Vertues anatomie. Or A compendious description of that late right honorable, memorable, and renowned Bedfordshire lady, the Lady Cheany, of Tuddington. By Charles Pierse

VERTVES ANATOMY . YEe powers diuine , sole aide of humane wits , Assist me with your sacred spirit a while , And guide me in that path where vertue sits , And not with idle matters to defile My time , her honour , and thy glory best , With light vaine pamphlets , as haue done the rest . But in some fairer course direct my lines , That they may quiet passe vntoucht of wrongs , Too weake I knowe to please these curious times , Which swarmes about like bees with stinging tongues : Kepe thy steps euen , for there is none to right thee , If once Detraction that mad dog doth bite thee ▪ Then Oh thou dolefull Dame and tragick muse , Which in blacke sable tunes dost euer mourne : Some of thy power into my brest infuse , That my dim candle may the better burne , And giue the clearer light vnto her honour : Admird so much of all that e're heard on her . A subiect far vnfit for such a quill But that I thinke some fatall hand doth guide it , And carries mee away against my will , Not suffering me within my breast to hide it : Such fire as this doth seldome burne within me That hath such power thus from my selfe to win me . Nor doe I thinke sufficient my weake skill So great a subiect for to entertaine , Far be such thoughts from my vnworthy quill Which humbly writes , and not for glory vaine : No I doe know my selfe , praise cannot tempt me , Since Learning , wit , and all things else preuent me . But for some stricter bond , which neerer ties me , And zeale vnto that honord house I owe , Which far aboue my power doth seeke to trie me , My duty in these humble lines to shew : This mite of wit , this little tallent lent me , Which my bound seruice , al too meane hath sent thee . For which I doe confesse Minerua might Haue cause to sing in memorable lines , The Muses , if they did her honor right , Might haue sufficient worke for after times ; And all the learned wits that were of yore , Might spend some paines to grace her vertues more . But this vilde age which for the most part graces The vitious nature and the hartlesse mindes : And honors asses spring from golden races Wherein true merit seldome any findes : For where there 's one such , fit for honors place , Ther s ten for him which fils them with disgrace . For gilded greatnesse sticke too much with prayses , Whose swelling pride bears al things down before them , This age to greater fame and fortune rayses , That like to Demigods the world adores them , What pearles of prayses daily of them rings , Blowne with the winde of adulations wings . What armes , what trophies haue they not erected , What glory brought their vpstart houses to , And in this world what persons more respected What is 't so hard but that their power can doe : Mamon their God , can purchase all for them Lands , fame , renowne , nay more the soules of men . These like the Dragon carry with their tayle The third part of the starres , and rule the earth : Their pride and power with controule preuaile , And eate vp poore men like a timelesse dearth : These which their greatnesse keepe the world in awe ; Their will , their reason , and must stand for lawe . For which great cause Dame vertue euer mourns That her owne heires are destitute of fauours , And others worthlesse placed in their romes To feed vpon their true deseruing labors : Whilst they doe swell with honours she doth pine , And must be forc'd to beg or serue the time . Oh yee desired times reuerse your course Vnto those antient customes which were then , And let not these preferments lighs of worse Which were ordain'd for wise and learned men , For honor , vertue , wisedome , worth and merit , Are the true heires those places to inherit . Oh pardon me if I mistake my pen , And from my purpose doe a little swarue , It is the great abuses of these men , Which doe the time , themselues and fortune serue , That are vnto that height of greatnesse growne , Masking in merits shape , and not their owne . Was this the first cause of gentilitie , Or from what stocke or roote did it descend Was this the ground of true humanitie , Their greatnes , by their greatnes to offend : Was this the race from whom all Gentles sprung Wherein that worthy name was first begun ? Was lands or large possessions the foundation That men vnto that reuerend title came , Or this worlds largest rule or domination , Whereon so many did their glories frame , If these must be the cause what will you call Adam to be , which first possessed all ? If what this earths great compasse forth could bring Whereof the least part makes a Gentile now : Might neither be a Gentlle , Lord , nor King Nor to him honors nor renowne allowe , Why should his broode with pride so much abound , Possessing but a little peece of ground ? Wast wealth or all the riches of the earth , Without the which the best are held in scorne , That could compose a Gentleman by birth , Being meerely from the loynes of Adam borne ? Oh no if I should craue that faire discent , From that foule roote I feare I should be shent . Wast might or some oppressing Nymrods hand Whose powerfull pride did awe the weaker creatures , And sought by force and violence to command More then his owne , and raise that name to nature , No heau'ns forbid vsurping tyranny , Should ere be sprung from true gentility . What was it then from humaine birth deriu'd And had it her first being from that kinde , The marke for which antiquitie long hath striu'd , And which doth challeng the most fairest signe ? Oh , how can nature ( I would aske this first ) Be gentle cald , whom heauens before had curst ? No Adam , if that these can title claime , ( As none without them now liues in request ) And challeng to themselues this gentle name , Which at the first was onely giuen the best : Then was thy birth , thy wealth , and worldly store The most , and great'st : what man had euer more ? No , these are but th' admired broode of time , Blowne like a bladder vp with froth and winde , Made worldly great by prouidence diuine When small gentility resteth in their minde : Their fortunes rises but their vertues fall , Poor'st in greatst plenty , weake when great'st of all . But why doe I to little purpose striue , And make my selfe more curious far then wise , This name from her beginning to deriue ? When euery vulgar worldling ( too precise ) Doe hold too little for his swelling pride , Whom no bounds hold , nor compasse true can guide . Yet since my laboring pen so much doth craue , To search the ground of this so worthy name , I must attempt with that bare skill I haue For to define , least that I purchase blame . For all these foure rehearst can neuer doe it , Although they lay hard claime , and title to it . 'T was vertue , merit , and an humble minde ; 'T was curteous qualities , and most faire conditions ; 'T was true desart , loue , and affections kinde , Grac't with the mil'dst and purest dispositions ; 'T was learned arts , and honor which proceeds , Not from rough might , but weake & bounteous deeds . 'T was an assisting , not oppressing hand , That did extend to charitable vses , Defending right , and truth which could not stand Free in those daies from wrongs , and some abuses , Whose zeale did burne with vertue , and made all Their end true honor , not an others fall . 'T was iustice , piety , and a sacred spirit , Which first inforc'd that faire name to be giuen , Ador'd with famous deeeds , and noble merits Whose birth , and being is deriu'd from heauen ; No carnall birth no wealth , nor worldly honor Can well be said to haue affinite from her . And yet the most ( this age so much bewitches ) Digresse from these , or else my muse mustly Translated now to honor , state , and riches , In which most hold , is tru'st gentility , But let them haue it , I will not contend , Their honors may deceiue them all i' th end . Great King of heauen and earth , how shall I speake , Which am but dust , and ashes vnto thee , When my soules faculties are all too weake Once to conceiue the meanest thought of thee ? And yet thou tearmst thy selfe but Sonne of man Which vild wormes scorne , whose glorie 's but a span . Ambitions age , can Auarice blinde thee so , To build such castles in vncertaine ayre ? What can your honors , powers and riches doe ? For age , and death thei 'le leaue you to despaire , Where thou canst not redeeme an howers time , Though al the goods in thousand worlds were thine . Thinke yee to buy his fauour with a price , Or fee him with so many golden mines ? Can any let sinne purchase paradise , Or giue sufficient ransome for your crimes ? Oh no these dreames doe but your senses tickle , For in that hower , all that you hau's too little . Reuerse your error , let not these molest you , Why should faire falshood blinde your mentall eies ? That it may once be said vertue possest you , Wherein the truest fame and honor lies : For smal's that greatnes , poore & weak's that glory , Which hath his trust vppon things transitory . Then seeke not to enrich posterity , With an oppressing hand and cruell might : Nor build your houses vp by tyranny , Nor take possession of the poore mans right : Lest Achab-like , in buying so you sell Your house , your soule , and all you haue to hell . What profit shall your tired soules receiue Of all these riches , you haue heap'd together ? When in a moment you must take your leaue Of all your store , and goe you know not whither : Your children shew your wealth , the world your shame , And all doe hate the memory of your name . Most odious euer , hated of God and men , Accursed riches , which will waste in vsing , Vnluckie , and vnblessed issue then , When all you haue is purchas'd by abusing : Your parents knew not that their goods ill gotten Their heires wold spend , when they were dead & rotten . Oh what a ioyfull