A golden mirrour conteining certaine pithie and figuratiue visions prognosticating good fortune to England and all true English subiectes, with an ouerthrowe to the enemies : whereto be adioyned certaine pretie poemes written on the names of sundrie both noble and worshipfull.

A Golden Mirrour .

Conteining certaine Pithie and figuratiue Visions prognosticating good fortune to England , and all true English Subiectes ▪ with an ouerthrowe to the enemies .

WHERETO BE ADIOYNED certaine pretie Poemes written on the names of sundrie both noble and worshipfull .

printer's or publisher's device

LONDON , ❧ Printed by Roger Ward for Iohn Proctor , and are to be solde at his shop vpon Holborne Bridge . 1589.

¶ TO THE HONORABLE , LORD GILBERT TALBOT , SONNE AND HEIRE TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE , THE EARLE of Shrewsbury , Knight of the most noble order of the Garter . &c. Increase of honour , and all felicitie

WHereas about two yeares past , I chaunced to haue offered me this present Treatise , whiche though I then accepted and gaue money for : yet , dreadyng least I might be ouer rashe in committyng it to the Print , especially before I had fully seene into the end and purpose of the writer , whom I vnderstood to bee a Gentleman of the North Countrey : yet now after long deliberation , I finding this same both pleasaunt and profitable , haue aduentured the charge of Printyng it . Pleasaunt I say it is in regard of the inuention , and the more to be esteemed of , considering that it foretold ( as it were ) the comming of the Spanyards and their ouerthrow to our great vnspeakable good . Profitable it is in respect of example : for here among the due prayses of many , those two most noble and loyall men your good honorable Father I meane , and the like right honorable the Earle of Darby , are set as spectacles or looking glasses , wherein all men may see a liuely pourtrayture of right Noble myndes in deede , for the right of their Countreys weale beyng most vigilant and studious . Hereto bee adioyned of the foresayd Authours doyng also , certaine Verses penned vpon the name of my Lord Straunge , and sundry others , vpon the names of diuers worshipfull , whiche , for that they are tending vnto vertue and prettie inuentions full of wittie sentences , I haue thought good to adde vnto the former Treatise .

If any will contend , that such graue matters as in the former part be intreated of , ought not be expressed vnder a colour of Dreames , let him but read Cicero his worke De somnio Scipionis , & he shall find there most graue & pithie matters , touching the well vsage of a Common weale , concerning the vnstablenesse and inualiditie of riches in comparison to vertue , with the blessed ende of good men , and the wofull miserie of the wicked , all effectually discoursed vnder the name of a Dreame . Now my humble suite is that your honour will vouchsafe to take on you the patrosinie of this Treatise , to whom I haue thought best for to dedicate the same , and that you will herein respect not so much the slendernesse of the gift , or the vnworthines of the giuer , but will accordyng to your noble curtesie , take in good part the simple good will of me your poore suppliant , who , though I be able to deserue nothing of your honour , yet will I euer pray for your good prosperitie .

Your honors humbly deuote ▪ IOHN PROCTOR .

¶ THE AVTHOVR TO THE Gentle Reader .

MY welbeloued in Christ , I haue made ready for thy reading a number of rare inuentions pend vpon the Ethimologie of the names , of diuers worthy personnages inhabiting the gentle natured countrey and Countie of Chester : A place planted with an infinite number of Gentlemen being of great worship , who in all their behauiours in euery respect , may welbe to many countreyes a spectacle , or Mirrour for many worshipfull vertues , as dutie to her Maiestie , obeyng the lawes , keeping good hospitallitie , louing and cherishing their seruaunts and poore tenants , vsing liberalitie to all men : being of nature lowly , friendly , and familiar , without any loftie proude stately wordes or countenaunce to their inferiours , dayly and hourely feeding , and clothyng the poore people that want and craue for Christes sake . What shall I say there is no countrey comparable to the same , concerning the vertues aforesayd . If Radamanthus , and Pryapus , did not corrupt some of them with their vgly vices . But as the best and most diligent husbandman can not weede his Corne so cleane how precise soeuer he be , but some wedes , as thystles , brackens or brambles will spring vp among the fayrest and most ranckest corne of the whole fielde : euen so among many vertues it euer hath bene seene , and euer shal be that some vices secretly shall lurke in some one corner or other according to the old saying , who liues without a fault , or what commoditie is without his discommoditie ? whiche argueth that Cheshyre is not onely for these vices to blamed more then the rest of our Natiue Countrey : Wherefore they are not alone to be condemned : But wishing all to be reformed ▪ I beseech thee gentle Reader to beare in mynde his sayings , that writ vpon the earth with his finger : and cast no more stones , at this gentle Countrey , then thou would haue throwen at thy selfe : wishing the wordes whiche shall flee out of thy mouth , to be fethered with such indifferencie , as both thou , and they may be thankefully receiued among all their worships and theirs , with the rest of the inhabitaunce of the same foyle . For if necessitie should constraine thee to make triall of the good Nature of this Countrey , thou wouldest not onely finde my reportes to be of troth , but also thou thy selfe shouldest haue iust occasion to speake more in their deserued commendations and prayse then I haue done : whiche I leaue to thy gentle iudgement , requesting thee to take in good part these sundry inuentions lately sleeped out of my penne , wherein I haue Poetically set downe diuers fictions , whiche shall ( I trust ) be profitable to euery Reader , that will indiffrently iudge vppon the sense , if hee haue knowledge to vnderstand me , accordyng to my good and faythfull meaning to my Countrey : But in these dayes not any thing is more disdained then the trauell of the true meaning subiect , to write against a worldlyng an Vsurer , a Papist , a Boasting Thrazo , an Extortioner , a Tel-tale , a Pick-thanke , a Clawbacke , a Periured person , a Tirant to his Countrey , or a Traytor , to her Maiesties Royall person , is so secretly disdayned , and so enuiously noted of some wicked wretches , that by one meanes or other hee shall not escape an euill displeasure , not a little to his great detriment and losses , but commonly to his vtter confusion , all the whiche daungers ( gentle Reader ) doe not daunt my mynde at all , neither cause my penne to staye one droppe of incke from paintyng the prayse of the vertuous , or tellyng the troth to the Tyraunt , by familiar examples of the other euill disposed persons as a caueat to warne the wicked , and to incourage the godly to persiste in vertue , whiche I beseech the almightie that we may all seeke the path of perfite righteousnesse , desiring to pray for peace , and to insue the same . To honour and dread God , obey our soueraigne and gratious Lady the Queenes Maiestie and her lawes , and finally one to loue another . Thus wishing thee and all thine , no worsse then my selfe I cease .

