An answer to VVithers motto Without a frontispice. Wherein, Nec habeo, nec careo, nec curo, are neither approued, nor confuted: but modestly controuled, or qualified.

AN ANSWER TO WITHERS MOTTO .

Without a Frontispice . WHEREIN , Nec HABEO , Nec CAREO , Nec CVRO , are neither approued , nor confuted : but modestly controuled , or qualified .

QVAESTIO . — Quid dignum tanto feret hic promissor hiatu ? RESPONSIO . — Sic invat indulgere fugacibus horis .

OXFORD , Printed by IOHN LICHFIELD , and WILLIAM TVRNER . 1625.

The Booke to the Reader .

WEll may you muse why I came no sooner to light , but lay obscure so long ; vnderstand therefore that I haue in time past sought to come vnder the presse , to shew my selfe to publike view , but by Mr. Wither's meanes , who sought to smoother mee in my birth , haue lyen sometime hid , but now hauing got strength to come forth to declare my selfe to the world , I leaue thee to censure the rest .

Virgilius de litera Pythagorea . LItera Pythagorae discrimine secta bicorni Humanae vitae speciem praeferre videtur . 〈…〉 Nam via virtutis dextrum petit ardua callem , Difficilemque aditum primum spectantibus offert , Sed requiem praebet fessis in vertice summo : Molle ostendat iter via lata , sed vltima meta Praecipitat captos , voluitque per ardua saxa : Quisquis enim duros casus virtutis amore Vicerit , ille sibi laudemque decusque parabit : At quidedsiam , luxumque sequetur inertem , Dum fugit oppositos incauta mente labores , Turpis inopsque simul miserabile transiget aevum .

To Master Wither himselfe .

MAster Wither ; When I first tooke vp your Booke to reade , ( which I confesse I did not out of curiositie , Criticisme , or any desire to bee your Antagonist ) I thought to make the same vse of it for Collections and obseruations , as I haue accustomed out of other mens endeauours : but when I found a certaine confusion in the same , besides many repetitions , I compared it to Protogenes pencill , that throwne away in a rage , effected that worke , which with all his cunning hee knew not how to contriue ; and so in my conscience , you writ this in anger , 〈…〉 ( I will not say in fury ) and fortune hath giuen way to your good spirit , which though ( if men were as angry as your selfe ) might be called presumption , yet out of iudgment consonant to to you : non recte dixisti , nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo : How I proued that , it is so many yeares agoe , I cannot tell : but how I shall proue yours , it is so few dayes agoe , since I attempted it , that I can almost say it without booke : yet because a mans memory may faile , I haue here sent it you written , if not p●inted : now if the worst come , we shall doe no worse then Lawyers , who fall out with one another at the Barre , and are friends when they meete at the Temple Hall at dinner : For I can assure you , I pray that your Muse may haue a Plautus plaudite , — and though I am so vnfortunate a man in these compositions , that I may stil exclaime , Nemesis in tergo — , yet doth my hart leape at the thriuings of other men , and I wish you , the reward of your worth , remaining to you , to others , to my selfe , to all , honest : -

T. G. Esquire .

To the Reader .

REader - And you marke it , all men are more afraide of you then of thunders : For a Garland wreathed about the head of Lawrell , is a preseruatiue against lightning : but there was neuer any Antidotle for the Aconite of a malitious tongue , except you could doe as Iuvenall sayes ( and yet corrupt times haue preuented that to ) but you shall haue it :

Vivendum est recte , Satyr . ● cum propter plurima , tum his Praecipuè causis , vt linguas mancipiorum Contemnas : nam lingua mali pars pessima serui : and therefore there is a kinde of inclination vsed toward you with many facetious attributes , or Epithetons of gentle , courteous , iudicious , learned , noble , worthy , and such like ; all which I disclaime , onely I desire you to be honest , which I doe both for your selfe , and my selfe . For your selfe , that you may haue the reward of an immaculate soule : for my selfe , that if you doe me no good , I hope you will doe me no harme .

— Heere I beleeue you will not finde such mirth as you expect , for there is no beare-baiting toward , where the boyes clap their hands to set the dogges together : but a fiery zeale against sinne , Vanity , and the corruption of mens manners , where in if any of you bee transported with the vulgar multit●de , you neede no other punishment then your owne confusions , and the various changes of a ridiculous violence : if impostured with the Syrens song of priuate respects , except you tye your selues to the mast of Religion and Piety , ●ct and ●om●ions ●ed so ●irces . be sure to be transhapt into Lyons , Beares , Wolues , Tigers , Goates , and what not : — if ouer-heated with the fauour of Princes , take heed of catching colde , according to the Italian prouerbe - non discoprir animalato , quando suda : For enuy and malice haue snatching handes to pull away the mantle of your greatnesse , and then your deformity will quickely appeare , — if resolute , out of a couetous ambition to make money your guide , whereby at last you may come to places of honour and office ( which indeed is a kinde of Cannon shot through a stand of Pikes ) take heede of ouercharging your selues , lest like some crased new cast peece in the tryall and discharging , you flie in pieces . — If subiect to a womans imperiousnesse , or flattered by her wantonnesse , take heed of the forbidden fruit , shee will bring it , praise it , deceiue you , and make you eat it : — If catched in the net of the world , Epi●● defor● Dem●●derid●● Hera●●deflet● and so resolued against singularity , or other nicke-name , by being religious : Remember the Philosophers banquet , where Epicte●us put a Coxcombe vpon the Globe of the world , and the strange prohibitions in the word of truth , where the world and the fashions of the same are no more reputed of then durt and drosse , or any vilder thing , which must be purged by fier : If any thing else diuert you to transpasse the limits of your owne Spheres and Orbes , take heede of prouing Meteors and Exhalations , whereby you will quickely vanish to nothing ; and so I leaue you to the faire regard of your selues , for if you be honest , you will loue vertue for vertues sake , and wipe away all aspersions with a gentle hand , which may bee laide vpon mans infirmities : — if otherwise ; neither vice nor vertues will serue your turnes , but as your owne humours , make them savery to your pallats , wherein because I am no Empiricke of this kinde , I pray you be your owne Phisitians , and make the trials your selues : for I that neuer was a friend to my selfe , am not worthy to be yours so much as in particular application .

T. G. Esquire .

THE INTRODVCTION . WHat 's here ? what 's here ? A peremptory man ? That cares not who his books & labors scan : But if men storme , will make the Muses storme , With thundring tempests to procure more harme : As if the power 's Diuine were at his becke , Inferior fury for to countercheke ; Much like Maedeas charmes , Flecte neque●● supero● cheron● moueb● who then durst tell If heauen did faile , she would command all Hell . — Why man ? what needs this quoile ? fret not thy soule About thy free-borne lines ? who doth controule Thy worthy labours ? or traduce thy name ? Or who befooles themselues at thy faire fame To fume , or knit the brow ? — Nay ? who will vexe Their conscience , of any age or sexe , About thy poore ●●uectiues , when thy haue That sacred Word , which doth all sinne depraue , Nor Prince , nor Pesant sparing in their kinde , Nor rich , nor poore , nor proud , nor humbled minde , Nor Atheist , Hypocrite , nor any other That will their sinnes , or hide , or falsely smother From those all-seeing eyes , which vengeance take Vpon delinquents , who a sport can make At Gods high Iustice , or sweet Mercy : when He opens either treasure-house to men : — Now if the Gospell tell the rich man thus , He that beleeues no Scripture , 6. 29 would discusse Vpon the Prophets : or the holy writ Deride , deny , or in some franticke fit , Make doubt of either , sure will ne're beleeue One raised from the dead , or seeme to greeue , Be his discourse more harsh then hellish groanes Or Hecats charmes , breaking the marble stones : — Then dost thinke thou they care for thy best ●imes , Which onely ayme at foule enormous crimes Of present sway , or once will startled be , Although they doe thy heart transparent see : What dost thou then of resolution tell , Of Libels , Satyres ? — Doe thou ne're so well To scourge the Ages villany , they say It is their work to sinne , to sport , to play : — But when thou talkest of making the world mad They laugh and wonder , 〈…〉 whence that terme is had : As for the guilty times , that all torment , Why should mens fashions so thee discontent ? Was it not thus when that the Prophets saw The world on mischiefe set , did they not draw In seuerall models , that deformed face , Which vice look't out with all without disgrace ? — One doth the Women for apparell chide , 〈…〉 Another great men , for great cost deride : Another tels the Iudge of taking fees , Another his false seruant ouer-sees , Another checks the Swaine for selling Corne , Amos ● And grieues the poore man is so ouer-borne : Another talks of Vsury and wrong , Ezek. ● Another to the Sabboth doth belong , Isai. 58. Another dares doe more , then thou dare doe , Reuiles the pompous Priests , Ezec. 3. adding thereto Their riots , vomits , lies and filthinesse , Hosh. 4. Their auarice , Mal. 1. 1 their lust and greedinesse : Yea , Mal. 1. 1 in the end thou there shalt this out finde , Their Orizons came not at all behinde Their fowlest sinnes : — For Priest and people then Did God deceiue , Mal. 2. as well as simple men By offering the leane beasts , selling the best , And yet supposing to sit downe in rest : — Thus was it full two thousand yeare agoe , Yet now forsooth you would not haue it so , Nor will you be a slaue to times , or sinne : But call them Criticks , who dare once begin To censure thy faire Muse , or taxe thy pen As if thou could'st doe more then other men , For to diuert vs from outragiousnesse : Alas ? alas ? though that I should confesse Thy worth were great , and that thou hadst a charme For that foule Gorgons head : — It would thee harme , Either to vexe thy soule , - thou couldst not speed , Or fret thee more to laugh at thee indeed : — As for thy scorning of the poore and base ? They would out-raile thee to thy very face . As for the better sort in honors seare ? They doe thy betters in this sort intreat , With foole or mad-man , if they once transcend Their callings to finde fault : and in the end They turne thee off with busie-bodies name , Vsing these speeches Vertue to defame : - — A poore mans tale's soone told , who low doth lie Still enuies others that doe sit on high , Come , giue him liuing ; he will hold his tongue , And terme that right , which now he counteth wrong : The Tyrants hand , that rais'de him vp shall be The gentle hand of fairest charity : - The villaines tongue , that fumbles in his throat Shall then a diapason make his note , 〈…〉 Yea all transhap't will honour worke that man , Who in his poore estate doth curse and ban : With such like speeches are good men put off , And many tawnts endure , with vilder scoffe : — Then talke not of a Iaile , or wrongs of State , When our owne hands doe ope foule mischiefes gate , When we presume to tell the rest of sinne , And are our selues as faulty still therein , ●●o laedi●isi a ● . When priuate ends affect vs with delight , Then we complaine of other mens despight : Come , come ; It may be , he that writeth this Can tell the world , what a close prison is , And iustly doth himselfe thus farre confute , He seldome thriues that doth with Lords dispute : Whom Princes will haue wise , are wise indeed , And mongst the Polliticks , it is agreed , They that do specious attributes transferre ; And yet find fault with gouernment , may erre : Therefore be ruled by me , threaten no more , That either you haue forraine news good store , Or could from rumour tell ys of such things , As vnto Europe this disturbance brings : But cause it may offend or France or Spaine , You leaue it of , and come to vs againe , With Furies tyed in chaires , and whips of steele As though Briareus hands could turne the wheele Of Fortune quite about : and your fierce straines , Well season'd could controule , or tame the braines Of franticke men : Oh that it were your fate To worke conuersion euen quite through the state : As for your dogs ; that dare on Monsters flie , By baiting Buls and beares , the boldest dye . Therefore desist , and let your temprature The sweet content which we expect , procure . — Be better pleas'd , who spits against the winde Shall soone his face all to be smeered finde , And he that will assume more then his owne , Shall either for presumptuous be knowne , Or an intruder : then thanke God for this , Thou hast a great deale more then common is : But giue no milke with a repining hand , Nor looke thou spill it , as it there doth stand ,

