A relation of the royall magnificent, and sumptuous entertainement, giuen to the High, and Mighty Princesse, Queene Anne, at the renowned citie of Bristoll, by the Mayor, sheriffes, and aldermen thereof; in the moneth of Iune last past, 1613 Together with, the oration, gifts, triumphes, vvater-combats, and other showes there made.

THE QVEENES Maiesties Entertainement at BRISTOLL . IF auncient Records of renowne vnto our yeeres declare What deedes by our fore-fathers times , of old atchieued were ; If they for vs such care haue had , that their successors be , By writing of their famous acts , that we the same might see : Shall wee to our suruiuors then our selues ingratefull proue , By not recording things which may succeeding ages moue In imitation of the like , to get a glorious name ; And to enroll themselues in Bookes of neuer-dying fame ? The monuments so much renown'd that mighty Monarches reare , Piramids and Colosso's great doe moulder downe and weare In tract of time ; so that no forme nor fashion they retaine , Whereby the Passengers may say , Here once they did remaine : But vertuous deedes , which by the Muse preserued are for aye , Shall still abide when date of these is passed cleane away : For vertues fame immortall is , and neuer shall it dye , Though vnder ground , consum'd to dust , a thousand yeares we lye . Great Peleus Sonne , by Hectors death , had neuer famous beene , Had Homer grac'd him not with his immortalizing penne . Shall I let sleepe in silence then what these mine eyes haue seene , Bristols renowned prayse , set forth in welcomming our Queene ? The graue and auncient Counsell first , in gownes of Scarlet dye , Attended on ( each by a Page ) did ride triumphantly , With foot-cloaths were their Horses deckt ; no cost they thought too much For to expresse their willing hearts , their loue to her was such , To Bristols vtmost auncient bounds , marcht on this gallant Traine , To meete her Grace , for whose approach , with ioy they did remaine : Next after them the Companies , each after their degree , With ioyfull hearts , marcht on to meete her Gracious Maiestie . Simile . Like as the drie and thirstie ground , by Phoebus burning dart , With extreame heate , for long time vext , and pierced to the hart , With yawning throate , wide gaping seemes , the moisty clouds to call , That with their watry drops they would into her bosome fall , Thereby to coole her thirsty throate , and arme her breast so well , That Phoebus stinging darts she may with moisture colde expell : Euen so all sorts , both olde and yong , with hearts and voyce did craue The wished presence of her Grace in compleate ioy to haue . And last of all , though last , not least , chiefe subiect of my Verse , Three bands there were , whose worthy praise my Muse cannot reherse ; The first in white and violet clad , the second blacke and white , The third with white and scarlet was , in martiall order dight : But least that curious carping fooles , obiecting , thus may say , Renowned valour seldome lurkes , where is apparrell gay . ( I answere them ) Nay , this hath beene by flying fame enroll'd , That Bristoll Bands in all attempts , haue beene of courage bolde : For as to please her Princely sight , they spared not their goods ; Like so , for to protect her Grace , they will not spare their bloods . The hardy Pilot neuer is , but in a storme , descride : The perfect gold not known from brasse , but when by touch-stone tride Euen so , when storms shall threaten wrack , and blustring billowes beate , Then shall appeare , and not till then , where is true valours seate . But haste , my Muse , for too-too long the time thou hast delaid ; To bad men , more will not suffice ; to good enough is said . No sooner did her Graces Traine approach our Cities bound , And that her Harold gan draw neere , with blast of Trumpets sound , Submissiue prostrate on his knees , the Mayor then fell downe , And the Recorder by his side , a man of great renowne , With graue aspect and perfect voyce , his silence then he brake , These words vnto her Princely Grace , or not vnlike , he spake .

The Oration to her Maiestie . THE rarest Iemmes , that mortall men , to Princes can impart , ( Renowned Lady ) true Loue is , proceeding from the hart : This is the gift that God requires , this is the perfect band , The seale that revnites the force and sinewes of our Land ; This Bristols Iemme , set clearely forth , in euery subiect true , On whom your Grace shall bend your face , or daigne to take a view , Prostrates it selfe in lowly wise vnto your Graces sight , To serue our Soueraigne King and Queene , with all our force and might . Bristoll a Citie of renowne , hath neuer traitor beene To Soueraigne Rule , or Regall Raigne ; or false to King or Queene , With thankfulnesse recordeth still full many a fauour great Inioy'd by famous Kings and Queenes that ruled Englands seate : But to your gracious Maiestie , as to our Soueraigne sweet , For preseruation of our weale , we render praises meet ; Our liberties by you preseru'd , and many other things ; You are the fruitful root from whence our