Oedipus

THE FIFTH TRAGEDY OF SENECA , ENGLISHED The yeare of our Lord M. LX. BY ALEXANDER NEVYLE .

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE , MAISTER DOCTOR WOTTON : ONE OF THE Queenes Maiesties priuy Counsayle : Alexander Neuyle wisheth Helth , with encrease of Honor .

THis sixtenth yeare of myne age ( righte honorable ) reneweth a gratefull memory of your great goodnes towardes mee : ( for at Baptisme your honor vouchsafed to aunsweare for mee ) : and causeth mee thus boldly to present these greene and vnmelowed fruicts of my first trauailes vnto you : as signes and testimonies of a well disposed minde vnto your honor . Albeit when first I vndertoke the translation of this present Tragoedy , I minded nothing lesse , than that at any tyme thus rudely transformed it shoulde come into the Printers hands . For I to none other ende remoued him , from his naturall and lofty style , to our corrupt and base , or as some men ( but vntruly ) affyrme it , most barbarous Language : but onely to satisfy the instant requests of a few my familiar frends , who thought to haue put it to the very same vse , that SENECA himselfe in his Inuention pretended : Which was by the tragicall and Pompous showe vpon Stage , to admonish all men of their fickle Estates , to declare the vnconstant head of wauering Fortune , her sodayne interchaunged and soone altered Face : and lyuely to expresse the iust reuenge , and fearefull punishments of horrible Crimes , wherewith the wretched worlde in these our myserable dayes pyteously swarmeth . This caused me not to be precise in following the Author , word for word : but sometymes by addition , somtimes by subtraction , to vse the aptest Phrases in geuing the Sense that I could inuent . Whereat a great numbre ( I know ) will be more offended than Reason or Wysedome woulde they should bee . Thus as I framed it to one purpose : so haue my frends ( to whom I can not well deny any thyng that Frendshyps ryght may seeme iustly to requyre ) wrested it to another effect : and by this meanes blowen it abroade , by ouerrash and vnaduised printing . By whych fond deede I know vndoubtedly I shall receyue the poysoned infamies , of a number of venemous tonges , Wherefore ( ryght honorable ) as I geue these the first Fruicts of my trauayle vnto you : declaring therein the great goodwyll and duety that I owe vnto your Honor , for the noble disposition of your vertuous mynde : so am I driuen humbly to require your strong ayde , and assured defence agaynst the sclaunderous assaults of such malicious mouths , which obtayned : I shal be the better encouraged agaynst an other time , to bestow my trauaile in matters of farre greater weighte and importaunce . In the meane season ( desiring your Honour to take these simple Attemptes of myne in good part : ) I leaue you to the tuition of the right high and mighty God : Who keepe you long in health , & graunt you many happy yeares : with encrease of Honor .

All your Honours to commaund . Alexander Neuile .

❀ THE PREFACE TO the Reader .

BEHOLD HERE BEFORE THY Face ( good Reader ) the most lamentable Tragedy of that most Infortunate Prince O Edipus , for thy profit rudely translated . Wonder not at the grosenesse of the Style : neyther yet accounte the Inuentours Dylygence dysgraced by the Translators Neglygence : Who thoughe that he hath somtimes boldly presumed to erre from his Author , rouing at randon where he list : adding and subtracting at pleasure : yet let not that engender disdaynefull suspition with in thy learned breast . Marke thou rather what is ment by the whole course of the History : and frame thy lyfe free from such mischiefes , wherewith the World at this present is vniuersally ouerwhelmed , The wrathfull vengeaunce of God prouoked , the Body plagued , the mynde and Conscience in midst of deepe deuouring daungers most terribly assaulted . In such sort that I abhorre to write : and euen at the thought thereof I tremble and quake for very inward griefe and feare of minde : assuredly perswading my selfe that the right high and immortall God , will neuer leaue such horrible and detestable crimes vnpunished . As in this present Tragoedy , and so forth in the processe of the whole hystory , thou maist right well perceyue . Wherein thou shalt see , a very expresse and liuely Image of the inconstant chaunge of fickle Fortune in the person of a Prince of passing Fame and Renown , midst whole fluds of earthly blisse : by meare misfortune ( nay rather by the deepe hidden secret Iudgements of God ) piteously plunged in most extreame miseries . The whole Realme for his sake in straungest guise greuously plagued : besides the apparaunt destruction of the Nobility : the generall death and spoyle of the Comminalty : the miserable transformed Face of the City , with an infinite number of mischiefes more , which I passe ouer vnrehersed . Onely wish I all men by this Tragicall hystory ( for to that entent was it written ) to beware of Synne : the ende whereof is shamefull and miserable . As in the most infortunate fall of this vnhappy Prince right playnely appeareth . Who by inward gripe of fearefull consuming Conscience wretchedly tormented : beholding the lamentable state of his vile infected Realmes , wasted by the burning rage of priuy spoyling Pestilence , finds himselfe in tract of time , to be th' onely plague & misery of the almost quight destroied City . Wherevpon calling together his Priests and Prophets , & asking counsaile of the Gods by them , for present remedy in those euils , wherewith the Realme was than vniuersally ouerflowen : aunswere was made that the Plague should neuer ceasse , till king LAIVS death were throughly reuenged : and the bloudy Murtherer driuen into perpetuall exile . Which aunswere receiued , OEDIPVS , farre more curious in bowlting out the truth , than carefull of his own Estate : sodainly slides into an innumerable company of dredfull miseries . For as soone as he had once the perfect vewe of his own detestable deedes , and wicked misdemeanour cast before his eyes , together with the vnnaturall killing of his Father LAIVS , the incestuous Mariage of his Mother IOCASTA , the preposterous order of his ill misguyded lyfe , with a hundred moe like mischiefes , which chaste & vndefiled eares abhorre to heare : fretting Fury common enemy & tormentor to corrupted consciences pricking him forward , all inflamed with Phrensie and boyling in inward heate of vile infected minde , hee rooteth out his wretched eyes vnnaturally , bereaueth his Mother her life ( though earnestly requested thereto ) beastly , & in the ende in most basest kind of slauery , banisht , dieth miserably . Leauing behind him vnto all posterities , a dredfull Example of Gods horrible vengeaunce for sinne . Such like terrors as these requireth this our present Age , wherein Vice hath chiefest place , & Vertue put to flight , lies as an abiect , languishing in great extremity . For the which cause , so much the rather haue I suffred this my base translated Tragoedy to be published : from his Author in word & verse somewhat transformed , though in Sense litle altered : and yet oftentimes rudely encreased with mine owne simple inuention : more rashly ( I confesse ) than wisely , wishing to please all : to offend none . But whereas no man liues so vprightly , whom slaundring tonges leaue vndiffamed , I referre my selfe to the Iudgement of the wisest , litle esteeming the preiudiciall mouthes of such carping Marchaunts , whych suffer no mens doings almost to scape vndefiled . In fine , I beseech all to gether ( if so it might be ) to beare with my rudenes , & consider the grosenes of our owne Countrey language , which can by no meanes aspire to the high lofty Latinists stile . Myne onely entent was to exhorte men to embrace Vertue and shun Vyce , according to that of the right famous & excellent Poet Virgil

Discite iusticiam moniti , & non temnere diuos .

This obtayned : I hold my selfe throughly contented : In the meane season I ende : wishing all men to shun Sin , the plaine ( but most perilous ) pathway to perfect infelicity .

The Speakers names . OEdipus . Chorus . Tiresias . Sanex . Iocasta . Creon . Manto . Phorbas . [ Nuntius ]