thing 't is to behold , Heires to succeed their fires in vertuous lore ? And striue their houses honor to vphold With greater glory then it had before : Studying by noble deeds t' inrich their name , To their immortall praise and endlesse fame . But ah I feare , what I would not mistrust , That heires to prodigall vices rather turne ; And leaue their honors trodden in the dust , The losse whereof some ancient houses mourne , Not liuing like themselues , in birth ; but slaues , Burying all vertue in their fathers graues . The cause of which great waste and fall of heires , I iudge the impious times of wretched fathers ; Whose auaritious thoughts and greedie cares ; To fatten them and theirs , vniustly gathers ; And waste their braines in studying day and night , To purchase that , which is anothers right . Oh why should these be grac'd ? why should a pen Dip'd in the purest liquor of those springs , Attend the earthly glory of these men , Which shame vnto the truest honor brings : As we doe see Fame none so much doth boast As those whose liues haue tyranniz'd it most ? If these , vnto such fortunes haue attain'd , Built on the slippery ground of fading Fame , Then what great glorie shall thy honor gaine ? Or what sufficient pen can praise the same ? If Vice with Tombes , and Epitaphes is renown'd , Wherwith shal thy rare vertuous deeds be crown'd ? If out-side honor , if vsurped greatnesse , If painted pictures of Iniquitie , Can haue their praises sung with wondrous sweetnesse , Which nere deseru'd the meanest dignitie ; What shall the true bred honor of the minde , Adorn'd with vertues excellencies , finde ? Did not thy ventures challenge from Fames wings , One quill or pen t' immortalize thy name ? Is any enuious Serpent left that stings , Or can with th' smallest tincture touch thy fame ? Are not thy vertues and thy honors blest With as great grace , and glory as the rest ? Then why should not some worthy spirits vprise , And with vndaunted quill her honor sing ? Why should they not her worth and vertues prise , As high as theirs which from corruption springs ? Whose shame 's their glory , & their aime's ( their stain ) At nought but worldly things , and glory vaine . No , worthy Lady , doe not thinke a Tombe Can thy fresh memory from this world diuide : Nor thinke that this earths all-deuouring wombe Within her bowels , can thy vertues hide , Nor wrong thy merits , nor arrest thy worth , Which spite of Time , will spring and flourish forth . That monumentall white , faire marble Tombe , Cannot containe thy noble deeds and merits , When all the world is knowne too little roome To comprehend , in bounds , thy boundlesse spirit : But still shall time , with vs , be euer telling Ages to come , thy vertuous life excelling . Nor , doe not thinke , though in corruptions bed Thy body lies interr'd at Tuddington , That therefore thou art quite forgot and dead , Or from our memories cleane exil'd and gone : No , no , thy name and fame againe will raise thee , And spite of death , will make the world to praise thee . No 't was decreed of euerlasting fate , That vertue should endure , and neuer die : Made to out-liue Times rage , and longest date , Writ with a pen of sure eternitie : Where if the Muses faile her worth to raise , Then babes and sucklings will speak forth her praise . Which hath induc'd my infant Muse to write , My suckling wits , which all too meane presumes , Where if that learning cannot well indite , How shall I doe with these impolish'd tunes ? But hope the best ; for euils come soonest then , When least suspected , and deseruing them . Then launch into the Ocean of her honor , So rare a Phaenix , and our countries wonder : Thy Muse , I doubt much merit will take from her ; Or else her silly backe will split asunder , Yet beare the sayles vp , heauens may send a winde T' inspire me how to praise her vertuous minde . Which they that true religion pure and blest , Not mixed with Idolatrie , nor defil'd : Whose vertuous life and deeds did her professe , An Israelite true , in whom there was no guile ; Imbracing of the sacred truth in loue , From which no worldly cares could her remoue . That sought to know and learne those artes Diuine . Which onely vnto true saluation tend ; And therein much did exercise her minde , To profit by the truth which all defend : Misplacing errors , which doe seeke to blinde The way of truth , in selfe-affected minde . No verball , but a mentall true profession , Ingrauen in her honorable brest ; Wherein it tooke most sure and deepe impression , That grace and honor heere did euer rest : Making the one illustrious by the other , As if they were both twins , sprung from one mother . And surely so they are , as neere allyed , Who wins their honors by their vertues first Can witnesse well their noble deeds haue tried , Though Fortune now bestowes them on the worst : 'T is but externall honor they doe winne , Whose houses end , before they doe beginne . For thou Religion art a seely sound , Accounted in these nice and curious times , Of many mightie troubles made the ground , Whom ouer-searching doubts , and errors blindes : So many truths , that which of them to take , To many wandering wits doe question make . This is the truth , they 'le neuer start away ; From this vnto another straight they are gone : Then to that sect they know not what to say , Thus are they busie in all , but firme in none : Then this they like , then that , then straight they le turne To any thing , I thinke , before they le burne . Such trees , which like the fig-tree seemes most faire , When nought but leaues and blossomes it affords ; And in the eyes of th' world are iudg'd most rare , That onely paints Religion out in words , That learnes to tip their tongues with Artes diuine , When damn'd Hypocrisie resteth in their minde . Whose gesture , workes , lookes , words , and actions all With similar showes are varnish'd to deceiue men , With heau p vp hands and eyes to heauen they call , As if deuotion would of sense bereaue them : And knock their brests , when as their hearts within Lie buried vp in flesh , and bloud , and sinne . Such strange comixtures of Religion holds them , That they , like mad-men , care not where they bite : And Iudas-like , a little price hath sold them , That euen the worst of errors they doe like : Thus are they , through their owne rash-daring skill , Led captiue of the Diuell , to doe his will . How many strange Religions are there found , That will dispute of truth , and seeme to know it ? How many sects , and rules , yet all vnsound ? As this vaine , light-beleeuing age can show it . If such a number into errors fall , How many more , which hold no truth at all ? Good God , which art the onely truth and guide , Keep 's from those errors , wherein some are caught , That we from thee may neuer fall nor slide , But willingly embrace the Gospell taught : That no inuentions , heresies , crafts or guiles May worke in vs , our safetie to beguile . But , worthy Lady , who did'st keepe the truth From superstition , and Idolatrie free ; Both in old age , in middle yeares and youth , That in such greatnesse few haue done like thee : Where many liue , to whom that name belongs , Which onely Christianize it in their tongues . But thy firme resolution fixed was , And vnremoued stood against all those , Which seemes to set a colour , and a glosse Vpon Religion , falshood to inclose : Vnder which faire pretext often doth lie , Most dangerous deepe deceits our soules to trie . The truth thy soule delighted : not to striue On idle questions , which no profit brings ; Whil'st some new sought inuentions can contriue , To draw hard questions from the meanest things : Wresting those words , that sence , to what they 'd haue it , And not as right and true constructions craue it . But thou , the praise of these vnconstant times , Mad'st not this world the patterne to doe ill ; But like a candle did'st in darknesse shine , And fram'dst thy life vnto thy Makers will , Not tossed to and fro with euery winde , Which wraps in many errors wandring mindes . But did'st continue , to thy vtmost breath , A zealous Protestant , and religious friend : Not stain'd with heresie in thy life , nor death , But seald'st thy last gaspe with a glorious end : Which made the Angels sing , and heauens reioyce , That thou with Mary madest so good a choyse . Thy faith as great and rare , did apprehend The second person in the Trinitie : On whom thy whole saluation did depend , Wrought by his passions so effectually : Not mingling of his merits with humane powers , Ascribing that to vs , which is not ours . But to thy selfe by priuate application , Did'st ceize on all those promises sweet and faire , Writ in the Scriptures for our consolation , To keepe vs vp from horror and despaire : That when deepe flouds , & waters seeme to drowne vs , Our faith may shine in darknesse then , & crowne vs . And bring our soules into that glorious rest , Wrought by his passions , sufferings , death and merit , Which he hath purchas'd for the chosen best , After this mortall labour to inherit : Redeeming vs , when we were cast away , With such a price as none but he could pay . That holy one , that pure vnspotted Lambe , That did descend , from his eternall throwne , For vs vile sinners , being God and man ; To satisfie the wrath of heauen alone : And vnderwent such torments , griefes , and paines , To make his greatest losse , our greatest gaines . Oh happie Lady , whose erected minde , This glorious obiect of thy faith so loues ? Thy soules delight , which ioyes and comforts finde , Where all the triall of thy faith he proues : And viewes the pure deuotions of thy heart , Which for his seruice thou had'st set apart . There , in that euerlasting booke of fate , Are written downe the triall of thy loue , Thy faith , zeale , piety , and that happy state , Which far beyond our thoughts , thy soule doth proue : Such great felicitie , ioyes , which ioyes excell , That tongues of men and Angels cannot tell . Could the heau'ns see thy labours and endeuor , And to thy louing cares giue no regard ? Thy constancie , whereby thou did'st perseuer Vnto the end , and yeeld thee no reward ? Oh no , 't is hard to thinke , but worse to say , That heau'ns great giuer should himselfe denay ! He that rewards vniust and wicked men With ample benefits , shall he not be kinde Vnto his owne deare chosen children then ; Or suffer them to slip out of his minde ? If he so liberall be to the vniust , What shall he be to those that in him trust ? Oh no , Great Lady , he will doe no wrong , Nor once deny himselfe , let none so thinke ; Hee 's iust and true , although he beareth long ; Nor is he blinde , although he seeme to winke : But doth behold thy faith , which neuer faints , Where he doth crowne thee with his dearest Saints . That bitter combate held with flesh and blood , And mightie conflict , which assaults the best ; Which by his powerfull hand thou hast withstood , And quench'd those fiery darts which neuer rest : But still new battailes , warre and strife begin Against our soules , faire Sions for t to win . Yet all these cannot shake thy glorious hold , See firme and constant faith doth still endure , Which makes thy trust and confidence so bold ; Ayde him that most vndoubted ayde assure ; He takes thy part , he will not see thee foil'd , Nor to thy foes become a prey , nor spoild . Heere did the triall of thy faith appeare , In his continuall fight with flesh and blood , Which shew'd thy loue vnto thy Sauiour deare , Which could not be by worldly hopes withstood : But still persisted , striuing for to winne That powerfull monster , Hydra-headed sinne . Thou neuer vnto Saints and Angels prayde , Nor mad'st petitions to them in thy need ; Which whil'st they liu'd , did want our Sauiours ayde , Whose sinnes , as well as ours , did make him bleed ; And was the cause that stopp'd his glorious breath To ransome them , as well as vs , from death . Yet will not these proud Pharisees be perswaded , But vrge traditions , from their fathers taught : And haue the Gospell through their power inuaded , And many holy needlesse reliques sought Of ancient Saint , and holy men deceased , Whereby their great Idolatry's increased . If Peter , Iames , nor Iohn , nor reuerent Paul Would neuer suffer , but denied those men To offer any sacrifice at all , Nor with the smallest worship honor them : Why should wee thinke they craue such wonderous ods , To be ador'd , or pray'd to now , like gods ? If that the Angell would not suffer Iohn , ( Whose brightnesse made him fall downe flatte before him , ) Ascribe no honor , but to God alone , Nor with diuine prostration to adore him : Why should those Saints , which were but sinful men , Desire such grace and glory done to them ? Nor sure they doe not , did not superstition Broch now for doctrine , what true faith enuies ; And by their Romish trash make such Diuision , Which God , Saints , Angels , heauen and all denies ; Where Christ with them , and they with Christ agree To make their prayers t'only none but thee : For him hath God the Father sealed true , He pay'd the price , he bought vs with his blood ; Then vnto him the debt is onely due , Which can in humane iustice be withstood : All worship , prayer , praise , and glorie too , Belongs to him , and more then we can doe . For there 's no precept which that dutie bindes , No law that doctrine found to ratifie , Vnlesse some false zeale , and affections blinde , Should broach for truth this error first : for why Should not the Prophets , Patriarkes , and the rest Be pray'd vnto , which were as highly blest ? Yes sure , their grace , their merits , and their faith Were euen as great , as were the great'st of them ; And had as much praise giuen ( as Scripture saith ) Which heard , saw , knew , and talk'd with God like men : More loue , more grace , more fauor who hath knowne To be to any of th' Apostles showne . And yet Romes Towre , proud Babell will withstand , And broach their owne inuentions for pure truth ; With sweete compounded doctrines held in hand , They cunningly beguile vnstable youth , And doe deceiue their soules with name of him Which did descend from heauen to die for sin . Which in the habite come of harmelesse sheepe , Yet are most strange deuouring wolues within , And many holy obseruations keepe , To varnish out hypocrisie and sin : They seeme pure Saints , but looke a little further , And you shal find , their poisonings , rapes & murther . And yet the heau'ns their lingering vengance spares ( Good Lord grant grace vnto thy little flocke ) For to discerne their frauds , deceits , and snares And build our trust on thee , the liuing Rocke , That sure and certaine ground which neuer falls When theirs shall waste , consume and perish all . But thou which build'st vpon that corner stone Thy faith , whose fruits so euidently appeares , And mad'st thy soules desire to him alone , Which on his head a crowne of thornes did weare : Whose vnpolluted conscience better tells , That truest faith with grace , and vertue dwells . And where thou seest with those translucent eyes , Thy Soueraigne Lord and Sauiour crown'd in glorie , Which all the waies of his elected tries Through pains , griefes , teares , and sad afflictions storie : The patient sufferings of his poore elected , Which in this world are vil'st of all respected , Thus , worthy Lady , if thy faith was weigh'd , With many Ladies now it would contend For crowne , and praise , and all their pride vpbraid , Which makes externall honor all their end : And glory , in the greatnesse of their birth , Or else their wealth , which is as little worth . But thou which honor , praise , and glory sings Vnto the Father of eternitie . And to his Sonne , which such saluation brings , Crowning our faithes with immortalitie : Were now translated to that place of rest , I le leaue thy faith triumphing with the best . And to that vertue which few ladies knowes , Or at the least will not acknowledge , knowne , Because it loues not pride , nor Court-like showes , But still retires it selfe to liue alone , Sequestred from those great resorts of sinne , Which many spend their youthfull glories in . Is that rich vertue , Great humilitie , Yet not too great , in great men now adayes , The onely badge of true Gentilitie ; If gentle bloods would ponder all her wayes , And scand thy worth , or truely finde thee out , Then Adams brood would neuer be so stout . Nor would the mightie Monarchs tyrannize , Nor seeke by violence to vsurpe a crowne , Nor noble blouds their honors preiudice , In treading poore dispised Orphanes downe : The quondam Farmer turn'd a gentle now , Would not vpon the backes of poore men plow . Oppression would not beare so great a hand , Nor these Rent-raysers racke their tenants ground , Authoritie would not on such strict tearmes stand ; Nor with his grisly lookes the weake confound : No pride , nor periuries , fraud , nor glory vaine Shall haunt thee , when this vertue thou hast gain'd . The key t' vnlocke the knowledge of the minde , That all her imperfections may appeare , The salue to cure her eyes that were so blinde , The wholesome balme to heale the deafest eare , The soueraigne cordiall which the heauens affords To mortall men , not to be spoke with words . Oh thou which makes the heart of man as poore , As is the sparrow on the houses top , And commend'st him with feare and shame the more , When conscience pleads the sinnes which he forgot : A heauie reckoning , did not heauen forgiue vs , And with their grace and mercie great relieue vs . Thou which pul'dst downe the proud aspiring spirit , And makes it leuell with the low estate ; Confoundest naturall pride , wit , strength , and merit , An leauest humane worth cleane desolate : Rob'st vs of power , and workes , to build our trust , Not in our selues , but Iesus Christ the Iust . Thou Queene of vertues , and the onely guide Which lead'st this ladie to that heauenly rode ; And that meane path so opposite to pride , Which in these sinfull times but few haue trode : The reines , which bridles Natures power , & tels then How vile a sinne ambition is , and swels them : Thou whose low spirit , meeke heart , and humble minde Did crowne the Conqueresse o're the crowne of pride , Thou which did'st lose these toyes , those ioyes to finde , And hast thy selfe , within thy selfe , denide . Hast found by meekenesse , honor ; rest for crosses , Ioyes for thy sorrowe profit for thy losses . So gentle , curteous , affable and kinde , That most would think it would disgrace their honor , If they should beare but such a lowly minde And much renowne and dignitie take from her : As not to vse that state to her belongs , Impaire her worth , and noble honor wrongs . Why should not persons of the noblest straine Their honors vse , their state and name vphold ? Why should they not their glory great maintaine , As well as their forefathers did of old ? It is their owne , and they were borne vnto it , Why is it counted pride in them to doe it ? 'T is true great Ladie I do know no cause , If honor in it selfe doth liue confinde : Nor breakes not iustice , loue , nor natures lawes , Which sauadge beasts in some affections binde : That hath well learn'd to know and rule himselfe , Imbracing vertue , and contemning pelfe . But they that glory in their state and greatnesse , And gentle curtesie , count base slauery , Which holds the highest pride , but cleanly neatnesse ; And their strong Tyranny , braue validity : Nor in his nature 's found but little good , What profit is their in this noble blood ? What house so famous that did not begin , And from most meeke and worthy mindes proceede ? Which did at first their braue achiuements win , From vertues time and honorable deeds : If it be so why should not humble spirits Possesse vs still , like glory to inherit ? But such are the vilde customes of these times , That vertue is asham'd , her selfe to knowe , She shall be taxt , she feares for some base ruines , If their full power , and grace she publicke shewes : Vertue must weare the cloak of vice about her , Or else your greatest gallants will but flout her . 