A continuance of Albions England: by the first author. VV.VV.

A CONTINVANCE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND :

By the first Author . W. W.

PARNASSO ET APOLLINE DIGNA printer's device of Felix Kingston

LONDON , Imprinted by Felix Kyngston for George Potter , and are to be sold at his shop in Pauls Church-yard , at the signe of the Bible . 1606.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE SIR EDWARD COKE , KNIGHT , Lord Chief-Iustice of his Maiesties Court of Common-Pleas , &c. GReat Caesars haue lesse Poems grac't , Lesse in Sublimitie this plac't , ( Vnworthie though your Deapth , I graunt , Yet might Ours past great Patrons vaunt ) Wooes your Allowance , whom my Muse Doth its select Mecaenas chuse . If with the right-hand what I giue Be taken with the left , should grieue So much more lesse by how much more This meant I orphanag'd before : Which now to you , as destinate , I , yours deuoted , dedicate : Most humbly , William Warner .

TO THE READER . BY diuers importun'd to this , I send it foorth , such as it is . This idle Arte that lets it thriue Was Midwife to the Abortiue : Doe dandle , knock it on the head , All one to me aliue or dead . The Musists , though themselues they please , Their Dotage els finds Meede nor Ease : Vouch't Spencer in that Ranke preferd , Per Accidens , only interr'd Nigh Venerable Chaucer , lost , Had not kinde Brigham reard him Cost , Found next the doore Church-outed neere , And yet a Knight , Arch-Lauriat Heere . Adde Stows late antiquarious Pen , That annald for vngratefull Men : Next Chronicler omit it not , His licenc't Basons little got : Liu'd poorely where he Trophies gaue , Lies poorely There in notelesse graue . As These in Theirs , so we in Ours , And who write best lose better houres , And most what but for Nods doe cense Saints , senselesse of more Recompence . No maruell , Poëtrie seemes gon To Bedlam now from Helicon . Yea most her Priests Intemperature So diffreth from their Literature , Their Literature obscenously So suteth to Scurrilitie , As if , Aonides , it hold , You from your sacred Hill of old Pierides will dare to skold . Mnemosynes , retract I this , Ambrosia sweete and Nectar is Your food , and yee eterniz'd liue , Not as yee take , but as yee giue . Inuested with Imperiall Robe , Or circumfer'd the varied Globe , Arts , Armes , or what , for what , or who , Out-liues one Age vnles by you ? For Homer , at Achillis Tombe , This blist did Alexander doome . In Mysteries oft as in those Ilias , Trans-shapes , Aeneidos , In patent Letter also ye Make longest dead aliue to be . Thrice-noble Thrice Three Ioues high Breede ▪ How happie ye whom happiest neede ? Nor sleepeth your Anagraphie The sensuall Follies of the Hie , Nor crested Chorles that for Coynes skill , More Standings heare than Bellies fill , Nor those could wish ye them passe-by As if a dungled Asse should die . Yet he that fierd th' Ephesian Phane Did it your Pens Report to gaine : As Faux , that him might scorne Compeere For Proiect more prodigious heere . Thus vertuous and prophane , in few , Haue Perpetuitie from you , Praisd or dispraisd examplarlie , So profiting Posteritie . Sixe passed Presses past vs ill , As , not vnlikely , this Presse will . Muse , that twi-bucketted hast bin , Emptedst poore wit poore winde to win , Twice towredst to a seuerall Steeple , Didst kenne no Patrons but the People , Shunne Eares vnarted , rude , precise , Seeke Loues that ours shall sympathize . Theirs W. W.

A Table for euery of the seuerall Bookes , to find out the speciall Stories and matters , directing from their Chapters . The fourteenth Booke . A Parabola , or comparatiue Relation from the English-Raignes since the Conquest , to the late Raigne of Queene Elizabeth . Chap. 80. More tending to the like Argument , &c. Chap. 81. Her Life , Vertues , Death , Detractors , into Particulars epitomized : And of the letter . P. Chap. 82. An Entrance into the Historie of the Picts , somtimes a martiall Nation here : Of Scotlands fatall Chaire , and of certaine ancient Predictions here lately effected . Chap. 83. Of the first Scotch-King in this Isle : The first Armies betweene them and the Picts : Their appeasement , And a Slaughter of the Britaines . Chap. 84. Warres betweene the Picts and the Scots : How the Britaines dealt aduantagiously against Either People : The Romanes successe Here , and of the Picts their Prowesse . Chap. 85. How the Picts debelled the Scots : Of Queene Cartandis : More of the Romanes , and of the King of Penthlands death . Chap. 86 How the Scots recouered their Countrie : They and the Picts chased the Romanes : Subdued and inthralled the Britaines , And of the Britaines then Sloth and Effeminacie . Chap. 87 How the Britaines subiected themselues to the Armoricans or French-Brutaines : Of the Saxons , and more of the warlike Picts . Chap. 88 A Tale of a faire yong Nunne and an old Pandresse . Chap. 89 Of the long continued League and Confedracie betweene the French and Scots against the English : Impacable warres betweene the Picts and the Scots , and of an Elusion fatall against the Picts . Chap. 90 A Tale of Robin-goodfellow . Chap. 91 Of the mercilesse End of the Martiall King and kingdome of the Picts . Chap. 92 The fifteenth Booke . OF the Propagators of vs moderne English : An Entrance into the Historie of Wales , &c. Chap. 93 Of Makbeth the Tyrant : Of the noble Scot Fleance : The passage of loue betweene him and the Kings Daughter of Wales , and of their royall Posteritie . Chap. 94 Of the most barbarous and vnexampled preuented Massacre , plotted against the whole Parliament and State of Great Britaine , 1605. &c. Chap. 95 A few Cautions for Papists : Their senselesse Seduction : Popes , Papisme , and their trecherous Policies in part described . Chap. 96 Of S. Austin and the Clerkes of Bangor . Chap. 97 Of moderne Hypocrites , & schismaticall Singularitie . Chap. 98 A Merriment of a saintish vnsanctified Hostesse , &c. Chap. 99 A speaking Vision , set downe in the person of good Queene Elizabeth . Chap. 100 The sixteenth Booke . HOw the Principalitie of South-Wales and the Lordship of Glamorgan were subdued to England : Of Iestin his faire Daughter : The vanitie of curious Ornaments and arted Beautie . Chap. 101 A merrie Iest , by occasion of a Perwig : Of Pride : Our vaine Progresse throughout this life : Of the Intemperance and Amisses in some Iusticers . Chap. 102 A plaine Loue-letter , from a countrie Bachelor to Iestins faire Daughter . Chap. 103 Her opinion of honest Plainnesse , Opposition to Pride and Flatterie , Approbation of the meane-Estate , and Resolution for her Louer . Chap. 104 Of Nest , Lady of Brechnock , her dishonorable Reuenge against her owne Sonne , &c. Chap. 105 Of William de Bruse his inhumane Crueltie . Chap. 106 Of Wales intirely subiected to England , &c. A Monarchall Reuerture of Brute his Diuident , &c. Chap. 107 FINIS .

THE FOVRTEENTH BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND .

CHAP. LXXX . SET Is the soueraigne Sonne did shine when paperd laste our penne , Yet still alike the Lighte , so God makes Fauorites of men . And hee eternall bids that wee our terren Gods obay , As Ours shall we , though should to vs his Edict other say , Than that we sing our England now in Brittane , howbeit , Not suddenly we can , perhaps , innatiue Termes forgitte . Nor shall , nor shoulde yt aught distaste that England alters name , Sith it nor Yts laste Mistresse can by aught be outed fame . Nor Britane as a nouell Name to England we admitte , Sith frequent and authentick be Aucthorities for it . Nor Albion to haue been , or but a Fiction we dispute : But , if no Fiction , Albion then is Senior vnto Brute . Yea , that this Latter was haue been for Names-skill , would confute , When in that primer Race of Kings in name the Sixth did sute . Then Albions England , our poore Lynes , be Britanes England now , Or eyther , nayther , or what-else : Okes breake when reeds but bowe . But who takes notice of a Toy , the Title or our Booke ? Or how should Either preiudice though curiously mistook ? Auspiciously then , Muse go on , remembring by the way Our late interred Mistresse , and of all our Masters say Their varied Reignes , so Hers from Theirs the better to purtraie . Yea speake , and speake aduisedly , Those that in Thes be read , ( Not Romists , nather Humors in Preiudicacie lead ) Whose in this Catalogue of Reignes compeered hers last dead . All heere was then contraryed when the Conqueror was King , and oft his vassalde English he gainst forraine Swords did bring Rufus , that for excessiue Chase vnpeopled many a towne , And perisht in that sporte , was not of few malign'd his Crowne . Like deare to Mercury and Mars , first Henry voyded not That Auarice and Rigor to his Virtues were a blot . From Stephens first Intrution to the poynt of his decease No tongue was lesse familier heere then was the tonge of Peace . For Empery more puissant than was second Henry none ; Yeat his Ambitious prelats , Queene , and sons disturbd that Throne . The valerous Cor-de-lion by his warres and ransome so Exhausted Treasure , as no more , but Gods , could men forgoe . Saue that the better worser spead , Iohns raigne mighte be compar'd , To Michaels and the Dragons fight , so Crowne and Miter squarde What with a French-imbulled-Kinge , and Barrons often broyls , Third Henryes thence prouoked war that publique-weale turmoyles The French , Welsh , Scots , becaus their skorge , yll brook't first Edwards glory , Nor welcom'd we a ceaselesse war , though full of worth his story . Yf what was second Edwards Rule be askt , is aun'swerd thus , So turbulent as may be wisht that neuer such rule vs , Third Edward was armipotent , his Subiects nerethelesse him murmuringly did tax that them taxes did oppresse . The second Richard ouerkind to Parasits , and foe to aunchant Cronets , feweld all might fier to Englands woe . But his Erectment hardly did fourth Henry pleade vnto : and that he gainde the Cause at length , loue more then law did doe : Whether fifte Henryes costly warres , or death ( he so belou'd ) More touched His ingrudge or greefe , a question may be mou'd . Sixt Henry , rare for Sanctity , more fit for Cowle than Crowne , and ouerruled in his rule , much pittied , was put downe . Fourth Edward in reuerted raigne to Yorkests found small reste , Or England foyzon : Kings contend and Comons be opprest . His Infant sonne Edward the fift , vncrowned not vncroste , Mou'd common tears when for his Crown both Crown & life he loste , The Regi-cids , third Richards reigne , was tragick vnto all , And lastly to himself ▪ for so to ryse is so to fall . Seauenth Henry , the Vnitor of those Flowers that long dissented , Of his Retriuers Prooling● much ( as well he might ) repented . Eight Henry , though victorious and triumphant , was not quitt of mvrmerd Axes : Recluses vn-cloystred grudged yt . Sixt Edward , of most pregnant witte and virtues , Englands hope , Too young to stint his Princes stryfes vext , not vnvext , the Pope . Queene Maryes nature good , abus'd by Romes seducing Crew , might haue allowance , saue for blood from Saints her Butchers drew . How also from the Fourth to the Eight of Henryes did ensue A long deuouring ciuill warre , is History too trew . But we haue seene such peacefull warre , such warlike peace , and all So blest in prosperous Policie as Times admire it shall .

Chap. 81. NOR be it vnderstood not all fore-cited faulted much , But were for most renowned Kings , though Subiects greefes we touch . Obserue we rather , euer since that Phocas prouded Rome With that big Title , supreame Sea , most Chronicles doe doome . ( The workes for most of Friars and Monkes ) all Princes bad or good , Not as they were , but as against or with her Pomp , they stood . Hence trecherous Vassales , Kings owne Sonnes , rebelling by her Bull , Whilst Princes good seem'd penn-Forelorns fild Romes Pantheon full . Then rather sportiue be her pennes than powrefull to depraue , Where willfull error blindeth not . But leauing Rome to raue , this Normaine race of Kings we taxe of Publique-weale offended for harshar Priuates than may be gainst her deceaste intended : Though all that royall Streene had much wherein to be commended : May there succeeding Off-springs such euen with the Sunne be ended . Elizabeth , compared yeat with Theis whence she descended , Not them among a Paritie is fully apprehended : For this heauen-rapted Lady best may Reignes Idea boste : and yee that faste for better faer may kisse , perhaps , the poste . O Stomacks cloyd with dainties , Churles amids Aboundance poore , Be your Phisition Pilles , and Wante Remembrancer of Stoore . Had not the same ( an other-Same ) succeeded that succeeds , Yee lesse had wrong'd the Phaenix dead , and more approu'd her deeds . Nor meruell we that Popelings her nor Puritanes should brook , The present Maiestie from Such like censuring must looke . Nay , euen for very Nouelties that Vulgres doe affect , the best continued Gouernment as tedious they reiect , The Grecians , Romanes , euery Realms digests , obseruing this , Extenuates the wonder : Then a greate wonder is , That when so many learned Clarks and others shee did rayse , Or for a Metaphysick hold the Proiect of her prayse , or slothfully be scilent , or for weeping cannot write , or think from gratefull Offices her Toombe should them acquite , Or ( likelier ) tract of Lucre , which doth such a sent prefer , As in that present pleasante Chase they are at losse of her , That we touch first the Shoore wherto their statelier ships shold fare , which ydlie ride at anchor , whilst what we shall doe we dare , That is , at farthest but to haue of her a kenning , and Let Pilots expedite the rest that better knowe to lande . First though suppose an Elegie the proheme of my Muse , For her , whome shoulde we also blanch we also should abuse . Then let vs rather faulte to Art than Office , sith we owe To her heroick virtues more then how to pay we knowe , Of Expeditions , Vioges , Ayds vnto forreyn States , Tryumphant Victories , Escapes from many trecherous bates , Commenced in her Raigne in fewe we formerly did touch , her in-bred Vertues howbeit clame betterd Muse by much . Liue euer though , not for th' art myne , my Muse ( no Muse , god wot ) But in this Forehead of our Songe by Please-times now forgott . For those great Artists that did her aliue euen deifie , Now to her sowle-vnbodied doe meere Temporizers dye . When none so resteth glorefide by selfe-Achiuements , as By fame-retriued Digests that from lauriett Pennes doe pas . She blessed one , vnblissed now , re-blissed might he liue , If that a Legend of her life he to the world shall giue . Expecting which , some pen-past Tracts of ours in Theame so deepe Shall to the compleate Science of that wowed Author sleepe : Sufficeth her into her lawdes we through A Cranny peepe .

