Times iourney to seeke his daughter Truth and Truths letter to Fame of Englands excellencie.

Times iourney to seeke his Daughter Truth :

And Truths Letter to Fame of Englands Excellencie .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

AT LONDON Imprinted by F. K. for Humfrey Lownes . 1599.

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE AND MY SINGVLAR GOOD LORD , CHARLES EARLE OF Notingham , Baron of Effingham , Knight of the most noble order of the Garter , Lord high Admirall of England , Ireland and Wales , &c. and one of her Maiesties most Honorable priuie Councell .

YOur late fauourable intertainement ( Right Honorable ) vouchsafed to this my hard fauoured Childe , is now my incouragement againe to present her to you , clad in this new habite . She hath cause to shroude her selfe vnder Honours wing : for so rude is her habite , and so meane her parentage ; that were not such patronage a safe refuge to her , when the malicious shall persecute her : I feare she would be accounted a roague ; and for wandring abroad in so vnfauourable a time , be scourged with the whip of disgrace , and lashed with the sharpe rod of euery Criticks censure .

Those many fauours , which you honourably extended to my father , whilst he liued , and still continue to his name and children ; claime a farre greater testimony of gratefulnes , then the greatest of my small indeuours can affoord : notwithstanding , accept a dutifull minde , witnessed in a rude sort ; and when Time shall with some of his feathers , better cloath my scarce-feathered Muse : she will better testifie how highly she honours and admires your worth . In meane time pardon her present vnworthines , and once againe take in good worth this mine vnworthy present : whereof , hauing reason to rest perswaded , I leaue further to interrupt your serious affayres , and so humbly take my leaue .

Your Honours in all dutie , Peter Pett .

To the Reader .

TO intreate their fauour that cannot be discourteous , were superfluous : to craue fauour of the churlish , were friuolous . What thou art , I know not ; but if thou meanest to peruse my Muses labour , expect no great matters , least thy expectation be frustrated . It were folly to tell thee of my weakenes , hauing laide it open to euery eye : neither will I excuse it to thee ; because I am ignorant of thy disposition . I am no Satyre to scourge thee , if thou snarle at me : yet feare I not the most piercing fang of peeuish enuie ; being sufficiently armed against all censures , and therefore not to be harmed by thy censure .

Peter Pett .

TIMES IOVRNEY TO SEEKE HIS DAVGHTER TRVETH . AMidst some gra●er studies taking pause , To giue my tyred spirits some delight , And to refresh my wearie minde , because Sometime repose is very requisite : That I might take a little breathing flight , I left a while to trace Philosophie , To please my selfe with harmlesse Poetrie . With harmlesse Poetrie , not otherwise , Lasciuious writing doth not please my vaine ▪ For vaine it is , such matters to deuise , As nothing else but note of folly gaine , A bootlesse labour , and a fruitlesse paine , Offensiue to the wise , and likte of none , But those which in their hearts make Follies throne . Disgrace to Poets commendable Art , Making that loath'd , which euery man would loue , If loue , and Cupids arrowes wanton smart , Were not the greatest motiue that doth moue Poets their wits , in sugred verse to proue . Ah , that to proue their wits most excellent , To such base meanes their wils should so be bent . Loue is too base a Subiect now to write of , Common to euery ballad-makers time , And farre vnfit for Scholers to indite of , For they should holde more pretious their time ; And sure there cannot be a greater crime , Then to mispend time in so lewd a wise , As if we did the price thereof despise . For doe not men the pretio●s time mispend , Whilst they discourse of loues and louers ●one ? That cannot sort to any other end , Then make the hart of man soule Vices throne , That of it selfe to lewdnesse is so prone : Adding to smoaking flaxe a burning flame , Which at first touch doth set on fire the same . Not such was my intent or purposde drift , Pleasing to me was alwayes Poes● : A soule-infused faire celestiall gift , In rauishing with ●eauenly harmony . But Loue vntunes that pleasant melody , Makes sweetest tunes to iarre and disagree , Makes Art a thrall , but Arte loues to be free . And therefore when I meant in measur'd style , To please my selfe and other not offend , I thought loue-matters ouer base and vyle , Nor of such toyes to write I did intend , But other wayes my cogitations bend , Three speciall sorts of writ I then did find , All which I well approued in my mind . The first is morall , and that sort indeed To carpe at Vices profitable is : To shew amongst good corne the noysome weed , And tell the World wherein it doth amis : For though the World doth little count of this , Yet he that herein well imployes his pen , Well pleaseth God , and merits prayse with men . The second sorte is call'd historicall , That tells of sundry lamentable fates , Declares the life , the death , the pompe , the fall , Of Emperours , and mghty Potentates , Of Princes , and of other Magistrates : And this in it much profit doth contayne , By others harmes to warne them that remayne . The third sort that is allegoricall ; Which vnder Metaphors , and couert phrase , Proposeth Vertue to the vew of all , Clad in a rich attyre : that whilst men gase Vpon the same , and on her beauties blase : Vnwares they learne to know fayre Vertues price , And see the foule deformity of Vice . And he that in this kynd can temper well Profit with sweet delight : vnto his prayse Well may we yeeld , and say he doth excell , And for his skill his fame to heauen vp rayse . So may we speake of Spe●sers golden layes , Whome neuer any man could equall yet , That in our tongue hath as a Poet writ . On these three sorts whilst I did ruminate , As taking respite which of them to chuse , That ( when I should my selfe thus recteate ) That little time I might not vainely vse , Nor such a pretious gift of God abuse : I found my wit more dull then it was wont , And myne 〈◊〉 seemed very blunt . Therefore I left my melancholy cell , To set an edge on myne inuention , Streight went I to a walke that likte me well , That I might make some disposition In order , of those things I thought vpon . For many thoughts ( Maze-lyke ) the mynd inclose Confusedly , till order them dispose . No sooner to this walke I entred then ▪ But that a Subiect for my Muse I found , And presently gan fit it for my pen : For when I markt how chearefully the ground , The herbes , the plants ▪ the trees about me round , Praysd their 〈◊〉 in their seuerall kynd , Thus I began to reason in my mynd : All creatures of th● Eternall God but 〈◊〉 , In seuerall sorts doe glorify his name● Things dumbe , and ●●●●ely sencelesse ( as they ca● ) Yet seeme to prayse and magnify the same ▪ Is it not