[The famous history, of Guy Earle of Warwicke]

To the Honourable Ladyes of ENGLAND . LAdyes , in Elder times your sexe did neede , Knight-hoods true valour to defend your rights , Of admirable actions wee doe reede , Haue beene atchiu'd in cruell bloody Fights . Fell vgly Serpents were destroy'd and slaine , Strange monsters mangled , Gyants hew'd in twaine . But who deseru'd more in such enterprise , Then worthy English , bred where wee are borne ? Such as did ease and idlenes despise , For Armour more then Silke by them was worne . These were the Champions that for Ladyes good , Would bleede as long as they had drops of blood . Such was Sir Guy , whose story heere wee tell , Valours renowned honourable man : He lou'd your kinde ( in heart ) exceeding well , How can you chuse but loue his legend than ? Bestow the Reading of it if you please : Gainst melancholy , that same dull disease . S. ROWLANDS ,

The Argument .

GVy of Warwicke ( Sonne to Earle Rohands Steward ) in blooming youth of Natures spring , fell in Loue with the Earles faire Daughter Phelice , whose disdaining of him , in that hee was but a meane Gentleman , and not by Birth answerable to her Honourable estate , did afflict his cormented minde with most distressed passions , till in a vision Cupid presents her with the Picture of Mars , inioyning her to loue Guy as the admired Champion of Christendome : Vpon this shee yeeldeth affection , on condition of Aduentures : which to atchiue hee departs into France , and shortly returnes with Trophes of victory and prizes of Honour : But Phelice not satisfied therewith , he leaues England againe , performing in forraine Countryes wonderfull acts : then returning , marries his Loue , whom after Forty dayes hee leaues , departing on Pilgrimage to the Holy Land , effecting in that Iourney many strange things : Then supposed to bee Dead , comes backe disguised and out-worne to memory , and Fights a combate for King Athelstone , killing Colbrond the Gyant of Denmarke , freeing thereby the Kingdome from inuasion . After that , liues obscurely in a Caue , and comes for Almes to his owne Castle , not reuealing himselfe till the houre of his Death , and then hee sent his Lady a Ring , by which token shee knewe her Husband , and came most wofully to close vp his eyes , dying her selfe shortly after him for very griefe and extreame sorowe .

The Famous History , of Guy Earle of WARWICKE .

In Natures greene vnmellowed yeares , Cupid tormenteth Guy , Inthrals his heart to Phelice Loue By obiect of the eye . Canto . 1. WHen dreadfull Mars in Armour eu'ry Day , Lou'd stately Iuno and Bellona best , Before hee knew the Court where Venus lay ; For then hee tooke himselfe to ease and rest . When all his thoughts , vnto the proofe were steeld , And all his actions manag'd for the Field . A Knight of his ( a worthy Englishman , ) That went like him , clad in an Yron Coate , In Warwicke with the worlds applaude began , To bee a man of admirable note . Such was the Valour hee ascended by , That Pagans trembled at the Name of Guy . This man compos'd of courage full of spright , Of hard aduentures , and of great designes , To fight with Gyants tooke a chiefe delight , Or search some Caue that Monster vndermines , Meete with a Bore to make a bloody fray , Or Combate with a Dragon , by the day . Yet e're hee entertain'd his Loue to armes , He grew deuoted to the Queene of Loue : Attempting Beauties fort with fierce allarmes , The victory of such a prize to proue , As elder times before could ne're inioy , A sweeter face then lost olde Priam Troy . Faire Phelice , equall match to Cupids Mother , A curious Creature , and the Kingdomes pride , All spacious Brittaine had not such another , For glorious Beauty , and good partes beside , Twixt her and Vulcans wife no ods were knowne , But Venus had a mole , and shee had none . For most directly shee had Venus haire , The same high fore-head , and attractiue eye , Her cheekes of Roses mixt with Lillies faire , The very lippes of perfect Corall dye , Iuory teeth , a dainty rising Chin , A soft touch-pleasing , smooth , and silken skin . With all perfections make a pearelesse Creature , From head to foote , shee had them eu'ry one , Mirrour shee was of comelinesse and feature , An English Phenix , supreme faire alone , Whom gazing people censures thus would grace , Beauty liues no where but in Phelice face . In Phelice face ( this obiect of Guyes sight ) Were lookes of Loue , and glaunces of disdaine , From thence sometimes his eyes attracts delight , From thence anon his heart deriueth paine , One while sweet smiles doe giue encouragement , Another time , sterne lookes worke discontent . Thus on Loues Seas , tost by the stormes of terrour , Twixt present calme , and sodaine furious blast , Resoluing Loue , yet finding loue in errour , In freedome chayn'd , in liberty bound fast , Hee sighes that Fortune doth so strangely deale , To giue a wound that Beauty will not heale . That Beauty will not heale ( quoth he ) fond man , Thou wrongst thy selfe , and thy faire Goddesse too , By lookes to know a Womans heart , who can ? And looke on her is onely all I doe , I le take another course more resolute , To speake , to write , my honest meanings suite . But if I should doeso , what hope haue I , That shee will heare my wordes or reade my Lines ? Shee is Earle Rohands heyre , and borne too hye , To condiscend vnto my poore designes , Though Ia Gentleman by Birth am knowne , Earledomes I want , and Lordships I haue none . Oh! Women are ambitious out of measure , They mount aloft vpon the winges of Pride , And often match more for this worldly Treasure , Then any louing cause on earth beside . Which makes some wish , rather there were no Golde , Then Loue for it , should base bee bought and solde . If such she bee ( as not be such be rare ) What will my wordes , or sighes , or teares preuaile ? I enter then a Laborinth of care , And striue against both winde and tyde to Sayle , A restlesse Stone with Scisiphus I roule , And heape continuall torments on my soule . Then I attempt to flye with waxen winges , Where Phoebus Chariot burnes in brightest flame , And shall bee censur'd that in Childish thinges As Loue , I haue begot eternall shame , Reiected and dispisde in base esteeme , To th' enuious world , I shall no better seeme . But cease Loues coward , banish thoughts of feare ▪ Bee resolute , and good accesse attend thee : Phelice of force a louing heart must beare , If he that shootes loues Darts of golde , befriend And by no reason hee can be thy Foe , Because thou lou'st his Mothers picture so . I am resolu'd , goe on to Phelice Bower , And from as true a heart as Flesh can yeeld , Intreat her heare me in a blessed houre , And with kinde pitty all my sorrowes shield , To looke vpon me with remorse of minde , That holdes my life , as her Loue is inclinde . This said , to Warwicke Castle hee repaires , Where the rich Iewell of his heart remained : Earle Rohand bids him welcome , and prepares With Hunting sports , to haue him entertained , But thereunto vnwilling eare hee lends , And sodaine Sicknesse for excuse pretends . The Earle much grieued at this alteration , Sent his Physition for to doe him good : Who tolde Guy , that his onely preseruation , Consisted in the present letting Blood , And that his Body in distemprature , Was difficult and very hard to Cure . Doctor ( quoth Guy ) 't is true , I know as much , I finde my selfe to bee exceeding ill , But ther 's a Flower , which if I might but touch , Would heale me better then my Physickes skill . 'T is called by a pretty pleasing name , And Felix soundeth somewhat neare the same . Quoth the Physition , Sir I know it not , Nor in the Herball reade of such a Flower , Yet in this Castle is it to bee got Said Guy , it growes not farre from yonder Tower , I le finde it out my selfe , Doctor refraine , Gallen had ne're the Art to cure my paine . Left in his passions to conuerse with moane , As in a Window hee did sighing lye : In a delightfull Garden all alone , The Empresse of his thoughts hee did espy , Which to his soule did such reioycing bring , Feare was depos'd , and Hope was crowned King . Now is the time ( quoth hee ) faire Fortunes sun , Shines fauourable on my gloomy cares , Now may I end the griefe that Loue begun , And boldly aske good hap , how well shee fares : Now will I enter yonder pleasant shade , To court the worlds admired beautious Mayde . Pheltce I come , assist me Cupid now , Prepare an Arrow ready for my Bowe , I neuer went a wooing : teach mee how Good action with good speech I may bestow , But aboue all thinges , gentle Cupid moue her : That shee beleeue me , when I sweare I Loue her . With speed vnto the Garden then hee goes , Where one of Phelice Damsels lets him in , And in a curious Arbor of repose , Findes Citherea with her siluer skin . Whom hee salutes with grace and maiesty , Beholding her with Loues inchaunting eye . Fairest ( quoth hee ) of all the workes of Nature , Whose equall neuer breath'd this common ayre , More wonderfull than Earth can yeeld a creature , For euery part belonging vnto faire , Immortall creature of Coelestiall frame , Eternall honor still attend thy Name . I come to thee about the like poore suite , That once Leander came to Hero with : Hoping to reape thereby more liuely fruit , Then Mars attain'd when hee deceiu'd the Smith , 'T is onely Loue that I with heart present , 'T is onely Loue must giue my soule content . Incline sweet Lady to mine humble motion , Compassionate the griefe that I endure : Regard my life that rests at thy deuotion , With pitty take my dying heart in cure , O let it not in groaning torments swell , And breake in twaine , because it loues thee well . Great Princes loue thee , this I knew before , And deedes of Honour for thy Name haue done ▪ But neither King , nor Prince , can loue thee more , Then doth poore Guy thy Fathers Stewards Son , His Loue to thee is so inestimable , To counteruaile it , all they are not able . Phelice thus interrupts his protestation ; No more of Loue , cease gentle youth ( quoth shee ) I haue a minde fram'd of another fashion , Virginity shall liue and dye with mee , Loue is compos'd of Idlenes and play , And leades to vaine delights , delights that stray . Besides , it ill beseemes thee be so bolde . Inferiour and vnfit for my Degree : And if vnto my Father this were tolde , I knowe it would procure reproofe to thee , The Prouerbe in this point might make thee wise , That Princely Eagles , scorne the catching Flyes . And with this answer shee departeth thence , Leauing poore Guy worse vexed then before : For now in deepe dispaire of recompence , Hee neuer doth expect Loues comfort more , But vnto sorrow , sighes and teares doth giue , Wishing each day the last hee had to liue .

Guy , in strange passions for his Loue , Great torments doth endure : Till Phelice sees a vision , and Doth yeeld her patient cure . Canto . 2. WIth tyred thoughts remaines this wofull wight Distracted in his melancholy minde , Pertaking nothing that containes delight , All thinges are harsh , distastfull , out of kinde . Phelice denyes him Loue , whose sound of breath , Is like the Iudge that doom●s a man to Death . Like to Orestes in his franticke fits , Hee tare the golden tresses from his head : Or mad Orlando quite depriu'd of wits , From whom the vse of sence and reason fled , So fares it with this Loue-tormented man , Whose raging thoughts into disorder ran . Society hee shunnes , and keepes alone , Accusing Desteny , and cursing Beauty , Hee hates himselfe and is a friend to none , Beyond the limits of all Loue and Duty : Venus ( quoth hee ) how are thy lawes forgot , Thus to afflict him that offends thee not ? What is the cause I am reiected thus ? Who interrupts my Loue to Beauties mirrour ? I 'le drag him hence , to roaring Erebus , There to bee plunged in Eternall terrour , I le to Ioues Court , and there with shoutes and cryes , Make such a clangor as shall rent the skyes , Shall I bee cousen'd as Orpheus was ? Assist me Theseus to reuenge this wrong , Where 's Rhadamant that Iustice cannot passe ? Euridice is solde euen for a Song : Fiends , Furies , Goblins , Hidraes , for a fall , I am prepar'd to manage with you all . I le mount vpon the backe of Pegasus , And in bright Phoebus flames my selfe will wrape : Then will I tumble windy Eolus , To sleepe in Thetis watery Christall lap . From thence I le post vnto the torrid Zone , To finde which way faire Phelice Loue is gone . Iason had lucke to winne the Golden-fleece , I like the Skin , but for the Hornes I care not : Faire Hellen was a waggish wench of Greece , Bolde Mars will venture , bashfull Venus dare not . Trust a faire face ? Not I , let him that list , What 's Hercules without a Club in 's fist ? Thus for a time his sences were depriued , Being left by Loue as blinde as Cupids eyes , Till reason to perfections state reuiued , And extreame passions ceast to tyrannize : For in a Vision Phelice did descry , The power of Loue , and yeelds her heart to Guy . By Morpheus possest of quiet sleepe , In dead of night when Visions doe appeare , The heart tormenter , hee that pierceth deepe , And maketh Louers by their bargaiues deare , Sends from his bowe a shaft with golden head , And woundeth Phelice in her Mayden bed . Before her hee presents a Martiall wight , Clad all in Armour , for encounters fit , And sayes ; sweet Virgin Loue this man of might , Giue him thy Heart , for hee doth merit it , For Valour , Courage , comely shape , and Limme : The world hath not a Champion like to him .

Faire Phelice in a Vision , Entertaines the Loue of Guy , Jnioyning him Aduentures strange , His manly force to try .

