An alarum for ladyes by the Sieur de la Serre, historiographer of France ; nevvly turn'd out of Franch [sic] into English by Francis Hawkins, dravving on to the tenth yeare of his age.

AN ALARVM FOR LADYES .

The first Dayes Worke.

AWAKE yee , Ladyes , awake yee , at the dreadfull sound or this Trompet . It 's the summon of your apparance in the name of God , to that inevitable judgment , such is it , to which all human Nature must obey , must bow : It 's a judgment that astonisheth the most innocent , and causeth the most just to sighe , yea rather through feare to tremble .

Awake yee , forsake your , though nice coutches speedily , come yee out of them , as if they were no other , then your graues , where the worme of your consciences doth devoure yee ; Heare attentiuely the last time , the finall decree of your safety or loss , your liues , or deaths .

Open your eyes to this dolefull light of the Sunne , which this day sendeth his beames soe bright into your chambers , which I may well enstile dolefull ; for who well knoweth , whether each streame of this Planet , bee not a funerall torch , which surroundeth your beds , as your first coffins : since that our liues haue not in proper one sole moment : Surely , it were to much purpose to number your yeares , the bells call on yee to the buriall of one of your company , much yonger alas ! then are yee .

How is it possible ! that in the proper posture wherein yee lye , yee once reflect not on your deathes , on your last end ? Behold yee stretcht forth at lenght , to your vttermost extents , in that self same linnens , which likely will serue yee in lieu of your winding sheetes . It 's well indeed , that yee can breath as yet , this witness of your liues is the signe of your deathes : since that each respiration doth denote a minute of the clock of your lungs , vntill the last breath , the last sigh , make yee know , the last hower of your retreits . And as all your other actions necessarily returne thither ; can yee bee sensible of life , without feeling your selues to dye , and dying void of thinking , that the self same day which by grace hath been lent yee , may by justice bee your very last : where you must render a strict account of each moment , which haue fore-run even from your births ?

At the lenght ; behold yee risen : but wherewith doe you entertaine your pretious time ; yee make your address vnto your lookinglass , and giue your selues the first , therein , by yee the day is given over to the good morrow , to all th' inchantments of your faire face , alas ! It were requisite , that some one , or other , should whisper in your eares , as it was formerly to the wife of Mithridates , Sooner , or later death will attend on you , it will come inevitably : Is it credible , that your bloods even frozen with feare , and horrour , become not changed into very ice , where ruines may bee plainely discovered by the enticements whereby yee appeare idolatresses ? This mighty , as vnhappy graced by beauty , made caresses , and homage , as doe too many others of yee to her face , in her lookinglass , alas ! even when shee was tould : that she must dye , there was newes indeed !

How is it now Ladyes ? doth not one daily sing the self same song vnto yee ? were yee happy of the least memory , it would certainely cause yee to reflect seriously , that there are very many of your companions dead ; and I can assure yee , that yee trace them apace .

Are yee confident to gaze on your faces with self delights in your lookinglasses ever : since that beauty dooth flitt daily , daily fade , and giveth it's adieu ? Yee admire with eyes idolatress , not weighing seriously , that your selues are the sacrifices lay'd vpon the Altar . This world at the mercy of the Deuine justice , the officer of wich is Time , doth though by slow paces , vsher yee to death , where yee must endure eternall paines for your offences .

What curiosity see yee ? what rare gemmes contemplate yee on in the lookinglasse , that there yee stay so long ? Maketh it shew vnto yee , that your foreheads are as smooth as glass ? alas ! The one , and other hath deceiu'd yee farr : Your foreheads coutch their wrinkles vnder the vaile of your owne arts , for yee daily paint them ; And besides , your lookinglass , which flattreth yee , by a new deuise of the cunning artificer , who to oblige yee doth decypher yee such as yee would bee , not the same yee are : what novelty admire yee now ? your eyes ? It would ever grieue me , if they ouerflow not in teares , to deplore their miseries .

Is it your mouths ? It suffiseth mee to know : that they can not vtter words of more validity : then are theise which declare , and divulg the trueth of your calamityes . And for your tinctures , delicateness , they impose on me charitable silence fearing to wrong them by the sole aire of my breath .

Can I not impose silence with patience , on my self as yet , that yee may rest in peace , since that yee are seriously intertained so ; Where there are found more dreames : then grounds , then reasons , which I must needes beleiue ? Were yee awakened : then would resound the direfull Trompet , which call's yee to the day of Doome : where each one must appeare in proper person , and answeare for himself in particular .

Set before yee now the confusion , and disorder yee shall bee brought vnto . Is it not likely , that yee will blush for shame : as often as yee haue lay'd white on your faces ? will they not become pale with feare , as often as yee haue lay'd on them , red ? therein , yee will betray your selues , publiquely discovering the secrets of your guilty slights .

I excuse Narcissus in the fable , where as it 's found that there hee became his own enamoured , the adorer of himself . How was hee deceived ? Alas poore Narcissus ! thou never didst discover thy self in that guise , and manner : But how can one pardon yee ? or in any wise conniue at the errours found in yee , of the like nature ? Can yee make the least question of your defects : since that yee are fully fraught with them ? And for your forgettfulness of your miseryes : it 's strang ! What yee fe'ele a thousand times a day , can not butt make yee confess : that yee are not pasted of aught else , nor formed of any other matter .

Awake yee then speedily , redeeme your selues out of this earthly sloth , wherewith your soules are burthned , are indeed heavily oppressed , and lending an attentiue eare vnto the dreadfull sound of this Trumpett , which summoneth the Vnivers to judgment , ponder seriously ▪ that it giveth not a vaine warning : since that each moment , an infinity of soules , come thither in troupes . See in what case yee would bee found : if death should surprise yee even then : when your faces are painted , your phantasyes charged with vanityes , and your soules soyled with a thousand kinds of crimes : Oh God of justice , who will not feare thee , at the day of thy vengeance ?

Belieue me Ladyes ; since that your death's are inevitable : since that yee must expressely dye indeed : sollicitously note your dayly demeanours . It seemth to any one , who observeth the care which yee employ on your faces : that you liue for them onely . The fairest of your company , who yesterday dyed suddainely to day affrighted her vassals , and though yee bee tender to maintaine her former beauty : yet I assure mee : that yee defye to come nigh her without stopping your noses .

Enstyle yee those horrours graces which appeare on her face ? those her eyes suncke ? those her wanne lippes ? I tell yee truely ; that hew of death , that it's tincture , would as it where even make mee hate your sexe : were I not a fruite of the same tree ; The rootes , and body of the tree , are of the self same stamp ; The leaues and flowers , are of the self same nature , there is not a pinne to choose .

To apply my self more nigh vnto yee , I will state it thus ; that there is amongst yee one , who is the flower , the mirrour , the wonder of this age , what honour , what lucre , what returne of profitt will hence accrew vnto her ? were it that one sing her praises in each tongue : there will not be found aught ; but aire in diuers fashions . Should one erect , and consecrat vnto her Altars : she must bee the sacrifice , for having been the Idole . Were it that shee could impose lawes to all mortalls : she can not exempt her self from beeing subject to all their miseryes . Were that courtly Fortune led her by the hand , to the height of thrones : the self same may occasion her to fall , into the precipice of a lamentable prison , there to dye through greif ; as it was to Darius his wife . I l'e goe further ; namely ; that herrenowned beauty , had the vant in the judgment of many ages ; what then ? where may be found her aduantag therein ? A thousand honours will bee ascribed vnto her . What will the world render vnto her , where shee is no more , nor ever shall bee ? and likely shee shall then burn in Hell , there so remaine eternally . Her body I say , shall bee food for wormes . Her soule , for the flames , and somtimes her name , and fame shall bee celebrated heere below . Where lyeth the honour now ? My spirits doe suffer , in theise contemplations , through their conceiu'd feare , and astonishment .

Ladyes ; in what a miserable condition are they ; who solely haue beauty , for their share , for their part ? What rate set yee on beauty alone ? I say it 's no other : then to haue a gay posy of flowers , wherewith one may deck , and dress one's self trimmely in the morning , during the space that they are fresh : butt about noone , indeed so soone one leaueth the regard as well of the flowers : as stemme : even so , at the approach of night , this admired obiect , ( the self same ment ) is misprised of the Vnivers .

Truely what soever is say'd ; I find nothing good but Vertue : the rest passeth by , and vanisheth . One of tall , and comely stature stoopeth . A cleere voice changeth . And a polite wit sometimes looseth it self through Vanity . Vertue is it , which is solely stable , solely permanent on it's one ground , never giving vs over to our ruine .