CHAP. 82. ELIZABETH ( Euen Heer me thinks , repeating but thy name Illustrious turne our lynes , thy selfe sufficing to thy fame ) That sleepest sweetly to thy selfe that so to vs did'st wake , From vs in letters leaste , not laste in loue , these Nombres take . to be suspect to adulate ( although our eares haue heard vngratefull tongues ) of feare no cause , for truth will bee preferd . From long imprisonment , and still expectance to haue dyde Of papalle Furie , God , on whome she euermore relyde : Maugre her Foes ( not then a few , for scarce a Prince beside By Rome not either awed , or could other Loore abide ) possessed her of Englands Throne , vs of the Gospells lighte , By her with constant zeale vphild gainst Schismes and potent spight . A princesse fayre in flower of youth to heauen-wards more deuoted , Or one in all that Earth affoords aboundantler that flooted , Yeat lesser vpon wordly Pompe , Maiestick though , that dooted , And dying old a Virgin , times by-passed none haue noted , The mighty King of Sweuen sewd to wedde her for his Queene . Braue Troupes with Valoies heire of Fraunce , heer for the like were seen . The Archduke too of Austrich , and greate Potentates a many much laboured her Marrage , not obtayned though of any . Howbeit affablitie and intertainmentes sweete , Mixt with admired Maiesty , in her did ioyntly meete . None better aunswerd Ambasies in whatsoeuer tongue : Effected more in Christndome , yea , Infidelles among : Our either Achademyes heard her learning much expresse : No Lady Could more Courtshipp , or well-nigardiz'd yt lesse , For Musick , portly Gate , and daunce did more applause possesse : More louing to her subiects , and from them more loue did winne : Rewarded more well-doings , and was greeued more at sinne : Had causes more of Rygor , yeat more mercifull there in : Preserued more of the publique Peace , our Realme becomming so Even Achelous horne to vs Palladium gainst the Foe . Her Bountie ofte innabled gainst their Foos themselues to quitte , Distressed Kings and States , the Law of Nations praysing yt : Whence Forrens did our Labours , whilst at home in peace we sitt . She and her Senators vnlike those Citizens that so Once doored on their Treasure that , subdewed by the foe , And lockt into their Treasury , hee doom'd them starue or feede Vppon theyr goulde , which , yf ymploy'd , had helpt them in their need Nor lesse her prayse in this ( And may all Princes like obserue ) She choose a Counsell wise , and not from theyr Designes would swerue And whoso greate whom she not awde , what Fauorite spard shee , Yf dangerous to the State . Not aught in rashnesse would decree . Her Temperance , rare virtues and heroyck parts were such As perfect Panegyricks heere should but defect too much . More blessed year , her Sowle , that should no longer heere soiourne Did vnto God , from whome yt cam , in Sanctitie retourne . The passed , present , following Dayes were gloomy , Aier , yea marble And trunkes of trees seem'd then to weep , no birds were heard to warbl Beasts silent , that with Rationales was all a-mort suppose , When heauen resum'd her soule , and earth it Paragon should loose . Rest may that better parte of thine with God , and it in graue In sweet security , till both vnited glory haue . And should Succession fault in not remunerating thee With such a Monument , as is both wish't and hop't shall be , Thy long and glorious Scepter and innatiue Virtues shall Eternize Trophies to thy Ghoste , and checke Detractors all . Of which are some would States-men seeme , but Parasits more sure , ( and such , no doubt , respected where they would their hopes immure ) Doe from the Pollicy of those her dayes , and from that State whereby and wherin she did rule and leaue this Realme of late so derrogate , as if death sick , and meanes exhaust for better , had England languisht , only to this Change for health a debter . What Pollicie precelled though it she preceded in ? Or can to Her succeeded be Precellant ? who hath byn ? vngratefull , or forgitfull men , or Apes to Innouation , Though with a prudent King indeede be eik't an ancient Nation , Knowe our Weale-publiques blisse is now a parale'lld Creation , wherein Religion and our Lawes persever in their Station , Yea blisse vs doth the Simpathy of Nows to Thens Relation . For when the Sun that now is sett in our Horizon shin'd , Yt gaue a lefte completion to our Weale in euery Kind . to hers like Raygne , saue his that raignes , more wisht is than deuin'd : A Phoenix for a Phoenix t'ys in his Suns-rise we finde . More to theyr proper Elements inaugurated none , Than shee to hers by-passed , he to his possessed Throne . And may his practis'd Royalty , and royall precepts frame His Issue to like issue , and we pray and hope the same : And may those tongues fall-fowle that her interred shall defame . What Princes though but some , at least for others faults , wil blame thē faults which wold Parlaments could cleanse as can a letter name thē . For of our Alphabet the . P. doth omenously begin Of these this much distasted Ranck , She taxt perhaps therin , Though vse-full euery one , and none , by her abuse a sinne : As Proctors , Puruiors , Purseuants , Post-stagres , Peter-men , Promotors , Paritors , and , as offensiue now and then , Two for their Functions reuerent Pees . Besides which three-times three , Papists and giddy Puritanes , were other Rankes not free Of Publique-weales Antipathie , prooling and peruerse , P. Which happely may faulct as much euen now as , raigning She : Rests then by lawfull meanes Amisse in Pees amended be . Now let vs briefly ouerrun vnto his present Throne , That holds of God by Nature , Law , and Worth this Isle his owne , The Stories Nationall of Picts and Scots , once Kingdomes twaine Within the same , the former long armipotent in vaine , The latter altring now in Name through new-inlarged Raigne . From These some doubt an Antidate of their arriuall Heere , Of Those to haue been Pre-Regnants Authorities be cleere . Mean while thy Lawds , Elizabeth , toucht Here touch short of thee , Of Whom Posterities shall speake more gratefully than wee , Would I could work vnto thy Worth , though then I ceast to bee . But for we cannot saile thy Seas , our sailes we therefore strike , And loth to leaue , of thee take leaue , that hast not left thy like . Of Picts , Scots , Welsh be now abridg'd , such Turnes as times did see , Howbeit little Statrie , and among is mixed glee .

CHAP. 83. WHether of Agathirsian Scythes , or Humbers Heere Remaigne , Or Brutaines , braue Recusants of the Romane seruile Raigne , ( The last the Likeliest ) were the Picts exact dispute that will , Those curious Ambiguities we leaue to others skill . But briefly ( for we must be briefe , since Enuie did prouide Their fame , if possible their Name , from Historie to hide ) We shall the warlikenesse compend of those fame-wronged Men , Obscur'd in all their Monuments by Scots , and curbd in Pen . Yeat not the Legend proper to the Scots can wholy blanch Their Mention , or thē name but needs their Prowesse must aduance . Much owned of the English , all of Brutaines Continent The Scots possesse , was then and ere that Ferquard Hither sent The fatall Chaier , cald Penthland , till the Picts , a People stout , Were by th' inuading Irish-Scots long thence debelled out . But for we nam'd the fatall Chaier ( the Stone we meane therein ) First whence , and how esteem'd we shall to calculate begin . The Scots ( how truly censure as ye please ) do father it The Stone that Iacob , when as he from Esaus wroth did git , Did sleepe vpon , whilst Angels on a Ladder came and went , And the Messias from his Loynes was promis'd to be sent , A iourney safe , a safe Returne , a broodious Issue , and To them Confirmance to enioy all Canans happie Land . One Gathelick from Egypt brought that Stone , their Stories say : But if be askt how thither brought , why sufferd there to stay , When long time after Moses Thence did Iacobs Seed conuay , May thus be answred : Iacob , note ( so ceremonious still That to his Births , his Burials , euen his Wels , as good or ill Did then and there betide , gaue names assining ) not in this On which he saw such Visions , had such Promises remisse . For , saith the Text , he sacrifiz'd thereon , and named it The House of God : nor , when returnd from Laban , did forgit To pay his Vowes thereon , and had it still in high Esteeme : At his Remoue to Egypt then from Canan may we deeme , Amongst so many Carrages , he left it not behind . But likely is his Seed , led Thence , There left it , for we finde That , saue a Pittance fitting them Thence flying and pursew'd , Not aught of Theirs they carrie he fore-warnd that all fore-vewd . Their Legend hath , this Gathelus , to Pharaos daughter wed , In whom the Plagues of Egypt for the Hebrues terror bred , ( For , saith the Text , with them also thence many Strangers fled ) Obseruant of the Hebrew Rites solemniz'd on that Stone , Vnto Gallicia ( of his Name Port-Gathleck thenceforth knowne ) Transported it , the which his Seed did Thence to Ireland bring , And Thence to Penthland , crowning thē on it their Heer-first-King . First Edward wanne it Thence to vs , though Prophesies did sing : The Scotes sall bruke that Realme as natiue Ground : Gif Weirds faile nocht ) quhair eir this Chair is found . Gallicia , Ireland , Scotland , and now England , altering Name , As seuerall Reuolutions thus of Time produc't the same , Haue seene this Prophesie performd , by Destinie not ame . Nor price nor prayer back from Hence this sacred Stone could win , Which of our Coronations since the locall Rite hath bin . Time , Place , and Persons too inferre some Likelihoods : they say That Gatheleck was Cecrops sonne , that then in Greece did sway . The Pharao Achoris ( whom they doe Bochoris mis-name ) Neere then ruld Egypt , Howbeit succeeded by the same Heart-hardned Pharao , Chencres , whose pursute the Seas did tame . The ancient Irish Manners and their Superstitions add , Which , if conferd with Egypts , Thence may be intended hadd . But , not without some Mysterie , both pretious and propitious , Ere superstitious Papistrie , begeting Reliques vitious , Had men mis-lead , thousand of yeeres this Stone was held , and is . Howbeit pardon vs if here we intimate amis , As sometimes Some , alluding Ours it winding to the taile Of Troies Palladium hailed from the Greekes to Ilions baile . But also with the Shrine the Saint we presently possesse , Vniting Crownes , Scotch Prophesies performed nerthelesse . But what of Prophesies ? t' is God effecteth all in all : Our Fathers longed for this Day : may we it happie call . And happie Mary hadst thou bin , and it both Kingdomes good , Had not false friends thy Marrage Here with our yong Prince withstood . But it effecteth in thy Sonne that in thy selfe did faile , And where we feard tempestuous Gusts we hope a prosperous Gaile . Iames , Io-Pean sing we thee : long liue , raigne , and preuaile . No doubt from Natures Secrets Spirits teach admirable skill , Be Sagist , Lamist , Strigist though , or Pythonist that will . I haue ( not superstitiously ) obserued times not few Old Wordings , which vnhapned are vnheeded , prouing trew : Mongst others , worth the note , an old & common Speech in Ware : Where Men , askt idly it whereof the Asker might despare , Would answer , that performance should or paiment be , When as the King comes vnto Wiggen : And that comming came to pas When first he entred Ware , euen when it vnexpected was . So base a Cottage once , but now vsde with a better Thing , Begot that saying first : thus Time with it doth wonders bring : They liue did word it many yeeres ere hapt or borne this King . * More serious this : his Highnesse then a Tenderling , did I ( A Puple ) reade , wrote time past kens , of him this Prophesie , Or call it as yee please , that Terme Clerks to these Times denie : Post Iacobum Iacobus , Iacobum Iacobus , quoque Quintus , At sextus Iacobus Regno regnabit vtroque . After a Iames shall be a Iames , a third Iames , and a Fourth , A fift Iames also , but the Sixt shall sway the Scepters both . Besides three youthfull Queens that stop that Currant likely might , Great Interruptions , ouer-blowne , we also could recite . But by the Deitie it so was destinate , and who Reioyceth not that that great worke of God is not to doe ? How Hence , with more than much adoe , the Scots at last expell The Here predominating Picts ensueth now to tell .

CHAP. 84. WHen from the Hebredes the Scots had footing in this Isle , They and the Picts allie and held in peacefull League a while : So populous , so circumspect , in Walls and Armes so strong , That of such Neighbourhood the Brutes so ielious were of wrong , As gainst the wilinesse of These , and warliknesse of Those , They more affected Policie than hazarding of blowes : Fore-seeing such Combinement might their Enuie ouermatch . A fained Ambasie therefore they to the Picts dispatch : With blandishments , like Aesops Fox deluding Aesops Crow , The hansell of their Scepter new congratulating so , The Britons Wealth and Prowse also they arrogated such , And from the Scots by Contraries did derogate so much , Remembring ( which the Picts themselues could not forget ) the day In Oracle , when Thence the Scots should driue the Picts away , With many like Atractiues and Ditractions to and fro , As none but Brutaine now was friend , and none but Scotland foe . Anon through Penthland was proclam'd Auoidance in short space Of euery Scot on paine of death : wherefore like law tooke place In Scotland also : neither part the punishment omit That might inflict the Penaltie , the Britons glad of it . Whereby from Riots did it grow to Termes of open warre , The which with Aides vnto the Picts the Brutons did prefarre . But Things seem'd then more intricate than that the Scots alone

Yeat oft it haps , by how much more high Dignities preferre , So much the more , though lesse secure , men liue irreguler : But Insolencie hath a time aswell to fall as erre , To which no Opportunities but doe Effects efferre : Then , breathing Clods , from Actions ill let ill Euents deterre . One Dowall , There then gratious , slew this Nathak at the last , And Rewthar , wedded to the King of Penthlands daughter , plac't In Scotlands Throne , howbeit in Minoritie : wherefore One Ferquhard , for this law infring'd , brought all things in vprore . Or rather vnder this pretex he drifted soueraigne Sway , Whereto did this Occasion seeme to him a troden way : And former Popularitie , whereto Ambition weads , Had furnisht him of plebale Friends , a Beast of many heads . On which , as if on Pegasus , ambitious Gallants ride , Though it an euer-break-neck haue such forged Persees tride . Vnhappie Popularitie , that like to Aesops Ape With culling kils thy Darlings , whilst the lesser loued scape : Senselesse Ambition , that forgets or not obserues at all That , if not selfe-Straines , Policie must temporize thy fall : Fond Vulgers , that a Phaëton a Phoebus vse to call : For in bi-fronted Ianus is your Science none or small . Well , howsoeuer , Ferquhard troupes the flower of Scotlands Prowse : All Penthlands Chiualrie no lesse of Dowals act allowes . Now either People had displaide their Onsets , and was fought A Battell , dearer than the which no Souldiours euer bought , For slaughter as perseuerent as may be said or thought . Whereby their either Kingdome heere some following yeeres did faile : For , in this Disaduantage , them the Britons did assaile , And did the Scots to Ireland , and the Picts to Orkney chase : Where either liued in Exile , till altred thus the case . Impatiently they twice sixe yeeres Prescription Hence endure , When with such Forces as they had , although but small yeat sure , They ( met of such forelorned Soules that since their Countries wrack , Remote from Men , in Woods and Caues had liu'd in fearfull lack ) Returne , and with those despret Bands , incountering their foes , Had now the better of the Field : Whence this Attonement groes : That Scots and Picts their owne , as earst , should amplie reposseed Till Iulius Caesars Entrie , so of Warres this Isle was freed . Him to resist , that out of Fraunce the Britons did inuaide , Came Picts and Scots , repelling Hence the Romaines by their aide . Howbeit , in the following yeare he wonne a Tribute hence , Which might haue faild him , had as earst concur'd the Picts defence . As yet the Northern Regions search the Romaines did neglect , Vntill ( vnto whose Ruines none can certainly direct , Though Penthlands pride for stately Towers & strength of walls pretended Vespasian wonne Camelon , still hild Romes , till Rome there ended . Bellona seemed in this I le her Residence to haue : Where , of three Scepters , scarcely one it selfe afoote could saue . The Romaines , vnder diuers of their Caesars-selues , but still The worthiest of their Generals this I le with Armes did fill At diuers times , with diuers change of good and bad euent , But to it tackling euer found vndanted Penthland bent . For when the Britons were subdewd , and Caratack the Scot , That for his Courage and Conduct continued glorie got , Euen then and nerethelesse the Picts did not in courage quaile , But , oft Victorious , of themselues the Romaines did assaile : Hence chacing some their Presidents , and some their Legions slue : The Romaines would not giue thē peace , and could them not subdue . Who , brauely breaking thus the Ise to Scots , their old Consorts , Both twaine made hauock of their foes , demolishing their Forts , Till Romaines now in either Land were dispossessed quite , And , drifting oft Reentries , oft repented them of fight . Heere only Brutaine hild for Rome , and many yeares from thence Arm'd still against the Picts and Scots , with losse for recompence . But leauing Romaines thrilled thence , and Brutes by Rome opprest , What hapt meane while betwixt the Picts and Scots shall be digest . How Brutons chased hence the Picts and Scots it hath been said : And toucht shal be how These thrald Those , for all their Romain aid . Ensueth first how Picts draue hence the Scots , though Scots at last Extirpt the Picts : for worser heere then Fortunes Lotterie past .