Golden Mirrours , verie significatiue and pithie : with Verses vpon the Etimologie of the names of sundrie Noblemen and Gentlemen . WHen as the Stately Stagge doth haunt the mountaine toppe , And secretlye doeth doubt , the Hunters subtill sleight : To Maxfield forrest , with weary steppes I got , And Shutlings loe , did scale of monstrous height : Where fominge brynish flouds in th' occident I sée , And sixe sundry Shyres appeared vnto mée . Thus gasing in the cloudes , these countreys far to vew , Meete vnderneath , the mountaine where I was : The kéepers came , the Stagg for to pursue , With bended bowes , and grayhounds , more and lesse . And Gentlemen , with Gentlewomen braue : That thether came , a huntyng sport to haue , But or the Course was set , tyme ware a way apace , And Boreas breth was blacke , and glummish chill : Which caused me , to séeke a warmer place , Vnderneath a rocke , on the other side the hill : Where houres thrée , I am sure that I sette , And watcht for sport , vntill I fell a sleepe . And in this slunthring sléep , the richest Dreame I had , A sight of blasing blisse , and glorious Golden show : I sawe a virgin , in rich attire clad , Whose vertues causde all men her name to know : For fame did sounde her iust deserued prayse , Whose giftes of grace , her Royall race bewrayes , A Rose as Ruby red , sprang in this Ladyes hand , Whose fragrant tast , perfum'd the loftie aire : Thrée Crownes vpon the same , by right did stand , Thrée Princely Lyons , this ( Lady ) honored there : The flower deluces did bow vnto the earth , Which did declare a Prince of famous byrth . And in a galland garden , stood this famous Dame , Inuironde round , with bryni●h waltring waues : With mightie mountaines , vaunting in the same , And riuers fresh , through valleys passadge craues : Where springs doe spoute , whose siluer streams doe gush , Through ribs of rockes , them selues doe dayly push . Many Cities buylt of fame , and honour great , Of worship , worthy Townes , of riche and manly shoe : Wherein me thought , was Iulius Caesars seate , With stately buyldings , many thousands moe : Of comely creatures , so populous to view , The like was neuer séene , if euery one were trewe . Of wealth there was no want , but grace there wanted some , Will playd such wicked partes , and priuate gayne : That in this garden , the poore men seldome wonne , And yet there durst not one of them complayne : The litle fish still flieth from the whale , Yet what 's deuoured , God Neptune knowes not all . Then came Morpheus with Linces eyes , in his fist Which sparkled like the fire , among the cloudy skies : Hold these ( sayd he ) and sée what ere thou list , Nothing can be vnknowen vnto the wise : Which when I had , but present in my hand , I heard and saw , but scarse could vnderstand . But by the blasing beames , of Lynces eyes , I sawe much more , then Argos many away : And heard report , what wordes from him there flies , And who they were , that did this dame obay : So did I view a vyle and wicked brood , That lately dranke , of vglie stigian floud . From out whose mouthes , they belched bulles of lead , Which rored and beld , in th' eares of some by sleight : A foxe their sier , a wolfe their supreame head , Their frendes are traitors , I know not what they hight : Thus still I stood , these nouelties rare to view , And warely watcht to sée what would insewe . And as I standing there , to sée the same , Dropt into doubtfull dumps , of that and this : Vpon the sodden presently there came , A valiant hounde , as white as siluer is : And did behold this Lady in the face , As one right ready , to obay her grace . Streight came an Eagle , soring in the skyes , With Golden fethers , delighting all mens sight : Who stooping straight , fell downe vpon his knees , To doe his duetie , thus he left his flight : ( And sayd ) Madame , the Lord preserue thée still , Thus doe I pray and haue , and euer will . This Hound and Eagle , with foote and wing so prest , In sure seruice vnto this excellent Dame : Those that had dronke of Stigian could not rest , But by the one or other straight was ta'en : No Bull durst bell , neare where there byding was , This noble Hound , no craftie Foxe let passe . A voyce I heard , that all the world did heare , That thundered from , the golden trumpe of fame : And true report him selfe , was present there , And made a challenge , to performe the same : The wordes were these , the Lyon well may trust , That Hound and Eagle , that neuer were vniust . They both be ready , alwayes for to obey , The Prince and Lawes , they truely loue in heart : No blotte of blame , from first vnto this day , Their banners blanckles , of any euill part : Their seruice showes , they sprang of spotles race , As at these dayes , appeareth by their grace . And with these wordes , the voyce was ceast and gone , And at the gase I gastly quaking stood : Birdes , beast and foules , in flockes was many a one , Whereas a number , seem'd of Vipers blood : ( I iudge yt so ) because they sought the spoyle , Of none so much , as of their natiue soyle . Then looking vp and downe , both heere and there , To heare report : and vewe with Lynces eyes : Me thought that Iupiter , descended from the ayre , 〈◊〉 midd a shower , of siluer droppes he flies : And Saturne followed , with his chollericke looke , And furious Mars , his blade , about him shooke . Then Mischief calde , for ( treason vndertrust ) Helpe now ( quoth he ) or els I am ore ' throwen : Then sayd Iupiter , thou wretched Théefe vniust , I am the God , that makes such villaines knowen : For treason thou , shalt reape thy iust rewarde , And I this Virgin , in prosperous raigne will garde . Then Eccho , she was cald , that liues in woodes , And rocky ragged tours , and Dales with Dymbles déepe : Where riuers runne with waltring waues in floudes , For that ( that she ) could neuer counsell kéepe : Sayd Iupiter , come Eccho , vnto mée , Reueile all those these dayes that traitors bée . But at this word me thought a number fled , Some others wishte them fishes in the Sea : An other sorte began to hyde their head , And many other did ambodexter play : For Eccho did all traytors trades bewray , As Iupiter commaunded , so she did obey . Thus Eccho charg'd to tel all things that 's hard , Iupiter commaunded woodes , waters hilles , and dales : Mountaines , medowes and valleys to regarde , With cabbins and caues in England and in Wales : What people they receiue , sith vipers be abrod , That neither honor Prince , ne yet almightie God . Except you know them , stay them all ( quoth hée ) He charg'd the stones to tell that lye in street : So did the Eagle to all the foules that flée , Commaunded them to watch , with whom they meete , That by your voyce the Serpents may be knowen : That séeke to haue our ( onely ioy ) ore throwen . And prest accomplere , sayd the noble Hound , With sterne and stately countenance all about : ( All enemies ) what soeuer to confound , My present seruice shall put you out of doubt : In place my person , shall the triall make , If any enemy dare , approche the state . Then Neptune rousde him selfe vpon a rocke , Amid the brynish fomyng floudes he sate : The gates of all his pallace did vnlocke , And send for Triton , his pleasure to relate : Whose trompet soundeth ouer in the seas , For to declare such newes , as Neptune please . When Triton came , and had his duetie done , God Neptune bad him sound his trumpet vp : And in the seas commaunds all creatures come , That of the fomyng floudes did drinke or sup : And tell Caribd and Silla I am here , And doe commaunde them , presently appeare . Triton trudg'd and sounded Trumpet straight , At voice wherof , appeared great and small : The Seas did mount of mightie monstrous height , All liuing creatures attended on the Whale . A mightie muster I neuer saw the like , It passeth all my skill the halfe for to indite . When all assembled wear● before this God , Triton sounded silence in paine of present death , And then came Mercurie to charme them with his rod : That none durst speake that time that beareth breath : Thus silence made , quoth Neptune now prepare My pleasure to fulfill , that here my Subiectes are . Said Neptune , sith to you it 's not vnknowen , But that on Tellus all my floods do stay : On whom I reape the fruites , on earth that 's sowen , And doe maintaine my state both night and day . He sends me word that Vipers are abord , That would destroy th' annointed of the Lord . Which Ladies vertue mooueth all the Gods . As Iupiter himselfe for to defend the skies : And to prepare for all her foes such rods , As Iustice can by any law deuise , So that her Foes on earth cannot escape , Mark now said Neptune what I will debate , Then for Eolus , Triton sound his Trump , Who presently did personally appeare : who was vpon the sodaine in a dump , Till Neptune tolde him softly in his eare . Which when he knew , what was the cause in déed , He willingly with Neptune did procéede . And then said Neptune , I charge my furious Flouds , To swell and rage , vp toward the cloudie skies : With gréedy Iawes deuoure vp their bloods , That harme against her noble state deuise . To thée Caribdis and Sylla , thus I will , That night and day their ships and them you spill . Then said Eolus with a blustering blast , I for my part shal make their course but short : I will breake Anker , Cable and also Mast , So that destruction shall acquite their sport . But whom ( said Eolus ) that it pleaseth you , I 'le blowe his sailes , the Traitors to pursue . And as this word , Eolus mouth had past , God Neptune musing whom to choose therefore : The mightie Iupiter sendeth with a blast A faithfull Foule , for seas none like of yore . A Drake adrest to passe through euery storme , To swim the flouds , this Virgins foes to charme . Then stept out Nature that secretly lay hid , And did auouch the choice was by her made : And Mars himselfe to take the charge did bid , And there withall did giue this Drake his blade : And Neptune bad him welcome to the Seas , Eolus promist him to blow hys sayles alwayes . And when this valiaunt Drake receiued charge , And to the purpose as before I sed : And his commission reachyng wide and large , Me thought some foes farre of hoist sailes and fled : An other sorte to Crikes began to flye , Because they knew they had deserued to dye . But Drake not dreading , layde to his brest to swym , The fomyng flouds to search for forrain foes : The Gods in all exploits were still with him , And Eolus in his sayles , a luckie blast still blowes : No foe he feares though he can Spanish speake , He venters if they byde , their force to breake . And as I kend him farre , as eyes could scry , And all his faithfull followers at that tyme : A warlike Winter , appeared in the sky , Yet Phebus frendly did vpon them shine : Eolus Furbisher , was ready for to scower , The Spanish cloud , that mischief meant to power . And séeing a sight my eyes began to tyre , With flouds so furious , and eke so many sayle ▪ Streightwayes I heard , and saw such gunnes on fire , The tremblyng earth , my féete began to fayl : The skies were dimd , the Seas of fire flamd , As though this word Rise Deadmen had bene nam'd . Foes fled that could , some sanke into the Seas , The rest prisoners that crau'd of Drake their life : An other sorte sought boggs and woods for ease , Thus Neptunes Drake , by force doth stinte their strife : The Gods of this Drake , doe make such a treasure , That Sancta Dominga . he had at his pleasure . Thus fire and smoke , dasht Drake out of my sight , But that I heard for ioye the Sireus sing : And that I had a glimring of some light , Els of this Drake , no other newes I bring : But surely the Gods , the helme doo hold , Where Drake doth swym : what néedeth more be told . Then turnde I backe , this garden for to view , For Morpheus twitcht me sharply by the eare : And sayd it's best , thy charge to looke vnto , And with thy pen , let diligence appeare : Now shalt thou sée ( quoth he ) a happy sight , And comfort that , among the poore doth light . Whereat I ready for to view the same , A number infinite , did presently behold : That did reioyce , to heare of vipers tane , That sought such mischief , as before I told : With singing , ringing ▪ and clapping handes they sayd , God saue our Noble Quéene , our mother and a mayd . The younglinges leape , like lambes vpon the leyes , The lame reioyst , and laught , to heare the newes : The poore ploughmen , vnyokt , and present playes , The traueller , his iorney doth refuse : And all with chearefull voyce did sing and pray , God saue our Noble Quéene Elizabeth alway . The prayers of the poore , did pearce the skyes , The ioy of the people , spread ouer all the earth : The vertues of the virgin , throughout all kingdomes flyes , For all her faithfull subiectes , vnfainedly made mirth : Poore clout-shooes gate their clubs , and willingly attend , To wreke there mistres cause , both life and good will spend . The noyse whereof , so sounded in the ayre , And with the roring cannons on the sea : That heauen and earth , in euery part might heare , How nigh soeuer , or els how farre away : The thumping of the same so frighted me , That on the mount I wakened where I ley . My limmes be numde , as cold as any stone , And Phoebus bathing in the Occident floud : I could not stand when as I would haue gone , My ioynts were frosen , congeled was my bloud : Dismounting thus the hill , I did retyre , To maister Leigh of Ridge , a Gentle Squyre . To whom I told my Dreame , both more and lesse , From first vnto the last in eche degrée : Who wi●hed me , my pen , for to adresse , To set it downe , that all the world might sée : God saue the Quéene , ( said he ) the Eagle , and Noble hound , And all that traytors be , almightie God confound . Amen ( quoth I ) and he that would not so , I wish he were the first , to féele deserued woe . FINIS .

