The Triumphs of Reunited Britannia

The triumphes of re-vnited Brytannia .

BEcause our present conceit , reacheth vnto the antiquitie of Brytaine , which ( in many mindes ) hath carried as many and variable opinions : I thought it not vnnecessary , ( being thereto earnestly solicited ) to speake somewhat concerning the estate of this our Countrey , euen from the very first originall , vntil her honourable attaining the name of Brytannia , and then lastlye how she became to be called England . Most Writers do agree , that after the Deluge , A viterb. in coment. super 4 lib. Beros. de auti. . Noah was the sole Monarch of all the World , and that hee deuided the dominion of the whole earth to his three sonnes : all Europe with the Isles therto belonging ( wherein this our Isle of Brytaine was one among the rest ) fell to the lot and possession of Iaphet his third sonne . Samothes the sixt sonne of Iaphet , Wolfangus Lazius . called by Moses Mesech , by others Dys , had for his portion the whole contrey lying between the Ryner of Rhene and the Pyrenian mountains , where he founded his kingdome of Celtica I Bale cent . 1 ouer his people called Celtae , which name , by the opinion of Bale our Countrey man , was indifferent to them of Gallia , and vs of this Isle of Britaine . This Samothes being the first King ouer these people , of him came lineally these kings following : Magus , Sarron , Bruis and Bardus , all ruling seuerally ouer the Celts and Brytons , who were not then so called , but Samotheans , after the name of Samothes . Of Bardus , whoe , according to Berosus , was very famous for inuenting of Musicke and Duties , came an order of philosophicall Poets or Heralds , called Bardi , after his owne name , whose excellent qualities were of such power , as they coulde enforce armies of Enemies ready to fight fierce battell , to stand at a gaze , and forbeare their cruell intent , vntil these Bardes lefte singing , and went out of the battel : According to Lucane . lib. 1. Vos quoque qui fortes animas belloque peremptas , Laudius in longum vates dimittitis aeuum , Plurima securi fudistis carmina Bardi . Many of these Bards lined among the Britans , I. Bale script . Brit cent. 2 I Prise . defens hist. Brit. Ca Caius de ant Cant lib. 1 John Leland filla . an t . dict. before the birth of Christ , as Plenidius and Oronius . Since then , Thalestine , the two Merlins , Melkin , Elaskirion and others . Among the Welshmen nowe of late daies , Dauid Die , Iollo Gough , Dauid ap-Williams , and diuers others remayning yet amongest them , and called in their owne language Bardhes .

Thus continued the name of Samothes the space of 310. Neptune for his many ships called king or god of the Seas , and in regard of his great skil in Nauigation . yeares , ti'l Neptune put his son Albion the Gyant in possession of this land , who subduing the Samotheans , called this Iland Albion after his owne name . Concerning the comming hither of Danaus 50. daughters , and that one of them shoulde be called Albina , and so the land to bee named by her : First , not any one of them was so named , neither do I thinke the storie so authentical , but doe hold Albions name for the truest .

The Country thus peopled with Giantes , and continuing after the name of Albion for 600. years : Brute , ( being directed by a vision in his sleepe , to finde out a country scituated in the West ) with the remaines of his Troyan folowers , arriued and Landed at the hauen now called Totnes , the yeare of the world , 2850. after the destruction of Troy , 66. before the building of Rome 368. and 1116. before Christs natiuity . He , searching the land ouer from side to side , found it to be very fertile , and inhabited by vnciuil , monstrous huge men of stature , tearmed Grants , whom he with his bolde and resolued companions slew and destroyed . One of them named Goemagot or Gogmagog , exceeding the rest in strength and courag , Brute caused Corineus , one of his confederates , to wrastle with the said Goemagot at a place beside Douer , where the Grant hapned to break a tib in the side of Corineus , which so sharply incensed him , that redoubling his power to win the victory , he threw him headlong downe from off one of the Rocks , which place was after called Gogmagogs leape The Gyant being thus dispatched , in reward of this honourable piece of seruice , Brute gaue vnto Corineus a part of his lande , which according to his name , was , and yet is vnto this day , caled Cornwall .