CHAP. 86. PRetious is Peace , yet be obseru'd how warlike Nations oft Haue thereby than by outward Armes more Inconuenience cought : These two bellosious People cleer'd no sooner forren swords , But euery Toy a Trumpet to some ciuill Broyle affords . Nor could their Northerne Climate brooke two Suns in it to shine , For sometime This , and sometime That did violently decline . But , passing by their either oft Domesticke Discords great , Of either Kingdome shouldering the other we intreate . The former Lawe , disabling all in Nonage Scotlands Raigne , By three competing Gardenship was now in tearmes againe . Of which one Romaks ( also of the Picts bloods-royall ) Plea Was swords , not words , and did of Scots by Picts great numbers slea : For which both he and Picts became so odious to the Scots , As to destroy both him ( then King ) and them they sleepe no Plots . As Romaks Entrie , so his Raigne tyrannous was , vntill His Nobles did conspire , and him by armes pursued kill : Against the Picts their Power as yet inabled not their will . Wherefore to them , preparing then Reuenge for Romaks death , They sent Excuses : but in vaine their Legates spent their breath . Saue Armor would no answere serue the Picts : whereof did grow A Battle fearce , where either tooke and gaue the ouerthrow : For both their Kings did perish , & with bloud the fields did flow . Vnto the Picts succeeded though the better of that fight : But shortly after with the like the Scots did them requite . With such perseuerant hatred and ferocitie they both Afflict each other , as but bloud might qualifie their wroth : Vntill the Picts ( impacable , say Scots , by Romaines aide ) Disseizen of the scottish Raigne within this I le had made . And whosoeuer , if a Scot , that howsoeuer kept Themselues vnslaughtred was exild , no Sexe or Age except Romak , Angusian , Fethelmak , and Eugen did succeed In Septer and in slaughter : And of Pict-kings three we reade Succeedingly then also slaine in this infestious strife : And of a pitious Storie of King Eugens widowed wife : Also of Hergest King of Picts , too much to Rigor bent , In banishing the Scots , the which himselfe did soone repent . For , whilst he thought to him and his no safetie vnlesse All scotsh-Soules from their bodies or their Soile he dispossesse , By curious search Cartangis , Queene to Eugen slaughtred late , Like to a second Hecuba condoling Priams fate , Was haled from her husbands Tombe , washt with her hartie teares : Who , when before Prince Maximus the Romaine she appeares , And was demaunded why she had against the Edict staide , The bewtious Queene , with teares among , this sober Answer made . I am , quoth she , of husband , friends , riches , and hope bereft , And by how much the more I thus in Miserie am left , So much the lesse am to be feard : ah , then me thinks my foes Might brooke my Presence , at the least to sport them in my woes . Not Brutaine , where my Father rules , shall see me thus deiect : Then giue me death in Scotland , els my dying life protect . The valerous Romaine President , commiserating her , Besides Exilement pardoned , he richly did prefer The good distressed Lady . But the Picts enuying it , Dispoyled Her and Hers , and did els-what too much vnfit : Nor on the Felons to do Lawe did Maximus omit . Whereat , so farforth as he might , King Hergest then repinde : And how he added Scotland to Romes Empire puts in minde The President , whom nerethelesse the Queene did gratious finde , And , mauger Hergest , her abode in Scotland he assignde . There did she daylie Obsequies vnto her Husbands Ghoste , And prayed for their valiant Soules that perisht in his hoste . Also King Hergest him bethinks of his late error now , When more nor lesse he could than as the Romaines him allow : And for his old confedrate friends the Scots was ill apaide , In whose exile he had himselfe and his to Rome betraide . For where as they , combined , gaue euen to the Romaines peace ; To either People now , disioynd , did wonted freedome cease : Small things by Concord prosper , great by Discord do decrease . The Picts Succession to the Crowne , their auncient lawes and all Were by the Romaines disanuld , and nought brought in but thrall : In which respect the Suffrings of the Scots to theirs were small . Then Hergest , whose great spirit could no Seruitude abide , Inuolued in Impatience , stabd himselfe , and so he dide . By this vnhappy Quarrell thus eight Kings were made away , Scotland no Kingdome then , and this of Penthland in decay , Two forren Armies fell that to restore the Scots assay .

CHAP. 87. THe Scots , that more than fortie yeares had been in hard Exile , Were by the Picts , that vnder-went the Romaine yoke meane while , Recal'd by double Ambasie : who , though they were disperst , By labourd Opportunities of their returne conuerst . Fergus ( a fatall name vnto the Scots beginning-Raigne , And why not This their first king here , & Scots for Gothes mistain ? ) One neerest of the blood , who then in Denmarke did remaine , That with the Gothes had sacked Rome , and Thence brought wealth & fame , Collects an Armie , and arriues in Scotland with the same . To whom assemble soone the Picts , and , Quarrels passed-by , Against the Romaines Either did their forces whole applye : And in their Territories slew and made their foes to flye . When Victorine ( then either Realme to Rome in Prouince was , As Britaine too ) thither , to stay their forward Swords , did passe Of Romefied Britons and Emperials warre so great , As , after bloodie Battels , coold theirs and those others heate . For both their Armies , broken with these Battels , did returne : Esteeming it in vaine as yet against the Prick to spurne . Meane while in friendly League the Picts and Scots together liue , And Skermidges both of and to their foes did take and giue . One Placidus , by Victorine for Rome Deputed then , Fought with the Picts and Scots vnto the losse of most his men . To either Propriarie so was either Realme againe Of Romaines left , to leaue their holds to saue their liues then faine . Yet both their Kings in following fight did brauely tyne their liues : Whence long the Romaine cause against the Armes confedrat thriues . But neuer did the Picts omit occasion when they might Reuenge them on th'Emperiales by their Stratigmes or fight . In fine , the Romaine Monarchie Els-where did languish so , As their disabled Conquests heere they of themselues forgo . Reforming first their thrise-reard wall of fourescore miles in length , Against the Picts defencelesse , though of wondrous Art & strength : When thence ▪ forth long the Picts and Scots did Brutaine so inthrall , As lastly in their Ayde they did the Saxons hither call . Who , by Degrees ( the Welsh except , so named Saxonlie ) Subdued Brutaine ( England now ) vnto their Soueraigntie . The lacerated Empire of the Romaines , though with griefe , Disclaim'd the Brutaines , at the least could yeeld them no reliefe . Imbellious through their Policie , adde Pestilence thereto , Succeeded with th'vnlabourd Earths sterilitie : but who Wold think that Plentie more offence than war , death , dearth , should do ? The Earth then fertile , men became effeminat and vaine , Luxurious , Idle , Bacchanists , and gladly intertaine , Like Issachres , their Seruitude , Their foes but aske and haue Conditions such as they themselues , how grosse someuer , craue , Tribute , with Pledges at the Picts their owne Deuotion : so A sensuall , seruile , sinfull life the Brutons vnder-go . Romes Policie , in plentie Sloth , and ciuill Discords heere From that it was , brought Brutaine thus to Nullitie wellneere . O Brutons ( diffrent Brutons from your Auncestors , that oft Victoriously gainst these your Foes and Romaine Legions fought : Who , had ye neuer been secure , had neuer you subdude , Nor needed on th' Armoricanes that Raigne ye should obtrude ) Euen now for then I should be greeu'd at your dis-brittish't swords , But that your then resumed Prowse , when Welsh amends affords . And , that your Arthure comes againe , so far-forth we allow It Prophesie , as Brutaine dead with him reuiueth now : That is , Brutes Baptisme of this I le , that ana-baptizd grew By diuers names in diuers parts , Iames doth through-out renew . That Arthur Tuder was your Prince , and yee , inthrald before , Were then infranchiz'd one with vs adds it fulfild the more . But to our Brutes , in mind deiect and warr-bit , be progrest .

CHAP. 88. SOme ( not degenerated though ) oft instanted the rest , To imitate their Auncestors , and Slothfulnesse detest : By rightfull Armour to remaund Theirs of their foes possest , Their liues to better , with their foes couragiously to cope , Not to be Fortunes Infidels , but better times to hope . Which Counsell wrought , & soone their foes had newes how they conspire , It being to the Picts and Scots fresh fewell to their fire . For , hearing Constantine with his french-Britons now ashore , And all reuolted heere from them , for first Reuenge therefore They slew the brittish Pledges : Then conuent their Forces all , And with the Brutaines fought a Field , to Eithers losse not small . This Constantine th' Armoricane , of Brutaine now made King , The scotch King slaine , and Picts repeld , did both to reason bring . And disciplind in martiall and in morall Practise his , Till him a Pict did murther : Nor like death his Sonne did misse , By trecherie of Vortiger , that his Successor is . How , odious to his Subiects , he inuits the Saxons aid , Who thence till now haue Lorded heere , it hath els-where bin said .

Faire Virgin , quoth he , ouer-faire to be a Virgin euer , Although a Recluse yet to be a Relaps feare thou neuer : Increase and multiplie , saith God : or should but Nature preach , Assure thee such a Votaresse might iustifie a breach . I dare absolue thee of thy vow , on perill of my Soule , That am as thou a Regular , but now farewell my Cowle . Then like himselfe he shewd himselfe Gallant euery way , And did by Art , gifts , Eloquence , and what not her assay ? But all in vaine , so opposite to Loue did she perseuer , As that vnto his Pandresse Arte he was enforc't to leaue her . Now by your blessed Beades , quoth she , your self you quitted well Against his importunitie . Yet this I must you tell : He is a proper Gentleman , sharp witted , sweet of hauour , Of good parts , great possessions , and well worthy of your fauour . Amongst your Sisterhood I know are amorous Wenches some , But for they are professed I must reuerently be domme : For she that Sainct-seems , lookes demure , turns vp the white of eie , At Shrifts and clergie-Standings can a common-Place applie , Hers Indenotion , not to be Deuotion were a lie . So powerfull is Religion as , but cloaking vnder it , Auoyds to be expresly taxt of want-zeale , or want-wit . Your superstitious vowes , if broke , at most are veniall sinne : Or rather , kept , you do gainst God and Nature fault therein . Admit the Gentleman should speed , should I against it spurne ? No , not to let it were lesse fault than still to let him burne . Poore Girles ( not Gods ) but few of you so sainctified I know , But sometimes to coniectures of Concupiscence ye grow . And what prouoking more thereto than liues which yee do leade , In pleasant Mansions , idle Ease , selfe-Pranking , fill of bread ? And lustie flesh takes little keepe of letting fall a Beade , But into Sinnes restraind vs most so much the more doth leade . If needs you will that marriage nor mens loue shall you allure , Nature and Vowes are tempted oft , but Guanors Tombe makes sure : ( Was thither by the Trot traind forth the Nouesse , so to proue Whether she would a Virgin die , or might be hoped loue ) That you by Nature should be chaste ( the Contrarie who not ? ) I hardly can beleeue : but if ? what harme I pray were got , If should you tread vpon her Tombe , whence Barrennesse doth gro , And end of amorous Burnings , since your vow importeth so ? The Nunne , that euermore had heard and held it as her Creed , That she that trod vpon that Tombe of such Euent should speed , Did blush ( and blame her not that so was put vnto her shifts ) Thus on the Beldame did retort instance of her owne drifts . Mother , quoth she , good manners were the Elder former go . What I , that hope a husband , nor despaire of issue ? ( So An Aunchanter than I hath had ) by sweet Saint Pancrace , no , The old-wife said . Nor , quoth the Nunne , meane I to be the furst Of this our Age treads on that Tombe to women so accurst . But thus a possibilitie of yeelding from the Nunne , And by the subtle Exorcist of prizing being wonne , They back returne , that at the Tombe more durst not than was done . She , that at least so blur'd an Eie , for battle fought and all , Euen to sollicite earnestly , on such fresh hope , did fall . How Cresida scornd Troilus and Plauges had manifold , How oft the Goblin Incubus Loue-wronged had contrould , And Iphis for the Cyprian Lasse fore-did himselfe she tould . Like tales and Metamorphosies passe many in this chat : Nor lackt the Ballad of the Maid transformed to a Cat , And Arthurs Queene , there tombd , so doombd , for falsed loue , fell pat . So many Incantations , lyes , feares , hopes , instanced shee , With amorous Sonners feelingly of passion and loues glee , As lastly did the non-plust Nunne vnto her Charmes agree . But leauing Guanora her Tombe , and none on it to tread , ( For Women be nor Fooles , nor Saincts ) ensueth now to reade , ( Which asks a tragick Penne to write ) the dire downe-fall of those That florished so long and found at last too bitter foes .