The Godesse chast , that Dian hath to name , Is much abus'd by vermin that deuoure : In forrest , park , and chace , her galland Game Is vexed sore , and daungered euery houre : Which causeth her , to send for sure Hounds , To hunt the wolues , out of her Stately Grounds . WHen as Aurora with rudie chéekes prepard , Her Oriental pallace Phoebus to receiue : The Christall skyes , vnto the earth declard , That Flora would restore , what Hyemps did bereue ▪ Which caused birds to brush , them on the bowes , And many for to walke , their chambers did refuse . And I my selfe then weary of my booke , To be partaker of the pleasant ayre : Into a forrest fast by the way I tooke , Wherein my sight , did hautie hills appeare : And rocky towers , did scale the loftie skyes , Whom vnderneath , déepe dales and dymbles lyes . Thus for to féede my gredy eyes at gaze , By wandring long I weary was at last : Till sodenly , my witts were in a maze , My eyes did dazile , and all my sense was past : I set me downe , a while to rubbe my browes , The poore Knights pallace of pleasure to peruse . But in a dreame or trance , that tyme I was , As did appeare , by sightes I sée full rare : I heard such hunting of hounds both more and lesse , That scarse I can , the twenteth part declare : And euery hound , was called by his name , The Hunters hallowing did declare the same . The ragged hills and rocky towers reporte , By Ecchoes , voyce , the quest of Noble hounds : The which to heare , it was a worthy sporte , The merry voyce from earth to skyes rebounds : The Goddesse , Nymphes , with spéedy foote doe follow , With sounde of merry horne , most plesantly they hallow , Thus as I heard this heauenly hunting there , I parted from the place , where then I sat : To haue a sight , of that which I did heare , Vp higher the hill , with expedition gat : Where vnder a bush , not farre where I did stand , I saw a Nymphe with bended bow in hand . Whose presence then I durst not well approch , Her strange attire , and sparkling lookes were such : But closly kept me vnderneath a roch , Because harme haunteth some for medling much : Thus as I stood to heare this merry quest , I heard the names of houndes that hunted best . The followers chear'd the houndes with mery voyce , With pleasant notes of worthy warbling horne : And cald vpon the houndes that were of choyce , Who leade no chawle , the game they found so warme : And many houndes of sundry names there where , Of mightie mouthes , so did their sound apeare . I heard the hunts-man , call on duetie still , Obedience raung'd , from duetie quite away : Pleasure he ran riot , with his fellow will , Rufler rudely rou'd , and would no whit obey : Loue well found the perfit , whereat the hunts-man blew , And sayd , here Talbot , take it , for thou art euer trew . Bowman bruisht the brakes , through thicke and thin , Diligence followed dutie , with merry open mouth : Yet scarse could duetie bring obedience in , He was so rudely raung'd ore farre into the south : The hunts-man neuer ceast , but hallowed still and blew , And sayd , here Talbot , take it , for thou art euer trew . Findeall , and hold fast , both hunted together , Through thicke and thin , both night and day : Reuell and ringwood spared no weather , Ouer hills and dales , they take the way : Whereat the hunts-man , both hallowed and blew , And sayd , here Talbot , take it , for thou art stil trew . Talbot , treasure and trustie , followed duetie fast , And louewel laboured lustily night , day , and houre : The hunts-man did rechat , with horne a merry blast , Dianas Nymphes did follow with al their might and power : Thus one , or other , neuer seast but blew , And cride , here Talbot , take it , for thou was euer trew , These hounds hunte together , with a gallant quest , But that Mendall was behind aboue a myle or more : And fauor hunted counter , with diuers of the rest , Which marde some sport , beshrow their harts therfore : But to the trusty hounds the hunts man hallowed still & blew , And sayd , here Talbot , take it , for thou art euer trew . The wolfe , and foxe , both fled before the hounds , The beastly belling bull , lay coucht in cabbin closse : And wicked wéesels , fled from Britanian grounds , The tygar trudgeth , dayly to his losse : The hounds quest merrily , the hunts-man euer blew , And sayd , here Talbot , take it , for thou art euer trew . The concord of their cry and merry quest , Caus'd al the hills , and mountaines to reioyce : The rocky woods , recordes both East and West , To euery eare , the noble pleasant voyce ▪ The Nymphes let arrowes flée , and still the hunts-man blew , And sayd , here Talbot , take it , for thou art euer trew . Thus ouer hills and dales , these hounds did mount , Diana in her chariot , followed very fast ▪ Till to the quirry , a number out of count , Were brought to reape their iust reward at last . Where presently , the Mort the Hunts-man blew , And said , here Talbot , take it , for thou art euer trew . The heads and quarters of these Carrens vile I did beholde , where kites and Crowes did eate , A marke for many that do themselues exile From Dueties doctrine , and deale by déepe deceit . For by this same it doth appeare full well , That sacred Gods of euerie thing can tell . The heauens did declare a ioyfull time , By christall skies , and Phoebus golden gleimes : The Larke aloft into the cloudes doth clime , And euery Hunter , his wished pray obtaines . Till at the length , away the Hunts-man blew , And said , that noble Talbot euermore was trew . This heauenly hearing so delighted me , I wisht this hunting last for euermore : Most pleasant dreame it was that ere I sée , But loe , what lucke did light ( alas ) therefore , A friend of mine by chance that way did passe , And wakened me , asleepe where then I was . FINIS .

Verses pend vpon the Etimologie of the name of the right honorable , Fardinando , Lord Strange . FAme in her flight , by chance found me Asléepe vpon a banke , And in a furie , said that she Would yeeld me litle thanke , To sléepe when thou shouldst wake , and write , Sith I ( said she ) wil now indite . Arise ( quoth she ) write after me , My sentence doe not change , Here shalt thou view a creature true , Who may be called Strange . And if thou learned be quoth shee , Beholde the noble Wight : Whose modest minde apeares to be A wise and vertuous Knight : Descent of noble Parentage , And rarest creature of his age : A man so fixt and firme of fayth , That neuer yet did change , And standes to trueth for life or death , This man is very Strange : Recorded is his life by mée , Within my house of fame : From age to age his memorie Shall still aduance his name . ( Quoth she ) because his noble giftes Doe put his equals to their shiftes Let poore men iudge , that want refuge , That find their Landlords change , He takes th' olde rent , and is content : Which may be called Strange . Doubtlesse ( quoth Fame ) thou maist be bolde To write what I shall say : Strange is his vertues to beholde , Among the rest this day : He serueth God in humble wise , His Princes foes he doth dispise . His lowly minde men euer finde , Still fixed not to change . Which winnes mens harts in euery parts , And that must néedes be straunge . Estéemde he is , of Noble Prince , And of all gentle blood : His like before his tyme , nor since , For vertuous giftes and good : I neuer knew , nor neuer shall , Though I to mynde with pen should call : All histories of auncient age , Yet I should finde some chaunge : His part he playes vpon the stage , Excéedeth very Straunge . No pride perceiued in his brest , No hautie heart he beares : And where is néede , to helpe vs prest , And thus he spends his yeares : No harme to any hath he wisht , Nor for a poore mans profite fisht : Doubtles his life , to man and wife , Doth show in him no chaunge : But sure , eche houre vnto his power , Among the rest , is Straunge . Of worldly wealth , he makes no coumpt , He wayes his honor more : Loue to his seruants doth surmount , And to his tenaunts poore : Of countrey still , he taketh care , And for the common wealth prepare : Remembring well , that fame will tell , What people loue to chaunge : Therfore I say , this present day , He may be called Straunge . Death doubts he not , in Princes causes , So true of faith is hée : To serue and prosecute her lawes , He cares not who they bée : Refusing neither night nor day , All tydes , and tymes , he takes the way : No fauor feare , no frend , nor foe , Can cause his mynde to chaunge , No gayne nor payne , can tempt him so , And that is very Straunge . If I should make report ( quoth Fame ) Of halfe his golden giftes : Except that Tullie were thy name , Thy pen were put to shiftes : Go to therfore , and write ( sayd she ) And I therewith abroad will flée : And euery eare , of him shall heare , That neuer yet did chaunge : But sure as rocke , and all his stocke , And that is onely Straunge . He loueth men , much more then shéepe , That some doe most delite : He pities people poore that wéepe , When wrong hath wrought them spite : He gently heares their gréeued causes , And doth with iustice vse the lawes : By force he wayes no wight with power , Nor mynde , with winde doth chaunge : As many doe this presente houre , But now that is not straunge . Not markes and pounds , but hawkes and hounds , Is euer his desire : He layes not gether poores mens grounds , He is no countrey stroyer : He liues in loue , of rich and poore , Sufficient he doth call his store : Full well knowes he , that men must dye , And therefore will not chaunge : But liues content , with auncient rent , Which argues to be Straunge . Thus did I write , and Fame indite , Me thought that present tyme : For in the sense , I had delite , To studie euery line : Loe this in sléepe , me thought I heard , Of Fame , which bad me take regard : With painefull pen , to tell all men , That it might neuer chaunge : Then out of sight , she tooke her flight , And bad me thinke of Straunge . Then wakened I , with wéeping eyes , To call my Dreame to mynde : Because I see , such men as these , In England hard to finde : Alas therefore , what should I say , It is the cause poore men decay : Vice taketh place , for want of grace , So many loue to chaunge : Thus haue I pen'd , and also end , My Dreame of Noble Straunge . FINIS .

