Lady Pecunia, or The praise of money Also a combat betwixt conscience and couetousnesse. Togither with, the complaint of poetry, for the death of liberality. Newly corrected and inlarged, by Richard Barnfield, graduate in Oxford.

Lady Pecunia , OR The praise of Money .

Also A Combat betwixt Conscience and Couetousnesse .

Togither with , The complaint of Poetry , for the death of Liberality .

Newly corrected and inlarged , by Richard Barnfield , Graduate in Oxford .

Printed by W. I. and are to bee sold by Iohn Hodgets dwelling in Paules Churchyard a little beneath Paules Schoole , 1605.

The Authors first Epistle Dedicatory . LEd by the swift report of winged Fame , with siluer trumpet , sounding forth your name To you I dedicate this merry Muse , And for my Patron , I your fauour chuse : She is a Lady , she must be respected : She is a Queene , she may not be neglected . This is the shadow , you the substance haue , Which substance now this shadow seems to craue . Richard Barnfield .

To the gentlemen Readers .

GEntlemen , being incouraged through your gentle acceptance of my Cynthia , I haue once more ventred on your curtesies : hoping to find you ( as I haue done heretofore ) friendly . Being determined to writ of something , and yet not resolued of anything , I considered with my selfe , if one should write of Loue ( they will say ) euerie one writes of Loue : if of vertue , why , who regards vertue ; To be short , I could thinke of nothing , but either it was common , or not at all in request . At length I beethoght my selfe of a Subiect , both new ( as hauing neuer been written vpon before ) and pleasing ( as I thought ) because Mans Nature commonlye ) loues to heare that praised , with whose presence , he is most pleased .

Erasmus ( the glory of Netherland , and the refiner of the Latin Tongue ) wrote a whole Booke , in the praise of follye . Then if so excellent a Scholler , writ in praise of vanity , why maye not I write in praise of that which is profitable ? There are not two Countreys , where Gold is esteemed , lesse than in India , and more then in England : the reason is , because the Indians are barbarous , and our Nation ciuill .

I haue giuen Pecunia the title of a Woman , Both for the termination of the Word , because ( as Women are ) shee is lou'd of men . The brauest voyages in the World , haue been made for Gold : for it , men haue ventured ( by Sea ) o the furthest partes of the earth : In the pursute whereof , Englandes Nestor and Neptune ( Hawkins and Drake ) lost their liues . vpon the Deaths of the which two , of the first I writ this : The Waters were his winding Sheete , the Sea was made his Toombe , Yes for his Fame the Ocean Sea , was not sufficient roome . Of the latter this : England his Hart , his Corps the Waters haue , And that which raisd his Fame , became his graue .

The Praetorians ( after the death of Pertinax ) in the election of a new Emperour , more esteemed the money of Iulianus , then either the vertue of Seuerus , or the valour of Pessennius . Then of what great estimation , this Lady Pecunia , both hath beene in the world , and is at this present , I leaue to your Iudgement . But what speak I so much of her praise in my Epistle , that haue commended her so at large , in my Booke ; To the reading whereof , ( Gentlemen ) I refer you .