Bee yee then Ladyes , since so yee will needes haue it , as faire as was Cypris say'd to bee in the fable : yet yee will gaine but an apple for your recompense . Admitt yee bee as beautifull , as was Lucretia famed to bee in the History , yet dyed shee through greif . All the beautyes , who haue appeared on the earth , since the instant of it's hauing beeing , make but à hillock of it's gross dust . It 's vertue solely which lead's vs beyond our tombs .

But whither goe yee now so well accoutred , so neately dressed ? If it bee to Confession , to make that desseigne your good morrows ; since that it 's the first Sunday of the moneth : then reflect how yee haue prepared your selues . In lieu of examining your consciences before a Crucifixe ; yee haue been curious to enquire the state , and being of your faces before a lookinglass .

Yee goe to craue pardon for your offences , and a new trangress yee , in the same which calls for justice . Yee part I say from the Confession chaire to the Altar , there to receiue your Saviour with soules more disposed to offend heere after : then resolu'd to repent of what is passed in your former liues . Is not this to crye for vengeance against your selues .

Me thinckst I see the rare sainct Francis to appeare with that perfect charity , which enflamed him on earth , and by the self same fire wherewith the Seraphins are surrounded , and entertained happily in Heauen , and yet hee thought himself vnworthy to take vpon him the order of Preisthood : Yet will yee bee so audacious , so shameless , as to receiue your owne Creatour with impure mouths , and prophane hearts ; the sole thought of this crime , doth put my spirits out of frame , caused through confusion , and astonishment .

AN ALARVM FOR LADYES . The second Dayes Worke.

I Warne yee Ladyes , in the name of God , for it's himself who giveth yee notice : that yee neither know the day , nor hower , when this Trumpet , which calleth yee to his judgment will giue the last summon . How is it with yee ? Thinck yee it not amiss , to pass the moity of your ages in dreames , and folyes ? Yee sleepe with soules as black , as Hell ; what repose can yee enjoy at the eue of your everlasting restlesness ? The Heaven ; though insensible , quaketh for horrour , at the clamour , the great noise of this Trumpet . The earth ; though immooveable , doth thence tremble for feare ; The Angells themselues in their purity , and all the Saints jointly in their innocence , are toutched with astonishment ; allthough they are not capable of feare : and yet yee sleepe , during the time of this publique alarum's being : which fright 's all Nature . Awake yee speedily , and prepare your selues to render an account , even of the least idle word which yee haue let fall .

Ah! how out of frame yee are ; when yee wake , it seemeth to me : that yee haue set by to dye in shew , yee will dye now in earnest . Let me see how it is with yee ? Yee are at a bay for feare , and dread . Oh! how profitable would theise agonyes bee found vnto yee : if yee would oftentimes vndergoe the paines to apprehend liuely God's judgments : but your spirits avers'd from so serious thoughts , are the cause of your missprise thereof , without reflecting on your loss therby , that 's à pitty , alas !

I perceiue , that yee are risen to dress your selues , and yee are never vnready to deck your bodyes repleat with infections : but forbeare a while I pray : then look out of the window ; there 's a spectacle for yee to meditate on , that stinking carcass , which is carried to be buryed , the same with whom two dayes since , yee contested with for beauty , it 's now as yee see , borne to the tomb ; and yee will follow it thither : it 's but a pace before yee ; it 's not knowen as yet wether yee arriue all three together thither : This dreadfull Trumpet soundeth dayly , and yee trace the ground incessantly , and run the self same race . Obserue a right how it doth agree to judgment : that yee bee seen buryed in the way , one while ; to frisle your haires for to hide your nitts ; another time ; to make white your teeth , those little bones : whose least infected , ruineth your graces , and thus much is in favour of your bodyes : which apparantly doe putrify ; and hence the wormes expect their prey in this world , and the infernall spirits in the other . What is the benefitt which your soules doe reape by the graces of your faces ? Thinck yee ; that at the hower of your deathes , your Confessour will demand of yee , how many yee haue enthrall'd , enchained , and made your slaues ? No no , but at larg , namely ; how long it hath been , that yee haue employ'd your time in so vnhappy a beeing at such rate , in so commiserable a state : There is no further talke of your excellent persons your rares faces ; their graces shall possess no places , no more shall they domineere : your soules onely shall pleade their causes , God grant that they want not plea to obtaine their suites .

O how faire is the employment of this second dayes entertainment ! it 's passed off in admiring , and tricking your selues , meaning thereby to tempt and attrap weake persons to idolatrise ! But , alas ! I find yee farr , more simple yet . It doth appeare , that yee labour onely to advance and advantadg the fiends of Hell : since at the dayes end , they cary with them away all your spoiles . Further ; heerevnto adjoine their conquestes of your selues . It 's confess'd , that yee are ritchely cloth'd , that there can not bee added aught to the stately curiosity which serue , as a new lustre to your enticements : But whither bend yee your way so nicely deckt ? if it bee to a Comedy .

Ah! how Cleopatra , that young Princess , representeth a dolefull personage , on the stage the Theather of her marriage , in the Tragedy of King Philip her deere husband's death , for she dyed , by the same stroke of misfortune , which caryed that great Monark to his tomb . Shee was as faire as are yee . How comes it to pass : that yee are happyer ? She was as yong as yee . What reason haue yee not to apprehend her misery , her missfortune sensibly ?

The Trumpet which cited yee to death , and judgment , soundeth incessantly , thither doth each one make their recours in troupes , and croudes . Who can assure yee , that yee shall not appeare there this very day : since that yee make your way as fast as the rest ? Is that a reposed life , is it to possess tranquillity , to perceiue your selues dye without your beeing prepared for death ? will yee expose those things to so great a perill : Which yee can not loose but once ? Yee liue not but for Eternity : for the life of this world is not properly a life : and yet yee let pass your time without reflecting , once thinking of Eternity , which will last as long as God Almighty .

What ? will it not turne to your reproach : that on Earth yee shall bee found to haue donne nothing else , but dress , and deck your bodyes of earth ? Oh! what a rare exercise would it bee : if so your soules were of the same matter ! Oh! the sweet entertainement : if it were not expressely necessary to dye ! if so one were to liue for ever : but ; daily to liue the eue of an eternall loss , and passing all the time , to the dressing , and decking of your carcasses ; by consequence it must follow : that Hell will bee your recompense .

Notwithstanding what heerein is fore delivered ; behould yee pass your time , in seeing a Comedy at the Burgugnion house : but know yee not , that yee there act your parts , and are at the end , of each interclude , giving occasion of laughter and scorn to all the sage Democrites , for the vaine employments of your times ? yet it is expedient , that I extract your gaines , out of your losses . Atleast thinke yee , during this your entertainements of time ; that the world is a Theater , where even new yee represent those persons whom God hath endowed for Eternity : Doe yee well or ill ; yee shall not appeare but this time solely on the Theater , yee play your parts for ever , the Angells , and the Diuells are your lookers on , expecting the end of the last act , whence yee are to receiue praises , or reproaches , I meane recompense , or chastisement .

Yee haue a faire petition to deliver , descended from the Theather into your sepulcher . Oh! giue vs leaue to rise againe , wee will liue better then in former times wee haue . The intercludes are passed . The play is ended . The candells are extinguish'd , each one shall receiue his guiderdon , according to his merit , and for an Eternity . O fearfull judgment ! But what'is more dreadfull yet , is that the Trumpet doth summon yee thither amongst the disorder wherein yee liue : I leaue yee to consider heere on seriously .

AN ALARVM FOR LADYES . The third Dayes Worke.

HAPPY are they , who rest in our Lord Ladyes then 〈…〉 yee : for 〈…〉 to the 〈…〉 I find yee , your 〈…〉 are as black as poss●●● 〈…〉 though your faces 〈…〉 white . Behold yee are bridled vnder the chinne , as are little infants with a mask lined with waxed linnen to fright them .

Oh! how would yee bee amazed , if yee must necessarily appeare before God Allmighty within a moment , to vndergoe the sentence of his judgment ? Which of either , ought to bee more deere vnto yee the beauty of your bodyes , or your soules healthes ? Your bodyes , conceiu'd of corruption , and borne vnder the imperfection in which they liue , can they eleuate themselves , to make comparison with 〈…〉 , created by the hand 〈…〉 ●llmighty , through his 〈…〉 charity , and for his 〈…〉

Yet and againe , Oh! prodigalls of misery , of infirmity , of meere weaknes indeed ; who misprise nothing els but your soules safety ; and are not passionatly tender for aught els , but for your bodyes . Them you adorne oftentimes , with new clothes , with nice robes ; without weighing : that they consume all which they toutch ; and ruine all which decke them . Yee doe well to bestow on them haire to adorne their bald heads , with a perrewig . The wrinckles on their foreheads , make appeare atlenght , the borowed gally pot of roses , to shew vs clearely , the thornes wherewith their age is stated in .

