Epigrams diuine and morall. By Edvv. May, Gent

EPIGRAMS , DIVINE AND MORALL .

1 On Christ , and the Virgin Mary . A Virgin pure a Mother to become , That Mother still a virgin to remaine , Wonder it selfe at this is strucken dumbe , Which our beleefe makes manifest and plaine ; Nay more , the Father came from daughters womb : And the Creator say i' th' creatures tombe .

( 2 ) On Adam * , Eve * , and Christ * . COme hither Oedipus , for I thee summon , A man is brought forth with out man or woman And three and thirty yeeres then reckon can * . A woman without woman , out of man * . A childe without a Man , borne of a Maid * . Tell me how this may be ? truth I have said .

( 3 ) On Iosephs begging of Christs body of Pilot. A Guift there was & a good man did crave it , More worth than al the world , a bad man gaue it .

( 4 ) On Christ . IF e're the midst were good , my soule beleeves , T was then , when Christ was hang'd betwixt two theeves

( 5 ) On Christ . THere is a thing , the strengest e're was knowne , Which is it selfe the Temple , Priest & Stone , Or Altar ; and the offering likewise ; And he to whom was done the sacrifice .

( 6 ) De eadem . WHat might he be , that never had a Brother , And was a great deale elder then his Mother ?

( 7 ) De eadem . THe wound that Adam did by eating give , Christ cur'd by dying , through whom we live .

( 8 ) De eadem . WHo dies in Christ , eternally shall live , Who lives in him , him death , no death , can give , Where Christ is present , death away shal fly , For then we live , when here we seem to dye .

( 9 ) On Lazarus . KNow Reader , underneath this stone there lyes , He that was borne but once , and dyed twice ,

( 10 ) Of Abraham . SInce when we dye , our bodies loose their breath What man was he that spake after his death ?

( 11 ) On Christs Crosse . OF Cypresse , Pine , and Cedar , was that Crosse , By which the world most gain'd ; yet was it losse For there to give us life , Christ lost his breath The C●presse being an embleme of his death : The Cedar of his Immortality , The navigable Pine did signifie , That death had lesser power to weigh downe His God-head , then the water that to drowne .

( 12 ) To Hipocrisie . CAn Gyant greatnesse cover guilt ? it may , And painting hide and trim deformed clay ; But draw tho●e curtaines , and there will be found A rotten poast a conscience most unsound .

( 13 ) De eadem . A Candle is most like an H●pocrite , That vnto others gives a glorious light , But wasts himselfe unto the ●ockets snout , There stinkes , is smelt , and so is trodden out .

( 14 ) De eadem . AS Venison in a poore mans kitching's rare , So Hypocrites and Vsurers in heaven are .

( 15 ) On an Hypocrite . T Is said that every Hypocrit commands , The voyce of Iacob , Esaus ●ea● and hands , And like the cursed fig-tree seeme to flourish , But with leaues only , and no fruit does nourish .

( 16 ) To the Proud . LEt him whose vast ambition strives to reare , His altitude of thoughts above the spheare , Measure his shadow and hel 'e finde no more , Is added to the length it had before .

( 17 ) On Mortality . THose dayes we had are past and gon , Of those to come , we are not sure , Our present time we thinke not on , How can so fine a thred endure ? Happie art thou that relyst , In that short minute on thy Christ .

( 18 ) A caveat ? LEt these three things be in thy heart inrold , That there 's an Eye above does all behold ; An Eare that no word can be kept from it , And last a Booke where all our faults be writ . For he which oftentimes remembers this , Shall seldome speake , or thinke , or doe amisse .

( 19 ) All 's vanitie . FOr every day i' th' yeare , we have a veine , And each thing in our eye , or eare , is vaine ; For every harvest eare , a thought we faine : As mutable how e're , as is a phaine .

( 20 ) Saint Anselmes memento on the last day . REmember this thou ashes , dust , and clay , What will thy faultring tongue have then to say ? When at thy right hand sins accusing be , And at thy left , Devils expecting thee ; Beneath thee , hell belching continuall fire ; Above thee , a iust Iudge incensd to I●e ; Within thee , thy bad conscience weake and lame , Without thee , all the world of one bright flame , Where as the iust shall only saved be , Whence it will be impossible to flee , Though to remaine most grevious ; then alas , Prevent in time , what time will bring to passe .

( 21 ) So learne as if thou never shouldst decay , So live as if thou wert to dye to day . Looke up to Heaven , count that thy friend , Despise the world respect thy end .

( 22 ) On a Toade . ONe that was walking in a sunshine day , Seein● an uglie Toade lie in the way , Fell passionately a weeping , his friend by , Enquir'd the cause , he sadly made reply , How that the sight of that same loathsome thing , Did to his conscience , the remembrance bring Of his ingratitude to God , that he Had never given thankes for th' exellencie , Of his creation , being made , and fram'd , Like his owne image , by his breath inflam'd , When he being in the Potters hands as clay Within his power instructable it lay To fashion , and bestow , on him the feature , Of that s●me Toade , even the most deformedst creature , Thus basest things heaven makes an instrument , To humble those are willing to repent .

( 23 ) To the Adulterer . HE that does breake his holy wedlock band , But t●●s anothers ground and plowes the sand Leaving his owne field unmanured , if then , He findes s●ed sowne there , may thanke other men .

( 24 ) On Death . A Thousand waies we dye , though borne but one As mame strange diseases there are knowne , Thus divers paths death on vs makes his stealth , And to resist him we have but one health .

( 25 ) On Sinne. HVge frames & buildings , of a ponderous weight The earth can beare with a digested freight , And all but sinne , that all things doth excell , It weighes downe , to the deepe abisse of hell .

( 26 ) On Iustice . FOure things true Iustice , never will come neere , The which are fat gifts , favour , hatred , feare .

( 27 ) Of men tunes . TO these two pronounes , all things stil are tide , For Mens tunes doe the world divide , Yet be thou Craesus rich , I Codrus poore , Not worth a mite compared to thy store , The time shall come I truly doe divine , When naught shall differ betwixt mine and thine .

( 28 ) To Superbus . HVge frames and lofty buildings thou dost raise Vnto the clouds to win the worldly praise , Thy corne and oyle , increaseth , and thy rent , Thou dost receive in state , to thee are sent Rich gifts , and presents ; and Superbus crave Kindred of thee , no want of friends canst have , Rich syndon , Syrian silkes , and ungvents rare , Deck up thy bodie , and perfume thy haire ; The Swannes of silent Lyris , yeeld their downe , To stuffe thy couch , thou fearst not fortunes frowne Wines of high prise ; Iovicke Partriges , And Affricke Qua●les , doe thy rich pallat please ; No cost upon thy selfe thou spar'st to spend , But I will tell thee , that am more thy friend , How thou maist better spend thy wealthy stoore ; Prethee Superbus , spend it on the poore , For when thou thinkst thy selfe safe and well , Thy soule may be snatcht , from thee into hell .

( 29 ) AS two and twenty letters our speech hath , So two and twentie bookes containe our faith .

( 30 ) A Microcosme THE Bodie is the mansion of the soule , Where Emp●●s ; se like each part it doth controule , The eyes its Christall mirrours ; and the browes , To be the portall faire , the minde allowes ; The eares are the interpreters of sounds , The lips the leaves are of the mouth , or bounds , The worke-men of the body are the hands , The heart the custody of life commands , The lungs the bellowes moving speech and aire , The stomacke of the meates is orderer ; The bones the bodies strength in great or small , The legges the columes that support up all .

( 31 ) De eadem . COr sapit , & pulmo loquitur , Fel commouet Iram Splen ridere facit , cogit amare Iecur .

Englished .

Wisdome the heart , lungs speech the gal has wrath ; Laughter the spleene , and love the livor hath .

( 32 ) To Extortioners . IF Dives circled with hels flaming fire , A little drop of water did desire To coole his heate , yet never from the poore Did he extract , to adde unto his store , As ere I red , whilst he on earth did live , But his offence was only not to give , If he such paines indur'd , what will become Of them , at that black dreadfull day of dome That never give , but griping doe oppresse , The poore , the Widow , and the Fatherlesse .

( 33 ) On Almesdeeds . THou that dost feare Gods anger , or that he , Should turne away his bl●ssed face from thee , Then from the poore turne not thy face away , For God will , like for like , for ever pay .