Great honour Lady thou shalt gaine hereby , T' adorne thy Noble and renowned Birth : Hee shall aspire vnto such Maiesty , His Name will bee a terrour on the Earth , He shall become a Champion vnto Kinges , And by the Sword performe admired thinges , Bee not ambitious that thou art high borne , Be not disdainfull of a meane estate , Be not defiled with the brand of scorne , Be not too proude that thou art Beauties mate , For 't is in vaine to striue against my Bowe , If I say Loue , it must and shall bee so . Fixe not thy thoughts basely on worldly wealth , ( Coyne should not be foundation vnto Loue ) Corrupted hearts it drawes away by stealth , These money-matches cannot happy proue , For as the goods of Fortune doth decay , So loue which they beget consumes away . I know how Plutoes golden Treasure swayes , By deuillsh and accursed false illusion : I know how Womens humours now a dayes , Run after riches to their owne Confusion , I see the Peassant of most abiect life , With Golde enough can buy a dainty Wife . But Phelice if thou knew'st asmuch as I , How base the Gods esteeme of such abuses , When Beauty selles , and Riches comes to buy , Which are not made for one anothers vses , Thou wouldest scorne that Maydens should be solde , As Cattell are , for Siluer and for Golde . Loue must bee simple , harmeltsse , pure and plaine , And take originall from true affection , It must reciprocall returne againe , Or else it doth discouer imperfection . Loues inward thoughts concurre with outward deeds Such as from loyalty and truth proceeds . Thy louer comes not for aduancement to thee , In that thy Father is a worthy Earle , It is not Dowry that can cause him woo thee , Had'st thou th' Arabian Golde , or Indian Pearle : But as great Iupiter to Leda came For a sweet Face , His purpose is the same . Therefore kinde Virgin vse him kindly well , Make much of Guy , imbrace him for thine owne : Affoord him Loue-roome in thy Heart to dwell , Let him no longer liue in pensiue moane , But the next time thou doest behold his face , Giue him encouragement , with kinde imbrace . And with that worde ( imbrace ) hee shot , and hit The very center of her tender heart : Feeling the wound , she starts awake with it , Being taught thereby to pitty Louers smart , For Cupid drew his Arrow to the head , Because hee would be sure shee should be sped . With that shee fetch'd a sigh , a grieuous one , And from her eyes a shower of teares did fall : Where is ( quoth shee ) the gentle Loue-god gone , Whose power I finde is powerfull vnto all ? Oh call him backe , my fault I doe confesse : I haue in Loue beene too too pittilesse . Sweet Boy , solicite for mee to thy Mother , And at her Alters I will sacrifice : From this day foorth , I will adore no other , No Goddesse shall bee gracious in mine eyes , But shee that hath imperious rule and might , To leade obdurate hearts to kinde delight . Compassion now hath worthy conquest made , Of that strong fort which did resistance make , One shaft had bin sufficient to perswade , A league for Life , a truce till Death doe take : Guy more then Life doth Phelice Loue prefer , Phelice affects Guy deare , as hee doth her . But vnto him her loue is yet vnknowne , Though his be made apparant long before : Hee vnderstands not that shee is his owne , Hee feeles no salue apply'd vnto his sore , Till forc'd by passions , and constrain'd laments ▪ A second suite , hee boldly thus presents . Phelice , I was arraigned long agoe , And now I looke for Iudgement at thy hand : I haue beene Prisoner in a Iayle of woe , So long , that speedy sentence I demaund , Oh speake vnto mee , either Life or Death : For I am tyred with my vitall breath . If kindnesse dwell in that faire shape of thine , Expresse it with ( I Loue : ) if none there bee , Then say , I cannot vnto Loue incline , And so thou mak'st a quicke dispatch with mee , Censure me sodaine , either smile or frowne , I will not liue thus for this Kingdomes Crowne . Phelice reply'd , 't is not at my dispose , To fashion Loue without my friends consent , What would you wish me to bee one of those , That are to Parents disobedient ? Shall fond affection ouer-rule the will , And doe you good to bee accounted ill ? You know my Fathers greatnes in the Land , And if he should ( as there 's no other like ) The loue of one too mean for me withstand , How could we beare the stroke , disgrace would strike Nothing but death could make my sorrow sweete , And shame would wrap me in a winding-sheete . Doubt not of Father in this case ( quoth he ) For Warwicks Earle ( that honourable man ) Shall see such deedes of valour done by me , To haue dislike he neither will nor can : Inioyne me what aduentures thou think'st good , That wounds and scars , may let my body blood . Why then ( quoth shee ) Guy make thy valour shine Through-out the world , as glorious as the Sunne , My heart , my soule , my life , my loue , is thine , When deedes of honour by thy hand are done . Make thy selfe famous by a martiall life , And then take Phelice for thy lawfull wife . I aske no more ( said he ) to gaine thy Loue , I shall esteeme it bought at easie rate : Oh that I were at worke my taske to proue , With Hercules or some such churlish mate ! Phelice farewell , this kisse thou giuest mee , Shall make a number kisse the ground for thee .

From England Guy to France doth goe , Where deedes of Annes are done : And thence returnes Tryumphantly , With all the Prizes wonne . Canto . 3. INlarg'd from sorowes thraldome , by Hopes bayle , Guy armes his thoughts with Honours enterprize : Imbarkes himselfe , and into France doth sayle , Leauing faire England , where his comfort lyes : Hee seekes for enemies , hee longs for foes , And now desires to bee a dealing blowes , In Normandy arriu'd , hee vnderstands , That there was Warlike busines to bee doue For valiant Knightes , of diuers Christian Lands , The race of Valour did intend to runne , A great aduenture was propounded there , Which newes was musique to his greedy eare . The Prize that drew them all vnto that place , Was Daughter to the Almane Emperour , Faire Blaunch , with such a wondrous heauenly face , It had attractiue Beauty , full of power . In her , such graces did vnite together , The Worthyes of the world came posting thither . Who wonne the Damsell ( it was thus decreed ) By manly Courage and victorious might , Should haue her mounted on a milke-white Steed , Two Gray-hounds and a Faulcon all as white ▪ This was his Lot that could attaine the Day , To beare the Honour and the Mayde away . Our English Knight prepares him for the Field , Where Kinges were present , Princes did repaire , Where Dukes and Earles a great assembly held , About the Face that was so wondrous faire , Though onely one must speed , and hundreds misse , Yet each man there imagin's Blaunch is his . The spacious Field where they assembled were , Hardly affoorded roome , for Armed crowdes , The golden glittering Armour that was there , Did dart the Sun-beames backe vnto the Clowdes . The pamper'd Horses proudly stampt the ground , To heare the clangor of the Trumpets sound . A Germaine Prince of an vndaunted sprite , A first and very fierce Encounter gaue Vnto an Earle , whose Valour did requite , With blow for blow , as resolutely braue , Till by a stroake the Earle receiu'd on 's head , Hee was vn-horst , falling to ground for dead . Then Guy came foorth with courage to the Prince , And deales with him as Hercules would doe : Like force hee neuer felt before nor since , Such hard extreames hee ne're was put vnto . Iust where himselfe had layde the Earle in swound : There downe comes he , both horse & man to ground . Duke Otton seeing this , was in a rage , And desp'rate humour did incense him so , Hee vowed by Heauens nothing should asswage His fury , but the Death of the proude foe . Prepare thee Fight to breath thy last ( quoth hee ) Monster , Deuill , or whatsoe're thou bee . They ioyne together by a dreadfull fight , The spinters flye , and clattering Armous sounds : The dust ascendeth vp ▪ and blindes their sight , The blood allayes it streaming from their wounds : Both their Swords brake , they light , and on his backe , Guy threw the Duke , that euen his bones did cracke . Duke Ranier would reuenge his Cousen then , And for encounter hee prepareth next : Quoth Guy , I finde y' are wretches and no men , That with a blowe or fall so soone be vext , But come and welcome , I am for you all , Wee say in England , The weakest must to wall . They rush together that the ground did shake , While animating Trumpets sound allarme , In Raniers shoulder Guy a wound did make , Whereby he lost the vse of his right arme , Yeelding himselfe as others did before , Vnable once to wield his weapon more . Then for a while all stood amaz'd at Guy , And not a man was forward to proceed , Till Louaines Duke his Fortunes went to try , Hauing good hope that hee should better speed , Well mounted , and well arm'd , hee faire did sit , On a proude Steed , that ill indur'd the bit . I thinke ( quoth hee ) thou some Inchanter art , That hast the force of Magicke in thine arme , I le teach thee to beleeue e're wee depart Quoth Guy , for thou shalt feele that I can charme , I le coniure thee euen with an Yron spell : My Sword shall send thee vnto Heeuen or Hell . With that hee lent him such a cruell stroake , That th' other did returne a weake reply , With second and a third his Helmet broake , Hold , hold ( quoth he ) I le rather yeeld then dye . Fight for a Woman ! Hee that list for mee : I thinke the Deuill cannot deale with thee . Then Guy came foorth with courage to the Prince , And deales with him as Hercules would doe : Like force hee neuer felt before nor since , Such hard extreames hee ne're was put vnto . Iust where himselfe had layde the Earle in swound : There downe comes he , both horse & man to ground . Duke Otton seeing this , was in a rage , And desp'rate humour did incense him so , Hee vowed by Heauens nothing should asswage His fury , but the Death of the proude foe . Prepare thee Fight to breath thy last ( quoth hee ) Monster , Deuill , or whatsoe're thou bee . They ioyne together by a dreadfull fight , The spinters flye , and clattering Armous sounds : The dust ascendeth vp ; and blindes their sight , The blood allayes it streaming from their wounds : Both their Swords brake , they light , and on his backe , Guy threw the Duke , that euen his bones did cracke . Duke Ranier would reuenge his Cousen then , And for encounter hee prepareth next : Quoth Guy , I finde y' are wretches and no men , That with a blowe or fall so soone be vext , But come and welcome , I am for you all , Wee say in England , The weakest must to wall . They rush together that the ground did shake , While animating Trumpets sound allarme , In Raniers shoulder Guy a wound did make , Whereby he lost the vse of his right arme , Yeelding himselfe as others did before , Vnable once to wield his weapon more . Then for a while all stood amaz'd at Guy , And not a man was forward to proceed , Till Louaines Duke his Fortunes went to try , Hauing good hope that hee should better speed , Well mounted , and well arm'd , hee faire did sit , On a proude Steed , that ill indur'd the bit . I thinke ( quoth hee ) thou some Inchanter art , That hast the force of Magicke in thine arme , I le teach thee to beleeue e're wee depart Quoth Guy , for thou shalt feele that I can charme , I le coniure thee euen with an Yron spell : My Sword shall send thee vnto Heauen or Hell . With that hee lent him such a cruell stroake , That th' other did returne a weake reply , With second and a third his Helmet broake , Hold , hold ( quoth he ) I le rather yeeld then dye . Fight for a Woman ! Hee that list for mee : I thinke the Deuill cannot deale with thee . Then not a man that would encounter more , They all were terrified and stood in feare : And in a rage amongst themselues they swore , What , shall a Stranger all the Honour beare Of this great Day ? what cursed fortune 's this , That all the glory of the Field is his ? Amongst themselues his happinesse they curst , In enuyes heate , not knowing what to doe , They could haue kild him , but that no man durst , Put his owne life in hazard thereunto . If wishes might haue done it , hee had dyde , But fight with him , not any could abide . The Emperour , for Guy , a Knight did send , Asking his Name and Birth-place , which hee tolde : Then said his Maiesty , I much commend Thy haughty Courage , resolutely bolde , Braue English-man , that art thy Countryes pride , In Europe liues not such a man beside . I doe admire thy worth , thy Valour 's great , To speake thy praise my tongue will not suffice , Ascend to Honours iust deserued seate , That art a second Hector in mine eyes , This Day thy worthy hand hath showne mee more , Then in my Life I euer sawe before . Come and receiue thy due desert from mee , My Daughters Loue is free at thy dispose , The Gray-hounds , Steed , and Faulcon , take to thee , Thy worthines doth merit more then those . Holde , heer 's a Iewell , weare it for my sake : Which I a witnes of my Loue doe make . Guy thank'd his Highnes for his gracious fauour , And vow'd him seruice while his life did last , Then to the Princesse with a milde behauiour , A reuerent , humble , modest looke hee cast : Saying faire Lady , Fortune is my friend , That doth such Beauty to my Lot extend . Madame accept your loyall English Knight , To doe true seruice when you please commaund it , Who while hee hath a drop of Blood , will fight In your behalfe , against who dare withstand it . To bee your Husband is degree too hye , 'T is grace sufficient , call me seruant Guy . In England doth my marriage Loue remaine , To whome I must and will be true for euer : About whose face Nature hath tooke such paine , I durst haue sworne flesh could haue match'd it neuer , But now I finde ( that curiously haue ey'd her ) There is a Phenix in the world beside her . And that 's your selfe : I , dare the world deny it , But which is fairest , eyes cannot decide , No humane Iudgement in the world can try it , Who hath most beauty , Blaunch or my faire bride : I dare be bolde to call you beautyes twinnes , And Venus , black-amoore to both your skinnes Oh Phelice heere 's thy picture in this Princesse , Methinkes tho' art present in her lonely looke ▪ Thou that of my soules faculties art Mistris , Recorded in Times brasen-leaued booke , To thee if I proue false or be misled , Ioues fearefull vengeance light vpon my head . Quoth Blaunch , thy constancy ( and sighed deepe ) Is highly to be praised , thou dost well : He that Loues-promise will not faithfull keepe , In horrour and in torments let him dwell . But I suppose thy vowes are yet to make , And so what thy sword won , thy heart may take . What I auouch is truth the heauens knowes , My protestations are aboue the skyes : Madam , the Sunne declines , day ancient growes , I le take my leaue of you in humble wise , My body is vnto repose inclinde , Although no rest be in my troubled minde . My troubled minde 's in Warwicke Castle now , Although my Body bee in Normandy : Heere I make others bend , there doe I bow , And lowly as the humble ground doe lye , Euen at Loues feete I cast my selfe to ground , Though victory my temples heere hath Crown'd . I cannot stay , I must to England backe , My minde mis-giues mee Phelice is not well , Like my sad thoughts my Armour shall bee blacke , I le suite mee in a mournfull Yron shell : For where the minde meetes with suspitious cares , Distrust is euer dealing doubtfull shares . Yet I haue much good Fortune on my side , That knowe the meanes how to attaine my blisse : For Phelice Loue is to conditions tyed , And I doe trust shee is mine owne by this , By this shee may , but if she more require , There 's nothing in the world I will deny'er . With hasty iourney hee is homeward bound , Leauing the vulgar to their Nine dayes wonder : Arriuing safely on the English ground , Posting to her , suppos'd too long a sunder , Whome with more ioy his chearfull lookes behold Then can by Pen , or Lines of Incke bee tolde .

In France all Knights of Christendome , To winne a Princesse , meete : Guy Conquers all and winnes the Prize , Then doth his Goddesse greete .