Conserue your beautyes with the art of limbeck , renew your teeth each yeare , hidet your limber , and flaggy brests vnder a handkercher , allsoe shrowd somwhat , which may make them seeme round , and hard : the default of such vprisings would bee valiew'd as a most apparant deformity ; It would destroy all , Then ; and Time , who trayleth along all things , who spareth none , maketh an other breach , such a ruine ; which can never bee repair'd : I referre it to your quickned , to your more liuely spirits hitherto drowned with sleepe , to the recovery of your better reason long since strayed ; Whither this condition of life , which yee lead on Earth , can conduct yee to Heaven ?

The third hower is even at hand , at it's period , in all which time , yee haue been mervaillously serious , but in what ? to put on your new clothes , and your bands according to the fashion : May I bee bold to enquire of yee what therein yee meane ? If it bee to shew your selues at the Revells , and there to dance , make not hast . It was tould mee : that shee , who mooved for that meeting , is surprised by a continual fever , and the smale pox . Alas ! what a chang of Medaile : Yet faile not to visite her . Her affrighting malady , will teach yee to despise the baits , inticements , and beautyes which yee valiew soe highly . Yesterday morning shee contended for the golden apple , with the fairest found amongst yee ; this euening the curtaine of her bed is drawen to hide her , for feare , least that shee hurt her adorers : Oh rare Beauty ! It 's to flatter thee too much , to compare thee to the wind , and to the smoke : for thow art ( as it seemeth vnto mee ) much less in valiew .

The Revells yet goe on , I meane the dancing to which Nature even from your cradles invited yee , and to which , Time is the violin : for by it's continuall motion , it trayleth vs all together , to our sepulcher .

I much doubt , least the aire of this dance bee dissonant to your eares : but how soeuer ; yee must dance to it , there is no gainesay . Further ; it 's time must bee kept strictly , it 's all in cadence , it 's musically compos'd indeed . Oh! obserue well it's burthen , there hath been much care employed on it : Each thing flitteth , and glydeth without ceasing , beauty leadeth in cheif , as the most fraile most brittle . Yee may plainely see your shares , your lotts : yet must yee of necessity pass the residue of the day in somwhat , which may seeme to please yee : but I pray yee what is it ? Yee are euen now very busy ; Yee court your selues in the lookinglass , as did the wife of Nero : Oh! sayd this Princess , that I might dye first : rather then haue the least diffigure on my face ; shee considered not what then shee did , how she liv'd , nor what shee say'd : when shee dayly made this prayer : that each moment , of each hower insensibly depriu'd her , and robd her , of parcell , of her rare beauty .

Ladyes , it 's not expedient , that yee craue earnestly on Heauen , for that dessigne : since that , all the instants of your liues , are soe many secret theeues , who subtlely rob yee of the principall , and most curious enticing draughts of your faces , I say subtlely beginning in the bud , dawning , or rather call it Sun-rising of your age : yet thereof , yee take noe heed . By serious attention on their actions , is raised suspition ; and hence are they partly detected to be theeues : but in the evening they are expressly found no less , then publick Pyrats , who cary with them all away , together with your selues .

Oh! is it not even so , what I now relate ? that theise trueths ought to be sensible vnto yee ; in such sort , and manner : as that yee should not euer meditate on aught else : since of such like serious , and tender speculations depend your safetyes ? for if yee present vnto your selues this variability , this incessant circumvolution , wherewith all things heere below are chained , and to be buried one after an other within this whirlepoole of Time , which devoureth all , and that yee turning the other side of this medaile , would ponder : that soules onely are eternall , would it bee even possible , that yee shall not bee fully taken vp with the loue of Eternity ?

It 's more then six thousand yeares , since the Creation of this World , and it scarcely seemeth to bee one day . It 's very true ; that what 's pass'd , is suddainely forgott : But Ladyes ; this Eternity , where God is the limit , and measure , is it which solely ought to entertaine all your affections , all your desires , and apportion all your hopes .

Bee yee pleased that even now I shew yee the meanes . It 's allwayes to lend the eares of your phantasyes most attentiuely , to this dreadfull Doomes Trumpet ; where the share of your happy Eternity , or vnhappy , is to bee seen determinatly . Hope not a jot for favour there . Iustice will beare the Scepter : Trust not to your consanguinityes or affinityes , your vertues will bee your fastest freinds ; Yee haue a great catch of them indeed , yee haue a rare plea , to say : that yee are the daughters of a Prince , the wifes of Kings , and the mothers of Emperours : all theise circumstances serve you to your sepulchers . Your works solely accomplish all your honours : or your infamyes , all your felicityes : or your miseryes .

Oh! Ladyes , how it 's to bee great persons , and happy on earth : yet there to pretend not aught . Those who are borne , who are destined for Heaven , naturally haue such a disgust of Earth : that thereon they spinne out their time : as if they had no beeing there at all , still lifting vp their spirits , and their thoughts to this Eternity : as to the onely good , the sole Sanctuary . The fruition of it , is able to satisfy their desires compleately .

O Eternity ! thou art singularly gracious vnto mee : that thou receivest favourably my good intentions , my well meanings . I will never cease to meditate on thee . Oh Eternity ! how benigne hast thou been to mee in particular , well may I say ; in making mee applye , all the abilityes , all the facultyes of my soule , on the meditation , of thy longanimity ; in so much : that I shall never haue other obiect then Thee , no other sight then speculating on Thee . Doth it not follow necessairily , that I loue thee entirely : If I abhorre all that flyeth thee , that forsaketh thee ? If I seriously misprise each transitory : am not I constrain'd to esteeme thee perfectly ? Let no man speake to mee but of Eternity : each crime , not returning to the same , displeaseth mee , nay rather ; doth mee notable injury . In a word ; if therebee any taken sensibly with aught , by how much the greater it is : the more doth it's excess menace vs of it's privation . Presuppose Ladyes , that in this world yee bee both faire , and ritch ; It 's much . But I pray tell mee , what is their permanence ? Had I to dispose of an age : I would alow yee to enjoy the full terme of it : But at the last moment ; what would remaine vnto yee ? What would accrew vnto yee ? your beautyes would not subsist : but in your owne transitory times , and your treasures though now possessed , shall bee farr from yee , as constrained to abandon them for ever . Your cases are thus ; all the goods of Fortune which yee enjoyed , changing their names , propertyes , and natures will afflict yee , to thincke of . It 's truely even so : that it 's solely Eternity , which can quenche our hearts continuall thirst .

AN ALARVM FOR LADYES . The fourth Dayes Worke.

WHAT say'd the wife of Rosidates to her self , with a voluble tongue , and very nimble , as passionate indeed when she heard the dolefull Trumpet sound at her doore , signifying vnto her the decree of her death , by the command of her brother King Hertodorus .

Oh! Ladyes , how much more dreadfull is that Trumpet which doth summon yee to God Allmightyes judgment . This Rosidates liv'd , and dyed a Heathen : but yee , who are destin'd for Heaven , will yee pass your times on Earth , solely for Hell ? It will soone bee noone by the watch of your liues , as well as by the town clock it self : Where is your dayes work ? If in such sort yee pass the rest thereof carelesly , either sleeping , or besotting your selves , it will be found at lenght : that yee liv'd here in this world no otherwise , then dreaming , and that in the other there , yee shall liue perpetually awakened , amidst the heates of eternall flames , everlasting fire .

Perceived yee not clearely , that the Sunne the other day , blamed yee notably , and such like slothfull people as are yee ? but yee never the less , will make it as your happiness to sleepe and drouse . This starr , which measureth the moments of your liues , leaveth not a whitt to run his wonted race , his cours to traile yee to your graues .

Rouse your selves vp . Remember yee not , that yee are invited to a solemne feast of marriage ? I must needes waite on yee ; bee it but onely to obserue your carriadge . I l'e take notice of your vanityes , and giue account vnto the world how fantasticall yee are . Take yee your time to dress your selues ; in the meane while , I l'e contemplate somwhat , and also exercise my patience .

Let mee approach vnto yee nigher . To what vse are those gally potts of pomada , those boxes of pouder , those violls of distill'd waters , and those papers of vermillion , which I see vpon your cabinets by your night dothes ? Is it a part of art , which yee put in practise , to make yee seeme more faire then yee are , in despite of Heauen , and Nature ? Oh! what bitter . Oh! what salt teares will these vanityes extract from yee Ladyes . Bee it , that your Ladishipps haue the least leasure lent yee to repent yee .