( 34 ) To Disimulation . WOuldst thou that al men honest thee esteem Strive them to be , what thou desir'st to seem .

( 35 ) Of Codrus . IN ragges and tatters Codrus did resort And would have gon into the Emperours Court , The surly Porter beate , and thrust him by , Saying so nak'd he should not enter ; why ? Quoth Codrus then , the Gods are nak'd I troe , And none but naked must to heaven goe .

( 36 ) Or a Dwarfe . A Dwarfe upon a Mastives backe did ride , He cockt his hat , and set his armes aside , And boldly then he gan to boast and vant , As if he had bestride an Elephant , At last vsing his spur the Dog turn'd round And with great violence cast him to the ground , The Dwarfe unhorst , each laugh'd , why laugh you al ( Quoth he in rage ) wha● ? Phaeton had a fall .

( 37 ) To old Omelia . THou wondrest why no men doe sue to thee , Omelia thy hu●band for to be . Should any marr●e chee , thou wouldst be tooke , Not for his wife , but mother , by thy looke .

( 38 ) To Flora. FLorae the fairest creature that does breathe Ot draw this ayre , to which she does bequeathe More oderifferous balme , then bruised gum , Of happie Arrabie priz'd at might●e summes , So faire a forehead , Eyes so bright and cleare , Doe only in chast Cynthia appeare , You two are so alike that I should misse , Were you together , and Diana kisse Instead of you , or you instead of her , And onely this a difference doth prefer , Harts wilde she kild with Arrowes she let flye , Hearts milde thou kilst , with glances from thine eye .

( 39 To Clara. CLara , I doe not grosely wish thee send , Or gold , or Iewels unto me thy friend , Or other presents which high prises sings , For I can read thy love in humble things : May I presume , I onely would command A blushing Rose , that kist thy lilly hand .

( 40 ) To Vesbia . THere but three furies usd to be in hell , But Vesbia being there now foure doe dwell .

( 41 ) To a covetous Churle . ALthough thy blood be frozen , and thy scalpe Exceede the whitenesse of the sowie Alpe ; Though thy few teeth can hardly chew the crum , Though to the stygian lake thou now art come , And though one legge is now within the grave , Yet still more gold thou dost desire to have : What dost thou mean ? know Charon does not care For all thy wealth , one penny is his fare .

( 42 ) Loves remedies . TO quench loves fires three good spoonfuls take Of Stygian water , or of Laethes lake , And drinke it fasting when thou goest to bed ; Then in the morning wash thy face and head With such a womans teares who constant lov'd , For these are excellent , and haue bin prov'd ; But least these chance to faile thee , to be sure , Take then a roape , for that 's a present cure .

( 43 ) Beautie and vertue seldome meet . SEldome is beauty with faire vertue crown'd , The Canker in the sweetest Rose is found .

( 44 ) To Slander . TO bite with teeth does to all beasts belong , But thou more beast , bit'st worser with thy tong

( 45 ) A Rule . THree things feed life and keepe the body quiet , A glad heart , minde content , and moderate diet .

( 46 ) To rich Cressus , and poore Codrus . THou art not Cressus rich , though thou hast store , Nor art thou Coarus that hast nothing poore ; Rich Cressus precious stones and sewels doth need , And ●●●ike white horses of the Thrasian breed , 〈◊〉 doth of Tissue wrought in Tyrean loomes , 〈◊〉 o●les and Arromaticke fumes ; 〈◊〉 Codrus onely meat and drinke does lacke , And rusticke cloathing for his naked backe ; Thou since both want , as I doe here expresse , Be frolicke Codrus , for thy need is lesse .

( 47 ) On the Eyes . WHat man would secret keep , the Eyes expres ; Two things they are , cald love , & drunkennes .

( 48 ) On a blind Man . ONe askd a blinde man in what place his eyes He lost , he in a merrie vaine replies , Sir , you can see the truth , but I suppose , That they were lost , from either side my nose .

( 49 ) To Claudia . SEven yeers did Claudia live her husbands wise , And all that time did lead an honest life , But whether 't was her or her spouses crime , She could not beare a childe in all this time , Phisitions skill she vs'd , but all in vaine , At last she to a fryer did complaine , Who shriv'd her so , that in three quarters after She was deliver'd of a son and daughter .

( 50 ) To Drusius . DRusius I met and kindly did demand Whether his wife were on the mending hand ? Oh , yes , quoth he , and I doe trust in God , That she will shortly now come well abroad . Sure Drusius is a Prophet , for next day His wife was brought forth dead , and cold as clay .

( 51 ) On a woman burned in Smithfield the 20 of April 1632. who dyed a Wife , a Widdow , and a true maide , by her owne free confession . WHen all in white pure as her qu'et thought She to her journies end was easly brought How sweetly then she on her death-bed lay , How cheerefully her eye did dart its raye , What crimson blushes in her cheekes were spre d And how the snow strove gently with the red ; All this I law and thousands more beside , Whose Eyes flow'd over , t was so high a tyde , That had the fiers then bin kindled round , They had bin quenchd , and she in teares bin dround How quickly up the nimble flame did skip And ●ike glad lovers , fed upon her lip ; K●st her faire eyes and with such fervor strove , That they destroyd what they so much did love : Impartiall death thy skill is strange and great Thou wound'st with frost , but here thou kil'st with heate , And she like gold thou hast in fire tride , And her bright soule thou now hast purifide ; For 't was unfit the greedie wormes should tare Such daintie flesh , or such a banquet share , That was ordained by the destinies , For a burnt offering and a sacrifice . Yet with my selfe when I thy case doe trye , Me thinkes it is iniustice thou shouldst dye A Wife , a Maide , a Widow , can this be ? The Law condemned onely one , not three , And if the Wife the Iury guilty found , Why was not shee alone with fires cround ? Or if ●he Widow did the offence commit , Why was not then the innocent Maiden quit ? 'T is strange no drop of mercie could be showne , But let three suffer for the fault of one ; Yet of that one this might be truly said , She did● a Wife , a Widow , and a maide . Thus did this Phoenix , Phoenix like Expire , ( Not three but one ; not one but three ) in fire .

( 52 ) To Flora. THree graces were there , but when Nature made my Flora faire , Then there were foure , and now in earth shee 's laid but three they are .

( 53 ) To Venus . HO ! fire , fire , this way , this way turne , Yee wanton streames fall here , I burne , I burn , My bosome 's all on flame , if Cytherea Great Queene of loue and beauty , of the sea , Was borne , why burnes she so ? we water bring Fire to quench , yet loue from thence did spring , And turnes my brest to Etna ; silly wretch , From Icie streames thou scalding flames dost fetch ; Nought but a diamond can a diamond wound , And nought but loue , to cure loues heat is found .

( 54 ) To Critticus . CRitticus , about to kisse a maiden throng , He hapned first on one whose nose was long , He flouting said , I faine would kisse you sweet , But that I feare our lips will never meet , Your nose stands out so farre ; the maiden dy'd Her cheekes with crimson , but soone thus reply'd , Pray sir then kisse me in that place where I To hinder you , have neither nose , nor eye .

( 55 ) To Flora. IN my faire Flora's brest two Apples grow , Whiter than Ivory or Sythian snow , Which common people call her brests , where be Nipples more red then blushing Strawberrie . Being unlac'd to take the silken ayre , Cupid , a hungry , flew to suckle there , And hauing suck'd , mother , quoth he , farewell ; Your dugs have milk , but these with Nectar swell .

( 56 ) On marrying a Widow . I Rather had to lead a single life , Then to enioy a widow for my wife : For being dry , 't were better keepe me fasting , Then drinke that spring another dy'd by tasting . In qua quis perijt non bibo , dixit , aquam .

( 57 ) On a Wife . A Wife is of best vse , and has most roome Within a bed of Downe , or in a Tombe : But he that to a scoulding queane is wed , Had rather haue her there then in his bed .

( 58 ) Of marrying twice . THe Sea-man tos'd vpon the raging wave , That every rude gust does expect a grave , His Ship being split , and lost , and himselfe cast , By helpe of some small boord or piece of mast , Vpon a neighboring shoare , forgets his paine , And dares to venture on the Sea againe ; Such is his case that 's once from wedlocke free , And yet a second time will married be .

( 59 ) On a Strumpet . NO leacherous Goat , that climbs the craggy hill Or sparrowes that upon the house-tops bill , No beast , or satire over-grown with haire , With an insatiate woman may compare : One Cocke suffiseth twice five hens 't is common , But thrice five men can hardly please that woman .

