The worth of women

THE WORTH OF WOMEN . 1 MY infant Muse that slept in silence long , Resolu'd no more her vntun'd notes to sing , Asham'd to heare the ignominous wrong , Detracting idle heads did daily bring Vpon that noble sexe of women-kinde , Prepar'd her selfe some Antidote to since . 2 Within an humble valley where she lay , That was with loftie hils inuiron'd round , Through which a pleasant christal brook did play With pibble stones that roled on the ground , Where chirping birds melodiously did sing , To entertaine the sweet refreshing Spring . 3 There Philomela did bewaile the rape Of wicked Terius that incestuous King : And louely Laeda in her Swan-like shape , Hid her blacke foote vnder her snowie wing . The matelesse Turtle you might also see Sit mourning by vpon a Willow tree . 4 Vindictiue Progne by her selfe alone , Vpon an old decayed Trunke did keepe , Vnder the which Halcyone did moane Vpon a bush , whose dolefull note was , Weepe ; And Pyres daughters in those pleasant vaies , Would oft be chattering prety wanton tales . 5 From hence among the lowly Mirtle boughes , Oretopt with Pines and loftie Cedars tall , She pearcht her selfe and made a stately rouze , Wherewith a quill she from her wing let fall , Intending now to take a higher flight , She bids me make a pen , sit downe & write . 6 Which I obeying , had no sooner done , But all the carping-critick-squint-eyd rout , Like dogs to carion did about me runne , And fortie faults in twentie words found out : Each seuerall humour must his censure giue , And at their verdict I must die or liue . 7 Their great god Momus did no sooner spie My books rich title , but in heart repining , Began to draw his goodly mouth awrie , As if his worship had on Plaice bin dining ; Reades some few lines , & in a furious snuffe Casts it aside , and sweares 't is simple stuffe . 8 Which Zoilus straight snatcheth vp againe , And viewing but a vertuous womans name , Cries , fie vpon this poore mans silly vaine , To reade his booke , it were a burning shame : Whereat the rout of giddie headed geese , Did all bestow at least a word a peece . 9 One cries , a woman is composde of feather ; Another sweares , their faith is like the winde ; A third , their zeale is made of frostie weather ; The fourth , a chaste one neuer yet could finde . A fig for these , since better spirits know , Saue ignorance , true knowledge hath no fo . 10 Emboldned thus my daring Muse goes on , Attir'd with naked Truths vnspotted robe , And Eagle-like beholds the dazeling Sunne , Euen in the Apogean of his globe , To teach these Criticks that haue err'd in this , To know hereafter what a woman is . 11 Know then the woman , God did first create , And with the man in Paradise did place , Was for an helpe when he was desolate , Coequall with him in the state of grace . Out strait cries the multitude , 't was she : That pluckt the fruit from the forbidden tree . 12 Euen heere this rable haue deuis'd a lie , The Serpent pluckt , she gaue the man to eate , Who had free will this weake attempt to flie , Knowing the heauy vengeance God did threat What time soeuer hee this fruite did taste , That he should die the death & be displac't . 13 Which surely followed , for when God did call For Adam as he vsually had done , He now perceiuing his most wretched fall , From his all-seeing presence would haue run But finding no escape , cry'd out , and said , I heard thy voice O Lord and was afraid . 14 Why hast thou eate of the forbidden tree , Which I commanded thee thou shouldst not stir , He said the woman hath deceiued me ; She pleades the Serpent had beguilled her : When God in iustice saw their fault was euen , Both with a curse from Paradise were driuen . 15 Yet shortly after see how God did blesse , Obedient Sarah , Abrahams faithfull wife , And fruitfull made her aged barrennesse , Euen in her latter dying daies of life : A son she doth conceiue within her wom be , From whom shall Kings , & realmes , & nations come . 16 A blessed mother of a chosen sonne , With whom the Lord hath promised he will Establish his couenant now beguune , Which Isack is ordained to fulsill And as with him saith God I haue decreed . Gen. 24 25. So after him for euer with his seed . 17 This promise God inuiolate will hold , Which to confirme he doth Rebeccha chuse , A vertuous woman more esteem'd then gold , Whom Isack for his wife doth not refuse : From Esau she the blessing did obtaine , To Iacob where the couenant doth remaine . 18 And as to Isack , so did God prouide For Iacob faithfull women full of zeale , Gen. 29. 30. Rahell and Leah are to him affi'de , With whom the Lord most graciously doth deale : For being barren , by their prayers conceiue , Children , which they vnto successe shal leaue . 19 Though wicked Pharoh strictly did command Exo. 1. The Mid wiues all men children to destroy , This practise they would neuer take in hand , But did his vild iniunction disobey : And durst no child of his deare life depriue , But fearing God , preseru'd them all aliue . 20 Whereat the King with anger them pursues , Saying , How durst you my commandment break ? Which matter they so wisely did excuse , As that the King had not a word to speake . Wherfore God prosper'd them in all things wel . And built them houses wherin they might dwel . 21 Now see how God miraculously wrought , Exod. 2. By Pharohs daughter this poore child to saue , Who vnto her by stratagem was brought , Euen by the mercie of a senslesse waue : She fearing nought her fathers sterne decree , Gaue straight command , it should preserued be . 22 And by the secret prouidence of God , This infant to his mother doth commend ; The miracle effected by his rod , His poore oppressed people to defend : The Oceans parting testifieth most , Wherein did perish Pharoh and his hoast . 23 Behold , the Lord a woman chuseth out , In all the towne , his secret Spies to hide ; Ios. 2. Who being straight examin'd thereabout , With constant zeale she seruently denide , And closely them into a roofe conuayd , Who otherwise their liues had surely payd . 24 And euen about the deadest time of night , Out at a window she doth them conuay , And to the woods aduisd them take their flight , That so the spies might misse them on the way : For which good deed ( as God had them inspir'd ) They faithfully performe what she desir'd . 25 His care of women he doth here expresse , Exo. 22. With speciall charge the widowes to defend , And not to hurt the children fatherlesse , For I shall heare ( saith he ) their cries ascend ; Then with the sword I wil your liues bereaue , And children orphants with your widows leaue . 26 A most renowned woman next we find , Iudg. 4. 45. A famous Iudge and sacred Prophetesse ; She vnto euery Israelite assign'd His equall portion , were it more or lesse : Vnder a Palme in Ephraim she abode , And iudg'd according to the will of God . 