It 's to be granted : that your bodyes doe daily require the charity of pomada , of rare odour , to cover the defects of your teints . Your tresses can not hide their greasiness without pouder . Your tawny-dusky faces after they haue been made happy by the Alimbeck , expect the vermillion ; least that their dead colour appeare not at all : but yee obserue not that yee labour to fill pots , which are perced ; as did the Danaides .

Where shall one find Pomada , which may agree with yee , and contend with your stenches ? What is that pouder , that can dry the clammy greate of your heads ? What water can serue the fullness of your desires ? And what vermillion can make appeare on your cheekes , which Nature hath not planted there ? Thence yee discover plainely : that your actions containe in them solely vanityes , for their obiects . They rest vnto yee for your recompense . Oh what braue conquests ! yee looke not after aught but airery toyes ; your heades are full of crotchetts . Yee like nothing , but what is smoke , witness the teares discover'd on your eyes . See what'is the fruite of the course of your liues , behold the guiderdon which doth attend yee at the end of your race .

Oh! how pretious was the Pomada of Saint Elizabeth , who made vse of it to parfume the feete , of whom ? of the indigent ! the poore ! Oh! how odoriferous was the pouder , and the ashes where Saint Marie the Egyptienne covered her head , the day of her penitence ! Oh! how the teares of her repentance where rapt , and possess'd with Devine vertue ; in so much as , her body , and her soule in an instant were embellished ! Oh! how strang it is ; the blush of her shame for her sinne , was farre more liuely : then what yee daily vse . Grant me this boone for my paines hither to seen , no less I beseech yee ; to breake your lookinglass , which dayly flatter yee ; nor ever take to yee other , then such as I deliver vnto yee heere .

Yet ; thus much say'd , yee will keepe on your wonted wayes . Now yee are dress'd . Now at the feast , and suddainly will all varietyes of sweetmeates bee seru'd in : there is the end . What I would put into your minds , is ; that all solemnityes haue but their times . On Earth , a feast is not to bee had : but of the fruits of its own garden ; and as theise fruites , haue nothing proper , but their corruption : even so that aliment from day to day , doth naught else , but increase your infections ; they can never satisfy your appetits . The succeeding day , yee will sensibly find the vanityes of your pleasures had at table : since that they vanish with the table cloth it self .

Likewise ; seriously ponder , when yee are amidst your jollityes : that the self same howers which yee haue employ'd in the pampering of your carcasses , are registred in the scrole of their ruine , since that whither yee eate , or laugh , Time leadeth yee to your tombe .

Theise are the banquetts of Cleopatra , which are solemnely celebrated : though in shipps even floting : hence learne wee , that each where wee chang fortune , through the perpetuall decline of our liues , all our actions tend thither , what destroyeth vs , is ours in proper .

But to goe on ; in conclusion ; behold your retourne vnto your houses , the dance is ended , likewise the feast . Oh Ladyes ! meditate a little space , but attentively I beseech yee humbly on this passage , this phantasyes , All theise pastimes , theise wordly pretty toyes symbolize , are of the like nature with theise dances , and feasts , each of them flitte incessantly , it 's sure that death approatcheth nigh howerly . Were all your dayes spent in the solemnityes , which frequently are found , when so that marriages are pompously celebrated . Oh! how direfull would your last day appeare vnto yee ! since then must yee render account of your time past in laughter , and dance ! Reflect a while how many are the dances , and feasts wherein you haue entertained your times ; hence take counsaile secretly of your memoryes , then vse your judgments , and see , what is left vnto yee : yee shall never haue other for your pleasures ! And what ? will it not bee reproach vnto yee : that yee sould your portions for nothing , which yee pretended for Heauen ? I haue heard say , that Lysimachus did exchang his Crown for a glass of water : but when ? Ladyes , obserue then ; it was so with him at that time , when hee was even as it were reduc'd to ashes , by the same heate of thirst , which burn'd his entrailles , in so much as beeing in such plight , in rendring his dying spirit hee chang'd naught else but wind , but breath for water .

But to see how remissely yee giue over your pretensions of eternall consolations , of everlasting joyes for toyes , such I may truely terme them , which beare no other titles ; then of meere deprauations , of your phantasyes , of your imaginations . Where is that self affection whence yee seeme to become so passionate ? Is it not to hate your selues : that you affect not aught else : but what doth flit ? it 's not it ? when yee dye , what will bee left yee of your passed time , but a present greif , and too late ; such ; whose anguishes will never cease ?

Yee never dreame of other thing : then to enquire after new pastimes , to the ruine of your times . Alas ! Nor consider yee aright : that Time doth ruine yee ? for in seeking to pass it , yee must find death . How so ? is it possible : that yee striue to pass over it , which so swiftly glideth by yee , as doe your phantasyes , light though they bee , they can not over take it . And what more seriously , yee ought to ponder , is , that all the time of your liues , hath for its terme , its limit a sole moment , on wich , though such , doth depend for ever , and a day your calamityes , or your felicityes ; that 's a misery in torment : which hath no end , this a bliss in glory : which will be permanent , beyond all ages , illimited indeed .

Oh! how pretious are the contemplations , of the last period of our liues ! How ! is it so ? that thou art not as inseparable to our soules : as is the shaddow to the body ? Oh! how sweet is the memory of our death ! Why is it so ? that our memory is not for the most part , in such sort all taken vp with thee : as that it never forget thee ? Oh Deuine is the meditation on Eternity ! Art thou not as sensible of our soules , as our respiration is of the preseruation of our hearts ? How Dauid liketh mee well , when hee cryed out aloud , that hee had often meditated , and that seriously indeed on the dayes for ever : where God Allmighty is solely the light ! Oh faire dayes ! I wonder not : that yee haue no night : the Sunne which sheweth it self on yee is bright , and borroweth not it's light : no. Oh dayes most happy ! say no more ; or thus : I am not one whit astonished , if so bee it that yee remaine for ever : the Planet which gaue yee a beeing , possesseth Eternity in cheif , in proper . Truely , my soule is extasyed , rapt as it were , in this sweet contemplation , with such singular content , it 's in such guise as that really it hath no desire to be otherwise .

Ladyes , in a word , it 's so ; that yee must arriue to the dayes end , and returne thither from whence yee came in the morning : for it 's but one dayes iourney . Yee haue a fine time of it to bee lazing . The Sunne , who sendeth forth his beames for yee , will that yee goe as fast as doth hee .

Dance , laugh , sleepe vntill noone day ; the shippe of your liues leaueth not it's cours , it sayleth evermore , incessantly on the sea of it's proper miseryes , onely by the wind of your respirations ; it cannot stay it self : vntill it arriue , at the hauen of the sepulcher : Ladyes , it 's the hauen to which Doomes Trumpet doth summon yee . Take yee heed , least it bee not found a rock vnto yee : where yee may encounter too dreadfull a shock , the calamity thereby is for Eternity , and repentance vnprofitable . In good earnest , at what time soever I think of Eternity : nothing that 's wordly , doth please mee . I am not bold to say so much : that each parcell of the Vniuers made such by a Soveraigne power and absolute from it , having it's soule , it 's beeing , it 's life , is not in it self admirable , and adorable in it's Creatour : but ; as there are so many obiects of change , or of corruption ; my heart not well appeas'd , sigheth after the fountaine of the lesser springs as after it which is onely capable to quench the thirst of my desirs . Ladyes , would yee but distast the word's pleasures , yee haue a ready way to fill your best thoughts , on the delights of Eternity : for such is the inequality : that common sense will lead yee will suffise , to make yee misprise them , and earnestly desire theise .

AN ALARVM FOR LADYES . The fift Dayes Worke.

COME to my ayde , my Lord , cryed out Saint Hierome a thousand times a daye : I dye for feare at the resound of that Trumpet , which doth summon mee to thy judgment .

Ah , Ladyes ; if this glorious Saint , amydst the deserts , and amydst the austerityes of a life , all devoted to pennance , found himself reduced at a bay , at a stand for feare , and dread : can yee frame with the vanityes of the world : when yee doe but once meditate on the necessity of your deaths , from which there 's not one exempt ? This innocent doth tremble at it ! and are yee not aught sensible of it ? This harmeless quakes ! persist yee senseless ? This just man , I say againe cryed out incessantly for help , and succour : though hee where soe pure ! yet will yee not bee awakened : though infirme , by the example of his astonishment ? Can yee take rest in the ships of your bodyes , and on the world 's tempestuous sea 's : without fore discerning that Time , who is the Pilott , puts yee one the shore of your sepulcher ? Awake your selues then suddainely , and as your liues are but dreames , at your waking dreame againe what trades yee intend to vse , whilst yee are in this long Eternity , to which yee make your howerly approatch .

