The complaint of Paules, to all Christian soules: or an humble supplication, to our good King and nation, for her newe reparation. Written by Henrie Farley. Amore, veritate, & reuerentia

THE COMPLAINT OF PAVLES , TO ALL CHRISTIAN SOVLES :

OR an humble Supplication , To our good King and Nation , For Her newe Reparation .

Written by HENRIE FARLEY .

Amore , Veritate , & Reuerentia .

Printed by CANTRELL LEGGE . 1616.

The Booke to the Reader . If you will iudge me , ( my good friend ) First reade me thorough to the ende , If all be well , you may commend me , If ought amisse , I pray amend me . For euery one should gladly doe , The same he would be done vnto .

I Poore Paules deiected and distressed , yet beeing in the best prospect , and taller then all my fellowes ) doe see , or at least may see , ( if my windowes be eyes ) many stately monuments , houses , and other things builded , and done within these fewe yeeres , some for Honour , some for profit , some for Beautie , some for pleasure , some for health and recreation , some for Royall entertainments and sports , and many for charitable vses :

And I haue seene the Globe burnt , and quickly made a Phoenix .

Q. But who sees me ? A. Who sees thee not ?

Tunc etiam spero , And hope will still , though still I haue the worst ; For wer't not for some hope , my Heart would burst .

Before the Complaint is added a Prologue , and after the same an Epilogue , and a Dreame .

1. THe Prologue , is a charge giuen by the Church to this Booke ; namely , that it should disperse it selfe to the Court , Clergie , Cities , and Countries , to search and finde out all such as are Royally , Graciously , Honourably , Religiously , Vertuously , Charitably , and Bountifully minded towards the repaire thereof , To the ende ( that Their lights shining in such a glorious worke of Pietie ) may thereby illuminate , and inflame the hearts of all others , to be willing Benefactors , Contributors , and Coadiutors to the same .

2. The Epilogue discouereth a Iew-rie of Knights of the Post ; that in this , and in all other Pious Designes , will euer sweare to the contrarie .

3. The Dreame is a Vision which the Author saw in his sleepe , shewing the manner and fashion , how ( as he thought ) the said Church and steeple were beautified and repaired .

THE PROLOGVE .

And first to the Court. FLIE little Booke , from East vnto the West , From North to South , or where thou likest best , Search Brittaine out , in all Her better parts , Amongst the Noblest , and the Worthiest hearts . But first ( as dutie bindeth ) take thy wing , And flie to Faiths Defender , IAMES my King ; Beseech His Highnesse , ( by all meanes that bee ) That ( as S. Albons ) He would pittie mee , And so to order , by His Great command , That I may be repaired out of hand ; Else I shall weare away , and cracke , and fall , To my great sorrow , and my louers all . OH tell His Maiestie in humble sort , That thou art come vnto His Royall Court To begge a Boon , that neuer beg'd before , Which ( if Hee graunt ) thou neuer shalt begge more ; And be thou sure before from Him thou part , Thou get Compassion from His Kingly Heart ; Like as the woman was to Christ , so be Importunate vnto his Maiestie . Doe not thou looke , like one , that will bee daunted , But pray , and speake , vntill my suite be graunted ; And say , Although I ragged am , and torne , As if I were , to all the rest a scorne ; Yet Christendome thr'oughout can truely tell , That I for Name and Fame doe beare the Bell ; And ner'thelesse that I am call'd poore Paules , I feed ( with th' choicest delicates ) more Soules , Then any Three ( the greatest Churches ) doe , In England , and in all Great Brittaine too . And when thou hast thus labour'd Him a while , Marke , if His Gracious Countenance doe smile : For if it doe , be sure Hee doth affect thee , And with His Royall fauour will protect thee ; And by His sacred wisedome , will deuise A speedy way for my Re-edifice . So I shall haue iust cause 〈…〉 song 〈◊〉 sing , No grace in th' earth to that of God and King ; And shortly will be sung by euery infant , That good King IAMES made me againe Triumphant . THEN goe to Her , whose Princely vertues shine As if Shee were a Goddesse most Diuine , ( I meane my Gracious Queene and Lady ANNE , Best Queene of Women , for Best King of Man : ) Beseech that Peereles Paragon of Time , That Shee will daigne t' accept thy honest Rime ; The rather , in respect Her Royall Brother , Was the Prime cause thereof , not any other , Who beeing ( in the sight of many people ) With other famous Princes on my steeple , My Writer did conceit , His Highnesse spake Some charitable motion for my sake , That it were charges well bestowed and spent , To doe me Grace with some faire Ornament ; As with a Crowne , a Spire , or some good thing , More fitter for to entertaine a King . And 'cause Hee there did print His royall foote , Poore man suppo'd Hee sign'd and seald vnto 't : And say I what I can , yet is his Creed , His Highnesse did deliuer't as His Deed ; In which conceit ( though oftentimes restrain'd ) Hee could not rest , till thus I had complain'd . OH tell Her Highnesse that Her Ladyes faire , Would giue good gifts to see my newe repaire , And that , if first Her Maiestie beginne , All Worthies of her sexe will then come in , And bring their Angels , Nobles , and their Crownes , From Cities , Countries , Villages , and Townes ; For Women neuer were of bettet spirits , To doe the workes that Fame and honour merits , Then now they are , God graunt them be so still , Patternes of good , and haters of all ill . AND when thou hast appear'd to King and Queene , Vnto their Princely Sonne likewise be seene , The high and mightie CHARLES , our ioy and treasure , Whom all true subiects loue in boundlesse measure . Say to this Worthy , Welbeloued Prince , It was my chance some fiftie fiue yeares since , To loose my toppe , a stately princely spire , By lightening , which set the same on fire ; And burnt it downe , ( a wonderfull mishap , ) Leauing me bare and bald without a cappe , Like an old shippe without her masts and sayles , Hauing no Beautie , but poore rotten rayles . Pray tell this Prince what honour it will bee Vnto His Highnesse if Hee speake for me ; And what a Glory , Name , and Fame , and praise , Vnto Great Brittaine it will euer raise , If this my humble suit be well respected , That so with speede the worke may be effected . SO from the Prince ( as fast as thou art able , ) Make hast to goe vnto the Counsell Table , Shewe wherefore thou do'st come , and make a motion , Vnto their Honours there for their Deuotion ; That They 'le be pleas'd to ioyne with Maiestie , In such a worke of Christian Pietie ; I knowe Their Wisedomes and Their Worths are such , They will in this no gift nor counsell grutch . THEN to all other Lords and Ladies bright , And euery vertuous Gentleman and Knight , Doe thou appeare ; and say th' art come from me , And I doe hope thou shalt more welcome bee : As sure as I in famous London stand , I shall haue gifts of euery Noble hand . AND when with Lords and Ladies thou hast done , About the House in euery office runne , And from the highest to the lowest Groome , Say , thou for my repaire and helpe art come ; And I dare wager euery one will say , They 'le giue to me , and spare another way .