THE FIRST ACTE . OEDIPVS the King . IOCASTA the Queene . THe Night is gon : and dredfull day begins at length t' appeere : And Phoebus all bedim'de with Clowdes , himselfe aloft doth reere . And glyding forth with deadly hue , a dolefull blase in Skies Doth beare : Great terror & dismay to the beholders Eyes . Now shall the houses voyde bee seene , with Plague deuoured quight ? And slaughter that the night hath made , shall day bring forth to light . Doth any man in Princely throne reioyce ? O brittle Ioy , How many ills ? how fayre a Face ? and yet how much annoy In thee doth lurke , and hidden lies ? what heapes of endles strife ? They iudge amisse , that deeme the Prince to haue the happy life . For as the Mountaynes huge and bie , the blustring windes withstand . And craggy Rocks , the belching fluds do dash , and driue fro land : Though that the Seas in quiet are , and calme on euery side : So kingdoms great all Windes and Waues of Fortune must abide . How well shund I my Father deare Polybius Scepters late ? Exil'de , bereft of carefull feare , in Pilgrims happy state : I call the Gods to witnes this , and Stars that glyde in Skyes . A Kingdome is befauln to mee . I frare least thereof ryse A mischiefe , ( mighty Ioue , ) to great I feare , alas I feare Least these my handes haue reft the life , or thee my Father deare . Apollo byds mee this beware , and yet a mischiefe more Foretels . IOC. Can any greater bee than that you tolde before ? Of Father slayne by sonnes own hand ? OE. ( O thrice vnhappy state . ) With horror all dismaide I stand in dred of threatned fate . I am ashamed my destinies fowle ( O Queene ) to thunder out , And openly to blase my feare my trembling minde doth dout : Yet out it goes . Phoebus me bids my Mothers Bed to fly . As though that I her Sonne , with her incestuously should ly . This feare , and onely this me causde my fathers kingdome great For to forsake . I fled not thence when feare the minde doth beat . The restlesse thought still dreds the thing , it knows can neuer chaunce . Such fansies now torment my heart , my safety to aduaunce , And eke thyne euer sacred lawes ( O Nature ) for to keepe A stately Scepter I forsooke , yet secret feare doth creepe Within my breast : and frets it still with doubt and discontent , And inward pangues which secretly my thoughts a sunder rent . So though no cause of dred I see , yet feare and dred I all , And scant in credit with my selfe , my thoughts my minde appall That I cannot perswaded be though reason tell mee no , But that the Web is weauing still of my decreed wo . For what should I suppose the cause ? a Plague that is so generall , And Cadmus country wholy spoyles , and spreds it selfe through all ? Should mee , amongest so huge a heape of plagued Bodies spare ? And we alone amongst the rest reserude to mischiefes are ? O heauy hap . And bide I stil alone the spoyle to see ? Of Cities great , of men , of beasts , by plague that wasted bee ? And thou amongst so many ils , a happy lyfe to lead , Couldst once perswade thy selfe ( O wretch ) without all feare or dread . Of Phoebus secret Iudgements to , and that in Kinges estate ? Thou , thou , infected hast the ayre , in such a filthy rate . Thou art the onely cause of woe : by thee these euils rise , By thee to graue on such a sorte , this wretched people plies . The firy flaming frying heate , afflicted hearts that wasts , Is not relieude as wont it was by cold and pleasaunt blasts . The gentle western windes haue left with healthfull puffes to blow , And now the fiery Dog with blase of boyling heate doth glow . The Sunne in Leo burns so hoate , and so the earth doth broyle , That fluds and hearbes are dryed vp , and nought remaynes but soyle , So throughly schorcht and stued with heate , that moisture all is gone , And now amongst so many fluds , remaynes alas not one . The places dry are onely seene the streames are drunken vp . And water that doth yet remayne : the soaking Earth doth sup . The Moone with clowds quight over cast , all sadly forth she glides , And dolefull darksom shades of night the whole worlde ouer hides . No Star on high at all doth shine , but black and heli●ke hue Hath ouershaded all the Skyes , whence deadly mists ensue . The corne that wonted was to growe and fruitfully to spring , Now to the voyded Barnes nought els , but empty stalkes doth bring . No part of all our kingdome is free from destruction : But all together run and rush , to vtter confusion . The old men with the yong ( alas : ) the Father with the chylde The plague consumes . Both man & wife , all beasts both tame & wylde Are spoyled by the Pestilence . No pompe at all remaynes , That wonted was in Funeralles , to ease the mourners paynes . Alas this spoile of people made , by plague hath dryde myne eyes : And secretly within my breast , the griefe it boyling fryes . And that , that wonted is to hap , in most extremest ills : My tearees are dry and glutting griefe my wretched breast it fills . The crased father beares the son , vnto theyr dampish graues : And after him with burden like , the Mother comes and raues : And euen lamenting as they stand , 〈…〉 both they fall , And mourners new in like estate , for them and theirs they call . Who likewise in the midst of all their toyle and paynfull payne Do drop into the graue they digd , and so the place doe gayne That was prepar'de for others erst . A hell it were to heere The horror , and the miseries that euery where appeere . A Tombe is made for noble men , fast on the people die , And in , their burdens fling . Great Pieres all vnregarded lye . For lack of Graues , to Ashes cleane their bodyes some doe wast : And some halfe burnt doe leaue them there , and home away for hast They run , & more they fetch , and then wood , fier , graue , and all Doth want . And downe for very griefe the wretched mysers fall . No prayers auaile . No Arte can help this raging Plague t' appease : For none almost is left aliue each others woe to ease . Before thine aulters heere O God my feeble hands I hold , Requiring all my destinies , at once with courage bold . And that by death I may preuent , my Countrey prest to fall . For this , and only this ( O God ) vpon thy name I call . Let mee not be the last that dies : The last that goes to Graue . Graunt this , and then ( O mighty Ioue ) my full request I haue . O cruell Gods vnkinde : O more than thrise vnhappy Fates : That onely mee denied is , that lyghtes on all Estates . I meane a speedy death ( alas ) these euils to preuent And deadly woes that doe my heart with restlesse rage torment . Leaue of thy blubbering teares ( O foole , ) & fly these kingdomes foylde With rotten plagues & Botches bile , and graves ech where dispoylde . All which diseases thou vnhappy guest didst bring with thee Dispatch . Away . Goe hence . At least , vnto thy parents flee . IO. What bootes it 〈…〉 , great with piteous plaints to aggregate . Stoutly to beare aduersity , 〈…〉 estate . When dred and daunger most assayle : when cruell Cares doe crush Thy princely breast , Thē oughtst thou most to beare and bide the push . It is no poinct of courage stout to yeelde to fortunes frown . OED. Nay , Feare could neuer cause mee sloupe nor Fortune cast mee down . My manly winds was neuer thraule to vaine and peauish feares , But euermore in each 〈…〉 courage beares . No not a thousand glistering swords , nor Mars himselfe in fielde . Can once dismay my Countenaunce , or cause my heart to yeelde . The very Giaunts fierce and huge in fight withstand I dare . That Monster Sphinx whose riddels through the world renowmed are , Could not dismay my deedles heart , nor cause my courage slide For all the terrors I behold . I did that Fury byde . I saw him belching Gobs of bloud , I viewde full well the fielde That all to spatterd lay with bloud , and bones quight ouerheelde . And when that he on Mountaynes top with mouth full huge to see . Stoode gaping all with greedy Iawes to feede and pray on mee , Oft fluttering with his fearefull wynges and shaking oft his rayse , Began full like a Lyon fierce with threates mee to assayle . Of whom straight way the Riddell I , it rusht into myne eares With roring sound His winges he claps , the Rock for hast hee teares . Desiring with my Bowels still his greedy Iawes to glut : But I full soone assoyled had the question that he put . And all the subtile poincts ther of , and twisted knots vntwinde . IO. What makes you wish for death to late , and waue your wordes in wind . You might haue died than ( you know ) for Sphinx so nobly slain . This kingdom vnto you , and yours for euer shall remain . OED. The ashes of that Monster vile , agaynst vs doth rebell . That vile mishapen lothsome Beast , that raging Feend of Hell . Is cause of all the plague that doth this mournfull City smight . Now only this remaynes alone , if Phoebus heauenly might , Can any meanes inuent for vs , or way of mercy make : Whereby these burning Plagues at length may haply chasice to slake . Chorus . O More then thrise renowned Stock of auncient Cadmus Race . O mighty Thebes City great , O heauy ruthfull Case . Loe now you lye all desolate , with Plague deuoured quight . Both you and all your Husbandmen . ( Oh miserable sight . ) O fowle and feareful Fate ( alas ) what causeth all this aid ? O God whence springs this Pestylence that vs tormenteth so ? No age , no shape , no forme is sparde , but all confounded lye . Thus happiest now the man I count , whose chaunce was first to dye . For hee hath shund a thousand ills , which wretched Eyes haue seene : And mischiefes great that vs doe presse from him are taken cleane . O God withhold thy fury great , thy Plagues from vs remoue . Ceasse of afflicted Soules to scourge , who thee , both serue and loue . Powre downe on them diseases fowle , that them deserued haue . A Guerdon iust for sinne ( Oh God ) this this of thee wee craue , And onely this . We aske no more , the cause and all is thyne , A thing not vsde of Gods it is , from pity to declyne . My heart doth vant , and trembling cold through all my lims doth run , As oft as I remembring , count the noble Stockes vndun , By death and dolfull destenies that ouerwhelmed lye , And yet alas the people stil to Graue doe faster hye . In long Aray all in a rancke by thousandes on a roe , On euery side , in euery streate to buriall fast , they goe . The seuen broade wyde open Gates , are not enough forway , But throngd the people pestred stand still in a fearefull stay , And in the mydst of all theyr toyle with corses on their backes , The number that before doth poast the hinder number slackes . The corses in the streates doe lye and Graue on Graue is made . But all in vayne . For nought it boots the plague cannot be stayde . The sacrifices don to Gods haue to to ill successe . And such straunge sights & signes doe rise that nought els I can gesse , But that at hand with gastly pawes , is vtter destruction , With thousand ills accompayned and extreme confusion . The sheepe of rot by heapes as thick , as dogges doe fall and dye , And belching out their wasted lunges , on grounde doe sprawling lye . And I my selfe of late did see : ( a sight vnseene before , ) As our high priest stoode sacrifising at the Temple dore , And strake with grieuous bloudy wound the golden horned Bull When downe with liueles lump he drops and members made full dull . And all the woude wide bleeding gapes & black goar's bloud out spues . And yet the blade vnsprinckled was . The bloud it boyling fiues And bubbles on the ground . Alas what do these things portend ? Oh mighty Ioue at length vouchsafe some good and happy end . At length withhold thy hand ( O God ) and health vnto vs send . Nothing ( alas ) remaynes at all , in wonted old estate , But all are turned topset downe , quight voyd and desolate The famting horse for 〈…〉 back his burden tats . Aud after on his maisters brest his liueles lyms he squats : Who cries for help : but all in vain the beasts in field that bide Unkept : vnknowen wayes and pathe do raunge and ouerstride . The Bull 〈…〉 and meate are in field all faintyng lyes . And , all his flocke dispersed quight the fely Shephard dyes . The herdman eke amongst his beasts his fatal breath expiers And to the heuens with piteous cries commends his last desters . The Harts without all feare of wolues do lyue in wretched peace . The rage , and wrathful roring sounds of ramping Lions cease . The vengeaunce wyld outragious Beares are now as tame as sheepe The vgly Serpent that was wont , the Rocky Dennes to keepe . Oft quaffing poisoned Venom sups in inward heat shee boyles , And all inflamd and schorcht , in vayne for lenger lyfe she toyles . The woods are 〈…〉 with fresh and lyuely hue , The wonted shades are gon . All things are quight out of their Que : No greenish grasse on ground doth grow , the earth no moisture soupes . The Vine withouten any sap , his drowsy head down drowpes . What shal I say ? all 〈…〉 out of course , And as they seeme to me , are lyke , to fare still worse and worse . O mighty God aboue when ende these euerduryng yls ? When cease 〈…〉 bloud thus fierce and raging spils ? I thinck but we almost alyue , there do no men remayne : Whom dolful Darts 〈…〉 on earth haue left vnslayne . I thinck the darcksome shades of hell where filthy fluds do flow , Where plages and vile diseases too , where dredfull horrors grow , And all the furies brasten loose do mischiefes on vs throw , With Botch & biane of sundry kindes which sothern blasts do blow , And wrekful vexed hagges of hell do dreath and on vs bringe : The angry feddes of hell I thinke their vengeaunce , on vs flinge And out their mortall poyson spue which they agaynst vs beare . Lo see how greedy death on vs with scowling eyes doth leare . See , see . Oh Ioue how fast hee throwes his Dartes . Not one he spares But all confounds . His thretning force , withstand no Creature dares . No doubt the lothsom Feryman the sinfull soules that traynes Through stincking fluds , his labour loths that he for vs sustaynes . Such presse by plumps to him is made which still renews his paynes . But harke yet monsters more than these , the Fame abroade doth fly That hellishe Dogges with bawling sound were heard to howle and cry , And the the ground with trembling shooke , and vnder feele did moue . And dreadfull blasing Comets bright were seene in Skies aboue . And gastly shapes of men besides , to wander on the ground . And wood , and trees on euery syde , did fearefully resound . Besides all this straung Ghosts were seene in places where they stoode . And Ryuers more then one or two , that ran all blacke goorb bloode . O cruell plague , O vile disease , farre worse then speedy death . O wee vnhappy thrise and more , who doe prolonge our breath . In these accursed dayes and tymes . But harke to mee a while . When first this lothsome plague begins these Mysers to defile , It takes them thus . A feareful Cold through al their bones doth run , ] And Cold and Heate togeather mixt , their sences all benome . Than litle lothsome markes appeare , and all their bodies spot . And all their members flaming glow , and burning fast doe rot . The Lights , the Lungs , the heart , the Guts , and all that inwarde lies . And all the secret partes iscorcht , with deadly , I fier fries . The bloud all clotterd in their Cheekes , in cluster lies by lumps . And it and heate together makes , great , straung , and ruddy bumps . And bloud and flesh congeled stands , in Face as stiffe as stake . And Eyes in head fast fixed set , and often trickling make . And downe apace whole fluds they steame , and clots & drops doe trill , And all the skin from of their Face , by flakes and scales doth pill . A thousand fearefull sounds at once , into their eares doe rush . And lothsome bloud out of their Nose , by stilling streames doth gush . The very anguish of their heart doth cause them for to shake . And what with payne & heale , and feare , their weried lims doe quake . Then some the running Ryuers haunt , and some on ground doe wallow . And some agayne their thirst to slake , cold water gulping swallow . Thus all our country tost with plague in Griefe it waltering lies . And still desiring for to dye , a thousand deathes it dyes . But God to heare them then is prest : and death to none denyes . Besydes al this , the church some do frequent : but not to pray , But onely for to glut the Gods , with that that they do say . But who is this that comes to Court in hast with poasting pace ? What ? i st Creon that noble Prince ( for deedes and stately race ? ) Or doth my mynd opprest with care thinges false for true contriue ? Creon it is long looked for , his sight doth me reuyue .

THE SECONDE ACTE .

The first Scene . OEDIPVS . CREON . FOr feare my body chilles , alas , and trembling all I stand In quakinge dread . I seke and toyle , these mischiefes to withstand . But al in vayne I spend my thoughtes it wil not be , I see , As long as all my sences thus by cares distracted bee . My mynd desyrous stil ( Oh God , ) the truth for to vnfold , With doubtful Dread is daunted so , that it can scant vpholde It selfe . O Brother beare , if way or meane of health thou know , Declare it out and sticke not all the truth to me to show . Cre. The Oracle ( most noble king ) ys darke , and hidden lies . Oed. Who doubtful health to sicke men brings , all health to them denies . Cre. Apolloes vse yt is the troth in darkesome dens to hold . Oed. And Oedipus of Gods it hath thinges hidden to vnfold : Speake out , tell all , and spare not man : all doubtes I can discus . Cre. Apollo then ( most noble King ) himselfe commaundeth thus . By exile purge the Princes seat , and plague with vengeance due That haples wretch , whose bloudy handes of late King Laius slue : Before that this perfourmed bee , no hope of milder ayer : Wherfore do this ( O King ) or else All hope of helpe dispayre . Oe, Durst any man on earth attempte , that noble Prince to slay ? Shew me the man that I may him dispatch out of the way . Cre. God graunt I may it safely tel : the hearyng was to terrible , My senses all amased are : it is a thing so horrible , That I abhorre to vtter it ( oh God ) for feare I quake And euen at the very thought my lims beginne to shake . Assoone as I Appollos Church , had entred in affrayd , Vppon my face flat downe I fell , and thus to him I prayd . Oh God if euer thou didst rue , on wretched misers state , If euer men opprest thou easd , or didst their cares abate , If euer thou in present neede didst present helpe declare , If euer thou afflicted Hartes with cares consumd didst spare : Shew now thy wonted elemency and pitty knowne of yore . Scant had I sayd : Resounding all the mountaynes thondring rore : And filthy feendes spout out their flames out of their darksome caues . And woods do quake , and hilles do moue , and vp the surging waues Do mount vnto the skies aloft , and I amased stand . Still looking for an aunsweare at Apollos sacred hand . When out with ruffled hayre disguisd the : Prophet comes at last : And when that shee had felt the heate of mighty Phoebus blast . All puffyng out she swelles in rage , and pattring still she raues , And scant she entred had into Apollos shyning caues , When out a thundring voyce doth brust that 's farre aboue mans reach . So dreadful seemed then to me the mighty Phoebus speach . Than thus he spake aud thus at length into myne cares he rusht Whyle sprawling stil the Prophet lay before the doores in dust . The Thebane City neuer shal be free from plagues ( quoth he , ) Except from thense the Kingkiller forthwith expulsed bee : Vnto Apollo knowen he was , or euer he was borne . Do this : or else no hope of health , to this , the gods haue sworn . And as for thee , thou shalt not long in quiet state indure , But with thy self wage war thou shalt & war thou shalt procure Vnto thy children deare : & crepe agayn thou shalt into thy mothers wombe . Oed. Loke what the Gods commaunded haue accomplished shal be . Nor neuer shal these eyes of myne abyde the day to see , A King of kingdome spoyld by force , by guyle or crast supprest . A kinge to kinges the prop ought be , and chiefest cause of rest : No man regardes his death at all whom liuing he doth feare , Cr. Great cause makes mee my Princes death conceale and closly beare Oed. Ought any cause of feare or griefe , the duty for to let ? Cre. The threatning of the prophesyes , do stil my breast beset . Oe. Let vs ( sith God commaunds ) forthwith some good attonement make If any way , or meanes there be their wrathful rage to slake . Thou God that sits on seate on high , and al the world dost guide , And thou by whose commaundement the Starres in Skies do glide : Thou , thou that onely ruler art of Seas , of Floods , and all . On thee and on thy Godhead great , for these requestes I call . Who so hath slayne king Laius , oh Ioue I do thee pray . Let thousand ils vpon him fall , before his dying day . Let him no health ne comfort haue , but al to crusht with cares , Consume his wretched yeares in griefe , & though that death him spares Awhyle . Yet mischiefes all , at length vppon him light . With all the euils vnder Sun , that vgly monster smight . In exile let him liue a Slaue , the rated course of life . In shame , in care , in penury in daunger and in strife . Let no man on him pity take , let all men him reuyle . Let him his Mothers sacred Bed incestuously defyle . Lim him his father kill . And yet let him do mischiefes more . What thing more haynous can I wish then that I wisht before ? Let him do all those illes I say , that I haue shund and past . All those and more ( if more may be ) oh God vpon him cast . Let him no hope of pardon haue : but sue and all in vayne . All hellish Furies on him light , for to encrease his payne . O Ioue powre downe thy fury greate , thy thundring thumpes out throw Let Boreas boysterous blastes and stormy plagues vpon him blow Consume him quight . Fret out his guttes with pockes and botches vile Let all diseases on him light that wretched bodyes fyle . Let these and more ( if more may be ) vppon that Monster fall . Let Harpies pawes and greedy paunche deuoure his members all . Let no man him regard : or seeke his limmes in grade to lay : But let him dye ten thousand deathes before his dying day . By this my Kingdome I do sweare , and Kingdome that I left By al my Countrey Gods that bene in Temples closely kept , I sweare , I vow , I do protest , and thereto witnes take : The Starres , the Seas , the Earth and all that ere thy hand did make . Except that I my selfe forthwith this bloudy monster find , To wreake the wrath of God some way with solempne oth I bynde . And so my father , Polybius his happy dayes out lyue . And so my mother Merope , no mariage new contriue : As he shall dye that did this deede , and none shal him excuse . Whoso he be here I protest for that he shortly rues : But where this wicked deede was don Creon now tell me playne : Both by what meanes ? & where : and how Ring Laius was slayne . Creon . Passing through Castalia woods & mountayns heapt with snoe Where groues and scrubs , and bushes thicke & brambles sharp do groe . A threepathd crooked way there is that diuersly doth goe . One vnto Bacchus citty bends that Phoce doth hight , The other to Olenius , forth stretcheth out aright : The third that reacheth through the vales and by the riuers lyes Tends downe vnto the Bancks wherby Eleia , water plyes There vnawares ( O piteous chaunce ) a troup of theues entraps The noble prince , and murders him hence spring these great mishaps which heape you realms with hideous woes and plagues on euery side , By iust decree of heauenly powers which can no murder bide . But see Tiresias where he coms with old and trembling pace . I thincke Apolloes heauenly might haue brought him to this place . See where he comes : and Manto too , his steps directing stayes T is he who for your grace ( O king ) and for your countrie prayes

