Eustathia, or the constancie of Susanna containing the preservation of the godly, subversion of the wicked, precepts for the aged, instructions for youth, pleasure with profitte. Penned by R.R.G. Roche, Robert, 1575 or 6-1629. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A10869 of text S112042 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 21137). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 188 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 63 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A10869 STC 21137 ESTC S112042 99847301 99847301 12331 2240937330

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A10869) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 12331) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1581:16) Eustathia, or the constancie of Susanna containing the preservation of the godly, subversion of the wicked, precepts for the aged, instructions for youth, pleasure with profitte. Penned by R.R.G. Roche, Robert, 1575 or 6-1629. [126] p. By Joseph Barnes, and are to be sold [by J. Broome, London] in Paules church-yarde at the signe of the Bible, Printed at Oxford : 1599. R.R.G. = Robert Roche gent. In verse. Bookseller's name and location from STC. Errata on H7v, final page. Signatures: A-H (-H8, blank?). Pages stained and cropped. Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library. eng Conduct of life -- Early works to 1800. eebo Eustathia, or the constancie of Susanna, containing the preservation of the godly, subversion of the wicked, precepts for the aged, instructions for y Roche, Robert, 1599 126 33042 21 0 0 0 0 0 6.36 B The rate of 6.36 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2003-08 Assigned for keying and markup 2003-08 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-09 Sampled and proofread 2003-09 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-10 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

EVSTATHIA or the CONSTANCIE OF SVSANNA CONTAINING THE PRESERvation of the Godly , subversion of the wicked , precepts for the aged , instructions for youth , pleasure with profitte .

Penned by R. R. G.

Dominus mea rupes .

Printed at Oxford by Joseph Barnes , and are to be solde in Paules church-yarde at the signe of the Bible . 1599.

TO THE RIGHT VERTVOVS AND modest Gentlewoman Mistris M. B. wife to the Right worshipfull D. B. Esquier R. R. wisheth the etetnizing of her vertues , by the daily practise of her christian life .

ALthough ( right worshipfull ) my longer silence mighte iustly indite me either of ingratitude , or forgetfulnes , in Senecaes censure the greater of the two ; yet I not great in fortunes grace , younge in yeares and not ripe in experience , was fully resolued to trauerse the indictment , vntill more store of wealth , graver age , & greater practise , might warrant men to performe that indeed which now I can but promise in conceipte . And in that resolution , considering the vndigested method was fit meate for foule-mouthed Momus , and the Rhetoricall dogge , I determined to make an her●●icke of this illiterate pamphlet , & commit it to the fire ; but yet respecting the goodnesse of the argument , the greatnes of your vertues , and many thanke-worthy benefites bestowed both by your selfe , and your right worshipfull husbande I fell from this faint determination to a second and more sound resolution , Phaeton-like to carry Atlas his burden , and rather to hazarde a faulte in manners then incurre a blemish in nature , rather ( by beeing to bolde ) to make you the patrones of so simple a worke , then by silence to seeme vnthankefull . And albeit in performing heereof I shall rather wronge my selfe in bewraying mine owne weakenesse , then righte your worshippe in yeelding a fit worke aunswerable to your worth ; yet my heartes hope is , that as the christall stone illustrated by the glorious beames doth render some ( though meane ) reflex of the suns immensitie : so my selfe ( exposed to your benefites ) may heereby make some ( though small ) returne of your vndeserved bounty . And although the treatise seeme harsh and may dislike you because it came not from Pernassus mountaine ; yet I doubt not but you will nourish it for the hill Syons sake ( a speciall obiect of your godly minde ) from whence by induction it is derived . The method I confesse is the more absurde by reason it was ordered without advice since my comming into the country where as the Persians vsed to whittle little stickes to keep themselues from idlenesse ; so my selfe to banish sloath , haue at idle howers busied my head and hand , to whittle out this simple exercise : nothing doubting but that time will one day furnish mee with opportunitie and practise with sufficiencie to pen a more perfect volume worthier your vertuous view . And hoping in the meane time that you ( Penelope like in the absence of your Vlysses ) will allow of this , vouchsafe the reading , and accept in kindenes what I offer in duety , I leaue your worshippe to the ancient of daies , to prolonge your life in all happines .

Your worships vnworthy , yet worthely bounden , ROBERT ROCHE .
To the Reader . SVSANNA heere , walkes forth the way to glory ; To shew her constancie and spotlesse fame . If any fault , escape her faultlesse story , The fault is mine ; on me bestow the blame . Which would her teach , before I could attaine , Well tuned verse , or moralizing vaine . Were shee or no ; were Ioachim her goodman ; Had Iewes iuditiall law , and Sanhedrin , To iudge of life , in stately Babilon ; Were Daniell hence , first knowne a Sambethin . Were hee a childe , when hee so well presaged ; Or termed so , compared to these aged . Were these two segniors heere , ( base slaues to sin ) Achab and Tzidkija , in Ieremie . Fell this before , or when full thrall was in ; Or Cirus reigne as some doe verefie . Did all things passe , as they haue past the pen : Or poeme-like to better liues of men . These things I leaue , to iudgement of the wise , ( Gray headded Senate of our graue divines . ) If I should iudge , I should but preindize , And with erronious letters , fill my lines . It me contentes , that well I may avow , The stories subiect , such as most allow . Expect not heere , th' invention , or the vaine , Of Lucrece rape-write : or the curious scan , Of Phillis friend ; or famous fairy - Swaine ; Or Delias prophet , or admired man . My chicken fethered winges , no ympes enrich , Pens not full sum'd , mount not so high a pitch . Let Colin reare his flight to admiration , And traine his louely flocke , his pipe to follow . Let Damons reach , out-reach all imitation ; And frame melodious hymnes , to please Apollo . The swaine that pend this pastorall for Pan ; Thought once to end his worke , ere began . For while I ment , to streigne these sorie noates , Past Diapent , vnto a Diapason ; There fell a chaunce within our seely coates , Both graeat and suddaine ; able to amaze one . When mourning Mopsus cride , leaue of thy play , Shift noates a side , flinge pipe and all away . Cease seely man ; pull downe thy wonted pride , Enioine thy muse to mourne , and pen to moane . ( As did Amintas , when good Phillis dide ) For thou art quite forlorne , and left aloane . Sith Thestilis , ( thy Thestilis ) hath left thee . While death of greatest iewell , hath bereft thee . For Thestilis was shee , which ioi'd thy springing ; Who eake allow'd thee breath , to blow thy pipe , And idle time to whistle and be singing , And bred thee vp , till thou were waxen ripe . Th' Elixir of thy life , in loue was shee ; Whose coine did quintessence , thy muse and thee . Whose knight-riv'd birth , gaue blazon to thy bloud , Whose godly end , doth endlesse heere abide . Yet wanting her , thou wantest all thy good , As doe more flockes ; the damme , and lambes beside , Whom ioyfull Thomas hath good will to vease , From fruitfull lawnes , vnto a shorter lease . This vncouth newes , did so my sences lame ; That though sweete Cynthius , sold me by the eare : My musicke after went in worser frame , And as my musicke was , such was my cheere , My looke vnlusty ; countenaunce abated , Minde make-content ; muse weake and overmated . Yet did I singe my sorrowes to an ende , ( An ende betakes , the longest tided day . ) And to a vertuous patronesse commende , My homly verse , and rusticke roundelay . Whose godly zeale , equivalent with Hanna ; Will not disdeigne , to countenaunce Susanna . R. R.
Coricaeus to the Author . I seated late , in leasures lappe ; Had leasure to pervse , Thy Firstling ; term'd thy Susans constancie And at the swelling titles Promise , long did muse . Which how perform'd , let others iudge ( not I ) Who spent my thoughtes , to be thy warning spie ; That iudgement darst provoke , by bolde attempt , When time from tongues , no writer doth exempt . While deepe conceited critique wittes , Of this our daintie time , Doe like no birdes , but what themselues haue hatched They loue no pleasant prose , Are discontent with rime . But what they please , all Poems else are patched , Which humors still , with discontent are matched , And wayward discontent , the censors bowe ; To quippe they care not whome , they care not how . Sometimes whole heapes of idle wordes , ( They quarle ) are cast away . Sometimes the matter naked , wanteth wordes . Sometimes good matters mar'd , When ill contriv'd , ( they say ) Sometimes the sence , a caffling cause affordes . Sometimes a sentence , or affectate wordes . A tedious stirre : for in Philautus brawle , There scapes not one : hee hath about withall , Saith one of these ; the note is iust , Mongst men of better note : Our sharpest wittes , that climbe the sceane of fame , In vainest follies leese Themselues , and vainely dote . Doe spend much art , for to deserue much blame , While they some idle-dreamed phancie frame , And leaue their workes , a witnesse firme and stable , What time they lost in hatching of a fable . Great pittie sure that learned men , Of great and rare conceate , Should so these braue habilities debase : That while they stretch them out To proofe , to shew them great ; The praise of their imploimentes in this case , Is voide of praise ; and hath this onelie grace , That they haue wisely tolde , a foolish tale , And smoothly set a long made lie to sale . And yet this inconvenience great Might finde some faire excuse , If drift of their discourse , at vertue aymed , For oft in fables foldes Trimme morall truth doth vse . But when the worke is matter meerely feigned , And ende thereof , deserues to be disdeigned . The writer merites pitie , more then praise , And worke ( vnworthy presse ) fit flames to raise . Thus surelie speakes , this Censurer , And doth his thoughtes reveale , ( As if some sterne Dictator , thundred lawes ; From whom on paine of death , Vnlawfull to appeale . ) Yet did not well bethinke him in his pawse ? For though a story true , doth grace his cause : He paintes it out with colours of invention : And giues it wordes , to fit his owne intention . Which if the Censor vse himselfe , Thy selfe maist vse the same . Whose levill aymeth at as vertuous end : And to reduce the worke , And story into frame ; By reasons rule , the whole discourse is pend , And hath no cause , the godly to offend , Or grieue the good : vnlesse some harsh divine , Against his sacred Poems will repine . An other sort of snarling mates , Do pester ev'ry age : Who will be critickes , though they guide the cart . And censure workes of weight ; Quoat faultes in every page . Depraue the wittes , of men of best desart : And iudge of all , by envie ( not by arte . ) Who more doth mallice art , then artlesse braine ? Who byteth worse then Bevius in his vaine ? High spirited Homer ( matchlesse man ) A baggage , deem'd a blocke : And did with bitter tauntes , his workes deface , Of Virgille● dainetie vaine , Could Mevius frame a mocke . Inferring that he filch'd his chiefest grace , By treading in the tract , of Homers trace , Or from the fruites , of Hesiods happie braine , And Theocrite the Syracusian swaine . Thus to obscure the merriest crie , Where deepe-mouth'd hounds doe go ; Each time hath bawling curres , that barke and howle : Which sith t is so , hath bin , And ever will be so : Of learned rest secure , well train'd in schoole , Thou must not feare , the flour of every foole . Who in a prating vaine ( though thou repine ) Will blame whole bookes , but cannot mend a line . C. A. R.
WHat time the iudge severe , ( sin-scourdging God ) ( Compeld to change the course that mercy ment , ) Withdrew his favour , and drew forth his rod , To punish those that knew not to repent . That time ingrate-full Iuda , iudgement had : To die or suffer bondage ( even as bad . ) For when they scornd , the heav'nly herauldes sent , To summon them ( back-sliders ) to the Lord : Crying with yernefull voice , Amend , repent , Else hoattest wrath , will follow this his word . Else will too late repentance plead for grace ; When mercie flies , and iustice holdes the place . When hardned heartes , could not become so wise , By others harmes , to learne their owne beware : While fresh record presented to their eies , Ten brethren tribes , subdude to slavish care ; Whom the Assirian monarch , did subdue ; And made of freemen borne , a captiue crue . When eke they were vnmindefull how their king , Younge Ieconias , but nine yeares before ; And thousandes moe : the sanctus blacke did sing . ( What time they did their dismall day deplore ) While captiues thence in bondage led to dwell , They crying , weeping schreeching , say farewell . When princes , rulers , priestes and people base , Exceeded farre , all heathen in their sin . When Sadom and Samaria might giue place , And not come neere , the waies they walked in . When harmelesse men , were held of none account , But he the man that did in sinne surmount , Then as a raging flowd , long bent with baies , Beares headlong downe , what standes before the breach : Or as rebellious soares , by long delaies , Recure-lesse scorne , the cunning of the leach ; Ev'n so : remedilesse , like raging thunder , The Lord powrd downe his wrath , long time kept vnder . When whistling for the Bees of Babel-land , Came Nabuchadnetzar ( sirnamd the great ) And brought with him a most puissant band , Of souldiers ; skild in every war-like feate . For as the clustring bees , in swarmes doe clinge ; So flockt the Chaldeis , round about their kinge . Then Salem saw , a sad heart-breaking sight ; Resolved foes entrench'd about her walles , In glittring armour , many a warlike wight , Most fully bent ( what ever hap befalles ) By dint of sword , to winne eternall fame ; Or pawne their liues , in purchase of the same . But most of all this griefe the conscience gaules ; And ever mates their mindes ( so overtaken , By deepe despaire ) to thinke amidst these brawles , That God for sin , their citie had forsaken . A matchlesse woe ; if God the cause withstand , A fearefull conscience makes a feeble hand . Adde more to this ; the seige so long doth lie , That famine in the citie is so soare , The people pine , consume , doe droope and die ; While horses in the field ; haue forrage store . Death in the house , destruction in the streete : Sword in the field , distresse and daunger meete Amidst these woes , the rumbling Ecchoes sound ; How dreadfull drums , strike vp the fierce allarme , And ratling trumpe , ( with bloudy noates rebound ) The valiant heartes , to fell assault doth charme . When herauld first , had summond them to yeeld , Or to expect , a mercy-wanting field . Then for supplie , of thundring cannon shot , Go ram and engine , to the walles ( a pace . ) The Pioner he , bestirres him in his plot , To make huge towers , to giue the souldier place . On either part , their powers they fully bend , To giue assault , and from the walles defend . Ensignes advaunce , and glory scales the fort , The ladders then are hoysed to the walles , And honors hope , th' assaylantes doth exhort , To climb from whence , an other headlong falles . While Archers shoote , from tough wel-timbred bow , Their thirled singing shaftes , as thicke as snow . When once the eager souldier , hath made way , Within the walles ; and might commaund the towne ; Then as a hungry Lyon for his pray ; He rangeth , rageth , killeth , knocketh downe . Then might be seene , ( like streames to make a flood ) The streetes and channels , flow with crimson blood . The bedlem handes , do deale foorth murthring blowes , The victor rageth restlesse , ( Lyon-like ) While mercie craving vanquish'd , pleades his woes , To him that hath no eares , but handes to strike . The maid , the wife , is subiect to this rage ; The suckling , babe and he that stoopes for age . For as the mower , with his keene edg'd sickle , Cuts downe aswell the greene , as seeded grasse ; Even so the souldiers sword , ( though teares downe trickle ) Permitteth not a breathing soule to passe . He spareth none that happen in his way ; Faire wordes , chast lookes , entreaties , beare no sway . Then sounded foorth , the screitching griesly crie , Of slaughtered soules ; and many a deepe fet groane , Of such as murthred , yeelde the ghost and die , From wounded lungs , yeelding a hollow moane . While manly men , that whilome stoutly stoode , Dismembred now , lie weltring in their blood . Then might be heard , and seene with wofull eies The living soules , lamenting for the dead ; Powring out plaintes , with sobbes with sighes and cries . And bitter teares , as bleeding heartes might shed . The old lament , long life to be forlorne , The young repent , that ever they were borne . The wife shee soundes ( and yeeldes her vitall breath ) To see her husband die ( in wofull case ) The husband feeles a fit , far worse then death , To see his wife defild , before his face . And seely babes , ( poore heartes ) to perish this , That never did offence , or thought amisse . The mourning mothers , tugge , and hale their heares , To see their slaughtred seede , remedilesse . The children bath their cheekes , with bloudy teares , To see their wretched parentes , in distresse . While help-lesse handes , doe trust vnto their feete , And leaue poore infantes , crawling in the streete . For now the men of armes , were fled by stealth ; And every soule was left , to shift for one . Counsaile did want ; regard was none of wealth , Of kin , or friend , or who were left alone . Who makes not hast , death and destruction feeles , The happrest wight , doth shew the swiftest heeles . When souldiers slaughtring sword , embrewd with blood , Found not a man , that durst resistance make : Then bedlem minde , gan grow to milder moode , ( If mildnesse be as bad a course to take ) For now vnbridled lust , at large doth stray ; And prowles about , for pillage , and for pray . Had chast Lucrecia , dwelt amongst those dames , Full many a Tarquin , would haue wrought his will . Had good Susanna , wandred in those flames , Her spot-lesse corpes , had bin constrain'd to ill . While seely lambes , the chastest , and most iust , Became a pray vnto a peysantes lust . The matchlesse vessels , of magnificence , The temples treasure , ( many a millions mate ) The wealth , of Zedechias excellence , The riches of his Lordes , and men of state : These things were sent away to Babilon ; As fit for Nabuchadnetzar alone . What else was left , of Iewels , gold , and plate , Amongst the meaner sort , ( which might be much ) Each souldier held , what so thereof he gate ; While they with other spoiles themselues enrich . And when the pilfring hand , had his desire ; The rest was left , to be consum'd with fire , Then clims the furious flame , the stately tower ; Each priveleadge , doth giue the souldier place . The pioner spares , nortemple , house , nor bower , The time is spent , to spoile and to deface . There was not left one monument of fame , Which did not feele the force of burning flame . The Heav'n-like house , the temple of the Lord ; The worldes eie , and onely worke of name , Whom once he did delight , but now abhord ) Is raysed downe , and robbed of that fame . The walles also , that hem the citie round , By might of men , are ev'ned to the ground . The seely captiues , that had scap'd the sword , And were reserv'd as Trophies , of the spoile ; Hange downe their heades , and cannot speake a word , Or sound adue vnto their natiue soile . The servantes loath , to see the masters face , The subiectes grieue , to weigh the princes case . Whom haplesse king , slight could not yeeld reliefe , But as the deere , before the nimble dogge , He was enforst , to stoope vnto his griefe ; And for a crowne , to were a heavie clogge . What time his sonnes , once slaine before his face , He had his eies put out , with great disgrace . And so blinde captiue , led to Babilon , To be a bondman to his dying day ? He left the royall seate , of Salomon , And now must leaue commaunding , and obey . Since he that was impyring prince before , Is now a fellow prisner ; and no more . Amongst these fettred troopes , of thralled states , You must suppose transported with the rest , Helchia , Ioachim , and those tragicke mates , Whose natures , not their names are heere exprest : Were Susan borne , or no , ( their glories shine ) Vnknowne , it wantes a Delius to divine . But Daniell then , past twenty yeares of age , In Babilon was growne to great regard . Of fame in court ; the mighty monarches page , Dreame secreat Seear , and renowned Bard. Which knowne ; I leaue both story and my skill , Vnto your courteous censure , and good will .