27 To field she doth the Prophet Barak call , Against the King of Canans mightie band , Foretelling him that Sisera should fall ; For God will surely giue him to thine hand . And Barak answering , said , I will not go , Except thou likewise go with me also . 28 Then Deborah with Barak went along Vnto mount Tabor where a while they stay , Till Sisera with men and chariots strong , Did call him downe where Deborah did say To Barak , feare not , God for thee doth fight And Sisera this day shall put to flight . 29 But to a woman he shall giue the fame , For thy weake faith , which else thee was due The wife of Heber , Iael was her name , That with a naile this famous Captaine slue : For which the Lord hath said , she shal be blest Aboue all women that in tents doe rest . 30 Thus God deliuered Canan to the hands Of Israel , to Deborahs great fame , Who while their townes depopulated stands , An happy mother she to them became , For many kings went forth with her to fight And Israell grew happy in her sight . 31 A cheerful song she with the King doth strait , Vnto her God with warbled notes record , Iudg. 5. Hearken ô Kings giue eare you Princes great , The mountaines melted from before the Lord : Yea euen Sinai at his voice did melt , The heauens did drop , the earth his thunder felt . 32 The wife of Monoah being barren long , God by his Angells most diuinely blest , With such a sonne as is not found among The Nazarites with heauenly strength possest : Where with he shal begin to break the bands And Israell saue from the Philistians hands . 33 Now Monoah , ( as the Angell did commaund ) Vnto the Alter with his offering came , Where while it burnt , his wife & he did stand , The Angell loe ascended in the flame : And Monoah told his wife there standing by We haue seene God and wee shal surely die . 34 The faithfull woman comforts him and saies , And if the Lord intended vs to kill , He would not then accept the thanks & praise Wee offer here according to his will : Now God did blesse this child to be a man , And made him mighty in the host of Dan. 35 Of Naomy and Ruth what tongue can tell , Ruth . 34. The tender loue they each to other beare , Together would they goe , together dwell , Together they the Lord did serue and feare : Together they would laugh , together cry , Together liue , and eke together die . 36 And Naomy with feruent zeale did pray Vnto the Lord , that of his mercie great , He would on Ruth his louing fauour lay : Who heard her prayer from his tribunall seate , And graciously his blessings he bestowes , As she was gleaning in the field of Boez . 37 A mightie man with riches great possest , Whom God inspired with an ardent flame Of faithfull loue , which could not be supprest , Vntill an husband he to Ruth became : From whom ( by his decree , whose acts are wise ) A blessed generation doth arise . 38 A liuely patterne of rare faith indeed , 1. Sa. 1. In barren Hannah we may here behold , With teares which from a contrite heart proceed , Vnto the Lord she doth her griefe vnfold , With feruent prayer she might a son obtain , Vowing to giue him to the Lord againe . 39 God heard her praier , and granted her request , She doth conceiue and eke bring forth a sonne , Wch brought her discontented thoughts to rest , She magnifide the Lord for what was done : And to the Altar where all knees do bow , She brought the child , & there performd her vow . 40 A true Idea of a vertuous wife , In Abigail is worthily exprest , 1. Sam 25. Who by her wisedome sau'd her husbands life From Dauids iust reuenge , and all the rest , When he had vowd of Nabals house , there shal Not one be left to pisse against the wall . 41 And shortly after , God did Nabal smite With sicknesse , whereof presently he died : Then Dauid said : Blest be the God of might , That hath my hands to shed his blood denide , By her aduice , whose loue he now pursues , And for her vertue to his wife doth chuse . 42 Vnspotted Tamar in a brothers power , 2 Sam. 13. On whom she thought she might her life depend , Whilst he inhumanely did her defloure , See how she mourns for what she cannot mend : Her clothes the rent , & dust & ashes throws Vpon her head , thus desolate she goes . 43 Bathsheba by the Prophet is inspir'd , To moue the King that Salomon might raigne 1. Kin. 1. Alone ( no doubt ) the highest heauens desir'd , Ordaining her the subiect to obtaine : Which well appear'd by his diuine successe , God did with wisedom , riches , honor blesse . 44 So rare that from the wild Arabian south , The Queene of Sheha iournied many daie s , Kin. 10. To learne sage wisdom from that sapient mouth To her immortall euerlasting praise : which when she did with wonder great behold She gaue him spices , precious stones & gold . 45 And blest , saith she , be God which doth delight In thee O King , and of his mercy great , That so his people may be iudg'd aright , Hath thee inuested in the iudgment seate : This woman shal ( saith God ) in iudgment rise Luk. 11. 10. 31. Against those people did their Lord despise . 46 How highly God of women doth esteeme , The widow of Sarepta sheweth plaine , 1. Kin. 17. which widow poore the Lord doth worthy deeme The holy man Eliah to fustaine : When famine sore the country did oppresse , By miracle he doth this woman blesse . 47 A little oyle she had within a cruse , And meale likewise to make a cake withall , Whereby herselfe she iustly doth excuse , Vnto the Prophet who for bread doth call : Loe this is all is left my sonne and I , Which I am dressing , we may eate and die . 48 Eliah said , woman be not afraid , Make first a cake and bring it vnto me , The meale is in thy barrell God hath said , Nor yet the oyle shall euer wasted be , Vntil the time the Lord doth send forth raine The earth with plenty to possesse againe . 49 And she vnto Eliah brought a cake , Then for her selfe & sonne did likewise dresse , And many daies did this prouision make , And yet her meale and oyle was not the lesse : And to confirm her faith stil more & more , Her sonne deceast , he doth to life restore . 50 An other widow straight the Lord hath found On whom he doth most plenteously bestow , 2. Kin. 4 A miracle for euer to be crown'd , Her vessells all with oyle doth ouerflow : And ceased not vntill the woman said , My vessells all are full , and then it staid . 51 Then came she to the man of God , and told The blessings which she had receiu'd that day , Eliah said , straight let the oyle be sold , Wherewith thou mai'st thy creditors go pay : And as the Lord this day thy state hath blest So keepe thy selfe & children with the rest . 