The poem of poems. Or, Sions muse contayning the diuine song of King Salomon, deuided into eight eclogues.

THE Poem of Poems . OR , SIONS MVSE , Contayning the diuine Song of King Salomon , deuided into eight Eclogues .

Bramo assai , poco spero , nulla chieggio .

AT LONDON , Printed by Iames Roberts for Mathew Lownes , and are to be solde at his Shop in Saint Dunstones Church .

Vnto the sacred Virgin , diuine Mistres Elizabeth Sidney , sole daughter and heyre , to the euer admired Sir Phillip Sydney , Knight .

BOund to your eternall seruice , ( diuinest of all Virgine creatures ) both in honour of your renowned Grandfather , to whom my Name was euer immortallie obliged , and your excellence admired , as farre as admiration hath force to conuay true praises ; and lastlie , coniured by an vnresistable edict , from them to whom my lifes course is all onelie enthralled , with humble reuerence I offer to your mayden censure , these hallowed lines , metamorphosed by mine vnhallowed sences ; daine them ( deare flower of deare virginnitie ) with gracious aspect to smile vpon mine infant Muses deuotion , and in dispight of tirannizing time , lende life to my labour and loue to Salomon . Then your selfe , no power is greater , and with your power is equall no worke of Nature ; bee then your selfe the powerfull Engine to sustaine my fortunes , and my fortunes the first created , to make knowne your power , that when mine vnfeathered Muse shall be impt by your graces , shee may straine her vntuned numbers to sing of you and your adored Father , whom heauen holds to make happie her habitation , earth wants to giue wonder to her age , and men wishe to make mightie their fortunes .

Happie inough if I please inough . I. M.

To the Readers .

RApt in admiration ( Gentlemen ) with the excellencies of our English Poets , whose wondred spirits haue made wonderfull the workes of prophane loue ; I gaue my selfe ouer to the study of inchaunting Poesie , in which , I so much the more delighted my selfe , by how much the farther I found me from attaining the celestiall secrets of her soule-pleasing Arte , and in that amazement , willinglie became an eternall Prentise to the Muses . At length , finding Nature an enemy to mine Arte , denying mee those affections , which in others make more then immortall the most earthly imaginations ; I betooke mee to Diuinitie , in which labouring my sunne-burnt conceits , I found Poesie which I so much reuerenced , created but a hand-maide to attend Diuinitie : and that as Poesie gaue grace to vulgar subiects , so Diuinitie gaue glorie to the best part of a Poets inuention . Proude in this opinion , I made loue to Salomons holy Song , & dissoluing my spirits in applause of that excellence , sought to attract it within the compasse of our most vsuall stanzaes , which hauing done , ( though worse then Millions can doe ) I commit to your gentle censures . If the manner displease , the matter was Salomons , if the descant dislike , the plaine-song was Salomons , if the lines bee vnsmooth , the words were Salomons , & howe euer set foorth , the inuention was Salomons . Be Salomon then my Rock , to defend me from the rayling of the enuious ; and my mediator to purchase fauour with the curteous , so shall the one kicke against the pricks , and the other bring grace to themselues in being gracious .

This Song was not tuned for vulgar Musicke , but thought to haue beene reserued for a priuate Consort , onely nowe commaunded by those which may compell , it is made publique . Sweet Gentlemen , let it haue gentle passage through your eares , that it may bee endow'd with good hap , and I with good fortune , both with your fauours , and all with your prayse .

Yours I. M.

To his deere Mistris , Mistris Elizabeth Sidney . ALl the worlds glorie , and the earths delight , Created for to teach Phylosophie , That ther 's a greater Essence of more might Then Grandam Natures old-taught dietie , Looke on these lines , deere issues of a King , The Song of Songs , that lent inuention eies , Which great Iehouahs Querrister did sing , Vnto the Sphearie Organ of the skies : Learne not but learne by this celestiall bride , To entertaine espoused happines , Yet let thy Virgine-Taper euer bide Like mid-day Sunne to light true holines , For though the world , and all things fade away , Thy Vertues , and this Song shall nere decay . E. W.

¶ The Argument of the whole Booke .

IN this Song , Salomon by most sweete and comfortable allegories and parables , describeth the perfit loue of Iesus Christ , the true Salomon and King of peace , and the faithfull soule or his Church , which he hath sanctified and appointed to bee his spouse , holie , chast and without reprehension . So that heere is declared the singular loue of the bridegrome toward the bride , and his great and excellent benefits wherewith hee doth enrich her of his pure bountie and grace without any of her deseruings . Also the earnest affection of the Church which is inflamed with the loue of Christ desiring to be more and more ioyned to him in loue , and not to be forsaken for any spot or blemish that is in her .

Faults escaped in the printing .

IN Ecloga tertia , the 10 , stanza , and the last line , for liu'd with Syons Loue , reade lin'd with Syons loue .

In Ecloga quarta , before you reade , O fountaine of the garden , &c. read Ecclesia for the Speaker in that place .

