delight Euridice his joy : She sometimes dances , then sits downe and sings , and woman like begins to kisse and toy , Thus these two sporting in each others sight , Thinkes euery hower a yeare till it be night . When as the wearie horses of the Sunne , began to hie them downe vnto their rest , And now their maisters iourney almost done , they end their toylsome labour in the west : Home hies these louers with a full intent To change these sportes to other merriment . And as they footed ore the pleasant meades , like to the Huntresse , and her maiden traine : A Serpent sliding from amongst the weeds , sting'd faire Euridice , and with that maine Expels her ayerie Spirites from the wound , And leaues her chill-cold body on the ground . Nor would th' impartiall Destinies permit , her wofull soule to take her last adew : But greedilie they seaze themselues on it , which downe vnto the Stygian streames they drew , Where they appointed her for to remaine , That she might waight vpon Proserpins traine . Which when the Thracian Poet had perceiued , how suddainly Furidice was gone : With madding furie sometimes rag'd and raued , and then with tragicke tunes begins to mone , Sighing that his Furidice was dead . Before she knew the pleasure of his bed . And sitting there by her poysoned wound , sauing the skarlet blood that issued foorth , Moisture ouer-deare to dew the ground , or quench the thirst of this vnsatiate earth : Wishing or she were here with him againe , Or he with her in the Elizian plaine . Thus till pale death from her vermilion cheekes , Had drawne the vntainted mixture of her hue , Distressed Orpheus with his sorrow seekes her now decaying beautie to renue : Till when he saw that all his hope was vaine , He tooke himselfe vnto his harpe againe . Where in a mournfull Anteme he bewailes the sinister occasion of his birth ; Till his deuiding voyce with teares now failes , and cannot eccho to his other mirth : But with sad lookes and dumbe demeanes he brings , His countenance correspondent to his strings . Vnto whose musicke flockes the neighboring hilles , the shadie groues , the pleasant murmuring springs , And all the plaines with companie now filles , as beasts and birds , fish , foule , and other thinges , And when as euery one had tane his seat , Thus Orpheus gius his sorrowes to repeat . You free-borne people , from inthralling bandes of libertie , depriuing Loues estate : Now mutually come all and ioyhe your handes , and helpe your Orpheus to bewayle his mate . Weepe for Euridice that loued me well , Whose beauty now fades and decayes in hell . Vnheady rulers of this wretched clime , you Gods I meane , whose hands directes our helme , Why did you sort my dayes vnto this time , and in this sea of sorrow ouerwhelme : The prosperous beginning of my life , By this vniust diuorcing of my wife . Ah could your cruclty inact this deed , to mixt sweet beauty with deformity : For all my merites , render you this meed , the injurious rape of my Euridice ? Shall she attend grim Pluto in his den , That was belou'd of Gods , admir'd of men ? Hast thou forgot to loue great Saturnes sonne , or didst thou enuie Orpheus in his loue ? Remember how thy selfe hast been orecum , leauing the Synode of the Gods aboue , To dote on one , whose beauties greatest grace , May not compare with sweet Euridice face . Then in remembrance what thou sometime wert● see the distrest estate wherein I am : And if it rest in thee to ease my smart , for pitie , pitie Orpheus miserie : And if she haue not pass'd the Stygian maine , Ah , call her backe to liue with me againe . So shall thy name eterniz'd by my skill , be honor'd for this memorable deed : And neuer shall my warbling harp be still , but euery where thy woorthinesse shall spred : Till by my means the world resound thy power , And thou shalt bid me cease and sing no more . But if it be too late for to recall her , and that already she hath pass'd the flood , Where grieslie Futies , fiends , and hagges inthrall her , whence she can not returne to doe me good : Then hence forth shall my strings surcease to sound , And I will leaue to sing till shee be found . You wofull trees that witnesse of my mones , with hanging tops and teare-distilling showes : You siluer streams , huge hils , hand rockes and stones , that haue been witnesse to my weary woes : Heer all together take your last farewell , Your Orpheus goes to seeke his loue