( 60 ) To a Foote man . I Musd why Iockie troubled with the Gowt , Did talke so much , at last I found it out ; His footmansh pand dancing dayes being done He now tooke pleasure with his tongue to runne .

( 61 ) To Madam Non-such . A Lady askd a sparke , why beggars wives , Were still most fruitful , yet liv'd poorest lives , Madam ( replied he ) they are still assur'd To have their ground well tilld , and well manur'd And if your husband cannot take the p●ine , You should doe well to try anothers graine ; Well Sir , quoth she , since you such skill have shown By you my garden shall be tild , and sowne .

( 62 ) To Catro . CAtro resigne thy government , give o're , The Common-wealth thou now shalt rule no more , Thy wife is chosen governor to be , For thou the people rulst , but she rules thee .

( 63 ) On one that would pay monie in the evening ONe being at a scriveners to be bound , For the sure payment of a hundred pound , Being more nise , then wise , would not agree , The time of payment on the day to be , Why , quoth the notarie , our bonds doe run , For monies payment betwixt Sun and Sun . I but quoth tother this I dare to say , The Evening Sir , was made before the day , And therefore in the night it shal be paid , The scrivener purst his gold , and laughing said , Farewell t' ye Sir , and when of mee you borrow , You shall give eldership vnto the morrow .

( 64 ) Of good Wine . GOod Wine should vnto every sence appeare , Vnto the fight faire color , pure and cleare , To the eare a sparkling noise being powred fast , A sweet , and pleasant relish to the taste , The touching , rockie couldnesse should assume , And the sweet smell an arromaticke fume .

( 66 ) On a Painter . ONe ask'd a Painter , seeing that he drew , Such rare proportions to the life so true , Why such deformed Children he begot ; He straight replyde , good Sir mistake mee not , The one I lim and fashion in the light With my best art , the other in the night .

( 67 ) On a bald knavish Foole. DIogenes at supper sat one night , By chance a bald man was his opposite , To whom he jesting said , my honest friend , I le not disgrace thee , only I commend Thy haires that flew away from such a head , For oftentimes I thus have heard it said , More haire then wit , but thou most right and fit Hast not a lot of haire nor any wit .

( 68 ) On man and woman . WHen man or woman dyes , as Poets sung , His hart 's the last that stirs , of hers the tongue .

( 69 ) On Marriage . WHen a man weds she he affecteth most , He fetches backe the rib which first hee lost .

( 70 ) Of Physitions . WHen help 's promis'd by a Physitian , He comes i th likenesse of a skilfull man ; And when he it performes he doth appeare , In a blest Angels shape most bright and cleare ; But when he comes demanding his reward . Hee 's like a Divell and has no regard : Therefore I count them wise to take the fee , Whilst that the sicke hand will the giver be .

( 71 ) To a notorious Lyar. HAd I a secret that I would commit To anies bosome , I should thinke it fit , To tell it thee , for thou art truely knowne , So great a lyar , & so common grown , That shouldst thou sweare and dam thou speakst good sooth , Not any would beleeve thou telst a truth ,

( 72 ) THe Hebrewes at the sacred fountaines quaft , The Grecians at the Rivers take their draft , The Latines at the silver brookes doe drinke , English , and others , at the lakes small brinke .

( 73 ) Of a Witch . A Certaine Witch condemned to be burn'd , Seeing her Son stand by , to him she turn'd , And earnestly desir'd some drinke to have , Which he denying , she the more did crave , Swing , Deere Sonne I am exceeding dry , Give me one draught of drinke before I dye ▪ For that quoth he , if I remaine your debter , No matter Mother , you will burne the better ▪

( 74 ) On a Gull . A Worthy Lady Mounsier Gull did meet , As he with awicke gesture passd the street , At fight of her off went his hat and feather , And bow'd that chin and knee eu'n kist together ; She g●ve him the salute , being Nobly bred , And ask'd , When shal your wife be brought to bed : H● answer'd from th' abundance of his wit , Even when your Ladiship shall thinke it fit .

( 75 ) On monie . THe forme of monie round at first began , Because it is to run from every man .

( 77 ) On captaine Sharke . ONe askd a friend where Captaine shark did lie Why Sir quoth he at Algate at the pye , Away , quoth tother , he lies not there I know 't , No sayes the other , then he lyes in 's throat .

( 78 ) On Signeor Vapor ? Sweet Signeor Vapor a late cast commander , Boasts in the warres he was a Sallamander , And livd in flames it might be true he spoke , For now in peace , he only lives by smoake .

( 79 ) To Camelion . WAlking in Pauls I met Camelion there , Who told me he had bin to take the aire I' th' Temple Cloysters when I did repaire , Him did I finde being come to take the ayre , Trasing the fields , the weather being faire , He told me then h 'had been to take the aire , And t'other day I heard him deepely sweare , The musicke playd a sweet and dulcet aire ; Anothers dancing he esteemd most rare , And vow'd he mov'd his bodie like the ayre : He talkes so much on 't that I thinke in troth , The ayre is vnto him meat , drinke , and cloth .

( 80 ) To Spend-all . SPend all to grace and guild his cunning shifts , Swears by new coind oaths he lives by his wits , They are wondrous sharp indeed , for I have known When with Duke Humphrey he hath fed on stone .

( 81 ) An Aerosticke on Canary Sacke . C Come , come yee powerfull raptures , sisters nine A And bathe your spirits in this spring of mine , N Nectar , Ambrosia , nor Nepenthe can A Afford more immortality to man , R Rich blood it makes , comforts the hart & brain Y. Your noblest balsum for all griefe and paine . S Sacke , why t is only Agauippes well , A And much it doth P●rnassus fount excell , C Crowne mee with chaplets of this clustring grape K Kindle about me flames , draw swords , I le scape E Even through the heart of danger , Sack as free From thunder keepes me , as the Lawrell tree .

( 82 ) To Women . THe sword and sea ruines so many men , That for one man you may finde women ten , But were they few as good , the taylor knowes , His bill would be but little for their clothes .

( 83 ) On a Sheepe that gave a Wolfe sucke . A Sheepe ( a Wolfe ) did suckle with her teat , And when the Wolfe was Iustie growne and great , He in requitall slew the silly sheepe , Thus kinde from kinde , no love nor cost can keepe .

( 84 ) To Cornutus . HAppie art thou Cornutus , for to thee All things are proper that may proper be , Thy fat Sardinian Corne , and Indian Gold , Thou truly proper to thy selfe dost hold , To thee is proper thy most lussius Vine , Which proper yeelds to thee old Massique wine , Thy gratefull flockes are proper too , to thee , Yeelding free offerings of fertillitie ; Thy wonderous wit , thy heart , and courage stout , All that thou hast is proper thine no doubt , Yet if I say so , I shall say amisse , Thy wife 's not proper , for she common is .

( 85 ) To Claudius . SEven wives of thine are laid within the ground , The earth so kinde , but thee , whoever found ? These in short time thou hadst , and now hast none , I have a longer time bin vex'd with one .

To Philenis . ( 86 ) PHylenis , doe not aske me why I weare A plaster on my lip , thou need'st not feare , I doe not meane to kisse thee wh●n we meet ; Phylenis , no , thy breath is not so sweet .

( 87 ) To Lalia . FOure teeth had Lalia , which did grieu her much , She durst not freely cough , her feare was such , At length upon her it so fiercely grew , That one sore cough did force her spit out two : So halfe her feare was past , to quit her doubt , Another hauke expelo the other out : Now she may dreadlesse spit , hem , spue , and spaule , For now she 'as none to cough away at all .

( 88 ) To Venus . Venus one time got Mars his armour on , His sword , his shield and javeling , whereupon Quoth Pallas , come let 's fight , let Paris be An umpire now betwixt thy selfe and me ; Fie , fie , quoth Venus , when I naked stood , Thou know'st I conquer'd thee in Idas wood ,

( 89 ) To the same , otherwise . PAllas in armes before the gods once stood , And challeng'd Venus then to try her might : Quoth Citherea , nak'd in Idas wood I conquer'd thee , and therefore scorne to fight .