Brute thus hauing the whole Land in his owne quiet possession , began to build a citty , neer to the side of the Riuer Thamesis , in the second yeare of his raign , which he named Troynouant , or as Humfrey Lhoyd saith , Gal. Mon. Troinewith ; which is , newe Troy : in remembrance of that famous citty Troy , whence hee and his people ( for the greater part ) were descended . Now beganne he to alter the name of the Iland , and according to his owne name , called it Brytaine , and caused all the inhabitantes to bee named Brytons , for a perpetuall memory , that he was the first bringer of them into this land . In this time he had by his wife faire Innogen , daughter to King Pandrasus king of the Greeks , three worthy sonnes , the first named Locrine , the second Camber , and the third Albanact , to which three ( not long before his death ) he deuided his whole kingdome in seuerall partitions , giuing to Locrine all that part which we know best by the name of England , then tearmed by him Loegria or Logres . To Camber he limitted the Countrey of Wales , called Cambria after his name , and deuided from Loegria by the riuer of Sauerne . To Albanact his third sonne , he appointed al the North part of the I le , lying beyond the Riuer of Humber , then called Albania , now Scotland ; and to that Riuer then Albania did reach . But since that time , the limits of Loegria were enlarged , first by the prowesse of the Romanes , then by our owne conquests , that the Twede on the one side , and the Solue on the other , were taken for the principal boundes betweene vs and Scotland .

After Brute , I finde not any other alteration of our Countryes name , vntill the raign of King Ecbert , who about the yeare of Grace 800. and the first of his raigne , gaue foorth an especiall Edict , dated at Winchester : that it shoulde be named Angles Land , or Angellandt , for which ( in our time ) we do pronounce it England . Nor can Hengyst the Saxon be the Father of this latter name , for Ecbert , because his ancestors descended from the Angles , one of the sixe Nations that came with the Saxons into Britaine , ( for they were not all of one , but of diuers Countries , viz. Angles , Saxons , Germains , Switzers , Norwegians , Iutes , otherwise tearmed Iutons , Vites , Gothes , or Getes and Vandales , and all comprehended vnder the name of Saxons , beca because of Hengist the Saxon and his company , that first arriued here before any of the other ) and thereto hauing now the Monarchy and preheminence , in manner of this whole Island , called the same after the name of the country , from whence he deriued his originall . So that neither Hengist , nor anye Qu. named Angla , or deriuation ab Angulo , is to be allowed before this sounde and sure authoritye . Thus much briefely concerning the names of our Countrey , now come wee to discourse the whole frame and body of our deuise , in this solemne triumph of re-vnited Brytannia .

The Shippe called the Royall EXCHANGE . Maister . All hayle faire London , to behold thy Towers , After our voyage long and dangerous : Is Seamens comfort , thankes vnto those powers . That in all perils haue preserued vs . Our Royall Exchange hath made a rich returne , Laden with Spices , Silkes , and Indico , Our wines that for our absence long did mourne , Now find release from all their former woe . Mate . Maister good newes , our Owner , as I heare , Is this day sworne in Londons Maioralty : Boy . Maister t is true , for , see what troupes appeare , Of Cittizens , to beare him company . Harke how the Drums and Trumpets cheerely sound , To solemnize the triumph of this day , Shall we do nothing , but be idle found , On such a generall mirthfull Holyday ? Maister . Take of our Pepper , of our Cloues and Mace , And liberally bestow them round about , T is our ships luggage , and in such a case , I know our Owner meanes to beare vs out . Then , in his honor : And that company , Whose loue and bounty this day doth declare , Hurle Boy , hurle Mate . And Gunner , see you ply Your Ordinance , and of fireworkes make no spare , To adde the very vttermost we may , To make this vp a cheerefull Holi-day . FINIS .

The Lyon , and the Camell .