THE SECOND ACTE . THE SECOND SCENE . OEDIPVS . TYRESIAS . MANTO . COme holy priest ( to Phoebus next ) these doubtfull aunswers lose : And whom that destnies will to dye , Straightwayes to me disclose . TY. Renowmed Prince , though still I stand in silence dumme dismayde : And though by inwarde feare of mynde my lingring tonge is stayde : Yet pardon me ( O noble Prince , ) and geue me leaue a while . From lack of sight springs Ignoraunce which powre hath to exile Vnspotted Truth from doubtfull breasts . This thing ful well you knoes , But whither God and Countrey calles , with willing minde I goe . Let deadly fatall destentes , be boulted out at length . O King if I of greener yeares had now my wonted strength : This matter soone discust should be , and I would take in hande , My selfe in presence of the Gods , in temple for to stande . A mighty Oxe all coulourd white , vp on the Aulters reare , Which neuer yet on weried necke , the croked yoake did beare . And Manto thou , O daughter mine , mine onely prop and stay : The secret hidden misteries , and sacred signes out say . M A. The beast before the Aulter stands . T Y. To Gods a prayer make , And on the holy Aulters cke , some pleasaunt odors shake . M A. T is done . And all the fiers fierce , with incence bright doe flame . T Y. O Manto now what signes seest thou ? how doe thy matters frame ? What ? doth the fire , the Sacrifice encompas rounde about ? MA. Not so . But first it mounts aloft , and streight it flasheth out . TY. Well Yet , how doth the sacred flame all shining bright and cleare It selfe on high vnto the Skies , with sparkelting flakes vpreare ? Or doth it oft rebounding backe , it selfe , from Skyes vnfould ? Or all with rumbling roring noyse , about the place i st rould ? Or dim'd with smoke , i st tost from place , to place , now heere , now theare ? MA. Not one . But diuerse , colours mixt the flame doth with it beare . Much like vnto the Rainbow , which with sundry paynted hues Foreshewes vnto the husbandmen the weather that ensues . What colour it wants , or what it hath , to me is like vncertayne . Now is it black , now blue , now red , and euen now agayne Quight out it is . Yet once agayn , all fierce it flashing flames : But lo , yet mischiefs more then this , vnluckely it frames . The fier quight a sunder parts , and flame with flame doth fight . O father I abhorre to see , this vgly lothsome sight . The Wyne to blud is turned quight , and all the Prynces hed , With thicke black clouds encompast is , with smoke all ouerspred . O father tell what this portends ? TY. What should I tell alas ? My mynde for feare astonied stands , and trembling cold doth pas Through all my lims . What shall I say ? or where shall I begin ? O cruell Plagues , O wrekfull Gods , O vengeaunce due for sin . Some dyre and blouddy deed ( Alas ) these hydeous signes declare . What 's that the Gods would haue reuealde , and yet doe bid beware To vtter it ? By certaine signes their wrath is oft descride : Such signes appeere , and yet they seeme their fury great to hide . They are ashamde : I wot nere what . Come hither , quickly bring Some salt with thee , and it vpon the sacrifice goe fling . What ? are their lookes pleasant and milde , and doe they gently bide The touching of thy sacred hands ? MA. What may this thing betide ? The Bull ( a wonder great to see ) his head on hie he lifts And turned still vnto the East , from thence it alway shifts , Still lothing as hee seemes to me , of heauen to see the light , Oft scouling with his blearing eyes with gastely ruthfull sight . TY. But doth one blow then driue to ground , or more the one they haue ? MA. The Heifer as it seemde , enflamd with courage stoute and braue Vpon the mortall Blade did rush , and there hirselfe destries : When out the bloud it foming spoutes , and mounts vnto the Skies . The brawny Bull twise stroke or thrise , with groueling groning tyres , And toyling vp and down he moyles . And still to liue desires . And yet at length with much ado , his brutish breath expiers . TY. What ? doth the wounde wide open gape , or is it closed vp ? Or doth the deepnes of the hole , the bloud in soking sup ? MA. Out of the wounded Heifers breast Black bluish waters rush . As for the Bull , but little bloud , out of his wounds doth gush . It back rebounds , and from his Mouth & Eyes by streames doth flow . But what these dreadfull signes portend the Gods aloane doe know . TY. By this vnhappy Sacrifice , great feares within mee rise . But tell mee now : In the inner parts , what secret hidden lies ? MA. O Father what meanes this ( alas ) that more then wonted guise The Inwards stir ? and shake my hands , and heauing oft arise , The bloud by streames out of the vaynes , full straungly skips aloft . The heart all schorcht and hidden lies , and strykes are seene full oft , Of Colour very wan and pale : The chiefest parts doe want . The Lyuer blackish gall out spurts , and somwhat rysing pants . And that , that myschiefes great , to kingdoms doth foreshow : Two heads are seene , and yet both heads one skin doth ouergrow And ouerheales them quight , But yet the skin , it is so thin That easely one may discerne what lieth hid therein . And that which horror doth encrease , a man may plainly see How both the heart , the Lights , and Lungs , and all disturbed bee . The fearefull noyse and sound you heere is not of beasts , but fier That roaring on the Alters makes , presaging wrekefull yre Of angry Gods who doe foretell some purpose that they haue , For to reuenge some foule misdeede that vengeance iust doth craue . No part his proper place obserues , nor keepes his order due : But altogether quight disguisde , with an vnwonted hue . Mishapen , out of frame , transformde , displaced quight ( alas ) What thing is that the Gods entend ere long to bring to pas ? OEd. Why than declare from whence , and why these deadly signes arise , With courage stout I will it heare , it shall not once aggrise By valiaunt mynd . Extremest ils haue power to banish feare . TY. You will wishe that vnhard which you so much desyre to heare . OEd. Yet sence the Gods wil haue him known tell me ( I say ) his name That siue your King . TY. Nor wing , nor womb of Bird or beast that same Can tell ( O king ) new sacrifice , new meanes we must inuent . From dredfull darke infernall damps some Fury must be sent These mischifes great for to vnfolde . Or els King Ditis hee , That Empyre keepes on griesly Ghosts , entreated needes must bee These things forthwith for to disclose . Tell who shall haue the charge , A King thou art , than maist not thou go through those kingdoms large . OEd. Than noble Creon thou shalt goe , this payne is first for thee : Who must this crown and kingdome great enioy after mee .

THE THIRDE ACTE .