then an 〈…〉 That man should be 〈…〉 Of whome God 〈◊〉 him Lord 〈…〉 Each tree doth seeme tenne thousand tongues to haue , With them to laude the Lord omnipotent : Each leafe , that with Windes gentle breath doth waue , Seemes as a tongue to speake to this intent , In language admirably excellent . Leaues better tongues , then tongues that leaue their duty , And loue to talke of nothing but of beauty . The sundry sorts of fragrant floures doe seeme , Sundry discourses God to glorify , Far sweeter volumes may we them esteeme , Then such as handle with diuersity , The traynes and stratagems of fantasy : For all these creatures in their seuerall sorte , Prayse God , and man vnto the same exhort . But man ( his nature is so strangely dull , And yet so prone to wickednes and sinne ) As that ( vnlesse God forcibly him pull , And plucke him from himselfe ) h 'will nere begin To thinke on God , that doth inclose him in With hourely blessings , ( for man is so rude , He renders nothing but ingratitude . ) On this I thought to set my Muse on worke , And on this matter largely to dilate : To shew how in mans hart this vice doth lurke , And to vpbrayde each sorte and each estate , That for Gods benefits are so ingrate . As thus I thought , I playne me thought did heare , A voyce that seemed to be vtterd neare . Distinct it was , and thus it playnely spake : Take hold of Time when Time approacheth ●ye , For time doth very little tari●nce make , With soaring wings ▪ he soone from thee will fly . No sooner was this spoke , but by and by Time stood by me , and least he should be gone , I stayd him with this sodayne question . Time whether doest thou hast ? tell me I pray , And ( if thou wilt ) I 'le thee accompany : No ( answered he ) for Time must not delay , Thou wantest wings with aged Time to fly . This sayd , away he turnd : but sodaynly , I tooke fast hould vpon his front of hayre , And straight he mounted me into the Ayre . Wherein I was deceiued : for I thought Onely by force , to make him intermit A while his course : but that auayled nought , Nought forceth it him to inforce a whit ; For Time doth alwayes hould delay vnfit . But when I saw my selfe deluded so , I prayd ould Time , that he would let me go . No ( answered Time ) for sith I haue thee heere , Thou shalt be now ould Times companion : And Time shall make vnto thy Muse appeare , A Subiect fit for her to vary on : Then seate thy selfe myne aged backe vpon , And take thou note of that which thou shalt see , As in this iourney thou shalt passe with mee . Content ( sayd I ) and vp my selfe I reared , In hope to see some accident most strange : Time had so cheard me that I no thing feared , And therefore car'd not whether Time did range : Nor did it grieue me , that he made me change My first intent to write in former strayne , For that I meant it to resume agayne But now I meane to tell what then I saw , ( Laying aside that purpose for a while . ) Things that perhaps might admiration draw , If I could cunningly compose my stile , Or eloquently my designements file ; Herein my want I freely doe confesse , But from the matter I too much digresse . Already had we left fayre Europes clyme , And lost the sight of Englands watry sands : Now o're the Oceans mayne gan flitter Time , And straight we were in vew of other lands , Perceauing kenne of other sundry strands , Aswell of Ilands as of continent ; The sight whereof my mind did much content . Of sundry wonders I could make report , That in these places Time did shew to me : Of sauage men , and of a thousand sort Of monsters , which ( but that I them did see ) I would haue thought impossible to bee . Some brutish beasts I saw in forme of men , Of stranger shape then can be shewd by p●● . But one thing did I marke especiallie : As Time flew on with swift and winged speede , Great multitudes , did still together 〈◊〉 , With such vnwonted sight their eyes to ●eede : And many knew not what Time was in deede , But as they gaz'd on him , they changed were : The maner how you presently shall heare . Young babes that sucked at their mothers breast , That late in tender wombe did them conceaue , Could in their laps no longer take their rest , But presently their mothers bosome leaue ; And in a moment doe they strength receiue , That but euen now could neither goe nor stand , And were inwrapped in their cradle band . And streight they grow vnto perfection , In wit , in strength , and euery other thing : But this their prime is very quickly gon ; Time vnto them a suddaine change doth bring . For as he further flies with nimble wing , Their glorie presently begins to quaile , Their sences to decay , their strength to faile . And then become they as they were at first : For ere that Time was yet gone out of sight , Children againe , and fitter to be nurst ; Then otherwise they were , betest of might ; Nothing was left them for their lifes delight . And Time no sooner was quite fled away , But presently they were transformd to clay . Some also lost the sight of flying Time In chiefest strength : for Time oft made such hast , That when they were amidst their chiefest prime , He left them : then their glorie was disgraste , Their life was perioded , their strength defaste . Their springing flowres , Time cropt vncourteouslie , As he did from them so vntimely flie . So haue I seene a lillie-colonrd ro●e ; ( A bud at morne , more beautifull at noone ) Clad in as glorious vest●res as are those , That doe intobe the siluer-cloathed Moone : When as the same is plucked ouer soone , The beautie fades , it withereth and dyes , Though clad in Floraes fairest liueries . And euery sort of men ( what ere they were , Of what so ere condition or estate ) That thus on Time stood gazing euery where , When Time was fled , then came their dr●ery fate , For to recall him then it was too late : And many knew him not , till he was gone , When for his want they made their dying mone . This seemed strange to me , and made me aske Of aged Time how these things came to passe : Time answering sayd , it 's my appointed taske . And , for all flesh is like to fading grasse , And mans state farre more brittle then is glasse : In me life doth begin , in me it ends , And on me as my seruant it attends . For euer since the euer-liuing God Gaue me beginning at the first to be , He charged me no where to make a●od , And charged Life that it should follow me : Hence doe proceed the changes that you see . Time being fled , Life is concluded euer , Longer then Time stayes , Life continues neuer . Yet thousand thousands are , that doe not know The mighty power God to Time doth giue : Though Time be able soon to ouerthrow The strongest thing , that on the earth doth liue . But that which principally doth me greiue Is mans contempt of me : and this indeed Makes me to fly from them with swifter speed . For otherwise perhaps I would aduise me , And though I needs must hast , yet would I not Make so much hast , if they did not dispise me : But when I see on them contempts