ON the Lyon and Camell , we doe figuratiuely personate Neptune and his Queene Amphitrita , who first seated their sonne Albion in this land . And in them we figure Poetically , that as they then triumphed in their sonnes happy fortune , so now they cannot chuse but do the like , seeing what happy successe hath thereon ensued , to renowne this Countrey from time to time . And as times haue altred former harshe inciuilities , bringing the state to more perfect shape of Maiestie , so ( as occasion serues ) do they likewise laye their borrowed formes aside , and speak according to the nature of the present busines in hand , without any imputation of grosnesse or error , considering the lawes of Poesie grants such allowance and libertye . Corineus and Goemagot , appearing in the shape and proportion of huge Giants , for the more grace & beauty of the show , we place as guides to Britaniaes mount , and being fetterd vnto it in chaines of golde , they seeme ( as it were ) to drawe the whole frame , shewing much enuy and contention , whoe shall exceed most in duty and seruice .

The Pageant .

ON a Mount triangular , as the Island of Britayne it selfe is described to bee , we seate in the Supreame place , vnder the shape of a fayre and beautifull Nymph , Britania hir selfe accosted with Brutes deuided kingdoms , in the like female representations , Loegria , Cambria , and Albania . Brytania speaking to Brute her Conqueror , ( who is seated somwhat lower , in the habite of an aduenturous warlike Troyan ) tels him , that she had still continued her name of Albion , but for his conquest of her virgine honour , which since it was by heauen so appointed , she reckons it to be the very best of her fortunes . Brute shewes her , what height of happinesse she hath attained vnto by his victorie , being before a vast Wildernes , inhabited by Giantes , and a meere den of Monsters : Goemagot and his barbarous brood , being quite subdued , his ciuill followers , first taught her modest manners , and the meanes how to raigne as an Imperial lady , building his Troya noua by the riuer Thamesis , and beautifieng his land with other Citties beside . But then the three Virgin kingdomes seeme to reproue him , for his ouermuch fond loue to his sons , and deuiding her ( who was one sole Monarchy ) into three seueral estates , the hurt and inconuenience whereon ensuing , each one of them modestly deliuered vnto him . He staies their further progres in reproofe , by his and their now present reuyued condition , beeing raised againe by the powerfull vertue of Poesie ( after such length of time ) to behold Britaniaes former Felicity againe , and that the same Albania , where Humber slew his son Albanact , had bred a second Brute , by the blessed mariage of Margaret , eldest daughter to king Henrie the seauenth , to Iames the fourth king of Scotland , of whom our second Brute ( Royall king Iames ) is truely and rightfully descended : by whose happye comming to the Crowne , England , Wales , & Scotland , by the first Brute seuered and diuided , is in our second Brute re-united , and made one happy Britania again : Peace and quietnesse bringing that to passe , which warre nor any other meanes could attaine vnto . For ioy of which sacred Vnion and combination , Locrine , Camber , and Albanact , figured there also in their antique estates , deliuer vp theyr Crownes and Scepters , applauding the day of this long-wisht coniunction , and Troya-noua ( now London ) incites fair Thamesis , and the riuers that bounded the seuered kingdoms , ( personated in faire and beautifull Nymphs ) to sing Paeans and songs of tryumph , in honor of our second Brute , Royall King Iames . Thamesis , as Queene of all Britaines riuers , begins the triumphal course of solemne reioysing . Next her , Sauerne , that took her name of Sabrina , begotten by Locrine on faire Elstrid , and both mother and daughter were drowned in that riuer , by Guendolenaes command , the wife to Locrine , dooth the like . Lastly , Humber , whose name was deriued from Humber king of the Scythians , who being pursued by Locrine and Camber , in reuenge of theyr Brothers death , was inforced to leap into that Ryuer , and there drowned himselfe , of whom I finde these verses written . Dum fugit obstat ei flumen submergitur illic , Deque suo tribuit nomine aquae . What further may be required , to expresse Britaniaes triumph more perfectly to the life , with al the other personages her seruants and attendantes , is more at large let downe in the seuerall speeches , which I haue hereto annexed as most meet & conuenient .

