The steele glas A satyre co[m]piled by George Gascoigne Esquire. Togither with The complainte of Phylomene. An elegie deuised by the same author.

The Steele Glas.

A Satyre compiled by George Gascoigne Esquire .

Togither with The Complainte of Phylomene . An Elegie deuised by the same Author .

Tam Marti , quàm Mercurio .

Printed for Richard Smith .

TAM MARTI QVAM MERCVRIO

To the right honorable his singular good Lord the Lord Gray of Wilton , Knight of the most honorable order of the Garter , George Gascoigne Esquire wisheth long life with encrease of honour , according to his great worthinesse .

RIght honorable , noble , and my singular good Lorde : if mine abilitie were any way correspondent too the iust desires of my hart , I should yet thinke al the same vnable to deserue the least parte of your goodnesse : in that you haue alwayes deygned with chearefull looke to regarde me , with affabylitie to heare me , with exceeding curtesy to vse me , with graue aduice to directe mee , with apparant loue to care for me , and with assured assistance to protect me . All which when I do remember , yet it stirreth in me an exceeding zeale to deserue it : and that zeale begetteth bashefull dreade too performe it . The dread is ended in dolours , and yet those dolours receiue the very same affection , whiche firste moued in mee the desire to honour and esteme you . For whiles I bewayle mine own vnworthynesse , and therewithal do set before mine eyes the lost time of my youth mispent , I seeme to see a farre of ( for my comfort ) the high and triumphant vertue called Magnanimitie , accompanied with industrious diligence . The first doth encourage my faynted harte , and the seconde doth beginne ( already ) to employ my vnderstanding , for ( ahlas my good Lorde ) were not the cordial of these two pretious Spiceries , the corrosyue of care woulde quickely confounde me .

I haue misgouerned my youth , I confesse it : what shall I do then ? shall I yelde to mysery as a iust plague apointed for my portion ? Magnanimitie saith no , and Industrye seemeth to be of the very same opinion .

I am derided , suspected , accused , and condemned : yea more than that , I am rygorously reiected when I proffer amendes for my harme . Should I therefore dispayre ? shall I yeelde vnto iellosie ? or drowne my dayes in idlenesse , bycause their beginning was bathed in wantonnesse ? Surely ( my Lord ) the Magnanimitie of a noble minde will not suffer me , and the delightfulnesse of dilygence doth vtterly forbydde me .

Shal I grudge to be reproued for that which I haue done in deede , when the sting of Emulation spared not to touche the worthy Scipio with most vntrue surmyses ? Yea Themistocles when he had deliuered al Greece from the huge host of Xerxes , was yet by his vnkinde citizens of Athens expulsed from his owne , and constrained to seeke fauour in the sight of his late professed enemie , But the Magnanimitie of their mindes was such , as neither could aduersytie ouercome them , nor yet the iniurious dealing of other men coulde kindle in their brestes any least sparke of desire , to seeke any vnhonorable reuenge .

I haue loytred ( my lorde ) I confesse , I haue lien streaking me ( like a lubber ) when the sunne did shine , and now I striue al in vaine to loade the carte when it raineth . I regarded not my comelynes in the Maymoone of my youth , and yet now I stand prinking me in the glasse , when the crowes foote is growen vnder mine eye . But what ?

Aristotle spent his youth very ryotously , & Plato ( by your leaue ) in twenty of his youthful yeares , was no lesse addicted to delight in amorous verse , than hee was after in his age painful to write good precepts of moral Phylosophy . What shoulde I speake of Cato , who was o●de before he learned lattine letters , and yet became one of the greatest Oratours of his time ? These examples are sufficient to proue that by industrie and diligence any perfection may be attained , and by true Magnanimitie all aduersitie are easye to be endured . And to that ende ( my verie good lorde ) I do here presume thus rudely to rehearse them . For as I can be content to confesse the lightnesse wherewith I haue bene ( in times past ) worthie to be burdened , so would I be gladde , if nowe when I am otherwise bent , my better endeuors might be accepted . But ( alas my lorde ) I am not onely enforced stil to carie on my shoulders the crosse of my carelesnesse , but there withall I am also put to the plonge , too prouide ( ●uen nowe ) weapons wherewith I maye defende all heauy frownes , deepe suspects , and dangerous detractions . And I finde my selfe so feeble , and so vnable to endure that combat , as ( were not the cordialles before rehearsed ) I should either cast down● 〈◊〉 armoure and hide myselfe like a recreant , or else ( of a malicious stubbornesse ) should busie my braines with some Stratagem for to execute an enuious reuenge vpon mine aduersaries .

But neither wil Magnanimitie suffer me to become vnhonest , nor yet can Industrie see me sinke in idlenesse .

For I haue learned in sacred scriptures to heape coles vppon the heade of mine enemie , by honest dealing : and our sauiour himselfe hath encoraged me , saying that I shal lacke neither workes nor seruice , although it were noone dayes before I came into the Market place .

These things I say ( my singular good lorde ) do renewe in my troubled minde the same affection which first moued me to honor you , nothing doubting but 〈◊〉 your fauorable eyes will vouchsafe to beholde me as I am , and neuer be so curious as to enquire what I haue bene .

And in ful hope therof , I haue presumed to present your honour with this Satyre written without rime , but I truste not without reason . And what soeuer it bee , I do humbly dedicate it vnto your honorable name , beseeching the same too accept it with as gratious regarde , as you haue in times past bene accustomed too beholde my trauailes . And ( my good Lorde ) though the skorneful do mocke me for a time , yet in the ende I hope to giue them al a rybbe of roste for their paynes . And when the vertuous shall perceiue indeede how I am occupied , then shall detraction be no lesse ashamed to haue falsely accused me , than light credence shal haue cause to repent his rashe conceypt : and Grauitie the iudge shal not be abashed to cancel the sentence vniustly pronounced in my condemnation . In meane while I remaine amongst my bookes here at my poore house in Walkamstowe , where I praye daylie for speedy aduauncement , and continuall prosperitie of your good Lordship . Written the fiftenth of April , 1576.

By your honours most bownden and wel assured George Gascoigne .

N. R. in commendation of the Authour , and his workes . IN rowsing verse , of Mauors bloudie raigne , The famous Greke , and Maro did excel . Graue Senec did , surmounte for Tragike vaine , Quicke Epigrams , Catullus wrote as wel , Archilochus , did for lambickes passe , For commicke verse , still Plautus peerelesse was . In Elegies , and wanton loue writ laies , Sance peere were Naso , and Tibullus deemde : In Satyres sharpe ( as men of mickle praise ) Lucilius , and Horace were esteemde . Thus diuers men , with diuers vaines did write , But Gascoigne doth , in euery vaine indite . And what perfourmaunce hee thereof doth make , I list not vaunte , his workes for me shal say : In praising him Timantes trade I take , Who ( when hee should , the woful cheare displaie , Duke Agamemnon had when he did waile , His daughters death with teares of smal auaile : Notskild to countershape his morneful grace , That men might deeme , what art coulde not supplie ) Deuisde with painted vaile , to shrowde his face . Like sorte my pen shal Gascoignes praise discrie , Which wanting grace , his graces to rehearse , Doth shrowde and cloude them thus in silent verse .

Walter Rawely of the middle Temple , in commendation of the Steele Glasse . Swetē were the sauce , would please ech kind of tast , The life likewise , were pure that neuer swerued , For spyteful tongs , in cankred stomackes plaste , Deeme worst of things , which best ( percase ) deserued : But what for that ? this medcine may suffyse , To scorne the rest , and seke to please the wise . Though sundry mindes , in sundry sorte do deeme , Yet worthiest wights , yelde prayse for euery payne , But enuious braynes , do nought ( or light ) esteme , Such stately steppes , as they cannot attaine . For who so reapes , renowne aboue the rest , With heapes of hate , shal surely be opprest . Wherefore to write , my censure of this booke , This Glasse of Steele , vnpartially doth shewe , Abuses all , to such as in it looke , From prince to poore , from high estate to lowe , As for the verse , who list like trade to trye , I feare me much , shal hardly reache so high .

Nicholas Bowyer in commendation of this worke . FRom layes of Loue , to Satyres sadde and sage , Our Poet turnes , the trauaile of his time , And as he pleasde , the vaine of youthful age , With pleasant penne , employde in louing ryme : So now he seekes , the grauest to delight , With workes of worth , much better than they showe . This Glasse of Steele , ( if it be markt aright ) Discries the faults , as wel of high as lowe . And Philomelaes fourefolde iust complaynte , In sugred sounde , doth shrowde a solempne sence , Gainst those whome lust , or murder doth attaynte . Lo this we see , is Gascoignes good pretence , To please al sorts , with his praiseworthy skill . Then yelde him thanks in signe of like good wil.

The Author to the Reader . TO vaunt , were vaine and flattrie were a faulte . But truth to tell , there is a fort of fame , The which I seeke , by science to assault , And so to leaue , remembrance of my name . The walles wherof are wondrous harde to clyme : And much to high , for ladders made of ryme . Then since I see , that rimes can seldome reache , Vnto the toppe , of such a stately Towre , By reasons force , I meane to make some breache , Which yet may helpe , my feeble fainting powre , That so at last , my Muse might enter in , And reason rule , that rime could neuer win . Such battring tyre , this pamphlet here bewraies , In rymelesse verse , which thundreth mighty threates , And where it findes , that vice the wall decayes , Euen there ( amaine ) with sharpe rebukes it beates . The worke ( thinke I ) deserues an honest name , If not ? I fayle , to win this forte of fame . Tam Marti , quàm Mercurio .

Gentle Reader I pray you before you reade to correct these faults ensuing .

