Scillaes metamorphosis: enterlaced with the vnfortunate loue of Glaucus VVhereunto is annexed the delectable discourse of the discontented satyre: with sundrie other most absolute poems and sonnets. Contayning the detestable tyrannie of disdaine, and comicall triumph of constancie: verie fit for young courtiers to peruse, and coy dames to remember. By Thomas Lodge of Lincolnes Inne, Gentleman.

Scillaes Metamorphosis : Enterlaced with the vnfortunate loue of Glaucus . Whereunto is annexed the delectable discourse of the discontented Satyre : with sundrie other most absolute Poems and Sonnets . Contayning the detestable tyrannie of Disdaine , and Comicall triumph of Constancie : Verie fit for young Courtiers to peruse , and coy Dames to remember .

By Thomas Lodge of Lincolnes Inne , Gentleman .

O vita ! misero longa , foelici breuis .

Imprinted at London by Richard Ihones , and are to be sold at his shop neere Holburne bridge , at the signe of the Rose and Crowne . 1589.

TO HIS ESPECIALL good friend Master Raph Crane , and the rest of his most entire wellwillers , the Gentlemen of the Innes of Court and Chauncerie . Thomas Lodge of Lincolnes Inne Gent. Wisheth increase of worship and continuance in vertue .

SWeete Master Crane , I had not thought at this instant to haue partaked my passions with the print , whose discontented thoughts so long inured to obscuritie , were diuorsed many yeares since , from vaine glories inordinate follie : but the base necessities of an extrauagant melancholie mate , that had no other vnde of quod ad victum attinet , but the forestalling of other mens inuentions , made my vnperfit Poems ( in spite of waste paper ) to hazard an apprenteship in Poules : so that , that which in the first peeping foorth was wholie predestinate to your friendship , by an vnderhand marte , is made the mercinarie recreation of euerie ridiculous mate . Our wits now a daies are waxt verie fruitefull , and our Pamphleters more than prodigall ; So that the postes which stoode naked a tedious non terminus , doo vaunt their double apparrell as soone as euer the Exchequer openeth ; and euerie corner is tooke vp with some or other penilesse companion that will imitate any estate for a two pennie almes . I could afford you whole seruices of absurdities , that would disquiet the disgestion of Arte vsque ad nausaeam , were it not that I pittie to particularize simple fellowes imperfections , and am altogether loath to aduenture my paines in so vngratefull a Prouince . For transformed Scilla how euer she hapned now to bee disioyned from disdainfull Charybdis ; thinke not , but if they haue good shipping they wil meete ere long both in one shop : and landed they had at this instant , in one and the selfe same bay , if Scilla ( the vnfortunater of the two ) had not met with a needie pirate by the way . Ariued shee is , though in a contrary coast , but so wrackt , and weather beaten , through the vnskilfulnes of rough writers , that made their poast haste passage by night , as Glaucus would scarce know her , if he met her : yet my hope is Gentlemen , that you wil not so much imagine what she is , as what shee was ; insomuch as from the shop of the Painter , shee is falne into the hands of the stainer . Thus referring the supportance of my credit , & the inability of my verse to your ingenious opinions , I bid you farewel til the next Tearm ; at which time I hope to entertaine your seuerall delights , with farre better discourses , and bee suppliant to my good friend Master Crane , in some or other more acceptable Poem . In the meane time let my appliable voluisse , intitle me to your curtesie : whose I am during Iife in all enterchangeable dutie .

Your friend assured Thomas Lodge .