AN ANSWER TO WITHER'S NEC HABEO . — HEre you begin with a calme humbled minde , As if all Vaunting you were farre behinde , Confessing such defects , as make men see , In weake infirmities how poore they be . — You haue no grace , but by infused power , No strentgh at all to write another hower , No f●ee-borne goodnesse , nor a cleansing hand To wipe away corruptions of the land , Or purge your sinnes by your owne purity : Yet you confesse you haue a charity With sweeter currents of an honest minde To beare with some , and be to others kinde : Nay ? I le goe further , if the truth were known , You somethings haue , which I doe call your own , Affection , passion , ing●ny , delight , Feare , sadnesse , ioy : For sure you are not quite Exempt from those things with which man was borne , Though age in time youths franticknesse doth scorue , But more then this aboue the rest you know From iudgement to condemne the world , that so We may the passages of goodnesse learne , And Vice and Vertue different discerne , And can all this be done ? except you had Those faculties , which make the heart full glad . — Then you confesse a power to doe ill , And many times a peruerse haire-brain'd will To ouer-beare the motiues of your soule , Whereby your frailties doe the rest controule , Of such ●le not dispute ; It is a point Farre from my reach , and may full soone disioint The frame I would erect . For in each state Free-will confusion suffers and debate ; — But now take heed : if in this humbled sceane You goe not farre beyond the golden meane , Catching at glory , as you wish to thriue , Or for some higher reputation striue , O● hope to match your ment with reward , As other men your labours doe regard , Or worke for priuate ends : then sure you haue Some portion in the world , and know to saue Your selfe from vexing wants , or foule annoy , And so on earth possesse , wherein you ioy . — — You haue no Lordships , nor high reaching Piler , Nor mocking structures , nor deceitfull wiles , Nor large demeanes , nor titular renowne , Nor any hope which may your vertue crowne With place of honour : — Yet you haue a minde To haue all those , and doe corruption finde In stranger wishes , that you had more liuing : Then to depend on any others giuing . For though Concupiscence be writ a sin , 〈…〉 Yet either men may so the world begin To come to seeled houses in the end , By their owne industrie , or haue a friend Bestow a Leg●cie , or natiue right May them establish●n some formall might , Or from the custome of each mor●ll nation The Prince may men enrich with some donation , Wherein vntouch't , vnfoild , the soule may see , How she may somethings haue , and yet be free : - — Nay more ; if wealth increase , it lawfull is ( So in the same we practice nought amisse ) To purchase land , or office , as we finde The Patriackes remembred in this kinde : Yea , the wise man pleades , as I doe conceiue , Better it is to giue , then to receiue , Which cannot well be done , except our store Augmented be more then it was before : Oh say not then ; you haue none of these things , If you would haue them ; For a w●sh so stings The conscience , that as swelling blisters rise Vpon the face to blemish both our eies : So sinnes creepe on vs , by our foule desires , And sends in fuell to augment the fires , Which by degrees actiue imployment make , Vntill to custome we our selues betake , — As for the spirits freedome , which you boast , Take heed you reckon not without your hoast . For mischiefe lies like rocks in seas vnseene , Splitting the greatest ships that come betweene : Yea , the proud head which lifts it selfe on high Through small displeasure doth disgraced dye : But sure afflicting wants distract vs more , Then our owne patience can endure : therefore Let none presume to say , they can abide In pouerty , when all the world beside Abounds in wealth : For Dauid bids vs pray Gainst these extreames ; Oh doe not then say na● , For as the rich , the poore man he doth sin , And with more terrour frets himselfe therein . — You haue no suites in Law , nor need once sweat After your plodding Councellor to treat Of bils , procurements , titles , and such like , Which in discussing much amazement strike ; This sure is want of meanes , 〈…〉 or wealth , or state , Or that on earth you are not fortunate But from this want you haue a busie minde To tamper with the Courtes some fault to finde , Checking the pride , or auarice of men , Laughing at follies and corruptions , when Greatnesse doth ouer-sway the meaner side , Or quicker wits simplicity deride , Or prolongations do a cause deferre , Or groser sinnes traduce men , that so erre : Thus we doe smile when others faults are knowne , Yet cast vp worser recknings of our owne , The soule we free from shifts , the tongue from tales Defacing right , contriuing cunning sales , And if we can escape the Law in sinning , We then are safe , when from the first beginning We pride of heart possesse , with enuy swell , Repine at others , liuing passing well , Proue factious in our thoughts , striue with our wits , Till they burst out into some madding fits Against good order of the gouernment , And so we run away in meriment , That we haue hit it home : but what say they That would not so their modestie betray , Either we haue some singular conceit , Bewitching vs with holinesse deceit , Or itching eares to heare each Sirens song Of things , which no way do to vs belong : Or itching h●nds to reach the fruit on high , Vntill the Dragon doe it vs denie : Or itching feet to gad , where none should goe That know not how themselues for to bestow : Or itching hearts forbidden things that craue : Thus wise men see , that still we somethings haue . — You haue no foppish tricks , nor apish to●es Nor complementall congees fit for boyes , And not reposed men : — You say 't is pittie , That either trauellers of Court , or Citie Bring home such follies out of France or Spaine , Or Italy : and yet you doe againe Commend good manners , & good fashions to , Well I perceiue we shall haue much adoe To please you in these things : ▪ But now take heed The same impostume doe not in you breed , That either you dissemble must this guise , Or forced be with men to temporise ; Why ; why good Sir : if thou dost this at all ; Whom canst thou praise , or so right worthy call ; Or whom canst thou traduce for such extreames , But others glowing heates haue the like beames ; As for the heart , descrie it if you can , It hath and will deceiue an honest man . — — But now I see you haue a tricke in this To tell vs , 〈…〉 what 's in Poesie amisse , Because you would haue ignorants to know , How variously a learned man may grow Deformed in his wits : — But if againe I tell you when necessities constraine ; We are excus'd ; what needs this partiall vaunting Of scorne or ●lattery , we still are graunting The selfe-same thing : that vertue should not make A false account , but patiently betake Her selfe to her owne Items , whether poore Or rich she liue : yet men from dore to dore Are loth to beg , yet by your rule they must , If to reward of vertue they doe trust : — Then cease a while , and let me heere conclude , That gaines and profit doe the best delude : — You haue no partialitie , nor loue That man , which must your obseruation moue , From his owne greatnesse , or augment your scorne As in the world neglected , and forlorne He lies : but meane goodnesse for to respect , Who e're the same condemne , or yet neglect . — You haue no soothing humour to make good The iests of men , or warme them in their blood , When they would haue applauses : but you take One euen course , and all for vertues sake ▪ — ●ay , if he gentrie boast you would pull downe That ostentation with an angrie frowne , Except his actions doe proportion keep With their great fame , which in their graues doe sleep — — What greater partiality can be 〈…〉 Then this wherein you so much disagree With common sense , as though one selfe-same st●ne Obscured in base lead , or horne were one With that , which is embellished by Art , ●et out in gold , as workman plaies his part , By adding lustre to the same : — So men ●oe grace their natiue vertues farre more , when They noble are , or comelie to the eie . — Thus in the Sunne we doe a glorie spie , When he doth shew his fullest radiance , ●nd not when through a cloud we see him glan●● , — As for the rest , I know not what you call Applauding of great men , but this is all We shoot at her , for to augment our state , And higher rise , though it be nere so late ; — How shall such ones then be fairelie intreated , ●hat are alreadie so transcendent seated ? ●r would you be transported in this kinde , Not to affoord respect , although you finde ●ome things to crosse your humours , Cyni●ke fits ; ●re therefore men the worse for our fond wits ? — Now come to dignitie , and outward show ? You faine would men by their owne actions know , And for because you thinke it ill or well , You would a lesson to their Lordships tell , As though you had some workeman been of old In honours Pallace ; as though times doe hold One selfe-same course , and not admit of change Euen in mens manners , when a Countrey grange Doth from her owners wealth scorne base to lie , But Pallace-like her Turrets reares vp high : What thinke you then ? dare not men goe astray , Because you looke at high designes , a way Which must confine them to the glorious deeds Of Dauids Worthies : this prescription breeds Such grudging mongst them all , All tim●s ●re not for ●mployment . and to say truth We haue no such imployment for our youth , And if we had , rewards are not so rife , Therefore doe Lords act out another life Of peace and plenty , welcomming with all The Vices which attend the same , and call Them what you will , this phrase I vse ( Not that I would impiety excuse ) It is the times fault , and the fruit of ease That meaner men then Lords themselues doe please With barren pleasure , 〈…〉 gaming , lust , and smoake , Which blacks their braines , as they their senses choa● Swelling their bodies with ranke humours vp , As they carowse of Bacchus wanton cup , To fill their vaines with strange lasciuious blood , Working at last no other end or good Then soule diseases : For as hot ranke ground Doth ouer-choake the corne with ranker weeds : So in mens bodies such corruption breeds ( For want of martiall exercise ) that harme Which neither Physicke , nor Elixars charme : I le name no more , but let them ●ere alone , Nor g●ieue not you , or make so great a moane For their vnworthinesse : because the Law ( Which keepes the lauishnes of tongues in aw ) Intends that Princes fauours doe bestow , For that in peace men doe more vertuous grow , And though thou fret , others doe yeeld a reason , When any great offender out of season Hath life afforded : this they learne of God , Who out of mercy spares , or sends a rod , And as God from mens questions doth surmount : So Princes of their actions yeeld no count : — — You haue no friends , but such , as shall be so Endeer'd at all times , whether weale or woe , Nor doe you prise mens loues by out-ward state , Whether afflicted , or made fortunate : Nor doe you care for such , as meane to loue For their own ends . — How friends may be forsake Whence comes it , that you moue Such Paradoxes ? what alwayes alike ? The Smith you see doth not his iron strike When it is cold — Nor can the Sunne preuent The Moones Ecclipse : — Therefore be thou content To looke at friendship , as it lookes on thee With Vertues raies : for if thou doe agree To Passion , it will make thee passionate , And with encombrances confound thy state . — But if againe thou wilt be so precise , All friendship vnder vertue to comprise , And so condemne distinction by a name , Which lookes not after char●●ie , but fame ; Which shuts out ▪ nature , and would seeme diuine Then looke about for seuerall Sunnes to shine , Or else goe from the earth . For if thou liue , Thou must obserue some methode , and so giue Reason her due , and not contented be With euerie friend , 'cause he was friend to thee . — For in plaine tearmes , say that he slacke his hand , Doest not thou slacke thy loue ? Say that he stand A Leper in thy sight , wilt thou imbrace Or cling vnto the kisses of his face ? Say that Religion kept him once in awe , Wilt thou keepe still to him against the Law ? Say that he froward proue with griefe , or age , And turne sweet blessings into furious rage ; What still thy friend ? — Sure though thou didst so say , I know thou knowest the safe , and better way , Not that I would haue honest men be left In their extreames , when they are quite bereft Of worldlie succour ; but to be content If vicious life bring vices punishment . — As for reuealing secrets , or discouer The doting frenzie of a sodden louer ; I well beleeue , thou hast no minde to doe it , Except a riualship may put thee to it , Or some crosse courtship to preuent a sonne , Or other chance hindring what 's well begunne . But say thou come to argue with faire reason , What wilt thou do about