Secondly , to the Clergie . THVS doe thou leaue the Court , and quickly hie Vnto the Reuerend Bishops and Clergie , And giuing Them due Grace and Reuerence , Craue thou Their Bounties and Beneuolence . Tell Them I am Their Church of greatest note , Although I weare a poore and ragged coate ; And stand in fairest Citie of this Land , And with great state was builded to Their hand . I was the onely Mirrour , so am still , But then for Beautie , now for looking ill : And Strangers wonder , why I am so bare , Where such great costs on pleasures buildings are : And where for Vanitie , there wants no coine , Or any thing to make her braue and fine . I doe assure them ( vnder their Correction ) That I haue liued long in great subiection , And 'cause I doubt my rents and meanes are small , That I shall not be mended till I fall , I thinke it not amisse for Them and mee , To trie what helpe from others there will bee : So I haue turn'd thee to the world therefore , That ( if I want , ) good men may giue me more : And doubtlesse there are Thousands that would giue , Great and large gifts , to see me prosperous liue .

Thirdly , to the Citie . NOW from the Clergy walke through London-City , And looke them out that my poore case do pitie ; For there thou 'lt finde innumerable many , That for my good , will doe as much as any ; No place so famous as that Royall Towne , For works of Worth , of Honour , and Renowne . Be it for profit , pleasure , health , or state , ( Whatsoe're it cost , ) the Citizens will ha 't . Marke but Morefields , how it 's aduanced hie That did before both lowe and loathsome lie : And going on take Algate in thy way , Note well her building , and her rich aray . Then without feare of stocks or pillorie , Goe to the garden call'd Th' artilarie , Passe by the pikes and muskets , and be bold , That honourable action to behold : And I am sure if backe thy newes thou bring , Thou wilt protest it is a worthy thing , That men of note their time and coine should spend , To practise Armes , their Country to defend , And voluntarily themselues incline , To learne the rules of Martiall discipline . I like it wondrous well , and could agree . In euery Shire and Towne the like might bee , That if in time we come to counterbuffes , We may haue skill at Armes more then at cuffes , And be prepar'd with skill and armour bright , Against Gods enemies , and mine to fight . Nowe come to Bowe in Cheape that cost full deare , And see how gloriously shee doth appeare . From thence to Smithfield if thou chance to hit , Tell me what costs they haue bestow'd on it , It was before a filthy noisome place , And to the Citie verie much disgrace , Yet now some say it may with best compare , Of market places that in England are . Then vnto Amwell see what you can say , ( The Riuer which was cut the other day , ) Me thinkes it is a very famous thing , And doth much comfort to the Citie bring : I needs must say it doth , and will avowe it , And so I thinke all others will allow it , And praise the Founders for their good intention , And pray to blesse them , and their newe inuention . So may you verie well the Founders praise , Of water-engins made in former dayes ; For they are worthy , and their works good still , Though Amwell doe the best it can or will . Also for Charitie and good Almes-deedes , What Citie vnder heauen more poore feeds ? Or who more bountifull to Preachers be , Then Londiners to their abilitie ? All which I doe , and may reioyce to see , And hope ( in time ) they 'le doe some good to mee : And so will leaue a thousand things to name , That likewise doe deserue their lasting fame , And those more cheifely which were done of late , ( Together with their triumphs of great state , ) Because for thee my Booke , and for the Wise , I hope t' will be enough for to suffice . And therefore nowe thy dutie there is done , See that to other Cities thou be gone ; Intreat them faire as thou go'st on thy way , And doe not care what carping Critticks say .

Fourthly , to the Countrie . WHEN thou hast done in Citie and in Towne , I pray thee walke the Countries vp and downe , And so disperse thy selfe both farre and wide , Till euery honest Christian heart be tride : Spare neither sexe , nor age , nor bond , nor free , Nor any one of whatsoe're degree : For though some places are but poore and bare , Yet will the poorest haue a mite to spare ; The Countrie welcome I doe knowe is kind , Where meanes doth hit according to the minde . Therefore my louing Booke take heart and goe , Thou shalt finde tenne good friends for one bad foe : Doe not thou feare for want of Eloquence Or filed tearmes , to please the outward sence ; But with a courage and a conscience free , Doe what thou canst to grace and pleasure me , And I will pray as much as in me is To bring my Benefactors vnto blisse , Thy words are honest , and thy matter true , Wherefore goe on I say , and so A-Dieu . Thy wel-willer to the Worlds ende , St. PAVLES Church .

❧ The Epistle of the Author to all Courteous and Charitable Readers . IF you should aske me Why I vndertooke , Into the ruines of Paules Church to looke ? Or How I durst ( like Bayard ) lift my Muse , To such a height , or such a subiect chuse ? Or Who prouok'd me on , or bid me doe it ? Or who did set their helping hands vnto it ? Or Which way I doe thinke this Land can raise , Inough Beneuolence in these hard dayes ? Or What the ende of my intent should be ? Or When I thought this worthy worke to see ? To these your Why , your How , Who , Which , What , When , I answer thus kind friends and Gentlemen : First , for your Why , my reason I will tell , It 's cause I loue , and still will loue Bethel ; And How I durst on such a subiect write ? It 's cause I doe it in the Churches right ; For whom , and for my Prince and Countrie too , I 'le spend my blood , write , speake , ride , runne , or go . And for your Who did bid me or assist me ? It was my God that hitherto hath blist me . And for your Which way such great gifts will rise , I could set presidents before your eyes Of one or two , whose deeds so farre extend , As would build three , and this Church well amend . Then wonder not ( I pray ) which way or whence , This Land should raise such great Beneuolence . And for your What 's the ende of my intention ? The scope of all my Booke will make you mention . And lastly , for your When this worke shall bee , Belongs vnto my Betters not to me , To God and King , and Powr's superiour , And not to me that am inferiour . Wherefore ( good Readers ) take it well in worth , The answer which to you I haue set forth , And when this Booke of mine abroad is sent , ( Though poore and plaine ) beleeue it is well meant : And eu'ry thing 's well done that 's taken so , But otherwise the good for bad doth goe . I doe confesse and all the world may know-it , I am too weake , to haue the name of Poet , Yet I protest I like so well the art , I would a good one bee withall my heart ; But now it is too late to wish or crie I was no poet borne , nor one shall die . Since first into this businesse I waded , I could not be by any friend disswaded , Although they told me strange things of these dayes , That might haue made me doubtfull many wayes ; But beeing voide of feares , or thought of harme , I did my selfe with Christian courage arme , And stoutly went through thicke and thinne to shore , Where neuer any waded yet before ; And now haue finisht what my soule requir'd , Though not so well by halfe as I desir'd ; God graunt it may such good acceptance haue , That once againe this Bethel may be braue . And you deare Friends whose fauours I obtaine , Health to your dayes while here you doe remaine , And after this life euer may you stand , Most blessed Saints in the Celestiall Land . Yours onely in the vttermost of my best endeauours and wishes , HENRIE FARLEY .

