The rocke of regard diuided into foure parts. The first, the castle of delight: wherin is reported, the wretched end of wanton and dissolute liuing. The second, the garden of vnthriftinesse: wherein are many swéete flowers, (or rather fancies) of honest loue. The thirde, the arbour of vertue: wherein slaunder is highly punished, and vertuous ladies nad gentlewomen, worthily commended. The fourth, the ortchard of repentance: wherein are discoursed, the miseries that followe dicing, the mischiefes of quareling, the fall of prodigalitie: and the souden ouerthrowe of foure notable cousners, with diuers other morall, natural, & tragical discourses: documents and admonitions: being all the inuention, collection and translation of George Whetstons Gent.

The Rocke of Regard , diuided into foure parts .

The first , the Castle of delight : Wherin is reported , the wretched end of wanton and dissolute liuing .

The second , the Garden of Vnthriftinesse : Wherein are many swéete flowers , ( or rather fancies ) of honest loue .

The thirde , the Arbour of Vertue : Wherein slaunder is highly punished , and vertuous Ladies and Gentlewomen , worthily commended .

The fourth , the Ortchard of Repentance : Wherein are discoursed , the miseries that followe dicing , the mischiefes of quareling , the fall of prodigalitie : and the souden ouerthrowe of foure notable cousners , with diuers other morall , natural , & tragical discourses : documents and admonitions : being all the inuention , collection and translation of George Whet●tons Gent.

Formae nulla fides .

¶ To all the young Gentlemen of England , to whose perusing this Booke shall happen : George Whetstons wisheth both health and good hap .

WOrthy Gentlemen , I haue presented vnto your friendly acceptaunce , a worke so worthlesse , ( in respect of the homely handling thereof ) as will ( I feare ) neither content you in reading , nor any wayes commend my paines in writing : & yet I am right wel assured ( curious contentment set apart ) it importeth necessarie matter of direction , for vnstayed youth , who hauing the raines at libertie , are so hote ●n expence , as that they be many times surfited with incumberances , yea , tyred out right with prodigalitie , before they be brought into any perfect order of spending . For whose behalfe and forewarning , I haue collected together a number of my vnlearned deuises ( inuented for the most , of experience ) and more boldly , then well aduised , haue guarded them , with the title of the Rocke of regarde : not for that it conteineth only needefull matter , but for that you , hauing noted the discommodities of the vnnecessarie , might reade the necessarie considerations with more regard . And for that it behooueth the maister of euery feast , to prouide diuers dishes , to please the diuers appetites of his diuers guestes : the like consideration now moueth me , who hauing inuited a number to peruse my vnpolished labours , as neare as I can to vse such Decorum in my doings , as euerie desire may be satisfied . And sure I hold it necessarie , that matters of aduise ( to worke attention ) be sometimes mingled with delight : and further , for that I know the most part of youth ( to whome I chiefly dedicate the fruite of my trauell ) are so carelesse of their commoditie , as they set light of sound aduise , vnlesse such persuasions be sauced ( in some respect ) with their owne desires , so that to win them to the reading of that which is profitable , I haue likewise presented them with matter of honest pleasure . And yet , least they lighting on some discourse of worth , shoulde by and by be led away , with the sight of some wanton deuise , I haue published my trauell , vnder these foure following titles .

The first is , the Castle of delight . Wherin ( to ioyne commoditie , with the readers pleasure ) are many morall and needefull considerations . For who so noteth there , the issue of the Countesse of Zelants hate , may happely feare to execute a strumpets bloudie reuenge . In Cressids complaint , the subtilties of a Courtisan discouered , may forwarne youth from the c●mpanie of inticing dames . The aduentures of Rinaldo ( which may verie well be termed a Laberynth of loue ) discourseth the inconueniencies of iealousie : and by the ouerthrowe of Frizaldo , is showne the reward of lawlesse lust and trecherie .

Some there be , that hauing eyed my former vnthriftinesse , doe gape ( percase ) to viewe in this booke , a number of vaine , wanton , and worthlesse Sonets , in some respectes I haue satisfied their expectation , moued to suffer the imprinting of them , not of vaine glorie , but of two good considerations : the one to make the rest of the booke more profitable , and ( perhaps ) lesse regarded , the better saileable . The other & chiefest , in plucking off the visard of self conceit , vnder which I somtimes proudly masked with vaine desires . Other yong gentlemen may reforme their wanton liues , in seing the fond & fruitles successe of my fantasticall īmaginations , which be no other then Poems of honest loue : and yet for that the exercise we vse in reading louing discourses , sildome ( in my conceit ) acquiteth our paines , with any thing beneficiall vnto the common weale , or verie profitable to our selues , I thought the Garden of Vnthriftinesse , the meetest title I could giue them .

The third is , the Arbour of Vertue , the which I chiefly published , for the delight of vertuous Ladies and Gentlewomen : and yet ( my lustie Gent. ) it conteineth matter very needfull for you to note : As in making choice of a wife , rather in owed with vertue , then mony , as Syr Vlrico did . And in reading the complaint of Alberto and Vdislao , you may see how foule a fault it is , rashly to iudge ill of womens behauiours .

The fourth is , the Ortchard of Repentance , the which for the most part , I planted with experience : the fruits therin growing ( think I ) be hoalsome , although to curious appetites , not greatly toothsome . But what for that ? the smarting wound is cured with fretting plaisters . Euen so , abuse is to be refourmed with sharpe reprehension , then sure it were not Decorum , in inueying against a Cousener , Cheter , Dicer , Quareler . &c. ( who for the most part ) liue without good order , to vse any milde and plausible kinde of writing . The inconueniences that rise of these professions , are the fruites of forewar●i●g , that my Orchard ( gallant Gentlemen ) affordeth : and yet to afforde you a good peniwoorth , it marreth the markets of a great many . The Cousner will chafe to see his practises published : the Cheter will f●me ▪ to see his crosbiting and cunning shiftes decyphered : the Dicer will sweare to heare his cogging & foysting aduauntages discouered : the Quareler will stampe to heare his braules and brables bayted at : the Merchaunt will storme to see his new kinde of Vsuries reuealed : the Lawyer wil be in a wonderfull heate , to heare his double dealings , his dilatorie delayes , and vnconscionable aduauntages disclosed : al these mens displeasures haue I hazarded , in opening ( for your behoues ) their mischiefous subtilties : and trust mee , not one of these sortes of men , but his teeth watereth with the desire of your lyuinges , yea hee daily studieth to bring you in lash : so that it behoueth you to looke warily into your estates , else you shall light into the snarts , of some of their daungers .

Now , worthy Gentlemen , haue you heard my honest intent as touching the imprinting of this my booke , mine was the paine in framing the plots , wherin these fruits & flowers grow , yours is the pleasure & profite of both , marr● if you m●suse my welmeaning so farre , that you ( where ●ea roume serueth you to auoyde the sandes of wanton loue ) wil wilfully run vpon the rockes of vnlawful lust , the folly is yours , & no fault in me●or if you ( wher you may gather frendly friuts of admonition , that wil cure your woundes of prodigalitie , & preserue you from the infection of cousening cutthrots ) will continually be smelling vnto vnthriftie flowers , you not onely vamly spend your time , but worke a discredite vnto my painfull labours . Wherefore I earnestly require you , that you vse the first increase of my baren braine so rightly , as I may be incouraged hereafter to bente my head about some matter of more worth , rather then by the misuse of them , to be discouraged , from attempting any honest labour . And thus wishing good successe in your vertuous enterprises , I commit you to the pleasure of the hyest . From my lodging in Ho●●orne the 15. of October 1576.

That this is such good Reader sée and say , Bée iudge thy selfe , I cannot tell thée all , To speake to short , defame the same I may , And better rest , then rise to catch a fall , Yet this I say , who so most faults shal finde , In trying like will come an ace behinde .

R.C. in praise of Whetstons and his Rocke of Regard . REader reward , this gallant gift with thankes , Whose worth is much , although the price be small , Biancaes life , and Cressids subtile prankes , Of wantons showes , the fortune and the fall , Frizaldoes foile , at point of all his hap , Of lawlesse lust , foretells the after clap . What are the ioyes , and louers daily wronges , Their swéete , their sowre , Rinaldo here doth showe , The morall héede , in all these thriftlesse songes , Doth proue him blest , that least of loue doth know , But that that beares the pearle of praise away , This Poet doth , the fall of vice bewray , Bare faste hée setts , the maskes of péeuish pride , Hée finds their faultes , that fostereth fraude with pence , His searching Uerse , the couseners traynes hath spide , Which hyde their craft , with cloake of plaine pretence , The end of bralles , the beggery folowing dice , For●warneth youth , from haunting either vice . The vertuous praisde , the vicious here are blamde , Here liues their fame , that Uertues souldiours ware , For your behoofe this worthie worke was framde , Of more emprice , then gold or iewels farre , Loe thus from toyes , hath Whetston weand his Muse , In thundring Uerse to threaten foule abuse .

Humfrey Turner in commendation of Whetston and his booke . REader for this his gift , with thankes good Whetston pay , The worth runnes farre , beyonde the price , as séeing thou wilt say . The matter in which wooorke at large here to report , ( Unable man ) though faine I would , my skill a mile comes short . Where hée the substance showes , I should a shadowe make , In prayse of him , yet néedes my Muse , some paines will vndertake . And first I knowe of zeale , for yonkers héede hée made , This gallant booke , which setts to sale , the crafte in euery trade . With moral meaninges saust , delight it yeldeth store , The vertuous praisde , the vicious checkt , here is : and would you more ? If this may not suffice , your selues peruse the booke , And you shall finde to please your minde ( percase ) more then you looke .

Abraham Fleming vppon G. Whetstons worke . Who wisheth with pleasure refreshed to bée , A Castle of comfort and passing delight , Erected of purpose , ( loe ) here hée may sée , And painted with colours of pure blacke and white , No bulworcke , no fortresse more strongly prepard , And therefore well named the Rock of Regard . Who wisheth for vauntage , to vewe and behold , Unthriftines Garden where wéedes do abound , Hée hath leaue to enter , and is not controld ,

when she perceiued his mistrust , she left him & fled to Pauy , where she interteined Ardisino Valperga , Earle of Masino as her minion : but wearie of his custome , she chose Roberto Sanceuerino , Earle of Giazzo for her louer . Valperga thus scorned , railed at hir inconstancie , Bianca Maria , by Valperga thus openly defamed , practiseth with Gazzo to murther Valperga , which when Giazzo neglecteth , with very hate she leaueth Giazzo , and falles in loue againe with Valperga , with whom she practiseth to murther Giazzo , which Valperga discouered to Giazzo , and they both in suche sort painted out her lewdnesse , as for very shame she left Pauy , and fled to Mantua , where she interteined one Dom Pietro , a lustie yong captaine , to whom she bewrayed the iniuries of Valperga and Giazzo . Dom Pietro by and by promised , in penance of their shamelesse reportes , to dispatch their liues , which in part he wilfully performed . For one day , taking Valperga at aduauntage , he soudenly slue him , the murther & the murtherer discouered , Dom Pietro was taken , & confessed the whole matter , he in hope of amendment was pardoned , and Bianca Maria Countesse of Celant , was condemned to be beheaded , whome you may suppose vppon the scaffold , readie to be executed , to complaine as followeth .

¶ THE DISORDERED life , of Bianca Maria , countesse of Celaunt , in forme of her complainte , supposed at the houre of her beheading , for procuring the murder of Ardissino Valperga Earle of Massino . AMong their falles , by wanton fate vntwist , Let my lewde hap , remembred be I pray , To salue whose harme to late coms had I wist , Bloud cries for bloud , he craues none other pay : For conscience sake , behould then now I wray , With trickling teares , my deadly cheakes that warme , The true report both of my hap and harme . Good Ladies first , to you this tale I tell , To you as chiefe this drirye plaint I preach , Your hie estate , your vices cannot quell : But as you liue your fame or shame doth streach , With vauntage sure ( such notes doth honour reach ) Your praise is raisde , as farre is blasd your blame : Thus are your liues , y payst with parcial fame . Let mée be proofe , and warning for you both , Whose filthie life , so foule report hath spread , That loe ( constrainde ) I showe the shame , I loth , My wanton toyes , in thousand bookes are read , My byrth , my blame , how lewde a life I lead , My passing loue , my péeuish hate withall , My murderous minde : in fine my filthie fall . First for my birth , I must confesse , was base , But bagges I had , this basenesse to supplie , The Vicount Hermes her first husband kept her short My forme was fine , I had a gallant face , A sugred tongue , a passing pleasaunt eye , Good gifts besides , to hoyse my happe on hie : These lures in loue , the Uicount Hermes brought , Who kept mée short to tame my wanton thought . But ( ah ) to soone my Lord to heauen did wend , Bianca Maria was her name Who maugre will , Bianca kept in fame , The coupe thus broke , wherein I long was pend , Gonsago a lord about Mantua , an earnest suter . I set my selfe , to saile with open shame , Gonsago yet , did like mée with my blame , But loe I stoopte , vnto the Celant Count , Hée loude mée well , I likt a loft to mount . Shee married , the Count of Celant , a lord of Sauoy . Consent of friendes , accorded with our wills , And wee forsooth in haste must married bée , But raisde a loft , I quight forgot what quills . What feathers first , to honour made mée flee ? As priestes forget , the sillie clearkes degrée , So I from cart , a Countesse framde by fate , Throughe scorne abusde , my honour and estate . No marueile why : For force the Cur to drawe , The kestrill kyte , to cause the heron to quake , Kitt will to kinde . The rauening wolfe of lambes to stand in awe , The myllers mare , a mannage good to make , Or apes to daunce , while mules lie at the stake , A botelesse toile , in fine you sure shall finde : For counterfettes will still returne to kinde . And thinke you those , that weare dame Fortunes crowne , Whose homely friends , did hould the ploughe of late , Can rightly rule , the scepter of renowne ? No , honour stoupes to nature , not to fate : Yet Fortune heaues , a thousand to estate . As in good moode , shée did of late by mée , Who neuer knew , the vse of dignitie . As by abuse , Pride . one proofe shal well appeare , First for my pride , my betters did mée scorne , The poore did fawne , godwot , for very feare , My luring life , did moue my lord to mourne , Whose ielous sighes , foreshewed he feard the horne : Yet wisely hée , his shrewde mistrust to show , Usde secrete nippes , my faultes to make mée know . I saw , and smilde , to sée his true mistrust , And yet in showe , I sight throwe sollen will , As who should say , to thinke thy spouse vniust , Thou doest her wronge , she neuer ment no ill , She hath béene true , and so shée wil be still , For all his witte , thus found I out a wile , To quenche suspect , forsoth a little while . But rauening currs , their chaps can hardly hould , When carren lies , before their hungry iawes , The stragling kite , with chickes will sure be bould . If once a wynge , shée spies a flight of dawes . Soe ramping girles , regarde no modest lawes , As profe appeares , by this my filthie flight , I left my Lord , and stoale away by night . Who hearing once , of this my gadding moode , My vitall thread , vntwiste good care ( quoth hée ) In fine her hate wil sure sucke out my bloode , She loues me not , there is no third degrée , Thus ledde with feare , at large hée let mée flée , I pinchte with néede , to praying forthwith fell , And for my selfe , I shifted prettie well . To plant my wares , Pauie a towne vnder the gouernement of the Duke of Mantua . in place of brauest vewe , In Pauie towne , a stately house I tooke , I deckte my selfe , with wéedes of lightest hewe , To lure guestes , I sparde no wanton looke , Valperga first , Ardissino Valperga was choakt , with Cupids hooke : Count of Massino , her first mynion at Pauie . Hée sight , hée sobd , hée curst his sorrie chaunce , Hée surde , hée searud , he did attendaunce daunce . But squemish then Bianca Maria was , His secrete sighes with scorne she quited still . Note . A parle yet , at length , was brought to pas , Where safely hée , might shew his hidden will , With sugred wordes , he wraid his suites at fill , His life , his death , all in my power lay , I was so kinde to loth this Lords decay . They say , the mate is apt to mischiefe still , Whose foule offence , with countenaunce is held , So wantons forst , with their agréeing will , When lust assaultes , will after learne to yeald , Note . No fame nor shame , can make them kéepe the field , To true a proofe , appeareth by mine end : Then sinne not , dames , in hope for to amend . I showe not this , to shape mine owne excuse , My life I lothe , to salue my fowle amisse : But for your héed , I blase this vile abuse , Beware , beware , of Venus beastly blisse , It féedes the flesh , and sterues the soule I wisse , It honour staines , it is a shrine of shame , A bitter swéete that breadeth nought but blame . In mée too late , these faultes I did forsée , Valperga so , my wanton humour fedde , My fare was fine , I lackt no goulden glée , The art of Loue , for exercise I redde , And thus my life , in Venus court I ledde : With wealth at will , I could but wish and haue , The toy I lackt , I néede not twise to craue . And think you dames these visards yeld such sights , As wanton girles may sighe to sée their shame , No : méekenes marres the maskes of fond delightes , And fasting must , their frolicke bodies ●ame , To Scriptures read , they must their leasure frame , Then loath they will , both lust and wanton loue , Be sure else , such ryggs my case shall proue . But at my call , why did Valperga stoupe ? Why did not hée , foresée the fruites of lust ? Why did he come , at euery wanton whoope ? Why , why did hee , Bianca Maria trust ? Which to her Lord , had shewen her selfe vniust , A man hée was , whom weakenes cannot scuse , How could hée then , let loue him so abuse . How could hée ( ah : ) Perforce I shew my shame , As one whose tongue , a truth , will neatly tell , I reaft his life , why slay I then his fame ? No reason why , saue I can nothing well , For through my lure hée ( wonne , ) to folly fell , If not so witcht , who list like case to proue , Shal find , fine heads , are fraughted first with loue . Then sith his ioy , all in Bianca lay , What scuse hath shee , with hate to pay his loue ? Bée not abasht , the truth in wordes to wray , Which thou in act , vntimely late didst proue : What sullen moode , this péeuish scorne did moue ? And am I forst , to shew the fault I shame ? Sith néedes I must , Good Ladies , note the same . They say , who so with dropsie is aprayde , The more hée drinckes , the more hée doth desire , The gréedie churle , is neuer well appayde , Although he reape the gaine hée doth require , So lust in rampes , is such a raging fire , That most it heates , when most the same is drencht , A hellish flame that neuer can be quencht . Idlenesse and pride , the cause of wanton loue . This fire in mée , was kindled first with pride , But raysde to flame , with ease and wanton thought , It raged so , no reason could mée guide , My husbands sport , so small allayaunce wrought , As him I left , for lustier laddes I sought : Valperga then , a while supprest this fire , But hée decayde , oor chaunge I did desire . Roberto Sanseuerino Erle of Giazzo , Valpergas great friend , was her second louer . The traynes that intice to loue . Giazzo next , was fauord in my sight , Who forst mée not , his friend hee loued soe , Hée knew I was Valpergas sole delight . Hée scornde my winckes , my wanton loue in showe , My priuie sighes , my wilie signes of woe , But Spaniel like , by stripes to kindnes moude , The more hée scornd , the more this lord I loude . And when I sawe hée shunde inticeing baites , Immodest rigg , I Ouids counsell vsde , Where cleanly , I did couler shame with sleightes , Through loue constrainde , which reason had abusde , My penne did paint , what bashfull tongue refusde , Which fewe suffisde , hée knew loue kept no lawe , Hée was my ioy , of him I stoode in awe . This proferd grace , did stowpe Giazzo straight , Hée loude his friend , but more his owne delight , The hooke of loue , hee swallowed with the baite , No marueile why : Biancaes beautie bright , Her braue arraye , and shée a Countesse hight , Would force a man , himselfe and all forgoe , And could hée chuse , when loue was offered soe ? No : néede to runne the créeple sure will teach , A pleasaunt pray , a théefe inticeth soone , As foxes hate the grapes , they cannot reach , Note . And wilie saintes , with showes are seldome wonne , When as assuerde , their squemishnes is donne . Euen such a saint , Giazzo proued in fine , Hée loude no grapes , before hée reacht the vine . Wel , thus at length , I w●n my wished ioy , Hée came , in whome , my heart did wholy dwell , To make him sport , Bianca was not coy , She knew her game , and streight to daliaunce fell , Where as this Lord behaude himselfe so well , That loe I loath Valpergas drowsy sport , And so with scorne I stayde his oft resort . Thus reft ( good soule ) of her hée heald so deare , His woonted sutes , a fresh hée put in vre , Hée sight , hée serued , hée lookt with sorrie cheare , But when no sute , nor seruice could procure , My stragling loue , to stoupe vnto his lure , By néede inforst , his dotage then hée reft , And so with losse , my wanton pleasures left , When mystes of lu●●e , were cleared from his eyes , Disdaine forthwith , transformd his loue to hate , Peeuish hate insueth passing loue . Fye on my life , and lewdnes , lowde hée cries , Hée heaues mée vp to filthie Faustines state , A Layis byrde , for Masseline a mate , A filth , a flurt , a bitch of Megraes kinde , A rigg , a rampe , and all that came to minde , But when I heard , my blame , hée blased thus , Impatient I , began to stampe and stare , To waile , A womans deadly hate . to wéepe , to wring my handes I wo●s , To freate , to fume , to teare my golden heare , In fine , as madd as euer was March hare , I vowde to reaue Valperga of his life , Which I performde ( aye ) me through péeuish strife . While sporte was quicke , I did Giazzo moue , To slay this Lord , in grace which whilome stoode , But disposest , to winne his owne swéete loue , Unciuil wretch , accoyde through sullen moode , Hée blasde mée forth , as byrde of Layis broode , Leaue off ( quoth hée ) I loth thy heauie chéere , Valpergas tongue , shall buy this bable deare . With which suffisde , I fell to kisses straight , And shewde my selfe , more gamesome then of yore , Giazzos frendship towardes Valperga . To tyce him on , I laide this wanton baite , But hée which long , Valperga held in store , Within his heart , my hatred did abhore : Yet nay the lesse , my loue hée so did like . As still hée said , hée stayde for time to strike . But when I found , what fine delayes hée vsde , All sweld , with wrath ( quoth I ) the prouerbe saith : Proferde seruice , is euer more refusde , And offerde loue , is quited syld with faith , Without the hooke , the baite no poyson hath , Note . Yet haplie hée , for all his wiles may proue , My péeuish hate , oore wayes my passing loue . And in disdaine , the secrete gates I bard , An honest couler to dissemble a lewd reuenge Where in and out , Giazzo earst did goe , I tould him plaine , his market cleane was mard , I ment my faultes , vnto my lord to showe , If which suffisde , I would no more do so , To faine with chaunge , I did Giazzo pray , With kindnes showne , contented for to stay . Nigh tyred hée , my gréedie lust to glut , Full wel appayde , for trueth my fay●ings tooke , Hée tooke no héede , how often-times is shut In sugred baite , a fowle and filthie hooke , How hate is hidde full oft , with friendly looke , Ne how the lewde , when grace is not their stay , Note . Refuse no meane , to worke their foes decay . Euen such a filth I ( forst ) confesse I was , I vsde this showe , to chase my foes mistrust , Thereby to worke his fatall ende ( alas ) When least hée thought , I would haue béene vniust , Such cankered hate , my murdrous heart did rust , Unto which ende , She practised with Valperga whom late she scorned , to slay G●azzo , who should haue slaine him . I for Valperga send , With yll , for good , to quite his faithful frend . I knew the force , of new reuiued loue , How péeuish hate , more perfect made the same , I likewise knew , newe friendship how to moue , With pleasaunt lookes , y mixt with pretie blame , I checkt him first , for foyling of my fame , Perdona moy , ore showes againe with viewe , Deare dame ( quoth hée ) I yeld , your tale is true . Euen so ( quoth I ) and smiling vsde these wordes , Confessed crimes , doth open penaunce chuse , What plague you please ( quoth hée ) your thrall accordes , That hée or you , shall execution vse , Such power ( quoth I ) I meane not to refuse , Yet hoping that , those faultes you will amende , I pardon all , and take you for my frende . And when I sawe him eager of delight , A sighe I fetcht , and did Giazzo name , Valperga said , A policie . Giazzo to his might , Was sure his friend ( quoth I ) I thinke in name , But ( ah ) his déedes , will neuer proue the same , And though I , loth , to sowe seditious strife , Yet néedes I must , for safegard of thy life . In sooth ( swéete friend ) thy daungerous state I rew , This trayterous mate , to moue thine ouerthrowe , By guile God wot , with mée in frendship grew , Betwixt vs friends , he first did hatred sowe , Hée forged faultes , to kéepe mée still thy foe , And yet my heart , for al that hée could say , Did loue thée well , although my tongue said nay . Which when hée smeld puft vp with furie straight , Hee vowde thy death , for robbing of his ioy , Which bloudie wordes , did force mée to vnfraight , This bitter speach : Auawnt thou peeuish boy , Thy filthy sight , Bianca doth annoy . Beléeue mée , Lord , this tale is very true , Beginne with him , before hée do with you . These forced wordes , did rayse a soare mistrust , Or haply else Giazzo might a smoakte , But yet hée vowde , to féede my filthie lust , With bloudie blade , his trayterous breath to choake , And leaue hée toke , hée said to strike this stroake , Note . But loe hée went forthwith to Mantua , Unto his friend , these secretes to bewray , Which treason when Giazzo vnderstoode , Who can auoyde ( quoth hée ) a strompets hate ? And thundring out , the stormes of furious moode , UUith tearmes of scorne , hée did Bianca rate , Out filth ( quoth hée ) twixt friends which sowes debate , And in despight , a libel hée inuents , UUhich ( Lords ) to you , Bianca here presents .

¶ An Inuectiue written by Roberto Sanseuerino , Earle of Giazzo , against Bianca Maria , Countesse of Celant . WHo euer sawe , a thorne swéete grapes to yéeld ? Or sower slowes , vppon a vine to growe ? UUho euer heard , & coward first in féeld ? The foreward wight , soonste feard with sight of foe ? UUho euer knew , in time of any minde ? Good fall to bad , or kitt to flée from kinde ? If proofe ne peares , who may Bianca blame ? UUhose father rose , to wealth by filthie fraude , Her mothers life , y shrinde with endles shame , Whose grandam was , in drowping dayes a bawd : Shée onely left , of all this beastly store , Must néedes be worse , then parents were before . What marueile then , if shée did flée by night , And sent a horne , vnto her Lord and fere , To blow the death , of all his braue delight , That gadding moode , shee learned of sa mere , UUho lightly vailde , at ery wanton whoope , How could shée then , but to Valperga stoope ? Ne can shée chuse , but proue the Prouerbe true , ( UUon with a word , and lost with one yll looke ) Giazzo knowes , Bianca séekes for newe , Hée whilome was , a vowell in her booke , Giazzo wrought , Valperga out of grace , Giazzo scornd , Valperga hath his place . Yet both in lashe , at length this cressed leaues , And Megra like , pursues their loue with hate , Such is the fruite , of ruffians , roages , and théeues , UUhich framde her heart , Giachemo Scapar●one her fa●●er a great Vserer . when shée was formde by fate , Her fathers liue ( Scappardone being dead ) And diuers séedes , doth diuers natures breede . ( O happie man ) Giazzo scornes her loue , ( Valperga blest ) that knowes her murdrous minde , UUee haue ynough , her truth let others proue , And rest content , with what wée left behinde , UUe suckte the swéete , let others drinke the draffe , UUée eate the corne , what skilles , who chewes the chaffe .

The Countesse of Zeland , continueth in her complaint . NOw gallants iudge , if it with honour stands For any Lord , a Lady thus to rate , Or blase with scorne , their pleasure at her hands , If it ne grées , with glory of their state , Helpe to excuse Biancas deadly hate , Who now beginnes , such bloudy newes to blase , As endlesse shame , her infamie will raise . Or giue her leaue , to vse what cloake she may , For once report , wil much inlarge her misse , In womens moodes , there is no meane they say , They ( scorned ) loue , so huge their liking is , Of force as great , their hate must be ywis , What folly then Giazzos mynd did blame , To think my wrath , would ceasse through open shame . How could he wene , my friendship for to force , By ringing out the lewdnesse of my life ? Sith shame compelles the bad , to fall to worse . Where discord is , new wrong increaseth strife . Reuenge is sought , where iniuries are rife , Wast then the way , to reaue my wrangling hate , Inuectiues vile to set vpp on my gate . O , no , God wot , my mightie litle hart , Was well nye burst , my blame was blased so , These rymes I soung , with notes of musickes art , Bianca namde , in euery wanton shew ▪ Constraind me wretch , from Pauie for to go , To Mantua then , I did my iourney take , Where open house , I kept for credits sake . And placed there according to my will , With bloudie hate my murdrous hart was bent , Giazzo Lord , Valperga eake to kill , A thousande feates of murder , I inuent : As many feares my purpose did preuent : I loth , yet would , and willing , stoode in awe , Such brunts they byde that venter breach of lawe . Till vice , vertue hath vanquisht in the féeld , Then reason , lawe , rule , feare , and all adew , Their minds , their harts , to nought but folly yéeld , In spoile , they sport , they laugh at mischiefes new : The proofe of which , alas , to late I rewe , For when my feare , my furie put to flight , I liuing dyde , till I had wrought my spight . And sith this acte to doe , my minde did mase , This traine I laide , to tyce a trustie frend : In place of vene I gallants gaue the gase , Their bonets vaild , Bianca streight did bend , Through friendly showe , a bon iour for to send , To parle oft , I did my selfe apply , Before I trust , by talke each youth to try . In making loue , they prettie prattle vsde , But nought it vaild , to hault before the lame , For I of yore , with wylie woordes abusde , As children brent doe after dread the flame , At sugred speache , I made a sporting game , But ah ( ay mée ) to worke mine ouerthrow , Untimely came , Dom Pietro a lustie younge Capitaine her lustie louer . to Mantua dom Pietro . This capitaine stoute , went flaunting too and fro , Till loe ( ill lucke ) mée wretched , hée espyes , My gallant port , beséemde a countesse show , My beautie then , my braue arraye hée eyes , While blinded loue into his fancie flyes , And stryuing ( hée ) doth cause his fire increase , Thus warres he founde , when most hée hoapte of peace . Unarmed yet , to match with Cupids force , With Conges kinde , hée wrayde his louing moode , Next sighes he sends , to moue mée to remorse , Then paintes his pen , thus straunge his fancies stoode , My yea would saue , my nay should shead his blood , Quicke aunsweare make , Dom Pietro hath decréede , To liue in ioy , or else to die with spéede . These lines receiude , I spyed my nouis heate , Who lookt and lackt , the recompence of loue , UUhich scorne in mée , did cause him more to sweate , Hée sight , I smilde , his ioy , my noy , did moue , Which thwarting showes ( past hope ) inforst him proue If that his lute soone might ( his passions showne ) Could force his swéete , his hard mishap to mone , But when I sawe , his loue did still increase , As hée one night , lamenting layes did yell , My gates were ope , in signe and show of peace , In came this Lord , in minde his griefe to tell , But loe abashte , he first to blushing fell , In chamber frayes , of both my selfe the best This onset gaue , to cheare my chosen guest . Biancas breach , of chaste and modest lawe , May séeme full straunge , to you my louing Lord , To ope my gates , to one I neuer sawe , UUhen knowen friends , so falsifie their word , Dread not ( quoth he ) Dom Pietro doth accord : From sorrowes frée , yet frée Biancas slaue , To like but what , his loue , desires to haue . I aunsweard soone , with sugred showes full ofte , Such Lords as you , faire Ladies still beguiles , But suites obtainde , they sillie soules are scofte , Then choice , in chaunge , your loue , and faith , exiles , Not so , in mée ( quoth hée ) I want such wiles , For proofe , commaund , what seruice pleaseth you , The which performde , then thinke Dom Pietro true . In hoape ( quoth I ) your wordes and déedes are one , I first will trust , your faith , then after taste , To quite your loue , Bianca is your owne , Dom Pietro straight , did execution haste , And bashfull earst , his best beloude imbraste , UUith sugred wiles , I so this gallant wrought , As sure I was , a Goddesse in his thought . Assurde of which , to sawce his swéetest sport , A sighe I fetcht , and squemish faynde to bee , UUoe worth ( quoth I ) Giazzo lewde report , Valpergas scorne , two Earles of hie degree , Their traytrous tongues , so sore haue slaundred mée , That death I wish , but destnie will not soe , And they triumph , that wrought my timelesse woe . Dom Pietro then , did bluster forth this speach , ( Ah ) verlets vile , from natures lawe which swer●e , Ere longe I sure , your traytrous tongues will teach , To slaunder her , whom duetie wills you serue , And then hee vowde , with spéede their flesh to carue : Soone shall they proue ( quoth hée ) if I doe faine , And you shall sée , if déedes and woordes are twaine . I glad of which , yet sad I seemde in showe , And sighing said , looke to your selfe , my sweete , Your hurt , my death , in hart I loue you soe , UUhich friendly wordes , his furie more did heate , Fare well ( quoth hee ) till I haue wrought this feate , This hand and blade , their babling tongues shal worme : UUhich wordes with deedes , he ( cruel ) did performe . For loe one night , hee did foreshaule their way , But weaklie armde , Valperga was intrapte , Giazzo blest , was absent at this fray , Oore wayde , with force , Valperga was intrapt , That ( ah ) his death , vntimely there hée rapt , Who dying cryde , Dom Pietro did the déede , Streight , hew and crie , to search him out doth spéede . Hée found , forth with , vnto the Duke was brought , And paintes at large , my loue , and lothsome hate , The suite of friendes , in grace , Dom Pietro wrought , To salue my misse , repentaunce came to late : Good Ladies yet , note well my fall , and fate , My wealth , my weades , my swéete delights to shoe , Intice , not warne , without the sauce of woe . But listen well , vnto my filthie fall , The thought of wonted pleasures increaseth the mysers paine . Payse , blisse with bale , swéete life with sower end , And you shall finde , my ioy oore wayde with thrall , Of fréedome rest , in prison closely pend , Distrest , vnhelpt , forsooke of kinne and frend , Yea , more then straying , so fowle my follies ware , As gould , ne vayld , to cleare my clowdes of scare . Ne could I ( wretch ) take well in worth my woe , My former swéete , did so increase my sowre , My homely cheare , my costly cates did show , My prison vile , of yore , my princely bowre , My laughing friends , by foes that then did lowre , Controwld and scornde , who thousands did commaunde , Once craue and haue , denyde now eche demaunde . My lothsome couche , presenteth to my vewe , My beds of doune : with thought of swéete delights , Thus day and night , my wilfull harme I rewe : Ech thought of grace , my conscience guilt affrights , Yet ( loth to die ) against repentaunce fightes , Till due desert , by lawe and Iustice lead , Did dome my misse , with tosse of my poore head . The which in place , I ready am to pay , Acknowledging , my faultes before you all , God graunt my life with such effect you way , As you may be forewarned by my fall . Of lawlesse loue , the end is bitter gall : I now haue sayd , and for their witnesse crye , How so I liude , I do repentant dye .

The Argument , for Cressids complaint .