The most pithie and pleasant Historie of Glaucus and Silla . WAlking alone ( all onely full of griefe ) Within a thicket nere to Isis floud , Weeping my wants , and wailing scant reliefe , Wringing mine armes ( as one with sorrowe wood ) ; The piteous streames relenting at my mone Withdrew their tides , and staid to heare me grone . From foorth the channell , with a sorrowing crie The Sea-god Glaucus ( with his hallowed heares Wet in the teares of his sad mothers dye ) With piteous lookes before my face appeares ; For whome the Nimphes a mossie coate did frame . Embroadered with his Sillas heauenly name . And as I sat vnder a Willow trée , The louelie honour of faire Thetis bower ; Reposd his head vpon my faintfull knée : And when my teares had ceast their stormie shower He dried my chéekes , and then bespake him so , As when he waild I straight forgot my woe . Infortunate , why wandreth thy content From forth his scope as wearied of it selfe ; Thy bookes haue schoold thée from this fond repent , And thou canst talke by proofe of wauering pelfe : Unto the world such is inconstancie , As sapp to trée , as apple to the eye . Marke how the morne in roseat colour shines , And straight with cloudes the Sunnie tract is clad ; Then see how pomp through waxe and waine declines , From high to lowe , from better to the bad : Take moist from Sea , take colour from his kinde , Before the world deuoid of change thou finde . With secret eye looke on the earth a while , Regard the changes Nature forceth there ; Behold the heauens , whose course all sence beguile ; Respect thy selfe , and thou shalt find it cléere , That infantlike thou art become a youth , And youth forespent a wretched age ensu'th . In searching then the schoolemens cunning noates , Of heauen , of earth , of flowers , of springing trees , Of hearbs , of mettall , and of Thetis floates , Of lawes and nurture kept among the Bées : Conclude and knowe times change by course of fate , Then mourne no more , but moane my haples state . Here gan he pause and shake his heauie head , And fould his armes , and then vnfould them straight ; Faine would he speake , but tongue was charm'd by dread , Whil'st I that sawe what woes did him awaight , Comparing his mishaps and moane with mine , Gan smile for ioy and drie his drooping eyne . But ( loe ) a wonder ; from the channels glide A sweet melodious noyse of musicke rose , That made the streame to dance a pleasant tide , The weedes and sallowes néere the bancke that groes Gan sing , as when the calmest windes accorde To greete with balmie breath the fleeting forde . Upon the siluer bosome of the streame First gan faire Themis shake her amber locks , Whom all the Nimphs that waight on Neptunes realme Attended from the hollowe of the rocks . In briefe , while these rare parragons assemble , The watrie world to touch their teates doo tremble . Footing it featlie on the grassie ground , These Damsels circling with their brightsome faires The loue-sicke God and I , about vs wound Like starres that Ariadnes crowne repaires : Who once hath seene or pride of morne , or day , Would deeme all pompe within their cheekes did play . Nais faire Nimph with Bacchus iuorie touch , Gan tune a passion with such sweete reports , And euerie word , noate , sigh , and pause was such , And euerie Cadence fed with such consorts , As were the Delian Harper bent to heare , Her statelie straines might tempt his curious eare . Of loue ( God wot ) the louelie Nimph complained : But so of loue as forced loue to loue her ; And euen in loue such furious loue remained , As searching out his powrefull shaft to proue her , He found his quiuer emptied of the best , And felt the arrowe sticking in his breast . Under a Popler Themis did repose her , And from a brier a sweetfull branch did plucke : When midst the brier ere she could scarce suppose her A Nightingale gan sing : but woe the lucke ; The branch so néere her breast , while she did quicke her To turne her head , on sodaine gan to pricke her . Whil'st smiling Clore midst her enuious blushes , Gan blame her feare and pretilie said thus ; Worse prickes than these are found among these bushes , And yet such prickes are scarcelie feard of vs . Nay soft ( said Chelis ) prickes doo make birds sing , But prickes in Ladies bosomes often sting . Thus iest they on the Nightingales report , And on the prickle of the Eglantine On Nais song , and all the whole consort In publique this sweete sentence did assigne ; That while some smile , some sigh through change of time ; Some smart , some sport amidst their youthlie prime . Such wreathes as bound the Thebans iuorie brow ; Such gay trickt garlands pleit these iollie Dames ; The flowres themselues when as the Nimphes gan bowe , Gan vaile their crestes in honour of their names : And smilde their sweete and woed with so much glée , As if they said , sweet Nimph come gather mée . But penciue Glaucus passionate with painings , Amidst their reuell thus began his ruth ; Nimphes , flie these Groues late blasted with my plainings , For cruell Silla nill regard my truth : And leaue vs two consorted in our gronings , To register with teares our bitter monings . The flouds doo faile their course to see our crosse , The fields forsake their gréene to heare our griefe , The rockes will wéepe whole springs to marke our losse , The hills relent to store our scant reliefe , The aire repines , the penciue birds are heauie , The trees to see vs paind no more are leauie . Ay me , the Shepheards let their flockes want feeding , And flockes to see their palie face are sorie , The Nimphes to spie the flockes and shepheards needing Prepare their teares to heare our tragicke storie : Whilst we surprisde with griefe cannot disclose them , With sighing wish the world for to suppose them . He that hath seene the sweete Arcadian boy Wiping the purple from his forced wound , His pretie teares betokening his annoy , His sighes , his cries , his falling on the ground , The Ecchoes ringing from the rockes his fall , The trees with teares reporting of his thrall : And Venus starting at her loue-mates crie , Forcing hir birds to hast her chariot on ; And full of griefe at last with piteous eie Seene where all pale with death he lay alone , Whose beautie quaild , as wont the Lillies droop When wastfull winter windes doo make them stoop : Her daintie hand addrest to dawe her deere , Her rose all lip alied to his pale cheeke , Her sighes , and then her lookes and heauie cheere , Her bitter threates , and then her passions meeke ; How on his senseles corpes she lay a crying , As if the boy were then but new a dying . He that hath vewd Angelica the faire Bestraught with fancie nere the Caspian springs : Renting the tresses of her golden haire , How on her harpe with pitious notes she sings Of Rolands ruth , of Medors false depart , Sighing each rest from center of her heart . How now she writes vpon a beechen bow Her Medors name , and bedlam like againe Calls all the heauen to witnes of his vow , And straight againe begins a mournefull straine , And how in thought of her true faith forsooken He fled her bowres , and how his league was broken . Aye me who markes her harpe hang vp againe Upon the willowes watered with her teares , And how she rues to read her Rolands paine , When but the shadowe of his name appeares ; Would make more plainings from his eyes to flee Than teares distill from amber weeping trée . He that hath knowne the passionate mishappes That nere Olimpus faire Lucina felt When as her Latium loue her fancie trappes , How with suspect her inward soule dooth melt : Or markt the Morne her Cephalus complaining , May then recount the course of all our paining . But tender Nimphes to you belongs no teene ; Then fauor me in flying from this bower Whereas but care and thought of crosses been , Leaue me that loose my selfe through fancies power , Through fancies power which had I leaue to loose it , No fancie then should fee me for to choose it . When you are fled the Heauen shall lowre for sorrowe , The day orecast shal be bedtime with sable , The aire from Sea such streaming showres shall borrow As earth to beare the brunt shall not be able , And shippes shall safely saile whereas beforne The ploughman watcht the reaping of his corne . Goe you in peace to Neptunes watrie sound , No more may Glaucus play him with so prettie ; But shun resort where solace nill be found , And plaine my Scillaes pride and want of pittie : Alas swéet Nimphs my Godhead's all in vaine , For why this brest includes immortall paine . Scilla hath eyes , but too swéete eyes hath Scilla ; Scilla hath hands , faire hands but coy in touching ; Scilla in wit surpasseth graue Sibilla , Scilla hath words , but words well storde with grutching ; Scilla a Saint in looke , no Saint in scorning : Looke Saint-like Scilla , least I die with mourning . Alas why talke I ? Sea-god cease to mourne her , For in her nay my ioyes are euer ceasing : Cease life or loue , then shall I neuer blame her ; But neither loue nor life may finde decreasing . A mortall wound is my immortall being , Which passeth thought , or eyes aduised séeing . Herewith his faltring tongue by sighs oppressed Forsooke his office , and his bloud resorted To féede the heart that wholly was distressed , Whilst pale ( like Pallas flowre ) my knée supported His féeble head and arme , so full of anguish , That they which sawe his sorrowes gan to languish . Themis the coyest of this beauteous traine On hillie toppes the wonderous Moly found , Which dipt in balmie deaw she gan to straine , And brought her present to recure his wound : Clore she gathered Amaranthus flower , And Nais Aiax blossom in that stowre . Some chafe his temples with their louelie hands , Some sprinkle water on his pale wan cheekes , Some wéepe , some wake , some curse affections bandes ; To sée so young , so faire , become so weake : But not their pitious hearbs , or springs haue working , To ease that heart where wanton loue is lurking . Naithles though loath to shewe his holy kindnes On euerie one he spent a looke for fauour , And prayed their pardon vouching Cupids blindnes , ( Oh fancies fond that naught but sorrowes sauour ) ; To see a louely God leaue Sea Nimphes so : Who cannot doome vpon his deadly woe ? Themis that knewe , that waters long restrained Breake foorth with greater billowes than the brookes That swetely float through meades with flowres distained , With cheerefull laies did raise his heauie lookes ; And bad him speake and tell what him agreeu'd : For griefes disclos'd ( said she ) are soone releeu'd . And as she wisht so all the rest did woe him ; By whose incessant suites at last inuited , He thus discouered that which did vndoo him , And orderlie his hideous harmes recited , When first which fingers wagge he gan to still them , And thus with drierie tearmes of loue did fill them . Ah Nimphes ( quoth he ) had I by reason learnt That secret art which birdes haue gaind by sence , By due foresight misfortune to preuent ; Or could my wit controule mine eyes offence : You then should smile and I should tell such stories , As woods , and waues should triumph in our glories . But Nereus daughters , Sea-borne Saints attend , Lake breeding Géese when from the Easterne clime They list vnto the westerne waters wend To choose their place of rest by course of time , Approaching Taurus haughtie topped hill They charme their cackle by this wondrous skill . The climing mountaine neighbouring ayre welnie , Hath harbored in his rockes and desart haunts Whole airies of Eagles prest to flie That gazing on the Sonne their birth right vaunts , Which birds of Ioue with deadlie fewde pursue The wandering Geese , when so they presse in vewe . These fearefull flitting troopes by nature tought , Passing these dangerous places of pursuit : When all the desart vales they through haue sought , With pibbles stop their beakes to make them mute , And by this meanes their dangerous deathes preuent And gaine their wished waters of frequent . But I fond God ( I God complaine thy follie ) Let birds by sense exceede my reason farre : Whilom than I who was more strong and iollie Who more contemnd affections wanton warre ? Who lesse than I lou'd lustfull Cupids arrowes ? Who now with curse & plagues poore Glaucus harrowes . How haue I leapt to heare the Tritons play A harsh retreat vnto the swelling flouds ? How haue I kept the Dolphins at a bay , When as I ment to charme their wanton moods ? How haue the angrie windes growne calme for loue , When as these fingers did my harpe strings moue ? Was any Nimph , you Nimphes was euer any That tangled not her fingers in my tresse ? Some well I wot and of that some full many Wisht or my faire , or their desire were lesse Euen Ariadne gazing from the skie Became enamorde of poore Glaucus eye . Amidst this pride of youth and beauties treasure It was my chaunce , you floods can tell my chancing , Fléeting along Sicillian bounds for pleasure , To spie a Nimph of such a radiant glancing , As when I lookt , a beame of subtill firing From eye to heart incenst a deepe desiring . Ah had the vaile of reason clad mine eye , This foe of fréedome had not burnt my heart : But birds are blest , and most accurst am I Who must reporte her glories to my smart , The Nimph I sawe and lou'de her , all to cruell Scilla , faire Scilla , my fond fancies iuell . Her haire not trust , but scatterd on her brow , Surpassing Hiblas honnie for the view , Or softned golden wires ; I know not how Loue with a radiant beautie did pursue My too iudiciall eyes , in darting fire That kindled straight in me my fond desire . Within these snares first was my heart intrapped , Till through those golden shrowdes mine eies did see An yuorie shadowed front , wherein was wrapped Those pretie bowres where Graces couched be : Next which her cheekes appeerd like crimson silk , Or ruddie rose vespred on whitest milk . Twixt which the nose in louely tenor bends , ( Too traitrous pretie for a Louers view : ) Next which her lips like violets commends By true proportion that which dooth insue ; Which when they smile , present vnto the eies The Oceans pride and yuorie paradice . Her pollisht necke of milke white snowes doth shine , As when the Moone in Winter night beholdes them : Her breast of alablaster cleere and fine , Whereon two rising apples faire vnfolds them Like Cinthias face when in her full she shineth , And blushing to her Loue-mates bower declineth From whence in length her armes doo sweetly spred Like two rare branchie saples in the Spring , Yeelding fiue louely sprigs from euerie head , Proportioned alike in euerie thing ; Which featly sprout in length like springborne frends , Whose pretie tops with fiue sweet roses ends . But why alas should I that Marble hide That doth adorne the one and other flanke , From whence a mount of quickned snow doth glide ; Or els the vale that bounds this milkwhite banke , Where Venus and her sisters hide the fount , Whose louely Nectar dooth all sweetes surmount . Confounded with descriptions , I must leaue them ; Louers must thinke , and Poets must report them : For silly wits may neuer well conceaue them , Unlesse a speciall grace from heauen consort them . Aies me , these faires attending Scilla won me : But now ( sweet Nimphes ) attend what hath vndon me . The louely breast where all this beautie rested , Shrowded within a world of deepe disdaine : For where I thought my fancie should be feasted With kinde affect , alas ( vnto my paine ) When first I woode the wanton straight was flying , And gaue repulse before we talkt of trying . How oft haue I ( too often haue I done so ) In silent night when euerie eye was sleeping , Drawne neere her caue , in hope her loue were won so , Forcing the neighboring waters through my weeping To wake the windes , who did afflict her dwelling Whilst I with teares my passion was a telling . When midst the Caspian seas the wanton plaid , I drew whole wreaths of corrall from the rockes : And in her lap my heauenly presents laid : But she vnkind rewarded me with mockes , Such are the fruites that spring from Ladies coying , Who smile at teares , and are intrapt with toying . Tongue might grow wearie to report my wooings , And heart might burst to thinke of her deniall : May none be blamde but heauen for all these dooings , That yeeld no helpes in midst of all my triall . Heart , tongue , thought , pen nil serue me to repent me , Disdaine her selfe should striue for to lament me . Wretched Loue let me die , end my loue by my death ; Dead alas still I liue , flie my life , fade my loue . Out alas loue abides , still I ioy vitall breath : Death in loue , loue is death , woe is me that doo proue . Paine and woe , care & griefe euery day about me houers : Then but death what can quel al the plages of haples louers ? Aies me my moanings are like water drops That neede an age to pearce her marble heart , I sow'd true zeale , yet fruiteles were my crops : I plighted faith , yet falsehoode wrought my smart : I praisd her lookes , her lookes dispised Glaucus , Was euer amorous Sea-god scorned thus ? A hundereth swelling tides my mother spent Upon these lockes , and all hir Nimphes were prest , To pleit them faire when to her bowre I went : He that hath séene the wandring Phoebus crest , Toucht with the Christall of Eurotas spring , The pride of these my bushie locks might sing . But short discourse beséemes my bad successe , Eache office of a louer I performed : So feruently my passions did her presse , So swéete my laies , my spéech so well reformed , That ( cruell ) when she sawe naught would begile me With angrie lookes the Nimph did thus exile me . Packe hence thou fondling to the westerne Seas , Within some calmy riuer shrowd thy head : For neuer shall my faire thy loue appease , Since fancie from this bosome late is fled : And if thou loue me shewe it in departing : For why thy presence dooth procure my smarting . This said with angrie lookes , away she hasted As fast as flie the flouds before the winds : When I poore soule with wretched sorrowes wasted , Exclaimde on loue , which wit and reason blinds : And banisht from hir bowre with wofull poasting I bent my selfe to séeke a forreine coasting . At last in wandring through the greater Seas It was my chance to passe the noted streights : And wearied sore in séeking after ease , Amidst the creekes , and watrie coole receits , I spied from farre by helpe of sonnie beames A fruitefull I le begirt with