Verses penned vpon the Etimologie of the Name and Title of the right worshipfull Lady , the Lady Iulian Holcraft of the Vale Royall . THe head which still with studie is opprest , Of force must finde , some way to ease the same : All trauellers must haue a tyme to rest , Or els their limmes , with wandring wil be lame : So I a weary sitting at my booke , Into the fieldes to walke the way I tooke . High on a hill to mount I did delite , To view a Royall Vale , that was below : Where riuers run , with streams as christall white , And pleasant woods , about the same did show : Wherein did bounse the Buck , with Hart , & Hynd , The Faulconer ther for hawkes , may pastime finde . Eche spray was sprouted out with buds , Vpon the which Merula singeth swéet : The Ro Bucke roreth in the shrubs , The fertill medowes , tast of flowers swéet : Which vapurs did perfume the starry skyes , That from this vale so Royally doth rise . Loe thus bewrapt in viewing this prospect , The sight I see , my sense so ouer threw : The christall streames , my eyes had so reflect , The ioy thereof my iudgement ouerthrew : That downe I sate to studie at the same , Till Morpheus had my drowsie head ore'tane . And thus a sléepe to me approched neare , A gallant Dame , presenting great renowme : Which sayd arise thou slugg , why sléep'st thou here . Come goe with me , where thou shalt haue a roome : I looked vp and did Melponia sée , I rose and crau'd , her pardon on my knée . Doubtles ( quoth he ) at Helicon thou art , ( Recorded thée ) where thou shalt still remayne : But yet moe counsell take before we part , In hast prepare , thy pen for to proclayme The vertuous life , a Lady leadeth here , As dayly shall by iuste reporte appeare . In lasting letters , pen this Saras gift , Whose mildnes may full well Rebecca teach : And Rachels vertues , all would put to shift , The steps she treades no lyuing wight can rech : From blooming youth , vnto these present dayes , Of Alcest , she : doth iustly beare the kayes . In heart so méeke with spotles thought is she , That wordes in wast , be banisht from her brest : No idle looke once glanceth from her eyes , The poore mans plaints , to heare her eares are prest : Her liberall hand , doth hungry belly fill , Who wants her helpe , she is their comfort still . Vnto her frend , as sure , as marble rocke , To foe not yelding , but as reason will ▪ Of speaches she , both beares the key and locke , In ( tyme ) to vse all things , she hath the skill : In iudgement she can play Apollos part , A Goddesse she might be , for lerned art . Liue she doth , in loue of rich and poore , Her race so rarely run , hath not bene knowen : Her lampe of light , thus burneth euermore , With newes thereof , loe Fame her trump hath blowen , At Hespias , in chaire of state this Dame Hath chéefest place , for to aduance her name . In worldly stormes she beares her sailes so well , No suddaine blast can worke her any wracke , From out her presence vice she doth expell , And Vertue yet would neuer sée him lacke : Her iust deserued praise shée doth not séeke , She is so humble , and lowly in her sprite . And to the stranger still she hath regard , To showe such courtesie as worship craues : Her neighbors cause with her is euer heard , Lo thus this Lady still her selfe behaues . She beares no minde that soreth in the skie , Nor yet too lowe she lifteth not to flie . Not cankered Enuie can these words deny , If Spite should speake , he must declare the same : For Vertue vaunts her name into the skie , With golden Trumpet , sounded vp by Fame , Would God therefore her daies should euer last ▪ Then might a number think their sorrowes past . Her blossomes bréede the fruites of noble state , Whose tast doth comfort rich and poore these daies By Natures works , of God these giftes they gat● That euery wight should iustly speak her praise : At Helicon the Muses do delight : With golden pen this Ladies life to write . Of many vertues moe : I could declare , To occupie thy pen , if Tully were thy name : That wanting Tyme I am compeld to spare , Behold Sir Phoebus doth confesse the same : For now he batheth in the Occean Sea , Which is the cause I must depart away . Looke now therefore , thy pen doe witnesse beare , Melpomen said , for so thy duetie is : And make report what thou of me doest heare , And tell the world that I commaund thée this . For Iustice euermore hath this regard , That euery creature reape their due reward , Doubt neither friend nor foe to speak a trueth ▪ Consider thou art bound by duetie much . Remember Time will bring all things to prooffe , And sith it doth thus much thy credite touch , For to discharge thy selfe from bearing blame , Thy pen I wish to write vpon this Dame . And with these wordes she vanished away , And I did wake foorth of this pleasant dreame , The night was come , and banisht was the day , The cloudes obscur'd Dianas face with raine . Then to my studie straight I did prepare , This Ladies words Melpomen to declare . These are the newes , and all the newes I haue , God send good newes this yeare , and euermore . Our noble Queene the euerlasting saue , And God increase your Ladiship with store , God blesse my Lady Countesse , and her birth , Her honor , and your worship long life with ioy & mirth . FINIS .

Verses penned vpon the Etimologie of the name of the right Woshipfull , Sir Edmond Traffard , of Traffard , in the County of Lancaster , Knight . SVch was my hap of late to walk , the lofty hils to view , For to reuiue my weary wits , which studie ouerthrew : And forth I past from high to higher , and so to th' height of all , Where viewing of the countrey round , at length to mind did call The wonders great , and workes of God : when all a Caos was , And lapped vp vpon a lumpe , as hard as beaten brasse , In musing at those daies and these , my flesh began to quake , To call to minde the wretched waies , that worldly men do take : And as I drowned was in dumps , came Morpheus with his mace , So that my sences did obey , and yéelded to his grace . No sooner thus asléep , but straight in drowsie dreame I sée A Lady swifter then the wind , call'd Time approching nie . Rise and awake ( quoth she ) to me , why sléep'st thou on this hill ? The wordes I speake I charge thée straight , record with painfull quill . Then did she shake a razor sharpe , and with a frowning face , And thretning speach , she said the world shold suddainly giue place For I am Time which executes the secrete will of God , In euery age of wickednesse , by Time they féele the rod . Els had not flouds ore'flowed the world , for vgly sinfull vice , If Time had not bin present ther , which caus'd them play their prize I Time shipt Noah into the Arke , and all the charge he had , And I was she first found him and by doues , which made him glad Lo thus at first and euer since vnto this present houre , By Time were builded Cities great with many a loftie tower . Down haue I cast them all againe , olde walles doe mencion make , And Cities now , & buildings braue , I ( Time ) shal cause to quake . Although the bragging Worldling raise his house into the aire . I Time will vanish al away , as no such thing were there ▪ My blade is whet , I wait but when to vse the mortall edge : On whom I light , my order is to haue the life in pledge : My sister Atrapos , the Poets do faine the fatall Dame , Who can doe nothing wanting Time , shée doth vsurpe my name : Ne Lachices , nor Clotho can the distaffe dresse at all , But when that I doe point the Time , they come when I doe cal : So that I Time doe beare record from first vnto the last , Of present daies , of daies to come , and daies that now are past : Of yong and olde , of rich and poore , the vertue Time doth prooue , On whom to waite , both king and Prince , and all estates behooue : No state can start by night or day , that Time can not espie , Nor secret shift so closely lapt , but Time the trueth shall trie : I Time therefore am come to thée , of wonders great to tell , Therefore it stands thée much vpon , to vse thy pen as well . Doubt not to write , what I declare , nor feare not who shall sée What drops fall from thy painfull pen , but beare thy selfe by me : For lo ( said Time ) the fire burnes that Mars hath set on fire , See now his cruell mortall blade , that blood doth still desire : The fearfull skrikes of innocents , from far doest thou not heare ▪ Remedilesse ( alas ) they crie , and die in deepe dispaire . And now behold how hunger haunts with chéeks both pale & leane , This bloudy butcher , furious Mars , and all his wicked traine : And greedy spoile , spares not to spill , to pray on others good , Rauening Rape with maid and wife runs headlong to the wood . For Fauor flies , and force takes place , and vice doth vertue kill , Fained Friendship now layes on lurtch , his faithful friend to spil . And Shift in shackles now inuents to kick against the spur , And yet Dissembling euery day , lies coutching like a cur : Reuenge is feeing of his friends , in hope to haue a day , But sée where Iustice is at hand , his guerdon for to pay . Death doth prouide dame Pestilence , to worke the later woe , Likewise destruction , with his frends , doe wish it to be so . Know this ( sayd she ) moe plagues then these are ●●●ming neare at hand , No creature liuing but shall féele , the same on sea and land : In top of all their worldly trust , shall come the wofull newes , Great terror in the hearts of men , when God these whips shall vse : Time shal try all , this is most true : the Scripture saith the same , Therfore I charge thée send abroad , these sayings in my name . Now rise ( quoth she ) and turne thy face towards the Occean sea , A triple foorded riuer shall , direct thy ready way : Where thou shalt finde Antiquitie , the maker of the place , Whose name hath bene Tyme out of mynde , before the conquest was : Thus sodenly she tooke her flight , and vanished away , And I in trembling feare did wake , not knowing what to say . Sith dreames be vayne , of Poets pennes , and Fables of delite , So doe I pray , that all proue false , that heare I did indite : Beséeching God with Nestors age , your worship may increase , With health , and wealth , and Newe yeares ioy , and so my pen doth sease . FINIS .