hopeful branches springs Ingratefull should we then be thought , and iustly be condemned , For pretermitting dutie bound , vnto your Grace descended From auncient Christian Kings , adorn'd with outward graces , blest With inward Princely vertues rare , which farre surpasse the rest : With Royall Imps blest from aboue , to raigne and rule this Land , As long ( we hope ) as Sunne and Moone , in Firmament shall stand . Yet this respect of Princely guifts could not our Citie moue For to inuite your Maiestie ; was it for want of loue ? Farre be it from their loyall hearts ! nay , rather did they feare Too meane for such a Princely Guest , your entertainment here Expected , should approue it selfe , vnto their griefe of minde , When as your Princely Grace the same should insufficient finde . But now with double bands of loue indebted to your Grace , Wee finde our selues most strictly bound , since that vnto this place ( Of your accord and Princely loue ) you haue approched neare , To make our Citie by this meanes more famous to appeare : Most humble thankes I yeeld therefore , vnto your Maiestie , In name of all these Citizens , whose seruice till they dye Deuoted is vnto your Grace , as to their Soueraigne good , Not fearing ( if occasion were ) to seale it with their blood : Requiring pardon of your Grace for what amisse you finde , Imputing it not to neglect , but to the want of time : Accepting this our token small , a pledge of louing hearts , Who will continue subiects true vntill their liues depart ; Treading the steps of Princes great , as by records we finde , Who neuer did respect so much the gift as giuers minde . This done , Bristoll , which to our ioy and great content hath beene For euermore accounted still the Chamber of the Queene Of England , is and euer will , as yet hath beene to fore , Vnto Queene ANNE , our gracious Queene , much bound for euermore . And I this Cities worthlesse mouth , which tasted haue full oft Your Princely fauours bountifull , on me bestow'd for nought Of worthinesse in mee you found , for which I will intreate , For you and all your Royall Traine , vnto the Mercy-seate Of God , that he may blesse you still , and send you long to raigne Vnto his glory and our good , the truth for to maintaine . The end of the Oration .

THe graue Recorder hauing then concluded this his speech , The Mayor he his Present gaue , and did her Grace beseech For to accept it in good part , as pledge of their good will , Which to her Soueraigne Maiestie they would continue still ; A rich imbrodered Purse it was , most sumptuous to behold In outward shew , the in-side was cramm'd full of massie gold . In gracious wise the Queene receiu'd the present he her gaue , And render'd thankes , more thankes then they of her could wish or craue And lastly , all the Magistrates in order passing by , With reuerence did ( as dutie bound ) salute her Maiestie . When she had passed thus along vnto the Citie gate , Attended on by great and small , and many a noble state , There first her eyes beheld what earst her heart could not conceiue , Through sodaine admiration rapt , scarce could she credit giue Vnto her sight ; for since she first set foot on English ground , Such braue couragious hardy men , at once , she neuer found . Admiring at this sodaine sight , she viewes these martiall Bands , How each in his assigned place , in order firmely stands On eyther side of Bristoll streetes firme ioyned like a wall To guard her Grace vnto the Court , lest ought might her befall Through rashnesse of the multitude , which might her grace annoy , By pressing on for to behold , their loue , their life , their ioy . First stood a rancke of hardy Pikes , much like a thorny Wood : Next after them the nimble Shot in order ready stood . Here waues the Ancients in the winde , there stands the Fife and drum , Attending when her Maiestie would through their squadrons come : All to their Captaines Colours were with scarfes and feathers bright Adorn'd , not wanting ought was fit to please her Princely sight . Each man for Martiall discipline doth a Commander seeme , As though in warres from tender yeeres , they exercis'd had beene . Like some great Princesse who intends to purchase Iewels rare , Simile Which by some forraigne Ieweller to her presented are : First , through his Casket doth she looke , with curious searching eye , Where she may to her hearts content some precious Iemme descry : The first she sets her hands vpon seemes glorious in her sight , A second doth more better please her curious appetite : The third anone she doth behold , which doth the rest excell , So that each latter choyse doth seeme the former to refell . That quite confounded in her mind , she knowes not which to chuse , But still shee thinkes she takes the worst , and doth the best refuse : Euen so our gracious soueraigne Queene , as through the street she past Each seuerall obiect pleas'd her well whereon her eyes she cast . But as amidst these armed Troopes , she passing forward went , Each Martialist vnto her view , did seeme more excellent : So that , protesting , thus she did vnto her