in hell . And if the griesly furies will attend , the mournfull musicke which meane time I le make : If Pluto will but suffer the to spend some solemne sonnets for my Loues sweet sake , Then haply may the gentle Queene of Dis , For pitie sake restore me to my blisse . This said , he rous'd him from the tender grasse , which mourn'd in Sable to heare Orpheus weepe : And in a melancholy moode doth passe , vnto the place that leads downe to the deep , Where was innumerable ghostes before , Hasting for passage , downe to Charons shore . And through the yrksome shadow of blacke night , he treads the fatall way to loath some hell , By many noysome vaultes depriu'd of light , where none but. Furies , bugs , and torturs dwell . Vntill he came downe to the Stygian bankes , Where as the sillie ghostes attend in rankes , There by the shore , poore Orpheus sits him down , and gins to tune his mournfull instrument : Whereas the soules doe flock about him soone , to heare the sequell of this strange euent . And he with heauie lookes and countenance pale , Recites the processe of our former tale . Thus ( quoth he ) for my Loue haue I for sooke the Thracian fieldes and company of men : And for her sake this iourney vndertooke , to vgly grim-fac'd Plutoes smokie den : Where if I chance to meet with my delight , These paynes will be requited with her sight . But if I misse of my Euridice , and cannot find her out amongst the fields : Which the black Iudges of that monarchie , vnto such seperated louers yeelds , Where they in solitarie passion spend Their weary daies , which neuer shall haue end . Then will the heauie burthen of dispaire , clog downe my vitall spirits to the ground : And my poore heart been split in two with care , let my poore soule escape that fatall wound . And in that heauie plight poore Orpheus shall Quite loose his comfort , labor , life and all . By this bad Charon landed all his freight , and set them safe vpon the other shore : And with all speed returned thether straight , to loade his boate againe , and carie more . Where when he saw them clustering altogether , Gan marueil what new ghost was then come thether . But when he look'd on Orpheus , view'd his face , and euery circumstance had onely ey'd : He told him that hee might not passe that place , and to transport him flatlie he deny'd . Had not the Poet with a pleasant straine Quench'd the fierce furie of his wrath enflame . Then he whose eares inur'd to heare the cries of painfull soules in endlesse miseries : Whose concaue feet and fierie flaming eyes , fixt on no subject but deformities . Amaz'd to heare him stand as one that 's dead , Or chang'd to stone at sight of Gorgons head . Such was the force of Musickes Arte in him , as tam'd this sauage brood of hellish kinde : Enchaunted all his bodie lim by lim , and turn'd his sauage vnrelenting mind . And where before he kept him from his charge , Now he entreats him to accept his barge . And rowing him ore to the other side , curteously helps to conduct him a shore : Protesting solemnly vntill that tyde , he neuer help'd such passengers before . Whence Orpheus looking to the Sulphurish flame , and foggy smokes ascending from that pit : Oft times repeates his Louers pleasing name , wishing himselfe might by her rest and sit , Where they with Louers songs , and sweet tun'd rime , Might spend the course of euerlasting time . The came he to the rustie gates of death , whereas the tripple headed porter dwels : Who being amaz'd for to see him beneath , sends from his hollow throat such thundring yels , As summon'd all the Furies at his calles , To leaues their taskes and haste vnto the walles . Now in this place no suceour doeth remayne , to helpe him in or rid him out their clawes : Saue for to fall vnto his harpe againe , and by that meanes breake ope the brazen jawes Of gredie hell , that there in darknesse holdes , More then large heauen in his compasse folds . Then gins the Poet tune his siluer strings , whose heauenly harmony had power to mooue : Hilles , trees and stones , beasts , birds , and other things , both men on earth , and all the gods aboue , To see if it would come to this euent Mongst the black people of this regiment . You that doe triumph ouer Deaths successe , and in vnbaylable strong bandes detaines The soules of wretched Louers in distresse , tormented midst a world of endlesse paines ; For faire Proserpines sake , your louelie