At Zoilus , Momus , and their mates , This doe I fling to breake their pates . CRitticks surcease , and doe not stirre too much , Least medling more then needs , I may you touch , And tell you to your teeth you are no friends To any good beginnings , or good ends . Though plaine I am , to Prince I am as true , And loyall too , as are the proud'st of you : Nor haue I wronged you or any other , More then a louing child would wrong his mother : Or written any thing so voide of reason , But that it may ( to good men ) come in season ; Wherefore let Iustice rule you , and be quiet , And seeke not'gainst my right to make a riot : For if you doe , I must defend my cause , By helpe of God , or King , or Armes , or Lawes ; Yet will I yeeld my life vnto my Betters , But not to you , if I should starue in fetters . Perhaps I 'm borne to bee a Phinees bold , To begge and pray for poore , and weake and olde , And such as are both dumbe , and deafe , and blind , That in this flintie Age no helpe can find . What 's that to you , or wherefore should you grutch , When nine times worse , you spend ten times as much ? But that 's to please your humour , that 's well done , And in that vaine your course runnes headlong on , Vntill you make your selues so poore and bare , That twentie such haue not a doite to spare . If this my suite be rightly well regarded , I may haue thanks , and loue , and be rewarded : And more then that , ( if lucke do not miscarrie ) Paules friends will say , I was an honest Harry : So gaine a vertuous Fame when I am rotten , By future Ages not to be forgotten , While ( if you please ) you may goe shooe the goose , And ( wanting garters ) weare your stockings loose . Yours , as you plainely see , till you are friends with mee . H. F.

In laudem Authoris Carmen 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . SEmiruta aspiciens Paulini culmina templi Farleius , queritur tale perire decus . Mox piaspirantem componit vota libellum , Et quia non poter at magna , minora facit . Qui si tàm nosset templum , quàm condere versum , Efficeret propria , quod vouet , ipse manu . Fortunet laetis deus hoc successibus ausum , Gloria & ingenuum certa sequatur opus .

THe great Kings House , & Courts on earth decay'● Let King , and Court to heauen raise vp againe , And of the Church-men let it ner'e be said , That they did grudge the Temple to maintaine : Let London Londons beauty beautifie , And Countrie-men their Countries-dignity : And with the Churches wished exaltation , Mount vp this Authors rightfull commendation . I. W. T. C.