ECLOGA PRIMA . Th' argument . Betweene Thaumastos and his loue darke louely talke doth passe , Shee of her home-begotten woes bemoanes the wronged case . ECCLESIA , THAVMASTOS . Verse 1. IMprint vpon my lips pure liuorie The hony pleasure of thy mouthes deere kisse , For why thy loue , bounded in no degree , Exceedes the sence-inchaunting sugred blisse Which from the taste of wine attracted is . 2. Like ayre-perfuming Odors is thy smell , And like rich Vnguents is thy glorious Name , Powred diuinely from a precious Well , Whence loe a brand of kind affection came , Kindling The Virgins harts with thy loues flame . 3. Drawe me ( my deare ) entice me with thine eie , Then shal my after flight Times flight ore-runne , And when the King in pompous royaltie , Shall mine afflictions fetters haue vndone , Inhousing in his Chamber my selfes sonne , Then shall my ioy in thee be compleat fram'd , And thine eternall happy-making loue , Then iuice of swelling grapes ; or what is nam'd By sweeter stile ; I will record aboue All reach ; because the iust in thee doe moue . 4. You Daughters of Ierusalem behold The sable tinckture of my spotted face , Yet note youths features in decaying old , For I am louelie , ritch in comelie grace , More than the twins which sprung from * * Psalm. 120,5 Kedar's race . Kedar the large desent of Ismaells line , From whom the tent-inclosd Arabians sprang ; And of more beautie then the silken twine Of Salomons curtaine ; when thereon doth hang Th' vnualued Iems of which all Syon rang . 5. Disdaine me not because of blacke attaint , For why the scorching Sunne hath kist my brow , And with his eieballs , on my cheeks doth paint , What sinne-inflicting nature doth alow Through the corruption of her broken vow . Not for my Brothers ( deare in my pure sight ) Th' vnkindest ofspring of my Mothers wombe Against me forst the hosts of wrath to fight , Making me keepe a forraine vine by dombe , Whilst I mine owne in lost regard intombe . 6. O thou in whom my soules affections dwell , That canst recuer my fayrs disparagment , Vnuayle to me thy beeing ; deare hart tell Both where thou feedst , & when the morne is spent , In what calme noone-tide shade thy lims are pent . For why should I their foote-steps immitate Which turnes aside vnto thy neighbours flocks , Whom thou hast call'd to that diuine estate , And yet like long washt , sand-consuming Rocks , By theyr fond dreames thy grace in pryson locks . Thaumastos . 7. Most excellent of all the femall lyne , 〈…〉 O thou the fayrest womens onely fayre , If where I am thou knowst not , then declyne And by the mornings foot-steps which appeare , 〈…〉 Trace forth my flocks , and figure theyr repayre ; And by the Tents of those caelestiall Swayns Which vnto Edens pastours are thy guyde , Feede thy young Kyds ; and on their flowrie playns Sport with thy lambkins , in the Sommers pryde . So shalt thou learne , and knowe where I abyde . 8. I haue ( my Loue ) compard thine excellence , Vnto the manag'd troups of armed Steeds , Whose crests , the seate of glories residence Adorne great Pharo's Chariot ; when with weeds Of pompe ; they hale his watch to martiall deeds . 9. Thy comly cheekes , the Iewels of my hart , Are ritch enchast with rare reflicting stone , And bout thy necke where Beautie learnt his Art , Hang lynke-vnyted chaines which all alone , Gyrdle thy beames from view of any one . 10 . T' is we ( my deare ) that of the purest gold , Tride in the flame from out th' Arabian mine , Will make thee borders ; doubled many fold , Imbosted , and intraild with curious twine , Which shall with siluer studs imbellisht shine . Ecclesia . 11. Whilst in the concau'd pallace of my deare , My King , my Loue shall take desir'd repose , My Spyknards sacred fume shall then appeare , Imbalming all the places where hee goes , And by his sent my feruent loue disclose . 12 . My onely one , belou'd much more then most , Like sweetning Mirrh , the seasoner of smell , Such sacred sent thy sight in me doth boast , And thou my Loue in whom all loues I tell , Shalt twixt my Mayden breasts for euer dwell . 13. My Loues-ioy is like Cipresse clustred fruite Planted amongst the vines of Engedi ; At whose ritch bounds the Salt-seas humble suite , Implores with kinde imbracing feruensie , Respect of loue , in his loues extasie . Thaumastos . 14. See , see , my Loue th' art faire , ( ô fairest faire ) Faire is my Loue , faire in my Loue is faire , The gentle Doues that wanton in the aire , And dallie in our breath-bequeathing spheare , Within thine eies their beauties doe appeare . Ecclesia . 15. ( Dearelie belou'd ) double thou art as faire , And more then faire pleasure conforts with thee , Beautious pleasant ; pleasant beautious deare , To this thou addest all eternitie ; And euer greene our bridall bed shall bee . 16. . The stately beames of our fayre Cytadell , And costly coloms curiously wrought , Are all of Cedar , rich in praise and smell , And those faire walks th' inchanters of my thought , Shal be of vened Firre , with endlesse title bought .