'T is now dishonor to be honorable , And right must now indure a little wrong : Truth like the times must change , or be vnstable , Or else she must but whisper with her tongue : Loue , pitty , charity , if they want , I feare , Must get their liuinh where they cannot heare . Well could thy better guided spirits approue To kepe a meane gate in an humble path , And not to climbe those lofty seates aboue , Which many cares and discontentments hath , Whereof Dame fortune queene of change doth raigne ; And who she list shall vp , then downe againe . But still pure heau'ns thy honor did preserue , Clad in those humble garments Christ did weare , From which thy vertuous minde did neuer swarue : But still a gentle spirit did'st loue and beare , And neuer hadst this lesson far to seeke , Come learne of me that humble am , and meeke . But hadst both read , and knowne from the beginning , How grace attends the one , and shame the other , Greatnesse , and honors are such spurres to sinning , And there 's no vice so great , but pride can couer : Humility , the first true lesson learnes vs , How we should know our selues , & best discernes vs . In thy faire brest this vertue fixed lies , Which like a pretious Iewell doth adorne thee , And as a chaine those other graces ties , Which through the earth with such renowne hath borne thee With mounting Icarus doest feare no fall , Nor yet seekes meanes to raise thy state at all . Great Lady whose rare vertues passing thought , And weake imagination can't attaine : A prize for mortall men too dearely bought , And which the Gods themselues can best maintaine : For who can tell the spirits power that 's giuen , From that all powerfull power , the king of heauen . Thou which didst seeke to hide thy honour great , Lapt vp from fame within our countries armes , To keepe with vs thy residentall seate , So faire and sure from high aspiring harmes : Suppressing by a life retir'd that guest , Which crown 's thee with more glory , then the rest . No , that true honor which from vertue springs , Like to a sparke will kindle without blowing , Or like a tree which fruite in autumne brings , That spite of winters rage is euer growing , And fills the owners brest with glory store , That Kings ne're knew , nor yet possest before . Whilst those that liue in greatest Monarches grace , And sit vpon the pinacle of fame , That fortune at their pleasure can imbrace , And thinke to get a neuer dying name : Haue not to halfe thy praise with all their paines , Arriu'd vnto , which thou vnsought for gaines . Thy humble life like to thy Sauiour led , In greatest greatnesse meeke , in plentie poore Did make thy fame renowne and honor spred , And did increase thy prayses more and more , That in concealing as the worthiest vses , Thy honors grace thee , and more grace infuses . Thou didst not beare a loftie scornefull eye , Nor glory in the greatnesse of thy state , Nor exercise thy minde in things too high : But vnder-ualuest what most highly rate , And mad'st thy minde , a map for all to see The straine of vertue , in gentility . Thus did thy humble life in high degree , Raise thy vnwilling minde to more renowne , Induing thee with greater dignitie , Then those that with mo worldly pomp were crown'd , For thine were true , and did from vertue growe , Else heauen & earth , would ne'r haue grac't them so . But for her temperance in attire and diet , Which shew how much she worldly pompe dispised , And free from that super-abounding riot , Which is by some to prodigall bloods deuised , So strict vnto her selfe to others free , That gaue content in liberallity . And which did liue confinde in her estate , Not prodigally to wast in surfets store , Nor after such a vild luxurious rate , To pamper flesh with cloide delights the more : But kept a better course , and shun'd those sinnes , Which curious and delightfull appetites brings . Whilst some in beastly Epicurisme spend , And waste their daies in vild licentiousnes , Glutting insatiate tasts , but to offend , And make their God their bellies for excesse , Which eate , & drinke , & spend their time like slaues , To fatten sin , wormes , Sathan , and the graues . Whilst she did vse the meanes that might procure , The least offence that could be giuen in this , No such delitious bayts could her allure , T' abuse heauens gift in vsing them amisse ; But did obserue and keepe so true a diet , As kept her health full , and her soule in quiet . What Abstinence hath she vs'd to subdue Those causes , & those motions which might tempt her To make her proue vnto her selfe vntrue , Or with the tast of follow could preuent her , Oh no who striues that glorious marke to win , Must fly the meanes , as well as fly the sin . What man that open lies vnto his foes , From dangers and disgraces can be free , What man that with his enemies walkes and goes , That can stand firme , and neuer conquered be ? What man that graspes sin in his wanton armes , Can free escape , and ne're be toucht with harmes ? Oh no it is too hard for flesh and blood , If heau'ns should vs with our owne frailties trust , We should come short for to performe that good , Alas what power and strength doth lie in dust , When euery winde , blast , tempest , storme , & weather , Blowes vs away far lighter then a feather ? Good Lady how far was thou blest aboue vs , That could so moderate thy affections here : Where thy example is enough to moue vs , If any loue , zeale , grace and heauenly feare Were wrought in this obdurate heart of ours , To make vs better serue th' eternall powers . That ciuill block not larded with much cost , Nor wrought with broadered worke most curiously , Whereby some haue both wealth and credit lost , A iust reward for thoughts that mount too high , Could not surprize , nor in subiection bring , Her minde at all to like so vaine a thing , For well she knew that flesh and blood is apt Of it owne nature to be proud enough , And needs not such inticements to intrap , As cloth of Tissue , gold , or richer stuffe , Which often makes the wearer wondrous proud , Though 't is for Kings , and princes courts allowd . Yet for those men that can direct their minds , Whose gentle spirits in vertue haue bin bred , And by desarts haue vnto honor climb'd : Such costly garments haue bene giuen and red . But vpstarts now haue tooke that glory from her , Most imitate the fashion , few the honor . But she which for this vertue liues a wonder , Lashes not loosly into such extreames : But keeps without constraint her greatnesse vnder , And with her honor and her state dispneses , Fitting her habit euer to her minde , Most ciuill , modest , pure of vertues kinde . She decks not out with gawdy ostentation , This earthly substance to be gaz'd vpon , No new inuentions , and disstinguish'd fashion , These changing times can tempt her to put on : But liues alone makes vertue all her gaine , Despising worldly pompe and glory vaine . She couets not this popular admiration , The which ambitious nations most desire Nor makes her glory this worlds reputation , Which sets the heart of men so much on fire , Nor stands on honors , titles , nor renowne , Whose broken trust hath cast a number downe . 〈…〉 Nor doth she spend her time like some of those , In dressing , trimming , varnishing of beauty , Wherein too many doe such trust repose , They cleane forget all heauenly loue and duty , And spend their deerest howers , and sweetest daies , In flourishing that faire , which soone decaies . Nay which is worse , a lamentable case , Some new complexious and adulterous art ; They can deuise to paint their fading face , And helpe that worke which nature doth impart , Whose dambd inuentions seekes to mend that hew , Whom heauen at first did make most best and true . And pamper vp the flesh in all delights , And sooth their pleasures , in what they doe craue , Which in vaine studies spend whole daies and nights ; What diet , fashion , and attire to haue : Consuming halfe their time in flattering glasses , To idolize that which is dust and ashes . Which trim , and dresse with artificiall shapes Their painted bodies like to rotten combs , And onely but for worldy glory gapes , As if they sprung not from corrupted wombs , But had some priuiledge both from heauen & nature To be adored like Gods , not mottall creatures . Whose proud ambitious thoughts do swell so high , They thinke no mortall worthy to come neere them , But they must crouch or kneele submissiuely , Their looks and greatnes makes them so to feare them , That scarce a furlongs distance will content them , f prostrate duty be not done , and sent them . Nay , when they'aue done the best , and all they can , If grace , speech , action , doth not well adorne him , And rarest gesture , art can giue to man , The 'le hold him for a seruile clowne , and scorne him , His duty and behauiour comes far short , To grace such honors as attends the Court. Yee glorious heau'ns to whom all honor 's due , Yee blinde vs not to such strict seruice here So that our hearts be firme , vpright , and true , And your great reuerent name doth loue and feare : These outward duties yee did ne're require : Which greatest bloods , and mightiest men desire . Yet there be duties , would but true ones serue them , That none in humaine iustice can deny , For to be giuen to those that best deserue them , And keepe their thoughts from mounting vp too high , But if they once abuse them dutie flies , And flatterers straight doe sooth them vp with lies . What will this age come to , will it not burst With vice , and sinne , and split it selfe a sunder , Can