52 The faithfull Shunamite deserueth well , To be recorded with this sacred crue , Who did the holy man of God compell , To eate with her at euery season due : And seriously her husband doth inuite , To build a roome , where he might lodge all night . 53 Wherefore Eliah prayed vnto the Lord , She being barren , and her husband olde , To make her fruitfull , and he doth accord , The Prophet cald the Shunamite , and told : For this good deed , which thou to me hast done Thou shalt conceiue , & eke bring forth a son . 54 And in due time this miracle was wrought , By his great power , that rules the starrie skie , A ioyfull sonne into the world she brought , Which shortly after happened to die : Hereby to show his loue doth neuer cease , To life he doth this child from death release . 55 What title shall I giue this happy Queene , Whose sacred worth , her state doth far exceed , Hest. 14 No eare hath heard , nor wandring eye hath seen An act more bloudy , then is here decreed : Her people all should be destroyd and slain , Whose prayer and fasting did their liues obtaine . 56 Of Prouinces one hundred twenty seuen , The Iews should die , the King had giuen & seald Which was opposed by the powerfull heauen , And at this gracious Queenes request repeal'd : And to a shamefull end the man she brought That should this bloudy massacre haue wrought . 57 Thus Hester by the Lords out stretched arme , Who neuer failes them that in him doe trust , Preseru'd her people from this wofull harme , And brought their foes euen down in the dust : For as they thought the Iewes to deale withall , The same reuenge vpon their heads did fall . 58 When Sarah whom her fathers maides dispise , Tob. 3. Was ouercome with hearts oppressing griefe , Vnto the Lord for succour strait she flies , Who heard her prayer , & granted her releife : And husband of his grace , he doth ordaine , which into mirth , her mourning turn'd again . 59 If wisdome , valor , worth , and zeale were lost , Iudith . 13. And this rare patterne onely did remaine , The world can scarce , of such another boast , Whereby it might redeeme them all againe : Who by her prayer , obtain'd from Gods high hand , To saue a Cittie , and preserue a Land . 60 First dust and ashes on her head she throwes , And all in sackcloth she doth fast and pray , Then into Olofernes campe she goes , Where she this famous Captaine doth betray : With courage stout , & wisdom rare she vs'd , His head she brought , which al the land excus'd . 61 Then did she call the Elders of the Towne , Saying behold what God for you hath done , With stately wreathes , they did her straight way crowne , And euery where with shoutes of ioy did run : The riches great of Olofernes tent , With one accord they doe to her present . 62 Thus while she was extold , and magnifi'd , Whom euery eie with wonder did behold , Vnto the Temple of the Lord she hi'd , And off'ring all this wealth of plate and gold : With humble zeale before the Alter bowes , Vnto the Lord , & thus perform'd her vowes . 63 A mirrour of a chast religious wife , Is faire Susanna , being fore distrest , Who rather chose to loose her dearest life , Then yeild vnto the Elders vild request : Loe thus resolu'd , aloud for helpe did cry , And false accus'd , she is condemned to die . 64 But see how God did graciously prouide , To saue this woman by a childes decree , Who did the Elders seuerally deuide , And found them both in seuerall tales to be : For which vnworthy deed , their liues they pay To her great honor , who they did betray . 65 A woman more then wonderfull behold , Whose resolutions so vndanted are , As by no earthly power , can be control'd , More permanent then any fixed starre Within the Spheare , of that celistiall round , To whom fames trumpet giues the loudest sound . 66 Seuen sons she had , who by the Kings command , Because they would not his behests obey , To violate the custome of their land , Were all adiudg'd their dearest liues to pay By sundry tortures , which she seeing plaine , Imboldned them , still constant to remaine . 67 When six of them , the Tirant had destroy'd , He wild his mother , moue the seuenth to turne That so he might this cruell death auoid , In stead whereof , she bids him boldly burne : And Martyr-like , the Tirants rage defie , Thus with his brothers he doth brauely die . 68 Like Hecuba for death of Pryam old , The mother now all tearmes of life defi'd , With courage greater then Sheuola bold , And thus this euer honored Martir di'd : Where we wil leaue them to the world to mourn , And to our Grandame Eue , againe returne . 69 And there behold , the race poore man had run When God & Angells did him both forsake , Fit for precipice thou wert vndone , And could'st no way , a good attonment make : Till this rare creature thou dispisest so , Was chosen out , to mittigate thy woe . 70 Assist me now ye sacred Sisters nine , Luk. 1. 10. 27. 28. 29. 30. That I with reuerence may her praises sing , Who was elected by the powers deuine , A sanctifi'd and blessed birth to bring : When man to sin was subiect , & to thrall , Became a sweet redemption for vs all . 71 For euer blessed be that glorious name , Which God & Angells haue pronounced blest From whose deare loins , our happy Sauiour came That to the world brought loue , ioy , peace and rest : And did not spare his precious bloud to spil Condemned mans saluation to fulfill . 72 All honor praise and glory due be done , To her whose seed hath conquered death & hel A happy mother of a royall sonne , Before whose throne , she doth in glory dwell , Where she with Angells , & Ark-angells sings Sweet haleluiah to the King of Kings . 73 This blessed woman if I could not find , An other subiect to defend their case , Might well perswade men , if they were not blind , With enuious malice , vold of humaine grace : To striue as much , their honor to maintaine As they pursue them with such foule disdaine . 74 A second Mary doth this first succeed , Mat. 28. Ioh. 20. Mar. 16. Whose loue & zeale , throughout the world is spred The teares would make a marble heart to bleed , Which for her deare deceased Lord she shed : Deep plung'd in woes , in sorows great opprest Her minde amaz'd , her sences dispossest . 75 In this sad passion to the place she goes , Whereas she thought our blessed Sauiour lay No pen so dolefull can expresse her woes , When she perceiu'd the body stolne away , A fresh she wept , & down her head she hung Like lapwings that are robbed of their yong . 76 The precious ointment that with her she brought , That glorious body to imb●lme and keepe , She nought respects , since it was gon she sought She sighes & sobs , & doth not cease to weepe : Like Niobe this wofull womans feares , As if she would dissolue herselfe in teares . 77 Then came the good Apostles to the graue , From whence they found his corpes conuai'd away ; Feareing the Iewes , were glad themselues to saue And soone return'd , not daring long to stay : When Mary stil stood weeping at the tombe And would not stirre for deaths most cruell doome . 