Lady Pecunia . OR The praise of Money . I Sing not of Angellica the faire , ( For whom the Palladine of Fraunce fel mad ) Nor of sweet Rosamond , old Cliffords heire , ( Whose death did make the second Henry sad ) But of the fairest faire Pecunia , The famous Queene of rich America . 2 Goddesse of Gold , great Empresse of the Earth , O thou that canst doo all Thinges vnder Heauen : That doost conuert the saddest mind to Mirth : ( Of whom the elder age was quite bereauen ) Of thee I le sing , and in thy Praise I le write ; You golden Angels helpe me to indite . 3 You , you alone , can make my Muse to speake ; And tell a golden tale , with siluer tongue : You onely can my pleasing silence breake ; And adde some Musique , to a merry Songue ; But amongst all the fiue , in Musicks Art , I worst can brooke the Countcr-tenor part . 4 the Meane is best , and that I meane to keepe , So shall I keepe my selfe from that I meane ; Lest with some Others , I be forc'd to weepe , And cry Peccaui , in a dolefull Scaene . But to the matter which I haue in hand , The Lady Regent , both by Sea and Land . 5 When Saturne liu'd , and wore the Kingly Crowne , ( And Ioue was yet vnborn , but not vnbred ) this Ladies fame was then of no renown ; ( For Gold was then , no more esteem'd then Lead ) then truth and Honesty were onely vs'd , Siluer and Golde were vtterly refus'd . 6 But when the Worlde grew wiser in Conceit , And saw how men in manners did decline , How Charitie began to lose her heate , And One did at anothers good repine , Then did the Aged , first of all respect her , And vowd from thence-forth , neuer to reiect her . 7 Thus with the World , her beauty did increase , And many Suters had she to obtaine her : Some sought her in the Wars ; and some in peace ; But few of youthfull age , could euer gaine her : Or if they did , she soone was gon againe , And could with them , but little time remaine . 8 For why against the Nature of her Sexe , ( That commonly despise the feeble Olde ) Shee , loues old men : but yong men she reiects , Because to her , their Loue is quickly colde : Oldemen ( like Husbands iealous of their Wiues ) Lock her vp fast , and keepe her as their liues . 9 The young man carelesse to maintaine his life , Neglects her loue ( as though he did abhor her ) Like one that hardly doth obtaine a wife , And when he hath her once , he cares not for her , Shee , seeing that the yong man doth despise her Leaues the franke hart , and flyes vnto the miser . 10 He entertaines her , with a ioyfull hart , And seemes to rue her vndeserued wrong : And from his presence , she shall neuer part , Or if she doe , he thinkes her absence long : And oftentimes he sends for her againe , Whose life without her , cannot long remaine . 11 And when he hath her , in his owne possession , He locks her in an yron-barred chest ; And doubting somewhat , of the like Transgression , He holds that yron-walled Prison best . And least some Rusty sicknes should infect her , He often visits her , and doth respect her . 12 As for the yong man ( subiect vnto sinne ) No maruell thogh the Diuell doe distresse him ; To tempt mans frailty , which doth neuer linne , Who many times , hath not a Crosse to blesse him : But how can he incurre the heauens Cursse , That hath so many Crosses in his purse ? 13 He needs not fear those wicked sprights that walke , Vnder the couerture of Cole-blacke Night ; For why the Diuell still , a Crosse doth baulke , Because on it , was hangde the Lord of Light : But let not Mysers trust to Siluer Crosses , Least in the end , their gaines be turnd to losses . 14 But what care they , so they may hoord vp golde ? Either for God , or Deuill , or heauen , or hell ? So they may faire Pecuniaes face behold ; And euerie daie , their Mounts of Money tell . What tho to count their Coine , they neuer blin , Count they their coin , & counts not god their sin ? 15 But what talke I of sinne , to Vsurers ? Or looke for mendment , at a Mysers hand ? Pecunia , hath so many followers , Bootlesse it is , her Power to withstand . King Couetise , and warinesse his wife , The parents were , that first did giue her life . 16 But now vnto her praise I will proceed , Which is as ample as the world is wide : What great Contentment doth her presence breed In him , that can his wealth with Wisdome guide ? Shee is the Soueraine Queene of all Delights : For her the Lawyer pleads , the Souldier fights . 17 For her , the Merchant ventures on the Seas , For her , the Scholler studdies at his booke ; For her , the Vsurer ( with greater ease ) For silly fishes , layes a siluer hooke ; For her the Townesman leaues the contry vilage For her the Plowman giues himselfe to Tillage . 18 For her , the Gentleman doth raise his rentes , For her , the Seruingman attends his mayster : For her , the curious head new toyes inuents ; For her , to sores , the Surgeon layes his playster . In fine for her , each man in his Uocation , Applies himselfe , in euery sev'rall Nation . 19 What can thy hart desire , but thou mayst haue it , If thou haue readie money to disburse ? Then thanke thy Fortune , that so freely gaue it , For of all friendes , the surest is thy Pursse . Friends may proue fals , & leaue thee in thy need But still thy pursse will be thy friend indeed . 