God hath giuen yee , and each one of yee , since the time , wherein yee haue been of reason a pencill in your hands , as to Zeuxis , that renown'd Painter , who painted according to his beleif , n'aught else but Eternity ; this is a paterne for yee , such ; as it sheweth yee : that all your works should haue for object , and ayme , no other thing . In summe ; all which yee meditate on , say , and doe , is painted in oile colours of Eternity . I would yee vnderstood mee aright , all approacheth nay endeth correspondent , to the good , or ill , either to the glory of your happy Eternity , or to your vnhappy Eternity .

If yee dye , as yee liue , namely in bed vntill midday , what can I say ? but that if so you play your time away , your laziness will depaint yee , and liuely express yee for Eternity : where endlesly yee shall suffer paines .

Allthough each one swill as hee will ; it 's but for his time , his dayes course , and at his owne expense . But one judgeth not of price of the good , or ill , or default in business , merchandize , else where , then in the other world . Prepare your selues to vndergoe the judgment .

Yee will even suddainely appeare dress'd , and trick'd according to the fashion of the time , and court : and how is 't ? Your feathers falling on your eares , vermillion on your cheekes , and flyes on your chinnes . Theise are not in vaine vndoubtedly , their dessignes are to entrappe some one , or other : but at the daye 's course run , it will then appeare vnto yee clearely : that yee haue made your selues whoopes , taking not the least notice of aught else , but vanity ; as if yee had not thereof too much .

I waite on yee at your sally from dinner , to your coatch , it 's to assist you tenderly , and with humble respect indeed , it 's my duety , and to attend you seriously with my thoughts , in your walkes , with intention to obserue , whither your times intertainements prooue more vsefull : then delightfull .

It 's necessary that I exercise my patience a while , vntill the horses bee harnessed , and put to the caroche : allsoe , yee must hauey our time to looke on your selues againe , while yee attire your selues with hoodes , and maskes . But oh ! what simple imaginations entertaine your spirits therein ? There you instruct your eyes the art to tyrannize , and with strang craft , to hurt many hearts , not reflecting aught ; that your soules receiue a staine , through the vaine lightness , which thence remaine in them : It 's there I say , where you invent new lessons to allurements ; so farre as to teach men , to make your selues beloved , and ferred at once , and the self same time ; and covertly pretend : that yee attend no end , while therein none , alas ! none . Obserue theise rare dessignes ; what doe yee meditate on oftner ? Let it bee that your black eyes with their vyes doe much hurt to day ; to morrow , one drop of rume indeed , will make them red , which will serue to cure the smarts , of those your former darts . How happily doe your courteous sweetness , with your graces , acquire loue , and feare iointly . Whosoeuer they bee , that seeme to dye for yee , they loue yee not : it 's ; for what ? for their interess , not to bee spoken of here further . Thus much yet will I say : that they who court yee as sincere lovers , ground them selues on the express ruines , the vtter destructions of your reputations ; and yee take it well , to make them feare yee . They care for nothing more : then to pass their times , in that entreprise , their delights , their sports .

But it seemeth no less vnto mee : then that yee take your way to the race , to the place in vse now a dayes . Oh! how vainely hunt you after toyes in this your walke , as to a publick faire where merchandise is set forth for each to buy ?

Would yee not say , tkat this yong simple fondling , cloth'd in green , who is like vnto tapistry , which yee haue seen frequently , hung before a doore , hath employed about her face all her whitening ? Shee thinketh , that in beauty shee doth surpass , the Vniuers . Alas ! for pitty . I speake plainely to her now , not taking any notice , that her self-loue daily putteth on a hood to see at randome her defects . Shee , who would bee the beloved'st of many , in each doth mooue pitty for such her foly . My opinion of her , is no other : then that shee is a gloweworme , who giveth light to many from a dunghill , the surface of which is all covered with snow .

What character shall this proud piece beare ? What may one's censure bee heere of this giddy one , who beeing possessed of n'aught else but of a bosome , maketh a shameless bravado , as if the rest of her carcass , were to bee let or sould out right ? Oh peace a while ! what will prooue her confusion : when the daye hath run its race ? when shee must needes shut vp her shopp , having not met with any customer whomsoeuer , not one admirer of her treasure ? Modesty is it , which hath enticements not found els where ; there-in onely .

I pray yee stay not a jot , come hither speedily , bee the spectatours of this fond toye , this Foppe . Whose best draughts through age , are become void of moss , and hence borrow for the stage , the artifice of so many flyes , as if they could nippe some one or other , though such bee her age ; a strang passage : but commiserable : for it 's even ten yeares since that beauty bid her the last adieu : and if shee daily employ all her study for it's recovery : what foly would it appeare , to weare time present , for to call time pass'd , againe : yet might shee bee happy in her disasters ; were it so ; that though shee suffer shipwracke : yet that at lenght shee take hold of vertue , to redeeme her self from danger , nay rather , from vtter loss .

Haue yee but a little patience to view the Lady who cometh in a coatch all guilt ; by her countenance , and demeanour , I guess : that shee doth esteeme her self , to bee the I dole of eache one , who behold her with attention , not reflecting aught on Time , her new coatch-man , who waiteth on her , it 's hee , who beareth her in the same carre of triumph , to the aultar of her sepulcher , there to be offer'd vp with shame together , with all her adorers .

But shee that 's there , how missbee-seemingly doth shee lend her eare , and attentiuely , to the pratlings of a giddy humorist , who courts her , and yet ; what is much more vndiscret ; she believeth all the lyes the braine-sick delivereth vnto her . Mee thinkst I plainely heare him sweare : that shee hath the rarest aspect , and most admiredst eyes , that ever did appeare in this hemisphere , and solely on the confidence , shee hath given to her lookinglass , she doth belieue him .

In the meane-while ; heere are found braue assurances , rare cautions indeed . Ah how is it now ? doth shee not know , that the first oath of an amorous , is to obserue not one during the time of his passion ? And further it 's the common fashion of lover's speaches , it 's their aire , to say to their Mistresses : that they are mervailously faire , even to perfection , theise are their customary wayes , now a dayes : and yet most vnhappily ; it 's to bee deplored truely , yee ordinarily belieue them , nor reflect yee aught : that your first betrayer , is your lookinglass , it alas , for pitty !

Yet will I grant , that shee is rarely endow'd , and singulerly graced with beauty : there is the seat of her vanity . Could there bee added sense , and life vnto her counterfaite , her picture ; shee would thereby by many a degree surpass the Prototype , the Originall : for that luster may bee conserv'd as her proper : this hath nothing in peculiar , but the necessity of decay . In so much ; that when one persuadeth her , that shee is mervailously faire , shee should take theise as ordinary discourses : since her beauty passeth by , is of like nature to the praises , which are given her , meere aire .

Will you haue more of her ? It 's true ; that shee hath the fairest eyes , that ever the world beheld : but when ? when they are cleare , after dinner , and why not before ? I l'e giue yee an answere ; The mornings entertainment is to take care of her gummy eyes , or eye-browes . There can not bee seen a nose better shap'd , then is hir's : I confess it : but shee must haue supplied vnto her , a cleane handkercher , and that every day . I must likewise ingenuously averre ; that her mouth is very little , and pretty : but it 's too streight a passage for her stinking breath . Her complexion is delicate , even to perfection , it 's evidently seen : but thus much is say'd , to the end , that shee might apprehend all things . The Sunne , the Fire , the Aire it self , are her enemyes , which make a perpetuall warre against her , vntill Time hath donne his worke , whereby shee may bee hidden vnder earth .