Verses penned vpon the Etimologie of the name of the right worshipfull Maister Peter Leigh , heire apparant to the valiaunt Gentleman ▪ Sir ▪ Peter Leigh , of the linne , Knight . PErusing auncient bookes of late , I founde a storie straunge : Which told me that , the earthly state , Should haue a soden chaunge : And all that is , should nothing bée , Whereat I mused maruellouslye . Erste neuer was my barren brayne , So sodenly be rapt : For to perceiue that all was vayne , I thought it great mishap : Sith once I thought the world should last , To heare destruction , made me basht . Thus as I mused at the same , My wearie wittes , with studie toild : By Morpheus , meanes a sléepe did frame , Least Naturs gifts , should haue bene spoild : But as I slept , a dreame full rare , I had , which gréeues me to declare . Enuironde round about was I , From loftie skyes , with golden gleymes : Wherein I saw , a Goddes flye : Thrise swifter then Syr Neptuns streames , A razour in her hand she bare : And fiercely did these wordes declare . Remember well ( quoth she ) to mée , Make ready pen , and inck , to write : The wordes that now I speake to thée , Sith that I know , thou can indite : Tyme is my name , young once I was , Though now , I weare and wast alas . Loe I am she that present was , When Heauen , Earth , and Seas were made : From age , to age , what came to passe , Vnto this houre I know the trade : Although that worldlings Tyme forget , Yet to accompts I call their det . Els those that fléete , and flow in wealth , Would quite deuour the poorer sorte : Sith might alwayes forgets himselfe , And makes of wrong a common sport : I Tyme therfore this bloudy knife , Doe beare vnwares , to shut their life . In Tyme that 's past , what Cities great , Whose walles , and towers scald the skyes : Were mounted vp , to be the seat , For earthly Gods , this Scripture tryes : Which lyeth now layd loe with soyle , And who but Tyme , that made the spoyle . Great castles to defend the foe , With walles of force , long sith were built : Their towers torne , doth plainly shoe , That Tyme compeld them for to yeld : Whose ruine doth these dayes declare , That Tyme bids euery man prepare . Haue I not bene , the cause ( quoth Tyme ) That euery man these dayes doth build : Whose pride therein , so farre doth shyne , That all the poore thereby are spild : But as their goodes , is now their God , I Tyme therefore , shall bring a rod . Erste such a whippe as I shall bring , From mightie loue , was neuer féel'd : I all their buildings downe will fling , To flée themselues , shal be compeld : The sword shall vengeance take for sinnes , And those shall lose , these dayes that winnes . So that if Ouid were aliue , The Metaphor would passe his pen : The father , and the sonne , shall striue , And sharpe reuenge consume all men . The Tenaunt shall his Landlord hate , And neighbours be at great debate . So Loue , and Charitie , shall wast ▪ Pride , and Enuie , shall increase : And pure chastitie , displast , But whoredome , he shall neuer seace : And Vsurie , shall fill his baggs , While poore Tromtroth doth walke in raggs . Quit voide of grace ( quoth Tyme ) I sée , The greatest number , at this day : For Symon Magus , subtilly , By cloaked craft , can catch his pray : The world runs headlong after gayne , Whose pleasure Tyme shall turne to payne : Vndoubtedly this rasour sharpe , ( quoth Tyme ) shall presently dispatch : Yet none shall know , when to depart , No where , nor when , I make the match : But sodenly the thréed I cut , Thus wordly ioyes , by me are shut . You sée ( quoth Tyme ) the alteration , You sée , how lucar leades the way : You sée , these dayes , abhomination , By errour , faith you sée decay By bribes , true iustice blinded is , By following will , some wade amisse . Edels●a now , deceiueth vs , By outward signes and also shoe , Faire wordes be framed marueilous , To worke the hearers griefe and woe . But now said Time , the day 's at hand , All things shall wast on sea and land : Reuenge from skies with fiery flames , Shall now at hand deuour and wast All mortall men vnto their shames , Except where grace and vertue 's plast . Those that beléeue , and God doe feare , As Angels then shall straight apeare . And with these wordes she tooke her flight , And bad me boldly write the same : When Time was gone I was afright , For all the world me thought did flame : With Thunder then the earth did quake , Which wofull thing did cause me wake . FINIS .

Verses penned vpon the Etimoligie of the name of the right worshipful , M. Thomas Leigh of Adlington , in the Countie of Chester , Esquire : purporting the nature of Time . THe thorny thumps that Thought did thacke within my wofull breast Had pincht me so , that Naturue crau'd for help to purchase rest . Of studious works I weary was , into the fieldes I fled : My purpose was by wholsome aire , for to refresh my head . And as I wandred vp and downe , vnder a bush I sate , Some secrete thing me thought that time , came in my painful pate . Lo thus at last with musing much , a sléepe came in my eie , Erst neuer such a dreame I had , nor thing so strange did sée I saw a Lady called Time , which flew as swift as winde , Geue eare ( quoth she ) for presently I will expresse my mind . Haue care vnto my speech ( said she ) and mark my sayings well : Els out of wisdomes worthy waies I must thy wits expell . See here the wings wherwith I fly , behold the knife I beare . Sée here the present speed I make : yet Time no man doth feare . Quite void of care I sée the world , they mount with Icarus now , Vndoubtedly so that they gaine , to get they care not how . Yet I Daine Time will call to count the stoutest of them all , And giue vnto the loftiest mind , a troublesome tombling fall . Remember Time began all thinges , at first when all was made , Time at the last shall cause againe al thinges to wast and fade . Haue I not cast Ierusalem vnto the slymy soyle ? Of worldly welth I make but dust , though worldlings daily toile My nature is as I began , so for to make an end , And cause in time both quick and dead both for to bow and bend . Such is my nature , that I must make tryal of all trueth , Looke from the first vnto the last , let ancient bookes be prooffe . Erected I haue Cities great , so haue I Castles strong , In euery part of all the world , these buildings lie along . Great is my force , let Scripture iudge , which saith al things shal wast , How can the greatest kingdome then escape my force at last . Els worldlings wold still brag and best vpon their good and land . So I dame Time should haue the tant which haue them in my hand Such buildings now be mounted vp by such as feare no fall , Quite void of care the builders be , to leaue the same at all , Vntill I Time with razor sharpe , do cut their vital thred . I sée there is not any now , the latter day doth dread . Estéeme they doe their goods and lands , and Time to come forget Remembring not that Time at last shall cause them pay their det . Mark but how hours wasteth daies , and daies the wéeks deuoure And wéekes consume meneths you see by prooued proofs ech houre . And moneths do swallow vp the yeare , & years do consume men . Al this doth chance by me dame Time , yet who knows where or when ? And with this speach she took her flight , and bad me take my penne . For to record the words she spake , and publish to al men : But when I saw that Time was past , alas she gréeu'd me sore : That I in Time did not take Time , I dayly wéepe therefore , Thus haue you hearde my drowsie dreame , though Time be gone , and fled , And I her sayings still record within my heart and head . FINIS .

A Psalme pend vpon the Etimologie of the name of the right Worshipfull , Thomas Leigh of Adlington , in the Countie of Chester , Esquire : To the note or tune of , Domine ne in furore . Psalme . VI. THy mercie Lord , my faith perswades , although my sinnes be red : How I shall be made frée to thée : by Christes blood that 's shed . Of all my wandring wilfull dayes and rechlesse rudefull toyes : My faithfull hope is for to mount , to thee in lasting ioyes . And as I wickedly did sinne , I faithfully repent : Such is thy mercie that I knowe , my teares shall thée content . Loe heare my teares the witnesse is , my sin doth grieue me sore : Estéeme O Lord my wofull plaintes , I trust t' offend no more . In thée my onely hope remaines , on thée is all my stay : Geue eare vnto my wofull cries , when I shall passe away . Haue minde vpon thy mercy Lord , forget thy wrath and yre , Erect my Spirite into thy blisse , I humbly thée desire . Els all my teares and grieuous plaintes returne without rewarde : So shall I weare , and wast in woe , my cries shall not be heard : Séeme not therefore to turne thy face , accept my wofull suite : Quit me from Sathans nets and snares , his traps good Lord confute . Vnto thy Maiesty O Lord , I dedicate my selfe : Yéeld I doe my soule to thee , and leaue the world my wealth . Accept thereof , thou glorious God , thus still on thée I crie : Reuenge not Lord , but mercie haue , and neuer let me die . All glory be vnto thy name : and to thy onely sonne : And to the holy Ghost , with whom to vs thy kingdome come . FINIS .