20 Admit thou come into a place vnknowne , And no man wots of whence , or what thou art : If once thy fayre Pecunia , she be showne , Thou art esteemd a man of great Desart : And placed at the Tables vpper end , Not for thine owne sake , but thy trusty friende . 21 But if you want your Ladies louely grace , And haue not wherwithall to pay your shot , Your Hostis presently will step in Place , You are a Stranger ( Sir ) know you not : By trusting Diuers , I am run in Det ; Therefore of mee , nor meate nor Bed you get . 22 O who can then , expresse the worthie praise , Which faire Pecunia iustly doth desarue ? That can the meanest man , to Honour raise : And feed the soule that ready is to starue . Affection , which was wont to be so pure , Against his golden Siege , may not endure . 23 Witnesse the Trade of Mercenarie sinne ; ( Or Occupation , if you list to tearme it ) Where faire Pecunia must the suite beginne ; ( As common-tride Experience doth confirme it ) Not Mercurie himselfe , with siluer Tongue , Can so inchaunt , as can a golden Songue . 24 When nothing could subdue the Phrygian Troy , ( That Cittie throgh the world so much renowned ) Pecunia did her vtterlie destroy : And left her fame in darke Obliuion drowned . And manie Citties since , no lesse in fame , For Loue of her , haue yeelded to their shame . 25 What thing is then so well belov'd as monie ? It is a speciall comfort to the mind ; More faire then women are , more sweet than honie : Easie to loose , but verie harde to finde . In fine , to him , whose purse begins to faint , Golde is a God , and Siluer is a Saint . 26 The time was once , when Honestie was counted A Demie-God , and so esteem'd of all : But now Pecunia on his Seate is mounted ; Since Honestie in great disgrace did fall . No state , no Calling now , dooth him esteeme ; Nor of the other ill , doeth any deeme . 27 The reason is , because he is so poore : ( And who respects the poore , and needy Creature ? ) Still begging of his almes , from Doore to dore ; All ragd , and torne , and eeke deformd in feature . In countenance so changde , that non can kno him , So weake that euery vice doth ouerthrow him . 28 But fayre Pecunia , ( most diuinely bred ) for sundrie shapes , doth Proteus selfe surpasse , In one Land , she is suted all in Lead , And in another , she is clad in Brasse ; But still within the Coast of Albion , She euer puts her best Apparell on . 29 Siluer and Golde , and nothing else is currant , In England , in faire Englands happy Land , All baser sortes of Mettals , haue no Warrant , Yet secretlie they Slip , from hand to hand . If any such be tooke , the same is lost , And presently is nailed on a Post. 30 Which with Quick-siluer , being flourisht ouer , Seemes to be perfect Siluer , to the show : As Woemens paintings , their defects doe couer , Vnder this false attire , so do they go . If on a wollen Cloth , thou rub the same , Then wil it straight beginne to blush , for shame . 31 If chafed on thy haire , till it be hot , If it good Siluer be , the scent is sweet : If counterfeit , thy chafing hath begot A ranke-smelt sauour ; for a Queene vnmeete : Pecunia is a Queene , for her Desarts , And in the Decke , may go for Queene of harts . 32 The Queene of harts , because she rules all harts ; And hath all harts , obedient to her Will : Whose Bounty , fame vnto the World imparts ; And with her glory , all the World doth fill : The Queene of Diamonds , she cannot be ; There was but one , Eliza , thou wast shee . 33 And thou wast she , O Sacred Soueraigne ; Whom God did ayde with his Al-mighty hand : Blessing thy People , with thy peacefull raigne ; And made this little Land a happy Land : Thy peace on earth begun , in heauen made pure , There cround with lasting ioy : ô ioy most sure ! 34 The time was once , when faire Pecunia , here , Did basely goe attyred all in Leather : But in Elizaes raigne , it did appeare , Most richly clad ; in Golde , or Siluer either : Nor reason is it , that her Golden raigne With baser Coyne , eclipsed should remaine . 35 And as the Coine shee did repurifie , From baser substance , to the purrest Mettels : Religion so , did shee refine beside , From Papistrie , to truth ; which dayly settles Within the Peoples harts ; though some there be , That cleaue vnto their wonted Papistrie . 36 No flocke of sheepe , but some are still infected : No peece of Lawne so pure , but hath some fret : All buildings are not strong , that are errected : All Plants proue not , that in good ground are set : Some tares are sown ; amongst the choicest seed ; No garden can he cleans'd of euery Weede . 37 But now more Angels then on Earth yet weare Her golden Impresse ; haue to Heauen attended Hir Virgin-soule ; now , now she soiornes there , Tasting more ioyes then may be comprehended . Life , she hath changde for life ( oh countlesse gaine ) An earthlie rule , for an eternall Raigne . 38 Such a Successor leauing in her stead , So peerelesse worthie , and so Royall wise ; In him her vertues liue , though she be dead : Bountie and Zeale , in him both soueranize . To him aloue , Pecunia doth obay , He ruling her , that doth all others sway . 