78 But down her head she bowed into the graue , Scarce giuing credit to her wofull sight , Where loe at either corner of the caue , She saw an Angell cloathed all in white : Whereat agast she would a side haue stept , Had they not spake & askt her why she wept . 79 For him I wept , ful fraught with greife she said , Whose like on earth , shal neuer more be found , Whom cursed Iewes most cruelly betray'd , And now haue stoln him from this blessed ground They comfort her , & say , thy teares refraine , For he thou seek'st , is rais'd to life againe . 80 But she continues still her wofull cheere , And to her woes no comfort would allow , Vntill our Sauiour did himselfe appeare , And askt her , woman , wherefore weepest thou : She taking him , the Gardner sure to be , Said sir , if thou hast hid him , giue him me . 81 And Iesus answered , Mary , I am he Thou seekest so , wherefore be not afraid , Goe to my brethren , and report of me , That thou hast seene , & heard what I haue said : And will them into Galile to goe , Where I will shortly meete with them also . 82 Twixt greife and ioy she stood amaz'd a while , Then downe she falls , and worships at his feet , And with a louing entermixing smile , With teares of mirth she doth our Sauior greet And to perform his wil with reuerence due , She rose , she went , she ranne , she rather flue . 83 Vntill she came where the Apostles were , Deep plung'd in sorow , & with griefe opprest , To whom she did this ioyfull newes declare , All she had heard and seene , she there exprest : Which done , she strait returned back to find The company that she had left behind . 84 Another sacred Mary with her came , And with them also many women more , For saue the Apostles ( to their lasting fame ) Were none but women did his death deplore : Earely they rose before the breake of day , Meaning from thence to take the corps away . 85 A fourth most sacred woman of this name , Doth with the rest preceding well agree , A woman filled with religious fame , At Iesus preaching she would euer be : In humble maner , seated at his feete , To heare his wisdome , & his doctrine sweet . 86 Her sister Martha must not be forgot , Ioh. 11. 15. A most renowned woman full of faith , Whose loue vnto our Sauiour ceased not , And as the holy Scripture plainly saith : Christ Iesus likewise loued them againe , Whom men would seem so slightly to disdain . 87 One only brother these two sisters had , Who accedentally fell sicke , and di'd , But hearing Christ was comming , they were glad For on his power , these women much reli'd : Which did alay , and mittigate their griefe , Hoping by him , they might yet find releife . 88 Martha went forth her louing Lord to meete , And humbly prostrate at his feete she fell , Saying ô Lord , and my redeemer sweet , Hadst thou bin here my brother had bin well : But this I know vndoubted truth to be , What ere thou askest , God will giue it thee . 89 Then Iesus said , thy brother shall arise , Yes at the resurrection Lord know , I am the resurrection he repli'd , Both of the liuing and the dead also : Who this beleife shall stedrastly retaine , Though he were dead , yet shal he liue again . 90 Beleiu'st thou this ? Lord I beleeue it all , And that thou art , that Sonne of God now sent That should redeem poore sinful man from thral If he beleeue , becomming penitent : O rare beleife , and faith of women kind , Proceeding from a pure vnspotted minde . 91 Then backe she came and did her sister call , Who hastely went forth her Lord to meete , And with an heart opprest with griefe doth fal With bitter teares before her Sauiours feete : And with a mournful voice , O Lord she cri'd Had'st thou bin here my brother had not di'd . 92 Be present with me euery wofull wight , Whom doleful griefe hath turn'd to dust & mold , Euen in your saddest , & most mournfull plight , Let me your gastly visages behold : I may expresse the agonie he felt , And marble hearts into compassion melt . 93 When in the spirit he did grone with paine , Which did his sad and heauy heart molest , How with a troubled soule he gron'd againe , Oh wherewith can his torments be exprest : Who could not be disburthned of his cares , Vntill his passion burst it selfe in teares . 94 Oh the mine eyes to conduit pipes would turne , I might his teares perpetually deplore , Weepe sinfull man , & do not cease to mourne Christs tears , although thou neuer weptst before Shed now a teare from thy obdurate eye , Or else hereafter be for euer dry . 95 In this sad plight vnto the tombe He went , Whereas deceased Lazarus was laid , Where first he pray'd to God which had him sent , Then Lazarus come forth , alow'd hee said , who strait came forth , bound hand & foote also Christ willed them to loose and let him goe . 96 Who can expresse the faithful thanks they giue To magnifie this miracle he wrought , Whereby they saw their dearest brother liue , Which was a worke impossible they thought : With ioyfull harts they doe not cease to sing Continuall anthems to their heauenly King . 97 Now shortly after Iesus came againe To Maries house as he had done before , With heauenly ioy she doth him entertaine , Who for her brother lou'd him more & more : And as at meate with Lazarus he sat , Vnder the table to his feete she gat . 98 Whereon she doth a costly oile bestow , Wherwith she washt those euer hallowed feet . Ioh. 12. Too pure she thought on mortall ground to go , And kindly giues him many kisses sweet : Not knowing how she shold her loue declare This done she takes and wipt them with her haire . 99 But his Disciples murmuring , him told This precious oile should be esteemed more , Which for 3 hundred pence might haue bin sold , And better far bin giuen to the poore : But Iesus sharply them rebuking said , Let her alone , why trouble you the maid . 100 The good that she had done he doth vnfold , Saying , the poore shall daily on you call , But me you shortly shall no more behold , She brought this balme to bury me withall : Where ere men preaching shal the Gospel name , This shal be spoken to her lasting fame . 101 The faith of women all men may behold , As in this following subiect well appeares , Who had a bloudy issue long , and could Receiue no helpe by phisicke many yeares : Beleeued if she might lesus garment touch , She should be whole , her faith & zeale was such , 102 With this strong hope she thrust into the prease , Mat. 15 : And touching but his very garments hemme , Immediatly she felt the issue cease , O famous faith , in estimable iemme : He knowing what was done , lookt back to see , And missing her , askt who hath touched me ? 