THE inconstancie of Cressid , is so readie in euery mans mouth , as it is a needelesse labour , to blase at full her abuse towardes yong Troilus , her frowning on Syr Diomede , her wanton lures and loue , neuerthelesse , her companie scorned , of thousandes sometimes sought , her beggerie after brauerie , her lothsome leprosie , after liuely beautie , her wretched age , after wanton youth , and her perpetuall infamie , after violent death , are worthy notes ( for others heede ) to be remembred . And for as much as Cressids heires in euery corner liue , yea more cunning then Cressid her selfe , in wanton exercises , toyes , and inticements : to forewarne all men of such filthes , to persuade the infected , to fall from their follies , & to rayse a feare in dames vntainted to offend , I haue reported the subtile sleites , the leaud life , and euill fortunes of a Courtisane , in Cressid : name , whom you may suppose , in tattered weedes , halfe hungerstarued , miserably arrayde , with scabs , leprosie , and mayngie , to complaine as followeth .

Cressids complaint . YOu ramping gyrles , which rage with wanton lust , Beholde in me , the bitter bloumes of chaunge . Forworne with woe , who wallowes in the dust , And lepre like , is double mayld with maynge , For my desart , this fortune is not straunge , Disdaine my life , but listen to my mone , Without good héede , the hap may be your owne . Though now I am , anoynted with annoy , My hyde bepatcht , with scabs of sundry hewe , I sometime was , the star of stately Troy , With beautie blist , my venes as Azures blewe , No fault in me , but that I was vntrue , In Priams court , who did not Cressid like , In lue of loue , who gaue she not the gleake . Where I was lou'd , I séemed alwayes straunge , Where litle waide , I won with gleames of grace , My gadding mynd , had such delight in chaunge , As seldome twice , the best I did imbrace , And once beguild , with beautie of my face , With ebbes of griefe , did fall his flouds of ioy , He su'd and seru'd , but Cressid then was coy . I did intice , king Priams sonnes to loue , And did repine , the poorest , should go frée , My thralls for grace , a thousand wayes did proue , On whom I smyld , a happie man was he , The wisest wits , were thus bewitcht by me , But as the hawke , in mewe , at randome liues , Yet diet kéepes her gorge , as seldome greues . So I that liude , with store of foode at large , When hunger pincht , on lustie youthes I prayd , If boystrous lads , my gorge did ouercharge , For tyring meate , the deintie boyes were wayde , Thus with a meane , my prime of pride was staide , Then was I faire , my traine with oyle was strickt My feathers freshe , were dayly prunde and prickt . No toy , no gaude , ne straunge deuise I sée , Though not the first , the same I second had , Glad was the youth , that fastned ought on me , Of braue array , in chaunge , I still was clad , My cost to sée , the courtly dames were mad , They did repine , the péeres should Cressid loue , When rascals , scarce , to them did liking moue . Such fancies straunge , were figurd in my face , As few there were , The propertie of a courtesan to mainteine one with the spoile of another . but my good will did moue , I traind them on , with outward shew of grace . My garter one , another had my gloue , My colours all , did weare in fine of loue , But where in hart , I lou'd and liked best , He euer wore the spoyle of all the rest . Syr Diomede got , both brooch , and belt of cost , The which in right , to Troilus belongs , An eyesore sure , to him that lou'd me most , Who might repine , but not reuenge his wrongs , Least notes of hope , were turnd to desperate songs , The rest did loue , as courtiers do in showe : But he good soule , did pine away with woe . Yet cruell I , did smile to sée his smart , Who somtime warmd , his woes with slender hap , Which fréesd againe , with frownings ouerthwart , And when with ioy , he pratled in my lap , With péeuish speach , I would his pleasures snap , For wronging whom , the Troians did me paint , In hart a fiend , in face and forme a Saint . Then iudge you may , my beautie bare great sway , Which thus inthrawld , by loue a Princes sonne , My state no lesse , that durst his sutes denay , A world it was , to heare what praise I wonne , A wonder , more , how soone my pride was donne , My forme did fade , my beautie prou'd a blase , Or as a toy , which forced fooles to gase . Painting common among Courtisans . Declining yet , I had a present shift , A painted face , did please a gasinge eye , But surfled stuffe , prou'd no induring drift , My slibbersauce , when wanton girles espie , With open mouth , the same in court they cry : Poore Cressid then no sooner came in place , But fortie frumpes , were framed by her face . Some said that I a passing picture drue , Some would haue drawen , the figure of a sot , The crabtréeface , would haue mée mend his hue , Some in my chéeke , did faine to cleare a spot , And all to rub my starche away , godwot , If messellike , my painting so they pilde , They smylde and said , my silke no colour hilde . My selfe did laugh , to sée my painting clearde , The straung defects , that withered age did bring , A horseface then , a tawnie hyde appearde , A wrinkled mumpes , a foule mishapen thing , A sea of hate , where liuely loue did spring , Thus beauties beames , to clowdes of scorne to chaunge So soone , mée thought was sure a myrrour straunge . How euil the courtesies of a Courtesan is acquited , if she liue to be aged . Yet so I preast , amid the Courtly crew , Who once espyde , a fresh the sport begon , Some said I lookt , now of a passing hew , A scarfe some cryde , to kéepe goodface from sunne , Thus was I scornd , when youthful pride was don , Some wild me learne , anew my A.B.C. With backward reade , from H. to skip to B. But as the Hawke to gad , which knowes the way , Will hardly leaue , to cheake at carren crowes , If long vnserude , she waites and wants her pray : Or as the horse , in whom disorder growes , His iadish trickes , againe wil hardly loose : So they in youth , which Venus ioyes do proue , In drouping age , Syr Chaucers iestes will loue . My self for profe , when wanton yeres were worne , When lookes could yeald , no loue , but lothsome hate , When in my face appeard the forme of scorne , When lust for shame , with me might sound debate , Although I did turne tayle to foules of state , At vauntage yet , with baser byrdes I met , On kytes I prayde , till I could partridge get . But I so long , on carren crowes did pray , My poysoned bloud , in colour waxed pale , In natures ayde , myne age had wrought decay : Now listen rampes , for here begins my tale , Before my blysse , but now I blase my bale , For Physickes arte , my surffets can not cure Bound so perforce , the worst I must indure . In séeking sport , The diseases that followe wanton and disordered liuing . my haire did shed in iest , A sorrie ioy to ceaselesse sorrowe plight , French feauers now , in me can take no rest , From bones to flesh , from flesh in open sight , With grinckcomes grease , beholde a monstrous wight , My louers olde , with ( fawth ) their browes doth bend , Of Cressids lust , loe here the lothsome end . Glad is she now a brownebreade crust to gnawe , Beggerie the end of Courtesans . Who deintie once , on finest cates did frowne , To couch vpon soft seames , a pad of straw , Where halfe mislikt , were stately beds of downe , By néede enforst , she begs on euery clowne , On whom but late , the best would gifts bestow , But squemish then , God dyld ye she sayd no. From top of state , to tumble thus to thrall , Too froward sure , dame Fortune was in this , But highest trées , in fine haue hardest fall , A merrie meane , her parciall hand doth misse , She pines with paine , or bathes her thralles in blisse , Best therfore then , for to withstand her might , With sword of fame , in Uertues band to fight . But ( ah ) in vaine , I frame excuse by fate , When due desart , doth worke my ouerthrow , Ne was I first by Fortune stauld in state , My roome by byrth , did high renoune bestow , Though wicked life , hath wrapt me now in woe , A warning faire , a myrrour full of mone , For gadding gyrles , a bone to gnaw vpon . Take héede in time , least Had I wist you rew , And thus perforce , I hold my tyred tong , Me thinkes I heare , the bell to sound adew , My withered corps , with deadly cold is clung , A happier turne , if I had dyed yong , My shrouding sheete ; then had not béene of shame , Who dying now , doth liue in filthy fame . Siu● bonu●● sine malum , fama est .

The Argument , for the discourse of Rinaldo and Giletta .

GOod Reader ( to continue thy delight ) I haue made chaunge of thy exercise of reading bad verse , with the proffer of worsser prose : requesting ( as earst I haue ) that thou wilt vouchsafe my well meaning , and mend what thou sindest amisse . This discourse was first written in Italian by an vnknowne authour , the argument of whose woorke insueth . Rinaldo masking with faire Giletta ( at her brothers marriage ) was so straungly surprised with the loue of her , that necessitie inforst him to discouer his sorrowes : Giletta sufficiently persuaded of his constancie ( after long suite by Rinaldo made ) was in the end contented to loue : After these two ( secretely ) had thus assured them selues , Rinaldo fel sicke , in whose absence one Seigner Frizaldo ▪ ( by her parentes consent ) was an earnest suter to Giletta ▪ who ( inferring on the familiaritie , betweene Rinaldo and Giletta ) became iealous , to quench whose mistrust , Giletta ( for feare of her friendes displeasure ) wa● forst to make a shewe of good will towardes Frizaldo , whome she loued not , and to hate Rinaldo , whome she liked as hir life . Rinaldo ( vnacquainted with his maistresse meaning ) by the peruerse practises of Frizaldo , was driuen into despaire , in so muche as he leapt into the riuer of 〈◊〉 , of purpose to drowne himselfe : But wearie of this enterprise , ( labouring for life ) he recouered the shoare : afterwards was knowne vnto Giletta , and hauing notice of Frizaldos trecherie , he slue him in a combat , and after , with the consent of her friendes , married Giletta .

The storie at large .

IN Italie ( neare to the riuer of Poo ) there dwelled a noble man of great reputation , called the Lord de Bologna , who ( besides his speciall credite ▪ with his Prince , his destered companie : among the noble men , his vncontrouled sway , both in court and countrie : the great possessions , inheritaunces , reuenues , annuities , and other commodities he had , to maintaine his honourable calling , to worke his chiefest comfort ) had by the Lady Katherine his wife , a toward yong Gentleman , to his sonne called Petro de Bologna , and also a daughter whose name was Giletta , at that time vnmatcht , both for vertue , beautie , and shape .

Petro de Bologna , hauing ouerrun ninetene or twentie yeares ( still ouerlookt with the counselling eyes of his naturall parents assured friends , and carefull tutors ) became not now only desierous of more libertie , but wonne with the intising pleasure of the Court , and finding in him self sufficient cause of desart , he bent him selfe wholy to professe the exercises of a perfect courtier , where in in short time , he so greatly profited , as that he was reputed to be one of the gallantest Gentlemen in all Italie . Petro de Bologna ( attaining this estimation ) liued awhile vnwitcht , with the alluring beauties of braue Ladies , yet on the souden , subiected with the sight of fayre Iuliet ( a noble mans daughter of the sayd countrie ) & ioyning her excellent shape , with the report of her matchlesse vertue , he foorthwith transformed his late liking , vnto such faythful loue , as secretly he vowed , that neyther change nor chaunce , should ( whiles life lasted ) remoue his affection , and to make his thraldome knowne , by continuall seruice , he craued reward . Maistresse Iuliet finding his wordes ▪ in workes , & perceiuing by the often alteration of his colour , what humour most of all fead him ( ioyning the assured knowledge of his loyall loue , with other his desarts ) presently in thought she gaue consent to loue , so that afterward she vsed towardes Petro de Bologna , what honest courtesie she coulde . The newes of this loue , was so●denly spread throughout the whole Court , and in the end it came vnto their parents eares , who waying the equalitie of the matche , gaue willingly consent , vnto that , these two louers most desiered . And to exile all iealous mistrust that lingring might bréede , the marriage day was in great haste appointed .

To honour which , a worlde of people resorted vnto the Lord de Bolognas castle . For the intertainment of whiche guestes , there neither wanted costly cheare , curious shewes , or pleasaunt deuises , that eyther money , friendship , or cunning might compasse . And to be short , diuers Gentlemen that were the bridegromes companions ( the more to honour the marriage ) presented him one night with a maske , so curiously set foorth , as it yealded a singular delight , vnto all the beholders . Among the which maskers , ther was one Roberto Rinaldo ( a Gentleman of better qualities and shape , then either of byrth or liuing ) made choice to maske maistresse Giletta , the bridegromes sister . But on the souden he was so surprised , with her passing beautie , as he fared as one , whose senses , had forgone their dutifull office , he ofte forgot to vse due reuerenc● vnto his maistresse . Sometimes he masked without measure , and many times when the rest presented their Ladies with voluntarie prattle , he vsed silence . Thus continually visited with passionate fits ( of the beholders marked , of his maistresse misliked : ) time in the ende , forced him and the rest from dauncing , whiche done , the maskers were inuited vnto a costly banquet , who ( marching with their Ladies ) with manly force encountred with many a monster , whose grose bodies , were transformed into a sugred substance . The maskers nowe ( on easie request ) did off their visardes , as wel to make them selues knowne vnto their maistresses , to manifest their zeale towardes the Lorde of the house , the bridegrome and his faire bride , as to shew their desire , to delight the whole companie . Rinaldo ( greatly ashamed of his disordered masking ) with blushing chéekes oftentimes , very earnestly behelde faire Giletta , Maistresse ▪ Giletta seeing him in these passions , and knowing his wonted audacitie , was assured somewhat was amisse with him , so that to be better acquainted with his malladie , with a prettie smyle she vsed these speaches .

Quoth she : Friend Rinaldo , I suppose your visard did you great wrong this night , for that by your vnperfect sight , you mistooke your choice , so that wroth with your fortunes , or angrie with poore Giletta , she hath noted a number of souden alterations in you , but if eyther be the cause , remoue your choler , and comfort your selfe , that you tempered your toung so well , as she knoweth none of your secretes .

Rinaldo glad of this opportunitie , answered : My souereine maistresse , in very déede , I greatly mistooke my chocie : For wheras I had thought and determined , to haue made it so in different , as I might haue vsed my tong at will and pleasure , I confesse it fel out so vnegal , as I ( forst ) must yeald vnworthy to be your slaue , so that musing on this mistaking , I not only masked mute , but I forgot to present you with my willing seruice . Rinaldo being newely entered into his answere , the Reuels broke vp , and euery man went vnto his rest , so that he was forced to discontinue his suite , and bid his maistresse fare well : which reuerently done , he foorthwith went into his chamber , and so to bed , but his sleepe he diuided on those , whose heades were frée from fancies : For he ( God wot ) one while , matching his base estate with her highe calling , sawe an impossibilitie of fauour . Anone , ioyning her curteous disposition with the force of loue , was fed with slender hope Thus hanging betwene hap & harme , the more he striued , the more he was measht , in the nextes of restlesse fancie : but in the end , resolued to prosecute his suit , he soudenly caused his man to light a candle , and then to pro●●er his seruice ▪ to paint his sorrowes , and to vse excuse for his late silence , he inuented these verses following .

THe pyning wight , presented with reliefe . With souden ioy , awhile forgoes his sense : The retchlesse youth , likewise besiegde with griefe , With feare dismayd , forgets to vse defence : Such is the force , of hastie ioy or woe , As for the time , few knoweth what they doe . And I vnwares , with both extremes forgone , Subiect to loue , that neuer felt his force , One while dismayd , I starude in wretched mone , And straight through hope , I tasted sweet remorse , Soust with these stormes , when I shuld moue my s●it , Small wonder though , a while I masked mate . And yet ( God wot ) my sighes did plead amaine , They broke the cloudes , that cowred all my care , My ruthfull lookes , presented still my paine , As who wold say : When wil she cl●●re thy scare ? Attending thus , when you should note my case , The time forewent , ere I could sue for grace . But now ( constraynd ) néede makes the créeple goe , My festred sore ( of force ) some cure must seeke , My woundes so bléed , I can not hide my woe , My hurt is heald , if you my seruice like , Let egall loue , goe bath in wished blisse , Suffiseth me , my maistresse hand to kisse . Lo thus , deare dame , you know my case and cure , It rests in you , my life to saue or sp●ll , If you desire , I should these stormes indure , Commaund my death , and I will worke you● 〈◊〉 , If not in time , him for your seruant ch●se , Who liuing dies , till you his ser●●●ce vse . Roberto Rinaldo

This little leasure , together with the disquietnesse of mynde ( as appeareth by the plainenesse of this inuention ) wrought an alteration in Rinaldos muse , yet for that his deuise , somewhat answered his owne estate , he was content to present it to maistresse Giletta , and perseuering in the sayde purpose , the next morning he clothed him selfe in russet satten , garded with blacke veluet , whiche witnessed he did both hope , and dread : he thus appointed ( chusing a place of moste aduauntage ) willingly lost these verses . Giletta by this euening fare well , looking for such a morning welcome , was the first that found them , who soudenly withdrewe her self , with earnest desire , effectually to peruse Rinaldos deuise . Which done , one while she scorned his base estate , and straight she was contented of Rinaldo to be beloued : so that ( her mynde distempered with the contrarietie of fancies ) neyther angrie nor well pleased , she wrote this following answere .

Although it pleased you this other night ( occasion by me vnhappily ministred ) to intertaine time with an ordinarie profession of loue , yet ( master Rinaldo ) you doe both me and your selfe great iniurie , to continue your néedelesse labour with such importunancie to me . For that you trust to ouerthrow my vertues , with the assault of wanton persuasions , your selfe , for that I am assured you warre in vaine , but for that I want wit , to incounter you , in words or writing . I wil hencefoorth likewise want will , to take knowledge of eyther your exercises . Thus muche ( being your firste attempt ) I thought good to answere , least you should thinke with néedelesse nicenesse I acquited your courtesies . And for that you knowe the successe of your faultlesse aduentures , I trust to be no more troubled in answering your idle letters .

Giletta de Bologna .

This letter so soone as Giletta had surely sealed , she presented her selfe in the great chamber : Rinaldo ( delighted in nothing so muche , as in the sight of his maistresse ) with the first saluted her . Maistresse Giletta , courteously ( as she did the rest ) acquited him , dissembling as then , her knowledge of his verses , but notwithstanding this carelesse shewe , her mynde was combred with a thousand contrarie fancies , one while she mistrusted the inuention to be his owne deuise , an other while she feared to deliuer her answere : nowe she loued , straight she scorned , and yet in her greatest disliking , she liked to looke on Rinaldo , and as it is the nature of louers ( subiect to a thousand distresses ) to search all meanes to be assured of their choyces loyaltie , so here maistresse Giletta ( newly entered into that profession ) by the often beholding of Rinaldo , and marking the colour in his apparell , tooke occasion vnder the colour of a pleasant request , to be acquainted ( perhaps ) with his inward disposition , in so much , when as other Ladies , charged such as they thought well of , with seruice , Quoth she , for that I know ( maister Rinaldo ) you are a very good Poet , I inioyne you without further studie , to shewe in vearse , to what ende you weare blacke vpon russet : quoth Rinaldo ( willing to obey this iniunction ) deare Lady , although my sight in Poetrie be but small , yet will I ( to satisfie your request , ) supply my inabilitie of skill , with the abilitie of good will : and to execute the same , he called for pen , ynke , and paper , in the presence of a number , writing as followeth .

WHen Sommers force is past , and Winter sets in foote , The hart and strength of hearbs and trées , is nourisht by the roote . The frostes and froward blasts , doth nip the naked spray , The Sommer liuerie of the bowes , with colde is worne away , Yet liues such rootes in hope , that Phoebus glimering beames , Will once dissolue syr Hiems force , his frostes and ysie streames , And lend reliefe at length , when he their lacke should sée . With coates of leaues to cloth their armes , fit garments for a trée . Euen so both hope and dread , doth wage continuall fight , Deare dame , in me , whose Sommers ioy , you raisde with friendly sight , But loue , vnlookt ( God wot ) to yoke my wanton yeares , Straight vsde his force , and base desart , consumd my ioy with feares , It raysed frostes of scorne , my fire to ouerthrowe , This chaungd the Sommer of your sight , to Winter of my woe : Yet fled my heart to hope , who faintly féedeth me , Your pittie passeth poore estate , where faythfull loue you sée , He shewes by secrete signes , your vertues euery one , And sayes your beautie bréedes no pride , that brueth all my m●ne . But maugre friendly hope , base hap with me doth striue , Who weares my flesh , with withered feare , how so my hart doth thriue Which is the very cause , why I these colours weare , The ground of hope , bewrayes my heart , the gards my desperate feare : But if with graunt of grace , my griefes you meane to quite , Both hope and dread shall soone be chaungd , to colours of delight . Roberto Rinaldo .

These verses were reasonably liked , both for that they were done of the souden , and that they somewhat answered the demaunde , and yet this proffered loue to Giletta , bred no suspicion , for that euery one thought , Rinaldo on so good occasion , could not otherwise choose , but proffer some shewe of louing seruice : After many had thus commended the redinesse of Rinaldos wit , by profe of this inuention , at the length ( quoth Giletta halfe smyling ) maister Rinaldo , you haue clearkly answered my question , and nowe knowing your cunning , I may haply set you a worke in matters of more importance . Rinaldo ( glad of this commendation ) made answere , her causes could neuer wearie him , for that he had both left his own , and al other businesse , of purpose , to do her seruice . The musicke now ( a while ) commaunded them from prattle , and the gallants addressed them selues to dauncing , where Rinaldo , to make amendes for his other nights negligence , requested to leade maistresse Giletta the measures . Giletta , although at the first made the matter coy , yet won by importancie , accepted his courtesie . Rinaldo somewhat incouraged by hope , bestowed him selfe to the best liking he could , and ( to report the truth ) with the perfection of Arte , he made full satisfaction for his former disorder . The dauncers nowe wearied with heate , applied themselues vnto more cooler pastimes , and Rinaldo and Giletta went to take the ayre at a medowe , where Giletta to bewray her knowledge of his verses , vsed these speaches .

In good fayth ( although against my will ) I sée it is my fortune to be acquainted with your secretes , so that before mistrusting , that I am most assured of , by your passionate verses which ( by fortune ) I perceiue , that the late mistaking of your loue inraged you , yet for that they appertaine not vnto me , and that ye shall remoue your anger from me ( if you wil stay my returne ) I will fetch them , and make restitution , assuring you , that I neyther haue , nor will , reueale the knowledge of them to any aliue . To stay her departure quoth Rinaldo ( softly distrayning her hand ) since my fortunes were so euill to lose them , for that séeing an inpossibilitie of hap , I would haue concealed my harme , I am glad my fortune is so good , that they light into her handes , to whome in right they belong , vnto whose power ( with vowe of continuall seruice ) I subiect my life , liuing , & libertie . Maistresse Giletta raking vp her conceiued loue , in the ashes of secrecie , thus answered : If I were so simple to be bewitcht with shadowes , your intising words , might no doubt worke spoyle of myne honour . In the chiefest hope of my wel doing , quoth Rinaldo , ( disturbing her tale ) you haue truly described my present condition : for being reft of heart the only stay of life , and dying through despaire , I am in no better state then a shadow . Well quoth Giletta , since your wit serues you to flourish on euery worde figuratiuely spoken , I will deliuer the rest of my minde in more plaine speaches . First I must confesse , my inabilitie , and vnworthinesse , to entertaine such a seruant : then graunt your wisdome to be such , that you will not bestowe your able seruice , but where you sée sufficient abilitie , for your well deseruing zeale to haue deserued hyre . Nowe to your verses I thus muche conceiue , that to colour that , your owne colour bewrayes , I meane your loue else where bestowed , for that I ( vnhappily ) ministred some speaches of mistrust , to dymme mine eyes with a vaine flourish , til time fits your better fortunes , you vse this fonde profession of loue . Thus much I gather both by your wordes , and workes , and thus much I had thought to haue deliuered in , in embassage , vnto this teltale paper , ( making shew of the letter she had written ) but knowing ( quoth she ) letters to be very blabs , I am glad opportunitie so serues , that I may deliuer in wordes , both what I thinke of you and your suite , with this she put vp her letter againe , I thinke for that she woulde not discomfort Rinaldo with the sharpnesse thereof , who faine would haue fingered the same , onely to haue bestowed his skill in answere : but to shew his able force to incounter her in wordes , in déed quoth he , letters are but to be vsed in necessitie , & yet where griefs can not otherwise be vttered , necessarie instruments . But I find this benefit in my bondage , that if I were both bard of tong and pen , my flaming sighes , my frosen teares , my wan lookes , and withered fleshe , would witnesse with what deuotion I serued : which zeale through my chaunging colour by you noted , I not a litle ioyed , and I no lesse sorrowed , you would not take notice , to what Saint I vsed this deuotion , when as Rinaldo calleth heauen and earth to witnesse , that neyther beautie , brauerie , or any other inticement ioyned with the credite , of the greatest Lady in all Italie , coulde subiect his libertie , til Gilettas vertue , matcht with matchlesse beautie , reacht the pitch that stoupt his mounting thoughts , to whom , and for whom he vseth this suite , and suffreth these sorowes . Giletta séeing the continuance of his vehemencie , was pretily well persuaded of his loyaltie , in so muche as after a number of other proffers and defences , in hope ( quoth she ) of your readie dutie , I admit you my seruant , with promise to measure your rewarde beyond desart . Rinaldo glad of this conquest , after double vowe of faythfulnesse , reuerently kissed his maistresse hand , and for that time committed her , a Dio.

I will nowe ouerleape , what a number of sowre and swéete thoughtes fead these vnfained louers , one while they were distempered with dread : anon quieted with hope : now desierous with secrete vowe to warrant eache other loue : straight hindered by some vnfortunate accident , still meashed in the snares of miserie , till time that eyther ( with out condition ) might gage the other loyaltie , fayth , and constancie , prouided this wished opportunitie , which was : On a day the Lord Sonsago , father to the late rehearsed bride , to perfect the glory of the sayde marriage , inuited the Lorde of Bologna , and his sonne in law , with other of their friendes , and allies , vnto his castle , at whiche place Rinaldo with the rest of the ruffling youth , on smal warning , & lesse bidding , as ordinarie visitors of such pastimes , presented them selues . The dinner solemnly ended , euery one was addrest vnto the sport most agréeable to his or their fancie , some fell to dauncing , some to putting of purposes , & such voluntarie prattle . But Rinaldo and his Giletta , otherwise affected , then to listen to those couterfet contentments , ( to find opportunitie to discourse of more serious matters ) with a chosen companie conueyed them selues , vnto one end of the great chamber , where Rinaldo , to passe the time , in reporting the straunge effects of loue ( playing on a Lute ) soung the following inuention .

In bondage frée I liue , yet frée am fettered faste , In pleasure paine , in paine I find a thousand pleasures plaste , I frye , yet frosen am , I freese amid the fire , I haue my wish , and want my will , yet both as I desire , I loue and liue by lokes , and loking workes my woe , Were loue no god , this life were strange , but as he is , not so . For through his aukward fitts , I suck such swéete in sower , As I a yeare of dole would bide , to haue one lightning hower . I like no life , but such , as worketh with his will , His wil my wish , my wish to loue betyde good luck or ill , No choyce shall make mée chaunge , or fancie new desire , Although desire first blew the cole , that set my thoughtes on fire . But fire , frostes and all , such calme contents doth moue , As forst I graunt there is no life , to that is led in loue . Yea base I thinke his thought , that would not gladly die , To leade but halfe , of halfe an houre , in such delight as I. Now thou deare dame , that workste , these sweete effectes in mée , Uouchsafe my zeale , that onely séeke , to serue and honour thée . So shall my thralled brest , for fancies frée haue scope , If not , it helpes , I haue free will , to loue , and liue in hope . Roberto Rinaldo .

These Uerses although they were in number few , yet the swéetnes of the tune , together with the rarenes of the inuention , running altogether vppon contraries , made them to be singularly well liked , especially of mystresse Giletta , who could now no longer dissemble her loue : In somuch as to further occasion of knowledge , shée requested of her seruaunt , to haue a coppie of the said Uerses . Rinaldo of nothing more desirous , then with courtesie and seruice , to present his mystresse , hauing this Sonet already faire written , first satisfied her request , with the deliuery thereof , and next solicited his owne sorrowes , with these persuading wordes .

My good mystresse , I am glad ( quoth hee ) your eare was so ready , to heare my straunge estate discoursed , as that your heart consenteth ( in perusing this worthlesse Sonet ) to continue in your remembraunce my sower passions , neuer appeased , though sometimes comforted with the swéete effects of hope . So that if it please you to note the sequele of my life , you shal easily sée the subiection of my libertie , which knowne , I no otherwise conceiue of your courteous disposition , but so often as you reade my crauing woords , seing them confirmed in works , so often you wil be ready to perfect my vnsure hope , with assured hap : I meane , bestowe your loue on him , who were it not to do you seruice , would through the extremitie of loue , rather wish to die then liue . My good seruaunt ( quoth Giletta ) I thinke your cure stands not vppon such necessitie , but reason in time may qualifie your raging fire , and wysedome warme your frosen feares , or at the least wise warne you from such vntemperate affections . O , no ( quoth Rinaldo ) time hath made both extréemes more extréeme , for when as reason would haue quenched , my burning loue , with the thought of my vnwoorthines , the remembraunce of your worthines , made my heate more feruent : when hope would haue warmed my frosen doubtes with the knowledge of your great pitie and compassion , the consideration of my base desert , streight made my cold more cruell : So that intertayning time with these thoughtes , time hath brought both extremities , now to such a mischiefe , that necessitie ( perforce ) commaundes mée to séeke qualification at your handes , in whose good will , the termperature consisteth .

I thinke ( quoth Giletta ) my milde disposition , in very déede , makes you a great deale more desirous , yea your knowledge of my inward lyking by my outward lookes discouered , makes you so earnest a suter : But if I were persuaded your loue to be as great in zeale , as in showe , yet for that I know not whether it tends to honestie or my dishonour , I can hardly aunsweare your sute , if any way , with the spoile of my good name , you seeke to féede some foule affection , your loue I loth , and so you sue in vaine . O my swéete mystresse ( quoth Rinaldo ) your words at one instant haue ioynde two contraries , in such mortall fight , as to whom the victorie will incline , is as yet doubtful , I meane hope and despaire : for I earnestly beholding your lokes , when as you said , they shewde you loued , in very déede to my iudgement I sawe in them the very Image of loue : therewithall ( quoth I ) to my selfe : Loue cannot hate the welwillers of loue . But as I was continuing this fancie , with the continuaunce of other your comfortable speaches , on the soudaine , an Yf , distrusting my loyaltie , cleane altered the case : For trust mée ( swete mystresse ) my faithful loue , vnspotted with villanous desire , when you vsed those speaches , streight murmured at your suspicion , yea dread still persuades mée , your ouer often mistrust , will hinder the acquitall of my deserte , and yet hope destrous of victory , wills mée not to bée discomforted thorough your wise misdoubte , least silence in mée , should woorke in you a greater suspicion : wherefore before God and you , I protest with my heart , yea if you please , to vse the world for after witnes , I wil sweare vnto you all , I neuer had the thought , that tended vnto your dishonour : then dashe ( good Lady ) this hard condition of foule desire , from out the other couenaunts of loue , and take my vow of faithfulnes , for the warrantyse of my honest and true intent . Sutes must haue an end , & sorrowes a salue , either by the benefite of fortune , or violence of death : For I , thorough the extremitie of sorrow , being now brought to the exigent of desperation , am forst to sue vnto you for attonement , presenting vnto mee in this case , both the image of good fortune and death : of good fortune if you loue , where you are loued : of death , if you hate where you are honoured . Sufficient triall you haue had of my loyaltie . Since so ( good Lady ) say yea , or no : either answere wil worke appeasement of my sorrowes , the one with death , the other with delighte . Soft ( quoth Giletta ) haste makes waste , your Haruest is yet in grasse , you may very well stay for aunsweare . These words with a smyling countenaunce deliuered , shée forced to departe , yet not in such hast , but that Rinaldo had leysure ynoughe to rob her of a kisse , which fed him with such a swéete conceite , as that hee was persuaded , with the assault of importunancie , on the next aduenture to conquer her straungnes and attaine good will , so that to lay his siedge with the better aduauntage , to her doubtfull woordes hee thus replied .

More haste then néede , doth turne to waste , and waste doth al thinges marre , Your Haruest , is in grasse good Syr , as hastie as you are . This doubtfull ieast , among my ioyes , my mystresse late did poppe , But I reply , that backward haste , can neuer blast my croppe . For sith ( swéete wench ) my séede of loue , hath taken roote in time , And cleare escapt the frostes of scorne , that pincht it in the prime . Now that the spring time of your grace , hath raisde it to an eare , The kindely riping of the same , in faith I litle feare . For scorched sythes , like Summers sunne , will hasten on this wheate , And stormes of teares , as heauenly dewe , shall nourish with the heate . The ielous wéedes of foule suspect , which louers ioyes doth sting , Shall cropped bee , with hooke of faith , that fauour freash may spring . Then banish dread , from thée déere dame , my speede will worke no waste , Since that the season serues so well , our Haruest for to haste . Roberto Rinaldo .

These verses were written in hast , & presented in as much haste , such was Rinaldos hastie desire a fresh to followe his sute : and yet not so hastie , as of Giletta hartily wished , the heate of eithers loue , for eithers sight so hastily thyrsted . But now to cut off ciccumstances , Rinaldo , vppon this new onset , charged his maistres with such vehement persuasions , as her nicenesse was of no force to make further defence , in so much , vppon a modest occasion , shée yelded to loue . This swéete consent by Giletta pronounced , with soudaine ioy so spoiled Rinaldoes senses , as for a time , hée fared like one in an extasie . But so soone as this fit was ouerblowne ( quoth he . ) Rinaldo how bountifully hath Fortune dealt with thee ? How blessed is thy estate ? canst thou tell ? O , noe . Thy ioyes so hugely flow , as the least of a thousand comforts , thou canst not vtter . And could good Giletta so much tender thy distresse ? Could shée brooke Rinaldoes pouertie ? And could shée loue the wight vnworthie to be her slaue ? Her selfe said , yea : Then ( as homage of his saued life ) most worthie mistresse , of thy vnworthie seruaunt , receiue , with vowe of continuaunce , Faith , honour , loue , and seruice . I craue no more saue faithfull loue ( quoth Giletta . ) Giletta herselfe , in discharge of her duetie , will vse towards her Rinaldo , honour and obedience . Whom if shée finde constante , let fortune doe her worst , shée hath her contentment , and yet my good Rinaldo ( quoth shee ) foresight is the onely instrument of quietnes . I knowe my father & other friends , if they knewe of our loue , with stormes of displeasure , would hinder the accomplishment of our desires , if whose good will by any meanes , may be wonne , the execution of our ioyes , I meane our mariage day is well delayed , but if they nill consent , happ wel , happ ill , Giletta submittes her selfe to Rinaldoes good will . My good maistresse ( quoth hée ) your poore seruaunt ( full satisfied for his harde fortunes fore past , as also to come ) subiectes himself to your wise consideration : Yea , Rinaldo wil not in one iot , contrary Gilettas direction , althoughe hée purchase death with the execution of her pleasure . Wel quoth Giletta , let time worke her will , yet liue thou Rinaldo assured of thy Gilettas loue , who likewise liueth in hope of thine : But in hope swéete mystresse ( quoth Rinaldo ) there is no hope withoute mistruste , and causelesse mistrust woorketh two iniuries : The one in distempering the mistrusters minde , the other in suspecting the well meaninge friend . But the offence towardes mee I fréely pardon , so that thou wilte ( to woorke thine owne quietnesse ) take knowledge , how that my heart is close prisoner in thy breast , which maye not be remoued without thy consente . And for that wée must attende time , for the perfection of oure ioyes , to intertaine time withoute distruste of loyaltie , Deare Lady , of thy poore seruaunte , vouchsafe to take this Diamond , whose poesie is : I will not false my faith : Protestinge before the hyest , to accomplish those woordes in woorkes . Giletta willingly receyuinge this ring , in this sort acquited him : My good Rinaldo ( quoth shée ) I gratefully accept your gift , and that in absence , you may both thinke of mée , and your vowe , for my sake weare you this Iewell , wherein is written : Fortune may hinder my loue , yet none but death shall breake my vowe . These two louers hauing by secrete othe , thus warranted eche others loue , least their ouerlonge talke , mighte breede suspicion , now conueyed themselues into the thickest of the company , where after they had a while shewed themselues , Rinaldo in respecte of his late conqueste , had the ordinarye pleasures , the which hée sawe in skorne . In somuch that to perfecte his contentemente with swéete imaginations , hée conuayed himselfe into his chamber : where , in praise of his good mystresse , and triumphe of his Fortunes , hée wrote as followeth .