With the rewards of Victory , Guy doth his Loue present : But Phelice is not satisfied , Him forth againe shee sent . Canto . 2. IN the supposed Hauen of repose , Hope casteth Anchor for his Barke to ride , With kinde salute vnto his Loue hee goes , Who giues imbracements and all thinges beside Befits affection , all such complements , As Loue can looke for , gracious shee presents . Faire soe ( quoth Guy ) I come to challenge thee , For there 's no men that I can meete , will fight , I haue beene where a crew of Cowards bee , Not one that dare maintaine a Ladyes right , Good proper fellowes of their tongue and tall , That let me winne a Princesse from them all . Phelice , this Sword has won an Emperours Daughter , As sweet a wench as liues in Europes space : At price of blowes , and bloody wounds I bought her , Well worth my bargaine ; but thy better face Hath made mee leaue her to some other Lot , For I protest by Heauens I loue her not . This stately Steed , this Faulcon and these Hounds , I tooke , as in full payment of the rest : For I will keepe my Loue within the bounds That doe enclose the compasse of my brest , My Constancy to thee is all my care , Leauing all other Women as they are . But sweet heart tell mee shall I haue thee now ? Wilt thou consent the Priest shall doe his part ▪ Art thou resolued still to keepe thy vow ? Is none but I halfe with thee in thy Heart ? Canst thou forsake the world , change Mayden life , And helpe thy faithfull Louer to a Wife ? Quoth Phelice , worthy Knight , my ioyes are great , To vnderstand thy honourable deedes : It seemes some were in such a bloody sweate , Their Valour , Fame , and reputation bleedes , I giue thee humble thankes that for my sake , Such hard aduentures did'st vouchsafe to take . To winne a Princesse was a precious prize , But sure mee thinkes if I had beene Sir Guy , Shee should haue found more fauour in mine eyes , Then take a Horse and turne a Lady by , What , is a Horse , a Faulcon , and a Hound , More worthfull then a Lady so renown'd ? Perhaps you 'le say 't is done for Loue of mee I doe imagine ; nay beleeue it so : And though I jest , I will doe more for thee , Then thou or any but my selfe doth know , I le neuer marry while Lifes Glasse doth runne , But onely thee : Thee , or I le dye a Nunne . But giue me leaue to speake my minde ( deare Loue ) Let me locke vp my secrets in thy brest , I had a Vision did affliction moue , Cupid came to mee in my quiet rest , And did commaund me in his Mothers name , To Loue thee : thus perswading to the same . An armed man ( iust as I see thee now ) Hee set before me speaking to me thus : Phelice bee gentle-hearted , yeelding , bow , Doe not oppose against the power of vs . But all thy Loue , thy loyalty and truth , Bestow it freely on this matchlesse Youth . Throughout the world his Fame shall be admired , And mighty men shall tremble at his wrath : To end Kinges quarrels hee shall be required , His worthines shall tread no common path , But actions to bee fear'd he shall effect , Matters of moment , thinges of great respect . This ( in effect ) hee did to mee relate , And I haue beene obedient to his will , Now if I would , I knowe not how to hate , Of perfect kindnes I am taught the skill : Beleeue mee Guy , for if it were not so , This secret of my heart thou shouldst not know . But now my Loue , before thou must possesse Thy constant Phelice in her Marriage bed , Thou must doe deedes of greater worthinesse , Then winning of a Lady with her Steed , I le euer Loue thee , though thou ne're doe more , But will not graunt the vse of Loue before . Not graunt mee vse of Loue ( quoth he ) faire friend ? Why then of force I must abroad againe , I will content thee or I le make an end One way or other ; slay or else bee slaine , E're I returne againe into this Realme , Thou shalt confesse I haue fulfild thy Dreame . Assist me Heauens as I meane vpright , For I protest by all the powers Deuine , No vniust quarrell shall procure mee fight , To wrong the wronged I will ne're incline , But stand for those that by oppression fall , Is Honours venture , bee it life and all . Come my Bellona doe thou gird my Sword , Imbrace my Armour in thy Yuory armes , And such kinde kisses as thou canst afford , Bestow vpon me in the stead of Charmes , I thinke vpon Vlisses louing Wife , How thou art now to imitate her life . Farewell my Phelice , health and happinesse Attend thee euer to thy hearts desire , And I beseech God graunt thee like successe , As I resolue my Loue to thee entire . At my returne , when Mars his busines ends , My comfort is , Hymen will make amends . And so vnto Earle Rohand hee repaires And tels him , hee is come to take his leaue : Hee must seeke out where Honour dealeth shares , To purchase that which worthy men receiue At home ( sayes hee ) my honourable Lord , I finde that Valour , nothing will afford . Therefore I le search abroad what 's to bee done , From Countrey vnto Kingdome I le resort , By Natures course my glasse hath much to runne , I well may spare some yeares for fighting sport , Of Idlenes there 's nothing comes but euill , I hate a Coward as I hate the Deuill . Guy ( quoth the Earle ) thou mak'st me grieue at this , The newes is more then I can well indure , Thy wished Company so soone to misse , When I did make account I had beene sure Possest of thee , at thy late trauailes end , And dost thou now Iourneyes of new intend ? Remaine with me , trust not to Fortunes power , Though now shee haue so well and kindly delt , Shee may alot thee an vnlucky houre , That instantly her fauours so haue felt , Her curtesies are most vnconstant thinges , Beleeue her not , shee dealeth false with Kinges . Tryumphant on her wheele thou now dost sit , And with Fames Trumpe thy glory doth remaine ▪ Oh doe not ouer-rashly hazard it , Lost Honour is not easie got againe , May not one cursed and vnhappy blow , Betray thy life to thy insulting Foe ? May not a Monster or a sauage Beast , At vnawares depriue thee of thy breath ? May not a Tyrant when thou thinkest least , Cut off thy course by an vntimely death ? May not a thousand dangers on thee light , Where but thy selfe , thy wronged selfe mustright ? ( Quoth Guy ) my Lord , danger hee may not feare , That to aduentures doth himselfe dispose , Hee must a minde of resolution beare , And thinke himselfe too good for all his foes . I le neuer dread I shall bee ouer-man'd , While I haue hands to Fight , and legs to stand . Therefore in humble sort I leaue your Honour , Wishing all health vnto your happy State , If Fortune take a frowning moode vpon her , Why , shee shall see I will disdaine her hate , What Starre soeuer sway'd when I was borne , I beare a minde will laugh mishap to scorne .

Guy to the Duke of Louaine goes , And ioynes with him in strength : Against the Emperour Reynere , Then makes his Peace at length . Canto . 5. NOw Guy expects a fauourable gayle , Which to his hearts desire hee doth attaine , And with a speedy passage he doth sayle , To seeke Aduentures out , in France againe , Where finding none , from thence away hee hyes To Louaine , where in siege the Emperour lyes . For Segwin Duke of Louaines hap was such , At Turnament a Noble man to kill , The Emperours Cousen , whom hee loued much , And tooke the Death of him exceeding ill , So that a quarrell thereupon arose , And warre ensu'de betwixt two mighty Foes . Thither goes Guy to lend the Duke his ayde , But in the way an accident befell : For by Duke Otton hee wos false betray'd , And 's life in question , which he free'd well . Otton in France before disgrac'd by Guy : Had vow'd where ere he met him hee should dye . And to that end , Sixteene appointed were , To lye in Ambush and surprize him so , All men of resolution , voyde of feare , That in a Forrest did themselues bestow , And set on Guy , onely with three Knights more : The like distresse hee ne're was in before . Now Gentlemen and louing friends ( quoth he ) Shew your selues English-hearted , rightly bred : Heere is some ods , sixteene vnto you three , But I the fourth will stand you in good sted ▪ You three shall combate sixe , that 's two for one , And with the other Ten let me alone . Wherewith hee drew his Sword and laide about , That ratling Armour Eccho'd in the Sky : Dealing so resolute amongst the route , That downe they drop on euery side and dye . Heere lyeth one that hath no legs to stand , And there another wanting head and hand . Guy quickly made dispatch with his halfe score , Hee was not long in ridding them away , But then remained halfe a dozen more , Which two of his most worthy Knights did slay , When hee perceiu'd them fall , he stampt the ground , And vtter'd forth this fearefull angry sound . Ah Villaines , how my soule abhorres his sight , For these how my reuenging passions striues ! This bloody deed , with blood I will requite , You dye for it had each a thousand liues , Two slaine out-right and Heraud wounded too , Is the last cursed act that you shall doe . With force ( as 't were exceeding humane strength ) Hee layes vpon them , blowes to stagger vnder , And brings them breathles to the ground , at length C●t all in piece-meale ( for the Crowes ) a sunder : There lye ( quoth he ) and feast Fowles of the ayre , Or feede tho●e sauadge Beasts that will repaire . But these sweet Gentlemen that haue resign'd Their dearest liues , euen for the Loue of me , And came from England as their Loue inclin'd , Companions in my hardest haps to be , I will enterre in Honourable wise . With best Solemnity I can deuise . From thence vnto a Hermit dwelling nye , He rode and did commit that charge with care , Who did performe the office carefully , And Heraud home vnto his Cell he bare , Who was not dead , though Guy suppos'd him slaine , But by the Hermit was restor'd againe . Now foorth goes Guy , pensiue , perplexed , sad , Grieuing that Destiny so cruell delt , For left alone no company he had , To ease the torments that in heart he felt . Till trauailing along , at last he found , A place for Honour , very much renown'd . There did he meete with Tilt and turnament , And entertain'd both glory and delight , There Fortune yeelded him her full consent , To winne the best of euery valiant Knight , Of all the Worthy men that did resort , Not one could match him in Duke Raniers Court . Then to the Duke of Millaine he repaires , Where by his worth he is admir'd of all : And vnderstanding that some great affaires , Twixt Segwin Duke of Louaine did befall , And th' emperour , Millaine he doth forsake , And towards Louaine doth his Iourney take . As he doth passe vpon the way , he meetes A Pilgrim , that with trauaile seemed faint : Who in all humane curtesie he greetes , And with some newes intreats him to acquaint , His longing eare , hee with a sigh or two , Said sir , with newes I little haue to doe . One thing in all the world is all my care , And onely that , and nothing else I minde : I seeke a man , and seeke him in dispaire , Because I long haue sought and cannot finde , A man more dearely to my soules-loue tide , Then all the men are in the world beside . Why what art thou ( quoth Guy ) or who is hee ? Of kindnes bee so kinde as tell in briefe ? I am an English-man of Knights degree , ( Quoth Heraud ) and the subiect of my griefe , Is losse of one Sir Guy , my Countrey-man : Guy with ioyes teares lights to imbrace him than . And art thou liuing Heraud my deare friend , ( Quoth he ) and kindly tooke him in his armes ? Then chearfully let sorrowes all take end , And let me know , who cur'd thee of thy harmes ? The good olde Hermit by his skill did saue me , With wholsome medicines , and salues he gaue me . Guy did reioyce , and Herauds ioyes abound , At this so good and happy accident : No angry Starre in opposition found , But each was owner of his owne content . So poasting with good Fortune on their side , Vnto the Duke of Louaine they doe ride . The Citty in distresse besieg'd they finde , And very small resistance could be made , But Segwin was right ioyfull in his minde , That worthy Guy was come vnto his ayde . For now ( quoth he ) boldly presume I can , We haue an Honourable valiant man . Aduise me warlike Knight , what 's to be done , To free the present danger wee are in : My Lord ( quoth Guy ) there 's freedome to be wonne Euen by a course , my selfe will first begin , Let 's issue forth vpon them presently , Our courages will make the Cowards flye . I le giue consent to any thing thou wilt , Thy proiect willingly I doe approue : Let limbe be lost , let Life and blood be spilt , All followes thee that comes to me in Loue . Open the Gates , le ts beate them from our walles : Hee lyes no lower then the ground , that falles . Then sodainly the Citty they forsake , And on the Almaines resolutely set , Where such a bloody slaughter they did make , That many thousand liues payde Death his debt , Of thirty Thousand that in Siedge there lay , Scarce thirty Hundred that escap'd away . The Emperour at this was much agrieu'd , And with new Forces gaue a new assault : Knowing the Citty could not be relieu'd , And then their strength would weaken by default , So comes vpon them with a fresh supply , Thinking at length to famish them thereby . Guy and the Duke vpon the walles appeare , And tels him he shall neuer winne their Towne : For they can spare his Soldiers much good cheare , Throwing them Victuals in aboundance downe . Intreating them if they want more then that , To speake , they shall haue store to make them fat . But now ( quoth Guy ) your bodyes are well fed , How doe you feele your stomacks to goe fight ? I am afraid you are not rightly bred , But dunghils that will sooner crowe then bite : For still when Cowards doe begin a fray , Looke ere it end to see them runne away . And so your selues haue lately done wee see , Your tongs were heard , but hands ther 's no man feeles , Most hote to brabble and contend you bee , But wondrous quicke and nimble at your heeles , We did suspect when you came heere to forage , We should haue bin encumbred with your courage . But 't is not so , alas y' are not the men , Vnlesse perhaps asleepe you should vs catch : For waking wee le encounter one to ten , And neuer wish to haue a better match , Haue at you once againe , sit fast , wee come , March on my hearts , sound Trumpets , strike vp Drum . Vpon the sodaine , with the Foe they bee , Fighting as men that laugh'd pale Death to scorne : Resolued now they would their Citty free , Or neuer liue to see the next day morne . Much blood was shed , great store of Liues it cost , And on the Almaines side the Field was lost . The Duke and Guy pursues their foes in chase , Who like so many Hares away doe flye : Wishing that they had wings to mend their pace , So sweet is life to them that feare to dye , But Fortune in an angry doome decreed , Their glory , honour , fame and life should bleed . The victors to the Citty then retired , With Trophes of tryumphant glory wonne , And all that heard the Action much admired , The great Exploit so resolutely done : But vnto Guy , the Duke all thankes did yeeld , For thou ( quoth he ) art Caesar of our Field . My Lord ( quoth Guy ) I ioy not halfe so much , That we haue wrought a freedome by the Sword , As I should glory if my hap were such , Twixt you and th' Emperour to make accord . Giue me but leaue I will endeauour it , And put good-will to a blunt Soldiers wit . The Duke consents with thankes , and doth intreat Him take a guard of Soldiers forth the Towne , Danger that seemes but little , may proue great , I would not haue thee wrong'd for Raniers Crowne , Goe Honourable man , what thou shalt doe , I le set my hand , my Heart , my Life thereto . Guy goes vnto the Emperour , speakes thus : High Maiesty , all health vnto thy Grace , And Peace to thee , if thou say Peace to vs , And Loue to thee , if Loue thou wilt imbrace : As we are Christians let vs warre no more , But fight 'gainst such as will not God adore . We sue not to thee in a seruile manner , As dreading any power or force thou hast , For Victory doth now display his Banner , And warre yeelds vs a sweet and pleasing tast : No cause doth moue it , but a Conscience cause , To bring the Heathens to religious Lawes . Speake Raynier , and resolue what wilt thou doe , With Soldiers breuity my message ends : Giue me an answer euen as briefe thereto , Shall we be Christian foes , or Christian friends ? Shall we among our selues that Name deuide ? Or challenge those that haue the same denide . Braue English-man , hadst thou spoke thus before , Thousands ( quoth he ) had liu'd , which now are slaine , Earth should haue wanted of that slaughtered store , Which in her vastie bowels doe remaine . Thou hast preuail'd with me , heere warre shall cease , And I imbrace thee as a friend of Peace . Thy motion tends to Honour ( honours Knight ) And thou shalt liue in Fames immortall praise : When thou art buryed in eternall night , Thy Name shall last the longest length of dayes ▪ Thou dost the Worthyes of the world exceed : Blest be the Countrey did thy person breed . Come goe my Liege ( quoth Guy ) vnto the Towne , And with Duke Segwin there a League renue : Our ends shall be to pull the Pagans downe , That vnto CHRIST'S Religion are vntrue . My greatest ioy will be to heare it said , This is the best dayes worke that e're Guy made .