ECLOGA SECVNDA . Th' argument . Vnder Thaumaitos wings to rest Ecclesia goes , Shee vnto Doues ; to Foxe deceit compared are her Foes . ECCLESIA , THAVMASTOS . 1. I Am ( my deere ) the glorious bashfull Rose Which on the sommer plaines of * * 1. 〈…〉 27. Sharon grow , Sharon the nurse of smells ; foode to that nose That drawes his breath where her sweet Rosiats flow . I am that Rose , the pride of Libanon , Beautie of Gardens , splendour of the field , And I am that pale Lilly lookt vpon , Whose virgin-colour'd purenes , pleasures yeeld . I am the Rose , the hie fields ornament , And Lillie-bloome , the Valleys blandishment . Thaumastos . 2 . As stainelesse growes the staining Lillies blaze Planted amongst the vndergrowing thorne , And as shee makes disliking like to gaze , Praising her beames , chiding where shee was borne , So mongst the maiden daughters of the world , Thornie infolders of the fairest raies , Such is my loue , so is thy beautie hurld Into mine eye ; gracing dispraise with praise . As Lillies are with thornes inuironed , Such is my loue with maids ingirdeled . Ecclesia . 3 . As mongst the Forrests barraine shadowing trees , The comlie Aple-bearing stock erects His rich regard ; beyond all meane degrees , Such is my deere mongst other mens defects . Vnder thy shadowing fruitfull armes I sat , Thether delight inticst my feruent zeale , And in my rest , thy fruite to wonder at , Vnto my mouth all honie-sweets reueale . Like th' apple tree in woods , such is my loue , Faire shade , sweet taste , all sweetnes farre aboue . 4. Into his feast-house streaming purest Wine , Thither my King , my loue hath brought his deare , Wauing the Ensigne of his loue diuine , Ouer mine head ; defending mee from feare . O staie me ( loue ) with flagons doe support mee , 5. Raise my decline , sustaine my downe remoue , With taste of apples ( deere hart ) do comfort mee , For I am sick , ô sick of mightie loue . Vnder loues Canapee , brought to thy feasting blisse , Support and comfort me that loue-sick is . 6. Vnder my head , ( wearie for want of rest ) My Loues left hand ( ô sacred hand ) doth lye ; Soft Pyllow-lyke making my temples blest , Infusing slumber in my closing eye , And with his right hand learnt how to inlace , And make his Loue by his infoldings glad , Hee makes mee ritch with kyndest kinde imbrace , Such as the lyke no true loue euer had . Vpon his left my head takes her repose And with his right mee doth my Loue inclose . Thaumastos . 7. Daughters of Iuda , Twinnes of Ierusalem , That with my Loue my fayrest one doe dwell , I charge you by the Hynds , and Roes , and them That grace our fields with beautie , or with smell , Not to styrre vp ; or with confusions sound To breake the blessed slumber of my sweete , But let her rest , with choycest calmes be found , Vntill to wake hir pleasure thinks it meete . You Syons heyres doe not my Loue awake Vntill hir selfe , hir selfe from slumber take . Ecclesia . 8. It is my best Beloueds voyce I heare , Harke how his words sweet Musicks notes resound , See where he comes , marke how he doth appeare , O how his words with rauishment confounds ; See where he comes , and by the Mountayns leaps , ● . By Mountayns leaps my iolly capring Loue , See where he skyps by hyls , and earthy heapes , Leaping , and skypping looke how my deare dooth moue , The voyce I heare issues frō my Loues lip , Whilst by the Mounts he leaps , and hils doth skip . 9 . Like a young Hart , or like a wing'd-foote Roe , Chasing vpon the Medowes and the plaines , Such is my wel-belou'd in selfe and shoe , Such like my deerest deere one aye remaines ; See how hee stands vailed behind our wall , From opened casments darting his pure rais , And through the grats , and cranies made to thrall , His owne true splendour gloriouslie displais . My loue like Roes , & Harts wal-clowded shines , And shoes from grats , and windowes him diuine . 10 My soules ioy spake , thus spake his musick words , My loue , my faire one rise , deere come away , For see the stormie Winter Spring affoords , Past is the frostie seasons stubborne sway , The showers of sinne in raine drops numberlesse , Is chaung'd and altred in this blooming time , Fled is brem winters wrath held mercilesse , And budding fruite doth flower in our clime . Thus saith my sweet , Winter doth Spring obay , Then rise my loue , my faire one come away . 12. The earths faire Arras carpet wrought in flowers , Now comlie folds her cold drie carkasse in , Beautie now paints the face was marrd Wt showers , And all the ayres sweet quirristers begin To chaunt their carrolling lays with hie regard , Euen from the tallest Cedars to the shrubs , Whilst in our land the Turtles voyce is hard , Tuning graue Anthems in the lower woods . Earth boasts hir flowers , birds brag their singing time , And in our land the Turtles voice doth chime . 13 . The elder Fig-tree beares the younger figs , And Mother-like vnloades her wombe of fruite , So doth the Vines with broad leau'd winged twigs , Whose shadowing armes are rich in mens repute , Now with their smallest grapes , times yongest borne Clustred in bunches like a countlesse broode , Casts forth perfuming sauors , which adorne And odor all what euer neere them stoode . Old Figs beare young , sweetnes in vines beare sway , Then rise my Loue , my faire one come away . 14. My deerest Bird , my choycest sacred Doue , That now inhous'd , in hollow rocks appeares , From those darke clowdie places ( sweet ) remoue , And from the secrete corners of the stayres , Display thy comly sight within mine eye , Warble thy voyce , ( my choyce one ) in mine eare , For all thy words are sweetest melodie , And thy well fauor'd sight is seemely cleare . My rock-pent Doue ; showe me , & let me heare , Thy voice , and sight , one sweet , the other fayre . 15. My Loue the olde beguiling Foxes take , And all the younger Foxes sweete destroy , For they vpon our vines foule hauocke make , And those which haue yong grapes they will anoy ; Myne is mine owne , my best belou'd is myne , 16. His is hys owne , I and my selfe am hys , Amongst the white bloomd Lyllies in the pryme , There feeds the darling of my best harts blysse . The Foxes take which makes our vines to bleede Thou mine , I thine , thou dost on Lyllies feede . 17 . Vntill the earlie day breake from the skye , And chase the shaddowes with her brighter wings , Returne my best belou'd , and with me lye , Returne and be like wanton Roes that flings , Or like a young , and lustie stirring Hart , Scaling the hie deuided Mountaine tops Of * * 〈…〉 Bether ; which deepe Iordans waues doe part , Washing his feete with Christall water drops . Returne my Loue till day-breake shaddowes kills , And be like Roes , or Harts on Bethcr hills .