Nobles say , Braue Bristoll-men from all the Land , hath borne the price away . For this their famous enterprise their credit I will raise , Renowned Fame shall spread their name , and glory sound their praise . No thundring shot nor ratling drums , throughout the streets were herd Whiles that her Grace to Court-ward went , most strictly was obserued The Proclamation former made , wherein did plaine appeare The reuerend Counsels Prouidence , the Souldiers Loue and feare : But when she was conducted safe , with all her Noble traine , Vnto her Royall Court , whereas with ioy she did remaine , And in her Presence-chamber plac'd , there for to take a view Of all the Royall pastimes made by this braue Martiall Crew , Who marcht along on Bristols Key , with Ensignes braue displaid : And opposite against the Court each Band in order staid , Expecting when by sound of Drumme they should commanded be For to discharge their ratling Shot before her Maiestie . Thus ready ranged stood these Bands , expecting nought but time , That temporizing space ( I meane ) wherewith we must refine Our outward acts , and all our deeds , whereby we shall be tride As perfect gold which in the fire is seauen-times purified . Had Hanibal of Carthage knowne what triumph great he lost By times neglect , when he had slaine the mightie Romaine host , If he forth-with had marcht to Rome with his victorious bands , Romes lofty pride no doubt had stoop'd to his vnconquered hands : But when ( preuented by report ) hee came too late to speede , An answere fit he then receiu'd for this his sloathfull deede ; O Hanibal , full well thou knowest a victory to get , But how to vse it once obtain'd , thou hast not learned yet . Musicke with time , as natiue twinnes , afford sweet harmonie , Arions Harp ( time not obseru'd ) resounds harsh melodie . Each hearb and plant , each fruitfull tree their times appointed know : A time there is for Husbandmen to reape , a time to sow ; Therefore I say attend on time while time attends on thee : For time once lost , for gold nor gaine cannot attained be . This precious Iewell Time ( I say ) did these our Troopes attend , That their fore-sight no slanderous tongues in ought might discommend But when at length ( by tokens made ) was time conuenient found , Two thundering Peales of shot were heard , which seem'd to shake the ground : And next , for halfe an houres space , the roaring Cannons cry , With fiery smoake did seem to choake , and quench bright Phoebus eye . The ayrie Regions were inflam'd , as if that Phaëton ( As Poets faine ) had rul'd againe the Chariot of the Sunne . But when the Cannons were discharg'd , and that the skies waxt cleare , And Phoebus with his glistering beames gan brightly to appeare , A ioyfull shout by thousands made , which thither did repayre , In token of contented ioy , resounded in the ayre . The Bels most ioyfully did ring , with Musickes simphony , And still these words ( God saue our Queene ) re-ecchoed in the skie . In auncient Writers doe I finde when ( Romes rare pearle of price ) Pompey was chosen chiefe of Seas , by Senators aduice , Thence to expell the roysterous rout of brauing Pirates might , Such was his fame through triumphes wonne in all the Romaines sight , That all applauding his renowne with clamorous shouts and cryes , So did they pierce the thin vast ayre extant beneath the skies , With horrid noyse , that flying Fowles , amazed , fell to ground Through great astonishment and feare of this their thundering sound . Much more should we doe for our Queene , inflam'd with ardent loue Of her attractiue vertues rare , proceeding from aboue , And for King Iames our Soueraignes sake , whom God preserue & keep From all detested treacheries , both waking and asleepe : For he our Albion Thesius true , hath curb'd our enemie , Romes Minotaure , a restlesse foe to Britaines Progenie . Nay , mighty Ioue , in mercy great , hath clos'd this monsters Iawes From hurting of his Daniel deare ; or tearing with his Pawes The holy Saints and Martyres all , whose bloud did oft imbrew This Monsters blacke bloud-thirsty throate ( which innocents he slew ) But now ( thankes be to God therefore ) we are escaped free , By our most gracious Soueraigne King , from this our misery , Who rules vs with most gentle loue , from all oppressions free , Defending vs by peace , from strife , and former tyranny . Licurgus-like with Argus eyes he doth prescribe his lawes , To free poore Codrus innocence from Craesus greedy iawes : To all his friends , he succour sends which are opprest by might : Protecting Irus from his foes , and doth maintaine his right , When glorious Titan diues in west , and hides him from our eyes , For to enlight the darksome night , pale Cinthia doth a rise , Like so bright Sell declin'd with vs , when by Impartiall death , The vitall thred was cut in twaine of Queene Elizabeth : Yet did no dusky night succeed , for in Elizaes roome , As from the Phoenix ashes doth another Phoenix come : For why , no sooner Brittain had her former bright eye lost , But straight another did begin to shine from Northeren cost , With