103 But she that knew , what miracle was wrought , With feare and trembling at his feete did fall , And for his mercies sake , she him besought , To pardon her , and therewith told him all : He said O woman , with a voice most free , Great is thy faith , and it hath saued thee . 104 Next see the woman that in Canan dwelt , By faith beleeues his mercies to obtaine , How earnestly she with our Sauiour dealt , Haue mercy on me Lord , she cri'd amaine : And heale my daughter being sore perplext , Who with a diuell cruelly is vext . 105 He heard her well , but did no answer make , Till his Disciples said , send her away , She followed still , and would not him forsake , Though he to her with bitter words did say : It is not lawfull woman I should giue , To dogs the childrens bread whereby they liue . 106 True Lord she said , and yet the dogs doe eate , The croms which from their masters tables fal , And still for mercy she doth him intreate , Who wondred at her faith , and said withall : O happy wight with heauenly faith inspir'd , Be it vnto thee as thou hast desir'd . 107 And in that houre her daughter was made whole , Vnto her euerlasting ioyes increase , With faith as stedfast as the fixed Pole , According to his will she went in peace : Oh faith most rare , the like hath not bin found Worthy in leaues of marble to be crown'd . 108 The sinfull woman of the cittie Nain , Doubts not by faith but she shal purchase grace Luk. 7. And weeping at his backe she doth remaine , A little while in most perplexed case : Then down she falls , and with a sea of teares His feete she washt , and wipt them with her haires , 109 Anointed them , and gaue them many a kisse , Where at the Pharise in himselfe did say , Where he a Prophet , as men say he is , Hee 'd know this sinner , and not let her stay : When Iesus knew his thought , Simon said he , There is a question I must aske of thee . 110 A certaine lender , lent a little summe To one ; and to another lent a great , But neither able when the time was come To pay : forgaue them both their seueral debt : Now which of these think'st thou , will loue him better ? He answered , I suppose the greater debter . 111 Well hast thou said , our Sauiour then repli'd , Seest thou this woman that by faith is led , Yet since I came , thou neither didst prouide To wash my feete , nor yet anoint my head : She hath done both , no kisse of thee I got , Thy faith is great , ô woman goe in peace . 112 Wherefore this woman thou dost here behold Whose firme beleife , and constant faith is such , As by no mans expression can be told , Hath much forgiuen her , for she loued much : To her he said , from sin I thee release , Thy faith is great , ô woman go in peace . 113 Elizabeth old Zacharias wife , Luk. 1. A rare example wherein men may see , The blessing followeth a religious life , A faithfull woman she is found to be : Whom God the Father by his Angells blest , In barren age , and with a sonne possest . 104 A child adopted of his speciall grace , And sanctifi'd euen in his mothers wombe , Elect to goe before his glorious face , And prophesie that he should after come : To strengthen those whose faith was weake and fraile , The glory of his people Israel , 115 Old Anna then a sacred Prophetesse , Who serued God with fasting night and day . Came forth and did her blessed Lord confesse , While yet within his mothers armes he lay : Redemption preacht , to her immortal fame , To all that did beleeue in Iesus name . 116 When as our blessed Sauiour did cast out , The feind wher with the dumb man was possest , ●k . 36. Incompast with a misbeleeuing rout , Whose wicked thoughts their euill minds molest : To whom whilst he did wholesome doctrine preach , Which to amend their sinfull life did touch . 117 A certaine woman lifted vp her voice , And said the wombe had blest & happy lucke , That broght thee forth , & let those paps reioyce Which in thy infants daies did giue thee sucke : This faithfull woman he doth well approue , Among the rest with deere and tender loue , 118 Which loue he doth most manifestly show , By miracles he wrought from day to day , First vnto Peters mother he doth goe , Mat. 8. 14. 15. 16. Where of a feauer very sicke she lay : And meerely of his grace it doth him please To cure her of that dangerous disease . 119 The Ruler then most humbly him besought , To heale his daughter in extreamest neede , Who now was at the point of death he thought , Mat. 9. 23. 24. 25. And ere he came the maide was dead in deed : But Iesus vnto Iairus spake and said , Beleeue thou only and be not afraid , 120 And forth with into Iairus house he goes , Where did attend him many weeping eies , The multitude first out of doores he throwes , Then to the maide he went and said arise : And she arose with feare and wonder great , He strait commanded they should giue her meate . 121 The woman like wise that was eighteene yeares Tormented with a most infernall spirit , Bound altogether as most plaine appeares , And could by no meanes lift herselfe vpright : Our Sauiour seeing straight way did appease , And freely freed her of that strong disease . 122 He had compassion of the widowes teares , The which at Nain in Galile he did meete , Luk 7. 10. 13. 14. For her dead sonne exprest with many cares , Who now to death had pai'd his latest debt : In such a measure he could not refraine , To raise to life , and giue him her againe . 123 The Pharises and Scribes vnto him brought , Iob. 3. The woman in adultery was found , T' intrap him said , by Moses law she ought , For to be stoned dead vnto the ground : But Iesus said , let him that hath no sinne , To execute this vpright law begin . 124 Whereat they all began to steale away , Leauing her standing by her Lord alone , Who turn'd a out , and vnto her did say , Woman , where now are thy accusers gone : No man is left she said , was here before , And I accuse thee not , go sinne no more . 125 His loue to women neuer can be told , See how he doth the widowes mite commend , Aboue them all that offered pearle and gold , Saying from superfluitie they spend : When she poore wight from penury was glad , To offer to the Lord euen all she had . 126 Ioanna with Susanna , and the rest , For there were with them many women more The which our blessed Sauiour dispossest ? Of wicked spirits , being vexed sore : Wherefore most gratefully they him besought , He would accept the substance they had brought . 127 Now last of all , as to the crosse he goes , To finnish there his dearest virall breath , A multitude of people saw his woes , But none saue women did lament his death : They weepe and waile , with shreekes and piteous cries , Luk. 1. 3 27. 28. As if they would pull vengeance from the skies . 