foule blot , So great a stayne , and such a gracelesse spot , The hare ne're faster fleeth when she 's pursude , Then I doe fly from those that are so rude , By this , Time hauing left our hemispheare , With Phoebus fiery steeds kept equall pace : Now to myne eyes another did appeare , Wherein the Sun did take another race , As in this our Horison he doth trace : Nor doth he euer rest as Poets faigne ; That course once done , he straight returnes agayne . All this time , had I not of Time inquired , Toward what place his winged course he bent : Which thing because to know I much desyred , I gan to question him of his intent , And prayd him tell mee to what place he went : I long ( sayd I ) good father Time to know , Whether thou flyest now , and hastest so . I fly ( said Time ) and restlesse neuer cease , About the World , and as thou seest the Sonne , Euen so my sonne doth Time : nor doth decrease His force , but as when first his course begonne , It shall continue till his course be donne . For time shall come , when Time himselfe must dy , And that time now approacheth very ny . But vntill then , this course I still must keep : For to this day I nere repose did take , Nor since the world began did euer sleep , ( For then my charge imposde I should forsake ) Vntill my death I euer must awake . Thus haue I done fiue thousand yeares , and more , And till I leaue to be , thus must I sore . But when I thee did my companion take , I meant to leade thee to the house of Fame , Where I must shortly inquisition make , For a pure virgin of vnblemisht name : Whose great perfection ( though some dare to blame ) Is admirable , and beyond ●ompare , Most excellent , most exqu●●●te , and rare . I meane vnspotted Truth , whom many deeme My daughter : and because when she was yong I fostred her , they therefore doe esteeme , ( Yet falsely ) that from my loynes she is sprong . But Truth ( though wicked men she liue among ) Is of no mortall powers borne or bred ; Bu● calld my child , cause I her nourished . And though her foster-father Time must dy , When once his race appointed is expired ; Yet Truth shall euer liue immortally . And shortly shall her beauty be admired , And euery where the same shall be desired . Then they which haue so much prophan'd her name , Shall reape disgrace , & well deserued shame . And for I know that Fame can well declare , To me where my supposed daugh●er is : To her I therefore now doe make repaire . And when Fame hath acquainted me with this , I thinke thou then wilt nothing thinke amis , Thou ca●●st with me : that thou mayst make it known , Where Truth remaynes , and where her face is shown . But loe , I now discerne farre of the ken , Of Fames great castle ; whence she takes her flight , To trumpet sundry newes in eares of men ▪ Some of great moment , others of delight , And others tragicall , which doe affright . Then gan we nearer to the 〈◊〉 to draw , And I will tell you what I further saw . Amongst th' Antipodes there is a hill , Which farre beyond the cloudes it selfe doth stretch . And farre beyond that region , which still Is fild with vapors which the Sun-beames fetch , And from the earth exhale . That monstrous wretch , Which gainst the heauens did wage persumptuous warre , Is not ore whelmd with such an hill by farre . No not Olimpus may with it compare , Which farre aboue the middle region goes , And penetrates the liquid cloudes that are About the same , and doe the same inclose : Though on the same ( as Plinie sayth ) there growes , Of tender plants , and fruitfull trees great store ; That are so high , no cold can make them hore . On highest top of this great hill there stood , A goodly Pallace framed large and wide : At foot of this same hill , a spatious wood , That ●emd this mountaine in on euery side . Moreouer in this Pallace I espyde , A thousand windowes open euery way , And many doores nere shut by night or day . At euery one of which there thrungd a prease , Of rumours , and reports : Some of debates , Some told of warres , and others blabd of peace . Some talk tof Empyers , and of ruind states ; And some of men whome Fortunes malice mates , Such a confusion neuer did I see , In one conclusion did not two agree . Vpon this castles toppe of christall gl●sse Stood a fayre turre● : where Fame had 〈…〉 There sate shee , and in hand a 〈◊〉 of brass● Shee held , and therewith to the world made knowne , The sundry newes , and tales of euery one Of those Reportes , that to her castle came ; And as they b●ought them , shee disperst the 〈◊〉 . Her trumpets sound was loud , and very 〈◊〉 : Reporting euery matter very cleare ; Which when it once was sounded forth , did fill The wood which to that hill adioyned neare ; In which a thousand tatling Ec●h●es were , That iterated euery vttered sound , And made the same throughout the world rebound ▪ And euen as many streames ( that ioyne at last ) From many sundry parts doe meet together , Till all in selfe same current 〈◊〉 on fast , Vnto the wide vast boundlesse Ocean ▪ whether Their course them leades ( for they are charged 〈◊〉 her ) So all reports flow swiftly vnto Fame , Who to the worlds great Sea straight sends the ●ame ▪ Now aged Tim● nigh to this castle drew , Where all these things I orderly did note , ( As in so short a ●pace I could them vew , For else I might haue had more things to quote ) And now that Time about the ●ame did flote , He asked some Reportes that thronged there , If they could tell where Truth his daughter were . One answered , shee was of late in Spay●e : Another sayd , shee was exilde from Fra●●ce : Another sayd , shee no where did remayne : Another sayd some her did countenaunce : Another sayd , so tragicke was her chaunce , Her sacred body was of life bereauen , And her sweet soule fled vnto God in heauen . When Time saw in them such vncertainty , Of them no longer would he thus inquire : But ( soaring vp ) he vnto Fame did hye , Who at his sudden comming did admire . But her Time earnestly did then desire , To fly with him , because he might not stay , And many things he must vnto her say . Straight Fame attyr'd her in her wingd array , And from her backe layd downe her costly weed : And for Time would admit of no delay , Time flew before , Fame followed with speed ; And as shee flew , it seemed shee did reed , What you shall heare anon ; meane time giue eate , And what first past you shall in order heare . At last Fame ouertooke vs , and then sayd , God saue thee Time : what wouldst thou Fame command ? ( Regreeting made ) Time instantly her prayd , That shee would make knowne to him out of hand , Where Truth his daughter was , and in what land Shee now remayn'd : I haue not seen her long , And I doe feare ( saith he ) shee suffreth wrong . Knowest thou not that ( then answerd to him Fam● ) Which throughout euery land my trumpets ro●e , Hath sounded forth , and hath disperst the same : No accident that hapned hertofore , What ere it were , haue I reported more . Doth Truth her face so much in England maske , That Time of me should such a question aske ? No ( Time ) her bea●tyes are not hid I know , No more then is the Sun in clearest Sky : When as no gloomy cloud lets him to show His goulden light ; but thou so swift doest fly , As that Trueths mansion thou canst not descry , Marke and I le tell thee where thy daughter is , And make thee glad to heare thy daughters blisse . When Henry liu'd Truths farre-renowned frend , In Englan● highly then she honourd was : And so continu'd she till thou didst end His life , and worthy Edwards life alas . Then Enuy so her purpose brought to passe , England disgraced all her glory , and Misled by Enuy banisht truth her land . All comfortlesse , sad and disconsolate , Poo●e Truth opprest to take her passage hyde : She tooke her barke alone , and ( scorning mate , Where she was so abu'sd ) was brought with tyde . At last into the Ocean gulfe so wyde : Where many waues her little barke did crosse , And many billowes bitterly it tos●e . And fayne she would swift flying Time haue seene , To him of this her sorrow to complaine ( Now banished , late honoured as a Queene ) But when she saw her wishes were but vayne , She left to wish , yet could not greife restrayne . At last I chauncing nigh that way to fly , Her thus oppressed did I then espy . Her cheekes were blubbered , her hayre was torn● Her garments ●ent , and all besprent with teares , Her hands she wrung , and looked all forlorne , Her heart was full of agonyes and feares , And euery while her eyes to heauen she ●eares . Soone as she saw me , she did comfort take : Aud from her passions did her selfe awake . She askt if I could tell her , where Time were : I answerd , that I had not seen him long ; But that I merueiled to see her there . Fayre Lady Truth , who hath done you this wrong , ( Sayd I ) but griefe then ●e●●ered her tongue . At last she ( sobbing ) sayd she was misused , Iniustly , and 〈◊〉 abused . Then offred I my selfe on her t' attend , That if I could , I might her somewhat cheare : But on the suddayne did from heauen descend A glorious Angel , bright and very cleare , Whome God ( for that he houldeth Truth most-deare ) Did send to comfort her in this distresse , Least too much griefe , would her too much oppresse . And thus he spake : sweet Goddesse without spot , Feare not fayre virgin , be not so dis●ayd : Thinke not that God hath sacred Truth forgot , Or that h 'will suffer thee to be betrayd : Cheare vp thy selfe let passion be allayd . Most pleasing newes , God now by me hath sent thee , Which when thou knowest , I know it will content thee . Thine enemies in England now are dead ; ( For thy sake God hath made their liues but short ) And Englands crowne set on a virgins head , In whome of graces such a sort consort , That no tongue her perfections can report . Hast thither , and though England wronged thee , Thy wrongs redresse Elizabeth will see . This sayd , he takes the guiding of the helme : And Truth reioyc'd that shee such comfort had , ( Whome late a Sea of griefe seemd to o●ewhelme ) And now shee was as ioyfull , and as glad , As shee before was comfortlesse and sad : Shee thanked God for this great benefit , And backe to Englands shore her barke doth flit . I flew before , as swift as roules the Sky : And on my trumpet did I sound aloud , That Truth approached ▪ presently did hy , To euery shore , a prease , and thronging croud , To see where Truths barke would it selfe inshroude . Elizabeth no sooner heard of this , But that shee sayd shee had obtaynd her wish . For when Truth was 〈◊〉 , this matchlesse Queene , Did her imbrace , and 〈◊〉 graciously : The people which not lo●g her face had se●●e , Witnest their ioy by an applauding cry , And fayre Eliza thank't God hartily , That T●●th againe in safety was re●ou●ned , For whose long absence shee so long had mourned . And as when Tully was recal'd agayne From wrongfull banishment , Rome did reioyce : In euery street there followd him a trayne , To welcome him with glad and ioyfull voyce , Of whome they thought their Gods made speciall choyce To doe Rome good ; so England weclom'd Truth , And made her quite forget her former ru●th . And now with chast Elizabeth shee dwels , Highly adored , and admir'd of all : My trompe abroad her rare perfection tels , Whereby in many lands shee holds the ball , And multitudes are subiect to her call : For though in England shee hath residence , In other lands shee hath prehemince . And thus good Time I vnto thee haue tolde , Where sacred Truth thy daughter 's intertayned : No point in this my tale can be controlde ; No sentence in the same is false or fayned ; Vpon sure grounds the same is all sustayned . And that no place of doubting may remayne , Behold a witnesse to confirme it playne . See here a 〈◊〉 from thy daughters 〈◊〉 : Who for she heard of 〈…〉 , The brood of E●●y that most loathsome else , Did spread of England in malicious sort : That shee might me from blasing it dehort : ( Least I should giue th●m credence , to preuent me ) Of Englands Excelle●ce , this writ shee sent me . Wherein thou mayst confirmed playnly ●ee , By testimonie of Truths sacred pen , All which I now haue vttered to thee , And daily sounds my trompe in ea●e● of men . Heare thou this letter read good Time , and then Iudge thou of Fame , as thou shalt find iust cause● Fault her , if shee haue spoke one faul●y clause . This was the letter which I sayd before , It seemed Fame did read on as shee flew , And to o're take swift-paced Time did so're : And here in following termes it doth insue , Declaring Fames report to be most true , And with it witnessing the great renowne . Of glorious England ▪ and Elizaes crowne ▪

TRVTHS LETTER TO FAME OF ENGLANDES EXCELLENCIE . ADmired Fame , by all men honoured : Thou due rewarder of all great desarts : Thou that doest make men liue when they are dead ; Thou cherisher of honour-breathing harts : Parent of valour : Nurse of sacred Arts ; Take thou a little truce with false surmises , And marke what Truth thee to report aduises . Speake thou of England , and her excellence : Straine thou aloft thy trompets roaring blast : Tell thou to all her great preheminence ; And ( as through euery land thou flyest fast ) Let Englands worth be neuer ouerpast , That all the World may wonder much at this , That such a wonder in the World there is . And first declare in what an high account , Shee houldeth Truths most sacred deity : Her kindnesse now to me doth farre surmount , Her late vnkindnesse shewd to me , when I Was forced into banishment to fly : The chiefe efficient of which direfull woe , Was cruell Enuy my malicious foe . But now , no 〈…〉 ( What ere they were in ages ●ou●● of 〈◊〉 , Amongst whome I in greatest honour 〈◊〉 ) Did e●er prize me 〈◊〉 a higher rate , Then England doth , or more increase my state . No nation 〈…〉 more , Then glorious Engl●nd doth 〈◊〉 now adore . Thou sawst how shee did welcome me , when as Vpon her shore I was agayne arriued : Thou sawst how great my intertainment was , ( Though