CHAP. 90. WHen Charles the Great for France of Scots Confedracie obtain'd Of mutuall aides against English , which hath thence till now remain'd , Els , likely , ouer either Realme long since had England raign'd , At least by intermariage , still by that Compact restraind : For nere hild League lesse violate or permanent like while , French rescuing Scots , and Scots the French , abrode and in this Isle : Which God , in Nature now and law dissoluing , ill appayes Enuious Fraunce it selfe that helpt and harmed vs that wayes : Who questions then an Vnion that such inconuenience stayes ? What Nation seuers Policie where One one Land obayes ? Our Elders opportuned like occasion hereunto , When whatsoeuer they had done that League did still vndoo : No maruell , selfe-securitie France in that loue did woo : But be an Vnion perfected , and storme it skils not who . The Scot , I say , him to secure of Picts , refusing so To tripertite that League , did wed ( whence Penthlands ouerthro ) Fergusia , Hungust King of Picts his sister : Alpine , sonne Of this said Marriage , challenge to the Pictish Throne begun . Which , had it not bin destinate to Scots , had neuer bin , Behou'd such obstacles to be disperst ere it they win , Nor swords more resolute than theirs could counterpleade therin . Achaius , Alpins father dead , were inter-Regnants twaine Succeedingly ere Alpine was by lawe enabled Raigne . Both dying issulesse , to him did Scotlands Crowne accrew : Who also , from his Mother , claime to Penthland did pursew : Where , though he ends disastrously , two ante-Kings he slew . For Penthland was no easie taske to win , though lastly wonne , Yet with the losse on either part of many a mothers sonne . The Picts distasted nothing more than that a forren birth Should them subiect , rather than which they all had vowed death . The Scots also in Alpins right had all oblig'd their blood : Nor more was sworne on either side than whereunto they stood . Succeedingly two Pict-Kings fell in two such bloodie fields , As was indifferent whether part subdude , for neither yeelds : But either , sadly for their slaine , and gladly for returne , Retier their weakned Forces that in wisht reuenge did burne . When season serued Alpine soone did recollect his Armes : To Brudus King of Picts likewise his fierie people swarmes . More resolutely than these two no Armies euer met , Nor Captaines that mens courages more than these Kings did whet . When long was fought on either part with doubtfull warres euent , On Brudus side the better of that bloudie bargaine went . No ransoming of Scots , but all subdued then were slaine : In which vnchancie battell was King Alpine Prisnor taine : From whom , first manacled , they hewd his better-worthy head , And pold it on their Citie walls for signe how Scots had spead . O too too erred iolitie , and insolencie strange , Transporting Fortunes wantons past expectance of a change . Some Scots impatiently indur'd such View of their disgrace , Who faind them Picts , and gaining so conuenient time and place , Conuaied thence King Alpins head , well guerdond of his sonne : By whom to renouate the Warres his Nobles thus were wonne . Their former losse dishartned them so much that when , in vaine , He oft had wowd their aids , he seemd expectant to remaine : Conuenting , as for other cause , them , feasted , and prouides Their Lodgings in his Pallace , and in euery Chamber hides One clad in fishes scales , a club of Muscane in one hand , In th' other was a bugle horne , and all at midnight stand Before each sleeping Nobles bed , & through the horne thus spake . * Thou scottish Heros , at the least to God his Angell wake : Kenneth your King must be obaid , and Picts be ouerthrowne , * Assist him lest thou perish now th'Almighties will is knowne . The wakened Lords beleeud that Voyce not humaine , & behild , ( For naturally that wood in darke giues Shine , which now had fild Each roome ) the vision , in a tryse that vanished , for when The wood and scales were hid was all in sudden darkenesse then . This voyce and vision did affright the Nobles , and next day Each vnto other did the same in secrecie bewray : All iump of one same time , sight , speach , and therefore all beleeue It was from God , and for the warres so long delayed greeue : The King did fraine their whisprings , and themselues to him they shreeue . Who likewise did affirme himselfe so visited that night : By which Elusion all were brought against the Picts to fight . Like guiles were frequent in those dayes , so Exorcists and Friers Confirmd in superstition men , and spead their owne desires . Of Fairies , Goblins , walking Lights , & like chat Grandams much , Nor am my selfe incredulous that haue bin , and be such : Yet sauoreth , me thinks , a Lie this that of late befell , Which , though report should fable , is no harmefull iest to tell .

CHAP. 91. A Shepheard , whilst his Flock did feede , him in his Cloke did wrap , Bids Patch his Dog stand Sentenell , both to secure a nap , And lest his Bagpipe , Sheephooke , Skrip , and Bottell ( most his wealth ) By Vagrants ( more then many now ) might suffer of their stealth . As he twixt sleepe and waking lay against a greene Banks side , A Round of Fairie-Elues , and Larrs of other kind , he spide : Who in their dancing him so charm'd , that though he wakt he slept , Now Pincht they him , antickt about , and on , and off him lept . Mongst them , of bigger bulke and voyce , a bare-breecht Goblin was , That at their Gamboles laughed , like the braying of an Asse . At once the Shepherds Bagpipe ( for they also vsed it ) Was husht , and round about him they , as if in Councell , sit . Vpon whose face the breechlesse Larr did set his buttocks bare , Bespeaking thus his beau-Compeers , like Caiphas in his Chaire . Poore Robin-good-fellow , sweet Elfs , much thanks you for this glee , Since last I came into this Land a Raritie to see : When Nunnes , Monks , Friers , and Votaries were here of euery sort , We were accustomed , ye wot , to this and merrier sport . Wo worth ( may our great Pan , and we his Puples say ) that Frier , That by reuealing Christ obscur'd to Christ did Soules retire . For since great Pans great Vicar on the Earth was disobaid In England , I beyond the Seas a Mal-Content haue staid . Whence , by a brute of Pouder that should blow to heauen or hell The Protestants , I hither came , where all I found too well : And in the Catholick maine Cause small hope , or rather none : No sooner therefore was I come but that I wisht me gone . Was then a merrie world with vs when Mary wore the Crowne , And holy-water-sprinkle was beleeud to put vs downe . Ho ho ho ho , needs must I laugh such fooleries to name : And at my crummed messe of Milke each night , from Maid or Dame To do their chares , as they supposd , when in their deadest sleepe I puld them out their beds , & made themselues their houses sweepe . How clatterd I amongst their Pots and Pans , as dreamed they ? My Hempen Hampen Sentence , when some tender foole would lay Me shirt or slop , them greeued , for I then would go away . Yee Fairies too made Mothers , if weake faith , to sweare that ye Into their Beds did foist your Babes , and theirs exchang'd to be . When yee ( that eluish Manners did from eluish Shapes obserue ) By pinching her that beat that child , made Child & Mother swerue , This in that erd beliefe , That , not corrected , bad that grew : Thus yee , I , Pope , and Cloysterers all in one Teame then drew . But all things haue gone crosse with vs since here the Gospell shind , Nor helps it aught that She that it vnclowded is inshrind . Well , though our Romish Exorcists and Regulars be outed , No lesse Hypocrisie mongst some their Contraries is doubted : And may they so perseuer and so perish Robin prayes : But too too zealous people are too many cloy my wayes . For that this Realme is in the Right , Rome in the wrong for Loore I must confesse , though much is else as faultie as before . To Farmers came I , that , at least , their Lofe and Cheese once freed For all would eate , but found themselues the parings now to need : So do their Landlords rack their Rents : though in the Mannor-Place Scarce smoakt a Chimney : yet did Smoke perplex me in strange cace . I saw the Chimneys cleerd of fire , where nerethelesse it smokt So bitterly , as one not vsed to like , it might haue chokt . But when I saw it did proceed from Nostrels , and from Throtes Of Ladies , Lords , and sillie Groomes , not burning skins nor Cotes , Great Belsabub , thought I , can all spit fier as well as Thine ? Or where am I ? it cannot be vnder the torred Line . My fellow Incubus ( who heere still Residence did keepe , Witnes so many dadlesse Babes begot on Girles asleepe ) Did put me by that feare , and said it was an Indian weede , That feum'd away more wealth than would a many thousands feed . Freed of that feare , the noueltie of Cooches scath'd me so , As from their drifts and cluttering I knew not where to go . These also worke , quoth Incubus , to our auaile , for why ? They tend to idle Pride , and to Inhospitalitie . With that I , comforted , did then peepe into euery one , And of mine old acquaintances spide many a countrie Ione , Whose fathers droue the Dung-cart , though the daughters now will . I knew when Prelates , & the Peeres had faire attendance on none . By Gentlemen and Yeomandrie , but that faire world is gone : For most , like Iehu , hurrie with Pedanties two or three , Yet all go downe the winde , saue those that hospitalious bee . Great'st Ladies with their women , on their Palfries mounted faire , Rode through the streets , well waited on , their artlesse faces bare , Which now in Coches scorne to be salued of the aire . I knew when men-Iudiciall rode on sober Mules , whereby They might of Suters , these , and they aske , Answere , and Replie . I knew when more was thriu'd abroad by war than now by peace , And English feard where they be frumpt , since hostile tearmes did cease : But by Occasion , all things are produced , be , decrease . Times were when Practize also preacht , and well said was well-done , When Courtiors cleerd the old before they on the new would run , When no iudiciall place was bought , lest Iustice might be sould , When Quirts , nor Quillets ouerthrew , or long did Causes hold , When Lawyers more deserud their fees , & fatted lesse with gold . When to the fifteenth Psalme , sometimes , had Citizens recourse , When Lords of Farmers , Farmers of the poore had more remorse .

No sooner ioyne the Battels but the Saxons them withdrew , And neutrally from hils aloofe the Execution view . The Picts so weakened , Donskene yet from Donskene no whit swarues , But still a dauntlesse heart vnto a dismall houre resarues : And what a complet Captaine might in nothing did omit , Incountring and incouraging , when , where , and what was fit : Nor their innatiue Prowesse did his People then forgit : Nor Field was euer fought with more perseuerant Swords than it . The Scots ( to whom all Britaine in times Reuolutions was Inaugurated ) did their Maine at fearelesse hazard pas : Whilst Picts , that should vnpeople now , as fruit vnripened fell : For Scots at least with Picts alike might slaughtred Corpses tell . Seauen times that fatall day the Picts renewed fight in vaine , Till almost all did perish , and their valiant King was slaine : At Donskene so vnto the Picts both ended Realme and Raigne . Camelon ( now in rubble , then a spatious Citie strong , Wherein the Romaine Presidents had hild their States of long , Nor could for bewtifull this Isle boast like , else books be wrong , Though hardly now ( as Verelon ) it Ruins found among ) Held Pictish yet : to which those few that had escaped flead , Beseeged now : the which to race , and all therein for dead The Scots had vowed . Whereupon such despret Sallies bread , That , had not hate in scottish hearts bread Lethargie of feare , Their Obstinacie had giuen place to dreadfull Obiects theare . But losse nor labour Kenneth cares whereby the Picts might fall : Whilst these esteemd incessant toyles and greatest dangers small . When long , and to the Scots themselues the Siege had lossefull bin , ( For Picts had vowed not to loose , as Scots the Towne to win ) And that such famine had inrag'd within the walles , so sore , As that they were inforst to eate what Nature did abhore , By Stratagemes effecting was at last the Citie lost : In winning which alternallie it ouer-dearely cost . But Victors were the Scots , that spar'd nor Priest , nor Sexe , nor age , But slaughter all , and quite race downe Camelon in their rage . Thus , after twise sixe hundred yeares , this Citie and that State Were cleane extirpt , through Scots , thereto ordaind by shiftlesse fate . Who also wrought in all , so farre as then in them did lye , That euen the very name of Picts to future times should dye . But neither Swords , nor fir'd Records , nor alterd names of all , Nor Enuies-selfe , this of their worth extinguish , hope we shall .

THE FIFTEENTH BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND .

CHAP. 93. THE Scots thus conquerd Penthland , when two Nations more remaind Within this Iland , also to their Empire preordaind , Britons ( now Welsh ) and Saxons ( now cald English ) either twaine From then a world of time remote vnited to their Raigne : And Ireland also ( whence they were ) in Englands right they gaine . But by what Currants resteth now in breuitie to say , More facle , by how much the more I see that wished day Of all by-passed ages now effected fully in His Maiestie , that Monarchie doth of this I le begin . The Picts thus past , more of the Scots shall be remembred , when The Welsh , more aunchant Incolants , distaske our willing pen . For Welsh and Scots , so far-forth we Aborigens may name , As that they held them heere intier since first they hither came . We Modernes are compounded of them both , Picts , Romaines , and Armoricanes , Danes , Normaines , all once breeding in this land . Since Brittish , English , Scottish , and the Danish bloods vnite In Englands royall Issue now , what wrongs haue they to right ? But that , for Consanguinitie , we may , coleaug'd with those , God set before , set dread behinde of whatsoeuer foes . May all their virtues grifted in our Natures shew euents In this our Eden worthy still at least of such discents . Rome heere preuailing , latenlie , old Britons , Picts , were said , Of their self-painting , whence foe-feard they did themselues perswaid . Rome outed , Pictish Britons did Brittish Reuolts inuaid , Because those Lattres ( basely thought those Formers ) Rome obaid : For these though seuerd earst were one . Then Scots extirpt the Picts : Then came the Saxons , and to Wales debelled Brutes Relicts : Where yet they are a People , and had there their natiue Kings , And in that war-saud Countrie in their Countrie , acted things Whereof ( their insufficient Bard ) my Muse too skantie sings . At last to th' englisht Normaine yoke them ciuell discord brings . Of Britons ( saxonlie cald Welsh , or Strangers ) touch we heere Occurrents , as in weale or woe the same concernd them neere : Yea progresse we awhile through Wales , where Brute his off-springs seed , Vnder their natiue Princes long did many a glorious deed : And that those Britons braue Remaines time from tumultuous brings , Was not our Armor , but our late Alacritie of Kings . For , since protected in same Lawes , and mixt with vs in blood , Bad Brookers they of violence prou'd Voluntaries good , And to themselues haue happy , to our State haue loyall stood . Cadwalader , as is before , transfreated , forst thereto By what th' inuading Saxons and the Pestilence did do , The Things of Wales , as Saxons too , confusedly did stand : The cause Pluralitie of Kings aduanst in either land . Till Saxons did in Lhoyger ( so the Welsh cald England ) chuse ( Which honor thence West-Saxon Kings in that Heptarchia vse ) A souereigne Generall for their warres against their common foes , And Brittish-Cambries ( Welsh men now ) a like Superior choes , Twixt which Alienigenests not sildome warfare groes . King Rodericke , surnamd the great , did monarchize at last Wales , that had neere as many Kings as Cantreses in times past , Reducing all to three , whereof were Tributaries twaine Vnto the third , North-Wales , which thence did Paramount remaine . Of North-Wales , South-Wales , Powys-land , making bequests he dide , And his three Sonnes those Diuidents in Thrones distinct supplide . Of all things there , long out of ioint , in order as they fell Through vsurpations , ciuill warres , and Danes were long to tell , But of those indigested daies this merits obseruation , At ods they euend against Alients , nor mixt bloud with forren nation . Yet , though against the Welsh-Kings will , our royall Surname now ( If Historie therein we may authenticall allow ) It Seedster from that kingly Streene deriues , ensueth how .