Leafe Line . Faulte . Correction . A. 2. First page . 18. receiue reviued Eadem 32. fainted fainting A. 2 Second page 25. euen now newe B. 2 First page 6. this deceite their deceipt Eodem . 2 page 18. seconde seemly seconde stemly Eadem . 21. woode . woed B. 3. Second page . 17 from fraude through fraude B. 4 Seconde . Margin of them of the theame C. 4 First page . 5. king knight F. 1 First page . 9. greedinesse greedy guyles I. 1 Seconde page . 2. byrded bryded K. 3 First page 19. astonyed astoynde Eadem . 20 aduance aduante P. 3 First page . 6. phy false and Fye fierce and Q. 3 Seconde page . 10 then vae vobis vae vobis then

THE STEELE GLAS . THe Nightingale , ( whose happy noble hart , No dole can daunt , nor feareful force affright , Whose chereful voice , doth comfort saddest wights , When she hir self , hath little cause to sing , Whom louers loue , bicause she plaines their greues , She wraies their woes , and yet relieues their payne , Whom worthy mindes , alwayes esteemed much , And grauest yeares , haue not disdainde hir notes : ( Only that king proud Tereus by his name With murdring knife , did carue hir pleasant tong , To couer so , his owne foule filthy fault ) This worthy bird , hath taught my weary Muze , To sing a song , in spight of their despight , Which worke my woe , withouten cause or crime , And make my backe , a ladder for their feete , By slaundrous steppes , and stayres of tickle talke , To clyme the throne , wherin my selfe should sitte . O Phylomene , then helpe me now to chaunt : And if dead beastes , or liuing byrdes haue ghosts , Which can conceiue the cause of carefull mone , When wrong triumphes , and right is ouertrodde , Then helpe me now , O byrd of gentle bloud , In barrayne verse , to tell a frutefull tale , A tale ( I meane ) which may content the mindes Of learned men , and graue Philosophers . And you my Lord , ( whose happe hath heretofore Bene , louingly to reade my reckles rimes , And yet haue deignde , with fauor to forget The faults of youth , which past my hasty pen : And therwithall , haue graciously vouchsafte , To yeld the rest , much more than they deservde ) Vouchsafe ( lo now ) to reade and to peruse , This rimles verse , which flowes fro troubled mind . Synce that the line , of that false caytife king , ( Which rauished fayre Phylomene for lust , And then cut out , hir trustie long for hate ) They liue , they liue , ( alas the worse my lucke ) Whose greedy lust , vnbridled from their brest , Hath raunged long about the world so wyde , To finde a pray for their wide open mouthes , And me they found , ( O wofull tale to tell ) Whose harmelesse hart , perceivde not this deceit . But that my Lord , may playnely vnderstand , The mysteries , of all that I do meane , I am not he whom slaunderous tongues haue tolde , ( False tongues in dede , & craftie subtile braines ) To be the man , which ment a common spoyle Of louing dames , whose eares wold heare my words Or trust the tales deuised by my pen . I n'am a man , as some do thinke I am , ( Laugh not good Lord ) I am in dede a dame , Or at the least , a right Hermaphrodite : And who desires , at large to knowe my name , My birth , my line , and euery circumstance , Lo reade it here , Playne dealyng was my Syre , And he begat me by Simplycitie , My sistr and I , into this world were sent , . My Systers name , was pleasant Poesys , And I my selfe had Satyra to name , Whose happe was such , that in the prime of youth , A lusty ladde , a stately man to see , Brought vp in place , where pleasures did abound , ( I dare not say , in court for both myne eares ) Beganne to woo my sister , not for wealth , But for hir face was louely to beholde , And therewithall , hir speeche was pleasant stil. Where may be commonly found a meeter woer for plesant poetry , than vaine Delight ? Such men do many tymes attend vpon vaine delight . This Nobles name , was called vayne Delight , And in his trayne , he had a comely crewe Of guylefull wights : False semblant was the first , The second man was , Flearing flattery , ( Brethren by like , or very neare of kin ) Then followed them , Detraction and Deceite . Sym Swash did beare a buckler for the first , False witnesse was the seconde seemely page , And thus wel armd , and in good equipage , This Galant came , vnto my fathers courte , And wood my sister , for she elder was , And fayrer eke , but out of doubt ( at least ) Hir pleasant speech surpassed mine somuch , That vayne Delight , to hir adrest his sute . Short tale to make , she gaue a free consent , And forth she goeth , to be his wedded make , Entyst percase , with glosse of gorgeous shewe , ( Or else perhappes , persuaded by his peeres , ) That constant loue had herbord in his brest , Such errors growe where suche false Prophets preach . How so it were , my Syster likte him wel , And forth she goeth , in Court with him to dwel , Where when she had some yeeres ysoiorned , And saw the world , and marked eche mans minde , A deepe Desire hir louing hart enflamde , To see me sit by hir in seemely wise , That companye might comfort hir sometimes , And sound advice might ease hir wearie thoughtes : And forth with speede , ( euen at hir first request ) Doth vaine Delight , his hasty course direct , To seeke me out his sayles are fully bent , And winde was good , to bring me to the bowre , Whereas she lay , that mourned dayes and nights To see hir selfe , so matchte and so deceivde , And when the wretch , ( I cannot terme him bet ) Had me on seas ful farre from friendly help , A sparke of lust , did kindle in his brest , And bad him harke , to songs of Satyra . I selly soule ( which thought no body harme ) Gan cleere my throte , and straue to sing my best , Which pleasde him so , and so enflamde his hart , Satyrical Poetry is somtimes rauished by vayne Delight . That he forgot my sister Poesys , And rauisht me , to please his wanton minde . Not so content , when this foule fact was done , ( Yfraught with feare , least that I should disclose His incest : and , his doting darke desire ) He causde straight wayes , the formost of his crew With his compeare , to trie me with their tongues : False semblant and flatterie . can seldome beguile satirical Poetrie . And when their guiles , could not preuaile to winne My simple mynde , from tracke of trustie truth , Nor yet deceyt could bleare mine eyes from fraud , Came Slander then , accusing me , and sayde , That I entist Delyght , to loue & luste . Thus was I caught , poore wretch that thought none il . And furthermore , to cloke their own offence , They clapt me fast , in cage of Myserie , The reward of busy medling is Miserie . And there I dwelt , full many a doleful day , Vntil this theefe , this traytor vaine Delight , Cut out my tong , with Raysor of Restraynte , Least I should wraye , this bloudy deede of his . And thus ( my Lord ) I liue a weary life , note now & compare this allegory to the story of Progne & Philomele Not as I seemd , a man sometimes of might , But womanlike , whose teares must venge hir harms . And yet , euen as the mighty gods did daine For Philomele , that thoughe hir tong were cutte Yet should she sing a pleasant note sometimes : So haue they deignd , by their deuine decrees , That with the stumps of my reproued tong , I may sometimes , Reprouers deedes reproue , And sing a verse , to make them see themselues . Then thus I sing , this selly song by night , Like Phylomene , since that the shining Sunne Is now eclypst , which wont to lend me light . And thus I sing , in corner closely cowcht Like Philomene , since that the stately cowrts , Are now no place , for such poore byrds as I. And thus I sing , with pricke against my brest , Like Philomene , since that the priuy worme , Which makes me see my reckles youth mispent , May well suffise , to keepe me waking still . And thus I sing , when pleasant spring begins , Like Philomene , since euery ianglyng byrd , Which squeaketh loude , shall neuer triumph so , As though my muze were mute and durst not sing . And thus I sing , with harmelesse true intent , Like Philomene , when as percase ( meane while ) The Cuckowe suckes mine eggs by foule deceit , And lickes the sweet , which might haue fed me first . And thus I meane , in mournfull wise to sing , A rare conceit , ( God graunt it like my Lorde ) A trustie tune , from auncient clyffes conueyed , A playne song note , which cannot warble well . For whyles I mark this weak and wretched world , Here the substance of them beginneth Wherin I see , howe euery kind of man Can flatter still , and yet deceiues himselfe . I seeme to muse , from whence such errour springs , Such grosse conceits , such mistes of darke mistake , Such Surcuydry , such weening ouer well , And yet in dede , such dealings too too badde . And as I stretch my weary wittes , to weighe The cause therof , and whence it should proceede , My battred braynes , ( which now be shrewdly brusde , With cannon shot , of much misgouernment ) Can spye no cause , but onely one conceite , Which makes me thinke , the world goeth stil awry . I see and sigh , ( bycause it makes me sadde ) That peuishe pryde , doth al the world possesse , And euery wight , will haue a looking glasse To see himselfe , yet so he seeth him not : Yea shal I say ? a glasse of common glasse , Which glistreth bright , and shewes a seemely shew , Is not enough , the days are past and gon , That Berral glasse , with foyles of louely brown , Might serue to shew , a seemely fauord face . That age is deade , and vanisht long ago , Which thought that steele , both trusty was & true , And needed not , a foyle of contraries , But shewde al things , euen as they were in deede . In steade whereof , our curious yeares can finde The christal glas , which glimseth braue & bright , And shewes the thing , much better than it is , Beguylde with foyles , of sundry subtil sights , So that they seeme , and couet not to be . This is the cause ( beleue me now my Lorde ) That Realmes do rewe , from high prosperity , That kings decline , from princely gouernment , That Lords do lacke , their auncestors good wil , That knights consume , their patrimonie still , That gentlemen , do make the merchant rise , That plowmen begge , and craftesmen cannot thriue , That clergie quayles , and hath smal reuerence , That laymen liue , by mouing mischiefe stil , That courtiers thriue , at latter Lammas day , That officers , can scarce enrich their heyres , That Souldiours sterue , or prech at Tiborne crosse , That lawyers buye , and purchase deadly hate , That merchants clyme , and fal againe as fast , That roysters brag , aboue their betters rome , That sicophants , are counted iolly guests , That Lais leades a Ladies life alofte , And Lucrece lurkes , with sobre bashful grace . This is the cause ( or else my Muze mistakes ) That things are thought , which neuer yet were wrought , And castels buylt , aboue in lofty skies , Which neuer yet , had good foundation . And that the same may seme no feined dreame , But words of worth , and worthy to be wayed , I haue presumde , my Lord for to present With this poore glasse , which is of trustie Steele , And came to me , by wil and testament Of one that was , a Glassemaker in deede . Lucylius , this worthy man was namde , Who at his death , bequeathd the christal glasse , A famous old satyri●cal Poete . To such as loue , to seme but not to be , And vnto those , that loue to see themselues , How foule or fayre , soeuer that they are , He gan bequeath , a glasse of trustie Steele , Wherin they may be bolde alwayes to looke , Bycause it shewes , all things in their degree . And since myselfe ( now pride of youth is past ) Do loue to be , and let al seeming passe , Since I desire , to see my selfe in deed , Not what I would , but what I am or should , Therfore I like this trustie glasse of Steele . Wherin I see , a frolike fauor frounst The aucthor himselfe . With foule abuse , of lawlesse lust in youth : Wherin I see , a Sampsons grim regarde Disgraced yet with Alexanders bearde : Alexander magnus had but a smal beard . Wherein I see , a corps of comely shape ( And such as might beseeme the courte full wel ) Is cast at heele , by courting al to soone : Wherein I see , a quicke capacitye , He which wil rebuke other mens faults , shal dowel not to for get hys owne imperfections . Berayde with blots of light Inconstancie : An age suspect , bycause of youthes misdeedes . A poets brayne , possest with layes of loue : A Caesars minde , and yet a Codrus might , A Souldiours hart , supprest with feareful doomes : A Philosopher , foolishly fordone . And to be playne , I see my selfe so playne , And yet so much vnlike that most I seemde , As were it not , that Reason ruleth me , I should in rage , this face of mine deface , And cast this corps , downe headlong in dispaire , Bycause it is , so farre vnlike it selfe . And therwithal , to comfort me againe , I see a world , of worthy gouernment , A common welth , with policy so rulde , Common welth . As neither lawes are sold , nor iustice bought , Nor riches sought , vnlesse it be by right . No crueltie , nor tyrannie can raigne , No right reuenge , doth rayse rebellion , No spoyles are tane , although the sword preuaile , No ryot spends , the coyne of common welth , No rulers hoard , the countries treasure vp , No man growes riche , by subtilty nor sleight : All people dreade , the magistrates decree , And al men feare , the scourge of mighty Ioue . Lo this ( my lord ) may wel deserue the name , Of such a lande , as milke and hony flowes . And this I see , within my glasse of Steel , Set forth euen so , by Solon ( worthy wight ) Who taught king Croesus , what it is to seme , And what to be , by proofe of happie end . The like Lycurgus , Lacedemon king , Did set to shew , by viewe of this my glasse , And left the same , a mirour to behold , To euery prince , of his posterity . But now ( aye me ) the glasing christal glasse Doth make vs thinke , that realmes and townes are rych Where fauor sways , the sentence of the law , Where al is fishe , that cometh to the net , Common voe . Where mighty power , doth ouer rule the right , Where iniuries , do foster secret grudge , Where bloudy sword , maks euery booty prize , Where banquetting , is compted comly cost , Where officers grow rich by princes pens , Where purchase commes , by couyn and deceit , And no man dreads , but he that cannot shift , Nor none serue God , but only tongtide men . Againe I see , within my glasse of Steele , But foure estates , to serue eche country Soyle , The King , the Knight , the Pesant , & the Priest. The King should care for al the subiectes still , The King should fight , for to defende the same , The Peasant he , should labor for their ease , And Priests shuld pray , for them & for themselues . But out alas , such mists do bleare our eyes , And christal glosse , doth glister so therwith , That Kings conceiue , their care is wonderous great Kings . When as they beat , their busie restles braynes , To maintaine pompe , and high triumphant sights , To fede their fil , of daintie delicates , To glad their harts , with sight of pleasant sports , To fil their eares , with sound of instruments , To breake with bit , the hot coragious horse , To deck their haules , with sumpteous cloth of gold , To cloth themselues , with silkes of straunge deuise , To search the rocks , for pearles & pretious stones , To delue the ground , for mines of glistering gold : And neuer care , to maynteine peace and rest , To yeld reliefe , where needy lacke appears , To stop one eare , vntil