39 Bounty , that when she sickned , cras'd and fainted , And when she left the earth had almost died ; Hoping with her , in heauen to haue bin sainted , And mongst the rest an Angels place supplyed : This King hath cherisht , and his life assured , And of a long consumption , Bounti 's cured . 40 Plenty and Peace vpon his Throne attend , Health and Content , vpon his person wait : Conquest and Fame , his Royaltie defend , May all good Planets smile vpon his state . By whom all-drooping-vertues are reuiued , And dying-Bounty , made againe long liued . 41 The hand of Heauen still take him to his keeping , Him , in no danger , in no doubt forsaking ; A thousand of his Angels guarde him sleeping , And all the hoast of heauen protect him waking . That he in safety , peace and rest , may raigne , whilst the two Poles , the frame of heuen sustain 42 But now to her , whose praise is here pretended , ( Diuine Pecunia ) fairer then the morne : Which cannot be sufficientlie commended ; Whose sun-bright Beautie doeth the worlde adorne . Adorns the world , but speciallie the Pursse ; Without whose presence , nothing can be worse . 43 Not faire Haesione ( King Priams sister ) Did euer shew more beautie in her face , Then can this louelie Lady , if it list her To shew her selfe ; admyr'd for comely grace : Which neither Age can weare , nor Tyme conclude For why , her Beautie yearlie is renude . 44 New Coine is yearlie stamped in the Tower , But these faire daies of ioy , addes alteration : In faire Elizaes raign , none had that power ; But kingly glorie , clothes her new in fashion , Ads beautie to her beames , by adding more Then grayest haires in life , ere saw before . 45 Stand forth who can and tell , and truelie saie When England , Scotland , Ireland and France , He euer saw Pecunia to displaie Before these daies ; O wondrous happie chance . Nor doth Pecunia onelie please the eie , But charmes the eare , with heauenlie harmony . 46 Like to another Orpheus can she plaie Vpon her treble Harpe , whose siluer sound Inchants the eare , and steales the hart awaie , That hardlie the deceit thereof is found . Although such Musicke , some a shilling cost , Yet is it worth but Nine-pence , at the most . 47 But Ireland alone , this Musicks sound Being clad in Siluer , challenge for their coine , What though amongst vs much thereof be found , Authoritie , no subiect dooth inioyne Aboue his worth to countenance the same , Then men , not coin , are worthy of that blame . 48 Had I the sweet inchaunting Tongue of Tully , That charmed the hearers , like the Syrens Song ; Yet could I not discribe the Prayses fully , Which to Pecunia iustly doth belong , Let it suffice , her Beauty doeth excell ; whose praise no Pencan paint , no Tongue can tel . 49 Then how shall I describe , with artlesse Pen , The praise of her , whose prais , al praise surmounteth ? Breeding amazement , in the mindes of men ; Of whom , this present Age so much accounteth . Varietie of Words , would sooner want , Then store of plentious matters , would be scant . 50 Whether yee list , to looke into the Citty , ( Where money tempts the poore beholders eye ) Or to the Countrey Townes , deuoyde of Pitty ; ( Where to the poore , each place doth almes denie ) All things for money now , are bought and sold , That either hart can thinke , or eie behold . 51 Nay more for money ( as report doth tell ) Thou mayst obtaine a Pardon for thy sinnes : The Pope of Rome , for mony will it sell ; ( Whereby thy soule , no small saluation winnes ) But how can he ( of Pride the chiefe Beginner ) Forgiue thy sinnes , that is himselfe a sinner ? 52 Then , sith the Pope is subiect vnto sinne , No maruell tho , diuine Pecunia tempt him , With her faire beauty ; whose good-will to winne , Each one contends ; and shall wee then exempt him . Did neuer mortall man , yet looke vpon her , But straight way he became , enamourd on her . 53 Yet would I wish , the Wight that loues her so , And hath obtain'd , the like good-will againe , To vse her wisely , lest she proue his foe ; And so , in stead of Pleasure , breed his paine . She may be kislt ; but she may not be clipt , Lest such delight in bitter gall be dypt . 54 The ioyce of grapes , which is a souerai gne Thing To cheere the hart , and to reuiue the spirits ; Being vsde imoderatly ( in surfetting ) Rather Dispraise , then commendation merits , Euen so Pecunia , is , as she is vsed : Good of her selfe , but bad if once abused . 55 With her the Tenant payes the Landlords rent : On her depends the stay of euery state ; To her , rich Pressents euery day are sent : In her , it rests to end all dire Debate ; Thrugh her , to wealth , is raisd the Country Boor ; From her , proceeds much profit to the poore . 56 Then how can I sufficiently commend , her Beuties worth which maks the world to wonder ? Or End her praise , whose praises haue no End ? Whose absence brings the stoutest stomack vnder , Let it suffice , Pecunia hath no peere , No wight , no Beauty held more faire , more deere . FINIS .

