The massacre of money

The Massacre of Money . BEfore the heauen had put on heau'ns face , Or Neptunes waues a chanel'd sea had found , Before earth knew her now abiding place , Or ayre had residence aboue the ground , Or fire assum'd the highest place of all , Mundus non aeternus . To make her brightnesse more maiesticall . Before the Sunne knew his ecliptique line , Or the round balles of fire their wheeling spheares , Before the forked Moone began to shine , Or any Comet in the ayre appeares , Externa species rei decus . A clotter'd Chaos , and confused mould , Was all this glorious all , which we behold . But natures nature , God omnipotent , Bestow'd a formall shape on all this frame , Making each thing ; erst shapelesse , competent , Creating man to celebrate his fame . Then did the golden age repleat with treasures , Aurea aetas . Bring in the Cornucopia of pleasures . No threatning lawe with sharpe spurd punishment , Gaue out edicts to curbe a lawlesse rowte : Blacke mutiny in prison then was pent , And outrage still was kept aloofe by scowte . No man came to the Iudge with cap in hand , St●● pro lege voluntas . The iudgement still of euery one did stand . The loftie Pines men on the mountaines finde , That now are plowing vp the Ocean , No sayles bigge-belly'd with the wanton winde , Hast to a farre remoued region . Sua cuique regio rectissiana . Men knew no countreys but their natiue soyle , None offred to attempt an others spoyle . No towne was circled with entrenched walles , No trumpet gaue alarum to the fight : No sword was knowne , nor vsed : no Iron balles From out the wherring Cannons mouth tooke flight . Sine vomere Fertilis ager . No plow did cut the entralles of the earth , Yet all of corne did neuer know the dearth . Where were your vines ? ( ye glutted Bacchanalls ) What winepresse had you then to crush your grapes ? Where were your iunkets ? where your festiualls ? Where were your ryots ? where your virgin-rapes ? Qauls placent mesioribus ignotis . Men fed on hippes and hawes , curnels and cherries , Sloes , peares , and bulleis , apples , nuttes , and berries . Yet in this age was euery man a king , All freely wearing royall diadems , Content was held the chiefe and worthi'st thing , Exceeding riches , glory , gold , or iems . Regnat quisit contentus . All men were peace-embracers and content , In euery minde sate Prince and President . The ground disdain'd the plowes vnciuill touch , It scorn'd all muckie putrifaction : Yet did it yeeld of fruite and graine as much , Abundantia vini dulcedmē tolli● . As by the plough-mans toile some function The streames ran milke , and spatious flouds of wine Fill'd vp the shores , oh glorious happie time . But now Ioues father into Limbo thrust , The siluer age put downe the golden world , Pride swollen Iupiter iudge most vniust , This heape of pleasure to Auernus hurld . Ioue dimming all golds glorious raies of sun-shine , Fauor summorum humillima extollit . Siluer in pride sets vp her glitt'ring moone-shine . Before of all things was continuall spring , But now foure seasons of the yeare are fram'd , ( The date is out of euer-flourishing ) Spring , Mens hominum mutationes auida . Sommer , Autumne , Winter they are nam'd . The ayre began with feruent heate to swelt , And Hiems nipping colde of all was felt . Then did the oxe with wearie labour hale The rough plough-share on Tellus harmlesse face , Then euery man gan digge on hill and dale , And in the furrowes throwe the corne apace . Quid non industria discit ? The seas were filled with a frequent oare , That neuer knew the waight of ship before . The siluer age now bad the world adieu , Brasse next succeeding , beares supremacie : No sooner did the world his visage view , But straight resign'd him all authoritie . Though base of mettall , Aspirant humiles . yet in impudence , He did surpasse siluers preheminence . He brought the world to brazen ignorance , He taught the souldier to manage armes , He made true iudgement stoupe to arrogance , In euery eare he sounds deaths shrill alarmes . Neighbor seekes Neighbors , Gens inuida gen●● . Nation Nations woe , One countrey lusts an others ouerthrowe . Iron steppes in , and chaseth brasse away , Bid vertue now goe seeke a residence , Errour hath here set vp continuall stay , And who admires not errours eminence ? Placet omnibus Error . Who loues not folly ? nay we may auerre . There is no man but willingly doth erre . Treason hath , built her nest amidst the cloudes , Leuelling with aspiring ayme at Ioue : Violence in an ambush Enuy shrowdes , Pride is associate with lustfull loue . Habet ars quid fraudi● in autro . Craft here sets vp the art of cosening , Ignorance there of spurblind censuring . Euen then when Auarice had spred her wings , And couetous desire was waxen fligge , A company of ruder vnderlings , In the deepe entralls of the earth gan digge : Placet mirabele cuiquam . When ( as amaz'd they stood ) vnto their sight Appear'd a woman all in siluer dight . No sooner had her beautie giuen a print In the soft table of these mortall hearts ; No sooner had her fauour made a dint In their weake bosomes , but she plaies her part . Verba mouent omnes . After her faire enticing countenance , With witching words she puts them in a trance . Mortalls ( quoth she ) whose toiles deserue some gaine , If for to digge me out the massy deepe You haue begunne and ended all this paine , Though ignorant who should my presence keepe , O●bem Pecuni● regnat . Take me , possesse me , chalenge me your slaue , For hauing me , you seeme the world to haue . Out of th' infernall bowels of the ground , Neare to the Stigian horrour of blacke Dis , Where foule Cimerian darknesse streakes around , ( Amidst those clowdie shades my mansion is ) I come , Argentum luci● in antro . where Styx doth dimme the Fayries sight , Where all is darknesse , saue my splendours light . My beautie now approaching Phoebus rayes , Looseth the beautie of her shining lampe , Your eies are dim your mortal iudgement saies . The Sunne hath giuen me an eternall dampe . But purge the grossenes of your lying eine , Mendax hyperbole quidem . And you shall see me darken Phoebus shine . Whilst that my glory midst the clouds was hid , Like to a Iewell in an Aethiop's eare ; Or as a spot vpon a christall lid , So did my brightnes with more pride appeare . My selfe most faire , Terra tenc● aurum . oppos'd to cloudes most fowle , Sate as an Eagle ore a formelesse owle . Ye tonguelesse cauernes of the earth adieu , Farewell blacke house of Styx-polluted ground : My glory hath bene much extold by you , In your deepe holes my brightnesse first was found . Now I haue got th' earth'superficiall . Antiquae oblita domus . Farewell darke Styx , blacke Phlegiton and all . No sooner had her sence bereauing eye , Bewitcht with loue and admiration , The Ideot sight of this rude company , ( Oh palpable and grosse illusion ) But first Auarus maister of the crew , Anarus suspicax . Beheld his followers with a iealous view . Straight he exclaimes , ye rude Mechanicalls , Do you not tremble at this wonderment ? Ye more vnciuill then the Bacchanalls , Do you not stand amaz'd at this euent ? Suum ●uique pulchrum . This is a Queene , behold her maiestie , Nay more , a goddesse , see her deitie . Blessed , diuine , glorious , immortall , pure , Sacred , vnspotted , and maiesticall , Whose high supremacie stands euer sure , Whose pedigree is true celestiall , Par loui Pecunia . Whose power is equiualent to the gods , Who do'st exceed their maiestie by ods . Still let mine eyes be glutted with thy sight , Still let mine eares drinke thy harmonious voyce , Still let mine hands erect , to thee aright , Beg for thy presence , my desires sole choyse ▪ Amatum visus prosequitur . Still , oh still , let my hand , mine eare , mine eie , See , heare , and touch thy royall dignitie . Gaze still mine eye on her , attractiue glory , Feed on her beautie , surfet on her grace , Be thou in lookes her due contributory , Glut thee with view of her resplendant face , Aurum placet oculis . Contemplatiue desire let neuer rest , Til thou do'st learne her lookes be manifest . Harke still with true attention mine eares , When times require , performe your function , Her voyce more sweete then motion of the spheares , Or Philomell in her Pauilion . Auris auri sonum appetit . Oh that mine eare mazed with such a sound , Might in a trance lye groueling on the ground , Hands if you durst with a small ciuill touch , Be witnesses of this heauens ornament , You would be proud your honour should be such , To touch a goddesse most omnipotent . Sufficeth me that I may please mine eye , Inops oblatum respuit aurum . Although mine hand touch not that maiestye . Goddesse , erect thy beautie from the ground , Too base a seate for such an Emperesse , Since Lady of such honour thou art found , Giue no disparage to thy worthinesse . Assume the place of thy great dignitie , Se totum Pecunia . And be the mistresse of this Emperie . No sooner had his lips dame silence clos'd , But in steps open-handed Prodigus , He with this Lady in an humour gloz'd , Vtt'ring more braues then minuck Roscius . At last in words , Bona verba quaeso . his humour to display , Swelling in pride , to her he thus gan say . Lady diuine , mistresse of golden mines , Earths precious iewell , heauens paramour , Whose beautie brighter then faire Cinthia shines , All able riches , sweete ambassadour . Gracious fore-runner of felicitie , Adulatio dabit amicos . Constant vpholder of high maiestie , With ioyfull newes leape to this open brest , A receptacle for thy worthinesse : In this hote borough build thy warm dry nest , Where being heated , thou wilt strait confesse , A surer couert thou hast neuer found , Within the massie roundure of the ground . Prodigus non habet suum . Thou shalt view countries that be farre remote , Thou shalt with me to our Antipodes , Thou shalt behold the Zones , cold , temp'rate , hote ▪ Thou thousand captiues shalt from bonds release . Vrbes pecunia condit . Thou shalt appoint countries that now lie dead , With habitants to be replenished . Thou shalt a Iudge bribe with a benefite , Thou shalt rich countries and whole nations buy ; Like to an Empresse thou by me shalt sit , Whilst I am graced with the Empery . Sic vole sie Iubeo . Thy sentence as a grauen lawe shall stand , What case of lawe doth not lye in thy hand ? Thou shalt a paire of foes congluminate , Yet amongst equalls breed dissention ; None dares presume to be th' associate , What 's not effected if thou wish it done ? Incendit pecunia bellum . Nations shall fight to see thy gracious fauour , Whilst thou secure sits laughing at their labour . Follow my colours , and thy glorious fame , To euery eare shall be a frequent sound ; All tongues with wondrous loue shal speake thy name , Thy presence in all meetings shall be found . Tu linguas incitus . Thy worthy name shall finish euery clause , When thou shalt cease to shine , all tongues shal pause . No sooner tooke his words a period , But Liberalis steps betwixt these two : Ill ere goes double championd gainst good , Vertue we see hath somewhat still to doo . No Prince that raigneth , but hath enemies , Virtuti vitium . No vertue but endangered by vice . Ladie in truth , and faire in veritie , In pompe maiesticke , in show beauteous : In slie apparance full of dignitie , In liberall actions most bounteous . Though in thy selfe lyes no disaster crosse , Yet in thy vsage stands or good , Re dupley vsus in omni . or losse . We neuer knew that Natures holy Nature Created ought to a prepost'rous end , Good in it selfe we know is euery creature , And from it selfe doth good effects intend . Yet vsing vertue in an euill cause , Honorat causa actum . We guiltie are of breaking vertues lawes . Siluer is framed to a good entent , To be reducted to the shape of coine , So to buy corne , land , houses , nutriment , If any man bribe with it or purloine , Turning th' good creature to a wicked vse , Sub tegmine vsus abusu● . The creature 's blameles : t' is the mans abuse . Giue ore thy selfe to my tuition , And in the Lappe of vertue build thy nest , This cottage is a secure mansion , Voyd of all trouble , euer louing rest . Follow my colours , in my ensigne shine , Ioyning thy vertue with this power of mine . Verba malorum haud placent . I will adict thee to a noble seat , Within the closure of a liberall purse : Out of thy treasure will I giue , and get Vnnumbred friends , mongst whom I wil disburse In lib'rall measure , Sic parce liberatis . yet with caution , The well got goods of my possession . When the poore tenant fearfully doth stand Carefull how to discharge his landlords rent , When Micholmas , or Lady-daye's at hand , Fearing for debt in prison to be pent , Bona be●è . How shall a portion out thy treasury Release the poore man of his misery ? Or whensoeuer steéle-armed pouertie Feeding vpon the entralls of a man , Driuing all shifts to such an extasie , That either he must steale or starue anon , Egentibus opes . How shall a portion out thy treasurie Buy foode to ouercome his pouertie ? Or when an Harbinger of iniury By force depriues a poore man of his right , He being of no strong abilitie ▪ To follow lawe , or keepe his owne by might , Argentum iura dabit . How shall a portion out thy treasury , Recouer right , and beat downe iniury ? Or when a bloodlesse agues hand doth presse On the weake lims of a diseased creature , His bags being emptie , bare , and monilesse , His sences feeble , weak his corps , fraile his nature . Thou canst commaund Phisitions helpe to cure , Pecunia curat Podagram The miseries and pangs he doth endure . Liue thou with me and loue my company , Leaue wantonizing with abhorred sin : Be thou no agent in foule brothelry , Be thou no denne for vice to harbour in . Virtuti nulla au●is aperta . But liue with me in modest merriment , Yet if thou wilt not , I must be content . Peace Puritan , Auarus gins to crye , Fearing his worth should be reiected quite , Plead no more fondling , this slye simpathy , In showes like day , in truth as blacke as night . Nor canst thou with thy faith and troth precise , Landant