Queene , Heare me recite my sorrowes yet but greene . I That amongst my Ditties woonted was to sing the motion of eternall heauen : How all the Planets in their circles passe , and at their times make vp their motions euen . Must change my stile , and taught by proofe to sing , Prooue the effect of Loue , a fickle thing . The solitarie wood which I freqnented , wheras the Syluan Gods admit'd my name : Both Gods and woods together haue lamented th'v ntimely proofe I tasted of the same : And all agreeing in my tune doe sing , How Loues effect is an vnconstant thing . The whilom desart plaines where nothing grew , now fertill by the meanes my musicke made : Gin now againe for sorrow to renew their olde accustomable wearie trade . And witnesse what a cause I haue to sing , How Loues effect is an vnconstant thing . I loued Euridice , the fairest face that euer heauens eie did looke vpon : Or euer sprang from elementall race , or euer humaine tence were fixed on . Whose timelesse death with teares make Orpheus sing , That Loues effect is an vnconstant thing . Vnconstant Lasse to him that lou'd thee well , made thee Commander of his liues estate : To leaue him so , and choose the Prince of Hell , and thus reward his loue with thankles hate . Thy folly makes me now with sorrow sing , The effect of Loue to be a fickle thing . Yet to regaine my losses come I heere , to plead for mercie at grim Plutoes seat : Who when he sees my waight of woes appear and heares me all my sorrowes to repeat , Will in his justice say , well may I sing , That Loues effect is an vnconstant thing . And you the watchfull keepers of these ports , affoord but me the entrance to those plaines ; Where euery day so many Ghosts resortes , and I wil for requitall of your paines , To heauen & earth , and all their creatures tell , How gently I was entertain'd in hell . Wlth this the cruell Porter was content , to giue him entrance through his brazen door : Where when he was , the Ghostes incontinent came flocking still about him more and more . And they that whilest they liu'd had hard his longes , For the like pleasure all of them now longes . To whome the gentle Thracian not denies , but for the better he might get his right : With his accustomable harmonies , hee gluts their longing sences with delight : And makes them all , both Ghostes and Furies say , Would they might euer more heare Orpheus play . Thus pleasantly they passe the foremost portch , and now amongst the tortures enter in : Where some in scalding mettall frie and scortch , the tender superficies of their skin . Others do freese to death , yet neuer die , Whose paines and liues must last eternally . All these and many other torturing kindes , the force of his sweet musicke did alay : And cheer'd againe their now dead drooping mindes , that in these torments thus tormented stay . And whilest he sung , forgets their former vaine , The one his nature , th' other all his paine . Then came he neere a place where hee might see , a gliding streame , that swiftly runnes away : Ouer whose bankes doth hang a broad branch'd tree , that with much fruit her boughs to th' earth did sway . Vnder whose shade in water to the chin , Poore Tantalus is forc'd to labour in . Ready to starue for food , poore soule hee standes , and yet the fruite hangs round about his head : But when he striues to catch them with his hand , they are conuayd from him with sudden speed . And when hee hopes to quench his thirst with drinke , Then doth the water settle downe and sinke . By him Ixion on a torturing wheele , continually is rack'd and torne asunder : His bodie yet decayes not any deale , but still indures those paines , which is a woonder , That being rack'd and tortur'd in this rate , His bodie should continue in one state . There lies Promotheus fastened to the ground , vpon whole heart a greedy vulture feedes : And wher he feeds new flcsh growes in the the wound , and so his hart and hurt doe dayly breed . And Sisiphus by him doth make his mone , Wearied with labouring vp the tumbling stone . To whom when Orpheus came and gan to sing , their paines surceast , and they were something eas'd : Whose harmonie effected such a thing , as ther withall the Furies seem'd well pleas'd . And all agreed there with one consent , To spend that day in hell with merriment . Then Tantalus his streame did run no more , the tree hung still , and stir'd not from his head , And he