EVSTATHIA or the CONSTANCIE OF SVSANNA CONTAINING THE PRESERvation of the Godly , subversion of the wicked , precepts for the aged , instructions for youth , pleasure with profitte . WHen Chaldean glory , sate in whinged throane , Of flying Fame ; ( which far and neere doth wander ) In Asian soile , in statelie Babilon , The worldes monarch , and the earthes commander ; What time no humane forces , might withstand her . Then did stout Syria stoope , and Aegypt bow , And Iuda bend , before her frowning brow . Then princely peeres did ducke , and doe her duety ; Then raisd shee in the aire , sky-kissing towers ; Then did the circled earth , admire her beauty ; Then dwelt there in her braue , and matchlesse bowers ; The hight and sovereigntie , of worldlie powers . Whose selfe-ruld handes , did sway the scepter royall , That kingdomes kept in awe , and subiectes loyall . Standing this tipe , of fading maiestie , There dwelt within , this state-commaunding towne , A Iew ; ( a man of passing modestie ) Helchia hight ; and he of good renowne , Right worthy ( for his wit ) to weare a crowne . Who tooke to wife , a faire and louely dame ; Whose godly life , gaue glory to his fame . For as the ringe ( compact by curious art ) 〈◊〉 of it selfe , right seemely to the eie ; But when the Saphire , is his true conserte , There doth appeare , a fuller maiesty : Her vertue so , his fame doth beautifie . Her husband was esteem'd , among the states ; And decked with her glory , in the gates . From which chaste roote , in time did spring a rose , Susanna cleapt ; not borne to eate her foode , Or make dandling , that must feele no blowes . Her parentes care , was how to teach her good , And to invest her minde with modest mood : Their reason , fond affection had exilde ; Not bent to make an idoll , of their childe . Sometimes the godly mother ( matron-like , ) With rod in hand , to keepe her babe in awe ; With setled looke , and grace demure and meeke , Would teach her childe , the precepts of the law ; And make her imitate , what so shee saw , In comely iesture , seemely gate , and guise , That vse might manners make and doctrine wise . And as sweete Aprill showers , make Flora flourish ; To her kinde father ( carefull for his ioy ) With choice preceptes , doth vertue feed , and nourish : That grace might freely grow , without annoy , And natures weedes , keepe vnder and destroy . Whereby it came to passe ; at bed , and bord , There past no ill-spent time , or idle word . And carefull man , he led by meere remorse , When booke had rest , and needle leaue to play ; Doth entertaine her thoughtes , with some discourse , From Adams age ; vntill that present day , And oft recountes , Ierusalems decay . Whilst eke by cunning art , chorographie , He doth present , the citie to her eie . These lines ( saith he ) describe it triplewald , Aleph , the plot , where stoode the temple great . Beth , Sion castle , ( Davids citie cald ) Guemell , the Senate house , and iudgement seate , Daleth the market place . He Mathkad streate . And so by letters , of her Alphabet , He pointeth out , where every place was set . And streete by streete , recounteth till he came , To say heere stoode my , there he ( speechlesse then ) Could not pronounce ( my house ) teares stopt the same , Whilst from his hand , he flings he pointing pen , And falling from his matter , vnto men ; He curseth both the auctors , and the sin , The breeders of the bondage , he is in . For while ( sweete Suse ) saith he we feard the Lord , And did his lawes , and sacred hestes obey ; So long he was our shield , our speare , our sword , Our castle , fort , and bulwarke day by day , Philistin , Ammon , Aegypt , beare no sway . Not Assur , nor fell Syrian with his bandes , Or sun-burnt Aethiop , could subdue our landes . But when our rulers all , were out of rule ; When prince , and priestes , and people , everychone , Were irreligious ( like the lust-led Mule ) Pleased in sin , and vile pollution ; Then kindled wrath ; then was our woe begon . Then did he giue vs over , for a pray ; In Chaldean noates to sol , fa , weale away . Yet though he hath vs bruz'd , we are not broken , Or left as out-castes in the eies of men ; Sith by his spirit-taught prophets , he hath spoken , That at the end , of threescore yeares and ten , Our seed shall sit , in Sion gates age'n . Thy selfe but young maist liue to see the day ; Our stooping age , hath hopelesse natures nay . Meane time , liue mindefull of thy latter end , Thou maist die young : once old canst not liue long , Content thy selfe in state that God doth send , In sweetest ioies expect some sower among , The worldes sweete smiles , are as the Syrens song . And humaine pomp , is as a whirling blast ; Soone gone , and saunce recall , when once t is past . Yea man himselfe , is as a raine bred bubble ; Whose shape though it be like , t' Hemispheer sky ; Yet if a windy blast , the water troble , It doth revert , to water by and by , And leaues alone , the vaine-beholding eie . Such is Susanna deere , thy present state , A shade , a dreame , a writing wanting date . Learne then sweete soule , to loath things pleasing vaine , Learne then to loue , thy soules long lasting health . Learne then to know thy God , and him to gaine . Which well thou maist , if first thou know thy selfe , ( Which is indeede , more peere-lesse far then pelfe ) Seeme lesse to none , then to thine owne conceipt , Selfe-loue ( a servile foe ) on fooles doth waite . Embrace Gods promises , hold fast thy hope , Measure thy life , by line of sacred law , Containe thine actions all , within this scope , Be not secure : but standing stand in awe , Least thine affections , thy zeale with-draw . And still ( sweete loving lamb ) in age and youth , With stedfast constancie , professe the truth . Yeeld vs thy parentes , ay a lowly heart , In guerdon of the loue we beare to thee . Offend not friendes , let betters haue their part . Be carefull of thy name , as of thine eie , Let loue of fame , prevent all infamie . Ill company avoide ( as from the divell ) If thou wilt free thy life , and actes from evill . Remember ( wench ) thou readest in thy booke , Two thinges ; the ornamentes of may den head . To haue a shamefast eie , and sober looke . And other two ( if that thou hap to wed ) Good name , and chastitie , to bring to bed . Assure thy selfe , the owner of these fower , Is godly faire , and hath a worthy dower . Delight not ( childe ) in braue and rich aray ; To prune thy selfe , as if thou were imprented . Be seemely , not a slut : be graue , not gay , With cleanly comelinesse , be still contented . Be not fond sicke , with fashions new invented . For , t is but superfluitie of pride , To haue a fashon-coyner , for thy guide . Excessiue neatnesse , is a badge of evill , An antsigne , of a light vnstable head . An angling hooke , and engine for the divell , To catch such fooles , as are by fancie lead , A moath that fretteth , till thy wealth be dead . While backe doth make , the belly to be sterved ; Which matrons eie should see to be preserved . Then is shee cald , a huswife , ( comely dame ) ( Whilst cleanly fine , is voide of curious partes ) Then which in time , was not a better name . When golden world , did want prides painting artes , When plaine content , possest the country heartes . When hospitalitie did feele no lacke , And was not climbde , from table to the backe . If that thy neighbours doe possesse good name , Doe thou not envie , at their worldly blisse . Nor be thou light , to credite every fame , Reportes doe often hit , and often misse , Of all thinges iudge the best , for best it is . With sober looke be courteous vnto all , With few familiar be , or none at all , Hide not a wanton heart , with modest eie , Say not thy Psalter , in the divelles booke . Take heede beware of such hypocrisie , ( He is no saint , that saintishnesse forsooke ) Be more severe in life , then in thy looke . And when thine eares haue heard what other say ; Allow thy tongue abridle and a stay . Learne good things , with good will ; instruct the weake , Comfort the comfortlesse , in their distresse , Stop not thine eare , when pining-poore doth speake , Hate with thine heart , sin-breeding idlenesse , Let thrifty minde , be free from all excesse , Craue not too much ; if riches once arise , Obserue a meane , and let inough suffice . And if thou covet , honest exercise , Then read good bookes , such as our Rabbies pen , Or vse such dames , as well can matronise , With honest mirth , amongst the godly men , With due regard , of seemely where and when . And to conclude ; where so thou hap to dwell ; Loue thou thine house , as snaile doth loue the shell . Thus did Helchia , ( painefull father ) teach , His Susan deere ; sweete obiect of his eie ; Her mother daily , ceased not to preach , The like preceptes , of grace , and modestie , And oft would heere , how well shee would replie . What time her heart , reioiced for to see , So witty answeres , with like guise agree . While shape did hold , Symmetricall estate ; ( Her manners mated with a gallant grace ) Her beauty , feature fine did emulate , With speech composed , and with sober pase . And this decorum sitting in her face ; The whole and partes , resembled and were like To perfect numbers , in Arithmetike . And shee thus trained , from her tender yeares , Became in time to reape her iust renowne : In all respectes , so far surpast her peeres , Of equall age , and wealth within the towne , That every way , her praises put them downe . Whilst wantons bent , to play , and idle pleasure ; Shee train'd her thoughtes , to seeke eternall treasure . Whereby it came to passe , that envie fell , Pursuing vertue , with great eagernesse ; When they could not come neere , began to swell , And with fine tauntes to make her praises lesse . Some said , the mayd , would proue a prophetesse . The booke-wise wench , will yeeld a deepe divine , Or of a saint , will hardly make a shrine . But godly graue , that best doth iudge and say , Did deeme her right , a worke of rare perfection : A peerelesse peece , to be a princesse pray , One Angel-like ; a vessell of election , Whose shining fame was free from deathes infection , Though her time-fading beavty , dead doth lie ; Which did surmount each feature seene with eie . Why didst thou beauty fade ? why didst thou wither ? O budding Rose , why didst thou ever blast ? Why didst thou proue vnconstant , as a feather , In her whose constancie did stand so fast ? Sure , t was to teach vs nothing heere doth last . For else thou wouldst haue liv'd , with Susans name ; And as a handmaide , waited on her fame . Whose shape splendiserous was , in each mans sight , Whose looke gaue argument of sober grace , Whose eies ( two twinckling starres ) nev'r proved light , Whose silent tongue knew well , fit words to place , Whose faith so firme , that nothing could deface . Though two great seniors sought , to blot her brow , And to their lure , to make her chast soule bow . O that such peerelesse splendor , should haue wrong ; And be entised , vnto lawlesse lust . Not Iuda , but false Iudasses doe long , Pure chastitie , to cast into the dust , But leaving heere , those matters vndiscust . You heard her life , first wained from the lappe , Now doth ensue , the processe of her happe . When trust-lesse time , by his swift-footed pages , ( Cleap'd ; minute , hower , day , weeke , the month & yeare ) Had brought her past , her two first sevens of ages , And set her in th' ascendant , of her sphere ; And nature now gaue summons , to draw neere . In nuptiall court , to yeeld expected homage , Since that in bar , shee could not pleade her nonage . Then scruple-finding , stickler vnto strife , Propones her bashfull thoughtes , this bold discourse ; Twixt barren mayden-head , and bearing wife , Which of these two did stand , in greatest force , For with the best , shee ment to shape her course : Whilst in pure conscience court , where her soule sate , Her pleading thoughtes , it argue and debate . Like Hebrew disputantes that had bin trained , In Moses schoole ; ( at some Gamaliels feete ) And were not yet to christian lore reclaimed , Sometimes they argue , mariage is most meete , Sometimes ( è contra ) spider-sucke the sweete . While sotted sences , are so Iew-beguiled , To deeme the mariage bed , a thing defiled . At her heartes bar , these silent virgin pleaders , With soaring high conceites , as highly rated ; Far fet their petegree , from stately leaders . Pure Angell spirites ; virgins ( ere man ) created , Whose actiue life , no Angell ever mated . While victory of virgins , doth excell , Which vanquish their owne slesh wherein they dwell . Each other iarre not long suspended hanges ; An hower , a day , a yeare , doth stint the strife , Blud-died martyrs , soone do passe their panges . But this fell battle dureth , during life . Heere daily striving ; victory not rife . So matchlesse is , by antique rare discent , The mayden life ; and glorious vanquishment . Yea auncient Adam , ( Iohvaes protoplast ) Was moulded of his mother , mayden birth . And old dame Evah , to commend the chast ; Of virgin rib , was fram'd a mayden birth . Iust Habell liv'd , vn marryed heere on earth . Melchisedech also ( our Rabbins tell ) Did virgin , preist , and kinge in Salem dwell . The wonder-workinge prophettes , most of fame , The Thesbite , and the Abel-Mecholite , ( The one transumpt to heav'n in fiery flame ) Do shew how god , doth virgin life delight . Fore-seeinge Esay , where hee doth endite , Messias birth , a maydens son doth make him . And sure I am , his ayme doth not mistake him . The thinge wee prayse , is mynion to this kinge . The iustice , which the iustest iudge , approveth . Vowd to the Lord , a secret , holy , thinge . Sacred to God , as such a state beehoveth . And for bycause , her contrary shee loveth . Shee alwayes maryed lives , a spowsed wife , Yet evermore a mayd , in single life . Whose life is termd , the Angels imitation . And therefore is hir figure , Angel faced . Shee mowntes to heaven , by winges of contemplation , And therefore is shee paynted , stately pased . And for bycause , like Goddesse shee is graced . Her traine is trod , with troopes of vertues nighnesse , Like maydes of honor , neere a princesse highnesse . Whose robes ( the spotlesse flesh integritie ) Do emulate , the white spot Ermelin . A trophie of vice-quellinge victorye , The brannchinge palme , hir fingers claspeth in . The wimple that shee weareth on hir chin . An ant-signe is , of bashfull modestie . Her humble minde , declares her stoopinge eie . The Gentiles hence , in their high observations , Compare chast Pallas , Goddesse in their heaven . To yeeld true maiden life due commendations ) Vnto the full , and misticke number seven ) Compacted of two numbers , od and eaven . Th' entire and incorrupted vnitie ) With six the secrete of virginitie . For what content , but in the maiden life . Whose fleet , wingd thoughts , ar free to serve the Lord , Whose mal-content , if not the maried wise . Careful to please grim sir , at bed and bord . With best obedience , in hir deede and word . And so mans service is then Goddes more geason . Thus on the virgin part , her thoughtes do reason . And to amase her weake , and pusill minde , In creepe through crannies of imagination . Deformd Idean formes , and phansies blinde . Sent foorth by hir sicke sences , instigation . Like staringe greisly fendes , threatninge invasion . Presenting to her heart , the homely iarres . And houshold cares , accurringe nuptiall warres . Base mariage ( say these bugges ) is rife to all , Braue virgin life a perle possest of few . The seild found Sagda stoane , though it bee small . Exceedes huge rockes that make more often shew . What recknings made , of recklesse drops of dew . Rare things are in request , and do surmount , Where common , base , and vile have none accouur . Perhaps some worldling , will thee woo for wealth , And talke of love , when heart by lust is galled , Pleades his playn-dealing , steps not in by stealth . Vowing thy vertue , hath his heart enthralled . When as thy beautie , sitteth their enstalled , While mucke ( not modestie ) hath him bewitched , With honor kin , or friends , to bee enriched . And so when causes , of his suite decay , Lust fully gordgd , with lothsomnesse infected , Fine beautie fled , false riches runne away , The causes gon , for which thou were elected , Th' effectes fal downe , and thou art then reiected , What better hope , or hap may bee maintained , Of better rightes , why mariage was ordeined . If that thou wed , to tame flesh kindled sin , The fault is doubled , if thou fall away . If to increase , and multiplie thy kin , Thou shalt for loathed pleasure , deerly pay , We but report , what maryed folkes do say . Childe-getting vadinge ioy , is in their creedes , A raging toy , that rash repentance breedes . When once the fruitfull wombe , hath seede conceived , The altred woman , seemes not what shee was ; But growes vnweildy , groning and agrieved , As one surchardged , with some weighty masse . Like Balams bearing Angel-frighted Asse ; No sence , no signe , no pulse , no part , no passion , But that it feeles some perfect alteration . Some giddy vapour , doth infest her braines , And with his foggy missing dims her sight . Inslates the secret Artires , and the vaines , Dies dusky coloured , what before was bright , Each seemely part , lesse seemely shewes in sight . While heart ( poore heart ) forefeeling passions great , With frighted panting pulse , doth thumpe and beate . The prety Ivory hilles ( the maiden pappes ) Powt now with paine , to feele chaste flesh defiled . The nibled teates , that perch vpon their toppes ; Yeeld mayden blush , to see themselues beguiled , Their freedome fled , their liberties exiled , Must now be tugging stockes , for tootlesse chaps , And subiectes liue , to myriads of mishaps . Chast loines by lawlesse lust ; are martyred , The brest doth feele , short breathing simpathies , The bowels by defect , are tortured . In weakned backe , do crickes and crampes arise . What swellings feele the feete , the legges , the thighes ? While seemely wast ( that all the members graced ) By strouting wombe , is stretched and defaced . Yea where sound appetite , did hold his seate , There sicke abhorfulnesse , hath built his bower . Fond lust doth long , for sundry sortes of meate . Sometimes it loathes the sweete , and likes the sower ; And oft vile things , with eagernesse devour . Or else is subiect , to such qualmes and fits , As doe depriue the sence , and dull the wits . And thus the body , by a bodies breeding , Becomes discrased , plethorique , oppressed . Faintes in his faculties , erres in his feeding , Fluds of defectes , beare downe poore health distressed , Which dangers with more danger are redressed . While nature these , ( and many mo presages ) Appointed hath , birthes , hand attending pages . And yet perhaps , conceived hath this wife , No perfect birth , but some vnperfect thing . A Mole ( deformed lump that wanteth life ) Which direfull death , remedilesse doth bring , Or during life , doth yeeld a deadly wring . Againe if womb , be subiect to abhorsion , Best hope is bankrupt , by the same extortion . Yea when fine mettall , hath deformed mould , Or makes a fault , in little or too much ; Or is not of the kindred , that it should , Then nature in true working , keepes not tuch , But frames the seely creature , to be such . As was the mowld ; the mettall , or the minde ; A minotaur , a mongrell out of kinde . Why should we name , the deadly panges and throwes , Heart-pinching paines , companions of the birth ? ) The sowning fits , the weale-awayes and woes , The broken sleepes , sad dreames depriving mirth , The little ease , when once the infant stirth , Whom seemingly , paine suffering mother feeles , To teare her tender fides , with thumping heeles . Let silence have , the nightly paines in