Shee hath an excellent wit , doubt yee not therof a whit : for shee vttereth rare , and curious passages ; it were much better : that shee would apply her self to piety , to goodness . One doth enquire of workes : rather then of words . What is it to purpose , if shee haue a faire manner , and demeanour in speach , the true measure of her deeds shall judg her . She sing's admirably well . Had shee n'aught else but her voice ; shee could not enthralle otherwise : then by the eare : they who haue not affaires wherewith to entertaine their times , in passing by for their pleasure , would giue eare vnto her : but when shee maketh an end of her songes , they begin to meditate on something . I l'e say no more . If soe it happen , that there bee praises of her , given vnto her , they will returne the aire which she hath lent them . Iudg yee whither shee will bee well content . In summe ; let her bee ritch as was Semiramis , and more faire then Hellen. The one confess'd on her Epitaph , which shee caus'd to bee engraved on her tomb-stone ; that she never possessed aught in proper , when shee had her treasure : but corruption , and misery . The other ; after shee had entrapped insensible hearts by her subtle charmes , strook pitty vnto her greatest enemyes onely hearing of her misfortunes . Ladyes , flatter not your selues . One sighe of repentance for your vanityes , will yeild yee more glory , and more benefit : then all the teares yee can make your enthrall'd slaues poore forth . In the meane while night warneth yee to retreit : behold your dayes journey at an end ; now render account vnto your lookinglass , of the number of your conquests . But in earnest how treate yee with it ? It 's true , that yee haue made many an one sighe ; if yee bee proud thereof , the aire will remaine with yee ; n'aught else haue they return'd vnto yee . They haue sayd true : that yee are very faire : it 's enough for yee to shew your selues , at the window , and there to remaine a while , in the evening's aire to giue eare to the harmonious Salute , the serenade in fashion : which is offred vp vnto yee ; longer yee will not bee : least your cheekes bee swollen by defluxion . Iudg yee then , without flattring your selues , whether one can loue yee long : since that solely your beautyes are the causes that yee are esteemed of at all .

How many haue I seen of theise Idolatressess of their own beautyes , who after they had made publiquely profession to enthrall the hearts of the most insensible , haue come atlenght to such distress , to such misery through their deformity : that they were soe farre from beeing beloved : as that they proved rather an affright to the world , rather despis'd , then pitty'd . Truely , Ladyes , if yee knew to how many accidents your beautyes are subject , it would be vnto yee perpetually , rather the object of your neglect , and misprise : then of your wonder . I deny not , but that it 's one of the maister-pieces of Nature : yet the self same is become a stepdame , giving it self over to a thousand sortes of mischeifes . It 's true indeed , there is not aught more Divine on Earth , nor more enchanting : but this Divinity is alike to that , which one doth attribute to Alexander the Great , whose blood trickling out of his veines , shamefully profaned all the Aultars which were dedicated vnto him : such are theise charmes , they are meere illusions which deceiue , and abuse weake soules .

Verily , Ladyes , yee must come to this point ; that is ; to belieue , that vertue solely hath allurements , and graces , which are approv'd by Time , and Death . All the inticements , and all the charmes of Nature are by degrees despoil'd , together with it self . And though it seemeth to conserue it self : yet by it's proper ruine finding it's establishment in it's decay . Time ceaseth not to abbreuiate from hower to hower the terme of the others raigne , whilst hee dooth consume himself . In such sort ; that for your comfort , all that yee see , doth vanish with your sight . All what yee heare , doth disperse it self with the aire , wherewith your eares are filld , and so for the rest , without that there bee aught found permanent on Earth .

Ladyes , it 's solely Eternity , which changeth not , it 's it which doth remaine as long as your soules , and your soules , as long as it . Wheresoever yee take your courses , it 's immenisty will fill all , and it will bee the bounds of your affaires what soever they bee : After one hundred thousand yeares , it will not bee an instant of Time's permanence , after one hundred thousand millions of yeares , that instant of which I speake vnto yee , will not bee though expired . How ! Lord , shall I persever to offend thee ever ? know I not , that thou art just to all Eternity , and hence is it , that thou punishest sinners with torments , which haue no limits . To burne eternally ! Oh how the fire which brought Saint Laurence to ashes , doth invite mee to meditate on eternall flames , on , to bee deprived Lord , for ever , of the pleasures had in glory ! Oh! how the burthen of thy cross is sweet , and light : if it bee compared with the paines of our privation , which never will haue end : I can say no more , I can goe no further . It 's necessary , that I meditate on this so serious a subiect .

AN ALARVM FOR LADYES . The sixt Dayes Worke.

IT 's read ; that the Tyrians were forty dayes , whithout shutting their eyes , for rest : the continuall alarum's were such vnder which they liu'd ; where they saw themselues , together with their towne become cenders .

Oh! Ladies , how can yee close vp an eye , within the trenches of perpetuall feare , misery , and calamity , where the direfull sound of this Trumpet for judgment , doth hold the most stout , the most bold in awe , and dread . This heere , doth not menace one sole burning to ashes : but rather ; a thousand death 's together . Further ; the torments are to bee for ever . Then , rouse your selues ; and since yee can not gainesay this eternall necessity to dye : dye valiantly with armes in your hands . The benefit thereby had , is companion of glory .

Amidst all the tortures , which cruelty hath invented ever , it 's esteemed that thereis never any of more rigour : then that it of watching . What an vnquietness is it to sleep never ? But if so bee it , that for having slept too much in this world , yee prooue condemned to watch incessantly in the other : what affliction say I , is it , to bee kept awake . I meane not on your downe beds , your delicate coutches well made , and in curious order : but rather on beds of fire , of flames , which by Devine vertue , will burne without consuming yee ? I tremble for feare , yea even to horrour , each time wherein , I meditate heeron .

I find not any thing of less worth in life : then is sleep ; and they who haue compared it to death ; therein haue found as pregnant reason : as proportion . It 's true ; wee daily dye ; but when the new death of fleep doth sursurprise vs , can not wee say : that wee dye twice , at once ? Our soules haue somewhat to doe , to handle in their follies , the life of dreames , wherewith they are then all taken vp , it 's a kind of death vnto them as prooveth the light of reason , which doth onely rule their facultyes : in so much as that ; they who sleep much , are more sottish then others , and also more subject to a suddaine death , as if so that their continuall action dying twice , did conferre vnto this heavy accident . I returne vnto yee .

At lenght , God bee thank'd , yee are awakened . How meane yee to pass the rest of the dayes journey ? I am assur'd , that yee ought to haue leisure to bee dress'd ; atleast consider amidst theise vaine entertainements , the deplorable manner of life yee liue vnder , day , and night , namely ; to cloth , and vncloth your miserable carcasses ; whilst Time hath prepared each one's sepulcher .

I l'e tell yee yet againe ; that the trade vnder which yee are ever apprentises , is a lamentable state , and beeing . Liue yee not a strange life , to change your clothes very often ? there 's each day somewhat to say ; for the manner of them , differ : in so much as , what is now in fashion , hardly will suite with yee , and serue your turnes to morrow , so certaine is the world in it's inconstancy ▪ as are your humours .

Ladyes ; there are not found other clothes which change not fashion : but your winding sheetes ; they allwayes are the same : but ; as each one chooseth the colour's they best like of ; if your mournefull one 's , agree not with your present humours , yet accustome your selues therevnto , taking your measures of them each night in your beds : the ground therein to be found , and the necessity , will render vnto yee in the end , an object , which will suite with yee , not distast yee a jot . Ah , no.

I neither enquire whither , nor to what places yee direct your steps , your paces in your carotches ; the weither is so faire : that it inviteth yee to goe abroad , and take the aire . I will attend yee with my thoughts , according to my wonted manner ; to know the subiect , and ground of your time's enternainement , what it may prooue to bee .

Behould yee in a curious garden , there seated nigh a fountaine , vnder the shaddow of many trees , whose branches on their tops are joyned together , or very nigh . Your intentions in so doeing are to lend your gracious eares a while vnto the nightingale : but the letter's sense of her warblings , I must declare vnto yee ; shee telles yee in her language , in her manner , such as it is : that it's good to salute the Sunne each morning , likewise in the evening . To tender vnto the Moone some curious musick or other . Theise maling Planetts desist not by the influences of their cours , to giue a speedy end vnto her Kingdome ; in such sort , that her shouts , her turnes , her divisions , her quaverings , and redoublings are so many griefes on the vnhappiness of her state : since that shee hath no voice : but to invite the world to her funerall rites , hence is shee constrain'd to dye the sooner , through the necessity of her singing .

Likewise the Turtell , who seeketh in vaine her companion , lamenteth her misfortune in an other tune : which doth shew vnto yee : that Time is greedily gaping , after the ruine of each thing . And though that the Eccho , bee but a sound , a voice ; Time beeing vnable to make it cease , by degrees devoureth the rockes , which giue it a rebound . No , no Ladyes ; Time doth not forbeare any thing . What though Time were decev'd once ; as it is mention'd in the fable , when Orpheus requir'd of Him Euridices ? Time hath had memorable reveng , as may bee seen in the Historyes of all the Poets , who to that end gaue him their counsailes .

But how well are yee placed ? it seemeth to mee ; that it 's to meditate at your ease , and repose on that all , which God Allmighty hath created heere below , and that it all doth participate of the same nature that doe the flowers , and fountaines which yee see , since that all glideth like to the swiftness of their waves , passages , their currants .