the poore man speake , To seme to sleepe , when Iustice still doth wake , To gard their lands , from sodaine sword and fier , To feare the cries of giltles suckling babes , Whose ghosts may cal , for vengeance on their bloud , And stirre the wrath , of mightie thundring Ioue . I speake not this , by any english king , Nor by our Queene , whose high for sight prouids , That dyre debate , is fledde to foraine Realmes , Whiles we inioy the golden fleece of peace . But there to turne my tale , from whence it came , In olden dayes , good kings and worthy dukes , ( Who sawe themselues , in glasse of trusty Steele ) Contented were , with pompes of little pryce , And set their thoughtes , on regal gouernement . An order was , when Rome did florish most , Veleri max. lib. a. Cap. 3. That no man might triumph in stately wise , But such as had , with blowes of bloudy blade Fiue thousand foes in foughten field foredone . Now he that likes , to loke in Christal glasse , May see proud pomps , in high triumphant wise , Where neuer blowe , was delt with enemie . When Sergius , deuised first the meane To pen vp fishe , within the swelling floud , And so content his mouth with daintie fare , Then followed fast , excesse on Princes bordes , And euery dish , was chargde with new conceits , To please the taste , of vncontented mindes . But had he seene , the streine of straunge deuise , Which Epicures , do now adayes inuent , To yeld good smacke , vnto their daintie tongues : Could he conceiue , how princes paunch is fillde With secret cause , of sickenesse ( oft ) vnseene , Whiles lust desires , much more than nature craues , Then would he say , that al the Romane cost Was common trash , compard to sundrie Sauce Which princes vse , to pamper Appetite . O Christal Glasse , thou settest things to shew , Which are ( God knoweth ) of little worth in dede . Al eyes behold , with eagre deepe desire , The Faulcon flye , the grehounde runne his course , The bayted Bul , and Beare at stately stake , These Enterluds , these newe Italian sportes , And euery gawde , that glads the minde of man : But fewe regard , their needy neighbours lacke , And fewe beholde , by contemplation , The ioyes of heauen , ne yet the paines of hel . Fewe loke to lawe , but al men gaze on lust . A swete consent , of Musicks sacred sound , Doth rayse our mindes , ( as rapt ) al vp on high , But sweeter soundes , of concorde , peace , and loue , Are out of tune , and iarre in euery stoppe . To tosse and turne , the sturdie trampling stede , To bridle him , and make him meete to serue , Deserues ( no doubt ) great commendation . But such as haue , their stables fuly fraught , With pampred Iades , ought therwithal to wey , What great excesse , vpon them may be spent , How many pore , ( which nede nor brake nor bit ) Might therwith al , in godly wise be fedde , Deut. ●● . And kings ought not , so many horse to haue . The sumpteous house , declares the princes state , But vaine excesse , bewrayes a princes faults . Our bumbast hose , our treble double ruffes , Our sutes of Silke , our comely garded capes , Our knit silke stockes , and spanish lether shoes , ( Yea veluet serues , ofttimes to trample in ) Our plumes , our spangs , and al our queint aray , Are prickingspurres , prouoking filthy pride , And snares ( vnseen ) which leade a man to hel . How liue the Mores , which spurne at glistring perle , And scorne the costs , which we do holde so deare ? How ? how but wel ? and weare the precious pearle Of peerlesse truth , amongst them published , ( Which we enioy , and neuer wey the worth . ) They would not then , the same ( like vs ) despise , Which ( though they lacke ) they liue in better wise Than we , which holde , the worthles pearle so deare . But glittring gold , which many yeares lay hidde , Til gredy mindes , gan search the very guts Of earth and clay , to finde out sundrie moulds ( As redde and white , which are by melting made Bright gold and siluer , mettals of mischiefe ) Hath now enflamde , the noblest Princes harts With foulest fire , of filthy Auarice , And seldome seene , that kings can be content To kepe their bounds , which their forefathers left : What causeth this , but greedy golde to get ? Euen gold , which is , the very cause of warres , The neast of strife , and nourice of debate , The barre of heauen , and open way to hel . But is this strange ? when Lords when Knights & Squires ( Which ought defende , the state of common welth ) Are not afrayd to couet like a King ? O blinde desire : oh high aspiring harts . The country Squire , doth couet to be Knight , Knightes . The Knight a Lord , the Lord an Erle or a Duke , The Duke a King , the King would Monarke be , And none content , with that which is his own . Yet none of these , can see in Christal glasse ( Which glistereth bright , & bleares their gasing eyes ) How euery life , beares with him his disease . But in my glasse , which is of trustie steele , I can perceiue , how kingdomes breede but care , How Lordship liues , with lots of lesse delight , ( Though cappe and knee , do seeme a reuerence , And courtlike life , is thought an other heauen ) Than common people finde in euery coast . The Gentleman , which might in countrie keepe Aplenteous boor de , and feed the fatherlesse , With pig and goose , with mutton , beefe and veale , ( Yea now and then , a capon and a chicke ) Wil breake vp house , and dwel in market townes , Aloytring life , and like an Epicure . But who ( meane while ) defends the common welth ? Who rules the flocke , when sheperds so are fled ? Who stayes the staff , which shuld vphold the state ? Forsoth good Sir , the Lawyer leapeth in , Nay rather leapes , both ouer hedge and ditch , And rules the rost , but fewe men rule by right . O Knights , O Squires , O Gentle blouds yborne , You were not borne , alonely for your selues : Your countrie claymes , some part of al your paines . There should you liue , and therin should you toyle , To hold vp right , and banish cruel wrong , To helpe the pore , to bridle backe the riche , To punish vice , and vertue to aduaunce , To see God servde , and Belzebub supprest . You should not trust , lieftenaunts in your rome , And let them sway , the scepter of your charge , Whiles you ( meane while ) know scarcely what is don , Nor yet can yeld , accompt if you were callde . The stately lord , which woonted was to kepe A court at home , is now come vp to courte , And leaues the country for a common prey , To pilling , polling , brybing , and deceit : ( Al which his presence might haue pacified , Or else haue made offenders smel the smoke . ) And now the youth which might haue serued him , In comely wise , with countrey clothes yclad , And yet therby bin able to preferre Vnto the prince , and there to seke aduance : Is faine to sell , his landes for courtly cloutes , Or else sits still , and liueth like a loute , ( Yet of these two , the last fault is the lesse : ) And so those imps which might in time haue sprong Alofte ( good lord ) and servde to shielde the state , Are either nipt , with such vntimely frosts , Or else growe crookt , bycause they be not proynd . These be the Knights , which shold defend the land , And these be they , which leaue the land at large . Yet here percase , it wil be thought I roue And runne astray , besides the kings high way , Since by the Knights , of whom my text doth tell ( And such as shew , most perfect in my glasse ) Is ment nomore , but worthy Souldiours Whose skilin armes , and long experience Should still vphold the pillers of the worlde . Yes out of doubt , this noble name of Knight , May comprehend , both Duke , Erle , lorde , Knight , Squire , Yea gentlemen , and euery gentle borne . But if you wil , constraine me for to speake What souldiours are , or what they ought to be ( And I my selfe , of that profession ) I see a crew , which glister in my glasse , The brauest bande , that euer yet was sene : Souldiours Behold behold , where Pompey commes before , Where Manlius , and Marius insue , Aemilius , and Curius I see , Palamedes , and Fabius maximus , And eke their mate , Epaminondas loe , Protesilaus and Phocyan are not farre , Pericles stands , in rancke amongst the rest , Aristomenes , may not be forgot , Vnlesse the list , of good men be disgrast . Behold ( my lord ) these souldiours can I spie Within my glasse , within my true Steele glasse . I see not one therin , which seekes to heape A world of pence , by pinching of dead payes , Couetous Soldiours And so beguiles , the prince in time of nede , When muster day , and foughten fielde are odde . Since Pompey did , enrich the common heaps , And Paulus he , ( Aemilius surnamed ) Returnde to Rome , no richer than he went , Although he had , so many lands subdued , And brought such treasure , to the common chests , That fourscore yeres , the state was ( after ) free From greuous taske , and imposition . Yea since againe , good Marcus Curius , Thought sacriledge , himselfe for to aduaunce , And see his souldiours , pore or liue in lacke . I see not one , within this glasse of mine , Whose fethers flaunt , and flicker in the winde , Soldiours more braue than valiaunt . As though he were , all onely to be markt , When simple snakes , which go not halfe so gay , Can leaue him yet a furlong in the field : And when the pride , of all his peacockes plumes , Is daunted downe , with dastard dreadfulnesse . And yet in towne , he ietted euery streete , Proud Crassus bagges , consumde by couetise , Great Alexander , drounde in drunkennesse , Caesar and Pompey , spilt with priuy grudge , Brennus beguild , with lightnesse of beliefe , Cleômenes , by ryot not regarded , Vespasian , disdayned for deceit , Demetrius , light set by for his lust , Whereby at last , he dyed in prison pent . Hereto percase , some one man will alledge , That Princes pence , are pursed vp so close , And faires do fall so seldome in a yeare , That when they come , prouision must be made To fende the frost , in hardest winter nights . Indeede I finde , within this glasse of mine , Iustinian , that proude vngrateful prince , ●ngrateful 〈◊〉 . Which made to begge , bold Belisarius His trustie man , which had so stoutly fought In his defence , with evry enimy . And Scypio , condemnes the Romaine rule , Which suffred him ( that had so truely serued ) To leade pore life , at his ( Lynternum ) ferme , Which did deserue , such worthy recompence . Yea herewithal , most Souldiours of our time , Beleeue for truth , that proude Iustinian Did neuer die , without good store of heyres . And Romanes race , cannot be rooted out , Such yssewe springs , of such vnplesant budds , But shal I say ? this lesson learne of me , When drums are dumb , and sound not dub a dub , What euery soldiour should be in time of peace . Then be thou eke , as mewet as a mayde ( I preach this sermon but to souldiours ) And learne to liue , within thy bravries bounds . Let not the Mercer , pul thee by the sleeue For sutes of silke , when cloth may serue thy turne , Let not thy scores , come robbe thy needy purse , Make not the catchpol , rich by thine arrest . Art thou a Gentle ? liue with gentle friendes , Which wil be glad , thy companie to haue , If manhoode may , with manners well agree . You haue forgot , my greatest glorie got . For yet ( by me , nor mine occasion ) Was neuer sene , a mourning garment worne . O noble words , wel worthy golden writ . Beleue me ( Lord ) a souldiour cannot haue Too great regarde , wheron his knife should cut . Ne yet the men , which wonder at their wounds , And shewe their scarres to euery commer by , Braggers and such as boast of their wounds . Dare once be seene , within my glasse of Steele , For so the faults , of Thraso and his trayne , ( Whom Terence told , to be but bragging brutes ) Might sone appeare , to euery skilful eye . Bolde Manlius , could close and wel conuey Ful thirtie wounds , ( and three ) vpon his head , Yet neuer made , nor bones nor bragges therof . What should I speake , of drunken Soldiours ? Or lechers lewde , which fight for filthy lust ? Drunken and lecherous soldiours . Of whom that one , can sit and bybbe his fil , Consume his coyne , ( which might good corage yeld , To such as march , and moue at his commaunde ) And makes himselfe , a worthy mocking stocke Which might deserue , ( by sobre life ) great laude . That other dotes , and driueth forth his dayes In vaine delight , and foule concupiscence , When works of weight , might occupie his hedde . Yea therwithal ; he puts his owne fonde heade Vnder the belt , of such as should him serue , And so becoms , example of much euil , Which should haue servde , as lanterne of good life : And is controlde , wheras he should commaund . Augustus Caesar , he which might haue made Both feasts and banquets brauely as the best , Was yet content ( in campe ) with homely cates , And seldome dranke his wine vnwatered . Aristomenes , dayned to defende His dames of prize , whom he in warres had won , And rather chose , to die in their defence , Then filthy men , should foyle their chastitie . This was a wight , wel worthy fame and prayse . O Captayns come , and Souldiours come apace , Be hold my glasse , and you shall see therin , As though the god of warres ( euen Mars himself ) Might wel ( by him ) be liuely counterfayte , Though much more like , the coward Constantine . I see none such , ( my Lorde ) I see none such , Since Phocion , which was in deede a Mars And one which did , much more than he wold vaunt , Contented was to be but homely clad . And Marius , ( whose constant hart could bide The very vaines , of his forwearied legges To be both cut , and carued from his corps ) Could neuer yet , contented be to spend , One idle groate , in clothing nor in cates . I see not one , ( my Lord ) I see not one Soldiours who ( for their own long continuance in seruice ) do seeme to despise all other of latter 〈◊〉 , and especially such as are learned . Which stands somuch , vpon his paynted sheath ( Bycause he hath , perchaunce at Bolleyn bene And loytered , since then in idlenesse ) That he accompts , no Soldiour but himselfe , Nor one that can , despise the learned brayne , Which ioyneth reading with experience . Since Palamedes , and Vlisses both , Were much esteemed for their pollicies Although they were not thought long trained men . Epamynondas , eke was much esteemde Whose Eloquence , was such in all respects , As gaue no place , vnto his manly hart . And Fabius , surnamed Maximus , Could ioyne such learning , with experience , As made his name , more famous than the rest . These bloudy beasts , apeare not in my glasse , Which cannot rule , their sword in furious rage , Soldiours ouer cruel without any regard . Nor haue respecte , to age nor yet to kinde : But downe goeth al , where they get vpper hand . Whose greedy harts so hungrie are to spoyle , That few regard ; the very wrath of God , Which greeued is , at cries of giltlesse bloud . Pericles was , a famous man of warre , And victor eke , in nine great foughten fields , Wherof he was the general in charge . Yet at his death he rather did reioyce In clemencie , than bloudy victorie . Be still ( quoth he ) you graue Athenians , Who whispered , and tolde his valiant facts ) Art thou a seruing man ? then serue againe , And stint to steale as common souldiours do . Art thou a craftsman ? take thee to thine arte , And cast off slouth , which loytreth in the Campes . Art thou a plowman pressed for a shift ? Then learne to clout , thine old cast cobled shoes , And rather bide , at home with barly bread , Than