forgot the thirst he had before , and thanked Orpheus for his so good deed , In this releasing him from that paine , Which many years before he did sustaine . Then Sisiphus his rowling stone stood still : Ixions paines began for to decrease : Promotheus Vulture hauing eat her fill , from tyring of his heart-strings gan to cease . And all the tortures els that hell containes , Did then surcease their plagues and diresul paines . And followed Orpheus to the Cypres trees , vndet whose shades the wearie Souldiours rest ; Who sorting there themselues in companies , with euerlasting quietnes are blest . And in their conterence there again reuiue Th' exploytes they did , when as they were aliue . There was old Priam and his fiftie sonnes , that for their countries honour were supprest : The Greeks , whose names in euery Poem runs , there spend their quiet dayes in peace and rest , And he whose loue did win the Carthage Queene , Venterous Aeneas rest vpon that greene . There gins the Poct once againe relate the waightie cause that drew him to that place : In euerie word lamenting his est●●… that hee was borne to suffer 〈◊〉 grace . He that had euerie creature at his call , Should now stand need for to bee help'd of all . You that haue tri'd ( quoth hee ) Loues hard euent , and the vnconstant kind of womens sect : And you whose time in wearie warres was spent , which Loue and Louers passions did neglect . For pittie sake helpe , for to cure my paine , By getting my Euridice againe . And in your judgmentes view my heauic plight , that haue aduentur'd this so dangerous toyle : To view the monuments of endlesse night , that yeelds no other thing saue rape and spoyle . And tell mee then , if that for all my paine , I bee not woorthy of her loue againe . Your toyles that whilom you sustain'd aboue , was pleasure vnto these I here abide : And all your dangerous quarrels for your loue , compar'd with mine , may all be set aside . Yet could the world deuise a greater paine , I would endure to get my loue againe . My Loue , the sweetest Loue that ere suruiued , woonder of heauen , and the same of earth : , Vntimely death vniustly hath depriued , and would no longer let her heare my mirth . For her sweet sake what would I not sustaine , If I might so recouer her againe . For Loue thy brother Iour for sooke , his glorious high celestiall seate : And to a Feere himselfe betooke , that with his Daned hee might treat . And did himselfe confuse and say , Quod Amor vincit omnia . Apelle , Learnings greatest friend , for Daphnes sake came from aboue : And doted on her , to this end , he might on earth enjoy her loue . And was the first that ere did say , Quod Amor vincit ownia . Thus Loue that enrers at the ele , and sleely steales downe to the heart : There doth ingender fantasie , whose issue breeds , or joy , or smart . Perforce enforces all to say , Quod Amor vincit omnia . This fancie hath set me on fire , and furiously inflames my breast : Feeding my soule with fierce desire of her whose thought denies me rest . And make me sing both night and day , Quod Amor vincit omnia . Whose faire Idea thou hast hast got , To beare Proserpine companie : Keeping her close that I might not looke on my faire Euridice , Which now with sorrow makes me say , Quod Amor vincit omnia . Shee stands thee heere in little steed , for thou hast many Millions more : Then with her loue supply my need , and I will sing thy praise therfore . And whilest I liue still will I say , Quod Amor vincit omnia . Plead faire Proserpine for her sake , who in her prime of loue decay'd And on her some compassion take , which was a wife , yet di'd a maid . For thou knowst well what joy is bred Enjoying of a Louers bed . Fortune and Loue vnconstant friends , agreed vnto our marriage day : And furdred all our Loues pretends , with what within their power lay : Vntill we had both woo'd and wed , Then Fortune snach'd her from my bed . And in despight of Loue detaines , Euridice within your power : And me afflictes with Louers paines , which are increasing euerie hower . Because she knew not what was bred Within a Louers loyall bed . In that inclosure breeds delight , the pleasing soule of sweet content : Contented best to spend the night , in such soule-pleasing merriment . As thou canst witnesse well , is bred Within a loyall Louers bed . Where all Elizian ioyes doe dwell , incircled there by Cupids charmes , And more delight