Beautie leaue off to brag , thy brauery is but brayd , Thou mayst ( God wot ) thy visard vaile , thy wanton maskes are wrayd . Thy toyes in thy attyre , thy plumes fortells thy pride , Thy coyues , thy caules , thy curling cost , thy surfling helpes are spide . Thy gases are for guestes , that garish showes wil eye , Else who so blinde , but that hée can a painted visage spie , Then goe and market kéepe , where chaffe is sowld for corne , I hould ( Got wot ) thy vauntes as vaine , thy lures , and loue I scorne , For I beloued am , of one that thée doth passe , In faith as much as finest gold , excelles the coursest brasse . She néedes no frizling feates , nor bumbaste for her breastes , No glittring spangles for the gase , no ierkyns , iagges , nor iestes , Her onely selfe a sunne , when thou art iudgde a starre , Her sober lookes workes more regard , then all thy ruffling farre . The reason is , the heauens , to reape the praise alone , Did frame her eyes , her head , and handes of pearle and precious stone , Which iewells néedes no helpe , their beauties for to blase , When brauery shadowes fowle defectes , or serues for wanton gase . Besides her feature rare , her further fame to raise , Her witt , her wordes , her workes in showe , doth winne a world of praise , Then beautie haue no scorne , thy roome for to resigne , To her , whose sundry markes of grace , thus shewes shée is diuine . If not , thy champion chuse , if any dare auowe , I doe the wronge , thée to abase , and her so to allowe , And him I challenge forth , by force of fight to proue , She hath no match , whom thus in heart , I honour , serue and loue . Roberto Rinaldo .

These Uerses although they were too affectionately written , yet for two causes they were of Giletta very well lyked : the one was thoroughe the humour , wherewith moste women are infected , desirous to be praised : the other for that Rinaldo was the man that had soe highlye commended her , whom shée wished to be as farre ouerséene , in affection , as in his inuention : & although she acquited not his paines , with her penne , yet with other courtesies shée sufficiently wrought his contentment . In this sort , in absence , with letters , in presence , with lokes , signes , and louing gréetings , now & then , with a stollen kisse interioyned , for a space these louers , the one the other delighted . But ( oh ) I sighe to report , how soudainly fortune threatened the spoile of their desires , yea when they thought themselues of her fauor most assured , such are the chaunges & chaunces of loue . But sith her thretning ( after a number of griefes by these two louers suffered ) tourned into grace : with more willingnes , I enter into discourse of their sorrowes as followeth .

Rinaldo ( vnhappily ) matched with an ague , through the extremitie of his malladie , was forst to kéepe his chamber , so that by this accident exiled from the sight of his faire maistresse , the furie of his feuer was no sooner ouerpaste , but streight hée was charged with feareful fancies , Passing loue the cause of ielousie . continually dreading how that his absence would turne his Ladies loue to mislyking : thus hourely visited with vntemperate fittes , ( poore man ) hée was brought so lowe , as that , a liue , hée represented the very image of death . Good Giletta sorrowing the long absence of her Rinaldo , in the ende hearing the vnwelcome newes of his daungerous sicknes , presently fared , as though shée had felt the extremitie of his fitts : one while , she determined , to goe her selfe and comfort him , streight she dreaded the suspicion that might growe thereof , especially , for that Seignior Frizaldo , by the procurement of her friends , was so hot a suter , Frizaldo a suter to Giletta . as without some ielous thought he could neuer part her sighte : yet notwithstanding all these hinderaunces , in the ende shée was resolued , to visite her louinge Rinaldo , not by secret stealth , but with such a chosen companie , as it could be no otherwise thoughte , but that onely for courtesie , she went to comfort him . Seignior Frizaldo ( with the rest of the Gentles ) would néedes waite of mistresse Giletta , whose seruice I am assured was yll accepted , and himselfe to Rinaldo worse welcome : An vnwelcome guest . But secrete griefes , shadowed with fained good will , Giletta outwardly for his curtesie , thanked Frizaldo , and went with him and the rest , to Rinaldoes lodging : which Courtly company at their first comming , were brought into the sickmans chamber , whom when Giletta espyed , to lye languishing in his bedde , to comforte him first of all she vsed this greeting : How fares my good seruaunt ( quoth shée . ) Rinaldo on the soudaine vewing his Ladie , was so ouercome with soudaine ioy , as on the soudaine , the aunswere of his estate was farre to séeke : which when Giletta perceiued , in this sort shée continued her comforting woordes : what man ( quoth shée ) be of good chéere , a lustie hart will soone conquere this sicknes , dismay not your selfe with feare . By this time a sighe had vntyde Rinaldoes tongue , who very softly for feare of suspicion , thus replied : In very déede swéete mystresse ( quoth hée ) if I had had the vse of my hart , longe or this my griefes had béene eased : but , ah , my hart else where attends , it is Giletta ( and none else , that may dispose the same . Well ( quoth shée ) since I haue the vse thereof , I am taught by good authoritie , to keepe the sound from the sicke : your body is now distempered with a feuer , your heart with mée fareth no woorse then mine : so that at the least I will haue the bestowing therof , till I see you in perfect health , yet thinke that the comfort both of mine and your owne , shal be applyed for your reliefe . Here Giletta gaue libertie vnto the rest for to gréete Rinaldo , who bestowed their talke ( as they thought ) to his great delight : But Rinaldo , that rather regarded the sober lookes , and modest behauiour of Giletta , then the shyning brauerie of the rest , gaue small eare , vnto their pleasaunt prattle : Yea , séemed halfe offended with the continuaunce thereof , as who would saye , the sight of their wantonnes , wrought a fresh remembrance of his wretchednes . And truly there can be no greater torment vnto the pensiue wight , Others pleasures a griefe to the wretched . then to be throwne into the companie of the pleasant : not for that hée repineth at them , but that he cannot attaine their happinesse . The company perceyuing the small comforte , Rinaldo toke in their persuasions , on the soudaine became silente , so that Giletta had now libertie to make an ende of her tale : who ( for that night drue neare ) knit it vppe with this farewell . I sée wel good seruaunt ( quoth shée ) that our company ( although wée came for courtesie ) is rather a cumber then a comfort to your sorrowes , and therefore wée will now betake you to God . But to witnesse , I alwayes wish your contentment , A secrete vertue in giliflowers . vouchsafe this posie of Giliflowers , which carrieth this vertue , that about whose head they bee bestowed , the same wighte shal not bee much frighted with fearefull fancies . God graunt that be true ( quod Rinaldo ) for trust mée , swéete mystresse , the disquietnes of my minde hurtes mée more , then the distemperature of my body , but howe much of this vertue faileth in your flowers , so much I already finde in your friendly woordes , and to continue in remembraunce , your care to cure my miseries , weare you , good mystresse , this Rosemary braunche . Giletta willingly receyuing the same , for that she was to depart , with the help of another Gentlewoman , raised Rinaldoes pillowes , and layde his bedde furniture handsomly about him , where Giletta bowing ouer him , to amende some thinge oute of order , by fortune left with Rinaldo a kisse , the comforte whereof exiled the griefe hée should else haue conceiued , by her departure : but I am assured this poore stolen kisse , no more pleased Rinaldo , then it offended Frizaldo , who ( god wot ) with great impatiencie , murmured at these two louers familiaritie , & although the rest toke no heede of their speaches , yet his ielious suspicion , both read the letters of their flowers , and wrested out the sense of their subtile wordes . Neuerthelesse ( for the place sake at that time ) hée hidde his conceyued hatred , towards Rinaldo , with a friendly farewell . But in the waye homeward , hee pincht Giletta , with this scoffinge request : Away with this Rosemary ( quoth hée ) lest it hide some infection ( being sometime sicke Rinaldoes ) That maye offende you , ( quoth Giletta ) if it were any wayes infected , by this time the open ayre hath purged it , but if before this time , I my selfe am infected , it smally helpes to throwe away this poore braunch , and so your counsel is out of season , and yet for the same I courteously thancke you . Well quoth Frizaldo snuffinge at this aunsweare , you were best to perfecte your delighte , to weare a Rose with your Rosemarie , meaninge the first letters of those two flowers , aunsweared her louers name , Roberto Rinaldo . These woordes stroake poore Giletta dead , and yet shée pretily ( dissemblinge her knowledge of Frizaldoes minde ) found out meanes , to cutte off those crosse speaches , with argumente that méetely well contented him . But , poore wench , so soone as shée was bestowed alone in her Chamber , solitarinesse wroughte a freshe remembraunce of Frizaldoes doubtfull woordes , but yet after shee had a space bewayled her Fortunes , shée wisely entered into the consideration of her owne estate , and waying , howe greatly that Frizaldo was fauoured of her friendes , and on the contrarie parte , Rinaldo of small accompte , shée concluded ( to please all her friendes , and contente both her louers ) to vse this policie . Frizaldo whom shee smally esteemed , shée mente to féede with courteous delayes : Rinaldo , whom in déede shée honoured , shée determined in heart to loue , and in showe to hate , thinking by this meanes that she should extinguish & quench Frizaldos ielous suspicion : Ielosie can neuer be perfectly quenched . which in very déede , contraried her imagination . For although he liked Gilettas intertaynment , yet hee continually feared her affection towardes Rinaldo , yea hée eyed her with such mistrust , as that shée could hardly finde occasion to acquainte her Rinaldo with this deuise : notwithstanding hopinge of fauourable time to execute her purpose , shée continued her fained good will towards Frizaldo , but Rinaldo shée would neither sée , send , nor write vnto : Who wonderinge at this insolencie and straungenes , althoughe hée had hardly recouered his empayred health , yet hée aduentured abroade , to learne the cause of this soudaine alteration . But his ouermuch temeritie and makinge hast herein , had wroughte wofull waste of his life , had not God wonderfully saued him . For , repayringe vnto the place of his wonted ioy , and accustomed comforte , hée found his mystresse dallying with a fresh gallant : On him shée would not vouchsafe to looke : Yea , if on occasion hée saluted her by the name of his mystresse , very disdainful●y and scornefully , or not at all shée aunsweared him : On him shée frowned with a curst countenaunce : On his enimie shée fleared with a delightsome fauour : with him shee would not speake : with his enimie shée continually talked . Which vnfriendly welcome was far worse ( God wot ) to Rinaldo , then his late sicknes : But worst of al he digested the report of the Courtiers , who ( inferring on their familiaritie ) gaue out for certainty , that Segnior Frizaldo , should marie with mystres Giletta . These newes poore Rinaldo was like ynough to credite , himselfe seing such apparaunte proofe thereof , yea hée credited them so farre , as hée could not away with any thought of hope . In so much that scorning both Courte and companie , as one forsaken of himselfe , hée forthwith went vnto his chamber , wheras passionately discoursinge on his harde Fortunes , which plaint , hée powdred with a thousand sighes , by chaunce hée fastned his eye , on the Iewel which Giletta had bestowed on him , and with litle lust reading the posie thereof , supposinge she had falsified her vowe , toucht with the proofe of his wretchednes , hée forthwith wrote these vnder written Uerses .

For faithfull loue , the hate I finde in lue , My vowe performde , the false of her behest , The small reward , I reape for seruice true , Her ioy to sée , mée plunged in vnrest , Doth force mée say , to finde an ende of paine , O fancie die , thou féedest hope in vaine . I sue for grace , shée smyles to sée my smart , I pleade for peace , shée séekes to sowe debate , My sowre her swéete , my griefe doth glad her hart , I fawne , shée frownes , I loue and shée doth hate , Sith soe , I say , to finde an ende of paine , O fancie die , thou féedest hope in vaine . Starue thou desire , which kéepeth life in loue , And so my thought , from showring woe shall cease , But loue aliue , while fancie hope may moue , A lyuing death , my sorrowes will increase , Wherefore I say , to finde an ende of paine , O fancie die , thou féedest hope in vaine . My fancies dead , I end of woes should finde , My eyes , nay seas ( God wot ) of brackish teares Would leaue to loue , whom loue hath made so blinde : My thorned thoughtes , no more should foster feares . But oh ( aye mée ) for to proroge my paine , My fancies liue , and féedeth hope in vaine . Doe what I can , I pray on plighted troth , A ( simple ) thinke , shée will not breake this bonde , I vowe to loue , I will not false my othe , But , ah , I finde her false , and I too fonde : Wherefore good death , at once delay my paine , My fancies liue , and féedeth hope in vaine . Roberto Rinaldo .

Unto these Uerses Rinaldo set a very sollem note , and the nighte following , hée bestowed himselfe vnder Gilettas chamber windowe , where ( playing on his lute ) hée very mournefully sounge this passionate inuention , of purpose ( like vnto the Swanne , that sings before her death ) to bid his mystresse adieu for euer .

Good Giletta , hearing this sorrowfull farewell , much lamented her seruants estate , yet durst shée not at that instant any wayes comfort him . The cause was , Segnior Frizaldo , was then in her chamber , who knew very well , that it was Rinaldo , that with his sollem musicke , saluted mystresse Giletta , yea hée knew by the ouer often chaunging of her couler , how ( notwithstanding her dissimulation ) she greatly sorrowed Rinaldos distresse : and therefore he thought best , during his discomforture , by some slye policie , at once to ouerthrow him with distrust : and vntil the execution of this treachery , he thought best , to giue him this bone to gnaw vppon . First to shew his credite to be admitted into her chamber at that time of the night : Next ( to proue his authoritie ) hée called Giletta , by the name of his subiect : Who duetifully aunswered him , with the title of her souereigne : which done ( quoch hée looking out of the window ) it is for you sake ( faire Lady ) wée are presented with this swéete musicke , & although your vnknowen welwiller , maketh show of the sorrowes hée suffers not , yet courtesie wills you to intercept his paines with thankes . Poore Rinaldo hearing Frizaldos tongue , made no stay for Gilettas thankes , but returning to his chamber ( as one that had foregone his senses ( a while in sighes he vttered his plainte . And after his sorrowe was somewhat eased , ( quoth hée ) alas good Giletta , thy exchaunge is very hard , to leaue to be Rinaldos mystresse , to become Frizaldos subiect , But Rinaldo , worse is thy hap , that thou must serue her , that is subiect to thy mortal enimie , thy thraldome is intollerable , thy tornients without end , with violent death dispatch both thy seruitude and sorrowes , so shalt thou force them to pittie , that now triumphe at thy miseries . In this sort Rinaldo continually raged at his fortunes . Well , how euer Rinaldo fared , Giletta was not frée from sorrowes : for good soule , shée thought it hie time to acquaint her seruaunt with the continuance of her loue , and although shée had attempted many wayes , yet shée found no currant opportunitie for discouerie thereof , till in the end , shée determined , by letters to deliuer the Embassage of her minde , to which effecte , shee one day wrote these lines following .

MY Good seruaunte , I cannot but sighe to thinke on thy sorrowes , who inferring on my straungnesse , hast my faithfull loue in suspicion : and yet I cannot blame thée , that knowest not , what necessitie inforceth my coynesse : Alas , I liue in the gase of Ielous distruste , who with Lynxes eyes , watcheth my behauiour , so that of force , I am forst , to rarrie a shew of hatred , where in heart I loue . But of this assure thy selfe , althoughe Frizaldo ( whose familiaritie woorketh thy feare ) weareth both my gloue and Garter , yet Rinaldo hath , and shall haue my heart . So that ( swéete friend ) from hencefoorth ( hauing my constancie thus warranted ) when most I lowre , contrary my lookes with smiling thoughtes . And thus till more fortunate time , do perfect our wished desires , thy louing Mystresse , wisheth thée well to fare .

Giletta de Bologna .

When good Giletta had thus ended her letters , for that shée durst not trust Rosina her wayting woman with the deliuerie of them , whom shée knewe to be too well affected towardes Frizaldo to woorke him such an iniurie , shée determined to be the Embassadour her selfe , to accomplish which deuise , shee made an apple hollowe , wherein shée bestowed this letter , which shée closed so cunningly , that none by the outward show , could perceiue the inward charge thereof : But oh the force of ielosie , Frizaldo for that he could not alwayes be present to eye Gilettas behauiour , wonne her waytinge woman to watch her so narrowly , as shée might bée able to yeeld accompt of all her doinges . This trayterous mayde to her mystresse , so trustily performed his request , as although Giletta practised this deuise , in her secrete closet , yet through the cranell of a wall , shée had notice thereof , so that the night following , shée came to the fingering of this apple , and finding these louing lines in the body thereof , shée forthwith went to Frizaldo , to whom shée deliuered both the letter and apple , but he that foreknew Gilettas loue , towards Rinaldo , was rather glad , then sadde of these newes : For by this meanes , he spyde occasion presently to ouerthrowe Rinaldo with despaire : To further which villanous trechery , as néere as he could , he counterfeted Gilettas hand , and then in stéede of her courteous lines ( in her name ) hée wrote this vncomfortable letter .

RInaldo , A trecherous part . thy dissembling , hath wrought my displeasure , & although I will not shew how nor wherein thou art vniust , yet know thou , I know so well thy villanies , as no excuse shall remoue mee from reuenge . And if my vnpleasaunt lookes any way offende thée , assure thy selfe my heart tenne times more abhorreth thee : thereof let this my hand writing be a witnes , which I my selfe deliuer , to this ende , that thou mayst at once , end both thy hope , and vnregarded sute , by her that hates the more , then shee loues herselfe .

Giletta de Bologna .

When Frizaldo had made an ende of this letter , hée bestowed it in the apple , and wild Rosina , to laye the same where shée found it , the next day , hée brought Giletta where of force shée must sée her louing Rinaldo , and of purpose seemed carelesse of her behauiour , that she might haue opportunitie , to salute her sorrowful seruaunt . Poore Giletta vnacquainted with this treacherie , simplie deliuered Rinaldo the apple : saying , the vertue in the fruite , was of force to end his sorrowes . Herewith shée hasted after Frizaldo , without either aunswere or thankes , at her seruauntes hands , who receyuing this courtesie , beyond all hope , as one amased , at so soudaine a ioy , it was longe ere hée tasted this apple , and finding a letter inclosed therein , I can hardly report , the one halfe of his delight : But this I am assured , for his faire mystresse sake , he a hundred times kist both the seale , and superscription , before he aduentured to take knowledge of the hidden message therein : but when hée ripped it open , and found the forecited newes , alas poore man , his late swéete motions so increased his sowre passions , that if it were possible , for anye to taste more miseries , his fare excéeded the torments of Hell.

Ah God ( quoth hée ) how may it so swéete a face , should bée matcht with so cruel a hart , such heauenly lookes , with such hellish thoughts , so faire a creature , with so foule conditions , and so modest a countenaunce , with so mercilesse a minde . O Giletta , what meanest thou so to ecclipse thy honour , darken thy vertue , and spoile thy wonted report of pitie , by murthering of thy faithfull friend ? Hadst thou no feare of infamie ? no thought of former vow ? Might not remorse of conscience , withdrawe thée from disloyaltie ? Madest thou no more accompte of loue , then like vnto a garment , at thy pleasure to put off and on ? Couldest thou doe Rinaldo such iniurie , as to let another deuoure the fruites of his toyle ? Wouldest thou suffer Frizaldo to reape the crop of loue , that Rinaldo sowed with sighes , wéeded with faith , did nourish with teares , and ripened with continual seruice . Suppose , I admitt the force of thy second loue , in excuse of all these wronges , with what face , couldst thou triumphe in my miseries ? Yea desire my death , that loued thée so deare ? Trust mée , cruell Giletta , if thine owne writing had not béene witnesse , I would neuer haue thought thee inconstant , nor had not thine own hands deliuered the instrument of my destruction , I would hardly a credited thy letters , but on so certaine a proofe , in vayne it were to hope . Ah , God , how rightly didst thou hit my fortune when as thou saidst , thy apple woulde ease my sorrowes : in deed I found in it my death , & only death must cure my grief . And sith so subtily , thou prophesiedst my destruction , since it agréeth with thy wil , thy wretched desire , shal foorthwith be wrought . In this desperate mynde Rinaldo hasted vnto the riuer of Poo , where by the shore side he sawe a simple man , to whome he deliuered a scroll , wherein was written : Giletta false of faith Rinaldo nipt so nye , That lo he chose before his time , in stremes of Poo to dy .

Whiche verses he requested the poore man to deliuer at the Lorde de Bolognas castle , to maistresse Giletta , and then without vsing any other speache , he lept into the riuer . The poore man halfe amazed , at this wilful acte , foorthwith hasted vnto the Lorde de Bolognas castle , where after he had deliuered the writing to Giletta , he shewed for certaintie , he saw Rinaldo drowne him self . The newes was vnwelcome vnto euerie hearer ( saue only to Frizaldo , that trayned him into this mischiefe ) but especially to Giletta this tydinges was too too grieuous , she weapt , she waylde , she blamed her and his vnlucky fortune , Frizaldos iealousie , her friendes vntowardnesse , and chiefly her owne nycenesse , as instruments of Rinaldos lamentable destnie : in so much as , neither shew of pleasure , companie of acquaintance , or persuasion of friendes , could moue her vnto any comfort . Well , leaue we sorrowfull Giletta , continually bemoning the death of her best beloued seruant : and turne we to Rinaldo , who after he had a while felt the furie of the floudes , was wearie of dying , so that for life he laboured vnto the shoare , which happily recouered , he felt his stomacke at that instant rather ouercharged with water then loue , yet for that by sight of his sowre-swéete maistresse , he would not renue his sorrowes , nor that he coulde brooke , in the court to be frumpt and flouted at , he consented in a forrest neare adioyning vnto this riuer , in miserie to consume the residue of his life . And abasing his mind , vnto the condition of his distresse , he was content to take a hollow caue , for his house , and herbour , the bare ground , both for his bed and bedding . For companions , to make choice of wild beastes : to bemone his fortunes , vnto the wild forrests , to make the night rauen his clocke , his harmonie of hellishe noise of monsters , & his foode the fruits of the earth , O strange effectes of loue , that could vaile his mynde to vouchsafe these miseries : that lately held at will , almost what he could wish . But leaue I now to write of loue his force ( whom no man hitherto , could either truly define or describe ) and turne againe to poore Rinaldos hard estate , who roming in the wilde forrestes for foode , espied an apple trée , the fruit wherof , put him in remembrance , of the apple Giletta deliuered him , wherin he found a letter that forst him to this penance , the sight wherof with sorrow , not only slaked his hunger , but moued him to such impatiencie , that in despaire , and despight of the fruite , vpon the trée he carued this inuention .

O Needlesse fruit ( of sinne the meane at first ) Thou forcedst Eue , and Adam didst intice , To byte their bale , for which the earth was curst , And headlong they , from vertue fell to vice , Thou wert the baite , that Paris gaue the Dame , Who in reward , set stately Troy aflame . Thou didst conuey , the louing write that woode , Dianas nymphe , from chaste , to foule desire , By thée too soone , I ( wretched ) vnderstoode , Gilettas scorne , that chaung'd her loue to yre , And not content , but when my woes were dead , With former cares , thou combrest fresh my head . O enuious fruit , in whom few vertues are , Thy shew is all , but who so on thée féedes , Shall hardly finde , thée helpe , but health impaire : Then sith to man , such plagues thy beautie breedes , Would God thy guilt , vpon each apple trée , Igrauen were , for euery eye to see . Roberto Rinaldo .

Rinaldo thus freshly entered , into the consideration of his former loue , likewise felt his former vnquietnesse of mynd , faine would he haue found out some litle sparke of hope , but out alas , the sowre letter his swéete maistresse deliuered , together with her hatefull shewe against him , and her louing zeale towardes Frizaldo , so hugely increased his distrust , as by no means he could away with hope : in so much ( quoth he ) O cowardly wretch , why dost thou not by death , at once dispatch thy sorowes : rather than to die a thousand deaths , by pr●roging a lothed life , canst thou brooke continual bondage , when with one blow thou maist rid thy wretchednesse , set feare aside , vse force vpon thy selfe , thou hast liued an exile too long , since thou séest no hope of attonement at home , nor fealest quietnesse abroad . In this desperate passion , Rinaldo was determined to commit murder vpon him selfe , and yet he thought best to deferre the execution , vntil he might conuey him selfe neare vnto Gilettas lodging , that there her eyes might be witnesse of his loyaltie , & her owne crueltie . To has●en which follie , the next night he tooke his iourney towardes Bologna castle , and by the way he deuised this petition .

EUen with the bloud , that issues from his hart , Rinaldo ( wretch ) this sorrie boune doth craue , There may be grauen ( by some continuing Arte ) These woful words , vpon his timelesse graue . Loe here he lies , that reaped hate for loue , Which hard exchaunge , to slea him selfe did moue .

These verses Rinaldo determined to write with bloud that issued from his deadly wound , & comming vnto the place , of his desired rest , he drew his dagger , in mind to finish his sorowes But finding his enterprise ( by reason of the dead time of night ) vnlikely to be troubled , before he executed this tragedie , he weakely wrested foorth this heauie farewell .