noursinge , The cradles rockes , the wrayling brawling cries . The dayly chardge in buying , and disbursing , To bringe it vp , and yeeld his want supplies . The hastned age , the breedinge bodie buies . With millions moe , of houshold cares and strife , That do attend , the happiest maryed wife . But if to cloake , their folly with devises , They set the gaine of fruit , against this thorne , They buy bad wares , at to excessive prices . For if the climbinge weed , pull downe the corne , The parentes wish such seed , had not bin borne . And equall greife , doth dim ( hearts lamp ) the eie , To see the bad to live , or good to die . Of which fayre bitter sweets , toyle borne , and bred The husbandes part , ofte standeth in conceipt . When lawlesse lust , polluteth lawfull bed , The fathers picture , proues a counterfeit . Some times discent , is patched by deceit , When cradle rockes a chaunglinge foysted in , Defeites true heire , defraudes the lawfull kin . But deeme the best , and cownte them all their owne Vnhad , they ar not theirs , when they would have them , And once possest , their title then is knowne , Not theirs , but his , the mightie Gods that gave them . Which can in youth , or age , or wombe ingrave them . Thus is the child wives choyce , perplext and sad , And better hope , in husband is not had . Hast thou a pheere , whose faith exceedeth farre ? If him the mighty monarch , doth commaund , To prove his martiall armes , in feates of warre , Midst troopes of bedlem foes , in forreigne land : How comfortlesse , wil thy poore comfort stand , While carfull thoughtes , will cause thy hart to morne , Till ioyfull eie enioy his safe returne . But if thy wedded mate , bee wedlocke breaker , How much doth matchlesse greife torment thy minde , If that hee bee a churle , and cursed speaker , It killes kinde heart to see him so vnkinde , Againe is hee to ielous lore enclind ? What toile to tie free actions of thy bed , To fond survey , of his suspitious head . If he be good , what fearefull thought to leaue him ? If he be bad , what cunning to reclaime him ? If he be kinde , it grieues thy heart to grieue him ? If he be fierce , what wisedome to refraine him ? If he be lost , what pollicie to gaine him ? If he be loathsome , t is thy taske to loue him ; And no redresse , til death from thee remoue him . But out fond thoughtes saith shee , why do you reason , Gainst God , my conscience , and the common weale ? Dread heresie , if that you dread not treason . Be not blind Essees , nor so badly deale , To beate downe mariage , with a virgins veale . Which were to be iniurious , to my birth , And leaue no man , to tread the trampled earth . You partiall p●●●ders , in affections cause ; Prowd impes , that doe conspire , nurse natures end . You violaters , of Gods first made lawes , You secta●● you foes to mans most friend , Nice , coy , vnkinde , to country and to kind . Wast common-weales ; and spend your wits in woing , Loues lost ; the churches downefull ; mans vndoing . Whilst vnder-mining mariage , with your lore , You kill the roote , whence all your good began . The wedded life , of mankinde is the more , Take mariage from the earth , and where is man ? Man ceasing to haue being ; what comes than ? Your owne decay ; your death by his decrease , For when the roote doth rot , the sap doth cease . As if your earthly being , were too base , With trustlesse winges , you sore beyond the son . To draw discent , from ancient Angel-race , You spend wind-wasting wordes , and breathlesse ron. Perdie you must come downe , when all is done . Kisse mariage hand , your ancient on the earth , Vnlesse you will , with basenesse blot your birth . As vaine you vaunt of Angelles imitation , Angelles full numbred spirites , doe liue for aie ; But man was made , for fruitfull propagation , Man must increase , because man must decay , And to that worke , chast wedlocke was the way . To tame flesh treasons , and appease those iarres , Hels rebles raise , to breede soule-slaughtring warres . Againe , if that you hatch your single brood , In Evaes rib , or Adams quickned earth ; Like reason ( if it stand with you for good ) For musickes art , like consequence infearth ; Tubulcaines hammers , making maiden mirth . Tuball from them did frame , mayd Harmonie , Sweete noates consent , hath nam'd her melodie . What if iust Habell choose the virgin life ? And Salems king , did die a batch'ler blest ? What if Elias , liv'd without a wife ? And single life , lik'd Elizeus best ? What if Messias , sucke a maiden brest ? One Autumne primrose ; doth not proue the spring , One winter swallow , doth not sommer bring . What if some few , by gift of speciall grace , ( If God giue not the gift , is nought at all ) Victoriously run out , this virgin race ? Yet many mo in running tooke the fall , Ev'n when they ment , most finely foote the Ball. And so haue mist the goale , and to their cost , Lament too late , things past recovery lost . Yea some which seeme in shew , to seeke it most , In secret heart , proue trevants ( treasure wasters ) One seely thought , marres all the maiden bost , Which soone betides , these great tentation tasters , Yea t is a booke-case , pend by our great masters . In vaine chast flesh a mayden name doth win , Where yeelding thoughts haue given consent to sin . All are not maides , that vow they will not wed . All are not virgins , that are maides esteemed ▪ All are not chast , that shun the nuptiall bed . All are not true Dianaes , that are deemed , Chast Sara was not single , when shee seemed . Abused Thamar wore a virgins weede , And might haue cloak'd , false Amnons foule misdeede . A droane doth sometimes in a bees place stand , The single life , no seale of maiden head . Some batch'lers be , but traitours in the band , Worse foes to virgin wealth , then those that wed , Who when the foe appeares , their force is fled ; Like Gedeons host ( faint cowardes prone to yeeld ) Scant one of ten , is chosen for the field . Yet quaint encomiast-like , with wordes at wil , You paint them out , with praises at your pleasure , While making hast , to preconize your skill , You make the coate , before you take the measure , And to entize , young tyrons with your treasure , Like gold-sicke Alcumistes , you pamper in , A golden tincture , on a peece of Tin , What praise peculiar , to the thing you paint , Which fits not modest mariage , more divine ? Yet to canonize , maiden-head a saint , You put no ods , betweene the saint and shrine , To make a painted brow , the brighter shine , You parasite , with praises to her face ; And causlesse clowd , dame wedlocke with disgrace . Nay rather say ; this buxome pleasing wife , While shee her toilesome fieldes , of houshold tilleth , And weanes her children , to a Godly life ; In this her care , the Lordes behest fulfilleth , Sith that shee doth the thing , his wisedome willeth , And therefore well , may take the vpper-hand , Of her , whose warrant hath not one command . Nay rather reason , mariage preservation , Is lawded , loved , honored , far and neere . Whose sacred rightes , haue solemne observation , Whose ancient priviledge , hath not his peere , Whose daily fruites , are dainties held most deere . And adde the cause , for which shee is required ; The most commodious things are most desired . What if her house , be neighbour to annoyes ? The blame be theirs , ( not hers that dwelleth by them ) For if we walke , in faire , and easie waies , That haue some noysome brambles , growing nie them , That rent our cloathes , before we can descrie them ; The fault is not in fairenesse , or the way , But our owne folly , or the brambles stay , In Breschith booke it resteth in record ; ( Reporting Register , of mans creation ) That when great Ihova , by his powerfull word , Made shapelesse man , to his owne shape and fashion : He first gaue nuptiall rightes , for propagation . As glorious ground-worke , where he would begin , That building , which his prescience laboureth in . And did in blessing , knit this sociall band , Endowd with worldly empire , and earthes treasure : Whilst purest nature , did vnstained stand , In easterne Eden ( place of passing pleasure ) When giving Adam of his Evah seasure ; Ioind two in one , inseperable vnion , To represent him , and his church communion . Yea when false man , fell to Apostasie , ( Misled by Sathan , and his owne freewill ) Had spoild himselfe , and plagu'd his progeny , And chang'd his seas of ioies , for flouds of ill ; The matrimoniall state , continued still . A mithredate , to cure sius poysned sting , The Bezoar stone , that should healthes blessing bring . For as a playster , to repell despaire , ( Paine ceasing med'cine , to an aking sore ) God promise made , that Eve should haue an heire , Should bruze hell-serpents head , and make him rore ; And to repaire those ruins added more , To faithfull Abr'am ; when he thus professed , That in his seede all nations should blessed . ( When eake loves hot-spur , Lamech over bold , With one sweete fayre , could not fowle lust suffice , But let desire go loose , and vncontrold , And chose him mates in number to his eies , Whilst following age was wedded to his guise . True wedlocke went to wracke and nature then , Straunge mixtures , made straung monsters out of men , It greived God , to see vngratfull man , Pollute the earth , with rape and ravishment . While to sweete bayted sin , all headlong ran , Ne would in time , become true penitent . Hee like a champion , full of discontent , With wreakful waters , did these wicked wast , Not one preserued , but the wedded chast . And as it were a warning , heereto made , When nature ruld , with law nunenpative ) How sore hee did detest , flesh-mongers trade . ( Fell traytors that do wedlocks wracke contriue ) From Sodoms flames , he kept chast fower alive . So to preserve , chast Saraes bed vnspotted , Hee plagued kings , whom beautie had bee sotted . But in the true transcript , of Goddes owne hand , Transplendant star , how bright doth wedlocke shine . Hee vnderprops her empire , with commannd Dyrectes her lore with lawes , as with a line . Condemnes to death , her subiectes that decline . And when her peace is rent , by ielous iarres , Hee sets the way , to cease her civill warres . And while her lasting glasse of glory ronnes , He blots her foes faire brow , with fowle disgraces But doth vouchsafe , to call her children sonnes , Enfranchizing her fruit , with freedomes mace , Doth nicke their counterfeit , with name of base . As slips of sin , and fruites of basest folly , Whose rootes , he rooteth out , as seede , vnholly . And that fierce Mars , with sterne and sower aspect , Should nothing hinder , Venus influence ; He Mars his might , doth countermaund , and checke . But giues her power , protection and defence , In maryed mates , to act benevolence . When to the Brides faire groome , for loue he spares , One yeare exempt , from warres and worldly cares . Even so the nations , led by natures light , ( Din scintilles of the soules synterisis ) Did patron ze her peace , with good fore-sight : And to maintaine , her princely port in blisse , Restrain'd with lawes , wild lust that walkes amisse . Denouncing death , or danger to her foes , That darst , gainst their states friend , themselues appose . Thus hath all times , and tongues , well entertained her , Gods faithfull servant , and mans fastest friend : And those condemn'd to shame , that haue disdeign'd her ; And ( if I augure right ) shall to the end , When man in vaine , doth gainst the Lord contend ? Ne can the state , or pollititian misse her , While he for his sweete Sions sake , doth blisse her . Whose company giues comfort in distresse , Two heades at neede , yeeld more advice then one : Two walkers in the way , may falles redresse , Two bodies sooner warme , then post alone : Two hands to helpe are better far then none . How man man misse her comfort ( doe her right ) To passe the lingring day , or tedious night ? Shee concord doth augment , by consanguinity , Sometimes shee standes , the counterpawne of peace ; Shee doth enlardge loues boundes , by new affinitie : Shee ( arbitrating vmpire , ) warres doth cease , Shee still imploies the common-wealthes , increase . Her ympes in youth , are loues sweete pawnes and gages , To parents staues , to stay by in their ages . Whose house is held , an Academie royall , Heere Faith by doctrine , hath due exercise , Heere Duetie biddes , her children to be loyall , Heere Patience prest , if that extreames arise , Heere Loue in liking heartes , Hope never dies . Heere Fortitude , repelles faint feares offence , Heere Mercie doth , with many a fault dispence . Heere Gratitude , giues guerdon with good will . Heere Constancie , doth checke false wavering Fame , Heere Humble minde , doth take nor doe none ill , Heere Temp'rance doth , fond lusts entisements tame , Heere Chastitie , is guardian of good name . Heere Labour ( Lasies foe ) doth keepe true tuch , Heere Meane obserues enough , and not to much . Heere doth sharpe Logique , proue her right with reasons , Heere Grammar traines her ympes , in grounds of speach , Heere shewes Astronomie the starres and seasons ; Heere to accompt Arethmeticke doth teach : Heere Rhetoricke , in bad causes plaies the leach . Heere doth Geometrie worke all in measure , Heere Musicke is maintaind , to maintaine pleasure . Heere Historie , doth eternize her actes ; Heere Poetrie paintes her never dying fame : Heere Natures clerkes , doe authorize her factes . Heere Phisicke stirs , to keepe her health in frame , Heere Lawiers plead , the charter of her name . Heere Sophistes ( though like newters standing mute , Yet ) doe not dare against themselues dispute . Heere sits Compassion , porter at her gate , Prudence purveis , her plenty and her store , House-keeping Care , is steward to this state . Her liberall hand , is Almner to the poore , Religion leades her life , directes her lore . Good-order standeth vsher , in her hall , Iustice controwles , if ought amisse doth fall . Within her courtes , attendeth on her traine , The high , the low , the noble and the base , The stately monarch , and the statelesse swaine , Priest , prophet , patriarch and the princely race , The troopes of warlike gallantes , presse for place . All times , all tongues , all nations farre and neere , With duties knowledgement , are present heere . No law , no learning , science art , not skill , No craft , no cunning , knowledge , or invention , No state that was , or that continueth still , No trade , no misterie , that man can mention , But that it guardes her gates , with good intention , And when shee passeth by , with seemly greeing , All bow the knee , and thanke her for their beeing . Thus her al-blessinge auctor , blest her prime , Thus hath shee gotten glory , from her ground , Prioritie , from venerable time , High sovereigntie , with empire hath her crownd , All laws ( their nurse and foundresse ) fence her round . Fayce Edens prayse , doth grace her grovnded fame , Mans nature ( then most pure ) doth now the same . Thus doth her high resemblannce , rowse renowne , Thus doth her fast coniunction rayse regard . Thus doth her sovereigne promise , prayse resowne Thus was shee made , when all thinges else were mard . Thus doth Iehove him selfe , her greatnesse gard , Thus doth Gods church , ( her child ) commend their mother , Thus common weales ( her wainlings ) will none other . Thus Nature aye ennobleth her estate . Thus Reason doth vphold , her reputation , Thus Profit doth her peerlesse estimate , Thus Neede doth tend , her princely preservation . Thus doth mans life maintaine her estmation . Thus time doth yeeld , her charters true content , Prescription custome practize and consent . Thus doe all times , extend her excellence , Thus doe all tongues , extoll her rule and raigne , Thus doe all wittes , afford her best defence . Thus doe all states , her sacred state maintaine , Thus doe all sortes of men , attend her traine . Thus nations all , nobilitate her name , Thus doe all worldly powers , advance her fame . Thus happie shee , when all doe pleade for one ; But haplesse you , when one doth speake for all : You might haue spred your praises and bin gone , And not chast mariage name , in question call , But ( lide franke gamsters ) sith you venter all , You that of others , speake the things you should not , Must be content , to heere the wordes you would not . If you had blotlesse made , your mistresse brow , Before you spide the moate , in mariage eie ; You might her right , with better right avow , Thus truth ( though tyred ) never went awry . In vaine the master findes a limping fault , Where he himselfe doth stumble , and go hault . Your clyent while shee claimes , a single gift , Doth contradict , the law of propagation ; And with a poore pretence and seely shift , Denies man comfort , ( cause of her creation ) Flies from old Evaes faith , to newer fashion . Depriues her seede , lifes blessing in the land , Her selfe th' obedience , God doth first command . Yea while fine nature , worketh in her kinde , Deathes ruines to repaire , in lifes repriue ; ( To liue for aie , in those shee leaues behinde ) Shee laboureth still , to leaue her like aliue , And never die her selfe , whilst they surviue . You ( while you crosse this kindly worke of nature ) Would liue your selues , but leaue none other creature . And where the nations , to vphold their state , Coherse with lawes , and shame , the single life , Your selues ( as lawlesse ) lawes doe antiquate , Set barren sect against the bearing wife . Thus wage you warre thus stirre you endlesse strife ; Thus swaying in selfe-will , your will withstandeth , What natures biddes , and God himselfe commandeth . And thus your life , resembleth desolation , Your bodies graues , to burie babes vnborne , Your vow a cord , to strangle propagation , ( Far better ill-kept vowes , weare left vnsworne ) Your thoughts fierce foes , to leaue you kin forlorne . Your willes flat worldlings , ( while you temporize ) Your tongues in wedlockes wracke , doe scandalize . God mariage made , in commanding moode , And what he biddes , the same we must obey ; But mayden life , commended is for good ; Where is command , commending beares small sway , Therefore to stint this strife I boldly say , If God giue grace , the single life doth well , If not such gift , then mariage doth excell . Be quiet then sweete thoughtes , let s rest agreede ; Let mariage haue , deserved commendation : Let virgins haue ( that virgins are indeede ) Due praise , renowne , and sacred observation : True maide , true wife , in thought and conversation . Both holy in the Lord ; the one as wife , The other as a maide , in single life . Thus her soules sences , held a long dispute , And sillogize their reasons pro & con ; While minde ( the moderatour ) standeth mute , What 's vnresolved , to resolue vpon : At length shee thus concludes , ( when thoughts were gon ) Sith God made Eve , least man should liue alone , Shee was of man , and not Pigmalions stone . When Fame the light-foote ( titling babe by birth ) False spie , that into secrets makes intrusion , Tale-bearing paritour , to mone and mirth , Foule-fleering blab , truthes traitour and confusion , Had tane by top , the tale of her conclusion , Shee spreds with speede , the motiue of her marying , Pretending hast , as if there were no tarying . Whence came to passe , that troopes of corrivals , Like eager houndes to get a gallant pray ; Doe poast with speede , not caring what befals , To win the goale , and beare the price away , They flaunt it out , in traine and rich aray . To get the favour , of this gracious faire , That is so buxome , and so debonaire . Some offer stately dower , some princely gifts , Some honors hight , and to advaunce her kin . Some bare of these do sue with loue-sicke shiftes , Pawne sighes sad looks , straung vowes , they make no sin , To sweare for-sweare , this golden