Ocean streames . Westward I fleeted , and with heedfull eie Beheld the chalkie cliffes that tempt the aire , Till at the last it was my chance to spie A pleasant entrance to the flouds repaire ; Through which I prest , and wondring there beheld On either side a sweete and fruitfull field . Isis ( the Ladie of that louely streame ) Made holiday in view of my resort ; And all the Nimphes of that her watrie realme Gan trip for ioy , to make me mickle sport : But I poore soule with no such ioyes contented , Forsooke their bowers , and secretly lamented . All solitarie rome I heere about , Now on the shoare , now in the streame I weepe , Fire burnes within , and gastly feare without , No rest , no ease , no hope of any sleepe : Poore banisht God , heere haue I still remained , Since time my Scilla hath my sutes disdained . And heere consort I now with haplesse men , Yeelding them comfort , ( though my wound be curelesse ) Songs of remorse I warble now and then , Wherein I curse fond Loue and Fortune durelesse , Wan hope my weale , my trust but bad aduenture , Circumference is care , my heart the center . Whilest thus he spake , fierce Ate charmde his tongue , His senses faild , his armes were folded straight , And now he sighes , and then his heart is stung ; Againe he speakes gainst fancies fond deceit , And teares his tresses with his fingers faire , And rents his roabs , halfe mad with deepe dispaire . The piteous Nimphes that viewd his heauie plight , And heard the sequell of his bad successe , Did loose the springs of their remorsefull sight , And wept so sore to see his scant redresse : That of their teares there grew a pretie brooke , Whose Christall cleares the clowdes of penciue looke . Alas woes me , how oft haue I bewept So faire , so yong , so louely , and so kinde , And whilst the God vpon my bosome slept , Behelde the scarres of his afflicted minde , Imprinted in his yuorie brow by care , That fruitlesse fancie left vnto his share . My wandring lines , bewitch not so my sences : But gentle Muse direct their course aright , Delayes in tragicke tales procure offences : Yeeld me such feeling words , that whilst I wright My working lines may fill mine eyes with languish , And they to note my mones may melt with anguish . The wofull Glaucus thus with woes attainted , The penciue Nimphes agreeud to see his plight , The flouds and fields with his laments acquainted , My selfe amazd to see this heauie sight ; On sodaine Thetis with her traine approched , And grauely thus her amorous sonne reproched . My sonne ( said she ) immortall haue I made thee , Amidst my watrie realmes who may compare Or match thy might ? Why then should care inuade thee , That art so yong , so louely , fresh and faire . Alas fond God , it merits great reprouing In States of worth , to doate on foolish louing . Come wend with me , and midst thy Fathers bowre Let vs disport and frolicke for a while In spite of Loue : although he powte and lowre , Good exercise will idle lusts beguile : Let wanton Scilla coy her where she will , Liue thou my sonne by reasons leuell still . Thus said the Goddesse : and although her words Gaue signes of counsaile , pompe and maiestie : Yet nathelesse her piteous eye affoords Some pretie witnesse to the standers by , That in her thoughts ( for all her outward show ) She mournd to see her Sonne amated so . But ( welladay ) her words haue little force , The haples louer worne with working woe , Upon the ground lay pale as any corse , And were not teares which from his eyes did flowe , And sighes that witnesse he enioyd his breath , They might haue thought him Citizen of death . Which spectacle of care made Thetis bow , And call on Glaucus , and command her Sonne To yéelde her right : and hir aduice allow , But ( woe ) the man whome fancie had vndone Nill marke her rules : nor words , nor wéeping teares Can fasten counsaile in the louers eares . The Quéene of Sea , with all hir Nimphes assured That no perswasion might reléeue his care : Knéeling adowne , their faltring tongues enured To tempt faire Venus by their vowed praier : The course whereof as I could beare in minde With sorrowing sobbes they vttered in this kinde . Borne of the Sea , thou Paphian Quéene of loue , Mistris of swéete conspiring harmonie : Lady of Cipris , for whose swéete behoue The Séepeheards praise the youth of Thessallie : Daughter of Ioue and Sister to the Sonne , Assist poore Glaucus late by loue vndone . So maist thou baine thée in Th' arcadian brookes , And play with Vulcans riuall when thou list , And calme his iealous anger by thy lookes , And knit thy temples with a roseat twist If thou thy selfe and thine almightie Sonne , Assist poore Glaucus late by loue vndone . May earth still praise thée for her kinde increase : And beasts adore thée for their fruitfull wombes , And fowles with noates thy praises neuer cease , And Bées admire thée for their honnie combes : So thou thy selfe and thine almightie Sonne , Assist poore Glaucus late by loue vndone . No sooner from her reuerent lips were past Those latter lines , but mounting in the East , Faire Venus in her iuorie coatch did hast , And toward those penciue dames , her course addrest ; Her doues so plied their wauing wings with flight , That straight the sacred Goddesse came in sight . Upon her head she bare that gorgeous Crowne , Wherein the poore Amyntas is a starre ; Her louely lockes , her bosome hang adowne ( Those netts that first insnar'd the God of warre : ) Delicious louely shine her prettie eies , And one her chéekes carnatio●n cloudes arise , The stately roab she ware vpon her back Was lillie white , wherein with cullored silke ; Her Nimphes had blaz'd the yong Adonis wrack , And Laedas rape by Swan as white as milke , And on her lap her louely Sonne was plaste , Whose beautie all his mothers pompe defaste . A wreath of roses hem'd his Temples in , His tresse was curlde and cléere as beaten gold ; Haught were his lookes , and louely was his skin , Each part as pure as Heauens eternall mold , And on his eies a milke white wreath was spred , Which longst his backe , with prettie pleits did shed . Two daintie wings of partie coulored plumes Adorne his shoulders dallying with the winde ; His left hand wéelds a Toreh , that euer fumes : And in his right , his bowe that fancies bind , And on his back his Quiuer hangs well stored With sundrie shaftes , that sundrie hearts haue gored . The Deities ariu'd in place desired ; Faire Venus her to Thetis first bespake , Princesse of Sea ( quoth she ) as you required From Ceston which my Sonne , my course I take : Frollick faire Goddesse , Nimphs forsake your plaining , My Sonne hath power and fauour yet remaining . With that the reuerend powres each other kissed , And Cupid smil'd vpon the Nimphes for pleasure : So naught but Glaucus solace there was missed , Which to effect the Nimphes withouten measure Intreate the God , who at the last drewe nie The place , where Glaucus full of care did lie , And from his bowe a furious dart hee sent Into that wound which he had made before : That like Achilles sworde became the teint To cure the wound that it had caru'd before : And sodeinly the Sea-god started vp : Reuiude , relieud , and frée from Fancies cup. No more of loue , no more of hate he spoke , No more he forst the sighes from out his breast : His sodaine ioye his pleasing smiles prouoke , And all aloft he shakes his bushie creast , Gréeting the Gods and Goddesses beside , And euerie Nimph vpon that happie tide . Cupid and he together hand in hand Approach the place of this renowned traine : Ladies ( said he ) releast from amorous band , Receiue my prisoner to your grace againe . Glaucus gaue thankes , when Thetis glad with blisse Embrast his neck , and his kind chéekes did kisse . To sée the Nimphes in flockes about him play , How Nais kempt his head , and washt his browes : How Thetis checkt him with his welladay , How Clore told him of his amorous vowes , How Venus praisd him for his faithfull loue , Within my heart a sodein ioy did moue . Whilst in this glée this holy troope delight , Along the streame a farre faire Scilla floated , And coilie vaunst hir creast in open sight : Whose beauties all the tides with wonder noated , Fore whom Palemon and the Tritons danced Whilst she hir limmes vpon the cide aduanced . Whose swift approach made all the Godheads wonder : Glaucus gan smile to see his louelie foe , Rage almost rent poore Thetis heart asonder : Was neuer happie troope confused so As were these deities and daintie dames , When they beheld the cause of Glaucus blames . Venus commends the carriage of her eye , Nais vpbraides the dimple in her chinne , Cupid desires to touch the wantons thie , Clore she sweares that euerie eie dooth sinne That likes a Nimph that so contemneth loue , As no attempts her lawles heart may moue . Thetis impatient of her wrong sustained , With enuious teares her roseat cheekes afflicted ; And thus of Scillas former pride complained ; Cupid ( said she ) sée her that hath inflicted The deadlie wound that harmde my louelie sonne , From whome the ofspring of my care begonne . Oh if there dwell within thy brest my boy Or grace , or pittie , or remorse ( said she ) Now bend thy bowe , abate you wantons ioy , And let these Nimphes thy rightfull iustice see . The God soone won , gan shoote , and cleft her heart With such a shaft as causd her endles smart . The tender Nimph attainted vnawares , Fares like the Libian Lionesse that flies The Hunters Launce that wounds her in his snares ; Now gins shee loue , and straight on Glaucus cries ; Whilst on the shore the goddesses reioyce , And all the Nimphes afflict the ayre with noyse . To shoare she flitts , and swift as Affrick wind Her footing glides vpon the yeelding grasse , And wounded by affect recure to finde She sodainely with sighes approcht the place Where Glaucus sat , and wearie with her harmes Gan claspe the Sea-god in her amorous armes . Glaucus my loue ( quoth she ) looke on thy louer , Smile gentle Glaucus on the Nimph that likes thée ; But starke as stone sat he , and list not proue her : ( Ah silly Nimph the selfesame God that strikes thée With fancies darte , and hath thy fréedome slaine ) Wounds Glaucus with the arrowe of disdaine . Oh kisse no more kind Nimph he likes no kindnes , Loue sléepes in him , to flame within thy brest , Cléer'd are his eies , where thine are clad with blindnes ; Frée'd be his thoughts , where thine must taste vurest : Yet nill she leaue , for neuer loue will leaue her , But fruiteles hopes and fatall happes deceaue her . Lord how her lippes doo dwell vpon his chéekes ; And how she lookes for babies in his eies : And how she sighes , and sweares shée loues and léekes , And how she vowes , and he her vowes enuies : Trust me the enuious Nimphs in looking on , Were forst with teares for to assist her mone . How oft with blushes would she plead for grace , How oft with whisperings would she tempt his eares : How oft with Christall did she wet his face : How oft she wipte them with her Amber heares : So oft me thought , I oft in heart desired To sée the end whereto disdaine aspired . Palemon with the Tritons roare for griefe , To sée the Mistris of their ioyes amated : But Glaucus scornes the Nimph , that waites reliefe : And more she loues the more the Sea-god hated , Such change , such chance , such sutes , such storms beléeue me Poore silly wretch did hartely agréeue me . As when the fatall bird of Augurie Séeing a stormie dismall cloude arise Within the South , foretells with piteous crie The wéeping tempest , that on sudden hies : So she poore soule , in view of his disdaine Began to descant on her future paine . And fixing eye vpon the fatall ground , Whole hoaūs of flouds drew deaw from out her eyes ; And when through inward griefe the lasse did sound , The softned grasse like billowes did arise To woe her brests , and wed her limmes so daintie . Whom wretched loue had made so weake and faintie , ( Ayes me ) , me thinks I sée her Thetis fingers Renting her locks as she were woe begon her ; And now her lippes vpon his lipping lingers : Oh lingring paine where loue nill list to mone her ? Rue me that writes , for why her ruth deserues it : Hope needs must faile , where sorrow scarce preserues it . To make long tale were tedious to the wofull , Wofull that read what wofull shee approoued : In briefe her heart with déepe dispaire was so full , As since she might not win her swéete beloued . With hideous cries like winde borne backe she fled Unto the Sea , and toward Sicillia sped . Swéete Zephirus vpon that fatall bowre In haples tide midst watrie world was walking ; Whose milder sighes , alas , had little power To whisper peace amongst the Godheads talking : Who all in one conclude for to pursue , The haples Nimph , to sée what would ensue . Venus her selfe and her faire Sonne gan hie Within their iuorie Coath drawne forth by doues After this haples Nimph , their power to trie : The Nimphes in hope to sée their vowed loues , Gan cut the watrie boasom of the tide , As in Cayster Phoebus birds doe glide . Thetis in pompe vpon a Tritons back Did poast her straight attended by her traine ; But Glaucus frée from loue by louers wrack , Séeing me penciue where I did remaine , Upon a Dolphin horst me ( as he was ) Thus on the Ocean hand in hand we passe . Our talke midway was nought but still of wonder , Of change , of chaunce , of sorrow , and her ending ; I wept for want : he said , time bringes men vnder , And secret want can finde but small befrending . And as he said , in that before I tried it , I blamde my wit forewarnd , yet neuer spied it . What néede I talke the order of my way , Discourse was steeresman while my barke did saile , My ship conceit , and fancie was my bay : If these faile me , then faint my Muse and faile , Hast brought vs where the haples Nimph soiourned , Beating the weeping waues that for her mourned . He that hath séene the Northren blastes dispoile The pompe of Prime , and with a whistling breath Blast and dispearse the beauties of the soile ; May thinke vpon her paines more worse than death . Alas poore Lasse the Ecchoes in the rockes Of Sicilie , her piteous plaining mockes . Eccho her selfe when Scilla cried out O loue ! With piteous voice from out her hollow den Returnd these words , these words of sorrow , ( no loue ) No loue ( quoth she ) then fie on traiterous men , Then fie on hope : then fie on hope ( quoth Eccho ) To euerie word the Nimph did answere so . For euery sigh , the Rockes returnes a sigh ; For euerie teare , their fountaines yeelds a drop ; Till we at last the place approached nigh , And heard the Nimph that fed on sorrowes sop Make woods , and waues , and rockes , and hills admire The wonderous force of her vntam'd desire . Glaucus ( quoth she ) is faire : whilst Eccho sings Glaucus is faire : but yet he hateth Scilla The wretch reportes : and then her armes she wrings Whilst Eccho tells her this , he hateth Scilla , No hope ( quoth she ) : no hope ( quoth Eccho ) then . Then fie on men : when she said , fie on men . Furie and Rage , Wan-hope , Dispaire , and Woe From Ditis den by Ate sent , drewe nie : Furie was red , with rage his eyes did gloe , Whole flakes of fire from foorth his mouth did flie , His hands and armes ibath'd in blood of those Whome fortune , sinne , or fate made Countries foes . Rage , wan and pale vpon a Tiger sat , Knawing vpon the bones of mangled men ; Naught can he view , but he repinde thereat : His lockes were Snakes bred foorth in Stigian den , Next whom , Dispaire that déepe disdained elf Delightlesse liude , still stabbing of her self . Woe all in blacke , within her hands did beare The fatall torches of a Funerall , Her Chéekes were wet , dispearsed was hir heare , Her voice was shrill ( yet loathsome therewith all ) : Wan-hope ( poore soule ) on broken Ancker sitts , Wringing his armes as robbed of his witts . These fiue at once the sorrowing Nimph assaile , And captiue lead her bound into the rocks , Where howling still she striues for to preuaile , With no auaile yet striues she : for hir locks Are chang'd with wonder into hideous sands , And hard as flint become her snow-white hands . The waters howle with fatall tunes about her , The aire dooth scoule when as she turnes within them , The winds and waues with puffes and billowes skout her ; Waues storme , aire scoules , both wind & waues begin them To make the place this mournful Nimph doth wéepe in , A haples haunt whereas no Nimph may kéepe in . The Sea-man wandring by that famous Isle , Shuns all with feare dispairing Scillaes bowre ; Nimphes , Sea-gods , Syrens when they list to smile Forsake the haunt of Scilla in that stowre : Ah Nimphes thought I , if euerie coy one felt The like misshappes , their slintie hearts would melt . Thetis reioyst to sée her foe deprest , Glaucus was glad , since Scilla was enthrald ; The Nimphs gan smile , to boast their Glaucus rest : Venus and Cupid in their throanes enstald , At Thetis beck to Neptunes bowre repaire , Whereas they feast amidst his pallace faire . Of pure immortall Nectar is their drinke , And swéete Ambrosia dainties doo repast them , The Tritons sing , Palemon smiles to thinke Upon the chance , and all the Nimphs doo hast them To trick vp mossie garlands where they woon , For louely Venus and her conquering Sonne . From foorth the fountaines of his mothers store , Glaucus let flie a daintie Christall baine That washt the Nimphs with labour tir'd before : Cupid hee trips among this louely traine , Alonely I apart did write this storie With many a sigh and heart full sad and sorie . Glaucus when all the Goddesses tooke rest , Mounted vpon a Dolphin full of glée : Conueide me friendly from this honored feast , And by the way , such Sonnets song to me , That all the Dolphins neighbouring of his glide Daunst with delight , his reuerend course beside . At last he left me , where at first he found me , Willing me let the world and ladies knowe Of Scillas pride , and then by oath he bound me To write no more , of that whence shame dooth grow : Or tie my pen to Pennie-knaues delight , But liue with fame , and so for fame to wright . Lenuoy . LAdies he left me , trust me I missay not , But so he left me as he wild me tell you : That Nimphs must yeeld , when faithfull louers straie not . Least through contempt , almightie loue compell you With Scilla in the rockes to make your biding A cursed plague , for womens proud back-sliding . FINIS .