Verses penned vpon the Etimologie of the name of the right worshipfull Lady , the Ladie Marie Edgarton of Ridley , in the Countie of Chester . THe toyled minde and weary wit that study doth oppresse , Nature mooueth many waies , the same for to redresse : Which caused me to leaue my booke , my sences to reuiue , And wandring , walked heare and there , the time away to driue . High vp a hill with wearie steps , the haughtie rockes I scal'd , Among the which I heard a voice , that sore my heart appald : Among the shrubs I shrouded was , where in a trance I sate , Or els some drousie dreame it was , that then and there I gate . Erst was I neuer in the like , for there me thought I sée , An armed man with bloody blade with spéed approched ny : His face as fierce as flames of fire , his hands imbrewd in blood : And like a Lion in his rage , before me stamping stood . Lo here ( quoth he ) my name is Mars , that am the bloody God , The gleids that glow within my breast , bréeds mischéefe al abrode Kings and kingdomes by the ears I dayly vse to set , Murther is the thing I craue , and peace I still forget . And now ( said he ) pull foorth thy pen , and write my sayings all , For presently a wonder great , appeare before thée shall : Se here ( quoth he ) Megera comes with crawling snaky haire , Lo in the bosomes of the best , she throwes them here and there . Dost thou not sée what wrath she works , that lurketh close in brest And doest not view what kingdomes I to mortall war haue drest The Messenger I am ( quoth he ) that Iupiter doth send , to execute his wrath on such , that doe his Grace offend . In vttering of these words to me , far of I did heholde , How Spoile was comming & his mates with al the spéed they could Whereat the skrikes of innocents , with wiues & virgins cries . And grieuous groues of murthered men did pierce the starry skies My flesh did tremble at the sight , to sée the Flames of fire , The rubbery both of rich and poore , Distruction did desire , And vgly monstrous Rauishment defilde both maid and wife , The worldly Muckscraps for their goods did daily loose their life . And then came desperation post , to put the rest in feare , And grudging Griefe and future foes , cause many to dispaire , Yea Hunger haunted armour bright , with cheeks both pale & lean And pierceth through the sturdy stéele , and wrought a mortal pain Reuenge as gréedy as a gripe , made hauocke where he came , Distruction with his naked blade distroyed many a man : Dearth was lodg'd in euery house , and kept both land and seas , And almost all both olde and young bewaild the wofull daies . In all thys hurlyburly there , Loue shrank his Neighbours all , And charitie was chac'd away . Pride slipt and had a fall : Myrth in euery nooke did mourne , and pleasure pained sore , Tom Troth was sworne for to depart the place for euermore . Enuiron'd round about was peace with bloody men of of war : Of Charity obscured was the blazing lampe and star , And Pestilence as fier red , the stoutest caus'd to stoope , That Lamentation wrang his handes the countrey round about , Death was the last that laid on lurtch , the finall end to make : and for a brag , his bloody dart about his head did shake : ( quoth he ) behold , these mischieue mates that on S. Mors attend , Gainst whom no creature can preuale , til I dispatth their end . Great were the brags that Mars did make , and fierce his fury was and sware an oth with present spéed all this should come to passe : Then did he turne himselfe about , and Albion Isle he thrate , Which was of Mars no sooner said , but forraine foes heard that : Els had I slept a longer sléepe vpon that haughty hill . But that the roring Cannons voice me thought was thumping stil And noyse of armed men was such , that ( alfright ) I wakte , Thus rashly rushing vp for feare , from thence my way did take , Refusing neither hedge nor ditch , nor sparing thick nor thyn , No step so foule my spéedy féete made spare to step within : Thus runninng rashly in this race , with panting brethles breath , I rested by a pleasant poole , fast by a litle heath . Thus reuoluing with my selfe what were the best to doo , Whether to tell this dreame or no , sith dreames be call'd vntrue : Which maz'd my mind with triple trance what way were best to take , This dream for to reueile , or els to dround in Lethea lake Of th' one and th' other being basht : the likliest way to chuse , At length thought good to pen my dreame , in stéed of better newes Beséeching God to blesse this Isle from Mars and all his mates , And graunt vs peace . God saue our Quéene and al the noble states No other newes for this new yeare I can your worship tell , But that I trust in spite of Mars that all things shall be well . Beséeching God that sits to iudge , to guyde your dayes in peace , With health , long life , and ioyfull years , and worship to increase . FINIS .

Verses penned vpon the Etimologie of the name of the right Worshipful . M. Peter Warberton of Arley , in the Countie of Chester , Esquire . PRepare a place aboue the skies , Where Angels rest in ioy : Out of all mundane thoughts arise , Which workes the soules annoy , Of Time watch well the stealing steps , Take heed of youth that age forgets , All thinges haue time , by power deuine , And Time consumeth all , She hath cut off the mightiest kinges , And so the rest she shall . Emperour , King and Kaisar she Doth mount vpon the stage , And all that shall aduaunced be , Time raiseth in ech age . So Time dismountes them all againe . Some from great ioy , to shame and paine , Thus rich and poore she euermore Cuts off both great and small : The Captaine stout and all his rout Shée spoyles , and euer shall . Therefore watch well , this hastie Dame , That makes thys mortall spéede : As all our Parents felt the same , With vs she will procéede : Time flies apace she taries not , She grantes no grace if men forgot , At first she is as sugar sweete , But ends like bitter gall , Let Worldlinges watch that be asleepe , For Time no doubt they shall . Remember Tyme , built Cities great , Which now is wildernes : With many a costly and stately feat , That now consumed is : And Tyme , these dayes builds many hours , Which shall in Tyme , be none of ours : For as the seas , doth ebbe and floe , So Tyme doth with vs all : Now chuse who thinks of Tyme or noe , All thinges consume she shall . Who marketh Tyme , in these our dayes , Her workes be wondrous straunge : For those that erste did beare the keyes , By Tyme doth office chaunge : And from the hall , to kitchin comes , And at the length , bide fortuns domes : As captiue stand , to hold vp hand , To liue or dye at all : Who can preuaile : when Tyme doth deale , Which will consume and shall . And doth not Tyme make infants strong , Of young and tender age : When six and thirtie yeare hath sprong , These lustie blouds on stage : Marke Tyme when all this race is run , Vnlooked for croukt age doth come : And by no meanes but onely Tyme , Therfore let s watch her all : Sith downe she casteth , such as clyme , And euermore she shall . Right thus of age , Tyme maketh dust , And so she doth of youth : And Tyme still tryes , all things that 's iust , And brings vs all to prooffe : And Tyme shall at the later day , The filthy factes of men bewray : Not sparing one , nor leauing now , But to accompts bring all : And thus hath she perswaded mée , She doth and euer shall . Els could not now , the world be old , Which at the first was young : For Tyme , her selfe now waxeth cold , Her limmes be not so strong : As in her first beginning she ▪ Nor halfe of Nature francke and frée : Her loftie lookes , I read in bookes , Beginneth for to fall : Her galland cheare , begins to weare , Yet she shall end vs all . Remember then all thinges begun , Must haue an end at last : For when the vitall , thréed is spun , The mortall knife makes hast : For Attropos doth tend on Tyme , As wayting mayde by power diuine : Vnlooked for , or men be ware , She breakes both heart and gall : And when she smiles she worketh wiles , For to consume vs all , Thus trudgeth Tyme and tarrieth not , To tend vpon her pray : And layes her snares , in the euery plot , To twitch all states away : Therefore iudge if the world be vayne , That gréedy gapeth , still for gayne . One brother selleth now an other , And worldly wealth rules all : But Tyme doth watch , for to dispatch , For so at length she shall . Of this beware , and marke it well , For Tyme , is now at hand : That Tyme all pleasures shall expell , Aswell by sea as land : Not one but all , shall tast of woe , Of very force , it must be soe : Els sinne , would sincke , and vice would drinke , The workes of vertue all : So Tyme consumes ▪ those that presumes , Loe thus she doth and shall . Such is the force of Tyme ye sée , Such is the ende of all : Here may we sée that vanitie , Doth worke our mortall thrall : Quite now your selues , from worldly mucke , Least Tyme vnlookt your liues to plucke : Vndoubtedly in Tyme fore sée , To win the way to rest : And helpe the poore , which is the store , For which God thinkes you blest . If Tyme cut of , all liuing thinges , And still bringes all to nought : And shall to iudgement bring the kinges , Aswell for déede , as thought : Then let the meaner stats take héed , To watch and pray with present spéed : Els in the snares , of Tyme vnwares , We must to iudgement all : Remember this , great néede it is , For Tyme consume vs shall . FINIS .

Verses penned vpon the Etimologie of the name of the right worshipfull George Brereton of Ashly in the Countie of Chester Esquyre . GRace growes and springs , where vertue vaunts her selfe , Els wicked men , would swallow all by wealth : On euery man , God doth his gifts bestow , Regarding most where vertue séemes to grow : Great is his mercy to vs euery hower , Els how could Dauid , conquere Saules great power . Beware therefore , of Mydas wicked mynde , Refuse the world , whose pleasures men doth blind : Erect thy steps , in grace and vertues pathe , Remember that in wisedomes well thou bath : Estéeme no wretch , whose tongue shal paint or gloze , There pick-thanke pranks , shall but thy worship lose : Of friendes to come , it 's vaine to hope too much , Nor present friendes , their frendship greatly tutch . Enter not where doubtes are of returne , So néedes not care , though after claps doe spurne : Such wisedome warely , shall prouide thy way , Quite from the snares , that should thy state decay : Vnto the poore stretch out thy stretched hand , In Princes cause , looke faithfully thou stand : And pitie still where power hath opprest , Remember this , and men shall thinke thée blest . FINIS .