quod ●mant . Blinde or deceiue this vertuous Ladies eyes . Wilt thou relieue a begger at the dore ? Vngracious coine , on beggers to bestowe , To let that glorious honour we adore , Fall to the hands of a polluted shrowe , Quem quam non curat Auaru● . To let the fingers of a common trull , Siluer out of thy open purse to pull ? T' is thou that setst idlenesse abroach , Feeding the lazie humours of a slaue ; T' is thou that mak'st base men on vs incroach , Giuing to all what they desire to haue . Thou art an author of lycentiousnesse , Non videt manticae quae in tergo est . Feeder of riot , and of drunkennesse . Thou seruile bondman to a common groome , Thou that hast goods , to vse them know'st not how , Whose house to eu'ry runnagate giues roome , Whose eare to eu'ry puling crye doth bow . Thou that to loyt'ring churchmen oft do'st giue , Bona mali● contempta . More goods then I shall scrape vp whiles I liue . Do'st thinke this Lady is a seruants hire ? Shall churchmen haue her to possession ? No , first let her be molten in the fire , Let her downe to the earth , her mansion . Shame that her beautie so celestiall , Should be a runnagate from one to all . Pecunia sersper enn● . Nor you the sonne of carelesse diffluence , Brother to loosenesse and intemperance , Waster of thrift , maister of large expence , Whose wealth is of an houres continuance . Prodigus ignorat 〈◊〉 . That in one day throw'st more vpon the water , Then can be gather'd a thousand after . Thou like an Ideot , louing all but one , Hating that one thou should'st loue best of all , Caring for all , except thy selfe alone , Who of thy loue should be the principall . Alios euehis te deuehis . Whilst most thy friends & flatt'rers thou mak'st rich , All thine owne wealth is bury'd in the dich . Foole , loue thy selfe , cherish thy lustie yeares , Be still propitious to thy selfe alone , Shake off those spaniel-fawning flatterers , Be louing to thine owne , or kinde to none . Loue others , but obserue this cauear , Adj●fis amicus , ibi charus Thy Loue to others doth not weake thy state . Lady , you see their sottish fopperie , Both dissipating what you heape together , Abiure , renounce , reiect their companie , Or you must wend through countreys euery whither . Alata Pecunia volat . What nation in the worlds circumference , But through it in their purses thou must dance . Appeale to me , I am your zealous fauthour , One that will hugge you in my bosomes nest : Be you to me my comforts onely authour , And in this roome set vp your biding rest . Auari ar●a lemper clansa . Though all the world after your presence gape , Yet hid with me , you from the world shall scape . As if thou muck-hill-scraping Claudian , Whose gowtie fingers fit a deluing spade ; Thou ten degrees vnder a Gentleman , Continuall driuer of an halting iade . Thou simple hackney to a litle profit , Muka fers nulla ausers . Yet all being done , thou art got maister of it . Thou that to get a fat cheekt benifice , Wilt on thy knees creepe 〈◊〉 the antique lawe ; Thou that hast euen as much respect to vice , As birds with poison filling vp their crawe . Fratrum quoque gratia rara . Thou that art euer cosening one or other , Thou that for profit wil● deceiue thy brother . As if thy shallow bare simplicitie , Could be a pew fellow for such a Queene ; As if thy mudde-polluted company , Were obiect fit of her eyes to beseen● , Auant transformed Auar●ia , Multos suscipit auar●ia sormas . Thou art an abiect of Petunia ▪ Base are the thoughts that dote on thy affection , High is the minde of this vnblemisht creature ; Deform'd are they which make thees hei● election , Reform'd thou seest 〈◊〉 louely 〈◊〉 No hope of 〈◊〉 is expected there , Non 〈◊〉 nubila stellam . Wherein there doth no likelihood appeare . Thou in the dust build'st thy felicitie , She sets her pleasure in high maiestie : Thou lowly Ant vpon the ground do'st lie , She mounts with Eagles plumes into the skie . Aspiring thoughts fit not humilitie , Basenesse and splendour are most contrarie . Cupit & simia esse generosa . If thou hast skill in some sweete Syramisme , Or thou canst traine thy tongue to eloquence , Or metamorphos rugged Barbarisme , Into smoothe phrases , and fine English sence ; Plus barbae quam ingenij . Or canst transforme that fustie beard anon , Into some new deuised fashion . If thou canst turne those flat venetians , Into a paire of faire Italian hose : If thou canst proue thy hat a gentlemans , Or chaunge the colour of thy sack-sok't nose . If thou suppose thy reed-thackt colonie , Baucidis tectum celat louem . Be residence for this great deitie , Then it may be she will thy cottage visit , And thou shalt haue the presence of this Lady ; It may be she will note the marke , yet misse it , It may be shee 'le deceiue thee , and it may be A●ro non pauper affinis . Sheel 'e take it for an high indignity , That thou should'st offer her thy company . But thou base Puritan , who hast much wealth , And on the poore bestow'st it friuolously , Do'st keepe a dyet to maintaine thy health , Pray'st in the Church , and liu'st as modestly . Apage Cupidinis ignem . As any maide that lies alone in bed , Fearing the shipwracke of her maidenhead . Thou pure Idaea of a womans face , Thou ciuill curber of incontinence ; Thou that in gesture art as full of grace , As any Lobbe in this circumference . Sue more nitere colinum . Thou that in plainnesse hast a good proportion , Thou that canst do all things without extortion . Goe bid the Clarke ring day-bell earlier , Bid the Church-warden mend the broken graue , Then goe consult with parish-minister , And see the poore mans boxe his due to haue . Dar'st thou aspire to be Pecunia's keeper , Omnia non omnes . Who then to th' ankles neuer wadedst deeper ? No , sweete Pecunia , set thy resting place Within the compasse of my Indian chest , A seate conuenient for such a grace , Faire Queene , appoint there thy eternall rest . The maister of it was an Emperour , Caesaris olim . The next possessor be my Paramour . No more , no more leand vices ministers , ( Quoth Liberalis ) silence close your lips ; No more let vice lin'd with those mockes of hers , Seduce your mindes with Errours doting slips . No more let Enuy in an angry frowne , Virtutis inuidia non mominerit . Attempt to throwe vnblemisht vertue downe . No more thou marshall vnto diffluence , Feed-leaudnesse in so bounteous a measure ; No more be waster of such great expence , Nor fondly throwe abroad Pecunia's treasure . Pamper no more the gulfe of gluttony , Tandem fatur esto Milanus . No more be Bayliffe to foule Brothelry . T' is thou that feeds the humours of Curtezans , Making thy selfe a slaue to wanton lust : Through thee whole rowtes of cunning Artizans , Do still decrease , who on thy kindnesse trust . And when age makes their limbs vnseruiceable , Thou turn'st them out as drones vnprofitable . Non omni temporem val●s What needst thou cast away a hundred pound Vpon one sute , nakednesse couerture ? What need thy knees with fortie crownes be bound ▪ A lower prised habit were as sure : Iudis superbia sola est . Onely because thou would'st be counted gay , Thou cast'st in scorne a thousand pound away . Why 's thy cloake set with wanton winding lace , As if a labirinth lay on the cape ? T' is not the taylors credit , nor thy grace , But th'imitate of some fantastike Ape . Etiam & mundus stultescet . Oh Ideot world , to what ripe foolerie , Now metamorphos'd is thy progenie ▪ The poore with weeping voyce salu●e thy doore , Sighing forth accents of calamitie ; Yet sorrow nere so much , gets nere the more , Thou hatest to relieue deepe miserie . Gnatonem amat . If any Gnato at thy elbow● stand , Thou dol'st vnto him with a bounteous hand . The Temple as a dungeon thou abhorr'st , The Church thou neuer gracest with thy shadow : Let vs goe kill a light-foote in the forrest , Or trace the hare alongst the chequer'd medow . Venantucotiosi . Couple thy hounds , and congregate thy men , To hunt the shepheards ●oe out of his ●en . Hast thou a hound matcht in mouth like a bell , Whose eares will sweepe away the morning dewe ? Hast thou an horse another Bucephall ? Hast thou a proued hawke , pen'd in the mewe ? Resonabilis Echo . Vp to the groues , marke the discording sound , Of tatling Eccho , answering each hound . Take thou the pleasure of this apish world To be the portion of thy happinesse : Swel yet with pride , let thy fair locks be curl'd , Thy selfe with sweet water and musk addresse . Yet take pastime : Tempora mutantur . The day ( I dread ) wil come Thou wilt be glad to beg a mite or crumme . It s for the foule in ciuil cormorant , Who hopes in time to purchase all the earth , And make those things which now abound , be scant , Causing of all things a continuall dearth , Vnlesse some power celestiall do barie Thy mortal arme to stretch it selfe so farre . Dij prohibeant . What profit to the commons hast procured ? How doth thy cou'tous humor please the land ▪ What paines to hinder all hast not endured ? What close conueyance doest thou vse in hand ? How often hast thou brib'd the Iudges with gifts , Quem non angulum pecunia . When thou art driuen to thy narrow shifts ? Like to the Ape thou kill'st with cherishing , And thou would'st : hugge Pecunia to death : Thou would'st euen choake her midst thy pampering , And with thy kisses cleane sucke out her breath . In a close chest thou mean'st to haue her pent , Eadem arc● est carcer auarj . And keepe her there in lasting prisonment . But sure all we about a thing contend , To which we euery one haue certaine right : Let each man take the lot that God doth send , And the possessour yet be free from spight . Is euery man contented with her choyce ? Quem saelis●m habebimus . Then Lady make one happie with thy voyce . Not so ( qouth she ) my skillesse ignorance Cannot diuine the vertue of you all : Nor is it wisedome to decide by chance , That which may cause repentance to befall . Verbis non virgis . Each truly manifest his dignitie , Then will I iudge who has the victorie . Auarus . I labour all the day yet rest at euen , After much sorrow finding pleasures gaine : Beginning worke at fiue , ending at seuen , Then rest is acceptable after paine . Post labores gaudium . I plow my land with a long tedious toyle , Yet after reape the haruest of my soyle . Prodigus . I all the day mongst gallant Ladies braue it , Or at some time-beguiling sweet delight , No pleasure in the land but I stil haue it , Harmonious lulls me a sleepe at night . No sport vnlesse I a spectator bee , Prodigus historionem . No mirth , vnlesse I am in companie . Nor labour I the liue-long sommers day , Liberal . Yet stil am busied in good actions : Nor do I triflle out the time in play , Yet stil vse honest recreations . Cum corpore mens . In minde I worke , whiles body is at leisure , In body I worke , whiles my mind is at pleasure . Auar . Mine eyes loue obiects that to gaines are bent , Those showes be pleasing that are profitable : Mine eares loue sounds that are to gaines intent , A purchase or a bargaine commendable . Dilligo dolum , domum , & donum . Mine eyes applaud a well spi'de benefit , Mine eares a craftie voice , or sharp-ey'de wit . Mine eyes do wish each obiect princely crown'd , Prodigus . A scepter or some sence-bereauing sight : Thine eares desire a kings maiesticke sound , High powers thund'ring voice , accents of might . Mine eyes applaud a sight-of Lordly pleasure , Mihi sola voluptas . Mine eare a musicall harmonious measure . Mine eyes a vertuous demeand Loue , Liberal . Sweet Poesie , delightfull Oratory : Mine eares are pleasde with words , that truth behoue , With some good carall in an auncient story . Mine eyes applaud nor benefit nor pleasure , Mihi comm●da virtus . Mine eares nor craftie wit , nor Musiques measure . I wish each ground mine eye surueys were mine , Auarus . Then count I thence what profit would arise , I thinke a voice that soundeth gaines diuine , No sweeter Musique then commodities . I couet not that which is not mine owne , Liberal . I neuer seeke that which I neer haue sowne . I wish each glory did belong to mee , Or my estate were farre beyond compare : Prod. I wish in me lay chiefe supremacy , Or none as I so featur'd , and so faire . Nor I to too much glory do aspire , Libe . Nor too much fauour beauteous desire . I steppe into no spendthrifts company , Aua. Money 's incurable presumption . I scorne the Mysers rude societie , Prod. Good fellowship's damned contagion . I hate both spendthrifts & a mysers minde , Libe . Some spent , some gotten , yet no lesse I finde . Auarus . I do not feed a strumpet with large gifts , The greatest of all humane misery . Prod. I do not vse cos'nages vnlawfull shifts , An vpright conscience infect enemy . Lib ● . Nor feede I strumpets , nor vse cosenage , But hating both , both's downfal do presage . Aua. Gold is my life : then life what dearer is ? Gold is my hart : who doth not loue his hart ? Prod. Glory 's my comfort , shall I glory misse ? Glory 's my loue , shall loue from me depart ? Liberal . Gold 's deare to me , yet far lesse dear than life , Glory is good , vain glory breedeth strife . Auar . That week's vnblest that doth not helpe me gaine , That day 's accurst that doth decrease my number . Prod. The place is Hell , that breeds my smallest paine , The time is fatall that doth worke my cumber . A time I hope for gaine , a time for griefe , Liberal . One time breeds danger , other yeelds reliefe . Au●r . Lady choose me , my riches do excell , And I wil make thee mistresse of them all . Prodigus . Lady choose me , that in the citie dwell , Neare to the court , a place celestiall . Libe . Lady choose whom thou wilt , content & I , Wil stand to our edict in destiny . Pecunia . Nor must my treasures on the waters fall , Then wil they sinke and neuer more be found : I must not feed a spendthrift prodigall , Nor let my heapes of gold with him abound , Vna dies dissoluit Craesum Who in a day dissolueth more in cheare , Then the rich Indian Mines yeeld in a yeare . Nor must I liue with a nice Puritaine , One that doth feare to counterfeit or lye , One that nere vttereth a word in vaine , A precise