The speeches deliuered by the seuerall children , according to their degrees of seating in the PAGEANT . Britannia . I that sometime was termed Albion , After the name of Neptunes valiant Sonne : Albion the Gyant , and so had still held on , But that my conquest , first by thee begun , Hath in fames Chronicle such honor woon , That thy first setting from Albania , Albania in Greece . Crownd me thy virgin Queene Britania . BRVTE . Wherein , recount thy height of happinesse , Thou that before my honord victorie , Wert as a base and oregrowne wildernes , Peopled With men of inciuility , Huge and stearne Gyants , keeping company With sauage monsters , thus was Albion then , Till I first furnisht thee with ciuill men . Goentagot , and all his barbarous brood , ( When he was foyld by Corineus hand , ) Were quite subdued , and not one withstood My quiet prograce ouer all thy land , But , as sole Conqueror , I did commaund : And then from Albion did I change thy name , To Brutes Britania , still to hold the same . Then built I my New Troy , in memorie Of whence I came , by Thanesis faire side , And nature giuing me posterity , Three worthy sonnes , not long before I died , My kingdome to them three I did deuide . And as in three parts I had set it downe , Each namde his seat , and each did weare a Crowne . LOEGRIA . But she whom thou hadst made one Monarchy To be so seuerd , to thy sonnes might shew Some signe of loue , to her small courtesie , When three possesse what one did solie owe , It makes more waies to harme then many know . And so proou'd that deuision of the land , It brought in warie that hellish fierbrand . CAMBRIA . The king of Hunnes entred Albania , Slew Albanact thy Sonne , and there bare sway , Till Locrine rose with valiant Cambria , And to reuendge their Brothers death made way , Which instantly they did without delay , And made that Riuer beare the proud kings name , That thus intruded , drownd him in the same . ALBANIA . Faire Elstrid taken in that fatall fight , And Locrines loue to her , wrong to his wife , Duke Corineus daughter , deare delight , That reft both her and Locrine of his life , Opened a gap to much more dismall strife , Of all which heauy haps there had bin none , Had Brute left me one gouernor alone . BRVTE . See , after so long slumbring in our toombes Such multitudes of yeares , rich poesie That does reuiue vs to fill vp these roomes And tell our former ages Historie , ( The better to record Brutes memorie , ) Turnes now our accents to another key , To tell olde Britaines new borne happy day . That seperation of her sinewed strength , Weeping so many hundred yeeres of woes Whereto that learned Barde dated long length Before those vlcerd wounds againe could close , Merlyn , who propheted herof long agoe . And reach vnto their former first dispose . Hath run his course thorough times sandie glasse , And brought the former happines that was . Albania , Scotland , where my sonne was slaine And where my follies wretchednes began , Hath bred another Brute , that giues againe to Britaine her first name , he is the man On whose faire birth our elder wits did scan , Which Prophet-like seuenth Henry did forsee , Of whose faire childe comes Britaines vnitie . And what fierce war by no meanes could effect , To re-vnite those sundred lands in one , The hand of heauen did peacefully elect By mildest grace , to seat on Britaines throne This second Brute , then whom there else was none . Wales , England , Scotland , seuerd first by me : To knit againe in blessed vnity . For this Britannia tides in triumph thus , For this these Sister-kingdomes now shake hands , Brutes Troy , ( now London ) lookes most amorous And stands on tiptoe , telling forraine lands , So long as Seas beare ships , or shores haue sands : So long shall we in true deuotion pray , And praise high heauen for that most happy day . LOCRINE . England , that first was cald Loegria , After my name , when I commanded heere : Giues backe hir due vnto Britannia , And doth her true borne sonne in right prefer , Before deuided rule , irreguler . Wishing my brethren in like sort resigne , A sacred vnion once more to combine . CAMBER . I yeelded long ago , and dyd in heart , Allow Britanniaes first created name , My true borne Brutes haue euer tooke her part And to their last houre will maintaine the same . ALBANACT . It is no meruaile though you gladly yeeld , When the all-ruling power doth so commaund , I bring that Monarch now into the field , With peace and plenty in his sacred hand , To make Britannia one vnited land : And when I brought him , after times will say It was Britanniaes happy Holi-day . Troya Nova . Then you faire Swans in Thamesis that swim , And you chose o●se Nimphes that do delight to plaie On Humber and faire Sauerne , welcome him In Canz Canzons , Iigges and many a Roun-delay that from the North brought you this blessed day . And in one tuneful , harmonie let s sing , Welcome King Iames , welcome bright Britaines King . Thamesis . I that am Queene of all Britanniaes streames , The Oceans darling and endeard delight , that want on daily with the Sunnes guilt beames and ore my bosome suffer daie and night , Faire flotes of ships to saile in goodlie sight : Vnto my second Brute shall homelie sing , Welcome King Iames , welcome great Britaines King . Savarne . Faire Elstrids and Sabrinaes fatall graue , ( Whereby the name of Sauerne fell to me : ) When Locrines Quendoline in anger gaue , My wombe to be their dismall tragedie , Whereof my Nymphes ( as yet ) talke mournfullie , Vnto my second Brute do likewise sing , Welcome King Iames , welcome great Britaines King . HVMBER . Proud Scithians Humber that slew Albanact , Whose brethren forest him to a shamefull flight , When in my watrie armes his lite I wrackt , I tooke his name , and kept it as my right , For which my Nymphes still dauncing in delight , With me these Peans and sweet Canzoni sing , Welcome King Iames , our second Brute and king . FINIS .