hands vpheld , may we therefore giue thankes vnto our God , Who like a father did forbeare , to strike vs with his rod . Sending to vs in mercy great , such an Athenian King , Whose learned fame and Pietie , throughout the world doth ring : Another Cicero for wit and learned Eloquence , A valiant Caeser bountifull , for rare Magnificence : For to conclude , he doth maintaine Gods true and perfect word , Which cutteth sinne from off our soules , as a two-edged sword : But soft my Muse , attempt thou not so high an enterprise , His vertues rare for to behold doth daze thy tender eyes , So great a taske shall rest for men of most approued praise , As none but Eagles fixe their eyes on Solls resplendant rayes : The Souldiers hauing thus with ioy , this first dayes triumph done , Which did delight her graces sight and all that look'd there on : Returning backe before the Court , each band in good aray , With thundering shot their leaues they tooke , and homewards marcht away . Thus did her graces Court excell , with great renowne and fame , Where thousands for to see her face , to Bristoll flocking came : Whereas her Gracious Maiestie , their kindnesse to requite , In open view her selfe did shew to all the peoples sight . It weare too long for to rehearse , the braue pastime and sport , Which by the Citizens were made , for to delight her Court , Their loue by proffered seruice shewen to guard her Maiestie , But mine intent is to conclude each thing with breuity : And for to imitate aright , in this the curious Sunne , Simile . Who doth intend for her delight a Nosegay sweet to frame : Shee crops not rudely of those hearbes , on which she seaseth first , But doth select the rarest sort , reiecting those are worst , Like so few words will beautifie what doth from truth proceed , For too much matter Pell-mell mixt , doth a confusion breed . Wise Caliepie , Queene of Eloquence , assist my stammering tongue To finish this triumphant shew , which now I haue begun : Lest that my Muse , for want of aide vnder her burden fall , As Vines vnpropped oftentimes vpon the ground doe crall . No sooner had swift Phaebus steeds , beganne their course to runne , Sunday Shining with most resplendant rayes vpon our Horrison , But that each Souldier did prepare , to guard her Maiestie Vnto the temple of the Lord with great solemnity : Not clad in armes as earst they weare , with thundering shot that ror'd , But with good harts to sanctifie , the sabboth of the Lord , Who hath sixe dayes allotted vs to purchase worldly wealth , The seauenth alone he hath reseru'd , for good of our soules health : That we this day might praise his name and rest our selues from sinne , As God did rest when he had made the world and all therein : Quite from the Court vnto the Church this worthy guard was seene , In ranckes close standing one by one , to safe conduct the Queene , But when the Mayor graue and wise , in most triumphant sort , With all the reuerend Councell came on foote vnto the Court : In seemely wise attired all with gownes of Scarlet dye , For to attend vnto the Church her gracious Maiestie , Who mounted like faire Cinthia bright , into her sumptuous Coach , Drawen by foure milke-white coursers braue , and next her did approach The Ladies on their trampling steeds , like faire Diana's traine , Hunting in the Arcadian woods , ( as doe the Poets faine . ) Formost of all in their degrees , vnto the Church did goe , The reuerend Senate , two and two , all marching on a row : Lastly on foote ( before her grace with all her Noble traine , Of Lords and Knights ) into the Church the worthy Mayor came , The Queene then set in chaire of state with all the residue ( In their degrees ) the Mayor and Shriefes , and the Nobilitie , Where learned Docter ROBSON did , a godly Sermon frame , In setting forth Gods mighty workes , and lauding of his name , Which Sermon being finished , she backe return'd to Court , Guarded a long from Church againe , in most triumphant sort . The reuerend Mayor and the Shriefes their loue for to expresse , Did feast with most delitious cheare , and dainties numberlesse Her Noble traine ; who did admire , as though Earth , Ayre , and Sea , Withall their dainties had conspir'd , Bristoll to dignifie , Whose true affection to her Prince , and peerelesse Progenie , Doth rest vnparagond , as yet , vnto posterity , With their true loue set forth in part , before the worlds bright eye , Their hearts , their hands , their life , their lands , to please her Maiestie : And to content her Princely grace , shall euermore be prest , For whose most heauenly guifts diuine we from aboue are blest By mighty Ioue , who through his loue , hath sent vs such a King , That turnes our blustring winters blasts into a gladsome spring . Deere mother England , with salt teares bend thou thine aged knee , And render thankes vnto thy God , who hath deliuered thee , When most vndoubted was thy feare , then did he comfort bring , Shrouding thee safe from Tigers pawes with his all-couering wing : For what a terrour had it beene , vnto thine heart to see Through sodaine strife , thy streetes