master of simplicitie . Hence diffluence , auaunt poore puritie , For I cashier you both my company . Pura ma●odiosa . Come sweete Auarus , hug me in thine armes , Encrease my heapes by thy assiduall toile , Keepe me secure from life-pursuing harmes , Preserue my splendour from all spotting soile . Into thy bosome will I creepe my loue , Quis respuit anrum ? And on thy breast lye like an harmles doue . Imbrace me , kisse me , I am onely thine , Fortune sayes so , who contradicts her will ? Loue me , adore me , be thou onely mine , We louers are , and louers shal be still . Let crab tree-might use all authoritie , Lex mea iura tenet . The lawe through bribes shall curbe his enmitie . Inraged Prodigus blushing to see ( Euen mongst the wicked , pride hath ouerthrowe ) A clowne prefe●d before his dignitie , Burning in wrath , and mad in outward showe , Drew the reuenger of all giuen disgrace , Quo tandem iracundia . His sword , and ranne it at Auarus face . Running , I knowe not what celestiall power Stopp'd the successe of his aduenturous case ; But when his wrinckled 〈◊〉 began to lowre , And his carier had budg'd one profer'd pace , Three Goddesses ( their shapes did tell me so ) An Iupiter aspicit Irum . Preuent 〈◊〉 ill occasion d●●oe . The first was like to liues imperiall wife , Yet lesser both in name and dignitie ▪ T is she that hath possession of the knife , Which cuts all humanes vitall threed : t' is she Sua sint cuique That is the great commandresse of the fates , Giuer of noble worths , and lowe estates . Mistresse of chaunce , great Queene of destinie , Ordresse of lots , causer of alterations , The puller downe of Iouiall maiestie , And high erecter of base vsurpations . Volubilis estsors . Whose mind a tott'ring carries hence , Proud of her owne high valued excellence . Her name is Fortune : on her right side stands A Nymph , that bore her euer turning wheele ; On th' other side a King , who with his hand Held out a globe , which like a bowle , did reele . Fortune had after her , attendants three , Parcae ne domina pareunt . The fatall sisters of the Destinie . The next to her succeeds Vice swaggering , Her face being gilded ore , homes on her head ; Her Nymphes support a faire tree flourishing , Laden with fruite , with guilt leaues honoured . In●ertilis arbor . In euery graine , in euery braunch thereof , The gazers eye might well behold a scoffe . The last was Vertue , least in estimation , A coxecombe on her beauteous head was placed , Before a spotlesse white , behind , coronation , With crownes and louely girlands she was graced , Non hominem vestis . Her robe full of bright-shining starres was set , By hands thrust out of cloudes as blacke as I eat . Three Nymphes in mourning vestures all araide , Brought out a tree , halfe greene , halfe withered , Vertue her selfe weeping ( poore haplesse maide ) To see all men vpon her worth to tread . Whiles she is proud to weare the scorne of sots , Nescit stultitia vorum . And haue her garment dight with enuious spots . Stand not amaz'd poore mortalls at this sight , Fort. Lift vp your eyes ▪ if my great maiestie Dampe not you oplique sence : my radiant light Dull not your intellectuall perspicacie . Nay do not fall : Quem vult fortuna tradit . if I begin to frowne You need not fall downe , for I le spurne you downe . See you this Globe , this little toy call'd world , Lying in due subiection to my powers ? Sometimes my hand into the ayre it hurld , And then create I Kings and Emperours . Sometimes I turne it , Ex officina princeps . and inuest a clowne , Miraculously with a Princes crowne . T is I that tumble honour to the ground , And in the earth hide royall maiestie ; T is I that an vnconquer'd foe astound , Giuing an Ideot best felicitie . I set a sottish cappe on Vertues head , I cause vice chiefly to be honoured . Vertus ignota I thrust a coward into honours chaire , And make a souldier bare-headed stand , Whilst they sit proudly scoffing his affaire , That dare not counterview an armed band . I lift vp fooles , and to the wiser send A most perplexed life , Haud longa sunt bona . and sudden end . I turne faire learning out to beggerie , And in ragg'd vestments clothe an vpright wit , I tread vpon the necke of royaltie , And vnto wisedome giue a raining bit . Gallo dantur iemmae . I gild false browes with fairest diadems , And to the dung-hill cock giue richest iems . I ( to conclude ) am maistris of the world , All mortall things are in my regiment : Frowne , I crosse fortunes to the earth are hurld . Smile I , good happes answere each mans content . Ventos non Iubee . I haue the foure windes tutourd in good awe , The world her breath doth from this bosome drawe . Vertue thou droop'st , the more we make thee mirth , Vice . The more thou turn'st away thy scornefull face : If I looke vp to heauen , thou on the earth , If I on earth , straight thou on heauen do'st gaze . Laugh I , thou weepest : sigh I , thou art then merrie , Flet virtus , rider vitium . And when thou seest me lustie , thou art wearie . As if this stubborne opposition Foolish contrarying of my humours choyce , Could get thee glories commendation , Verba ventosa sapienti videntur . Or to thy laude bend but one onely voyce . Be of my schoole , and honour Vices meed , And thou shalt be adored wench indeed . T is not this plaine domesticke achornisme , This imitation of the common lay , T is not this sottish habit of precisme , Can make thee be beloued : no wench , goe gay , Flourish in new commenced fashions , Sis nobis homo . And thou shalt worke strange operations . Because thine eyes be surer witnesses Then thy incredulous eare , tarry and view My well replenisht schooles , true worthinesse , The sight will make thee bid precisme adiew , And thinke this showe farre to exceed the Lay Iunonis nuptias excellit . That honour'd Iuno at her wedding day . The vsher that thou seest , doth guide the place , Teaching their steps indenting passages , Is Folly , loe in what conceited race She leades them on : Vix natum ingenium extinguitur . her vsuall offices Doth teach them fondnesse , wanton reuelling , Lightnesse of minde , and wits extinguishing . The first and primate of my schoole is this , He that hath wonne the golden prize away , All scraping couetousnesse , that would haue his , All that vpon th' earths massie round doth stay . Auaritia sinc fu●● . Pecunia is his peculiar , Money his god , coyne his familiar . He thinkes ere long to be the worlds chiefe master , To bring all wealth to his subiection ; Hee 's euer getting , neuer found a waster , T is he that Argentum hath in tuition . Faire Aurum's presence now the Indians mis , Semper est pauper , tamen . For she hath sworne for euer to be his . The second scholler is his opposite , The eldest sonne to dissolution , Borne to great lands , yet in his head so light , That all is spent in dissipation . Scatt'ring that in a minute , which his father Was his whole life's time busied to gather . Vbi diffuis diploidem . He fathers all these new found fashions , And patronizeth all fantasticke showes : The very Ape of