then I can tell , ingendred in a Louers armes . Because I tried not what was bred , Within a loyall Louers bed . But that instinct of Nature tels , the hidden pleasure of that place : Where more delightsome daliance dwels , then in the gazing on her face . There are the liuelle pleasures bred , That longs vnto a mariage bed . Of this faire marke did Orpheus misse , and lost the pleasute of that sport : Been come vnto the gates of blisse , I could not get into the fort : For my Euridice was dead , Before I could enioy her bed . With this the Poet ouer-cloyd with griefe , no surther could extend his miserie : But with sad teares seem'd to implore reliefe , to rid him from this wofull extasie , At whose sad teares the fearful god did grant That he should haue her with this couenant . In all his wearie iourney vp againe , hee should no once looke backe vnto his loue : But from the speaking to her should resraine , vntill he came vp to the world aboue , Which if he did , then should he all his life , Enjoy her bodie as his married wise . But if fond jealousie should make him doubt , and he looke backe to see his Loues sweet face : Before he were from his vast kingdome out , and past the fatall limmits of that place . Then should his wife be snatch'd away againe , And he should nere the like good tutne obtaine . Which curtesie the Poet gentlie tooke , and with contentment did accept this thing Expecting her with manie a lingring looke , the cause that drew him the ther for to sing . Till at the length as the grim-God commands , Euridice was rendred to his hands . But intercourse of speech was there forbidden , he might not welcome her with louing words : And with a duskie vale her face was hidden , that no transparance from her eies affoords . He was commanded to eschue the place , And she had leaue to follow him apace . Thus both together these two Louers goe , with this restraint of mutuall conference : Whose sad demeanes the witnesses of woe , shew'd discontent , but that with patience Men must of force obey the Gods decrees , Though they extend vnto their injuries . Long thus they traneill'd in this discontent , Each wishing of the other to hane sight : Vntill their iourney now was almost spent , and they might see a glimmering of the light : For they were wel-nigh come vnto those bounds , That parts Anernus and the vpper grounds , Where jealous thought that in a restlesse mind , breeds disconted passions mixt with feate : Was vrging Orpheus oft to looke behind , to see if his Eursdice were there , Vntill remembrance of his promise tolde . He might not venter for to be so bold . Ost was his faltring tongue about to speake , and call his sweetest Loue by her sweet name : But being halfe afrayd least he should breake the Gods behests , and so incurre his shame : With much adoe his speaking doth refraine : Although ( God knowes ) it was vnto his paine . But longer can he not forbeare to see , if shee did follow him along or no : Such was th' effect of burning jealousie , that would not let him any further goe , Before he had satisfi'd his longing mind , In looking if his louer were behind . And at the length boldly assayes to trie , turning him backe to her , whom he so loued : When she was snatched from him by and by and from his sight immediatly remooued . And he himselfe left to himselfe againe , Because he did not from this thing refraine . Grieuing to see himselfe thus ouershot , and all his labour sort vnto that end : Leauing that cursed place , he homward got , there fullie bending of himselfe to spend The future remnant of his single life , In scorne of pleasing Loue , or louing wife . And in inuectiue Ditties day lie singes , th' uncertain pleasure of vnconstant Loue : How manie woes a womans beautie bringes , and into what extreames this ioy doth shoue Poore foolish men , that ere they be awarre Will rashlie ouershoot themselues so farre . There gins he sing of secrete Loues deceites , and womens fawning fickle companie ? The outward golden shew of poysoned baytes , that drawes so many men to miserie . And for an instance sets himselfe to shew , One that had suffred all this pleasing woe . Whose songes did sort vnto such deepe effect , as draw mens fancies from thir former wiues : Womens vaine loue beginning to neglect , and in the fieldes with Orpheus spend their liues : With which sweet life they seem'd so well content , As made them curse the former