Guy with a Thousand chosen men , Against the Pagans goes : And makes them curse that ere they felt The force of Christians blowes . Canto . 6. THe power of peace hath vanquish'd stubborn war , And mighty Princes worthily conclude , The Sword shall rust in sheath before it Iarre , To be with blood of Innocents imbrew'd : Christians in Name and Action to vnite , 'Gainst vnbeleeuing Infidels to fight . ●uy with a Thousand men doth take his leaue , so hearken further after Martiall newes , And doth a true intelligence receiue , That barb'rous Pagans , Sarazens , and Iewes , Turkes and the like , of Mahomets blinde crew , In most confused warre each other slew . To them he goes , partiall on neither part , ( His Sword did fauour euery side alike ) They all were odious to him in his heart , Which arm'd his hand with vigour for to strike , And worke amazement vnto their contending , Comming so roughly to their quarrels ending ! ( Quoth they amongst themselues ) what fellow 's this , Thae layes about him like a mad-man thus ? Of certainty more then a man hee is , For humane force would feare to fight with vs , But if he bee as seemeth by his shape , Had he ten thousand liues he could not scape . Then did a haughty Pagan step to Guy , And said to him , If valour in thee rest , Let 's haue a little sport 'twixt thee and I , Onely to see which of our Swords cut best , Thou hast a weapon there is like a Reede , Me thinkes it is too blunt to make one bleed . Too blunt ( quoth Guy ) and in his anger grones : Pagan I like thy humour passing well , I le whet it ere we part , vpon thy bones , And then another tale thou wilt me tell , If it should faile me now , it were a wonder , Such Lubbers it hath often hew'd a sunder . Bat come , art ready ? bid thy friends adew , And say thy prayers vnto thy Pagan Gods , For I doe meane to vse thee like a Iew , Because with Christians thou doest liue at ods , Looke that thy head be set on sure and fast , Or mortall man , I le proue thee but a blast . Then did they lend each other lusty knockes , That sparkes of fire from their Helmets flye , The partiall multitude about them flockes , Expecting all the end and Death of Guy , For Coldran whom he fought withall was strong , And had beene Champion to the Pagans long . At length Guy lent him such a speeding blow , That downe comes Coldran & his strength to ground ▪ Pagan ( quoth he ) is my Sword sharpe or no ? With which euen now so blunt a fault you found , Rise quicke , for if thy legs thou canst not feele : Off goes thy head as true as this is Steele . Forthwith he made him shorter by the Head , And that vnto the Emperour he sent : The Infidels grewe all astonished , For they in Coldran were so confident , They durst haue venter'd goods , and life and limbe , On any Combate that was fought by him . Then Heraud ( to giue Guy some breathing space ) Challeng'd a Pagan called Elmadant , And dar'd him and defi'd him to his face : ( For valiant Heraud did not Courage want ) The Pagan somewhat hot , with fury fild Did combate , being quickly cool'd and kild . Presently Guy vnto another comes Call'd Morgadour , and soundly with his blade Layes on him , and his sences so benummes , He tumbles head-long like a tyred Iade . The Pagans seeing their Champions thus goe downe , Forsooke the Field , retyring to the Towne . Where a most bloody Tyrant bare the sway , Who hearing what had hapned ; full of Ire Went armed to the Tent whereas Guy lay , And did a Combate at his hands require , Villaine ( quoth he ) whom like a Dog I scorne , I le make thee curse the time when thou wast borne . Know runagate I come to fetch thy Head , For to a Lady I haue promis'd it : My Curres shall with thy English flesh be fed , They must deuoure thy body eu'ry bit , Come , I haue vow'd by Mahomet thou dy'st , Thou canst not scape by trusting in thy Christ . And hast thou giuen away my Head ( quoth he ) Vnto a Lady ? 't is a braue intent : An honest man will his wordes master be , And neuer promise more then he hath meant . Come on thy wayes and take it quickly off , Or else the Lady will suppose you scoffe . With proud disdaine together then they rush , Laying it on as fast as both could driue : But Eskeldart , Guyes sword did so becrush , That for his Head he durst no longer striue . But on the sodaine for to saue his owne : Put 's spurres to Horse , and in all post is gone . Guy then returnes to Heraud , and declares What a bolde fellow came to fetch his Head : Who smiling at it , merrily prepares , To tell of his Aduentures , how he sped , With a false Coward called Adelart , That wounded him with an inuenom'd Dart. And being hurt most dangerously so , Was intercepted ere hee could retire , By Estellard a proude insulting Foe , Compos'd of Cruelty and deuillish Ire . But ( quoth Sir Heraud ) e're our fray was done , I made them wish , it ne're had beene begun . For Adellart I wounded in the side , And Estellard I curtail'd by the knees : Then left them lying , Death to be their guide , Vnto the Iayle where wormes doe clayme their fees , So when those two were seene to fall downe dead , All th' other Pagans with amazement fled . Why then ( quoth Guy ) all 's quiet I perceiue These miscreants like vnto Foxes flye , But gentle Heraud ere wee take our leaue , One Combate more I am resolu'd to try , The Generall of this accursed route , Shall bee the man I meane to single out . They tearme him mighty Souldan : friend I long To make a proofe if hee deserue the Name , I am in doubt they doe him mighty wrong , If might be wanting to auouch the same , Titles of worth become base Cowards ill , I le try what 's in him , hap what euer will . Nay Heraud leaue me , preethee doe forbeare , I will be speedy ; tarry in this Wood : Goe to yon grassie banke , repose thee there , And with this Balsome , stay those drops of blood , Ere Phoebus in the Occident decline , Death shall conclude the Souldans life or mine . Said Heraud , since thou wilt not let me goe , But doest appoint this bed of Earth to beare me , Till thou returne I will conuerse with woe , And will not suffer any Bird sing neare me . With longing eyes , and carefull list'ning eares : I le spend thy absent time , in pray'rs and teares . Guy poasts with speed , and doth the Souldan finde , And thus hee speakes : Art thou the man of might Surnamed so by Tongues , and peoples winde ? Heere is a Christian come to dare thee Fight , Both Mahomet and thee I doe defie , And heer 's a Sword I will maintaine it by . The Souldan with a staring looke , replyes ; Thou Christian Slaue , I le chastice thee with Steele : Thou art an odious Creature in mine eyes , And thy presumption shall my Fury feele . With that at Guy he ranne with all his force : Their Launces brake , and each forsooke his Horse . Then by the Sword the Victor must preuaile , Which manly force makes deadly wounds withall , Cutting through Armour , mangling shirts of Male , That at the last , downe did the Souldan fall , Sending blasphemous Curses to the Sky , And casting handfuls of his blood at Guy . Who presently tooke Horse and then retir'd To Heraud , whom he found in slumber layde , Rise friend ( quoth he ) the time is now expir'd , An end with mighty Souldan I haue made . With that he rose with joy , and loues imbrace , And forth they trauaile to another place .

Guy takes a Princely Lyons part , And doth a Dragon kill : Then frees faire Osile from mishaps , That else had fared ill . Canto . 7. PAssing the Deserts now , where shady Trees , Embrac'd each other in their green-leau'd armes , Where Lady Ecchoes dwelling best agrees , And little Birds sing fearelesse of their harmes : They chanc'd to find a pleasant siluer Spring , Which water to them was a welcome thing .

His Lady sends him forth againe , Whose will hee doth obay : And manfully a Dragon kils , To part a cruell Fray .

There with the Christall streams they coole their heat And slake the thirst they had endured long , There did they make the hearbes and roots their meat , To satisfie for Natures hungry wrong , But on the so daine at the noyse they wonder , A Lyon roar'd as if great Loue did Thunder . Heraud ( quoth Guy ) to Horse let 's bee prepar'd , And leaue our Dinner till another day : Heere is a sound I neuer was so scar'd , I le seeke it out ; it comes from yonder way : Some Monster or some Deuill makes this noyse , For on my life it is no humane voyce . So forth he rides , and vnderneath a Hill He findes a Dragon , with a Lyon met : Braue sport ( said he ) I pra'y fight out your fill , And then vpon the strongest I will set , Which of the twaine that first aside doth start : I am a friend that will maintaine his part . The Dragon windes his crooked knotted tayle , About the Lyons legs to cast him so : The Lyon fastens on his rugged scale , And nimbly doth auoyde that ouerthrow . Then toooth and nayle , they crewell teare and bite ▪ Maintaining long , a fierce and bloody fight . At last , the Lyon faintly turnes aside , And lookes about , as if hee would be gone : Nay then ( quoth Guy ) Dragon haue at your hide , Defend your Deuils face , I le lay it on . With that couragiously to worke he goes , And deales the Dragon very manly blowes . The vgly Beast ( with flaggie winges display'd , Comes at him mainely with most dreadfull pawes , Whose very lookes might make a man affray'd , So terrible seemed his deuouring jawes . Wide gaping , grisly , like the mouth of Hell : More horrible then Pen , or Tongue can tell . His blazing eyes did burne like liuing fire , And forth his smoaking gorge came sulpher smoke , Aloft his speckled brest , hee lifted hyer Then Guy could reach at length of weapons stroke . Thus in most irefull moode himselfe he bore , And gaue a cry , as Seas are wont to rore . With that , his mortall sting he stretched out , Exceeding farre the sharpest point of Steele , Then turnes and windes his scaly tayle about The Horses legs , more nimbly then an Eele , With that , Guy hewes vpon him with his blade , And three mens strength to euery stroke he layde . One fatall blowe he gaue him in the side , From whence did issue streames of swarty blood , The Sword had made a passage large and wide , That deepe into the Monsters gore Guy stood : Then with a second wound he ouertooke him , Which made the Dragon turne , to haue forsooke him . Nay then ( quoth he ) thou hast not long to liue , I see thou faintest , at the point to fall , Then such a stroake of death he did him giue , That downe comes Dragon crying out withall , So horrible , the sound did more affright The Conqueror , then all the dreadfull fight . Away hee rides , and lets that Hell-hound lye , But looking backe , espies behinde his Horse The Lyon comming after , very nye , Which makes him light , to manage manly force , But when the Beast beheld his weapon drawne , He came to him , and like a Dog did fawne . Like to that gratefull Lyon which did free Androdus life , for pulling out a Thorne , When for offence he should by Lawes decree Within the Theater by Beasts be torne . The Lyon came and lick'd him very kinde , Bearing ( as seem'd ) an olde good turne in minde . Euen so this gentle creature deales with him , For that same benefit which hee had done : Although by Nature cruell , sterne and grim , Yet like a Spaniell by his Horse did runne . Continuing many dayes , with great desire , Till extreame hunger , forc'd him to retire . Now towards the Sea , Guy doth his Iourney take , Imbarques for France : but by contrary winde Arriues in Almaine , where the Nobles make Great Tryumph for him and with ioyfull minde , The Emperour reioyceth he is come : And bids him welcome into Christendome . There he is entertain'd with Turnament , With Kingly banquets , Princely reuelling : And multitudes to giue their eyes content , Attend him with their throngs , still wondering , At all his worthy acts Report hath spred , Wherewith their eares most strangely hath bin fed . From thence he trauailes toward his louing friend , The Duke of Louaine , whom he long'd to see : But ere he came vnto his Iournyes end , A wronged Lady hee did worthy free : Which violently was from her Loue bereft , And he at point of Death , sore wounded left . Thus it befell , Terry a valiant Earle , With his deare Loue , surnam'd Osile the faire , ( His precious Iemme , inestimable pearle ) Into a Forrest went to take the ayre , Whereas a plot was layde to take his life , And make his beautious Loue , anothers wife . Vpon the sodaine sixteene Villaines came Vnto the Earle , and did him grieuous wound : Sirra , ( quoth one ) thou hast a wench wee clayme , She must with vs , lye thou there on the ground , And the next passenger that thou doest see , Intreat him make a Graue , to bury thee . Guy finding Terry thus , hearing his plaint , Doth comfort him in kindest sort hee can : Who with the losse of blood doth weakely faint , With face of deadly colour , pale and wan , Courage ( quoth he ) I le fetch thy Loue againe : Or say that Guy is but a Coward swaine . When Terry heard that name , he did reuiue , For vnto him Guyes worthy deedes were knowne : And lifting vp himselfe from ground , did striue For to embrace him in deepe passions groane , Thanks gracious heauens ( qd. he ) with soule and heart For sending thee , to take my wronged part . Which is the way ( quoth he ) those Villaines went ? That pathe said wofull Terry by yon Oke : Haue after them , this deed they shall repent , As I am Christian Knight : and as he spoke , He heard a shrike , which was the Ladyes cry , So by that sound , he did them soone descry . Comming vnto them wretched slaues ( quoth he ) What doe you purpose with this Lady heere ? In large her presently , and set her free , You haue done wronges , that will be rated deere . Her Husband wounded , shee vsde violent , Will cost you liues a peece incontinent . With that they laugh'd , & said what foole 's this same , Or rather mad-man in his desp'rate minde , That meanes by wilfull Death , to get a name , And haue the world report he hath bin kinde ? The fellow sure is in some franticke fit , And meanes to fight , without both feare or wit Like so ( quoth he ) the fit that 's on me now . You all shall finde to bee a raging one : With that he showes them Mars his angry brow , And bids the Lady cease her pensiue mone , Saying , good Madam vnto ioy incline : For sodainly these Rascals will be mine . Then with a courage admirable bolde , At euery blowe some one or other dyes : Which when the gentle Lady did beholde , Oh pitty , worthy Knight she cryes ! These mortall woundes I can no longer see , Be not so bloody , in reuenging me . Vpon my knees I doe intreate thee stay , This is to me a terrifying sight : Oh , with their liues thou takest mine away , If one dye more , I fainting yeeld my sprite , Thou worthily mine honour hast defended , Let the reuenging of my wrongs be ended . Lady ( quoth he ) I cease at thy request , Depart base Rascals , all but two be gon : But villaines you did binde her for the rest , And stroake them with his sword ( the scabard on ) That downe to ground they fell , making this scuse My Lord , we onely kept her to thy vse . Then on his steed , he lets the Lady ride , To seeke her Lord , whome she had left distrest : And Guy vnto the place became her guide , Where comming they did finde him , carefull drest : For in their absence came a Hermit by : Which to his bleeding woundes , did salue apply . Terry and Osile , in their ioyes abound , And gracefully to Guy all thankes doe giue : Be thou said they , in Life , and death renown'd , Whom we will Honour while we breathing liue . Holde , heer 's my hand ( quoth Terry ) worthy Guy In fight for thee , I would bee proude to dye .