exempt from popularity , When children fatherlesse each where , should in the streetes be found , Thy fathers childlesse sighing sore , and in deepe dolours drown'd , Thy trusty friends bereau'd of life , sisters rapt from the brother , No kinsman left for to lament or to inter each other , Thy Virgins bath'd in teares thy youth amaz'd themselues to see , Through griefe of heart bereft of strength and of validity : Thy lofty towers tumbled downe , as in the Romains ire , Ierusalem was brought to ground , by famine , sword , and fire ? But since that God hath now vouchsaft , not for our merits sake , But of his mercy and great loue , these iudgments iust to take From vs , who haue by sinne deserued to taste the bitter cup , Fild with the dregges of Gods iust wrath , and for to drinke it vp : Let vs giue thankes to God therefore , that nought but thankes doth craue , Who hath vs rais'd from death to life , as Lazarus from graue , Continuing still vnto our ioy , the perfect Lampe of light , His sacred word , our spirituall food , and heauenly soules delight . Now bloudy Mars is tied in chaines with fierce Bellena bound , His armes and Adamantine coate , lies rusting on the ground : Grizely Thanattos who did still his gastly steps attend , Hath lost his stinging force and might , ( by bondage of his friend : ) Harsh discord thirsting after bloud , with sweet concord is drown'd , Whiles peace with plenty in our streetes doth euery where abound : Now may the Lambes securely feed , from Wolfe , and Tigers clawes , Since Pan our watchfull Shepheard hath shut vp these monsters iawes , For all these benefits therefore receiued by our King , We will expresse our thankfulnesse and loue , ( wee owe to him And to his royall Progeny ) vnto our Soueraigne Queene , Whose like throughout the worlds vast bounds cannot againe be seene . But soft my Muse , let Ancors fall , strike sailes , thy swift course stay , Welcome to shore , remember that this is a Sabboth day : What twixt Euterpes mirth and sad Melpemens tragicke stile , ( Thy sences luld ) thou hadst almost spleeted thy barke ere-while Vpon the rocke Obliuion cal'd : moreouer harke giue eare , Mundayes triumph implores thine ayde to make his fame appeare : Varietie and change doth best content mans appetite , Each obiect faire seemes fowle if still presented to our sight , Sweet Orpheus musicke cloyes our eares , if that it common be , Our nature is so apt and prone to mutability : By good aduice therefore it was prouided that her Grace , With all her traime might not dislike their tarying in this place , For euery day shee soiourn'd here , in most triumphant sort A seuerall pastime was ordain'd , for to delight her Court , And as at her first entrance here she did with ioy behold , A martiall troupe of warlike men , of courage stout and bould : Like so , for Mundaies pastime was prepared for her sight , Betwixt two gallies and a ship , a bloudy water fight , But yet a while I must looke backe , ere farther I proceede , Least that my Muse should taxed be for too too hasty speede , This water fight ( by fame diuulg'd ) full many a thousand drew , Both farre and neere for to behold , and take a perfect view , Of Turkes and turkish gallies both , describ'd in liuely wise , By worthy Brutes who oft haue seene , their habit , forme , and guise : Nay , many a Christian Marchant man , hath too too often knowen , ( Though by constraint ) to Christ his flocke their loue and kindnesse shewen , When with the losse of all their goods , ( O barberous cruelty ! ) These cursed Turkes ( more deere then life ) from them their liberty With endles bondage haue restrain'd , for gally-slaues condemn'd , There bound in chaines for to remaine till death their liues doth end : We Christians much more pitty shew , to dumbe and sencles things Then they to Christians will afford ( such deadly rancour stings , There cankered hearts with pride puft vp , inflam'd with rage and Ire , That nothing can aswage their wrath , nor quench this burning fire , But Christian bloud by their curst hands powred vpon the ground , By Christ redeem'd , then when naught else sufficient could be found , ) We for our Cattell houses frame , against cold winters showers , Naked they row , when th' angry skies their stormy blasts down powers : We giue our cattell prouender , of sundry sorts of graine , They scarsely bread and water giue , their liues for to maintaine , We doe not presse our beasts with worke , beyond their strength and force , With restles rowing they oppresse their slaues without remorce , And when they haue their vtmost done , their tiranizing Lords Barbarian-like , torment their flesh with scourging whips of cords : For why , no words can ought auaile , neither can sighes suffice To mollifie their stony hearts , once bent to Tirannize . Woe worth the sinnes of Christendome , which haue incenst Gods ire , In iudgments iust for to lay wast , by famine , sword , and fire , Europe , his chosen Heritage , ( which doth Christs name adore ) By letting in proud Ottoman , that Erimanthean Bore , Whose cursed race , hath rais'd their names by