Enuy late had me of right depriued , And to disgrace me stra●agems contriued ) But I haue greater arguments to proue , The greatnesse of her kindnesse and her loue . For when my former griefe was quite disperst , And thought of former wrong farre cha'sd away , My graces ( which with cloudes were hidden erst ) Gan to disclose , and suddenly display Themselues , and all their beauty to be wray In great perfection , which when England saw , Great admiration from her did it draw . Astonisht with my graces most diuine , ( For Truth , of Truth , may iustly speake the truth ) And rauisht with fayre Truths rare beauties shine ; It grieued her that my so grieuous ruth , Shee so had suffred : and to me shee su●h , That I no longer would retayne in mind , My late disgrace which prou'd her too vnkind . Which easily obtaind , shee promist mee , And with a solemne oath her selfe shee bound : That I should presently perceiue and see , How glad shee was , she had my fauour found . Immediatly in selfe same minutes stound , Into my hands shee freely did deliuer Two elfes that were my vowed en'mies euer . Enuy the one , and Superstition The other was : both these two did procure , Those iniuries poore Truth to fall vpon , I meane those wrongs which I did late indure : For so fayre England did me then assure , They my disastres and distresses bred , By their sole meanes I so was iniured . Enuy shee tolde good England that I sought , To circumuent her by some treachery : And so to bring her glorious state to nought . For sure shee sayd ( there was no remedy ) If still shee intertayn'd me courteously , Her glory of necessity must fall , And all her pompe be perioded withall . And Superstition shee her selfe inuested , In a rich habite ; which was not her owne : For well shee knew that shee should be det●sted , If what she were indeed it should be knowne , And so might all her drifts be ouerthrowne . She deckt her selfe with many a pretious gemme , And on her head shee set a diademme . And thus to England came shee , and to hir Sayd shee was Truth , and Truth did but deceaue hir ▪ And shee with Enuy kept so foule a stir , That England fear'd I would of life bereaue hir : For still they tolde hir , I nere meant to leaue hir , Till I had made hir stat● most miserable , Which only Truth makes truly admirable . All this did England vnto me declare , And sayd these twayne hir sutly did beguile , ( For Superstition durst with me compare , And E●uy robd me of my rightfull stile , To grace therewith hir mate that wretch so vile . ) Fayre Truth ( saith shee ) know surely this for truth , Had not these been , nere should haue been thy ruth . Their subtilty simplicity abused , And by their craft they did me ouer reach : Or else thou nere shouldst haue been so misused : But now these hellish caitifes I will ●each , What t' is t'wixt thee and mee to make a breach . For now I know them , and here captiues haue them , Appoint their doomes , not all the World shall saue them . The which when I did to hir selfe referre , And tolde hir Truth doth not delight in blood : Shee sayd that Enuy shee would quick interre , And that same other wretch foe to my good , Should steruing pine , and dy for want of food , Thus Truth ( saith shee ) I will reuenge thy wrong , And for my fault make full amends ere long . This said , shee pluckt from Superstitions backe , My glorious ornaments , and gorgeous weeds : For mine they were , and to supply her lacke , Shee stole them from me : and such lewd misdeeds It is by which , hir progeny still speeds . Thus stript , a foule deformed hagge shee seemd , I wondred how shee could be ●o esteemd . Then straight shee led them both vnto their doome , And thus shee vsde Truths greatest enemies : Though Superstitions Sonne still liue at Rome , Yet ( for my many grieuous iniuries , And for shee wrought me such indignities ) Her selfe was staru'd , and Enuy felt such paine , As shee deseru'd ; though still hir brood remaine . Thus England dealt for me , and more then so ; Her loue yet further did it selfe extend : Shee did not onely thus reuenge my woe , But also gainst my foes my right defend : Listen good Fame , and with attention lend Thine eare vnto my tale , whilst I declare , Her loue to me , her kindnes , and her care . Proud Superstitions Sonne , soone as he knew , His mothers death was onely for my sake : He gathered an host a mighty crew , With which he ment gainst England warre to make , And forcibly me from her hands to take . So great and puissant his forces were , He thought her hart would be o'rewhelmd with feare . For with him ioyned was his cursed sister , That odious and notorious whore of Babet : Her mothers death shee knew , and likewise mist her Aswell as he . And with her such a ●able Of paramours she had , as seemed able The greatest state on earth to ru●nate , And bring to greatest pompe a tragicke fate . Thus mand began to manage forth his warre , And proudly sent to England this defiance , That shee should looke for enemies from farre , If still with Truth shee kept so great allyance : Such warre in auntient times did wage those giants , That gainst the heauenly powers as Poets wright , Opposd themselues and their presuming might . Yet ( if shee would deliuer to his hand , Truth that he might on her reuengement take , ) He sent her word he would not hurt her land : But if shee did this profer made forsake , Then should his wrath it selfe vp-rouse and wake , To which he thought shee could make no resistance , Though God from heauen should giue her his assistance . These menaces not feared her a whit , Shee weighd them not but bid him doe his worst , In spight of him Truth should in safety sir ; ( She sayd ) nor should a monster so acucrst , Make her to satiate his bloody thurst . Truth loue I well ( saith shee ) and well I know , Truths champions God will sheild from ouerthrow . This answer made Truth● enemies inraged , And foming poyson swore that Truth should dye , Or England● li●e should be for hers ingaged : Not knowing Truth ●ust liue immorally , And liue to see the cu●sed progeny Of Superstition , consumed quite , Though now against me they are bold to fight . Towards England straight they hye in furious hast , Intending to destroy 〈◊〉 , To leaue her land all desolate and wast , And bring her selfe into captiuitye ▪ And thus resolu'd , i● swarmes they 〈…〉 ▪ The Diuill lent them 〈…〉 : But God from 〈…〉 When England heard my foes 〈…〉 , Together gathred she her 〈…〉 To fight for Truth whome 〈…〉 Meaning to shew no pitty , ●o ●emo●e , To them that sought 〈…〉 Away with me shee hasts my foes to 〈◊〉 , In little kindnesse m●●ning them to greet ▪ At last they met in a large spatious playne , Wholy vnlyke in shew : their troupes did pa●●e ▪ For multitude , the drops in showers of 〈◊〉 ▪ The other sorte was nothing so alas , Compar'd to them ▪ like some small ●idge of grasse In field of come : or more for my intent , As seems least yle , to larg●st conti●ent . As those small troupes with which the 〈◊〉 Did