fleece to win . Each streignes his thoughts , his rivall to beguile . Whilst in her iowre lurks death , life in her smile . But as the mounting Eagle , in the winde , Disdeines to stoope and checke base flockes of flies , Or as club griping Hercules , by kinde , Doth single combate , with a dwarfe dispise , Whose force his manhood , doth not equalize , So shee doth scorne , to fawne on such a frend , Whose faith doth soone beegin , and sooner end . Yet as in gardens , whear all herbes do grow , Some fragrant are , whose sweetenesse doth excell , Though some eie-pleasing lillies trimlie shew , When as they yeeld the sent , a loathsome smell , So some there weare , might please her eie full well . And by sweete vertues odor , fume her sent , With grace automaticke , and redolent . For as , while those bright globes of rare accoumpt , And splendant plannets , in their spheeres do ronne , One is superior , and doth all surmount , Without compare , aye gloryous shininge sonne , So in this gloabe of gallantes , thear stoode one , Whose neate beehavior , grace , and bounty bright , Did dim the rest , as sonne the candle light . Renowned Ioachim , thou the man admired , Both of the Chaldees , and the Iewish nation , Thou weart of all regarded , and desired . Greate was thie wealth , so was thie reputation ; Thy life an obiect , worthie contemplation . That didst with Titus , purchaze thee a frend , Each day beefore the soune , his course did end . Thou didst not with gnuffe Craesus , hoord thy wealth . Thou weart with Cato rich , when once contented . Thou hatedst Cesars pride , which was the pelfe , That causd his death , which hee to late repented , Thou hadst Iobs waxen heart , which still relented , If orphanes cride , if widdowes wanted right , If poore men said , they wear opprest by might . Thou weart a Moses in maintayning lawes . Thou didst fell Pharaos , goverment detest . Thou with the Macbies , in thy countries cause , Wouldst pawne that heart , that harbord in thy brest . Thou ever heldst Manasses wayes , vnblest . Thou weart a polititian , graue and wise , Yet free from that slie tricke , to temporize . What heart so iudurate , that Would not yeeld , Whear vertues puissant valor , stroue to win ? What minde so obstinate , to take the feild , Gainst those fine partes , whose matches scant-have bin Sure causelesse to reiect him , t' weare foule sin . Whearfore her thoughtes , well trayned in their good , Do entertaine his suite , with gratious moode , For as a Diamond rich , ( through vertue rare ) To it the gads of sturdie steele doth draw : And as the youth-worne lett , by like compare , Bestowes his power attrative on the straw , So sweete Susanna , not compeld by awe , But led to love , by like heartes Simpathie , Did yeeld his eares , his wished heartes replie . Who thought him selfe to bee the happiest wight , When shee became ( not hers but ) his desired , When shee had made surrender of her right , The ioy , the comfort , which his heart required , While to obtaine that pray hee more aspired , Then conqur'ing Alexander , to subdue , A world far wider , then the world hee knew . O peerelesse purchaze fownd by few or none . O pleasant conquest , pleased conqueror . Whilst true content , triumpheth in loues throane , More rightly rich , then Asiaes emperor , The price was vertue , thou the vanquishor . For in thy pris'ner , with a princely port , Residinge vertues , held their royall court . Within the closet , of whose cloysest pleasure , ( Neat cabbonet for vertues sweete repose ) Nature and Grace , had hid their finest treasure , And left it all to Constancies , despose . ( A trustie guardian , for such goodes as those ) Amongst which glorious graces , in her brest , Bright Chastitie was seen , aboue the rest . Shee seated in a seate which vertue placeth , A royall throne ( the soule and minde divine ) As onely grace , that every vertue graceth , Is canopied with Fayth ( most pure and fine ) Like milkie-way , with circling Cristalline . And at her knees , are kneele , ( and parte not thence ) Transparent puritie , and ( Gods gifte ) Continence . And to vphold her high , and heav'nly state , Shee hath for guard , attending on her traine , Sobrietie ( truthes friend , and vices hate ) Foresight ( that evill occasions doth refraine ) Dumbe tongue , dead heart , blinde eie , deafe eare , sad braine . Well guided thoughts ; a hand and foote not idle ; Sterne abstinence , that head-strong lust doth bridle . O chastitie ( thou beautie of the minde ) Vnspotted puritie in things vnpure , The comliest ornament of woman kinde ; Were not this seate most slipprie and vnsure , Thou wouldst in all and not in few indure . But thy light foes , false title , of true pleasure , Thee loathed makes , her loved out of measure . Yea since thy friends in shew , but foes indeede , Vaine Tutors taught , their pupils how to spell , For caste , caute ; and to serue fowle neede , If chastly want , that cloasly doth doe well ; This motiue made , some subiects to rebell . Who by pretence , to vnderprop thy crowne , In secret make assaultes , to pull thee downe . Whose prowd Essenian high-priest , Rabbena , To canonize thy saint , wil kisse thy shrine . Yet not with Aaron choose chast El'saba , But like that Levite vse his concubine , Yea if thou dost thy selfe , in mariage ioine , They blesse thy name , as sacred one of seven , Yet ban thine act , as most vnworthy heaven . O neighing Iades , fast friendes to infamie , Nurses to naughtinesse , lewd bawdes to lust , Base vassalles , to your willes Apostasie , Why doth not Conscience , checke your deedes vniust ? Why doth not sad Dispaire , drowne in distrust , Those temptors of these sacred Nymphes to sin ? Whom rape may not enforce , nor flattry win . Delightsome flowers , doe quickely fall and fade , And budding beauty blasteth , in small space ; But constant Chast , thy sonne goes not to glade , No age nor eating time , can thee deface , While vertue thee , thou vertue , dost imbrace . Thou gracest Susan , having thee in hold , As richest Iemmes , doe grace the finest gold . Her Amber tresses , made a seemely shew ; Her milke-white skin , adorned natures skill , Yet all did vanish , as the liquid dew , While Chastitie remaines eternall still , Why then are women wedded to vaine will ? That for a wanton momentanie pleasure , They ( wilful ) wast an everlasting treisure . Had Susan bin , of their vnstable minde , To sel eternitie to get a toy ; Shee had not left such noted fame behinde . But had bin titled , faith-lesse , fondly coy , Which did relinquish lust , for lasting ioie . And left her loved name , to be eternall ; But those that wrong'd the same , like fendes infernal . For when her choice , did yeeld a worldes delight , And ioies did soare , aboue the reach of sorrow ; When setled thoughtes , secure of worldly spight , And barge of blisse , high fortunes seas did forrow , Then flattering night , brought foorth a doleful morrow . What time her gracious God , did hold it best , To blaze abroade , what harbord in her brest . For as he faithful Abrahams heart , did proue , By willing offring , of his guiltlesse sonne ; And tride Io●s stable faith , and constant loue , What time she Sathan , his consent had wonne , To leaue Iobs health forlorne , and wealth vndone : Even so he sifted , Susans constancie , If that shee would , her pure faith falsifie . And to complot this treason , by temptation , False Sathan had fit men , fit time , fit place ; Was never foe so fitted for invasion , The plot once laid he would not bate an ace , The price was shame ( her glories dim disgrace ) The meanes , the men , the time , the place , thus fitted ; Yet Sathan prov'd a foole , and shallow witted . While flattring time , could not her thoughts content , Convenient place , had no convenient praie , Though nobles sought her fames disparagement ; Yet had more noble heart , a constant naie , A Iudges wordes , gainst iustice beare no sway . Gray haires , ( grim sutors ) argued youthes greene follie , Their vele of Priest-hoode made them more vnhollie . Such were the wightes , that would this Ladie wrong , So were their hearts , addicted to vile actions , That their lust-fostred thoughtes , did wholie long . On harmelesse Chastitie , to raise exactions . Why should stout nobles stoope to base detractions ? Why should such ympious ympes , haue rule of all , Whose thoughts are base , and bond-slaues vnto thrall . Woe to that place , where law is turn'd to lust , Woe , to that land , where rulers fall to sin . Woe to that state , where might doth say I must . Woe to the wrong'd , that seeketh right of him , Who forceth not of good , or right a pin . But makes the earth , the obiect of his eies , Because he would , both God and heav'n despise . Thou God which dost , fell tyrans rage detest , Why suffrest thou such wolues , to tyrannise ? Why are thy seely lamkins so opprest ? And doth not mercie in thy brest arise ? Sure thou art merciful , in this thy guise . In giving Tyrantes time , for to repent , And fruitfull patience , to the innocent . A rare example , of which righteous loue , Doth in this ladies life , at large appeare ; Whom tyrant stride , whether shee would remoue , Her heart from thee , ( her loving Lord most deere ) But shee in thee , remaind the vanquisher ; When thou didst raise , young Daniell in her right , And put her shamelesse foes , to shameful flight . For when the nuptiall rightes , had due dispatch , And solemne lawes , fast knit the sociall band , By writing made , attenticke of the mach . When first Helchia , gaue his daughters hand , Before the states , and seniors of the land ; That yeare advaunced were , to iudgement seate , Those hell-taught hirelings , fit for Sathans feate . For while this tender lady , taught her will , T' attend her liked loue , and Lordly mate , The captiue Iewes , in troopes resorted still , To iet in Ioachims courtes , and there debate , Of meanes , to mannage their forlorne estate ; To rowse religion , and awake their law , Borne downe by bondage , breeder of their awe . So to erect a secret Sanhedrin , They singled foorth two seniors , from the best , Graue , Aged , learned , wise , of noble kin , For to expound the law , and rule the rest , But they which seem'd in shew what they profest , In proofe were Belials broode ; base slippes of Caine , In faith false Apostates , men vile , and vaine . These long frequented , noble Ioachims place , Grim sires severe , like Aristarchus brow , Seem'd nothing popular ; could not the grace , To kisse the hand , or stoope the stately bow , But ( though with halting ) onely well knew how , To render right , without regard of gaine , Which made contending troopes , attend their traine . But modest ladie , ( Ladie modestie ) Shee to avoide the presse , in this repaire , And shun the gaze , of every glauncing eie , Would to her garden walke to take the aire : A fine contrived plot and passing faire ; Hem'd in with stately walles which lik'd her well , ( Chast cloistred nymph , within so sweete a cell . ) And when the presse was past , and coast was cleere , Vnto her home , her setled pase shee bendes : Where oft shee findes her Lord , and loving Pheere , Conferring with those seniors , his good friendes . To whom ( for Ioachims loue ) good looke shee sendes . Secure of lust ; shee deemd their age more stable , Their faith more holy , thoughtes more honorable . But in plaine-meaning trust , false treason lurkes . Slie Sathan hence , gate breath to blow lustes fire . At which their melting heartes , he softly workes , So that they take , th' impression of desire , And so did bend , to what he would require . Thus with faire stales , he baiteth buzzardes eies , To teach these dotardes trickes , to wantonize The silver heares ( sterne sum'nors to the graue ) Are dipt in die-pot , and well taught to fal , In curled tuftes , like yonkers neate and braue . ( No Peruge yet had Peru seene at al ) While withered limmes would youthes delights recal ; The spundge , the combe , the glasse , doe wait at hand , To cleere the wrinckled skin , that age had tand . Th' Arabian odors , mend a noisome fault : Each word , each looke , each gesture smackes of art , The limping legge begins to leape and vault . When Cupid shootes , where death should thrill his dart , Old wagges exceede to play the wantons part . And then though folly , giue themselues the fal , Yet must sweete beauty beare the blame of al. So things wel ment , are oftentimes mistaken , Sometimes the harmelesse eie , doth feede offence , Sometimes faire dutie , makes his friend forsaken , Sometimes foule faultes , are hid by faire pretence . So were these seniors , snared by true sence . When ( burnd not by the fire , but by the light ) They were entrap'd , by that true spie , the sight . While chast , concentricke circles of her eies , Like sphericke sections , cut by curious art ; Reflect the wanton beames , which gainst them flies , Backe to the darkesome dungeon , of the heart , Makes Liver loue-sicke , poysons every part . Makes reason , and heartes passions , disagree ; Makes that which was not , what it should not be , Fie on fine beautie , that dost bane thy breeder , Fie on false honor , that betraist thy friend , Fie on thee foolish feature , thou eie feeder . Fie on vnstedfast riches , friendes vnkinde . Fie on choice education ( art thou blinde ? ) Fie on fit time , alluring bawd to evil , Fie on fit place , a broker for the divel . These were the traitours , that entisementes gaue , To blinde concupiscence , and bedlem lust , To hood●winke vertue , and at reason raue , That bids be bold , and banish faint distrust . Pretendes the purchase good , and title iust . Perswades it cowardise , to daunt for shame , Where greater conquest winnes the greater fame . And yet they deem'd her vertues , farre to great , Her thoughtes to high , to stoope to base desire , Which did not coole , but much augment the heate . Great logges laid on , doe most encrease the fire , Beate downe by doubtes , stout lust doth clim the higher . When strugling streames , with strongest baies are bent , Then flowdes doe swell , and rage most insolent . And so while raging lust , out-reacheth reason , ( Like bended waues they surge aboue the bankes ) Displease their friendes , and selues , and al to please one , Leaue law , and right , to play vnlawful prankes ; Vow great attemptes , not worthy smallest thankes . Grow carelesse , resolute in dissolution ; Bewitch'd with beauties blaze , to worke abusion . That those , which whilome did like Martiall wightes , Weild Mars his weapons , and were manly men ; Become nice Sybarites , faint hearted knights , Forsake the field , to diue in Cupids den , Resigne the Eagles empire , to the wren . Obscure Herculean fortitude , and fame , By childish service , of some Lydian dame . For as the fish that ( of his force to stoppe ) Hight Remora , ( much like the seelie snaile ) Can stay the ship , of loftie tallest toppe , Gainst force of oares , and furious winded saile ; So some whose fame , high fortune could not faile . Amidst their happiest course , are forst to staie , By lust-fed loue , or else as weake delay . So sovereignes oft , come subiectes to their sin , Whilst those that should not , soonst are slaues to lust , Men what they must not , most are prone to win , Which makes trimme vertue , dragled in the dust . When rulers are ( as yron worne with rust ) Consum'd with loue , then countries fall to sinne , As heere you see these iudges doe beginne . Who oft were bent ( by reasons Ecstasis ) With club-fist violence , and clownish force , To breake into that princelie Pyramis , And batter downe , her wel-built walles perforce , If milde entreatie , might not moue remorse . Or bold perswasions , blinde the eies of reason , Or subtile feates , surprise the fort by treason . Thus oft they ment , to make a rash assault ; More oft they seeke , vile opportunitie , And most doe muse , how they maie cloake the fault , If mad desire , accomplished might be , Their withered hoping hearts thinke long to see . The fruit of their vntimelie , sprowting lust ; Th' event whereof , they held in deepe distrust . Each daie these graybeardes , kisse the garden dore , To see at least the shadow of their Saint , And through the slender crannies , prie and pore , To feede the humor that doth make them faint , So doth her peerelesse hue their eies attaint . That aie to gaze on her , they doe require ; As on sweete speckled Panthers beastes desire . Each daie for fervent loue , of this faire goddesse , They gad on pilgrimage , to her sweete shrine . Each daie fowle lust , did feede in fainting bodies , On fresh recording , of her beauties shine , Each day they be repleate , and yet doe pine . While outward obiect nursing inward anguish , Abates the looke and makes the life to languish . Thus doth delay , not lessen but increase , The furious fittes , of their rebellions soare . And though they would , a parlee for their peace , Yet want they meanes , her favour to implore . Which makes them wish , to be within the dore , With her alone , that they might worke their will , To pray or force her , to that cursed ill . They wondred greatly , at each others griefe , Yet want the skil , the secret cause to know , Though friendly hand , be prest to yeeld reliefe , Yet singred pulse , cannot bewray their woe , And shame doth blush , such shamefull partes to shew . While neither knowes , that either is entangled , With that sharpe hooke , wherewith himselfe is angled . Til time , that pend , the prologue in this play , And did pretend , some pleasing comedy : By stately rufling actors , did bewray , Shee ment to staine the stage , and standers by , With tragique bloud , in fel Catastrophie . And sending opportunitie with speede , To fit occasion , bids them both proceede . For on a day , when Cynthius lampe of light , Had with his golden beames , embost the skie , And ( climbing from the circle-bounding sight ) Neere to the noone-steed line , was mounted hie , When Nature did on customes lore relie . To vnder-propt her weakenesse , with repast , That now grew faint , and feeble with long fast . Then at kind Ioachims gates , these seniors part , ( Vntrustie traitours , to so true a friend ) And to their several houses , doe revert . But leaue in pawne , vnbodied hearts behinde . ( Not where it liues but loues remaines the minde ) They doe repose , their friend-shippe on their foe ? They leaue sweete life in gage , yet home they goe . Where lazie rest , did ransacke all their vaines , Choice of delightes , doe breed no choice of ease , The wayward worme , within their adled braines , Was nibling still , nothing but one could please , The feathered seate , doth seeme a nest of fleas . The princely banquets , held a homely diet , The Doricke musicke , makes the minde vnquiet . The cookes controld , the meate not seasoned well , The courtly waitor , seemes a cartly clowne , The fragrant odors , yeeld a loathsome smell . Who looketh sad , he thinkes on him doth frowne , Who laughes out-right , doth envie his renowne . Who wispreth in the care doth him reproue , Who praiseth beauty , robbes him of his loue . His loue ? not shee graue ladie , first his loue , Whose breasts did breed , youthes sweet contentments wel , His eies as blinde in choice , he doth reproue , For Ioachims choice , all choices doth excell , His neighbours sheepe ( not his ) must beare the bell . Sweete Susan ( none but shee ) is worthy honor , His Debora not worthy to waite on her . Fond , testy , wayward , waspish , out of tune , His giddy head , doth tosse his trencher round . His hastie heart is fierce , doth fret , and fume , His knife doth feele , his passions to abound , His restlesse foote , doth grate the harmelesse ground . Each punct of time , doth seeme a lingring morrow , The meale is short , when as the sawce is sorrow . Therefore to seeke more ease , in pleasing place , They post alone , vnto the garden