( 90 ) To an inconstant Mistris . FAlse one , farewell , Mans woe , and therfore mine , Stringst thou thy vowes upon so weake a line That they are broke and lost ? Noune adiective , That canst not stand without a substantive , And then art falling too , weake feminine , What gender art thou ? or who can decline Thy heart , it is the common of two , else , either The doubtfull , or the Neuter ; true t is neither , Nor proper ist to one , but like thee woman Takst part with homo , unto all men common : Forth of my harts true Grammer thee Ile taire , So foule a lease shall stand no longer there : 'T is blotted so , that I no word can see , Only thy characterd inconstancie ; Adrew changing Camelion , that dost live By ayre , and that , my numerous sighes doe give Farewell thou various raine-bow , which appeares More glorious , after my sad showre of teares , Those sighes , and teares I le in the ballance lay , With the light Creature whom they shal outweigh Oh but thou wilt not tarrie in the scale , There is so much quicksilver in the tale , Thy wanton friskes I tell thee will be little , When thou art temperd well with fasting spittle : And since thou wilt be changing , change then all , And take a lodging in the hospitall , Then change thy daubing next , another place , Is fit for plasters better then thy face , When thou vowst love againe , change not , t is evill , For shouldst thou , who 'd beleeve the next , the devil Why Counsell I in vaine , for it is knowne , True love ha's rules prescribd , but lust has none .

( 91 ) To Flora. WHen dusky clouds do snake their dewy plumes And the sad earth exhales her mistie fumes , When pearly showres fall , the Sun is fled , And each thing droopes , the violet hangs her head , Then muse not , Flora , why I sad remaine , My flowing eyes distill soft showres of raine , And all my powers melt for lacke of thee , For thou , my Sunne , art gone away from me .

( 92 ) To Callus . GAllus finds fault with such as doe indite In a new phrase , when they doe letters write : The reason why he thinkes this an abuse is , He keepes an old one , serues him for all vses .

( 93 ) To Lupus . THe garments of S. Francis , Papists say , Will keepe 'vm safe , and fright the fiend away ; And therefore Lupus , when that he is gone To commit theft , or mischife , gets them on : But although he a Fryars habit haue , The diuell sure will know him for a knaue .

( 94 ) Who are most merry ? THe Popish Priests most mirth doe keepe , For they doe sing whilst others weepe .

( 95 ) Who most free ? PHysicians are most free , for they haue leaue To kill , and yet no punishment receiue .

96 Who most mad ? NIice schollers are most mad , that fight & swear Onely 'bout vowels , and for sound and ayre .

97 Who most blest . THe poore are blest that are content With whatsoeuer God has sent .

98 Of Marriage . THe quietest Mariage that I e're could finde , Is when the Husband 's deafe , & the wuc blind .

99 To Vacera . IF Vacera you strictly doe behold , You by her face would iudge her to be old : But if you by her haires , her yeares doe scan , I doe confesse she 's but an Infant than .

100 To Zoylus . HEre 's seuerall baits , then Zoylus come and bite ; Alas , poore foole , they do not terme thee right That terme thee vitious , thinking so to gall thee , For thou art vice it selfe , and so I 'le call thee .

The end of the first Century .

1 A Comparison betwixt a Shippe and a Wife . A Ship and a good wife should thus agree : That being the greatest moueable , we see , Man can enioy ; and yet our art doth learne To rule and guide it by a little sterne : So should a woman with obedient will Be rul'd , and gouern'd by her husbands skill : And as it sayles by sounding , compasse , care , To judgement and discretion must prepare Her wayes , and actions ; that though enuy blow , She may resist , and triumph o're her foe : Here must she differ , and be thus vnlike , For as one Vessell may her top-sayle strike To many Merchants , so there must be none Haue any share or right in her but one : Then as a ship , of all goods man can haue , May not be hous'd ; a wife should neuer craue To gad , or lye abroad : and to conclude , Ships may be painted , women neuer should .

2 On the Eyes . THe eye-lid's the least member , yet it car , And has the power to darken the whole man .

( 4 ) Mors vltima linea rerum . THe Clergy prayers for all to heauen sends , The bold and valiant souldier all defends , The rusticke Clowne does nourish all , and feed , And last comes death , deuouring all with speed .

( 5 ) On Manuscripts . THough the word spoken liue , the written dye ; Yet that shall end , this liue eternally .

( 6 ) On a Cut-purse . A Cut-purse is the best trade in the land , For his worke done , his mony 's in his hand .

( 7 ) On a shee Papish . A Young she Papist asked best was which , To wed a young man , or an old man rich : Quoth one , the old ; so thou 't be sure to keep Enow of fasting dayes , and little sleepe .

( 8 ) ●n Mr. Robert Cromwell , who for poysoning his Master , was executed at Tiburne , on Saturday , Iune 2. 1632. IT is a common weaknesse in our blood , To loath that Potion which may doe vs good ; But in diseases dangerous , 't is fit , To vse like cure that may remedy it . And , Cromwell , though the Law was vnto thee A bitter pill , yet did it purge thee free : Neither could vpright Iustice more expresse , In way of pittie , or in right doe lesse . Astrea weigh'd thy crime with euen hand ; And though thy peece was faire , wherein did stand A perfect Image ; yet to light it was By many graines , and could not rightly passe , Not with allowance ; but againe thou must , ( Being cast , and fil'd anew ) resolue to dust : Yet though thou wer 't condemn'd by th' reuerend ( Big with thy guilt ) thy happy soule did draw The breath of Innocents , which perfum'd thy path To heauen with sweets , more then Elizium hath : And sacred Priests to thousand weeping eyes , Acknowledg'd thee a destin'd sacrifice . What reuelation , or what holy flame Mounted thy drooping thoughts , so yong , so lame ( As thy fault made thee ) swan-like at thy end To chant such diuine Anthems ? Did attend Legions of Angels on thee , at that time Thou wer 't to suffer ? didst thou heare the chime Of the Coelestiall spheares , that thy glad spright Seem'd to be rauish'd with such free delight ? Thou hopd'st more Angels were attending on thee , Then at thy death were eyes to graze vpon thee . The good sould Iudges , most vprightly gaue Thee guilty for th' offence , due to the graue ; And thou a fellon wert at thy last breath , Like the good Theef thou stoll'st heauen at thy death Iustly the Law condemn'd thee , and thy spot Was plaine and euident , yet that grosse blot Diuinitie has wip'd out , thou now art euen , The Law of man's fulfill'd , and will of heauen . We must nor say 't is pittie thou didd'st dye , Because we all are mortall ; nor will I Say thou art guilty of that vild offence Thou suffer'dst for , nor crowne thy innocence , Onely to this an answer Me receiue , Shall we the Gospell , or the Law beleeue ?

On two Louers , George and Besse . MY better fate , my sight , blest with a paire Of young and gentle louers , both so faire , That in my rauisht thoughts the tale did moue , Of young Adonis and the Queene of loue : But here this Adon woo'd one of such price , That had fraile man another Paradice , One Necter'd Cherry from her tempting lip Would make him lose it : did he but sip Some of her precious and preseruing breath , He could not dye , despite of fate or death . The rugged Ayre grew gentle at her sight : Ten thousand starres , as she did walke by night , Hasted to see her ; e're the Moone could rise , And did receiue bright lustre from her eyes , To guild the gloomy Eue , Nature must seeke Some quainter name : the pure flood in her cheeke Does cause the Roses blush ; her virgine hue Makes Lilies droop their heads , and shed their dew Instead of teares , grow pale with shame , and dye , When they are cald by some o're hasty eye To match those milky paths , which seem'd to trace Along her snowie bosome , from her face : Her lips , a pretty bird , vpon a day , Mistooke for Cherries ; and had pin'd away For want of food , but that her balmine breath Preseru'd the innocent from cruell death . And euer since , scorning all other fare , It 's a Camelion cal'd , and liues by Ayre . Oh Nature , wherfore when thou first mad'st woman Mad'st thou not all alike , or else all common ? But blest art thou , faire youth , that dost possesse So rich a beauty ; nor thy selfe art lesse In excellence of feature : for what she , I lent in praise , I borrow'd first from thee : And should I vindicate thy blest for me o're , I shall but speake what I haue said before : So thou art nothing , George , without thy Besse , And she without thee , must be needs much lesse .