ECLOGA TERTIA. Th' argument . A neuer to be chang'd conioyne the Nymph seekes of her deere , And from the wildernes black walks , is brought to pathes most cleere . ECCLESIA , THAVMASTOS . 1. IN coale-blacke night , the nurse and dam of woe , Within my bed , whence easefull rest should flow , Him mine inamourd soules delight I sought , But all in vaine my busie care did tend , For whom I sought I found not in the end , Such bootlesse labour in my search was wrought . By night I sought my soules Loue in my bed , But found him not ; for hee away was fled . 2. Then did I rise , for no repose could please , And search the Citty , Streets , and open wayes , All to finde out my soules long lacking blisse , Incessant suite , endles my quest remaynd , And of my Loues losse mightely complaynd , Yet found I not whom my desires did misse . I rose and sought the Citty , Streets , and wayes , But found not him whose Loue my soule obayes . 3. The busie watchmen , hopes to my desire , ( Who round about our Cytties walkes retire ) They in mine earnest seeking found me out ; To whom I sayd ( downe burdned with my wrong ) Haue you not seene my soules Loue passe along , Nor through our streets , nor throgh our watchful scout . The cities watch in searching found me there , To whom I sayd ; saw you not my soules deare . 4. Then passing by and looking vp and downe , Hauing new left the gardiants of our Towne , I found the onely one my soules Loue nurst ; Fast hold I tooke , and left not him I sought , Tyll to my Mothers house I had him brought Into hir Chamber which conceiud me first . Passing the watch , I found and tooke my King , And him vnto my Mothers house did bring . 5. You Mayden broode of fayre Ierusalem , By Roes and Hynds , choyce in the sight of men I charge , commaund , and by them all I bind you , Not with inkindled tumult to molest , Or breake my loue from his diuinest rest , Vntill his sacred pleasure be to mind you . By Roes , and Hynds , Iudeans I coniure That you my Loues awake doe not procuer . Thaumastos . 6. What sacred one is shee which doth adresse , And rise out of the vast shapt wildernesse Like smoakie pillasters to kisse the skie ; Perfum'd with Mirrh burnt in the liquid flame , And Incense seattred sweetely in the same , With all the spice which Marchants vse to buie . What 's shee like smoake from deserts doth arise , Sweetned with Mirrh , Incense , and Marchants spice ? Ecclesia . 7. Behold my Loue thy glorious bed alone , Which Salomon erected for his owne , And builded for the last worlds memorie : Threescore strong men , about it armed stand , Most valiant held in Israells happie land , To shield it safe from priuate enemie , About thy bed due to King Salomons name , Stand threescore strong ; vow'd to defend the same . 8. They all haue skill in mannaging their swords , And expert are , in Warre , and warlike words , No one more seene in Martiall deedes then they : Each hath his sword vpon his manlie thigh , Fearing the nights sworne priuat enemie , So much in them , their carefull cares beare sway . All expert are in Warre , and manlie fight , Bearing their conqu'ring swords for feare by night . 9. King Salomon , faire Sions blessed King , Of whom the Heauen-vnfoulding Bookes doe sing , Hee for himselfe a stately pallace fram'd Of costlie wood , and curious pleasing showe , Such as no after age shall euer knowe , From Lebanon the comelie trees were nam'd . Of those faire trees of fruitfull Lebanon , The King hath built him selfe a statelie throne 10 . Hee whose inuentions purenes cannot fade , Of polisht siluer hath his pillers made , The pauement gold , like an inchased Iem : The hangings purple , delicatly doone , Vpon whose midst the true Loues euer wonne , Of all the dames of great Ierusalem . Golde pau'd ; with siluer pyllers raysd aboue ; Purple the hangings , lyu'd with Sions Loue . 11. Come forth you daughters Iuda doth infold , And your great King , ritch Salomon behold , Crownd with that Diadem of sacred sway ; Wherewith his Mother in his nuptiall feast , Adornd his shyning temples glorious crest , And in his harts tryumphant Holy day . Come Virgin-holy Mayds see Salomon crownd , Vpon that day when all his ioyes were found .