Christian Princes fall , While mongst themselues they disagree'd through ciuill strife & braule Witnesse the Graetian Empire lost , by Christian Kings neglect , To these accursed Infidels whiles each seemes to respect Their seuerall discords and debates , not knowing that the flame Once kindled in our neighbours house , will make vs feare the same . Of all things which God did create , of Birds , Beasts , Fish , and Fowle , The Lord into mans face alone did breath a liuing soule , That he which beares the forme of God imprinted in his face Should frame himselfe in heart thereto , as God hath giuen him grace : But man corrupted at the first , by sinne , through Adame fall , Hath euer since a rebell beene , and proued worst of all . For why ? each beast obseruing kinde , his nature doth expresse : But man the Lawes of God aboue , and Nature doth transgresse . No Tiger seekes a Tigers bloud his greedy maw to fill , In Natures Schoole this learn'd , they keepe inuiolable still : But man to mankinde often proues most cruell , fierce , and fell ; Yea , Christians vnto Christians are ( I tremble for to tell ) As bad , nay , some more worse then Turks ; who through their ciuill broyles , Present the Turkes occasion fit to glory in their spoyles . When Christian Princes disagree , and each 'gainst other rise , Then doe the Turks with might and maine their ruine straight deuise , For how can wee expect good fruit where euill is the tree ? Or credit Turks , who mortall foes vnto all Christians be ? Ye Christian Kings and Potentates , ioyne both your hearts and hands To chase this off-scumme Scithian-brood from you and all your lands . Vnite your Forces Christian-like from Europe to expell Proud Ottoman , too dangerous a neighbour neare to dwell : Whose Moony Standards still attend , expecting but a prey , To satisfie their greedy lusts , impatient of delay . Christ is the head of Christendome , and we the members be , Ioyned in one through faith in him , with perfect vnitie : Euen as the members of a man , the head , the hands , the feete , Each in his office doth his part , the body for to keepe In perfect health : like so should we yeeld helping hands to others , Whom God hath made through faith in Christ , more near & dear then brothers . When Amphitrites flowing waues began to fill their banks , Full forty thousand eyes at least , expected when our ranckes From Court-ward would conduct the Queene vnto the Riuers side , For to behold by worthy Brutes this water-combat tride : Who came accompanyed at length with all her noble Court ; The Mayor with the Councell roade , to shew her Grace this sport . One of the Bands in warlike wise marching triumphantly , Guarded vnto the water side her gracious Maiestie . The other two on eyther side were of the Riuer plac'd , Whose thundering Shot resounding shrill , this famous triumph grac'd Where placed in her Royall Tent , bedeckt with Flora's pride , She did attend to see the end of this braue combat tride . O that I could in these my verse , to Virgils veyne aspire , That all ensuing ages might this glorious act admire , Thereby to kindle in their breast a like desire of fame , By loyall tokens of their loue to equalize the same ! But since that wishes are but vaine , whereby to purchase skill , My want of wealth in learning shall , and not my want of will , Condemned be : therefore , my Muse , feare not for to indite This worthy triumph as it was perform'd in order right . Formost of all an English Ship came stemming with the tyde , And right before her Graces Tent at Anchor did she ride , Her Colours were the bloudy Crosse ( to Britaines foes well knowne ) A worthy Captaine was her guide , whose skilfull Art was showne : Her Souldiers braue resolued hearts no danger could impaire . Her Flags and lofty Pendants seem'd to beautifie the ayre : But whiles at Anchor there they lay , they gan discry from farre Two Turkish Gallies well prepar'd , most mighty men of warre : They saw how close they ply'd their Oares , to boord her if thy can , Then euery mate begins to stirre , minding to play the man : Each one betakes him to his Armes , to entertaine this guest . In emulation which of them should guard his Quarter best . Some runneth here , some runneth there , all wants for to supply , As hony Bees in Summer time , when Phoebus gins to fry : Their fights hung forth , their Musket-shot , and Murderers each one Were ready prim'd expecting nought but when the Turks would come Whose Moony Standerds at the last , they plainely gan descry , Full well prouided both for armes , and for artillery . Their Admirall had all her men apparrelled in blew , The other red , so neare they did resemble Turkes in hew , With Targs and Cemitaurs , so that had sharpe ey'd Licuus seene , He would haue iudged that these men Turks naturall had beene , But when by swiftnesse of their Oares they did approach them nigh , Amaine , amaine , your top-sailes strike , these fained Turks did cry : Oh! hoy ! so ! hoy ! From whence your ship ? Of England . Whither bound ? For Bristoll port . What will yee yeeld , or else sinke and be drown'd ? Wee 'll fight