Oh God ( quoth he ) that the grones , procéeding from my gored hart , might now awake Giletta , that she might sée the vse of my murthering knife , then wold my yawning breath , my bloudy sighs , & deadly gaspes , no dout bedew her chéekes , whiche hitherto my intollerable miseries , with ruthfull teares could neuer wet : so should she knowe my escaped dangers , were but lightening ioyes , for to inlarge my sorrowes : so might she sée , the vnfained confirmation of my loyaltie , accuse her of inconstancie : so séeing so vnnaturall a tragedie executed ( by the dome of her scorne ) vpon her faultlesse seruaunt , remorse might happily moue her to repentaunce , and pittie winne her from her wauering fancies . But ( oh ) I tyre time with too néedelesse a tale : she quietly sléepes , to whom I thus sorrowfully talke . Fare wel Giletta , farewel . These naked wals ( besprent with bloud ) shal shortly bewray my mone . My breathlesse corps , shal witnesse my constancie , and purchase ( I trust ) so muche pitie , as ( notwithstanding my carelesse prouision ) to be bestowed in some forgetlesse tumbe . I can not stay thy answere , and therfore I leaue it to thy curtesie . Come wished death , now vse thy force , my will is made , the time and place fitteth my desire , my teares and sighes are already bestowed , these wa●●es ( my executors ) only wanteth their hire : my waste bloud I bequeath them , only to continue remembrance of my loyaltie . &c. Good Giletta continually lamenting the losse of her seruant , both night & day was smally disposed to rest , in so much that leaning in her chamber window , she heard ( though not perfectly ) this sorowful discourse , and being moued with pitie ( as Rinaldos complaint grew to an end ) she vsed these words . Yonder mans tong , mone , and miseries , workes such fresh remembrance of my good Rinaldos destruction , An vnlookte for comfort . as for his sake , I wil apply vnto his sorowes what honest comfort I can . Therewithall she prepared her selfe to learne his cause of griefe : Rinaldo amased with this souden comfort , helde his hande from his throte , till Giletta was at his elbowe , who verie modestly demaunded , both what he was , & what forst him so pitiously to complaine . Rinaldo , on this small incouragement , began now to mistrust yll measure in others , and yet to trie in whome the fault might be , he at the first , both hid his name , and the true cause of his griefe from Giletta . Giletta earnestly noting the order of his talk , began now to be so distempered with the thought of Rinaldo , as she fell straight thus to bee moue his hard fortunes . Ah , good Rinaldo ( quoth she ) whersoeuer thy body lies in thought I so perfectly beholde thy image , as in euery mournefull tale , my thinkes I heare thy tong . Woe worth thée Frizaldo , to coole whole iealous distrust , I vsed shewe of hate where in heart I loued , and yet Rinaldo , thou art not blamelesse in that , when as I made thée priuie to the cause of my straungnesse , thou wilfully afterwards didst drowne thy selfe ▪ Herewith , Rinaldo to make Giletta partaker of his newe conceiued ioyes could not choose but discouer him self , whome when she perfectly knewe , And liues Rinaldo yet , ( quoth she ) and therwithal imbracing her best beloued , with very ioy fell into a swoone . Rinaldo séeing his Lady and loue to faint , spared for no kisses to fetch her againe . She being reuiued , and the heate of their ioyes somwhat qualified , I want skill , to will , to shewe what desire the one had to delight the other , but this I am assured , they in such sort ouerwent the night , that morning willed them away , ere eyther of them had thought of former sorrowes , or sought to worke for future ioyes . The womans 〈…〉 . But as it is sayde , the womans vnt , is more readier than the mans , in practises that answereth their liking : experience here makes proofe of no lesse . For when Giletta espied Rinaldo in a browne studie , with debating , which way they might best , easiest , and soonest , perfect their 〈◊〉 delightes , she comforting him with a pretie smyle , willed him to commit that charge vnto her , but in any case she warned him to liue a while vnknowne . Rinaldo faithfully promised to obey her direction , who after he had giuen , and taken a hundred loth to depart kisses , foorthwith posted vnto the next vncouth place , and Giletta secretly conueyed her self vnto her chamber : Who the next day forsooke her mourning wéedes , & with a chearefull countenance , she bid her friendes Buon giorno : who reioycing to sée her so pretily comforted , applyed them selues , vnto such exercises and persuasions , as they thought would best worke her contentation . Especially Frizaldo , who ( after it was giuen out Rinaldo was drownd ) was so muche of Giletta misliked , as that she could neyther abide his sight , nor would patiently heare his name , now seeing her stormie anger somwhat appeased , by litle & litle renued his louing suite . Giletta nowe to worke sure , ( bicause he should no more suspect fraude in her ouermuch familiaritie ) made the matter somewhat strange , & yet not so strange , but that Frizaldo might picke out incouragement to continue his bootlesse suite . Who refusing no aduauntage , charged her , and double charged her with importunate persuasions : she at euery assault , séemed somewhat to relent , yea , in the end she was content patiently to heare his request , & if she chaunced to crosse him with froward language , she wold comfort him with some fained good looke . Gilettaes father seeing some likelyhoode of the match he long desiered , I meane betweene Frizaldo and Giletta his daughter , furthered Frizaldos desire in what he could , in so much as coueting a spéedy dispatche , he one day inioyned his daughter to giue him a direct answere off , or on . Giletta modestly answered , the promise she made Rinaldo , was such a corsie to her conscience , through the feare of infamie , as althogh she had sufficiently tried ( & by trying liked ) Frizaldos honest and faithfull loue , yet she feared to giue hir willing consent , to that she hartily wished . Why quoth her father , your promise died with Rinaldo , & though he desperately dispatcht his life , neither law of God , nor Nature , can forbid you marriage : and to make you the more willing to that I wish , there shal be proclamation made , that if Rinaldo within one moneth come in & make clame to Giletta , he shuld be indifferent-heard , if not , Frizaldo to haue her as his lawful wife : by this means ( quoth he ) the clattering tongs that thou fearest , ( would note thee of inconstancie ) well persuaded of his death , by reason of his absence , will sure be staid . Giletta thus proffered , what she had thought to haue requested , set nicenesse aside , & fayning her fathers persuasions to haue conquered her , vpon this condition , yealded to marrie Frizaldo . The Lord de Bologna , made no delay , but presently vpon this consent , assured Frizaldo to his daughter Giletta , & caused proclamation to be made . This news wrought ioy on al sides : Rinaldo laught to heare this proclamation , for that he knew how to prouide sowre sauce for Frizaldos sweet delights . Giletta smilde to see how wi●el●ly , she had won her fathers consent , to haue Rinaldo , who she knew was ready to make clame . Gilettas frends reioyced to see her sorowes appeased : but Frizaldo aboue the rest triumphed in shew , he made no account of the prouiso in his assurance . For why , he thought a dround man wold hardly clame his right , the kind intertainment of his maistresse , so laded him with ioy , as that he bad iealouzie go trudge , distrust adieu , and al other hinderances auaunt : one while he inuites his friends , another while he makes choice of martiall calengers & champions , for iusting , turne , barriers . &c. Now he consults , with carpet knights , about curious masks & other delightful shewes : anon he runs vnto the tailers , to sée his apparell made of the straungest & costliest fashion , thus was he occupied in prouision of brauerie against his marriage day , he had no thought how Rinaldo wold be auenged of his trecherie , ouerthrow him in combat , weare his wéedes , marrie his wife , and vse his prouision of plesure , for the honor of his own wedding : he wold not sée secret hate that lay hid in Gilettas louing lookes , as the snake lurkes in the swéet grasse : his blinde affection made him forget the villanie he had offered Rinaldo , so that pricke of conscience could moue him to no repentance . For hauing reacht the height of his desires , he made her the instrument of his destruction , by whose dishonest seruice , he attained this shew of preferment , I meane Rosina , Gilettas waiting woman : who séeing the preparation for her maistres marriage , began to loure on Frizaldo , the reason was , at such time as he was out of Gilettas fauor , to currie friendship with her , he tolde this damsel , in respect of her curtesies , & in despight of her maistres iniuries , he would marrie her : which faire promise , this fouly falsed , might very wel force the poore wench to frowne . Which Frizaldo seeing , likewise saw without wise foresight a hindrance to his desires , & deuising how to repaire this breach of amit●e , he called to mind what smal trust was in a womans secrecie & waying what mischiefe he had executed , to compasse his louing affaires , now to perfect the successe he long looked for , he concluded ( in acquitall of the poore wenches courtesies ) to shorten her life . O wretch spoyled of pitie , rest of humanitie , catyfe more cruell then any Tygre , howe couldest thou professe to loue , with so bl●ndy a mynde , especially to acquite her with such crueltie , that spoyled her credit to do thée courtesie . But why weare I time to wonder at thy vnnaturall villanies , which spendst thy life without thought of vertue , and diedst without shewe of repentance . And nowe againe , vnto this tyrant Frizaldos actions , with a friendly countenaunce , he came vnto Rosina , and after his courteous salutations , Faire wordes makes fooles faine . he hayted his poysoned enterprise with this swéete persuasion . Sweete wench quoth he , thou séest a great preparation ( supposed ) for a marriage betwéene thy maistresse and me , if which were true , in fayth I should do thée too too much wrong , to whome I am in conscience betrothed . But for that thou maist now find performance of that in déeds , that hitherto I promised in words , I giue thée to wit my intent . Thou very well knowest my faithful loue once towardes Giletta , her smal regard of me , my suite , her scorne , yea her crosse answering of all my amorous actions , so that my necessitie enforst , I shund her sight , that nothing estéemed my seruice , dayly pleaded with teares , & solicited with sighes , which vncurteous ( nay cruel ) vsage ( as thou knowest ful wel ) soudenly changed my loue to hate , so that continuing ( or rather increasing ) my malice , I haue hitherto sought , how to be auenged . And lo , a happie opportunitie , her coynesse is come downe , & nowe she is content to loue the man , that she so highly hated , yea , to allure him with friendly lookes , whose teares sometimes could purchase no ruth , I meane my selfe , she is thus affected to : Who ( in truth ) rather séekes to be reuenged , of her former crueltie , then to reward her present courtesie , and to vse auenge more currantly . Upon this newe reconcilement , I shadowed my displeasure , with the shew of wonted kindnesse of purpose , when she thought her selfe most assured , then to giue her the slip , and now the ( supposed ) wedding day drawes neare , but her delight farre enough off . Nowe , nowe , swéete wench , the accomplishment of my promise , and thy comfort approcheth , it is thou shalt inioy the benefite of this preparation . Frizaldo meanes to marrie none but Rosina , whome he will shortly espouse : Wherfore ( quoth he ) to worke both secretely and safely in this matter , I meane the night before my ( supposed ) marriage with Giletta , to conuey thée to my house , and the next morning to make thée my wife ▪ This currant tale not a little pleased Rosina . She thought all was gold that glistered , she neuer remembred howe the poysoned hooke , lay wrapt in pleasant bayte , howe the Crocodile obtaines her pray with pitifull teares , nor howe subtile deuises , are ( ●or the most ) compassed with sugred wordes , she neuer dreaded insuing danger , but presently consented , to what Frizaldo should demaund , yea , she thought euery day a yere , vntill she had ouertaken this appointed houre : at which time according vnto promise , Frizaldo with two other ruffens , to whome he had deliuered his mynd , repayred to this mistrustlesse mayde , whome Frizaldo wild quickly to prepare her selfe to ryde with those his men vnto his house , and he him selfe would make what speede he might after . She ( that was ready an houre before Frizaldo came ) made answere , she was in a readinesse to perfourme his pleasure , and so with more haste , then good successe , away she packs . But so soone as these two ruffens had her in the forrest ( to sowre her swéete conceites ) they made her acquainted with Frizaldos commaundement . It was his pleasure she shuld be slaine , whose dome they promist , and would obey , and execute , and therefore they willed her to vse her prayers , for no persuasions might purchase grace . The poore wench thus beset with naked swordes , and séeing ( by their stearne countenances ) how those traytors were spoyled of pitie , began very lamentably to cry and scrike out : which these gracelesse variets hearing , commaunded her foorthwith to forsake her ouerloude clamors , and fall ( if she woulde ) quietly to her prayers , if not , they would abridge her short time of repentance . Good soule , she séeing them so furiously bent , became foorthwith silent , and only to proroge her life , ( I thinke ) with small deuotion , she fel a praying , for when she setled her self to most patiencie , she would soudenly exclame of Frizaldos tirannie . Rinaldo , who ( since his owne wilful exile ) liued in this forrest , by fortune hearde Rosinaes pitious complaint , and being well armed , hasted to learne the cause of so great an outcrie , who espying a gentlewoman , vpon her knées betwéen two ruffens , that with naked swordes were readie to shorten her life , set spurres vnto his horse , A vnlooked for rescue . for her more spéedie rescue . The varlets séeing an armed knight make towardes them ( without damaging the Gentlewoman ) foorthwith fled to saue them selues . Rosina thus happily preserued , through very ioy fell into an extasie , but being both reuiued and comforted by Rinaldo . Rinaldo presently perceiued , how that he had wrought this saftie vnto Gilettas waiting woman , and greatly wondering at the rarenesse of the chaunce , was earnest to knowe what led her to this misfortune , she not knowing ( by reason he was armed ) that when she had so often wronged to pleasure Frizaldo , was the man that saued her life , whiche Frizaldo traiterously sought , from the first to the last , layde open all Frizaldos trecherie , and further she sayde , that to morrowe he should espouse good Giletta . Nay , quoth Rinaldo , I my self hope to hinder that match , and to morrowe ( quoth he ) we wil both go to Bologna castle , in the meane while he prayed her to rest contented , with his intertainment . This long lookt for morrowe morning , is now at length come , and yet not so fortunate as to some wished for , but to him to whome it was most daungerous , it was best welcome , I meane to Frizaldo who ( hauing a lightening delight , against his souden destruction ) very early gets him vp , brauely arrayes him selfe , and accompanied with diuers gay gallants , with delicat musike , awakens Giletta . Giletta that liued assured of Rinaldos chalenge , séemed greatly contented with Frizaldos readinesse , and with what spéede she might , she decked her self as brauely as she could . The bridegrome and the bride being readie , the Lord of the castle , with the Lady his wife , accompanied with other their friends ( with what honor they could ) accompanied them both towards the church . But loe ( by the way ) an vnlookt for let , in viewe of the whole companie , there posted towards them a knight , accompanied with one only Gentlewoman , the knight ( well mounted vpon a blacke horse ) was armed all in blacke armour , saue vpon the left side , about his hearts defence , there was grauen a white Turtle Doue , with this poesie , Once chose , and neuer chaunge , the strangnesse of which sight enforst them to stay , to knowe the knights errant , who being arriued among them , his Gentlewoman was straight waies knowne , which straunge aduenture , greatly increast their wonder , and more greatly Frizaldos feare . Well , this gentlewoman , vpon her knées requested both pardon , and respyt to speake , whiche graunted , she made firs● report of the loue betwéene Rinaldo and Giletta : then of Frizaldos liking & iealous distrust , further how Giletta fained to fancie him , & to forsake Rinaldo , which deuise she wrote in a letter , & inclosed it in an aple , thinking by the deliuery therof , to acquaint Rinaldo with her mind . But ( quoth she ) this aple came to my vnhappie fingring , that which I deliuered to Frizaldo , who toke out the confortable , & counterfetted in Gilettas name , a cruel letter , that which he wrapt in the aple , & wild me to bestow the same where I found it : the day folowing , Frizaldo allured Giletta , wher of force she shuld sée Rinaldo , who deliuered Rinaldo this aple . Rinaldo reading the counterfetted letter , desperatly drowned him selfe : Which ill newes so discomforted Giletta , as she repined at all the instruments of his ill fortune , especially at Frizaldo , whose name she could not abide . Frizaldo séeing his suits so smally regarded , with shew of malice , in despight of her ( as he saide ) promist me marriage . Since Giletta won from this displeasure , Frizaldo with faire words , promist now to perform that in déed , the hitherto he promist in worde , I meane , vnder the colour of marriage , won me to go with two ruffens to his house , who by Frizaldos appointment , in a forrest not far off , were ready to murther me , had not this knight in happie time recouered me . I nowe haue said , vse your pleasure , & if you please pardon me . This straunge discourse , made them all secretly to grudge at Frizaldo . But Giletta , being perplexed , both with malice & feare , with malice against Frizaldo , for his too apparant trecherie , with feare , for Rinaldos absence , who she little thought to be the instrument of this discouerie . Frizaldo perceiued ( by the alteration of countenances ) what harts were won from him , by Rosinaes too true a tale : and although he found him selfe guiltie , yet he began to cleare him self with this shamelesse answere . This strumpet ( quoth he ) won by some ruffenly companion , that repineth at my good fortune , or thinketh by this meanes , to be auenged , for Rinaldos desperate and foolish end , without shame in her selfe , thus shamefully slaundereth me : But for that wordes will hardly quench the suspicion , that her infamous tale hath fired , I wil presently in combat proue my innocencie , and ( I trust ) discouer her trecherie , if any dare mainteine her vntrue sayings true . Frizaldo had scarcely concluded his chalenge , ere Rinaldo thus replyed . Notorious varlet ( spoyled of all humanitie ) I am he that wil mainteine her sayings true , and in reuenge of thy trecherie , will ( I trust ) soone seperate thy condemned soule ( wtout speedie repentance ) from thy carren body . Goe arme thy selfe , I attend thy comming . Infamous ruffen , wilt thou ( quoth Frizaldo ) and counterfetting ( through necessitie ) furie in steade of feare , foorthwith he went to arme him selfe . The rest of the companie , rather desirous to see an end of this accusation , them the solemnising of the marriage , attended Frizaldos return , who sone came , very richly armed into the field . The knights nowe sweare that eyther quarrell is iust , and at the trumpets sound so fiercely incountreth other , that both horse and men fal thundering to the earth . Frizaldo trusting in his force , Rinaldo both in his force & honest quarell , eyther quickly recouereth him self , and ( forsaking their shiuered speares ) with arming blade , freshly falles a hewing at others skonce . The knights thus furiously fighting , the standers by pray as they are affected , the indifferent , victory vnto the innocent , Rinaldos friendes vnto the vnknowne knight : but Giletta aboue the rest , wisheth Frizaldos ouerthrowe , whome she knowes to be faultie in the quarell . Still they fight , and yet the victorie doubtfull , one while Rinaldo hath the best , and straight a crosse blowe makes him lose his aduauntage . Remorse of conscience nothing weakeneth Frizaldo , but Rinaldos honest cause doubleth his strength , so that the longer he fought , the fearcer he was , and yet Frizaldo valiantly mainteines his dishonest quarrell . But what doth might auaile , when God assistes the right . Frizaldo for all his force , in the end beganne to faint : which Rinaldo espying , and eying his Ladies beautie , assaild him with such furie , that ere long he sent him dead to the earth . The battell thus fortunately won , Rinaldo vnarmes him self , & clames Giletta as his wife , the people at the sight of Rinaldo shoke the earth , with clamors of ioy . Giletta ( that lately wondered at Rinaldos absence ) now charged her father with his promise : the Lorde de Bologna , with the rest of his friends , agréed Rinaldo and Giletta should forthwith be married . The courtly companie that came to honor Frizaldos marriage , had his dishonest actions in such disdaine , as now they would not vouchsafe to sée him honestly buried . But with all their prouision of brauerie , on Rinaldo they willingly attended , glad was be that could with any curtesie present him . The marriage rites solemnly pronounced , these faithfull louers repaired to Bologna castle , where they were welcomed , with what pleasure might be had : yea , to conclude , for to worke satisfaction for their long miseries , there wanted nothing , that coyne , cunning , or credit might compasse . And thus after fortune had long threatned the shipwracke of their delightes , their constancie conducted them to the port of their wished desires .

El fine fa el tutto .

Epilogus . Vide the fall of the C. of Celant fol. 16. a. Cressids complaint ●o. 22. d Vide C. of Celant . fol. 2. a & fol. 10. b. LOe here the fruits , of lust and lawlesse loue , Loe here their faults , that vale to either vice , Loe Ladyes here , their falles ( for your behoue ) Whose wanton willes , sets light by sound aduice . Here lords may learn , with noble dames to match : For dunghill Kyte , from kinde wil neuer slye : The vessell long , will of the liquor smatch , Wherewith at first , the same we taste or trie . Here Cressids life , her lucke , and lothsome end , Their Fortunes paint , that Cressids heires are , Her fall doth will , all wantons to amend , Their lightning ioyes , are ioynd with yeres of care : Vide C. of Celant . fol. 7. b. & fol. 13. b. Vide Frizaldo fol. 45. Here youths , that sée , a strumpets angrie moode , May haply feare , to execute her hate : Their hard luckes héere , that purchase loue with bloud , Are warnings méete , for such as sowe debate . And to be short , the sowre in swéetest loue , Doth proue him blest , that least therof doth proue . Formae nulla fides .

THE GARDEN OF VNthriftinesse , wherein is reported the dolorous discourse of Dom Diego a Spaniard , together with his triumphe .

Wherein are diuers other flowers , ( or fancies ) of honest loue . Being the inuentions and collection of George Whestone , Gent.

Formae nulla fides .

The Argument .

DOm Diego a Spaniard , falling in loue with faire Geneuora , was in the prime of his fancies , with like loue by Geneuora friendly acquainted . Afterwards Geneuora ( else where fancying ) had Dom Diego in such disdaine , as still she crost both his suite and seruice with scorne . Dom Diego seeing an impossibilitie of fauour , exiled him selfe both from courte and companie , and vowed to liue and dye in the Pyren mountains , vnlesse Geneuora , would both remoue her misliking , and friendly fetch him home againe : who solemnely perseuering in this senselesse vowe , you may suppose among the Pyren hilles , to wrest foorth this following complaint of his wretchednesse .

DOM DIEGO HIS dolerous discourse . I ( Wretched ) weary am of toile , good death delay my paine : My words in wast , my works are lost , my wishes are in vaine . I serue with faith , my hire is fraud , I loue & reape but hate , And yet this woe doth wrong me most , I mourne without a mate . For if one drop of hope were séene , though dride with scorne in sight , I might with pyning Tantale ioyne , who sterues in swéete delight . Or if I could but halfe the hill , roule vp the tumbling stone , I had a mate of Sisyphus , to match with mée in mone . But , oh , O not my hap more harde , they haue a scambling ioy , But I no thought of swéete remorse , my souereigne is so coy . My ioy in was , my woe in is , and so is like to bée . My fancies turne , to firie sightes , aliue , my death to sée . The court , the court , where pleasure liues , with paine increast my care , Eche blisie séemde bale , eche gleame of grace , did mist my ioyes with scare . Eche show of sport , my sorrowes moude , eche pleasure made mée plaine , Yet there I preast , to féede on sight , digesting dire disdaine . Were loue not blinde , this life were straunge , for one to loue his foe , More straunge to haunt a place of harme , but most to ioy in wee . But ( Oh ) who féeles , his aukeward fittes , and suckes the swéete in soure , Shall bide a yeare of dole with ease , to féele one lightning houre . Such life I lykt , til sogge of scorne , did rise to dampe my ioyes , Till secrete sighes , wrought open scoffes , till flontes did quite my ioye . Untill the colours which I wore , my secrete mourning wrayde , Till dauntes of friendes , till frumpes of foes , my feeble hope dismayde . And till her blondie hate was séene , of euery n sight , Till then I neuer shronke , but sought with zeale , to quenche her spight , But then ( quoth I ) Dom Diego wretch , bid Court , not care adue , Some vnkouth haunt , thy fortune séemes , thy harmes alone to rue . Thou gau'st thy woord , to die her loue , let word , in worke agrée : Her checking chaunge , her scorne for faith , is no excuse for thée . A Hermits life , beseemes thy lucke , go haunt the Pyren hills . To touch the foode , wée may not taste , increaseth hungry wills . Therwith I vow'de , in desart houltes , alone to rue my harme , Where fretting sighes , doth serue for fire , my frosen flesh to warme . My foode , is aples , hawes , and héepes , such fruites as féede a beast , Wilde monsters are companions mine , in hollow caues I rest . A crabtrée staffe my surest stéede , my sterued legges to ease , My thoughts new wounds , increaseth stil , when cares I would appease . The watchfull clocke , the warning bell , the harmonie I heare , Is dreadfull noyes of dreadlesse beastes , of whom I liue in feare . My studie is to way , and waile , that fortune thus doth lowre , Wher wealth by want , once loue by scorne , my swéete by present sowre . Where fethers flue , about my helme , a willowe wreath to weare , My wéedes of worth , by cote of leaues , sharpe flowes , for deintie fare . My stately home , by hard exile , delight , by wythred woe , Doth force ( god wott ) my wasted teares , through griefe , a fresh to flow , My lute that sometime lent mée ease , hath neither frett nor stringe , My sugred voice , with howling hoarst , forbids mée now to singe . My penns are worne , my incke is done , my paper all is writ , Yet halfe my passions and my paine , vnpainted are as yet , So that for onely exercise , in trées and Marble stone , My griefe to case , I forced now , do graue my wretched mone . Liue longe in blisse thou loftie Béeche , wherein this vow is writt , No luring friend , nor lowring foe , Geneuras faith shall flitt . To witnes now , her foule vntruth , Dom Diego writes belowe , Her vowed faith , from knowen friend , is reft by fawning foe . But chiefe of all , thou sacred stone , remaine thou sound and safe , Continue thou these letters fresh , which are my Epitaphe , Hard by this rough , and ragged stone , Dom Diego ( wretched ▪ lyes , Geneuras hate exiled him , yet louing her hee dies . This homely tumbe , is all my helpe , to bring my death to light , This must record my faithfull loue , and show my Ladies spight , In time I trust some forrest Pan , or wandring pilgrime may , Peruse my woes , and to my swéete , this sowre message wray . To saue my faithfull boone vnbroke , to show my seruice iust , My souereignes scorne , with face of faith , her treason cloakt with trus● , Me wretched Dom Diego forst , before my time to die , My bones vnburied by this tumbe , makes proofe it is no lie . And now good death , with spéede diuorce , my soule from lothed life , My ioyes are worne , my pleasures past , my peace , is chaung'd to strife , I sée no meane of quiet rest , but onely death by thée , Then spare them death , whom pleasure hauntes , & vse thy force on me ▪

Dom Diego hauing for the space of 22. monethes , thus liued an exiles life , onely accompanied with sorrow , wretchednes and miserie , which comfortlesse companions no one houre forsooke him : it chaunced that Dom Roderico ( a speciall friend of his ) had occasion to trauel into Gascoine , and as hée iourneyed ( in the desart forrest , whereof this wretched louer was made frée citizen ) he mist of his way : in the end finding out Dom Diegos homely caben , of whom he demaunded the way to Barcelone , & hauing his aunswere , as he departed , hée espied in a corner of his cotage , two faire saddles , vppon the one of them was ingrauen this Poesse in Spanish : Que brantare la fe , es causamuy fea , To violate faith , is a thing detestable . Dom Roderico reading this poesse , called to remembraunce , how that his frend Dom Diego , in al his deuises vsed the same , & to be short , he so handled the matter , as the hermite , whom hée knewe not ( so was hée ouergrowne with haire , and worne with woe ) confessed himselfe to be Dom Diego his friend , & taking him a side , hée deliuered the whole cause of his exile . Dom Roderico , séeing this foster louers miserable estate , vowed ( with what possible speede hée could ) to worke his remedie , who ( for more haste ) forsooke his iourney , and returned home vnto his owne castle . At his comming home ( making no semblaunce of his knowledg ) hée roade to the place , where fayre Geneuora with her mother soiourned , of purpose to learne what new gallant had wooed her , and finting him to bée a yonge gentleman of Biskaye , who shortly after ( by her owne consent ) was minded to steale her away , Dom Roderico , so cunningly coyned with Geneuoras Page ( who wholy knew his mystresse secretes ) that he certainly learned the night of these louers departure . The same night , accompanied with ix . or x. Gentlemen his companions , and friends , he laye in waite for this Biskayne louer , & his Lady , who ( about x. or a xi . of the clocke , only accompanied with two or thrée gentlemen his companions ) came merely on their way . Roderico , so soone as he saw the instrument of Dom Diegos miserie , set spurres vnto his horse , & with speare in Rest , so rudely welcomed this Biskayne , that for all his coate of plate , hée pearst through both his sides . The souldiers of this amorous captaine , séeing their maister thus infortunately slaine , and waying their vnable force , to incounter with Dom Rodericos company , saued themselues by flight , & left woofull Geneuora to shift for her selfe : on whom Rodericos seruauntes soudainly seased ▪ & blinding her with a scarfe , with spéed conuayd her , where wretched Dom Diego liued . Dom Diego somewhat comforted with the sight of his swéete mystresse , began amaine to craue recompence for his faithful seruice . Geneuora so soone as she saw Dom Diego , and knew that syr Roderico for his cause , had murthered her minion , answered him ( & exclaimed on them both ) with what opprobrious speach she coulde , yea the more they persuaded her with friendly requestes , the more peruerse was her refusal . Dom Diego thus seing an impossibilitie of fauour , with inward sorrow fel into a swoon . Dom Roderico , seing the distresse of his deare friend , and the continuance , or rather increasing of Geneuoras disdaine , commaunded presently her throte to be cut . Dom Diego halfe reuiued , seing one redie to execute this iudgement , profered what reskue hée could . Oh good Roderico stay ( quoth hée ) I allow of thy honest zeale , yet attribute my wretchednes to fortune , not her fault : Wherefore for the loue thou bearest to mee , for the loue I owe to her , sée Geneuora without further damage , safely conueyed home . Geneuora seeing him offer reskue and craue her safe conduite , whose death , her frowardnes well nie had wrought , on the soudaiue was wonne vnto pitie , and louingly imbracing Dom Diego , shée offered satisfaction for his sorrowes , and for an earnest pennie shée freely kist him . Dom Diego , late the miserablest creature liuing , vnwares became the happiest man aliue , whose matchlesse pleasures appeare in this vnder written triumphe .

Dom Diego his triumphe . WHo can report that neuer tasted bale ? What difference is , twéene sorrow and delite ? And who may tell , a more triumphant tale , Then hée in ioy , that late was kept in spite ? I am the man : in mone there was none such : My mone is past , my mirth must be as much . Sith so : alone , I rule in throne of ioy , Of pleasures mount , I weald the golden Mace , Then leaue to bragge , you Princes proud of Troy , Your brayd delights , by mée can haue no place , Once beautes blisse , to vaunt doth make you bould , I haue such hap , and tenne times more in hould . And by your leane , your Ladies blemisht are , Aske Theseus , who first lopt fayre Hellens loue ? Syr Diomede , the spoile of Troylus ware , Suppose them true , whom none could euer proue , Your lightning ioyes , such lasting woes did brue , As you may wish , your fames to die with you . But Lady mine , I wrong thée much in this , To peize thy praise , with such as liu'de or liue , For natures toile , some wayes disabled is , Shée frames our forme , but can no fortune giue , But thou wert shapt ( for feare of fortunes spight , ) Of precious moold , by force of heauenly might . By heauenly might , and worthie well such toyle , Whose liuely limms , the Indian riches showe , Her haire fiue gold , her front doth yuorie foyle , Her eyes giue light , as diamonds there did growe , Her words of worth ( as cause doth cause her speake Twéene rockes of pearle , their pleasaunt passage breake . What should I say ? of truth from top too to , These precious gems , in beautie shée doth staine , And more then that ( besides the outward sho ) Their vertues shée , with vauntage doth retaine . So that of force , I ( forst ) must her define : Not bound to kinde , but wholy is diuine . Thrise happie man ( whose loue this Saint did lure ) Dom Diego late , euen very wretchednesse , Now maist thou daunt ( thy vauntage is so sure ) That none aliue thy pleasures halfe possesse , Through chaunce of loue , do thousands chaunce on death . But dying I , my loue inlargde my breath . The scource of woe , is sauourie sauce to taste , Our swéete delights , if once delight wée féele , The rough repulse ( if battring tyre be plaste ) Amends the spoile , when walles ( perforce ) do réele , Of euery thinge , the goodnes doth increase , If once afore , the losse did vs distresse . Sufficient proofe , my lingring loue can shoe , I tyred hope , ere time my truth could trie , Yea desperate wretch , forworne with wreake of woe , I left my sute , and sought the meane to die , Now winning her , whose want wrought such annoy , On former griefes , I graft my fruites of ioy . In waxe say I , men easily graue their will , In Marble stone , the woorke with paine is wonne , But perfect once , the print remayneth still , When waxen seales , with euery browse are donne : Euen so in loue , soone wonne , as soone is loste , When forst through faith , it bydes both fire & frost . I can not vaunt of easie conquerd loue : I graunt with faith , I foyle Geneuras scorne , But now in peace , Distrust shall neuer moue , One ielous thought , of wilde Acteons horne , And yet forsooth , this feare hée liueth in , To lose the wight , with words , that words did win . O happie loue , whose torments proue so swéete , O friendly foes , whose treason , tride my trueth , O luckie man , Dom Roderic to méete , Geneura thou , thrise honord , for thy ruth , Thou , onely thou , ( the rest of small auaile ) Didst saue my life , when hope and all did faile . Now forth , I throw , my Gauntlet for this grace , To chalenge such , as séeke to foile thy fame , For sure the Armes , that durst my swéete imbrace , Dares to defend , the honour of her name , If which I faile , in prison let mée sterue , So doome my fault , for so I should deserue .

The complaint of two louers , restrained from their wished desires , by the displeasure of their friendes . WE lucklesse wightes in thraldome lincked still , May sit and singe , oure layes of déepe lament , Whose wayward friendes , accoyde in sullen will , Both stirre and striue , to sunder our consent , And yet ( God wot ) 〈…〉 a sting is in vaine , One will serues both 〈…〉 and in paine . Haue they desire , wée should bée shrinde in clay ? By sundring vs , that loues each other so ? Will they not know , Loue doth no Lawe obey ? Nor how hée wrappes , the wysest wightes in wo ? Thinke they that force , can force our selues to hate ? O , no , in vaine , they séeke to sowe debate . Our plighted faith , shall neuer falled bée , Constrainte of will , our wishes cannot yoke , Our woordes in woorkes , in weale , and woe agrée , Such care wée haue , to kéepe our vowe vnbroke , O loue through whom , wée liue in this vnrest , Once ease thy thralles , that thus obey thy hest . Remoue their wrath , that woorkes to wrack our will , That after stormes , wée may some sunne shine sée , The fault is thine , if loue betyde vs yll , Which bound our selues , that thou mightst set vs frée , Wherefore vouchsafe ( to sowre our swéete at last ) That gleames of Grace , our clowdes of woe may wast .

¶ The Deuice of a Gentlewoman , to persuade her louer of her constancie , notwithstanding her show of hate , which shee onely vsed to quench the ielous suspicion of her friendes . SIth fortune threates , to woorke our wreake of ioy , By sowsing of our ship , in seas of yre : Sith sullen thoughtes doth so our friends accoy , As wayward will , still wresteth our desire : I sée no meanes , more méete for our behoue , Then saile to strike , till stormes 〈◊〉 and gone , Our lookes must hate , although 〈◊〉 heart do loue , Yea farre from wish , our woordes must menace mone . And yet this shew , of force must néedes séeme straunge , Unto vs both , twéene whome was neuer strife , But let it helpe , I neuer meane to chaunge , But kéepe my vowe , vnfallsed as my life . These simple shiftes , wée silly wenches worke , To quenche or coole , our ielous friends suspect . Whose Lynxes eyes , in euery corner lurcke , To tric , and spoy , what worketh our defect . Thus farewell friend , I wil be short with thée , Thou knowest my loue , in darkest cloudes will shine . And though in show , my woordes from woorkes agrée , Yet thinke I am , and euer wil be thine .

¶ The reiected louer , with earnest desire , pursues the sight of his disdainfull Mystresse . THe dampe of do●le , hath chaoked my delight , Sharpe frumpes 〈◊〉 frostes , doth nip my silly ioy , My glymering grace , is darkned with despight , Yea sullen thoughtes , my souereigne so accoy . As mistes of scorne , still falleth on my faith , My cleare conceiptes , are clowded oore with care , And yet my heart , aye mée no power hath , To shunne the storme , that sheweth all this scare . O straunge effectes , of blinde affected loue , To haunt the yll , whereby our mischiefes moue . Much like the flye , that buzzeth by the flame , And makes a sport , to sée the candle light , Till she vnwares , be sindged in the same , And so with death , doth buy her fond delight . Or as the mouse , that frisketh by the trap , At length is mou'd , to medle with the bayt , Which weaues ( God wot ) the web of her mishap : The bridge doth fal , and she is baind with weight , Such swéete conceits , inticing sorrowes bréede , To sterue with woe , when ioy makes fare to féede . With which effectes , I finde my fancies witcht , I féele the flame , yet can not shun the fire . Th' inticing trap , I sée on treason pitcht , And yet the bayte to byte , I haue desire , But ( O yll hap ) to worke my harmes increase , Both mischiefes want , the forerecyted force , I finde no death ▪ my sorrowes to appease , And so my state , then other misers worse : But sure my fault , or fate ordaines it so , And therfore I , do take in worth this woe .

A Gentlewoman falsely deceiued with faire wordes , forsweareth hereafter to be wonne with flattering promises . GIue me my worke , that I may sit and sowe , And so escape , the traines of trustlesse men , I finde too true , by witnesse of my woe , How the faire wordes , with faithles works they blen , Much Syren like , with swéete inticing call , We sillie dames , to witch , and wrap in thrall . O cruell friend , whose false of faith I rue , Thou forcest me , to count all men vniust , For if that vowor othe might make one true , Thou vsedst such , as well might force to trust : But I betrayd , by too farre trusting thée , Wil hencefoorth take , faire words euen as they be . I will be deafe , though thousands sue for grace . My sight as dym , if lights in silence plead , Salt teares , no oath , within my hart shall place , For this shall be my song , and dayly reade : Poore I that liu'd , in thraldome linckt of yore , Vnbound at length , will learne to loue no more .

The pitious complaint of Medea , forsaken of Iason , liuely bewraying the slipperie hold in sugred words . A Mid the desart woods , I rue and shew my fate , Exild ( O wretch ) from courtly ioyes , bereft of princes state , O loue , from whence these plagues procéede , For seruice true , is this thy méede ? What vaileth now my skil , or sight in Magiches lore , May charmed hearbs , suffice to help , or cure my festred sore , A salue I shapt , for others smart , My selfe to ayde , I want the Arte. I made the wayward Moone , against the Sunne to striue , And gastly ghostes , from burial graues , ful oft I did reuiue , To counterchaunge , the same with death , In flowre of youth , some yealded breath . What future harmes insude , I shewd to other wights , And wanted skil for to preuent , my present pensiue plights . Why did I leaue my natiue soyle , In forreine land , to haue the foyle ? Thy loue ( O Iason false ) to winne I sparde no paine , Although Medeas loyaltie , be guerdoned with disdaine , The goulden fléece , thou wert to blame , To beare away , I wonne the same . But lordly lookes full oft , and slippry seruice eke , To harmelesse Ladies haue béene vowde , to catch the suters séeke . And then depart , from plighted othe , Their sugred woordes , yéelde sealdome trothe . Where be the carelesse vowes , & feareles othes thou sweare ? When I imbarkt from Colches coast , the mountaine waues did teare ? Where is thy faith , for goulden fléece , To crowne mée Quéene , of famous Greece ? Might not thy traytrous mind , in lue of friendships lore , Forsake me ( wretch ) among my friends , but that with saile and ore Thou me conuaydst to place vnknowne , Amonge wyld beastes to make my moue . Who gainst their sauage kinde , do worke me ( wretch ) no yll , But séemes for to lament my case , or else the Gods y will . My lothed life , should lengthned bée , To guerdon my iniquitie .

¶ The forsaken louer , pretilie nippeth his Ladies inconstancie , for that ( as he thought ) shee matched with his baser in accompt , wherein coulerablie he discouereth both their names . THe Gallie slaue , which stil● doth stirre the ore , If haplie hée , his wished hauen espies , With restlesse toile , doth plie to be on shore , Haile in a maine , my mates , hée chéerely cries , But when with rough repulse , from blissefull bay , Hée is inforst , on seas againe to stray : Unhappie wight , then drownde in déepe despaire , Powres forth his plaintes , with flouds of brackish teares ▪ With whome I now , do claime a partie share , ● Imbarkt in hope , where will the stearne did wylde , Thy faith was guide , which falsed me beguylde . My sailes of sighes , my tackle framde of trust , With blisse , and bale , thus armed was my barke , Now vaunst on high , now throwne downe to the dust , Now fraught with ioy , now forst to care and carke , Yet quiet calme , at length of friendships lore , Did séeme to guide , my shiuered ship to shore , And entring in , the narrowe brooke of blisse , Triumph ( quoth I ) dame Fortune hath the foyle , The mends is made , that quiteth euery misse , Aduentrous boy , now reape thy fruits of toyle , But trust to top , of Fortunes fickle whéele , Thy faith did slide , and I began to réele . For bitter blastes , of rage , and déepe disdaine , My ankers lost , my ship so sore they shooke , That I againe , was glad broad seas to gaine , To scape the flats , within thy blisselesse brooke , And whilste in hope , I winde and weather waite , A baggish banke , I sawe , to passe thy straight . Agrieud wherat , through hate I houng the lip , And sayd too true , that waues , and women grée , Which saues the boate , and spoiles the gallant ship : So Ladies loue , lightes oft in base degrée : And then I vow'd , from which I will not swarue , To haunt you both , no more then néede shal serue .

The louer attributeth his curelesse wound to chaunce , by louing long . LOng haue I lost my libertie , Alas through loue , ( long ) haue I so . ( Long ) haue I stoode in ieopardie , In louing ( long ) through pyning woe , Whose constant truth long , hath den tryde , Though ( long ) his suit hath ben denyde . By batteri● ( long ) the brasen wall , The cannon shot , doth cleane deface , The longest trées in time doe fall , Which ( long ) before had Boreas base , The little brooke in running ( long ) Doth turne into a riuer strong . Then may it be I louing ( long ) My pyning corps by ( long ) delay , Can ( long ) abide the furie strong , Of ghastly death which ( long ) doth stay , His lingring stroke to haue it so , That louing ( long ) should worke my woe .

A Sonet , wherin is showne the straunge effectes of loue . IN care I ioy , my mirth is mou'd by mo●re , With flouds of want , I weare to ebbe my wo , Appayd I rest , in restlesse griefe to grone , By fainting hope , my friendly hap doth growe , In waues of bale , I bathe in wished blisse , My wealth in woe , in paine my pleasure is . But how these hang , if so she search my harme , These fewe suffice , the same to shew my ( swéete ) To rayse her ioy , my selfe I wholy arme , To fréese , or f●y , as she shal déeme it méete , I bound , am frée , and frée , I yeald her slaue , That 's my delight , that she desires to haue . And sith my sport , doth make my souereigne ●oy , And mirth she finds , to thwart my faith with fr●ps , I sad , am glad , my noy , may force her ioy , My sowre , her swéete , my dole may cleare her dumpes , Yea life I wish , this were to do her good , Each day to waste , a drop of guitlesse blood .

The louer wearied with a number of delayes , sues vnto his Ladie for pitie , or otherwise her speedie denyall , by death to worke a speedie dispatch of his languishing dayes . IF pitie may preuaile , to pearse your hart with ruth , Swéete maistres lend your listning eare , to heare your seruants truth , Whose faith hath chose you iudge , and iurie if you please , If not , desart , shal trye this cause , your deintie mynd to ease . The whole record , is writ , for rafing with my teares , My witnesse is , my withered corps , ny famished with feares , A thousand sighes besides , in open court will sweare , You are the Saint , which with my heart , I honour , loue , and feare . Disdaine , that workes delayes , mistrust that moues my mone , No witnesse hath to hinder right , but false suspect alone , Yet boulstred vp by scorne , they scoffe my loyall loue , And kept me play , with forreine frumpes , til prickt by méede to proue , If pitie could procure , your heart , my harme to rue , I found remorse , was preast to heare , the plaint before your view , And now good Lady note , my witnesse and my woe , If I deserue your loue for loue , giue verdite yea , or no , For daunted with delayes , for hap or harme I iumpe , And knowe you once if sullen will , my faythful loue doth frumpe : I will not languish long , in cursed Cupides flame , Death in despight , shall rid me dole , and you shall beare the blame , But if with souereigne grace , you may your seruants state Yeald recompence , of loue betimes , least liking come too late , To coole his flaming harte , by Cupide set on fire , Through heate whereof a Whetstone colde , consumes with hote desire .