Glaucus complaint written by the said Gent. THe Billowes that by windes assisting breath Dooth beate vpon the rocks at last doo peirce them : Ah then ( thou gentle ofspring of my death ) Why faile my plaints when penciue I rehearse them To wound thine eares ? when as my words excéed them , And that my sighes in steade of windes doo leade them . Along the floods I wander all forlorne , Nor may the Sea-nimphes smiles enforce me play : But if I think , I think vpon thy scorne , And if I wish , I wish my dismall day , Oh fruites of loue , oh powrefull course of paine ▪ That one should like the thing that hath him slaine . Looke in my mothers Christall face , faire maide , There read the storie of my bitter state ; My teares her siluer floatings haue alaid , Her troubled lookes foreshowe my wretched fate : If not for me , yet mourne her bitter wéeping , And pittie him whose heart is in thy kéeping . Take pittie Scilla , pittie thou thy louer ; For thou art faire , and beautie should haue pittie , Ahlas she flies , perswasions cannot moue her , She is too wanton , or too foolish wittie : Along the floates the scalie troopes encrease , Yet nill she loue to maintaine natures peace . Oh stepdame Nature hast thou shut these faires Within the rampeir of so déepe disdaine , To kill a God with sorrowes and dispaires : Would God thy powre ( to lessen all my paine ) Were dead in her ; or fancies quenchles fire Might from my brest with ceaseles course retire . But all in vaine ( so vaine is loues pursute ) Trie I her eares , and tempt her hardned heart : Cease wretched tongue , t were better still be mute , Than tell a tale of griefe and endles smart To her that grounds her glories on disdaine , And takes a pride to viewe my bitter paine . ( Fond that I am ) all these are faint supposes : Imperious Loue ( to shewe his endles power ) My tender and immortall heart encloses Within the center of her louely lowre : That all may sée , Loues prison is her eie , And Gods must stoope vnto his deitie . Yet ( Loue ) allot prescriptions vnto woe ; Els will the sowre excéed the swéete by farre : Or leuell pittie from thy lawles bowe , That sorrowe in excesse , may cause a warre That may consume , if not confound my life ; And I may séeme to die amidst the strife . The deafe nill heare : both she and Loue together Haue made a match to aggreuate my griefe : I sée my hell , there rests no hope in either : From proud contempt there springeth no reliefe , What rests there then but since I may not gaine her , In piteous tearmes and teares for to complaine her . FINIS .