CHAP. 94. ONe Makebeth , who had traitrously his sometimes Souereigne slaine , And like a Monster not a Man vsurpt in Scotland raigne , Whose guiltie Conscience did it selfe so feelingly accuse , As nothing not applide by him against himselfe he vewes , No whispring but of him , gainst him all weapons feares he borne , All Beings iointly to reuenge his Murthres thinks he sworne , Wherefore ( for such are euer such in selfe-tormenting mind ) But to proceed in bloud he thought no saferie to find . All Greatnesse therefore , saue his owne his , driftings did infest : Wit so is wisedomes Excrement , and dangerously transgrest . But Pomp , nor Policie , the poore in spirit shall be blest , When at the generall Doome our Soules and Sathan shall contest . One Banquho , powrefulst of the Peers , in popular affection And prowesse great , was murthred by his tyrannous direction . Fleance therefore this Banquhos sonne fled thence to Wales for feare , Whome Gruffyth kindly did receiue , and cherisht nobly there . This grew so rare in Court , as him did euery Eie and Eare Desier to see for person , for discourse delight to heare . King Gruffyths Daughter , Paragon for bewtie and for wit , He followed with such Offices to complet Courtship fit , That each to other sympathiz'd such setled liking , as Her heart to his , his heart to hers transplantiuely did passe . In other Courts for either Sexe not amorous to appeare Was not to be a Courtior , but such boldnesse faulted theare : Her lou'd of him , him lou'd of her , was patent to them both , Yet dombly so , and either that should th'other noote it loth . Not he , by Sonnets passonate , did giue the world to wit That he was turnd Hermaphrodit , and she the cause of it : Nor borrowed she of Phaos box thereby to seeme more faire , As those that fondly rob themselues by Arte of that they are . Through this occasion lassly thus he nakt to her his heart : I pree thee , Fleance , tell quoth she , which I haue heard in part , The Storie of Fairies that foretold thy Fathers fate , For why ? I know not why , but sure it throbs my heart of late . Throb may it so it thriue , quoth he , in you to that euent Diuind by them , nor hope I you can Destinie preuent : But howsoeuer thus it was . King Duncane when aliue , To Makbeth and my father did great Dignities deriue , As chiefest for their births , their wit , and valour , also thay Held friendship long , and luckely in Scotch affaires did sway . Three Fairies in a priuate walke to them appeared , who Saluted Makbeth King , and gaue him other Titles too : To whom my father , laughing , said they dealt vnequall dole , Behighting nought thereof to him , but to his Friend the whole . When of the Weird-Elfes one of them , replying , said that he Should not be King , but of his Streene a many Kings should be . So vanish they : and what they said of Makbeth now we see . But murdred is my father , and of him remaines but me , Nor shall what they diuin'd effect , vnlesse , sweet Sweet , by thee . What blush you , Lady , pree thee let me busse that blush away , He said , and did it , She to seeke euen of a womans Nay . When Louers opportunely meet to chaffer fire and flaxe , Will somtimes falles too soone a worke , and Wit thereof doth taxe : This amourous Couples close Contract perform'd such earnest sport , As worser newes than would their tongues her belly did report . The fault apparant , Fleance was by furious Gruffyth kild , And she , deliuered of a Sonne , was in affliction hild . The rather for an Aliant had preuailed in that case , Than which amongst the Welsh-men thē was nothing more disgrace . And , soothly , vnto these our times in Europe scarce is knowne As North-Wales is , a Nation more intirely People-one , But that so long in one same Land haue hild them thinke I none , If be not naturall Irish for abode and Breede out-worne . From these so haplesse Parents yeat an happie Sonne proceeded , Well educated of the King , and prouing nobly deeded , At age admir'd for actiue , and for high imployments apt : But for the vertuous to haue bin enuied euer hapt . One taxing him of Bastardie , words more than he could brooke , Was slaine by him : who fearing Law his flight to Scotland tooke . Where Walter ( for it was his name ) exact of noble blood , And Grand-sonne to the King of Wales , in publique fauour stood . Amongst great honors , which his great Achiuements well did merit , He was Lord Steward of the Land : which Sur-name all inherit Of him descended to this day : which Surname , and which Streene Hath blest the Scots with Princes eight , Ours also numbers neene : Great Monarke of great Britaine now , so amply neuer any : Long may he liue an happie King , of him may Kings be many . Boast of his triple royall blood from you yee Cambrian Brutes , Which to his high discents Else-where not lowest ranked sutes . For Tudor from Cadwallader , and Iames from Tudor claimes , From Gruffyths royall Daughter too himselfe a Brute he names , From Gladys , Mortimer his wife Prince Dauids sister and Vndoubted heire , he also hath in blood and ownes your Land . Great Britaine , sith a Briton doth remonarchize thy Throne , Remaund thy name : Brute had , Iames hath the whole , as els had none . What then remaines , sith all is Ones , but all be one in all , And Schismes be reconcilde or scourg'd , for God quaints not with Baal . The great Surname of Steward , how it royaliz'd shall rest For amplier Storie , and of Wales shall be awhile digrest .

CHAP. 95. SAy me , of gadding , whispring , and of reall Papists , who Wish not that Romes Palladium might as Greekes to Troy Here doe ? Nay , which of most the Popes their deeds , in Paratie , did touch Of these vsurped Sur-names ( Names purporting vertue much ) As Clement , Pius , Benedict , with Boniface , and such ? The Contrary in these and their blind Dogmatists is true : Witnes Guy Faux his god-curst Taske set by a Pope-blist Crew . But thy Name , Faux , apts Latinlie vnto thy Nature bad : Saue pitie more euen Tigers iawes haue than thy blood-thirst had . France , Belgick , Spaine , Cis-Trans-Alpine , had they against vs arm'd , All they in this vnited Isle had ( if at all ) lesse harm'd , ( For euen a Conquest , though it much addes , alters , and ablates , To , in , and from , a vassald State , not howbeit vn-States ) Than this one Viper in his Denne , by one vnthought of blow , Hels stratagemous Quintessence , Romes selfe-created Foe : For henceforth who , not senselesse , to her Oracle will goe ? Those all , I say ; yea all the worlds ioynt Armour neuer had , Or could they would they barbarously haue bin so ruthlesse bad , As in a trice had been perform'd by Faux , abetted by Conspirators , more odious than their names to shame can dye . Yea , but that Prouender them prickt , by some that might haue said , Soule take thine Ease , here vp in store enough for thee is laid . But Gold , I trow , would be a God it gathereth so of Stile : To be a Noble , Soueraigne , nor an Angel , worth the while . Like to which Climaxie of Coyne wealth eleuates the minde To tract of Greatnesse , till mongst men be Lucifers declinde . Besides a many Innocents , not aim'd at or remorsed , His Maiesties , Queenes , Of-springs breathes from their sweet bodies forced , The Prelacie , Nobilitie , States-men , and State betraide , None to consult , none to commaund , obey , or be obeyde , Protestants , Papists , Puritanes , and Atheists by the eares , All in Confusion , Rapines , blood , in horror , Schismes , and feares , How many vnprepared Soules in that one tragick Blast Had , vnrepentant , what car'd Rome to whom or whither past ? That Parlament , that should haue blist an hopefull Vnion here Twixt English and the Scots , had left nor Vnion , King , nor Peere , Nor of the royall Impes , nor whom , but better had been dead Than to haue seene those miseries that Massacre had bread : A Massacre ? nay vilder than affining Terme is read . Nor had those Diuels themselues sped as their Proiect had decreed , Whilst Britaine had a Chrishian , and that Christian blood to bleed : Nor any ( if no Papist ) though Mahumatist , or Iew , Or morall Idolast had brookt such irreligious View , Nor Forren State , or Potentate , the Pope respecting lesse Than Gods law , lawes of Nature , and of Nations to transgresse : Or , doubtlesse , had selfe-Butcherie amongst those Butchers bin , Like Wolues in sharing Praies , so God abhors such bloodie sinne : Through whom , themselues that dig'd for vs the Pit are falne therin . Romes Neros-fire , Guyse-Massacre , Herods Act , Hamons Minde , Our Iohn , French Henrie murdred , moe , nor any in that kinde , Pagan , nor Popish Crueltie here Parallel can finde : For blood and sower designes so farre beyond Example all , As Children now , when they be men , beleeue it hardly shall . Then , Britons , when ye blesse your Babes , mixt may your blessings be With this , that they take Caution that did Papisme thus decree : Whence true Tradition of the Fruit may blanch thē from the Tree . Yea , let them listen , lothingly , what Iesuites propound Gainst Kings & States , perfidiously t'aduance their Triple crownd : For which , euen Atheisme ( theirs except ) disclaimeth any ground . Yet out of Practise , Purpose , Terme , and None it to relate May be that diulish Doctrine whence they now Equiuocate . For we may vouch our Age to haue begotten two such Twinnes , That Manual meant , This Mental brocht , as comprehend all Sinnes . To Gangrens as Decision fits ( the sooner better ) so This Latters Breath choake at its Birth , that else wil monstrous grow . When Hercules was preacht a God to so Beleeuers , it Was taxt a needlesse Doctrine : But this Loore ▪ Strife more vnfit , Sith Romes Amphibologie faults to Trust , Religion , wit : Of Paganisme , yea Atheisme hist , deriued from Hels Pit . The fabled Satyre came to dine , but when his hoste for Colde Did blow his Nayles , his Pottage too for heate , not stay he would , Disparitie from one same Breath , him scathed to behould . Tongues-Othes , Harts-Thoughts , Disiunctiues , by a Mental reseruation , What Lawes , whose life or State secure , should such not be Nugation ? Such cannot be of God , therefore it selfe cannot but kill , When trulie falslie sworne doth sinne , yea Good that tracts of Ill. No Beasts , of whom but selfe-Repose to be disturbd is feard , Will suffer that amongst them this bigenderd Beast shall heard . Absurdities vncontrouerst , as silenst then let goe : It prouds a Schismatick when him disputes a learned foe . But , Infants-now , by yee be men , or might if ye shall liue , An vniuersall Hate is hopte to Rome an End shall giue : Hate ? and an End right iusticed against that purple Whore : My soule for yours , if hers you hate , and shall imbrace our Lore . Wise is he that spake wisely thus the veritie in this , The Mysterie of Iniquitie in perfect Papisme is . Amongst a many Instancies , the vgliest was this Plot , Preuented earst miraculously : nor be the meanes forgot . Mount-Eagle ( than that Names-birth , Gods preordinance more Strange In that darkt loue , meant sole to thee , such Prodigies should change ) Mount Eagle thine as high a pitch as Prince-bird of thy kinde Did euer , and thy loyaltie liue in the Lions minde : Whose great-grand-Mothers Father too , Birds of thy feather found That , chiefly , thrown'd him in his Right , a Tyrant then dis-crownd , For which , long ciuil warres so ceast , and this , should al confound , But God vsde thee a counter-meanes , rests England deeply bound To theirs and thine auspitious Bird , still to its Scepter sound .

CHAP. 96. COnsult thy selfe , dread Soueraigne , and thy Senators , how may The Romish Hydras heads be seard , or Monster ridde away . For sith they doome all Heretiks not suting to their Lore , And faith with vs not to be held , but foehood euermore , And sith for Murthers Merits , Othes Remission , heauen for Treason , Hath their Religion them to doubt , that all things dare , is reason : But God it is that broke the Snare , watch , pray we euery Season . And , as thy Courtiers , also let thy Commons , sacred King , Vnto thine affabilitie and bountie Poeans sing . Than which , is thought , that nothing more assures a Regall-Seate , Which seeming silly do , vndone , much Scathe to Scepters threate : Elizabeth , most sweet wert thou , in each heart-chayning feate . And miserable Papists , too delirously mislead , To whom are Othes , blood , what not Hels , may stand your Sect in stead ? Indulgenced , Only to you , and only are forbod The Scriptures and our Churches , lest yee turne from Pope to God . O , rather take the warrantize of that sole Deitie That , bidding search the Scriptures , saith of him they testifie . Peruse them yet , frequent our Church , confer with our Diuines : So shall ye finde Rome false , and lesse to care your faith than fines : For to the Centure of selfe-Pompe directeth all her Lines : Nor can it be Religion that so diuelishly designes : As did your late preuented Plot , that Rome and Hell combines . For all yet said , is nothing to that more that might be said , Of our compleatest Parlament that should haue been betraid : And new Rome , that for Infamie too long hath famous bin , Vncontradicted , for that Plot from Hell the Palme doth win . Sith Peters-selfe , first Patriarke in your Church , as yee pretend , Was taught , and taught , meeknesse and Loue , so liu'd , and so did end , Sith thirtie three succeeding in that Chaire were martyrd such , And all the Fathers There ( of Stile no higher would they touch ) Were abiect poore , till Constantine inritched them too much , And Phocas for his Priuats Rome the Supreme Sea promoted , How is it of Supremacie , as if from Christ , then doted ? Well , if in Church-affaires ye in your Follies so admit , Yet that be Popes Heauens Porters , or the Gaylers of Hels Pit , Or that their Mittimus to This , Admittimus to That , Be worth a farthing of the Price , creed they that care not what . But certis , Papistrie , that in it selfe is so absurd , Of learned men and Princes , that conferre it with Gods word , Is vsde but for selfe-purposes and Policies a Staile , And whither will the head we know that thither will the Taile . What Warres , Inuasions , Rebels , Plots , at least since Luthers daies , But thence had hopes , Buls , or Pretexts , the Maine meant other waies . How many Kings for Coyne-cause , or repelling but Pope-pride , Hath Rome infested , though with her the same in all beside ? Most-what by Women , sillie Girles , youths , firie-wits , Ambitious , By great , by needy Mal-Contents , by Credulous , and Vitious , Work Romes Committees , & from flesh to fare much more delicious Penance their Puples : whitest Sons these Seedsters and Seditious . And , that for them libentiously Fooles-Catholike should erre , Pensions , Canonizing at least , on Rome-wrights they conferre . But , if had spead their barbarous Plot of vaulted Powder late , Then friends and foes , vncarde of them , had past in one same rate , And Agents too : Religion was the bye , the Maine the State . Deluded Soules , in only Christ ground all Faith , Loue , and Hope ; A mortall Man , sinfull as ye , or worser is the Pope , Your Coyne of all his Practises and Pedlaries the scope . So violently , blasphemously , and suddainly haue dide So many Popes , as in no Ranke of States hath hapt beside . And to vsurpe the Papacie , such treacherous Intrusions , For Romes Religion , and her Rites , such false and harsh Conclusions , Such Simonie , Pride , Briberie , and Brothelrie is There , Yea and Sodometrie , as not exampled are Els-where . Such is your God , his Oracle , his Orgies , and his Alter , O venture not your Soules for such , to heuen-wards through an halter . Babel is falne , Vr-Caldick squencht , Delphos in no request , Pantheon none for Ethnick Gods , Iewdaisme finds no rest , Mahumetrie hath but it time , the Arian and old store Of Heresies are silenced , hath Romes then Placcard more ? Nay , let her looke a full Eclipse of her aie darkned Moone , By interponure of the Sunne that shall vnshine it soone . And ( which is read as holy writ ) the Legend of their Saints To wisemens View , vpon that Pale Anathema it paints . The Statute in Q. Maries raigne , when re-Rom'd this Realme , Doth arrogate vnto that Sea in tearmes too much extreame . Yet some for selfe-Preferments , some to please , in blindnes moste , Or how soeuer , wrought it was that Rome did rule the Roste . But this be noted , worth the note , though Rome then soules re-got , The Abbie-Lands , though labouring it , she reposseeded not : Her trusted they with those , themselues with these , & quasht had bin That holie Statute , rather than a Land-saue not put in . The pride of that same Prelacie , far lesse than since and now , Euen in a Saint of theirs did our old Christians disalow , Concerning which ensueth here , the Storie when and how .