The Chariot . Pheme Riding before it . FAME that attends on Britaines Monarchy , Thus revnited to one state againe , Vshers this Chariot of true dignity , Wherein seauen kings that did in England raigne , These Royall vertues in their shields containe , Expressing what great grace each Maiesty , Gaue to the Marchant-Taylors Company When they were first a Guilde , and bare the stile Of Taylors , and of Armorers beside Of the Linnen armorie : for no little while Were they so knowne , and daily did prouide , Those coats of armes that quaild our foe-mens pride When Englands bent-Bow , and the gray-goos wing Our many victories abroad did sing . From this employment for the States defence , Their ancient tytle first vnto them came , and then their following care and dilligence , Squarde them the way to order well and frame , all meanes to keepe their Guilde in honest fame . Now gratious vertues vnto you I leaue , What further fortunes Time did them bequeath . Tapesnotes . EDward the third , whose Noble name I beare , Hearing the Loue and royall amity , That good report gaue of them euery where , Preseruing peace and kinde socitie , In his first yeare vnto this Companie , He gaue this Charter to confirme their Guilde : And they inioyd it , as his Highnesse wilde . EROS. To build this body on a stronger frame , Richard the second gaue authoritie , A Mayster and foure keepers they should name , and full elect to sway their mysterie , Granting them power to haue a Lyuerie , and hold a Feast on saint Iohn Baptist day , Yearelie for euer , as they do and may . Eleutheriotes . To fortifie a worke so well begun , Henrie the fourth did liberally create : ( Beside the former fauours to them doone , ) Their Guilde a Brother-hood incorporate , And thought it no disgrace to his high state , To weare the Clothing of the Companie , A most Maiestike royall courtesie . Sophrosyne . Henry the fift my war-like Lord maintainde His fathers loue to this socyetie , AGNITES . Of my sixt Henry they as freely gainde , all former graunts in self-same qualitie , He wore their clothing , milde and graciously : For Princes loose no part of dignity , In beeing affable , it addes to Maiesty . Hypomone . Thus long a Mayster and foure keepers stood . Till my fourth Edward changde the keepers name To Wardens : for the strength of Brother-hood , And thus at first Mayster and Wardens came . Epimeleia . And for they traded , as no men did more , With forren Realmes , by clothes and Merchandize , Returning hither other Countries store , Of what might best be our commodities , Henry the seuenth a gracious king , and wise , To Merchant-Taylors did exchange their name : Since when , with credite they haue kept the same . PHEME . But sacred Lady , deigne me so much grace , As tell me , why that seat is vnsupplied , Being the most eminent and chiefest place , With State , with Crowne and Scepter dignified ? Epimeleia . Haue our discourses ( Pheme ) let thee know , That seauen Kings haue borne free brethrens name , Of this Societie , and may not time bestow an eight , when Heauen shall so appoint the same ? PHEME . I finde recorded in my Register , Seauen Kings haue honord this Society : Fourteene great Dukes did willingly prefer , Their loue and kindnesse to this Company , Threescore eight Lords declarde like amitie , tearming themselues all brethren of this band , The verie worthiest Lordes in all the Land . Three Dukes , three Earles , foure Lords of Noble name all in one yeare did ioyne in Brother-hood :