concealing treason ? Or other terrours , shaming thee to be A secret friend to such necessitie . — You haue no d●ting humour , loue sicke vai●e , To follow that , which runnes away amaine , Nay you doe scorne a mela● cholly sit , Or angry passion , to be mou'd with it ; As though you could confine infirmitie Within the compasse of sweet modestie ; And trust your owne strength in these sinfull daies To wrestle with corrupt on , which alwaies Hath fon'd your betters ? — Nay you haue no cause , No priuate cause against the publike lawes , No enu●e , malice , or a wretched minde To be distasting , froward , or vnkinde Through filthie luc●e , and abortiue gaine , Which the faire liues of greater men doe staine . — And yet you know that God hath thus proclaim'd , These be the latter times for sinne defam'd : And yet your Satyres haue you famous made For speaking freelie against euerie trade ; And scourging vanitie , though great ones striue By power , by right , by wrong , to make it thriue : And yet you know , because you were so hardie To passe your bounds , the State did take you tardie . — You haue no minde aduancement to intreat For your admission into honours seat , Nor with a Fauourite your state to change , Though nere so fortunate . — Why this is strange ; Say that the wise sit wringing of her hands , Because she wants the iointure of her lands , The children cry for bread , and in the durt Trot bare foot by her side , or other hurt Affront thee ; be it scorne , or harsh disgrace , Or quipping at thy follies to thy face ; With exprobration of improuidence , Where 's now thy brauerie , and confidence ? — — I ouerpasse natures Antipathy , Or by a contrarie fond sympathy , They secrets are , and 't will be out of season Of either side to yeeld a hansome reason : — — Why Nations are affected , 〈…〉 I let goe , Or why abhor●'d , I say , nor yea , nor no ; As for the English , A pish in each kinde , Fant●sticke , foolish , wauering as the winde : I could as well as you finde faul● withall , If finding fault may them from faults recall : But in these things experience teacheth thus , And I with you the matter so discusse , That exprobration of a custom'd sinne Hardens the heart , and sets them fast therin : As in reuenge in Irel●nd we chace The Wolf● for slaughtering sheepe in euerie place , The following night we looke for further spoile : So wise men lesse doe gaine the more they toil● , A prison is a punishment to mend Such refractarie sinners , who offend ; But who can say , that any man was better By liuing in a iaile a wretched debter : So Iuuenal complaines , and so may we The like effect of Poets , ●atyres see ; For if that God in●use not inward grace , I see no man giue to your charming place . — You doe not feare , who your religion know , Nor meane to make thereof a better show , Then is in proofe . You will weare truth in graine , And such a minde possesse , as all in vaine Deuices shall attempt : Nay , you haue not Presumption to finde fault with a small spot , And blurre the paper worse your selfe , and so From step to step you to high seates doe goe , Where quicke you 〈◊〉 vpon the Magistrate ; Who meane and poore offenders exprobrate , 〈…〉 Searching the vnswept corners of their liues , And rating them , as they lie chaind in giues , When their owne soules all maculate appeare Vnto that 〈…〉 , which sees so cleere : For this you angry grow , and fiet , and ●ume , And could inuectiue-like some vaine assume . — Sure this is well , if that it wo●ld thus last , But say the State another reckning cast , And crosse your zeale , either you alter now , Or must perforce to stronger bendings bow : Yea in religious case , whether you 〈◊〉 At home , or doe your sel●e to trauaile giue , There is you know , but one prepared right , Now if imploiment bring you to a plight ; Where Inquisition bindes you to a post , What will you presently as Martyr boast ? No hansome silence , but a hairebraind wi●l : The Scripture bids you rather saue then kill , And flie from towne to towne , not that I meane You should Apostate proue , when that the sceane Of Christianity you act , and trie Your faith indeed : then doe a Gods name die ; But with vaineglorious hardinesse to runne Into each danger so to be vndone , Is not by God allow'd , and thus you see Wise men for rashnesse may condemned be . — As for fault finders , 〈…〉 who be●meered are With durt and fi●th , and yet presume 〈◊〉 farre To brush anothers dust : — Sure 't is a time , In which the best are guiltie of this crime : 〈…〉 Our Sauiour it condemnes , and saies , its true There shall be such : why may not one be you ? Ther 's no deceit like to deceit of heart , And we are prone to play anothers part , Either forgetting , that we hau● a share Wi●hin the Play , or willinglie doe spare Our selues : — Thus when we heare some smart reproofe We thrust our neighbours forward , but aloofe We stand our selues : — As for the Magistrate , If any such there be to moue debate , Present him now , or else traduce him not , Ther 's nothing by diffused cunning got : Christ did not glance at any sinne in generall , But Hypocrite the Lawier did call , The Pharisee he brought within his woe , The Scribe was taught his guiltinesse to know , The deuils were cast out by name : the king Herod , the king was tearm'd a Fox : to bring The rest , it endlesse is . Therefore when th●t At such a point your shaft is aimed at , Either desist from shooting wide at all , Or hit the man , that you so sinfull call . For he that dare say this , sure doth not feare Though of Magnatum scandalum he heare . — You haue no good opinion of such men , As with excuse of had I wist c●y , when Their proiects saile , nor doe you take delight In scoffing at infirmities : you wr●te Not gainst the Arts , nor worldlie things imbrace , For which all men are troubled in the race . You haue no beauty , nor attracting forme , A Ladies eies , or wanton loue to charme . You haue no Sampsons strength , great weight to beare , Nor would a Lions skinne with Her●'les weare ; Why what a quoile is here ? Yet for the first , How doe you know your deeds shall not be curst ? Fato pr●dent●a●nor . Can humane wisdome be so prouident The end of things before hand to preuent ? — If you had thought so to displease the King , You would haue sure forborne such rimes to sing . So that you see your selfe your selfe correct , And may for many other things be checkt . You will not scoffe at weake and slender rimes , And yet inueigh gainst vanitie of times . You scorne what earth affoords , — yet take in worth ▪ What so your wit and labours can bring forth : Come , if you get it , purse the gold , and spare not But run not forth so fast to say , you care not : — As for your strength and beaut●e ; they are gifts Not in your power to take , or chuse : no shifts Can shun them , when God tends : but you must haue Euen that , which in your heart you would not craue : And why haue you them not , as you do say , Because you would the i●sting wanton play , With Statesmen , Ladies , Milstones , Porters strong , Or Packehorses ; Come leaue , 't is a poore song . — — I ouerpasse your knowledge of such things , As doe belong to Common-wealths , or Kings , I will not word your wisedome in this kind That without Method many things I find Smarting enough , and worthy of your name , Which if they had been brought to one faire frame , Would sure haue made a farre more glorious show , Whereby their hearts must needs h●ue long'd to know The owner of the place , that with their eies Had gaz'd vpon the same ; but now it lies A little further of from enuious reach , Or shot of malice : nay , it feares no breach : And let it lie ; that none may finde this out Of your ●ood meaning , to raise any doubt . — You haue no money , nor lands falsly got From Churches , Orphans ; Widowes , and what not ? How can you tell ? you sure receiue some coine , And doe you know who did the same purloine ? But you will say , such act was none of yours , And him you hate , that any such procures : I like it well , but if it should be so , W●●e should your sinne your children ouerthrowe : The law is changed . For if you list to trie , Our God hath said the soule that sinnes shall die . — You haue no fowle diseases , nor great debts , Nor wife , nor child , nor many other ●ets , Nor wealth enough for hospitalitie , Nor free expences out of ●olitie , And yet in posse you may h●ue all these . For man is subiect when his maker please , To Petrachs fortunes , though he cannot finde Those sauing remed●es he there assign'd : — But then you buffle vp your selfe and sa●e , You haue a wealth which none can get awaie , And hope your wit a womans may excell , Though for her owne ends she dee ner' so well . Nay , as it seemes , Riches without vertue . I will not call it spleene , Some wondrous heire hath sure your riuall beene , With whom you combate by comparison , That as his yeares increase , vices grow on His blacke corrupted soule , like wennes in trees , Which bunch out with deformitie : yet sees He nought , but on a golden out-side lookes , Turning the leaues of his ill cast vp booke● : But other men a better reckn●ng knowe , That lust and riot will him overthrowe . — For as st●ffe claie is hardned in the Sun , And yet with water easie made to runne : So riches rammed with a griping hand , Or strange oppression , cannot safely stand Without dispersing . For when once they flie , Like water 〈◊〉 vpon the ground they lie , And then such foolish owners cannot tell , Which way to liue , except they pawne or sell Their patrim●nies : so they perish must , Whereas you doe to noble vertue trust , Framing your life to wisdome , which is sure , Like some strong rock , that can all stormes endure : — Nay by this meanes you hope to get a wise , Who shall iudicious proue , making your life Conformable to hers , and hers to you : Oh that these things might come within my view ! — For ( as I hope for blisse ) I wish you well , Yet would another did the story tell , 〈…〉 To adde more lustre to your faire renowne , Because a man venturing oto farre may drowne Himselfe : but if a friendly helping hand Support him vp , he then may safely stand : Thus praise and honour haunt men by degrees , And follow worthines , as wisdome ●ees To whom her attributes belong : yet as againe The prouerb is , who snatcheth , workes in vaine : So he that will haue glory fore his time May faile with him , who doth too hastly climbe . — As for your wife , 〈◊〉 ▪ which yet I doe but name Because within your scrowle I finde the same : You yet haue none not , knowing what to haue , Vnlesse you might in brasse her manners graue , And fashion vp a peece of your owne making : Then peraduenture she were worth the taking . ●hus haue I read l'igmalion made a shrine 〈◊〉 marble so well shap't in euery line , ●hat he did dote on that he had begunne , ●nd fell in loue er'it was fully done : 〈◊〉 you would haue a wife , if she were faire , ●oung , comely , rich , religious , debonaire , 〈◊〉 stated in some large inheritage , ●●tracted from some worthie parentage , ●umbled at all times to obedience , 〈◊〉 man is made the head in conscience : — What need more words , or being further headie ? S. Thomas O●erbury ▪ ●e haue a worthie knights good wife alreadie , 〈◊〉 which I thinke you cannot add much more , ●hen with applause he hath prescrib'd before . — Now in good truth , you would some wonder shoe ●our selfe on such a woman to bestowe . ●ould not some one or two good qualities , With other reasonable abilities , 〈◊〉 Catalogue your name with honest friends : ●ut you must needs contriue vnheard of ends . ●ome . Come , what God appoints shall surely be , ●o which your pious heart doth soone agree . ●or as our Marchants know n●t what may chance , When they their longer votages aduance , But must endure the tempest of the Sea , The furies of the winde , heauens thundring plea , The rage of stormes , shipwracks , and dangerous likes , The shallow sands , the rock which all things b●eak●● : ●ome fearefull harbours , passages vnknowne , And thousand pe●ills , which are ye● vnshow●e , For rage came on with raigning , and his power Increased with his furie euery howre : Frailtie had got of reason vpper hand , And greatnes weaker , wisdome did withstand , And when was this , euen when he did disclaime To haue his vertue foil'd with any maime . — And what are you ? that may not haue all this , Although you now suppose nought is amisse , You see what in your Catalogue I name , If then you blot it , who shall read the same ? You doe write mortall man , and I am sure No constant goodnesse doth in man endure , But by a working grace to him vnknowne , As by the passages of life is showne : — Then take you heed ; presumption canker like Eats on our flesh , aiming our soule to strike . And so I end ; yet neither rage nor raue : For what we haue not now , anon we haue . Sum faelix , Remember this Caution . quis enim neget hoc ? faelixque man●bo , Hoc quoque quis dubitet , tutam me copiafecit , Maior sum , quam cuipossit fortuna nocere . Ovid. Met. lib. 6.