The thought of wonted ioyes , doubleth the miserable mans griefe . I That whose youth , was lul'd in pleasures lap , Whose wanton yeres , were neuer chargd with care Who made no flight , but reacht the pitch of hap , And now besieg'd , with griefe at vnawares , How can my hart , but bléede to thinke on this ? My ioy with was , my woe is ioynd with is . With is ? ( Oh yea , ) and euer wil be so : Such hell is thought , to muse on ioyes forgone , For though content , would faine appease my woe , This myrthlesse note , continues fresh my mone , O deare delight , with whome I dwelt in ioy , Thy sowrest swéete , my sorrowes would destroy ▪ Destroy it would , but Oh , those dayes are past , When to my wil , I found dame fortune wrought , My fancies cleare , with cares are ouer cast , Yet bootelesse hope , will not forsake my thought , But still proroges , my griefe , that else would dye . To vaine effect , when I my toyling spye .

The hap , and hard fortune of a carelesse louer . MY hart on hayh , with carelesse mind , I raunging fréedomes field● , Blind Cupide , by arest vnwares , to beautie bad me yeald , What yeald ( quoth I ) at beauties becke , as Venus slaue to serue ? May he whome fréedome , alwayes 〈◊〉 , by bondage stoupe to sterue ? No , Cupide , no : with me go tell , dame beautie beares no sway , Nor pleasure with her painted sheath , can make me Cupide pray : This answere made , with winged féete he tooke his flight away , And did impart , to beautie straight , his rest I would not bay ▪ With anger fraught , who foorth with wild , an armie should be had , And captaines hauing charge them selues , in armour should be clad , Her selfe she plaste in formost front , with Pleasure in her hand , And Lady Loue elected was , hygh Marshall of her band ▪ Faire Venus in the rereward went , her sonne in ambush lay , Thus Beautie and her warlike crue , did mearch in battel ray , But I poore I , which feard no force , in fréedomes lease at large , Pursude my sport , with carelesse mynd , of Loue I tooke no charge , But all too soone , I heard a sound , of dub , dub , in my eare , And therewithall I sawe in sight , tenne aunchents to appeare : Which poudred were with pyned hartes , in bloudy colours set , Which forst me flée to wisdomes wood , to scape Dan Cupids net . But craftie ( he ) in scoute there lay , who first gaue charge on me , And brought me bound to Beauties barre , her prisoner for to be , Then stinging loue , enforst me pray , Dame Pleasure plead my case , But Beautie sayd in vaine I sude , in hope of future grace . For martiall law , foorthwith ( quoth she ) thy hart in bale shall bounce , Therwith she chargd her Marshal high , this sentence to pronounce , To bate thy pride , which wouldst not stoupe , when beautie bent her lure , Thy casting shall be clods of care , Saunce hope of happie cure . With flouds of teares , thy dazeld eyes , thy sickly chéekes shall staine , And Fancie with his sleating toyes , shall harbour in thy braine , Thy heart shall poudred be with paine , thy guts with griefe to boyle , Thy séething sighes , shall scalde thy lippes , to taste of inwarde toyle . Thy intrales all shall parched be , with flames of fond desire , The heauie perse of bodyes griefe , thy pyned legges shall tire : Despaire then was the hangman made , which doome did Beautie please , And I to bondage was bequeath'd , to liue in little case , Wherewith the Gem of Venus band , vnprayd of her bon gre . Did beg me ▪ wretch at Beauties hand , her prisoner for to be . And after vowe of loyaltie , did let me goe at large , Yea further payd my farewell fée , my bondage to discharge , In l●e whereof at her commaund , my seruice loe is prest , As homage due , for saued life , yea , more her slaue I rest .

The absent louer in pawne of his constancie , sendeth his heart to his Ladie . REceiue , deare dame , as gage of worthy loue , This pyned hart , bepoudred all with teares , Whose poesie is ( No fate , my faith can moue ) A rare ascorde , in prime of rouing yeres . When fancie sets a thousand thoughts on fire , When faith is choakt , with smoke of filthy change , When folly fumes , when flameth fond desire , When raging lust , beyond his bounds doth range , When euery bayte beguileth , brainsicke youth , When newe found loue , the olde exileth still , When sugred wordes , are sauced with vntruth , What straunge consent , subdude my wanton wil ? Forsooth ( swéet wench ) this stay thy vertue wrought Thy rare report , this Metamorphose made , And lest my youth , shuld wrong thée with som thought I vse this helpe , all vaine desires to vade , In absen●e loe , to leaue with thée my hart , That al my ioy , may liue where thou doest rest , I likewise vse , to frée thy hidden smart , By secrete sighes , which flies from couert brest , My hart to send , to ioyne in ayde with thine , That thou mayst ioy , although in paine I pyne .

The louer neither greatly fauoured , nor openly refused , compareth the wretchednesse of his estate , vnto the paines of hell . FUll fearefull is the talke of Tantals griefe , Who hunger sterues in seas of deintie fare , Which failes to eb , when he should find reliefe , And flowes againe , his hope with woes to ware , And how in vaine , poore Sisyphus doth mone , To mountaine top , who stil doth roll the stone . And reaching thus , the point of all his paine , For ioy he leapes , downe falles his fruites of toyle , Straight backe he runnes , to fe●ch the stone againe , A new he rolles , but reapes his former foyle , These be their plagues , which light in sathans trap , To wish and want , to hope , and haue no hap . If then it be , a hell , in doubt to liue , My selfe by proofe , can blase thereof the paine , Who findeth grace , where scorn but late did grieue , And fead with hope , with hate is steru'd againe , For all his suite , who can no answere knowe , If his swéete maistresse , loues him yea , or no. If secrete yea , this Item would but giue , I loue in hart , where most in shewe I hate , To frée suspect , thus straungely do I liue , To plight my fayth , where scorne doth faine debate , Unto my smart , it were a swéete reliefe , Then should my lute , sound notes of ioy , not griefe . Then would I laugh , to sée my Lady pout , And smyle when most , she wroung her mouth awry , A signe of fayth , should séeme each thwarting flout , And iealous feare , farre from my hart should fly , Although in armes , my foe did her imbrace , If once she fleard , with fancie on my face . If open no , would will my suites to cease , I know the worst , and so adieu to smart , A hastie death , my sorrowes could appease , Or languor would soone pierce my pyning hart , Thus death were worsse , how so my fortune ●ell , But nowe aliue , I féele the paines of hell . By gleames of grace , I reape a hote reliefe , With storms of scorne , I fréese againe with feare ▪ Thus flouds of ioy , do fall to eb with griefe , And doubtfull hope , desired hap doth weare , In fauour most , I moue her still to loue , Soft she replyes , I must your patience proue . I feare to say , be plaine with yea , or no , Least in her pettes , no , please her péeuish thought , And scorne with all , my ioyes do ouerthrowe , So forward haste , with backward speed were bought , Thus am I forst , to daunce attendance still , God graunt for al , in fiue I get good will .

G.W. to the signe of the brasen bell . AND not without desart , I thée a tyrant call . Which saue a scorne thou madst of me , to eache mishape art thrall , Thy credite is the church , O false vnfriendly bell When as thou soundest the marridge ▪ ioyes , or ringst the carefull knell . The souldier in distresse , by the alarum makes , And when good hap doth him aduaunce , thy sides he rudely shakes , Digressing from his state , to toyle of baser chaunce . A thrall thou art , to Hick and Steuen , in euery morris daunce , The hinde doth decke his horse , with belles to make him frée , The harmelesse foole , vpon his cap doth make a scorne of thée , Besides to sauage beastes , a seruile slaue thou restes , The deintie dog in Ladies lap , is iueld with thy iostes . The mounting faulcon loft , bewrayes by thée her stande , By thée the hobby dares the larke , before he well be mande . Of yore this phrase I learnd , when things ne framed well , A capcase for the foole to call , a cockscomb and a bell , Then canst that thus arte scornd , besides thy seruile strokes , A tryumph make vpon his teares , whom loue , ne lust prouokes . To like thy maistresse lookes , and loue her as his life , Who wel is bent to quite thy toyle , when stinted is his strife , He sure would thée aduaunce , from brasse to glittering golde , If that by pearcing peales thou wouldst , his sorrowes once vnfolde , Thou séest what sighes I sende , and howe my suites be payd : Thou séest my maistresse smyle with grace , and graunt she earst denayd , Thou seest me Cupids thrall , her loue in league with hate , Thou séest my blisse is wayd with bale , when wrath doth weaue debate : Thou séest my greatest ioyes , are counterpeisde with paine : Thou séest my myrth is mixt with mone , when iealousie doth reigne , Yet when she smyles , thou spar'st , my sorrowes to deface , And when she frownes , thou fearst to speake , to winne her wonted grace . Well , sith through feare or scorne , thou lettst me languish still , I present now will plead for grace , to winne my wished will , And first good tong prepare , to tell a louers tale , Sound foorth my ioyes , aduaun'st by hope , by dyre despaire my bale , And when mistrust infectes my Ladies hautie hart , Then scalding sighes , giue you the charge , to shew my ceaselesse smart . But if she list to toy , and smyle with friendly face , With easie force then armes assay , thy maistresse to imbrace : Then sorrowe séeke reuenge , vpon her ruby lips , Then wounded hart receiue the cure of cruell Cupids nips , Thus forward vaunce your selues , the maister griefes to wray : The silent man still suffers wrong , the prouerbe olde doth say . And where aduenture wants , the wishing wight ne thriues . Faint heart , hath ben a common phrase , faire Lady neuer wiues .

The louer blameth his Ladies mistrust , wherin is figured the passions of an earnest louer . WHat fancie fond did force your mynde , My deare to iudge me so vnkinde , As one of wits bereau'd , To breake the bondes of loyaltie , As one deuoyd of honestie ? No , no , you are deceaud . For where such perfect amitie , Is linckt with true fidelitie , By no meanes Iunos iealousie A sunder may it part . For since with you , I fell in loue , Assigned by the Gods aboue , My heart did neuer seeke to proue , From yours once to start . For proofe to try what I haue sayd , Marke how my flesh , away doth fade , And inward parts doth fret : For who can hide the slankering fire , But that it will shewe foorth his ire , By vertue of his heate . So those ypearst with Cupides dart , Cannot so closely cloake their smart . But that they must complaine , Their scalding sighes , their sorowes shewe , Their colour fading too and fro , Beares witnesse of their paine , Their sowre sitting in secrete nookes , When others laugh , their lowring lookes , Declares them caught in Cupides hookes , And fare as men forlorne . Their often making of their mone , Their solemne sitting all alone , In places secrete and vnknowne , Still cursing they were borne . Are tokens true the Peet sayth , To whome these Turtles vowe their faith , If fayning we may trust . Certes these torments all men gréeue , And therefore sure I do beléeue , Their sayings to be iust . Wherfore to guerdon loyall loue , My deare such fancies from you moue , As Enuie late did faine . For truly I protest to you , The heauens shall fall ere I vntrue , My loyaltie will staine . And time I trust will so prouide , When eluish Enuie shall her hide , From bale to blisse truth shall vs hide , To top of Fortunes whéele . Where we to banishe fell annoy , Stil liue repleate with blissefull ioy , Still lauding of the blinded boy , Whose force we oft did féele . Till time obtaines that happy day , Let no conceite your mynd affray , In iudging me vntrue . Which blessed houre shall hap with spéede , Or else my will shall want his méede , And thus swéete wench adue .

The infortunate louer determineth rather desperately to end his sorrowes , then to proroge them with bootelesse hope . THe trayterous mate , by law adiudg'd to dye , If feare of death , should worke this foule effect , In hope Saunce hap , his secrete to escrye , Or slaunder forge to peach the vnsuspect , Proroging thus , his life by dallying death , Besides his gilt , with shame shuld stop his breath . In desperate frayes , where raunsome is denyde , Base were the minde , in hope of grace to yeald , Whose courage else , might daunt his enimies pride , And so by force , with fame , to win the field , For where our wrong , doth worke our ouerthrow , In vaine we hope , to weare away our woe . And why shuld I , with hope persuade my thought , To bath in blisse , past bondes of my desart , For my base hap , my loue to high is sought , Whom fauour none , but frownings ouerthwart , Alas can reape , at my swéete maistresse hands : I loue , she hates , and thus my fortune stands . With withered woe , my life I weare away , Where often I heare , thundring in my thought , Through loue of her , my friendes and foes to say , Upon my selfe , I wilfull murther wrought : Then sith my death , this strange report shal shape , In vaine for grace , till later gaspe I gape , Nay , wretche diuorce , delayes from wished death , Cut through the thred , which care consumes to slowe , Thy mounting mind , despiseth seruile breath , And canst thou yeald , to fortunes ouerthrowe ? Thy dome is death , by Ladies scorne decréed , Néeds most thou dye , then best to dye with spéede . Some friend wil write , on my vntimely tumbe , With faithfull zeale , I so my Goddesse seru'd , My life , my loue , my liuing all and some , I reaft , and left , before my fancie sweru'd , And when my suit , her mou'd to angry moode , To worke amends , I sacrifisde my bloud .

Verses of complaint , deuised for a well meaning louer , to moue his maistresse to pitie . NOw cease good Lady cease , to weaue my further woe , Where scorne hath worne my ioyes to eb , let pitie force them flowe . To you , I sue and serue , to you I waile and wéepe , For you my restlesse eyes doth watch , when other men do sléepe . To you my sighes I send , which makes my heart to bléede , For you my teares , like Tiber streames , from dazeled eyes procéede : No wealth I do enioy , but that I wish you part , No griefe doth gaule , your daintie minde , but I do ease your smart . To rowle in bagges of golde , in choise I would detest , In faith for to inioy your loue , and harbour where you rest , If you I might inioy , I now forworne with woe , To former ioyes would be restorde , in spite of him sayes noe , No torment then should vexe , or nippe my heauie hart , All gulfes of griefe , shall soone be damde , which drownes my ioyes in smart , Of age , I should triumphe , and death I would defie , And fortunes force I could withstand , for all her crueltie . In you to saue or spill , in you to make or marre , In you it restes to end my woes , or cause my further care . Twixt life and death I stand , twixt hope and déepe despaire , Till louing lines for pyning woe , returnes a luckie share .

The complaint of a gentlewoman being with child , falsely forsaken . WHat gulfes of griefe , may well receiue , The teares which I in vaine do spend , What faithlesse wight , durst once deceiue , By falsehoode foule , so firme a friend , With lose , who wrayes how well shée lou'de , When choise for chaunge his fancie moude . Though reason would , I should refraine , His blame , my shame , for to bewray , Good Ladies yet , my pinching paine , Inioynes mée here , the truth to say , Whose wretched plight , and pensiue state , Surmounteth farre , Quéene Didoes fate . What meanst thou wretch , from ioy exilde , To yeald vnto his fained teares ? With carelesse vowes why wert begilde , And fearelesse othes , the traytor sweares , Ere nuptial rites , whie didst thou trust , His faith , and yéelde vnto his lust ? Thou Iason false by periurde flight , Thou Theseus thefte , decypherest plaine , I Dido wretch ( thou Troyan knight ) Here equall griefes , in breast sustaine , I iustly say , which wordes I rue , All men be false , and none be true . The fruites ysprong , by our desire , My wealth , thou waste , might moue thy hart , To graunt , the rightes , which loue require , And search a salue , to cure my smart , But sith thy faith , thou doest forgoe , Come death and end my wretched woe . Yet Ladies all beware by mée , To rue swéete woordes , of fickle trust , My heaped harmes , let warning bée , How filed talke , doth proue vniust , And rule your loue by reasons lore , Least future plagues , you do deplore .

Against one which wrote a slaunderous libell in dishonour of a Ladie . YHacht thou wert in enuies nest , Whose murthering tongue , might not suffice To woorke a Ladies great vnrest , But that with penne thou didst deuise , Uile vice to paint , in vertues place , Her spotlesse life , for to disgrace . Whose sacred head , with wisedome fraught , Is guided by Dame Pallas skill , Her deintie minde Minerua taught , The good to loue , to leaue the ill , Then may it bée , shée doth deserue , Report from reasons lore to swerue . Noe , no , thou wretch , and Uiper vile , From natures lawe , which dost rebell , The world doth know , thy giltie gile , In dungeon darcke , hence forth now dwell , For all men doth , thy sight repine , From manly actes , which doest decline . The heauens do frowne , with earthly foode , Thy carren corpes , should nourisht bée , Thou onely byrde of Uipers broode , And bitter braunch of rankors trée , A Harpie for thy filthie factes , For God and man , abhorres thy actes . Unséene henceforth , thou caitife couche , Thou murtherer vile of others fame , How durst thou once presume to touche , The honour due vnto her name , And make report that Dian chaste , Faire Venus knightes in bedde imbraste . Allotting to her harmelesse tongue , All rusticke speach , with Stentors voice , Disdayning them whom loue hath stonge , For that with chaunge , shée makes her choice : Not carefull of her curious charge , But gladly rowes in euerie barge . How may it hée such fertile soyle , Well tilde and sowne with happie séede , Can chuse in recompence of toyle , But yéeld thée fruites of Venus méede , Why worke I her so great abuse , For giltlesse fact , to frame excuse . My paines herein deserues no praise , For all men knowes , more then I write , But thou that didst this rumour raise , If that thou darst so show thy might , As truth maintaine thy slaundrous wordes , Committing triall to our swordes . Who readie am her to defend , Till wounded corpes , with bloud begord , Of worldly woes do make an end , By froward force , of slaundrous sword , Or recant , to make will I , And for offence , her mercie crie .

The vnfortunate louer is persuaded his misshap to grow by destinie . YEt was not Hellens fa●e , ne Parris faire , Untimely which did weaue the Troyans woe , For former faultes , the Gods agréede in ire , With future panges , their vengeance downe to throwe , And making choyse , as instrument withall , That Parris loue , should king Priames thrall . Such heaped harmes , within the Heauens béene , For one mans case , to cause anothers care , Unfriendly so , the fates mens happes do spin , In partiall wise , to yéelde eche wight his share , Then loue , why should I cursse , or skorne lawe , Or blame the dame one whom I stande in awe . Her vertues rare , her pearelesse beautie bright , Her Pallas witt , I ioynde with Sabas skill , My restlesse eyes , which couets so her sight , Are not the fates , which forceth mée this ill , For hier sprites , deuised long agoe , My youthfull yeares , should passe in pyning woe .

¶ The discommodities of forst marriages , by the example of Venus and Vulcan : supposed for the more plaine explayning of the inconueniences , to be written to a couetous carle , hauing but one onely daughter , refused the offers of diuerse gentlemen , some beeing of good worship : and married her , vnto an old croked coffing crust , for his great wealthes sake . IN prime of pride , when Venus minde , to Iunos rites aspirde , A wealthie cruste , to catch her vp , her father then desirde , Perusing well his subiectes states , who best might be her feare , At length hée chus'de a Croydon chuffe , to wooe his daughter deare . Whose wealth I do confesse was great , y gott by endlesse toyle , At smithes forge , with daily heate , his apish face did broyle . This gallant squire , a wooing rid , his face bée grimde with dust , And comming to her fathers house , this daintie Dame hée bust . Who at the first this Lady bright , some monster thought to bée , Retyring backe , affright shée was , his vglye shape to sée . But in the ende her fathers threates , and Vulcans giftes full braue , Did force her daintie minde to yéelde , this crabtrée péece to haue . The marriage rites in hast were wrought , in presence of them all , Then hee this pearelesse dame conuayde , vnto his rusticke hall . Whereas the rest solemnised , her friends they did depart , The which once done , then streight begunne , the summe of all her smart , For hée fell to his former toyle , before the dawning day , Where bounsing blowes on stythie smit , the sturdie stéele to fame , ( Debard of rest ) did force her wish , to tast of wedlockes game . And as it is no newes to tell , at all nor séeming straunge , How louers they do neuer lacke , whose mindes bée bent to chaunge . Here mightie Mars , y cleaped God of warre and battell ray , Enforste to yéeld as Cupids thrall , and eke his hestes obey . Determined to giue attempt , to fraught his heart with blis , Though conquest hard , yet glorie great , quoth hée the guerdonis . Before her eyes his siege hée plantes , like Phoebus rayes that shan , Assault hée gaue , shée did resist , hée made no batterie than . But one repulse his valiaunt heart , in no respect amasde , Hée shot againe , the bulwarkes fell , and all the walles were raisde . The fort thus wonne , as hée did wish , hée trode on pricking thornes , To gaine the spoile of Vulcans toile , and arme his head with hornes . The which without resistaunce great , hée ioyed at his will , But Ielousie the gulfe did force to feare and dread that ill . Which in the end , when true hée found , hée framed by his arte , A chaine to tie these louers fast , so that they might not starte . And then for all the Gods hée sent , to sée this laughing game . Where they in méede of pleasures past , receiued open shame . Loe here the bitter fruites wherewith , such mariages be fraught , Where wealth doth winne the womans will , and vertue set at naught . Such chaunce may hap to the old snudge , inforst by gréedie gaine , Where pence possesse the daughters loue , the man shée doth disdaine . And so fare well at this my verse , mée thinkes I heare thee snuffe , But doggrell rime , were farre to good , to gréete a dunghill chuffe .

The forsaken louer sheweth to what intent he weareth Tawnie , bewraying the bondage that wanton Dames bring their thralles vnto . MY fancie once in fayre carnation stoode , And trueth to say , I liued in delight , But loe ( such is the fruites of wanton moode ) Both Dye , and dayes , are chaunged with despight , In Tawnie now , I forced am to goe , ( Forsaken wretch ) my mystresse storne to shoe . And would to God , who notes my wretched wéedes , Would wisely shunne , the baites that beautie lay , Her swéete receites , an ill digestion bréedes , Once bound ynough , her thralles must néedes obey , Yea worse then that ( though loue séeme nere so hott ) When all is done , forsaken is their lott . This is the badge , that Cressids heyres do giue , They lure with grace , and loose with deadly hate , Beware of them you that in freedome liue , If not , behold , a patterne of your fate , Euen I my selfe , do weare this Tawnie hue , To shewe I seru'd , a Cressid most vntrue .

The reiected louer , determineth , either to purchase his Ladies speedie reconcilement , or els desperatly to die . OF thée , déere dame , faine would I learne the trueth , If hée that bringes , the innocent in band , Or ( so betrayde ) who slayeth him faunce ruth , Is thought herein to haue the bloudiest hand ▪ If hée that doth , the faultlesse first betray , Then cruell , note the wordes , that I shall say . I am the man , that longe can hardly liue , You with your scorne , betrayde mée to despaire , Then though my hand the deadly wound do giue , The murtherer , it wil be said you are , But if you shame , such fowle report to proue , Now yéeld , swéete wench , or neuer graunt to loue . Behold the blade , that shall confirme my faith , My woes consent , in wanton yeares to die , I liue to heare , but what your aunsweare saith , Once lapt therein , my life or death doth lie , For trust mée now , I ( wretched ) haue decréede , To winne your loue , or else to die with spéede .

The louer being wounded at the Bathe , sues vnto his Lady for pittie . I Bathing late , in Bathes of souereigne ease , Not in those bathes where beauties blisse doth flow● But euen at Bathe , which many a guest doth please , But loe mishap , those waues hath wrought my woe . There loue I sawe , her séemely selfe to laue , Whose sightly shape , so sore my heart did heate , That soone I shund , those streames my selfe to saue , But scorching sighes , so set mée in a sweate , That loe I pine , to please my péeuish will , And yet I fréese , with frostes of chilling feare , Thus in extremes , I liue and languish still , Without reléefe , my restlesse woes to weare . I blame the bathe , as bruer of my bale , To giue mée dregges , when others drinke delight Thus to the streames , I tell a senselesse tale , Time to beguile , when absence spittes her spite . But now perforce , I sue to thée ( swéete wench , ) With teares I pleade , for pittie and for ruth , But if thou scornst , my scorched heart to quench , Doe but commaunde , and death shall trie my truth , This blemish then , by thée , the bathe shall gett , Which many one , to health hath helpt of yore , A meane to mashe men , in dame beauties nett , And can not giue , a salue to cure their sore , Which if you shame , then say no more but soe , I yéeld to loue , those woordes will ease my woe .

The louer to his Ladie in Durance . ABandon care , from daintie breast , bewaile no more your fate , For why the Gods to pittie dreast , will chaunge his stormie state . And graunt you ioy , at your desire , though rancor rage like Aetna fire .

Her aunsweare . THe prouerbe saith , whilst grasse doth growe , ▪ For want of foode the stéede doth sterue , So hope perplext , with pining woe , From reasons lore so oft doth swerue , That dyre despaire , doth winne the forte , Where hope for succour should resorte .

A description of Ielousie . A Fearefull thought , which neuer doth remoue , But when in armes , hée holdes his heartes delight , A wrangling hate , where once was passing loue , Oft cold with hope , yet neuer quenched quite , More cleare in sightes , then woordes this woe is séene , Sowne by suspect , but rooted with debate , Wacht with mistrust , whilst that the eare is gréene , Through ripe mowne downe , with syth of mortall hate , Is ielousie .

To a disdainfull Dam. DIsdainful dame why didst thou scorne , the wight that wisht thée wel , May péeuish pride a harbour haue , where beautie doth excell ? No rascall here did séeke to sport , or ioyne with gentle race , Though hautie lookes ( thy forme except ) were showne in basest place . The haggard gill , despiseth oft , to pray on princely fowle , To straggle out at carren crowe , and checke with vglie Owle . Thy gadding trickes , pursues her trade , with vauntage in defect , Haile fellowe mett , with basest sort , the best thou dost detect . Beléeue how that thy forme was framde , by fonde Narcissus glase , Dame beauties giftes full fickle are , and fade as doth the grasse , Thy goulden haires , to hoarie graie , will chaunge their glittering hue , Thy Lays life , and luring lookes , no doubt thy bane will brue . Thy face so fresh , in prime of youth , will wrinkled be with age , Then taunting tongue , from scorneful nipps , dame nature will assuage . Thy mountaine breasts , which beares such bredth , thy pride in princely gate , Thy graces al in tracte of time , wil chaunge their former state . Then shalt thou féele the force of scorne , what fruites from pride procéede , The Ace of hartes , will haunt the stocke , thy chiefest helpe at néede .

The louer in praise of his Ladie . APelles , O , thou famous Greeke , Thy praise vnto my eares doth sounde , Since thou so farre abroade didst séeke , In countries through the world so rounde , Till thou hadst drawen forth Venus shape , Whose beautie past , Syr Paris rape . O that thy fortune had béene such , To light whereas , my Lady liues , Whose glistering beautie , is so much , As to thinke on , my heart it ryues , For Venus shée doth passe as farre , As doth the Sunne , each shyning starre . Eche gift , which nature could deuise , By arte my Ladie , E , retaynes , A sacred head , which to surmise , The trueth , all other farre it staines , Her haires bée of so glistering hewe , As gold they stayne , to outward vewe . Her christall eyes , her sugred tongue . From whence such pleasaunt wordes do floe , That lyking binds , both old and younge , The ground to loue , where shée doth goe ▪ Her cherrie chéekes so fresh of hewe , Her veynes much like to Azurs blewe . Her Rubie lippes , her snowish necke , Her proper chin , her christall breast , Her pleasaunt veynes , whose pappes do decke , Her comely corpes , so finely preast , Her slender armes , with milke white hands , Would catch the Gods in Cupids bands . Her other partes so finely wrought , Doe passe my wittes for to recite , For why it séemde dame Nature sought , In Court , eche gorgious gearle to spite , When first of mould , shée did her frame , Shée is so beautifull a dame . Noe maruell though , the Graecian king , Did shape his course , through fishfull floud , From hatefull Troy , his wife to bring , Or els in Phrygia leaue his bloud . If halfe such beautie , in Hellen were , As is in this my Ladie faire . If Briseis beautie , were so bright , Her comely syces , so exceld , None may blame Achilles flight , When raging loue , his heart compeld , To leaue his Lord amid his foes , A salue to search , to cure his woes . Nor yet Vlysses none may blame , Though frencie , hée himselfe did faine , Because without reprochfull shame , Hée would avoide the Graecian traine , The which to Troy , their course did shape , To fetch againe Syr Paris rape . If that the beautie , equall were , Of chaste Penelope his wife , To match with this my Lady rare , For whom I hazard would my life , Amid a troupe of Troyans fell , My fancie shée doth féede so well .

An aunswere to a Gentlewoman by loue constrained to sue to him whom of late she scorned . NIe driuen to death by raging loue , reuiu'de by happie meanes , I smile you séeke , the earst you scornd , with those your siluer streames . Now time performes , my words proue true , when as I was your thrall , Your sugred ioyes , in flowting mée , would turne to bitter gall . Else not the name of Goddesse iust , dame Venus doth deserue , Unlesse her seruauntes , shée aduaunce , and makes her foes to sterue . Your scalding sighes , let witnes bée , what sorrowes I sustainde , When as with pitious plaintes I shewd , the panges that most mée painde . But thou spronge vp of Tygers séede , ingratefull dame I say , When as with teares , I su'de for grace , wouldst smile & goe thy way . Now let mée laugh a while I pray , to sée plungde in paine , This is the salue to cure the smart , that thou art like to gaine . For why the childe , but younge once burnt , the fierie flame doth dréed , So I once bounde and now am frée , will tast no louers méed .

The contemptuous louer finding no grace where hee faithfully fauoureth , acknowledgeth his former scorne , vsed toward loue , to be the onely cause of his miseries . IN bondage as I liue , attacht with Cupids mace , Exilde from ioy , bereft of blisse , past hope of future grace , My selfe is iudge , I do deserue , Without reliefe in paine to sterue . I smilde when I was frée , at those which fettred ware , But I ( God wott ) with beauties baite , was caught in Cupids snare . When least I thought of such a woe , My choise , in chaunge , was sleating soe . But now with soaking sighes , to one I sue for grace , Whose presence when I do approch , she st●aight doth shunne the place . My sight , my sighes , my teares nor truth , Her stoanie heart can moue to ruth . Yet loue , that liues by hope , a fresh enforsed mée to proue , With pen to pleade , what bashfull tongue , dismayed was to moue . But loe in vaine to her I write , For loue my guerdon , is despight . I serue a froward saint , a Tigers whelpe I ●roe , Shée smiles to sée mée wade in smart , her wish my wretched woe . And yet in truth shée blamelesse is , My onely fault inforceth this . She is but instrument , my selfe , the very cause , Why I consume with cureles griefe , for scorning Cupids lawes , Wherefore ( sith loue is sworne my foe ) Diuorce mée death , from lingring woe . And then for others héede , this sillie boune I craue , That I vppon my timelesse tombe , this Epitaphe may haue . The thing , that causde mee here to lie , Was scorning loue at libertie .

Epilogus . Vide fo. 65. fo 73. b. 80. & 95 FOr wantons héede , héere wrayed is the thrall , Of louing wormes : how both they fréese and frie , How swéetest thoughtes , are sawst with bitter gall . Vide ▪ 93. How care , them cloyes , that liue in ielousie , What yll successe , stolne marriages ensue , Vide. 93. How forst consentes , ●ield beare a louing hart , Vide 74.75 b. How sugred woordes to late , faire Ladies rue , Vide 72. a. How vaine they striue , that louers séeke to part . Vide 90. a. How enuious tongues , are apt to sowe debate , How fancie bringes , the stoutest mindes in awe , Vide 97.87 . How louers wrongde , from loue do fall to hate , Vide 94 , How ramping rigges , regard no modest lawe . How lingring loue , doth oft mislyking moue , Vide 93. How gallants giftes , fond women oft allure , How pride & ease , preferre mens thoughtes to loue , Vide 100. How lawlesse lust , all mischiefe puts in vre . How scorneful dames ( the set mens sutes at nought , ) Of such as seru'd , are glad to séeke reliefe , Vide 74.2.100 . How louing thralles , from setters frée are taught , To shunne the snares , that snarled them in griefe . And to conclude , in euery Page is wrayde , A lightning ioy , a life of lacke is loue , Who loueth least , which proues is best appaide , For womens mindes as wether cockes will moue . Wherefore these toyes , who liste to read aright , Shall finde Loues woes , not how to loue I write .

FINIS .

The Arbour of Vertue A WORKE CONTEIning the chaste and honourable life , of a Bohemian Ladie , to the which is adioyned , the complaint of two Hungarian Barons , that wagerd the spoile of her Chastitie .

¶ Wherein , are the seuerall prayses of certaine English Ladies and Gentlewomen : being the translation , collection , and inuention , of George Whetstons Gent.

Formae nulla fides .

To the right Honourable , and vertuous Lady , Iana Sibilla Greye , now of Wilton , George Whetstons , wisheth a longe and happie life .

RIght honourable , and vertuous Ladie , I find , that our chiefest and greatest incouragement vnto vertue , is to heare the memorie of the vertuous , continued with the carefull reportes of worthy writers : for that such testimonie is both a president for our liues , and also foreshewes after death , our fames . Likewise it as necessarie , to register the liues of the leaude , that the terror of their punishments and infamie , may feare vs to offend . So that moued with these consideraetions ( among a number my leasurable labours ) I haue faithfully ( though not curiously ) translated the modest and noble life of a Boemian Lady , with the fall of two Hungarian barons : which vnaduisedly wagered the spoyle of her chastitie . Which simple toyle of mine , as a testimonie of the reuerent dutie , I owe vnto you ( vnder the title of the Arbor of Vertue ) I humbly present to your Ladiship , to the intent that when you are wearied , with the dispatch of necessarie cares and causes , you may recreate your honourable minde , with the mylde report of this Ladies good behauiours . Wholy assured that as you liuely present her vertues : you wil likewise , both defend her fame , and my honest indeuour , with the countenaunce of your regarded name . From my lodging in Holborne , the .15 . of October . 1576.

Your honours during life to dispose . George Wh●tstors .

The Argument of the following discourse of Lady Barbaraes vertuous behauiours .

A Boemian knight , named Vlrico , married a vertuous Lady , called Barbara . Vlrico being a little nipt with pouertie , woulde faine haue supplyed his want , by seruice in the warres , which aduenture , he long delayed , through the i●alous suspicion of his wiues behauiour , notwithstanding his imaginations quieted , by the direction of a cunning Negromancer , named Pollacco , hee craued intertainment of the king of Hungarie , the king ( vouchsafing his request ) imployed him in the warres against the Turke : the warres ended , Vlrico ( laden with honour ) returned vnto the kings court , where one day the Lord Alberto , the Lord Vdislao , and he reasoned of womens behauiours . The Hungarian barons helde opinion , there was no woman so chaste , but might be won to wantonnesse . Vlrico ( in his Ladies behalfe ) reasoned to the contrarie . In the end , they grewe into this heate of argument , that both the Lordes wagered their landes to his , that if he durst abyde the triall , that the one of them , within two monethes woulde obtaine bodily delight with his wife . Vlrico accepted of their lay , the wager beeing set downe in writing , the King and Queene were both witnesses of the match . Alberto gaue the first aduenture in these louing affaires to winne her to wantonnesse . The Lady finding his humour , by policies ( as a theefe that sought to rob her honour ) caused him to be imprisoned , where to bridle his wanton affections , she made him to spin for his victuals . Alberto ( in hope of libertie ) discouered to the Lady the whole wager , and how that the Lord Vdislao would come about that enterprise , who in very deede shortly visited her castle : whome she likewise made foorth comming , and in penaunce of his offence , hee reelde the thread Alberto spon : the King and Queene hearing of their successe , had the Lady in high estimation , awarded Vlrico the lande , and banished the barons for their slaunderous opinion .