dore . Where one of them not staide , a breathing space , But that his corryvall , is come to shore , Where never boath , ( till then ) did meete before . And then to soone ; for false occasion then , Did plot the fall , of these vnfaithfull men . For train'd by time , each one acquaintes the other , How beauties blaze , in Susans modest eie , Had set drie lust on fire , which did not smother , ( Within their withered breastes ) but burning flie , Like fierie dragon , in the flaming skie . Which forst them to forget , their God their king , And binde best hope , vnto a hopelesse thing . They pause a space , what best to doe resolving , Like two fierce Beares , of greedie appetite . Devising meanes , and in their mindes revolving , If that shee will not wrong , her Ioachims right , They would enforce her then , by force and might . Yet heere a guiltie conscience , laies a barre , To stop this course , and their devises marre . Saith one of them shall we commit this evill ? Shall freemen borne , be bond-slaues vnto sinne ? Shall we embrace the flesh , to kisse the Divell ? Shall we controlling vice , to vice beginne ? Shall we so famous , thus defame our kinne ? ( My Lord ) we must suppresse , these prowd assaults , Else shall we great ones , make the greater faultes . The rule by which all other rules , are tried , Must beare a true proportion , every way . And want the smallest faultes , that maie be spied , So kings and seniors , that doe beare the sway , Must liue to rule , and yet the lawes obey . Else how should they blacke sin , rebuke and blame , When they themselues are guilty in the same ? A mole is speed'lie spied , in the face , When in the bodie blaines , are vnperceaved . One seely mis●e will yeeld vs , more disgrace , Then though the vnderling , and poore aggrieved , Were of al roiall vertues , quite bereaved . For rulers are , the looking-glasse , the booke , In which all subiects eies , doe reade and looke . O let vs then remember , there s a God , A God , whose searching eie , hath deepest seeing , A God , whose providence , doth never plod , A God , in whom we moue , and haue our being , A God , to whom each sinne , is disagreeing . A God , that will not winke , at this misdeede , A God , that will inflict revendge , with speede . But heere I see , a cursed fawning pleasure , That freez'th my soule , yet burn'th my heart with lust . That doth torment my minde , beyonde all measure , And over-rules ( me ruler ) with I must . Then tel me brother whereto both shall trust . For my poore trembling heart , is so tormented , That I the act ( vnacted ) haue repented . His sad colleage , who all this time gaue eare , With good attention , to this wavering tale , Did seeme as though , he held his counsaile deere ; But in his brest , they bred most deadly bale , So sorrow suckt his bloud , that he lookt pale . And staggring paus'd , what answere best to make him , Or take advice , what course he should betake him . At length from sin-flowing soule , ( as flame from fire ) He belloweth out , hoat-breathed brutish wordes : I must with speed , effect my hearts desire , Commaunding lust , no longer pawse affords , No , though mine obiect , were ten thousand swords . Ne can my spirit represse , so fierce a foe , My wil is bent , my heart wil haue it so . A good physition , may his patient cure , If he be carefull , of the wound in season : But carelesse , if he let it long indure ; He findes at length , not one sufficient reason , How of a festred vlcer , he might ease one . So if in time , I had this plague prevented , I should haue had no time , to haue repented . But now my wound , out-reacheth reasons skill , It festreth inward , and so hurts my heart , That I must bend , to my rebellious will . ( Vnlesse I wil endure , an endlesse smart ) I would some Pythonisse could worke by art . Or man of God by praier obtaine the skil , To turne my heart , from this intended il . But t wil not be ; I cannot haue redresse , Dispaire doth stop the way , to former state . I must therefore to her , my griefes expresse , And worke by griping might , and forced hate , If that shee will not be , compassionare . Thus I resolue , my thoughts are past relenting , And carelesse I ( my Lord ) of your consenting . Yet while sinnes griefe , would heale his foules consumption Foorth steps the temptour , and to stop restraint , Doth beare him vp with winges , of prowd presumption , Biddes hope be stable , and his faith not faint ; Thy God ( saith he ) with mercy heere s complaint . If thou to him , thy acted sinnes deplore , He heales with speede , and salues thy smarting soare . And what ? thy slippe is but a veniall sinne , Fine natures fault , ( or else no fault at all ) The saved Saints themselues , haue sinners binne , The steddiest foote , sometimes doth take a fall , No shame to trip , but being downe to crawle . What if graue age , of wantonnesse reproue thee ? The blame be hers , whose matchles parts did moue thee . Thus subtile Sathan , faines ( to shift a carde ) That vice is vertue , and foule-sinne salvation : And that condigne , our works are of reward , When as our deeds , are worthy condemnation , To build presumptuous sinnes , on Gods compassion , He brings sinnes warnings , warrants vnto sinne , While thus to pray , his pupill doth beginne . O God ( saith he ) doe not behold this sin , But if thou dost , yet doe thou not reiect vs , For moe thy servantes haue offendors bin , Therefore ( O Lord ) doe not to shame detect vs , Nor with thy heavy-falling hand , correct vs . Sith we are not the first , that haue transgressed , Thy sacred precepts , in thy law expressed . Old Adam fell , and yet thou didst relieue him , Thou hast forgotten , Nohahs drunkennesse : Lottes sin was greater , yet thou didst forgiue him : Thy hearts-loue David , Vrie did oppresse , And made his wife , his lustes adulteresse . High-seated Salomon , ( that held his throne ) Fel to fond lust , and had more faultes then one . Al these ( and moe thy servants ) left thy lawes , Yet did thy mercies largesse pardon all : Why should I then , haue longer time to pawse ? Or dread the storme , ere it begin to fal ? No , no , poore heart , I will no thoughtes fore stall . Invent the way , to win thy choice delight , And this my hand , shal helpe with maine and might . He making might , the period of his speach , Entreates his mate , to censure his conclusion , Protesting that no reason , should out-reach , Or interrupt , his setled resolution . While thus he resteth carelesse of confusion . His partner doth impart , his thoughtes replie , And leades amisse , what went before awry . Senior ( saith he ) rash is this enterprise , Hast-making marchantes , often marre good marte , Lett es pawse a space , our hast may prodigize , Let first a fawning eie , to her impart , The loue-sicke passions , of a friendly heart . Let sighes entreate , let lookes our loue vnfold , Let s tempt her truth , with traitrous gobs of gold . Let s hire some B. to boord her with perswations , That letter hath more cunning , then the Ka. Let s court her oft , with stately salutations , Let s sift the secrets , of our Cabala . Let s looke in Bresith booke , and Marcana . What hearb , what stone , what word , hath power in loue , Let s try their force , and every vertue proue . We read in bookes of pendants , and of potions , Of figures fram'd , with quaint charecterismes , Of Mawmets made by art , to plannets motions , Of direfull wordes , and powerfull exorcismes , Of curious feates , to raise loues paroxismes . If heaven will not heere , let s sue to hell , The Fayries haue great force , old wiues can tell . Let s then hunt out , some old Hecatean hagge , That can eclipse the moone , and clowde the sonne : Sweepe hilles away , and cause the grownd to wagge : Make headlong streames , backe to their heads to ron , Raise spirites ( as Saul in Endor saw was done ) Worke mindes as wax , make wayward will , loues thrall , Let s trie their skill , before we venture all . But out fond lingring leaches , to sicke loue , While you provide , your patient doth decay : Let leasures guests , your paltry physicke proue , Our sickenesse is impatient of delay , Therefore ( sweet Senior ) let vs hast away , Into this happiest orchard , there to hide vs , To try what better fortune doth abide vs . Which said : these dotards sneake in at the gate , ( False traitor to take in his ladies foes ) And ( being in ) sly foxes they debate , Where best to finde fit couch , for to repose , And shrowd themselues , from gazing eies disclose . Till trustlesse time , might pay the hoped hire , Their hunger-starved lust , did so desire . And standing thus at gaze , at length they spie , A spreading palme , ( fit arbour for to feast in ) Whose wreathed boughes , and branches clowd the sky . This louely bower , these brothels choose to rest in . ( To neat a perch , for such night owles to nest in . ) Where flowring Camomill , did cloath the ground , With Rose and Eglantine , encloased round . While heere they lurke , with pleasing shrubs inshrinde , Faire sights , fresh aire , doth yeeld them little ease . While conscience sting doth gaule , the guilty minde , Their swelling thoughtes , doe striue like struggling seas , No obiect of the eie , or eare , doth please . They dread the leaues , with wavering wil bewray them , Or twitling birdes , with taunting tunes betray them . The whistling winde , amongst the trembling trees , Doth force the head to aile , and heart to ake , The harmelesse humming , of the toyling Bees , Doth cause the legges to quiver , hands to quake . Least Ioachim them suspect , and tardy take . Wherefore the fearefull eie , doth loath the light , And long to haue , sin-shrowding darkesome night . And while they both revolue their case ; ( saith one ) I had a dreame , ( God turne my dreame to good ) Mee seem'd we sitting , on the iudgement throne , Our seate fell downe , into a streame of blood ; And both we drenched in the crymsen flood . In sleepe I stroue , and strugled ( wanting breath ) To scape those waues , that did conspire our death . Which terror made my feareful flesh so tremble , Vnneathes I could , my perfect sences finde . Cease ( quoth his mate ) no more , dreames oft dissemble . Dreames are deceites , as wavering as the winde , They never daunt , a full resolved minde . A fainting heart , shall never loose the pray , Which ( mawgre dreames ) I meane to win this day . Thus are those seniors , sold to desolation , Who doth not see their soules subdude to sin ? Whilst their lust-hardned hearts , by no perswasion , Can be recald , from what they did begin . But bent to venture all , vnsure to win . Like ravening beares , bereaved of their whelpes , They sit alone , devising many helpes . Devising manie helpes , to worke their will , To wrest or winne her , to their loathed lure : O that such Tygers fierce , her seeke to spill . O that such drowsie droanes , should be secure , To creepe into a hiue , vnstain'd and pure . To tast that Nectar , and Hyblean Honie , That none but one could winne , for loue or monie . O hearts much harder , then the Adamant , O chartes of sinne , mappes of impietie . Are you the men , that vices should supplant ? Doe you ( in shew ) adore the dietie ? And seeke in secret , sinnes varietie ? O doe but thinke , there comes a iudgement daie ; Where such misdeedes , cannot be wip'd awaie . But your hearts , harbour nought , but ravishment , You follow Tereus vaine , in villanie . You carelesse how to die , or to repent , Do liue secure of shame , and infamie , And thinke on nought , but oportunity . To perpetrate , your wicked lewd intent , In which already , many daies are spent . But all daies now , are passed and expired , In which you liv'd twixt hope , and grimme dispaire When time hath brought you , where you most de● Even to that orchard , where most holsome aire , Doth kisse the creature , which you held most faire . Iniurious time , why didst thou serue her so , Which never was or ment to be thy foe ? Why didst thou seeke , t' enthral a sacred soule ? Why didst thou seeke to traine her vnto lust ? Why dost not oportunitie controule ? Which seekes to draine her honour in the dust ? O flattring oportunitie vniust . Fit slaue to sallie Sathans lewd designement , When thy compeere , fit place , yeeldes entertainment . O God why hast thou set , the ravening wolfe , Vpon the poore , and harmelesse lamb to pray ? Why didst thou let her scape , Charibdis gulfe , For to ( by Scylla rocke ) be cast away ? Thou hast vpheld her , happie to this daie . And now must light , in Lyons ravening iawes , And plead to eares , that know no right nor lawes . For when the sunne ( neere sommer tropicke seated ) With bright reflected beames , did all repeate : And westward from the southerne line , retreated , Did make the foggie heart , in shade to sweate , And croaking raven , gape and pant for heare . Then did Susanna , to her walke repaire , In shadowed seate , to take fresh cooling aire . Where with her mates demure , ( two modest maides ) Shee shrowds her selfe in shrubs , neere pleasant spring : ( Like harmelesse Elfes the fountaine fairy Naids ) Where waters rush , and chirping birdes doe sing , And art with nature , framd a curious thing . A stately conduit , whence sweete streames distilled , Which vnderneath , a sumptuous cesterne filled . In which this vertuous dame , was wont to bath her , When lawful rightes , such homage did require . And now ( to soone ) induced much the rather , Because sun-burning beames , did fry like fire , Wherefore ( shee saith ) good wentches home retire . And bring the soape , the cloathes and things I neede , Shut fast the dores , returne againe with speede . With due obeysance , and a bashfull smile , They yeeld the looke , of readie servitude , And with officious foote , they post awhile , Vnto the garden dores , and them occlude , To stop each stranger out , that night intrude . And by a posterne gate , they post away , And yet quicke wantons , make to tedious stay . Thus left alone ( good lady voide of feare ) Shee serues her God , with solitarie muse . Secure what birdes of rapine , roosted there , That ment her wretch , in their sharpe clawes to bruse , And vnprophaned bodie , to abuse . O little doth shee know , what serpentes lurke , In traitrous place ; to pray on natures worke . Had shee Diana bin ( as poets faine ) When these Acteons , pried through the wood ; Shee as Diana did , would them constraine , To be transformed , in her angry moode . Shee could not doe her glory , greater good . But what Acteons seeke , to serue their will , Shee little knowes , that never knew such ill . The seely fish , that hooke hath never angled , Doth seldome feare , what s hidden in the baite . The bird that never was , with snare entangled , Doth shun no place , for that shee feares deceite , So carelesse shee , what curres lie at receite . To take , entangle , wronge , her guiltlesse minde ; Doth nothing feare , shee should such treason finde . But Sathan ( that had smothered , long his fire ) Brings now three blazes flaming , hies apase , To kindle bright , the brand of their desire , With beauties praie , commodious time , and place , Vp ( saith he ) beastes : faint sluggards : are you base ? Cheere vp your spirits , let groaning thoughts be glad , So faire a day , no Lordings ever had . While faultlesse shee , sits trapt by false occasion , When once her maides were gone , and all things fast ; Forthwith these lust-breath'd Lordes , made rash invasion , To make prophane , the soule that is so chast , Like hunger-starved , vultures they make hast . To get the baite , within their ravenous beakes , To kisse those corall lips , and roseall cheakes . And though with hast , they fall vpon the ground ; They rise againe , and headlong foorth doe ronne . The fall doth say , this fact shall you confound . Your seate is dipt in blood , and you vndone , O leaue it of , that is so ill begonne . But while rebellious Sathan , runneth by them , Good motions cannot enter , or come nigh them . When shee ( good lady ) saw these stragling Lordes , To presse in presence , with such heedelesse speede ; Shee wondred greatly : Ignorant what wordes , ( When as they came ) would from their hearts proceede , They streight with circled armes , her bondage breede . While gazing eies , beholde her comely hue , And maffling mouthes , these gracelesse speeches spue . Quoth one of them ( for one did speake for boath ) Wee must , with that false heart began to faile him . To tell the rest his guilty minde was loath , Thinking ( perhaps ) dumbe shewes would most availe him , And shee amaz'd , with merveile what should aile him . To greete her ( helpelesse captiue ) with I must , Did feare the fury , of the tyrant lust . And quivering standes , as doth the harmelesse deere , Beset with greedie curres , and eagre houndes : Shee lookes about , and pries to finde a cleere , To scape these Crocodiles , that passe their bounds , Whose clasped armes , doe yeeld her deadly wounds . While shame doth tie their tongues , & make them mute , And conscience seekes , their conquest to confute . At warre was wit and will , for best endevours , Contending thoughtes , did hold a civill schisme , As freezing fittes , preceede hoate burning fevors , So conscience feeles , a shaking paroxisme , In vaine doth reason , fight with Rhetorisme . The weaklig wit , constrained is to yeeld , And bedlem lust , left owner of the field . For when hee had a tyme , him selfe be thought . Right , shame , and feare , exiled from his heart , And love with lust , a cruell combate fought , And strived one , the other to converte . Then hee began , his passions to imparte . Yet bent to speake , and douptfull of her nay , Hee faintes againe and knowes not what to say . Then ( as those cheating mates in conny-catchinge , Cogge , prate , and lie , to furnish foorth their feate ) He beates and settes , his braines a brood in hatching , Straung sleightes , to gaine this more then golden cheate , And Epitheme , to coole flesh-burning heat . At length twixt faltring hope , and faint despaire , He fawnes , he frownes , he threates , he speakes her faire . Sweete ladie now ( saith he ) we must enioy thee . If no or liues , will soone vnbodied be . Consent therefore , if no , we will destroy thee . And say we saw one heere , embracinge thee . Nay wee will vow by heaven , wee did thee see , To act adulterouse sinne , with some base slaue . Then yeeld if thou wilt lief and honor have . If thou demaund , how our sin-seas'ned hearts , With out remorse can harbor this misdeed . Then know that love , and dutie playd their partes Within our brests , some better thoughts to breed . But lust did blot , what reason still decreed . Thy looke ( fair ladie ) worthie to be loved , So bownd our hearts , they might not be removed Thy stature like , the statly Cedar trees Thy peerlesse beautie , passing al the rest . Thy seemely iestures , which each noats and sees . These are the thinges , enthrall the mightiest . And make commaunding monarches , to be prest , To fall from honor , iustice , law , and right . And bannish those , which love them , out of sight . These are the traytors , which betray thee now . These ( like false guides ) do lead vs from the Lord . These thinges make lawfull kinges , and Lordes allow , Thinges most vnlawfull . and to bee abhord . What man ( faire ladie ) could not well afford , To try fell paines , to purchaze such a loue ? Yea pains of death , and thousand perils prove , Didst ever read , those high conceyted storyes , In which the lives , of worthy loves are writ ? If so , thou seest , the trophies of their glories , Weare raysd on loue and how inspir'd with it , They pawne their lives , by farthest reach of wit , To make loves name , eternall and admired . That else to fame , had not with cost bin hired . O then but thinke , thy Lords are more tormented . Who dare suscept , more perilles then them all . And yet