AN ANSWERE TO WITHERS NEC CAREO . — YOu are not now so humble as you were , But doe your selfe more high , & prowdly beare : Or else the Motto carries such a st●aine , As that you must not of your wants complaine : Yet all you doe is without complement To bring it vnto this , you liue content , And thus you want nothing which life doth craue , Or man against necessitie would haue , And thus you want no quietnesse of mind● , To take in worth what you at home doe finde : And thus you want no gouerment to season Those tumours , which may swell beyond faire reason , But gladly welcome , what God doth bestowe , Whether your cup haue ought or ouerflow : — Take heed , you want not now a temperature Of moderation crosses to endure Without insulting ; for there is a pride , Which God in poverty doth still deride . — When Plato made a Feast vnto the rest ▪ 〈…〉 Diogenes came in among the best , Saluting none ▪ but like a dogue did sit , Snarling at gesture ; and each want on fit , Till rising in a rage he tooke his Plate , His hangings , linnen , carpets , robes of state , And cast them vnder foot , saving beside , Thus I doe●trample vpon Plato●s p●●de . — All were amased except the master , who Did smile at that he did , o● meant to doe , Replying with a pleasant modestie , His imperfections he could not denie : But Cynicke , Cynicke , to thee I appeale This is not out of worth , or honest zeale , But in m●iorif●stu , 〈…〉 that I knowe ▪ I doe not so offend with hansome show , As thou with dogged heart , and ragged weeds , Where vnder arrogance , and selfe-loue breeds . Therefore desist , and either be a man , Or let men liue according as they can . — Thus thus ; when ●ou compare with Eastern king● And make the world beleeue , that patience brings An argument for outward pouertie To parallell a strong felicitie , And equall beggers with a r●ch mans state , And the deiected with the fortunate . — The wiser sort doe smile at this your fault , Saying you would before a criple halt , Nor doe they thinke that mortall man can be So moderate in harsh extremitie , Vnlesse he stupid were , and numb'd in sence , Hauing nor spleene , nor gaule to breed offence . — For take the patterne of some worthie men ▪ 〈…〉 Was peerelesse Iob no more distempred , when Gods rod did lash his sides , and he did roare With greiuous botches , wounds , and ●etters store , Then when he was welcomb'd to double wealth , To honour , riches , strength , and perfect health , Besides you saw God made a difference Betweene his blessings , as he did d●spence With his extreames , say therefore what you will , Or rich , or poore , doe want something ●till : And though you could not sleep , with some mens wealth Amased vp by fowle oppressions stealth● Yet better 's better , and it is a follie To make the world beleeue you are so holy . — But what haue other men to doe with this , That the composure of your bodie is So strong , so iointed , healthfull , and such like , As if you would vs with amasement strike At the relating of some wonderment , Or exhelation in the Firmament , Or expos'd meteor : thus you la●e about You want nothing , though others goe without . — Your selfe you answere , you are young , and strong , Possessing all , that therevnto belong , And so doe thousands moe , who yet complaine Of man●e wants , and that they crie in vaine , Whereas you God doe praise , and dailie blesse For your great comforts , and true happinesse , For life , for strength , for libertie and all , Whereby you want nothing , nor euer shall ▪ — And yet you want another to say so , ●●iendly ●●men ●on . Pointing vnto some Lady as you goe Along the street-see yond ●r Gentleman ( Besides the qualities , where with he can Enrich the prowdest beautie ) hansome is , Young , comely , sound , possessing n●ught amisses He neither liues distemper'd with disqu et , Nor surfets in his riot , or his diet , He maketh not his house a dicing roome , Nor welcome gries to any pander groome , His chamber smoakes not with Tobaccoes stench , Nor are they spewing vpon every bench , No othes prophaine the place where he doth lie , No time 's consum'd in sloth , and surquedrie , No frantick iestures after fearefull losse , Nor execration vpon every crosse : No bloodie quarrells for a word let slip , No wile , or c●●ning sillinesse to trip , No Sabboths breach , nor mocks to such as goe To Church , and so with God their time bestow , While others worke for fowle damnation , Calling their vices recreation . — He welcomes not a strumpet which a slaue May stride if that he so much monie haue , Nay manie times the pander , who attends Hath that , which some braue prodigall dispends , He taketh not E●ixers for his lust , Nor heats himselfe wi●h amber , nor doth trust His bodie with an Emprick : his hand Knowes not where any Surgeous box doth stand , But as you see he liues , and walkes , and eats , And fairely still the companie intreats , Where he frequents : — Here were a husband now To make your beautie blush , and pride to bow , And though h●s meanes be small , and in his roofe The horne of Ach●lous hangs not aloofe . Yet is his minde a treasure-house of wealth , Which cannot be purloind by any stealth . — This , or such like , if that some friend did saie , He surely might a great expense defraie , Making you farre more happie by report , Then you your selfe can doe in anie sort : Therefore desist from running ●orth so fast With your owne praises , but let others cast The mantle of reward upon your head , Till honour doe your vertue ouerspread : — — You want no iudgement difference to make 'Twixt man and man , and that for orders fake You want to griefe for your true freinds misdeeds , But his distresse in you some passion breeds : You want no loue in●●rmities to spare : Nor courage if the cause be good - you dare Maintaine your confidence , expresse your minde , And saie the multitude will proue vnkinde , Whom yet you scorne , and may indeed compare To rascall deere , that die vpon the bare , Or rot consumes . — Nay I am sure they be Like Crowes on carrion , where they ●ll agree To fill their cropps while the best flesh doth last , The bones forsaking , when the hunger's past . — But here you want or memorie or will To minde what repetitions you vse still . ● is a 〈◊〉 ●rder For one selfe thing you doe a subiect make In d●uer● places and still vndertake , To dash the multitude , as with a blurre , Spurning their tumults , and the wrangling sturre They doe procure . — Againe , you first did saie You care for none for his great outward swaie , And yet to keepe decorum where you liue , You must v●to the wicked honour giue . — This sure you doe of purpose to make good That for this time all method you withstood , And would not formerlie compile the booke , Least euery one , who did it ouerlooke , Your meaning might misconster when they saw , Your muse resolu'd enormities to draw Before the barre of vertue to reforme , What might and did the better for deforme , Making the beautie of faire innocence Adulterate by rapes and violence , Oppression , bribes , reuenge , stealth , and what not , As sinne of times the vpper hand had got . Thus still you aime at generall misdeeds , Because no wrangling hand shall sowe the seeds Of discord in your waie , or throwe a blocke To hinder your smooth walk — As for a mock , You cast it slight lie off with noble storne , As if you were to higher reaches borne . — — Whie this is well , if it be taken so , But yet you carelesse are , and onward goe , Saying , you want not knowledge to discouer , Who of true wisdome is a constant louer , Then presentie you fall to this againe , That seeming honestie doth leaue a staine Vpon the conscience , and an outward show Without a purer heart doth ouerthrow The large effect of sad devot on , And soone diuerts from each good motion , From whence religion is hipocrisie , As ill , or worse then any heresie , So you inferre that wiser men beginne With ciuill courses which doe end in sinne . — W●ll though you want not now an honest heart To act your selfe a worthie Christian ; part , The 〈…〉 quan● Yet cannot you descrie the fowle decent Of strange dissembling men , that from conceit , Though not from malice , open both their armes , As if they were bewitched with your charmes , And at next turne repine at arrogance , Which puft you thus your labours to aduance : — Nay , you are not alone , I haue men seene Euen in their graspings make a mock betweene , Their curresies , and as they laie along Vpon their shoulders loll a scuruie tongue . Another yeelds his friend his praises due Vnto his face , but meeting with a crue He better likes , he tells them , he is weake , And farre from that , of which doth rumour speak : Another vaunts , wherein he haue releeued His friends distresses , but retracts as greeu'd He hath bestow'd his cost in such a sott , And then againe puts all off with some sport ▪ — — As for religion , I doe feare to name it , Or how so manie false professours shame it , 〈◊〉 Thronging to Church for priuate ends , or looke With want on roling eies quite off their booke , The rest I could recite , but this I saie , He that for forme doth come , were well awaie , And he that serues not God meerelie for loue , I doe his best deuotion disapproue . — From whence I point it ●hus , you needs must lacke A cunning strength to laie men on the rack , Or wrest from them confession