patient heauens forbeare their lingring curse , And not with speedy vengeance quickly thunder : Then truth and conscience , iustice , loue , and pitty , Fly quickly hence to that eternall citty . For here is no respect , nor friendship dwelling , For any of you clad in pouerty , It is ingrost quite vp by all mens telling , Within the closset of eternitie , Where they doe dwell sithence as little worth : Till Christ doth come againe to iudge the earth . Art thou a Lady great in birth and honor , Art thou of state , ranke , meanes to equall others ? Then why should'st thou take any glory from her , Or by obscurity thus thy greatnesse smother : Is there a better honor bred within thee , That from these worldly honors thus can win thee ? Yet Lady had thy neuer ranging eye , Tooke but a viewe of what they might behold , How many vanities might they soone descrie , Which nature needs not , dayly to be sold ? Where more spent far in superfluitie , Then would some nature in necessitie . But thou which from these vaine delights didst flie , And little knowes the vices of these times , Clos'd vp in one roome from societie , In better studies and in arts diuine , Didst shew thy temperance from all worldly ioyes , And those false baytes which many minds annoyes . Thus didst thou spend thy pretious howers and time , In reading vertuous and most sacred bookes , And truly seruing of the powers diuine , Nor to these worldly vanities once lookes , Wherewith thou hadst continuall warre and strife Which crownes thee such a meritorious wife . Her senses were not organs vnto folly , Nor conducts to receiue in vanitie , These outward entrances she kept more holy , And not expos'd to worldly amitie . But for heauens zeale , and glory stopt those sluces , And bars the passage which might cause abuses . Nor did her eares itch after nouelties , Nor yet inquisitiue was in curious matters : But ere restraine those powers and faculties , From smoth tongud Gnatoes which are vs'd to flatter , Whose whispring tongues if that they once come neer them Will strait infect them , if they deigne to heare them . And like to hony drop into their eares , That poyson which soone swell ambitious spirits , That nothing else they doe desire to heare , But their owne praises , honors , worth , and merits , And rockt asleepe in their securitie , Make themselues equall to the deitie . Oh had but great men or great princes courts , Bene free from this how happy had they bin ? Such treasons , massacres , and plots of sundry sorts , None had contriu'd to snare the mighty in , They might haue stept securely without feares , Had not this rancker crept into their eares , Oh snare to honor , stayne to noble blood Thou great disease , obsequious adulation , Which Vulter-like doest feede vppon the good , And preys vppon them in so faire a fashion , That thou doest bite by fawning , kil'st by smiling , Strangl'st by loue , and by most trust beguiling . But she which loues not no such Sirens singing , Doth tune far better musick to her minde , And knowes those rare contents , & conforts bringing , With all those ioyes which those that proue them finde Whilst many cares and troubles vext their spirits , Which hunt for praise , and glorie vaine inherits . And waste their bodies and their soules together , To compasse here this windy blast of praise , Which hauing got they haue but caught a feather , And like to smoake , and vapours soone decaies , But those whom truest fame and vertue raises , Ne're luls themselues a sleepe with their owne prayses Pardon great Lady my vnworthy quill , That it should doe thy name , and honor wrong . And looke not to my art , but to my will , Which more affords then can be told with tongue : What learning wants , let something else supply , I know his pitch is for my reatch to high . She that did liue so long , and rule alone , And fairely did support her houses fame , A widdow , wife , and maide , confinde in one , In all , and seuerall states so free from blame , That enuy , nor the iniurious hand of time , Could euer staine , or touch with any crime . Her thoughts so continent , and her chast desires , Which neuer rioted in exppense of time , Sprung from those true eternall liuing fires , Which doth all vertue to it selfe combine Not lightly led , nor starting now and then To place new fancies in affecting men . But truely kept her selfe vnto her loue , Her worthy loue , in youth , in age , in death : So constant , faithfull , true as turtle doue , Where her affections gaue no second breath : But liu'd in one pure loue , and neuer changed , In thoughts so firmly knit , they neuer ranged . Which for the space of almost thirty yeares , Did rule alone her house admir , d of many , Such holy graces in her life appeares ; Such perfect vertues seldome seene in any : A virgin , wife , a widow , maide , to be , So old in honor , yet from folly free . Could not her long deceased spouse before , Grac'd with so many worthy after loues , Nor time , nor nature which could argue more , Nor any thing from that strict course remoue : But still her resolution doth perseuer , Inuiolate vnto the first for euer . Why then poore pen doest thou attempt so far , And canst not touch the riches of her honor , Nor nothing neere describe this glorious starre : But rather much vnhidden worth take from her , The little world of thy poore wit on fire , Will rather burne then satisfie desire . Yet giue me leaue great Readers to admire , Faire imitators of her honors worth ; Although I cannot satisfie desire , Nor set her high desarts , and honor forth , Accept my will , which must remaine your debtor , Till time , or heau'ns shall grace me to sing better . She in whose breast , grace such impression tooke , That made her time not like a mortall creature ; Which honors , state , and dignities forsooke , A thing most hard and wondrous strange to nature , That vertue should be found for to contemne , Such meanes and fortunes , as aduanceth them . Could grace and vertue natures force expell , And breake those lawes wherein she binds too many ▪ Could heauenly gifts in such a concord dwell , So welbelou'd within the heart of any : That in so many daies they should not fall , Nor yet be toucht with any crime at all . Pure-thoughted Lady which preserues thy soule So cleane from fleshly crimes , and carnall pleasures , Nor didst consent vnto such actions foule , Wherein too many wallow out of measure , That inbred sin which neuer leaues the most , Till nature's ready to yeeld vp the ghoast . One loue thy soule delighted , which decease , Did liue a fresh in the still vndiuided . Two persons ioynd in one makes no release Till both be dead in loue so firmly guided , Death parts the body , but the soule doth honor , In shadie groues to meete so true a louer . So constant Lady thou which after death , In strengh of yeares to no such bayts did yeeld , Gaines fame a second life , and longer breath , Whose stedfast loue , on better ground did build , Where palmes of victorie in thy hands are found , And lawrell wreaths to girt thy temples round . Where thou Diana-like didst lead a life , In sacred loue mixt with most chast desire , Or like those holy vestalls void of strife , Which keepes their honors spotlesse , and intire , And neuer lookes so true a course they liue , To those inchantments which the world doth giue . Where purest loue like to the morning dew , Sent downe from him which all good gifts infuses , Inioyes those rare contents giuen but to few , To very few which worldly traffique vses , So great and meeke , so chast , and yet a wife , For not a mortals , but an Angels life . Which onely keeps not from societie , Thy person free , but quencht those inward fires , And from loose thoughts , and vaine delights didst flie , Hating th' imbracements of vnchast desires And gaue no place to such inticements vaine , Which proues the owners losse , the actors paine . How canst thou then great Lady all forsake , So many thousand bayted hopes to see , And many great ones little rest to take , Whilst thou securely sleeps from dangers free ? No thy chast bosome neuer lusted so , To loose a freind for to imbrace a foe . Thou worthy patterne of this wanton age , Whose pure affections dispossesseth sin , And acts thy part vpon this earthly stage , As chast as she whose loue Troy towne did win : Oh who would wish more honor in this life , Then die a vertuous widow , virgin , wife ? Thou mighst haue knit thy selfe in sacred bands , With honorable persons in degree , In Hymens rites vniting hearts and hands , And not haue wrong this first loue being free , Oh but thy soule sayes to thy selfe alone , That fayth most firme , that keeps it selfe to one . No friend nor louer since thy bosome smothers , But Christ thy Sauiour , spouse , and husband deare , For whose deare sake thou hast forsooke all others , How great , or rich so e're they liued here ; And sworne vnto thy selfe , and made a vow To serue , loue , feare , and keepe him onely now . Oh happy choyse , yet man and wife do varry , From these pure paths , which vnto vertue tends , They care not who , nor yet how oft they marry For loue of lucre , lust , or worldy freinds : Exchanging oft the better for the worse , Who weds a second neuer lou'd the first . Such soule respects are so ingrauen in vs , First beauty , that faire obiect doth allure vs . Then mighty friends in state or meanes doth win vs , That from insuing dangers may secure vs : But last and greatest is wealth , reuenewes , riches , The which the soules of men so much bewiches . Long maist thou liue in thy more happier choise , That euerlasting loue which fadeth neuer , Long mayst thou , with that Bridegroome faire reioice , In those triumphing ioyes which lasteth euer , Long maist thou honor , praise and glory sing , Vnto the soueraigne Lord , the King of Kings . Where thy pure thoughts , chast bosome , vertuous life , Weds thy vnspotted soule