THE FIRST SCENE . Oedipus . Creon . THough that thy Face where sadnes sits in heauy mourning guise , Nought els portend , but dedly griefes , and mischiefes stil to ryse : Yet tel some meanes wherby at length the Gods we may appease , And purchasen to our Kingdomes wast , some hope of health and ease . Cre. Alas you byd me that disclose which feare doth byd me hyde . Oed. It that the Thebane Citties great , by doleful plagues destryde . Perce not thy hart : yet oughtest thou . these Kingdomes for to rue , Which were vnto thy brothers house , of auncient title due . Cre. You wish the thing to know , which you wil wish vnknown at length . Oed. Why so ? a simple remedy of litle force and strength Is ignoraunce of our estate when daungers vs betyde . But what ? wilt thou so great a good for common safety hide ? Cre. Irkesome Medcines and perilous in sickness I abhorre : Oed. And I likewyse at Subiects hands disdayne to take a dorre , Speake out with speed , or else by proofe of torment thou shalt find How daungerous a case it is to gawle a Princes mynd . Cre. Kinges often vse to wish vntolde , which they bad tel before . Oed. Go to , dispatch and cease in time to vexe me any more . Except that thou forthwith to me this heinous deede disclose : The gods I do protest , to death for al thou onely goes . Cre. O pardon me most noble king . O let me hold my pes , Of al the gracis Princes graunt , what fauour may be lesse ? Oed As though the silence hurts not more both king and countries weale : Then spech oft tymes : which subiects thoughts to Prices both reueale ? Dispatch at once , stir me no more thou knowst my guise of olde . CRE. Silence denied , what priuileage may silly Subiect holde ? OED. A traytor he is , who stlence keepes , when king commaunds to speake . CRE. Then pardon my constrayned speach , sith silence for to breake You me compell . A dolefull tale ( O king ) my tongue must tell , And which I feare your maiesty will not interpret well . OED. Was euer man rebukt for that , that he was bid to say ? CRE. Well than since needes I must : I am contented to obay . A wood there is from City farre , enhaunst with stately trees : Where many a plant , and her be doth grow , which Phoebus neuer sees : With euer during bushes greene , the Cypresse there doth ryse , And puts his alde aud leffty had withing the cloude Skyes . The auncient Time eaten Oke with crooked bended lims . The Teyl tree fine : The Alder which in Neptunes kingdoms swims , The Bayes with bitter beries eke the Elmes deere friends to Vynes And many a noble tree besides , as Mirtles , 〈…〉 Amidst them all , one tree there is with large out 〈…〉 Whose roring sound , & craking noyse the lesser woods Icharmes , And ouershades them all : a Tree of monstrous huge estate , Beset with fearefull woods : there is that dyre , and dreadfull gate , That leades to lothsome Lymbo Lake , and pyts that euer flowe . Where choked miry mud doth streame with slimy course full flowe . Here when the priest was entred in with comely aged pace , He stayed not : No neede there was , for night was still in place . Than all the ground wyde open gapes , & smouthering vapours ryse , And fyre and smoke , & styfling stink , mounts vp vnto the Skyes . The Priest with wayling werde iclad , his fatall red out tooke : And entring in , in blacke Aray , full often times it shooke . With heauy cheere and dolful pace : his hoary haire was twynde With bowes of mortall Ewe . A tree wherewith the mourners winde , Theyr mourning heads , & Garlands make . In this guise all arayde , The sacred Priest doth enter in , with trembling lims dismayde : Than in the Sheepe and Oxen blacke , by backwarde course are drawn . And odoures sweete , & Frankencence , on flaming fyres are thrown . The beasts on burning , Altars cast , do quake with schorched lims : And bloudy streames with fyre mixt , about the Aultars swims . Than on the darke internall Gods , and him that rules them all : With deadly shriking voyce aloude , the Prophet gins to call . And rouls the Magick verse in mouth , and hidden Artes doth proue : Which eyther power haue to appease or els the Gods to moue , Thair bloudy streaming Lycours black , with broyling heate doe boyle : And all the Beasts consume and burn . The Prophet than to toyle Begins . And mixed wyne and Mylke vpon the Aultars throwes . And all the Dongeon darke , and wyde with streaming blood it flowes . Than out with thundring voyce agayne the Prophet calles and cryes . And straight as much with mumbling mouth he champs in secret wyse The trees do turne . The Riuers stād . The ground with roring shakes . And all the world as seemes to mee , with fearefull trembling quakes . I am heard , I am heard , than out aloude the Priest began to cry : Whan all the dampned soules by heapes abrode outrushing fly . Then woods with rumbling noyse , doe oft resounding make . And Heauen , and Earth together goe . And bowes and trees do crake . And Thunders roore . And Lightnings flash . And waues aloft doe fly . And ground retyres : and Dogs doe bawl : and Beastes are heard to cry . And whyther long of Acheron , that lothsom Flud that flowes All stinking streames : or of the earth , that out her Bowels throwes , Free place to Sprights to geue : or of that fierce infernall Hound , That at such times doth bustling make with chayns , & railing sound . The Earth al wide it open gapes . And I did see on ground , The Gods with colour pale and wan , that those dark kingdoms keepe . And very night I saw in deede , and thousand shapes to creepe , From out those filthy stinking Lakes , and lothsom pits of Hell . Where all the euils vnder Son , in darksom shades doe dwell . So quaking all for feare I stoode with minde right sore apalde , Whilst on those Gods with trembling mouth the Priest full often calde . Who all at once , out of theyr dens did skip with griesly Face . And Monsters grim , and stinging Snakes seemd wander in that place . And all the fowlest Feendes of Hell , and Furies all were theare . And all transformed Ghosts & sprights , that euer Hell did beare . With Cares , and all Diseases vyle , that mortall mynds doe crush , All those , and more I sawe out of those Dungeons deepe to rush , And Age I sawe , with riueled Face , and Neede , & Feare , and Death . And Fyre , and flames , & thousand ills out fro those Pits to breath . Then I was gon : and quight amazd . The wenche in worser case . And yet of olde , acquaynted with her Fathers Artes she was . The Priest himselfe vnmooued stoode , and boldly cited owt : Whole Armies of king Ditis men , who clustring in a Rowt : All flittring thin like Cloudes , disperst abrode in Ayre doe fly . And bearing sundry shapes and formes doe scud aboue in Sky , A thousand woods I thinke haue not so many leaues on trees . Ten thousand medowes fresh haue not so many flowers for bees . Ten hundred thousand riuers not so many Foule can show : Nor all the drops and streams , and gulphes that in the Seas do flow , If that they might be wayed , can sure so great a number make As could those shapes and formes that flew from out of Limbo lake . Both Tantalus and Zetus too , and pale Amphions Ghost : And A gaue , and after her ten thousand Sprightes do post . Than Pentheus , and more and more , in like estate ensue : Til out at length comes Laius with foule and grisly hue : Vncomly brest in wretched plight with fylth all ouergrowne : All perst with wounds , ( I loth to speake ) with bloud quight ouerflown A Miser ryght as seemd to me , and most of Misers all : Thus in this case , at length he spake , and thus began to call . O Cadmus cruel Citty vyle , that stil delightste in bloud , O Cadmus thou , which kinsmens death , accountst as chiefest good . Teare out the bloudy Bowels of your Children , learne of me , Do that , and rather more , then you would byde the day to see Like ills as late on mee are light . Loe mothers loue ( alas ) Hath causd the greatest misery that ere in Theba was . The Countrey with the wrath of Gods at this tyme is not tost . Nor yearth nor ayre infect is not the cause that all bene lost . No No . A bloudy King is cause of all these mischiefes great : A bloudy wretch : A wretched child that sits in Fathers Seate : And Mothers bed defyles ( O wretch ) and entreth in agayne , In places whence he came from once and doubleth so her payne , Whilst that hee fils the haples wombe wher in himselfe did lie With graceles seede and causeth her twise childbirthes pangues to try : Vnhappy Sonne , but Father worse and most vnhappy hee , By whom the lawes of sacred shame so sore confounded bee . For that that very bestes ( almost ) do all abhorre to do , Euen of his mothers body he hath brothers gotten two . O mischiefe great : O dredful deede , then Sphinx , O monster more : Example vnto ages all of Gods foretold before . But I thee , thee , that Scepter holdst , thy Father wil pursue , And wreacke my selfe on thee and thyne with plagues & vengeance due . All restles rage of spite and paine I will vppon thee blow , And all the furies foule of hell vppon thee I will throw . I wil subuert thy Houses cleane , for this thy lothsome lust : I wil do this thou wretch : And thee , and thyne consume to dust . Wherfore dispatch at once ( I say ) into exile driue your King . That ground that first of all he leaues , with fresh grene grasse shall spring . And sweete , and pleasaunt Ayre , and healthfull blasts shall ryse , And all the euills vnder Sun , that mortall men surprise : The Pocks , the Piles , the Botch , the blaine , & death with him shall fly . And with him mischiefs all shall passe , and Monsters vnder Sky . And as for him I know hee would depart with willing mynde : But I will clog his Feete , and hands , his way he shall not finde . But groping with his aged staffe , shall passe from place to place . This shall he doe . And none shall rue vpon his ruthfull case . Rid you the Monster from the Earth , for Heauen let mee alone . No sooner sayd , but straight away , his dreadfull Ghost was gone . And fast by thousands after him , th' other Sprights in hyde : Than Cold & trembling feare began through all my bones to glyde . OED. The thing I alwayes fearde , I see vpon mee now is layde : But slender props they are ( God wot ) whereby your Treason is stayde . Meropa my Mother deare , shall mee from this defend : Polybius eke shall purge mee quight , from Actions all , that tend To murder , or to incest vile , they both shall mee excuse . In such a case no meanes at all of tryall I refuse . Lay what you can vnto my charge . No fault in mee remayns . The Thebanes long or I came heere , of Laius death complayns . My Mother yet alyue , my Father still in like estate . No , no , this is some doltishe drift , of yon false Prophets pate . Or else some mighty God aboue , doth beare me no good will , And seekes by Plagues on mee to wreke , his wrathfull vengeaunce stil . Ah Sir I am glad at length I smell your drifts and fetches fyne . I know the whole confederacy your sleights I can vntwyne . That beastly Priest , that blearayed wretch beelyes the Gods and mee : And thee thou Traytour in my place hath promist king to bee . CRE. Alas would I my Sister of , her lawfull kingdome spoyle ? Thinke you such treason may haue place in brothers breast to boyle ? Yf that myne Oth could me not keepe content with my degree : But that contemning meane estate , I would clime aloft to bee . Yet should ill Fortune mee deter , from such attempts I trowe : Whose guise it is on Princes heads , huge heapes of Cares to throwe . I would aduise your grace betimes this charge from you to cast : Least lingring long all vnawares , you be opprest at last . Assure your selfe , in baser state , more safer you may liue : And shun a thousand Cares , & Griefs : which Princes hearts doe riue . OED. And dost thou me exhort thou slaue my kingdome for to leaue ? O faythlesse head . O shamelesse heart , that could such treasons weaue ? Darst thou attempt thou villayne vile this thing , to me to breake ? And fearst thou not in such a cause so boldly for to speake . CRE. I would perswade them so ( O King ) who freely might possesse Their Realmes such piteous cares I see , do Prynces hearts oppresse : But as for you of force you must your Fortunes chainge abyde . OED. The surest way for them that gape for kingdoms large , & wyde , Is first things meane , and rest , and peace , and base estate to prayse : And yet with Tooth and Nayle , to toyle to mount aloft alwayes . So often times , most restlesse beastes doe chiefly rest commend . CRE. Shall not my seruice long suffice my truth for to defend ? OED. Time is the onely meanes for such , as thou to worke theyr will . CRE. It is so syr , but as for mee , of goods I haue my fill . A great resort . A pleasaunt life : from Princely cares exempt . All these might ( surely ) mee disswade from such a foule attempt . There is no day almost ( O King ) the whale yeare thorow out , Where in some royall gyfts are not from countreys round about Vnto mee sent , both Golde , and pearles , and things of greater cost , Which I let passe , least I should seeme but vainly for to bost . Besides the life of many a man hath bin preserude by mee . In such a bilsfull state ( O King ) what can there wanting bee ? OE. ( Good Fortune can no meane obserue , but stil she preaseth higher . ) CRE. Shall I than guiltlesse die ( alas , ) my cause and all vntryde ? OED. Were vnto you at any time my life , my deedes discride ? Did any man defend mee yet ? or els my causes pleade ? And guiltlesse yet I am condemn'de to this you doe mee leade , And mee expresse example giue , which I entend to take . What measure you doe meat to mee , lyke measure must I make . CRE. The minde which causelesse dred appawls , true cause of feare bewraies That conscience is not guiltles sure , which euery blast dismates . OED. Hee that in midst of perilles deepe , and daungers hath bene cast , Doth seeke all meanes to shun like ills as hee hath ouerpast . CR. So hatreds ryse . OE. Hee that to much doth vse ill will to feare , Unskilfull is : and knowes not how , hee ought him selfe to beare In kings estate . For feare alone doth Kingdomes chiefly keepe . Than hee that thus doth arme himselfe from feare all free may sleepe . CRE. Who so the cruell tyrant playes , and guiltlesse men doth smight , Hee dreadeth them that him doe dread , so feare doth chiefly light On causers chiefe . A iust reuenge for bloudy mindes at last . OED. Come take this traytor vile away , In dongeon deepe him fast Enclose . There for his due deserts , let him abide such payne And scourge of minde ( as meete it is ) false traytors to sustayne . Chorus . SEt , see , the myserable State , of Prynces carefull lyfe . What raging storms ? what bloudy broyles ? what toyle ? what endlesse stryfe Doe they endure ? ( O God ) what plagues ? what griefe do they sustayne ? A Princely lyfe : No . No . ( No doubt ) an euer duringe payne . A state ene fit for men on whom Fortune woulde wreke her will . A place for Cares to couch them in . A doore wyde open still For griefes and daungers all that ben to enter when they list . A king these Mates must euer haue , it bootes not to resist . Whole fluds of priuy pinching feare , great anguishe of the minde : Apparant plagues , & dayly griefes . These playfayres Princes finde . And other none , with whom they spend , and passe theyr wretched dayes . Thus hee that Princes liues , and base Estate together wayes : Shall finde the one a very hell , a perfect infelicity : The other eke a heauen right , exempted quight from mysery . Let OEdipus example bee of this vnto you all , A Mirrour meete . A Patern playne , of Princes carefull thrall . Who late in perfect Ioy as seem'de , and euerlasting blis , Triumphantly his life out led , a Myser now hee is , And most of wretched Misers all , euen at this present tyme , With doubtfull waues of feare Itost , subiect to such a Cryme Whereat my tongue amased stayes , God graunt that at the last , It fall not out as Creon tolde . Not yet the worst is past ,

THE FOVRTH ACTE .

THE FIRSTE SCENE . OEdipus . Iocasta . MY mynde with doubtfull waues of dread , is tossed to and fro , I wot not what to say ( Alas ) I am tormented so . For all the Gods on me doe cry , for paynes and vengeaunce due . They say that these my guiltlesse hands . king Laius lately slue . But this my conscience voyde of crime and mynde from mischiefe free : To Gods vntried , to mee well known denies it so to bee : Full well I doe remember once , by chaunce I did dispatch , A man who sought by force with mee presumptuously to match . His purpose was ( a fond attempt ) my Chariot for to stay , This I remember well enough , the strife was in the way . And he a man well steept in yeares , and I a lusty bloud , And yet of meere disdayne and pride in vayne hee mee withstood . But this from , Thebes farre was done , a croked three pathd way , That was the place in which we fought : it hard by Phocis lay . Deare Wyfe resolue my doubts at once , and mee expresly tell . How old was Laius the King whan this mischaunce befell ? Was he of fresh and lusty yeares ? or stricken well in age When he was kilde ? O ease my thoughts of this tormenting rage . IOC. Betwixt an old man an a yong : but nearer to an olde . OED. Were there great Bands of men with him his Person to vpholde ? IOC. Some by the way deceiued were , and some deterd by payne . A fewe by toyle and labour long , did with their Prince remayne . OE. Were any slayne in his defence ? IO. Of one report is rife , Who constant in his princes cause full stoutly lost his lyfe . OED. It is enough , I knowe the man that hath this mischiefe done . The number and the place agrees . The time vntried alone Remaynes : Than tell what time hee died , and when that he was slaine . IOC. T is ten yeares since : you now reuiue my chifest cares againe .

THE FOVRTH ACTE . THE SECOND SCENE . Senex . OEdipus . THe Corinth people all ( O King ) in Fathers place to rayn Doe call your Grace : Polybius doth eternall rest obtayn . OED. O God what Fortune vyle doth mee oppresse on euery side ? How doe my sorrowes still encrease ? Tell how my Father dide . SEN. No sicknesse ( sir ) but very age did of his life him reaue . OED. And is hee dead : in deede ? not slayne ? what ioy may I conceave ? How may I now triumph ? the Gods to witnesse I doe call , To whom are known my hidden thoughts and secret workings al : Now may I lift to skyes my hands , my hands from mischiefe free . But yet the chiefest cause of feare remayneth still to mee . SEN. Your Fathers kingdom ought al dred out of your mind to driue . OED. That I confesse . But secret thoughts my trembling heart do riue With inward doubt of deepe distresse , my Mother I do feare . This grudge is that continually my heart doth rent and teare . SEN. Do you your Mother feare ? on your return that onely slayes . OED. I feare not her : but from her sight , a godly zeale mee frayes . S. What will you her a Wydow leaue ? OE. Now , now , thou woūdst my heart . This , this , and onely this ( alas , ) is cause of all my smart . SEN. Tell me ( O king ) what doubtfull feare ? doth presse thy princely brest : Kings councels I can well conceale that ben with Cares opprest . OED. Least as Apollo hath forefolde , I should a Mariage make With myne owne Mother : only this fowle feare doth make me quake . SEN. Such vayne & peuysh feares , at length from out your breast exyle . Meropa your Mother is not in deede , you do your selfe beguile . OED. What vauntage should it be to her adopted Sonnes to haue ? SEN. A kingdom she shall gayne thereby . Her Husband layde in graue . The chiefest prop to stay her Realmes from present confusion , In children for to haue : and hope of lawfull succession . OED. What are the meanes whereby thou dost these secrets vnderstand . SEN. My selfe ( your grace ) an Infant gaue into your fathers hand . OED. Didst thou me to my Father geue ? Who than gaue me to thee ? SEN. A Sheparde str ; that wanted on Cytheron Hills to bee . OE. What made thee in those woods to raunge ? what hadst thou there to do ? SEN. Vpon those Hils my Beasts I kept , somtime a Sheepeherde to . OE. What nots , what priuy marks hast thou , wherby thou dost me kno ? SE. The holes that through your feete are borde from whence your name did gro . OE. Declare forthwith what was his name that gaue me vnto thee . SE. The kings chief Shephard than that was , deliuered you to mee . OE. What was his name ? SE. O king old mens remembrance soone doth fayle : Obliuion for the chiefest part , doth boary heads assayle . And drowns their former memory of things long out of mynde . OE. What ? canst thou know the man by sight ? S. Perhaps I should him finde , And know by Face . Things ouer whelmd by time , and quight opprest . A small marke oft to mynde reuokes , and fresh renues in brest . OE. Sirs bid the Herdmen forth with driue theyr Beasts to Aulters all . Away with speede , make hast , the Master Sheepherds to mee call . SE. Sith that your destiny this doth hyde , and Fortune it detayne And closely keepe , let it be so , from opening that refrayne . That long canceald hath hidden lyen , that seeke not to disclose : Such things outsercht and found oftimes agaynst the sercher goes . OE. Can any mischiefe greater be ? than this that now I feare . SE. Aduise you wel remembre fyrst what weight this thing doth beare : That thus you goe about to search , and slit with Tooth and Nayle , Obserue the golden meane : beware beare still and equall sayle . Your Countreys wealth ( O King ) your lyfe , and all vpon this lyes . Though you stir not , bee sure at length your Fortune you escryes . A happy state for to disturbe doth nought at all behoue . OE. When things be at the worst , of them a man may safely moue . SE. Can you haue ought more excellent ? than is a Prynces state ? Beware least of your Parents found it you repent to late . OE. No ( father ) no I warrant that : repent not I ( I trow . ) I seeke it not to that entent . I haue decreed to know , The matter at the full . Wherefore I will it now pursus . Lo Phorbas : where hee trembling coms , with comely aged hue . To whom of all the kinges flocke than , the care and charge was due . Dost thou his name , his speach his Face , or yet his person know ? SE. Me thinks I should haue seene his Face , and yet I cannot show The places where I haue him seene , small time brings such a chainge , As well acquaynted Faces ost , to vs appeare still strainge . This looke is neyther throughly known , nor yet vnknown to mee , I cannot tell : I doubt it much , and yet it may bee hee . In Laius tyme long since when hee these Kindomes great did keepe ? Wast thou not on Citheron hils chiefe Shepard to his sheepe ?