Guy takes Earles Terryes Fathers part , And kills the Duke his Foe : Destroyes a cruell sauage Bore , Preuenting dangers so . Canto . 8. NOw Titans Horses , with his fiery Carre , Had brought the Day to darknes in the West : And Vesper , that same siluer shining Starre , Which doth adorne the sky at Euening best , Appear'd as bright as Cynthia in her Sphaere , To welcome sable Nights approaching neare . When Terry , Guy , and Osile , wanting guide , Didst stray about the vnfrequented Wood , Hearing the saluage noyse on eu'ry side , Of Beasts that thirsted after humane blood , As Bores , and Beares , and Lyons , and the like : Which to their hearts did some amazement strike . On euery side they cast a heedfull eye , Still doubting on the sodaine some surprize : At length two Armed men they did espy , That also listen to those fearefull cryes . Each had his sword in hand , being ready drawne , Knowing that place , did yeeld no Dogs would fawne . Comming more neare , Sir Heraud was the one ; The other euen as dearely Terryes friend ; Who with imbracements made their gladnes knowne And then the Earle demaunded to what end His louing Cousen pass'd the Defert so ? My Lord ( quoth he ) to bring thee newes of woe . Thy noble Father is besleged now , In this strong Castle , by Duke Ottons power : Who hath protested by a solemne vow , About his eares , he will pull downe the Tower , In a reuenge that thou his Loue hast got : He sweares thy Fathers life escapeth not . His Loue ( quoth Terry ! ) preethee Osile speake , Acquaint this Worthy man with thy soules thought , Haue I procur'd thee any Faith to breake ? Or bin the instigater vnto ought That is vniust in righteous Heauens sight ? Neuer ( quoth Osile ) thou hast bin vpright . That wretched man , would force my Loue away , In clayming that , I ne're intend to giue : I will bee thine vntill my dying day , Thou shalt inioy me , all the howers I liue , And when I alter this determination , Let Gods , and men , holde mee in detestation . Well spoke ( said Guy , ) Lady be constant euer , And Honours blemish then , thou needst not doubt , Keepe Loues foundation firme , alter it neuer , It is for Loue , I raunge the world about , And doe expose my Life , to mortall danger , In this exiled state , an vnknowne Stranger . But Terry , wherefore are thy lookes so sad , That hast thy Loue in person to imbrace ? As farre as England mine is to be had , And many yeares I haue not seene her face , It were enough to bring my hopes to end , But that my Patience is a trusty friend . My Lord ( said Terry ) know you not my griefe ? And heard this Messenger relate the cause ? Oh my distressed Father wants reliefe , I were a rebell vnto Natures lawes , Not to condole with him in his extreame , Making his troubles . my true sorrowes Theame , If that be all ( quoth hee ) thou art too blame , There is no cause to spend a sigh thereon : I le terrifie Duke Otton with my Name , Let him but heare I come , and he 'le be gon , Something betweene vs may not be forgot , He felt my Sword in France , but lik't it not . Since that , against my life a plot hee layde , By villaines that surpriz'd me in a Wood , But treachery , with vengeance was repayd , Who euer knew a Traytors end proue good ? Accursed haps attend them euermore , In brasen Bull , Perillus first did rore . I will goe with thee , to defend thy Father , ( For the oppressed I haue vow'd to right ) And reason moues me to it , so much rather , Mine owne abuses , therewith to requite . This oportunity wee le not omit , In that occasion falleth out so fit . Let 's hasten on with speed vnto the place , Preuenting mischiefe ere too farre it runne : Take holde of Time , before he turne his face , Good proueth best when it is soonest done , Goe like Eneas with a filiall ioy , To fetch thine olde Anchises out of Troy . Couragious Knight ( quoth Terry ) thy bolde hart Cannot be daunted I perceiue with feare : Compos'd of Mars his element thou art , Of powerfull limbes , to mannage sword and speare : My melancholy thou hast banish'd hence , And with strong hope , arm'd me in recompence . Now all in poste , they speede themselues away , And in short time vnto the Castle come ; Whereas Duke Otton with his forces lay , Relying on his Soldiers ample somme . But when the Captaines of Guyes comming knew They fled by night , and neuer bad adew . This was discouragement to all the rest , To see their Leaders thus giue ground and flye : Yet did the Duke most resolute protest , If each man in the Castle were a Guy , He would not leaue it basely , and retire : Though life be deare , yet honours place is hyer . Terry ( said Guy ) we must not tedious bee , Experience often hath my tutor bin : And taught , that when aduantage I doe see , To fasten on occasion , and begin , The enemie by feare , himselfe subdues , Adde force to that , and victorie ensues . We will not make our Prison of this place , As long as there is Field-roome to be got : T is my desire , to meete the Dukes good grace , And combate him , because he loues me not , If that you will not leaue this house of stone , I le leaue you all and goe my selfe alone . And with those wordes Heraud and he depart , Which when the Castle-soldiers did perceiue , They gaue a showte , our Generall thou art , Thy Honourable steps we will not leaue , Wee are resolued to attend thee still : Let Fortune vse vs , euen as Fortune will . And thus most Valiant they doe march along , Giuing the onset , fearelesse to their Foe , Making those multitudes that seem'd so strong , Retire themselues , with slaughtered ouerthrow . But when the Duke perceiu'd his Soldiers flye : Perish ( quoth he ) base villaines , heere I le dye . Where is this English-man that haunts my Ghost , And thus pursueth me from place to place ? I challenge him to come and leaue the Host , And meete with resolution , face to face . Let equall enuy make this equall match , All controuersies wee will soone dispatch . Agreed ( quoth Guy ) proude Foe , I yeeld consent , Repent thy wrongs , and make thy Conscience cleare , For thou hast liu'd to see thy honour spent , Which worthy men of all thinges holde most deare . The noble minded censure him with shame , That liues to see the Death of his good name . Then toward each other they did mainely make , And brake their Launces very violent , Which being done their Swords in hand they take , Fighting vntill great store of blood was spent . For Enuy did the Duke's keene weapon whet : And on Guyes sword , Reuenge an edge did set . At length through losse of blood , the Duke fell downe And said , Now fond felicity farewell , I am betray'd by Fortunes angry frowne , And this experience to the world doe tell , There 's nothing constant , that the earth containes , Death deales with Monarchs , as with simple Swaines ▪ Bewitching Vanities , seducing blinde vs , Greatnes hath great accounts thereon depending , As Death doth leaue vs , so shall Iudgement finde vs ; There is no peace vnto a happy ending , My Dying houre , yeelds more repentant Grace , Then in my Life I euer could imbrace . Th' immortall soule doth with these words depart , And leaues the breathles Body did containe it : While wofull passions doe afflict Guyes heart , Now wishing to himselfe he had not slaine it , For true Humanity , compassion showes : To see Afflictions , ouer-burden Woes . Guy sheath'd his Sword , and said , remaine thou there , Vntill I doe arriue on Englands shore : No further quarrell to the world I beare , For Loue of Phelice , I will bleed no more , From her I haue beene too too long away , And will returne to challenge Soldiers pay . So thence he rode to finde Sir Heraud out , Making his Iourney through a Desart place , Which was obscure , enuiron'd round about With shady Trees that hid bright Phoebus face ; Where sodainly he met the hugest Bore , That euer mortall eye beheld before . The beast came at him most exceeding fell , Which he preuenting stands vpon his guard , And doth auoyde those dreadfull Tuskes right well , Laying vpon the Swinish head , so hard , That dead hee left him who had many slaine , For forth that Wood , no man came backe againe . When this was done , Heraud hee ouertakes , And tels him what a Christmas Brawne he slew , Then with his purpose him acquainted makes , Which was to bid all Forraigne parts adew , And see the heauenly obiect of his heart : Heraud consents , and they forthwith depart .

To England comes Victorious Guy , And doth faire Phelice wed : At Yorke presenting Athelstone , A dreadfull Dragons head . Canto . 9. ASsisted now by nimble winged Time , Guy shapes his course for England , and doth leaue , The bolde aduentures of each Forraigne climbe , Loues iust reward from Phelice to receiue . As Hercules twelue Labours being past , Found time for Dianiraes Loue at last . Heraud and Guy no sooner doe arriue , But newes thereof vnto the King was brought , Who heard of all before they did atchieue , Which made him much desirous in his thought , To see such Subiects matchlesse men alone , In honouring England , and King Athelstone . To Yorke they goe , for there the King was then , To whome they did most humble duty show ; Welcome ( quoth he ) renowned Martiall men , My Princely loue vpon you I bestow , Your fortunate successe contentment breeds : Fame came before , and brought vs home your deed ▪ Guy thou hast layde a heauy hand we heare Vpon the neckes of Pag●n Infidels , And sent them home by fatall Sword and Speare , To horrours vault , where vnbeleeuers dwels . Deuouring Beasts thou likewise hast destroy'd , That humane Creatures , fearefull haue anoy'd . Yet worthy man , I thinke thou ne're didst slay , Of all those Monsters , terrible and wilde , More cruell Creature , then at this same day , Destroyes what ere it meetes , Man , Woman , Childe , Cattell and all , which no man dare withstand : A dreadfull Dragon in Northumberland . I speake not this to animate thee on , And hazard Life at setting foote a shore , For diuers to destroy this Beast haue gone , But to their friends , neuer returned more , No , I expresse how happy thou hast bin , To free like feares that other men were in . Dread Lord ( quoth Guy ) as I am English Knight , And faithfull vnto God , true to my King , I will goe see if that same Beast dare bite , For to your Grace his Head I meane to bring . I found his fellow with a Lyon fighting , But made him leaue both scratching , and his biting . And as I dealt with him , I le deale with this , Onely I doe beseech your Royall grace , Command me some direction where he is , And to your Court I le bring his vgly face , Or your milde fauour neuer let me see : Dragon or Deuill , what so e're he bee . So taking humble leaue , away he rides , Vnto Northumberland to finde that Beast : Hauing a dozen Knights which were his guides , And brought him where the Dragon held his feast Like Canniball , that feeds on flesh of men : Behold ( quoth they to Guy ) you Caue's his Den. It is enough said hee : doe you remaine , And leaue me to goe finde out Hidra's head , That neuer shall deuower man againe , Who with so many bodyes hath bin fed , Heere Gentlemen if you will please to stay , Sit on your Horses and behold our fray . Comming vnto the Caue , the Dragon spyes him , And forth he stalkes with lofty speckled brest , Of dreadfull forme : assoone as ere Guy eyes him , His Launce he speedy set into his rest , Then spurres to Horse and at the Dragon makes : That bearing ground , at the encounter shakes . Then very lightly Guy retires his Horse , And comes vpon him with redoubled might : The Dragon meets him with resisting force , And like a reede his Launce in two did bite , Nay then ( quoth Guy ) if to such bites you fall , I haue a toole to picke your Teeth withall . Then drew his Sword ( a keene and massie blade ) And fiercely stroke with furious blowes , so fell , That many wide and bloody woundes he made , Which causde the Dragon yawne , like mouth of Hell , Roaring with a most fearefull hideous sound , And with his Clawes all rent and tore the ground . Impatient of the smart hee did sustaine , He thought with winges to raise himfelse aloft , But with a stroake Guy brought him downe againe , And ply'd him with the edge of Steele so oft , That downe he fell in durty blood beray'd , And forth his wide deuouring Ouen bray'd . A flake of fire seem'd to issue thence , While Guy was hewing off his vgly Head , Now Fiend ( quoth he ) thou hast thy recompence , For all the humane blood thy Iawes haue shed , Vpon a part of this same broken Speare , Thy filthy face vnto the King I le beare . The Knights with ( ioy exceeding ) take a view , Of that same fearefull creature , strange of shape : Admiring at his vgly forme of hew , With wonderment that mortall man could scape , Those teeth and clawes , so dreadfull , sharpe and long , Compos'd by Nature in a Beast so strong . When they had fix'd the Head vpon a Speare , And measur'd out the bodyes length direct : Vnto the King at Lincolne they it beare , Who Guyes returne with longing did expect , God shield ( quoth he ) and saue me from all euill : Heere is a face may well out-face the Deuill . What staring eyes of burning glasse be those , That might ( aliue ) to flaming Beacons seeme ? What scales of harnesse arme that crookee Nose , And Teeth ? none such had Cerberus I deeme : What yawning mouth and forked Tongue is there , That being Dead , may make the Liuing feare ? Victorious Knight , thy Actions we admire , And place thee highly in our Kingly loue , Throughout the spacious Orbe by Fame aspire , More lofty then the supreme Spheare doth moue ▪ To the succeeding Ages of this Land , I will remember thy Victorious hand . Which shall be thus : the Monsters picture wrought On cloath of Arras artificiall well , And vnto Warwicke wee will haue it brought ; There to remaine , and after ages tell , That worthy Guy , a man of matchlesse strength , Destroy'd a Dragon Thirty foote in length . And place his Head heere on the Castle wall , For memory , till yeares doe ruine it : And Nobles make tryumphant Festiuall , Affoord our Knight all honour doth befit . Troy's Hector's dead and can no more atchieue : But Englands Hector still remaines aliue . By this Report the onely Linguist liuing , Had beene with Phelice for to make her glad : Such fame and glory to her Louer giuing , As neuer greater any Worthy ●ad . Tels all the deedes of wonder he hath done , From the first action that his hand begun . Phelice impatient of his wished sight , Speeds towards Lincolne , like light Salmacis : Where ioyfully she entertaines her Knight , With Iunoes kinde imbrace , and Venus kisse . Guy with requitall makes his gladnes knowne : And in his armes he now inioyes his owne . Forgetfull Loue , and too too slowe ( quoth she ) I fear'd thou didst not minde thy dearest friend : What , seeke a Dragon , ere thou looke for me , And hazard life before thou come , or send To know if I remaine in happy state ! Some jealous woman , would suppose 't were hate . But sure I doe not , though I speake my heart , And wish I had bin first thou saw'st on shore : Guy welcome to thy Phelice now thou art , Thou neuer shalt goe forth a Fighting more , No , thou hast fought too much , thy lookes bewray Sterne countenance , hath stolne thy smiles away . But Loue , will learne thee ( loue ) to change thy face , And frame it , as at first when I did chuse it : Thou hast almost forgotten to imbrace , I like that well ; it seemes thou did'st not vse it In Forraigne parts abroad , where thou hast bin , But that lost lesson , thou must new begin . I will ( quoth he ) deere Loue , and ply my Booke , And kisse my Lesson on thy Corall lip : Tell me but onely when I am mistooke , In reading rashly , if I ouer-skip , Or be too negligent in taking paine , Why turne me backe , to conne my geere againe . But Lady , one exception I will make , What line soeuer you doe put me to , The Horne-booke of all other I le forsake , For willingly , I would not haue to doe With that Crosse-rowe , crosse vnto many , when , Women doe teach it vnto Married men . Kinde Sir ( quoth she ) content , I le neuer chuse it , It fits two sorts , a Curtezan , a Childe : Once , as the latter , simply I did vse it , But for the other , rather , be beguilde Then to deceiue , the second Horn-booke's naught : Teach it not me and it shall ne're be taught . Guy smil'd and said , come let vs Warwicke see , Of all the world the place that I loue best : Because it had the bringing vp of thee , And there , first with thy Beauty I was blest , I loue the Castle , and the Garden ground , Where e'rst thy Venus-face alone I found . Let 's hasten on to heare this Sacred voyce , I Guy take Phelice to my wedded wife : And thou repeate , I likewise am thy choyse , Till Death depart vs , euen so long as Life . And then the next will bee , God giue vs Ioy , And send thy Fathers Heyre , agallant Boy .