IN the yeare 1390 . Edward Duke of Yorke . Thomas , Duke of Glocester . Henry Duke of Hereford and Earle of Darby , who afterward was K. Henry the fourth . Edward , Earle of Rutlande . Thomas Earle of Warwick . Iohn Holland , Earle of Huntingdon . Iohn , Lord Rose . Rafe Lord Nevill . Thomas L. Furniuall . Reignald , Lord Gray of Rithin .

I finde beside great Lords from France there came To hold like league , and do them any good :

Gaylard , Lord Danuers . Barard , Lord Delamote , Barard , Lord Montferrant , &c.

Yet no imbasing to their heigth in bloud : For they accounted honor then most hie , When it was held vp by communitie . Of Bishops , Knights and Deanes , to those before , ( Not spoke in vaunt , or any spirit of pride ) My Records could affoord as many more , All Brethren , Marchant-Taylors signified That liu'de in loue with them , and when they dide Left me their names , to aftertimes to tell , Thus then they did , and thought it good and well . Neptune on the Lyon . MY borrowed name of Neptune now I leaue , the like doth Amphitrita my faire Queene , And worthy Lord , grant fauour to receiue What in these mysteries we seeme to meane , Britanniaes glorie hath beene heard and seene , Reuiu'de from her old Chaos of distresse , and now vnited in firme happinesse . Blest be that second Brute Iames our dread king , that set this wreath of Vnion on her head , Whose verie name did heauenlie comfort bring , When in despaire our hopes lay drooping dead , When comfort from most harts was gon and fled , Immediatlie the trumpets toong did say , God saue king Iames : Oh t was a happie daie . Amphitrita . OVr latest Phaenix whose dead cinders shine , In Angels spheres , she , like a mother milde , yeelding to Nature , did her right resigne To times true heyre , her God-son , and lou'de childe , When giddy expectation was beguilde : And Scotland yeelded out of Teudors race , a true borne bud , to sit in Teudors place . Which seat to him and his , heauen euer blesse , that we nere want a Rose of Teudors tree , to maintaine Britaines future happinesse , to the worldes end in true tranquilitie . Neptune . Sir Leonard Holiday , now vnto thee , My loue in some meane measure let me shew , Since heauen hath cald thee to this dignity , Which ( then my selfe ) farre better thou doest est know , I make no doubt thou wilt thy time bestow , A fits s so great a Subiects place as this , To gouerne iustlie , and amend each misse . Bethink thee how on that high Holyday , Which beares Gods Champion , th' Arch-angels name , When conquering Sathan in a glorious fray , Michaell Hels-monster nobly ouercame , And now a sacred Saboath being the same , A free and full election on all parts , Made choise of thee , both with their hands and harts . Albeit this day is vsuall euery yeare , For new election of a Magistrate , Yet , now to me some instance doth appeare , Worth note , which to my selfe I thus relate , Holyday , cald on Holyday to state , Requiers methinks a yeare of Holydayes , To be disposd in good and vertuous wayes . For I account t is a Lords Holyday , When Iustice shines in perfect Maiesty , When as the poor can to the rich man say , The Maiestrate hath giuen vs equity , And lent no eare to partiality , When sinne is punisht , lewdnes beares no sway : All that day long , each day is Holyday . When good prouision for the poore is made , Sloth set to labour , vice curbd euery where , When through the Citty euery honest trade , Stands not of might or insolence in feare , But Iustice in their goodnesse does them beare : then , as before , in safety I may saie : All that yeare long , each daie is Holliday . Now in behalfe of that Societie , Whereof thou bear'st a louing brothers name , What hath bin doon this day to dignifie , they pray thee kindly to accept the same , More circumstance I shall not need to frame : But from the Marchant-Taylors this I say , They wish all good to Leonard Holliday . FINIS .