THE FOVRTH ACTE . THE THIRDE SCENE . Phorbas . Senex . OEdipus . SOmetime a charge of sheepe I had , vnworthy though I weer . And did vpon those hills chiefe rule on other Shepards beare . SE. Knowst thou not me . PH. I cannot tell . OE. Didst thou once geue this man A Childe . Speake out , why dost thou stay ? if so , declare it than . Why dost thou blush and doubting stand , troth seeketh no delay ? PH. Things out of minde you call agayne , almost quight worne away . OE. Confesse thou slaue , or els I sweare , thou that constrayned bee PH. In deede I doe remembre once , an Infant yong by mee , Delyuered was vnto this Man : but well I wot in vayne , I know he could not long endure , nor yet alyue remayne . Long since he is dead ( I know it well ) hee liues not at this day . SE. Eo ? God forbid , he liues no doubt , and long may liue I pray . OE. Why dost thou say the child is dead , that thou this man didst giue ? PH. With Irons sharp his feete were board , I know he could not liue , For of the sore a swelling rose , I saw the bloud to gush From out of both the wounds : and down by powring streames to flush . SEN. Now stay ( O king ) no farther now , you know almost the troth . OE. Whose child was it ? tell me forthw . PH. I dare not for mine Othe . OE. Thine Oth thou slaue ? Some fyre here . I le charme thine Othe and thee , With fyre & flames : except forthwith thou tell the troth to mee . PH. O pardon me , though rade I seeme , I seeke nor to withstand name ? Your graces minde : ( most noble king . ) My life is in your hand . OED. Tell me the troth , what child , & whose , What was his Mothers P. Born of your wyfe . OE. O gaping earth deuour my body quight : Or else thou God that ruler art of houses voyde of light , To Hell my Saule with thunder boltes to Hell my Soule down dryue . Where griesly Ghosts in darkenesse deepe , and endlesse payne do lyue . For thee alone , these Plagues doe rage . For thee these mischiefes ryse . For thee , the Earth lyes desolate . For thee thou wretch the Skies Infected are . For thee , for thee , and for the filthy lust , A hundred thousand guiltlesse men , consumed are to dust . O people throw : cast heapes of stones vpon this hatefull Hed : Bath all your swords within my brest : you furies ouershed My restlesse thoughts , with raging woes and plungde in seas of pain . Let mee those hōrrors still endure , which damned soules sustain . You citizens of Stately Thebes vex me with torments dile . Let Father , Son , and Wyfe , and all with vengeance me pursue . Let those that for my sake alone with plagues tormented bee Throw darts , cast stones , fling fier and flames , and tortures all on mee . O shame : O slaunder of the World : O hate of Gods aboue . Confounder O of Nature thou to lawes of sacred loue , Euen from thy birth an open Foe . Thou didst deserue to dye As soone as thou wast born . Go , go , vnto the Court thee hye , There with thy Mother ( slaue ) triumph reioyce as thou maist do . Who hast thy house encreased with vnhappy children so . Make haste with speede , away , some thing thy mischiefs worthy finde . And on thy selfe wrecke all the spight of thy reuenging minde . Chorus . FOrtune the guide of humaine lyfe doth al things chaunge at will . And stirring stil , with restles thoughts our wretched mindes doth fill . In vayn men striue their stats to kepe when hideous tempests rise : And blustring windes of daungers deepe sets death before their eyis . Who saith he doth her fauning feele ? & chaungeth not his minde , When fickle fight of Fortunes wheele doth turne by course of kinde . These greuous plagues from priuat house to princely Thrones do flow , And oft thier minds with cares they souse and thick vpon them strow . Whole heapes of griefe and dyre debate , a wofull thing to see : A Princely lyfe to mysers state , conuerted for to bee . O OEdipus thy fatall fall , thy dreadfull mischiefs ryght . Thy dolfull state , thy mysery , thy thrise vnhappy plight : These things shall blase through all the world : what heart may then reioyce At thy distresse ? I can no more : my teares doe stop my voyce . But what is he that yonder stamps ? and raging puffs and blowes . And often shakes his vexed head , some mischiefe great hee knowes . Good sir your countnaunce doth import some great and fearefull thing , Tell vs therefore ( if that you may ) what newes from Court you bring .

THE FIFTE ACTE . NVNTIVS . When OEdipus accursed wretch , his fatall fals had spied , To hell be damnd his wretched soule and on the Gods he cryed For vengeaunce due . And posting fast with franticke moode griesly hue , Vnto his dole full Court hee went , his thoughts for to pursue . Much like a Lion ramping wylde , his furious head that shakes . And roares with thundring mouth alowd , and often gnashing makes , None otherwise this miser farde . A lothsome sight to see . Besides himselfe for very rage , he still desires to dye . And rowling round his wretched Eyes with vysage pale and wan : Ten thousand Curses out he powres . Himselfe the vnhappiest man Of all that liue , he doth account : as iustly he may doe . A wretch , a slaue , a caitife vyle . The cause of all our woe . And in this case enflamd with spight he cries , he stamps , he raues . And boyling in his secret thoughts , he still desyres to haue All torments vnder sun that may his Cares conceiude encrease . O wretched wyght , what should hee doe ? What man may him release ? Thus foming all for rage at mouth , with sighes , and sobs , & grones , His damned head ten thousand times , as oft his weryed bones He beats . And often puffing makes , and roares , and swels , & sweats . And on the Gods for death hee calles , for Death hee still entreats , Three times he did begin to speake : and thryse his tong did stay . At length he cried out alowd : O wretch . Away , away . Away thou monstrous Beast ( he sayd : ) wilt thou prolong thy lyfe ? Nay rather some man strike this breast with strooke of bloudy knyfe . Or all you Gods aboue on mee your flaming fiers outcast : And dints of Thunderbolts down throw . This is my prayer last . What greedy vile deuouring Gripe , vpon my guts will gnaw ? That Tigre fierce my hatefull limmes will quight asunder draw ? Loe , here I am you Gods : Lee , heere , wreke now on me your will . Now , now you fyry Feendes of Hell , of vengeaunce take your fill . Send out some wilde outragious beast send Dogs mee to deuoure . Or els all ils you can deuise , at once vpon me powre . O wofull soule . O sinfull wretch . Why dost thou feare to dye ? Death only rids from woes thou knowst . Than stoutly Death defle . With that his bloudy fatall Blade , from out his sheath he drawes . And lowd he rores , with thundring voice . Thou beast why dost thou pawse ? Thy Father cursed caitife thou , thy Father thou hast slayne And in thy Mothers bed hast left an euerduring slayne . And Brothers thou hast got : nay Sons thou liest : thy Brothers all They are . Thus for thy monstrous lust thy Countrey down doth fall . And thinkst thou than for all these ils enough so short a payne ? Thynkst thou the Gods will be apeasde , if thou forth with be slayne ? So many mischiefes don : and i st enough one stroke to byde ? Account'ste thou it sufficient paynes , that once thy sword should glide Quight through thy guilty breast for all ? why than dispatch and dye . So maist thou recompence thy Fathers death sufficiently . Let it be so : what mends vnto thy Mother will thou make ? Vnto thy children what ? these plagues ( O wretch ) how wilt thou slake ? That thus for thee thy countrey mastes ? Ohe push shall ende them all . A proper fetch . A fine deuise . For thee a worthy fall . Inuent thou monstrous beast forthwith : a fall euen worthy for Thy selfe inuent : whom all men hate and loth , and doe abhor . And as dame Natures lawfull course is broke ( O wretch ) by thee . So let to such a mischiefe great , thy Death agreeing bee . O that I might a thousand times , my wretched lyfe renewe . O that I might reuyue and dye by course in order dewe . Ten hundred thousand times & more : than should I vengeance take Vpon this wretched head . Than I perhaps in part should make A meete amends in deede , for this my fowle and lothsom Sin . Than should the proofe of payne reproue the life that I liue in . The choyse is in thy hand thou wretch , than vse thine owne discretion . And finde a meanes , whereby thou maist come to extreame confusion . And that , that oft thou maist not doe , let it prolonged bee . Thus , thus , maist thou procure at length an endlesse death to thee . Serch out a death whereby thou mayst perpetuall shame obtayne : And yet not dye . But still to liue in euerlasting payne . Why stayst thou man ? Go to I say : what meane these blubbring teares ? Why weepst thou thus ? Alas to late . Leaue of thy foolysh feares . And i st enough to weepe thinkst thou ? shall teares and wayling serue ? No wretch it shall not be . Thou dost ten thousand deaths deserue . Myne eyes doe dally with mee I see , and teares doe still out powre . Shall teares suffice ? No , no , not so I shall them better scowre , Out with thine Eyes ( he sayd : ) and than with fury fierce enflam'de . Like to a bloudy raging Feend and monstrous beast vntamde . With fiery flaming spotted Cheekes his breast he often beats . And scratch , and teare his Face hee doth and Skin a sunder freats . That scarse his eyes in head could stand so sore he them besets . With furious fierce outrageous minde hee stamps and cries alowd : And roares & rayles , with ramping rage . Thus in this case he stood , Perplext , and vexed sore in minde , with deadly sighs and teares . When sodenly all franticklike himselfe from ground hee reares . And rooteth out his wretched Eyes , and sight a sunder teares . Than gnasheth he his bloudy Teeth , and bites , and gnawes , & champs , His Eyes all bathd and brude in bloud , for fury fierce he stamps . And raging more than needes ( alas , ) his Eyes quight rooted out : The very holes in vayne hee scrapes so sore the wretch doth dout : Least sight should chaunce for to remayne he rents and mangels quight His Face , his Nose , his Mouth , and all whereon his hands do light Hee rygs and ryues . Thus fowly rayd ( alas ) in piteous plight : At length his head aloft he lifts , and therewith geues a shright . And whan he sees that all is gone , both light , and sight , and all . Than schriching out : he thus begins vpon the Gods to call . Now spare you Gods , now spare at length my countrey prest to fall . I haue done that you did cōmaund : Your wraths reuenged bee . This wretched looke , this mangled face , is fittest now for mee . Thus speaking , down the blackish bloud by streams doth gushing flow Into his mouth . And clottred lumps of flesh the place doth strow Wherein hee standes . Beware betimes , by him beware , I speake vnto you all . Learne Iustice , truth , and feare of God by his vnhappy fall . Chorus . MAns lyfe with tumbling fatal course of fortunes wheele is rowld , To it giue place for it doth run all swiftly vncontrowld . And Cares & teares are spent in vayn , for it cannot be slayed : Syth his decree of heauenly powers perforce must be obayed . What mankind byded or does on earth it commeth from aboue , Then wayling grones powrd out in griefe do nought at all behoue . Our life must haue her pointed course , ( alas ) what shall I say . As fates decree , so things do run , no man can make them stay . For at our byrth to Gods is known our latter dying day . No Prayer , no Arte , not God himselfe may fatall fates resist . But fastned all in fixed courte , vnchaunged they persist . Such ende them still ensues as they appointed were to haue , Than fly all feare of Fortunes chaung , leeke hot to lyue a slaue Enthrald in bondage vyle to feare . For feare doth often bring Destnies that dreaded ben and mischiefs feard vpon vs fling . Yea many a man hath come vnto his fatall ende by feare . Wherefore set peuish feare aside , and worthy courage beare . And thou that subiect art to death . Regard thy latter day . Thinke no man blest before his ende . Aduise thee well and stay . Be sure his lyfe , and death , and all , be quight exempt from mysery : Ere thou do once presume to say : this man is blest and happy . But out alas , see where he coms : a wretch withouten Guide , Bereft of sight . Halfe spoyld of lyfe : without all Pomp , and Pride ( That vnto Kings Estate belonge . )