THE COMPLAINT OF PAVLES , TO ALL CHRISTIAN SOVLES . THE great complaint that here is made good people , Is of Pauls Church , and of that polled steeple , Which stands within the famous citie London , Cracked , defaced , rent , and almost vndone : Mourning like Charing-crosse , be'ing much decaid , And of the stormes and winter blasts afraid , Saying ( alas ) will no man pitie me , But suffer still my poore aduersitie ? I' st S. Pauls doctrine you would faine imbrace ? Then crowne my head , do me some outward Grace : Let strangers see and all that come to Towne , That your cheife Church doth flourish , not fall downe : And let me haue some Beautie , forme , and fashion , That yee may shewe your selues a louing Nation , And so assure me you doe not reiect me , But with your wonted fauours doe respect me . I know that for your owne delights and pleasures , Vpon your houses you bestow great treasures , Without , within , not any costs you spare , To make them shew most beautifull and rare , With stately Lanthornes , Pyramids , and things , Pictures of mightie Emperours and Kings , High turrets , towers , and curious phanes of price , As if it were the place of Paradise , While I am bare , and like a Chaos stand , That should be fairest prospect in the land . What is the reason I should be no higher ? Because my chance was to be burnt with fire : Or doe you thinke the charge but cast away That is bestowed on the Church decay ? Or is it Merlins sorceries and lies Hath made you feare with his false prophesies ? Or what 's the reason you should thus neglect To build me vp againe with faire prospect ? I am Gods house , consider then I pray , What cause there is that I should thus decay : Is it not pitty I should ragged bee , While on proud flesh such golden gawdes I see ? Alas for shame I cannot choose but blush , To see the world so stumble at a rush , Yet easily it skips and leaps or'e blocks , Not sparing charge , nor fearing any knocks . A thousand yeeres I stood in prosperous state , And so remained till it was of late : My auncient Founders were my louers deare , They spar'd no cost as doth full well appeare : But rais'd me from the ground aloft the skies , To be a wonder for a world of eyes , And made my watchfull cocke stretch forth his wings , As doth the Larke when ( mounting high ) he sings Haleluiah with his pretie voice , And ( neer'st the Heauens , ) more he doth reioyce . Then with the least aire that in skie did blowe , Which way the winde did set , my cocke would showe ; Ah , then was I a Princely Monument , In sight of all that vnto London went : And then had I the Commendation , And held in highest reputation : But now ( like one forlorne , ) I stand vnpitt'ed , As if I had some monstrous fault committed . Sometimes a view is made vpon my wants , And then ( twixt hope and feare ) my heart it pants , But all in vaine I hope , ( alas my griefe , ) Surueiours gone , then this is my releife ; To vndertake so high a worke to mend , Great is the charge ( saie some ) and to no end , For ( but for shew ) to what vse will I serue , Whereby such cost on mee , I should deserue ? Which censure makes me linger in consumption , That to bee cured I haue small presumption . Fie , fie , where are the minds were heretofore ? Are they growne poore , and will be rich no more ? Or are the gold and siluer Ages past , And now an iron Age , left at the last ? Then woe is mee , my hopes , are fond and vaine , I neuer looke to be repair'd againe . When first I was by Ethelbert beganne , No helpe was wanting could be found in man ; The Labre'r would beginne at worke to sweate , Before he did desire to drinke or eate ; All workemen striued for to shewe their skill , Not so much for their gaine , as in good will ; Whether by taske , or working by the day , Not one that would a minute spend in play ; Nor would they sleight their workes as now men doe , But wrought with Art and expedition too ; One free dayes worke in euery weeke I knowe , They would on me most willingly bestowe . What should I say ? If I should goe about , To reckon all particulars throughout ; ( The rules obserued to beginne and ende , The gifts that many vnto mee did send , The solemne orders laying my first stone , With hallowing the ground I stand vpon : The candles that were burned euery night , At euerie time I grewe a man in height , The noise of Drummes ▪ and eke of Trumpets sound , When first I did appeare aboue the ground ; The triumph made at my first Scaffolds raise , The solemne songs were sung in Heauens praise : The number set on worke by sea and land , As if the Christian world I might command ; If I were best that vseth swift to write , I could not in two yeeres the same recite . And if so many men were in a plaine , As for my good did labour and take paine , A royall armie would appeare to be , Of power to fight with mightie enemie . They wrought about me like the prettie bees , And euery night went home with wearie knees , And euery morne came fresh to worke againe , As if the day before they felt no paine : Their honey-drops distill'd from them apace , ( I meane the sweate of euery workemans face ) Their labour was their festiuall for me , In hope my future prosperous state to see , A world it was to note how all were bent , How willingly their coyne and time they spent , Without a Lotaty or forc'd collection , For all were free in any such good action : There was no pining at the Church expence , But all was brought in true Beneuolence : And those that died in my diocesse , Would will me something , more or lesse : At all communions , and marriage dayes , At Christenings , and many other waies : The very poorest , would ( without excuse ) Send or giue something to my proper vse : And all to make mee beautifull and faire , That Christ his flocke might vnto me repaire , To teach and learne the Heauenly words of Grace , And so to growe and fructifie apace , In all good waies of Christian Pietie , Best pleasing to the Heauenly Deitie . Which ( in good time ) is long since brought to passe , The like as ner'e in any kingdome was : So that for preaching , I may now compare With all the Churches vnder heauen are . Praised be God whose goodnesse doth excell , Beyond what I can aske , or tongue can tell , From age to age , hee still hath succour'd mee , And out of thrall for euer set me free . My inward garments , shine so bright and pure , As now no errour can the same obscure : For on the Bread of life in me you feede , And doe receiue all things your soules doe neede ; My Preachers bid you come , buy without money , Things sweeter then the honey-combe or honey ; They tell you that the poore repentant sinner , Shal be inuited to a Heauenly dinner ; And how the wilfull wicked are corrected , And from Gods fauour vtterly reiected . They preach that pride shal be consum'd with fire , And God will raise the simple from the mire . They say that Enuie is a murthering sinne , Whil'st neighbour-loue the loue of God dtoh winne . They teach and prooue that griping Couetousnesse , Is cheifest cause of sinne and wickednesse : Whilst Charitie and fruits of Christian loue , Doth please the Lord , and all his Saints aboue . They say in holy Scripture it is found , That all the world for drunken sinne was drown'd , And that with water was ; but now I thinke , The greatest part will drowned be in drinke . They say that gluttonie and all excesse , Shall punisht be in Hell with paines endlesse : And that all whooredome , and adulterous acts , All poisonings , witchcrafs , and such wicked facts , Treason , periurie , cousenage , and lying , Vnto the Lord of Hosts are daily crying . And thus they preach the Law and Gospel too , And faithfully Gods holy worke they doe ; And all to set you in the perfect way , That Heauen may yours be another day . By this you see how faire I am within , Oh blest are they that did that worke beginne : And they that did and doe maintaine the same , Eternall be their Honour and their Fame : But such as seeke that Glorie to deface , Hell be their ende , and in this life disgrace . Ah faire Eliza , now I thinke on thee , Full foure and fortie yeeres thou succordst me , And didst defend me with thy awfull sword , 'Gainst proudest foes that did oppose Gods word : And when away thou must from vs be gone , God and thou send'st a second Salomon , By whom and by whose issue , I am sure , Paules faithfull doctrine shall with me indure ; And be maintained , ( maugre hellish spite ) So long as Sunne and Moone doe yeild their light . His words , His workes , His will to God is bent , His Bookes doe shew that Hee from God is sent : For Prouerbs to His Sonne He did declare , 1. Basilicon-doron . 