The Marriage is Solemnized , But after Forty dayes : Guy Pennance vowes , and Pilgrim like , From England goes his wayes . Canto . 10. THe happy Day ( that Louers long expect ) Is now attayn'd to giue desire rest : And all the honours Hymen can effect , He franke bestowes to grace the wedding Feast . For Athelstone and his renowned Queene : At this great Nuptiall , in their pompe were seene . The Nobles rich and costly in Attire , With worthy Knights and Gentlemen beside : Ladyes of Honour ( as their Loues require ) Attend vpon the beautious faire fac'd Bride . There wanted nothing ( wit of man could finde ) To please the eye , or to content the minde . Maskes , midnight-Reuels , Tilt and Turnament , Acting of ancient Stories , stately showes , Banquets , might giue great Iupiter content , Where cuppes of Nector plentious ouer-flowes , Aboundant all thinges , with a plentious hand : As if a King himselfe , should feast a Land . Soone after all these thinges were consummate , Earle Rohand ( Phelice worthy Father ) dyes : And to his Sonne bequeathes the whole estate Of Earledomes , Lordships , all his Land is Guyes . Who is created Earle of Warwicke then , In Honours rancke , with Englands Noble-men . But in the glory of this high applaud , Enioying all that did partake delight , When euery tongue his Fame and Fortunes laude , Himselfe conuerts his sun-shine dayes to night , Bethinking what the world may iust be thought : And deeming all but vaine , that he had sought . Oft would hee sit and meditate alone , In looking backe what steps his youth had trod : Then to himselfe with sighes , and grieuous grone , Cry pardon me , thou iust incensed God , I haue done nothing for to purchase Grace : But spent my time about a Womans face . For Beauty , bloody through the world I ran , In pride of heart preferring Phelice feature : For Beauty I haue ended many a man , Hating all other , for one mortall Creature , For Beauty I haue pawn'd my vtmost power , But for my sinnes not spent one weeping hower . My Nunquam sera I will now begin , And vowe to spend the remnant of my dayes , In contrite Pennance for my former sinne , That God may pardon all the erring wayes , Which flesh and blood , vainely deceiued by , Vnto the world I will goe learne to dye . Let me be censur'd , euen as mortals please , I le please my God in all things may be done : Ambitious pride hath beene my youths disease , I le teach age meeknes , ere my Glasse bee runne , And change my choyse : wealth , beauty , world farwel : To purchase Heauen , I would passe thorow Hell . Phelice perceiues his melancholy state , And comming to him , doth most mildely woo : My Lord ( quoth shee ) why are you chang'd of late ? As I share ioy , let mee beare sorrow too , If I in ought haue mou'd you to offence : I will with teares performe due recompence . No my deare Loue ( quoth Guy ) no cause in thee , T is with my selfe I discontented striue : By light of Grace , my Natures faults I see , That am as dead , although I seeme aliue . Phelice , my sinnes , my countlesse sinnes appeare : Crying , Repent thy guilty Conscience cleere . I must deale with thee , as Bauarus delt ( A Prince of Rome ) with Sygunda his Wife , Who ( from a deepe impression hee felt ) Vow'd Chastity perpetuall all his life . Entreating thee ( euen as thou lou'st my soule ) To pardon me , not vrging my controule . Hast thou not heard what Ethelfrida did ( A Christian woman ) sometime Englands Queene ? Is Edelthrudis acte of Chaste life hid , A Princesse likewise rare and matchlesse seene ? The first with Childe , no more of lust would taste : The second caus'd two Husbands both liue chaste . And canst not thou ( the Phoenix of a Realme ) By immitation , winne immortall praise ? Leauing thy vertues an admired Theme To the succeeding Age , of Yron dayes ? I know thou canst , thy greater part 's Diuine : Where most is Carnall , 't will to flesh incline . Thou didst procure ( although I doe excuse it ) My pride , by Conquests to attaine thy Loue : God gaue mee Valour , I did vaine abuse it , My heart and thoughts , aspired farre aboue The Crownes and Scepters of most potent Kings , I held their Diadems , inferiour thinges . But now I gather in a totall somme , Such follies , and condemne them all to dye : A man of other fashion i le become , Some better Trauailes for my soule to try , Not as before , in Armour on my Steed : But in a Gowne of gray , a Palmers weed . Obscure my Iourney , for i le take no leaue , But onely leaue my endles Loue to thee : Heere is my Ring , this memory receiue , And weare the same , to make thee thinke on me . Let me haue thine , which for thy sake i le keepe : Till Death close vp these eyes , with his dead sleepe . When this was spoke , how she did wring her hands , With sighes and teares , may well be deemed much : Yet wondrous meekly , nothing countermaunds , For the Deuotion of that age was such , To holde them blessed , could themselues retire : To solitude , and leaue the Worlds desire . Now is the Princely cloathing layde away , Wherein he gitter'd like the glorious Sun , And his best habite , homely Countrey gray , Such as the poore plaine people tearme home-spun , A Staffe , a Scrip , a Scallop-shell in 's hat , Not to be knowne , or once admired at . And thus with pensiue heart , and dolefull teares , He leaues the fairest Creature England had : Who in her face a map of sorrow weares , A countenance compos'd all mournfull , sad , Like vnto one had banish'd all delight : Wishing for slumbers of eternall night . Guy journeyes toward that Sanctified ground , Whereas some times the Iewes faire Citty stood , In which , our Sauiours sacred Head was Crown'd , And where for sinfull man he shed his Blood , To see the Sepulcher , was his intent : The Tombe that Ioseph vnto Iesus lent . With tedious myles he tyr'd his weary feete , And passed Desart places , full of danger : At last , with a most wofull wight did meete , A man that vnto sorrow was no stranger . For hee had fifteene Sonnes made Captiue all To slauish bondage , in extreamest thrall . A Gyant called Amarant , detayn'd them , Whome no man durst encounter for his strength , Who in a Castle which he held had chayn'd them , Guy questioned where ? and vnderstands at length The place not farre : lend me thy Sword ( quoth he ) I le lend my manhood , all thy Sonnes to free . With that hee goes and layes vpon the doore , Like him that sayes ; I must and will come in : The Gyant neuer was so rouz'd before , For no such knocking at his Gate had bin , So takes his Club and Keyes , and commeth out : Staring with irefull countenance about . Sirra ( quoth he ) what busines hast thou heere ? Art thou come to feast the Crowes about these walles ▪ Didst neuer heare , no ransome can him cleere , That in the compasse of my fury falles ? For making mee to take a Porters paines , With this same Club I will dash out thy braines . Gyant ( quoth Guy ) y 're quarrelsome I see , Choler and you seeme very neere of kin : Dangerous at the Club be like you bee , I haue bin better arm'd , though now goe thin , But show thy vtmost hate , enlarge thy spight : Heere is the weapon that must doe me right .

A Gyant called Amarant , Guy valiantly destroyes : Wherby wrong'd Ladyes , captiue Knights Their liberty enioyes .

So drawes his sword , salutes him with the same About the head , the shoulders , and the side : While his erected Club did death proclaime , Standing with huge Colossus spacious stride , Putting such vigor to his knotty beame : That like a furnace , he did smoake extreame . But on the ground he spent his stroakes in vaine , For Guy was nimble to auoyde them still : And euer ere he heau'd his Club againe , Did brush his plated Coate against his will , At such aduantage he would neuer fayle : To bang him soundly in his shirt of Mayle . At length through thirst , Amarant feeble grew , And said to Guy , as th' art of humane race , Showe it in this : giue Natures wants their dew , Let me but goe and drinke in yonder place , Thou canst not yeeld vnro a smaller thing , Then grant life that , is giuen by the spring . I grant thee leaue ( quoth Guy ) goe drinke thy last , To pledge the Dragon and the saluage Bore : Succeed the Tragedies which they haue past ; But neuer thinke to taste colde water more , Drinke deepe to Death , and after that carouse , Bid him receiue thee , in his earthen house . So to the Spring he goes and slakes his thirst , Taking the water in extreamely , like A wracked Ship that on some Rocke is burst , When forced bulke against the stones doe strike , Scooping it in so fast with both his hands , That Guy admiring to behold it stands . Come on ( quoth he ) let vs to worke againe , Thou art about thy liquor ouer-long : The Fish that in the Riuer doe remaine , Will want hereby , thy drinking doth them wrong , But I will see their satisfaction made : With Gyants blood , they must and shall be paide . Villaine ( quoth Amarant ) I le crush thee straight : Thy life shall pay thy daring Tongues offence , This Club ( which is about some hundred weight ) Is Deaths commission , to dispatch thee hence . Dresse thee for Rauens dyet I must needs : And breake thy bones , as they were made of reeds . Incensed much by these bolde Pagans boastes , Which worthy Guy could ill indure to heare , He hewes vpon those big surporting poasts , That like two Pillars did the body beare , Amarant ( for their wounds ) in choller growes : And desp'ratly at Guy his Club hee throwes . Which did directly on his body light , So violent and weighty therewithall , That downe to ground on sodaine came the Knight ▪ And ere he could recouer from the fall , The Gyant got the Club againe in 's fist , And strucke a stroake that wonderfully mist. Traytor ( quoth Guy ) thy falshood i le repay , This Coward acte , to intercept my blood : Sayes Amarant , I le murther any way , With enemies all vantages are good . Oh could I poyson in thy Nostrils blow : Thou shouldst be sure , I would dispatch thee so . T is well ( said Guy ) thy honest thoughts appeare , Within that beastly bulke doe Deuils dwell : Which are thy Tenants while thou liuest heere , But will be Landlords when thou com'st in Hell . Vile miscreant , prepare thee for their Den , Inhumane monster , hatefull vnto men . But breath thy selfe a time while I goe drinke , For flaming Phoebus with his fiery eye , Torments me so with burning heate , I thinke My thirst would serue to drinke an Ocean dry . Forbeare a little , as I dealt with thee : Quoth Amarant , thou hast no foole of mee . No silly wretch , my Father taught more wit , How I should vse such enemies as thou : By all my Gods I doe reioyce at it , To vnderstand that thirst constraines thee bow , For all the treasuee that the world containes , One drop of water shall not coole thy veynes . Releeue my foe ? why t were a mad-mans part , Refresh an aduersary to my wrong ? If thou imagine this , a Childe thou art , No fellow , I haue knowne the world too long To be so simple ; now I know thy want , A minutes space of breathing I le not grant . And with these wordes , heauing aloft his Club Into the ayre , he swings the same about : Then shakes his lockes and doth his temples rub , And like the Cyclops in his pride did strout , Sirra ( said he ) I haue you at a lift : You now are come vnto your latest shift . Perish for euer with this stroake I send thee , ( A medicine will doe thy thirst much good ) Take no more care for drinke before I end thee , And then wee le haue carouses of thy blood : Heer 's at thee with a butchers downe-right blow : To please my fury with thine ouerthrow . Infernall , false , obdurate fiend ( Guy said ) That seem'st a lumpe of cruelty from Hell : Ingratefull Monster , since thou hast denay'd The thing to me wherein I vsde thee well : With more reuenge then ere my Sword did make , On thy accursed head , Reuenge I le take . Thy Gyants longitude shall shorter shrinke , Except thy Sun-scorcht skin , be weapon proofe , Farwell my thirst , I doe disdaine to drinke , Streames keepe your water to your owne behoofe , Or let wilde Beasts be welcome thereunto , With those pearle drops I will not haue to doe . Holde tyrant , take a tast of my good will , For thus I doe begin my bloody bout : You cannot chuse but like the greeting ill , It is not that same Club will beare you out . And take this payment on thy shaggie crowne : A blow that brought him with a vengeance downe . Then Guy set foote vpon the Monsters brest , And from his shoulders , did his Head deuide : Which with a yawning mouth did gape , vnblest , No Dragons jawes were euer seene more wide , To open and to shut , till life was spent : So Guy tooke's Keyes and to the Castle went . Where many wofull Captiues hee did finde , That had bin tyred with extremities : Whom he in ftiendly manner did vnbinde , And reason'd with them of their miseries : Each tolde a tale with teares , and sighes , and cryes , All weeping to him with complaining eyes . There tender Ladyes , in darke dungeon lay , That were surprized in the desart Wood : And had no other dyet euery day , Then flesh of humane Creatures for their food . Some with their Louers bodyes had bin fed , And in their wombes their Husbands buryed . Now he bethinkes him of his comming there , T' inlarge the wronged bretheren from their woes , And as he searcheth , doth great clamours heare , By which sad sounds direction , on he goes Vntill he findes a darksome obscure Gate , Arm'd strongly ouer , all with Yron plate . That he vnlockes and enters , where appeares , The strangest obiect that hee euer saw ; Men that with famishment of many yeares , Were like Death's picture , which the Painters draw , Diuers of them were hanged by each thumbe , Others head downe-ward , by the middle some . With diligence hee takes them from the walles , Where liberty their thraldome to acquaint : Then the perplexed Knight their Father calles , And sayes , receiue thy Sonnes though poore & faint , I promist you their liues , accept of that ; But did not warrant you they should be fat . The Castle I doe giue thee , heer 's the Keyes , Where tyranny for many yeares did dwell : Procure the gentle tender Ladyes ease , For pitty-sake , vse wronged Women well , Men easily may reuenge the deedes men doe , But poore weake Women , haue not strength thereto . The good olde man euen ouer-ioy'd with this , Fell on the ground and would haue kist Guyes feet , Father ( quoth he ) refraine so base a kisse , For Age to honour Youth I holde vnmeete , Ambitious pride hath hurt me all it can , I goe to mortifie a sinfull man .