128 Vpon those cursed misbeleeuing Iewes , Their blessed Lord and Sauiour did betray , And for reuenge on those that thus abuse , This holy Lambe , they neuer cease to pray : Such gracious loue they did from him obtain , They know not how to show their loue againe . 129 And after his decease , the Apostles found Most vertuous women still in euery place , Priscilla was a woman much renown'd . Who taught Apolloes rare & heauenly grace : For as this good Apostle plainly saith , She tooke him home , & made him strong in faith . 130 Saint Peter also doth as much commend , Tabitha for her charitable deeds , Of almes that she vnto the Lord did lend , Which from her loue vnto good works proceeds Who being dead , by prayer he doth obtaine Act. 9. She is restored vnto life againe . 131 Behold what wonders God by women wroght , Act. 16. As holy Paul doth worthily declare , To Macedon he is by vision brought , Where those that heard him only women were : 'Mongst whom with admiration he doth tell Of Lydia , who there did purple sell . 132 A saithfull woman , one that God ordain'd , To saue a kingdome by her good desert , Who in the seruice of the Lord remain'd For it is said God opened her heart : And she beleeu'd our words & was baptiz'd With all her houshold as we them aduis'd . 133 This done we were determined to goe , Along the coasts to make some further tryall , But she coniur'd vs not to leaue her so , Her earnest suite would suffer no deniall : And lo together as we went to pray , A certaine virgin met vs on the way . 134 Possessed with a spirit of diuining , By which her master much aduantage got , To vs she was with feruent zeale inclining , And for her masters proffitt cared not : Act. 16. 16. She follow'd vs and cride , these men are they That to saluation teach the ready way . 135 And many daies continued in the same , Till Paul was grieu'd for her , and turn'd about , And to the Spirit said in Iesus name , I charge thee from this woman get thee out : And it obey'd that all commanding power , Departing from her at that instant houre . 136 An other woman he doth straight recite , He did in Athens at his preaching find . Rom. 1. 16. Cald Damaris a most beleeuing wight . With whom Triplena may be wel combin'd : Triplena doth with Persiis well accord , All faithfull women labouring in the Lord . 137 Amongst this crue he highly doth commend , Phoebe a seruant of the Lord saith he , For whom he doth vnto his brethren send , That in the Lord we might receiued be : And ayded by them in what ere she needs ; For she hath done most charitable deeds . 138 The blest Euangelist Saint Iohn doth write , Vnto a Lady whom he calles elect , A virtuous woman who doth much delight , The lawes of her Redeemer to respect : 2. Ioh. 1. And taught her children likewise to fulfill , Our blessed Lord and Sauiours holy will . 139 For which saith he I doe not onely loue , This most renowned woman of our dayes , But all those Saints that loue the truth approue Her zealous workes with euerlasting praise : Which they in greater estimation hold , Then Tagus wealth , or Ophirs purest gold . 140 Thus in this sacred booke of bookes we see , The blesings God on women did bestow , Which worthyly they did deserue saith he , From whom such faith , such loue , such zeale did flow : Such courage braue , such resolutions rare , As monuments of marble shall out weare . 141 The histories that doe their praise recite , In euery age so plentifull appeares , That if I had ability to write , I should not finish , liuing Nestors yeares : Such monuments vnto their fame they build A magasine might with the bookes be fil'd . 142 Yet to auoid the captious base report , Of Puritant or Bible bearing poet , As likewise to content the wiser sort . On whom alone I freely doe bestow it : I will insert of womens vertues rare , A stanze , or two what histories declare . 143 For chastitie behold that Roman dame , Iustin . That proud Tarquinius basely did subdue , Disdaining to out liue her forced shame , Did in her dearest bloud her hands imbrew : For which she is throwout the world renownd And by the pens of Lawreat Poets crown'd . 144 Vnmatched Ouid doth as much commend , Penelope Vlisses constant wife , Ouid. Whose widowed hands the hanging web doth rend , Whilst he in Lacedemon leades his life : Euen like the Turtle that hath lost his mate , She doth bewaile her desolate estate . 145 Vnspotted Daphue would not be allur'd , Ouid. By powerfull loue , from whom amaine she flies When fainting breath , her honors losse assur'd , Alowd for chaste Dianaes helpe she cries : Whose iust consent , vnto her earnest prayer The lawrell doth perpetuall witnesse beare . 146 The daughter faire of Agamemnon King , Thucidides . Whose loue and beauty was desir'd of many , Held chastitie so virtuous a thing , That she would neuer condiscend to any : But constantly their ardent suites deni'd , And thus this spotlesse virgin liu'd and di'd . 147 The virgin Lucia doth all praise exceed , Domitian . With whom the tirant King was far in loue . When she perceiu'd it was so sure decreed , What friendship could not force at last shoud proue : Her star-like eyes she to the tirant sent , That thus she might her honors losse preuent . 148 Thucidides . Sage Fedons daughter doth amaze my minde , Whose father being at a banquent slaine , By sauage men , who likewise had combin'd , This vertuous virgins chastitie to staine : She to auoid this Tyrants fury fell , Did headlong cast herselfe into a well . 149 Saint Ambrose of Pelagia writes as much , Who with her famous sisters and her mother , That no rude hand her honors worth might tuch Themselues did likewise in the water smother : Such deare respect to chastitie they owe , Their precious liues they doe for it bestow . 150 The Lady Bona to her lasting honor , Guice●●din . Whose husband to the holy warres was sent , Disguis'd to follow him she tooke vpon her , Both shield & speare , mou'd with a chast intent Wher brauely she his faithles foes did threat And rescued him from many dangers great . 151 Braue Francis Sforsas souldiers to him broght , A virgin rare of birth , & beauty great , Whom she with friendship prayer & words besoght , Then tyrant like the silly maide did threat : But finding nothing could her honor staine With gifts & praise he sent her home againe . 152 The women of Tutonicaes request , When noble Marius had their husband slaine Was that they might haue leaue to spend the rest , Of their vnhappy liues in Vestaes traine : Where they like chastest turtles wold deplore Their fatall losse , beholding men no more . 153 In Rome a woman being made aquainted , Cor. Tac. With treason was 'gainst Nero great conspir'd , Whereof she happened first to be attainted , Of whom the Iudges all the rest inquired : With cruell torments she her life did pay , Yet neuer any party would betray . 