Verses vpon Ieffrey Shackarley of Holme and Shackarley , Esquyer . IN present blisse , watch warely future harmes , Els Sirces shall bewitch thée , with her charmes : Flye from the steps , of such as feare not God , For els offenders iustly féel his rod : Regard that man , that plainly telleth truth , And banish those , that fabling flatterie sooth , Yeld curtesie to them that gentle are . So Truth thy worship , shall abroad declare , Haue no regard to lend thy eares to such : As shall with lyes true faithfull meaning touch , Condemne no man , till thou his aunswere heare : Know this by Scripture , iustice hath no peare , Consider patience proueth , vertues mynde : And worship worketh euer after kinde , Remember them , that craue for Christes sake : Least God his gifts , away from thée shall take , Endure firme in sayth , obseruing law , Yeld to thy Prince , a iust obedient awe . Doe thus and so , the golden trumpe of Fame , By true report , shall iustly say the same . FINIS .

Verses vpon Maister Hugh Sharkerly , the sonne and heire of the sayd Ieffray , Esquyer . HAue patience present , when wrath would wreke his will , Els wisedome wants , that guideth men from ill : When youthfull royes , would rashly rule the rayne , Geue eare to age , who tels that all is vayne : Haue care to watch the world and feare no foe . So wisedome shall , thy witte declare and show : Haunt not the steps , where Cupid leads the way , And let no toung , thy counsell once bewray : Conceile nothyng , that duetie bids reueile , Know subiects must , nothing from Prince conceale : Constraine no man , not more then power is , And heare no picke-thanks , telling that and this ▪ Reach to the poore , that craue for Christes sake , Let reason rule , when will would hauocke make : Endure sure as all thy stocke hath done , In doing so thou shinest like the sunne . FINIS .

Vpon Maister Ieffray Shackcarley Esquyre . IN Fortunes frendship watch her chaunging face , Els sodenly , she may dismount the best : For those that most , doe stand within her grace , From age to age , haue cause to trust her least : A prooffe too playne , looke whom she luls in lap , You see at length , she spoyles with some mishap . She setteth some , on throne of stately seat , Higher then the rest , on golden mounts to vaunt ▪ And yet at last , proues but a poysoned bayt , Compounde with guile , the worldlings to inchaunt : Know this of Fortune , where she séemes to smile , Custome there doth teach her worke a wyle : And those that in her flouds , boyse sayles the harte , Reuenging still themselues vpon their foes : Loe sodenly there 〈◊〉 fall is next , Entrapt with snares , that workes most wofull woes , You ●●e that Fortune , faileth none but such . As in these dayes , doe trust her ouer much . FINIS .

Lenuoy . When raging flouds , of surging seas be hert , And Boreas blastes , against the rocks doth rush : The present fall , by Nature is the next , And quiet calmes remaines in euery bush , So likewise such , as Fortune fauoreth most : By her displeasure , sodenly is lost . FINIS .

Verses penned vpon the Ethimologie of the name of the right worshipful Lady : The Lady Iulian Holcraft , of the Vale Royall . THe golden trump , that Fame doth sound , Proclaimes to euery eare : Where vertue is , for to be found , By workes it doth appeare : As gold commends , the precious stone , So worship showes , her selfe alone : As Phoebus doth excéede a starre , So gentlenes doth show : How can Dame Fortune mount more harre , Then place her darlings so . Enuie nor spite can not preuayle , Where vertue vaunts with grace : Old auncient wrath of force shall faile ▪ And vices shall geue place : Where worship worthily shall show , There iust report , the Fame shall blow : And euery eare , such newes shall heare , As due desert doth craue : Loe Ladyes all , behold you shall , Who ought most honor haue . A Dame well deckt with modestie , As worship doth behoue : And garmentes lynde with lenitie , When patience list to proue : With stomachers , of pure pitie , And head geare , that is wise and wittie : And liberall myndes , all people binds , To honor such 〈◊〉 hart : Doe thus and then , the harts of men , You win in euery part . In stormes when wisedome is the cloake , No blast can blemish such : This is the way for to prouoke , Your Fame the skyes to touch : Vnto the poore , s●●etch out your hands , God shall your store , increase , and lands : Loue them that plainly tels you true , And banish golden speach : Pick thankes mischief dayly brew , And all mens harts they sigh . Yeld not , vnto a cruell foe , Where truth is on your side : And warely watch a friend to know , That stedfastly will byde : And where you may reuenge in déede , Let mercy presently procéede : Nothing doth please , the Lord alwayes , So much as mercy still : For mercy binds , all noble myndes , To saue and not to spil . Haue mynde that all that is begun , Must haue an ende at last : The end , no King , nor Prince , can shunne , Sith Time all thinges will wast , Of Time her trade you sée it still , Time buildeth all , and giues the fall , To all things quicke and dead : The lucky life is to be wisht , The end is to be dread . Lo here the fruits of vertues rare , That in one lady is ▪ Conceiue the same , and straight prepare , For worship teacheth this , Remember where is courtesie , That riseth of gentilitie : Of mercie , grace and charitie , Comes blessings of the Lord . For if these want assuredly , They still remaine abhorr'd . Beholde how vertue beares the keyes , That vnto blisse doth lead , A Lady liuing at these daies , Whose worship Fame doth spread , Her name I will not now expresse , Sith iust report doth all confesse . But as I prooued , so I praise , And will doe till I die , Her liberall hand her heart bewraies , Aboue the starrie skie . God blesse her still from time to time , From dangers , woe , and paine , That she in worship still may shine , And long in health remaine : And God protect her noble birth Long for to liue in ioy and mirth . And that their honors may increase , As sand vpon the Sea , And this to pray I will not cease . But call on God God alwaies . FINIS .