CHAP. 97. TO Austin , first of Kentish Saints , doe lend your eares a while : Not to his Legend ( so absurd as , reade , would make yee smile , Or rather good men grieue that stuffe so grosse should men beguile ) But of that Saint , whom Gregorie the Pope sent to this Isle , So mou'd by feature that at Rome he saw in Englishmen , Or Pagan Saxones , newly cal'd by name of English then . Note , diuers hundred yeeres before that Lucius here was King , The Britons had receiu'd the faith , and though did Saxons bring Hither with them their Paganisme and Christians did oppresse , Amongst the then Welsh-Britons was the Gospell nerethelesse , And Primatiue Church-Practise of trew Faith , for why ? as yet From Popes was no corruption brought , nor any from them fet . But as their first Apostle , from Christs first Apostles , brought Immediat Christianitie , at Bangor was it taught Sincerely so , aboue those Clerkes till Primacie was sought By Austin , then Romes Agent , fam'd such wonders to haue wrought , As , if his Legend be no Lie ( to deeme the best we ought ) Meere Exorcismes ( for Miracles were ceast ) they may be thought . But sith not only Fathers in their bookes be falsefide , But euen the sacred Scriptures , to vphold the Papall pride , This Austin and his fellow Saints may also be belide . Of whom be reuerent Censure , that for most were men deuout , Though in their Legends ( others works ) meere Fables are set out .

CHAP. 98. NExt these of Saints , vnsanctified , that also sturre the State , Calumnize Church , our Liturgie , and Rites in criticke rate . Yet ( let not men religious , or but morall good replie ) What are they but the mapped Orbs of all Hypocrisie ? Of Humor , Pride , Peruersnesse fead , nor be Irreuerence spoke , Too aduantagiously from out our Rubrick they vnyoke , And Canons old and new by them are , too securely , broke , Yea and , offensiuely , vnto our Regulars , submis To meete Conformetie , that by Nouators dallied is . For in euasiue Discipline , and tolerating Lawe , Meant howsoeuer , baine from balme doe such Fantasticks drawe , And giddie Flights of Bussards oft deuote them to some Dawe : Who , howsoeuer he impungs our Order in Church Rites , Them tearming Romish Ragges , or with his leaden Sword thē smites , Yet whatsoeuer Papistrie exacted , payed yet , His scrupulous Reformitie , will nought thereof remit . Nay , Frier more did neuer preach deuotion to his Dame Than these Addition , nor for aught with-hild did so exclame . Which were indeed allowable in any more than These ; That are in all but for themselues , all would , will nothing leese . Whose holy Noses ouer-hang at Markets , Staules , and Sacks , There hucking cheapth , here hearkening dearth , to set abroach their Stacks . And if of these Irregulars ( as few haue ) some giue-out , They of their Owne prouided are sufficiently no doubt , Or know to lay their knife aboord , at others Costs , for Fare And greater Ease than Studie them or Pulpetrie can spare . Or if shall of Pluralities be likely Risses , then Their Saintships are as capable thereof as sinfull men . Say somethings faultie in abuse of good Lawes , what of so ? A lawfull Calling , Season , Cause , still hand in hand should goe . Synods & Senats should they to preposterous Schismes giue place , Lawes would be sick of Lunacie , still alter would the Cace . The Adders Tayle , because it had the Sting , would hale the Head , Ensewd , the blind Conductor to a deadly Down-fall lead . Were Sailers scornd the Master for Director , him they drownd , A Tempest hapt , none could direct , and all a Shipwrack found . Of Plebales when they rush into Reformitie like ground , And like successe : themselues for most cannot themselues expound . Nor captiously be taine the Tearme of Puritane , but know , To Puritie faind of Impure , so knowne , we badder owe , Than by a bare Sarcasmus to obtrude on such the Lie Of them beloued : Censure then of me as censure I , That iterate , let Pharisies not Publicanes applie : And care not Termes , but cleere the Schismes in peruerse humour lead , And in a nick-nam'd Puritane an Hypocrite be read . For vpright hearts , for holie hands , for reuerent tongues and eares Be Scriptures only , and to God no secret but appeares . Then babble lesse , and practise more of Pietie , if not , By knowing good and doing ill the rather Hell is got . Sith These and Romes , so dangerously , to Innouation tend Against the Church and publike Peace , or breake or make thē bend : At least , sith such Antitheses to Truth vnuisard are , Yet selfe-accusing Consciences seducing not forbeare , Of Spleene or Singularitie , no such Seducers spare . Should Law lack force , or Iustice faint , as neither doth-or ought , This comforts yet , Things not of God come of themselues to nought . Omitting serious Errants , and few pitied wits of some Conceited , and exemplarly consorted , now though dumme , Hopte howbeit no Lethargie their Senses doth benumme , ( For somtimes good men , till remou'd , to wrong Opinions leane ) Be medeld but of ayrie Saints , our Hypocrits we meane , Of whom too many be obseru'd too subtile and vncleane . Mongst many of an Hang-by in that kind , who , saue for gaine , Sees Pulpets only , echoeth Paul , and Magdalen doth faine , The scriptum est , as did the Diuell , for her auaile applies , Not for an Oxe an Oth , but for each trifle twentie Lies , Tiers Catechizing , hangs at mouthes for scapes , when shall ye sware Be'r-Lady or but Mack , for hot encounter then prepare , Admireth others Faults , whilst she doth nothing more than worse , Not sticking cautilously the hier of Filthinesse to purse , For , may she opportune for Pence , liues not like lurching Blaine , At her a cast , for now my Muse is in a merrie vaine .

CHAP. 99. THere is an Academie , which I reuerence so much , As gessed gainst it splenous thoughts me splenously would touch : For as ( so Historie ) it was the Primer-schooling Heere , So euer haue Religion and the Muses held it deare : What of Precisians ? most retract , did Papists Else-where so , Amisse were well amended : but too Wost-ward now we go . Not miles from it a Township is , I know not whether in A neighbouring Mart more famous , or infamous for the sinne Of Beggers , Brothels , Cheaters , Bawds , and Vagrants once a yeere Resorting thither , then to put their sinnes in practise there . Farre be it though we taxe thereof those dwelling there , for why ? Proctors nor Praetors euer could those Of-scummes thence put by . The harbouring then so fitting There , as those of Sort among Are faine thereof . But all this while we doe our Hostesse wrong , Who though she lack not of the age that Scriptures lot to man , In auaritious Prouidence lesse Arte the Diuell can : Her let vs Storie , as she swaies the Pot and dripping-pan . So farre-foorth as her empted Goomes permitteth Guests she greets , And promiseth to euery one soft lodging & sweet sheets : But who would thinke by misse of teeth that she with profit meets ? Full gorged mongst her Guests ( for she with euery Company eates , And slauers out some Decate of worme-eaten home-spun feates , Or with her fellow Pharisies of Lecture-shreads intreates , Or as she gropeth humours , so afferring stuffe repeates , A Proteu to all profit , hers as euery pulse so beates , Well wotting now no thriuing if no hammering to all heates ) She , eating as chap-broken , of teeth-fugitiues complaines , And for adiorned chewing so full fraughted trenchers gaines , Which she retaileth : neither with that bootie so refraines , But that some neighbour big with childe lusts this or that she faines , And fourthly for her gulled Guests a galling shot remaines . At table and in Stable when is frankly spent , and hopte The promisd Lodging , no such thing , for many so gaine-coopt Are glad , with fresh Expences for rear-banquets and great fiers , All night to shelter bedlesse there : her selfe meane time retiers To gnawed bones , and slubberd Scraps , and Trenchers , which she scrapes So as no licking for a Mouse her frugall fingers scapes , And with that sweet Compound condites such Gallimawfries as She dearely vttereth to the Swaines that to and fro then pas . Her parts externall more to praise , in sooth , I know not how , Than that she eateth , grunts , and goes as clenly as a Sow , Splay-footed , gated like a Beare , and wasted like a Cow , And grease combust hides as a Maske her face of Baboon-forme . Not wrothfull though , who so will may howsoeuer storme , So she hath pay , that will be paid , if Bayard be in Stable , And Bayard shall be there , for none she intertaines not able . And though her wealth be great she hath no pride as may appeare , So sluttish is her Wardrobe that she doth and doth not weare . And he that at her Beauties best her kissed him repented , Then Lecherie must needes in one so vgly be preuented . She cannot be malitious doth with only Mony deale : Nor enuious , vnto only whom Vertues themselues conceale . And though that Gluttonie it selfe by her might be pourtraid , Yet Others , not her selfe , for that deformitie haue paid . Now , were our Hostesse purged of her couetous humour too , It were a Metaphysick more than Belzebub can doe : To whom I leaue both her and all such Hosteses , Amen : For better matter , could we hit thereon , attends our pen . This Toy tost-by , be now awhile contemplated vpon The God-protected Gouernment of that sweet Queene is gon . How happie her distaste of These , of Pope , and Papists all Was to her selfe and Hers , and how an Edict late for Baal , Such as was Iehues , seem'd proclaim'd : for whereto els should tend Such libertie of Trauell , or of Ours , that might defend Euen gainst true Christians Catholikes , nick-named , but thereby To our Religion or to Romes Affections so to trie ? Sith pregnantly is Opposite our King to Papistrie . On These I ruminating thus into a slumber fell , And dream'd a speaking Vision , which did humour me so well , As would I could ( which Arte cannot ) it in its Essence tell .

CHAP. 100. ME thought I did conceit the Sight that martyred Stephen had , And from that glorious Heauen descend a Maide in brightnes clad : Her lookes had compleat Maiestie mixt with allacrious view , Whom by that Raritie to bee Elizabeth I knew . Friend ( quoth she ) small thy fame and lesse thy Fortune , howbeit Good-will I estimate aboue birth , wealth , or fluent wit , Thy Betters ( once my Flatterers ) me and themselues forgit , Thou with thy Mite remembrest me , and I remember it . As Palinur I come not of Aeneas to intreate Interment , it I had , and am behighted Tombrie great . Nor come I , sorrie Soule , to thee ( as short of skill iwis As meanes to mend in Staterie aught , if were aught amis ) As quarrellous , but to applaud what as I left it is , For which at least your prudent King and Councell boad yee blis . Nor come I from a Limbo , for there is but Heauen and Hell , And Soules immediatly are and continue as they fell , Though of a Purgatorie Popes the Fable dearely sell Of life Eternitie , of Ioyes I Infinencie haue , Yet rests a glorifying doome beyond what heart can craue : We are in God , and God in vs , and God and we in one Will not , vnlesse ye will , my Realme relict be ouerthrowne . I found it such as Papistrie affecteth it againe , And held it contrarie spight Rome , France , and insatiat Spaine , Rebellions , and Conspiracies , and left an Heire to raigne Me likt he should , and ioyes he doth , yet write I thus complaine . Whereas , like England , not a Realme in Europe hath and had Such powerfull Foes and Schismes , in all so capitally bad , And God alone hath vndertaine your Cause and made yee glad , May seeme of your owne Policie and strength yee ouerwinne , Of thankfulnes so little , and so much yee shew of sinne . Wheras ( Truths & Times work ) the Pope grew Here estranged too , As tirde in his attempts , and dride in all that he could doe , Neer comen to this as , nam'd , was askt of whence that Beast & who ? How is it ( though your Leagues perhaps for Statrie and for Trades Be not amis , new times I know new Amitie perswades ) That ( which I held and left restraind , & whereby England thriu'd ) By tolerated Trauell , and free Souldrie is reuiu'd Romes poyson , and too patent meanes for Plots to be contriu'd ? But if be meant that so should Waspes be draind from out the Hiue , Then penance too may Policie those that it so doth shriue : For Altars not to arme with vs , against vs is to striue : Religion and Subiection be each th' others Relatiue . Now is it not as when , at once , all Kings adord the Beast , So much more poysnous now by how much more in power decreast , To be suspect in Citie , Towne , Court , Countrie , friendship , Feast , Nor maruell that Rome wins so fast , and , wonne , retaines so sure , Sith it to all is all in all , selfe-profit to procure . The Serpent that in Eden did to Mankinds losse intice , Is at her Councels President , to giue gainst ye aduice . Nor Mahomet his Alchoran more plausable than Hers : The cause that many a Woman , Youth , and Indigent so erres : For easie Preies intice a Theefe , Opinion much preferres : With Sensualitie in part permitted , and sinne bribed , And with this Mot , Sinne be assoyld , may Rome be circumscribed . O pestilent Religion ( no Religion ) that giues leaue , Or pardon to the fowlest Sinnes , nor only doth receaue Your Fugitiues , but them returns fraught with Instructions such As brought , though by a beardles boy , your State may wholy tuch ! Sith Plutos Gates ope nights and daies to all will goe or come , Shut yours to shut in yours , and theirs shut out both all and some . Nor of your Linsie-wolsie Roofes of Peeres can I be dumme : Nor of the Mechianisme of some your Great-Ones by the Drumme . Me thought like Tudor her stour Sier at it last said she fround : O God , quoth she , can Iustice sleepe where such Mis-life is found , In President a preiudice , in law sauz godly ground ? Should such whom God & Nature els haue beutifide throughtout , For one base sinne to Vulgers be a by-word and a flout ? No , be it yet remembred that was God his feare forgot , Who will forgiue true Penitents , and Time out-wears a blot : If at this Charme be stopt the eares , there is a hell I wot . There is an idle Schisme to Rome and you in Opposition , Which , should it speede , nor she nor yee met euer like Physition : Life for a Limme , meane Medicines without a meane applide , Which , though contraried in Pretexts , besibs that others Pride . Of it giue also Caution , and bid kill it in the bud : It euer harmed where it grew , and neuer will doe good , In Britaine as a Pestilence warne that it be withstood . Now that I mention Britaine , know that Name doth please me well : Since Brute till now a Monarchie nere of this Isle befell : Vnion in one same Policie adde , and auoid an hell : My Brothers Legend much against Pluralitie doth tell . How many seuerall Lawes at once had Britaine long agoe ? The Britons theirs , the Romanes theirs , the Picts and Scots also . In neerer times ( besides the Scots and Welsh ) seauen Saxon Kings : Vpheld so many Lawes , an Eighth with him the Dane he brings : And all those Eight the Normaine found to Three digested , and Of all their creames compild one Law , now Common in this Land . Since when , attempted oft , had no Inuasion ouer-hand , Ere when this Realme within it selfe continually did striue , And vnto seuerall Alliants op't a way for Conquests fiue . May Realmes , Religion , Lawes , and hearts in prosperous Vnion thriue . But that I know be lawes in force for Sabbaths , feasts of Saints , For Fasts , for Vagrants , pestring now your Streets without Restraints , I should haue thought those too prophane and warrant lawes had bin , So common and so vncontrould is sufferance of such sin . Taxe England , fertill in good lawes that meete with each amis , For that it so remissiue in their Execution is . Warne , midst such Plentie , Pleasures , & this blessed Peace take heed , Lest from Securitie therein a sudden Scourge proceed . Who thought but all had bin as well as could the heart desire , When all stood at the sudden doome of one false sparke of fire , Which had effected , had not God stood Britaines Sentinell : Most though but wonder , few praise him , bid thou pray al proue wel . If Soules at rest for priuate wrongs could grieue when such appeares , Paintings , and Pleasances of some , in stead of Mourners teares , Accompanying my Funeral , had grieu'd mine Eies & Eares . Did neuer Mother tender more her Childe than I the State , Howbeit some it recompence at too vnkind a Rate : Detractiue bookes at publique Saile , of moment so much lesse By how much more the Authors are obseru'd how they professe . In Heauen was wondred that on Earth an Edict should be seene , That English should not scandalize their late deceased Queene , Lycurgus , as of Patricid , that Law had left out cleene , Of such Ingratitude so small Expectance : though not rare The lust of Nouelties , sometimes from Quailes to Garlick-fare . But ye that thought I liu'd too long had found I dide too soone , Had not God better preordaind Succession than your Boone , Which like to that of Aesops Frogs had varied , till at last Some Storke had plaid ye Rex , and then had worser pleasd than past . By Scipio and by Caesar so dealt Rome , and Carthage so By Hannibal , and Greece her Friends found Greece their greatest Foe : The tyrannie of pleball tongues most good most vndergoe . In few not knowing why malign'd , nor why Malignors haue Of late retracted , Romes except , that hate me in my Graue , Let it suffice I pardon all , and blessed may proceede The Gouernment , of Romerie and new Anabaptisme freede : And so farewell . And so I wakt , that wisht prolonged sleepe , For when I found I did but dreame I could not then but weepe . Farre be it though should any thinke the Vision could be Her , To doubt whose Soule to be with God were out of doubt to erre ▪ But most-what seemed said we might for veritie auer . The neuer idle minde , in like Respondencie of zeale , Not seldome by Phantasma thus in Sleepes doth Soothes reueale . But idely hath and ouerlong been dreamed , think may some : Much more Elation though would this Relation well become , Euen she was dream't-off & the dreame , That for her worth , & This In it Particulars inuite discourse much lesse omis . Yet so hath been digressed and so dreamed as almost Our Muse , that scarce is entred Wales , it selfe in Wales hath lost .