it to the vtmost man , the Christians did reply : We had much rather lose our liues then lose our liberty . Then did the Fife and Drummes beginne deaths fierce alarum sound , The thundring shot with horrid noyse , did all things else confound : But when with Musket-shot they had on each part done their best , Their sharpe-edg'd Cemitaurs they drew , for to performe the rest . At once both Gallies fell aboard ( a Turkish stratagem ) Seeking by numbers to suppresse our neuer-daunted Men , Who with like courage did sustaine the fierce Barbarians force , Confronting them with their bright swords : who without all remorse , Prest on with might and maine . So that to the beholders eye , Each 'gainst their opposite did shew their vtmost crueltie . Like as the waters whose swift course is stopped by a bay , Which though not long , yet for a while , their fury doth delay , Till re-vniting of their force , they cast it to the ground , So that no mention of the same remaineth to be found : Euen so these Turkes were for a while repulsed with disgrace By Christians , till their numbers fail'd for to supply each place : Whereas the Turkes on all parts did their victory beginne , Though not by valour yet by force their chiefest hope to winne . On eyther part no slacknesse found , but each man firmely stood . That Amphitrites siluer waues were stain'd with crimson blood . This fight so brauely was maintain'd , that winged Victory Now on the Christians , then on Turkes , did looke impartially . The Bands which by the Riuer stood , on each side did their best , With thundring shot to aide their friends , by numbers thus opprest . Meane whiles the Turks with high applause their victory pursu'd , Longing to see their Turkish blades with Christian bloud imbru'd . But trust who list ( vntill deceiu'd ) Fortunes inconstant chance , Which mighty Monarches casteth downe , and meaner doth aduance : When greatest hope of good successe , when health and wealth is highest Then wofull wracke , disease , and want , with griefe approcheth nighest . For whiles vpon these Turkes attempts she sweetly seem'd to smile , Bending her browes , she turnes her face , intending greatest guile . The Christians well perceiuing that their forces nought auail'd To daunt these proud insulting Turkes which fiercely them assail'd . With fained feare retyring backe , they chast them cleane away , ( By fiery force ) depriu'd of this their misconceiued prey . Like as the greedy rauening Wolfe , with pinching hunger prest , Leauing the Woods , through hils and dales , disdaining quiet rest , He fearelesse rangeth vp and downe , not ceasing till he finde The harmelesse flocke of tender Lambes , the obiect of his minde : Where ready prest to seize vpon his long desired pray , And satisfie his greedy lust , impatient of delay , The Mastiue dog pursues his theft , whom hastily he flyes , Amaz'd with feare , being dispossest of this his wished prise : Euen so these Turkes prouokt by thirst of honour and renowne , Striuing for to adorne their heads with a victorious crowne : Whose Laurell Branches ( Fames desert ) are not by cowards gain'd , But by true valiant noble hearts with sweaty browes obtain'd . When that they thought all dangers past , which might themselues oppose To their designes , then were they made a spoile vnto their foes : For oft-times when we glory most in Sun-shine of delights , Then Winter stormes our ioyfull course with sharpe affliction bites , Some of these Turkes incenst with rage , not fearing this mischance , Were mounted vp into the shrowdes , their prowesse to aduance , Where thirsting for to win renowne , withall their force and might , Against the fury of their foes maintain'd an eager fight : But when their fortune once declin'd , the Christians they forsooke , Leaping into the Brinish waues , and so their Gallies tooke : But yet these drops that cool'd their heate , quench'd not the burning fire Of fierce reuenge for their disgrace , but more inflam'd their Ire . And wrathfull rage : remembring that how much more hard the paine , So much more excellent shall be the triumph they obtaine . Thus arm'd with hope , ( for hope is swift , and flyes with Swallows wings , Of mighty Monarches it makes Gods , and meaner creatures Kings , ) The second time they did attempt , although vnto their cost , To re-obtaine from Christians hands , their former honour lost . Then might you see the fiery bals like Comets blazing bright , The dusky smoke of powdered shot , which dim'd and daz'd their sight . The moony Targs aduanc'd on high from harme to guard their heads The Christians valour in defence , which nought their fury dreads : The fierce aspect on eyther part sufficient to affright And terrifie great Mars himselfe , the dauntlesse God of fight . For to conclude , they came aboord , where entertain'd they were By these braue Brutes , with Martiall stroakes , vntill the former snare Once more had dispossest their hope the victory to winne ; Constrayning them ( to get aboord their Gallyes ) backe to swimme . Amidst their fight one of these Turkes , thirsting to get renowne , Ere that