imitations , Yet wondred at , like to an owle mongst crowes . His seruants are the Parasite and Pandar , Danus tibi non Aedipus . And he to all such slaues , is a commander . The third is Enuy , in whose Iron pawes , More sauage then was euer Mirmidon , Lies balls of wild-fire neare an heap of strawes , To burne in flambes who ere he cast it on . Il●uidia volat . Arm'd with reuenge , he rangeth vp and downe , Tearing his haires from off his bared crowne . Two poysonous snakes within his fists he gripes , As if for anger he could sting his flesh : An Owle he keepes , to waken with her shrikes , To worke reuenge euen whiles his wrath is fresh . Inuido placent & nex & nox . Swifter abroad then Aeolus he rangeth , And all his plots to dire effects he changeth . The fourth is sluggish-headed Idlenesse , His eyes sinke in his head through ceaselesse sleepe , His pace keepes pace with the snayles slothfulnesse , His sight doth an accustom'd closset keepe . Inertia quanta ? Snorting he lies all night , dreaming all day , So idely doth he passe the time away . He is the father of those dreaming fooles That creepe like worms ( more vgly they then wormes ) Trembling to do their office in the schooles , Frai'd with the least tempestuous windes or stormes . Heauier then lumpes of leade , or heapes of clay , Plunbans es Harder then mountaines to be mou'd away . The fift is daintie-throated gluttony , Whose chiefe imployed seruants be all cookes , He studies new-deuised cookery , Straunge Iunkets , wondrous dishes : His house is nought but kitchin , Tune coqu●● then I feare Himselfe at length wil proue a kitchiner . He loues no fellowes but good trenchermen , None follow him , but they are smel-feasts nam'd : A well drest supper he full soone will ken , Out of his house he quite hath hunger sham'd . Hunger exil'd , Testantur genae . depart vnto thy cell , His very lookes thy sharpest force wil quell . The sixt is Pride , clad like the morning Sunne , When mongst the Pine trees on th' heauē-thretning mountaines , He seeks his Clymene , his vestall Nunne , Or els at night hard by some nuptiall Fountaine Wearing a Iewel dangling at her eare , Cuius laetissima . Worth a kings reuenewes euery yeare . Ladies vpon her traine attend and wait , Like to some goddesse , or some Nimph diuine Her habite showes her : in her owne conceit Her glory doth obscure bright Phaebus shine . She deemes her selfe faire beauties quintescence , Venusne mortalis . Mistris of glory , Queene of Eminence . The seuenth and last of these superiour rowes , Is mine owne darling , hight licentiousnesse , That beauteous Syren that inchants with showes , The very soule of Vertue blemishlesse . Inticing bayt hung on a golden hooke , Piscibus sit esca . That can bewitch each doating gazers looke . Her brests lye open to display the nests , Where all the Graces make their residence : Faire smooth , dugge-rising , and descendant brests , Cleare snow white neck hedg'd with a silke soft fence . Te videmus non tua . Thrice fairer then my tongue can render thee , The perfect mirrour of formositie . These be the chiefest schollers that I keepe , The firme vpholders of great vices seate : All these my fellow darlings Iy-cleape , Cause they as I be euer fortunate . Vilorum est ne concordia● Their powers be great , themselues are capitall , Their states alike , most vitious , one , and all . A rabblement of pettie graduates Fill vp the other angule of my seate : As malice cloystur'd in some lowe estates , Blasphemous oathes another corner get . Hoc lingua illud mens . Lying sits stil inuenting truthlesse wonders . Swearing euacuateth oathes like thunders . Vertue if thou my scholler eke wilt be , Adioyne thy selfe to this societie : Race off this badge of leane-fac'd puritie , Assume to thee some princely maiestie . Te●mine tegeris . Thy vertue thus obscur'd in the worlds eye , Doth giue disparage to thy dignitie . Think'st thou the world wil loue a dungeon , Whose entrance breeds no pleasure to the eye ? Although within that loathed mansion Worlds of delights , ages of pleasure lye . Specietne approbat . When th' outsides vgly showe mens eyes do greete , From it , strait from it , all their loue doth fleete . How are thy inward parts be beautifi'de , Be sure without to beare a proud apparance , Within set basenes , and without set pride , The badge of honour is true Iouisance . Put on some glorious beames that may enflame The hearts of men to honour thy great name . Labeius accipe plumus . Deare mistris ( quoth the Nymphes ) now be thy selfe , And like thy selfe shine in thy glorious feature : Chace hence this scumme , this drosse , this florisht pelfe , This out-adorned , in-polluted creature . Let the world laugh , Vitij olent intestina . fantasticke follies net Shall now be torne , all men shall Vertue get . Happie , thrice happie is that purer minde Whom wisedome keepeth an adopted heire : Oh sacred patron to a wit refinde , Valiant vpholder of a soule so faire . Vertue I serue , Virtutime . and seruing her I finde All loose affections slaues to my pure minde . Hapie content the curber of my will , Teaching necessitie to dance in woe : Giuing to forward thoughts a raine , to still The fickle humours , which eu'r changing goe . Vertue on earth sole monarch thee hath crown'd , Sorte mea contentus . Ouer all petiie vertues that are found . What a nice brawling keep these cattes precise Of pettie vertues and content of minde ? Vice . First should these hands quite race out both these eyes , Ere Fortune me so ceremonious finde . Heer 's much ado about a thing of noughts , Concerning quiet , Parturiunt montes . and the ease of thoughts . Cheek●-dimpling laughture , set thy merry foole Amidst the sadnesse of this drouping rout : Shew them a franklin dauncing in a hoole , Whiles his young squire singes hooby in and out . Asinus asininum fert dominum . Show them a long-eard Asse his maister beating , Thou standing by , and both them Asses swearing . Show them a shauen rusticke , in whose beard Hiems cold Ice , not Himens bloomes are rise : His gowtie fingerels enwristing ha●d The tender-ioynted roundure of his wife . Aspice caput . Whiles she doth dally & his haires adorne , She plants vpon his head a goodly horne . See there a monkey ( oh faire-featur'd beast ) Creep to his mistris warme laps mansion , Where her owne husband ( yet scarce he with rest ) Once in one twelue month hath accesse vpon . Bestia cum b●st●js . Thrice happy beast that graunted art that place Which men desire , yet stil kept off a space . Show them a Dyer wedding with a Beare , As if his colours could transforme the beast , Or to the corpes another feature reare , Or metamorphose her rugg'd hairy breast Vetus Asinus nunquam sapiens . Into some smooth and amiable forme , But t' is impossible , shee 's too much worne . How ( ah how ) can mine eares ( Vertue began ) Abide the hearing of these vitious euils ? How can mine eyes behold base vice to scan The top of honour with these glorious diuels ? Ignoras pudorem . Iniurious strumpet hide thy face for shame , For heauen it selfe doth hate