THE SIXTEENTH BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND .

CHAP. 101. SOuth-Wales was yet intierly Welsh , and Rees ap-Tudor Prince , When Rebels wrought that England it hath owned euer since : And thence the English by Degrees all Cambria did inuaide : May neuer ciuill discord in this Isle re-reare be praide , Or if ( the euer-losse of All ) be sought no forren aide . For West-Wales ( also Rees his Right ) Rebellion first begunne , Inuiting Englist-Normaine Aides , that it and South-Wales wonne , And in a long and asperous Warre all Wales ere they had done . Impacably possessed though , till rather selfe-accord , Than often Armies wrought that we in milder Lawes it lord . This noble and vndanted Prince had had an ouer-hand Of diuers Rebels , Iestin and one Eneon , in the Land Of chiefe command , compact that when this Eneon should be sped Of Aids from England , he in liew should Iestins Daughter wed : In birth and Education one right nobly and well bred . Great in King William Rufus Court Fitzhamon was , and hee To expedite against Prince Rees an Armie did decree . Now Eneon , Iestins Agent , thus of English Troupes prouided , And other Rebels adding Powers , by swords was thus decided : Rees ( euer earst victorious ) now in valiant fight was kild , Fitz-hamon and his Knights had all behited them fulfild , To Eneon only was gainsaid the Marrage promisd him : Who therefore to the English Ships , that sailes and tacklings trim To haue departed , posted , and recalling them , perswaded Fitzhamon so gainst Iestin that Glamorgan he inuaded : And , though no easie Conquest , yet he conquerd it at last , Which thence from him and his braue Knights from heire to heire hath past . These were the first of Alliants that in Wales Possession wonne , And Rees thus slaine the Principate of South-Wales so was done . Now Iestin dead , no maruell that his daughter could not brooke This Eneon cause thereof , for she thus orphanag'd forsooke Her conquered Countrie , and vnknowne to all , vnlesse to One Her slaughtred Fathers friend in his late fortune ouerthrowne , Whom now she faind her Father ( nor her father lou'd her more ) Escaping , wealthily a Farme in England they did store : Whereas they liu'd a countrie life , belou'd , in State not poore : And Margaret ( so now her name ) where euer heard or seene , For beauty and sweet hauour was pronounst the Country-Queene : And by how much more bashful , & of tongue-pride mildly spare , Seem'd carelesse clenly in attire , her huswifrie did care , Nor scorning nor affecting Loue , so much more seem'd she rare , And rather than in haughtines did fault in too-submis , A fault the contrarie whereof in bastard Gentrie is . How often would the Swaines prepare their Morrice & their May To haue a sight of her , when all enamoured went their way ? The sprewsest Citie-Lads for her would faine the Countrie-aire , And that their prouder Girles had but adultrate beauties swaire , Oft Courtiers faind or , Milke for thirst , or for their Hawke a Pigion , When , might they parle with her , no more was mingd of such prouigion . Combinement thus of Nature and of Vertue is admirde : Though Natures gifts are oft with Arte by most too much attirde : But chiefly cleered Scalpes of haire with Periwigs supplide , To God and Nature sinne me thinkes , and men at least deride Gray-headed Crownes and vulgar Stuffe that so are finifide . For who can lesse than smile that sees vnstanch and riueld faces , To shelter coylie vnderneath Fannes , Tifnies , Maskes , Bongraces ? O Cousnag to an amorous Eye , nor thence but thus ensues That such , not such as they would seeme , by such intice our viewes To censure them for also vaine , whose foule were els no newes . Nay , why should faces faire indeed bo-peepe behinde a Fanne , Or be conceild in Satten , now Vermiliond , now drugd wanne , Or any hold it Ornament to owne an arted haire , Sith men esteeme the fairest foule that so is fowly faire ? Giue me a Girle that is her-selfe , Compounds if ye compare With Simples , be not Physicks , but sophisticated ware : Minerua suffereth violence when Phao makes her faire : May such be disarithmetickt his Creatures that are . Dust , Wormes-meate , Rottennes , that thinke your borrowed beauties rare , That so obseru'd and sottishly from your Creation square , And not at all your pride-sick Soules but falsed faces care , Yea , and essentiall Beauties that of vertuous mindes be bare , Amend your such Amisses which should hoped Eyes despaire . And ye that haue the Aire parfum'd , bathe oft in Lotions sweete , Be borne like Romes Triumphants , Earth vnworthie your coy feete , Glitter in gold , pearles , pretious stones , haue beautie in it pride , With all that Ornament , wealth , Arte can any way prouide , Or soone must die , or see an age shall shew in you such change , As , looking back to youth , your selues shal to your selues seem strange . Gray haires aboue your furrowed Brows , Noses & Mouthes contract , Lanke in-bowd Cheeks , like Lips & Chins , teeth rotten , & teeth lackt , Brawn-falne , cramp , stitches , belching , & much els as much vnsweet , With aches , palsies , and moe such your hastning Ends shall greet , And , dead , a million such not worth the simplest winding sheete . If so , as so , then sooth good sooth in this said one , say I , Not borne at all were happier , borne , were happie soone to die , So progresse we in Vanities , pursues vs Miserie . Sith in these transitorie Turnes our Bodies thus transmute , To pampering , painting , prowding them meere vanitie impute . But chiefely Nature wrongd by Arte , of Prowdnes more than need , Cannot but to the Actors shame , mislike in others breede . For why ? firme liking of a thing imagined , thinks me , Should quash in them imagin or imagined would be . Who knowes false fire and feares ? Who fat with painted meates they see ? Who flies a paper Giant ? feares an Asse in Lyons skinne ? Who fees a noted Idiot that with Arte a Cause must winne ? A Coward armd like Hercules who is it doth not scorne ? Esteemes a Kyte a Faulcon , though so belled and so borne ? Then actiuely and passiuely much more , me thinketh , might Those needlesse Curiosities with Nature that condight Be apprehended meere Offence of Notion and to Sight . For can we thinke prompt Is not is ? If not , what seeke we more Than as lists God naturalize , subtract , adde , strike , restore ? Deuotion heathenish did and doth vile Creatures adore , Should Christians in a Christian thē count Blemish Eie sights Sore ? No , Mightie ▪ Ones are to themselues for Placcards , rich , and poore , If virtuous , though deformed , hold full waight in wisemens Lore . Nor meant is here but modestly may arted be attier To Natures scarres , and cleanlied all doth decencie requier . Nor beate we here malignantly at sacred Beauties Luster , But to contemplate it aright proud Featur-fers we muster . And be it that Prescription doth naturalize in Court Some Errors to an habit , held for Ornament and Port , ( For things in some vnseemly are not such to some of Sort ) Yet might , me thinks , be wisht the Court were also prowder than That Vulgers should in Tinctures , Tiers , Maske , Fardingale , and Fan Coriue , a Gill be Lady-like , and Iack a Gentelman . To Blowses , aping Niceties and Ante-physicks arting , Of Aesops Iay displumed me like guerdon of peruerting . Now roome Sirs for a Toy a Troth , els haue I heard a Lie : But howsoeuer , be it told for no Diuinitie .

CHAP. 102. WAs once a Drudge , a sturdie Royle , whom Nature friended so , As not the proudest head than hers a fairer haire did owe : So well her Lady likt thereof as , soundly whilst she sleepes , She sheares it off , for losse of which in vaine poore Malken weepes . Where was it , or who did the deede she could not learne of long , Till chanst her finde another haire old Lumber cast among . Her office was to emptie all that had of empting neede , With Ingresse free and Regresse for performance of that deede . I wot not how it came to passe , the Ladies Head-geere ( she A sleepe ) was off , so Malken chanst her haireles front to see . Soone fetcht she , and confers the haire earst found with hers that slept , Her owne too with a Perwig that lay there , most choisely kept , And in that Scrutanie resolues , nor so resoluing errs , It found to haue bin Madams , it was perwigged once Hers . This tooke she thence , That left she there . Anon came Gallants gay To frollike with her Ladiship , and her vp-rising stay . Where cushend was the Perwig there was found a dustie Maine , The Ladie chafes , her Chamberers seeke euery nooke in vaine . Meane while , all tatterd , durtie , & whose chaers her face did smudge , In comes , from seruing hogs or like , the rude perwigged Drudge , Salutes the Guests , offers to kisse , be kist , good sport they haue To see such foule from top to toe her only head so braue . Well well ( quoth Malken ) scoffe and scorne , My Lady is abed A Bodie only , Manners would some greet yee in her stead , And who should rather than my selfe that long haue been her head ? Mine had she not shorne off and worne ( eie-liquor here she shead ) I had ( beshrew her Maddamship ) ere now ( ha ho ) been wead . Thus sham'd shee her might shame , for then were Perwigs newly bread , Though since too many , modest els , are in that Art misled : Vaine Eies not vnderstanding Thoughts howbeit so are fed . But yee , and yee whom Nature hath or Fortune prowded know , That vade ye shall as flowers forgot when and where yee did grow . For none , for whatsoeuer , hath or can themselues suruiue , But them vnto Posterities our Pennes preserue aliue , And famous or infamous shall at least those great-Ones be , That shall or shall not in this Life that future life fore-see : Howbeit , Perpetuitie Impenitents feare yee Of sinnes Rewarde , much more than all that All can else decree . Deathes Certenty , when , where , & how vncertain , life throughout , Should curbe all selfe-Indulgencie and flesh so proudlie stout , That but as in a Labyrinth elaboureth about . Our Losses , Crosses , Passions , and Affections passing-by , Passe but along the Currant from our Births vntill we die , And finde we shall our Infancie a dreame of , who knowes what ? The booke and birch to Childhood Checke more feelinglie than that : Adolescencie may be said A meere or merrie Madnes : And Manhood sildome sheweth more it bouldnes than in badnes : Old-age ( in carke , drifts , shifts that sweats ) or ends when enters thriuing , Or Age-re-childed , decrepate ( lifes vtmost ) stints all striuing : Then Carrions be our Carcases , and to our Soules remaines For well or ill here done the doome of endles Ioyes or Paines . Then blessed infinitly thou beyond worlds pompe or pelfe , That louedst God aboue all things , thy Neighbour as thy selfe . But now to Iestins Daughter where we left proceed we heere : To her reputed Father was a Yeoman dwelling neere , Richer , as is the Adage , by full many a Sheepe and Oxe , By farnesse from a Gentleman , a Lawyer , and a Foxe . Nor squard , as chanst , the Parson for tithe whit-meats , lambe , wool , Shocks , As some not pardoning poorest Soules their pence for hens & cocks , When that h' as all he all consumes on peacock Pride and smocks . This Yeoman was a Iustice to himselfe , his Neighbours all Him loued , and he loued them . If Variance hapt to fall , They went not to such Worships as like Tyrants men miscall : Which for couragious Iusticeship must be to them ascribed , Though at an Outlawrie their wits , some partiall , and some bribed , Must euermore be fawned on , haue Presents , purchase cheape , Carts gratis sent to their Remoues , and men their Corne to reape , Presses or Impositions els on him defects they heape , When their Retainors royst and wrong , yet out of Iustice leape . But if shall one , els honest , erre through choler , vrg'd abuse , Or casually , their grudge or gaer admit no termes of truse : When desprate Ruffins fraught with faults finde readily a Meuse , Or not at all are question'd , as sin-quitted by sins-vse . Yea , are not of Commissoned themselues some that sometimes Doe borrow of their Iusticeship for Caesar-dues and Crimes ? But petite Trespasses and Those were yeelded faults and mended Were silenced , and none so great but Neighbours friendly ended Where dwelt this Yeoman , rich in State , yet richer in a Sonne Frugall and honest , richest when to Daughter-in-law he wonne This faire Glamorganean , that did termes of Gentrie shunne . But long conceald affection how it fadged superseade , Vntill the Yongmans letter that to her he wrote yee reade .