ECLOGA QVARTA . Th' argument . Ecclesia , spotles in his eye Thaumastos much commends ; And in the ardor of his Zeale his Loue to hir commends . THAVMASTOS ECCLESIA . 1. MY perfit loue , behold th' art perfit fayre , Fayre is my Loue , & beautious is her face , And thy bright eies , pure chastities sole haire Are like to doues vnstained constant grace . O thou art fayre , fayre is my sacred Loue , And thy chast eye is lyke the chastest Doue . Amongst thy gold-dispierced comely locks , Thy tressed hayres delightfull memorie , Are like the Goates gath'red in goodly flocks , Which from the Mountaine Giliad casts their eye , Thy haires amongst their curles are like the flocke . Which downwards casts their looks from Giliads rock . 2. Thy milke-white teeth are like well orderd sheepe , Which beare their siluer fleeces from the brooke , Al bringing twins ; twins brought they safely leepe , Whom barraines forsaking hath forsooke . Thy teeth like well washt sheepe in order stand , All twinning ; and none barraine in our land . 3. Thy lips are like the sweete dyed scarlet thryd And comlie is thy speech discouering talke , Thy blessed temples in thy locks are hid , Like a Pomegranat on his broad-leau'd stalke . Thy lyps like Scarlet , all thy talke is faire , Thy temples in thy locks Pomegranats were . 4. Like Dauids statelie Tower , built for defence , Such is the towrie beautie of thy necke , A thousand shields therein keepes residence , And it the strong-mens Targets richly deck . Thy necke like Dauids tower when hung along , With thousand shields , and Targets of the strong . 5. Thy two faire breasts , imboasted circular , The cabinets of knowledge , and pure zeale , As two young twinned Roes , such like they are , Feeding where sweetning Lillies sweetes reueale . Thy breasts are like two infant twinned Roes , Grassing where all the white-facst Lillies growes . 6. Vntill the day-breake beautifie the morne , And black-facst shaddowes flie before the Sonne , Vnto the hils where sweet-breathd Mirh was borne , And to the Mounts of Incense will I runne To Mounts of Mirrh and Incense will I goe Till early daye blacke shaddowes ouerthrowe . 7 . All fayre in thee , thou in all fayre dost dwell My Loue , my deare , my onely soules delyght Purenes him selfe , cannot thy purenes tell , For thou art spotlesse , neuer-stayning whyte . With all eternall fayre my Loue is crownd , And no one spot about her can be found . 8 . My brydall spouse , my beds companion , From fruitfull Lebanon come walke with me , With me ( my soules soule ) come from Lebanon , Where growes rich Frankensence perfuming tree . With me come trace from hie-topt Lebanon , That all Arabias confines lookes vpon . And from the top of Amanab looke downe , From Shenir , and from Hermons holie hill , Euen from the dens where angrie Lions frowne , And from the Mounts which Leopards doe fill . From Amanah , Hermon , and Shenir see , From Lions dens , and where the Leopards bee . 9. My Sister , spouse , and all what in me lies , Wounded thou hast , wounded thou hast my hart , First with a looke from one of thy faire eies , Then with thy necks chaine glorying that part . My Sister , spouse , by thee my harts wound came , Thy necks chaine cause , & thine eies brighter flame . 10. Howe faire my spouse and Sister is thy Loue , O how much better then delightful wine ? And thy rare oyntments sauour I doe proue , Which from the tops of Lebanon doe goe . O garden fount ; ô liuing waters well , O spring which on Mount Lebanon doth dwell . 16 . Arise ô North , and come ô South and blowe , That my faire gardens spice may issue out , And let my best Loue to his garden goe : To eate the fruite ; pleasure impales about . Blow North , & South , my gardens spice out cast , And let my Loue his fruits sweet pleasure tast .