learne to spoyle , as thou hast seene some do . Of truth ( my friendes , and my companions eke ) Who lust , by warres to gather lawful welth , And so to get , a right renoumed name , Must cast aside , al common trades of warre , And learne to liue , as though he knew it not . Well , thus my Knight hath held me al to long , Bycause he bare , such compasse in my glasse . High time were then , to turne my wery pen , Vnto the Peasant comming next in place . And here to write , the summe of my conceit , I do not meane , alonely husbandmen , Which till the ground , which dig , delve , mow , and sowe , Which swinke and sweate , whiles we do sleepe and snort And serch the guts of earth , for greedy gain , But he that labors any kind of way . Peasa●●● To gather gaines , and to enrich himselfe , By King , by Knight , by holy helping Priests , And al the rest , that liue in common welth , ( So that his gaines , by greedinesse be got ) Him can I compt , a Peasant in his place . Strange Peasan●● Al officers , all aduocates at lawe , Al men of arte , which get goodes greedily , Must be content , to take a Peasants rome . A strange deuise , and sure my Lord wil laugh , To see it so , desgested in degrees . But he which can , in office drudge , and droy , And craue of al , ( although euen now a dayes , Most officers , commaund that shuld be cravde ) Officers . He that can share , from euery pention payde A Peeter peny weying halfe a pounde , He that can plucke , sir Bennet by the sleeue , And finde a fee , in his pluralitie , He that can winke , at any foule abuse , As long as gaines , come trouling in therwith , Shal such come see themselues in this my glasse ? Or shal they gaze , as godly good men do ? Yea let them come : but shal I tell you one thing ? How ere their gownes , be gathred in the backe , With organe pipes , of old king Henries clampe , How ere their cappes , be folded with a flappe , How ere their beards , be clipped by the chinne , How ere they ride , or mounted are on mules , I compt them worse , than harmeles homely hindes , Which toyle in dede , to serue our common vse . Strange tale to tel : all officers be blynde , And yet their one eye , sharpe as Linceus sight , That one eye winks , as though it were but blynd , That other pries and peekes in euery place . Come naked neede ? and chance to do amisse ? He shal be sure , to drinke vpon the whippe . But priuie gaine , ( that bribing busie wretch ) Can finde the meanes , to creepe and cowch so low , As officers 〈◊〉 neuer see him slyde , Nor heare the trampling of his stealing steppes . He comes ( I thinke , ) vpon the blinde side stil. These things ( my Lord ) my glasse now sets to shew , Whereas long since , all officers were seene To be men made , out of another moulde . Epamynond , of whome I spake before ( Which was long time , an officer in Thebes ) And toylde in peace , as wel as fought in warre , Would neuer take , or bribe , or rich reward . And thus he spake , to such as sought his helpe : If it be good , ( quoth he ) that you desire , Then wil I do , it for the vertues sake : If it be badde , no bribe can me infecte . There are to few such officers . If so it be , for this my common weale , Then am I borne , and bound by duetie both To see it done , withouten furder words . But if it be , vnprofitable thing , And might empaire , offende , or yeld anoy Vnto the state , which I pretende to stay , Then al the gold ( quoth he ) that growes on earth Shal neuer tempt , my free consent thereto . How many now , wil treade Zeleucus steps ? Or who can byde , Cambyses cruel dome ? Cruel ? nay iust , ( yea softe and peace good sir ) For Iustice sleepes , and Troth is iested out . O that al kings , would ( Alexander like ) Hold euermore , one finger streight stretcht out , To thrust in eyes , of all their master theeues . ●alse ●udges . But Brutus died , without posteritie , And Marcus Crassus had none issue male , Cicero slipt , vnsene out of this world , With many mo , which pleaded romaine pleas , And were content , to vse their eloquence , 〈◊〉 . In maintenance , of matters that were good . Demosthenes , in Athens vsde his arte , ( Not for to heape , himselfe great hourds of gold , But ) stil to stay , the towne from deepe deceite Of Philips wyles , which had besieged it . Where shal we reade , that any of these foure Did euer pleade , as carelesse of the trial ? Or who can say , they builded sumpteously ? Or wroong the weake , out of his own by wyles ? They were ( I trowe ) of noble houses borne , And yet content , to vse their best deuoire , In furdering , eche honest harmelesse cause . They did not rowte ( like rude vnringed swine , ) To roote nobilitie from heritage . They stoode content , with gaine of glorious fame , ( Bycause they had , respect to equitie ) To leade a life , like true Philosophers . Of all the bristle bearded Aduocates That euer lovde their fees aboue the cause , I cannot see , ( scarce one ) that is so bolde To shewe his face , and fayned Phisnomie In this my glasse : but if he do ( my Lorde ) He shewes himselfe , to be by very kinde A man which meanes , at euery time and tide , To do smal right , but sure to take no wrong . And master Merchant , he whose trauaile ought Merc●●● Commodiously , to doe his countrie good , And by his toyle , the same for to enriche , Can finde the meane , to make Monopolyes Of euery ware , that is accompted strange . And feeds the vaine , of courtiers vaine desires Vntil the court , haue courtiers cast at heele , Quia non habent vestes Nuptiales . O painted fooles , whose harebrainde heads must haue More clothes attones , than might become a king : For whom the rocks , in forain Realmes must spin , For whom they carde , for whom they weaue their webbes For whom no wool , appeareth fine enough , ( I speake not this by english courtiers Since english wool , was euer thought most worth ) For whom al seas , are tossed to and fro , For whom these purples come from Persia , The crimosine , and liuely red from Inde : For whom soft silks , do sayle from Sericane , And all queint costs , do come from fardest coasts : Whiles in meane while , that worthy Emperour , August . 9. Which rulde the world , and had all welth at wil , Could be content , to tire his wearie wife , His daughters and , his niepces euerychone , To spin and worke the clothes that he shuld weare , And neuer carde , for silks or sumpteous cost , For cloth of gold , or tinsel figurie , For Baudkin , broydrie , cutworks , nor conceits . He set the shippes , of merchantmen on worke , With bringing home , oyle , graine , and savrie salt And such like wares , as serued common vse . Yea for my life , those merchants were not woont To lend their wares , at reasonable rate , ( To gaine no more , but Cento por cento , ) To teach yong men , the trade to sel browne paper , Yea Morrice bells , and byllets too sometimes , To make their coyne , a net to catch yong frye . To binde such babes , in father Derbies bands , To stay their steps , by statute Staples staffe , To rule yong roysters , with Recognisance , To read Arithmeticke once euery day , In Woodstreat , Bredstreat , and in Pultery ( Where such schoolmaisters keepe their counting house To fede on bones , when flesh and fell is on , And yet be combred with a concubine . Not one of these , wil reade the holy write Which doth forbid , all greedy vsurie , And yet receiue , a shilling for a pounde . Not one of these , wil preach of patience , And yet be found , as angry as a waspe , Not one of these , can be content to sit In Tauerns , Innes , or Alehouses all day , But spends his time , deuoutly at his booke . Not one of these , will rayle at rulers wrongs , And yet be blotted , with extortion . Not one of these , wil paint out worldly pride , And he himselfe , as gallaunt as he dare . Not one of these , rebuketh auarice , And yet procureth , proude pluralities . Not one of these , reproueth vanitie ( Whiles he himselfe , with hauke vpon his fist And houndes at heele , ) doth quite forget his text . Not one of these , corrects contentions , For trifling things : and yet will sue for tythes . Not one of these ( not one of these my Lord ) Wil be ashamde , to do euen as he teacheth . My priests haue learnt , to pray vnto the Lord , And yet they trust not in their lyplabour . My priests can fast , and vse al abstinence , From vice and sinne , and yet refuse no meats . My priests can giue , in charitable wise , And loue also , to do good almes dedes , Although they trust , not in their owne deserts . My priestes can place , all penaunce in the hart , Without regard , of outward ceremonies . That Phisicke , thriue not ouer fast by murder : That Numbring men , in al their euens and odds Do not forget , that only Vnitie Vnmeasurable , infinite , and one . That Geometrie , measure not so long , Til all their measures out of measure be : That Musike with , his heauenly harmonie , Do not allure , a heauenly minde from heauen , Nor set mens thoughts , in worldly melodie , Til heauenly Hierarchies be quite forgot : That Rhetorick , learne not to ouerreache : That Poetrie , presume not for to preache , And bite mens faults , with Satyres corosiues , Yet pamper vp hir owne with pultesses : Or that she dote not vppon Erato , Which should inuoke the good Caliope : That Astrologie , looke not ouer high , And light ( meane while ) in euery pudled pit : That Grammer grudge not at our english tong , Bycause it stands by Monosyllaba , And cannot be declind as others are . Pray thus ( my priests for vniuersities . And if I haue forgotten any Arte , Which hath bene taught , or exercised there , Pray you to god , the good be not abusde , With glorious shewe , of ouerloding skill . Now these be past , ( my priests ) yet shal you pray For common people , eche in his degree , That God vouchsafe to graunt them al his grace . For the Cōinaltie Where should I now beginne to bidde my beades ? Or who shal first be put in common place ? My wittes be wearie , and my eyes are dymme , I cannot see who best deserues the roome , Stand forth good Peerce , thou plowman by thyname , Yet so the Sayler saith I do him wrong : That one contends , his paines are without peare , That other saith , that none be like to his , In dede they labour both exceedingly . But since I see no shipman that can liue Without the plough , and yet I many see ( Which liue by lande ) that neuer sawe the seas : Therfore I say , stand forth Peerce plowman first , Thou winst the roome , by verie worthinesse . Behold him ( priests ) & though he stink of sweat 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Disdaine him not : for shal I tel you what ? Such clime to heauen , before the shauen crownes . But how ? forsooth , with true humilytie . Not that they hoord , their grain when it is cheape , Nor that they kill , the calfe to haue the milke , Nor that they set , debate betwene their lords , By earing vp the balks , that part their bounds : Nor for because , they can both crowche & creep ( The guilefulst men , that euer God yet made ) When as they meane , most mischiefe and deceite , Nor that they can , crie out on landelordes lowde , And say they racke , their rents an ace to high , When they themselues , do sel their landlords lambe For greater price , then ewe was wont be worth . I see you Peerce , my glasse was lately scowrde . But for they feed , with frutes of their gret paines , Both King and Knight , and priests in cloyster pent : Therefore I say that sooner some of them Shal scale the walles which leade vs vp to heauen , Than cornfed beasts , whose bellie is their God , Although they preach , of more perfection . And yet ( my priests ) pray you to God for Peerce , As Peerce can pinch , it out for him and you . And if you haue a Paternoster spare Then shal you pray , for Saylers ( God them send More mind of him , when as they come to lande , For towarde shipwracke , many men can pray ) That they once learne , to speake without a lye , And meane good faith , without blaspheming othes : That they forget , to steale from euery fraight , And for to forge , false cockets , free to passe , That manners make , them giue their betters place , And vse good words , though deeds be nothing gay . But here me thinks , my priests begin to frowne , And say , that thus they shal be ouerchargde , To pray for al , which seme to do amisse : And one I heare , more saucie than the rest , Which asketh me , when shal our prayers end ? I tel thee ( priest ) when shoomakers make shoes , That are wel sowed , with neuer a stitch amisse , And vse no crafte , in vttring of the same : When Taylours steale , no stuffe from gentlemen , When Tanners are , with Corriers wel agreede , And both so dresse their hydes , that we go dry : when Cutlers leaue , to sel olde rustie blades , And hide no crackes , with soder nor deceit : when tinkers make , no more holes than they founde , when thatchers thinke , their wages worth their worke , when colliers put , no dust into their sacks , when maltemen make , vs drinke no firmentie , when Dauie Diker diggs , and dallies not , when smithes shoo horses , as they would he shod , when millers , toll not with a golden thumbe , when bakers make , not barme beare price of wheat , when brewers put , no bagage in their beere , when butchers blowe , not ouer al their fleshe , when horsecorsers , beguile no friends with Iades , when weauers weight , is found in huswiues web . ( But why dwel I , so long among these lowts ? ) When mercers make , more bones to swere and lye , When vintners mix , no water with their wine , When printers passe , none errours in their bookes , When hatters vse , to bye none olde cast robes , When goldsmithes get , no gains by sodred crownes , When vpholsters , sel fethers without dust , When pewterers , infect no Tin with leade , When drapers draw , no gaines by giuing day , When perchmentiers , put in no ferret Silke , When Surgeons heale , al wounds without delay . ( Tush these are toys , but yet my glas sheweth al. ) When purveyours , prouide not for themselues , When Takers , take no brybes , nor vse no brags , When customers , conceale no covine vsde , When Seachers see , al corners in a shippe , ( And spie no pens by any sight they see ) When shriues do serue , al processe as they ought , When baylifes strain , none other thing but strays , When auditours , their counters cannot change , When proude surueyours , take no parting pens , When Siluer sticks not on the Tellers fingers , And when receiuers , pay as they receiue , When al these folke , haue quite forgotten fraude . ( Againe ( my priests ) a little by your leaue ) When Sicophants , can finde no place in courte , But are espied , for Ecchoes , as they are , When roysters ruffle not aboue their rule , Nor colour crafte , by swearing precious coles : When Fencers fees , are like to apes rewards , A peece of breade , and therwithal a bobbe When Lays liues , not like a ladies peare , Nor vseth art , in dying of hir heare . When al these things , are ordred as they ought , And see themselues , within my glasse of steele , Euen then ( my priests ) may you make holyday , And pray no more but ordinarie prayers . And yet therin , I pray you ( my good priests ) Pray stil for me , and for my Glasse of steele That it ( nor I ) do any minde offend , Bycause we shew , all colours in their kinde . And pray for me , that ( since my hap is such To see men so ) I may perceiue myselfe . O worthy words , to ende my worthlesse verse , Pray for me Priests , I pray you pray for me . FINIS . Tam Marti , quàm Mercurio .