2. His Apology for the oath of Allegiance . 3. Canticum Canticorum . Then next a Preachers part He did not spare , The third His song of songs most sure shall be , That shall set forth His Kingly loue to me , His cheife delight is all in Trinitie , Of them to make a perfect Vnitie . What is the good wherein Hee hath no part ? What is the bad He hates not with His heart ? Where are the poore that iustly can complaine , Whose needs . He helps not , and their right maintaine ? Where is the wight of worth and due desert , But of his Royall bountie hath had part ? And where 's the Princes that to Him resort , That doe not of their welcome well report ? And eke extoll His great magnificence , His wisedome , learning , wit , and eloquence ; As did the Queene of Saba ( Dauids sonne , ) So they admire our Royall Salomon , And say though times doe alter and mens names , So that our Salomon is called IAMES , Yet for his wealth , his wisedome , strength and all , A Second Salomon you may Him call ; His Land the Israel that flowes with milke , And honey sweet , corne , cattell , cloth , and silke , Gold from all parts , spice , oyle , and wine , Treasures from East and West , Pearls rich and fine ; People innumerable as the sands , That well he may send out to forraigne lands , Great store of them to place and plant elsewhere , That He an Israel new may build and reare , Whereby Gods word throughout the world may goe , As in the Scriptures Christ commanded so : Goe yee preach and baptise in euery coast , In 'th name of Father , Sonne , and Holy Ghost : Which worthy worke his Highnesse hath begunne , As much as any heretofore hath done : Virginnia , Sommer-islands , and the rest , Will testifie in time how they are blest , By comming of His Subiects there to liue , Which could not be , if He no leaue did giue . By which good meanes those which now Sauage be , Will come in time to Christianitie ; If not the elder sort , the younger may , And after one age thousands euery day . Though all things at the first seeme hard to bee , Yet good beginnings haue good ends you see , So it be followed and well protected , And for Gods glorie cheifely be respected : No such beginnings need to feare good ends , For they shall haue both God and King their friends . There is not any that for wise would passe , But holds that England as Virginnia was , And how it 's now the world may iudge with me , A brauer Kingdome neuer eie did see ; And so ( in time ) may poore Virginnia , If seconded by rich Brittannia . OH God , I pray thee blesse this Royall IAMES , The prayer of Paules . Q. ANNE , Prince CHARLES , their issue , & their realmes , Prince PALATINE , and his ELIZA faire , Their Princely Babe and first borne Sonne and Heire ; Feede them with Manna from thy mercie-seate , Let thy Word be their onely drinke and meate : Blesse all their Counsell ( faithfull , wise , and graue , With euery gift good Counsellors should haue : Their gracious and their reuerend Bishops all , Blesse likewise Lord ; and more especiall , Their Reu'rend Kingly Father of this See , Cheife Lord and Preacher that belongs to me ; Also their Deane and Chapter of this place , Blesse with thy louing countenance and grace , And all the rest of godly Ministrie , And daily them increase and multiply : Oh make their words and workes for aie agree , That I the Halci●on dayes and houres may see . Blesse all their Nobles , Knights , and Gentrie all , Their Yeomandry , and Commons great and small . Blesse both their Nurses of sweete learnings lore , And all good Students now and euemore : Blesse Them from all designes of feare and blood , And from all things that are not for Their good : Poison the poisoners that seeke Their death , And suffer not a Traytor once to breath ; Roote out the Romish rubble from their Land , That naught but plots of murther haue in hand ; Driue farre from Them all Sorcerers and Deuils , And still defend Them from pretended euills : Blowe all the chaffe away that spoiles good corne , And let no vaultie villaines more be borne ; Set markes of powder-vengeance in their faces , And let it there abide to their disgraces . Yet Lord , thou art their potter , they the clay , Thy skill and will can worke them any way : Then if it bee thy will , for Honour make them , And in thine anger do not quite forsake them : Or as the Scripture saith , ( a blessed storie ) Do what thou wilt , O God , for thine owne glorie . Blesse this most famous Citie where I stand , The Flowre , the Perle , the Iemme of Brittaine Land , The Honourable Maior of the same , The Sherifs and the Aldermen by name , All other officers in their degree , And all good Citizens whereso'ere they be . My Benefactors I doe pray thee blesse , And frame their hearts to giue with willingnesse : So blesse , O Lord , the Noble English hearts , That in Virginnia haue done their parts ; Incourage and increase them euermore , And still enrich their treasure and their store ; Oh let all worthie minds imboldned bee , To doe the works that best may Honour thee . And I doe pray thee sith the times grow ill , Teach all the ready way to doe thy will ; So by thy goodnesse sinne may be or'ecome , And they prepar'd against the day of doome , To liue with thee in thy eternall blisse ▪ Where they shall neuer any comfort misse ; Vnto which blessed place , Lord bring them still , That feare thy name , and striue to doe thy will . AND now for to returne where I left off , Least some perhaps may rashly giue ascoffe ; ) I must complaine of more then yet you see , Which I desire may well amended bee : My body round within , and eke without . My windowes , and my pillars all about , My pauements , and my doores , my leads , my walls , And many other faults vpon you calls , And craues repaire against all wind and weather , That wee may giue you thanks for altogether . The Church the foeminine gendor doth require , And like a Ladies should bee her attire ; Nay like an Empresses adorn'd , and grac'd , Within , without , in order all things plac'd ; And cheifely that Church which is most insight , ( The head , the members guide , and candle-light ; ) So should I bee that all the world may know , Th' vnfayned loue that Brittaines hearts do owe To mee their Princely Church , and Empresse deare , In whom the word of God doth shine most cleare . Say that you should vpon your backe bestow Rich clothing , as ther 's many doe I know , And on your head a threedbare cap should weare , Motheaten , and at ev'ry touch to teare ; Would you not thinke that all which see you goe , Could chuse but wonder why you should doe so ? In all whatsoeuer like to like is best , If one part be well cloth'd , so let the rest ; Or els that which is base makes all seeme base , And by that fault doth all the rest disgrace . Were it not strange also ( oh pardon mee , ) That any one within the Court should see Our Royall Queene attir'd in base aray , And all her hand-maides cloth'd in garments gay ? I thinke t' were strange , and such vnseemely sport , As neuer will ( I hope ) be in our Court : Yet euen so the case with mee doth stand , That am the Queene of Churches in this Land : For in the middle of a matchlesse Citie , I stand like to a mourner , more the pittie , Inuironed with buildings faire about , And I am tallest built in all the rowt ; All other Churches are but dwarfes to mee , Yet vnto all beare-headed must I bee ; My head should weare the Crowne full well I know , But that must stand vpon the toppe of Bowe : Bowe steeple in Cheapeside verie well beautified at the cost of one Parish . Or els the shaft or spire that should bee best , But that 's vpon S. Dunstanes in the East ; My chime of fine small bells might well be heard , All London ouer , but I am afeard That some will say , what need such cost be there ? Because ( of chimes ) there be enough elswhere : But such Lobiectors I could wish were dead , That better minds might come in place and stead ; Let such hoard vp