ECLOGA QVINTA . Th' argument . Thaumastos calls his Loue , and shee his voyce doth heare , Shee doth confesse her nakednes , and highlie lauds her deare . THAVMASTOS ECCLESIA . IVDA . 1. MY Sister , and my beds companion , Into my garden am I com'd alone ; My Mirrh I gathered with my other spice , ( Perfuming planted in my Paradise ) My Honie-combe I ate with Honnie spred , My wine I dranke with sweete milke mingled , Then ô my friends and consorts of my loue , Drinke , eate , and laugh , let solace onely moue . Ecclesia . 2 . Slumber impaleth all my weaker sence , But yet my hart keepes waking residence , The voyce which knocketh at my closd vp dore , Issues from him my greatest loues adore . Thaumastos . Open to me my Sister and my loue , My vndefiled faire-one , my harts Doue , For see my head with moistning dewe is spred , And all my locks with night-drops couered . Ecclesia . 3. My weedes put of ( deere ) naked I remaine , How shall I then the same put on againe ? My feete are bath'd , and washt from spotting sinne , Howe to defile them shall I then beginne ? 4. My well-beloueds sacred hand was put In by the dores hole when the same was shut , And in that motion was my secret hart . My inward bowels , and my priuat part , Moued , stir'd vp , and mightelie inflamed With loue to him , in whom my loue was framed . 5. Then rose I vp to open ( but too late ) The long closd portall of my pallace gate , And rising dropped from my Iuorie hands , And from my fingers ( once affections brands ) Mirrh , and pure Mirrh , ( no sweets more purer are ) Vpon the sacred handles of the barre . 6. Open I did vnto my Loue the dore , But hee was gone ; past was my loue before , Gone was my hart and from my brest did breake , When first I heard my dearest true-loue speake , Long did I seeke but could not finde my friend , I cald but hee no aunswere backe would send . 7. The Citties rounders , Watchmen of our towne , They found me how I sought him vp , and downe , And finding me , with weapons of their scorne They smoat , and wounded me ; my loues forlorne ; And those which on our Citties walls did watch , They from my beautious face ; my vaile did catch . 8. O holie Daughters of Ierusalem , I charge and binde you by my true Loues Iem , That if you finde where my soules life doth moue , You tell him I am mightie sicke of Loue . Iuda . 9. O femall excellence ; ô beauties crowne Which art of womens faire , the faire renowne , What is thy well-beloueds honour more , Then others well-beloueds knowne before ? Or whereby doth thy loues loue growe so large , That thus thou bindst vs by this mightie charge ? Ecclesia . 10. Iuda , my best belou'd is lillie white , Ruddie and pale ; Vermilion siluer bright , Mongst thousands and ten thousands of the blest , Hee is the chiefest and the onelie best , 11 His head as to fine gold , bright rays assume , His curled locks , blacke as the Rauens plume , 12. His virgine eies are like the siluer Doues Which on the watrie Riuers sing their loues , Whilst washt within the sweet milks pleasant streame , They by the full fild vessels doe remaine . 13 His cheekes are as a bed of rarest spice , Or flowers sprung vp in heauens Paradise , And his deare lips like Lillies ; ceaselesse power Of purest Mirrh , an euerlasting shower ; 14 His hands like rings of gold , whilst in them sit The neuer equald shining Chrissolit . His bellie like pure Iuorie burnished , With blew-veynd Saphirs richlie couered . 15. His legges are pillers wrought in Marble mine , Grafted in golden sockets as diuine , As Lebanon such is his count'nance bent , And as the Cedars most , most excellent . 16. His mouth as all the world of sweetnes is , And all in all he is delights best blisse . O Daughters of Ierusalem attend , This is my loue , my louer , and my friend . Iuda . 17 Beautie of Beauties ; excelling fairest one , O whether is thy best beloued gone , Whether is thy soules soueraigne turnd aside , Where doe his glories , and his triumphs bide ? Tell vs that we may seeke him out with thee . Admird through heauen , and earths posteritie .