Guy on his Iourney doth proceede , With painefull Pilgrim life : While Warwick Countesse liues in tears A Chaste and loyall Wife . Canto . 11. BEhold the man that sought Contentions out , Whose recreation was in angry armes , And for his Venus raung'd the world about To finde out dreadfull Combats , fierce allarmes , From former disposition allienate : Shun's all occasions may procure debate . In his owne wrongs , by vow he will not strike , Let iniury impose what strife can doe : Abuses shall not force him to dislike , For he hath now fram'd Nature thereunto , And taken Patience by the hand for 's guide , To leade his thoughts where meeknes doth abide . No worldly ioy can giue his minde content , Delights are gone , as they had neuer bin ; His onely care is how hee may Repent His spending youth about the seruing sinne , And fashion age , to looke like contrite sorrow : That little time to come , which life doth borrow . His lookes were sad complexion , pale and wan , His dyet of the meanest , hard and spare : His life he led , like a Religious man , His habite poore and homely , thin and bare . His Dignities and Honour were forgot : His Warwicke Earledome he regarded not . Sometime he would goe search into a Graue , And there finde out a rotten dead-mans Scull ; And with the same a conference would haue , Examining each Vanity at full . And then himselfe would answer for the Head , His owne obiections in the Dead-mans stead . If thou hast bin some Monarch , where 's thy Crowne ? Or who in feare of thy sterne lookes doe stand ? Death hath made conquest of my great renowne , My golden Scepter in a fleshly hand , Is taken from me by another King , And I in dust am made a rotten thing . Hast thou bin some great Counsailer of state , Whose potent wit did rule a mighty Realme ? Where is the pollicy thou hadst of late ? Consum'd and gone euen like an idle dreame , I haue not so much wit , as will suffice : To kill the Wormes , that in my Coffin lyes . Perhaps thou wast some beautious Ladyes face , For whom right strange aduentures haue bin wrought Euen such , as ( when it was my louing case ) For my deere kindest Phelice I haue fought . Perhaps about this Scull there was a skin , Fairer then Hellens was inclosed in . And on this scalp , so wormy eaten bare , ( Where nothing now but bone we may behold ) Were Natures ornaments , such lockes of Hayre As might induce the eye to deeme them golde . And christall Eyne in these two hollow caues : And heere such Lips , as Loue for kissing craues , But where 's the substance of this Beauty spent ? So louely , precious in the sight of men ? With powerfull Death , vnto the dust it went , Grew loathsome , filthy , came to nothing then . And what a Picture of it doth remaine ? To tell the wise all Beauty is but vaine . Such memories hee often would preferre , Of mortall frailty , and the force of Death : To teach the Flesh how apt it is to erre , And post repentance off till latest breath , Thus would he in the worlds contempt reproue All that seduc'd the soule from Heauenly loue . Now for a while reuerse your view of woe , For one sad subiect , to behold another : To see new sorrow , backe to England goe , And to long absent yeares commit the tother , Leaue dolefuil Guy , to aged griefe and cares : And looke on Phelice , how his Lady fares . Like to a Widdow , all in blacke attire , She doth expresse her inward dolefull minde , A Chamber-prison is her chiefe desire , Where she to passions wholy is inclin'd . She that of late was pride of English Court , With Maiesty no longer will consort . But liues a life , like one despisde lifes being , And euery day vnto the world did dye : With iudgements eyes , farre into folly seeing , And noting well how fast false pleasures flye . Leauing for eu'ry taste of vaine Delight , A huger heape of Cares , then Pen can write , Her thoughts ranne after her departed Lord , And trauail'd in conceipt more fast then he : What place ( quoth she ) can rest to me afford , That Pilgrim like , hath thus forsaken me ? Oh sad laments ! my soule your burden beares , To thinke deere Guy , remembers me in teares . Me thinkes he sits now by a Riuers side , And swels the water with his weeping eyes : Methinkes that Phelice , Phelice lowde he cry'd , And charged Eccho beare it through the Skyes , Then rising vp , he runnes with might and maine , Saying sweet Eccho bring my Loue againe . Then comes he to a Cypresse Tree , and sayes Syluanus , this was once the louely Boy , Whom thou for feature , to the Cloudes didst praise , But heer 's thy sencelesse and transformed ioy . T is nothing now but boughes , and leaues and Tree : And made to wither as all Beauties be . And then me thinkes he sits him sadly downe , And on his bending knee , his elbow stayes With head in hand , saying , farewell Renowne , Vanish vaine pleasures of my youthfull dayes . My true Repentance doe you all displace , A happy end , brings sinfull soules to Grace , Ah worthy man that thus canst mortifie The rebell Flesh , to conquer Adams Nature ! And for the gaining of Eternitie , Dost liue on Earth , as if no earthly Creature , Dead , and aliue : olde , and new borne againe , True valiant George , that hath the Deuill slaine . As thy aduice was when thou did'st depart , That I should liue a Vestall virgins life , Although when I was Mayde ( by louers arte ) Thou did'st perswade me to become a Wife , I vow by Heauens , and all the powers Diuine , To keepe my thoughts , as constant , chaste as thine . My Beauty I will blemish , all I may With teares and sighes , and dolefull lamentation : By abstinence I will attaiue the way To ouercome the force , of sinnes temptation , This sentence I haue often read , and seene : A womans Chastity , is vertues Queene . Ceres and Bacchus I will carefull shun , Foes to Diana , friends to Venus euer : Vnto licentious life they teach vs run , And with sobriety assotiate neuer . Spare dyet shall become my dayly fare , The soule thriues best , to keepe the body bare . The Courtly ornaments I wore of late , In honour of King Athelstones faire Queene , Euen all those Iewels and those Robes of state , Wherein so often I was glorious seene , Shall with their price and value now supply , Those naked poore , that in the streets doe lye . The Golde and Siluer that I doe possesse , About good workes , shall all imployed be : The purchase of eternall happinesse , Is of all wealth most precious vnto me , All that in want to Warwicke Castle come , And craue reliefe ; I will affoord them some . For hault and Lame , and Blinde , I will prouide Some Hospitall , with Land to be maintained : For Widowes , and poore Fatherlesse beside , That their necessities may be sustayned . For young beginners their estates to raise : And for repayring of decay'd High-wayes . This I account to be the Heau'nly thrift , Lay vp your Treasure where it cannot rust : And giue the Riches , we receiue by guift , As each good Steward is inioyn'd he must , That after this short stinted life's decay , We may haue life and euerlasting day . Reiected world thus doe I take my leaue , With thee and all thinges thou dost most esteeme : Thy showes are snares , and all thy hopes deceiue , Thy goodnesse is but onely good to seeme . Of thy false pleasures I as much haue seene , As shee that beares the title of a Queene . Oh that I were in such vnknowne disguise , ( Attending on my Guy , where ere he be ) As once the kinde Sulpitia did deuise , Her Lentulus in banishment to see ! Or Hipsicraca-like in mans attire , Following her exil'd King , through Loues desire . T would something ease my sorrow wounded-heart , So to deuide the burthen of vnrest : For where affliction takes afflictions part In hard extreames , some comfort is exprest . Misery is more easie to abide : When friend with friend their crosses doe deuide . But all in vaine I wish , would God I were , Or thus , or thus , it naught auailes my woe : Though straying thoughts doe wander here and there My poore weake body knowes not where to goe . Vnto the Holy Land I heard him say , God send me thither , at my dying day . I will about my Vowes and see them pay'd , To doe the good that Charity requires : When grace , to workes of vertue doth perswade , T is blessednesse to further such desires . And while on earth I doe a sinner dwell : I le striue to please my God , with liuing well . In this resolue , that life shee entertaines , Performing all the course she had propounded , And such seuerity therein explaines , Her sexe with wonder rest amaz'd confounded , To see so rare a Beauty , rich , high-borne , Holde all worlds pleasures in contempt and scorne . For no perswading friend that she would heare , Which motion'd company , or recreation , Vnto their speech , she would not lend an eare , That sought to alter her determination . But such as came and of compassion spake , She did releeue , for blessed Iesus sake . Her wandring Lord from Land to Land repaires , To seeke out places Pilgrims doe frequent ▪ By carefull yeares , turn'd into siluer hayres , Exceeding chang'd with griefe and languishment , For sorrow giues a man more ancient looke , Then elder time , which lesser cares hath tooke . His olde acquaintance in those Forraigne parts , That had before most worthy actions seene , Right bolde aduentures of his long deserts , Had lost Sir Guy , as he had neuer beene . Those that in Armour knew his martiall face ▪ Did not expect him in a Fryers case . Amongst the rest to whome he had bin knowne , He met Earle Terry banish'd to exile : Each vnto other being strangers growne , Through sorrow , which the sences doth beguile , They had forgot that ere they saw each other , Yet Guy was Terryes , Terry Guyes sworne Brother . Hauing related how their trauailes grewe , One's voluntary , tother s by constraint : In taking leaue with curtesies adew , Oh English-man ( said Terry sighing faint ) I had a friend , a Countrey-man of thine : Was Iustice Champion to great wrongs of mine . Tyrannie , to the face he durst defie , And stampe his foote vpon Oppressions necke : Tell me deare friend , hast thou not heard of Guy , That had a hand to helpe , a Sword to checke ? I haue ( quoth he ) and knowne him many yeares : Guy Warwickes Earle , is one of Englands peeres . What is thy Name ? Terry ( quoth he ) I hight , Greater by Birth then Fortunes make me seeme : Terry said he , I vow to doe thee right In what I may , my poore good-will esteeme . To humane thoughts my Nature doth agree , Thou lou'st my friend , I must of force loue thee . Direct me to the man exil'd thee thus , I le take thy part , as farre as strength extends : If Guy himselfe were heere to ioyne with vs , He could but say , I le venture life with friends . And be assured though I simple bee , I oft haue had as good successe as hee . Terry with louing thankes , his loue requites , And brings him to his foe , whom he defies : And valiant with the aduerse Champion fights , Till mortall wounded , at his feete he dyes , Yet 't was a man suppos'd of matchlesse worth : That for the Combate they had singled forth . When this was done , the Earle demaunds his Name , Pardon ( quoth he ) that were against a Vow . To no man liuing , I le reueale the same , For I haue changed Name and Nature now , Natures corruptions , I doe striue to leaue : A new Regeneration to receiue . Farewell my friend , euen as my soule would fare , If we ne're meete on Earth , Heauen be the place : For idle howers , I haue no time to spare , My hayres looke gray , they turne to white apace , I haue great losse , in short time to redeeme , A minutes sorrow is of much esteeme . So he departs towards Iudea ground , Samarta , and Galile , to see ▪ Those parts , by Christian Pilgrims so renown'd , Because their Sauiours choyse was their to bee . Where he did suffer to redeeme our losse : Euen from the Cratch , vnto the bloody Crosse. Much time he spends , and many yeares bestowes , From place to place , about this Holy Land : That all his friends in England doe suppose , Now Death of him had got the vpper-hand , For no reporter came , that could relate , His Life , his being , or his present state . This put the world to silence , men were mute Concerning Guy , they knew not what to say : The dreadfull Champion in the armed sute Was neither knowne nor fear'd in simple Gray . But did endeauour all that ere he might ; Neuer to be reueal'd to any wight . For vnto none he would his Name disclose , Nor tell direct what Countrey-man he was ▪ Nor of his Noble minde make any showes , But striue in all thinges most obscure to passe , Vntill by natiue loue , his minde was led , To come and lay his bones , where he was bred .

Guy after many yeares comes home , To England for his Graue : Kils Colbron that great Gyant , and Dyes poorely in a Caue . Canto . 12. EVen as the brightest glorious shining Day , Will haue a Night of darknes to succeed : Which takes the pride of Phoebus quite away , And makes the Earth to mourne in sable weed . Presenting vs with drowsie heauy sleepe , Death's memory , in carefull thoughts to keepe . So Youth , the day of Natures strength , and beauty Which hath a splendor like faire Heauens eye : Must yeeld to Age , by a submissiue duty , And grow so darke , that life of force must dye . When length of yeares , brings ancient euening on Irreuocable time is posting gone . This cogitation in Guyes brest appeares , By his returning from the Holy Land : He findes himselfe , to be a man in yeares , And that his Glasse had but a little sand To runne , before his date of life expire , Therefore to England , he doth backe retire . There to be buryed where he had bin borne , Was all the cause that did induce him backe : To end his euening where he had his morne , In dolefull colours of a dead-mans blacke , And let that body rest in English ground , which through the world no resting place had found . When he arriued on his Natiue shore , He found the Countrey in extreame distresse : For through the Kingdome armed troupes great store Against the Foe were all in readinesse . The King of Denmarke whose destroying hand , A mighty Army did securely land . And marched from the Coast with deuastation , Destroying Townes , Villages set on fire : Working such terrour vnto all the Nation , King Athelstone was forced to retire To Winchester , which when the Danes once knew , Towards that Citty , all their strength they drew . Which was too strong for Speare and shield to win , ( Inuincible our walles of Stone were then ) They wanted Cannon-keyes to let them in , Hell's pick-locke powder was vnknowne to men . The Deuill had not taught such murdering smoke , A Soldiers honour , was his manly stroke . Beholding now how they repulsed were , That Winchester by no meanes could be wonne ▪ They doe conclude to summon parley there , And with a Challenge haue all quarrels done , An Englishman , to Combate with a Dane , And that King loose , that had his Champion slaine . Wherewith a huge great Gyant doth appeare , Demaunding where the Foxes all were crept ? Saying , if one dare come and meete me heere That hath true valour for his Countrey kept , Let him come forth , his man-hood to disclose , Or else the English are but Coward foes . Why very crauens , on their dunghils dare Both crow and strike , before they runne and cry , Is English courage now become so rare , That none will fight because they feare to dye ? Then I pronounce you all faint-hearted fooles , Affraid to looke , on manly Martiall tooles . What slaunders I haue heard in forraigne Lands , Of these poore men for deeds which they haue done , Most false they are belyed of their hands , But he sayes true , that sayes their feete can runne , They haue a Prouerbe to instruct them in , That 't is good sleeping in a sound whole skin . Thus did he vaunt , in tearmes of proude disdaine , And threw his Gantlet downe , saying ther 's my gloue : At length great Guy no longer could refraine , Seeing all straine curt'sie to expresse their loue , But comes vnto the King , and sayes dread Lord , This Combate to thy vnknowne Knight afford . Although in simple habite I am hid , Yeelding no showe of that I vndertake : I ne're attempted ought but what I did , An end of Colbrond ( on my soule ) I le make . Palmer ( quoth Athelstone ) I like thy sprite : God sent thee hither , and hee ayde the right . His pow'rfull hand lend vigor to thy blowes , And grant thy foote vpon the foe may treade : Amen quoth Guy , and with great courage goes , Forth Winchesters North-gate vnto Hide-meade . Where that same Monster of a man hee found , Treading at eu'ry step two yardes of ground . Art thou the man ( quoth Colbrond ) art thou he , On whom the King will venter Englands Crowne ? Can hee not finde a fitter match forme , Then this poore Rascall in a thred-bare Gowne ? Where 's all his Knights and worthy Champions now I doe disdaine so base a Slaue as thou .