THE FIFTE ACTE . THE SECOND SCENE . OEdipus . Chorus , Iocasta . WEll , well , t is done : more yet ? No , no , no mischiefs more remaynee . My Fathers Rytes performed are . What God on Mysers paynes That rues within this Cloud hath rolde , and wrapt my wretched Pate . Ah sir : this is a life alone . This is a happy State . This is a case ene fit for thee , for thee thou wretch , for thee . From whose accursed sight the Sun , the Stars and all doe flee . Yet mischiefs more , who giues to doe ? The dreadfull day I haue Escapt . Thou filthy Paracide : thou vile mischieuous Slaue . Vnto thy right hand nought thou owst , all things performed bee . O woe is mee that euer I liu'de this lucklesse day to see . Where am I now ? Alas , alas , the light and all doth mee Abhor : O wretched OEdipus this looke is first for thee . CHO. See , see , where Iocasta coms , with fierce and furious moode , Quight past her selfe . For very rage shee frets and waxeth woode . Much like to Cadmus daughter mad , who late hir Sonne did kill . Fayne would she speake her mynde : for seare ( alas ) she dares not : still Shee stayes , and yet from out her breast these ills haue quight exilde All shame fastnes . See how shee lookes , with coūt'naunce fierce & wilde . IO. Fayne would I speake , I am afraide . For what should I thee call My Son ? doubt not . Thou art my Son . My Son thou art for all These mischiefs great : alas , alas I shame my Son to see . O cruell Son . Where dost thou turn thy Face ? Why dost thou flee From me . From me thy Mother deare ? Why dost thou shun my sight ? And leaue me thus in misery , with Cares consumed quight . OE. Who troubles me ? Let me alone . I thought not to be founde : Who now restores myne Eyes to mee , Mother ? or Mothers sounde ? Our labour all is spent in vayne , now may wee meete no more . The Seas deuide those meetings vile that wee haue had before . The gaping earth deuide vs both , th' one from th' other quight . Still let our feete repugnant bee . So shall I shun the light That most of all me grieues . So shall I space obtaine to wayle These bleeding woes on euery side , that doe my thoughtes assayle . IOC. The Destentes are in fault . Blame them , Alas , alas , not wee . OED. Spare now . Leaue of to speake in vayne , spare now O Mother mee , By these Reliques of my dismembred body I thee pray . By myne vnhappy Children pledges left . What shall I say ? By all the Gods I thee beseech . By all that in my name Is good or bad , let mee alone . Alas you are to blame To trouble mee . You see what hell my haplesse heart doth payne . You see that in my Conscience ten thousand horrors raine . IOC. O dying heart : O sindrownd soule . Why dost thou faint alas ? Why dost thou seeke and toyle in vayne these ills to ouerpas ? What meane these sighes , & scalding teares ? why dost thou death refuse ? Thou mate of all his mischiefs thou , by whose meanes onely rues The law of nature all : by whom , Ah , Ah , confounded lies , Both God , and man , and beast , and all that eyther liues or dies . Die thou , dispatch at once thrust through thy vile incestuous brest : Thou hast none other meanes ( alas ) to set thine heart at rest . Not thou , if God him selfe , if he his flaming fiers should throw On thee , or mischiefs all by heapes vpon thy body strow Couldst once for thy deserued ills due paines or vengeaunce pay : Some meanes therefore to wreak Gods wrath vpon thy selfe assay . Death , death now best contenteth mee , then seeke a way to dye . So maist thou yet at length finde end for all thy misery . O Son lend mee thy hand : sith that thou art a Paracyde . This labour last of all remaynes , this labour thee doth byde . Dispatch rid mee thy mother deare from all my deadly woe It will not be : no prayers auaile . Thy selfe this deede must doe . Take vp this sword . Goe to , with this thy husbande late was slayne . Husband ? thou term'st him false : hee was thy syer : O deadly payne . Shal I quight through my brest it driue ? or through my throte it thrust ? Canst thou not choose thy wound ? away : die , die , ( alas ) thou must . This hateful womb then wound ( O wretch ) this , this with thine own hand Strike , strike it hard : ( O spare it not ) sith both a husband , and ( The same a Son it bare . ) CHOR. Alas , alas , shee is slaine , she is slayne , dispatched with a push : Who euer sawe the like to this : see how the bloud doth gush . O heauy doulfull case : who can this dyrefull sight enduer Which for the hideousnesse thereof might teares of stones procuer . OED. Thou God , thou teller out of Fates . On thee , on thee , I call , My Father onely I did owe , vnto the Destnies all . Now twise a Paracide , and worse than I did feare to bee : My Mother I haue slayne . ( Alas ) the fault is all in mee . O OEdipus accursed wretch , lament thine owne Calamity , Lament thy state , thy griefe lament , thou Caitife borne to misery . Where wilt thou now become ( alas ? ) thy Face where wilt thou hyde : O myserable Slaue , canst thou such shamefull tormentes byde ? Canst thou which hast thy Parents slain ? Canst thou prolong thy life ? Wilt thou not dye ? deseruing Death : thou cause of all the griefe , And Plagues , and dreadfull mischiefs all that Thebane City prease . Why dost thou seeke by longer life , thy sorrowes to encrease ? Why dost thou toyle and labour thus in vayne ? It will not bee . Both God , and man : and beast , and all abhorre thy Face to see O Earth why gapst thou not for ? why doe you not vnfolde You gates of hell mee to receaue ? why doe you hence withholde ? The fierce Infernall Feends from me , from me so wretched wight ? Why breake not all the Furyes lose this hatefull head to smight With Plagues ? which them deserued hath ( alas ) I am left alone , Both light , and sight , and comfort all from mee ( O wretch ) is gone . O cursed head : O wicked wight , whom all men deadly hate . O Beast , what meanst thou still to liue in this vnhappy state ? The Skies doe blush and are ashamd , at these thy mischiefes great The Earth laments , the Heauens weepe , the Seas for rage doe freat . And blustring rise , and stormes doe stir , and all thou wretch for thee . By whose incest , and bloudy deedes all things disturbed bee . Quight out of course , displaced quight , O cursed fatall day . O mischiefes great , O dreadfull times , O wretch , away , away . Exile thy selfe from all mens sight , thy life halfe spent in misery , Goe end consume it now outright in thrise as great calamity . O lying Phoebe thine Oracles my sin , and shame surmount : My Mothers death amongst my deedes ; thou neuer didst recount . A meete Exploict for me that am to Nature deadly Foe . With trembling fearefull pace goe forth , thou wretched monster goe , Grope out thy wayes on knees in darke thou miserable Slaue . So maist thou yet in tract of time due paynes , and vengeaunce haue , For thy mischeuous lyfe . Thus , thus , the Gods themselues decree . Thus , thus , thy Fates : thus , thus , the skyes appoint it for to bee . Then headlong hence , with a mischiefe hence , thou caitife vyle away . Away , away , thou monstrous Beast . Goe , Run . Stand , stay , Least on thy Mother thou doe fall . All you that wearyed bodies haue , with sickenesse ouerprest . Loe , now I fly : I fly away , the cause of your vnrest . Lift vp your heads : a better state of Ayre shall strayght ensewe Whan I am gone : for whom alone , these dreadfull myschiefs grewe . And you that now , halfe dead yet liue in wretched misers case . Help those whom present torments presse forth , hye you on apace . For loe , with me I cary hence , all mischiefes vnder Skyes . All cruell Fates , Diseases all that for my sake did ryse , With mee they goe : with me both griefe , Plague , Pocks , Botch , & all The ills that eyther now you presse , or euer after shall . With me they goe , with me : these Mates bin meetst of all for mee . Who am the most vnhappiest wretch that euer Sun did see . FINIS .