The Authors prayer to Pecunia . GReat Lady , sith I haue compilde thy Praise , ( According to my skill ) and not thy merit : And sought thy Fame aboue the stars to raise , ( Had I sweet Ovids vaine , or Virgils spirit ) I craue no more but this , for my good-will , That in my Want , thou wilt supply me still .

The Combat betwixt Conscience and Couetousnesse , in the minde of Man . NOw had the cole-black steeds , of pitchie Night , ( Breathing out Darknes ) banisht cheerfull light , And sleepe ( the shaddow of eternall rest ) My seuerall sences , wholy had possest . When loe , there was presented to my view , A vision strange , yet not so strange , as true , Conscience ( me thought ) appeared vnto me , Cloth'd with good Deeds , with truth and Honesty , Her countenance demure , and sober sad , Nor any other Ornament she had . Then Couetousnesse did incounter her , Clad in a Cassock , like a Vsurer , The Cassock , it was made of poore men skinnes , Lac'd here and there , with many seuerall sinnes : Nor was it furd , with any common fur , Or if it were himselfe he was the fur . A Bag of money , in his hand he held , The which with hungry eie he still beheld . The place wherein this vision first began . ( A spacious plaine ) was cald The mind of Man . The Carle no sooner , Conscience had espyde But swelling like a Toad , ( puft vp with pride ) He straight began against her to inuey ; These were the words which Couetise did say . Conscience ( quoth he ) how dar'st thou be so bold , To claime the place , that I by right do hold ? Neither by right , nor might , thou canst obtaine it ; By might ( thou knowst ful wel ) thou canst not gain it The greatest Princes are my followars , The King in Peace , the Captaine in the Wars ; The Courtier , and the simple Countrey-man : The Iudge , the Merchant , and the Gentleman : The learned Lawyer , and the Politician : The skilfulll Surgeon , and the fine Physician ; In briefe all sortes of men me entertaine , And hold me as their Soules sole Soueraigne , And in their quarrell they will fight and die , Rather then I should suffer iniurie . And as for title , interest , and right , I le proue its mine by that as well as might . Though Couetousnesse , were vsed long before , Yet Iudas Treason made my fame the more ; When Christ he caused , crucifide to bee , For thirtie pence , man solde his mind to me : And now adaies , what tenure is more free , Then that which purchas'd is , with Gold and fee ? Conscience . With patience , haue I heard thy large Complaint , Wherein the Diuell , would be thought a Saint : But wot ye what , the Saying is of olde ? One tale is good , vntill anothers tolde . Truth is the right , that I must stand vpon , ( For other title hath poore Conscience none ) First I will proue it , By Antiquitie , That thou art but an vp-start , vnto me ; Before that thou wast euer thought vpon the mind of Man , belongd to me alone . For after that the Lord had Man Created , And him in blisse-full Paradice had seated ; ( Knowing his Nature was to vice inclynd ) God gaue me vnto man to rule his minde . And as it were his Gouernour to bee , To guide his mind , in Trueth , and Honesty . And where thou sayst , that man did sell his soule ; That Argument J quicklie can controule : Jt is a fained fable , thou dost tell , That , which is not his owne , he cannot sell ; No man can sell his soule , although he thought it : Mans soule is Christs , for he hath dearely bought it . Therefore vsurping Couetise , be gone , For why , the minde belongs to me alone . Conciousnesse . Alas poore Conscience , how thou art decay'd ? As though of senses , thou wert quite bereaud . What wilt thou say ( that thinks thou canst not erre ) If J can proue my selfe the ancienter ? Though into Adams mind God did infuse thee , Before his fall , yet man did neuer vse thee . What was it else but Auarice in Eue , ( Thinking thereby , in greater Blisse to liue ) That made her tast , of the forbidden fruite ? Ofher Desier , was not I the roote ? Did she not couet ? ( tempted by the Diuell ) The Apple of the Tree , of good and euill ? Before that man vsed Conscience , she did couet : Therefore by her Transgression , here I proue it , That Couetousnesse possest the mind of man , Before that any Conscience began . Conscience . Euen as a counterfeited precious stone , Seemes to be far more rich , to looke vpon , Then doeth the right : But when a man comes neer , His basenes then , doeth euident appeare , So Couetise , the Reasons thou dost tell , Seeme to be strong , but being weighed well . They are indeed , but onely meere Illusions , And doe inforce but very weake Conclusions . When as the Lord ( fore-knowing his offence ) Had giuen man a Charge , of Abstinence , And to refraine , the fruit of good and ill : Man had a Conscience , to obey his will , And neuer would be tempted thereunto , Vntill the Woeman , she , did worke man woe . And made him break , the Lords commaundement , Which all Mankind , did afterward repent : So that thou seest , thy Argument is vaine , And I am prov'd , the elder of the twaine . Conciousnesse . Fond Wretch , it was not Conscience but feare , That made the first man ( Adam ) to forbeare to tast the fruit , of the forbidden tree , Lest , if offending he were found to be , ( According as Jehouah saide on hie , For his so great transgression , he should die . Feare curbd his minde , it was not Conscience then , ( For Conscience freely , rules the harts of men ) And is a godly motion of the mind , to euerie vertuous action inclind , And not enforc'd through feare of Punishment , But is to vertue voluntary bent : then ( simple trul ) be packing presently , For in this place , there is no roome for thee . Conscience . Aye me ( distressed Wight ) what shall I doe ? Where shall J rest ? Or whither shall J goe ? Vnto the rich ? ( woes me ) they do abhor me : Vnto the poore ? ( alas ) they , care not for me : Vnto the Olde-man ? hee , hath me forgot : Vnto the Young-man ? yet hee , knowes me not : Vnto the Prince ? hee ; can dispence with mee : Vnto the Magistrate ? that , may not be : Vnto the Court ? for it , I am to base : Vnto the Countrey ? there I haue no place : Vnto the Citty ? thence , J am exilde : Vnto the Village ? there I am reuilde : Vnto the Bar ? the Lawyer there is bribed , Vnto the Warre ? there , conscience is derided : Vnto the temple ? there , J am disguised : vnto the Market : there , I am dispised : thus both the young and olde , the rich and poore , against me , silly creature shut theyr doore . then sith each one seeks my rebuke and shame , J le goe again to Heauen , from whence J came , this said , me thought , making exceeding mone , She went her way , and left the carle alone , who vaunting of his late-got victorie , aduaunc'd himselfe in pompe and Maiestie ; Much like a Cocke who hauing kild his foe , bricks vp himselfe and then begins to crow . So Couetise , when Conscience was departed , Gan to be proud in mind , and hautie harted : And in a stately Chaire of state he set him , ( For Conscience banisht ) there was none to let him , And being but one entrie , to this Plaine , ( Whereof as king and Lord , he did remaine ) Repentance cald , he causd that to be kept , Lest Conscience should returne , whilst as hee slept : Wherefore he causd it , to be watcht and warded both night and Daie , and to be strongly guarded : To keepe it safe , these three he did intreat , Hardnesse of heart , with Falshood , and Deceat , And if at anie time , she chaunc'd to venter , Hardnesse of hart , denid her still to enter . When Conscience was exilde the minde of Man , Than Conetise , his gouernment began . This once being seene , what I had seene before , ( being only seene in sleep , was seene no more , For with the sorrow , which my Soule did take At sight hereof , foorth with I did awake . Finis .