Yes , Ladyes , the World is a garden of flowers , various in their graces , their beautyes , colours , and their odours : but all theise according to Nature , are of the same matter . I l'e declare my self more clearely . God Allmighty in the space of his Creation , planted all what soever yee admire heere below , in the garden of the Vnivers , namely ; flowers of diuers colours , allso of valiew : but all of the same matter : for ; there is not one of them exempt from corruption . Theise truely are the flowers disclos'd in the morning , displayd at midday , faded in the evening , and of which Time , who is the gardener , croppeth what hee will , and then , when it best pleaseth him .

Certes , Ladyes , the world is a fountaine , and whatsoever it 's composed of are its waues , which properly haue nothing in their nature , but swiftness passing by . This is essentiall , to what soever that 's heere below . Yee may please your selues , to cast your eyes , on all the objects , which yee find every where about yee . There is not one onely , which doth not returne yee the like adieu which yee giue them : since that yee runne the same race all together , though diversely , and by different wayes , and manner , into the gulphe of the tomb .

For all that hitherto hath been say'd ; make vnto yee , a posy of flowers : but in gathering those flowers-deluces , those roses , those pincks , and gilly-flowers , thinck that Time likewise , is daily busy in the gardens of your faces , there cropping sometimes ; the flower-deluce of your paintings ; other times ; the roses of your cheekes ; then ; the gilly-flowers of your lipps : Whereof hee composeth a nosegay of your inconstancyes . Yee sensibly apprehend this verity , other proofes are not requisite .

How now , Ladyes ? All theise will fade in your sights , like a flower . All theise will glide before your selues as waues , and yee as if insensible , will not stirr a jot , no , not a jot , never , nor reflect the least on the necessity of dying : from which , God Almighty after the delivery of the law , would not exempt himself , no , not himself . But if the sole thought of death amaze yee ; meditate a little , how our sweete Saviour hath the first quenched , the thirst within the Chalice , which hee presented , to the end ; that at once hee might take from yee both feare , and bitterness , acquitt yee of such like weaknesse . Death is not terrible : but to the impious . It 's true ; that it oftentimes astonisheth the most just , through apprehensions of Gods judgment : but by degrees , this feare becommeth weaker , through the faculty of their reason , having much more hope of mercy : then feare of justice , their consciences , will them soe ; in such manner , that in their agonyes , Nature is sole Authour of the feares , wherewith they are shaken . Truely ; I know not where I am heerein . But what is that which I heare ? it 's the great bell of the town , which giveth yee notice : that the gates thereof will speedily bee shut .

Ladyes , why lend yee not likewise the eares of your imaginations to the noyse of this Trumpet of judgment , which never ceaseth , and doth advertise yee : that the gates of Paradise are at the point of beeing shut for all Eternity , and that yee shall never enter there : if yee change not your liues . Ah Eternity : how thou do'st rejoice mee , and jointly astonish mee .

See Ladyes at lenght , your dayes journey hath it's end , and it wlll be found to bee well spent for your turnes : if so that yee haue made your benefits of theise important trueths , which I haue set before your eyes .

Even so will pass all the other jorneys of your dayes , to your loss , and confusion : if at least , you take noe notice of this trueth : that they runne their race they , pass by . Reflect seriously with your soules on that meditation ; and it will prooue impossible : that speedily yee make not an accrew of good deedes , an amass , in favour of your soules . They haue nothing proper to them selues : but them onely . They will bee all their treasures ; all their greatness , and all their felicities , whereof God shall bee the object , the end , the measure .

If yee knew , Ladyes , the true hearts content , which on enjoyeth , who hath lived well ; when so one cometh to one's stand , abbay , one 's last end , one's death , yee would labour with all care , from this instant forward in your conversions on which yee would bee more intent . If yee doubt the least of this trueth , and yet , alas ! enquire of your selues , how it was with yee , at your last sickness . The anxietyes yee had , for your offences , likely increas'd your greifs ; and further ; set before your eyes the joyes , and vnspeakable conforts , wherewith an innocent life might haue cōsol'd hearts . Truely , I can not conceiue , that there is aught more pleasant , more delightfull , assuredly there 's nothing in the Vniuers more delicious .

AN ALARVM FOR LADYES . The Seauenth , and last Dayes Worke.

LADYES , how is it with yee ? I yet awaken yee againe , I am the same this very day in God's name : since that hee giveth leaue that this Alarum come to your hands to looke on , so long as your eares will dispose them selues to heare attentiuely the harmony therein to bee found for the benefit of your soules . I speake to day , as a day of repose , wherein yee ought to meditate of happy Eternity , which is proposed vnto yee for your reward : but ; as it is the last entertainement , which I am to haue with yee ; it ' is expedient ; that I make yee partakers of my solitude ; knowing through long experience the profits which hence yee will receaue , bee it , that yee follow my counsaile . Represent your selues , make your approatch : for God hath provided , from all Eternity ; that this little booke , should fall into your hands , either for your benefits , or for your vtter losses for your profits ; to your benefits ; if yee obserue th' instructions which I giue , and which God himself hath inspired mee with : To your losses ; if yee shall misprise , what is heerein delivered : this very booke doth convince yee of voluntary blindness , and declare the admirable favours , which the infinit bounty shall hereby haue shewen vnto yee for your safety : it 's in yee as yet to choose . I l'e tell yee then , for your instructions , how profitably yee are to pass your journey . From the time yee are awakened , let your hearts bee as sensible of the new present , which God hath given yee this new day : as your eyes are pleased , in admiration of his light . Then ; without merchandizing with your beds , what time yee will further assigne to your selues , for your sluggisness get out of them , and as soone as yee are on your knees before a Crucifix , make that it your lookinglasses ; it 's there where yee may indeed become in loue with your selues , weighing your valiew by the price of that blood , which hath bought yee : O rare miroir ! Oh! lookinglass to admire indeed !

Render thanks vnto your Saviour , that yee were borne , and for your instructions in the Christian , Apostolique , and Roman Faith , as the onely way of safety . Then ; offring vp vnto Him all the cogitations , the words , and actions of the journey yee are now about , beseech Him submissiuely to illuminate the one , and animate the other , to governe theise , and to bee the object of them all together : so farre forth , as what yee shall think , and say , may bee received by Him gratefully .

Let the end of this prayer bee , the beginning of your necessary affaires to cloth your selues : but entertaine the least time therein that yee can , without trouble , or curiosity . I forbid yee not the pouder : since yee are no other ; But expressely the pomada , and vermillion : For ; though theise are harmeless in themselues : yet they may prooue pernicious , indeed not blameless through the ills which they may produce , and ; as yee shall haue been found complices of crimes : so likewise by consequence of paines .

As soone as yee are dress'd , prepare your selues to goe to Mass , where yee shall persever to render thanks to God , for an infinity of his gratious favours conferr'd on yee , nor ever let your spirits bee diverted aught from this principall , and Divine object : which yee tooke your selues vnto , as well by reasons : as by recognizance . Present your selues in such manner ; that though God bee in each place , our Saviour , is both in body , and soule on the same Aultar , where yee offer vp your prayers : It ought to cause yee , to bee humbly graue , and wary , even to the not daring once to turne your heads without necessity , nor speake one single word , vnless compulsarily . At return from Church , each one hath somewhat to entertaine their times with according to their qualityes , never to bee found idle , expecting dinner time : where gormandizing , will bee remarked for an offence so disgracefull in a yong Gentlewoman : as enormous before God . Shee , who therein can not command her self , is a slaue all her life .

Are yee invited to a feast , goe thither : but so , that it prooue a banquet for yee , as neither eating , nor drinking beyond your ordinary custome : hence yee will find , that your bodyes will bee the more sound , more healthy , and your soules more innocent . If after it , yee take a walke ; divert your selues from such discourses , where no body is interess'd : but if one of the company , doth speake ill of another , all though it bee in jest , turne the discourse , in a faire manner , and to the end : that yee may never accustome your eares to well-like aspersions , lay'd on any for defects ; it beeing , that yee your selues are too much charg'd with them .

If yee pass the afternoone within your doores , each one of yee , will employ your selues with your needle , or read some devout booke , to entertaine yee more profitably , during the afternoone . I say your booke of devotion : as for the eloquent speaches , the Romances , and for the Comedyes ; they are toyes , meere fables : which discover in the end , the vndoubted folies of them , who soe haue been their advancers , and given them esteeme , therein haue they employed their times , exceeding ill .