On his Mistresse a little wauering . ( 1 ) HAst thou power to soften hell ? And the stubborne furies quell ? Canst thou Beasts and Satyres moue By thy art ? and quicken loue ; Much thou maist , yet faile to finde The center of a womans mind . ( 2 ) For though some in stories stood Excellent for faire and good , Constant in their loues , and wise , Whose examples might suffice , Yet beleeue'● blind Nature spent So much in wast , she did repent . ( 3 ) And therefore with the Fates agreed , To spring such fruit , but spoyle the seed . Then thou fond man , call home , call home Thy wandring heart into it's roome : Liue at peace , and neuer trust Women fa●re , and so vniust .

On a handsome Maid , who lou'd an ill-shapen dwarfe , call'd the Lo. of Portsmouth . CAn this report be true by loue ? 't is rare , And pittifull , a Maid so young and faire , To dote vpon an Vrchine : how can she Looke on the ruiner of her Chastitie , And not dissolue in teares ? will not the Rose , Blowne in her Lilly cheeke , grow pale , and close When he climbs vp to kisse it ? and the white Be soyl'd and blasted at the loathed sight ? Shall I blame thee , oh loue ! no ; for I feare The monster Lust hath vsurpation here : Sh' has heard , it may be , how a Queene of Creet Did loue a Bull , and held the dalliance sweet ; And therefore hopes to proue at least the halfe Of those delights and pleasures , by this Calfe ; Who with her helpe ( though he be Natures scorn ) May grow a Beast , yet of a larger horne ▪ Or shall the Serpent watch th' esperides , And guard her golden fruit ; yet Hercules Can charme him , enter in , and shake the tree , Taste all , and leaue the passage after free . What is her rebell blood so wanton growne , Shee 's sicke till the fooles bable be her owne , And such a cramped Monkey : but it may be She is ambitious to be stild a Lady , To be of kindred to the Pharie Queene ( For so her changeling is ) and on the greene With them to trip in ring-lets , and be made A gentle faye , and Madam of the shade . She ne●de not feare , as common mortals doe , The pinching of her white armes blacke and blew , Her cozen Elues and Goblins will dispence ( For her deare spouse sake ) with her offence . Then Hymen snuffe thy torch , lead on the way , The Bride doth with her crooked Bridgroom stay , Whose humble dwarfe-ship may meet this ecclips , To kisse her taile , when others reach her lips .

( 9 ) To Fabulus . I askt Fabulus why hee had no wife , Quoth he , because I de liue a quiet life .

( 10 ) To Momus . WHy Spanish-leather on thy head dost wear Oh , now I know , 't is cause thou hast no haire . And I commend the workman did it doe , Thy pate is clouted neater then thy shooe .

( 11 ) To Balde pate . WIth curious Iuorie combe why art thou sped , When not a haire does grow vpon thy head .

( 12 ) On a Ramme . O Cruell Butcher , of a bloody minde , How canst thou be so wicked and vnkinde , With thy sharpe knife to cut his tender throat , That oftentimes has given thee his coat .

( 13 ) Against praying for the dead . THou sowest in sand , or anglst in the ayre , That thinkst to helpe a soule deceast , by prayre .

( 14 ) To Cotta . COt knows his wife's a whore , & saies 't is right , One lampe may giue a score of men good light .

( 15 ) To Callice . WEre vertue , goodnesse , and plaine honesty But halfe so deare as is thy drinke to thee , Then would the virgin Lilly , not the Rose , Spread it selfe gently in thy face and nose . Thou' rt rich enough , for pearles and rubies store Grow in thy nose , then say thou art not poore .

( 16 ) To Phylaene . PHylaene lets teares but from one eye fall , The reason is , she hath but one in all .

( 17 ) On Hermophroditas . PArthia ▪ great with child , to 'th Temple came , And offering Incence with religious flame Vnto the gods , for her the ●●●est enquir'd What 't was she went withall , this she desir'd ; A fire flew o're the Altar , and deuour'd The sacred Wine , and Oyle which she had powr'd : This promis'd speedy answer , and with ioy She listning lay ; quoth Phoebus , 't is a boy : Mars said it was a girle ; Iuno reply'd , 'T was neither girle not boy : her cheekes late dy'd With crimson b●ushes , now waxt wan and pale , That hardly could the aged Priest preuaile To keepe life in her : but being safe and well , At length came home ; she straight in labour fell , And was deliuer'd as the gods said , right , Boy , Girle , yet neither an Hermaphrodite ; Her time of lying in being ouer past , She to the former Temple hyes in hast ; And hauing done her holy sacrifice , She does againe request the deities With prayers , o● humble knees pressing the earth , What fate should follow her prodigious birth . Mars said she should be hang'd Phoebus said no , But he by water should his life forgoe : Quoth Iuno , as he 's neither , so this death , Nor that , but his owne sword shall end his breath . Parthia amaz'd at this , aloud she cry'd , Either too cruell ; so went home and dy'd . Hermophroditas growne to mans estate , Being one time put to a dangerous strait By a pursuing wolfe ; flying , espy'd A thicke branch'd tree growne by a riuer side ; Whose spreading armes at such a length were layd . That they the gliding brooke did ouershad● . Seeking to climbe the tree , his foe to shun , His sword fell out , and in his belly run : Thus wounded , downe he fell ; the boughs did meet Him in his falling , and held fast his feet : H●s head , the murmuring waues ( that seem'd to chide The fates ) receiu'd , & thus he stringely dy'd . And so this man , maid , neither , here was found To suffer all three deaths , hang'd , kild , and drownd .

( 18 ) To Flacca . I Loue thee not , yet know not what should moue me , But onely this , in troth I cannot loue thee .

( 19 ) To Appricius . MVch dost thou proiect , much dost thou begin But naught dost finish thou hast enter'd in ; And so when into drinking thou dost fall , Appricius thou canst make no end at all .

( 20 ) To Cinna . T Was Mithridates vse , and his intent , Still to eat poyson , poyson to preuent : So because hunger Cinna shall not kill , He vses much to fast against his will .

( 21 ) To Laelius When others speake , thy tongue apace does walke , And then beleeu'st that thou dost wisely talke The arrantst foole that is , may prattle so , And yet no stander by his folly know ; But now the rest are silent and giue eare , Now Laelius speake , thy wisedome let vs heare .

( 22 ) To Elisia . ELisia sent to me a Hare , and writ I should be faire seuen dayes after it : If thou sayst true , Elisia , then I sweare In all thy life thou ne're didst eate a hate .

( 23 ) To Thraso . VItious , and euill minded men there be , But , honest Thraso , this is naught to thee ; Castor keepes whores , who 'le feel●●he smart but he , And honest Thraso , &c. Gnat●o a dice consumes his state we see , But honest Thraso , &c. He sits vp la●e , and vainely watch doth keepe , T●ou in thy bed all nigh dest●oundly sleepe : C●luns from Lu●u● d● but neuer free , But honest Thraso , &c. Thou nothing ow'st , nor none can doe thee wrong , Yet there are some things doe to thee belong ; Thy c●oaths are pawn'd , set them at liberty , This , Thraso , only does belong to thee ; Not one will trust thee for a doyt againe , This , Thraso , vnto thee does appertaine : Thy wife does giue thee horns ; & this great wrong Does most my Thraso , vnto thee belong . Much more there is , but what belongs to thee , Does not , good Thraso appertaine to me .

( 24 ) On Arria and Paetus . Paetus commanded by the Tyrants will , With his own sword his own dear blood to spil , His chast wife Arria , being present by , First tooke the sword , and with a scornfull eye Beheld the Tyrant ; saying , Monster know , Though it is in thy power , at one blow To kill two bodies , yet our soules shall fleet Hence , spight of thee , and in Elizium meet : Thy cruell doome pronounc'd , shall make vs blest , And saying so , she pierc'd her noble brest ; Then drew it forth , and gaue the bloody blade Vnto her dearest husband , and thus said , My faithfull Patus , what I now haue done , Does grieue me not , but when the sword shall run Through thy heart , that heart I lou'd so well , The thought of that to me alone is hell ; Yet sweet make hast to ouertake : her breath Flew with that word ; her selfe o'retane by death .

( 26 ) To Luper . LVper , when late I did thee sitting see , Me thoght I saw three men , which cousen'd me ; Thy bald patc 't was , where stood one patch of hair , Another here , likewise another there , Afraid of one another ; and so seene , As if in facions they had parted beene : Thy Crowne was bare , where many an ally was In which there grew not halfe a blade of grasse Yet thy head yeelds vnto thee profit : when The Emperors dole is giuen , other men Onely one basket haue , but thou hast three , But haue a care , if thee Alcides see Before grim Pluto's gate , thou art but dead , So like to three-chapt Cerberus is thy head .