The Discontented Satyre written by Thomas Lodge Gent. SUch time as from her Mothers tender lap The night arose , guarded with gentle winds : And with her precious dew refresht the sap Of bloome and barke ( whilst that her mantle blinds The vaile of heauen ) and euery bird was still Saue Philomele , that did bemoane her ill . When in the West Orion lift aloft His starrie crest , and smil'd vpon the Twins ; And Cynthia séemely bright ( whose eie full oft Had watcht her loue ) with radient light begins To pierce the vaile of silence with her beames , Sporting with wanton cléere on Ocean streames . When little winds in beating of their wings , Did wooe the eies to leaue their wonted wake , And all was husht saue Zephyrus , that sings With louely breathings for the Sea-nimphs sake : My watchfull griefes perplext my minde so sore , That foorth I walkt my sorrowes to deplore . The doaly season that resembled well My drooping heart , gaue life to my lament : Each twinckling lamp that in the heauens did dwell Gan rest his course to hearken mine entent : Foorth went I still deuising on my feare Distinguishing each footestep with a teare . My working thought deluding of my pace , At last did bring me to a desart dale , ( By enuious mountaines robd of Phoebus face ) Where growes no hearb to taste of deaws auaile , In midst thereof , vpon a bed of mosse A Satyre did his restles bodie tosse . Stearne were his lookes , afflicting all the féelds That were in view ; his bushie lockes vndrest With terror hang , his hauiour horror yéelds , And with the sight my sorrowes were supprest ; So , néere I drewe , when sodenly he roase , And thus in tearmes his purpose did disclose . Blush daies eternall lampe to sée thy lot , Since that thy cléere with cloudy darkes is scard ; Lowre on faire Cinthia for I like thée not ; For borrowed beauties , merit no regard : Boast Discontent , naught may depresse thy powre , Since in thy selfe all griefe thou doost deuoure . Thou art the God whome I alone adore Whose powre includeth discords all in one , Confusions are thy foode and fatall store , Thy name is feard where thou art most vnknowne ; Thy grace is great , for fortunes laugh and lowre Assailes them not , that glorie in thy powre . The minde through thée diuines on endlesse things , And formes a Heauen through others fond mislikes ; Time loathes thy haunt , yet lends thée many wings : Refined wits against thy bulwarke strikes ; And when their curious thoughts are ouerpast , They scorne their bookes , and like thy bent at last . For who but thou can yéeld them any gaine ? Depriue the world of perfect Discontent ; All glories end , true honor straight is slaine , And life it selfe in errors course is spent , All toile dooth sort but to a sorrie end , For through mislikes , each learnes for to commend . What made fierce Phillips sonne to manage armes , To vaile the pride of Persia by his sword , But thou my God , that he by others harmes Might raise his seate : and thereby still afford A cause of discontent to them that lost , And hate in him that by their powre was crost . Let enuie cease , what Prince can make it knowne How déere he loues his best estéemed friends : For were not some of purpose ouerthrowne , Who may discerne whereto true fauor tends : Thus Princes discontent dooth honor some , And others through their hates to credit come . Without thy helpe the Soldier shunnes the féeld : You studeous Arts how fatall haps had you , If discontents did not some succors yéeld ? Oh fléeting Fame who could thy grace pursue : Did not my God send emulations out To whet the wits and pens of Pallas rout , How could the Heauens haue retrograde aspects Without thy helpe ? How might the Plannets finde Their oppositions , and their strange effects , Unlesse thy powre assisted euerie kinde ? The aire by thée at first inuented voice , Which once reuerberate , straight yéelds a noice . The pencile man that with a careles hand Hath shaddowed Venus , hates his slack regard ; And all amaz'd doth discontented stand , And mends the same that he before had mard : Who sées not then that it was Discontent , That sight to eie , and perfect iudgement lent ? The schooleman that with héedlesse florish writes , Refines his fault , if thou direct his eie : And then againe with wonder he endites Such swéete sententious li●es , as neuer die : Lost in my selfe in praising of thy might , My spéech yéelds vp his office to delight . This said he smil'd , and on his restles bed Reposde and tost his indisposed lims : A world of thoughts still hammerd in his head , Now would he sléepe , and straight his couch he trims : And then he walkes , and therewith sits him downe : And faines to sing , yet endeth with a frowne . I stood amaz'd and wondred at his words , And sought to suck the soule from out his lips , His rare discourse such wondrous ioye affords : But vnawares , like lightfoote Fawne he trips Along the lawnes : and I with watch forespent , Drew home and vowde to honor Discontent . Thomas Lodge . FINIS .