154 Renowned Loena did in sunder bite Her tongue , and spit it in the tyrants face , Because she would no secret bring to light , For which th' Athenians to her lasting grace : Plinie . From whom such rare vnmatched virtue sprung , A Lionesse set vp without a tong . 155 Rare Nicostrata mother to Euander , Did first vnto the Latins shew their letters , Who till her time in ignorance did wander , Yet afterwards acknowledge none their betters In History , Philosophy , or Phraise , Of eloquence deseruing worthy praise . 156 Aretha was in learning so profound , That she in Athens publike schoole did read Philosophie with iudgment graue and sound , Wherein she did the learnedst man exceed : Whose Auditors as Pollio doth declare , Philosophers aboue a hundred were . Pollio . 157 When Lucius Scilla was condemn'd to die , Who falsely had three thousand Romains slaine That did vpon his word their liues relie , His daughter Loelia did his life obtaine : With one oration which she made in Rome Whereat the Senate did reuoke their doom . Cicero . 158 Senobia was in learning so repleate , Both Greeke and Latin to her sons she taught , And did a rare epitome repeate , Pollio . Of all the warres wherwith the East was fraught : Athenian Pericles , who soar'd so high Did from Aspasia learne Philosophie . 159 Cornelia a famous Roman dame , Cornelia the wife of Africanus & Mother to the Greechi . Such eloquent Epistles vs'd to write , That Cicero a man of rarest fame , Commends her workes with wonderful delight : With Pallaes help to end rare Lucan broght The battaile Caesar and great Pompey fought . 160 Alexandra , the wife of Alexander , In Iury liu'd a Bishop many yeares , Whose learned wisdom like a wise commander Was reuerenc'd both of common-wealth and Peeres : Eicsebius Dona the daughter of Pithagoras , In sciences a famous scholler was . 161 Two Gretian women deepely learn'd indeed , Plato . Lasterna Axiothe . The loue of Plato did so highly win , That seated in his chaire about to read , Before they came he seldome would begin : In them saith he , sage wisdom doth remaine , And memory graue maxims to maintaine . 162 In France a sect of women did remaine , Cal'd Druides , to whom Aurelian came , From Rome to France their counsells to obtaine So much their wisdom was renownd by fame : Mirrha Queene of Lydia men did call , Strabo . Agiant for her wit , in stature small . 163 In Rhodes a Roman and a Greeke fell out . Eutropius . Who both desir'd their cuntries worth to raise The Greeke contest the Romans were more stout But vnto Greece for learning gaue the praise : Wherin said he our women more doe know Then you in armes , whereof you boast of so . 164 Vpon which words a mortall warre insu'd , 'Twixt Rome & Carthage , til the Rodians came , Who earnestly intreate they would conclude , To make them empires in this worke of fame : To whose request when they had both agreed The noble Rhodians in this wise proceed . 165 Ten Greacian women they in Rhodes ordaine With ten of Rome shall disputation hold , which they with such rare learning did maintain , In leaues of brasse deserues to be inrol'd : For with the Rhodians to their great renown , with Lawrell wreathes these famous women crown'd . 166 For sollid sentences and learning graue , Vnto the Grecians they the praise decreed , True eloquence they to the Romans gaue , Wherin they thought they did the Greeks exceed But from each side such vertue rare did flow As men could hardly who were victors know . 167 The worthy Rodians in perpetuall praise , That after ages might their vertues see , To each of them a monument did raise , Whereby their loue shall intermixed be : Twenty huge Pillers of victorious fame , Whereon was writ each seuerall womans name . 168 Two famous Theban virgins being told , The Oracle had said they should enioy , A conquest from the Orchymenians bold , If two chast virgins should themselues destroy : Their country with victorious praise to kill , Coragiously their dearest bloud they spill . 169 Braue Celia , that King Porsenna tooke , Salust . With whom in hostage diuers virgins were , With courage stout , by night his camp forsook , Gat horse and swame a riuer , void of feare : Whereat the King amaz'd without delay . Did raise his siege , and went with shame away . 170 Hermonia a Siracusan maid , To saue her country did her life defie , Plinie . The wife of Asdruball was lesse afraid , When Scipio conquered then himselfe to die : Great Mithridates wife and sisters three , Shew'd farre lesse feare of death then he . 171 Resolued Portia hearing this sad newes , Her husband , and her father both were slaine , Portia the wife of Brutus . That tyrannizing sorrow should abuse , Her noble spirit did so much disdaine . The burning coales to eate she doth deuise , Thus made herselfe a liuing sacrifice . 172 The pride of Aegipt that most glorious Queen Did so much scorn great Caesars campe to grace With captine bands , wher she shold ly between Dispaire and hope in a contemned case : With poisoned Asps , whose touch to death doth hie , Brauely resolu'd she rather chose to die . 173 Philip proclam'd at Scyo euery slaue , Herodat . That would come forth & with his army hold With liberty their masters wiues should haue , Which when the women heard , like lions bold They sally out , and to their great renowne , Beate Phillip and his army from the towne . 174 The Scyots by th' Egiptian sore opprest , Vnarm'd to leaue the towne , with them agree , Iustine . which when the women heard they could not rest Vntill they made them change this base decree : With sheild and speare vncloth'd they march away , Telling their foes that this was their aray . 175 Among the Amasons two Queens they chose The forraigne and domestique state to guide , Abroad Marpesia did subdue their foes , At home Lampeda all things did decide : With equall iustice void of loue or hate , Which made them florish in a happy state . 176 Constantinople being round beset , With furious Gothes that ment it to destroy , Cassads . The Empresse bold to the wall did get , Where valiantly she did them so annoy : That many by her noble hands did die , The rest were forst to raise their siege & fly . 177 Simeramis deserues to be inrold , Iustine . In brasen leaues of euerlasting praise , Who by her vallour like a Tygresse bold , Her hardy foes inforst their campe to raise : From Babilon they surely thought to take , Which she with shame compeled them to forsake . 178 Senobia forst Aurelian to confesse ; With whom a famous war she long maintain'd To conquer Xerxes was a taske far lesse , Whose greatnesse with the name of feare was stain'd Then stout Senobia who with speare & sheild , Came like the God of bataile to the field . 179 Penthiselia that couragious queene , Encountered braue Achilles hand to hand , Then which a brauer combat nere was seene , Hippolita stout Theseus did withstand : In single fight their honors to maintaine , Whereby they did immortallglory gaine . 