EPILOGVS . ALas ( my lord ) my hast was al to hote , I shut my glasse , before you gasde your fill , And at a glimse , my seely selfe haue spied , A stranger trowpe , than any yet were sene : Beholde ( my lorde ) what monsters muster here , With Angels face , and harmefull helish harts , With smyling lookes , and depe deceitful thoughts , With tender skinnes , and stony cruel mindes , With stealing steppes , yet forward feete to fraude . Behold , behold , they neuer stande content , With God , with kinde , with any helpe of Arte , But curle their locks , with bodkins & with braids , But dye their heare , with sundry subtill sleights , But paint and slicke , til fayrest face be foule , But bumbast , bolster , frisle , and perfume : They marre with muske , the balme which nature made , And dig for death , in dellicatest dishes . The yonger sorte , come pyping on apace , In whistles made offine enticing wood , Til they haue caught , the birds for whom they birded . The elder sorte , go stately stalking on , And on their backs , they beare both land and fee , Castles and Towres , revenewes and receits , Lordships , and manours , fines , yea fermes and al. What should these be ? ( speake you my louely lord ) They be not men : for why ? they haue no beards . They be no boyes , which weare such side long gowns . They be no Gods , for al their gallant glosse . They be no diuels , ( I trow ) which seme so saintish . What be they ? women ? masking in mens weedes ? With dutchkin dublets , and with Ierkins iaggde ? With Spanish spangs , and ruffes fet out of France , With high copt hattes , and fethers flaunt a flaunt ? They be so sure euen Wo to Men in dede . Nay then ( my lorde ) let shut the glasse apace , High time it were , for my pore Muse to winke , Since al the hands , al paper , pen , and inke , Which euer yet , this wretched world possest , Cannot describe , this Sex in colours dewe , No no ( my Lorde ) we gased haue inough , ( And I too much , God pardon me therfore ) Better loke of , than loke an ace to farre : And better mumme , than meddle ouermuch . But if my Glasse , do like my louely lorde , We wil espie , some sunny Sommers day , To loke againe , and see some semely sights . Meane while , my Muse , right humbly doth besech , That my good lorde , accept this ventrous verse , Vntil my braines , may better stuffe deuise . FINIS : Tam Marti , quàm Mercurio .