Sundrie sweete Sonnets written by the said Gent.

In praise of the Countrey life . MOst happie blest the man that midst his countrie bowers Without suspect of hate , or dread of enuious tongue May dwell among his owne : not dreading fortunes lowres , Farre from those publique plagues that mightie men hath stoong : Whose libertie and peace is neuer sold for gaine , Whose words doo neuer sooth a wanton princes vaine . Incertaine hopes , and vowes , doo neuer harme his thought , And vaine desires doo shunne the place of his repose ; He weepes no yeares misspent , nor want of that he sought , Nor reapes his gaine by words , nor builds vpon suppose : The stormes of troubled Sea do neuer force his fears , Nor Trumpets sound dooth chang his sleepes , or charme his ears , Ambitions neuer build within his constant minde , A cunning coy deceipt his soule dooth not disguise , His firme and constant faith corruptions neuer blind , He neuer waits his weale from princes wondring eyes : But liuing well content with euerie kinde of thing , He is his proper court , his fauor , and his King . His will ( restraind by wit ) is neuer forst awrie , Vaine hopes , and fatall feares ( the courtiers common foes ) ( Afraid by his foresight ) doo shun his piercing eye : And naught but true delight acquaints him where he goes , No high attempts to winne ; but humble thoughts and deeds , The verie fruites and flowers that spring from vertues seeds . ( O deities diuine ) your Godheads I adore That haunt the hils , the feelds , the forrests and the springs , That make my quiet thoughts contented with my store , And fixe my hopes on heauen , and not on earthly things ; That driue me from desires , ( in view of courtly strife , ) And drawe me to commend the fields and countrie life . My thoughts are now enclosde within my proper land , And if my bodie sleepe my minde dooth take his rest , My simple zeale and loue my dangers doo withstand , The mornings pleasant ayer inuites me from my nest , If wether wax too warme I seeke the silent shade , If frosts afflict , I striue for warmth by hunters trade . Although my biding home be not imbost with gold , And that with cunning skill my chambers are not drest , ( Whereas the curious eye my sundrie sights behold ) Yet feedes my quiet lookes on thousand flowers at least , The treasures of the plaine , the beauties of the spring , Made rich with Roses sweete and euerie pleasant thing . Amidst the pallace braue puft vp with wanton showes Ambicions dwell , and there false fauors finde disguise , There lodge consuming cares that hatch our common woes : Amidst our painted feelds the pleasant Fayrie lies , And all those powers diuine that with vntrussed tresses , Contentment , happie loue , and perfect sport professes . So liuing , naught remaines my solace to betray ; I heare the pleasant birds record their sacred straines , When at the mornings rise they blesse the springing day : The murmuring fountains noise from out the marble vaines , Are pleasing to mine eares : whilst with a gentill fall They fleete from hie , and serue to wet the meads withall . What sport may equall this , to see two prettie doues When neb to neb they ioyne , in fluttering of their wings , And in their roundelaies with kisses seale their loues ? Then wondering at the gifts which happie nature brings ; What sport is it to sleepe and slumber by a well , Whose fleeting falls maks show , some louely tale to tell ? Oh what content to see amidst the darkesome night ( When as the setting sonne hath left the moone in place ) The Nimphes amidst the vales and groues to take delight , To dance , to leap , to skip , with sweet and pleasant grace , To giue greene gownes in sport , and in their tripping make By force of footing all the springing grasse to quake . Their daunces brought to end , I lift my lookes one hie To see the horned moone , and deskant on her hew Cleere siluer shining bright , and eftsoones then think I Vpon that hapie chance the Latmian shepheard knew : Then doo I wish myselfe as faire a friend as she , But watching I desire she might disport with me . Thus midst the silent night my selfe I doo content : Then when as Phoebus beames our Hemisphere enflames , A thousand change of sports for pleasure I inuent , And feast my quiet thoughts with sundrie pleasant games , Now angle I awhile , then seek I for the chace , And straight my limerods catch the Sparrows on the place . I like , and make some loue : but yet in such a sort That naught but true delight my certaine sute pursues ; My libertie remaines , and yet I reape the sport , Nor can the snares of loue my heedefull thoughts abuse : But when I would forgoe , I haue the power to flie , And stand aloofe and laugh , while others starue and die . My sweete and tender flocks ( my faithfull feeld compeers ) You forrests , hoults , and groues , you meads & mountaines hie , Be you the witnesses of my contented yeares : And you O sacred powers vouchsafe my humble crie , And during all my daies , doo not these ioyes estrange ; But let them still remaine , and graunt no other change . Finis .