time the'ad spent . At which the women not a little grieue , to see their conquering Captaine thus ore-botne : They gin deuise how best they might relieue , their fading glorie being almost worne . Which by no meanes they hope for to atchieue , As long as Orpheus doth remaine aliue . Which to preuent in solemne wise they cite , ●●eir companie together all in in one : Where euerie busie head will needs indite , a meanes how they might get poore Orpheus gone , longst whomeat length the oase was thus decid●… that Orpheus of his life should be depriued 〈…〉 Where jealous thought that in a restlesse mind , breeds disconted passions mixt with feate : Was vrging Orpheus oft to looke behind , to se●●f his Euridice were there , Vntill remembrance of his promise tolde . He might not venter for to be so bold . Oft was his faltring tongue about to speake , and call his sweetest Loue by her sweet name : But being halfe afrayd least he should breake the Gods behests , and so incurre his shame : With much adoe his speaking doth refraine : Although ( God knowes ) it was vnto his paine . But longer can he not forbeare to see , if shee did follow him along or no : Such was th' effect of burning jealousie , that would not let him any further goe , Before he had satisfi'd his longing mind , In looking if his louer were behind . And at the length boldly assayes to trie , turning him backe to her , whom he so loued : When she was snatched from him by and by and from his sight immediatly remooued . And he himselfe left to himselfe againe , Because he did not from this thing refraine . Grieuing to see himselfe thus ouershot , and all his labour sort vnto that end : Leauing that cursed place , he homward got , there fullie bending of himselfe to spend The future remnant of his single life , In scorne of pleasing Loue , or louing wife . And in inuectiue Ditties day lie singes , th' uncertain pleasure of vnconstant Loue : How manie woes a womans beautie bringes , and into what extreames this ioy doth shoue Poore foolish men , that ere they be awarre Will rashlie ouershoot themselues so farre . There gins he sing of secrete Loues deceites , and womens fawning fickle companie ? The outward golden shew of poysoned baytes , that drawes so many men to miserie . And for an instance sets himselfe to shew , One that had suffred all this pleasing woe . Whose songes did sort vnto such deepe effect , as draw mens fancies from thir former wiues : Womens vaine loue beginning to neglect , and in the fieldes with Orpheus spend their liues : With which sweet life they seem'd so well content , As made them curse the former time the'ad spent . At which the women not a little grieue , to see their conquering Captaine thus ore-botne : They gin deuise how best they might relieue , their fading glorie being almost worne . Which by no meanes they hope for to atchieue , As long as Orpheus doth remaine aliue . Which to preuent in solemte wise they cite , ●heir companie together all in in one : Where euerie busie head will needs indite , a meanes how they might get poore Orpheus gone , Mongst whome at length the oase was thus deci●… That Orpheus of his life should be depriued And thus they all agreed in one consent , 〈◊〉 some occasion to procure his end : When to the place they flocke incontinent , wheras he vs'd his wofull dayes to spend , And finding him alone without his traine , Vpon him fall they all with might and maine . And with confused weapons beat him downe , quenching their angrie thirst with his warm blood : At whose vntimely death though heauens frowne , yet they defend their quarrell to be good , And for their massacre this reason render , He was an enemie vnto their gender . Which done , to rid him quite out of the way , him and his Harpe they into Hebar fling : Vpon whose stringes the gliding streames doe play , and for his soule lamenting Dirges sing . Till to the watrie Oceans greedy wombe , They carie him for to go seeke his tombe . But then faire heauens in their due regard , pittying his end that so had spent his dayes : In justice thus his merits do reward , vnto their euer memorable praise . Thus they determin'd all with one consent , For to draw vp his heauenlie Instrument . And place it in that Christall monument . the euerliuing registrie of fame : The golden startie spangled firmament , where in remembrance of the Poets name 〈…〉 renue his memorie , 〈…〉 date out liues eternitie . FINIS .