The Complaint of poetry , for the death of Liberality . 1 WEep heuens now , for you haue lost your light , Ye Sun and Moone , be are witnes of my mone the cleere is turnd to clouds , the daie to night , And all my hope , and all my ioie is gone : bountie is dead , the cause of my annoie : bountie is dead and with her dide my ioie . 2 O who can comfort my afflicted soule ? Or adde some end to my increasing sorrowes ? Who can deliuer me from endlesse dole ? Which from my hart eternall torment borrowes . ) When bountie liu'd , J bore the bell awaie , When bountie dide , my credite did decaie . 3 J neuer then , did write on verse in vaine ; Nor euer went my Poems vnregarded : Then did each Noble breast , me intertaine , And for my labours J was well rewarded , But now good wordes , are stept in Bounties place , Thinking thereby , her glorie to disgrace . 4 But who can liue with words , in these hard times ? ( Although they came from Jupiter himselfe ? ) Or who can take such Paiment , for his Rimes ; ( When nothing now , is so esteem'd as Pelfe ) T is not Good words , that can a man maintaine ; Words are but winde ; and wind is all but vaine . 5 Where is Mecoenas , Learnings noble Patron ? ( That Maroes Muse , with Bountie so did cherish ? ) Or faire Zenobia , that worthy Matron ? ( Whose name , for Learnings loue , shal neuer perish ) What tho their Bodies , lie full low in graue , Their fame the world ; their souls the heauens haue . 6 Vile Auaricia , how hast thou inchaunted The Noble minds , of great and mighty Men ? Or what infernall fury late hath haunted Their niggard purses ? ( to the learned pen ) Was it Augustus wealth , or noble minde , That euerlasting fame , to him assinde . 7 If wealth ? Why Croesus was more rich then he ; ( Yet Croesus glorie , with his life did end ) It was his Noble minde , that moued mee To write his praise , and eke his Acts commend Who ere had heard , of Alexanders fame , If Quintus Curtius had not pend the same ? 8 Then sith by me , their deeds haue beene declared , ( Which else had perisht with their liues decay ) Who to augment their glories , haue not spared to crowne their browes , with neuer-fading Bay ; What art deserues such liberality , As doth the peerlesse art of Poetrie ? 9 But Liberalitie is dead and gone : And Auarice Vsurps true bounties seat . F●● her it is I make this endlesse mone , ●●●●ose prayses worth no pen can well repeat ) Sweet Liberality adiew for euer , For Poetrie againe shall see thee neuer . 10 Neuer againe , shall J thy presence see : Neuer againe , shall I thy bountie tast , Neuer againe , shall J accepted be : Neuer againe , shall I be so embrac't . Neuer againe , shall J the bad recall : Neuer againe , shall I belou'd of all . 11 Thou wast the Nurse , whose Bounty gaue me sucke , Thou wast the Sun , whose beames did lend me light : Thou wast the tree , whose fruit J still did plucke : thou wast the Patron , to maintaine my right through thee J liu'd ; on thee I did relie ; ●a thee J ioy'd : and now for thee I die . 12 What man , hath lately lost a faithfull friend ? Or Husband , is depriued of his Wife ? But doth his after-daies in dolour spend ? ( Leading a loathsome , discontented life ? Dearer then friend , or wife haue I forgone ? then maruell not although I make such mone . 13 Faire Philomela , cease thy sad complaint ; And lend thine eares , vnto my dolefull Dittie : ( Whose soule with sorrow , now begins to faint , And yet J cannot moue mens hartes to pittie : ) thy woes are light , compared vnto mine : You watrie Nimphes , to me your plaints resigne . 14 and thou Melpomene , ( the Muse of Death ) that neuer sing'st , but in a dolefull straine ; Sith cruell Destinie hath stopt her breath , ( Who whil'st she liu'd , was Vertues Soueraigne ) Leaue He●●on , ( whose Bankes so pleasant be and beare a part of sorrow now with mee . 15 the trees ( for sorrow ) shead their fading Leaues , And weepe out gum , in stead of other teares ; Comfort nor ioy , no Creature now conceiues , to chirp and sing , each little bird forbears . the sillie Sheepe , hangs down her drooping head , and all because , that bounty she is dead . 16 the greater that I feele my griefe to be , the lesser able , am J to expresse it ; Such is the Nature of extremity , the heart it som-thing eases , to confesse it . therefore J le wake my muse , amidst her sleeping , and what I want with words , supplie with weeping . 