In commendation of a solitarie life . NOt yet forsaken ( gentle Muse ) draw neere , And helpe to wearie out these worldly thoughts ; Goe fit thy methode to my moodie cheere , For why fond pleasure now preuaileth noughts : Since where content and wealthie state declines , The heart dooth droope , and dolefull be the lines . For thy ( fond man ) why rest I not at last ? My wings of hope are clipte by foule disgrace : The siluer downe of age now flocketh fast , Like mosse on oake to dwell vpon my face : And what with thoght & time , through want & ruth : I challenge care for ioy , and age for youth . What fruites of former labours doo I finde ? My studious pen dooth traffique for a scorne : My due deserts are but repaid with winde ; And what I earne , is nought but bitter mourne : In which accompt I reap but this aduise , To cease to clime , and liue contented wise . But gentle Muse , where boadeth this content ? The Princes Court is fraught with endlesse woes , Corruptions flocke where honors doo frequent , The Cities swarme with plagues , with sutes , with foes : High climing wits doo catch a sodein fall , With none of these Content list dwell withall . Ah beautie of the double topped hill , Thou saddest sister of the sacred nine , What fruitfull pleasance followeth now my quill ? What wondrous beauties blesse my drooping eine ? Euen such as earst the shepheard in the shade Beheld , when he a Poet once was made . Me thinkes I see the deserts fresh arraid , New mantled in their liueries of greene , Whose frolicke pride makes smiling heauen apaid ▪ Wherein the Nymphs doo wearie out their teene , Washing their iuorie in those murmuring springs , At whose kinde fall , the birds with pleasure sings . See where the babes of memorie are laid Vnder the shadow of Apollos tree , That pleit their garlands fresh , and well apaid , And breath foorth lines of daintie poecie : Ah world farewell , the sight hereof dooth tell , That true content dooth in the desert dwell . See where a Caue presents it selfe to eie , By Natures hand enforst in marble vaines ; Where climing Cedars with their shades denie , The eye of day to see what there remaines : A couch of mosse , a brooke of siluer cleere , And more , for foode a flocke of sauage deere . Then here ( kinde Muse ) vouchsafe to dwell with me , My veluet robe shal be a weede of gray And least my heart by tongue betrayed be , For idle talke I will goe fast and pray : No sooner said and thought , but that my heart His true supposde content gan thus impart . Sweete solitarie life thou true repose , Wherein the wise contemplate heauen aright , In thee no dread of warre or worldly foes , In thee no pompe seduceth mortall sight , In thee no wanton eares to win with words , Nor lurking toyes , which Citie life affoords . At peepe of day when in her crimson pride , The Morne bespreds with roses all the waie Where Phoebus coach with radiant course must glide , The Hermit bends his humble knees to pray : Blessing that God , whose bountie did bestow Such beauties on the earthly things below . Whether with solace tripping on the trees He sees the citizens of Forrest sport , Or midst the withered oake beholds the Bees Intend their labour with a kinde consort : Downe drop his teares , to thinke how they agree , Where men alone with hate inflamed be . Taste he the fruites that spring from Tellus woomb ; Or drinke he of the christall springs that flowes : He thankes his God , and sighes their cursed doomb That fondly wealth in surfetting bestowes : And with Saint Hierom saith , The Desert is A paradise of solace , ioy , and blis . Father of light , thou maker of the heauen , From whom my being well , and being springs : Bring to effect this my desired steauen , That I may leaue the thought of worldly things : Then in my troubles will I blesse the time , My Muse vouchsafde me such a luckie rime . T. L. Finis .

Beauties Lullabie . Hos ego versiculos feci , tulit alter honores .

GEntlemen , I had thought to haue suppressed this Lullabie in silence , amongst my other papers that lie buried in obliuion : but the impudent arrogancie of some more then insolent Poets haue altered my purpose in that respect , and made me set my name to my owne worke , least some other vaine glorious Batillus should preiudice my paines , by subscribing his name to that which is none of his owne .

Non mesureè .

Lullabie Beautie , sweet Beautie lullabie ; To such kind of Infants sing lulla would I. SWeet , sweet desire that made my pleasant wondring eyes To gaze on such a blazing starre , as dims the state of skies : Whose feature while my Muse doth now deuise vpon ; Sweet Beautie rest thee still awhile , I shal haue done anon . First lulla to those lockes deriu'd from Phoebus rayes , Which fasten light in dimmest lookes by vertue of their sprayes : From whence her golden wiers Diana borowed then , When with Arachne at the loombe she stroue amidst the fen . Next lulla to the front where onlie shrowdes the die , Which ruddie Morrow borowed then when Thetis she did spie To hunt forbidden bed , whereas vermillion hue Is staind in sight , and euery sense approues my censure true . Next lulla to those statelie couerts of her eyes , In which in Alablaster white dame Nature did deuise A subtil frame of setled wiers , in such confused art : As those that looke but on that worke amazed doo depart . Next lulla to those lamps , those twinckling stemmes of state : Wherof but one , doth dim the Sunne ( both ) Sunne & Moone do mate , On which while Ioue doth prie , the ielous Iuno chides . Thus Gods & men admire at her in whom such beautie bides . But he that doth but marke those rocks of marble white ; From whence do spring those sweet perfumes the senses that delight , And sees with how great state the ruddie lippes they shade , Wil think the workman more diuine that such a work hath made . Now see those crimson cheekes , the mounts wherein do dwell The golden fruit Aeneas fet from midst the mouth of hell , Bedect with driuen snow , and pounst with Rubie red ; To which compare the ruddie rose , and it wil seeme but dead . Next praise those cherrie lips where rose and lillie meete , Enclosures of th' Egiptian gems , from whence doth Zephir sweet Breath forth a blast , and yeeld an noyse like to Orpheus lute , Which mou'd the craggie rocks to ruth , & stird what so was mute . Yet in that dimpled chinne bedect with euery grace , Where curious eye may easlie see the beautie of the face . Admit but this , that Ganimede the cuppe for Ioue did chuse : And if a man might drink with Gods , would I the same might vse . Then blessed be those mounts where Venus sits and sings , With wanton Cupid in her lappe , and from those statelie springs Drawes Nectar forth to feed her sonne : which tast him so beguild , That onlie for to sucke those teates , be still would be a child . But looke a low ( my Muse ) and fixe thy statelie view : Behold a path like Dedalls maze , wherein with azure clew A Theseus may the secret cells of beautie there behold , More statelie than th' Egiptian tombes , though reared all of gold . Next which of Alablaster white a mountaine there doth rise , A mountaine faire of driuen snowe , wherein incarued lies A statelie tipe of Venus vale : some calls it Cupids couch ; Whereas the God deuising lies which part were best to touch . There spies he earths Elizium , where Nature sits and paints Th' impressions of the sweetest formes her fancie her acquaints : In which one lulla I would rocke to Beautis grace , And be a prentise during life to serue her in that place . Next lulla to those forts whereout doth fancie prie , As one amaz'd to see the starre is fixt before her eye . A Crinite Comet crisped faire which on those arches stands Of Marble white enameled , and closde with azure bands . But he that sees those knees , whose feature is so faire , As when they bend , all knees do bend below and midst the aire ; Whose cords by compasse knit , and nerues by Nature set , Bindes Art apprentise for some yeres the patterne for to get . Here rests not wonders yet : for why behold a lowe Two rising siluer coloured clowdes , which like to those doo shewe , As compast in faire Phoebus then , when in his midday prime He sported with Cassandra faire , amidst the sommer time . Now Nature stands amazd her selfe to looke on Beauties feete , To see those ioynts combinde in one , and fram'd of Amber sweete , So small a pile so great a waight , like Atlas to vphold The bodie , as the mightie man to beare the heauens is bold . But to behold those Gemini , those siluer coloured armes , Whom natiue bloud with blushing streames in azure conduits warmes , Inuite the sence like violets , bepurfurated faire With Floras lillies ▪ lillie white these louelie branches are . But whilest I gaze a low , and see those palmes of peace , Wherein the mappe of fortune rests and times discents increase : From whence the branching fingers spred betipt with iuorie , The least impression whereof a marble mind might mollifie . Makes me confesse pen may not write , hart think , nor tung vnfold The least effect in Beautie , where both iuorie , pearle , and gold , Where purphure , Ebonie , white , and red , al colours stained bee : And if thou seeke for all these sweetes , then seeke my sweet to see . Finis .

Sundrie sweete Sonnets written by the same Gent.

1 A Verie Phoenix , in her radiant eies I leaue mine age , and get my life againe ; True Hesperus , I watch her fall and rise : And with my teares extinguish all my paine , My lips for shadowes shield her springing roses , Mine eies for watchmen guard her while shee sleepeth , My reasons serue to quite her faint supposes : Her fancie , mine ; my faith her fancie keepeth ; She flowre , I branch ; her sweetes my sowres supporteth , O happie Loue , where such delights consorteth . Finis .

2 I Vow but with some griefe henceforth to shunne the place , Where beautie casts her scortching lookes to feed me with disgrace . And since I was so fond to build on such a molde , As euery waue of vaine conceit the substance may vnfolde ; I will repent with teares the errors of my mind , And leaue to tie my thoghts to like of wanton womankind . Whose wayward wiles I spie how full of sleights they be , The heart delights in others choise , the hand yet faunes on me , And faine she would forsake , yet followes if I shunne , And with her tung repents the time that ere the fact was done . And yet she will be thought as constant as the best ; Yet scornes the man that beareth faith & courage in his crest . Whom if she list to knowe , his colour sable is ; A mournful colour meete for those whose eyes haue gaz'd amis : His colour pale for woe , his courage all forlorne ; His hart confirm'd to shun the sex that holds his faith in scorne . Willing all men to learne , least they be forst to proue , That women alter with the wind , and haue no hold in loue . Finis .