180 The Queene of Carryall , like the God of war , Did chase the Rhodians like a hare with hounds , Against whose valor nothing was a barre , She burnt the wals , sackt their cheifest townes , Whereby she forst them to her endlesse fame , To build her image , and inscribe her name . 181 Immortall Tass● thou canst neuer die , So worthily Clornidaes fame to write , Who boldly durst that champion braue defie , Renowned Tancred , euen at single fight : And so perform'd that men could hardly know The conqueror suruiu'd his conquered foe . 182 Vndanted Hector hadst thou liued now , How much thy hardest soule wold blush to see Iustine . That earths great monarch should be made to bow , And by a womans hand subuerted be : Whose valiant head , she from his body drew , And did the same in his owne blood imbrew . 183 Euen a● a Lyonesse doth range the coast , When she perceiues her whelps are made a pray So Thamaris doth breake through Cyrus host , And brauely with her sword did make her way And to her friends his royal head she brought , Like Pallas with the spoils of Gergon fraught . 184 Amongst these Queenes oh let me not forget , That Queen of Queenes , which in our age did raigne , Who like a Comet in the skie was set , Vnparalleld for euer to remaine : To write her praise , I neuer shall aspire , Whom euery eye with wonder did admire . 185 The worlds great Artist , nature did complaine , Such beauty rare the earth did not enioy , And that no other might the like obtaine , She doth againe this heauenly stamp destroy : Then all the powers supernall freely came , And gaue perfection to this matchles dame . 186 Imperious Iuno at her feete did lay , That all commanding Scopter which she bare , Wherewith she did the pride of Spaine allay , Supported France the Royall crowne to weare And Belgia her peerelesse praise may sing , Whose famous acts all Christendome doth ring . 187 Arete for her Temple chose her breast , And with faire vertues did it freely fill , Religious Vesta with chast thoughts her blest , Minerua gaue her sacred wisedome still : And royall Ceres who with a liberall hand , With great aboundance did inrich her land . 188 The faithlesse Pagan , misbeleeuing Turke , Virginian heathen , with the Indian Moore , In whom doth nought but secret mischeife lurk , They all with reuerence did her state adore : Great giftes they offer to her sacred shrine , So was she blest , euen by the powers diuine . 189 An happy fight this blessed woman fought , Whilst here she liu'd & wore the royall crown ; Her subiects all to peace and loue she brought , The humble spar'd , & beat the haughty down , Thus left her thron , which time shal quit destroy An euerlasting kingdome to enioy . 190 But now me thinkes I heare some whispering say , This fellow sure is fearefully in loue , Whilst other straight vnto my charge doe lay , Some mercinary hire doth him moue : No , no , my friends , it is a case more common , which you forget , my mother was a woman . 191 Whom nature taught me tenderly to loue , And thinke it is a duty which I owe , To her and women for her sake to proue , The praise on them both God & men bestow : No art so excellent hath euer bin , But women haue bin famous actors in . 192 T is true say , they there was a time of olde , When women sure were better far then now , Through this opinion diuers men doe hold , I doubt not but the wiser will allow : This costome nature doth to all men giue , To thinke that age is worse wherein they liue . 193 Virgill and Ouid many yeares agoe , Do testifie that then the world was nought , In stately stile of verse from them did flow , Their sober lessons publickly they taught : Homer might come with musike to his whores Yet wanting mony , get him out of dores . 194 Either these men haue spirits of diuining , Or else the world stands now as then it did , If worse , it is by enuious mens repining , Which if they would conuert from ill to good , Thousands of women this bad age might name That want rare pens to eternize their fame . 195 Like Romes Colassae I might write a booke , Or the Egiptian Piramid of old , If I should strictly striue to ouerlooke , The vertues rare that are of women told : Which I referre to men of better skill , Who can this taske more worthily fulfill . 196 Wherein my pen already is growne dull , Wanting that tinckture of heroicke straine , With which braue spirits of our age are full , Let this but animate their flowing vaine : While my poore Muse shal wel contented be Her humble valley once againe to see . 197 Where she with pleasure , did behold the Beare The Wolfe , the Swan , the Dragons head & taile , The no meane Lion , and the fearefull Hare , The dart which 'gainst the Griffen did preuaile : The King of Egipt and his stately Queene , Who for her beauty now in heauen is seene . 198 The crowne which Ariadne did obtaine , From Venus , for becomming Bacchus loue , The harpe of Orpheus , whose melodious straine Made careles beasts , & senceles trees to moue : The sonne of Danaae that Medusa slue , The waggener that lustfull Phedra flue . 199 The son of Ioue whom Satan would haue slaine , The serpent holder bright Appolloes sonne , The fish that sau'd Orion in the maine , Alcides after all his labor done : The horse of Bacchus forst his masters loue , The bird that brought faire Ganymede to Ioue . 200 The flying horse sprang from Medusaes bloud , Bellepheron did vndertake to ride , Who for his paines , was drenched in the floud , The horse flew vp to heauen , wher he doth bide : The triangle which Ceres did request , The Gods to place in heauen amongst the rest . 201 The wife of Perseus , and the monstrous whale , The crow which by the wel the serpent found , Ixions wheele , with Venus daughter pale , The riuer wherein Phaeton was drownd : Chyron that taught Achilles great in Greece , The ship that brought home Iasons golden fleece . 202 The Rambe with Phirxes and her sisters went , Ore Hellespont : Europaes roring Bull , The twinns of Loeda : Iunoes crabe she sent , To Hercules , who did in peeces pull The Lion : iustice slue from earth to Heauen , Who by her ballance found mens acts vneuen . 203 The Scorpion slue Orion with his sting , Euthemiaes Sonne that with the Muses slept , Disguised Pan , the Boy Ioues bird did bring , The fishes Venus from the Giant kept : All these the Gods haue stellifi'de in heauen , With Pleiades , whose number once was seuen . 204 Vntil Electra seeing Troian fire , Shrunke in her head , and neuer since was seen Whose griefe doth make my pittying Muse ●tir Casting her eies vpon the louely greene : Where she will mourne , among the shepheards swaine Admires high hills , but loue she lowly plaine FINIS .