CHAP. 103. THat thou beest , Pegge , in better heale than I my selfe am now I wish , or that like sick for me as I for thee wert thou . The cause that now I write it is to let thee wit That I , By Cupid long since branded thine , must thee mate-quaint , or die . Small rest , God wot , a nights , few meales a day take I , loue-sick , And little heart in Possets , sops , a supping , or a Chick : Then loue me , Pegge , fornenter when is blabd abroad my plight , On thy too squamish Maidenhead the crime thereof doe light . But , wot'st thy what ? I with our Cart haue bin whileare at Court , And saw the King ( God saue his grace ) & mought he heare report , How vs his Officers doe buse , almost in euery sort . Thy father would haue feoft on thee a Courtnall , faith t' was well Thou scap'st him , for if he be good , then none be bad in Hell . Lord , how he swaggerd in his silks , and seeing me by chance , As Peacocks viewed spread their tailes did he himselfe aduance ! Yet once my fathers house was all his helpe : but let him passe With that same lustie horse that scornd the Millers loden Asse , Till turnd out lame , this one had corne , that other scarcely grasse : Such bastard Courtnals serue but Turns , besibbing Coyns of brasse . Thou , for t'hart monstrous faire , thinkst me not fine enough , I , but Perhaps wert better fancie me than such a Lustie-gut . Though with gay Brokerie may seeme he casteth thee to win , I better borrow could of Pride than he the silken Sin :

CHAP. 104. THis with a peece of Rie-paist seald , sent , and receiued , she Did meditate thereon , although obtuse in phrase yee see . The Surface of him-selfe , thinks she , externiz'd is herein , May seeme he cannot flatter , nor me Flatterie shall win , Oft Praysers are to vs as is to Birds the Fowlers gin . Alas , what keepe of Beautie , which indeede is but a blast ? A Non-proficient at the least it must be at the last : Though thereof Poeans in mens Mouthes as in a Mould are cast . Fooles are we , and as foolishly doe Men aduance our pride , That vnto prizing Praysers tongues our tickled eares hath tide , Els our facundious Fooles might we more than they vs deride : To see them gallop Thersites when listeth them to crake , To out sigh Schyno when they feare a foyle and Troy would take : But shadowes we for substances Narcissus like mistake . For edged by such Artists , and they once possest of vs , The fairest Faire is foule or foole , and Pigs-nie but a Pusse , And A-per-se , obserued earst as Weathercocks doe winde , Oft to a too imperious Lord is , as nere She , declinde , Or glorious trash and Titles , whence ambitious thoughts proceed , Make Others enuie vs , or vs betraieth to vn-heed . O neuer lost Humilitie , nor Haughtinesse did win , An honest Man and meanes to liue is and my boone hath bin . The Greatest in her Greatnes oft I see hath discontents : Nor doth an happie life consist in Titles , Robes or Rents . The Court hath been , the Countrie is to me familiar , either Not quit of Tediousnes , yet This than That preferre I rather . Among our Cattell , in our Fields , at Home may losse and harmes Vn-patient vs , farre diffrent though impatient Courts and Farmes . There Quarrel drifteth euen to blood , to Wealths losse , or disgrace , Here simply , at the least to saue Expence , they Peace imbrace : Or if too busie some-where Some , they are esteemed bace . The bodies glorious Ornaments , and gawdie Tires for head , ( Extracts from Worme-webs , Mettles , Birds , yea thefts from her is dead ) Shew more of sin , serue lesser than a fleece of wool in stead . Were Pride no such Practitioner and Denizen allowd , I should haue been an Infidell that Pride could be so prowd . But Earth , Aire , Graue , Arte , Hell , & al gainst Nature now combine , Whereby our Soules shew duskie whilst our gilded Carrions shine . Refraine but Court and Citie then of neither finde we mis , A Dairie-dame , that minds not more , than Madam merrier is : Food , cloath , and habour competent should as thinke I suffise , Vpon the matter who hath more whom Fortune most supplies ? And who be they that are not Earth , and must returne thereto ? Then only Vertue vnto vs best Offices can doe . Now to an Husband : Gilberd is no Gallant yet no Gull , Not learned but well limmed , and couragious to the full , Frugall yet frollike , speakes with sense , his Breeding if respected , In wealth sufficient , neuer of Dishonestie detected , What would I more ? Such should not , nor of me shal be reiected , Mine is a Loue preordinate to be to him subiected : Nor Fortune aught disparageth that loue to loue directeth : A Woman to a Man is all that loue twixt all effecteth . At modest Opportunities she yeelds her Loues consent : And Gilberd wiued Margaret , to Eithers hearts content .

CHAP. 105. FItz-hamon and his Complices thus hauing broke the Ice , From England Emulation did Newmarch for Wales intice , With Armes ( as brauely answered of Welsh ) did he inuade The Cautreds three of Brechnock , and thereof a Conquest made : And married Nest , Nests Daughter , that King Gruffyths Daughter was , And had a Sonne , Mahel , to whom his great Possessions passe , A worthy Knight : But Nest , when was her Husband Newmarch dead , A too licentious life with one of her beloued lead . Mahel her Sonne , ill brooking it , fought with and wounded sore The same his Mothers Paramour , She much inrag'd therefore . And dares the Primecocks interrupt me in my loue , quoth she ? Or thinks he vnreuenged it shall ouerpassed be ? Forgets he Loue and Ladies to be Relatiues , and those But bastard Gentries that themselues not amorously repose ? What Gallant almost holds it not the pietie of Clownes To haue but strict-confined loue in Hymaenean bownes ? For Husband , Wife be tired Tearmes , Friend , Seruant courtly sounds . Who hath not heard amongst the Gods that Mars did Venus court ? Then sentenced , not yet repeald , a tolerable sport : Penelope is Poëtrie , Lucretia fain'd report . Doe set her to the Distaffe , Batch , the Milk-paile , and such Chares , Hath all Attendance , Pleasures , Ease , lies soft , and finely fares , If these haue no Prerogatiue , nor be Preparatiues To more than common Courage , for no Saints such Maids or Wiues : Yet great and wisemen winke thereat , and liue the quieter liues , For nere the sooner her soule his possesseth he that striues . Grant must I that our Chaplaines well doe Chastitie commend , Yet Venall intimate they Lust sith so themselues offend . At least such as my selfe , not old , and in my Widowhood , May plead the same in Pardon , or my fault as thus make good : My Birth and State be greater than I yet a Husband finde , Meane while I am no Votarie , nor mortifide in minde : Some , and of Sort , haue been that haue ( their wickednes the more ) Euen whilst they liu'd in wedlock plaid hand-ouer-head the whore . Such neuer I : yet must belie my selfe for such , els how Should I reuenge me of the Boy that hath abusde me now ? Adde that I wantond wedded , as now widowed , singly this , And ioyntly this and that will be but nine daies Chatiwis : And what of little prattle more that to my purpose is ? Audacious Boy , that durst diuulge the amours of thy Mother , That impudencie , know thou , shall from me beget another , And to a Sister shall transferre a Births-right from a Brother . Long I , and ouerlong , haue liu'd if that my Cradle now Shall be my Tutor , let them that haue Patience it allow : A Meleagers Mother I my selfe to Mahel vow . She , winged thus by Nemesis , soone speeding to the King , Reueales her owne dishonour , so his liuelihood to wring From her own Sonne , and weepingly this Cuckoe-Song did sing . The Victor of Brechina to your Scepter Newmarch dead , My noble Husband ( ah , would I had died in his stead , She said , as seeming soothly said , her teares did second so ) Did I abuse , and for the Crime this Pennance vnder-goe , Besides my Conscience-scruple , that my selfe my selfe defame Before your Highnes , for it now too much imports the same . Mahel my Sonne ( ah , would he were not scandalously such , But for he is , it is it that so deeply doth me touch ) I bore in Bastardie , and for I therein did amis , I hold me iustly plagued that my Plague a Bastard is . I haue a vertuous Daughter by my valerous Husband , She Inherit should his State : Vouchsafe , my Leage , it so may be . Was ministred an oth to her , that swore her sayings true : From Mahel to his Sister so she great Possessions drew . This noble lustie Gentleman land-stripped thus and then , Grew thenceforth shie of Women , and a Timon vnto Men . The Mother dide in Obloquie , the Daughter wedded was To Milo Earle of Hereford , and from their loynes did pas The Bruses , Bohunes , Staffords , all great Nobles in this Land : Yet in this Propagation great great Crosses vnderstand : Of Bruses only now be spoke , sith Wales is now in hand .

CHAP. 106. WIlliam de-Bruse , of Brechnock Lord , inuited to a feast Sitsilt , of honourable Birth , and Others not the least Of South-Wales Gentrie , newly then from armour reconcilde To this de-Bruse , who brooded hate & hatcht it whilst he smilde . For whether ( which he after fain'd ) for slaughtred brother late Reuenge , or diffrent Sentences in things they then debate , Were motiues to the Murthers that he acted , was too true Wrong'd Rites of Hospitalitie on him Heauens vengeance drew . A signall giuen , his Seruants , arm'd and ambusht to that end , Slew those his Guests : so dangerous is a Foe reuerst a friend . Not so content , he posteth to the murthred Sitsilts Place , And slew his Infant-Sonne before the suppliant Mothers face . Who , when she saw her louely Babe , whom lately she did hugge , Whilst that he smiled on her lips or sported with her dugge , Sprawle in his guiltles gore , and he that stabbed stabbing still , She nakt her breast , and said : so much ( though not so much so ill ) May here be done , ah , be it done , least leasure serue I pray That vnto thee and thine , grant God , befall as fowle a Day . Too too obdurate Sauage , if euen thou thy selfe shouldst see A Babe of thine bleed as bleeds mine , how might it torture thee ? But bard were thine their Mothers Breasts : from home they strangers so , The lesser thou canst apprehend a Parents ioy or wo . My Nurserie of this in me a doubled Nature bread , His smiles my Cordales , griefe my gall , death renders me but dead . Had he ( ah , had he ) liu'd I had reciprocally spead . Wretch , stay , Good stay that stab ( he meant a stab ) perhaps my teares May balme those past , for yet me thinks a little life appeares . O be my God for that poore Good ! Sweet hart-root , Mam is here : Is here ? now woe is me that thou of helpe art nere the neere . No , he is gon , alas h' is gon , yet I liue , liue I ? no , But as a Ghost , at least sweet Babe with thee would I were so , To be this Tyrants terror till he hence to hell shall goe . Then casteth she her self vpon her Sonne that breath'd his last : Nor goler blead his wounds but that her eies shead teares as fast . Her face admirde for faire , besmeard with blood-mixt teares , did adde The veiw more tragick : And as she this saying often had , Reuenge it , Sitsilt , happie yet in absence from this sight , Bruse said in scoffe she spake too late , his life had bod good night : And laughing left the Lady such as Niobe for like : Yet spead her Prayers , him and his God diuersly did strike . Bruse dide in Exile , his proud wife in Prison , one their Sonne Was st●ru'd , another braind as he his head-strong horse did run : And of that Progenie throughout , long nobled in De●●●n●s , Our Histories tragediously doe varie hard Euents . To our Iniustice Iustice thus is God : repent , amend , Blood-drifters and Oppressors , els Hell , worse than thus , your End.

CHAP. 107. THough to the Kings of England their Deuotion got was much In Powys , West , and South-Wales , by the English and the Duch : Yet was our second Henry by a second Rees so plide ( By North-Wales Princes also , thrice that Battell bid and bide ) With Armes and Stratagems , as like did neuer him betide , From Stephen , or his rebell Sonnes , French , Irish , Scots or any , Himselfe escaping hardly with the losse of Souldiers many . * Crogen , a Terme vsde in reproch of Welsh-men , rather might Reproch the English , that with them did there defected fight . Of Henries Armie none approcht that Passage but were kild , Welsh-Crogen , in memoriall of that Slaughter , therefore hild A Terme reuengefull , when came Welsh to hand : as who would say , * Like Mercie as at Crogen ours receiued we repay . And though write some the Welsh preuail'd more by their Scite than swords , Yet Enuies-selfe must grant that Wales had , and braue men affords : Yea , had not been suborned Wales against it selfe had faild That England , labouring it so long and dearely , had preuaild . Great was Prince Owen Gwyneth , but Prince Lewlin Monarke more , Except King Arthur , none in Wales had greater been before . From Rufus till first Edwards Raigne North-Wales held England tack , But then did rather loyall hearts than wonted Prowesse lacke . Lewlin next to great Lewlins sonne Prince Dauid ( Gladis wiude To Mortimer put-by ) then rulde , and much by Armes achiude . But who against that Ages Mars first Edward might hold-out ? Yet twice this Lewlin held him wag , and thirdly had no doubt , Had not he bin betraid and slaine at Buelht , a Warrior stout . Last Prince of very Britons , that from Brute vntill that day Had , in some part within this Isle , continued regall sway Two thousand and fiue hundred yeeres , two yeres if taine away . Edward , presuming Wales now won , the Welsh with common voice Of any Prince , vnles Welsh borne , protested gainst the choice , Yea , euen of Edwards-selfe , except amongst them he should liue , Too well experienced what law by Proxie Princes giue . Much therefore did in action , more in murmor hence proceed , Till by this Policie the King did thus his purpose speed . * In Wales he at Carnaruon with his Queene the Winter pas , Where Edward his first-borne , surnam'd Carnaruon , Welsh-borne was : The King , conuening then the Welsh , made promise he would name Vnto their Nation such a Prince as none for ought could blame , Borne in their Countrie , and could not one word in English say , Whom gladly , on those Termes , the Lords of Wales swore to obey : * The King thē nam'd his Infant-Sonne , and progrest thence away . Hence Englands Heires-apparant haue of Wales bin Princes , till Our Queene deceast conceald her Heire , I wot not for what skill . But now may Cambries frollike , for though vertuous many since , Yet parallel at least the best may their now hopefull Prince : And theirs is hapt the honour that Brutes triple Diuident To Locrin , Camber , Albanack , reuerteth whence it went : For Home-againe to Britons is intired Britaine sent . So inaccessible is Wales , so mountanous , and craggie , That to refresh my Muse , as els occasioned , Here lagge I , Only that to Elizabeth hath Office tithed bragge I. Was neuer Prince affoorded Muse a sweeter subiect then Her life and Raigne , or Age thereto that apted choicer men . Yet , as if Perseus mounted on his Pegasus held out Some Gorgons head , stone ▪ still stand all should go that Taske about . O that would He might it commaund it recommend vnto Some Artist , worthie such a worke of Raritie to do ! Moses the Patriarkes , Caesar did himselfe and others sing , Stoore like heroick Pennes , and She were pen-worke for a King . Should then , liefe Lord , your royall-selfe vouchsafe an Ouer-view Of whomsoeuer arting it , to giue it Species true , Long after my decease may like ( liu'd like ) doe like for you : But howsoeuer , happely Liue , Raigne , your Foes subdue .

FINIS .