of this treason 'Gainst God , to serue h●m out of sensuall reason . For if saluation commeth by our faith , As in a manie places Scripture saith , How shall we knowe the faith of any man , Which doth it not expresse doe what you can , These rules haue passiue contradiction , And you and I shall be but lookers on . — As for those arts , and sciences you knowe , 〈…〉 With whose s●●●ciencie awaie you goe : Both you and I want many secret things , Which with great studie men to learning brings . For though we glance and some what by the waie , 'T is like the dogges that running dare not staie For feare of Crocadiles but water lap A● Nilus bankes : 〈◊〉 if that we perhap May blesse●● God for an infu●'d light Sufficient to bring vs to the right . Yet is it farre from that glorious sun shine , Which shewes both humane , and all things diuine : Then saie not to thy soule , set downe and rest , Thou hast enough of knowledge with the best , Least others doe that parable recite Of him , that all his wealth lost in one night , Because he boasted wha● he had in store : Few words are best , and so I saie no more But this what er' the heart possesse●h so : More is vnknowne then anie man can knowe : — — You want not sense their s●re downefall , Not 〈◊〉 preiu● which Liue in the heat of pride , and are so rich With plentie , that they sw●ll like full growne grapes , Vntill they burst , so none of them esca●es , A vengeance due vnto their riots lust , Or high looking ambition , till the dust Of Kings displeasure flie into their face With some strange whire winde blowing vp digrace Vpon their heads , vntill they sinke so loe , That those they scorn'd doe oer their honours goe● All which is but coniecture ; for I finde The spirit saie , no spirit in his kinde Can tell before hand , though it be begunne , What shall hereafter happen vnder Sunne : — — We well may guesse — as from contagious heat , That on some dunghill doth reflect and beat To pu●refie the aire , a plague may breed , With burnings ; feauers , drought , to worke some deed Of terrour in a land , — Thus when we see A man resolu'd to sursets , or to be Strong to drinke wine , and ouer liberall To satisfie his lust , we may conclude , These wanton courses will his health delude , And so corrupt the bodie that the same Diseases shall attend with paine , and shame , — — So fa●es i● with the soule , and working minde , If pride , revenge , or si●ne in any kinde Praedominant , doe drawe it by degrees To open action : — who is purblinde , sees , Gods wr●th must fall more heauie then this frame Of heauen and earth , as Poets call the same , On Hercules and Atlas shoulders lights , Who beare all vp with strange vnusuall mights . — You come at last by waie of negatiue , Which in effect doth proue affirmatiue , For to the wants , as you applie a no , We by the processe haue it nothing so : 〈◊〉 Bu● rather for deficiencie we finde A sort of blessed graces in your minde : — Such as a iov to joy in hope of blisse , 〈◊〉 me fecit . A true cont●ition to mend all amisse , A godly feare for shrinking vnder sinne , A care 〈◊〉 keepe the conscience cleane within , A constant heart to beare with penurie , A resolution againt m●serie , A braue Heroick spirit to endure , Wh●t pu●blinde Forrune euer could procure . — — Wounds though they smart are borne with cheerfulnesse , The thoughts prepar'd are 'gainst heauinesse , The ●ies are vigelant , and so can wake , An Ague or the palsie doth not shake You with distemperature : — And whereas we Hane heard braue Orators plead for a Fee , Gracing their Clients with comparison Of worthy Peeres informer ages gone : You challenge all the world for a strong heart To brooke , what ere despight from it impart . — In hauing these , thus sure you doe not want , Nor of Gods blessings is your portion scant , Vnlesse ( as I haue said ) you temper lacke To binde vp close into one handsome packe These benefits of nature for more vse , Then in exposing them to mens abuse : — For either they will wonder at your store , Or verily suppose , you vaunt of more Then euer man did , as one man possesse ; Be therefore quit with them more or lesse . — You come at last to some affection , Which you want not : so from conuection Of the discourse we finde , that this you haue : A hate of sinne , be it in foole or knaue , A courteous hand for to salute another , As when a louing brother greets abrother ; A free forgiuing heart vpon submission , A Christian libertie , from a Commission Which God hath sign'd . — Great comforts yo possesse , Which may as great afflictions soone redresse , To these you adde a faith which cannot moue , But lookes vpright to heauenly things aboue : A hope , which no aduersitie can wrong , But all I haue I carry to the graue I meane a vertue flourishing about me For I haue naugh : of worldly wealth without me , ●●niamea ●●umpar . And thus you scoffe the proud ●onarkes of state , With whom you doe compare at highest rate : — ●cat ●ast . — if they haue guardes and no harme feele , You innocence ●ioy , and coate ; of armed steele , — If they be be Princes sonnes — you are the child Of God Almighty euer vndesiled : — If they of followers boast vntoucht , vncast , A troope of Angels followes you as fast : — If they in friends delight : Abram was call'd The friend of God : — so good men are enstall'd . What other things you speake , I will not speake , Because I purpose not order to breake : — You want no office — For a Christian life Is well imploid , hauing both toile and strife : You want no pleasures : — For what God doth please Affords you all things with delight and ease : You want no company — For Christians finde Society enough of euery kinde : You want no armour for a martiall fight . You haue the armes of a spirituall Knight : You want no scaling ladders gainst a wall , By faith and prayer you to heauen call : Nay in a word a thousand blessings more The God of blessings addeth to your store ; So you conclude , that if the King did know , How rich you liue , he would on you bestow ●his wish , that if he were not he ●e might desire then your selfe to be . — The selsfe same-word did Alexander say ●nto Diogenes , A Dialogue betweene Alexand●● and Diogenes . when as he lay Within his tub , as a fierce kenneld ●ur , ●corning the King , deriding all the stur ●is Army made , geeting at f●o●llies , which ●he world prepared gainst the poore , and rich , ●enying all things that might him controule , ●xcept the immortality of soule — — The Monarch told him , he could to him giue ●onour and wealth : he answered he could liue ●ithout them both : he could bereaue his life . — ●hat were a way to stint the wondrous strife ●etweene his soule and body : — he could make ●he people him obey — that were to take ●is owne obedience from him to the gods , ●nd set his heart with better things at ods : — Well sayes the Cynick seeing you are so free , ●hat which y cannot giue , take not from me ●e sunnes deere light : but stand beyond my Cell , ●nd I without you shall doe passing well ; ●hat quoth the King , I can command thee sterue , ●hen little will be left the wormes of serue : ●y very word bereaues thee of thy sight , ●o shall I scape the dangers of delight : ●hy tongue I can pull out ; Then shall not I ●laspheme the gods , no● shew a feare to die . — ●his and much more the king and he did chat , ●ea diuers times he from his Army gat . To commune with him ; — when he saw him surt ▪ That no temptation could a change procure , He turned about , and told Ephestion thus : This man alone hath cleare'y conquered vs : If I great Alexander were not now , To be Diogenes I would know how . — Yet for all this be you more milde , then so And thinke , that God on man did once bestow This goodly world , and his braue furniture To serue his turne , 〈◊〉 ●utifull . while he did there endure ; — Yea for theis sakes , whom you doe boast so mu● The free Elected : th●ugh we know none such By outward show , all things were brought in frame , Them to en●tich , and praise God for the same — Then vse them freely , but be no mans iudge , Nor at their greatnesse either storme or grudge : As for the blessings , which you glory in , I like them well , if that it were no sin Presumptuous so to be - For sure the best Came short of that , wherein you safely rest : King Dauid liued in feare : - lob did mistrusts Himselfe a greater sinner , when in dust He lay — Abram fell downe , and would not looke Vp vnto God , vntel he mercy tooke , The Prophets all disclaimed their worthinesse , The Patriarkes confest their filthinesse : Peter wtll with his feet , wash head and hands , Who shall deliuer me from sinnes hard bands , Paul himselfe ; and yet you nothing want , Except in one place , where your heart doth pant When that you say , — you w●nt no faults indeed : — O doe so still ; and we are soone agreed . — Denique teipsum Concute , num tibi quid vitiorum inse●erit olim Natura a aut etiam conswetudo mala . Namque Neglectis vrenda silix innascitur agr●s . Hor at lib. 1. Satyr. 3. — Disciteque o miseri & causas cognoscite 〈◊〉 Quid sumus , aut quidnam victuri gignimur , or d● Quis datus aut metae quam mollis flexus & vnde , Quis modus argento , quid fas opture , quid asper Vtile nummus habet patriae , charique propinquis Quantum elargiri habet , decent , quem te Deus esse Iussit , & humana quae parte locutus es in redisce . Persius : Satyr ▪ prim .