The complaynt of Phylomene . An Elegye compyled by George Gascoigne Esquire .

Tam Marti , quàm Mercurio .

IMPRINTED AT London by Henrie Binneman , for Richarde Smith .

Anno Domini 1576.

To the right honorable , my singuler good Lord , the L. Gray of Wilton , Knight of the most noble order of the Garter .

RYght noble , when I had determined with myself to write the Satire before recited ( called the Steele Glasse ) and had in myne Exordium ( by allegorie ) compared my case to that of fayre Phylomene , abused by the bloudy king hir brother by lawe : I called to minde that twelue or thirtene yeares past , I had begonne an Elegye or sorrowefull song , called the Complainte of Phylomene , the which I began too deuise riding by the high way betwene Chelmisford and London , and being ouertaken with a sodaine dash of Raine , I changed my copy , and stroke ouer into the Deprofundis which is placed amongst my other Poesies , leuing the complaint of Phylomene vnfinished : and so it hath continued euer since vntil this present moneth of April . 1575. when I begonne my Steele Glasse . And bycause I haue in mine Exordium to the Steele Glasse , begonne with the Nightingales notes : therfore I haue not thought amisse now to finish & pece vp the saide Complaint of Philomene , obseruing neuerthelesse the same determinate inuention which I had propounded and begonne ( as is saide ) twelue yeeres nowe past . The which I presume with the rest to present vnto your honor , nothing doubting but the same wil accept my good entente therin . And I furder beseche that your lordship wil voutsafe in reading ther of , to gesse ( by change of style ) where the renewing of the verse may bee most apparantly thought to begin . I wil no furder trouble your honor with these rude lines , but besech of the almightie long to preserue you to his pleasure . From my pore house in Walkamstowe the sixtenth of April 1575.