17 Weepe still mine eies , a Riuer full of tears , to drowne my Sorrow in , that so molests me ; and rid my head of cares : my thoughts of fears : Exiling sweet Content , that so detests me . But ah ( alas ) my teares are almost dun . and yet my griefe , it is but new begun . 18 Euen as the Sunne , when as it leaues our sight , Doth shine with those Antipodes , beneath vs : Lending the other world her glorious light , And dismall Darknesse , onely doeth bequeath vs : Euen so sweet Bountie , seeming dead to me , Liues now to none , but smooth-Tongd Flatterie . 19 O Adulation , Canker-worme of Truth ; The flattering Glasse of Pride , and Self-conceit , ( Making olde wrinkled Age , appeare like youth ) Dissimulations Maske , and follies Beate . Pitty it is , that thou art so rewarded , Whilst Truth and Honestie , goe vnregarded . 20 O that Nobility , itselfe should staine , In being bountifull , to such vile Creatures , Who , when they flatter most , then most they faine : Knowing what humour best , will fit there Natures . What man so mad , that knowes himselfe but poore . And will beleeue that he hath riches store , 21 Vpon a time the craftie Foxe did flatter The foolish pie ( whose mouth was full of meat ) The Pye beleeuing him , began to chatter , And sing for ioy , ( not hauing list to eate ) And whil'st the foolish Pye , her meate let fall , The craftie Foxe , did runne a waie with all . 22 Terence describeth vnder Gnatoes name , The right conditions of a Parasyte : ( And with such Eloquence , sets forth the same , As doeth the learned Reader much delight ) Shewing , that such a Sicophant as Gnato , Js more esteem'd , then twentie such as Plato . 23 Bountie looke back , vpon thy goods mispent : And thinke how ill , thou hast bestowd thy mony : Consider not their words , but their intent : Their harts are gal , although their toongs be hony : They speake not as they think , but all is fained , And onely to th' intent to be maintained . 24 And herein happie , I areade the poore ; No flattering Spaniels , fawne on them for meate : The reason is , because the Countrey Boore Hath little inough for himselfe to eate : No man will flatter him , except himselfe : And why ? because he hath no store of wealth . 25 But sure it is not Liberality That doth reward these fawning smel-feasts so : Jt is the vice of Prodigalitie , That doth the the banks of Bountie ouerflo . Bountie is dead , yea so it needs must be , Or if aliue , yet is she dead to me . 26 Therefore as one , whose friend is latelie dead , J will bewaile the death of my late friend , Vpon whose tomb ten thousand teares i le shed , Till drearie Death , of me shall make an end : Or if she want a Toomb , to her desart , On then , i le bury her within my hart . 27 But ( Bounty ) if thou loue a Tombe of stone , Oh then seeke out , a hard and stonie hart , For were mine so , yet would it melt with mone , And all because that J with thee must part . Then if a stonie hart must thee interr , Goe finde a Step-dame , or a Vsurer . 28 And sith there dies no Wight , of great account , But hath an Epitaph compos'd by mee , Bounty , that did all other far surmount , Vpon her Tombe , this Epitaph shall be : Here lies the Wight , that Learning did maintaine , And at the last , by Auarice was slaine . 29 Vile Auarice , why hast thou kild my Deare ? And robd the world , of such a worthy Treasure , In whom no spark of goodnesse doth appeare , So greedie is thy mind , without all measure . Thy death , from Death did merit to release her , The Murtherers deseru'd to die , not Caesar. 30 The Merchants wife ; and Tender-harted Mother : That leaues her Loue ; whose Sonneis prest for war : ( Resting the one ; as woefull as the other ) Hopes yet at length , when euded is the iarre ; To see her Husband ; see her Son againe : " wer it not then for Hope , the hart were slaine . 31 But I , whose hope is turned to despaire , Nere looke to see my dearest Deare againe ; Then Pleasure sit thou downe , in Sorrowes Chaire , And for a while thy wonted Mirth refraine . Bounty is dead , that whylome was my Treasure : Bounty is dead , my ioy and onely pleasure . 32 If Pythias death , of Damon were bewailed ; Or Pillades did rue , Orestes end : If Hercules , for Hylas losse were quailed : Or Theseus , for Pyrithous Teares did spend : then doe J mourne for Bounty , being dead : Who liuing , was my hand , my hart , my head . 33 My hand , to helpe me , in my greatest need : My hart , to comfort me , in my distresse : My head , whom only J obeyd , indeed : If she were such , how can my griefe be lesse ? Perhaps my words , may perce the parcae's eares : Jf not with words , J le moue them with my teares . 