The Arbour of Vertue . AS supreme head of Hungarie , a king there whilcome reign'd , Coruinus hight , whose worthy force , a worlde of praises gain'd , What law & iustice , once had made , throgh rule he neuer broke He cherisht friendes , he chast his foes , with many a sturdy stroke , Ymou'd through zeale , with clattering armes , he stoupt S. Mahomes pride , The Turkish crue from Christian boundes , he chast on euery side , This noble prince vnto his spouse , a gallant Lady chusde . A matrone in her mayden yeres , such modestie she vsde . By whom she had thrée valliant sonnes , thrée vertuous daughters eake , Which worthy ympes , in wisdomes lore , did liue without their like . Besides with haps to heape his ioyes , his subiectes gréede so well , That foes could finde , no hollowe hearts , against him to rebell , As vassell to which noble king , there was a Boeme knight , A valiant and a ventrous Lord , Vlrico was he hight . In prime of force , he plyde the warres , his parents purse to ease , His parents dead , he home returnd , his tenants pence to fease . But small was left to pray vpon , his auncestours did desire , By dint of blade , not bagges of drosse , to honour to aspire . Which when Vlrico wisely wayde , and wanted on account , He bent him selfe with hassard life , by seruice for to mount . But loe by lot , he hit in loue , a wonder small to tell , Saue that his Ladies vertues did , her beautie braue excell . Her portion yet ( God wot ) was small , yet all in wisdome lay , A dowrie little reackt vpon , where churles doth beare asway , But Beautie here affection raysde , then Vertue friendship wrought , These two conioynd , in séemely dame , in loue Vlrico brought . The earth ( quoth he ) is sure the Lords , the fruites thereof his wracke , And may it be , the begger then , shall clawe his seruants backe , O no , no wight as yet hath séene , the righteous begge his breade , Although the lewd through foule offence , are often nipt with neade , And if I should for gaine ( quoth he ) vnto some wanten bend , Which venter into Cornewall would , her honestie to send . Vlrico ( haplesse ) then should be , a common scorne of men , Delight to dele , from pleasure paine , should chaunge his fortunes then . To swimme in wealth he meanes not so , to hassard his delight , He somewhat hath , and more may get , by manhood , and by might , Thy choise , if once , thou winst thy choice , in spight of Fortunes wracke , Will saue what thy aduentures gaines , for to relieue thy lacke . Then maist thou liue in forreine soyle , without a iealous braine , Then maist thou taste , at thy returne , sweete pleasure for thy paine . Why standst thou then amasde ( quoth he ) thy honest suite to moue , The silent man , the prouerbe sayth , hath sildome hap in loue , Confesse that constant , long thou liu'dst , y linckt in beauties bandes , And challenge fréedome for thy truth , at thy swéete maistresse handes . This wayd , Vlrico hies in haste , whereas his Lady liues , And there her friends in her behalfe , him intertainment giues , As time did serue , he shewd his zeale , vnto his only ioy , She likte his words , but more him selfe , how so she séemed coy , His gallant shape , his vertues straunge , his honour neuer stainde , His truth once knowne , the truth to tell , her loue , had soone obtainde , And quickly eake , with friendes consent , them Iunoes rites doth glad , He had his will , and she her wish , and what would more be had ? The nuptiall feastes , y finished , Vlrico with his dame , Bids friends adewe , to castle his , they do their iourney frame , Where one doth rayse the others ioy , one rids the others care , And thus contented with their choice , in ioy their dayes they weare , Till néede at length Vlrico nips , who was in spending frée , His rents but small , these two accounts , will hardly well agrée , And yet to poll his tenants poore , his honest mynde doth greaue , What then , he faine would serue his leage , but loth his wife to leaue . Sée here how passing loue is apt , to rayse a iealous feare , Withouten cause , we so do dread , the thing we hold full deare . Vlricos mynd , despiseth want , yet dreads to séeke reliefe , In absence , least his Ladyes chaunge , should worke his greater griefe , And thus in silence long he mournes , and ebs his ioyes with woe , Till secrete sighes , and heauie lookes , his inward harmes foreshewe , Which haply when his spouse espide , to cleare his cloudes of scare , Swéete heart ( quoth she ) vnto thy wife , thy hidden sorrowes share , So shall thy cares abridged be , so shall I knowe thy mynde , And haply in my counsell thou , some comfort swéete maist finde . These words Vlrico likte so well , as straight he tels the truth , Of present want , of meane to wealth , in order as insu'th , Mine owne ( quoth he ) you know my state , or present lacke withall , Our charge is great , our myndes are high , our liuing is but small , Of force we must our brauerie leaue , or séeke some way of gaine , And vayling to the valliant mynde , is sure a matchlesse paine , This is the meane to mend our want , to serue my souereine leage , Who now is bent with might and maine , the Turke forto besiege , Those warres , ere this , I well haue tryde , vnder Cilia Count , Those warres , I trust , shal force thy feare with wealth , & fame to mount , But ah ( aye me ) I loth , yet would , vnfolde what makes me stay , But sith swéete wench , loue is the cause , allowe what I shall say , Long wisht , at length I won thy loue , O gem of al my ioy , As loth I am to leaue thée now , least absence make thée coy . I call to mynd fayre Helens moode , who trudg'd with Troian knight , When as her Lord was forst from home , with forreine foes to fight . The ruffling rout at Ithaca , Vlysses farre from home , Doth force a thousand fearefull thoughts , within my head to rome . Then Penelopes constancie , this dread would gladly weare , She plaste alone , without her leake , a fresh doth raise my feare : The speach of womans méekenesse eake , my thoughtes doth run among , And straight my thinkes I motions heare , that do Vlrico wrong . In mynd I viewe , what batterie is , against thy beautie bent , In thought I sée , what sharpe assaults , in sugred wordes are sent , What fearelesse othes , what carelesse vowes , do flée , to foyle thy fame , In sine thou forst , with yealding will , dost blot thy name with blame , Then rage I straight , the ( harmelesse ) gainst , as thogh these toyes wer true And straight I checke , those raunging thoughts , with reason that insue . Vlrico fye , why wrongs thy wife , so fouly with mistrust , Whom hitherto thou couldst not finde , in worde , or déede vniust , Whose modestie thou séest abhorres , with rufflers for to prate , To saue thy wealth , whose mynd to worke , giues wanton youth the mate , Whose life , with foule and leaude offence , report could neuer spot , What cause hast thou Vlrico then , her fame with feare to blot ? To breake this brall , faire Barbara ( so was this Lady namde ) With prettie nippes , with pardon mixt , this answere foorthwith framde : Well sayde ( quoth she ) first faine you feare , to frée my shrewd mistrust , That choise and chaunge , in wanton court , wil make you proue vniust , But simple I accept your shewe , and faith I trust to finde , But to my Lord , if so he please , I yet will shewe my minde , I long ere this , haue wayde our want , and thought on meanes of gaine , And sure I sawe , the way for wealth was as you did explaine . Yet durst I not , vnfolde the same , vnto my louing Lord , Before his words foreshewd his thoughts , with mine did wel accord , By seruice you shall credite winne , by seruice likewise fame , By seruice you shall riches reape , as you deserue the same , By seruice , fauour with our prince , acquaintance in the court , You sure shall finde , slacke not these helpes , your wife doth you exhort : If God with children , blesse our life , their youth from vices fréed , Your credite after in the court , will stand them in some stéede , And in your absence I so well , will to your causes sée : As you shall haue reliefe abroade , sufficient left for mée . Yea sure , to braue it with the best : yet liue within our boundes , Such skyll I haue to most auayle , to rate and rent our groundes , And knowe you once , my hart is high , if liuing , there to stretch , Yet stoupe I will to please my Lord , to liue as rents will retch . And thus Vlrico doest thou heare , what thy poore wife can say , In wealth , in want , abroade , at home , thy will she will obay . Whose modest tale Vlrico heard , with patience to the end , And sayd , to vse her sound aduise , long earst his thought did tend : And now I am resolu'd ( quoth he ) the warres sweete wife to ply , Let worst betyde that may befall , I sure with fame shall dye . Yet ere I go , my friends shall know my mynd , and state at large ▪ But of my lande , my house and goods , none shall but you haue charge . And in this moode , from friend to friend , so long he did resort , That at the length Pollaccos skill , he heard by fonde report , Of whome was sayd by secrete Arte , he could such wonders doe , As none could worke an acte in thought , but he the same would shoe . He could informe the louing worme , if his faire Ladie fainde , Or if she lou'd , yea if she had , her honour euer stainde , For ramping rigges to Venus ioyes , their nature proane that feales , He could worke meanes of sport without , a Tympanie with heales . Strange charmes he had to force them loue , that late to hate were bent , He could foretell , what hap , what harme , the heauens to vs ment , With thousand sleights of hidden skill , which I omit to write , Yet turne I to Vlricos thought , when rumour did recite , Pollaccos learning thus at large , who sayed in his mynde , To frée my iealous head from feare , a meane now shall I finde , Pollaccos knowes if that my wife , her selfe will faithfull shewe , Or if she doth her honour staine , I absent , yea , or no , If in this iourney she be iust , then dread for aye adue , If she be false , I fellowes haue , whose wiues are founde vntrue , Once feare , yet frets my hart as sore , as if such fault were wayde , With that Vlrico postes with spéede , to craue Pollaccos ayde . And comming to his homely house , he doth Pollacco gréete , And craues to speake a worde with him , where he should thinke it méete . They both vnto a Garden walke , and thus Vlrico sayde , Your speciall giftes in secrete Artes , to me of late bewrayde , Compels me now ( Pollacco friend ) to craue your friendly might : My sute is small , and yet be sure , great gaine your paine shall quite . In what I can Pollacco sayd , I rest at your commaund , Then vse your Arte ( quoth he ) I pray , to graunt this poore demaund . Truth is , I meane with spéede to serue , my souereine in the warres , Yet iealous thoughts , I wot not why , with this accorde still iarres , Sometime my Ladies zeale in shewe , doth banish dread with hope , But straight againe , mistrust doth giue , to fearefull fancies scope , And thus to naught auayle , I weare my golden time in woe , Such is the force of passing loue , to feare for euery showe , But now Pollacco to my suite , by arte I craue to knowe , In absence mine , if that my wife be faithfull , yea , or no , Let worst betide , yet so I shall , my dread exile ( quote he ) Such feates you can , and therfore nowe , let will with skill , agrée , Pollacco masde , to heare this tale , to this effect replyde , That Science to , her schollers yet , such secretes had denyde , And how should I , dissolue this doubt , that learned iudges dread , Conceiue the best , ne wrongs the worst , saunce knowledge of the dead , And therefore Syr Vlrico cease , your suite surmounts my skill , What so ( quoth he ) of skill befalles , graunt but agréeing will , Whereon Pollacco thus replyde , sith nycenesse will not serue , I graunt I know by Arte this acte , but vse from lawe doth swerue . Yet breach of lawe I hazarde will , to frée Vlricos dout , Stay here ( quoth he ) to worke this feate , I will now go about . Anon he comes , with picture framde , much like Vlricos wife , So long ( quoth he ) this forme kéepes faire , she liues an honest life , If yellowe , tempted then she is , if blacke with merrie gayles , Unto the Cornish mount god buoy in hast , her honour sayles . This knowne ( appayd ) Vlrico sayd , in hope thy words are true , Holde here thy hyre , my hart is easde , and so good friend adue . Away he goes , and to his wife , his houshold charge commits , Which done , while winde and whether seru'd , vnto the seas he gets : Such spéede he made , as soone he at Albe regale lands . The king there lay , Vlricoes suite , who shortly vnderstands , And gladly intertained him , yea , gaue him pay in peace , Which grace , when foes inforst in fight , did double force increase , As proofe ere long appeared plaine , the Turke began to sturre , Which causde the king to cry alar'm , to chase this gracelesse curre . The valliant wightes , in armour dight , their forward myndes do shewe , Each thing prepard for souldiers vse , to warres these gallants goe , Mustapha Basca , had the charge , of all the princes power , Vlrico was his Colonel , preferd in happie houre . Post haste they made , vntill they came , within their enimies sight , Then bustling to their bloudy tooles , they shewe good willes to fight . At trumpets sound , the horsemen fling , the shot to skyrmish fall , The archers with their feathred dartes , both horse and man doth gall , The furie of the forward wightes , to handie stroakes then bring , Here houlbards hewe , there bloudy swords , on battered targets sing . Som faint with wounds , some flée for feare , som fight to saue their friend , Thus eyther side , king Harrie knockes , both doth receiue , and lend : The battell long continued hote , each would faine victor bée , But to be short , for all their force , in fine the Mahomes flée , The Turke his pryde abated well , and all things quiet made , Mustapha Basca , and his charge , return'd with honour lade . The Ladies nowe ( with many a kysse ) receiue their souereine Lords , And euery man to sée his friend , a buon venu affordes . In court there doth no triumph want , these captaines to delight , At iustes , some vse their force in sport , that late did fiercely fight : Some makes report of wreakefull warres , the blisse , and cake the bale , Some loytrers in their Ladies lappes , doth tell a wanton tale : Some haue an ore in others boate , some colours do expound , And some doth note their heauie lookes , whome Cupides dart did wound , Syr Vlrico , among this crue , some exercise did vse , To whome at length Alberto sayde , syr knight , I can but muse , That you that haue a Ladie faire , two yeares from her haue stayde , You knowe a womans force ( God wot ) a long is easily layde , You knowe that loue with leasure ioynde , makes wantons to be bolde , She hath her will , health , wealth , and ease , she rules and not contrould , With all these helpes she sure will wish , to taste some wanton ioy , Then if she haue her wish at will , thinke you she will be coy ? Whereto Vlrico thus replyde , I answere not for all , But sure my wife will constant be , what fortune so befall , She is no gadder farre from home , she helpes not beauties blase , Her words and workes are modest both , she giues no youthes the gase ▪ With honest exercises still , she fansies fonde preuentes , To heare my good successe abroade , her carefull mynde contents . Syr knight quoth Vdislao then , ●ince so you loue your wife , Beshrewe me if that my reply , do sowe sedicious strife , You haue enough , what would you more , let others haue a snatch . Alberto sayde , will he or nill , she would in corners catch : And to be short , both Lordes affirme , that Ladie liueth not , If that a wise and valiant knight , her honour can not blot . Vlrico did deny it flat , they still affirmd it true , And thus they pleade vntill the quéene , their controuersie knewe , Who for that these barons so wrought , a slaunder to her sect , Their foolish , rash , and iudgement false , she sharply did detect , Alberto ( fuming at this cheacke ) this answere made the quéene , Not for to moue your grace to wrath , our argument hath béene , Yet if Vlrico like the match , my lande to his I lay , How that ere twice the Moone hath cast , her horned head away , I battell will his browes so well , as hornes thereon shall growe , Prouided that his wife afore , the wager doth not knowe . And further , if I win her loue , his Ladie so he vse , As if that she her honour did , in no respect abuse . The yong Lord Vdislao would , the selfe same wager try , Vlrico armde him selfe to take , their proffers by and by . Indentures to assure this match , ingrossed were in haste , The couenants as before exprest , were in the perchment plasie . The king and Quéene gaue frée consent , the wager should be laid , Th' indentures seald , by either part , and all thinges sure are made , It was agréed Alberto should , the battering tyre lay , If Lady Barbara did resist , Vdislao should assay . With sharpe assault of wanton wordes , to batter downe her praise , If two monethes shée could make defence , these Lords , their siege should raise , And lose their liuing for their hire , which small misliking bréedes , See , sée , the fonde effectes of hope , Alberto forward spéedes . And spies in fine the castle walles , wherein this Lady lay , Who safe arriued at his Inn , streight chaungde his riding ray , And clothd a newe , as pleasd his minde , it was not longe ere hée , To sée Vlricos castle hyde , his heartes delight to sée . To purchase welcome first he tould , Vlricos happie state , And hauing causes in those coastes , hée durst not passe his gate , Before hée had , to her his wife , those welcome tidings shard , To finde occasion to returne , how shée his Lady fard . Dame Barbara ( ioyfull of these newes ) requested him to take , In worth : such intertainement , as her power was to make , The Lord Alberto made no bones , to be his Ladies guest , But like a Courtier braue and bould , vouchsafed her request , Till supper time with honest talke , shée wisely held him tacke , When supp hée should , of daintie fare , shée sawe he had no sacke , Alberto ( feasted like a prince ) prickt forth with pleasaunt braine , Assayed many times to fall , into some louing vaine , Dame Barbara though faine shée would , haue broke this botelesse prattle , Least he should thinke , his welcome heard , did hould him tacke in ●atle , Which courtesie hée construed thus , The Dame that is content , To listen to a tale of loue , to loue will soone consent : Forgetting how of force they must , some such discourses heare , Or to to coy , their friends forsake , which manners will not beare . But leaue I that . Alberto thought , his match was meetely sure , And still to stoupe , this modest dame , hée threw his wanton lure , Hée flattering questions moued oft , shée pretily answerde all , At length , into his louing sute , hée soberly did fall . And with a sighe deare dame ( quoth hée ) admitt my faithful zeale , Who forst through loue , must néeds vnfould , that faine I would conceale , Your beautie , birth and comely shape , report so hie hath prisde , That trust mee as I heard you namd , in thought , I thus surmisde , This Lady staynes , syr Paris rape , in face , in forme and hew , And as hée lou'd through brute of fame , so I in faith do you , And try who list , loue wounds so sore , if hée empayreth health , His thralles can hardly be restord , by reason , witt , or wealth . Their souereignes grace , must be their salue , naught else can work their rest , Unlesse they will abridge their dayes , of both the bads , the best , I loue I graunt beyond my reach , for to recant I striue , But loue I must , and loth I am , to liue and die aliue , My helpe is on my selfe , that I vntimely murther try , My woes consent , yet haue I vowde ▪ in your sweete sight to die . Despaire hath sped me to this place , my sorrowes to appease , My tale is tould , you knowe my trueth , preserue mée if you please , This louing zeale , so sharpely showne , did strike the Lady mute , Her answere now , was farre to seeke , shée hated so his sute , Alberto , that did note this chaunge , in words , in lookes and all , Thought how his shape & friendly shoes , had brought her hart in thrall . And therefore to vntie her tongue , hée s●ily stole a kisse , She litle said , and yet she thought , there was no woe to this , And as shée musde , shée found a meane , his follies to reproue , But yet the feate 〈…〉 be wrought , with fained shewe of loue , Which shée 〈…〉 , as if shée lou'de in déede , Or that her ●●use of straungenes late , of passion did procéede , Alberto thus aduaunst with hope , afresh nowe pleades for ruth , She stands not greatly on his sute , but falls to faine his truth , The knight ( by proofe of pleasures past ) when she this issue tooke , Though● 〈…〉 sugred wordes , she had deuoured Cupids hooke , And ( as he thought ) to frée suspect , for othes he spared not . That neither chaunge , or any chaunce , should him , with falsehood blot , Fewe wordes to waste , she faind at length , shée was content to loue , And pointed both a time and place , a pleasaunt tast to proue . But least by absence from your Inn , quoth she , suspicion grow , I nowe bequeath you to your case , when to returne you know . Alberto luld with thoughtes of ioy , vnto his lodging goes , Who thinkes , eche houre a yeare till that , the morrowe morning shoes . Well yet at length , the houre came , that flattred him with grace , Who all too hastle hide him selfe , to his appointed place , Arriued there a pretie minx ( directed wel before ) Unto a lodging brought this Lord , and locked fast the dore , When he was safe awaye she went , for ioy Alberto hopt , But sée , a chaunge , too late he spyde , he was in prison popt , The windowes made of yron barres , the walles of stone and clay . A bed he found , but farre vnfit , he thought for Venus play , Is this a place of ioy ( quoth he ) O no I am betrayde , He had no sooner spake these words , but came saire Barbaras mayde , Who at a grate Alberto calles , to whom she vsde these words , This is the courtsie syr knight ( quoth she ) my Ladie you affordes . First like a théefe sith that you sought , to rob her of her fame , She hath in prison layde you fast , your lawlesse loue to tame . And further ( to allay your heate ) vnlesse you daily spinne , This distaffe laden full of flaxe , your fare will be but thinne , This sayd , the distaffe in she throwes , and bad him thus adieu , My tale is tolde , you knowe your taske , nowe worke as pleaseth you . Alberto at these sorrie newes , straight to this choller waxe , Shall I from martiall exercise , fall nowe a spinning flaxe : Shall I that liu'd at libertie , in prison thus be pend , Shall I be sys'd of meate and drinke , that late so much did spend ? And shall a Ladie foyle me thus , whose hart the stoutest quaild , There with he stroue to breake the doores , but small his force auaild . His griefe but gréene with termes of hate , he blam'd this Ladie oft , And supperlesse so went to bed , which was not very soft , But in respect of other plagues , he thought the hardnesse small , Who tyred with tormenting thoughts , a sléepe did quickly fall , When he had sleapt the night away , and cares digested well , Sharpe hunger so assayld this Lord , as he to spinning fell , His goutie and yll shapen thredes , so moued him to smyle , That well he likt the exercise , his sorrowes to beguile . At dinner time dame Barbaras mayde , was to Alberto sent , To share his lowance like his worke , to whome this courtoll went , And rudely calles to sée the yarne , he had that morning sponne , Alberto ( eger of his meate ) deliuerd what was donne , By Saint Marie ( quoth this queane ) your buswiuerie is good , And after she had frumpt him well , she fetcht his sorrie foode , A wéeke or more , these hungrie meales , in worth Alberto tooke , In hope of grace , which came so slowe , as he his hope forsooke . Sée , yet desire of libertie , sée nowe the fruites of néede , Sée here how théeues their fellowes peche , sée , sée , how hope doth féede , Alberto for dame Barbara sendes , to whom he shewes at large : The wanton wager , words , and workes , as I haue giuen in charge . And how that Vdislao would , ere long attempt the like . Which straunge discourse the Ladie did , into a wonder strike . Oh God ( quoth she ) what cause giue I , men should suspect my life , I neuer clim'd beyonde my reach , I am a louing wife . And comes there yet another Lord , that would my vertues staine , Well let him come , he shall abide , hard penance for his paine . This sayde , she wild the gaylor sée , Alberto spinne apace , His newes thus recompenced were , whome nowe I leaue a space , To shewe what rumor in the court , in euery corner roung , Some say Albertos ioyes were such , as loth to part he soung . Vlrico oft his image viewd , to sée what hue it bare , And all the while it yealowe séemd , he liu'd in perilous feare , But when it turnd to white againe , what so the courtiers say , He knewe Alberto had the foyle , and he had won the lay , The other competitor thought , his fellowes ioyes too great . So that to haue a share with him , he posted till he sweate , And posting thus he at the length , Vlricos castle spyde , And making then more haste then spéede , post haste he thether hyde , Who safe arriu'd where he did wish , to make his welcome more , He had an errant readie stampt , yea two or thrée in store , He first commended to this dame , her husbandes happie health , His speciall credite with his prince , his fame and heapes of wealth , And how on causes of his owne , into these coastes he came , And how he heard in happie time , his friend Vlricos name , And also how not farre from thence , did dwell his Ladie faire , And howe he bounde by courtesie , to sée her did repaire . The Ladie smiled in her mynde , to heare this currant scuse . And yet dissembling what she thought , she friendly did him vse . Yea courteously she crau'd he would , his causes yet adiourne , And at his friend Vlricos house , with her awhile soiourne . Her gentle offer to accept , this Lord was nothing nice , And yet ere longe her courtesse , he bought at too hie price , Well both ( contented , as it séemd ) into the castle goe , Where as faire Barbara glads her friend , with welcomes great in shoe , She talkt , she walkt , shee satt , she stoode , as likt this gallant best , Yea many a straunge discourse , did passe , betwéene her , and her guest , In sinc to towle , this lord in loue , a sighing shée began , And asked how Alberto farde , as if shée lou'de the man , The lord , Vdislao did take , this motion in good part , Who smyld and said , in secrete thought , Alberto had her heart , And for to strike her in a mase , quoth hée , I wott not well , Since last he vew'd these countrye costes , where as my frend doth dwel , Faire Barbara , as though she feard , this lords welfare did faine , And is hée not ( quoth shée ) returnde , vnto your court againe ? This lure thus throwne to worke some hope , in Vdislaos breast , The Lady broke the prattle off , and fell to feast her guest , The lusty Hungarian lord , likt well , her kindnes showne , Yet still he for aduauntage stayde , to make his passions knowne , Whose subtiltie , when shée espide , t'imbolden him the more , Against her will , her eyes d●d séeme , more wanton then of yore , And trained thus to treate of loue , at length his tongue found scope , She made it nice , yet not so straunge , but he might féede on hope , Hée féeding still , on showe of grace , was loth to leaue the féeld , She faring , as shée likt his talke , by péece meales gan to yéeld . In fine she fainde how that his sute , had wonne her to agrée , And how shée would sometime that night , her louers lodging sée , Untill which time this frolicke lord , committed her a Dio , A fainde good night , shée likewise gaue , and wild her seruannts shoe , Him , where he should that night be lodgde , whose lodging was prepard , Next chamber to the prison where , Alberto hardly farde , Well Vdislao went to bedde , full fraught with secrete ioy , And still he lookt when his faire dame , would kepe her promist foy , But all in vaine , he gapt for grace , she glad he had him catcht , Yet sée , the fond conceites in loue , in hope , the night he watcht , He hard no noyse , no mouse could steare , but streight in thought he smild O welcome Lady ( quoth his heart ) but when he was beguild , He Sopor blamd , for charging her , with to much drowsie sléepe , But of his faultes , and wager fond , at all he tooke no kéepe , Wel al this night with fancies tost , no sléepe lodgde in his breast , When morning came , this comfort came to set his heart at rest , Dame Barbaras mayde , brought him a réele , and yearne Alberto made , She tould him he , should reele the same , for that he had assaide To robbe her Lady of good fame , to her then life more deare , If he refusde , to doe his taske , he should haue sorrie cheare , Loke you for neither meate nor drinke , before your worke be donne , And syr ( quoth shée ) t' incourage you , the thread Alberto sponne , Hée is your neighbour , fare you well , I can no longer stay , These sorrie newes Vdislao nie , out of his wittes did fray , Alberto toke his pennaunce ill , but he did tenne times worse , Hée rag'd , he rau'd , the Ladies scorne , himselfe , and all did curse , But what for that ? how so he did , himselfe agréeued feele , One of these euills , hée néedes must chuse , to ster●e or else to réele , And of both bads , the best he chusde , in fine to worke he fell , His rash attempt , had this successe , which he deserued well . Nowe that this vertuous dame hath gott , the conquest of her foes , These lordinges pennannce for their pride , she to their seruants shoes , In whose behalfe , her bouutie here , I must of force commende , They wanted not , for daintie fare , how so they fast were pend , These barons men , ( at libertie ) streight posted to the Court , And of their lords imprisonment , there make they large report , These newes of note , about the Court , went flinging every where , So longe as both the king and Quéene , these gallants fortunes heare , The king to learne the certaine truth , to Lady Barbara sent , His chauncelour , and other Lords , where as they found fast pent , Lord Alberto and Vdislao , Alberto spinning thread , And Vdislao réeting it , with fretting well nie dead , The Lady shewde the newe come Lords the matter all and some , And how to tame their lawlesse loue , the barons bid this dome , The Chauncelor what earst is showne , returned to the king , Whose pleasure was , he should with him , with spéede both parties bring They al arriued at the Court , the king iudg'd out of hand , Vlrico had the wager wonne , and he should haue the land , And more against the spoiled lords , with iustice to perseuer , In penaunce of their lauish tongues , they were exilde for euer , Faire Barbara , for foyling them , did to this honour mount She was the chiefe about the quéene , in credite and account , Whereas she liued many dayes , and helde her wish at will , Nowe being deade in worthy fame , her vertues liueth still . Virescit vulnere virtus .

The complaint of the Lorde Alberto and Vdislao , the two Hungarian barons , that vnaduisedly wagered their land , to winne the vertuous Ladie Barbara to wantonnesse : Who hauing the foyle ( besides the losse of their liuings ) for their slaunderous opinions , were condemned to perpetuall exile . COme gallants come , by both our falles take héede , With our fonde faults , you most infected are , You worke more wrong , in slaunder then in déede , And yet in déede , your flatterie worketh scare . Learne , learne , by vs , too lauish speach to spare , Large offers though , faire Ladies ofte intice , Thinke there be dames , that will not vaile to vice . First mende your owne , ere others faults you blame , Sée that your life , before you teach you trie , Plucke out the beame , that blindes your sighte with shame , So may you finde a moate in others eye , What yet you note , reproue not openly , Obserue this course , heare , sée , and say the best , For lauish words , procureth much vnrest . Had we but wayde , that halfe experience shewes , We might haue liu'd , in honour as of yore , The want we waile , and warne you by our woes , The least of which , your hearts would much abhorre , Their exile . For what may be , then this a mischiefe more , Once lustie Lords , nowe prisd at lowest rate , And frée men borne , to liue in banisht state . What noble mynde , whose hands could weapons vse ? Would brooke his handes , should eyther réele or spinne , To féede on crustes , what foole would not refuse ? Whose coursest fare , a messe of meate hath bin , In this distresse , perforce we liued in , Too hard a plague , say you for fault so small , We thinke not so , that haue indurd the thrall . For who at full , may value honest fame ? Whose wound so déepe , as his that slaunders carud ? Our slaundrous thoughts , suspected euery dame , Our slaundrous toungs , sayd all from vertue swaru'd , For which exile , we worthily desaru'd , She vsde vs well ( whose praise we sought to spoyle ) In huswiues trades , for meate to make vs moyle . Our lande we lost , by lawe and wager both , He wonne it well , that ventured for the same , But worse then these ( the which to shewe I loth ) Our follies leane , a memorie of shame , Unto vs both , a corsiue to our name , Well what is paste , too late we call againe , Sufficeth nowe , we warne with proofe of paine . And knowe ye first , what raisd this slaundrous thought , Forsooth our liues , in loytring daliance spent , We other doomde , by faults that they had wrought , And ioynd with this , their spoyles , by fonde consent , Which yealded bound , vnto our louing bent , Did make vs thinke , at euery wanton whoope , To lures of loue , a Ladie faire would stoope . What yet we thought , our toungs did sore recoyle , In slaundring them , our liues for to accuse , For who so vaunts , of any louing spoyle , Confesseth howe , him selfe he doth abuse , The greatest vice , that worthy mynds may vse , Deseruing wel , their worth , who should not praise , Deseruing ill , much lesse a thousand wayes , Oh stay we here , what meaneth our aduise ? When we God wot , so much of counsell néede ? And how againe , shall we vnhappie rise ? Alberto speake , what way shall we procéede ? And art thou mute ? Vdislaoes hart doth bléede , Oh ( men forlorne ) how wretched is our state ? Whome heauen and earth , oppresse with heapes of hate . Who will estéeme , our manhoode and our might ? By Ladies force , to carde , to spinne , and réele , Where so we liue , all women will vs spight , And cause they haue , with such disdaine to deale , Yet plagues ynow , we else in penance féele , O slaunder thou , on vs these haste brought , Foule fall the cause , thou harboredst in our thought . Had wretched we , for treason banisht bin , Some would haue ru'de , our miserie and mone , But slaundrous speach , is such a hatefull sinne , As slaunders falls , lamented are of none , In bookes of shame , their faults are rolld alone , Their names are scornd , their presence ten times more , All filthy vice , that all men thus abhore . This resteth then , for vs vnhappie men , To leade our liues , in houltes and vncouth woods , A hollowe caue , to make our homely den , To foyle hunger , with apples , hawes , and buds , For nobles borne , God wot , but sorrie foodes , There we , poore we , must rue our harmes alone , Or monsters make , companions in our mone . O friendly death , our worldly farewell giue , From hated fleshe , our loathed life diuorce . Spare them good death , the which in pleasure liue , And vse at once , on vs thy matchlesse force , To thée alone , our woes sues for remorce , When all is done , our helpe remaines in thée , Then strike with spéede , our sorrowes for to frée ▪

In praise of the right H. the Ladie I.S.G. of Wilton . WHere loue affects , or flatterie forgeth praise , There fayles no will , faire Ladies fames to wray , But Art I lacke , such parciall notes to raise , Truth guardes the checke , in what I write or say , And warded thus , when all their wit is showne , I boldly vaunt ( although in barren verse ) This Ladie staines , their Ladies euerie one , She shewes in workes , what they in wordes rehearse , Past natures reach ( a gift of great imprise ) Her faultlesse life , puts slaunder to his shifts , And yet she hath what Nature could deuise , To set a glosse , vpon her gallant gifts , Besides all this , she hath such fortune lent , As both commends , and doth her selfe content .

In praise of my L. E. R. THe pearles of praise , that decke a noble dame , Excéede the price , of any Iuellers showe , Yea beauties gifts , are but a glosse of fame , In vertues soyle , these precious iuels growe , And that the dame , whome I do here commend , Hath store of both , my able proofe attend . A passing wit is , lodged in her head , The which is deckt , with haires of golden hewe , Her modest eyes , are sild with gases lead , And yet they staine , bright Diamonds in viewe , Her words of worth , doth win her toung such praise , As when she speakes , the wisest silent slayes . Besides her shape , which sightly is in showe , Her mynd is with , these noble gifts possest , Her bountie doth , beyond her beautie goe , A care she hath , to ease the thrall distrest , Thus is she deckt , and this is she I say , That weares and beares , these pearles of praise away .

In praise of my L. Cecil of Bourlegih . THe cruell warres , that Nature long did moue , By force to plucke , good Uertue from her throne , Appeasd in peace , to shewe the fruits of loue , Of precious mould , kynde faults to worke anon , And hauing shapt this séemely dame of clay , For Uertues helpe , she sent her straight away . When Uertue viewd , dame Natures worthy skill , With great delight , she kist this Ladies face , And then ( to shewe , that Nature wisht her will ) She posted to , her treasure house of grace , Her golden shewes , where she good Ladie spoyles , To decke this dame , thus was she both their toyles . And with these gifts , into the world she came , Whereas she doth , in worthy credite rest , Yea sure her life , so beautifieth her name , As Enuie graunts ( who sildome sayes the best , Her wit , her wéedes , her words , her workes and all , So modest are , as slaunder yealdes her thrall .