The last Dreame that Morpheus did showe vnto the Author , was of a Lambe , that appeared vnto him , and seemed as though he spake for the Time , by the prouidence of the Gods : as followeth . LAst at my booke in studie where I sate , My wits worne weak , my sence was grose and lame , A drosie dump began to pierce my pate , That in mine eie , a sléepe began to frame : Which when I spied , yet reason bad me rise , And sluggish sléepe alwaies for to dispise . To shun that sloothfull vice my hauke I tooke , I calde my Spannels , and to the field I went : A flight to finde , both brake and bush I shooke , till too and fro , thrée howers full were spent : Thus wandring long , my Spannels found of game , And I made hast with spéede to flie the same . The Partridge sprang , my hauke fled from my fist , With open Iawes my Spanniels cried the game , With spéedy foote , no hedge nor ditch I mist , Through thicke and thin I ran , to sée the same . But out of sight both hauke and Partridge flew , Till I by following , into a Desert drew . And being thus in vncouth place not knowen , Both Hawke and Spanneils lost and from me fled : And I with toylling trauell ouerthrowen , Dame Nature came , and thus vnto me sayd : Preserue thy selfe ( quoth she ) thy hawke is gone , And take some rest , for other helpe is none . To whom I did obey and downe I sat , Vpon a bancke and leaned to a thorne : And rested there till Morpheus hit my pat , With his drowsie mace , & said to me in scorne : Well met Faukoner , what haue you kild to day , Cho ho hath croken bill , her maister left astray ? Let Hawkes and Spanels packe and follow me , ( Quoth he ) for now thou shalt in déede attend : Although thou meant , gainst duetie from me flée , I pardon thée , although thou did offend : So many times though I haue troubled thée , This is the last , I promise faithfully . Thus like a lump or clod of clay I was , For why ? my vitall sprite with Morpheus went , For to behold what he would bring to passe , With weary stips to wait I was content , Til at the last a Lambe did vs approche , Who did thys sentence brauely to vs broch . Que brantare lafe , es causa muy fea . Which wordes made me no little for to muse , To heare a Lambe in language strange to say , Those that breake saith , do all the Gods abuse , And are detected at the latter day . Then sayd this Lambe , sith Robinson is here , Before he passe some wisdome shall he leare , Wel said my Lambe ( quoth Morpheus ) let vs heare , Some sayings graue out off Experience schoole : Sith thou his Scholler , learned many a yeare , And hath bene Vsher for to sée good rule , I pray thée now vnto my Clearke declare . The flatterers feats , and sée that none thou spare . And with these wordes he mounted ore a hill , And Lambe and me left by a riuer side , Stay , stay ( quoth Lambe ) rest here and if thou wil , Til of my speach thou haue experience tride , And saying thus , he stept into his caue , And brought a glasse of Skill exeéeding braue . Lo here ( quoth Lambe ) and then began to bleit , And made me signes to looke within the glasse : Here maist thou sée ( said he ) of déepe deceit , The total sum , I meane of more and lesse . And by the same before thou passe shalt prooue , Who is thy friend , and who dissembleth loue . I gréedily the glasse began to graspe , Wherein I saw a number that I knew , With honnied mouths , yet natur'd like the waspe . That at the length their stings against me threw But yet I did dissemble all the while , Because I would perceiue their fraude and guile . Then looking stil within thys glasse I see The loftie lookes of some that spake me faire , And in their friendship so imbraced me , That outwardly true meaning did appeare , When Morpheus Lambe perceiu'd I did them trust Take heed betime ( quoth he ) they are vniust . These are Camallians that change to euery color They showe like gold , but inward worse than brasse , Looke what they promise makes no purse the fuller , As by experience proofe declares no lesse . Of forrein frayes they tell a bloudy tale , But commonly they quarrell with good ale , Therefore ( sayd he ) trust not an alehouse frend , Beléeue them not that are accustomed to lye : A boasting souldiours tale , hath neuer end , And flattering wordes , be false so shalt thou try : Rough trées , rough fruit , rough tast doe beare , Sée vice and vertue showes , in whom they doe appeare . And therefore trust not the vntrustie man , To doe and say , doth differ much ye know : Great difference is , twixt Orpheus skill and Pan , You know the sense , what néede I more to show : And therefore he , that violateth fayth , Is worthy as I sayd to suffer death . Stay yet sayd Lambe , behold more of this glasse , Sée where one bounseth in a players gowne : Furde like a foole , as nice as ere she was , The brauest tipling tib ; that is within the towne : While she at tick tacke , tryes to proue her chaunce , Her husband is content , a hornpipe for to daunce . She is well custom'd , both with rich , and poore , Fye of Gentillitie , for she can speake no French : Which blemisheth , her banner , and craks her credit sore , And yet notwithstanding , she is a bounsing wench , She dayly doth vsurpe , a Gentlewomans name : I lift to speake no more of her , for bearing blame . And with these wordes this Lambe agayne did bleyte , And as it séem'd by countenaunce morned much : And sayd oh foolish Poliphils drowned in conceite , Why thinke you of your selues , as though there were none such : You play Sabinas part , that proud lasciuious Dame , Whose vgly life the Poets , haue penned to her shame . Fiue hundreth Asses milke , she dayly had the bathe , For to increase her vice , and bewtie to preserue : As at these dayes , our countrey women craue , Out of a little hyde , a thong to large they craue : For euery poore mans daughter , now is prankt in silke , Which doth Sabinas bath , incounter made of milke . These base-borne birth , Galeriaes heart excéeds , That Neros golden pallaces did disdayne : They thinke them flowers , which are in déede but wéeds , For truth , doth try them , counterfetted playne : As some men haue , of veluet scabarts made , That dayly couers , a rustie canckered blade . Of poyson Poets write , that Cleopatra dyed , No , no , ( quoth Lambe ) it is a lye in déed : Her death came thus , in stories as I read , By a bodkin that she bought , her heart did bleyd : With which she vs'd , to curle her golden haire , Wherewith she kild her selfe , it doth appeare . Loe heare you lewde lasciuious wanton sort , That doe delite , to paint your selues in pride : No doubt but you , shall smart for youthfull sport , When mettell shal be , by the fire tryde : When flaming fire ( I say ) the gold shall try , In Plutos pit , you shall for euer cry . Thus prating promisers , hold still your fruitles brags , Among your potts , your promises performe : Els will the wise , perceiue your wardrop rags , And to your shame , will laugh you all to scorne : You mistres tipler , that would so gentle bée , For all your furs , your tricks the world doth sée . Learne to speake French , and if you wil be gentle , For French must make you mistres , that 's most sure : Because your birth is , very base and simple , And you a tipler , whose life is nothing pure : Learne to know thy selfe , thy neighbours know thée well , Per foy merritriciam , els will I ring thy bell . And then aloude this Lambe to laugh began , To Limbo lake ( quoth he ) la iambe les piedz packe : Les leures of such , inticeth many a man , To vtter confusion , and euerlasting lacke : Loe mistres tipler , if you will gentle be , It 's more then tyme you come , to learne this French of me , And at these wordes , a while this Lambe did pause , And spying me , a weary of the Tyme : Vpon the earth , began to scrape his clawes , Friend Robinson ( quoth he ) thy listning eares incline : For now women , that good and vertuous were , I purpose by my speach , thou presently shalt heare . Posthumia was of euill sore accused , For merry countenaunce , of ill she was condemn'd : Minutius , her husband , her company refused , And home agayne his wife , did to her parents send : If countenaunce then , so great a vice was thought , What say you by the act , this day that 's dayly wrought . In Calcedon , both mayds , and matrons vs'd , Vnto a straunger , but one chéeke to show : Hierous wife , all peoples breth refus'd , Except her husbands , no mans els did know : No showes in Egypt , neuer women had , The cause was this , they hated for to gad . When in Boetia , the Damsels , married were , A noble customs worthie note they had : A vertue rare , no doubt it did appeare . In those I say , that loued not to gad : Her coyche was burn'd , that day she married was , Which signifi'd , from home she would not passe . The daughters of Lisander , refus'd the rich attire , That from Sicilie , was as tokens sent : Least that the pride thereof , their hearts should fire , The glittering show , they did no deale commend : For vertue was , the iewell that they sought , All stately dealings , banisht from their thought . Loe heare sayd Lambe , the life that Ladies liu'd , The simpler sort , according calling went : One at an others state enuied not , nor gréeu'd , Ne yet the Tyme in lewdnes neuer spent : No wandring vnto waks , those dayes did women vse , Nor gadding vnto greens , their life for to abuse . Then was the husbandman , and all his children knowne , By such attire , as them became to weare : Th' artificer , by pride was not orethrowne , Then malice in mens mynds , did not appeare : Nor no man would , breake promise at that Tyme , Faith , loue , and charitie , in hearts of men did shine . Now poore mens pride , hath brought the world to nought , Their children as I sayd , so pranck in pride : Incountring Gentlemen , as neare as may be thought , The common wealth , in England hath distroyde : And filthy flatterie , these dayes is so imbraced , The cogging crew away true meanyng chased . And with these wordes , this Lambe , lookt on me fast , Marke well my speach ( quoth he ) an other tyme : For now thou séest that Phoebus maketh hast , Into the Occidentall flouds for to decline : In tyme to come trust thou no flattering friend , Nor tipling tib , except , to much thou spend . The Meritrix , the furred foole doth vse ▪ Spy thou and at her mates a litle while : For she , and they , shall reape , they may not chuse , The fruits they graft , vpon their sinfull soyle : As euery wight , doth know their vice vntold , Shall ere they dye , their woful end behold . Thus presently came Morpheus backe agayne , How now my lambe ( quoth he ) hast done my will : Hast told my Clarke , thy mynde & meaning plaine , That of the world , he may haue better skill : I haue my Lord ( quoth Lambe ) done what I may , Plainly vnto Dunstable , to direct the way . I thanke thée sayd Sir Morpheus for the same , I will that he , and thou , this present tyme depart : For that he beares abroad , a writers name , I will not stay him longer from his act : Thus sodenly I wakened out of sléepe , In Dreaming long , this lambe became a shéepe . Thus blushing brood , awaken I from sléepe , And on the soden , dasht in drowsie dumps : Began with spéed , for to plucke vp my féete , Because the place , did put me to my iumps : This desert was , alas vnknowen to mée , My Hawke , nor Spannels could I neuer sée . But what this lambe by Morpheus meanes did say , With diligence , I pen'd that other day . FINIS .

The Authours name in Verdict . REmember Lord for Christes sake , by mercy to forgeue , In iudgement on those people now , that sinnefully doe liue . Condemne them not that retchles are , and doe thy lawes forget , Haue mercy on all them , that trust , Christes bloud shall pay theyr det . Against my wofull cries oh Lord , shut not thy mercy gate , Receiue my sinfull soule oh God . to enter in thereat . Doe not condemne me for my guilt , let mercy thée perswade . Reuenge not Lord , my wofull workes , when I in sinne did wade , Oh God most high and mighty Lord , in whom is all my trust . Be mercyfull to those which are , before thy eyes vniust , In time of trouble still I cald , vpon thy holy name : Now doe I cry to heale my soule , and trust thou hearst the same . Such is thy mercy promised , to them that doe relent : O , Lord that thou forgeuest such , that faythfully repent : Nothing oh God , doth gréeue me more , then doth my carelesse race . Of wicked wilfull wretched workes , I call to thée for grace : For why my sinnes craue punishment , and are as scarllet red . And yet I trust for to be sau'd , by Christes bloud that shed : Looke downe with louing eyes oh Lord , and heare my wofull cry : Thy grace extend to guide my féete , least I should wade awry : O Lord my rude and carelesse life , with wild and wilfull blade : Now gréeueth me for conscience doth , my soule in thée perswade . FINIS .

MY dayes I sée , are vayne on earth , my time doth steale away : My youth is past , and age drawes neare , my health doth still decay . My lennow limmes grow dry & stiffe , my bones be full of payne : My former pleasures workes me woe , I chaunge to dust againe . I not delite in mondane mucke , nor in these pleasures vayne : But in thy kingdome is my ioy , where thou doest aye remaine : Take heare my faithfull sacrifices of iust repenting heart . In tyme of death deliuer Lord my soule from Sathans darts : All honor glory be to thée , and to thy onely sonne : Who with the holy ghost be prayse , thy will on earth be done . FINIS .

AT LONDON PRINTED BY ROGER WARDE , for Iohn Proctor , are to be sold at his shop on Holborne bridge .

Anno , 1589.