Guy fights to free all Englands feares , With Colbrond Gyant Dane : And in Hide-mead at Winchester , Was that Goliah slaine .

Gyant ( said Guy ) man-hood should neuer rayie , To beate the ayre with blasts of idle winde : A Soldiours weapon , best can tell his tale , Thy destiny vpon my Sword I finde : T will let thee blood while thou hast drops to bleed , And spell thy Death for all the Danes to reed . Thus I begin , and on his Armour layd , That Colbronds coate was neuer cudgel'd so : Who with his Club , did watch to meete his blade , Intending to haue broke it with a blowe . But Guy was sure his Sword would holde out play , It had bin trusty many a cruell fray . And therefore boldly he presumes thereon , Laying about , as fast as he could driue , Vntill the Lubbers breath was almost gone , ( For with a weighty Club did Colbrond striue ) Which lighting on the ground made earth giue ways As if some Deuill did about him lay . So long they held this sterne and irefull fight , That the beholders knew not what to deeme : Yet still some wounds to Colbronds share did light , Which to the English did great comfort seeme . Besides , their Champion gaue encouragement , By actiue cariage , danger to preuent . Quoth Colbrond , English-man wilt thou forbeare , And sue for mercy , let the Fight alone ? Villaine ( quoth Guy ) I scorne thy Coward feare , I le haue thy Life , or it shall cost mine owne , Wee le neuer part , till one be soundly sped , The King hath ventur'd England on my Head . For twenty Denmarkes ( if they might be found ) And all the wealth that on the Ocean swimmes , I will not yeeld an inch of English ground , Thou shalt finde mettall in these aged limmes , Although thy bodyes height be more then mine : I haue a heart bigger by oddes then thine . Thinke on thy ancient grand-fire Gogmagog , Whom Cor●neus delt withall at Douer , How that same Lubber like a timber-log , Was by the worthy Brittaine tumbled ouer . For his bolde Challenge , he had such a checke , There was no Surgeon could amend his necke . Thou art deceiu'd in me poore silly sot , I am vntaught to bend submissions knees , Holde me no Christian if I fayle a iot , ( And for the world that tytle I le not leese ) Betake thee to thy tooles , honour thy King , Vpon thy man-hood lyes a mighty thing . And thus I doe encounter thee afresh , With that he lent him such a powerfull stroke , It made wide rupture in the Gyants flesh , And did his furious Choller much prouoke , Laying about him in most cruell rage , Till the next wound did all his heate asswage . It was so mortall that it brought him downe , To lye and groane vpon the bloody ground , Forthwith a showte was heard from out the Towne , That all the Sky did Eccho to the sound , Great ioy was made by euery English heart : And all the Danes with extreame griefe depart . King Athelstone sent for his Champion then , To doe him Honour for his famous deede , Who was receiued by the Clergie men , With all solemnity for such high meede , Embraced by the Nobles , and renown'd , With Martiall musicke , Drum and Trumpets sound . But little pleasure Guy conceiues herein , Refusing Iewels , costly Ornaments , Saying with these he out of loue hath bin For many yeares : by true experiments . Onely thankes God that blest him with an hower , To free his Countrey from inuading power . And so intreates that hee may passe vnknowne , To liue where pouerty regards not weahh : And be beholden to the helpe of none , Seeing the world but now and then , by stealth . For true Content doth such a Treasure bring , It makes the Begger richer then the King . With true Content ( saith hee ) I will abide , In homely Cottage , free from all resout , For I haue found , Content cannot be spide , To make abode within a Monarchs Court , No , there 's ambition , pride , and enuy seene , And fawning flatt'ry stepping still betweene . Yet gentle Palmer ( said the King ) agree , Where euer thou resoluest to remaine : Acquaint thy Name in priuate vnto me , And this is all thy Sou'raigne will obtaine , Tell me but who thou art , I will conceale it : As I am Englands King I le not reueale it . Why then ( quoth he ) your Grace shall vnderstand , I am your Subiect , Guy of Warwicke named , That haue these many yeares not seene your Land , But bin where Youth , by auncient Age is tamed . Yea , where experience taught me wit ( dread Prince ) The world of many follyes to conuince . And now am come to bring my bones to Graue , Within the Kingdome where I first tooke life : Yet shall no Creature else the notice haue Of my arriuall , not my dearest Wife , Till sicknes come and doth my Death foretell , Then I le acquaint her with my last farewell . The King with ioy embrac'd him in his armes , And with great admiration answers thus : Most worthy Earle , freer of Englands harmes , It grieues my soule thou wilt not liue with vs , Oh were thy resolutions , thoughts but now , That my perswasions might preuent thy Vow . But 't is too late , they are growne ripe I see , Thou art too setled in determination , Well Honourable man , yet this ioyes mee , Thou bringest thy bones , vnto thy dearest Nation , Where Monuments of thy great deeds shall last , Till after Ages of the world be past . In Warwicke Castle , shall thy Sword be kept , To witnes to the world what thou hast bin : And least forgetfull time should intercept , A President , I present will begin . The Castle-keeper shall receiue a fee : To keepe thy Sword in memory of thee . Thy Armour likewise , and the martiall Speare , That did thee seruice , in thy high designes , Shall be preserued very carefull there , That all such men as haue distrustfull mindes , May thinke ( if from a truth this did not grow ) A King would scorne , to cousen people so . And in thy Chappell ( distant thence a mile ) A bone shall hang of that most cruell Beast , Which neare to Couentrey remain'd long while , Whose Rib by measure is sixe foote at least , Destroying many that did passe that way , Vntill thy man-hood did the Saluage slay . That by tradition men may speake and tell , This was Guyes Armour , this his massie Blade , These bones of murdering Beasts which men did quell And this the Tombe , wherein his Corpes was layde , This the true Picture of his shape at length , And this the Speare , did oft expresse his strength . For sure I holde it an vngratefull thing , ( When thou by Natures course in dust shalt lye ) No Memory should cause some Muse to sing , The Worthinesse of matchles English Guy , Thy Countrey-men would proue too farre vnkinde , When out of sight , they leaue thee out of minde , This said in humble duty ( wondr'ous meeke ) Guy reuerenceth the King , and so departs , Some solitary den or Caue to seeke , Which he vnto his mansion house conuerts . And so liues poorely in the hollow ground , Making his meate , of rootes and hearbes he found . Sometimes he would to Warwicke Castle goe , And craue an Almes at his deere Ladyes hand : Who vnto Pilgrims did more bounty show , Then any Noble woman in the Land . And she would aske all Palmers that came there , If at the Holy Land they neuer were ? Or in their trauels if they had not seene An English-man , was Lord of that same Tower ? Who many yeares away from thence had beene , A Knight ne're conquer'd yet by humane power , But there 's a Tyrant whom I onely feare , They call him Death that murders euery where . If he haue met him , ( O my dearest Lord ) I neuer shall behold thy face againe , Till that same Monster doe asmuch afford , Vnto my heart and so release all paine . Which gracious Heauens grant , if Guy be dead , Vpon this earth let me no longer treade . Thus did he often heare his Wife enquire , With deep complaints from extream passions flowing Yet by no meanes would grant her kinde desire , The comfort of a hopefull word bestowing . But looke vpon her as his heart would breake , Then turne away for feare his tongue would speake . And so depart with weeping to his Cell , Setting a dead-mans Head before his eyes : Saying , with thee I shortly come to dwell , This sinfull Flesh I constantly despise . My soule is weary of so bad a guest : And doth desire to bee at home in rest . My feeble limbes ; weakenes doth sore possesse , And sicknes gripes doe touch about my heart , I feele I am not farre from happines , But am in hope my foe and I shall part , This aduersary , which I long haue fed , By whome my soule hath bin so much misled . To my deare Phelice , I will send my Ring , Which I did promise for her sake to keepe : I may no longer time deferre the thing , For feare that Death preuent me with his sleepe . I feele his Messenger approach apace , And poore weake Nature must of force giue place . So call'd a Heardsman as he passed by , And said , good friend doe me a speciall fauour : Euen in a matter that concernes me nye , ( My hope relyes vpon thy kinde behauiour . ) To Warwicke Castle speedily repaire , And for the Countesse aske , with trusty care . Deliuer this Ring to her-owne hand , And say the ancient Pilgrim sent the same , That lately at her Gate with Scrip did stand , To beg an Almes in blessed Iesus Name . And if shee aske thee where I doe remaine ? Direct her hither she 'le requite thy paine . Sir ( quoth the Heardsman ) I shall be asham'd , That ne're dust speake to Lady in my life : Nay more and 't please you , I may much be blam'd , To carry Rings to such a great mans Wife . Besides if I should loose it by the way , Why what would you , and Madam Phelice say ? Pre-thee ( said Guy ) frame not such idle doubt , No preiudice can light on thee at all : The acte is honest which thou goest about , And for it none can thee in question call . A curteous eare the Lady will thee lend , Vpon my warrant feare you nothing friend . With that he goes and mannerly betakes The token to the Countesse , which she seeing , Most admirable wonder at it makes ! Ah friend ( quoth she ) where is my husbands being ? Husband ( said he ) that newes I doe not bring : From an olde Begger I receiu'd the Ring . His house was made of neither Wood nor Stone , But vnder ground into a hole he went : And in my Conscience there he dwels alone , And neuer payes his Land-lord quarters rent , Ah 't is my Guy ( she said ) showe me his Cell , And for thy paines I will reward thee well . So he directs Warwicks faire Countesse thither , Who entring in that melancholly place , Her Lord and shee embracing , weepe together , Vnable to pronounce a word long space , Long time they two had not a Tongue to speake , Till Guyes discretions sorrowes doore did breake . Phelice ( quoth he ) now take thy leaue of Guy , That sent to see thee ere his sight decay : Within thine armes I doe intreat to dye , And breath my sprite , from thy sweet soule away , Thou gau'st me almes at Warwicke Castle late : T is blessednes to pitty poore mens state .

Guy in repentance poorely liues , Obscurely in a Caue : Reueal'd to Phelice by a Ring , When Death had digg'd his Graue .

Looke not so strange , bewayle not so my Deare , Ah weepe not Loue , I doe not want thy teares : I haue shed plenty since my comming heere , Of true remorse , my Conscience witnes beares . Thou weep'st not now , because I wept no more , But to behold me friendlesse , helplesse , poore . Wife , I haue sought the place that all desire , Though few endeauour for , eternall rest : The soule which to that Heauen doth aspire , Must leaue the world , and worldly thinges detest . T is full of Deuils that on soules doe wayte , And full of snares : in euery place some bayte . Ah Phelice I haue spent ( and then he wept ) Youth , ( Natures day ) vpon the Loue of thee : And for my God , olde rotten Age haue kept , The night of Nature , Christ forgiue it me , Sorrow lyes heauy on my soule for this : Sweet Sauiour Iesus , pardon my amisse . In that I had destroy'd so many men , Euen for one Woman , to inioy thy Loue , Therefore in this most solitary Den , I sought my peace with that great God aboue , Gainst whome by sinne I haue bin more misled , Then there be hayres , vpon my hoary head . The other day , feeling my body ill , And all the partes thereof opprest with paine , I did compose a Testament and Will , To bee the last that euer I ordaine . Loe heere it is I le reade it if I can , Before I cease to bee a liuing man .

HIS WILL . EVen in the Name of him whose mighty pow'r , Created all , in Heauen and Earth contained , As one to dye ; this very instant hower , I leaue the world and all therein vnfained . My soule I giue to him that gaue it mee : Receiue it Jesus , as I trust in thee . I owe a debt of Life , is due to Death , And when 't is payde him , he can aske no more : A very vapour of a little breath , Would he had had it many yeares before , But heer 's my comfort , though he come or stay , T is ready for him ( if hee will ) to day . I owe the world the stocke of wealth it lent , When I did enter traffique with the same : Lesse would haue giuen Nature more content , " T is happinesse to want a Rich mans name , World , leaue mee naked as I did begin , I aske but one poore Sheet to wrap me in . I doe bequeath more sinnes then I can number , My dayly euils , in a countlesse summe : Euen from my cradle , vnto Death's dead slumber , Those past , these present , all that are to come , To him that made them loades to burthen mee , Sathan receiue them , for they came from thee . I giue good thoughts and eu'ry vertuous deed , That euer grace hath guided me vnto , To him from whom all goodnes doth proceed , For onely euill Natvre taght me doe , I was Conceiued , bred and borne in sinne : And all my Life , most vaine and vile hath bin . I giue to Sorrow all my sighes and cryes , Fetch'd from the bottome of a bleeding heart : I giue Repentance teares and watery eyes , The signes vnfained of a true conuert . Earth yeeld a Graue , or Sea become a Tombe : Jesus vnto my soule graunt Heauen-roome . Phelice , I faint , farewell true loyall Wife , Assist me with thy prayers , thy Husband dyes : I trust to meete thee in a better life , Where teares shall all be wip'd from weeping eyes , Come blessed Spirits come in Jesus Name , Receiue my soule , to him conuay the same . And with these words his quiet sprite departs , While mournfull Phelice well-nye dead for woe , Her sences all to sorrowes vse conuerts , And too aboundant doth her teares bestow , Beating her brest , till brest and heart be sore : Wringing her handes , till she could striue no more , Then sighing said , ah Death my sorrowes cause , That hast depriu'd mee of my dearest Lord : Since loathsome ayre my vitall spirits drawes , This fauour for thy tyrannie afford , Doe me a good to recompence thy ill , And strike the stroke , that all my cares can kill . Let me not liue to see to morrowes light , But make me thus , colde , bloodlesse , pale and wan , As this dead Carcasse doth appeare in fight , This true discription of a mortall man , Whose deedes of wonder past and gone before , Haue left him now at Deaths darke prison doore . Kissing his face , with a farewell ef teares , Shee leaues the body for the Graue to claime , And from that place as 〈…〉 ●oule shee beares , As euer Woman that the world can name . Liuing but Fifteene dayes after his Death : And then through extreame sorrow yeelded breath .

FINIS .