we know , our deedes may be repented . Sith greater men , do take the greatest fall . For when they slip , the Eccho is not smal , That doth reflect their faultes , to every eare , Which makes contented mindes , not climb for feare . Had not ( the Charmer ) beautie vs bee witched . We should have held , the freedom of our state . And have bin richly , with Gods giftes enriched . And never feard the spite , of daring fate . But why do we , our fortunes now relate , Which may ( perhapes ) our rash attemptes ensue ? We came not now , our future state to rue . But came our over burning hearts , to cole . Enflamed by reflection , of thine eies . Let them ( sweet love ) be quenched in that poole , That may thy Ioachims vse , and ours suffice . But say the word , and we will meanes devise , That thou fair dame , shalt never be suspected . For why , our deed , to none shall be detected , What if thy parentes be , right deere vnto thee ? Thy children deere , good Ioachim deerst of all ? Yet flie faint feare , this fact shall not vndo thee , Beat down distrust , and all his thoughts appall . For this misdeed , shall not in question call , Thy spotlesse fame , which all men hold vnfracted , And deeds vnknowne , are ev'nas thoughtes vnacted . Quoth he we both , are linially descended , From Iuda race kinsmen to Zedechias . Thou maist sweet fair , in vs be princely frended , Yea more , if thou wilt bend vnto our byas , Thou maist be mother , to the great Messias And so be famosed , by royall birth , Of absolute commaunder , of the earth . Thus fleshly speakes , this carnall Cabalist , Pawninge his soules deere life , to ransom lust . Or like a kingdome dreaming , Thalmudist . That in an eartlhy empyre , puts his trust . For Iuda scepter , then lay in the dust . And then as now , they hop'd an earthly kinge . But to his tale , this Sophist more doth singe . If treasure want , thou shalt haue gold at will , Or what thy wish , or pleasinge thought desireth . If honors hight thie honor lasteth still . While secreasie , our age and state requireth . Yea place and time , thie free consent now hireth . Thie maides away , do winke at thine offence . The cloased dores , will with thie fact dispence . If douptes obiecte , our wordes in iest are spoken , And that our loue is conninge deeply feigned . Then heere by hollyest vow , ( for never broken ) Wee deeply do protest ( and vnconstreigned ) Our suite is loue , by true affection trayned . Then yeeld , if no , this armes , consent shall drawe . For needs wee must , and need obeyes no lawe , Else if thou dost persist , in flat deniall , Bee hold extreames at hand , thie doome is teemed . Adulterie , shall breed thie death in tryall . So shalt thou dead , an hipocrite bee deemed . So shall thine end , bee infamous esteemed . So shalt thou staine thiekin , and blud debase . Defame thie pheere , and bastardize thy race . For we well knowne ( graue fathers in the land ) Wil in thy trial , iudge and witnesse be . By oath of two , each verdict giv'n must stand . Our selues will sweare , we found embracing thee , A beardlesse groome , in foule adulterie . Then better t were , to liue and haue good name , Then haue thy death , sepulchred in defame . As for our selues , we haue at large debated , What shame , what infamie , this fact may gaine . How that we may be pointed at , and hated , Yea more then pointed ; dailie die like Cain , While drowping life , is buried in disdaine A loathsome graue , a death far worse then death , Because the scandal , shal reviue on earth . Thus haue we thought , what may ensue the deede , Who feares what may be , misseth Ladies loue , Faint hearted carpet knightes , doe seldome speede , If feare of what may be , doth them reproue , No feare shall daunt my heart , or may bee moue . So strongly hath desire , enchaunted me . That I must needes , embrace mine infamie . Sweete let vs then , feede on thy coral lippes , If that wil not suffice , let s farther feede . For raging lust , hath gotten bedlem whippes ; And beates our heartes , so that the wounds doe bleede , And nought can cure them , and contentment breede . But thine embracings , and thy bodies vse , Which can recure the hurt , procure thy truce , Be briefe therefore , report to vs thy minde , If thou wilt yeeld , wee le rest thy secret friendes , If no ; thou knowst what friendship thou shalt finde . Thou knowst who so against the streame contends , Doth striue in vaine ; his health but sickely mends . Contract thy tale , doe not at large debate , For know ; delaies are dangerous to thy state . Shee drown'd in gulfe of griefe , to heare him charme , Like Hobbies pray , lies quivering in their handes . And panting so , as if shee felt the harme , That would ensue , if shee their will withstandes , For well sheeseess , their shippe stickes fast in sandes . They care not how they beare , their wind-blown sailes , And lesse shee knowes , what counsaile best availes . If that shee yeeld , shee is betraide to shame , If no , shee leaues her friends , her ioies , her life . Which of these two , deserues the greater blame ? To die with shame , or loue a wicked wife , Shee schooles her wavering thoughtes , about this strife . Shall Susan doe , what most shee doth detest ? Shall Cuckowes hatch their birdes , in Ioachims nest ? Nay rather Susan , die an innocent , And render vp , a pure life-breathing spirit . Then make thy quiet conscience , male-content : And purchase death , and hell , for thy demerite , For harlots shall , no heavenly seates inherite . And sure I am ; if guiltlesse heere I die , My Habels blud , for vengance hence will crie . Why then I will resigne , fond lust to these , And fall into the handes , of God my king . Sith far t is better , God then man to please , For if I yeeld vnto this cursed thing , My conscience hath , a penetrable sting . Which will torment , my soule far worse then hell , That I shall bide , more paines then tongue can tell . The fact would aie , be written in my brow , The blushing humor , would bewray my case . If I should heere one say , Adultresse thou , The reddes would rise , and muster in my face , As if the wordes , were ment to my disgrace . My husbandes loving eie , in blotted booke , Would read my fault , imprinted in my looke . In sleepe condemning dreames , would haunt my head , And shamefast thoughtes , record my shamelesse follie . The coverings would crie out , of Ioachims bed , And say faire hypocrite , thou art vnholie , Pull downe thy plumes , and never more be iollie . My smiling babies , would bewray their mother , And yeeld their fires , resemblance , to some other . Accusing conscience , ioinde with sad remorse , Would whip me , with remembrance of mine act . My guiltie minde , suspition would enforce , To thinke each whispring tongue , did tell my fact . And smiling lookes , deride my creadit cract . And that each nibled lippe , did lend a mocke , And glauncing eie , behold a gazing stocke . Thus did shee , in her secret thoughtes debate , What best to doe ; before sh'would answere make . Meane time they long , her to contaminate . Yet wondred at her lookes , before shee spake , Which Angel-like might moue them to forsake . Their lewd intent , if ever milde remorse , Or tender mercie , might their hard heartes force . With hands displaid , shee lookes , vnto the skies ; And downe from thence , vpon th' aggrieved ground . Which might moue stones to teares , if they had eies , Her to behold , which did with griefe abound , Whose heart lodg'd cares , while tongue these words doth sound . And eies gush teares , true tokens of deepe sorrow , Thus hearts from eies fell obiectes , passions borrow . O you ( quoth shee ) that sway Gods Israell , Repell prowd Sathan , who doth seeke your soule . Flie , flie , for this my heart doth hate as hell , O flie with speede , least God your sinnes controule , Rest thus resolv'd , you never gaine this goale . For never shalt be said , there lies that wife , Which left her God , to liue a brothels life . Some birdes and brutish beastes , by natures lore , Doe flie this fact , as most abhominable . Then are you worse then they ? who should haue store , Of reason , and in iudgement be most stable , What doe you thinke , Gods booke is but a bable ? O be not beastes , though you be made of clay , But haue regard , vnto your soules decay . What if I ( wicked ) should your willes content ? What gaine you if you gaine , your whole request ? Why nothing worth a straw , a rush , a bent , A small thing got will gaine your great vnrust , For once obtainde , you le wish to be releast . Yea loath the deede , your selues , and me ( perhappes ) Therefore my Lordes , be rul'd flie afterclappes . One droppe of poyson , put into the cupp , Infectes the whole , and makes it venemous . So one bad thought , in heart once harbord vp , Doth cause the body , to be vitious , Then flie such thoughts , as are so poysenous . And let not nature , haue the vpper hand , But seeke by grace , her ticementes to withstand . 1st not fowle shame , for him to misse the but ? Which shutes with levied aime , to hit the pricke ? Then t is more shame , when states in practise put , To winne renowne , and yet like slaues doe sticke , At honestie , O doe but note this tricke . First know your selues , then what you vndertake , So you like conquerours , shall such sinnes forsake . Do not debase your blood , by base designe , Your place should foster worthies free from blame . What though your branch , hath roote in Iuda line ? You should depend , vpon deserved fame , And not leaue all to noblenesse of name . For nature proues , a tainture in the blood , Where life laments , that nature is not good . Phie , Phie , graue Rabbies , grow to be so rash , To royst like ruffians , and exceede in sin . Shall seasning salt , become vnsav'ry trash ? What ? leese your selues that others seeke to win ? Shall faire without , be cloake to cloake to fowle within ? No , no ; sith great ones , are example givers , Seeme not to be , but be indeede , good livers . Let vertue be the ground worke , of your greatnesse , Set God your guide , in conscience bower of brasse . For glories for t , not founded is in neatenesse , A coursers name , doth naught beseeme an asse , T is folly , phrensie , furie ( out alasse . ) To stand a tiptoe , on the title point , If life be loose , and vertue out of ioint . You aske if I haue conned , histories ? Then know I haue , both humaine and divine , Wherein I finde , the lasting infamies , Of such as shrowded , vnder sinnes blacke shrine , And how these glorious men , like starres doe shine , In glories spheere ; which haue such faultes forsaken , And vnto vertues guide , themselues betaken . What was the cause of raging cataclysme , That did with gastly waues the sinfull smallow ? But beastly life , and brutish barbarisme ? While Sodome did , chast natures hestes vnhallow , Who , ( wantons nice ) in lustes delight did wallow , God purdged the polluted place , with fire , Made rebell lust , a subiect of his ire . When Sichem ( Hevite ) did perforce deflower , Faire Diana ( Iacobs dearling and delight ) Did not sin-hating heaven , at it lowre ? And raise revendge , for this abhord despight ? Yes t was the cause , that Iacobs sonnes did fight . Gainst Hemors sonnes , his subiectes and his towne , All which by them , hand-smooth were beaten downe . What bloody warre , fierce wrath , and raging spoile , Fell on the fatall tribe of Beniamine ? What time the men of Gibea , did defile , ( By beastlie rape ) the Levites concubine , Which made their bretherne tribes , so sore repine ; That of the Beniamites , there lost their liues , Fiue times , fiue thousand men , besides their wiues . With Sittim plague , fell thowsandes twentie fower , Because they gaue their liues , to luxurie . Did David scape , for that he did deflower , Vriahs wife ? no sure the childe did die , That thus was gotten , in adultery . Yea God did sweare ; the like disgrace and sword , Should light on his , for leaving of his word . What did prowd Paris gaine , to gad to Greece , To fet that mynion , Menelaus wife ? ( Fames Phoenix ; beauties saint , a peerelesse peece ) Shee cost a kingdome large , and many a life , Sardanapalus , living voide of strife . Became lustes wanton ; wallowed in her pleasure , Which life did leese , his empire life and treasure . And well ; for if the Lord in wedlocks cause , Plague common-weales , and play the vanquisher , When one fowle fornicator breakes his lawes , What shall be done , to that adulterer , The stickler of this strife , and bloody stirre ? Were he not worthy , ( breeder of this brawle ) 〈◊〉 end esse death , to pine and die for all ? Your selues of late , ( in practise of the law ) 〈◊〉 doome of stoning death , for like offence . 〈◊〉 can desire , your heartes from right withdraw , That lawlesse now , you can with laws dispence ? What brainsicke humor doth your braines incence ? To deeme that fact , death worthy in an other , Which you your selues , do foster , feed , and cover ? If speeches doe , but breath and labour leese ; If former 〈◊〉 , cannot forwarne your eares ; Then yet behold , I offer on my knees , A 〈◊〉 of signes , and stormie teares , Pitiy the paine , that in my looke appeares . Let these my wringed hands , awake remorse , Vse favour ( good my Lords ) abuse not force . Consider what you are : not base borne slaves , But chiefe conductors , of Gods chosen sheepe . Then as a crazed ship , that 's tost with waues , Doth let the waters , at the chinckes in creepe , And drown'th her selfe , withall in whelming deepe . So you the ship , wherein your subiectes saile , Your subiectes sinke , when you beginne to faile . Therfore I coniure you , by greate Iehove , For countries cause , for subiectes happinesse , Eor your deere soules estate , no further moue Mee poore afflicted soule heere succorlesse . O do not seeke to drowne me , in distresse . Least now you see , old Sodom flaines descendinge . Suppresse your suite , serve God who waits amending . But what avayles , to sownd to beastes retreyt ? Or quench the blaze , that burneth in the straw ? Though Croco diles do weepe , they meane deceit . Though Lyons cowch , they hide a hurtful paw . So though these Lordes , be moane the teeres they saw : Commende her zeale , extoll her good entent , Yet still vntamed lust , growes insolent . The softest drops , do peirce the hardest stoanes , Through gentle wordes , vngentle heartes will yeeld . The tenderest zutho , softneth toughest boanes . Milde musick can , mad beastes allure and weild . Then are your stubborne heades , so strongly steeld ? Or are your heartes so heard , so rough , so feirce , That nought can enter , soften , season , peirce ? Behold the melting teeres , this ladie sheds . Behold what greef , lies harbord in her heart . Behold what modestie , her over-spreds . Behold how soare , the wound vnmade doth smart . Behold her soule , repining at this parte . Behold hart-renting sobbes , assault your eies . Behold vp heaved handes , for mercie cryes . But as the wilfull Aspis , stoppes her eare ; When charmers chaunting wordes , ( like baites entise ) So these enchaunted adders , will not heere , The wordes of health , or wisedomes sound advise , So bendded will , is bent to winne the price . That neither may , this ladies plaint or moane , Make pitty pierce , their heartes more hard then stone . For when her hearts , deepe oracles were ended ; And that they saw such resolution in her . While chastest faire , faire chastitie defended , Gainst those who sought , with fawning wordes to win her , As farre from hope , as though they had not seene her . Perswaded now , faint means would marre their matter , Her with strong hands , ( weak fort ) they seeke to batter . For savage Satyre-like , they would vncover , What bashfull nature , biddeth secreat hide . And close as hungrie Ravens , they doe hover , To doe that great disgrace , shee may not bide , But when shee saw , foule lust was at full tide . And that her lingring girles , did stay so long , Shee cride amaine , before shee felt the wrong . Helpe , helpe ( shee saith ) helpe , helpe I am vndone , O helpe a wofull wretch , in wretched case . At which her crie , the iunior iudge doth ronne , And open settes , the garden dore ( apase ) As if some fellon fled , out of the place . And shee for helpe , doth not so often crie , But they as fast , stop , keepe , the thiefe doth flie . The servantes netled , with this suddaine noyes , Of help , help , help , stop , keepe , the theif doth flie . Ronne to the posterne gate , ( maydes men and boyes ) To find the author , of this mutinie . ( The cursed cause , of that lamenting crye ) Who staring , gazing gaping ronne aboute , Like men amazde , to find their mistresse out . At length they do desire , their ladie faire . Her beautie blemished , with blubbring teeres . ( As Phebe mantled , with the mystie aire , With watrish beames , vnto the sight appeeres ) Officious dutie , bids her bannish feares . Relate her hap and let her heart be stronge . Where hands and hearts , are vowd to right her wrong . But shee good ladie , that did deeme her groomes , Vnequall vmpires , of her high disgrace , Leaves her bad hap , vnto their better doomes , And by her selfe aloane , with-drawes the place . And beares her greif , imprented in her face . That loachims eie might see , and seeing rew , Her wronged faith , in her deformed hewe . Who when he saw his love , and his lives breath , To quake in ev'ry parte , ( as palsie shaken ) And cheeke , and lip , to looke as pale as death . Whome fresh ( life feeding ) humour had forsaken . Himselfe by fainting feare , is overtaken . But when he sees , her sinkinge to the ground , With girdling armes , he doth embrace her rovnd . And sobbing wordes , through his tongue stopping teeres , He saith , O sweete , sweete heart vnfolde thy griefe . O speake my loue , and bannish bashfull feeres . Heere is a hand , shall yeeld thee lardge reliefe . Whose hearts true tenure holdes of thee in chiefe , If all the world , should vowt ' ware wrong'd by thee , Yet should it not appeare , a wrong to me . At which his quickning wordes ( as Phoebus shine With powerfull beames , and heat vegetatiue , Vnshrowdes the earth , from her congealed shrine , And makes the wythering shrubbe , and grasse reviue , So ) shee begins to spring , and seeme aliue . And with her faltring tongue ( yet all a mort ) Of traitrous men , doth render true report . And as we blame misfortunes , in their bringers , Shee blames her maides , as fawtors of her wrong , Shee feeles impatient fittes , and they her fingers , That durst neglect their due returne so long , Whose sad excuse , ( permixt with teares amonge . ) To seeke the thinges , her selfe had laide amisse , Return'd her selfe the blame , that wrong'd her blisse . Meane time , the vnresolved servaunts feare it , What spitefull ill , their lady did surprize . And though their itching eares , did long to heare it , Yet a king heartes , did rather sympathize , Then know from whence , their passions did arise . At length with bashfull boldnesse , and good grace , They aske the seniors , of their mistrisle case . Whose irefull eies , when first they did behold , This giddie rowt , ( to presse with speed in place ) Did first condemne their deede , as overbold . While fainting hope , did much distrust their case . Their lustfull heartes , did murthring thoughtes embrace , For bashfull nature , once to boldnesse bent , Growes shamelesse bold , and boldly impudent . And as a hoat and eagre dogge in hand , When he beholdes , his game before his eies . Doth fawne , and leape , & licke , to loose his band , But when he sees , him keeper surer ties , Then feirce against him , hee begines to rise , So they when fawning , could not win their wil , Rayse like curst curres , and have a minde to kill . For to the sad demaundantes , there they say , Heere fownd we Susan , in adulterye , Whose yongue companion , fled from hence