AN ANSWERE TO WITHERS NEC CVRO. WHat ? worse & worse ? and must it needs be so , That now I doe a carelesse Christian know : And all because he doth pretend a care , Which God doth take , why this is not so rare , — From all beginnings men did honour God , Pram● Pana . Both for his mercie and correcting rod : — The Indians where the Idol De●il sits , Yet doe allow in their true tempred ●its A power farre superior vnto his : — The Sauages , where all things are amisse , Pray vnto God , — America's vast land One God adore , whether they kneele or stand : The Negro's and Synegas people say The soule 's immort●ll , and to God they pray : The Mahumetans thinke so well of God , That not an Image hath with then abode : The Moores do punish blasphemy with death , When against God they heare prophaned breath : The Iewes yet tremble at Iehovahs Name , And call his workemanship this wondrous frame , — But when our Sauiour did to Martha say , ●●all ●●ings . One thing was onely needfull , as the way Vnto saluation : he did not exclude All humane wisedome , learning , nor conclude 'Gainst ciuill honesty , or hopefull arts , Wherewith so many Worthies plaid their parts , Nor gainst , Aegypts great library he spake , Nor other volu●●es bad he vs forsake , And therefore you need not so carelesse be , Who are of all men of your knowledge free : — If you respect nothing but Gods deare word , How comes it , that you to the world afford These Verses , Poems , and high straines of wit , Which I am sure were neuer found in it : Therefore I know you doe for somethings care , Hauing in learnings treasure-house a share , — For presently you fall into a vaine , 〈◊〉 ult 〈…〉 O● selfe-commending Poesie , and straine Your passion , to reproue and chide all such , As will not with considerate iudgement touch Your well writ books : — And thus them you diuide First into idle Guls , who doe deride You verses out of base and nasty breeding , Or spoile them with some harsh and ragged reading● Then into Criticks , who the Tauern 's haunt , And out of some distemperature doe taunt Your well-composed Muse with tattered rimes , According to their fits , and drunken times : — Lastly to Poetasters , who presume On thier owne frothy stuffe , and so assume● A cunning vnbefitting shallow braines , Which nought but ballat sustinesse retaines . — And why should thes● things ●tartle you in ought , Hon●● profi● As though in spleene you for reuengement sought ? If they be poore and base , let them alone ; If they be drunke with ●●ot , all is one ; 〈…〉 If by endeauours they doe something get , And so their mindes to triuiall courses set● It is but money , and Vespasians p●sse Brought in a large reuenew ; — So it is , With da●●tie Merchants , and their clothes of gold ; And such , by whom bo●h pitch and tarre are sold. It is but money , and who difference makes Twixt selling flesh , or fell : There 's none 〈…〉 His profit , but as he himselfe applies To homelie courses ; thus he liues and dies . It is but money , and for toies of wit , Rediculous deuices fondlie writ Come often to the Printer with successe , When sollide labours will nere passe the Presse : Therefore desist , and let them to their vaine , For my part I doe like such honest gaine . — You carelesse are of the dispersed newes , Which either Pauls , 〈◊〉 Trend Knigh● or our exchange doe vse : Nay , though the Court doe iustifie the same , You yet are carelesse of a Courtiers name ; Such Courtiers I doe me●ne , as boast of wit , And like some M●micks in a pleasant fit , Penuriouslie frequent each good mans table , And there befoole themselues , as they are able To catch at ouershppings of m●ane men , Triu●●phing so with ●oll●tie : but when The snailes doe meet with harder ob●ects , Oh How poorely doe they then their iests bestow , Pul●ing thei● ho●●es in , putting all t●●ngs off Either wit● laughter , or some sillie scoffe . — Thes● wits ( ●or 〈◊〉 the tearme doha goe ) doe hunt Those Officers , that out of custome grant Them● certainment , where in impudence The● 〈◊〉 vnto their meat with great offence V●to the Master . For he many times 〈…〉 tell his guests , bef●re their rimes Come to his hearing . Then if numb●r hold Proporti ●●n with the roome , ●hese fli●s are bold To s●cke 〈…〉 — Thu● as smooth as o●●e They looke againe , or as great horses soile The●●●●lues in their owne durt , they all besmeere B●t 〈◊〉 finger with this courtlie cheere . — 〈◊〉 full fed Mu●●cians they sit still A 〈◊〉 in silence , till some darling well B●g●n the chat , and then they neuer cease , N●y tho●gh the Master bids them hold their peace . 〈…〉 are great with childe with ●ests , and so Must b●ing the bath ●orth , left it stifled grow . L●●ke how ●ou see corruption swell the va●es , And 〈◊〉 both bloud , sinewes and braines , Vntill so●e boiles and bot●hes doe appeare , Whose rup●ures must the rotten carkase cleere : So ●ares it with our w●ts , till gibes and taunts Burst sorth , and many times the presence daunts , When men as hot , though not so quicke , as they Bid them befoole them●elues some other way ; And then let these their iests be nere so good , They terrour bring if they doe end in blood . — But why should you thus carelesse be ? when all The earth for news a scrutime doth call : Besides , 〈…〉 who euer mastred nature so , But he was well content since to bestow Vpon faire rumour of the worlds designes , Which either men , or their prepar'd assig●es Hunt after with full greedinesse , till they Doe vnd●rstand what other men can say ; And so doe rectifie their ignorance , New● . As ●ither custome , or some fai●er chance The Common-wealths rich curtaines draw aside , That they may see , what therein doth abi●e : The Churches vnswept corners doe discouer , That they may kn●w who is Gods deerest louer : The Courts high hangings doe hold vp full high , That they may view who comes or passeth by : The Citie gates and State-house cleanely ope , To vnderstand the Common-counsels scope : The Countreys carpet lay abroad , to view , That they mistake not , what is false or true : — — And this is Nature , Custome , Preachers guise To be to others and themselues so wise , That they may well adopt each application Vnto the Auditors of euerie nation : — Nay , 't is no new thing to harke after newes , For the Athenians still the same did vse , Yea , those harsh Stoicks , who were stricter men Beyond our age or people , vs'd it then : And why should you so singular professe Your selfe , your life , your libertie , vnlesse Some pow●r diu●e , infused hath a spir●t Of Reuelation for you to inherite Beyond all other , that you may indeed Tell , what is in Apoc●lyps agreed Concerning Rome , or other roomes of Hell , Or ( as the best newe● ) who in Heauen dwell . — You carelesse are of obseruation , 〈…〉 Or any rules of health , or fashion , Or whether manners , custome of a Table , Dreames , prophesies , denices , and are able To put off cleanelie frightings of the sense ; As if on earth you had no residence : But could so manage frailtie with your reason , That it should neuer yeeld to any sea●on , Griefe , paine , or sicknesse , or seeke out a cure , Which should your strength maintaine , or ease procure . — Why this is strange , that any man should crosse The order of our fate , with such a losse Of physicke bookes , of husbandrie , of health , ( For which is still dispensed , so much wealth ) Of Arts , of morall rules , Astrology , Of the abuses of Tautology , With all the rest . — Nay , verie Scriptures tell , The st●rres within the firmament excell Both Sunne and Moone , and are therein expos'd As signes to men : — For God hath so disclos'd His Counsell to our vse : — Thus comes the spring , Where in the flowers sprout , and birds doe sing . Thus Summer doth approach to ripen corne , ●nd countrie blessings to our barne ; are borne : ●hus Autumne yeelds a vintage , and prepares The plowing ground with other worldlie cares : Thus Winter keepes the sap within the root , Hardens the ground with frost and snow to boot , Haile , raine , and storme , the fields to oue●flow , ●nd yet this man cares not what windes doe blow : — Thus Solomon sets downe the Pissemires toile , The plowmans labour to manure his soile , The Marchants traffick with the Artisan , ●nd all the duties which belong to'man . Thus you shall finde Physicks necessitie , With other sciences conformity , What strength hath bread , what mirth yeeldes bruised grapes , What cheerfulnesse in Oile , yea nothing scapes ●he holy word , but it doth shew vs all , And yet this man cares not what euer fall : — I speak not of Antipathies , though he ●s carelesse whither any such there be , But you shall further finde , Christ tells vs this , That fiery mornings threaten stormes ' ywis , And by the skie , or troubled firmament , Men guesse at that which God hath thereby meant , And why may not coniectrall dreames accord To some presage warranted in the word , Why may not somethings be Propheticall , Though the preuention doth not rightly fall Within mans reach : yet sure we are to knowe , The course of times doth alter all things so , An● we may well thereby our hearts prepare , And yet this man for this doth nothing care . — Then doth he talke of welcome . ●e m●s of such ●ntlemē 〈…〉 and of d●et . Wherein nothing shallon●e his minde disquiet , L●t Lords and Ladies sume , or chide him so , He from the chamber to the hall doth goe , Let Steward grudge his presence , what cares he , He meanes as he was wont still there to be , Let seruants wh●sper curses in his eare , He ●ests it out , and can the same forbeare , Let an inseriour be before him placed , So he make on● , ●e saies , he 's not disgraced , Nay though he ●is ▪ vpon some fret , or fume , He suddenly new courage doth assume , What torment worse then this ? and yet there be Good men euen chain'd to such necessitie : — — What though he be condemned as he sits And so affronted with some prowder fits Of an old toothlesse Lady , or her g●oome , Or scabbed children , he yet cares not whom : All thi●gs are welcome to his open heart , Nay though he see a pander plaie his part Within the house , a frenzie iest he heare To quip him to his teeth , he can forbeare All taunts and gibes ; no scornes vnto his face , Nor surly lookes can make him leaue the place . — — Saie that the young ones paint , or smoak the haire With powders sweet to make them seeme more faire , ●hat's this to him ? the fond attires that be ●oth whorish and immodest he doth see , ●nd neuer ca●es , nor how they sport and plaie , ●rophane , dance , reuell , throwe their soules awaie , ●ingling each word with a false hearted oath , ●e keepes his silence , and to check is loath . ●or if he once mention a matrones name , ●t him they geere , and doe deride the same . ●f he a word of priuate praiers glance , They thinke him mad , or else in some strange trance , ●f from their bias throw them to serue God , And keep the Sabb●th , they their heads d●e nod , ●ol●ng their tongues , disclaming so to be ●epu●ed Puritans in leas● degree : — 〈◊〉 this he sees and care●esse lets it passe . ●or so it will be , is , and euer was : And yet this man writes man , hath gifts good store , As oncing ged to