braue and dare Darins in the field , Compar'd to those o're who●e he conquest wo● , ( When proud 〈…〉 ●as to yield , Ma●ger the force he had himselfe to shield ) Such England had , compared in the power , That now prepared was her to 〈◊〉 . Or as thos● little force● , once oppos●d Against great Xerxes nauy ) which was though● Impossible by force to be 〈…〉 Or vnto any hazard to be brought ) Such England had , compar'd with their● that sough● To bring her state to ruin for my sake ; Because she would not Truth● defence 〈◊〉 . Yet England 〈…〉 , Nor terrefide by their 〈…〉 : Couragiously her 〈◊〉 she forw●●d led , And did her selfe midst th●ckest th●ong intrude , That with their 〈◊〉 her ha●● 〈◊〉 be imb●●de . Straunge that a 〈◊〉 should so valiant be , And such an anci●●● 〈◊〉 as is 〈◊〉 . Backt with such helpe as I to her could yield , At the first on ●er , and first furious shocke , So fiercely she he● brandisht blade did wield ; That they who first her little force did mocke , And thought , they might their harts securely rocke On sleep , were made from 〈◊〉 to run , and stray , Her force , and feircene● did the● so dismay . But ●o , a new supply did them renew ▪ For as they thus were da●●ted and dismayd , An host of ●eends we might approaching vew ▪ That tow'rds vs came with enlignes all displayd , Fearing their kingdome should be sore decayd , If England o're Truths enmyes should preuaile , They hastned thus , to make her courage quaile . But God ( which alwaies doth Truths cause defend ) Our prayers to him most benignely hard , And downe from heauen he gratiously did send , Legions of Angels , that they might me gard . And England from all daungers safely ward . So soone as England saw , God help'd her so ▪ She cared nor for 〈◊〉 , no● any foe , Straight Superstitions Sonne she doth dismou●t , From of his palfrey where he proudly sa●e , Commaunding him to render an account Of his presumption ; and to tell her what Made him so bolde whilst this I wondred a● ▪ His sister managing a monstrous beast , With murther and with bloud her hate did fea●t . Which ( when I saw ) to her in●ag'd I hide , But presently she trembling turnd her backe ▪ In no wise she my presence would abide . I followed amayne her monsters tracke , Nor did I meane my swift pursuite to slacke . Still did she runne , to shunne my fierce incounter , For well she knew I did in force surmount her . As flees the sable Night from dayes approach , Fearing to looke 〈…〉 in the f●ce , ( For when 〈…〉 her siluer ●oach , Night trips apace , and leaues to her the place ) So fled this str●●pet from me in thi● 〈◊〉 , Nor durst 〈…〉 to look on mee , But posting 〈…〉 I follow'd her to 〈…〉 , Thinking to ouertake her , but in 〈◊〉 ▪ Which place 〈◊〉 it my 〈◊〉 and hates ) Did make mee presently 〈…〉 Or else this strump●● had not 〈◊〉 vn●l●y●e . Backe I retu●● 〈◊〉 England , whome I found Mongst slaughterd 〈…〉 For Superstitio●s 〈…〉 , Yet wounded so that presently he dyed , Or seemd to dye : 〈…〉 And closely got himselfe 〈…〉 Repenting that 〈…〉 Disrob'd , and naked , was he glad 〈…〉 That 〈…〉 His forces also all dispersed 〈◊〉 , And cut in pieces , or else 〈…〉 Nothing but bloudy 〈…〉 And thus for Trueth 〈…〉 Ayded by God , 〈…〉 To 〈…〉 And say● 〈…〉 . This victory thus happily obtained , Triumphant backe with Englan● 〈◊〉 I led , Hoping shee now had firmely me regained : A crowne imperiall plac'd she on my head , And promist I should not be 〈◊〉 ; Though with her bloud shee did reuenge my wrong , For well shee knew that God would make her strong . And now these forty yeares I haue remayned With her in honour , and in maiesty : And as when shee at first mee intertayned , ( I meane first after my great misery ) Shee welcomd me ( thou knowest ) most louingly ; So still her loue continueth the same , And still 〈◊〉 doth adore Truths sacred name . And is not this good Fame an excellence ? Did euer any nation more for me ? Or stand more stoutly to my rightes defence ? And righteous quarrell ? Surely if it be An excellence , to 〈◊〉 Truth : then shee Fames approbation deserueth well ; For in this excellence 〈◊〉 doth excell . Of Englands matchlesse Queene make next report , A matchlesse the ame , and 〈◊〉 fitting Fame : A matter of high m●ment , great import : Elizabeth no sooner 〈◊〉 thou name , But Enuyes brood will hyde their heads for shame , Not daring once her worth to fault or blame , When worthily thou shalt declare the same . Now could I wish some sacred Muses skill , In sugred tunes her excellence to tell : Then should my tale with admiration fill Thine eares , to heare how much she doth excell : For Excellence it selfe in her doth dwell . What should I say ? Ah I want words to say , What one she is , her graces to display . Religion hath in her such interest , For her sake Truth intirely doth she loue , And such possession in her sacred brest Hath Pietie , that vnto God aboue , Her thoughts and her affections soaring moue : As if she did terrestriall things despise , And scornd the world and worldly things to prise . Strange in a Monarch of such maiesty : For humane nature is so fraile by kinde ; That being once aduanced , by and by God we forget , no● will retayne in minde Those benefits from him we still doe finde . But she of honour and of dignitie , Maketh a step therewith to mount on hie . As towres aloftie Eagle , still alo●● ▪ And doth to take a lower flight d●●daine , When as to pierce the cloudes she seemeth 〈◊〉 , As if she sought some sacred seate to gaine , Amongst the Star●es in glory to remaine : Euen so Eliza striues aloft to mount , And of these baser things makes none account . True , prince-ennobling , faite celestiall grace : Infusde by God himselfe into the minde : Inforcing nature to resigne her place , That otherwise is of her selfe inclinde : Happy are they from God such fauour finde ; Ah happie , yea thrice happie sure are those , Whose minds thus graciously God doth dispose . And happie England , to whome God hath graunted A Princesse so religiously deuoted : For else might Truth still haue remayned daunted , And England still on Superstition doted . And happely so soone had not been noted Her slie deceit , had not Eliza beene , Whom God made chiefest meanes to make it seene . But ah I faint , I finde my selfe too weake , To beare so great a burthen , or to treat Of such rare excellence : though Truth can speake Nothing but truth , her taske is ouer great , To tell Elizaes worth , or shew the seat , That euery speciall grace hath in her hart , In minde , in body , and in euery part . Poets of Pallas oft reported much , And would Fame know what they did meane thereby ? In auncient times ne're liued any such , But they of Englands Queene did prophecy . Compare their writings with her worth , to try The trueth hereof , then shalt thou plainely see , Neuer was any Pallas , if not shee . Pallas from Ioue himselfe drew her 〈◊〉 , And is not Englands-Queene 〈◊〉 child ? Else sure shee could not 〈…〉 So vertuous , religious , and mild , T' were hard if Truth should be herein beguild . Immortall Pallas they declar'd to be , This Queenes immortall falne 〈◊〉 did 〈◊〉 . Pallas , those 〈…〉 , For depth of wisedome , and lot 〈…〉 , And doe not 〈…〉 , Wayting vpon her as her handmaydes still , To execute her pleasure and her ●ill ▪ Eliza they could not haue 〈…〉 , Wisedome and learning both support her 〈◊〉 . Her Wisedome , is as farre beyond compare , With most of weaker 〈◊〉 , or 〈◊〉 kynd : As brightest 〈◊〉 , that in the heauens are , Comparde with 〈…〉 that euer shinde : Or smallest glo-wormes men by night doe finde . What talke I of her 〈◊〉 ? such Wisedome can , Be very hardly found in any man . Witnesse her gouerment this forty yeares , So wonderfull 〈◊〉 , and ra●ely wise . Wise is the Pylot that his 〈◊〉 then steeres In safety , when as greatest stormes arise , And euery billow mounteth to the Skies , And wise Eliza , that 〈…〉 so guydes , In spite of sternest foes , ●e 〈◊〉 betydes . Millions of billowes menace the decay Of Englands common wealth ; yet not preuayle , Nor can they make her giue them any way , Or any whit to beare the lesser sayle ; They can not hurt her , for their force doth fayle : God teacheth her , to rule the helme so well , Her barke doth breake them , when they proudest swell . And as for Learnings admirable graces , Let Learnings selfe her learning testifie : That pen which in this Subiect largely traces , At full herein her worth to amplifie , In many volumes need historifie . Her excellence in excellentest Artes , Requires more skill , then Arte to me imparts . In sacred letters she so skilfull is , So expert , and so well experienced : Her match to find●● is difficult ( Iwis ) ( I meane a prince that is so deeply red , In holy writ ) for nere was registred , By auntient Time in any monument , One prince in sacred skill more excellent . List her , but speake , or write what tongue she will , Of sacred languages , or other wise ; Her talke , her stile , appeare so full of skill , As all the Muses did the same deuise . But how alas can lines such worth comprise ? Her talke , her stile , are both celestiall , Her wisedome , and her skill angelicall , Pallas moreouer they declar'd to be Victorious 〈…〉 : And may not one meere blind perceiue and see , They prophecide of Englands princely head ? All whose deseignes so prosp'rously haue sped , She neuer went without the Victorie , Since she obtaind the English monarchie . Thus Fame ( thou seest ) that Englands gouerness● Is Pallas selfe , for Wisedome , learning , and For faire victorious fortunate successe , In euery action which she takes in hand . Oh happy common wealth , oh happy land . Pallas she is , and Vertues Palla●e eke , What theme more glorious needeth Fa●e to seeke ? Her Fortitude , her neuer dauntedmind , Contemning troubles of aduersity , ( Which all that liue sometime of 〈…〉 ) Her worthy princely 〈◊〉 Her Temperance in calme prosperity ▪ Are such that no pen 〈◊〉 Expresse the sam● or praise them 〈◊〉 . And yet two 〈…〉 by , More then by all these that haue yet been named . And as those two great 〈…〉 , Which for the worlds two 〈…〉 first were named , Whose presence 〈…〉 ; Euen so E●iza is adorned by Her Chastity , and 〈…〉 . Should I her Chastity striue to declare ? So pure ? so matchlesse so immaculate ? So spotlesse ? and so admirably rare ? Nere should I satisfie , or satiate My thirsty pen herein ; nor moderate My wandring Muse , that would too tedious be , And so perhaps too troublesome to thee . This gemme of price , this ornament of worth , This precious pearle , this ●ewell of esteeme , I leaue to thee at full to set it forth : That to the World Elizabeth may seeme , Dianaes selfe ; and all the World may deeme , The paragon of Chastity she is , Whome neuer any could excell in this . And yet her Equity it equalleth , And is as excellent and rare as that : Hon'ring asmuch diuine Elizabeth : For this makes also her admired at , Asmuch as any prince that euer sat On Regall throne , and hard it is to name , One liuing now her equall in the same . Iustice and mercy she in ballance layeth , The●e equally to counterpoyse each other , And with them all her actions wisely wayeth , Not suffring one to ouerpoise another : So deales with dearest children tender mother . Her iustice great , her mercy is as great , Iustice , and Mercye , both wait on her seat . There wait they , and when she determines ought , Both of them plead : and both their sentences She wisely makes together to be brought , And by them both deemes what most fitting is : Taking away from them all diffrences ; And so in one she both of them combines , And both together in one band conioynes . When Iustice strikes then Mercie tells her how , And shewes her whome she with her sword should smite ; Eliza made to Equity a vow , By heauens , by earth , and by her scepters right , Iustice and mercy she would counite : Sacred and mild is that seuerity , When Iustice linked is with clemency . Canst thou this Excellence Fame too much prise ? For England such a worthy prince to haue ? So learned ? and so admirably wise ? So vertuous ? religious ? and graue ? So chast ? so iust ? so mercifull to saue ? Speake what thou canst , for this , Truth dares auer , Thou canst not speake too worthily of her ▪ And next adioyne her worthy Senatours : Declare their Wisedome , and their grauity : I meane Elizabeth's wise Counsailours , Supporting stayes to Englands pollicy , Vpholding it as Atlas doth the sky . A speciall Excellence thou shouldst omit , If mention of their worth thou shouldst forget . For their graue wisedome , and wise grauity , Tell thou the world that they fage Catoes are : Nestors in Counsell , when they prudently What best doth fit for Englands good declare . For loue vnto their Countrey , them compare To Parents in their childrens tender loue , Which neuer from them will the same remoue . And well thou maist to Parents loue compare Their tender loue vnto their nation : So fatherly it is , so great their care ; It seemeth greater then th' affection , That Parents beare their best indeared Sonne , A happie blessed Aristocratie , In such a farre-excelling Monarchie . I tell thee Fame their worthie names will grace Thy tale , and thy discourse in euery eare : And therefore in thy swift continuall race , Forget thou not the same : but let all heare , And let it to succeeding times appeare , ( As thou through euery land shalt swiftly passe ) How farre herein faire England doth surpasse . Next speake of Englands dauntlesse Warriours , ( T' will grace thy trumpe to grace them with her sound ) Braue Martialists , victorious Conquerours , Worthy eternally to be renound , And with immo●tall glorie to be cround . Tell their deserts , and fame-deseruing laude , That all the world may to their worth applaud● . Vpon their plumed crests doth Honour fit In glorious weeds , as great 〈◊〉 , Instructing them as pupils what is fit , Whilst they to her obedience professe : In all their actions she is gouernesse , Nor will they once from Honours precepts swer●e , Whome whilst