Bee it a holy day ; then let this Alarum wherewith I present yee , hinder yee from sleepe , howsoever at the Sermon , and doe not yee imitate such , who are devout in fashion , who are weary on good friday , to heare of the passion , without considering : that this our Devine Saviour , who hath suffred those , for your selues , had more patience in his torments : then haue those impious had , to heare onely the recitall , which hath been made . Oh Lord ! for what other crimes dost thou reserue the thunderbolts of thy justice .

When the hower , of your rests doth call on yee , before yee bee vnclothed make your recourse to consult , to advise seriously , and most attentiuely the last time , the self same lookinglass , it 's the Crucifix , fix your eyes on it , and there examine your consciences , humbly beseeching God's mercy's pardon for all your trespasses , which yee haue donne , during this dayes journey , and that yee may haue grace , to retaine your selues from sinne ; that yee may not fall therein againe . There are yee to resolue soe : then with the same action ; offer vp vnto him , all your desires , and hopes concerning the repose , and tranquility of your liues : so that hee iustify the one through his benignity , and the other through his infinite power : but rather ; humbly resigne your wills to his . Obserue it well : that hee , who knoweth to compose him felf well to God's will , is the wisest of the Vniverse .

It 's that onely science , Ladyes , which can seate yee in repose . Build not the height of your desseignes , on the greatness of your familyes , nor on the favour of your freinds . I haue seen , sayeth the Prophet , Lords of the Earth , elevated beyond the height of the Cedars of Libany ; but a dreadfull story to recite , next day haue vanished from myne eyes , and hardly could I find one , who conseru'd so much as the memory of his having been . The Favourits of the World , are of the same nature , they solely pass it by . Their fortune is a suddaine flash of lightning , which farre surpasseth thunder with it's inevitable fall , in sort such : that if God lay not the first stone to all your buildings , all will fall ; there will not bee found aught , but ruine .

Desire then never aught : but what is of God ; that 's to say ; that what soever are your affaires , yee fully referre them all to his Sovraignity , and without murmur to his Devine Providence : since that the ordering of all , doth properly appertaine to him . Wish yee to bee Religious , or to bee maried ? take vnto yee that restraint of humility , and obedience : my Lord , thy will bee donne . It 's the prayer which hee hath taught yee ; judg yee whether it ought to be acceptable vnto him , and whether profitable to yee : End your examinations by a prayer to the Virgin , as well for her particular merit , from whence the flash through admiration of it's light so bright , dazeleth the sight of all the quires of Angell's : as allso , for your safety ; since shee is Advocate , and all puissant Mediatress , who so hath this Virgin in assistance , will never perish .

A PARTICVLAR ADVISE For direction of a one's life .

NEVER bee confident in aught but in God : all freindshipps of the World , retaine parcell of it's variable Nature : such an one to day would dye for yee , who to morrow , were yee disceased , would not so much as honour yee , attired in morning : Interess is ever found in affections , bee they never so pure . Become yee ill favoured , poore , or old , all your great freinds , and who so were last evening your loyall lovers will even vanish this very morning , and if yee send for them , none of them , will bee found at home for yee . Ladyes , it 's onely God , who is a perfect lover , and such like freind indeed . Will yee haue proofes of his goodness ? Hee dyed for yee before yee were borne . Require yee testimonyes of his mercy ? dayly hee conferred grace on yee . Loue then him onely . Ladyes , confide in none but in him , and yee shall never bee deceived .

Offer vp your selues in all places , for God doth replenish the Vniuers . Hee is every where , in such sort , that hee is witness of your actions , to the end , that this consideration , might retaine yee in the duetye yee owe vnto so Saintly , and adorable Majesty . The most consonant prayer , which yee can offer vp to God , is for your enemyes : since hee himself hath given yee the patterne , then ; when hee was nayled on the Cross ; where having nothing but His speach free , served himself thereof , to craue pardon for those vilains , who brought him to that beeing ; that misery . Oh vnheard of charity ! our sweet Saviour call'd out for mercy for them , the self-same , who gaue him gaule , and vinaiger to squench his thirst .

Even then , when in the dead of winter , yee are in your beds shelters , free from could weather , and other domages which might endanger life , set before yee , how many poore there bee at this very instant , who haue but a little dunghill-straw , for their beds sheets , and coverlids , without hope , that to morrow they shall bee provided better . Then ; consider some-what further , elevate your spirits to an higher pitch ; behould ; that God hath given vnto yee degrees , exempt from such like miseryes , mooved by nothing else ; but his goodness , and bounty conferr'd on yee . Truely they are benignityes , which justly exact eternall , and gratefull notice ; I wonder not aught that vnthankfull hence bee punished for ever . Take heed , that yee prooue not of the number .

Offer vp your selues againe as having been the same from all Eternity , whom yee are now in the judgment of God Allmighty . And what yee ought to ponder more sensibly , is ; that amidst the infinity of soules , his power Allmighty doth create daily , hee hath selected your's , to bee instructed in that Religion , wherein solely yee may find your safetyes . I am confused , nay rather extased , jointly each time , I consider on such venerable truethes , and adorable .

What a wonder of goodness is it , that God hath loved yee within himself in your nothing , before all ages I say loved yee , even to the conferring on yee a thousand sortes of benignityes , of which many other 's of your sexe are deprived . Adore yee ; adore yee , Ladyes , this Devine Providence , which in such manner hath ordained in your favour without your retributes , without your deserts .

Bee not yee proud of the admirable qualityes , which yee possess aboue your companions : least that God punnish yee , and take vengeance on yee for it . If yee bee very faire : bee yee likewise very humble , to the end , that the world may honour yee : when yee can not bee beloved more . How many haue I known , who in one self same day , were highly pris'd , mervailously esteem'd of , and jointly admired for piety by all the world . Humility in Ladyes hath more winning grace in it self : then all the guifts of Nature join'd together .

In all your good deeds ; let not Paradise bee the sole object , and scope of your workes : for as interessed , and mercenary , yee would loose parcell of their merits : but say with Saint Augustine ; Lord , were it even so , that thou hadst not a Paradise to bestow , I would not desist to loue thee solely : for thou art perfectly amiable ; and further , by meanes of loving thee , I feele to my advance , the delights of the self same Paradise , which thy mercy maketh mee to hope for . My Lord , following on , also ; I should not cease to feare thee , hadst thou not a Hell to punish mee : since that each time I offend thee , I find my self incessantly tormented , and I beginne to suffer the paines wherewith thy justice doth menace mee . Ladyes , good is to bee beloved for it self , and , as God Allmighty is the fountaine thereof , yee must forbid your hearts that they never sighe , but for the loue of him if so yee will that the very Angells bee passionate in your behalfs .

Bee not yee one of those faint-hearted , who wax pale ; and wanne for feare , when one tells yee of death ; nay farre otherwise ; like of the discours well , and the meditations thereon , to the end that yee may accustome your selues betimes , to pass that over fairely ; which yee must vndergoe of necessity , namely ; finish the worke , which yee haue begun , from the first moment of your liues , and wherein yee goe on incessantly . Oh how terrible is death to them who never haue meditated thereon !

Let then each of yee shew your selues oftentimes , vnto your selues in some private retire : and enquire where yee shall bee hence fiftie yeares to come , more , or less , and elevate your spirits on this serious subject . Yee see what it delivereth : It 's true , that then the same bodyes ; which now haue soules , and on which even now set so great a valiew will become no other then hillockes of dung , where the wormes will make their seate . But what will become of your soules ? wherewith will they entertaine their times during this long Eternity ? Is it that they must burn in Hell in expiation of their crimes ? At theise last words breake your silence , and if yee bee in a retired place , where yee can not bee heard , cry , out aloud , and boldly with Saint Augustin , say . Lord , burn , cut in pieces , and reduce into pouder , this miserable body of myne , I abandon it before the fury of thy justice ; so that thou pardon my soule in the other . Ladyes , Oh! what mervailes would theise words produce recited often , for the assuring of your safetyes : but in it , experience will make yee sensible of much more then can I heereon deliver .

I end here with this last advise , which I offer vp vnto yee , as one of the most importants , and of most benefit : that yee take vnto yee a particular devotion to the Virgin , daily saluting her with some Hymne in her praise . On whom one of the devout cryeth out ; that the Angells bow vnto , the Heaven humbleth it self vnto , and that all Nature trembleth with honour , and feare before this incomparable Marie ; since that her womb served for a cradle to her Creatour , her brests for nouriture , and her armes for a rest . Truely ; she who perfectly knoweth to honour her ; is not aught wanting , in what shee ought to vnderstand , for the good of her safety .

FINIS .