3 THe heauens inclinde to change , are passing cleere , Their showres restraind make billowes of mine eies , Their windes made calme within my breast appeere , Which dims the aire with sighs and heauie cries . My frozen loue hath laid the frost adowne , These snowes restraind serue to congeale my heart , This pleasant spring my stormie sorrowes frowne : Goe lying bookes , cease fooles to boast your art , And marke the cause : my Mistres smiles and lowres Makes cleere the heauens , & clowdes my heart with showers . Finis .

4 I Will become a Hermit now , and doo my penance straight For all the errors of mine eyes with foolish rashnes fild ; My hermitage shall placed be , where mellancholies waight , And none but loue alone shall knowe the bower I meane to build . My daylie diet shall be care , made calme by no delight : My dolefull drinke my drierie teares , amidst the darkesome place The fire that burnes my heedles heart shall stand in stead of light , And shall consume my wearie life mine errors to deface . My gowne shall be of spreding gray to clad my limmes withall : My late repent vpon my browe shall plainlie written be . My tedious griefe and great remorse that doth my soule enthrall , Shall serue to plead my wearie paines and pensiue miserie . Of faintfull hope shall be my staffe , and daylie when I pray , My mistris picture plac't by loue shall witnes what I say . Finis .

5 IF that I seeke the shade , I sodeinlie doo see The God of Loue forsake his bow , and sit me by : If that I thinke to write , his Muses pliant be : If that I plaine my griefe , the wanton boy will crie . If I lament my cares , he dooth increase my paine : If teares my cheeks attaint , his cheeks be moyst with mone : If I disclose the wounds the which my heart hath slaine , He takes his Fascia off , and wipes them drie anone . If that I walke the woods , the woods are his delight : If I my selfe torment , he bathes him in my blood : He will my Souldier be if once I wend to fight : If seas delight , he steeres my barke amid the floud : In briefe , the cruell God dooth neuer from me goe , But makes my lasting loue eternall by my woe . Finis .

6 WEarie am I to wearie Gods and men , Wearie am I to weep so manie teares without some succor : Wearie am I my wretched state to ken , Wearie am I to see my wofull yeares consume with dolor . These mounts , these fields , these rocks , these waues , these woods Resigne their ecchoes to my wofull cries , too much disdained : These lambes , these kidds , these bullockes , leaue their foods , These flowers , this grasse , with mourning parched lies to see me pained . Naught vnder Sunne that hath not tasted change , My bitter griefe alone abideth still without departure . Accurst be Loue , that wrought this wonder strange , Boading my sorowes by my wanton will that causde my smarting . O quiet life fore past , why hast thou left The wofull shepheard wearie of his paine to feed on sorrow ? Oh weeping eies of wonted ioyes bereft , Why leaue you him whom lucklesse Loue hath slaine to view the morrow ? My faintfull flocke dooth languish and lament , To see their master mourning his mischance this iolly season : My bagpip's broke , my roundelaies are blent , My rebecke now my solace to aduance accounts it geason : Yet not alone sheepe , lambes , kidds weep my woe : But rockes for ruth , and birds for sorow plaine my wofull wending : Then cruell Loue vouchsafe me to forgoe My wretched life , the cause of mickle paine , and make mine ending . The rockes their brookes with murmuring noyse shall weepe , The birds their songs with warbling notes shall sing : and full of pleasure My flockes shall feed , although their master sleep , And to my graue their falling fleeces bring , their natiue treasure . Solace each where shall raigne when I am dead , No care , no woe , no sorrow shall preuaile : but well contented Poore I shall sleep , when cursed Loue is fled , That first with furie did the fields assaile where I frequented . Finis .

7 THe earth late choakt with showers Is now araid in greene : Her bosome springs with flowers , The aire dissolues her teene , The heauens laugh at her glorie : Yet bide I sad and sorie . The woods are deckt with leaues , And trees are cloathed gaie , And Flora crownd with sheues With oaken boughs dooth play : Where I am clad in blacke , The token of my wracke . The birds vpon the trees Doo sing with pleasant voices , And chaunt in their degrees Their loues and luckie choices : When I , whilst they are singing . With sighs mine armes am wringing . The Thrushes seeke the shade , And I my fatall graue : Their flight to heauen is made , My walke on earth I haue : They free , I thrall : they iolly , I sad and penciue wholly .

8 WHen with aduice I weigh my yeares forepast , And count the course that in my youth I kept : How my fond eies on garish beautie plast , Dimde by desires in vaine opinion slept : For euerie looke and thought with teares I crie , I loath the faults and follies of mine eie . By which my heart was burnt with scorching flame , Growing to head by stealth of idle time , Whom oft my lookes with blushing red did blame ; But follie fixt before , it grew to prime : So for my wanton lookes with teares I crie , I loath the faults and follies of mine eie . Oh wanton looks , yee foes of sad forecast , That wept the teares of will , and not repent : Now see the end how fickle faire is past , And crimson cheekes with crooked yeares are spent : And blame your selues , and helpe my carefull crie , Who loath the faults and follies of mine eye . Finis .

9 HAnd , heart , and eye ; toucht , thought , and did behold A lock , a ioye , a looke of great delight , Lookes sweet , ioyes rare , but lockes of beaten gold , Hearts ioye , eyes lookes , hands touch so pleasde my sight ; That what I would , by eye , hand , heart I trie , And what I am , is but hand , heart , and eye . Finis .

10 IF hollowe eyes , if wan and wearish face , If scalding sighes my secret suites bewray : Loe ( loue ) those lookes that want their former grace , And dying thoughts which secret ioyes betray . And grant me this that either death may ease , Or humble suite my mistris wrath appease . Whose dire disdaine more pines my fainting heart , Than Aetnaes flame that fumes both night and day : Whose wisedome when it measures by desart , Dissolues my doubts and driues my woes away : Whose lookes if once they yeeld me beames of grace , Discharge the furrowes that befret my face . Twixt hope and happe my shippe doth beare a saile , The Seas are sighes , the Ancker slipper ioye ; Would Sea and Ancker both , and tacke might faile , So land of loue were gain'd to foile annoye . I say no more , the teare that last did fall On latter line , can shewe and open all . Finis .

11 A Satyre sitting by a riuer side , Foreworne with care that hardlie findes recure : A straying Nymph in passion did deride His teares , his care , her smiles her scornes assure : He wept , she wisht , and all their thoughts among , Fancie beheld and sung this carefull song . Perhaps the furrowes in thy wrinckled face Growne by thy griefe , abate thy wonted forme : Perhaps her eye was formde to yeeld disgrace , And blemisht that which wit may not reforme . Perhaps she will if so thou list to proue , Perhaps she likes , and yet she dares not loue . But if ( perhaps ) thy fortune be so faire , Laugh Satyre then it proues a pretie prize : And if thou wilt , so liue to shunne dispaire As looking long thou keepe thy proper eyes . This said she ceast : the Nymph she fled away , And good perswasion causde the Satyre play .

12 FAire Phoebus flowre vpon a sommer morne , Gan proud with loue to shewe her painted pride , And gay with glorie with a curious scorne , Disdainde those buds that blossom'd her beside . When Rose and Lillies , Violets and Balme , ( Scarce warm'd to worke their beauties to a flowre ) With enuious wrath neere to a water calme , Beheld my Phillis in a happie howre . Not wak't nor wonne too much with solemne sleepe , But sweetlie slombring they beheld my Saint , The Rose and Lillies both together creepe ; The one her lip , the next her cheeke did taint . And both they spread : the Violet consum'd To gentle ayre her amber breath fulfilled : Apollo feeling all the aire perfumde , With gentle beames into her eyes distilled . His flowre amaz'd , gaue Rose and Lillies place , The Sunne his shine within her eyes containeth , The Rose her lips , the Lillies decke her face , The Violet within her breath remaineth . Lenuoy . THen cease ( fond men ) henceforth to boast your flowers , Since Roses , Lillies , Violets are ours : And Phoebus flowre doth homage to their powers , And Phillis eye his glorious beames deuours . FINIS .