In praise of Maistresse M.H. now Bridges . BEautie with brags of late , wild vertue yeald her thrall , But soone the Gods to stay their strife ; a parlement did call , And fame with thundring tromp , was wild their subiects ●i●e , By credite of their thrals to shew , who was of gretest might , Beautie against this day , her prowdest shewes prepard , And sure a troupe of gallant gyrles , her séemely selfe did gard , Their spangels , wrought , a gase eche dame in feathers slauntes , Their straung attyres , their cuts & cost , foreshewd , their scorneful vaunts , They looked all askaunce , when beautie claymde her right , That loe the Gods amased were , to see so proude a sight . Anon good Uertue comes , with traine of bashfull Dames , Whose modest lookes , wrought more regard , then Beauties blasing flames , A silence now was made , that they their sutes might moue , Both Ladies sue for souereigne rule , and thus their titles proue , Proude Beautie vaunts on powre , poore Uertue on desart , And by your leaue , for all her bragges , the worst had Beauties part . Her showes were blemisht much , with surfling and such like , Which knowne , beautie ( through feare of foyle ) into a mase did strike . Who gasing rounde about , faire Brydges did espie , Whose séemely feature forme and shape , did much delight her eye , And scorning other proofe , she Bridges calld in place , Who ( to sett foorth , her sightly selfe ) apeard with vashfull grace , Quoth Beautie ? see my ●oyle , you Gods , nowe iudge aright , Halfe part with you quoth Uertue streight , my gifts adorne this wight : For bountie guides her thought , which beautie farre excells , And pittie rules her noble heart , where pride in Beautie dwells , To loue , and Lawlesse lust , where beauties lures doe traine , She winns a calme , yet friēndship firme , with showe of chaste disdaine , A meane contents her minde , where Beautie is extreame , What botes thée then , good beautie thus , to striue against the streame , Shée onely shall suffice , if thereto thou agrée , To showe and proue , by dome of Ioue , the best of thée , or mée , I will ( quoth Beautie ) stand , to that that Ioue awards , Ioue waying wel their worthie worke , thus beth their toile rewards . Hée ruled Uertue should , be alwayes best in name , Yet Beautie during Bridges-like , should sway in equal fame . Loe thus betwéene these Dames the bloudie frayes did seace , But Bridges bore the praise away , for making of this peace .

The praise of mistresse A. C. IF Troyians stoute , that fought in Hellens ▪ band , Small wayd their liues , their Lady to preserue , What doubt , what death , what hell should mée withstand , To worke C. will the captaine that I serus , Who doth in déede , as farre fayre Hellen passe , As good , doth bad , or gold the corsest brasse . For first shée hath in feauture , forme and face , What Hellen had , or beautie could deuise , And therewithall , she hath so chast a grace , To hold them backe , with fancies fonde that frie● , That ( loe ) they choose to pine in secrete paine , Before their sutes , should moue her to disdaine . She showes them grace , that sorrowes their amis , Beyonde desert , her bountie doth reward , Her modest minde , by vertue guided is , Her sober lookes , doth worke a rare regard , Although in court , her roume is hie , shée knowes , Yet likes shée not , to féede on curious showes . A care shée hath ( which showes , a louing wife ) To loue and like , but what contents her fere , With these good giftes , commended is her life , Such one is Q. whom I haue praised here , Euen shée , is shée , denie it who that dare , That doth both kinds , and vertues iewels ware .

In praise of mistresse A. H. VAine is the vaunt , that runnes beyonde desert , Small is the praise , that proofe will not commend , Shame is their fall , that mounteth fames by arte , Truth is the gard , that writers doth defend , And Trueth I haue , my naked Uerse to clothe , But skill I want , this pear●lesse péece to praise , In fairenes who doth passe the Dame in troth , Whose beautie wrought , the Troyans bloudye frai●s , Withal to showe , what nature did pretend , In framing her , an endlesse fame to finde , She wrought such meanes , as vertue doth commend , Her gallant shape , with worthy giftes of minde , What would you more , then faire and vertuous both , That both she is , but search where shée doth liue , ( Beyonde my reach ) report their telling troth , This modest mayde , a matchlesse praise doth giue , Loe this is al ( though further would my will , ) I write of her , for want of able skill .

The saucie pesaunts present , vnto his souereigne mistresse . LAdy receiue thy pesaunts gift in grée , ( Whose will is much , although his worth be small ) A gift it is , that best beséemeth thée , Whose vertues hould , thy beauties rare in thrall , So that , sith that , your liue without a match , Garde you your fame , with this well meaning watch . Thinke that you liue in gase of enuies eyes , Whose sight ●oth search , in secre●st thought of minde , Thinke false suspect , about you still hath spies , Will forge offence , where they no fault can finde , Thinke déepe disdaine , would blot your life with blame , For that alone you weare the pearlesse of fame . And yet fayre dame ( incountring all their might ) These following rules , if you imprint in minde , Your enuious foes , shall pine away with spite . First choose a friend , whose wordes in workes you finde , With courtesie , a straunger intertaine , But louing sutes cutt off with chaste disdaine . Thinke s●gred wordes as Syrens songes , do wound , All is not gold , in sight that sémeth gay , In carelesse trust , is euer treason sound , Then shunne the baites , that philed tongues do lay , With proude reuenge , racke not your yéelding foe , Lest nettels doe , amonge swéete flowers groe . Mount with your minde , by Uertue to the skies , Uaile yet your eares , the mysers mone to heare , From all extreames , in spite of enuies spies , In calme delight , your dayes , so shal you weare , Thus ( souereigne ) ends , your sausie pesaunts songe . Accept it well , or else you do him wronge .

Epilogus . LOe Ladies heare ( if you can vse it well , ) An Arbour fenst , from burning fire and frost , A place it is where pride shall neuer dwell , Nor fortune worke a mase , doe shée her worst , A place wherein the worthie dame should liue , Whom no extreame , may change from vertuous thought , Euen such a place , my Muse ( faire dames ) doth giue , To you , the which , with double toile is wrought . Here may you sée , by lampes of others liues , A president , to liue in worthie name , Here may you sée , when death your dayes depriues , In spight of death remembraunce of your fame . Virescit vulnere virtus .

The Ortchard of repentance : Wherein is reported , the miseries of dice , the mischiefes of quarelling , and the fall of prodigalitie .

Wherein is discouered the deceits of all sortes of people .

Wherein is reported , the souden endes of foure notable Cousiners .

With diuers other discourses , necessarie for all sortes of men . The whole worke , the inuention and collection of George Whetstons Gent.

Formae nulla fides .

am nothing dismayde with such nyce findfaultes misliking . Suffiseth me , if the learned and wel disposed , take my paines in worth : among the which , I chiefly seeke to please your worship : the authoritie of whose patronage , will both defende and commend my trauell , desiring you to take it , as a testimonie of the faithfull zeale I beare towardes you , and being incouraged , with your fauourable acceptancu , I will not faile ( God willing ) to enterprise some worke , that shall better deserue your countenance , content the reader , and commend my paines . From my longing in Holborne , where I dayly pray for the prosperous health and hap , both of you , and your good Lady . The 15. of October 1576.

Your worships most bounden G. Whetstons .

The honest minded mans aduentures , his largesse : and his farewell to the world . A worke discouering , the subtilties of all sortes of men . REpyne not , friends , to view the forme of scorne , Skew not to sée , a figure fresh of ruth , A crooked péece , with withered age for worne , In drouping dayes , whome begg●ri● pursuth , A sorrie crop , for séede of all his youth , Who moylde , who toyld , who gaped after gaine , When losse ensude , a poore reward for paine . 2 Though straunge at first my tale may séeme in sight , Yet wisely wayde , the cause appeareth playne , Why backward hap , my foreward hope did quite . Why losse I found , where I did looke for gayne . Why pouertie , I reapt in lue of paine , For trye who list , and he by proofe shall sée , With honest myndes , the world will hardly grée . 3 Which of it selfe , The kingdom of the world described . a kingdome is of sinne , The deuill is prince , whose pomp doth neuer fade , Deceite and Craft , his chiefest counsellers bin . Extortion foule , The deuils officers . his treasurer is made , Couetousnesse , is merchant of his trade . Uile Usurie , his racking rents doth rake , As auditour , account doth Briberie take . 4 Within his court , these vipers beareth sway : First false suspect , high chamberlain they call , Who raps then down , which mount by honest way , Disdaine controuls , the wightes which be in thral . Then grudge the garde , doth place them in the hal . Mistrust and spight , doth dayly watch and ward . And malice is , the captaine of the garde . 5 Enuie and Hate , the presence doore doth kéepe , Which eluish elfes , dame Uertue still deryde , Or if she knocke , the sottes will be a sléepe , Next to the diuel , the court doth Lecherie guyde , On whom attends , dame Pleasure , Lust , & Pryde . What office beares , the Glutton with the rest , Or drunken sot , to shewe it were a iest . 6 Debate and strife , the coastes doth dayly scowre , Well meaning mynds , to sée they do repyne , Though Fortune laugh , the world on them doth lowre , Her subiects sléepe , and snore like fatted swyne , When hunger sterude , with want the vertuous pyne , No wonder though they leade this lothsome life , For worldly rule , with vertue is at strife . 7 But I too long , do tyre you with this tale , To wray the rule , the worldly wretches haue , Who bath in blisse , when others boyle in bale , Who do commaund , when others gladly craue , Yet shame and all , they leaue to fill their graue , I ment and meane , to shewe his ouerthrowe , Whose honest mynd , became his chiefest foe . 8 His first aduenture in the court . I first by cost , did séeke in court to mount , A néedefull helpe , in court to purchase grace , But fowly short , I fell vpon account , The flatterer thriueth in the Court. I quite forgot , to flatter and to face , The thrall to scorne , the best for to imbrace , I su'● I seru'd , I did attendance daunce , And still I thought , desart would me aduaunce . 9 Note . I lookt aloft , and brau'd it with the best , The charge mine owne , no countnance did I lacke , Whilest pence were ryfe , I was a welcome guest : I ayded those , whom spitefull scorne did sacke , In vnkind recompence . Which one aduaunst , were first that threwe me backe , With conges kynde , the gallants would me gréefe , With cap and knée , the meaner did me méete . 10 The sneaking curres , by bryberie layd a traine , A myle to catch , before they fell the crumbes , I thought desart , perforce would fasten gaine , On me which gape , but gained nought but plumbes , For former graunts , still nickt me oore the thumbes , The drawlatch thriu'd , my selfe who helpt to grace , As well as he , which bare the proudest face . 11 Ne enuide I , of either part the thrift , Since Fortune smylde , vpon the silly sot , I thought aloft , no doubt she would me lift , So spent in hope , for feare I spared not , By cost I sayd , that worship still was got , But I so long , did spende vpon the store , That all was gone , then could I spend no more . 12 Then countnance straight , For sakt brauerie , and leue thy credite in the court . with sower face did frowne , And credite next , began to slip aside , Disdaine and spight , with spéede then threwe me downe , In this distresse , whom earst I helpt I tryde , Who gaue good words , but no reliefe applyde : Thus quight forsooke , I in the briers stucke , And cryde perforce , a vengance of yll lucke . 13 I thought mishap , my fortune did withstand , And méere good hap , to others gaine assignde , I little thought , that Item in the hand , Remembrance was , a friend in court to finde , Or some for some , could leade a stately mynde , Ne flatterie I , did feare should be prefarde , Ere seruice true , had reapt his full rewarde . 14 I could not thinke , Description of the court . the court two faces had , In fauour faire , fresh , sweete , fraught with delight , When in disgrace , the wrongside turnes as sad , Sullen , sowre , sharpe , the shewe of déepe despight , As Syrens songs , bewitch the simple wight , I quite forgot , in short to shewe you plaine , The prouerb old , faire words do make fooles faine . 15 I simply ment , but subtly was beguilde , A Crocodile , deceiues with fained teares , But pray obtaind , it turnes to monsters wilde , Fained friends With fayned friends , in fine euen so it fares , Which snarled be , in froward fortunes snares , They crouch & ●réepe , til they haue that they wish . In your distresse , they wey you not a rush . 16 But certes they , which neuer ta●ted bal● , Persuaded be , that all men bathe in blis , So sure he thinkes , truth séemes each sugred tale , Whose honest mynd , did neuer meane amis , The speach of craft , he counts a mockerie is , Both losse and gaine ( he saith ) doth Fortune giue , And still he hopes , on after hap to liue . 17 My selfe the proofe , which reackt my courtly fal , A backward blast , a fit of froward fate . Some other way , to hay she would me call , With double mendes , to vaunce my poore estate , As gleames of ioy , do followe cloudes of hate , Thus lights I held ( bewitched with faire wordes ) Or bushes beate , while other lymde the byrdes . 18 I still relie'ud , the wights that were distrest , Although they would , they could ●● me no good . Which cold excuse , soone cut off my request , A night cap sure , or else a lyned hoode , Beséemde my skonce , I sware by swéete S. Roode , Which like a foole ; on would and could di● féede , When simple I with déede , relieu'd their néede . 19 These hashards hard , might honest mindes defile , What Haruest worse , Miserie can hardly winne the vertuous to vice . then wéedes to reape for corne ? But though the lewde , do laugh if Fortune smile , And frowne as fast , if that the fyxsen scorne , Yet wealth , ne woe , no friendly minde can turne , For happ they leaue no honest way vnsought , But féedes on hope , by value of their thought . 20 Wel , thus perforce , I left the costly Court. Hie time to trudge , when coine , and clothes were spent , The souldiers gaine , was rounge with swéete report , By them which wist not , what their losses ment , At ventures yet , to sée the warres I went , Resolu'd by them , to rise or léese my breath , For seruile life , I worse despisde then death . 21 Appointed well , His seconde aduenture in the warres . and souldier like arayde , I left my friends , and throngd amid my foes , Although at first , the thundring shott mée frayde , In fine saunce feare , I lent such lustie blowes , That soone my fame , throughout the Campe arose , With better pay , to credite then I grue , And thus a flaunte , to care I badde adue . 22 In desperate frayes , gaue charge my band & I , By manly force , our eager foes to foyle , Not one then flie , but rather chus'de to die , And where they foyld , I let them fléece the spoyle , For trueth to say , that tythe , deserude their toyle , I neuer nickt the poorest of his pay , But if hée lackt , hée had before his day . 23 They chéerisht thus , A good Capitaine makes good souldiers . when néede inforst them fight , On foes they slewe , in face of all the shott , As wolues the shéepe , doe spoile or sore affright , Their enimies soe , did flie or goe to pott , Such lyll they layde , vppon their pates God wott , Sith fame I reapt , thus by their restlesse paine , I could not choose , but let them gleane the gaine . 24 Such was my hap , to reach the honour still , In hie attemptes , I gaue the ouerthrowe , Thus fortune long , did frame vnto my will , But I forgot , how soone shée playes the ●●rowe , Euen where of late shée fauour most did showe , I ouerslipt the time that seru'd for thrift , As though the warres , ne did their chaunces shift . 25 In poore repasses , whose courtesie is such , To leaue to cut , till lurchers old haue caru'd , They séeldome say , shal surfet of too much , Yet haply may , with want be hunger staru'd , Who so in spoile , so stayes till all be seru'd , Besides his blowes , an easie burthen beares , Each for himselfe , where souldiers shift and shares . 26 But whilste I stode in tickle fortunes grace , And swam in wealth , of want I neuer thought , I toke no héede how age drewe on a pace , Or brused bones at home for safetie sought , To liue vppon the gaine that youth had caught , But when I could , sith then I would not thriue , When faine I would , then could with me did striue . 27 The sowvre sauce of swete reported war. For when the warres , any chiefest strength had worne , When wounded flesh did faint at bloudy blowes , When fortune thwart , her fawning face did turne , When faithfull friendes , were reft by raging foes , When foule debate amonge our souldiers rose , When treason foyld , where force could neuer spéede , When hollowe heartes did droupe away at néede . 28 When thus of warres , I felt the sower taste , Which séemed swéete ; by speach I heard of yore , For worne with toile , I homewards trudgst in haste , My skinne well paide , with woundes and bruses sore , But sure of pence , I had but slender store , Thus did I spend the time that serude for thrift , And left old age in drowping dayes to shift . 29 Yet simple I , did thus persuade my minde , How that the warres do naught but honour yéeld , His last aduenture in the countrye made him a starke begger . And cost in Court , did cast mée farre behinde , My way to thriue , was tilling of the féeld , A charge God wott , vnméete for mée to wield A farmer fresh , I fell then to the plow , And coste abridgst , yet cares I had ynow . 30 I then did trust , the trueth of euery swayne , And thought that I , a sight of lubbers kept , UUhen others housd , my hay lay sowst in raine , My corne did shead , Yll seruaunds . before the same was reapt , Or spoild with beastes , whilst lasie Robin slept , I bought at worst , yet sould I vnder foote , A poore increase , can spring of such a roote . 31 Thus long with losse , the Farmer stoute I playde , Till out of house and home , pure néede mée prest , UUith beggerie bitt , then was I sore dismayd , To trie my friendes , yet I my selfe addrest , UUith squaymish lookes , who intertainde thei guest , UUith sower showes , An old prouerb , beggers must be no choosers . my want could well endure , For small reliefe , then , none was better sure . 32 In what I could , my host then did I please , UUith quippes , In what contempt the riche haue their poore friends . and nippes , who cutt mée ore the thumbes , But floutes in faith , could not mée so disease , That from the borde , I gathered not the crumbes , For poore men pincht , are glad to pray on plumbes , Hayted and baited , time thus did I weare , Hard lodgde , worse clothd , not cloyd with costly fare , 33 This companion was Craft . And fettered thus ( God wot ) in chaynes of wo● , I sléeping once , mée thought before my vew , A mate I sawe , that earst I did not knowe , God spéede ( quoth hée ) quoth I the like to you , Acquainted thus , such friendship did insue , As I to him , my former Fortunes shoe , My hap , my harme , my want , my weale , my woe . 34 Which to discourse , a tedious tale I tould , Which well hée marckt , and smyled in his thought , Good friend hée said , thou waxest very ould , For whom foresight , some succour should haue sought , But well I sée , thou youth hast spared nought , Yet all thy life , thou moyldst and toyl●st for gaine , Hard was thy hap , that losse still aunsweard paine . 35 No fortune yet , but follie in thy selfe , That losse thou reapst , in recompence of paine , Thy course was wrounge , a pace to prowle vp pelfe , For falsehoode must , or flattery compasse gaine , Or else in faith , thy moyling is in vaine , Deserte is dasde , with dyrefull enuies driftes , And honest mindes , are put vnto their shiftes . 36 But listen well , and I will shortly showe , How that thy want in drowping dayes shall die , The way I know , how euery state doth growe , From base degrée , to wealth and honour hie , Thy conscience yet , must beare with briberie , Lewde counsell With falsehoode , fraude , feare not to vse deceites , To fishe for wealth , those are the sweetest baites . 37 If thou doest loue , a faithlesse priest to bée , If Courtiers life , in thée hath lyking wrought , In merchauntes fraude , if thou wouldst deepely sée , If Lawyers gaine , doth tempt thy gréedie thought , If through the warres , aloft thou wouldst bée brought , In countrie cares , if thou wouldst beate thy braine , If Cheters craft , thou weanst , is full of gaine . 38 If by these trades , reléefe thou meanst to reape , Doe thus , and thus , and thou with wealth shalt swell , With that hée wrayed , of huge deceiptes a heape , The least whereof , would send a man to hell , At which amasde ( quoth I ) good frend farewell , I like theée not , thy counsell is full euill , I liued well , I will not die a deuill . 39 At which adue , my mate to sigh I sawe , Who sorrie was , Note . hée had bestowde such talke On mée , whose tale , to no deceite could drawe , And in this chafe , away the man did walke , And waking then , I vp and downe did stalke , Who in my selfe , did finde a hell of thought , To sée what wyles , to compasse wealth are wrought . 40 Desire of wealth , Desire of goods draw our mindes from goodnes . forthwith my heart did wound , My honest minde , did blame my gréedie venye , Thus in my selfe , a heape of harmes I found , Afraide of fraude , yet glad to compasse gaine , Thus both I blamde , and thankt the cousiners paine , But as by chaunce , The remembrannce of death , hindereth vs from wickednes . I looking in my glasse , Mée thought I saw , how death by mée did passe . 41 With that ( quoth I ) away with golden glée , Auaunt desire , The godly cōremue riches , compassed by deceite . of gréedie gathering gaine , Wouldst thou him binde , which whilome liued frée , Away goe trudge , thy toyling is in vaine , The world I scorne , with my swéete Christ to raine , No subiect I , of sathans Emiyre came , Christ is my leage , to serue the deuill I shame .

¶ A Larges to the world . 42 My knowledge yet , vnto the world y knowne , The knowledge of decceite , is necessarie for the good . May haply warne , my friends to shunne this baite , Amonge the lewde , this séede is hugely sowne , They daily take , this bitter swéete receite , For why their foode , is rapine and deceite , My larges yet , to all I franckly giue , A large larges . Within this world , that haue desire to liue . 43 The Cleargi . The Cleargie they , no worldly creatures are , They cost contemne , their wéedes but homely bée , Heauen féedes their soules , their paunche hath pouer fare , They goodes despise , but what with Scriptures grée , To helpe the poore , whose want they daily sée , Well these I sée , estéemeth not my gift , To get their thankes , and haue I neare a shifte ? 44 Yes , yes forsooth : ( wel fare the fruits of fraud ) They wedded are ( a néedefull helpe gainst sinne ) Their sonnes full oft , desireth more a gaude , Then at their bookes , their fathers fame to winne , Their daughters scorne , to knit , to card , or spinne , They Gentles are , as braue as is the best , They royst in silkes , and gad to euery feast . 45 With smal expence , this pride is not maintaind , And when you die , your lyuing bids adue , If naught you spare , their brauerie then is staind , They must forsake , their wonted Courtly crue . Or make some shift , though shame thereof insue . Which to preuent this counsel Craft doth giue , To proule for them , whilst you in wealth do liue . 46 Scorne you the Pope : scorne not to clawe his coine , His titles leaue : lease not the selfe same gaine , ( You colours haue ) how so you pence purloine , Decayed schooles , you may erect againe , You may relieue , the néedie mysers paine , With many moe , whom penurie doth pearce , For lacke of skill , which scapes my worthlesse vearse . 47 The Courtier hée , The Courtie● will thanke mée for my gift , Hée spendeth much , yet little hath to spend , Some say this course doth séeldome compasse thrift , Yet fréely here , his state for to amend , To bragge it out in brauery to the end , The Courtier younge , a lesson loe I tell , The elder sort , doth knowe the forme full well . 48 For credite sake , you néedes must brauely serue , And credite wonne , is quickly worne away , Get vp your crumbes , therfore , ere grace doth swerue , Fawne still on them , that beare the greatest sway , Attendaunce daunce , when others plie their play , The mightiest please , how so their mindes are ledde , For wisest wittes , with some conceites are fedde . 49 With lawyer soone , sée thou thy selfe acquaint , UUhich knowes what giftes , are in the Princes hands , UUhat lyes conceald , by reason of attaint , UUhat fée , what farme , amonge his leages landes , Drawes to an end , that clarkly vnderstandes , UUhat office yéeldes , a gaine aboue the rest , UUhat penall lawe , to begge for thée is best . 50 UUho finely drawes a pattent for a néede , And Pattents sée , you alwayes haue in store , A time may serue , when haply you may spéede , UUhich fitted not so well a yeare before , And by the way , this care haue euermore , UUell to foresée , to whom you wray your minde , Least in your sutes you slender fauour finde . 51 Your charge is great , shift therefore for your selfe , For facion sake , yet flatter to their face , But vse no course , in prowling vp of pelfe , And if mishappe , doth throw one out of grace , Bée readie preast , to prease into his place , For why your ioy , comes by your neighbours thrall , Then be not nyce , to rise where hée doth fall . 52 The souldier stoute , whom fortune still doth tosse , The souldier . To shadowe fraude , forsothe hath fynest shoe , His swéetest gaynes are sawste , with sower losse , Yea life full oft , to reach reléefe must goe , Her faintes his friend , there fightes his mortall foe , Here bulletes towze , at vnawares him méete , There hawlberds hewe , here bilmen doth him gréete . 53 If in this dole , hée chaunce to reach a rap , In faith at home , hée findes a could reléefe , Best therefore then , whilst fortune fittes for hap , Hée shift for one , for feare of future gréefe , The souldier once , is neuer tearmde a théefe , How so hée wronges , how so hée spoyles and spends , And reason good , his life oft makes amends . 54 The poorer sort , yet séeldome compasse , thrift , To helpe whose want , Mast Craft doth vse this way , ( A pettie helpe ) for such as loue to shift , To watch and ward , to filche his fellowes pray , To sacke the wight , that gladly would obey , To spoile his friend , as one hée doth not knowe , If ought be said , hée toke him for his foe . 55 But now to you , which haue both charge and sway , You must be braue , for fame and credite sake , Yet must you pinch , no souldier of his pay , Lest nipt with néede ( poore slaue ) his héeles hée take , In heate of blowes , before his head doth ake , What then ( well kept ) a few will do more good , Then store of lowtes , which feare to loose their blood . 56 Dead payes will helpe , to chéerish all the rest , And likewise you , shall finde therein some gaine , And when to filch , your souldiers are addrest , Fléese you their pray , them chide them for their paine . For stragling out , from resdue of their traine , Ne spare to spoile , when force doth foile your foe , Take time and tide least fortune play the shroe . 57 The lawyer hée , The Lawyer . with doubtes that dulls his braine For tenne yeares space , his time in studie spends , Ere practise his , doth purchase stoare of gaine , Too long a plague , so long to fawne on friends , And spend on stoare in hope of after mends , And therefore sure , deceite deserues no curse , For working meanes , meane while to fill his purse . 58 And yet in ●ooth , a grote will buy his gift , A booke of notes , remembraunce t' is to ease , Wherein is writ full many a prettie shift , Post facto stuf , and Non est factum please , By larger grauntes , the lease away to fease , Conditioned releases , how to frame , By former wordes , the latter for to lame . 59 Such quillets nyce , when thus you noted haue , Some practise néedes , must print them in your thought , Set such at Lawe , in wordes as late but straue , And when they both in backhouse ditch are brought , To poule them both , let some deuise be wrought , Forget not this , when writings hit your hand , ( If youthes them owe ) with doubtes to lame his land . 60 With hope of gaine , his gréedy minde else moue , To voyde some graunt , or worke some leases wracke . A lease of trust , then must the title proue , At leasure yet , this timelesse trust turne backe , Your interest small , his greatest right will sacke , For once in proofe , this prouerbe still doth last , A little lyme , A foule will fetter fast . 61 Physicians . Physicians now , that weyes how weake wée are , Newe cures must search , our griefes are now so straunge , Old Gallens drugges , our time vnfitteth farre , Augmented then , his cures abroade must raunge , For healthlesse men , on euery hope will chaunge , But once reteynde , be sure thou vse this course , Another blame , although thy selfe be worse . 62 The practise of a lewde Physician . Sée your receites , some lightning yéeld at first , To worke conceites within your patients thought , Persuade him still , his paine is at the worst , Yet heale and harme , till wished gaine be wrought , But for the poore , sée some reléefe be sought , And for your paines , let rich men ( gréeued ) pay , No cure performde , your custome will decay . 63 Officers . But now to you whom office doth aduaunce , For your behoofe , I ( forst ) imploy my paine , You come deuaunt , vppon a sorrie chaunce , Yea stocke you set , vppon a tickle maine , Durant levie , no longer lastes your gaine , And ere you sway , some thousand poundes must fle● , Which is not raysde ( in hast ) vppon your fée . 64 In tenne yeares space , fiue hundred markes a yeare , Unto his heire , who purchase not to leaue , One officer by honestie , discouereth the deceites of the lewde . Shall sure be blamde , of mysers euery where , If truth cause lacke , most say the rest deceaue , If all be false , few will such faultes conceiue , Once wronge you must , a thousand for this gaine , How voyde you then , the penall statutes paine . 65 You are forbid inroulements for to rase , To fit your friend , or foile your hated foe , To saue old seales , to giue forg'd writtes their grace , To chaunge records , a frendly turne to showe , For once you may both helpe and ouerthrowe , Yet vse you must , both meanes by slie deuise , But frosted bée , for feare of slippery yse . 66 Prouide a cloake , to couler stil your crime , Then worke your will , Apollo oft doth sléepe , But if your wyles , do come to light in time , To salue such misse , A notable cloake . some carelesse seruaunt kéepe , Plague him with blame , when you the profite reape What if sharpe checkes , do put you in some feare , The gaine remaines , the tauntes in time doth weare . 67 Mas gaylor , Gaylors . néedes , must taste of this my gift , Extortion cryes , against his yron fées , What then in hould , this is your onely shift , With shackles huge , your prisoners to displease , Thus pincht ( good soules ) they will pay , pray , and please , Pence poucht ne dreade , although they stoutly crake , To vse redresse , poore prisoners vnde lacke . 68 Now gallants learne , whom brauery still consumes , To royst in silkes , Younge Gentlemen . to flaunt in coulers gay , To pranke your wiues , vp in their Pecockes plumes , To snuffe to scorne , to looke beyond your sway , To finde a mint , to féede your mindes with play , To hauke , to hunt , to boast , to braule , and fight , Which are the thoughtes that féede you with delight . 69 This cost is more , then carelesse , youthes forethinke . But cost , ne care , their hautie mindes can vaile , Syth not , sée ●ines , your farmers Eofers shrinke , Of timber trées , then strike the loftie saile , The bodies next , will serue for bord and pale , If all these helpes , your charge will not defraye , But still your names , in merchauntes iornalls staye , 70 To flote your mindes , if house and land must flée , To two or thrée , the same giue graunt , and sell , Caue emptor , to thy assuraunce sée , Hap well , hap ill , some spéedeth pretie well , The rest must take their fortune as it fell , Shift you for one , the world to fraude is bent , Coyne stayes your friend , when fléering wordes are spent . 71 Come merchaunts come , and take in worth my gift , Whose Lynxes eyes , in younge mens state doe prie , Merchaunts . Their losse your gaine , their spending is your thrift , They broche your bagges till all their lyuing flie : But holla hoe , a bug is Usurie , Hée houldes you backe , from thrée times tenne to take , On morgage good , least no returne you make . 72 What resteth then , your coyne will rust saunce vse , And statute loane , cannot content your thought , Well fare a shift , both lawe and them t' abuse , You know in prime , each thing is easily wrought , The dog to draw , the horse to order brought , The skillesse youth , is wonne with euery gaude , The reason is his thought is frée from fraude . 73 To worke this feate , sée that you vse this course , Religion without deuotion . When dolefull knell , doth bidde a churle adue , Send streight to know , on whom death vsd this force , Not to this end your neighbours fate to rue , But of his heire in hast so 〈◊〉 a ●ew , If hée be younge , well left and easily wonne , To feede his dame ▪ sée wordes and workes be donne , 74 Some prettie summe on small assuraunce lend , If youth be slowe , at leasure bid him pay , Some times bestowe , Crosbytinge , a cusnage vnder the couler of friendship . good counsell as his friend , But helpe him to ech toy , to make him gay , To pay for all , at length , will come a day , By péecemeales thus , in lash hée wil be brought , In daunger once , let this deuise be wrought . 75 Get some to rest , Note this policie . and vexe this thriftlesse youth , Not at thy sute ( although by thy consent ) To frée himselfe from catchpoles litle ruth , For thy goodwill , to thée his minde is bent , To mone his state , his time and coyne mispent , To faine thy heart , to his behoofe is fixt , Then let aduise , with prettie tauntes be mixt . 76 But to conclude , Be dasigerous to enter into a statute to a marchaunt . lend him his turne to scrue , Yet binde him sure , least hée do slip away , In statutes , which , lands , goods and body sterue , Twentie to one , hée forfets at his day , The vauntage then , will double vsaunce pay , Extent on land , the sale will slaunder soe , That fée in fine , on easie prise will goe . 77 You Burgoses , Burgoses . which sell the costly stuffe , That wares to ebb , our gallants goodes and land , This lesson learne , and vtter wares ynough , Beyonde the price , of paying downe in hand , His state and stay , To take ware on trust , a notable vsurie . first wisely vnderstand , Close fisted then , deliuer him thy ware , But binde him sure , if thou his paiment feare . 78 If day hée breake , A worthie custom in London . let Commens be no Leache , No forfet once , the citie custome giues , In the hoystinges , an outlawes note him teache , Beare with his talk , his crakes , and yreful tauntes , Lawe will him stoupe , Selling wares on credite , collusion . in spight of all his vauntes , Collusion thoe , this dealing some do reake . Yet iumpe thou thus , a penal law to breake . Scriueners . Come Scriueners come , the frie of all abuse , Deceite beséemes you best of any men , Why blush you so , you néede not frame excuse , You are to helpe a thousand with your pen , Chetors , Cousners , merchauntes , your selues like men , Good reason you haue store of subtile skill , Sith you are meanes , each misers bagge to fill . 80 Bée sure you haue , the groundes of lawe by ro●e , What wordes unlose , and what as fast do binde , Eche quillet nyse , sée that you néerely note , In paper booke , as tendes to fraude you finde , In morgages , leafes , couenauntes vnkinde , Conditions , bondes , feoffments , Graunts , & cetera , In some one point , the craftie lacke still play . 81 For craft is that , that doeth you credite gaine , Rich Burgoses , your chiefest clients are , Monie takers They lay the plot , but you must take the paine , Monie takers to meash in meates of care , They fast , farewell , such will no vauntage spare , Thus sith your trade , doth tend to falsehoode vile , Good reason you , acquaint your selfe with guile . 82 This monstrous mate , had néede of thousand shiftes , Cousiners . To feede the thoughtes of those whose forme hée beares , A lawyers head , hée hath full stuft with driftes , A simple looke , to frée rash youthes of feares , A flatterers tongue , to féede beléeuing cares , A harlots face , to witche with wanton sight , A tyrauntes heart , to wound the harmelesse wight . 83 A scriueners fist , a lackyes legge to trudge , A merchauntes minde , to mountaines that aspires , A gluttons throte , to shewe hée is no snudge , What gaine may bée , vngleand , this monster then desires , What youth vnspoilde , whose wreake this féend conspires , And sith this mate , so manyes turne must serue , This course , for cheates , Craft willes him to obserue . 89 First flatterie thou , must prye abroad for pray , Thou wily must , eache gallauntes state escrie , Companion like , with them , thou néedes must play , If able youth , Dice neede , to nip thou spie , Unto his helpes , be sure thou haue an eye , And one some lose , drawe neare and note his mone , And proferre him , supplie on easy lone . 90 Now merchaunt hide , thy hooke in golden baite , In plaine , Iohns name , yet let this dealing bée , His simple show , Note this policie . will couler foule deceite , To make false déedes , let maister Lawyer sée , To get them seald , vse scriueners policie , To meash him sure , let flatterie still assay , But be not yet , to eger of your pray . 91 With friendly show , first worke him in conceite , Then Epicure , thy bountie , let him féele , To witch his witts , make mystresse Mynxe a baite , Hée snarled once , ryng out the Cousners peale , To forge , to rase : such stuffe then make him seale , As ouer soone , will put him to his shift , Noe force for that , hée might haue eyde his thrift . 92 But fraude bewrayde , By the imprisoning of the complainant , the cousiner agreeth without open shame . if wronged youth complaine , Then tyraunt start , to saue the rest from shame , To stay his sute , by catchpoles lay a trayne , With Actions huge , his crased credite lame , In prison popt , there is no laughing game , There friends do faile , if monie ebbeth lowe , His sute is cold , his lawyer wil be slowe . Hée nipt with néede , and rest of fréedome both , As one halfe dead , in hast will sue for ease , First make it coy , as men to gréement loth , Right Cousiners stand vppon their credite . His slaundrous plaint , so doth your trueth displease , As trial must this foule report appease , In fine yet come , and ere you goe agrée , And featherlesse , let my yonge maister flée . 94 Make shiftes . An other sort of cheating mates there are , By néede inforst , that sues to Craft for ayde , Whom thriftlesse life , hath wrapt in heapes of care , In prison throwne , of succour cleane dismayde , Whose wealth is worne , of friends , whose woe vnwayde , Whose hautie heartes , gainst thraldome yet do spurne , Néede workes for these , some shiftes , to serue their turne . 95 If any such , ripe witte , or learning haue , Want ioynde with Craft , this counsell doth bestow , ( To f●aunte it out , in outward shew full braue ) Counterfet Astronomers . To faine eche acte , yea thought by art they know , A salue for loue , fooles fortunes for to shoe , Goods stolne or lost , with a vengeaunce for to fetch , Phisitian● Or faine thou art for euery griefe a leach . 96 But at the first to make your cunning knowne , A baude or two , send pryinge round about , Bandes . UUhere louing wormes , or sickly wightes are throwne , Old churles some haue , some loue and reape a flout , Some sicknes catch , by keeping reuell route , To wightes thus grieu'd , though slender helpe you giue , Use shewe of skil , in hope to make them liue . 97 If fortune hap , to hitt some heartes desire , You néede no trumpe , your knowledge for to spred , But by the way , giue mother Bée her hire , Then wil shée prate to bring a patch to bed , And vouch for proofe , how such and such haue sped , Although in trueth , this shifting is but theft , Your coates for this , the hangeman silde hath reft . 98 You holy gyrles , Courtesans . the hindmost in my gift , Be formost yet , in fraud and foule abuse , While beautie lastes , in blooming yeares to shift , For your behoofe , this counsell craft doth vse , To make it nyce , large offers to refuse , Alooft to stand , if Vobis ( rich ) do sue , The more you flée , the more he followes you . 99 If carelesse boyes , your coynesse cannot brooke , Such gallants win , with outward shew of grace , They swallowing vp , with sugred bayte the hooke , With carelesse toyes , their fancies can not chase , And when you stoupe , their hote desires t' imbrace , Looke to your match , the world is full of wyle , And well you wot , how sugred words beguile . 100 Still haue an eye , to beauties vading blase , And prye for dames , which soone in prime will be , On painted stuffe , Painting , may helpe a courtesan , but ther end is a bande and a begge● . though often gallants gase , The wily sort , your surfling straight will sée , To fit their turnes , stricke not to play the Bée , Scorne not for gaine , in age to holde the doore , They once were yong , that were your bandes before . 101 And now ( my larges giuen ) farewel foule guile Farewel ( O world ) no wile shal make me rich , My mynd abhorres , welth won by falshoodes vyle , To mount by fraud , I loth such loftie pitch , I can not scratch , the harmelesse , ere they itch , If due desart , proude Flatterie pyneth still , I list not fawne , play hypocrite that will . 102 Fare wel , His farewell to the world , a degression that shewes a of al this couetousness● ▪ fare wel ( O world ) farewel againe , Thou now God wot , from wonted course doest réele The clergie once , in preaching tooke great paine , Whose words in works , bare witnes of their zeale Most now in words , but few in workes reueale , They teach with toung , when thought on tything is , O wicked world , thy wealth is cause of this . 103 O world accurst , in court thou settest pryde , Whose mynions are , fraude , flatterie , and disdaine , They pyne desart , before his truth be tryde , They forge offened , well meaning mindes to staine , They cast at al , yet sildome lose amaine , Wo worth the world , thy brauerie works the wracke , Of such in court , as well deserue , and lacke . 104 The souldier stout , foreséeing small reliefe , For seruice doone , if spoyled honre he comes , As forst to play , no souldier but the théefe , When fortune fits , to gather vp his crumbes , For once at home , poore store of pence he thumbes , O world thy wealth , with rulers worketh so , As what they haue , they hardly will forgo . 105 The lawe first made , to wéede out wrongs for right , To yeald amends , vnto the poore opprest , ●s wrested nowe , for fauour or for spight , Arbitriment , best for poore men . Nowe monie , so corrupts the Lawyers breast , That daying is , for poore mens suits the best : Yea such effects , in worldly muche doth lurke , As iudges harme , where helpe they ought to worke . 106 Fine fare and slouth , diseases strange do bréede , And grieued wights , will spare , no cost for ease , But golden fées , so doth Physicians féede , As séelde or nere , they rich mens paines appease , With drinks and drugs , they still do them displease , O wicked world , thy welth first wrought their grief , Thy wealth againe , doth hinder their reliefe . 107 Desire of gaine , make offices so heape , As solde they be , not giuen , who best deserues , Who buyeth deare , séelde thriues by selling cheape , Who wrongeth yet , from honest getting swerues , No force for that , fewe nowe such course obserues , Thus pelfe ( O world ) first makes the Doner foule , To leauie mendes , the Done néedes must poule . 108 Each pleasant paine , each swéete inticing sowre O world thou workst , our wanton yeres to witch , And not content , we should our selues deuour , But churles thou sett'st , to clawe vs ere we itch , Thou burnst the byrde , and bastes the bacon stitch , O spiteful world , thou hap frank harts dost grutch , And grieuest churles , by giuing of too much . 109 The merchant once , bent all his care to seas , In forreine soyle , he sought desired gaine , Then was his toyle , Vsurie , a newe trade of merchandise . to common wealth an ease , And he deseru'd , his wish in lye of paine , But nowe at home , he findes a swéeter vaine , Sance venter nowe , he will in wealth abound , Foule fall the wight , this second trade that found . 110 The reachlesse héede , youthes haue in large expence , To flaunt it out , their cost , no care , to thriue , Inticeth churles , with shewe of good pretence , In prime of pride , Cousiners not without friends of calling . their maintnance to depriue , For lymed once , small bootes ( the wrong'd ) to striue , Right Cousners haue such helps , & friends at néede , As struange it is , to sée how ●leare they spéede . 111 Thy pryde , O world , doth bréede such wanton thought , As most men nowe , receiue dame Venus hyre , To stoupe faire dames , such sharp assaults are sought , Such proffers large , such wiles to winne desire , As wonder t' is , what fortes are set on fire , Who sinneth not , is such a gnawing bone , To raise this siege , that fewe will throwe a stone . 112 Fye on the world , fye on thy soule deceites , Fye on thy fraude , thy flatterie and thy pryde , Fye on thy shifts , thy subtilties , and sleites , Fye on thy cloakes , thy filthy crimes to hyde , Adieu , adieu , I can thée not abyde . And thee O God , for euermore I laude , For kéeping me , vntainted so with fraude . 113 A comfort to the godly in miserie . For though I haue , consumd my dayes in thral , Now death drawes néere , my count is quickly made , And well I wot , death doth all sorts appall , The prince , the poore , yea men of euery trade , Who lewdly liues , with recknings huge is lade , Thus worldlings griefe , where mine doth eb , doth flowe , A sorrie swéete , to end with sowre woe . 114 Through conscience , I féele no thought of hell , A bolde chalenge . I conquer'd haue , of dreadful death the feare , Where is thy sting , where doth thy furie dwell ? Where is thy force ( O Death ) wher is thy speare , Assault say I , that with my Christe I were ? I ready am , both euening , noone , and morne , The diuell , the world , and all their works I scorne .