ECLOGA SEXTA . Th' argument . Ecclesia in her soule assures , Thaumastos loue vnfaind , And mongst her praises doth display , her single selfe vnstaind . ECCLESIA , THAVMASTOS . 1. GOne to this worlds faire Eden is my loue , Vnto the beds of spices , and perfumes In that choice garden where delights doe moue , There will he banquet till the day consumes , Gath'ring pale Lillies to adorne his plumes . My true-loue to the gardens spice beds came , To feede and gather Lillies in the same . 2 . Exchanged I , to him , to mee my deere , Immortall intrest holds my loue in me , No lesse in him is my strong title cleere , Both hauing right of perpetuitie , Whilst hee on Lillies feedes eternallie . I am his owne , he is my proper right , Who feedes on Lillies-food both day & night . Thaumastos . 3. As Tirza , is my true loue beautifull ; * * 〈…〉 Tirza which borders chosen Israell , Whom Euphrates within his armes doth cull , As bright Ierusalem her lookes excell , And as an ensignd Armie shee is fell . As Tirza or Ierusalem my starre , Is faire and sterne , as bannerd hosts in warre . Turne from mine eyes , the beautie of thine eyes , For their sun-darting splendours conquer mee , And as thy thralls , mine all affections lyes , The while thy net inclosing-tresses be , Like Mountaine Kyds , which to the Valleys see . Turne thy victorious eye away , thy locks Are like the down cast looks of hie climbd flocks . The Iuorie gardiants of thy blessed talke , Are like the double-bearing new washt sheepe , Whose fruitful wombes , plenties wel loaden stalke Hath now intombd in the vnsearched deepe All the poore trophies barrennes did keepe . 〈…〉 As barrenlesse washt sheepe are with their twinns , Such seeme thy teeths bright polisht garnishings . Thy statelie forehead clouded vnderneath The sumptuous curtaine of thy golden tresse , Resembles those Pomegranats which deceiue , The passenger ; whose eie-sight connot gesse , Where hangs the fruit through leaf-dark wildernes . As great Pomegranats leauie shades alowe , So doe thy haires hoode-winke thy siluer bowe . Threescore annointed gorgeous Queenes there are , And fourescore wanton Concubins for loue , And of the Mayden Damsels whom compare Raiseth the greatest number far aboue , In countlesse infinets their armies moue . Queens threescore , fourscore Concubins remaine , And Damsels whom no number can containe . Yet is my loue alone vnequalled The onely stainlesse issue of her mother , Deerer to her then may be valued , Seene of those Maides , and praisd before all other , whose laude nor Queens nor concubins wil smother . My single loue , in whom all things are pleased , Of maids , of Queenes , & concubins is praised . But speake all ages , tell mee who shee is , Which like the mornings glorie lookes abroad , Faire as the full Moone midst her starrie blisse , Pure as the Sunne in highest heauens aboade , And dreadfull as an Ensignd armies loade ? What s shee lookes foorth , fairer then Moone or star , Bright like the Sun , fearefull as men of war ? Ecclesia . Downe haue I gone into the nuttie walks , To viewe the vallyes riches , and her fruite , To see what buds sprang from the Vine trees stalks , Or if the braue Pomegranate with repute Were ouer florisht with a flowrie sute . Downe did I goe into the nuttie bower , To see the Vine buds , and Pomegranats flower . But when I came , nothing to me was knowne , Discording vnagreements raind therein , Then did my soule with wings that wel had flowne , Adresse me like the Charriots that within Swiftly to hale thy noble troupes begin . Nothing I knew , and my soule set me then , Like to the charriots of thy noble men . Returne , returne , ô Shulamit returne , That wee may see thy peace contayning bounds , What shall you see in her but cause of mourne ? Who like an Armie pestreth all her grounds , Promising nothing but dead-killing wounds . Returne ô Shulamit , returne Ierusalem , Ha , shee is nothing but an hoast of men .

ECLOGA SEPTIMA . Th' argument . Ecclesias naked linaments Iudeas praise displaies , Sealing th' assurance of the loue , that lasts all lasting dayes . IVDEA , ECCLESIA . 1. O Virgin , issue of a Princes bed , How beautifull and comly is thy pace ? How glorious is thy feete with gilt shooes spred , Yeelding their measurd stepps vnmeasurd grace ? Thy thighes faire motiue ioynts , by true blisse led , Are like rich Iewels on a virgins face . The happy worke of that thrise happy hand , Whose cunning arte , doth arte from arte command . 2. Thy mountaine nauell , holie hill of peace , Is like a globie cup made Sphearie round , In which celestiall liquor doth increase . Thy belly as faire heapes of wheate abound , So is the rysing and the downe release , Whilst pale-facst Lillies it impalleth round . 3. Thy two deere brests , chast cabinets of power , Are like two Roes twinn'd in a happy hower . 4. Thy towrie necke ( bright throne of Iuorie ) Lookes like the siluer coloms of the day , And like the Pooles in Heshbon is thine eye , Where liquid Christall sports with sunny play , Like those cleere Ponds of Heshbon , which doe lye And at Bath-rabims gate moyst tributs pay . As Lebanons hie turret is thy nose , Which wall'd Damascus for his obiect chose . 5 . Thy head vpon the pallace of thy necke , Is as the scarlet absolute for die , Thy bushy tresses which thy curles bedecke , Are like to purple ; graue in euerie eie . The King the greatest great bowes at thy becke ; Tyed in gold-chaines vnto thy companie . 6. O how much faire art thou my honie Loue , What pleasure in thy pleasures euer moue . 7. Like mounting palme that springs in pressing down , Thy stature is ; like clusters are thy breasts , 8. Oft haue I saide I would with hie renowne , Climbe vp the palme trees flowrie topped crests ; I said my hands should make her bowes my crown , Whilst on thy teats time bunching grapes inuests . And that rare odour which thy nose expells , Shall better much the apples better smells . 9. Thy mouths celestiall roofe , shrine of delight , Shall be like wine refiner of the wit , Whose holy fume , flame like assends vpright , And in my best beloueds throne doth sit , Causing olde lips lockt vp by silence spight , To speake what speaking Angells might be fit . 10 . Wholie I am my holy loues for euer , Whose chast desier from me remoueth neuer . 11 . Come , come my Loue , the best ioy of my minde , The onlie one is pleasing in mine eies , Let vs goe forth and frolike with the winde , Sports with the ayre , and wanton with the skies , Let vs ore view the fields , loue let vs finde , Whence all the meadowes beauties doe arise . Thence let vs pitch our happie tents and dwell , In Villages ; contents true Citadall . 12 . Let vs rise vp more earlie then the day , Euen when the night shall giue the morning place , And viewe the vines that ouerspread our way , There let vs see the florishe of his grace ; And whether his small buds their young graps pay , Or if Pomegranats pride , all prides deface . There will I giue , what no gift else can giue , My loue to thee ; which loue shall euer liue . 13 . The Mandrags vapour odorifferus smells , The Hony nourishment of breathing sence , And in our gates , and Portals euer dwells , Euen in our Cloisters , and our house defence , All whatsoeuer sweetest sweetnes tells , Within the compasse of sweets residence . Both new and old , and all that pleasures steepe , For thee my loue eternallie I keepe .