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A11909_05-082-a-0960 truailes greene and vnmelowed fruicts of my first trauailes vnto you : as signes and testimonies of A11909_05-084-a-3350 insticiam Discite iusticiam moniti , & non temnere diuos . A11909_05-084-b-0520 bedim'●e begins at length t'appeere : And Phoebus all bedim'de with Clowdes , himselfe aloft doth reere A11909_05-084-b-1780 wiudes the Mountaynes huge and bie , the blustring windes withstand . And craggy Rocks , the belching A11909_05-085-b-0110 〈◊〉 with clowds quight over cast , all sadly forth she glides , And dolefull darksom shades A11909_05-085-b-0220 who● And dolefull darksom shades of night the whole worlde ouer hides . No Star on high at all A11909_05-085-b-0390 〈◊〉 on high at all doth shine , but black and heli●ke hue Hath ouershaded all the Skyes , whence A11909_05-085-b-1110 〈◊〉 The old men with the yong ( alas : ) the Father with the chylde The plague consumes . Both A11909_05-085-b-2390 〈…〉 raues : And euen lamenting as they stand , starcke dead downe both they fall , And mourners new in like A11909_05-085-b-2530 〈…〉 And mourners new in like estate , for them and theirs they call . Who likewise in the midst of A11909_05-085-b-2650 ●oyle . Who likewise in the midst of all their toyle and paynfull payne Do drop into the graue A11909_05-085-b-2850 prepar ' de digd , and so the place doe gayne That was prepar'de for others erst . A hell it were to heere A11909_05-085-b-3040 appe●re horror , and the miseries that euery where appeere . A Tombe is made for noble men , fast on A11909_05-085-b-3460 ▪ to Ashes cleane their bodyes some doe wast : And some halfe burnt doe leaue them there A11909_05-086-a-0150 woe alas ) these euils to preuent And deadly woes 〈…〉 rage itorment . Leaue of thy blubbering A11909_05-086-a-0180 itorment euils to preuent And deadly woe 〈…〉 rage torment . Leaue of thy blubbering 〈…〉 kingdomes A11909_05-086-a-0230 blubb●ring deadly woe 〈…〉 rage itorment . Leaue of thy blubbering 〈…〉 kingdomes foylde With rotten plagues A11909_05-086-a-0310 〈◊〉〈…〉 kingdomes foylde With rotten plagues & Botches bile , and graves ech where dispoylde . A11909_05-086-a-0540 Gpe guest didst bring with thee Dispatch . Away . Goe hence . At least , vnto thy parents flee A11909_05-086-a-0700 〈…〉 What bootes it Sir these mischiefs , great wt piteous plaints to aggregate A11909_05-086-a-0770 aggre●ate bootes it 〈…〉 , great wt piteous plaints to aggregate . Stoutly to beare aduers●● , 〈…〉 estate A11909_05-086-a-0820 aduers●● piteous plaints to aggregate . Stoutly to beare aduersity , 〈…〉 estate . When dred and daunger most A11909_05-086-a-0840 〈…〉 to aggregate . Stoutly to beare aduers●● , is fit●ste for Kings estate . When dred and daunger most assayle A11909_05-086-a-0920 assay● , 〈…〉 estate . When dred and daunger most assayle ▪ when cruell Cares doe crush Thy princely A11909_05-086-a-0930 ▪ estate . When dred and daunger most assayle : when cruell Cares doe crush Thy princely A11909_05-086-a-1030 ●spant cruell Cares doe crush Thy princely breast , Thē oughtst thou most to beare and bide the push . It A11909_05-086-a-1160 poin●● most to beare and bide the push . It is no poinct of courage stout to yeelde to fortunes frown A11909_05-086-a-1190 slout bide the push . It is no poin●● of courage stout to yeelde to fortunes frown . A11909_05-086-a-1300 Fear●● Nay , Feare could n●u● cause mee sloupe nor Fortune A11909_05-086-a-1320 n●u● Nay , Feare could neuer cause mee sloupe nor Fortune cast mee down A11909_05-086-a-1510 peau●●h manly winds was neuer thraule to vaine and peauish feares , But euermore in each 〈…〉 courage A11909_05-086-a-1580 〈…〉 and peauish feares , But euermore in each assault, it pryncely courage beares . No not a thousand glistering A11909_05-086-a-1660 glister●●g each 〈…〉 courage beares . No not a thousand glistering swords , nor Mars himselfe in fielde . Can A11909_05-086-a-1790 Countenuance Mars himselfe in fielde . Can once dismay my Countenaunce , or cause my heart to yeelde . The very A11909_05-086-a-2020 Sohinx in fight withstand I dare . That Monster Sphinx whose riddels through the world renowmed A11909_05-086-a-2100 ▪ whose riddels through the world renowmed are , Could not dismay my deedles heart , nor A11909_05-086-a-2400 G●bs I did that Fury byde . I saw him belching Gobs of bloud , I viewde full well the fielde A11909_05-086-a-2450 v●●wde byde . I saw him belching Gobs of bloud , I viewde full well the fielde That all to 〈◊〉 lay A11909_05-086-a-2530 〈◊〉 I viewde full well the fielde That all to spatterd lay with bloud , and bones quight ouerheelde A11909_05-086-a-3070 〈◊〉 shaking oft his rayse , Began full like a Lyon fierce with threates mee to assayle . Of whom straight A11909_05-086-a-3230 rush● . Of whom straight way the Riddell I , it rusht into myne eares With roring sound His winges A11909_05-086-a-3260 ●ares straight way the Riddell I , it rusht into myne eares With roring sound His winges he claps , A11909_05-086-a-3510 glu● with my Bowels still his greedy Iawes to glut : But I full soone assoyled had the question A11909_05-086-a-3750 kno●s the subtile poincts ther of , and twisted knots vntwinde . A11909_05-086-b-0070 renow●ied _O More then thrise renowned Stock of auncient Cadmus Race . O mighty A11909_05-086-b-0180 grear auncient Cadmus Race . O mighty Thebes City great , O heauy ruthfull Case . Loe now you lye A11909_05-086-b-0720 〈◊〉 God whence springs this Pestylence that vs tormenteth so ? No age , no shape , no forme is sparde A11909_05-086-b-1120 ●ils first to dye . For hee hath shund a thousand ills , which wretched Eyes haue seene : And mischiefes A11909_05-086-b-1260 pr●sse seene : And mischiefes great that vs doe presse from him are taken cleane . O God withhold A11909_05-086-b-1440 re●du● withhold thy fury great , thy Plagues from vs remoue . Ceasse of afflicted Soules to scourge A11909_05-086-b-1560 〈◊〉 afflicted Soules to scourge , who thee , both serue and loue . Powre downe on them diseases A11909_05-086-b-1570 ●nd afflicted Soules to scourge , who thee , 〈◊〉 and loue . Powre downe on them diseases fowle A11909_05-086-b-1580 ●oue afflicted Soules to scourge , who thee , 〈◊〉 and loue . Powre downe on them diseases fowle , that A11909_05-086-b-1860 ●●aue for sinne ( Oh God ) this this of thee wee craue , And onely this . We aske no more , the A11909_05-086-b-2430 v●●un as I remembring , count the noble Stockes vndun , By death and dolfull destenies that ouerwhelmed A11909_05-086-b-2760 a●o● long Aray all in a rancke by thousandes on a roe , On euery side , in euery streate to buriall A11909_05-086-b-3010 〈◊〉 The seuen broade wyde open Gates , are not enough forway , But throngd the people pestred A11909_05-086-b-3400 ▪ before doth poast the hinder number slackes . The corses in the streates doe lye and Graue A11909_05-086-b-3660 〈◊〉 in vayne . For nought it boots the plague cannot be stayde . The sacrifices don to Gods haue A11909_05-086-b-3670 bestayde vayne . For nought it boots the plague 〈◊〉 be stayde . The sacrifices don to Gods haue A11909_05-086-b-3750 ha●e 〈◊〉 be stayde . The sacrifices don to Gods haue to to ill successe . And such straunge sights A11909_05-086-b-4300 d●e heapes as thick , as dogges doe fall and dye ▪ And belching out their wasted lunges , A11909_05-086-b-4310 ▪ heapes as thick , as dogges doe fall and dye , And belching out their wasted lunges , on A11909_05-087-a-0280 drop● horned Bull When downe with liueles lump he drops and members made full dull . And all the A11909_05-087-a-0590 buying the blade vnsprinckled was . The bloud it boyling 〈◊〉 And bubbles on the ground . Alas what A11909_05-087-a-0600 〈◊〉 blade vnsprinckled was . The bloud it buying fiues And bubbles on the ground . Alas what do A11909_05-087-a-0720 por●end on the ground . Alas what do these things portend ? Oh mighty Ioue at length vouchsafe some A11909_05-087-a-0830 ha●●y mighty Ioue at length vouchsafe some good and happy end . At length withhold thy h●●d ( O God A11909_05-087-a-0900 h●●d good and happy end . At length withhold thy hand ( O God ) and health vnto vs send . Nothing A11909_05-087-a-1100 wo●●ed send . Nothing ( alas ) remaynes at all , in wonted old estate , But all are turned to p●●t A11909_05-087-a-1170 tu●ed all , in wonted old estate , But all are turned to p●●t downe , quight voyd and desolate A11909_05-087-a-1190 p●●t wonted old estate , But all are turned to topset downe , quight voyd and desolate The famting A11909_05-087-a-1300 〈…〉 quight voyd and desolate The famting horse for sodayne paine from banck his burden tats . Aud after on 〈…〉 A11909_05-087-a-1310 banck voyd and desolate The famting horse for 〈…〉 back his burden tats . Aud after on 〈…〉 : Who A11909_05-087-a-1610 〈…〉 pathe do raunge and ouerstride . The Bull for lack of foode and me are in field all faintyng lyes . A11909_05-087-a-1630 me raunge and ouerstride . The Bull 〈…〉 and meate are in field all faintyng lyes . And , all A11909_05-087-a-1640 a●e raunge and ouerstride . The Bull 〈…〉 and me are in field all faintyng lyes . And , all his A11909_05-087-a-1760 〈…〉 all faintyng lyes . And , all his flocke dispersed quight , fely Shephard dyes . The 〈…〉 his zatal A11909_05-087-a-1770 , faintyng lyes . And , all his flocke 〈…〉 the fely Shephard dyes . The 〈…〉 his zatal breath A11909_05-087-a-1850 zatal flocke 〈…〉 , fely Shephard dyes . The 〈…〉 his fatal breath expiers And to the 〈…〉 his fast ●esters A11909_05-087-a-1920 hisfast 〈…〉 his zatal breath expiers And to the 〈…〉 his fast ●esters . The 〈…〉 do lyue in a retched A11909_05-087-a-1930 fast his zatal breath expiers And to the 〈…〉 his last ●esters . The 〈…〉 do lyue in a retched peace A11909_05-087-a-1940 ●esters zatal breath expiers And to the 〈…〉 his fast desters . The 〈…〉 do lyue in a retched peace . The A11909_05-087-a-2010 aretched 〈…〉 his fast ●esters . The 〈…〉 do lyue in a retched peace . The rage , and wrathful A11909_05-087-a-2020 retched 〈…〉 his fast ●esters . The 〈…〉 do lyue in a wretched peace . The rage , and wrathful 〈◊〉 sounds A11909_05-087-a-2110 founds retched peace . The rage , and wrathful 〈◊〉 sounds of ramping Lions cease . The vengeaunce A11909_05-087-a-2190 〈…〉 sounds of ramping Lions cease . The vengeaunce wyld outragious Beares are now as tame as sheepe The vgly A11909_05-087-a-2240 ●ame cease . The vengeaunce 〈…〉 Beares are now as tame as sheepe The vgly Serpent that was wont A11909_05-087-a-2330 ▪ as sheepe The vgly Serpent that was wont , the Rocky Dennes to keepe . Oft quaffing A11909_05-087-a-2360 Den●es The vgly Serpent that was wont ▪ the Rocky Dennes to keepe . Oft quaffing poisoned 〈…〉 in A11909_05-087-a-2430 〈…〉 Rocky Dennes to keepe . Oft quaffing poisoned Venom sups in inward hea● . shee boyles , 〈…〉 for lenger A11909_05-087-a-2460 hea● keepe . Oft quaffing poisoned 〈…〉 in inward heat . shee boyles , 〈…〉 for lenger lyfe she A11909_05-087-a-2540 ly●e inward hea● . shee boyles , 〈…〉 for lenger lyfe she toyles . The woods are 〈…〉 with fresh A11909_05-087-a-2610 〈…〉 for lenger lyfe she toyles . The woods are not adourned now, with fresh and lyuely hue ▪ The wonted shades A11909_05-087-a-2620 withfresh lenger lyfe she toyles . The woods are 〈…〉 with fresh and lyuely hue ▪ The wonted shades A11909_05-087-a-2670 ▪ The woods are 〈…〉 with fresh and lyuely hue , The wonted shades are gon . All things are A11909_05-087-a-2990 withoute● , the earth no moisture soupes . The Vine withouten 〈◊〉 sap , his drowsy head down drowpes . A11909_05-087-a-3000 〈◊〉 earth no moisture soupes . The Vine withouten any sap , his drowsy head down drowpes . What A11909_05-087-a-3010 ●ap moisture soupes . The Vine withouten 〈◊〉 sap , his drowsy head down drowpes . What shal A11909_05-087-a-3150 〈…〉 head down drowpes . What shal I say ? all things ( alas ) are writhen but of course , And as they 〈…〉 wors and A11909_05-087-a-3160 but down drowpes . What shal I say ? all 〈…〉 out of course , And as they 〈…〉 wors and worse A11909_05-087-a-3240 wors ? all 〈…〉 but of course , And as they 〈…〉 worse and worse . O mighty 〈…〉 yls ? When cease A11909_05-087-a-3350 〈…〉 and worse . O mighty 〈…〉 yls ? When cease these plages? that giltles bloud thus fierce and raging spils ? I thinck A11909_05-087-a-3360 ●loud worse . O mighty 〈…〉 yls ? When cease 〈…〉 bloud thus fierce and raging spils ? I thinck A11909_05-087-a-3570 〈◊〉 almost alyue , there do no men remayne : Whom dolful Darrs 〈…〉 on earth haue left vnslayne . A11909_05-087-a-3580 Darrs alyue , there do no men remayne : Whom 〈◊〉 Darts 〈…〉 on earth haue left vnslayne . I thinke A11909_05-087-a-3590 〈…〉 there do no men remayne : Whom 〈◊〉 Darrs of Destenies, on earth haue left vnslayne . I thinke 〈…〉 A11909_05-087-a-3670 thinke Darrs 〈…〉 on earth haue left vnslayne . I thinck 〈…〉 shades of hell where filthy fluds do A11909_05-087-a-3680 〈…〉〈…〉 on earth haue left vnslayne . I thinke the darcksome shades of hell where filthy fluds do flow A11909_05-087-a-4000 bla●e 〈…〉 mischiefes on vs throw , With Botch & biane of sundry kindes which sothern blasts do A11909_05-087-a-4050 sother● With Botch & bla●e of sundry kindes which sothern blasts do blow , And wrekful vexed hagges A11909_05-087-a-4310 vengea●●ce : The angry feddes of hell I thinke their vengeaunce , on vs flinge And out their mortall poyson A11909_05-087-b-2040 discase blacke goorb bloode . O cruell plague , O vile disease , farre worse then speedy death . O wee A11909_05-087-b-2420 Iothsome But harke to mee a while . When first this lothsome plague begins these Mysers to defile , It A11909_05-087-b-2630 r●n feareful Cold through al their bones doth run , ] And Cold and Heate togeather mixt , A11909_05-087-b-2740 se●es And Cold and Heate togeather mixt , their sences all benome . Than litle lothsome markes A11909_05-087-b-2940 slaming their bodies spot . And all their members flaming glow , and burning fast doe rot . The Lights A11909_05-087-b-4880 gro●nd some the rūning Ryuers haunt , and some on ground ●ce 〈◊〉 . And some agayne their thirst to A11909_05-087-b-4890 ●ce rūning Ryuers haunt , and some on ground doe 〈◊〉 . And some agayne their thirst to slake A11909_05-087-b-4900 〈◊〉 rūning Ryuers haunt , and some on ground ●ce wallow . And some agayne their thirst to slake A11909_05-087-b-5030 〈◊〉 their thirst to slake , cold water gulping swallow . Thus all our country tost with plague A11909_05-087-b-5090 ●ost water gulping 〈◊〉 . Thus all our country tost with plague in Griefy it waltering 〈◊〉 . A11909_05-087-b-5130 Griefy Thus all our country tost with plague in Griefe it waltering 〈◊〉 . And still desiring for A11909_05-087-b-5160 〈◊〉 country tost with plague in Griefy it waltering lies . And still desiring for to dye , a thousand A11909_05-087-b-5440 〈◊〉 heare them then is prest : and death to none denyes . Besydes al this , the church some do frequent A11909_05-088-b-0080 attem pte Durst any man on earth attempte , that noble Prince to slay ? Shew me the A11909_05-088-b-1750 Refounding pitty knowne of yore . Scant had I sayd : Resounding all the mountaynes thondring rore : And A11909_05-088-b-2370 disguisd●th sacred hand . When out with ruffled hayre disguisd the : Prophet comes at last : And when that A11909_05-089-a-2300 peuury course of life . In shame , in care , in penury in daunger and in strife . Let no man on A11909_05-089-a-3740 Fre● plagues vpon him blow Consume him quight . Fret out his guttes wt pockes and botches vile A11909_05-089-a-4150 deu●ure fall . Let Harpies pawes and greedy paunche deuoure his members all . Let no