to endlesse ioyes : Whose loue to that great spouse makes a chast wife , And whose rare gifts weake flesh and bloud destroyes : Whose outward honors many equals finde , But few to match the honor of the minde . Why should my striuing pen desire to tell , What it by force cannot attaine to know ? Why should my will against my skill rebell , My passions thus 'gainst reasons lawes to show ? What ardent furies workes within my minde , To seeke for that no wit , nor toile can finde ? Oh giue me leaue to breake off , thou my Muse , I cannot diue so deepe , I may be drown'd , Then spare my weakenesse , and defects excuse , Which must retire when it can feele no ground : That glorious streame of honor 't is too deepe For my weake braine , aboue the waues to keepe . But yet her bountie doth inuite my pen , That vertue which doth challenge praise with best , And vrges my dull hand to write agen , Which crownes her with more glory then the rest , And makes her name and honor mount the higher With such great grace , as makes the world admire . Her bountie , Alexander-like , did win A generall loue , and liking of the best ; Her fame and honor doth but now begin , As if no worthy gifts had fill'd her brest , And shee had not been fraught with such great store Of vertuous parts , in all her life before . Heere Fame and Bountie are at strife together , Which shall excell each other in their praise ; Such copious matter both affords , that neither I cannot tell her worth , will highest raise : Both speakes so well , that I will doubtfull leaue it . Vnto the world that better can conceiue it . Yet in the booke of true recording fame , Such mightie volumes of her vertues stand , Most fairely drawne by ancient time , which came Attented with a faire incompass'd band Of minutes , houres , daies , weeks , months and years , And spoke a speech that rauish'd humane eares . I that fell downe at that most pleasant spring , Make my petition vnto aged Time , That he would ope the booke againe , and sing Those too much blessed words , and crowned lines : Whereat he smilde at th' weaknesse of my braine , And said 't was more then nature could containe . For in deepe characters heere doth lie inrol'd The famous Arts and memorable deeds Of all those worthies which haue beene of old , Which from faire Vertues line and stocke proceeds : The monuments of Fame , which through my hand , For rustie age haue beene forgotten long . Where shee amongst the rest of honors line , Lies surely writ in those eternall scrowles , Inrol'd in those great monuments diuine , Which true and euerlasting fame in rolls : In heau'ns great store-house lock'd , till fatall doome , Raises her body from this earthly tombe . Where her most bounteous and munificent hand , Which neuer turn'd vnto her selfe in vaine , Did more affection in our soyle command , Then thought can thinke , or honor can obtaine : Made friend of foes , and feared loue combines In those that loue , but miserable mindes . For Bountie is a key that will vnlocke , And mollifie the cruell'st dispositions , Able for to dissolue the hardest rocke , And make it flexible to th' mild'st condition : For none , I thinke , so obdurate e're haue bin , But bounteous deeds , or liberall gifts could win . For 't is a badge of Christianitie , A cognizance to know the noble natures , The truest touchstone whereby we may trie The generous race , from base and worldly creatures : Whose greedie cares doe eate the soule like rust , And neuer leaues , till leaue them needs it must . This sinne of Auarice makes vs like to hogges , Which roots i' th earth , and digs i' th ground for gaine , And with a thousand feares our conscience clogges , Vexing our spirits with long , leane , pining paines : Which like a mad consumption wasteth all , Both soule and body , for a rising fall . That like a vulture , feeds vpon the liuer , And gnawes the intralls like a pining sicknesse , Which , where it once possesses , leaueth neuer , Take the yong man i' th Gospell for a witnesse : For this rancke age is much farre worse then him Which kept the Law , and was not stay'd with sin . He something had to answere for himselfe , And iustifie him for this life of ours ; Had not he beene in loue with worldly pelfe , A clearer light shin'd not in humane powers : For who can tell that he hath done so well As this rich yong man , that is gone to hell . Oh no , deare heauens , in mercie looke vpon vs , One of a thousand cannot say so much , Yet doe not take thy grace and fauour from vs , Although so pure a life we cannot touch : For we renounce our selues , and trust in thee , Out of this mortall toile to set vs free . Then , noble Bounty , I must needs commend thee , If that no other cause were giuen but this , And with more praise , then I can giue , commend thee , Which had he knowne , of heauen he could not misse : If for one sinne , heauens cast this man away , What shall we doe , that sinne thus euery day . Well may the greatnesse of this vertue moue vs , And pricke vs forward , Bountie to embrace , Which generally doth make the world to loue vs , But most those men of greatest birth and place : If Auarice be so great and vile a sinne , What praise and glory then shall bountie winne . Great honors mirror , in whom I doe finde Such rare perfection , that my soule admires it : Thy vertues marching in their seuerall kinde ; That those that heares it , more & more desires it : And glutted pen doth surfeit with the store Of those rich vertues , Ignorance makes poore . Her bounteous hand , and great rewarding minde , What pen from you , can well the same expresse , As thy true merits , and desarts doth binde , And not eclypse the same , and make them lesse : If those that tread the tract of honor true , Deserue a golden pen , it falls to you . Where though thy soule hath reacht eternitie , And thou art there inrol'd in ioy and glorie : Yet giue thy seruant leaue , his wits to trie , And write insuing times this sacred storie : For heauens decreed such vertues ne're should die , Nor such bright honors taste mortalitie . Yet there be some , whom my concealing pen , For breuities , and for manners sake omit That caries vertues , or should carry them , Which can themselues , and vertue too forget , And can , since honors hand did them preferre , Take ease and pleasure , and not thinke of her . Whose power as weake , as others were before , Now fully fed , can swell , and keepe no bounds , And most insatiate , couet more and more , That should not be in arte and learning found : Which once for halfe that meanes would humbly bow , Where hauing all , are not contented now . Yet , bounteous Lady , let not this thing grieue thee , That Benefactors are so ill respected , But let thy innocence in this cause relieue thee ; Christ had but twelue , yet was by one neglected : If one from him , needs more must fall from thee , Which being once dead , their loyalties cannot see . 'T is our corruptions that is bred within vs , Which is the cause of this , and hath beene euer ; And present profit hath such power to winne vs , That dead and gone , we straight forget the giuer : And few remembers good turnes past and gone , Where such great persons naturall glasse is runne . Could I collect together , in one summe , A record of the honorable deeds , Of all those gifts bestow'd , and fauours done , Which from her free and bounteous minds proceeds : Then should I to small purpose spend my dayes In writing that which hath no end of prayse . What bounds or limits hath her honor knowne , Or who can sound so deepe , or well declare her , When those faire wings , shee flyes with , are her owne , Which to that mightie height of fame did reare her : I need not adde vnto the Ocean more , What is one drop vnto such wonderous store ? Alas , great Ladie , thou hast little need Of my harsh tongue to praise thy bountie so ; In euery place thy fame as well doth speed , And better too , then I haue power to show : Thy worth by me no more disgrace endures , Then Sun , when clouds her glorious light obscures . No , Honorable Lady , know thy selfe , Although I cannot pay thee halfe thy due , But tossed am vpon misfortune shelfe , And cannot sing thy honors full , nor true : Yet from these ashes may a Phaenix spring , When they haue heard thy worth and better sing . Then take this vertue now into thy hand , My feeble spirits begin for to retire ; Such power thy vertues haue , they can withstand A better pen , and bid my thoughts admire , And glory in the subiect , not my Muse , Which can more faults then I haue done excuse . Yet giue me leaue a little to proceed , And some more graces of her minde discouer ; My fond affection , in this vaine to feed , One vertue still , you see , calls in another : Where though I doe begin , and speake of many , Yet can I finde no end of praysing any . Thy hospitalitie did as much renowne thee , As cannot be by mortall tongues exprest ; And with as great desarts and prayses crowne thee , Filling thee with more glory then the rest : And brings thee forth vpon this stage to show thee What thy desarts and their affections owe thee . Thy speaking praise from Cottage to the Throne , Attend thee , Ladie , with no common glorie ; Thy bounteous deeds so spred abroad and knowne , Writes in mens hearts thy neuer dying storie ; Where it shall liue past all succeeding ages , As willing pen and vertue true presages . Thy bounteous table kept , who may declare , Or greatnesse of thy hospitalitie , Whose liberall minde no cost at all doth spare , To grace thy honor with more dignitie ? Where ouerwhelmed with affections store , Shee to her friends thinkes greatest bountie poore . What long enduring house hath honor kept , And with thy bounteous cheere , and wondrous store Fed many mouthes ; whil'st some haue basely slept In Mammons armes , still coueting more and more : Snorting in mines of gold , feeding their soules With that , the best , and worthiest mindes controlls . Which loues to heare the fall of honor true , And enuie those rare gifts they doe possesse ; Detracting those which bounteous deeds ensue , And yet these slaues will creepe and be their guests ; To all those famous houses , which they heare Doe keepe vp bountie , and maintaine good cheere . Whil'st they doe scrape and gleane , what they can get From Bounties hands , and liberall dispositions , Which ne're a good house kept themselues as yet , Nor ne're will doe , so base are their conditions : If they can creepe but into honors fauours , Thei le feede and burst vpon anothers labours . Thus from great persons free , and bounteous tables , They heape vp wealth by wretched miserie , And make their heires so strong in meanes , and able ; That in the compasse of gentilitie They must be drawne and honored of some men , Although their fathers basely begg'd for them . I doe not vrge this , most renowned Lady , Though many men haue bettered beene by thee , To ayme or point at any thing , that may be Thought preiudiciall to thy dignitie : But as thou art most liberall , free and kinde , So to expresse the bountie of thy minde . Now can the Citie , Countrie , and the Court , Whose eares haue heard of thy dispersed fame , Vnto thy Princely Palace make resort , And fill their thoughts with thy admired name : Where hearts , eyes , eares , and all desires to proue The great magnificence of thy grace and loue . With curteous , kinde , and honor'd dispositions , Such as is wont in noble brests to dwell , Thou entertaines great birthes , and faire conditions With such rare grace and gestures as excell : No wise conceits , nor curious Artist found , But for thy courteous grace thy praises found . No worthy Lady , of the noblest straine , Which for her parts and wisdome was diuine ; But thou with bounteous hand did'st entertaine And show thy selfe as free as Caesars minde : Whose salutations were as fairely drest , And powdred with the wisdome of the best . Heere greatnesse doth another greatnesse grace ; Loue meetes with loue , heere honor , honor kisses ; Heere noble mindes each other doe embrace , Nought to make vp such sweete contentment misses : So faire a troupe of worthy persons meeting , But few haue seene in such great honor greeting . Here liberall Ceres plaies no niggards part , Here Heau'n , earth , Seas their greatest plenty brings , Here Bacchus cheeres the melancholly heart , Whil'st a learn'd consort of sweete Musicke sings : A feast that did more sumptuous cost afford , Then Cleopatra did that noble Lord . Who hath beene fam'd for hospitalitie , That hath not ranckt her name among the rest ? Who haue for bountie and for dignitie Admired beene , and left her vnexprest ? Who hath a worthier house kept all her daies Then she hath done , and liu'd in greater praise ? No , Lady , though our Shire did thee containe , Yet are thy honors and thy bountie spred ; And can as great a share and glorie claime , As theirs can doe , and grace thee being dead : With true deseruing fame , for euer blest , To equall Pellam , Ramsey , and the rest . No niggards hand , nor greedy gaine did hold her , The noblest mindes are not in loue with riches , Nor haue her vertues for such trifles sold her , Though many great ones powerfull gold bewitches : But what meanes heere the heauens her freely lent , Shee wasteth nor , though liberally shee spent . But to a better end and purpose vsde them , The hungrie members of our Lord to feed , And not in such disordred sort abus'd them , But help'd the weake afflicted in their need With Ioseph , to refresh the brethren poore , Which stands and waits for charitie at the doore . Her yerning pitie did so farre extend , That deepe compassion shee did on them take , And in their great necessities did befriend Their soules and bodies for meere charities sake : With gifts and good rewards shee did supplie Their extreame wants , and sau'd them like to die . How many hath shee eas'd of Lazars crue , The poorest members of our dying Lord , Whose great distresse the kindest natures rue , Tost to and fro , and in this world abhorr'd : Despis'd and made a scorne of euery eye , Which doth behold their woe and misery . Thus doe they show from whence they are descended , From that old serpent their adopted father , Which neuer will , nor euer haue extended The least reliefe , as Diues crummes to gather ; His dogs were kinder for to licke his sores , Then men are now , which beats them from their dores . But thou , great Lady , wherein vertue rested , Did'st daily feed them at thy bounteous gate , And the poore members of Christs flocke hast feasted , Comiserating heere their wofull state , Which nothing haue in this world to relieue them , But what such liberall minds as yours doth giue them . Poore naked wormes which feele the sharpest aire , Which wants food , cloth , and home , which many haue , What is heere left to keepe yee from despaire , When all your hopes and comforts are the graue : And if it were not for some worthie mindes , Your soules would faint and die before your times . But thou , most true deuoted Ladie , giues Both cloth , food , harbour , to such orphanes poore , And helpest those which in extremities liue , And ne're expuls'd the needie from thy doore : But at the point of death their soules did cherish , And sau'd those liues which ready were to perish . Thus did thy faith beare sweete and pleasant fruits , Which euer from that flourishing tree proceeds , With such rich graces , as best honor sutes , And did extend it selfe to bounteous deeds : Relieuing cheerefully those silly elues , Which had no meanes here for to help themselues . Thou faire example liue without compare , Thou map of honor be for euer blest , Since to the poore such pitty thou dost beare , Which meaner persons in their pride detest , And dost extend thy hand to helpe their neede , Whilst their fell cruelties make their harts to bleede . Nay not contented thus , thou lefts behinde , As long as any age or time indures , A faire example of thy bounteous minde , Which shall for euer stand most firme and sure , Where thou hast meanes , and liuing left in store , To helpe the helpelesse , and releiue the poore . Could I but reckon what her honor gaue , Or what a number at her gate she fed ; How many needie wretches liues she sau'd , For want of foode halfe pinde and almost dead , The sum I feare would grow so wondrous large , And far extend my weakenesse to discharge . No 't is not to be told with any tongue , Those great accounts my pen must let alone , Vnlesse attempting I should doe her wrong , To take away from her what is her owne , For numberlesse they are , and so I 'le leaue them , Where endlesse ioyes for endles good receiue them . For what she gaue to those , she lent to him , Which will repay 't againe vnto a penny : She shall not loose by that she knowes , but win , And crowned be in heauen , with ioyes as many , Where double recompence she shall surely haue , And thousand fold more finde then here she gaue , Her goods possessing she did not possesse But made them free for others which did neede them , They were not hers she often would confesse : But lent her to refresh the poore , and feede them , Where she as tenant held from his great hands , All that she did possesse , both goods and lands . And knew right well that she account must giue , Of all those rich demeanes she here inioyd , And in so great a calling how she liue , Vnto what vse her Talent was imployd , Where now with that good seruant she doth finde , Her masters ioy and ten times more assignde . Oh Lady why doe I this vertue vrge , So much in thee and cannot finde in others , Art thou alone vnto these times a scourge , To whip their dulnesse forward , and discouer ? Those monstrous wolues which neuer will be fed , But eate vp poorest Orphants like to bred . Religion is the cause of this I hold , That to good workes will not ascribe saluation , Which makes our age in charitie grow so cold , As few will giue because 't is out of fashion , Then let our works be meritorious found , It may be then more charity will abound . Thus doth this topsie-turuie age delight In contraries , and leaues the good vndon , Wrong hath the vpper hand of truth and right , And euery man to swift perdition runs : If this saluation were , as none it is , Who would be damn'd then that should doe amisse ? But , world , thy share will come farre short , I feare , For vain 's that hope , whose faith brings forth no fruit , Nor showes it selfe in vertuous actions here , What 's better for a tongue if one be mute : Or for that rise which breeds a greater fall , Or for that faith which showes no workes at all . Good Lady , thou which did'st possesse so much , And spent'st so little vpon idle pleasure ; How farre doest thou digresse from these I touch , And seeke to store thy soule with better treasures ? Those secret graces which the heau'ns impart To such as be vpright , and true of heart . Where zeale , grace , faith , loue , hope and pietie , Concurre in one to make a blessed soule ; Where temperance , bountie , and humilitie , Doe all foule Vice , and errors false controule : Where her renowned hospitalitie , Makes her most happie , ioyn'd with charitie . Where with that worthy Captaine well shee speeds , Nor feares shee death , that freely is forgiuen ; Her prayers , gifts , rewards , and almesdeeds , Are now remembred in the sight of heauen : Where shee doth heare the voice of him shee lou'd , Which hath her faith through such affliction prou'd . And where her workes , and deeds , and vertues all , Attends her after this expired breath , And did not suffer her great name to fall Into obliuion , by forgetfull death : But breakes those prison doores , and sweetly sings , Hell , where 's thy victorie ? Death , where 's thy sting ? Thou fore-decreed by that eternall doome , A sacred vessell of most free election , A