for Sir Hugh Prodigall , Or Sir Raph Want ▪ wit , you may noddie call , Whose backe and belly cheere , Tobacco smoake , All good designes doth hinder , stifle , choake . Some few ( I hope ) the Lord will euer raise , To bee the light and mirrour of these dayes , That ( in good time ) will pittie my complaint , And with my wants will all my friends acquaint , And stirre them vp to be as franke to me , As God ( to them ) is bountifull and free . One such a Sutton as of late did die , That turned Charter-house to charitie , If to himselfe the honour he would haue , With halfe that charge he might repaire me braue ; But such a worthy Phoenix is so rare ; That hardly any will with him compare ; Nay would tenne thousand would now ioyne in one , To doe as much as he alone hath done . But stay a while ( my Muse ) no further goe , What is the reason thou art grieued so ? Let not fell anger in thy heart take place , But patiently I pray thee , beare a space ; Not any of my coate should angry bee , But gentle , mild , and full of curtesie ; Nor should beggers , ( men doe say ) bee choosers , Least crauing all , they still are all the loosers . I thinke now on a good conceit and true , That doth my comforts once againe renue ; For listning what the Princes said of late , ( When they were pleas'd to be on my bald pate , ) As I did vnderstand this was their talke , As they ( about ) on eu'ry side did walke ; Alas good Paul ( saith one ) how poore and bare , Thy head , thy sides , thy battlements now are ? Is' t possible that long thou shouldest thus stand , In such a Cittie and a prosperous land ? As I am Christian I 'le speake for thee , That once againe thou mayst tryumphant bee : Thy shaft shall vp againe , thy cocke shall crowe , Or else thou shalt be crown'd as well as Bow : Which of these two will surest on thee stand , I will entreat thou maiest haue out of hand : Comfort thy selfe ( good Paul ) be not dismaid , It shal be done to thee , as I haue said ; To which the other Princes all agree'd , And said it should bee surely done with speed . THIS did I heare , or els was much deceiu'd , And of my sence of hearing quite bereau'd ; But that 's no marueile if it so should bee , For age , and cold , breeds much infirmitie , And waiting so long bearehead is a thing That ( to the soundest ) may diseases bring , And make him so benummed , and so weake , That hee shall hardly stand , or heare , or speake . Indeed I am or'eioy'd , I must confesse , When I am visited with Princely guests ; For then I hope , some good will come to mee , Towards releife of my necessitie ; So ioy might make me to mistake their speech , Which ( if I did ) I humbly doe beseech A pardon for this fault , and then hereafter I le write of nothing but I le bring mine Author , To verifie the truth of that I write , Or els my pen shall neuer more indite . And for my Writer also let me craue , His pardon likewise I would gladly haue : His learning you may see is poore and weake , And I can make but signes , I cannot speake ; I shew'd my coate , my head , my broken sight , How poore it was , how bald and wanting light : Where●● he vow'd , that he would neuer rest Vntill with state and beautie I were drest ; For which I must not shewe my selfe ingrate , But pray that he may liue right fortunate : His meaning 's good , that you may plainely see , Though he want Eloquence to polish me , Beare with his wants , accept of his good will , Encourage him that is well minded still . If once I were attired faire and braue , Then London all her ornaments shall haue ; All things would then be sutable to me , And to my friends most gratefull will I bee : For then will I when my Request is done , Send to the banks of learned Helicon , Or to Pernassus mount , where Eloquence Doth passe my Authors dull intelligence , Where I shall finde such fruits on Eden tree , As shall set forth their fauours done to mee ; And on my Pinnacles there shall they place , Most thankefull mottoes for my Founders grace . And more to shewe their loues and good intents , They shall set poesies on my battlements , That shall my Benefactors loue vnfold , To all the world in sentences of gold . Let 't not be said when you for Christ his sake Warre with his enemies doe vndertake , That your religion doth with Church decay , But let your seene , your vnseene zeale display ; That valiantly you may your selues expresse , Like Christians stout in weale or in distresse , In spight of all that wicked wights can doe , And for the glorie of the Gospel too . Then famous Brittaine thou 'lt be happie still , In godly pleasures thou shalt take thy fill : Feare thou no foes for Christ will be thy guard , Whose breath can make a mightie host afeard : Thy Kingly Dauid also can dispute With Turke or Antichrist , and them confute ; And when to warres his Highnesse shall incline , He 'le quell the pride of stoutest Philistine , And in the meane time with a Bible-stone , Will dash his braines , and crush his greatest bone : For he that in his breast doth weare that sheild , ( As doth this Dauid ) needs not feare the field : But with true faith and courage he may meete Sathan himselfe , and stampe him at his feete . His golden pen that wrote for Christ his sake , The Angels vp to Heauen did it take , And bid Him be as bold with Pike as Pen , For He should be the onely King of men , And that in Him and His posteritie , Should be or'ethrowne all Popish heresie : Which Christ ( I pray thee ) grant it may be so , To all that Thy iust quarrell vndergo : For sweet's that BLOOD that in Thy cause is shedde , As was Thy BLOOD that Thou for man hast bledde . And now for to conclude what hath beene said , I doe beseech my pouertie be wai'd : Oh let not base Obliuion burie me , Least in Obliuion I doe burie thee , And scorne that thou shouldst build within my wombe , To grace thy selfe with any sumptuous tombe , Where thy remembrance must indure for aye , And I poore Church be suffered to decay . My Innocence pleads no such Ignorance : But it I were dispos'd to cast a glaunce , I soone could finde such costs on tombes laid out , As almost would amend me round about : These in my bowels neere my heart must lie , And I poore ragged wretch must pitie crie : And this the purse of ten or twelue haue done , Yet left enough for wife , and euery sonne . Can tenne or twelue doe so , and twice as much ? And shall a Citie and a Kingdome grutch To giue a trifle to so good a deed , As should releeue my pouertie and neede ? And not so giuen , neither as quite lost , For that were vanitie and idle cost ; For from thee it doth goe vnto thy brother , ( I meane the workeman , and to many other . ) That 's cast away , that goes out of the Land , And comes no more in King or Subiects hand : Or that that 's hidden in the earth , or bagges , While thy poore Brother's naked , or in ragges . Oh come with gladnes then vnto this charge , Brittaine is wealthy , populous , and large , And those that giue in loue and charitie , Into a Booke let them recorded bee , That childrens children may hereafter know , The loue their fore-fathers to me did owe ; And be incourag'd in their younger dayes , To doe the works deseruing lasting praise : For he that doth deferre good deeds till death , Seild comes to good the thing hee doth bequeath . ON bended knees of loue and loyaltie , And at the feete of Soueraigne Maiestie , King , Queene , and Prince , and Priuie Counsellers , Archbishops , Bishops , Brittaines Senators , Once more I doe most humbly , begge and craue , That my defaults amendment now may haue : Nobles , Knights , Gentrie , Commons great and small , In loue and reuerence I pray you all , That ye these faults will helpe for to amend , For Brittaines honour till the world doth end : Wiues , and Widdowes , Maidens dying , liuing , Vnto this worke of Pietie be giuing ; According to your works yee shall inherit , Yet for your works no place in Heauen can merit : For what is he that since the world beganne , Hath beene so iust , and so vpright a man , Whose good works could exceede aboue his euill , But onely Hee that conquer'd death and deuill ? That Christ , that Lambe , that Doue , that God-man , he Did onely merit your eternitie . To him therefore doe you his praises send , And so of my Complaint I make an ende . Laus Deo in aeternum .