( 27 ) On Leander . LEander sinking , cry'd vnto the waues , Spare me you seas , spare me you liquid g●aue● , Vntill my Hero I haue seene ; be still , And spare me now , then drowne me if you will .

( 28 ) To Flora. MY dearest Flora , it is wondrous strange , That one so faire should subiect be to change , For in an April day there cannot be More change of wethers , then there 's change in thee Sometimes thou full of pleasure dost appeare , And then thou swear'st thou only hold'st me deare Straight , in a franticke vaine , thou fl●'st away , Nor haue I power to entreat thee stay : Againe , that humor off thou art more kind , Then louing Turtle , or the Southerne wind ; Now thou ma●'st much of me , and now againe Thou break'st thy vowes , and put'st me vnto paine : Would Tantalus my case were like to thine , Thy punishment's to be in waues and pine : Bu● 't is a greater plague to be a dry , And yet not drinke , when Nectar standeth by :

( 29 ) To a naughty Lawyer . THou dost the Court with noyse & businesse fill , And pra●'st & talk'st , as if thou hadst great skill I' th Law ; yes faith , thou hast as much as need , Need has no Law , nor thou hast none indeed .

( 30 ) To Labine . THou married hast a wife deform'd and blacke , And yet no wealthy substance did she lacke : Her didst thou choose , wisely , to set thee free , For hands to feele , not for thine eyes to see .

( 31 ) To marke a Vsurer . MArke , miserable wretch , as I heare say , Would needs go hang himsefle the other day , But thus he was deceiued of his hope , F●● vnder three pence he could buy no rope : Oh sie , quoth he , the price amaz'd the Elfe : Two pence halfe penny he gaue , & hang'd himselfe .

( 32 ) To Marcus . MArcus being drunke o're night , his bed does keepe , Till noone next day , dots Marcus soundly sleepe And being bid , by some that doe him know , To yeeld a reason why he sleepeth so , He makes reply , why does not Dauid say , 'T is vanity in man to rise e're day ,

( 33 ) The Louers Enigma . Sum sine Deo sum sine te , sum sine me . WHat power shall I inuoke , and to whom turne me , To thaw my Ice , or quench the fire does burne me ; I see my folly , count it worthy blame , And yet haue no fig-leafe to hide my shame : Is there an Art vnto our memory set , And can we not as well learne to forget ? Oh no , for trifles we estreme as rare , When they are purchas'd with much cost and care : Like Tantalus I onely feast mine eye , And court my shadow that does from me flye : As the poore Moath , my funerall flame I fan , In louing thee , I leaue to be a man , And what a man should be , and am become Bankrout , in paying vnto thee a summe Of faithfull teares , and constant vowes ; nay , more , I am without God ; for I doe adore And seeke thee more then him : for thee I pine , Yet am without thee , 'cause thou art not mine : And what most weighes me downe into my graue , I am without my selfe , being thy slaue : Iudge then my case , how strange it is , and odde , Without thee I 'me without my selfe , and God .

( 34 ) To his Mistris who found fault with him . AS your bright eyes discouer my amisse , So your faire lips may cure me with a kisse : Then if I am not good , the fault 's in you , That spaire your kisses and to mend me too .

( 35 ) To his cruell mistris . FAire cruel Mistris , since nor prayers , nor teares Can moue your pitie , nor my tender yeares , Yet since your heart is stone , oh giue giue consent To let it be my true hearts monument .

( 36 ) To Lacon . I Asked Lacon , that was lately wed , Why such a little wise he had chose to bed ? Oh friend , quoth he ) I hold it for the best , Still , of all euils , for to choose the least .

( 37 ) To a Braggart . SInce , Sturdy , thou canst better fart then fight , Take S away , and thou art such a wight .

( 38 ) On a woman and a ship . A Goodly ship , a faire and wanton woman , For mans vse both created , and both common ; Such is their natures , their condition such , That they can ne're be trick'd or trimd too much .

( 39 ) On the Sun and mans thought WHat in the world is swifter then the Sun , That in a day the orbed round doth run ? The thought of man , whose quicke and fleeter force Does in a moment circle the same course .

( 40 ) On the Pope . A Glorious seat , and most imperiall state , The Pope has purchas'd after this lifes date : For heauen he doth continually sell , And with those summes has bought a place in hell . Vendidit et Coelum Romanus et Astra sacerdos : Ad stigias igitur , cogitur ire domus ,

( 41 ) Truths aboue all . King , wine , or women , which is strong'st of these But I say Truth 's 'boue al , say which you please .

( 42 ) On a little Boy , who wore a sword . I Saw a little yongster weare a sword , The other day , and strut it like a lord : I smiling , ask'd him who it was that ty'd Him to his weapon ? the poore vrchin cry'd ,

( 43 ) On small Beere . ONe did commend the purenesse of his Beere ▪ Indeed , Sir , wet't a little thought more cleere ( Q●oth on , on whom he freely did bestow it ) Surely from water one should hardly know it .

( 44 ) Qui mocat , mocabitur . THe Salamander , ready ●o expire , Wanting his naturall Element , the fire ; Being got into a barne , frighted the Mice Wi●h his strange vncouth noyse , that in a trice They take 'vm to their holes , and there they peepe , Wondring what Monster did their dwelling keep ; But knowing who it was , they boldly came , And with their jeeres and mocks , they lend a flame Vnto his frozen heart ; but 't was in vaine For him to vex or raise , for still his paine Increas'd , and their flouts and mocks grew greater , Making his woes , and their delights compleater : At length , by some mishap , or want of care , The Barne was all on fire ; the vermine stare , And muse to see such light , away they run Towards their Cells , the greedy flames to shun ; But those are grown too hot , and backe amaine They poast , the flames possession there had tane : No harbour find they , each one madly seekes : The heat does parch' vm , and their cryes & shreeks Is musicke to the Salamanders eares , Who now recouer'd , at 'vm laughs and jeeres : Playes with the wanton flames , and leaps , & turnes , Whilst the poore Mice consume , & the Barn burns , But now no fuell left for flames to eat , They famish now for want , and make retreat ; Leauing the Salamander as distrest , As at the first ; who being ouer-prest With killing cold , casting his dying eye Where the sad ruines of his enemies lye , Quoth he , I gladly now resigne my breath , In that I am reueng'd before my death .

( 45 ) To Priscus and Ga●la , man and wife ; Who ne're agreed in all their life . PRiscus loues wine , Galla does not despise it , He vses to be drunke she neuer flyes it : Priscus spends all , all Galla does consume , He loues Tobacco , she delights in fume : Priscus does keepe a whore , Galla a knaue ; He gallant goes , and she is very braue : Priscus is blacke , and Galla is not faire , He meager is , and leane , and she is spare : Since that both wicked , both so like we see , I wonder why they neuer doe agree .

( 46 ) To Spurius and Stella . STtella does bury all her husbands still ; And Spurius with his wiues the vault doth fill ; Whom they doe marry dye : good Hymen light Thy Saffron Torch , let it burne cleare and bright , And grant these conquerors may haue the lot For to be knit in sacred nuptiall knot ; That at one time they may together haue One solemne funerall , one knell , one graue .

( 47 ) To Crispus . WHen I dine with thee , look vpon thy wise , Tho frownst , & in thy trench●● stabst thy Prethe what fault is this ? the sun , the sky , The stars , and things more glorious to mine eye , knife : I may behold . what , should I turne aside ? Or vaile me with my hand , as if I spy'd Some vgly obiect ? if no guest shall see Thy louing wife , let me then counsaile thee , That none at meales may euer thee molest , Good Crispus let some blind man be thy guest .

( 48 ) To Castellus . GRieue not , my friend , because thou art backbited But let that ill , be with thy good requited . For name of wretch , does vnto him belong That slanders thee , not thou that hast the wrong .

( 49 ) To Drusus . THou art proper , hansom , & wel shap'd , we see , Yet many people take me still for thee ; Would I were like one soul● , so good he were , For now thy faults about me I doe beare .

( 50 ) To his Mistris , because he came not in the daytime , as he promised . WHat though I did not come by day , according to my vow ? Must I for that endure the raye of thy incensed brow ? No , rather crowne my head with bayes , and kisse me with delight , For loue has not such sport by dayee , as pleasures in the night .