away , Bee fore we could , what wight he was descrie . Beleeve vs ( gentle frendes ) we tell no lie . For these our eies , are witnesses , we saw them . And here 's the place , to which thee did with draw them . Which cursed sight , did so our eies offend , ( And much the more for noble Ioachims sake Our honorable kinsman and good frend ) That we did do our best , the groome , to take . That speedie death , ( for wrong ) a mendes might make . But he for vs , to nimble at strong hand , Fled by that dore , which yet doth open stand . The dutious servitors with bashfull brow , Blush now with sylent shame , at this her fact . Who never ( till that day ) was thought to bow , Vnto so base a sin , or vile an act . Wherefore they did suspect , some plot compact . And in her cause , would shape some sharp replie . Well armed in her right to giue the lie . But when they saw , those elders of the land , Were vouchers of the fact , and filthie deed . They darst not contradict them , or withstand . And yet their inward partes , were touch'd with meed , To thinke how ill ( poore pris'ner ) shee should speed , When as the iudges mouth , ( the witnesse breath ) Should verdict giue , that giues the doome of death . And so sad men , greife laden home they go , To prie what comfort , in their ladies looke . And leaue these iudges , plotting of her woe . Who straight the way , vnto their howses tooke . Where they their goodly being , badly brooke . While eagre enuie , restlesse doth invent , The overthrowe , of this chast innocent . O Envie wayward witch , fowle hagge of hel , Whie dost thou make men pine , at mens prosperitie ? O you fond fooles , that in her den do dwel , And theare torment your selues , with her seueritie , Whose slaue is slannder , and her page Temeritie . Whie wast you , restlesse seruice on a dame , That restlesse wisheth , vertues seruantes shame ; Pale fretting furie , furious sorceresse , Bel-dame to madnesse , and yoake mate to woe . Thy mother pride , a mortal murtheresse , Thy father Plutus , mans immortall foe . Thy brattes blood shedding hate , that hath no hoe . Contention , strisse , debate , revendge , and slaunder , Which vex the life , and after death do wander . Thy guttes are gald , cholers boyling fome , Like Aeinaes wombe , that belkes sulphurious flames , Thy cabbin carrin thoughtes , a hell thy home . Thy habite like , those fierce Tartarian dames , Whose flesh consum'd , there resteth but the rames . For while thou know'st not how , to hold a meane . To eate thy neighbors fatlings , makes thee leane . Their hartes haue anguish , soules haue bitternesse . Whome thou dost learne , to laugh at vertues woe . Thy path is blind , and pau'd with slippernesse . They walke to hell , that in thy wayes do goe . Yet are these elders thine , devoted so , That liuing now , they liue but to depriue , The life of her , they loath to see aliue . The filthie roades , infect the fowntaines cleere . Where others sucke , the venome that they leaue . And serpentes spue , their poyson everie wheare . Which yet them selues , do not of life bereaue . But these false seniors , do themselues deceaue . That spet foorth enuies , venome on this dame . Yet kill them selues , by sucking in the same . For on the following day , of this disgrace , The iudges with the people , make repaire , To keepe thier vsuall courts , in wonted place . In Ioachims house ( a spacious roome and faire ) Where feeble hope , vpholdeth faint dispaire . While their blud-thrishe thoughtes , do wholie long , To do her fame , and body deadly wronge . And mounted on , the pow'rfull seat of life , They wil their summ'nors , to ascite and call , Susan , ( Helchias daughter , loachims wife ) To make appearance there before them all . And answere in an action criminall . Thus they pretend with right , roote out evilles , But whie should right be prophand in such divelles , And shee good lady , ( loyall to the lawes ) ( Armd with assurance , of her innocence . And guarded with the goodnesse , of her cause . In conscience brazen fortresse of defence ) Feignes none excuse , or shifting slie pretence . But doth obey the summons , and proceed . And leaves to Godth ' event of her good speede . And so attended , with a mourning traine , Shee makes appearance , in the fatall place , Where standers by , cannot from teeres refraine . To see the gallant pris'ners , wofull case . Her pheere , her frendes , her parentes , children race , Repleate the ayre with woes , and grownd with teeres , While heartes eclipse , in clowded eie appeeres . And standing in a robe , of finest blacke , ( Deepe sorrowes signe , by causlesse infamie ) There overspreades her shoulders head and backe , Availe of lawne , ( to note integritie ) Which hid her whiter beautie , from the eie . This shadow they commaund , to be removed . That they at least might looke on what they loued . Which when th' officious officers , had done . Sweete beauties blush , did yeeld her such a grace , As when a clowd , is taken from the sonne . When sorrow suckes , the reds forth of her face , The machlesse white , aloane doth hold the place . But when the crymson humor , steines the white , Corall seemes shadowed , in the Galactite . Such is the beautie , that enchauntes their eies . And charmes their heartes , through it so sore attaynted . That they both God and goodnesse do despise . And with nought else , but sin are now acquainted . O That shee should , with such faire shape be painted , To make commaunders mindes , to lust obey . And shee her selfe , exposed for their pray . For when they had full gordgd , their ravenous eies , On beauties dainties . ( with a short repast ) They two amid'st , the people do aryse , To giue their witnesse , gainst this constante chast . And as the law doth will , their handes they plast , Vppon the head , of this pure innocent . ( Two woulves foule pawes , a seely lamb to rent ) Wheare swearing by Gods name , a solemne oath , To set aside , all partiall loue and hate , And speake the truth , and nothing but the troth . Periured iudges ( foes to truthes estate ) Vnto the people , thus they intymate . This noble dame , that shewd a sant in sight , Is fownd vnconstant , fickle , lewd , and light , For yesterday , in Ioachims orchard walkinge , To recreate our spirites , with holesome ayre , This dame with her two damselles , thither stalkinge , Thear did to her , an vnknowne youth repayre . Whose shape was comly , and his feature fayre . But er he came in sight , that none detect it . Her madens shee disnust least they suspect it . Whoe being gone , and dores ybarred fast , Wee ( shrowded from their sight ) with wakefull heed Perceu'd the wicked , to their sin make hast . And creaping cloasly , with conuenient speed , Wee did surprize them , in the shamfull deede . And him we caught , but yet away he fled . For him from vs , his strength deliuered . But her we held , and thear examined , What youth he was , that did her bodie vse . And though confessing shame did die her red , Yet to resolue our doupt shee did refuse . And with still sylence did her selfe accuse , Thus haue we shewd the fact , of this lewd wife . For which misdeed , law biddes her lose her life . Shee all this space , with patience on her knee , With handes and eies , vp-reared to the skie , Commends her cause to God , which all doth see . While groaning spirite , in anguish plundgd doth crye , Help , help , me God , or else in shame I die . Thou rul'st right , then stretch thine arme so strong , And overrule the rulers of this wronge . While thus shee doth appeale vnto the highest , Her burning zeale doth plead her innocence . Her modest looke , doth say , false iudge thou liest . Her bashfull sylence , speakes in her defence Her good reporte , reproves their ill pretence The streames of teares , that on her cheekes at spilt , By secreat verdict , quittes her from the guilt . Yet much amaz'd , to here this divell speake , ( For well shee wist no manlike mind he bore ) Shee shapes him answere , else her heart would breake . Although her tormentes , should be much the more . Shee saw pale death attending at the dore . To take her thence , if that shee held her peace . And if shee speake , shee could not death increase . Wherefore ev'n as a man , that s sencelesse stroken , When as he commes , vnto himselfe againe , And feeles his bodie , wounded , brus'd , or broken , By swarting cause , cannot from wrath refraine , But letteeh flie , his irefull blowes amaine . Ev'n so her conscience , netled by dispight . Fights with fierce words , weake champions of her right . O admyrable patience ( sayth shee ) And depth inserachable of Gods intent . Whether this happe for tryall vnto me , Or for these helhownds , greater punnishment , Hee onely knowes , which onely hath it sent . Whie doth he not , with righteous hand represse , This scum of sin and filth of filthinesse ? Whie did not wombe , before these babes did sprawle , Abhorse such seede , vnworthie for the brests . Whie entred life , within such bitter gaule ? Whie harbour soules , within such filthie nestes ? Whie did the ayre , giue breathing to such beastes ? Whie did the heav'nes , permit so fowle an eie , For to behould , the pure vnspotted skie ? Whie did not nature , mould deformed clay , So fowle mishapen mindes , for to ingerth ? Whie swell not floudes , and swiftly sweepe away , This seede of Cain , from the polluted earth ? Whie did not hell , devoure them in the birth ? Whie do not angrie elementes , conspire , To powre vppon them , hoat consuming fire ? Whie did the earth , eate Corach and his crewe , And suffer these to trample on her browe ? Whie did wilde beares , those idoll ympes subdue , And do wilde beastes , these beastes to liue allowe ? Whie do not thunderboltes , enforce them bow ? What should I say ? whie doth not God in ruth , Commaund each power , to punnish theire vntruth ? But thou O Lord , art free from this offence , When rav'ning woulves such seely lambes devower , Thou righteous , dost not punish innocence . T is not thy worke , t is they abuse thy power , Thy power is iust , the imperfection our . The aire is good , that doth the voice dispence , Though faultly vsde , to giue false evidence . Then iudges ( most vniust ) behold the skies , Thinke thear's a God , those glorious globes that guides Let not despaire , your soules deere health dispise , But haue regard , what law you goe besides , Perpend in deepest thought God not abides , Such wrathfull Cains , as wast the guiltlesse blood , Then haue respect to me , for your owne good . Perchance you thinke , your sinnes so farre exceede , That God is never able , to forgiue . O flie those thonghtes , which swift destruction breede , And that our God , is mercifull belieue . Doe not so willingly , to darke hell diue . But these your haynous deedes , from heart repent , And God will then , remit sinnes punishment . Let not fowle sin , be seeded in your age , Let not your vertues die , before they spring . Doe not commit on me , so great outrage , But let true iustice rule , in ev'rie thing , Consider what defame , such wrong will bring . What doe you thinke , God sees not what you doe ? Yes sure he doth , then haue respect thereto . Your conscience can controule , your heartes of follie , Your hearts can say , your tongues doe falshood tell , Your tongues can tell , your action is vnholy , To wrong a seely woman , meaning well , And hating this offence , as hatefull hell . Let pittie raise remorse , and bannish wronge , Be not to stout , because you are to strong . But if your heartes blood-hardned still remaine , To shed her blood , that hath no lawes offended . Then worke your wils on me , ( O sonnes of Cam ) Would God in this good cause , my life were ended . So that your liues , and manners were amended . Which if you doe not right , with speedy pace , Mine honors wrong , your honors will deface . A tree but young , one may both bow and bend ; When as the old , will hardly bend at all . A whelpe with trickes , is taught to fetch and send , When as old dogges , to it you hardly hall , Who can reclaime , wilde haggards to the call ? Even so these men that seas'ned are in sin , To serue the Lord cannot tell how begin . For when they heard , this oratresses tale , With constant speach , and gesture so declaimed . Fierce envies fretting poyson , made them pale , Fearing to misse the marke , whereat they aimed , They doe inferre it falshood , meerely feigned . To frustrate iustice , with a slie perswasion , And from deserved death , to make evasion . No credit giue ( say they ) this cunning dame , Which with lip-lavish wordes , would shift her death , A man huge myriades of vntruthes , would frame . If he by them , could buy life-feeding breath . Is t not a iudges word , that witnesseth ? Is not our oath confirmed with our hand ? What two doe witnesse , law doth will to stand . Which said ; they do proceede to doome of death , ( By processe had from the imperiall state ) And one the dolefull sentence , vttereth ; Shee should be led , foorth of the citie gate , And there ( as Moses doth the law relate ) The multitude ( a fickle wavering head ) Should presse her downe , with stones til she were dead . Thus doth the law , by witnesse wrested deale , Thus is the vertuous dame condemn'd to die , The iudge reiectes , the husbandes graue appeale , He stops his eares , at parentes sad reply . He will not heere , the infantes wofull cry . ( No doubt apase that godly land doth flourish , Which doth such lust-affected iudges nourish . ) But loath to be interred in shames nest , Stab'd with heart-wounding wordes , falles on her knee , Shee wakes her thoughtes , with thumping on her brest . Flies to her last refuge , to set her free . Entreates her God , with humble teeres that hee . Would not for sake , or leaue her in distresse , But send his comfort , to her comfortlesse . O righteous God , my iudge ( saith shee ) Which seest the secret heart , And dost inflict , revenge on those , That doe thy lawes subvert . Represse the pride of tyrants stout , Which doe my life assaile . Heere now and helpe , thy handmaide helpe , For helpe of man doth faile . Doe not expose me for their pray , Because they doe not right . But hunt in heart to bring about , That 's hatefull in thy sight , And of a meere malicious minde , False witnesse heere haue brought . And causlesse laid vnto my chardge , The things I never thought . Thou seest ( my God ) what they haue done , Thou seest their envious heart . Thou knowst they sought to lawlesse lust , Thine hand-maide to convert . Thou knowst , I dread not during death , No force his might a pin . No , no , I doe desire to die , A better life to win . I tender not faire beauties trash , I tender my good name . Least leesing life , I be by death , Entombed in defame . For this cause rise ( O Lord ) make hast , Repell my soules despight . And shew the nations , farre and neere , How much thou tendrest right . I know my sinnes are passing great , Which acted are each hower . Yet let my teeres thy mercy treate , And shield me with thy power . If no ( defamed wretch ) I die , For keeping of thy law , And causlesse thou shalt seeme ( my God ) Thy comfort to withdraw . Hast then O Lord , make hast I say , Least guiltlesse blood be spilt . Yet not my will be done in this , But be it as thou wilt . When shee her godly , oraysons had ended , And that no meanes was left , to make delay . The fawning officers , in court attended , With prophane handes , to hale her thence away , And though shee were as readie to obey , Yet still this soare , doth smart in guiltlesse minde , That shee should leaue , an ill report behinde . When once the streetes , did act this tragaedie , Vaultes , and resounding Ecchoes from the stones , Reporte the mothers teeres , her childrens crie , Her parentes plaintes , her husbandes hideous moanes , Her kinfolkes sighes , her friendes heart-breaking grones , The peoples pleading tongues , to God to free her , While thicke tumultuous troopes , doe run to see her . Who passing foorth , with passing seemely port , ( Her looke abated , with her languishment . ) Shee doth the gazing lookers on , exhort . Good people pray for me , poore innocent , That s gultlesse , faultlesse , free , from al intent , Of this misdeede , for which weake wretch I die , Whome still with deepest hate , I did defie . While thus with plaintes , they doe Gods aide implore , The Lord did heere , and helpe her wofull case . For as when tyrant Pharaoh , scepter bore , ( A Pharaoh fierce , that knew not Ios●phes face ) And did the Israelites , oppresse long space . They being tyred , with his tirannie , In deepest griefe , vnto Gods favor flie . Who when their moanes , did mount vnto his sight , Did single foorth , their speedy preservation . From Pharaos traine , a courtly trained wight , Moses ( an Hebrew borne ) by education , His daughters sonne ( which bred his estimation ) So now ; God seeing , Susans great distresse , Ev'n in the nicke did speede her due redresse . For in the Chaldean court , did then attend , A noble Iew ( a youngling for his yeares ) The monarches mynion ; and his chiefest friend ; One of his sage and sharpest sighted Seeres , In which high feate , he past his graue compeeres , While Isrels God , did reare his fortunes hie , To beare a stroake , in Asias maiestie . He Daniel cleaped , by his natiue name , ( The Chaldees cald him , noble Balthazar ) Whom neither courtly glee , nor phrase of fame , Could in faire Sions zeale , ought make or marre , But would ( to keepe the captiue Iewes from iar ) In private sort , at times repaire and prie , Into his brethernes state , with wakefull , eie . And standing now , in this tumultuous thronge , Hee saw blinde zeale , imployd in good pretence . What time Gods truth , enform'd him of the wrong , And raisd his sp'rite to speake in her defence , Bad him be bold , to plead her innocence . Step foorth in place , doe not thy thoughtes conceale , Cry out amaine , from divellish doome appeale . Then Daniell ( as the Lord commaunded him ) Cride in the streetes ; I from this blood am cleane , While gazing heerers , looked sowre and grim , To muse what these , vnlook'd for wordes should meane , Fowle toades ( saith he ) infect the christall streame . Because you would the streame farre purer finde , You kill the fish , but leaue the toades behinde . Are you such sots , O seede of Israell ? Are you so blind , you see not what you do ? Are you so deafe you heare not what they tel ? Know you not right , and what Bee longes thearto . Survey you not , your steppes before you goe ? Whie haue yov heere , condemnd this dame to dies And would not heere her iust appeale and crie ? O turne with speed , turne to the iudgment seate . And then behould , what God will thear relate . Your seviors sinnes , haue growne exceeding greate , Repelled lust , ingendring with foule hate , In them the bastard periurie , begate . Bold periurie did breed false witnesse bearing . False witnesse wrested iudgmente , by for-swearing . At which his wordes , the people yonge and olde Do make a stand and backwardes thence retire . Whear daunting sins , the seniours heartes make cold . While daunger woundes , the depth of their desire . Yet past shams bowndes , their shamlesse thoughts aspire And foorth they passe , into the sessions hall , And hide in crabbed brow , their conscience gaule . The elders of this circumsized race , ( Which with repriued pris'nour turne age'n ) When ev'rie one , had ta'ne his vsuall place , They say vnto this stately stripling then , Vse thou the roome , of these malitious men . Declare to vs , Gods iudgmente and decree , Sith God hath giv'n , an elders spirite to thee . Then Daniell tooke , the powerfull place of life . And thear to intimate , God will to all : Where are ( quoth he ) the wrongers of this wife ? Put them a parte , out of each others call . And bring forth one ( by one ) in to the hall . So you shall see , their tray trouse