34 But ah ( alas ) my Teares are spent in vaine , ( For she is dead , and J am left aliue ) Teares cannot call , sweet Bountie back againe : Then why doe I , against Fate and Fortune striue ? And for her death , thus weep lament and crie , Sith euerie mortall wight , is borne to die . 35 But as the wofull mother doeth lament , Her tender babe with cruell Death opprest : Whose life was spotlesse , pure , and innocent , ( And therefore sure , it soule is gone to rest ) So Bountie , which her selfe did vpright keepe , Yet for her losse , loue cannot chuse but weepe . 36 The losse of her , is losse to manie a one : The losse of her , is losse vnto the poore ; And therefore not a losse , to me alone , But vnto such , as goe from Doore to Doore . Her losse , is losse vnto the fatherlesse : And vnto all , that are in great distresse . 37 The maimed Souldier , comming from the war : The woefull wight , whose house was lately burnd : the sillie soule : the wofull trauelar : And all , whom Fortune at her feet hath spurnd : Lament the losse of Liberalitie : " It s ease , to haue in griefe some Companie . 38 the Wife of Hector ( sad Andromache ) Did not bewaile , her husbands death alone : But ( sith he was the troians onely stey ) the wiues of troy ( for him ) made aequall mone . Shee , shead the teares of Loue ; and they of pitty : She , for her deare dead Lord ; they , for their Citty . 39 Nor is the Death of Liberalitie , ( Although my griefe be greater than the rest ) Onely lamented and bewaild of me ; ( And yet of me , she was beloued best ) But , sith she was so bountifull to all , She is lamented , both of great and small . 40 O that my Teares could moue the powres diuine . That Bounty might be called from the dead : As Pitty pierc'd the hart of Proserpine : Who moued with the Teares Admetus shed ) Did send him backe againe , his louing Wife ; Who lost her owne , to saue her husbands life . 41 Jmpartiall Parcae , will no prayrs moue you ? Can Creatures so diuine , haue stonie harts ? Haplesse are they , whose hap it is to proue you , For you respect no Creatures good Desarts . O Atropos , ( the crueldst of the three ) Why hast thou tane , my faithfull friend from me ? 42 But ah , she cannot ( or she will not ) heare me , Or if she doo , yet may not she repent her : then com ( sweet death ) O why dost thou for bear me Aye me ! thy Dart is blunt , it will not enter . Oh now J know the cause , and reason why ; I am immortall , and I cannot die . 43 So Cytherae a would haue dide , but could not ; When faire Adonis by her side lay slaine : So I desire the Sisters , what J should not ; For why ( alas ) J wish for Death in vaine ; Death is their seruant , and obeys their will ; And if they bid him spare , he cannot kill . 44 Oh would I were , as other Creatures are ; Then would I die , and so my griefe were ended : But Death ( against my will ) my life doeth spare ; ( So little with the fates I am befrended ) Sith , when J would , thou doost my sute denie , Vile Tyrant , when thou wilt I will not die . 45 And Bounty , though her body thou hast slaine , Yet shall her memorie remaine for euer : For euer , shall her memorie remaine ; Whereof no spitefull Fortune can bereaue her . Then Sorrow cease , and wipe thy weeping eie ; For Fame shall liue , when al the world shal die . A Comparison of the Life of Man . MAns life is well compared to a feast , Furnisht with choice of all Variety : To it comes time ; and as a bidden guest He sits him downe , in Pompe and Maiesty . The three fold age of Man , the Waiters be : Then with a earthen voyder ( made of clay ) Comes Death , and takes the table cleane away . Finis .

A Remembrance of some English Poets . LIue Spenser euer , in thy Fairy Queene : Whose like ( for deepe Conceit ) was neuer seene . Crownd mayst thou be , vnto thy more renowne , ( As King of Poets ) with a Lawrell Crowne . And Daniell , praised for thy sweet-chast verse : Whose Fame is grav'd on Rosamonds blacke Herse . Still mayst thou liue : and still be honoured , For that rare worke , The White Rose and the Red. And Drayton , whose well-written Tragedies , And sweet Epistles , soare thy fame to skies . Thy learned Name , is equall with the rest ; Whose stately Numbers are so well addrest . And Shakespeare , thou , whose hony flowing vaine , ( Pleasing the World ) thy Praises doth containe . Whose venus , and whose Lucrece ( sweet , and chast ) Thy Name in fames immortall Booke haue plac't . Liue euer you , at least in Fame liue euer : Well may the Body die , but Fame die neuer . Finis .