( 51 ) To Flora , that vnseene tooke his handkercher out of his pocket . A Louely beauty , that did owe A hand more white then falling snow , To make her sport with others griefe , Pleas'd to play the beauteous thiefe ; And whilst I with various thought , Still at fleeting shadowes caught , On my Elbow carelesse lay , Stoale my handkercher away , Vnfelt of me ; but 't was her art , She might steale this , who stole my heart ,

( 52 ) On a Heart sent to his Mistris . SWeet , if you can thinke what paine A heart thus wounded , may sustaine , I neede not then to you impart , The anguish of my bleeding heart ; Enough I feele , yet cannot dye , Because my life 's fed from your eye : By you I haue or woe , or blisse , This the poore harts evill is ; And such a one doe I endure , Which no King alive can cure , Nor Physicke helpe ; onely you , Heaven has lent this power to : Then since you all evils checke , Hang like an Angell 'bout my necke .

( 53 ) To Torpetus . A Fruitfull wench God send me , when I wed , I hate these barren dames : Torpetus sed He married Franke , and so he had his prayer , For the next day she brought him forth a paire .

( 54 ) To such as paint themselues . WHo loue to paint their face , this hope haue they That God shan't know them at the later day : But they which vse such colours , but foretell , How they shall shew when they are dam'd in he● .

( 55 ) To his Picture . MY face the Painter has exprest by Art , But God does know the secrets of my hart .

( 56 ) To Sixtus . Sixtus , thy wife is faire , that 's not amisse : But she 's a scold ; tell me how lik'st thou this ?

( 57 ) To an vnskilfull Physician . AChilles with his speare his foes did spill ; Thou with more ease , with a smal herb dost kil , Thou art more worthy then Achilles found , Onely his speare could cure as well as wound .

( 58 ) On a Drunkard . Within this graue he chok'd with dirt does ly That in his life time was but once adry .

( 59 ) Fiue things white . FOure things are white , the fift exceeds the rest , Snow , siluer , ceruse . age , and a chast brest .

( 60 ) To Torpetus . THy wife is barren , what 's the reason trow ? Why I will tell thee , if thou dost not know ; Plants wil not thriue , except they well are set , And she bears nought , 'cause thou nought canst beget .

( 61 ) To Aulus . WHat Aulus does , not now doe I demand ; But which of these , I faine would vnderstand , Or drinke , or sleepe , pray whether of these two , For nothing else I know does Aulus doe .

( 62 ) To Callus . GAllus , the dreadfull thunder-claps to shun , Downe to some Cellar in all hast doth run ; And there he counts himselfe both safe and well , He thinkes in Cellars God does neuer dwell .

( 63 ) To one that brag'd he was nosd like K. Cyrus . THou sayst thou art hawk-nos'd as Cyrus was ; Haue Myda's eares , and then be like an Asse .

( 64 ) Of mony and land . WHat 's coyn , or gold , or siluer , nought but rust ; What 's land & great possessiòs ? noght but dust

( 65 ) To a Prodigall . IN braue Outlandish , and in strange attire , Thou pleasest thy fantasticall desire : Somtimes the roring French , the Spaniard than , And other while the spruse Italian : But now at last in rags , all rent and torne , What fashion 's this ? is it beyond-Sea worne ?

( 66 ) A verse of Homer . WHat crimes soe're great Princes doe commit , The Common-wealth is sure to pay for it .

( 67 ) Of him that is in debt . WHo owes much money , shuns all company , Like to the Owle that in the night doth flye .

( 68 ) On a Foole bitten with Fleas . A Foole extreamely troubled with the Fleas , By no meanes in his bed could take his ease , But rising vp with speed put out the light , Saying you shall not see me now to bite .

( 69 ) On a Drunkard . A Drunkard fell into a feuer sore , Whereby his thirst grew greater then before Physicians came , who promised to cure His Feuer , and the thirst he did endure : To whom the Patient spake , Phisicians see You cure my Feuer , leaue my thirst to me .

( 70 ) On a young man , and an old man . A Young man , and an aged man of late , Being in a Tauerne , fell at great debate ▪ The youth thinking the testy sire to coole , Said , turd i' th thy teeth , thou crabbed do●ing foole , At this the old man laugh'd , and made reply , Turd in his teeth that has teeth , none haue I : So shew'd his gums , which made the young man laugh , They both grew friends , and drank their liquor off .

( 71 ) When Women profit . ALthough all women are reputed bad , Yet two good dayes by them are euer had ; That happy day shee does thee husband call , And day of death , when she does leaue thee all .

( 72 ) To Flora. SNow held vnto the fire , dissolues , we see , So they consume that burne in loue with thee .

( 73 ) To Claudia . Claudia deliuer'd of a chopping lad , The Midwife swore it was as like the dad As could be possible : tell true , quoth she , Has he a bald crowne ? prethe let me see .

( 74 ) To Callice . CAllice I met , whose nose being richly spred With Orientall pearles , and rubies red : I ask'd him when he with the Goldsmith was : Why Sir , quoth he ? because that be in brasse Has set those stones , which should haue bin in gold : And therefore Callice , if I might be bold , The knaue has cozen'd thee , as I suppose , To giue thee , instead of gold , a Copper nose .

( 75 ) To Furnus . FVrnus takes paines ; he needs not , without doubt ; O yes , he labors much ; how ? with the gout .

( 77 ) To a couetous Miser . THou sayst al things are deare , wine , corn & oile , Yet thou well stor'd , liu'st in a plenteous soile , And wretch to no man deere , thou deere dost sell : Alas , all 's deare , and therefore thou dost well : Sell as thou maist , and flye extortion , So thou 't be deare to all , yet deere to none .

( 78 ) To one that painted Eccho . PAinter forbeare , a madnesse 't is in thee To draw my forme , whom neuer man did see : I onely daughter am to Ayre and noyse , Without the bodies helpe I am a voyce , For my Narcissus losse , the world I hate , And the last words I still reuerberate , In mocking sort ; no farther then proceed : But would'st thou draw my counterfeit indeed ? ( Eccho's my name , my dwelling vnder ground ) And Painter , thou must onely paint a sound .

( 79 ) To her Loue . BEhold , my deerest , how the fragrant Rose Is fresh and blown , whilst on the tree is grows ▪ But being by some rude hand pluck'd away , Loseth its sweetnesse , and doth soone decay : Euen so poore I , or liue , or dye by thee , I am thy Rose , my deere , and thou my tree

( 80 ) To Scatter-good . SCatter-good going to his bed , with sorrow In mind , what he should weare , or eat next morrow Found in his house a thiefe ; who euery way Had search'd , yet could not meet with any prey ; He laughing said , away thou foolish wight ; Dost thou come hither in the maske of night , To looke for ought ? thou art deceiu'd , quoth he , For when 't is day , my selfe can nothing see .

( 81 ) To one fickle minded . WEr 't thou as light of foot as light of mind , Thou would'st out-strip the stag , the haire , or wind .

( 82 ) To his Picture . HOw well , my Picture , thou resemblest me , Thou art pale and so am I ; thou canst not see , And I am blind : ay me , to well I finde , Thou hast no thought , and poore I haue no mind : I haue no life , no breath does from thee breake ; Thou speechlesse art , ay me , nor can I speake : Thy bosome does no heart at all containe , And hartlesse I , without a heart remaine : Alone thou dwell'st , vncompanied of any , And so am I , though gaz'd vpon by many : Of fading colours thou , wilt soone decay ; As I , of brittle and vnconstant clay : Thou as my shadow , for a time shalt be ; A● weake a shadow still does follow me : Thou weake , must fade ; long cannot I remaine , To dust and ashes both must turne againe : Both thus are like , yet happier thou then I , Thou dost not loue , I loue and wish to dye .

( 83 ) To the Reader . REader , if nothing please thee here , begone ; I writ them for to please my selfe alone .

( 84 ) To Swillus . WHen the parch'd earth , made thirsty with the rayes Of scorching Phoebus , cleaues in seuerall wayes To quaffe the wished showers ; Swillus gapes , Bring hither , boy , the pleasant juyce of grapes : Now is the time to drinke ; and still his eye Beholds the earth , and still he is adry . Then when the heauenly fluccs vp are tane , And freedome giuen to gushing stoods of raine , Now , now quoth Swillus , fill with nimble hands , Th' exhausted cups , for heauen now commands Vs to carouse ; his drinke is ne're forgot , And somewhat still hee 'll say to toffe the pot .