natures bounteous lore : And yet this man proceeds from gentle blood , And by his writings hath the world with stood : And yet this man write , Christian , honest , wise , Though now he carelesse be of any guise , And yet this man religious writes , and so Liues better sure , then these his words doe shew — — The next step that you make is gainst the care Of certaine superfluities , which are 〈…〉 Produc'd from Credit , pleasures , money , time , Reputing euery one a seuerall crime , Which doe not giue attendance on the soule , As vertue may motiues of sinne controule , Or a pure heart resolue neuer to yeeld , Though honestie be foiled in the feeld , Nay as it seemes , you rather sinke and die , Then be a slaue to raging villanie : Sure you doe well if you could haue it so , But then you must out of this compasse goe , And either not conuerse with men at all , Or stumble at such things , as make them fall . For this dishonestie you hate so much , Hath amongst worldlings such a common touch , That it i● vsed , though it doe not thriue , And o●t of passion doth each man depriue O● vnderstanding : But what shall be done ? When it the race of gaine and profit runne , When it doth sringe the skirts of great mens coats , And glides as smooth as oyle downe in their throats , Whereby a powerfull tongue checks innocenee , And by inuersion names it impudence ; And yet you care not , so your soule be pure , How can a pure soule such outrage endure . — Nay in my soule , when that you see it so , You greeue at heart . — But now you onward goe With carelessenesse at statesmen raised by Kings , 〈…〉 As if it danger were to reach at things Beyond our strength : — Yet shall we venter this To crie alowd , that great men doe amisse , And not be gr●iued , how the gouernment Concussion suffers : — When we knowe they ment , Either to paint their coats with fuming fame , As their ambition doth bedawb the same , And as their hearts are prowd , their glorious eies Will looke on nothing but the high● built skies : — Or for some priuate ends to make such men , As formerly distasted them : but when , When they were taught wing'd Pegasus to stride , And braue it , mounted in a pompous pride . — Or out of sordide , and obsceane delight Of riches plaie the tyrants in despight . — Or out of care of faire posteritie , Doe neither care for truth ; or charitie , But to turne o're a greatnesse to their stock , Split their owne barks vpon the craggie rock Of a bad conscience , which cause no man sees , They doe proceed in ●inne by all degrees , Raising their bulwarks out of Princes powers , Whose sacred titles stand like strong built towers . — Then who dare once contro●●e what they will haue , For Kings breath honour , life , and credit saue . — But Kings may be abused , either from pass●on , Or will , or some misled affection : But worst of all from poisoning flatterie , Suggesting actiens 'gainst their dignitie , As if it treason were for to contest For any cause against their high behest . — What shall a subiect dare ( say they ) to finde A fault or scruple 'gainst the Princes minde ? Whie are they called Gods , while ●hat t●ey li●e , And all must stoop , and knee'e , and honour giue , ( As reason is ) . — But now i● all this coile Be to diuert their faire aspects , and soile Their first pure hearts with spots of others sinne , Better it were that such had neuer bin To blister a sweet face : — Oh this flatterie Is worse then Cannon shot in batterie . For open enimies may be withstood , But bruses dangerous are , that drawe no blood . — This vice as I remember is compared To certaine Asps , who when they are prepared To po●son m●n , as they lie fast asleep , Doe softhe on their bellies to them creep , Sword● about vntill they get some bare , Whic● sti●g they will not , but hauc greater care To tickle , and to licke vpon the place , As t●ey con●inue in their wanton race , Vntill they bruse their gummes , and bladders breake , From whence a moisture doth vpon them reake , Wh●ch at the first doth itch : but by degree● , Before the poisoned partie knowes , or sees , It rankles worse then Deian ras shurt , And end●th not without or death , or hurt . — Euen thus good gouernment may be abused By ● rinces fauorites , who still haue vsed This cunning tricke to keep the rest in awe By such strong hands as countermaund the law . — But to the point , if that it should be thus , Doe you not care , that can so well discusse Of vertue , goodnesse , pietie , and truth , Wherein you haue brought vp your fearefull youth . Come , come , you doe , saie what you will , you doe ; And ●o , and more , doth euerie good man too , ●ho cannot looke vpon enormities , ●ith such hard hearts , or stiffer dried vp eies , ●ut in religious sorrow send out teares , ●hen the good soule of such ill tiding heares : — ●nd saie the Eagle lifts her young ones high ●o look against the Sun , that she might spie , ●hich are not bastards , weaklings against kinde , ●ut if by proofe she any such doe finde , ●he dasheth them to ground out of the nest , Whereby they perish : — Thus if Kings finde out Who bastards are to vertue making doubt Of their true worth : — Themselues most worthie when ●hey doe discouer such polluted men , Casting them out like lepers from the c●mpe , Or traitours , that abuse their monie , stampe : — — Doth not this moue you , to see fortunes spi●ht ●y such exchange on ●railtie for to light , — Hath not our common mother nature taught , That men with mens afflictions are caught ? — For though we truelie may reioice in heart , When Princes act so good a Princes part ●o punish wicked men , though they be great , As once Cambises did a Iudge intreat : — 〈◊〉 flead ● Iudge . — Though we lament , when vicious men doe rise Within the Realme to rage and t●rannise : Yet sure men moued are with those extr●ames , As we looke strangely at the Sunnes faire beames Eclipsed by the moone : and though our faith Be nere so strong : — yet sure the Scripture saith , That we must feare and tremble , when we see By Signes and meteors , that God angrie be . — Here once againe you of religion talke , And many times doe trace in one selfe walke Of scorning still the rascall multitude , 〈…〉 Of great mens errours , who themselues delude , Of praising vertue , hating auarice , Of selfe commending , as if none were wise , But such as with you could be still content With any fortune in her worst extent , Of the sure secret in diuinitie Mans free election h' gainst humanitie , And manie such like , which you oft repeat I think of purpose , that the purer wheat Banked vp with the chaffe might vndiscried , Or vnsnatcht at safe in the heape abide : — — But what doe you for your religion more , Then Moores & Turks , who hate the worlds great sto● Of books , except their holie Alcheron , Which none but Priests and Doctours looke vpon : Nay barbarous nations are beyond you farre , ●usty . That rather will maintaine seditious warre , Then break a superstitious foolish rite , Though all the world should other truth recite . — But how comes in this vncouth Paradox , ( To split your iudgement on presumptious rocks , That no man as an honest man is fit Either in Church or Common wealth to sit , That for his monie doth an office buie : Sure this is harsh , and no man will relie Vpon your censure , but remaine a loofe , Though that you cunning had to make the proofe . For either out of Scripture you must frame Your dang'rous structure , or maintaine the same With strange confusion of all Countries fashions , Who nere will yeeld vnto such rules and passions : Nay though you say , you meant Iudiciall seates , Where equall tongue for the poore foule intreates : For this distinction cannot you excuse , Since many great men doe all bribes refuse . — As for preferment purchased with wealth , Which little better is ( you say ) then stealth : Or honours fames for preseruations sake , For which the world so great a stirre doth make , Or Countries swetnesse , when a wiseman may Make euerie Countrie a mans worth display : — — Yet what a world of men did deerelie loue Their Countries aboue all , 〈…〉 scorning to moue One forward step into anothers land , But for imploiment as their case doth stand : Nay , though they sate in Kinglie seat , Yet home they must , and make a faire retreat ; Or courtlie Office , which both good and bad Doe equall get , as fauours may be had ; Or lordlie loue , which for some priuate end Would entertaine you for a welcome friend . — All these you care not for , yeelding a proofe That mischiefes hang in honours glittering roofe , Readie to fall vpon a poore mans backe , Worse then the tortures of a cruell racke , And so in these you are but thus farre grosse , To gaine the ● ore co●tent by suc● a l●sse : But ●s I 〈◊〉 , haue the same repeated , Why is man in this earthlie house so seated ? But to auo●de an idle carelesnesse , And make his time a map of blessednesse ; The Church and Common weal●h must haue The●● seuerall rulers , to maintaine and saue Their faire estates , from the tumultuous hands Of strange disordered men , who gazing stand To take ad●antage of confusion ; If none were rais'd for preseruation , If all were quiet in their Countries rest , Where were the state of Courts ? If none addrest Themselues to heare a Lawier plead his case , What emptinesse would be in euerie place ? If none vnto the Citie did resort , As now they doe for businesse , wealth , or sport ; Morositie would grow as weedes , and men remaine More brutish then the ha●sh or dogged swaine : Then leaue so to confine all men at home , Nature , and course of times make some men rome . — As for offences which be personall , 〈…〉 Or policie which you dishonest call , Or other crimes , hanging on all mens cloakes Like shuffled dust , which blindes our e●es , or choak●s ▪ What can a Parliament reforme , or be The better to preuent necessitie : The world hath custo●es which can nere be broke , And men haue manners , which ( though you in●oke The heauens to redresse ) will haue no change , Though that you chide , and with inuectiues range ▪ In washing of a Negro , 〈◊〉 not true ? Your labou● m●ke , not any other hue : You may hold downe a bough , but le● it goe , And it will quickl●e spring , and vpwa●d grow : So play mens faults with an offensiue tong●e , They let ●ou talke , and thinke y●u doe them wrong , And though you ca●elesse are , yet all their ca●e Is for their pride of life , and be●ter fare ; Say you remoue an● d●e re●o●me some men , What doe you purifie the places then ? Come , come , while men their lessons doe repeat , The Master heares the stammering in his seat : Looke on faire glistring gold , it doth besmeare The fingers , though you thinke it nere so cleare : As Curtezans to fiery co●les compar'd ( If men vnto their wiles are once insnar'd ) Whi●h either burne , or make the fingers blacke , So policie for profit workes like wrack ▪ — And th●nke you Lords will sit dull at their table , None mirth Iowab If they for s●lace ●o prouide are able ? Or Ladies want their Monkies , 'cause that you Est●eme them foppish : — They say , this is true , All things were made for man him to obey , And ( as the best sort doe ) why should