marke of pietie to the times to come , Seal'd with heau'ns finger at thy first conception : Grac'd with his grace , which doth all grace secure , Which time consumes not , but doth still endure . Looke when as Tytan from his scarlet bed Doth rise , and all thicke vapors driue away , And all the curtaines of the heau'ns are spred , Without a cloud to blemish any way , Where that bright frame to mortalls doth appeare Most wondrous calme , most perfect , faire & cleare . Euen so this rising Sunne of honor shines , The hopefull signe of a most glorious day , And all the graces firmely so combines , That mists , nor clouds , nor vapors can dismay : This faire vnblemish'd frame keepes still true honor , Which Time , Death , Fortune , neuer shal take from her . What man so great in pompe and earthly glorie , That hunts full crie with hungrie breath for fame , Can write insuing sinnes a fairer storie , Or win more honor , or a grater name : Or graces be with more desarts and prayse , Then shee had beene so truely all her dayes . Those that in the full circuite ride of pride , Liu'd in a world of eyes for to behold them : Had what this earth could grace them with beside , And at the highest rise of fame hath sold them : Made all their words and deeds like Herods then , Which cried the voice of God , and not of men . Yet in the mid'st of all their pride deceiued , Haue brought their honor to vntimely ends , And of their golden hopes haue bene bereaued , Which with the world would die such mighty freinds . Their mistris with vae vobis leaues them all , When they doe least dreame , and suspect to fall . But they which build their house one vertues ground , And leade that life which thou before hast done , No age no fortune euer shall confound , Their honors when their naturall glasse is run , But they shall flourish faire and still suruiue . Death takes not them like those which dye , aliue . Thus hauing loos'd theese earthly fetters here , That heauie bondage worse then Egipts thrall , And ouercome by faith those doubts and feares , Which greues the best , and doth in question call , Our liues and deeds with many frailties shaken : How shal we stand when such strict reckonings taken ? But fly to the heauens true and onely sonne , Deere Sauiour and redeemer whose strong might , Di'dst that huge blacke internall host orecome , And put those powers , and enemies all to flight . That conquerest quite , hell , sathan , death , and sin , Which none before , nor since could euer win . And open sets the doore t'eternall life , Freed vs from all our enemies by thy death ; Although we suffer toyle , cares , greefe , and strife , Within our selues during this mortall breath : Yet when thou thinkest good thou wilt inlarge vs , And of our weary , heauie load discharge vs . Whereof being freed , and set at liberty , Thou endlesse ioyes for ending greefe imbracest , And di'st no more but liu'st eternally , With him from whom thou hast bene euer grac'd , Where now enioying what thou wantedst here , Thou sing'st Halluiah with that heauenly quire . Where , now vnto that glory I will leaue thee , That true felicity , and eternall rest , Which like to earthly ioyes , will not deceiue thee , But still indure effectuall and ere blest , Triumphing with those Saints which euer sings , All praise and glory to the King of Kings . Here noble Lord some vertues of your owne , May in this darke , and little glasse appeare , Or of that seede which you your selfe are sowne , Which cannot ( like your honors ) shine so cleare , Yet may you see some shaddow of your fauour , If that you truely doe but read my labour . For in this little booke I haue not err'd , Although her honors worth I could not weild , Nor vice before true vertue haue prefer'd , Nor yet on such false slipperie grounds doe build , As grace a sin by a dissembling tongue , To doe the best , and noblest natures wrong . No let me neuer rise but rather fall , If lower then I am I can descend , When euer I take vices part at all , Or ayme at any such vaine hopes or end , But rather study vertuously to please , Then haue my duty sicke of that disease . No , worthy Lord , I le neuer sell my selfe , Though I should be farre poorer then I am , By vniust meanes to purchase worldly pelfe , As sooth vp folly in the greatest man : That gaine is losse , that glory turnes to shame , Which branded is with Gnato's flattering name . Then let not honor iudge my liues amisse , Although your iudgement farre extends my verse , My duty 's true , and so shall proue by this , Which I vnworthy farre , haue heere rehearst : If I in ought through weaknesse haue offended , Let greatnesse by their faire acceptance mend it . For I doe know two noble natures springing , From one pure fountaine cannot be diuided ; What wrong to her , to you some blot is bringing , Which cannot be but by your worth decided : For you that doe succeed her roome and place , Are heire vnto her vertues and her grace . Whose faire example happie you may proue , And like a greater light the lesser guide , Adorn'd with honor , glorie , grace and loue , And blest with all these earthly things beside : That wanting nought to fill vp eithers store , Your honor still may flourish more and more . Who takes a patterne of his glorious maker , And seekes to treade the tract of honor true , Cannot at first be made a full partaker Of all those rich demeanes , to honor due : Such faire examples must haue time and space To ouertake them , 't is no common race . Which shee , true vertues patterne , left behinde , Much like a marble pillar vnremou'd , Such tokens of her honorable minde , As make her heere generally belou'd : Whereof when you shall take a fuller view , Shall finde those honors fall to th' house and you . Where I doe pray that heau'ns would grace it still , With as great honor as it had before ; Or greater , if it be his blessed will , Vntill the surges ouerflow the shore : That Wentworths noble race with Cheauies name , May be inrol'd in euerlasting fame . And you , faire Lady , grac'd with Natures gifts , And with a spirit that hath true vertue in it ; Which my deiected Muse from sorrowes lifts , And hath more power , then others haue to win it : Bound with a dutie which must not be broken , Giuen at my first conception for a token . You the true Image of that Lady great , For vertue and an honorable minde , Of whom for your faire worth I would intreate , More then affection doth in others binde : To whom I owe more then you deigne to craue , Loue , seruice , dutie , life and all I haue . A present all too meane if 't were farre better , In one whom meanenesse , meanenesse doth excell , To whom I must and will remaine a debter ; A debter great , how great I cannot tell : Whose many fauours show'd to friends and me , Lies hid within , that cannot vttered be . What shall I giue , that nothing haue to paie , The widowes mite will not passe currant now , That metall 's growne nought with vs now adaies , Nor is it for true currant pay allow'd . Yet where there 's nothing to be had you finde , Accept , good Lady , of a gratefull minde . This worke to your pure minde I doe present , This honors prize vnto thy Iudgement sound ; Where if for any fault I should be shent , Let some defence in thee be had and found : Lest if some tempest should arise too fast , I should be shiprack'd , or in danger cast . For well I know you lou'd her honor liuing , Intirely so , as pen cannot declare , And after death in true affections giuing , Did'st loue and zeale still to her honor beare : Then for her sake let these some fauour finde , That was her selfe so courteous , free and kinde . Good Lady , which her life hast seene and knowne , And all her vertues and her honors proued , To whom her thoughts , and counsels all were showne , So much was you , and shee of you beloued : Can better tell what store of vertues lie Hid in her brest , which no man can descrie . I doe but adde a droppe vnto the sea , For who can comprehend in any bounds Her honor 't is but labour cast away , To finde out that , which is not to be found : But as a sparke is to a mightie fire , So must I yeeld and valew my desire . And though her modest blushes will not let her , Her vertues prize , nor take what is her owne , Nor with that true deseruing praise beset her , Which to the world is blaz'd so much and knowne : Yet shall her vertues in their force abide , Which through her modest vaile shee sought to hide . For what can heart desire , shee hath not found ? If wealth or riches shee hath not least store , If fame or praise , her name with that doth sound , If honor , who , for her estate , had more ? If with long life , or length of daies and time , Who longer liu'd , whose honor more did shine ? If with the gifts or graces of the minde , Who with her almost now may well compare , Or hath had more , or better beene inclinde , Which kept her vertues with the fairest faire : And like that praise , which Scriptures Dauid gaue , Brought good old age and honor to her graue ? Thus in this little volume may you reade , Some vertues of her honorable minde , Some of her merits , worthie parts and deeds , For all it is vnpossible to finde Vnlesse that I should out of nature dwell , And learne such notes , which humane notes excell . Thus hoping of your gratious censures all , I leaue yee to that euerlasting blisse , 'T was fate , not wit , which to this taske did call My meaner spirits , and rays'd my minde to this : If ought miscaries blame not my intent , For what is rudely sung , is better meant . To which pure , sacred , blessed Trinitie , Which rules vnseene all things for th' best aboue vs , Those Persons three inclos'd i th vnitie ; A wonder strange , yet not so strange to loue vs : Being such sinners 'gainst his Lawes rebelling , Past all the tongues of men and Angels telling ; To him in all and vnto all in one . Be all praise , powre and glorie giuen alone . FINIS .