Your L. bounden and most assured George Gascoigne .

PHILOMENE . IN sweet April , the messenger to May When hoonie drops , do melt in golden showres , When euery byrde , records hir louers lay , And westerne windes , do foster forth our floures , Late in an euen , I walked out alone , To heare the descant of the Nightingale , And as I stoode , I heard hir make great moane , Waymenting much , and thus she tolde hir tale . These thriftles birds ( quoth she ) which spend the day , In nedlesse notes , and chaunt withouten skil , Are costly kept , and finely fedde alway With daintie foode , wherof they feede theirfil . But I which spend , the darke and dreadful night , In watch & ward , when those birds take their rest , Forpine my selfe , that Louers might delight , To heare the notes , which breake out of my breste . I leade a life , to please the Louers minde , ( And though god wot , my foode be light of charge , Yet seely soule , that can no fauour finde ) I begge my breade , and seke for seedes at large . The Throstle she , which makes the wood to ring With shryching lowde , that loth some is to heare , Is costly kept , in cage : ( O wondrous thing ) The Mauis eke , whose notes are nothing cleare , Now in good sooth ( quoth she ) sometimes I wepe To see Tom Tyttimouse , so much set by . The Finche , which singeth neuer a note but peepe , Is fedde aswel , nay better farre than I. The Lennet and the Larke , they sing alofte , And coumpted are , as Lordes in high degree . The Brandlet saith , for singing sweete and softe , ( In hir conceit ) there is none such as she . Canara byrds , come in to beare the bell , And Goldfinches , do hope to get the gole : The tatling Awbe doth please some fancie wel , And some like best , the byrde as Blacke as cole . And yet could I , if so it were my minde , For harmony , set al these babes to schole , And sing such notes , as might in euery kinde Disgrace them quight , & make their corage coole . But should I so ? no no so wil I not . Let brutish beasts , heare such brute birds as those . ( For like to like , the prouer be saith I wot ) And should I then , my cunning skil disclose ? For such vnkinde , as let the cukowe flye , To sucke mine eggs , whiles I sit in the thicke ? And rather praise , the chattring of a pye , Than hir that sings , with brest against a pricke ? Nay let them go , to marke the cuckowes talke , The iangling Iay , for that becomes them wel . And in the silent night then let them walke , To heare the Owle , how she doth shryche and yel . And from henceforth , I wil no more constraine My pleasant voice , to sounde , at their request . But shrowd my selfe , in darke some night & raine , And learne to cowche , ful close vpon my neast . Yet if I chaunce , at any time ( percase ) To sing a note , or twaine for my disporte , It shal be done , in some such secret place , That fewe or none , may ther vnto resorte . These flatterers , ( in loue ) which falshood meane , Not once aproch , to heare my pleasant song . But such as true , and sted fast louers bene , Let them come neare , for else they do me wrong . And as I gesse , not many miles from hence , There stands a squire , with pangs of sorrow prest , For whom I dare , auowe ( in his defence ) He is as true , ( in Loue ) as is the best . Him wil I cheare , with chaunting al this night : And with that word , she gan to cleare hir throate . But such a liuely song ( now by this light ) Yet neuer hearde I such another note . It was ( thought me ) so pleasant and so plaine , Orphaeus harpe , was neuer halfe so sweete , Tereu , Tereu , and thus she gan to plaine , Most piteously , which made my hart to greeue , Hir second note , was fy , fy , fy , fy , fy , And that she did , in pleasant wise repeate , With sweete reports , of heauenly harmonie , But yet it seemd , hir gripes of griefe were greate . For when she had , so soong and taken breath , Then should you heare , hir heauy hart so throbbe , As though it had bene , ouercome with death , And yet alwayes , in euery sigh and sobbe , She shewed great skil , for tunes of vnisone , Hir Iug , Iug , Iug , ( in griefe ) had such a grace . Then stinted she , as if hir song were done . And ere that past , not ful a furlong space , She gan againe , in melodie to melt , And many a note , she warbled wondrous wel . Yet can I not ( although my hart should swelt ) Remember al , which hir sweete tong did tel . But one strange note , I noted with the rest And that saide thus : Nêmesis , Némesis , The which me thought , came boldly fro hir brest , As though she blamde , ( therby ) some thing amisse . Short tale to make , hir singing sounded so , And pleasde mine eares , with such varietie , That ( quite forgetting all the wearie wo , Which I my selfe felt in my fantasie ) I stoode astonyed , and yet therwith content , Wishing in hart that ( since I might aduance , Of al hir speech to knowe the plaine entent , Which grace hirselfe , or else the Gods did graunt ) I might therwith , one furder fauor craue , To vnderstand , what hir swete notes might meane . And in that thought , ( my whole desire to haue ) I fell on sleepe , as I on staffe did leane . And in my slomber , had I such a sight , As yet to thinke theron doth glad my minde . Me thought I sawe a derling of delight , A stately Nimph , a dame of heauenly kinde . Whose glittring gite , so glimsed in mine eyes , As ( yet ) I not , what proper hew it bare , Ne therewithal , my wits can weldeuise , To whom I might hir louely lookes compare . But trueth to tel , ( for al hir smyling cheere ) She cast sometimes , a grieuous frowning glance , As who would say : by this it may appeare , That Iust reuenge , is Prest for euery chance , In hir right hand , ( which to and fro did shake ) She bare a skourge , with many a knottie string , And in hir left , a snaffle Bit or brake , Bebost with gold , and many a gingling ring : She came apace , and stately did she stay , And whiles I seemd , amazed very much , The courteous dame , these words to me did say : Sir Squire ( quoth she ) since thy desire is such , To vnderstande , the notes of Phylomene , ( For so she hight , whom thou calst Nightingale ) And what the sounde , of euery note might meane , Giue eare a while , and hearken to my tale . The Gods are good , they heare the harty prayers , Of such as craue without a craftie wil , With fauor eke , they furder such affaires , As tende to good , and meane to do none il . And since thy words , were grounded on desire , Wherby much good , and little harme can growe , They graunted haue , the thing thou didst require , And louingly , haue sent me here by lowe , To paraphrase , the piteous pleasant notes , Which Phylomene , doth darkely spend in spring , For he that wel , Dan Nasoes verses notes , Shal finde my words to be no fained thing . Giue eare ( sir Squire quoth she ) and I wil , tel Both what she was , and how hir fortunes fel.