not they Enioy their pleasures ? Nay they can recite A place of Scripture to maintaine delight , From that same speech , or dialogue , chuse whether , When Barzillay and Dauid met together . — And thus in all things which you would depraue , Though you be carelesse , they a great care haue : As for your soule , that cannot put the● off , They to their owne must looke , at yours doe scoffe . — You care not for a villaines confidence , Nor against vertue , vices impudence ; Nor any vpstart groome , who still doth rise As him his gracious Lord doth Patronise , Nor any gentrie which of armes doe brag , When worth and vertue doe so lamelie lag ; Nor to command a Prouince , though it be A kinde of honour due to soueraigntie . What of all this ? You descant one true song , Aiming at that which goodnesse brings along , And you doe well : — But vertue telleth this , That all her triall from temptation is . — As women may be honest , who sit still , Pend in a house against proud natures will , Not brought abroad , or suffred once to see 〈…〉 The hanging labels of dishonestie : So may your vertue thriue . — But swell with he●● O● pride and lust , let honour you intreat To sit aloft , and lie on iuorie beds , As noble Peeres doe rest their braine-sicke heades ; To drinke in cups of gold , fat lambes to kill , Then let me see how you your selfe could will ? We know not as you say , how your true soule Is wrought vpon , abuses to controule ? So I doe say , you know not how you may Your resolutions alter in the day . — Here you annex a prettie argument , In praise of valour , and with same intent , Against dishonest cowardice complaine , 〈…〉 As a polluted wice goodnesse to staine . — — Yet none of both can either saue or kill That soule , For which did Christ the Law fulfill . When mongst the Iewes none were chose out to fight , If anies heart did faint , returne they might Vnto their houses , and the Gospell thus Peter controules : still dealing so with vs , That we should humble be , bearing with wrong , Leauing reuenge to him it doth belong : If it be so , damnation doth not fall Vpon his head that will not fight at all . — — I speake not this by way of send excuse , But by degrees to come to the abuse , For as in valour there may be a pride , Which good and true reposed men deride ; So may a coward , whom the world mistakes , Vertue possesse , which braine-sicke ●urie shakes . — I hope you doe not by this valour meane Some furious Aiax in a Tragicke Scene , Who rauing runnes to stricke , to kill , to stab , For euerie word , or lie , or mocke , or drab , And when he findes not any so to kill , With souler hands vpon himselfe fall will : — — Nor such you meane , that after heated braines , With furious eies , and raging tongues complaines Vpon the man , that durst abuse him so , Without a pledge the health to ouergoe , Although he see him spewing ripe alreadie , With ●taggering steps and rauings ouer headie : — Nor such you meane , who lo●king round about , Discouers some weake man among the rout , And either fals to flout him , or to ●corne , Or with some brauing gesture ouerborne , ●●●umphs against him in an angrie fit , Because vnmo●'d , he doth in silence fit : — — Nor su●e you will that man a coward call , That for his God , religion , countrie shall Powre out his bloud : Yea for his deare friends sake , Or honest cause himselfe to armes betake ; Nay though the Law be dang'rous in this kinde , When accidents doe chance , lags not behinde , And this you doe expresse , — As for the rest , Of traitor , villaine , base , you are not prest For any thing I heare for them to care , Therefore you may sull w●ll such speeches spare . — Now you co●ne in against a miserie , 〈◊〉 Which doth belong to Fortunes my sterie , The pride of ●ise , arising out of wealth , To wh●ch you doe oppo●e content with health , Boasting you● selfe to be the only man , That of content resound the 〈◊〉 can , An● still you bring in vertue , of the minde , W●●ch wordly greatnesse needes must come behinde : All this , morall Philosophy do●h teach , But you from Scripture would the doctrine preach : Sure , i●'t be so , you are a happy man , And may say more then any other can . For true content is worth a Monarchie , And troubles with great mischiefes hit the high : But as small fire suf●●ceth to small rost , So who want more then they that such things boast : As if a pleasure were , pleasure to scorne , When yet to modest pleasures we are borne : — — For in d●light● ( as I haue often said ) Man may reioyce , and God may be obaid : Yea man may hauel is fancy in each thing . Which doth him ease , profi● , or pleasu●e bring , 〈…〉 Whether it bookes , or hawkes , or horses be , Or shooting , hunting , or a pl●y to see : I make no doubt a man may doe all this Without offence : — So that his ai●e not misse , And he which sha●l oppose his faire delight , Censured will be 〈…〉 s●ight . For how can man in vertue so exce●l , That he is certaine alwayes to d●e we●l . — The next of note , 〈…〉 you carelesly deny Is kinred whom the State hath rais'd on high : Who in their pride vouchsafe not to looke back Vpon their poore all●e , that all things lacke : Nay , now they scorne to iustifie their blood , But will ●ome auncient Pedegree make good : — — And though a brothers sonne approach him neare , Yet will not he his cause by that name heare , Sure , 't is not well ; if any such there be , That are asham'd their poorest kin to see . — But if that God will meane men so aduance , Whether for vertue or some other chance ; What 's that to you ; they care not for your care , Nor ye● regard , how that you carelesse are . — For if you stand to boast how you were borne , As well as they , take heed of spight and scorne : The better course is their good will to try , And not by carelesnesse them to defie . What doe you know , as Mordichai did saie , Whether that God did bring them to this waie Euen for your good : — It may be that his p●ide With other Vices , which in him reside : Shall turne to all the profit of his kin , For thus with God the former crimes haue bin . — You follow then to hunt a Prodigall , As he is glorious , and a foole withall : Faith spare your labour , and you soone shall s●e , How for the sa●e he punished will be : — If yet you will reforme him without cost , There is a while nought but your labour lost ; Vntill his franticke humour be out spent , And the● comes shame and wants incontinent : Yea such as worshipt him vnto his face , Will , if they meet him , geere at his disgrace : But if you would vnto the world descrie , Your carelesse resolution to denie Such simple Guls , what cares the world for this ; They wish you were better emploide iwis . — Next thing you talke of is Opinions blast , Which suddenlie is spent and ouer-cast ; And so not to be cared for : — Yet still Your fingers itch at Vertue with a will ●o haue the world regard your deerest loue , ●o that which God and godlie men approue . — You add● withall , how no harsh discontent Disconttent . Can weake your bow , that is so strongly bent , ●ut rather make you fit for such a triall , ●s shall maintain●y your faith without deniall . — I little say , — For twentie times at least ●ou haue invited vs to such a feast ; ●esides ; I manie things do ouer-passe ●r feare of mischiefe , which must ne●ds alasse ●icken a cloud of some displeasure , when ●nsorious searchers bring iudicious men 〈◊〉 ouer-looke the fardell of your braine ●king it ill , that thus you dare maintaine ●ch arrogant positions against reason , ●eing that wisedome may come out of season : — — For so a dangerous passage next you make , ●d doe a slender barke to stormes betake 〈◊〉 a stu●'d Ocean , bringing on a stage ●ur former fortunes , but in such a rage , ●at you spare none that in your Tragedie ●ere Actors to encrease your miserie : — But I will spare to talke of this at all , ●d grant the weakest be not thrust to wall : I wish you Vertue thriue : but as I liue . 〈◊〉 hot a zeale will many scandals giue , ●sedome directs good Counsell to bestow , 〈◊〉 man must not proclaime all he doth know . ● For when the Frog did with the Bullocke swell , ●dash't his braines out , and so dead he fell . — You draw at last to some conclusion , But stronger then the whole confusion You haue failed in : — No griefe shall you amate No sorrow , 〈…〉 discontent , your mind rebate , No pouerty , distresse , you● friends despight , As if in misery you tooke delight : — Su●e th●s is much : Iob dealt not with vs so , He did with humbler steps and paces go , He cride his flesh was not a chimney stocke , His bones of brasse , his head a bea●ing blocke , His sides of Adamant , his eies of stone , His heart of marble hard : — Yet you alone Dare challenge terrour to fight hand to h●nd , As in the Giants warre : — Where men did stand To tosse the rocks against the lightning 〈◊〉 , And with Typhaeus , Iupiter defie : — — You doe not care for Fortune in her glory , To pull downe prouder hearts : — It is your story To be recorded for a man of wonder , That could as well liue Atlas burthen vnder , As once endure such mischiefes you relate , Or anxious sorrowes appointed by Fate : — Why , what are you , that dare aduenture thus , Did euer man the matter so discusse : — The Prophets in times past did beare it out , Yet of their frailties vrged many a doubt : The Iewes who daily for their Law did ●ight Allowed their errours , and the stronger might : The blest Apostles had as great a faith , And yet they stagger'd , as the Scripture faith : ●he Martynes I con●esse did constant die , ●ut yet they were afraid in Giues to ●e , ●ther good Saint● were glad of some reliefe , 〈◊〉 many times aff●o●t d at the● griefe . — If Ieremy were with you face to face , ●e tell you would the dungeon were a place ●f mire and death : and so I make no doubt , ●e was full glad , when he was helped out : 〈◊〉 Whales vast belly was another hell , 〈◊〉 Ionas , thinke you , merrily there dwell : ●nd yet you care not , if your case were such , ●ou could endure : — Well , this is too too much , ●nd may with lesser smarts your vertue tire : ●hy man , you haue but toucht a smoaking fir● : ●t take you heed of such a Monarches rage , ●at shall an Ouen heat , or you engage ● fury of wilde beasts : — How then you fare , ●annot tell , but I beleeue you care : — ● As for your Muse which you do boast so much ●d carelesse are who it pe●use , or touch : ●m your example I do ouerpasse , ●d gentlie leaue it wi●h you , as it was : ●ur Epilogue , Postscript , and Epigram ●●ane not now in any sort to name . ● I protest , if you do● wish the same ●oke more after Charity , then Fame : ●d pray with all my hea●t , faire calmes may be ●spicious to your iournie , that you see ● blacker skie : — For Ahabs little cloud ●d quickly raise the windes to speake aloud . — And so farewell . — Yet would you would prepar● Another song , that you hereafter ●are ▪ 〈◊〉 honor , & laudes , & laeto glori● vultu , ●tdecus , & niue is victoria concolor alis . 〈◊〉 cunctus lauro perducit ad astra triumphus , Castam●●● d●mus , & celso stant colle penates . Silius Ital. lib. 15. de bel : Punico . FINIS .

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