ECLOGA OCTAVA . Th' argument . Thaumastos must Ecclesia teach , whom he supports from fall , His feruent loue to her he tells , the Vine that beareth all . ECCLESIA , THAVMASTOS . IVDEA . 1. OH that thou wert ( ô holy happy prayer , ) As is my brother chaynd by kind to mee , who hanging on my mothers brests , draws ayre Of liuing life , from that eternitie , Then in the plaines would I recouer thee , And see thee sport without vpon the greene , There would I kisse thine hand , thy cheek , thine eye , Thine euerie part where euery praise is seene , whilst none should scorne thy sweets , ( fit soueraigne for Quee● 2. Then would I leade thee by a golden twine , And bring thee to my Mothers dwelling place , There shalt thou teach me precepts most diuine , The learned Legends of eternall grace , And I will banquet , feast thee , and imbrace ; Causing to bathe thy temples and thy tast , With spiced wine , the pride of pleasures race , And with newe iuice , from sweet Pomgranats cast , 3. Thy left hand on my head , thy right about my wast . Thaumastos . 4. I charge you Daughters of Ierusalem , Awake nor stirre my loue vntill shee please , Iuda . 5. What sacted Mayde , what holie Virgine Iem , Is this that from darke shades her eies doth raise ? And on her loue her louelie armes displaies . Vnder an apple tree ; I raisd thee downe , There where thy Mother , thy first date conceiues . Euen where she first attaind conceptions crowne , That bare , that bred , that brought , that nurst thee in our Towne . Thaumastos . 6. Set my loues seale , vpon thy tender hart , And there imprint the Image of my zeale , Or as a signet neuer vow'd to part , Vnto thine arme let mee for place appeale , For loue then death , doth greater strength reueale , And iealousie is fiercer then the graue , Her kindled brands doth fierie vigor steale . And those bright flames which from her being haue , Are vehement , raging mad , & will no object saue . 7. Eternall riuers quench not burning loue , Nor can the worlds floods drown long liu'd desire , Giue all the world , all what in it doth moue , Yet all conteind , abates not true loues fire . Ecclesia . 8. One sister ( loue ) we haue which doth retire , Yet wants she brests to nourish hers withall , What shal we do for her ? let mee enquire ? What shal I say ? what scuse shal I let fall ? When others for our sisters loues shall loudlie call ? Iudea . 9. If shee be wall-like , wee will build thereon A siluer pallace burnisht as the Sky , And if shee be doore-like , or portall strong , Wee 'le lock her in on Cedar boords to lye . Ecclesia . 10. I am wall built by eternitie , For see , my breasts are like two well fram'd towers , And I haue layne within my loues quick eye , Like one which in his sight finds peaceful flowers , To trim newe Eden vp , and other happy bowers . Thaumastos . 11. A comlie Vine hath mightie Salomon , Which sundrie keepers watch with coy regard , It fruitfull spreading , growes in Baal-Hamon , Who of the fruite will taste , brings for reward A thousand siluer peeces well prepard . 12. Yet my faire Vineyard lies before my face , Thousands to thee ô Salomon , are shard , But vnto him which keeps my sacred place , Two hundreth appertaine , reward of greater grace . 13 O thou which in the garden dwelst for euer , Vnto thy voyce all thy familiars tend : Exhalt it then , let thy sweet tunes perseuer , Teach me to heare , which taught'st me to commend . Ecclesia . 14 O my deere Loue , my soules desired frend , If thou depart , or list away to flie , Be like to Roes , or lustie Harts that wend And play vpon the Mountaines cheerefully , Where spices grow , sweet fumes , & al to please the eye . In summo felicitas . FINIS .

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