The fable of Philomela . IN Athens reignde somtimes , A king of worthy fame , Who kept in courte a stately traine , Pandyon was his name . And had the Gods him giuen , No holly breade of happe , ( I meane such fruts as make men thinke They lye in fortunes lappe ) Then had his golden giftes , Lyen dead with him in toombe , Ne but himselfe had none endurde , The daunger of his doome . But smyling lucke , bewitcht , This peerelesse Prince to thinke , That poyson cannot be conueyde In draughts of pleasant drinke . And kinde became so kind , That he two daughters had , Of bewtie such & so well giuen , As made their father gladde . See : see : how highest harmes , Do lurke in ripest Ioyes , How couertly doth sorow shrowde , In trymmest worldely toyes . These iewels of his ioy , Became his cause of care , And bewtie was the guileful bayte , Which caught their liues in Snare . For Tereus Lord of Thrace , Bycause he came of kings , ( So : weddings made for worldli welth Do seme triumphant things ) Was thought a worthy matche , Pandyons heire to wedde : Whose eldest daughter chosen was , To serue this king in bedde . That virgine Progne hight , And she by whom I meane , To tell this woful Tragedie , Was called Phylomene . ¶ The wedding rytes performde , The feasting done and past , To Thrace with his new wedded spouse He turneth at the last . Where many dayes in mirth , And iolytie they spent , Both satisfied with deepe delight , And cloyde with al content . ¶ At last the dame desirde Hir sister for to see , Such coles of kindely loue did seme Within hir brest to be . She praies hir Lorde , of grace , He graunts to hir request , And hoist vp saile , to seke the coaste , Where Phylomene doth rest . He past the foming seas , And findes the pleasant porte , Of Athens towne , which guided him To King Pandyons court . There : ( louingly receivde , And ) welcomde by the king , He shewde the cause , which thither then Did his ambassade bring . His father him embrast , His sister kist his cheeke , 〈◊〉 al the court his comming was Reioyst of euerie Greeke . Oh see the sweete deceit , Which blindeth worldly wits . How common peoples loue by lumpes , And fancie comes by fits . The foe in friendly wise , Is many times embraste , And he which meanes most faith & troth By grudging is disgrast . ¶ Faire Phylomene came forth In comely garments cladde , As one whom newes of sisters helth Had moued to be gladde , Or womans wil ( perhappes ) Enflamde hir haughtie harte , To get more grace by crummes of cost , And princke it out hir parte . Whom he no sooner sawe ( I meane this Thracian prince ) But streight therwith his fancies fume All reason did conuince . And as the blazing bronde , Might kindle rotten reeds : Euen so hir looke a secret flame , Within his bosome breedes . He thinkes alley sure long Til he ( with hir ) were gone , And hir he makes to moue the mirth , Which after made hir mone . Loue made him eloquent And if he cravde too much , He then excusde him selfe , and saide That Prognes words were such . His teares confirmed all Teares : like to sisters teares , As who shuld say by these fewe drops Thy sisters griefe appeares . So finely could he saine , Thàt wickednesse seemde wit , And by the lawde of his pretence , His lewdnesse was acquit . Yea Phylomene set forth The force of his request , And cravde ( with sighes ) hir fathers leaue To be hirsisters guest . And hoong about his necke And collingly him kist , And for hir welth did seke the woe Wherof she little wist . Meane while stoode Tereus , Beholding their affectes , And made those pricks ( for his desire ) A spurre in al respects . And wisht himselfe hir sire , When she hir sire embrast , For neither kith nor kin could then Haue made his meaning chast . ¶ The Grecian king had not The powre for to denay , His own deare child , & sonne in lawe The thing that both did pray . And downe his daughter falles , To thanke him on hir knee , Supposing that for good successe , Which hardest happe must be . But ( least my tale seeme long , ) Their shipping is preparde : And to the shore this aged Greeke , Ful princely did them guard . There ( melting into mone ) He vsde this parting speech : Daughter ( quoth he ) you haue desire Your sisters court to seech . Your sister seemes like wise , Your companie to craue , That craue you both , & Tereus here The selfe same thing would haue . Ne coulde I more withstande So many deepe desires , But this ( quoth he ) remember al ) Your father you requires , And thee ( my sonne of Thrace , ) I constantly coniure , By faith , by kin , by men , by gods , And al that seemeth sure , That father like , thou fende My daughter deare from scathe , And ( since I counte al leasure long ) Returne hir to me rathe . And thou my Phylomene , ( Quoth he ) come soone againe , Thy sisters absence puts thy syre , To too much priuie paine , Herewith he kist hir cheeke , And sent a second kisse For Prognes part : and ( bathde with teares ) His daughter doth he blisse . And tooke the Thracyans hand , For token of his truth , Who rather laught his teares to scorn , Than wept with him for ruth . The sayles are fully spredde , And winds did serue at will , And forth this traitour king conueies His praie in prison still . Ne could the Barbrous bloud , Conceale his filthy fyre , Hey : Victorie ( quoth he ) my shippe Is fraught with my desire . Wherewith he fixt his eyes , Vppon hir fearefull face . And stil behelde hir gestures all , And all hir gleames of grace . Ne could he loke a side , But like the cruel catte Which gloating casteth many a glanc Vpon the selly ratte . ¶ Why hold I long discourse ? They now are come on lande , And forth of ship the feareful wenche He leadeth by the hande Vnto a selly shrowde , A sheepecote closely builte Amid the woodds , where many a lamb Their guiltlesse bloud had spilte , There ( like a lambe , ) she stoode , And askte with trimbling voice , Where Progne was , whose only sight Might make hir to reioyce . Wherewith this caytife king His lust in lewdnesse lapt , And with his filthy fraude ful fast This simple mayde entrapt . And forth he floong the raines , Vnbridling blinde desire , And ment of hir chast minde to make A fewel for his fire . And al alone ( alone ) With force he hir supprest , And made hir yelde the wicked weede Whose flowre he liked best . What could the virgine doe ? She could not runne away , Whose forward feete , his harmfull hands With furious force did stay . Ahlas what should she fight ? Fewe women win by fight : Hir weapons were but weake ( god knows ) And he was much of might . It booted not to crie , Since helpe was none at hande , And stil before hir feareful face , Hir cruel foe did stande . And yet she ( weping ) cride , Vppon hir sisters name , Hir fathers , and hir brothers ( oh ) Whose facte did foyle hir fame . And on the Gods she calde , For helpe in hir distresse , But al in vaine : he wrought his wil , Whose lust was not the lesse . ¶ The filthie fact once done , He gaue hir leaue to greete . And there she sat much like a birde , New scapte from falcons feete , Whose blood embrues hir selfe , And sitts in sorie plight , Ne dare she proine hir plumes again , But feares a second flight . At last when hart came home , Discheveld as she sate , With hands vphelde , she tried hir tongue , To wreake hir woful fate . O Barbrous Greeke ( quoth she ) By Barbrous deeds disgrast , Coulde no kinde coale , nor pitties sparke , Within thy brest be plaste ? Could not my fathers hests , Nor my most ruthful teares , My maydenhoode , nor thine owne yoke , Affright thy minde with feares ? Could not my sisters loue Once quench thy filthy lust ? Thou foilst vs al , and eke thy selfe , We griev'd , and thou vniust . By thee I haue defilde My dearest sisters bedde By thee I compt the life but lost , Which too too long I ledde . By thee ( thou Bigamus ) Our fathers griefe must growe , Who daughters twain , ( & two too much ) Vppon thee did bestowe . But since my faulte , thy facte , My fathers iust offence , My sisters wrong , with my reproche , I cannot so dispence . If any Gods be good If right in heauen do raigne , If right or wrong may make reuenge , Thou shalt be paide againe . And ( wicked ) doe thy wurst , Thou canst no more but kil : And oh that death ( before this gilte ) Had ouercome my will . Then might my soule beneath , Haue triumpht yet and saide , That though I died discontent , I livde and dide a mayde . ¶ Herewith hir swelling sobbes , Did tie hir tong from talke , Whiles yet the Thracian tyrant ( there ) To heare these words did walke . And skornefully he cast At hir a frowning glaunce , Which made the mayde tostriue for spech , And stertling from hir traunce , ¶ I wil reuenge ( quoth she ) For here I shake off shame , And wil ( my selfe ) bewray this facte Therby to foile thy fame . A midde the thickest throngs ( If I haue leaue to go ) I will pronounce this bloudie deede , And blotte thine honor so . If I in deserts dwel , The woods , my words shal heare , The holts , the hilles , the craggie rocks , Shall witnesse with me beare . I wil so fil the ayre With noyse of this thine acte , That gods and men in heauen and earth Shal note thy naughtie facte . ¶ These words amazde the king . Conscience with choller straue . But rage so rackte his restles thought , That now he gan to raue . And from his sheath a knife Ful despratly he drawes , Wherwith he cut the guiltlesse tong Out of hir tender iawes . The tong that rubde his gall , The tong that tolde but truthe , The tong that movde him to be mad , And should haue moued ruth . And from his hand with spight This trustie tongue he cast , Whose roote , and it ( to wreake this wrong Did wagge yet wondrous fast . So stirres the serpents taile When it is cut in twaine , And so it seemes that weakest willes , ( By words ) would ease their paine . I blush to tell this tale , But sure best books say this : That yet the butcher did not blush Hir bloudy mouth to kisse . And ofte hir bulke embrast , And ofter quencht the fire , Which kindled had the furnace first , Within his soule desire . Not herewithal content , To Progne home he came , Who askt him streight of Philomene : He ( fayning griefe for game , ) Brust out in bitter teares , And sayde the dame was dead , And falsly tolde , what wery life Hir father ( for hir ) ledde . The Thracian Queene cast off Hir gold , and gorgeous weede , And drest in dole , bewailde hir death Whom she thought dead in deede . A sepulchre she builds ( But for a liuing corse , ) And praide the gods on sisters soule To take a iust remorse : And offred sacrifice , To all the powers aboue . Ah traiterous Thracian Tereus , This was true force of loue . ¶ The heauens had whirld aboute Twelue yeeres in order due And twelue times euery flowre and plant , Their liueries did renew , Whiles Philomene full close In shepcote stil was clapt , Enforst to bide by stonie walles Which fast ( in hold ) hir hapt . And as those walles forbadde Hir feete by flight to scape , So was hir tong ( by knife ) restrainde , For to reueale this rape No remedie remaynde , But onely womans witte , Which sodainly in queintest chance Can best it selfe acquit . And Miserie ( amongst ) Tenne thousand mischieues moe , Learnes pollicie in practises , As proofe makes men to knowe . With curious needle worke , A garment gan she make , Wherin she wrote what bale she bode , And al for bewties sake . This garment gan she giue To trustie Seruants hande , Who streight cō●●id it to the queen Of Thracian Tirants lande . When Progne red the writ , ( A wondrous tale to tell ) She kept it close : though malice made Hir venging hart to swell . And did deferre the deede , Til time and place might serue , But in hir minde a sharpe reuenge , She fully did reserue . O silence seldome seene , That women counsell keepe , The cause was this , she wakt hir wits And lullde hir tong on sleepe . I speake against my sex , So haue I done before , But truth is truth , and muste be tolde Though daunger keepe the dore . The thirde yeres rytes renewed , Which Bacchus to belong , And in that night the queene prepares Reuenge for al hir wrong . She ( girt in Bacchus gite ) With sworde hir selfe doth arme , With wreathes of vines about hir browes And many a needles charme . And forth in furie flings , Hir handmaides following fast , Vntil with hastie steppes she founde The shepecote at the last , There howling out aloude , As Bacchus priests do crie , She brake the dores , and found the place Where Philomene did lye . And toke hir out by force , And drest hir Bacchus like , And hid hir face with boughes and leaues ( For being knowen by like . ) And brought hir to hir house , But when the wretch it knewe , That now againe she was so neere To Tereus vntrue . She trembled est for dreade , And lookt like ashes pale . But Progne ( now in priuie place ) Set silence al to sale , And tooke the garments off , Discouering first hir face , And sister like did louingly Faire Phylomene embrace . There she ( by shame abasht ) Held downe hir weeping eyes , As who should say : Thy right ( by me ) Is refte in wrongful wise . And down on ground she falles , Which ground she kist hir fill , As witnesse that the filthie facte Was done against hir wil. And cast hir hands to heauen , In steede of tong to tell , What violence the lecher vsde , And howe hee did hir quell . Wherewith the Queene brake off Hir piteous pearcing plainte , And sware with sworde ( no teares ) to venge The crafte of this constrainte . Or if ( quoth she ) there bee Some other meane more sure , More stearne , more stoute , than naked sword Some mischiefe to procure , I sweare by al the Gods , I shall the same embrace , To wreake this wrong with bloudie hande Vppon the king of Thrace . Ne will I spare to spende My life in sisters cause , In sisters ? ah what saide I wretch ? My wrong shall lende me lawes . I wil the pallace burne , With al the princes pelfe , And in the midst of flaming fire , Wil caste the king him selfe . I wil scrat out those eyes , That taught him first to lust , Or teare his tong from traitors throte , Oh that reuenge were iust . Or let me carue with knife , The wicked Instrument , Wherewith he , thee , and me abusde ( I am to mischiefe bent . ) Or sleeping let me seeke To sende the soule to hel , Whose barbarous bones for filthy force , Did seeme to beare the bel . ¶ These words and more in rage Pronounced by this dame , Hir little sonne came leaping in Which Itis had to name . Whose presence , could not please For ( vewing well his face , ) Ah wretch ( quoth she ) how like he groweth Vnto his fathers grace . And therwithal resolvde A rare reuenge in deede Wheron to thinke ( withouten words ) My woful hart doth bleede . But when the lad lokt vp ; And cheerefully did smile , And hung about his mothers necke With easie weight there while , And kist ( as children vse ) His angrie mothers cheeke , Hir minde was movde to much remorce And mad became ful meeke . Ne could she teares refrayne , But wept against hir will , Such tender rewth of innocence , Hir cruell moode did kill . At last ( so furie wrought ) Within hir brest she felt , That too much pitie made hir minde Too womanlike to melt , And saw hir sister sit , With heauy harte and cheere , And now on hir , and then on him , Full lowringly did leare , Into these words she brust ( Quoth she ) why flatters he ? And why againe ( with tong cut out ) So sadly sitteth shee ? He , mother , mother calles , She sister cannot say , That one in earnest doth lament , That other whines in plaie . Pandions line ( quoth she ) Remember stil your race , And neuer marke the subtil shewes Of any Soule in Thrace . You should degenerate , I fright reuenge you slake , More right reuenge can neuer bee , Than this reuenge to make . Al ill that may be thought , Al mischiefe vnder skies , Were pietie compard to that Which Tereus did deuise . ¶ She holds no longer hande , But ( Tygrelike ) she toke The little boy ful boistrously Who now for terror quooke Aud ( crauing mothers helpe , ) She ( mother ) toke a blade , And in hir sonnes smal tender hart An open wound she made . The cruel dede dispatcht , Betwene the sisters twaine They tore in peces quarterly The corps which they had slaine . Some part , they hoong on hooks , The rest they laide to fire , And on the table caused it , Be set before the sire . And counterfaite a cause ( As Grecians order then ) That at such feasts ( but onely one ) They might abide no men . He knowing not their crafte , Sat downe alone to eate , And hungerly his owne warme bloud Deuoured there for meate . His ouersight was such , That he for It is sent , Whose murdered members in his mawe , He priuily had pent . No longer Progne then , Hir ioy of griefe could hide , The thing thou seekst ( ò wretch Within thee doth abide . ( quoth she ) Wherwith ( he waxing wroth ) And searching for his sonne ) Came forth at length , faire Philomene By whom the griefe begonne , And ( clokt in Bacchus copes , Wherwith she then was cladde , ) In fathers bosom cast the head Of It is selly ladde : Nor euer in hir life Had more desire to speake , Than now : wherby hir madding mood Might al hir malice wreake . ¶ The Thracian prince stert vp , Whose hart did boyle in brest , To feele the foode and see the sawce , Which he could not disgest . And armed ( as he was ) He followed both the Greekes , On whom ( by smarte of sword , and A sharpe reuenge he sekes . flame ) But when the heauenly benche , These bloudie deedes did see , And found that bloud stil couits bloud And so none ende could be . They then by their forsight Thought meete to stinte the strife , And so restraind the murdring king , From sister and from wife . So that by their decree , The yongest daughter fledde Into the thicks , where couertly , A cloister life she ledde . And yet to ease hir woe , She worthily can sing , And as thou hearst , can please the eares Of many men in spring . The eldest dame and wife A Swallowe was assignde , And builds in smoky chimney toppes And flies against the winde . The king him selfe condemnde , A Lapwing for to be , Who for his yong ones cries alwais , Yet neuer can them see . The lad a Pheasaunt cocke For his degree hath gaind , Whose blouddie plumes declare the bloud Wherwith his face was staind . ¶ But there to turne my tale , An expotion of al such notes as the nightingale do● commonly . vse to sing The which I came to tell , The yongest dame to forrests fled , And there is dampnde to dwell . And Nightingale now namde Which ( Philomela hight ) Delights for ( feare of force againe ) To sing alwayes by night . But when the sunne to west , Doth bende his weerie course , Then Phylomene records therewth , Which craueth iust remorse . 1 And for hir foremost note , Tereu Tereu , doth sing , Complaining stil vppon the name Of that false Thracian king . Much like the childe at schole With byrchen rodds sore beaten , If when he go to bed at night His maister chaunce to threaten , In euery dreame he starts , And ( ô good maister ) cries , Euen so this byrde vppon that name , Hir foremost note replies . Or as the red breast byrds , Whome prettie Merlynes hold Ful fast in foote , by winters night To fende themselues from colde : Though afterwards the hauke , For pitie let them scape , Yet al that day , they fede in feare , And doubte a second rape . And in the nexter night , Ful many times do crie , Remembring yet the ruthful plight Wherein they late did lye . Euen so this selly byrde , Though now transformde in kinde , Yet euermore hir pangs forepast , She beareth stil in minde . And in hir foremost note , She notes that cruel name , By whom she lost hir pleasant speech And foiled was in fame . 2 ¶ Hir second note is fye , In Greeke and latine phy , In english fy , and euery tong That euer yet read I. Which word declares disdaine , Or lothsome leying by Of any thing we tast , heare , touche , Smel , or beholde with eye . In tast , phy sheweth some sowre , In hearing , some discorde , In touch , some foule or filthy toye , In smel , some sent abhorde . In sight , some lothsome loke , And euery kind of waie , This by word phy betokneth bad , And things to cast away . So that it semes hir well , Phy , phy , phy , phy , to sing , Since phy befytteth him so well In euery kind of thing . Phy filthy lecher lewde , Phy false vnto thy wife , Phy coward phy , ( on womankinde ) To vse thy cruel knife . Phy for thou wert vnkinde , Phy false , and foule forsworne , Phy monster made of murdring mould Whose like was neuer borne . Phy agony of age , Phy ouerthrowe of youth , Phy mirrour of mischeuousnesse , Phy , tipe of al vntruth . Phy fayning forced teares , Phy forging fyne excuse , Phy periury , fy blasphemy , Phy bed of al abuse . These phyes , and many moe , Pore Philomene may meane , And in hir selfe she findes percase , Some phy that was vncleane . For though his fowle offence , May not defended bee , Hir sister yet , and she transgrest , Though not so deepe as he . His doome came by deserte , Their dedes grewe by disdaine , But men must leaue reuenge to Gods , What wrong soeuer raigne . Then Progne phy for thee , Which kildst thine only child , Phy on the cruel crabbed hart Which was not movde with milde . Phy phy , thou close conveydst A secret il vnsene . Where ( good to kepe in councelclose ) Had putrifide thy splene . Phy on thy sisters facte , And phy hir selfe doth sing , Whose lack of tong nere toucht hir so As when it could not sting . Phy on vs both saith she , The father onely faulted , And we ( the father free therewhile ) The selly sonne assalted . 3 ¶ The next note to hir phy Is Iug , Iug , Iug , I gesse , That might I leaue to latynists By learning to expresse . Some commentaries make About it much adoe : If it should onely Iugum meane Or Jugulator too . Some thinke that Iugum is The Iug , she iugleth so , But Iugulator is the word That doubleth al hir woe . For when she thinkes there on , She beares them both in minde , Him , breaker of his bonde in bed , Hir , killer of hir kinde . As fast as furies force Hir thoughts on him to thinke , So fast hir conscience choks hir vp , And wo to wrong doth linke . At last ( by griefe constrainde ) It boldely breaketh out , And makes the hollow woods to ring With Eccho round about . 4 ¶ Hir next most note ( to note ) I neede no helpe at al , For I my selfe the partie am On whom she then doth call . She calles on Némesis And Némesis am I , The Goddesse of al iust reuenge , Who let no blame go by . This bridle bost with gold , I beare in my left hande , To holde men backe in rashest rage , Vntil the cause be scand . And such as like that bitte And beare it willingly , May scape this scourge in my right hand Although they trode awry . But if they hold on head , And scorne to beare my yoke , Oft times they buy the rostful deare , It smelleth of the smoke . This is the cause ( sir Squire Quoth she ) that Phylomene Doth cal so much vpon my name , She to my lawes doth leane : She feeles a iust reuenge . Of that which she hath done , Constrainde to vse the day for night , And makes the moone hir sunne . Ne can she now complaine , ( Although she lost hir tong ) For since that time , ne yet before , No byrde so swetely soong . That gift we Gods hir gaue , To countervaile hir woe , I sat on bench in heauen my selfe When it was graunted so . And though hir foe be fledde , But whither knowes not she , And like hir selfe transformed eke A selly byrde to bee : On him this sharpe reuenge The Gods and I did take , He neither can beholde his brats , Nor is belovde of make . As soone as coles of kinde Haue warmed him to do The selly shift of dewties dole Which him belongeth to : His hen straight way him hates , And flieth farre him fro , And close conueis hir eggs from him , As from hir mortal foe . As sone as she hath hatcht , Hir little yong ones runne , For feare their dame should serue them efte , As Progne had begonne . And rounde about the fields The furious father flies , To seke his sonne , and filles the ayre With loude lamenting cries . This lothsome life he leads , By our almightie dome , And thus sings she , where company But very seldome come . Now lest my faithful tale For fable should be taken , And therevpon my curtesie , By thee might be forsaken : Remember al my words , And beare them wel in minde , And make thereof a metaphore , So shalt thou quickly finde , Both profite and pastime , In al that I thee tel : I knowe thy skill wil serue therto , And so ( quoth she ) farewell . Wherewith ( me thought ) she flong so fast away , The author contineweth his discourse and concludeth That scarce I could , hir seemely shaddow see . At last : my staffe ( which was mine onely stay ) Did slippe , and I , must needes awaked be , Against my wil did I ( God knowes ) awake , For willingly I could my selfe content , Seuen dayes to sleepe for Philomelâs sake , So that my sleepe in such swete thoughts were spent . But you my Lord which reade this ragged verse , Forgiue the faults of my so sleepy muse , Let me the heast of Némesis rehearse , For sure I see , much sense therof ensues . I seeme to see ( my Lord ) that lechers lust , Procures the plague , and vengaunce of the highest , I may not say , but God is good and iust , Although he scourge the furdest for the nighest : The fathers fault lights sometime on the sonne , Yea foure discents it beares the burden stil , Whereby it falles ( when vaine delight is done ) That dole steppes in and wields the world at wil. O whoredom , whoredome , hope for no good happe , The best is bad that lights on lechery And ( al wel weyed ) he sits in Fortunes lappe , Which feeles no sharper scourge than beggery . You princes peeres you comely courting knights , Which vse al arte to marre the maidens mindes , Which win al dames with baite of fonde delights , Which bewtie force , to loose what bountie bindes : Thinke on the scourge that Némesis doth beare , Remember this , that God ( although he winke ) Doth see al sinnes that euer secret were . ( Vae vobis ) then which still in sinne do sinke . Gods mercy lends you brydles for desire , Hold backe betime for feare you catch a foyle , The flesh may spurre to euerlasting fire , But sure , that horse which tyreth like a roile , And lothes the griefe of his forgalded sides , Is better , much than is the harbrainde colte Which headlong runnes and for no bridle bydes , But huntes for sinne in euery hil and holte . He which is single , let him spare to spil The flowre of force , which makes a famous man : Lest when he comes to matrimonies will , His fynest graine be burnt , and ful of branne . He that is yokte and hath a wedded wife , Be wel content with that which may suffyse , And ( were no God ) yet feare of worldly strife Might make him lothe the bed where Lays lies : For though Pandyons daughter Progne shee , Were so transformde into a fethered foule , Yet seemes she not withouten heires to be , Who ( wrongde like hir ) ful angrely can scoule , And beare in brest a right reuenging mode , Til time and place , may serue to worke their will . Ye a surely some , the best of al the broode ( If they had might ) with furious force would kil . But force them not , whose force is not to force . And way their words as blasts of blustring winde , Which comes ful calme , when stormes are past by course : Yet God aboue that can both lose & bynde , Wil not so soone appeased be therefore , He makes the male , of female to be hated , He makes the sire go sighing wondrous sore , Because the sonne of such is seldome rated . I meane the sonnes of such rash sinning sires , Are seldome sene to runne a ruly race . But plagude ( be like ) by fathers foule desires Dogadde a broade , and lacke the guide of grace . Then ( Lapwinglike ) the father flies about , And howles and cries to see his children stray , Where he him selfe ( and no man better ) mought Haue taught his bratts to take a better way . Thus men ( my Lord ) be Metamorphosed , From seemely shape , to byrds , and ougly beastes : Yea brauest dames , ( if they amisse once tredde ) Finde bitter sauce , for al their pleasant feasts . They must in fine condemned be to dwell In thickes vnseene , in mewes for minyons made , Vntil at last , ( if they can bryde it wel ) They may chop chalke , & take some better trade . Beare with me ( Lord ) my lusting dayes are done , Fayre Phylomene for bad me fayre and flat To like such loue , as is with lust begonne . The lawful loue is best , and I like that . Then if you see , that ( Lapwinglike ) I chaunce , To leape againe , beyond my lawful reache , ( I take hard taske ) or but to giue a glaunce , At bewties blase : for such a wilful breache , Of promise made , my Lord shal do no wrong , To say ( George ) thinke on Phylomelâes song . FINIS . Tam Marti , quàm Mercurio . ANd thus my very good L. may se how cobler like I haue clouted a new patch to an olde sole , beginning this complainte of Philomene , in Aprill , 1562. continuing it a little furder in Aprill . 1575 and now , thus finished this thirde day of Aprill . 1576. A. which mine April showers are humbly sent vnto your good Lordship , for that I hope very shortly to see the May flowers of your fauour , which I desire , more than I can deserue . And yet rest Your Lordships bownden and assured .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

Notes for div iaty-e40060

Notes for div iaty-e53740