THE EPILOGVE : OR , An Extasie , which Paules fell into after it had complained : partly of Hope , and partly of Feare . WHEN my complaint was ended , I amazd Stood , and beheld how people on me gazd : My thought that euery one that walked by , Did looke vpon me with compassions eie : EXCEPT some twelue , and that was Enuie one , A pale-fac'd fellow , wishing good to none : He vo'wd , and swore from his more gall then heart , Vnto my need he would no penny part : His reason beeing asked , he replied , All others but his owne good he defied . THE second was a miserable Chuffe , Hee at at my mournefull suite did storme and puffe ; And said , for all my pouertie and ragges , He would not part with money from his bagges . Shall I ( said hee ) giue any thing to thee , If I should want , what canst thou giue to me ? THE third was Pride , and he did looke so hie , That he could not my pouertie espie : To giue ( he said ) it is not now the fashion ; And for to beg , it 's held abhomination . THE fourth was Carelesnesse ; his answer was , That for my need and wants he did not passe , His reason why he will no bountie giue , Is 'cause ( quoth he ) I 'le stand while he shall liue , And so departs with scoffing , and with laughter , And bids them care that ought to care hereafter . THEN Pickthanke comes , the fift he is in number , He pries in others faults , and makes great cumber , And for to saue himselfe from any charge , He doth not care how he doth speake at large , And reckons vp collections made before , ( Inough for to releife my wants and more ; ) So that if others were i' th minde hee 's in , He would see that before he would beginne . Alas , if such a thing were done before , Let it not now be laid on good mens score ; Whose wills are such ( although they are not many ) Me to repaire without the helpe of any : But sith their meanes compareth not with minde , ( Without some helpe ) I can no comfort finde . THEN Curiositie the sixt goes by , And cause he sees a moate in 's brothers eie , ( A word amisse , a syllable , or such , ) To giue a shilling therefore he doth grutch : And thus he peepes , and pries , and lookes a squint , And thinks that beggers words should be past print : When ( God doth know ) if he were charitable , The plainest tearmes should serue if he were able . THE seauenth , Prodigalitie that asse , ( That by Duke Humphry oft doth hungry passe , ) He saies , Tobacco , Claretwine , and Sacke He will not want , though twentie Churches lacke ; To playes , and playing , taylor , or to launder , Or for a toy , he cares not how he squander : But when poore Vertue doth but crauea groate , He 's ready in his wrath to cut her throat . THEN comes the eight , ( Haile master ) with his traine , Hee saies , what needs such wast ? it is but vaine : It had beene better giuen vnto the poore , That beg about the streets from doore to doore : But such a Iudas ( if he beare the bagge , ) Hath no intent the poore should haue a ragge . THE ninth I take it was a Iesuite , ( For I did heare him mumble words of spite ) And swore by all the blacke deeds he intended , He 'd rather hang then I should bee amended : Hang then ( quoth I , ) or get thee going further , For thy delight 's in ruine and in murther : Thy curse can doe no harme , thy blesse no good , Nor all such villaines as delight in blood : For God in holy Scripture hath appointed , That none should hurt his Church or his Anointed : Therefore avant thou wolfe in lambskins cloath'd , For through the world thy acts and deeds are loath'd . THEN comes the tenth an Atheist , not an Ar'in , ( Though both I do esteeme as dung or carrin ; ) He vext and storm'd that any Church should bee Where Soules should worship any Deitie : A man to seeme he was , but not Gods creature , Because he held all things proceed by nature . THE leauenth was a brother seeming pure , That no good works will heare of or indure , And all the comfort which to mee he saith , That I ( Asse hee , ) must stand and liue by faith ; By faith ( quoth I , ) what faith dost thou liue by ? By faith it 's good when in good faith you lie ; If I had not a Faith , more sure , more humble , I soone should crake , and rent , and fall , and tumble : The surest foundation of Pauls is the Church vnder it called S. Faith . Wherefore be gone ( Prophane ) thy faith deceaues , And all the world of charitie bereaues . THE twelu'th and last , a clouted shooe did weare , And in his hand a hedging bill did beare : ( I meane the wretched man , that is so cruell , That makes his mucke , his Idoll and his Iuell , ) He saies and sweares , ( and yet he prates and lies ) That all his wealth 's not worth two apple pies ; When ( if he were ) to take a goodly varme , Or in some spite to doe his neighbour harme , His Iugge and hee agree both in one zound , And from their hutch can vetch a hunderd pound ; And yet he pines and pules for doing good , As if in pouertie and want he stood . And thus with griefe of mind , and in some fury , I haue impaneld vp my vnkind Iewe-ry , Whose verdict would be such if they may speake , As would my head , and heart for sorrow breake . But now these vnkind twelue are gone and past , Twelue hundred thousand I espie at last , Virtues welwillers men of charity , Such as doe pray for my prosperity . They say I may without be decked braue , Yet in my inward parts no pride may haue ; I may haue carerings , corronets , and laces , I may haue louers , kisses , and imbraces ; I may haue Honour due vnto a Queene , And all this while no pride in mee is seene : I may haue any thing to make me faire , That all truths louers may to mee repaire , And bee enamor'd at my louely face , And striue who most can enter to my grace : Not as the wicked money-changing-rout , ( In time of prayer ) walke my Isles about , And make their bargaines , and their idle meetings , With many false , and fayned newes , and greetings : But as my friends in feruent zeale and motion , Come for to heare Gods word with sound deuotion ; My thinks they looke , and smile , and speake , and giue , And wish that I triumphantly might liue ; They doe not seeke for faults , as others doe , But doe good deeds , and yet are faithfull too : They sound no trumpets when they giue their almes , They haue in them no peeuish froward qualmes ; But all in loue and doue-like charitie They giue , and giue in Christian veritie : Wherefore ( as is my duty ) I will pray That God will blesse them all both night and day .