they serue , all honour they deserue . On Honour still attendeth Victory , To grace their deeds with prosperous euent : Directing them to wield couragiously , Their conqu'ring blades to foes astonishment , ( Who thinke Reuenge her selfe mongst them is sent , Whilst Englands worthies fury they doe see , And feele their force from which they would be free . ) Their looks , as lightning dwell foemens eyes , Their hands forge thunder to their warlike looke , Their swordes from hands send foes their destinyes , Writ by the Fates in neuer fayling booke : And Victory their swords ne're yet forsooke . Their lookes , their swords , make enemies to wonder , Their looks are swords , their sword● 〈◊〉 them in sunder . How many times Truths battailes haue they fought , To tame my haughty aduersaryes pride ? How many times ( their drifts to period brought ) Haue I triumphant them returning spide , Charged with en'mies spoyles on euery side ? Erect thou Fame due trophees to their prayse , That meriteth to match thy selfe in dayes . Great Rome in pride and prime of her estate , Whome many histories doe honour so , ( Though now she is become degenerate ) Was ne're so glorious for her Scipio , For Caesar Pompey and for others moe : As England is for her braue warriours , That are to these far●e farre superiours . Fame-hon'red Anniaball , that could commaund Coy Fortune , and could haue her at his becke . ( When as it seemed shee vpon him faund , And humbled at his feet her scornfull necke , As if she feared him to counterchecke ) Made ne're so glorious Carthage lofty walls , As England is for many Anniballs . Leaue then to talke of famous Scipio , Report no more the worthy facts at all Of Caesar , Pompey , that excelled so , And once grac'd auntient Rome before her fall : Talke nor of Carthaginian Anniball . At least ( Fame ) if thou needs their worth wilt praise , See that aboue them , thou these worthies rayse . As when the radiant Sun shines in the sky , The lesser starres giue place that grac'd the night : Euen so ( Fame ) when as thou shalt worthily Declare their worths , that Englands battails fight , Their splendour will obscure the others light . Eos may shine a time , but when the Sunne Guilds the Hor●son , then his light is donne . Sawst thou their valour shew it selfe but once , Against the enemies of Englands good , How many of them they destroy at once , And how they bathe their brandisht blades in blood , Wading in gore , as in some watry flood : Then wouldst thou say , and boldly wouldst auerre , Iustly before all , Truth doth them preferre . Mounted vpon Bell●naes chariot , ( Honor their guide , their handmayd Victory , Like to fierce Lions all inrag'd , and hot With anger , they amongst their foes doe flie , Dispersing all their force immediately : As oft the Sun dissolues some sullen cloude , That dares presume his beautie to inshroude . Their feete , they still vpon the necks aduaunce Of Englands proudest foes , and tread them downe , Inforcing them their glory to inhaunce , And knowledge dutie to Elizaes Crowne : Thus Englands Worthies spread her great renowne , Now tell me Fame , if in this excellence England hath not the sole preheminence . A greater Excellence doth still remaine ; Englands faire daughters , ( yet vnmentioned ) Whose beautie no deformitie doth staine : Once Learning with her nursing milke them fed , But now by them is Learning nourished . Their excellence makes England excellent , For that she hath so great an ornament . But of their worth , now to make worthy mention And euery other Excellence to tuch Of matchles England ; is not my intention , Already I haue prou'd there is none such , Hereafter I ( perhaps ) will shew , how much For euery other thing she doth surmount , And all her Excellence I will recount . In meane time , Fame ( now meane I to be short ) Say bouldly , that no nation doth excell Great England : for thou bouldly mayst report , What faultlesse Truth desireth thee to tell : So doing Fame thou canst not doe but well . If Enuies brood affirme thy tale not true , Tell them Truth saith all this is Englands due . FINIS .

The Conclusion . WHen Fame to Time had read this letter ouer , Time was well pleasd , such pleasing newes to heare , Fame tooke her leaue and backe againe did houer , Time still flew on ; and now gan to appeare Bright Phoebus rayes in this our hemispheare : With whome we all this while our course did take , And Fame now gone Time thus vnto me spake . Loe how the heauen ( that late so much did droupe , For ●itans forced absence ) now doth cleare : How fast the gloomy cloudes away doe troupe ; Behould how Tellus ( on whose cheekes appeare Sad drops of late shed teares ) her selfe doth cheare ; And glad to see the Suns so fayre vprise , Smyleth , and seems to wipe her weeping eyes . As ioyfull as these seeme , so glad am I : Yea and more ioyfull farre beyond compare , Then for the Suns faire light , seeme Earth or Sky , To heare that sacred Truth so well doth fare . This hath disburthened my hart of care , That lately much misdoubted her estate , Whome well I knew the World did causeles hate . Now well I see that all commaunding Ioue , ( That rules and ouer-rules in euery thing ) Vnspotted Truth doth most intirely loue . How then can she be made an vnderling , That is the dearling to so great a king ? Now sure I am she neuer shall decay , Though all the World conspire her to betray . Ah England , keep her still , and loue her still , And she will be a staffe vnto thine age . Preserue her still in honour , and she will Preserue thee safe against thine en'myes rage . What ere they be that warre gainst thee shall wage , Sh 'will hemme thee in as with a brasen wall , To liue secure and none shall make thee thrall . No sorrowes blemish shall thy beauty staine , Nor Age character wrinckles on thy brow : So long as England shall Truths right maintayne , So long to none her princely neck shall bow ; Safe shall she dwell , and this I dare auow , ( Truth countenanced ) Peace , or Victory , Shall England euermore accompany . As Time thus spake , ( I tir'd with watching long , And ouerweari'd with this wandering ) Mine eyes complaynd that they had suffred wrong , Which had no rest in all this iourneying : Whilst thus mine eyes their rights were chalenging , I drousie waxing , fell at last on sleep ; Yet aged Time his passage on did keep . What past whilst thus I slept I know not well : But when I wak'd , my selfe I strangely found Amidst that walke , where ( as I first did tell ) I heard the voice that Times approach did sound . Vp I arose , Times absence did me wound , At last I spide him flying yet in fight , And home I hide these accidents to wright . What censure passe hereon , I greatly care not : If thou my noble Patron pardon me , Let other readers carpe at me and spare not : Sith these vnpolisht lines must publisht be , For euery criticks eye my faults to see ; Let them detract , and blame my skills defect , And scorne my Muse , so thou wilt me protect . FINIS .