the Christians him descri'd , had tooke their Colours downe . Wherewith vnto the Bowspret got , he leapt into the maine , And tooke his Gally with triumph of this his glorious gaine . The valiant heart which once hath felt the vtmost force and might Of enuious Fortune , courage takes , and thriues in her despight , That by his resolution bold he doth abate her ire , Who sought to worke his ouer-throw by famine , sword , or fire : Euen so these Christians hauing once repulst this furious foe , Whose first assault might seeme to threat their wrack , & dreadfull woe , Their valiant hearts were more inflam'd by Turkes disgracefull foyle , Hoping their Trophyes for to raise by those Barbarians spoyle , Who foure times twise did boord their ship , with lofty shouts and cryes , And foure times twice they were repulst from this their wished prise . So that through feare discouraged , they tooke themselues to flight , And left some of their braue consorts by Christians tooke in fight , Which captiues brought before her Grace , on bended knees did craue For mercy , which her Maiestie with pardon freely gaue . Loe here behold by this triumph , as in a mirror plaine , How mighty Ioue against all foes our quarrell doth maintaine , Confounding all their priuie plots , and close Conspiracies , Who for to vndermine our state , against vs doe arise . Their vaine attempts and boundles thoughts , he turnes to their decay Entrapped in the selfe-same snare , they did for others lay , For God which bounds the raging Seas , hath bounded their desire : And turns to smoke their proud attempts wherto their thoughts aspire . This braue exploite thus finished , the Queene with all her traine Attending on , her Princely Grace , to Court return'd againe . By which time Phoebus gan to hide his Chariot in the West , And each thing liuing tooke themselues vnto their wonted rest . But when that Philomell began her sugred notes to sing At faire Auroraes first approach , which present comfort brings . By chasing hence the darkesome night with her deluding dreames , And bringing in the ioyfull light by Sols all-searching beames . When euery man with ioyfull heart , his sleepy bed forsakes , And to his daily labours eke , himselfe againe betakes : The vtmost date expired was vpon this present day , Of our most gracious Queenes abode in Bristoll for to stay . Wherefore the reuerend Counsell came vnto her Princely Court , For to attend her Maiestie , prepar'd in seemely sort : Whereas our Queene most graciously vouchsaf'd to thanke them all , Both Mayor , Sheriffes and Aldermen , who on their knees did fall , And humbly kist her Royall hand , such fauour did she shew , And loue , for loue , which to her Grace , in dutie , they did owe . And furthermore , for to expresse her loue to loyall hearts , And bounty by rewarding all according to deserts , A Ring with Diamonds beset , most graciously she sent Vnto the Mayor as a pledge of her most kinde intent , In ought she might for Bristols good , in rightfull cause obtaine , By suite prefer'd vnto King IAMES our gracious Soueraigne . Such tender loue hath now possest her Graces Princely breast , That she for Bristols weale will be for euer ready prest : For as the fixed Stars moue not within the Firmament , So loue by vertuous deedes obtain'd is alwayes permanent . In solemne wise her farewell tooke , through Bristoll streetes she past , Where ( as at her first entrance here ) a worthy guard was plac'd : The Mayor ; with the Councell graue , before her Grace did ride , Her Courtly traine of worthy Peeres attended by her side . The streetes on eyther side were prest with numbers infinite , Who in her gracious countenance had fixed their delight : Whose ioyfull hearts expressed were , when they beheld her face , And with loud voyces did cry out , The Lord preserue your Grace ! Thus roade they with her Grace as farre as Bristols bounds extend , Where this their ioyfull Iourney was compell'd to take an end . In humble wise the Mayor then his lofty Steede forsooke , And of her Grace on bended knees , prostrate , his farewell tooke , And all the rest her Subiects true did seeme to change their cheare , And mourne her absence as the childe that loseth parents deare . The Martiall Bands in number three , by three braue peales of Shot Exprest their loue , that cursed hate might not their honour blot . Thus haue you here impartially presented to your view , A patterne of most loyall hearts vnto their Soueraigne true , Who not alone in hearts but hands , haue manifested plaine Their loue vnto our gracious Queene , which Enuy cannot staine , Although that vertue seldome scapes , through Enuy , free from blame , For why detraction will not spare to blot Diana's name : Yet vertue by how much the more hid from the worlds bright eye , By cursed hate , so much the more it mounteth vpon high , Whose Rose-bound head for her deserts , shall gaine a glorious crowne ; Incompast with a three-fold Wreath , Loue , Honour and Renowne , Therefore let Enuy fret and fume , and spit her poysoned bane , For vertuous deedes shall still inioy a neuer-dying fame . FINIS .