thy odious name . Think'st it a glory to behold those fooles , Climing by grees vnto the height of sinne ? Tak'st thou a pleasure to behold thy schooles With Oceans of wit drownd sots to swimme ? Thou horred mappe of vile inequitie , Ridet . Xanthus . Laugh'st thou to see thine owne impietie ? If I would boast , I could arrest thine eyes With fairer obiects then thou yet didst see : I could acquaint thine eares with harmonies , Sweeter then Syrens-chaunting melodie . But who knowes not that who so Vertue loues , Borum & appeto & expeto Vice from his eyes as odious remoues . To counterchecke thy peacock-plumed pride , I haue a scholler call'd Humilitie , Though poore without , yet inly beautifi'de With hidden treasure , and faire dignitie . Pride is most rich in shewe , but bare in minde , But him in shewe poore , Simia quamuis ornata . in soule rich I finde . To counteruaile lusts great preheminence , And all the crew of those lycentious fires , I haue affection ruling continence , Honesties mistresse , Queene of chaste desires , A holy vestall , Vestalem te iudico . whose virginitie Parts not but with her soule from spotlesse body . The meane betwixt mudde-raking couetousnesse , And loosenesse offspring , carelesse diffluence , I haue this liberall sparing bounteousnesse , Free giuer , yet with equall conscience . Vertue on both sides stands enuironed With two extreames , Medina saepissime virtus . both vices chronicled . To contrary thy Enuies byting hate , And all the honour of maliciousnesse : I haue pure meeknes , who in all estate Is still content with humble lowlinesse . Nec vis , nec lenitas . Hating ambitious Enuies angry sting , Louing a mild and equall censuring . If I would lay the glory of my schoole Open to euery vitious gazers eye , I should amaze the sottish doting foole , Quite ouercome with incredulitie . Nescit me mundus . But since the world my vertue doth not knowe , They hate my walkes , and follow vice their woe . Whiles I alone do walke along'st the streetes , Each vassaile gins to spit at me in scorne : The more my honour , for ere this life fleetes He shall be bandyed , and of ioy forlorne . Te propria reijciet domina . Be quite reiected of his proper dame , And die a death of vnrecouer'd shame . This is the ende of all thy minions , Most wretched , fearfull , and detestable : What 's the precedent lifes progression , When the lifes ende is found so horrible ? Finis acta probar . An euil act , attracts an euil end , And by the issue stil the worth is ken'd . The ende to which each man the world doth see , Is to extoll our high Creators glory : Each of thy schollers doth the contrary , And to the diuel are contributary . Sufficet esse ●eruum . Oh honourable seruice , office high , To vndertake Hobgoblins baylifry . Who but those men whom Follyes chaunting tong , Hath metamorphos'd vnto mindlesse sots ? Who but whom Vices witching Syrens song , Hath quite transform'd to witlesse Ideots , Will flye from Vertue , Placent Nigerimia nigro . soules restoratiue , To cleaue to Vice , poisons ministratiue ? Cassandra thou presaging Prophetesse , ( Thrice happie , if as soone beleeu'd as heard ) Why breathest thou tydings of happinesse , Amidst a rocke of Adamants vpreard ? Whose brest thy siluer newes cannot yperse , Bona non adminuntur . What credit they which Vertue doth rehearse . Deformed strumpet , or if vglier name , May to a most detested wretch be right , Blush monster , blush agent , to stubborne shame , The vnderprop of Sathans powerfull might . Seducing mischiefes , Tenebrosum est vitium . teaching ruder wights , That Vice doth rule by day , Vertue by nights . Though I haue like a pilgrim walk'd some-while , Meating by steps the earths circumference , With looser garments ouercasting still , The modest splendour of my Eminence , Numquam sero Trying if any brest that Vertue loued , Would haue this lump of sin from 's heart remoued . But since my vertue was but modestie , And all my garments simple plainnesse deemd : Since my companion was integritie , Meekenesse my page , ( basenesse of all esteemd ) I 'm so reiected , Quem mihi monstras that each man ( oh greefe ) Loues not himselfe , if I him seeme to leefe . But now nor thou presumptuous impudent , Shameles vpbraidor , tyrannizing dame . Shalt with thy sugred tongue to pleasure bent , Slurry with scandall Vertues glorious name , Angelus in ●oro . Nor like an Angell canonized bee , Wiles I am beaten with deepe miserie . Nor thou dame crosse blisse , recling mistris chance , State alt'ring tyrant , who impuritie Vp to the height of honour do'st aduance , But tread'st with enuious foote on pietie . Non semper Apollo valibis No more shalt thou with mischiefs crosse my darling , No more shall Vertues seruants feare thy snarling . Learning shall flourish inaugre all thy power , Ripe wit shall scorne thy tyrannizing front , All shall disdaine thy hearts astounding tower , Not one shall recke thy lookes ; looke nere so scont . Contento placent etiam in fortunia . Meekenesse with smiling censure shall disdaine The fell infliction of disaster paine . Nor mistris Minx that hight Pecunia , Whom Vice constraines to be her feruitour , Fortuna's darling , the worlds Helena , Auarus life , liefe , loue , and nouriture , Liberali non deest bursa . Shall cause a liberall purse emptie to be , And fill the bags of infrugalitie . Now what a railing mistris Vertue keepes , ( Quoth Vice ) stand'st thou vpon thy pantostes ? Or do'st thou thinke that Vice and Fortune sleepes , And cannot heare thy rayling menacies ? Mens irritas● I le haue a bi●●e to taine that too free tong , Or else it will insult ore me ere long . Nay sure ( quoth Fortune ) she ouerthrowes vs all , Who knowes not but that Vertue can pleade well ? For she hath hony'd Eloquence at call , And Rhetoricke euen at her becke doth dwell . But if her pride be ouer peremptory , Res fustibu● agi . Our hands and not our tongues shall win the glory . Vertue because thou deem'st thy power worth Beyond the estimation of compare , We meane to wring thy deepest power forth , And ere we leaue , leaue all thy glory bare . For why , Nolentem incitas . these insultations do spurre on Our forward force of indignation . The Chalenge . Vice and my selfe with all our followers , Whose power we certaine are thou canst not daunt : Will and commaund thee with thy seruiters , Either to our iniunctions to graunt , That is to yeeld thy selfe for Vices slaue , Te tua manus . Or with thy hand digge thy eternall graue . If thou refuse obeysance due to yeeld Vnto these articles ; with speed prepare To meete vs with an army in the feeld , Where both shal try their powers in the warre . Arme all thy troopes , Iacente sole , emicat luna . for thou shalt honor vs By making our large force victorious . Proud Impe ( quoth Vertue ) these audacious words Argue in thee a most presumptuous spirite , Although no crab but some good iuyce affords , This plot doth both thy ioy and mine inherite . Wherefore ere Vertue stoope to be a slaue , Nescit virtus seruitudineo● . Shee 'le die in field , and there expect a