man him regard A11909_05-089-a-5230 solemyne To wreake the wrath of God some way with solempne oth I bynde . And so my father , Polybius A11909_05-089-b-0890 suoe through Castalia woods & mountayns heapt with snoe Where groues and scrubs , and bushes thicke A11909_05-089-b-1530 Ele●a riuers lyes Tends downe vnto the Bancks wherby Eleia , water plyes There vnawares ( O piteous A11909_05-089-b-2340 ▪ brought him to this place . See where he comes : and Manto too , his steps directing stayes A11909_05-090-a-0260 Iose to Phoebus next ) these doubtfull aunswers lose : And whom that destnies will to dye , Straightwayes A11909_05-090-a-2630 fieice Tis done . And all the fiers fierce , with incence bright doe flame . A11909_05-090-a-3090 alost Not so . But first it mounts aloft , and streight it flasheth out . A11909_05-090-a-3370 Sktes bright and cleare It selfe on high vnto the Skies , with sparkelting flakes vpreare ? Or doth A11909_05-090-a-3420 v●reare vnto the Skies , with sparkelting flakes vpreare ? Or doth it oft rebounding backe , it selfe A11909_05-090-a-3450 doeh Skies , with sparkelting flakes vpreare ? Or doth it oft rebounding backe , it selfe , from A11909_05-091-a-0010 ●t little bloud , out of his wounds doth gush . It back rebounds , and from his Mouth & Eyes A11909_05-091-a-0130 ●oth rebounds , and from his Mouth & Eyes by streames doth flow . But what these dreadfull signes portend A11909_05-091-a-0250 doc dreadfull signes portend the Gods aloane doe know . A11909_05-091-a-1290 bla●kish : The chiefest parts doe want . The Lyuer blackish gall out spurts , and somwhat rysing pants A11909_05-091-a-1510 Tw● myschiefes great , to kingdoms doth foreshow : Two heads are seene , and yet both heads one A11909_05-091-a-1630 ouerg●ow seene , and yet both heads one skin doth ouergrow And ouerheales them quight , But yet the A11909_05-091-a-3100 br●ng thing is that the Gods entend ere long to bring to pas ? A11909_05-091-a-4470 gri●sly els King Ditis hee , That Empyre keepes on griesly Ghosts , entreated needes must bee These A11909_05-091-b-1010 et plagues destryde . Perce not thy hart a : yet oughtest thou ▪ these Kingdomes for to rue A11909_05-091-b-1040 ▪ . Perce not thy hart a : et oughtest thou . these Kingdomes for to rue , Which were A11909_05-091-b-1660 wi●t estate when daungers vs betyde . But what ? wilt thou so great a good for common safety hide A11909_05-091-b-1840 s●cknes Irkesome Medcines and perilous in sickness I abhorre ▪ A11909_05-091-b-1870 ▪ Medcines and perilous in sickness I abhorre : A11909_05-091-b-2670 ●einous more . Except that thou forthwith to me this heinous deede disclose : The gods I do protest , A11909_05-091-b-2690 ●isclose that thou forthwith to me this heinous deede disclose : The gods I do protest , to death for al A11909_05-092-a-0240 s●lly Silence denied , what priuileage may silly Subiect holde ? A11909_05-092-a-0310 iraytor A traytor he is , who stlēce keepes , whē king cōmaunds A11909_05-092-a-0530 slth Then pardon my constrayned speach , sith silence for to breake You me compell . A A11909_05-092-a-1520 Typresse sees : With euer during bushes greene , the Cypresse there doth ryse , And puts his alde aud A11909_05-092-a-1760 be●ded The auncient Time eaten Oke with crooked bended lims . The Te●l tree flue : The Alder which A11909_05-092-a-1800 Te●l eaten Oke with crooked bended lims . The Teyl tree flue : The Alder which in Neptunes A11909_05-092-a-1820 flue with crooked bended lims . The Te●l tree fine : The Alder which in Neptunes kingdoms swims A11909_05-092-a-2010 f●iends Bayes with bitter beries eke the Elmes deere friends to Vynes And many a noble tree besides , A11909_05-092-a-2030 Vyn●● bitter beries eke the Elmes deere f●iends to Vynes And many a noble tree besides , as M●rtels A11909_05-092-a-2120 M●rtels Vynes And many a noble tree besides , as Mirtles , 〈…〉 Amidst them all , one tree there is A11909_05-092-a-2140 〈…〉 many a noble tree besides , as M●rtels , Firres, and Pynes. Amidst them all , one tree there is with A11909_05-092-a-2260 〈…〉 them all , one tree there is with large out stretched armes, Whose roring sound , & craking noyse the A11909_05-092-a-2370 〈…〉 sound , & craking noyse the lesser woods Icharmes, And ouershades them all : a Tree of monstrous A11909_05-092-a-2480 〈◊〉 ouershades them all : a Tree of monstrous huge estate , Beset with fearefull woods : there is A11909_05-092-a-2980 〈◊〉 when the priest was entred in with comely aged pace , He stayed not : No neede there was A11909_05-092-a-3260 smouthe ring . Than all the ground wyde open gapes , & smouthering vapours ryse , And fyre and smoke , A11909_05-092-a-3270 ●apours the ground wyde open gapes , & smouthe ring vapours ryse , And fyre and smoke , & styfling stink A11909_05-092-a-3430 Shyes smoke , & styfling stink , mounts vp vnto the Skyes . The Priest with wayling werde iclad , A11909_05-092-a-3500 ●clad the Shyes . The Priest with wayling werde iclad , his fatall red out tooke : And entring A11909_05-092-a-3560 ●ooke wayling werde iclad , his fatall red out tooke : And entring in , in blacke Aray , full A11909_05-092-a-3810 ha●re heauy cheere and dolful pace : his hoary haire was twynde With bowes of mortall Ewe . A A11909_05-092-a-4360 ▪ Oxen blacke , by backwarde course are drawn . And odoures sweete , & Frankencence , on A11909_05-092-a-4740 〈◊〉 streames with fyre mixt , about the Aultars swims . Than on the darke internall Gods , and A11909_05-092-b-0150 ▪ and burn . The Prophet than to toyle Begins . And mixed wyne and Mylke vpon the Aultars A11909_05-092-b-0350 streamin● And all the Dongeon darke , and wyde with streaming blood it flowes . Than out with thundring A11909_05-092-b-0360 bl●od the Dongeon darke , and wyde with streaming blood it flowes . Than out with thundring voyce A11909_05-092-b-0680 ▪ champs in secret wyse The trees do turne . The Riuers s●ā● . The ground with roring A11909_05-092-b-0710 s●ā● secret wyse The trees do turne ▪ The Riuers stād . The ground with roring shakes . And all A11909_05-092-b-1130 damp●ed aloude the Priest began to cry : Whan all the dampned fo●●les by heapes abrode outrushing fly A11909_05-092-b-1140 fo●●les Priest began to cry : Whan all the damp●ed soules by heapes abrode outrushing fly . Then woods A11909_05-092-b-1870 ●lowes long of Acheron , that lothsom Flud that flowes All stinking streames : or of the earth A11909_05-092-b-2370 ga●es railing sound . The Earth al wide it open gapes . And I did see on ground , The Gods with A11909_05-092-b-3380 grie●ly at once , out of theyr dens did skip with griesly Face . And Monsters grim , and stinging A11909_05-092-b-4050 Dangeons All those , and more I sawe out of those Dungeons deepe to rush , And Age I sawe , with riueled A11909_05-092-b-4170 Fa●e deepe to rush , And Age I sawe , with riueled Face , and Neede , & Feare , and Death . And A11909_05-092-b-5160 sc●d And bearing sundry shapes and formes doe scud aboue in Sky , A thousand woods I thinke A11909_05-092-b-5170 abou● bearing sundry shapes and formes doe sc●d aboue in Sky , A thousand woods I thinke haue A11909_05-093-a-0270 ▪ streams , and gulphes that in the Seas do flow , If that they might be wayed , can sure so A11909_05-093-a-1640 v●le thus began to call . O Cadmus cruel Citty vyle , that stil delightste in bloud , O Cadmus A11909_05-093-a-1840 ▪ kinsmens death , accountst as chiefest good . Teare out the bloudy Bowels of your Children A11909_05-093-a-3230 ●ils and doubleth so her payne , Whilst that hee fils the haples wombe wher in himselfe did lie A11909_05-093-a-3770 abh●rre For that that very bestes ( almost ) do all abhorre to do , Euen of his mothers body he hath A11909_05-093-a-4240 boldst before . But I thee , thee , that Scepter holdst , thy Father wil pursue , And wreacke my selfe A11909_05-093-a-4500 paiue vengeance due . All restles rage of spite and paine I will vppon thee blow , And all the furies A11909_05-093-b-0760 Fec●● with willing mynde : But I will clog his Feete , and hands , his way he shall not finde A11909_05-093-b-0810 hss : But I will clog his Feete , and hands , his way he shall not finde . But groping with A11909_05-093-b-2970 dol●ishe still in like estate . No , no , this is some doltishe drift , of yon false Prophets pate . Or A11909_05-093-b-3010 yo● No , no , this is some doltishe drift , of yon false Prophets pate . Or else some mighty A11909_05-093-b-4340 cl●me But that contemning meane estate , I would clime aloft to bee . Yet should ill Fortune mee A11909_05-093-b-4630 Ca●es guise it is on Princes heads , huge heapes of Cares to throwe . I would aduise your grace betimes A11909_05-093-b-5120 G●●ess may liue : And shun a thousand Cares , & Griefs : which Princes hearts doe riue . A11909_05-093-b-5280 ●laue And dost thou me exhort thou slaue my kingdome for to leaue ? O faythlesse A11909_05-093-b-5360 saythlesse exhort thou slaue my kingdome for to leaue ? O faythlesse head . O shamelesse heart , that could such A11909_05-094-a-0050 villayae treasons weaue ? Darst thou attempt thou villayne vile this thing , to me to breake ? And A11909_05-094-a-2790 blis●ull man hath bin preserude by mee . In such a bilsfull state ( O King ) what can there wanting A11909_05-095-a-1010 ●●ce denies it so to bee : Full well I doe remember once ▪ by chaunce I did dispatch , A man who A11909_05-095-a-1020 ▪ so to bee : Full well I doe remember once , by chaunce I did dispatch , A man who sought A11909_05-095-a-3350 co●stant Of one report is rife , Who constant in his princes cause full stoutly lost his A11909_05-095-b-0980 tonceaue : in deede ? not slayne ? what ioy may I conceave ? How may I now triumph ? the Gods to witnesse A11909_05-095-b-1290 li●● thoughts and secret workings al : Now may I lift to skyes my hands , my hands from mischiefe A11909_05-095-b-1450 ●a●se from mischiefe free . But yet the chiefest cause of feare remayneth still to mee . A11909_05-095-b-2570 w●fi●st Now , now , thou woūdst my heart . This , this , and onely this A11909_05-095-b-2580 〈◊〉 Now , now , thou woūdst my heart . This , this , and onely this ( alas A11909_05-095-b-3040 ●en : Kings coūcels I can well cōceale that ben with Cares opprest . A11909_05-095-b-3630 beguil● Mother is not in deede , you do your selfe beguile . A11909_05-095-b-3980 s●ay Husband layde in graue . The chiefest prop to stay her Realmes from present confusion , In A11909_05-096-a-0530 w●nted A Sheparde str ; that wanted on Cytheron Hills to bee . A11909_05-096-a-1740 Obliuton king old mens remēbrance soone doth fayle : Obliuion for the chiefest part , doth boary heads A11909_05-096-a-1770 chietest remēbrance soone doth fayle : Obliuion for the chiefest part , doth boary heads assayle . And drowns A11909_05-096-a-2800 des●ny Sith that your destiny this doth hyde , and Fortune it detayne A11909_05-096-a-2880 detayue your destiny this doth hyde , and Fortune it detayne And closely keepe ▪ let it be so , from A11909_05-096-a-2920 ▪ and Fortune it detayne And closely keepe , let it be so , from opening that refrayne A11909_05-096-a-3150 ▪ hidden lyen , that seeke not to disclose : Such things outsercht and foūd oftimes A11909_05-096-a-3620 scarch thing doth beare : That thus you goe about to search , and slit with Tooth and Nayle , Obserue A11909_05-096-a-5260 h●● where hee trembling coms , with comely aged hue . To whom of all the kinges flocke than A11909_05-096-a-5340 flack comely aged hue . To whom of all the kinges flocke than , the care and charge was due . Dost A11909_05-096-b-1790 orels Confesse thou slaue , or els I sweare , thou that constrayned bee A11909_05-096-b-2530 sorbid Eo ? God forbid , he liues no doubt , and long may liue A11909_05-097-a-0090 ●p Now stay ( O king ) no farther now , you know almost the troth A11909_05-097-a-0240 ●●●tell Whose child was it? tell ●●e forthw . A11909_05-097-a-0250 ●●e Whose child was ●●●tell me forthw . A11909_05-097-a-1440 〈◊〉 deuour my body quight : Or else thou God that ruler art of houses voyde of light , To Hell my A11909_05-097-a-2200 slithy Infected are . For thee , for thee , and for the filthy lust , A hundred thousand guiltlesse men A11909_05-097-a-3080 ●●rsue Son , and Wyfe , and all with vengeance me pursue . Let those that for my sake alone with A11909_05-097-a-3190 〈◊〉 those that for my sake alone with plagues tormented bee Throw darts , cast stones , fling fier A11909_05-097-a-3220 dar●s my sake alone with plagues 〈◊〉 bee Throw darts , cast stones , fling fier ▪ and flames A11909_05-097-a-3280 f●er 〈◊〉 bee Throw darts , cast stones , fling fier ▪ and flames , and tortures all on mee . A11909_05-097-a-3310 slames Throw darts , cast stones , fling fier ▪ and flames , and tortures all on mee . O shame : O A11909_05-097-a-3890 vnt● dye As soone as thou wast born . Go , go , vnto the Court thee hye , There with thy Mother A11909_05-097-b-0380 hidrous vayn men striue their stats to kepe whē hideous tēpests rise : And blustring windes of A11909_05-097-b-3060 furtous pursue . Much like a Lion ramping wylde , his furious head that shakes . And roares with thundring A11909_05-097-b-3160 asowd shakes . And roares with thundring mouth alowd , and often gnashing makes , None otherwise A11909_05-098-a-0150 Cursers Eyes with vysage pale and wan : Ten thousand Curses out he powres . Himselfe the vnhappiest A11909_05-098-a-0460 cait●se iustly he may doe . A wretch , a slaue , a caitife vyle . The cause of all our woe . And in A11909_05-098-a-0640 crtes . And in this case enflamd with spight he cries , he stamps , he raues . And boyling in A11909_05-098-a-2730 a lunder Tigre fierce my hatefull limmes will quight asunder draw ? Loe , here I am you Gods : Lee , A11909_05-098-a-4840 bydt mischiefes don : and ist enough one stroke to byde ? Account'ste thou it sufficient paynes A11909_05-098-a-5340 ● what mends vnto thy Mother will thou make ? Vnto thy children what ? these plagues ( A11909_05-098-b-0210 fi●e shall ende them all . A proper fetch . A fine deuise . For thee a worthy fall . Inuent A11909_05-098-b-3030 ey●es Thou dost ten thousand deaths deserue . Myne eyes doe dally with mee I see , and teares doe A11909_05-098-b-3590 vntam , de a bloudy raging Feend and monstrous beast vntamde . With fiery flaming spotted Cheekes his A11909_05-098-b-4650 bee and sight a sunder teares . Than gnasheth he his bloudy Teeth , and bites , and gnawes A11909_05-099-a-0820 cōma●nd prest to fall . I haue done that you did cōmaund : Your wraths reuenged bee . This wretched A11909_05-099-a-1820 swifily rowld , To it giue place for it doth run all swiftly vncontrowld . And Cares & teares are spent A11909_05-099-a-2010 hi● in vayn , for it cannot be slayed : Syth his decree of heauenly powers perforce must A11909_05-099-a-3240 c●ng to haue , Than fly all feare of Fortunes chaung , leeke hot to lyue a slaue Enthrald in A11909_05-099-b-2680 coū●'naunce shame fastnes . See how shee lookes , with coūt'naunce fierce & wilde . A11909_05-099-b-3350 slee Where dost thou turn thy Face ? Why dost thou flee From me . From me thy Mother deare ? Why A11909_05-100-b-2280 me● Face to see O Earth why gapst thou not for ? why doe you not vnfolde You gates of hell A11909_05-100-b-4530 sheme O lying Phoebe thine Oracles my sin , and shame surmount : My Mothers death amongst my deedes A11909_05-100-b-4740 a● didst recount . A meete Exploict for me that am to Nature deadly Foe . With trembling fearefull A11909_05-101-a-0470 stickenesse . All you that wearyed bodies haue , with sickenesse ouerprest . Loe , now I fly : I fly away