THE DREAME . ON the one and twenti'th day , Of the pleasant moneth of May , To a groue I did repare , All alone to take the aire ; Sweete it was , and fresh , and greene , Decked like a Summer Queene : Where abiding priuately , I did here fine melodie : Philomel did chaunt and sing , Welcomming the cheerefull spring : Euery bird did straine her throate , Warbling out her pretie note . Walking there a little space , At last I went with nimble trace , To a riuer somewhat neere , That had water pure and cleere : Fishes there did leape and play , Swannes did sing their roundelay . So I set me downe to rest , In a place that lik't me best ; And beeing there a little while , Slumber did mine eies beguile , Till at last a sleepe did take me , That no noise till night could wake mee : The place was sure , and I was bold , The aire was pure , not hot nor cold : My pillowes were greene grasse and flowers , The willowes were my shadie bowres ; My little dogge did so attend mee , That no creature could offend mee . In this sleepe ( good Christian people , ) I dreamed of a Church and steeple , Which at first my thought was bare , As many other ruines are , Weather-beaten and much worne , Rag'd , deformed , crackt , and torne , Without battlement or grace , Too too meane for such a place : For my thought this Church did stand , In best citie of this land , And for seate and eminence , Had the cheife preheminence : Wondrous great it was in sight , And of admirable height : King and people might it see , How it was in pouertie : And all strangers well might say , 'T were pittie it should so decay , Where Gods word is well regarded , And his Preachers are rewarded . In this dreame ( though fast I slept ) Yet ( with teares ) I truely wept , And did pray that God would blesse , Such as would this Church redresse . After teares were ouer-past , Ioy did visite me at last , For my thought this Church was mended , And the steeple was befriended . Fashions many I did see , Er'e any fashion pleased me ; One as before ( a seemely spire ) Which was burned downe with fire ; One like Pulchres , one like Bowe , One like Boston was I trowe ; One Grantham ▪ like I did espie , But his toppe stood not awry : And many other I did see , In this dreaming fantasie ; But that which seemed to be best , Followes after all the rest , Which if your pleasure be to read , You 'l say it was the best indeede . My thought the steeple was ta'ne downe , Lower then the Churches crowne , And suddenly was rais'd againe , With good labour not in vaine : Square it was as t' was before , Twelue foote higher t' was and more ; Round the toppe a battlement , Seemely , faire , and excellent ; Aboue that battlement full high , Foure pinacles I did espie , Hollow , and of stone so sure , That till doomes day would endure : On the toppe of euery one , Was a little spire of stone , At the feete whereof there went , A little pretty battlement : Round about these battlements Were fine phanes and ornaments , By whose motion without stay , Droue the crowes and kites away : In each phane was guilt the Coate Of benefactors of best note ; And in a place conuenient , On th' inside of each battlement , A poesie thus was set in gold , As vnderneath you may behold ; All glorie be to God on hie , And to this Church prosperitie . These pinacles foure pictures had , Which to see did make me glad ; That which stood next to the West , Had his face towards the East ; Looking with maiesticke grace , For to see his Sauiours face ; A King he was , a Crowne he wore , God blesse him now and euermore : For sure as London hath a Thames , It was the picture of King Iames : His Armes were in the highest phane , And then many noble man , Had their Armes vnder His , Round that battlement I wisse : Like to spangles they did show , Vnto such as were below ; And they that did to th' toppe resort , Might say it did belong to 'th Court : His Kingly motto there was plac'd , Which the Pinacle most grac'd : Euill come to illintenders , Good to all true Faiths Defenders . THEN I lookt to that i' th East , Where a Bishop was at least , Opposite vnto the King , Which to me much ioy did bring ; In one hand he had a Booke , Wherein he seemed for to looke , In a sweete and reu'rend wise , Well beseeming such a guise : His other hand did touch his tongue , And a sentence thus he sung ; To my Sauiour I le be true , And this Church shall haue her due . On the toppe his Scutchion stood , Which to see it did mee good ; Vnder that were all others , Which by calling were his brothers : This Pinacle did plainely show The reu'rend Bishops did it owe , And the Clergie with them ioynd , Because they would not be behind . THEN I saw towards the North , Another pinacle of worth ; Where was sitting in a chaire , One resembling a Lord Maior ; The Cittie Armes were highest there , Vnder that all Citties were : A Shippe was carued there also , As if shee on the Sea did goe : Then a motto there was set , Which the Citie grace did get : Walworth killed rebell Straw , Cause he spurn'd gainst King and Law ; So by our truth and industrie , God makes our Citie multiply : Let rebels swagger how they will , We will bee true and loyall still . This pinacle belongs to'th'Citie , The motto is more true then wittie . THEN to the South I turn'd mine eie , And in that Pinacle did spie A Country-man the plough to hold , A comely Farmer somewhat old , A Wheat-sheafe was his Armes I trowe ; And the rest that stood belowe , Were implements of husbandrie , Set in the phanes most handsomely : And his motto thus was fram'd , As here vnderneath is nam'd : Plaine I am as you may see , Yet the Best growe rich by me . TWIXT each Pinacle there was , Pyramides that did surpasse , For beautie and for seemely forme , Strong enough for any storme . In the middle of each square , There they stood and placed were . One had the picture of a Queene , The fairest that mine eyes haue seene , Who surely as I 'm honest man , Seem'd to be our Royall Anne : For it had such Maiestie , Ioyn'd with gentle clemencie , That certainely it was the same , Which before I seem'd to name . Her motto on the same was set , Which I neuer shall forget : Faire without , and grace within , Are beauties fit for Church and Queene . And the poesie generall , Which I named first of all , That was placed in degree , As high as all the others be : All glorie be to God on high , &c. THE second Pyramides had , The picture of a royall Lad , Which I imagin'd euer since , Did resemble Charles our Prince , By each part of limme and feature , He did seeme a Kingly creature ; Stout and bold , gentle , free , And all that in good princes bee : His motto now I will set forth , Cause it was a thing of worth : I scorne the feare of shedding blood , For God , for Church , for Countries good ; But for all these I le warre and fight , As Kings and Princes should by right : I will helpe the poore oppressed , And those which truely are distressed . THE third as faire as was the rest , With Elizabeth was blest , Rhynes sweete Princesse , Brittaines ioy , Holding in her armes a Boy , Whom ( if Art doe not dissemble ) Her first borne He did resemble . At which sight I was amazd , And with ioy on them I gazd , Rauished with admiration At this delectable fashion , Thinking if such great delight , Could be in the pictures sight ; What would then the substance bee , Vnto him that may them see : I am sure to me t' was Treasure For to see them in this measure . Her motto now I will declare , Kill me , if the same I spare : In the Churches wealth and peace , Good things prosper and increase : But if shee wither and decay , All Gods blessings fleete away . IN the fourth faire Pyramide , Two other Pictures I espide , One of Denmarks royall King , Whose fame with vs shall euer ring , And shall be linked in this knot , Where He shall neuer be forgot : Three Queenes in one is His Sister , Twice in England hath he kist her , With such great ioy on all parts , As pleas'd ten hundred thousand hearts . His motto was as doth ensue , Beleeue me it is very true ; I Christian King of Denmarke , giue My loue to These , while I doe liue , And will assist with power and sword , My kinred , friends , the Church , Gods word . BY him was Prince Palatine , Looking on his Valentine ; Each to other seem'd to glance , With a cheerefull countenance , In such an amiable sort , As my soule did therein sport ; This Prince a Motto did vnfolde : Fit and worthie to be told : Gods spouse and mine I will maintaine , So long as I do liue and raigne , Turke , Pope , nor deuill , shall them fright , Or do them hurt by day or night , And in this Gordion knot will I Bee knit in loue vntill I die . THEN in the middle of the square Where all these braue pictures were , There was rais'd ( tenne foote higher ) A curious and a costly spire : And at the top thereof a Crosse Of Siluer guilt and not of drosse ; Then a gallant cocke to showe , Which way still the wind did blow ; In this place good Art was tride , How to make it sure abide , And accordingly t' was fram'd , That no workman could be blam'd ; Not too weightie nor too light , Like Cheape-crosse it was in sight , But the pictures there that stood , Were of Princes that were good , That this Church did er'st aduance , And gaue it store of maintenance . And first the lowest placed there , Elizabeth and Henry were , One of proofe one of hope , Better Princes Heauens cope Euer had or euer can , Be better amongst the sonnes of man : Then betwixt them I espide , Two Princesses that lately di'd , Which looked like those of King Iames , Gotten since hee dwelt by Thames . And aboue in the next round , Other Princes there I found , Pictur'd all in their degree , As by time now dead they bee : There in letters of pure gold , Their right names I did behold ; And I thinke in hollow brasse , Eu'ry picture shaped was . This spire was hollow , and with lead Round about t' was couered ; Fram'd with oken timber pure , Such as euer will endure : In that hollow was nought els , But a score of little bells , Which the Art of wittie times Made a delectable chymes : Who being high , their prettie sound Might be heard the Cittie round . In the midst of th' upper loft , A paire of wodden stayres were wrought , And a doore at that stayres head , Which did bring mee to the lead ; Where my thought I did behold , All that I before haue told . As about the leads I went , And saw all things so excellent , Looking ouer , I did see The Church likewise as it should be , With new battlements about , And walls mended throughout ; All the windowes where need was , Were amended with pure glasse : Not any thing that wanted there , But was repaired eu'ry where , Neuer did I see a thing , Of more worth and reckoning ▪ Then this vision which I In my sleepe did plaine espie . Had I beene an Architect , Dreaming of this faire prospect , Or with true tearmes could relate , All the fashion , forme , and state , Then might I say it taught mee more Then any practise did before ; But many things of note and worth , I am not able to set forth . After long I had beheld The outward beautie it did yeld , Then I was vpon the pinne , To see what Grace it had within ; Downe I went , ( my thought in hast , ) But my speede did proue in wast : For ( to mee ) it's griefe to tell ; I was waked by a bell , And my dogge beganne to bay , At a frogge leapt crosse my way ; By which meanes I did not see , How the same within might bee ; And more worse ( to ende my theame ) It vexed mee t' was but a dreame ; Well I wisht the Sexton hang'd , And my dogge I soundly bang'd : Yet to giue them both their right T' was time to goe for it was night ; And I thinke my foolish curre Knew t' was fit for me to stirre : So away I runne in hast , And came safely home at last : Where with pen I did record All I dreamed word by word ▪ And I hope it 's not amisse , To place it where it placed is . THVS you see ( good people all ) What is done for Londons Paul ; If in ought my Dreame prooue true , Let it be as 't pleaseth you : Though I dreame I doe not teach , That 's a straine beyond my reach ; Since I learn'd my Crosse rowe letters , I left all teaching to my betters ; And leaue it will vnto my ende , So good Reader be my friend .

The Booke to PAVLES . ACcording as you doe command , I will flie about the Land , To Court , Clergie , Countrie , Citie , For to find out Ladie Pitie : If I finde Her and returne me , Pray take order none may burne me : Though I be but poore and plaine , I may bring you store of gaine : For this Ladie doth not care , ( In pious vses ) what shee spare : To the Church shee is more free Then thousands other Ladies bee .

The answer of PAVLES . BOOKE I thanke thee for thy loue , And doe pray to God aboue , Thou maist finde this Lady out , Where thou goest round about ; That thou maist returne againe , With a labour not in vaine . For thy burning take no care , Thou wilt surely better fare ; I will keepe thee in record , Till the comming of the Lord . And thy Author here shall rest , Whilst his soule with God is blest .

FINIS .