graue . The fittest place for warre let me assigne , ( The weaker comb●tant may choose his ground ) I know thou deem'st the conquest euen now thine , Thy hundreth souldiers to my one is found . Ne angulo fiat . Then for pure pittie let me point the place , When I am to receiue mine owne disgrace . There is an Iland bordering by France , By auncient yore y cleped Albion : Worthy of selfe , whom worthyer Peeres aduance , Vnto the name of Honours mansion . In●●la ●aelix . A royall seate of Iouiall Monarchie , Full of vnconqu'rd rule to soueraigntie . Time-honour'd Albion hauing lost this name , Is by the name of England famoused : William the conqu'rour first wonne the same , Rude then , and sauage , scarce inhabited . Hi● virtus . His royall issue haue enlarg'd the land , And made it famous by their conqu'ring hand . Thither repaire to bring thy troopes with thee , There will we try the fortune of the day : To whom great Ioue assignes the victorie , The conquered to them shall stoope and say , Victoria certa est . Since heau'ns Creator , thee the victor made , I haue my corpes at thy feete captiue laide . This said , they parted : Fortune smiling still To thinke of Vertues future ouerthrowe : Vice merry walking with conceited will , Laughing sometimes to thinke on Vertues woe . Vertue was modest hoping victorie , Modestia vincit . Trusting the Gods would giue her sou'raigntie . High-minded Fortune , Vertues enuious foe , Strait put a supplication vp to Ioue : That on her side the peeres of heauen might goe , And all from Vertue would their grace remoue . But Maya's sonne these Letters intercepted , Ingenium vir●uti amicum . And others in their roome to Ioue directed . As from his sister Vertue he did write , Crauing assistance gainst the Queene of chance ; And gainst proud Vice her enuious opposite , Ioue smil'd and said he Vertue would aduance . Nor should proud vice , Virtus non Furtunae in seruiet . nor haughtie mistris Chance Be able to withstand her puissance . With that he strait enioyned Mercury With winged speed to poast to Vertues tent , Bid her assured be of victory , For I haue vow'd that Fortune shall repent That euer she assumed Vices part , Quis non tremit frato Ioue ? And swore that Vertue mistressed his hart . Swifter then lightling Tripos flies away , And preinformes her of what should ensue ; Vertue reuiuing to him thus gan say , Celestiall brother I am bound to you , For being such my Fautour vnto Ioue , Ioui mea omnia . To whom I owe both zeale and duteous loue . Sweete brother giue immortall thankes to him , Whose bountie farre exceeds a mortall boone ; Vertue I trust now Vices power shall dim , And Vice lye dead that all this while hath shone . Oh blessed day , oh three times blessed hower , Vi●tus super omnia latidem . When Ioue hath giuen Vertue celestiall power . This said , into the aire mounts Ma●a's sonne , When at his comming to Ioues closet doore , Fortune he spi'd , who then to knock begunne , But Tripos staying her from knocking mor● , Non vacat exiguis Ioui . Told her that Ioue was quiet and at rest , Charging no wight his study shuld molest . Fortune departs frustrate of her pretence , And now the day of battell is assign'd : Vertue now glitters in her excellence , Clad in most glorious habit , all refin'd . Hic est pulchritudo . A louelyer Damosel neuer eye could view , Beautie in others fain'd , in her was true . The brest-plate that she wore was liuely Faith , That did repel all darts y-throwne at her : Hope as a fortresse fore her selfe she laith , To keepe away each vitious menacer . Omnes haec fert testudo capus . Her head-peece is faire Comfort , which being on , She seems to scorne , dread , death , confusion . Next to her succeedeth Liberalitie , A valiant Captaine , warlike Collonell : With many Vertues in his companie , This a Lieutenant , that a Centinell . Vim virtus habebit . Thus was her army fill'd on euery side , Whole troupes of soules vnto her hourely hi'de . Yet the least wing of Vices mightie hoast , Was three times more then Vertues to tall band : Till warlike Pallas did to Vertue poast , And promisde helpe with her all conqu'ring hand . An Palladis arma ? Vertue reioyc'd , and in most humble manner Desired Pallas to erect her banner . Venus saw this , and made amaine to Vice , Vowing to lend her all her womans power : Mars missing his sweet Venus , in a trice Departs to Fortunes band in angry stower . Where spying Venus , Stygias iurauerit vmbras . strait by Styx he swore , To follow Vices colours euermore . Ioue seeing this , tooke thunder in his hand , Descending all in lightning on the ground : Amazed and agast doth Vertue stand , Till Ioue doth waken out her drowsie stound , And bids her be of comfort , Phaebum hodiè obscuras . for this day She should outshine in Glory Phaebus ray . The battell ioyn'd , Vice held vp conqu'ring hand , Till Ioue disdaining further dalliance , Scatter'd his thunderbolts midst Vices band , Which cleane amaz'd the impious Queene of chance , To see her army groueling on the ground , Quis Ioui ne opponi● ; Scarce one aliue , yet not one dead was found . Vertue now hasteth vnto Vices campe , There taking all her seruants prisoners ; Now Vertue Fortunes glory quite doth damp , She and her crew be only conquerers . Fortune was made confesse , Vineuntur gigantes . and Vice to kneele , Both true to her , that scorn'd her at their heele . Ioue gaue strait charge to haue them closely kept , For breaking forth to such vile outrages : Pecunia now to Vertues lappey-lept , Begging for pardon for her stubbornesse . Vertue forgaue her , Vltionem nescit Arere . and forthwith disburs'd her To Liberatis charge who straighwaies-purs'd her : Vice they imprison'd , oh would they had slaine her , For she corrupted strait the Iaylors hart ; Indeed what closest prison could detaine her , Who with such witching passions acts her part ? Vitium repit sancium . She crept abroad , though with a mortall wound , But in short space recouer'd and was found . Ioue now departing , Vertue did command , In England to set vp her chiefest rest ; She should finde fauour at Eliza's hand , With whom faire wisedome builded had his nest . Virtus habet Elizabetham . The Gods ascend to heauen , Vertue departs T' our more then mortall Queene , ruler of harts . Fortune now frets to see her selfe throwne downe , And Vertue lifted to such dignitie , Truth at the last attained due renowne , Pecunia is disposed thriftily . Anglia aetaten● habet auream . England thou art Pleasures-presenting stage , The perfect patterne of the golden age . Neuer be date of this felicitie , Neuer be alteration of this ioy . Neuer , ah neuer faile thy dignitie . Neuer let Fortune crosse thee with annoy . Te sospite Anglia sospes . Neuer let Vertue by Vice suffer death . Neuer be absent our Elizabeth . Euer for euer Englands Beta bee , Feared of Forraines , honour'd of thine owne , Euer let treason stoope to sou'raigntie . Euer let Vice by Truth be ouerthrowne . Viuat Regina . Euer graunt Heauens Creator , of our Queene , We still may say she is , not she hath beene . FINIS .