tonges reveale , What wicked heartes , do cover and conceale . The formall officers , performe his mind . And brought forth one , to be examined . Who lookd like murthrous marked Cain , vnkind , When brothers blood , he guiltlessely had shed . His colour shew'd , what harbord in his head . His ioyntes ( as if vnioynted ) were at iarre . False iudge ( now pris'ner ) pleading at the barre . And standing thus , before the balefull bench , The beardlesse iudge ( to checke him vncontrold That conscience as a cooling carde-might quench , The heate of his bravado overbold ) Saith , thou sin seasned wretch , that waxest olde In sin thy wicked life is come to light . Whose falshood harmed , manie a harmlesse wight . Thou hast abus'd thy life , God lent to thee , To mend thy life , and passed sins repent . For nothing but oppressions , he could see . Therefore he will , thie glorie from thee rent . Which hast condemn'd , to death an innocent . And let the guiltie , goe for giftes a way . While lust and bribes , did blind thee day by day . Sith sworne thou hast , ( eie witnesse ) thou didst see , This comely dame , with her companion sin : Report the trurh ; and name to vs the tree , That hid the fact , you did surprise them in . Pause not but speake , ( if wordes shall creadit win ) Be briefe , let not oblivion beare the blot , Things done so late , are not so soone forgot . Then pawsing twixt despaire , and tyred hope , ( As one that had no constant yea , nor nay ) Would fame intreate , some longer time and scope , But that he findes impatience in delay , While to himselfe he saies ; shall I obey ? Confesse my fault wherein I haue offended , And pardon craue that all may be amended ? No , no my heart shall never stoope so low , To bow to those , that vsde to bend to me . I am not sure , what favour such will shew , Wherefore I wil devise , some kinde of tree , Whose braunching bowghes , might shrowd adulterie . Thus reasons he ( a bird of Balams brood ) That will not be reclaim'd , to any good . At last the gapes for breath yet doubtes to speake , ( Because his partners doubtes he doth not know ) Yet through his teeth , this tragique tale doth breake , ( While foaming furie makes him puffe and blow ) Saith he in Ioachims orchard , there doth grow , A Masticke tree , whose braunches clowd the sonne , In whose darke shade , the brothels act was done . When Daniell heard , this vncomposed speach , False are ( quoth he ) the wordes thou dost report . Thy lying lippes , thee partiall doe appeach , Gods minde to me reavealed ; doth exhort , Thy sinfull bodie , from thy soule to sort . As one ( deserving endlesse death to die ) That darst , gainst God , and conscience sweare a lie . When this was acted , him they lead away , And bring his brother foorth , in open place , In whose fell heart ( fowle cabbin ) envie lay , Her wilde and staring looke , sate in his face , ( A wrinkled brow , a pale , and megre grace . Did murther , mischiefe , mallice fierce , resemble ) While conscience cold , doth cause him quake & tremble . To whom younge Daniell saith in zealous mood ; O seed of cursed Cham , ympe of dispight . In vaine thy vaunt , doth boast of Iuda blood , When as thou art , lin life a Cananite , True nobles should , in noble actes delight . But thou bewitch'd with beautie , weart beguiled , When thy misleading lust , thine heart defiled . Thus haue you past , your passed liues ill-spent , Since first your wanton heartes , did traine you in , To draw the dames of Israell , to your bent . Whom you with feare did force , and flattry win , To ioine with you , in acting secreat sinne . But this chast Iewish heere , of Iuda race , Resisted hath , your follie to your face . Now sith thy tongue , hath testifide an act . Which fame did not reporte but eie did vewe And thou death worthie , deemed hast the fact . Dissemble not be still a witnesse true . Tell vs what tree , and in what place it grew , Whose shamlesse shad , did shrowd this shamfull sin . Pause ere thou speake , yet speake , and soone begin . Hee gravield now in greife , and grim dispaire ( Like bowged barge , that sinkes in swallowing sandes ) Gapes ere he speakes , as if he wanted ayre . Which oft with cloased lippes , he countermaundes . At length ( saith he ) in Ioachims orchard standes , Neere fowntain faire , a greene thick braunching Holly , Vnder whose shad , these wicked wrought their folly . Quoth Daniell then , your tongues haue you betrayd . Your forged he , shall light vppon your pates . Your wicked heartes , your wordes haue heere bewrayd . The sword of Iustice ( that iniustice hates ) Is readie heere , to slay you ( sinfull mates ) Provide therefore a treble death to die , Of bodie , soule , and lasting infamie . For as you boath , haue caussesse sought to spill , The guiltlesse blood , of this chast Isralite , By witnesse false , therfore doth Moses will , Your blood be shed ; and we will doe you right , Sith that your tongues , death-worthy you indite . You shall be led , where shee should leese her breath , And there with stones , your selues be done to death . Which doome did much delight , the standers by . With greate applause , the people do reioyce . They clap their handes , and fling their cappes on hie . The roofe reflectes , the Eccho of their voyce . While thankfull heartes , their eies to heav'n vphoice . And tongues pronownce , Our God be praysed ever , Which helpeth his and doth for sake them never . These iudges thus disgraded , from their states . The multitude with readinesse , doth ronne , To doe that doome , on these condemned mates , They to acquitted Susan , would haue donne . While zeale would act , what wrong had ill beegonne . Thus carelesse commons , right or wrong support . When they are swayd , as sovereignes do exhort . For as in man , when vapoures vex the braines , The giddie head , doth feele a whirling fit . So fickle heads , to feed superiours vaines , ( When as affection , holdes the seate of wit ) Sway to and fro , as ruling vapours flit . If they say yea , an yea doth answere stand , If they say no , a no is prest at hand . And yet ( sometimes though sotted with content That everie act doth seeme , to breed their case ) Some whiles ( when wayward vapors gets a vent ) A toy ( the least occasion doth displease ) While thoughtes do eb , and flow like surginge sear . For who so deales , with multitudes he findes , In manie heades , a multitude of mindes . While heartes do harbour , heapes of homely toyes , And heades ar fraught , with Chaos of conceiptes , There coms continuall trade , of chaunging ioyes . Which barter novelties , for elder feates . As chaunging time , doth offer choice of cheates . So those which yesterday , wrought wrong with might . Are busied now , in acting of the right . For now with hast they hal them from the barre , Whome late before , they heaved to the bentch . No treatie could , a day their death deferre . While teeres the peoples furie , could not quentch . Which drue them forth , vnto the fatall trentch . And ( piniond ) bownd them to the stubborne stake , Where they their wel-deserved death should take . Who living now forlorne ( past liffes repaire ) Haue not the heart , Gods mercie to intreate . But rather seeke with Saul in deepe dispaire , With bluddie murthring handes , life to defeate . While gainst the stake their handes they bawle and beat . And mind in vaine , their dreame their fall their hight . Who wanted grace , to take Gods warning light . The pitying people pray , God turne their hartes . But when they see , repentance place had none , To yeeld those reprobates , their due desertes , The happiest man , doth hurle the heviest stone . To make them giue , the last life-yeelding grone . Which done they part and leave the ded their roome . And lawd the lord , and Daniel for his doome . Whome God had made , selected instrument , To overthrow these wicked and vniust . And saue the blood , of this chast innocent . That with stoute Constancie resisted lust , And did not in distresse , defrawd her trust . But saw her teeres , and heard her plainting voyce . Which made the hearts of thowsandes to reioyce . Amongst the rest ( whose heartes sweet comfort cheeres ) Helchia happie man , and his compeere , ( which erst did weepe for woe ) shed ioyfull teeres . When Ioachims ioy , had past this plunging feere . And kinsfolkes clowded eie , shone bright and cleere . All with sweete noates consent , in Susans name , Praise God , that had preserv'd her from defame . But cheifly shee ( like larke on mounting winges ) While inward zeale ▪ breakes out in open sight . Tryumphing in her tunes , most sweetely singes , The prayse of God , his mercie , and his might , That did relive her wretch and wronged wight . And iustly iudge her foes , the death to die . That would entombe her fame , in infamie Yea while her silent heart , doth thankes record , Her restlesse notes , do reach beyond the skie . Whose endlesse ioy , was in her gratious Lord . To him in hymnes , and tuned psalmodie . ( Which did transmute , her mones to melodie ) shee giues the glorie of her victories , As David when he foyld his enemies . The mighty Lord ( saith shee ) Is my defence and might . My king my guide , my God ; My champion , for to fight . The combate of my truth and conscience triall . He is my Anchor-hold , My refuge , rest , and port . My horne of saving health , and eke my strongest fort . Gainst whose command , there standeth no denial . When over-flowing floodes , Of raging fierce despight . And great commaund , of Lordes And men of power and might , With dreadful threats of death , did make me quiver . I did implore his aide , In deepenesse of distresse . Who heard my iust complaint , And wrought my due redresse . He sent me aide , and did my soule deliver . On him therefore I will , In danger crie and call . Who can both heere and helpe , ( He heere s and helpeth all ) He ( none but he ) is worthie to be praised . Deathes swallowing sorrowes hem'd , Me round on ev'rie side . With renting paines of hel , In danger to haue dide . But he my life , from ravening graue hath raised . He from my strongest foes , Hath set me captiue free . Because he had a loue , And favour vnto me . Whom cunningly they sought to haue prevented . But while he held me vp , I could not swaie nor swarue . They sought in vaine to spill , The thing he did preserue . And so to late ( their labour lost ) repented . By him I made escape , From handes of Tyrantes stout . His power did put them downe , And helpe his hand-maide out . That power also , will strongly keep them vnder . He trampleth with his feete , Bold traitours that rebell . He makes their hurtfull tongues , Their owne destruction tell . Thus for his saintes , he acteth workes of wonder . Whose workes are all divine , Whose mercies manifold . His waies past finding out , his word as finest gold . His iudgement iust , his providence vnspotted . O let thine arme O Lord , My feeble hand susteine . O let thy holy sp'rite , Within my heart remaine , O let thy loue be still to me allotted . I looke with wakefull eles , Vnto thine holy lawes . Thy statutes are my staffe , And stay in ev'ry cause . To doe thy will , my will I finde affected . That which I see is ill , And hatefull in thy sight , That doe I seeke to shun , And flie with maine and might , Least that my soule , by sin should be infected . Thou art a living God , O blest be thou my king . Which hast thy servant freed , From tempting Sathans sting . And reard my fame on high ( by wicked wronged ) And hast confounded them , That sought my greatest ill , By working of my heart , Vnto a wicked will . To act such lewd designes , as lust had longed . They fought to end my life , And gaue me doome to die . Because my holy faith , I would not falsifie . Pretending right ; they worke what wrong them listed . They vsed power to put , Integritie to shame . And ment an innocent , To burie in defame . Hadst thou not ( Lord ) their iudgement false resisted . Thus hast thou bin ( my God ) Most mercifull to me . Not wonne by my desert , But of thy mercie free . My workes ( I know ) deserue to be reiected , But thy kinde promise made , To helpe the godlie heartes , Doth binde thee more then all , Our deedes or good desertes , To keepe , protect , and saue , thy saintes elected . Therefore I will sowne foorth , Thy praise to ev'rie eare . And shew thine endlesse power , To nations farre and neere , To Sathans and his kingdomes , great confusion . I haue bin , am , and will Remaine thine handmaide still . Mine heart , my thoughtes , mine eies , Shall waite vpon thy will . This is my vow , and setled resolution . Thus did shee spend , her following time of life , In heavens contemplation , and delight . And lived long , a ioious happie wife , Of passing cariage , and a worthie wight , A foe to frawd , and fastest friend to right . Who living in the world , no worldling was , But prest to bring a world of good to passe . And as a bird , escaped from the ginne , Thinkes ev'ry bended twigge , to be a trappe ; So shee , that dangerously , had snared bin , ( With true remembrance of her former hap ) Surveies her steppes , to shunne each afterclap . And feares to giue a fawning eie good grace , In old , or young , in noble , or in base . At length when age , had plotted lifes decay ; And sicknesse wrought , in weakenesse more and more . And that shee thought , death had no long delay . Shee cald her children , taught in godlie lore , And did bestow these precepts kept in store . Who come in place ( with dutious loving hearts ) Shee thus to them , her carefull minde impartes . Deare children cease , with sad lamenting griefe , And malancholicke moanes , to waile my state . Your sobbing hearts doe yeeld me no reliefe , But vexing torments in my heart innate . Leaue then , for plaintes and teares are not in date . No , no , if they could life in body hold ; Weaye aye would weepe , we would buy teares for gold . But vaine it is to kicke against a pricke : And sinne to take Gods scourge impatiently . My debt to death , to pay I must not sticke , For why , you know that all are borne to die , Then must I yeeld , for ther 's no remedie ; And pay my due that I to nature owe , For time requires , and God will haue it so . The strongest Lyon , stoopes to conqu'ring death , The aged oake , at length doth change his hue . In time the long liv'd Phoenix , leeseth breath , Thrice aged Enoch , yeeldes to natures due . Sith then t is so , and what I saie is true . And time doth trie that all things must decaie , Then sure I know , I haue not long to staie . Therefore marke well , the counsaile that I giue , Revolue it in your mindes ( my children deere ) For it shall most prevaile ( if that you liue ) When friends and worldly goods you haue not heere , First worship God , and to his lawes giue eare . Set him your load-starre , and your lampe of light , His lawes the line to lead your liues aright . Vse diligence , in doing of your dueties , To those superiours ( rulers over you ) Doe good to all , bend thereto all your studies . Sing not the Syrens song , that proues vntrue , Though trothlesse Absalon , be faire in view , With Ionathan , doe faithfull still remaine , Shun Ismaels bloudie teares , and subtill braine . Plaie not the cowards in your countries good , Spend in her canse , your deerest breath and wealth . And though prosperitie hath you withstood , And frowning world denies gal-sugred pelfe , Be not dismaide , esteeme your heav'nlie health . For that shall yeeld you comfort in distresse , When world and friends , haue left you comfortlesse . Flie still aspiring mindes , yet seeke renowne , Win it by vertue , and by manly might . Franke not rebellious flesh , but keepe it downe . Like not those painted dames that doe delight , Lyllies are fowle in smell , though faire in sight . And though they tice with baites , with teeres , with moanes , Yet minde , that painted tombes , haue rotten bones . My sonnes if you must liue , in wedlocke bandes , Loue for vertue , and like the modest chast . Set neither fading beauty , goods nor landes , Before that hue , that in the heart is plast . Be never prodigall , your goods to wast .. Learne with the busie ant , the way to liue , Spare not to much , but doe by sparing thriue . If you with childrens store , be blest of God , His richest giftes account that pretie crew . Enstruct and bring them vp , to feare the rod , With those precepts your parents taught to you , Though all things want , let them not want this due . For sure ( my sonnes ) it is not saide for naught , Better vnborne , then borne to liue vntaught . Esteeme the wavering world as it is , Where swiftest time , brings all things to decay . Esteeme your selues , heere voide of ioies and blisse , And thinke each morrow , is your ending day , Desire of God on earth not long to stay . Where nought but sin , & griefe doth reigne ( be bold ) And nought is got , but sinne in waxing old . The little babe once comming to the birth , Is borne as bare , and naked as my naile . The puling wretch his wofull state on earth , With tongue , and teeres , new born doth weep and waile . To see his soule shut vp , in sinful gaile . And swadled lims , fast fettred round aboute . Like captiue wreth , that no way findēth out . His childish actions all , vnperfect are , To sit , to eate , to speake , to stand , to goe , The childe is taught and nursed vp with care , And pampred eke with paine , and wakefull woe , He proues the pikes , of manie a pangue also . With furious foes , he hath continuall warre , His flesh this world and raging fiend they are . His life is like , the raging seas recoile , His choysest things , are in event but vaine , His wealth is want , his rest is restlesse toile , His health mishap , and all his pleasures paine , His chiefe companions linked in one chaine . Are hopelesse hope , deepe danger , care and feare , While dying life , doth dailie dread the beare . He often times ( beset with deepe distresse ) Doth call for death , before his dying daie . And dead man like , by sleeping in excesse , Doth spend the halfe , of precious time away , The rest mispent in idlenesse or play . Or spent to serve our owne occasions so , As least we care , whear God haue part or noe Thus man is made , the pray and spoyle of time , A tipe of mis'rie and mishap ( God woat ) A sinke of sinfull-sin , an heap of crime . A ship that still on billowing waues doth flote When age comes on , then all his sences doat . He waxeth deafe , his eies with dazing dimme . His teeth currupt , he hath no liuely limme . Can such a dying man , be sayd to liue ? What kind of life ? what living call you this ? No life but death , a shade that life doth giue . For perfect life , by death obtained is . Whie then do mortall worldlinges go amisse ? Whie love they life whie do they death detest ? Which sets them free from ill , and bringeth rest : Hence learne ( poore heartes ) your life vncerteine is . Still heaps of harmes , are hovering on your head . Keepe these my wordes , and feare to do amisse . More would I say , but life is partly fled . Whome death ( with seely tryumph ) doth downe tred ; Fare well ( sweete ioyes ) somtimes my heartes delight The grownd my corpes , to God I yeeld my spirite
Epilogus . Thus heere you see , how God preserveth his : And those that do them iniurize , confowndeth . Hence may you learne , what t' is to live amisse . What falles to him , that with prowd sin abowndeth . That hee which stedfast hope , in Gods helpe growndeth Gainst him not hell , nor hel houndes shall preveile . For God will help , when help of man doth faile , FINIS .
Faultes escaped .

In foll , 4. Page . 1. make content malecontent , 5. 1. surely surly , 15 , 1. maiden birth , m●ide● earth , 15 , 2. maried wise , maried wife . 18 , 1. mu , murne , 23 , 1. faice faire , 23 , 2. thus this , 30 , 2. that those : thus &c. 37 , 1. repeate repleate , 40 , 2. this these , 42 , 2. smallow s●●llow , 46 , 1 ▪ ●heethey .