( 85 ) To Cornutus . COrnutus twits his wife and sayes , that he Can haue no child by her sterrillity : Before a yeare was past , she was so sped , That with two children she was brought to bed ; He musing ask'd her if those Babes were his ? Lord , husband ( quoth she ) what a question 's this ? I haue resolu'd you this , and let me dye , These babes are yours ; with you I did not lye .

( 86 ) On a Theefe . A Theefe condemned for a haynous crime , Was for to lose his tongue at that same time , But he the Court intreats with fained teares , To spare his tongue , and cut off both his eares : To this the Iudge , and all the Bench agreed , And for the Executioner sent with speed ; Who being come , and searching , there was found No eares , but haires ; at this all laughed round : Sayes Iudge , thou hast no ears ; Sir , quoth the wight , Where there is nought , the King must lose his right

( 87 ) To Barba . HAue I the power to bid the frost not melt , Or Alpine snow , when it the Sun hath felt ? Or can I stay the falling showres of raine , When springy Exhalations drop againe ? Or may I maske the stars , or Cynthia bright , In a faire Euening , and a frosty night ? No more haue I the power to enforce Thy constancy , for lust will haue its course .

( 88 ) On Loue . A Salue for euery sore is to be found , But ther 's no balsum that can cure loues wound

( 89 ) Sent to his Mistris in a Lemon . FAirest , if you doe not finde Naturall substance in this rinde , Be not angry : what you doe See inclos'd here , growes in you . Purest colours would you seeke ? Goe no further then your cheeke : Or would you Nepen the sip ? Tast your owne soft melting lip . The juyce of Lemon well may proue Cooling , but the flames of loue In my brest , no Iulip , no Nor cakes of Ice , nor falling snow Can quench 'vm ; you haue onely power To slake them with a gentle shower : I in your lips the cordiall see , Cupid made to comfort me . From your charme my paine will run , Say you loue me , and 't is done : 'T is the heart-ake which I haue , You can ease me , helpe I craue . For which , to Loue and you , I 'le bound become , Till for the cure I haue discharg'd the summe .

( 90 ) On a foole that found a Crab-fish . IN midst of Summer when the radiant Sun In all his glory , through the Zodiacke run ; A Crab-fish crawling from the scorched sea , Came on a verdant banke to sport and play ; And as he frisking lay vpon the grasse , A certaine Ideot by that place did passe , Who hauing ▪ e're before a Crab-fish seene , In haft to catch it , thrust his hand betweene His griping clawes ; the Crab did pinch him sore , And made the simple fellow cry and rore ; Who to renenge himselfe of this fell spight , Tooke vp the Crab-fish , and with all his might F●ung i● into the sea ; saying , I trow I 'le teach you sirrah to pinch strangers so . The Crab amongst the waues doth leap and friske , fl●ppeth his taile apace , is wondrous briske : S● , quoth the Innocent , alas dumbe thing , The pangs of death , how sharp and sore they sting .

( 91 ) To Petrus and Critticus . MEns faces differ , and so does the heart , Nor can the eye the hidden thoughts impart : This man in outward shew doth gentle seeme , And for a Daemon we doe him esteeme , When in his heart he does a Daemon proue ; So although Criticus professe thee loue , Beleeue me , Petrus , trust him not , I know Him for to be thy deadly priuate foe .

( 92 ) To Zoylus . TO answer shee , I lately did refuse , About Religion ; know , I doe not vse To giue to dogs things holy and diuine : Thy carping currish nature does repine At all that 's good ; thus to a curre I write , That still will barke , although he cannot bite .

( 93 ) On a Surgeon . A Skilfull Surgeon does these three command , A Lions heart , Hawkes eye , and Ladies hand .

( 94 ) To his truly vertuous Mistris . MY Mistris brest more beauty shrines within , Then can be fancied on an outward skin : Let fooles their wantons court , their face compare To Roses mixt with Lillies , and their haire To Sun-beames , gold , or downe , when it is knowne To be another's comings , not their owne ; And that pure red and white , so highly grac'd , Was there by Art and not by Nature plac'd : Shall this draw my affection ? shall my last Write my despised memory in dust ? No , I am mounted on a nobler wing , I can behold a painted vrne , and sing No Anniuerse ; no charme the face puts on Can moue me , 't is the mind I dote vpon : The Superficies of the earth containes Not halfe the treasure is within its vaines : The curled waues vpon' vm cannot keepe The moy'tie of that 's hid in the deepe ; Nor can the outward face of heauen , ( As vnto what 's within ) such praise be giuen . Where am I ? from the heauens , earth , and sea , Returne I backe , my dearest vnto thee : Thy inward beauty is to thee more grace , Then Hellen's , which was onely in the face , Thou neuer need'st despaire , there shall not grow One wrinkle in thy vertues Iuory brow : The elder that thy graces grow , the more They shall to thee renew rich beauties store : Thy wisdome , and thy noble soule I loue , That know'st affection , and how far to proue ; Here will I build , here my foundation lay On rocky vertue , not on painted clay .

( 95 ) On Mistri ( * Westbe . ) WOuld you know what is more sleeke Then the smooth and glassie cheeke Of bladed grasse ? or would you know What is purer then the snow ? Would you learne what is more soft Then the downe that growes aloft The blow-ball ? or what is more sweet Then hunger , or the wedding-sheet ? Would you know what blushes be , Besides the Rose , or blossem'd tree ? Or all delights , if you would read 'vm , And would know what could exceed 'vm , Looke on her , for none but she Can their true Elixar be . Touch her skin , and you shall feele It slipperer then the glasse , or Eele ; View it well , and then your sense Will iudge it pure as Innocence ; Softer farre then true loues kisses , Sweeter then the choycest blisses ; More red , more white , more sweet delight Yeelding , then or day , or night , Can boast of ; oh , who would not be , To such a Saint , a Votarie ? Why should then the spiced East Be famous for the Phoenix nest ? Since there may in the ( * West be ) found One in whom more sweets abound .

( 96 ) On a Louer . I Freeze in fire , and I fry in frost , Vnhappy I , that loue with labour lost .

( 97 ) To certaine Maidens playing with snow . YOu tender Virgins , fairer then the Snow , with which you play , Note how it melts , thinke how the Roses grow , and how decay , Iust so does beauty fade , and age draw on , Winter makes hast , and Summer's quickly gone .

( 98 ) To Sixtus . SIxtus the tooth-ake troubles thee insooth , That neither day nor night no rest canst take , Yet with a good tongue doe but licke thy tooth , And suddenly thy paine will thee forsake .

( 99 ) On a Beggar . ALiue I had no house , now dead , a graue ; I liu'd in want , now I doe nothing craue : A perrigrine I liu'd , poore , and distrest , But weary death has sign'd my Quietus est : Aliue I naked went , but now I am Clad in rich robes , for Caesar weares the same .

( 100 ) To his wife , which set a pot of Flowers in the window . FAire flowers thou dost in thy window set , And stinking dirt to make them grow , dost get . Good wife cast all away , I thee desire , The flowers smell sweet , but worser stinks the mire .

To Zoylus . WHy are thy brows girt with a lawrel wreath ? Apollo such does to his Sons bequeath : But to thy Tribe , that stingest with thy tongue , A garland made of Nettles does belong .

Virtus post funera viuit . THough flames doe dye , yet embers liue , And griefe and sorrowes vsher ioy ; Perfumes , when burnt , the smoke doth giue A comfort , doth bad scents destroy : So , if in vtrtues path we tread , That will suruiue when we are dead . He that is deem'd an honest man , Whilst that he liues , no enuy can Blot the faire storie of his life : When he is dead , his vertue shall Long out-liue his funerall ; Though all the world be at strife , To make his Tombe more lasting then The large remembrances of men .

To his worthy friend , Mr. Iohn Hall , going to travell . ANd must we lose what other Realms shal find ? Is England growne to narrow for thy mind ? Cannot th' impetuous periil of the maine , Or Silla , or Caribdos , thee restraine ? Or , if not these , the dangers of the land , Which thou shalt find waiting on either hand ? If none of all , thy forward thoughts can barre , Proue both a wandring , and a fixed starre .

FINIS .