Lenuoy . 115 YOu worldlings chiefe , to you this tale I tell , God graunt my words , be to your woundes a leache , The fruites of fraude , vntold , you knowe too well , Yea better then , my naked Muse can teach , But to this end , this dririe plaintes I preach , That hencefoorth you , to getting haue such eye , As you may liue , as though you dayly dye . 116 And least the lewde , should wrest my worde amis , I do exempt the good of euery trade , The which I trust , will not repine at this , To shew thy praise , this checking verse was made , The Clergie first , at whome a glaunce I had , Of them there be , great store of preachers good , To shewe the truth , that will not spare their blood . 117 There are in court , that liue in worthy fame , And well deserue , renoune , and credite both , Some officers , will take no bribes for shame , Some laweyers , are to sowe dissention loth , And citizens , with whome I séemde so wroth , I néedes must graunt ( how so my Muse did square ) Of euery trade , a number honest are . 118 The souldier now , whom I do honour much , ( How so I toucht ) their faults that do offend , I graunt we haue , of noble souldiers such , ( As maimes to fame ) that will those vices shend , I blame none such , the rest I wish amend , Physicians good ( as many sure there be ) Will not repine , the lewde reprou'd to sée . 119 How so I toucht , some scriueners faults at quicke , There are of those , I knowe of honest fame , Such haue no cause , against my Muse to kicke , Nor yet the lewde ; that wisely weyes the same , I blase abuse , yet touch no creatures name , Yea to be shore , ●●ypt no foot of men , That truly can , w●th malice charge my pen. Veritas non querit angulos .

G.W. opinion of trades ( as touching gaine ) written to his especiall friend , maister R.C. MIne owne good friend ▪ since thou so faine wouldst know , What kynde of trade , doth yeald the surest gaine , My iudgement now , of some I meane to showe , And after toyle , which quiteth best thy paine , The merchant he , which cuts the mounting seas , With course direct , as lyes his best auaile , The Spanish marte , whose mynde sometime doth please , With further reach , some hoyst their houering saile . Some passe Marroccos straights , by painful toyle , Some séeke to reape , the fruites of Ciprus soyle , But how or where , they rome with oken blockes , Their liues , their goods , doth rest in Neptunes handes , In rage some times , who rolles them on the rockes , Or driuen vnknowne , they sinke on Sillaes sandes , The gotten gaine they lookt , thus haplesse lost , In lue of toyle , them selues be quite vndone , Now vnto him , which furrowes on the coast , And hassard gaines , on waltering waues doth shun , Who gropes the oxe , who sheares the shéepe for gaine , Is often doust , with dewes of rotting raine . The handie craft , who wins his breade by toyle , With sweate of browe , he gropes for others gaine , He tylles the ground , he sowes with séede the soyle , When others reape , the haruest of his paine , To lodge the Lord , who buildes the stately hall , Yet glad to couch , in cabben clad with néede , For others ioy , who liues him selfe in thrall , Who killes the shéepe , yet of the ●oad doth séede , His summers toyle , doth serue for winters store , From hand to mouth , good soule he hath no more . The captaine he , which climbes for high aduaunce , By piercing blade , imbrude in enimies blood , In martiall shewes , who formost leades the daunce , His souldiers trainde , in warlike order good , The pyke men plaste , to stay the horfemens rage , The Musket wilde , aloofe , to souse them downe , The byll men fresh , when handie stroakes must gage , When gallants hauing charge , doth cry Aloun , Then tantara , he bids in battell ray , Be mearching mates , in hope of happie day , But when to ioyne , the bloudie trumpe doth sounde , The horsemen fling , to breake the pikemens ray , The roaring gunnes , doth terrifie the grounde , The feathred flightes , the enimies face doth fray , The currier swift , doth rid the skonce of ake , With streames of bloud , the ioyning vallies flowes , And wounded wightes , for life their héeles doth shake , Who scapeth then , next brunt may go to pot , Thus daungerous standes , the souldier state God wot . The courtier nowe , which hops vp by degrée ▪ And haply heau'd , to heigth of high renowne , If he do swerue , from top of tickle trée , His courtly friends , will helpe to throwe him downe , Who fawned earst , then wrayes the forme of hate , ( He honourd late ) nowe glad to crouch and créepe , Yet Enuie vile , with spite and foule debate , So wreastes his guilt , that grace doth alwayes sléepe , Expeuterand toyle , is guerdond with disdaine , A bare reward , in recompence of paine . The clowne doth clawe , more coyne out of the ground , Then he whose skill , doth reach the state of starres , Of yore though men , though learning were renound , Wealth with those wit●●● nowe at mortall warres , By Physicke 〈◊〉 to credite many amount , Where lacke of 〈◊〉 , The three following , are the trade of surest gaine . doth murther many one , A sorrie trust , tyde to so hard acount , To lende him pence , that payes the death for lone , And yet no doubt , his gaine is gauld with griefe , When conscience his , doth call him murdring théefe . Great be the rents , the Clergie doth receiue , More great their charge , the count if conscience take , If errours their , the simple doth deceiue , For both their misse , amendes their soules shall make , This desperate cure , agrees not with my minde , Although the gaine , doth tempt my gréedie thought , If so it be , that my●●es of feaude doth blynde , Or falshood faith , from former grace hath wrought , If trades of gaine , be spyste , with déepe deceit , The Lawyers hooke , lyes hid in sweetest bayte . It choketh fooles , which hunger after strife , Suppose that cra●t , doth fore abuse his skill , He sleas the purse , the others soule and life , By learnings lacke , and error oft doth kill , He roystes in sylkes , which merchants fetch a far , Him glad to please , the simple soule doth moyle , His sugred charme , witch Angels to the bar , His piercing pen , the souldier oft doth soyle , For solace sake , if he will to the court , If any be , he soone shall sée the sport . He little weyes , so lawe be on his side , The thundring threates , which Lordly might doth moue , If that his cause , with countrie men be tride , More harts he hath , for feare then they for loue , He often pulles , a personage from the priest , And ouerrules , by lawe , both might and right , A kildowe sure , whom no man dare resist . God shield , that I with such a b●g should fight : And thus thou hearst , of trades what I can say , The lawe for game , doth beare the bell away . Formae ●ulla fides .

R.C. answere to G.W. opinion of trades . I Thought ( my George ) thy Muse would fully fit , My troubled mynde , with heast of setled doome , And tell the trade , wherein I sure might sit , From nipping néede , in wealthy walled roome , But out alas , in tedious tale , She telles the toyles of all , And forgeth fates , t' attend estates , That séeld or neuer fall . Bereauing so , the hope that earst I held , To finde at last , a sight to set me sure , In profites path , my thriftlesse féete to weald , Or walke the way , that age might well indure . Sith haplesse haps , or conscience crackes , Or toyles of tedious waight , She proues the fées , of all degrées , Each course with cares affraight . And yet I smell , whereto thy tale doth tend , And smyle to sée , thy queint conceit therein , I write not here , thy meaning to amend , Against thy wordes , this answere I begin . In prime to touch , the merchants trade , Which furrowes fishfull floodes , Whose hap thou saist is lightly hurt , With losse of life and goods . Thou saist his ship , sits sincking on the sande , Of Sillas seas , or on Caribdis rockes , When nothing lesse , the sea more sure then land , Then fenced fortes , more trustie hollowe blockes . Let Neptune rage , with wayward waues , A figge for Aeoles windes , By anchors stay , in harbour gay , The merchants succour findes . As for the man that furrowes in the fielde , Distrusting gaines , that waltering waues afforde , The fées that oxe , and fruitfull shéepe doth yeelde , And parched fieldes , and northren dewes accorde , His paines do passing pleasure quit , When gréenie landes appeares , He smyles in sweate , when haruest heate , Dries vp the corned eares . The craftes man , he that liues by handie skill , By toyle and trade , obtaineth néedefull gaines , Ynough's as good , as any feast , sith will And quiet mynde contented so remaines , He liues at rest in meane estate , Contemning fortunes blast , While such as hye aloft to flye , He sées to fall as fast . The noble hart , whome nature pricks to prancke , In martiall fieldes , amid the clattering crewe , For high renoune , to furnish vp the ranke , Thy Muse to daunt ( oh ) how the same I rewe . Sith pen , ne tong , nor minde can match , With due deserued hire , The factes of those , which force their foes , By helmets helpe retire . The courtier he , that hops for high degrée , At last attaines , his wel deserued hap , For seruice done , he must rewarded be , And gwerdon his , the marke he leueld at , Which gotten , if he loose againe , The fault ascribe his owne , But setled wits , escape the fits , To carelesse courtiers knowne . The masking mynd , that mounts amid the starrs , And wakes to write , by skill of planets course , Foretels of dearth , of plentie , peace , and warres , Of temperate times , of hoarie Hyems force , Not only skill , but lasting fame , When death depriues his dayes , He reapes with groates , to garde his coates , Art thriues at all assayes . Physicians dregs , who tasteth not betime , May come too short , if faintnesse feare to bléede , Mas'doctours drinke , deserues this praise of mine , I neuer knewe the man , it stoode in stéede , Yet one kynde tale , and one kynde drinke , One doctour sure hath got , A tawnie veluet coate and pouch , What others get God wot . Though rents be great , that runs to clergies share , And more th' account , their soules doth rest vpon , Yet Christe his truth , to preach if nere they spare , But féede the flocke , the account is cast anon , And in reward of seruice done , At last appointed houre , Where Christ doth reigne , they shall attaine , To shroude in heauenly howre . The Lawyer he , the man that measures right , By reason , rule , and lawe , conioynd in one , Thy rouing Muse , squares much with his delight , Whose only toyle , all states depend vpon : For Lawyer gone , good right adieu , Dicke Swash must rule the reaste , And madding might , would banish quite , Tom Troth from English coast . In corner close mid bookes of crabbed sense , For ten yeres day , sith sore he beates his braines , To finde the right , of things from soule offence , Who can depriue such toyle of hoped gaines . In doubtfull doomes he reaues the right , And throweth force along , With doubtfull praise , his fame to raise , In fayth thou dost him wrong .

A briefe discourse , of the discommodities of quarelling written at the request of his especiall friend and kinseman , maister Robert Cudden of Grayes In. AS manhood is a vertue great , where wisedome rules the sword , As great a vice it is to brall , for euery trifling word , The rayling speach , the fearelesse othes , the standers by affright , When quarellers like curtall curres , do barke before they bite , But if their brauling turne to blowes , his count comes very scant , For sixe pence strife , to buy a sword , and buckler if he want , A reckning worsse to catch a licke , but worst the losse of life , One of which euils , lightly haunt , the man which liues in strife , Who so is hurt doth féele the smart , who hurtes in feare doth liue , His foe to séeke a sharpe reuenge , some desperate stroke will giue , If lucklesse blowe should plerte the hart , the one to death giues place , The other liues in slender hope , to haue the princes grace . Though suite of friendes , his pardon gets , appeale doth pinch his pursse , But gnawing of the conscience guilt , then all will grieue him worsse , What greater spite than spoyled limmes , with houghed less to limp , Or with a wood , or yron hand , the maimed arme to y●●e . This mone he findes at straungers handes , a colde amends in fayth , A proper man , as one shall sée , sée what mishap he hath , But they that know his bralles , doth say , no force , it skilleth not , His hassard hap , hath hit the white , at which his solde shot , His friends do count , by this mischaunce , how he doth nothing loose , Who else would kyll , or sure be kilde , a sorrie choise to choose . But ( ah ) good couse , at this my verse , the reader smyle I sée , Who sayes , behold how far from words , his déeds doe disagrée , If halfe this reason rulde his rage , his rashnesse had not caught , A maimed hand ( which true I graunt ) nor tryall had me taught , The goodnesse halfe of such a lym , which by the losse I finde , But sith mishap would haue it so , this shewes an honest mynde , To warne his friends the vice to shun , whose proofe bewrayes the woe , If late repentance wrought him helpe , he would no more do so .

The vnhappie man contemneth Fortune , and cleaueth to Hope , assured once to reach good hap by vertuous Industrie , in the despite of Fortune : SWéete is the thought , where hope persuadeth hap , Although the mynd , be fed with faint desire , The dunghil drone , would mount to honours lap , If forward thoughts , to Fortune could aspire , The ventrous knight , whom Vallor doth aduaunce , First cuts off dread , with hope of happie chaunce . If hope of fame , supprest not feare of death , In face of shot , the souldier would not run , Or recke so small , the losse of liuely breath , If spoyle thereof , a slender glory won . Nor merchants would , so séeke out forreine soyle , If hope of gaine , ne recompenst their toyle . The murdrous mate , the traitour , and the théefe , By conscience guilt , that bathes in bitter teares , In hope of grace , doth sucke out swéete reliefe , Which wears to eb , their flowing tyde of feares , Then sith she féeds , the wights forworne with wo , Why should I faint , though Fortune be my fo. Whose thought doth climbe , by vertue , not by vice , To whom perforce , proude Fortune yeldes a thral , Suppose ( sly hap ) may hinder my deuice , Feare féedes the heart , that faintes for euery fall , If first come short , then frame a newe account , The forward mynde , a thousand wayes may mount . Thou séest that doultes , whome only hap aduaunce , Dare ouerrule their betters farre in wit , Which vailde their hope , to euery sorrie chaunce , What may he then , whose hap with skill is knit , Bare sway by will , as well in wrong as right , Grudge may his foes , but not withstande his might . Yet hardly men ▪ by vertue do aspire , Spight sowes suspect , till their desart be tryde , But once aduaunst , is that the wise desire , In fauour they , for fortunes chaunge prouide , Then though at first , thou light in Enuies trap , Small were thy losse , which neuer earst hadst hap . If so it be , in hope I forward set , To raunge the world , as fortune shall me driue , A happy toyle , if credite so I get , As sure I shall , for what is he aliue , But hath good hap , within so large a scope , God and Saint George , send fortune as I hope .

How great a follie the conceit of excellencie is . WHere as dame Nature hath bestow'd , a speciall gift of wit , And learning won by trauell long , with natures lore is knit . If wisdome then do rule his toung , the tryall of his skill , A passing praise among the wise , no doubt but win he will , But once infect , with fonde conceit , how he doth others passe . So feeding on his painted speach , wil proue a passing asse , Or if he séekes by reasons rule , the scoffer to disgrace , Which makes a scorne , of sounde aduice , and loues to floute and face . Or when his equalles list to sport , to waste their sharpe annoy , His glorious toung , is grauely bent , to countermaund their ioy . If once they do espy his veine , their vice they wil him take , Then sots will straight be on his top , the residue sport to make , If argument his betters moue , howe so the same doth growe , If he defende or proue with them , before their mynde he knowe , Too malapert they will him recke , and so their tale adiourne , Thus too familiar speach in him , vnto contempt will tourne , Where haply else , to try his wit , them selues will him request , To shewe his reasons and his mynde , which side he liketh best , For ofte the best , the baser choose , and leaues the high estate , But knowes againe , when to be strange , lest he shuld proue checke mate In honest myrth , is wisedome séene , as time thereto doth fit , For grauest heads must haue a meane , for to refresh their wit , Fewe wordes they say , in order plaste , the wise mans tale doth wray , And silence is an answere fit , the noddies toung to stay , But ouer halte in séeking praise , some myndes persuade the still , Their knowledge silence will conceale , what then auailes their skill ? When as betwéene the both extreames , a modest meane doth lye , For to direct the wise mans tong , as néedes the vse shall try .

Against ingratitude . PEriander of Corinth sometime prince , A lawe ordainde , ingratefull chuffes to paine , Which was on proofe , who could a churle conuince . To reape rewardes , vnrecompenst againe , To leuie mendes , he should no longer liue , For why ( quoth he ) suche men deserues no grace , As gladly take , and grudge againe to giue , A needefull lawe , this shamelesse sect to chace , For what may be , a viler fault then this , To be vnkinde , to father or to friend , Or how may men , amend their foule amisse , Which scornes the wights , which dayly them defend . A Farmer once , a frozen snake did finde , With pitie mou'd , who layd her by the fire , The snake reuiu'd , did shewe her selfe vnkinde , But what ensu'd , he slue her for her hire . A morall rule , ingratefull wights to warne , How thanklesse they , do quite a friendly turne , But out alas , those varlets be so stearne , That viper like , they lawe and dutie spurne , We dayly sée , the parents painfull toyle , Their restlesse care , their children well to traine . We likewise sée , how thanklesse children spoyle , Their parents goods , or wish them dead for gaine . The good man oft , the friendlesse childe doth kéepe , And fosters him , with many a friendly grote , who séekes his spoyle , when he is sound asléepe , Or giues consent , to cut his maisters throte , We sée some men , aduaunst to honours hye , By helpe of such , which once did beare a sway , Which quite forget , what feathers forst them flye , If founders theirs , by froward chaunce decay , The traitrous mate , whose prince doth cal to grace , Is subiect straight , to sowe seditious strife , No maruell then , to root out such a race . If Corinth king , ordained losse of life , But if in vre , we nowe should put his doome , Ingratefull gnufes , each gallowes so would cloy , That scarcely théeues , to hang shuld haue a roome . To ease the iust , whom dayly they annoy , Yet doubt I not , some meanes would be preparde , To cut them off , for both may well be sparde .

The euill fortune of a couetous person , and what profite ariseth by the death of a churle . A Desperate wight , his fortunes foule to frée , ( By wilfull death ) to rid his cares did choose , But as he trudgd , to totter on a trée , Untimely there , his loathed life to loose , ( A rare good hap ) a pot of golde he found , The gold hée rapt , his rope hée left behind , Anon a carle , came sheaking through the ground , In stéede of gold , a rope who there did finde , Which haplesse sight , so nipt him at the hart , That loe for woe , hée pissed where hée stoode , At length ( quoth hée ) this cord shall cure my smart , And so hée hung himselfe in fullen moode . The sight were fayre , if euery bough did beare , Such kinde of fruites , till caren churles were choakt , Whose deathes inforce , a thousand well to fare , Their liues the poore , as many wayes hath yoakt . The wormes reioyce , vppon a churle to gnawe , The poore man then , whom hée did pinch of yore , Hath pennie dole , and meate to fil his mawe , Where scarcitie was , forthwith appeareth store . Pray for his soule , the common people crie , As for his life , the world full well may spare , His hordes of gold , about the house then flie , Catch who catch may , his goods a hundred share . His heapes of corne , to euery market sailes , Which close hée kept , in hope of some deare yeare , And where hée sparde , the parings of his nailes , His sonne may spend and make his friends good cheare , If such increase , comes by a carrens death , Who would not wish , a cord to stop his breath ?

A briefe description of death . DEath is a piller to the Prince , true iustice to vphold , A terrour to the trayterous mate , his secretes to vnfould , A stedfast stay to common weales , a webbe of worldlings woe , A father to the harmelesse wight , vnto his friend a foe .

¶ An Epitaphe vppon the death of Henrie Cantrell of Lincolnes Inne Gent. by his friend R. C. SIth vertuous life , death neuer may depriue , But liueth ( ay ) amidde the glorious crew , Lament not then , our Cantrell is aliue , In heauen , on highe , with chaunged life a new , Then death no dole , sith life therein remaines , But glad , hee gone , to blisse from worldly paines . From wreake of woe , from cutt of cares anoye , From fainting frends , from dole of doubtful dome , From vaine delights , the counterfet of ioy , From sobbing sighes , whence sorrowes séedes do come , From dread to die , sith death doth cleare vs quit , Lament not then , good Henrie Cantrells hit . The dalying dayes , that here wée lead alonge . On earthlie mould , fills vp the sacke with sinnes , Here mirth with mone , is alwayes mixt amonge , To sowre our swéete , here fortune neuer linnes , Hence pleasure parkes , no ioy can here remaine , No swalowed swéete , not purgde with pills of paine . Then laude the Lord , lament no whit at all , Though it hath pleasd , his will and heauenly ●est , From wretched vs , this happie youth to call , For ( sure I say ) his soule him liked best . Thus best hée calls , and leaues the worst alone , His mercie such , our heaped sinnes to mone .

Howe great a vice it is either for the vertuous , or valiaunt man , to accompanie himselfe with men of base condition , when as ( acknowledging his dutie ) hee may aduenture into the companie of the best . WHere vertue may , or vallor one aduaunce , To base his hap , a loute to liue belowe , Or credite seeke , with men of meanest chaunce , A fearefull hart , a dunghill minde doe showe , On thornes no grapes , but sower flowes doth growe , Euen so by sottes , no fame , but shame doth rise , A faire catch , for such to count thée wise , The forward minde , doth couet this at least , To prease , where hée is poorest of the traine , And not to liue , with those ( himselfe ) the best , For sure hée shall , a lowsie kingdome gaine , Where vnder him , do none but beggers raine , By learninges lore , who doth the idiot schoole , In fine wil proue himselfe a passing foole . The highest trées , doth kéepe the vnder spray , From Phoebus gleames , from , sugred dewes that fall , So mounting mindes , aloft doth beare the sway , When meaner wittes , doth liue belowe in thrall , They sucke the swéete , when sottes do gnawe the gall , They wrong , by might , their will makes right a mome , Who prickes at such , but séeldome s●ooteth home . Such is their force , where credite beareth sway , A perfect tale , although the wronged tell , Their thwarting speach , what they mislike , will stay , The wronged wight , with wrath may haply swell , And pleades a fresh , though not so passing well , Then sausie knaue , how ma●lapeart hée is , Away go packe , your purpose you shall mis. But if the sot , which in their fauour stand , Do slammer forth , a patched tale of lyes , Their helping speach , will force him vnderstand , The way and meanes , afresh for to deuise , To frame his talke , from shew of trueth to rise , A vertue straunge , their wordes can bring to passe , That fooles séeme wise , the wise in shew an Asse . UUhat fréer life , then others to commaund ? UUhat happier state , then for to liue in rest ? What greater wealth , then what a man demaund ? UUhat credite like , the countnaunce of the best ? For thralles it were , a heauen to reach the left , But they aloft , whom vertue doth aduaunce , If more may bée , inioy more happie chaunce . UUho will not then , both séeke and double séeke , To reach this hap , with hazard at the first , The foreward wight , though fortune giue the gléeke , A fresh will toyle , till that his har● doth burst ▪ If still shée frowne , in faith the man is curst , A fall ( saith he ) who recketh such a losse , An asse shall ride , and no hie sturring horsse . For proofe againe , the huge and mightie oke , UUhose withered roote , from falling cannot stay , But downe hee comes , by sturdie Boreas stroke , His fall god wot , doth crush the vnder spray , Euen so it fares , with those that beareth sway , If by mishap they wrapped be in thrall , The poore doth beare , the burthen of their fall . For where as mindes , by mischiefe rais●e too hie , Sedition sowe , their natiue soil● to wring , UUhen Princes might doth make such rebels flie , The leaders chiefe , well horst away do fling , UUhen pesaunts stay , and Sursum corde sing , They sue for grace , safe in anothers land , When toyling thralles , are trussed out of hand . If in abuse , of both their states be best , Although the best , in faith is very bad , Deseruing well , they are farre better blest , They roist in silkes , when clownes in raggs are clad , They haue their will , and what can more be had , Who will not then , how so sly hap saith nay , Séeke out this chaunce , if vertue sayes hée may ?

¶ An Epitaphe on the death of the right worshipful maister Robert Wingfield , of Vpton in the countie of Northampton Esquier . TO shewe their cause of dole , whom Wingfields death doth pearse , Good muse take thou a little paine , his vertues to rehearse , Hée wel was knowne to spring , from house of auncient name , Yea leaue his Armes , and blase his actes , and you shall sée the same . His zeale to serue his God , his care to saue his soule , His stoute contempt of Romish ragges , their taxe , their tyth , and toule . The Gospell , that hée lou'd , his life that showde no lesse , Bare witnesse that in words and workes , the trueth he did professe . Beléeue his blessings else , which hée receyu'd from hie , The first long life , in happie health , till age inforst him die . And then this comfort swéete , to frée his age from feares , Hée sawe his children liue and like , in credite many yeares , Sufficient wealth hée had , ynough hée thought a feast , Hée had ynough , hée spent ynough , and with ynough deceast . His credite with his Prince continued from his youth , ( A sight most rare ) in office plast , hée trust , returnde with trueth . Full fiftie yeares and twoe , a Iustice place hee vsde , For common peace , and profite both , hée séeldome paynes refusde , Hée wéeded wronges from right ; by law , and not by ame , Hee kept this course , to helpe the poore , the lewd againe to blame . His life vpright and iust , hée ioyde in no mans thrall , His dealings were both lou'd , and likt , among his neighbours all . His bountie at his bord , his store for euery sort , The hie , the lowe , the riche , the po●re , wrought him a rare report . And thus long time hée liu'de , in credite and in loue , Till death to worke , his ioy , our griefe , his force began to proue . But yet hée sicknes sent , for to forewarne him first , Whose honest minde , whose conscience cleare , straight bade him doe his worst . And so with hope of heauen , vnto the graue hee vailde , Of which hée glad , his friendes as sad , if sorrowe ought preuailde . Viuit post funera virtus .

¶ An Epitaphe on the death of the right worshipfull maister Iohn Ayleworth Esquier . IF men may waile their losse , that death hath ridde from woe , Then giue mée leaue to wéepe my fill , my sorrowes so to showe . And though to bathe in teares , small botes , now hée is gone , Yet none can leaue , so firme a friend , and showe no signe of mone . When brainesicke I a bruse , with ouer brauery caught , Hée first did cure my néede with coyne , then soundly thus mée taught , Bée stayde : for rowling stones , do sildome gather mosse . I tryde his ayde , I likt his wordes , and still shall rue his losse . His losse not I alone , but thousands more lament , His children , friends , & seruaunts poore , with brackish teares are sprent . But Oh you sillie poore , whom néede doth nip and pearce , With hart , with hand , with might & maine , your heapes of woe rehearse . Crye , out of cruell death , for reauing your reliefe , You are the wightes , that haue ( God wott ) the greatest cause of griefe . When hunger faintes your heartes , when you with cold shall frease , The lacke of Ayleworths foode and fire , your starued limms to ease . When might would marre your right , his counsell sound and sure , His open purse to pleade your cause , the paines hée but in vre . When you ( poore soules ) shall misse , with him that was your stay , Then shall your griefes appeare as gréene , as hée had dyde to day . These were his fruites of faith , these almes hée did of zeale , Hee wayde no showe , his woordes , in workes , the Gospell did reueale .

EXHORTATIO . O life of much auaile , O worldlings it insue , So shall you not be ledde by gold , but gold be rulde by you , So shall you kéepe him bright , that mouldeth in your chest , So shall the world speake well of you , your conscience so in rest . The swéetest ioyes of all , though death your farewell giue , So , so : your soules with his in heauen , your fames on earth shal liue .

¶ An Epitaphe in the order of an admonition , written on the death of his verie friend Iohn Note of Grayes Inne Gent. Vntimely slain the 2. of Nouember 1575. WIth teares in thought imprint , both frem and knowen frende , Thrée speciall notes of much auaile , by Notes vntimely ende . 1. Note first his honest life , of euery sort was lou'd , Learned hée was and vertuous both , his manhoode throughly prou'd , A gallant witte hee had the which hée gouernde so , As did content all sortes of men , when cause the vse did show . Hée had both health and wealth , his fortune was to hard , And yet in spite of froward chaunce , Fame shall his vertues gard . 2. His life would followed bée , his death forwarnes his friends , ( A note of worth ) of quarreling , that still with mischiefe endes . And yet with such abuse , I meane not him to tuch , But this I say ( hée prou'd it true ) by once hée fought to much , 3. An other note hée leaues , the which to showe I quake , His spéeding wound so reft his sense , as word hée neuer spake . Gods pleasure in the cause , I leaue for to dispute , Hée knewe his thoughts , wée knowe his life : then iudge t' were better mute . Yet learne you by his fate , ( if you examples feare , ) You haue no charter of your life , then best you do prepare , Your selues eche houre to die , least you be tarde tooke , You are here warnd , with ouer proofe , into your conscience looke . Hora mortis incertissima .

¶ An Epitaphe on the death of his especiall friend , Thomas Cornelius Gent slaine in the Prince of Orenge his seruice in Holland . YOu lustie youthes that sometime were his friends , Cornelius life , here may you liuely reade , In spite of death his vertues neuer endes , Whose worthie pathes , are méete for you to treade , At home hée séeld , in any quarels fell , All sortes hée pleasd , hée vsde himselfe so well . When Flushing frayes , were roung with swéete report , Our English youthes , post hast them thether hie , Where as they found ( God wot ) but sorrie sport , Farre from the speach , that of the gaine did flie , With whom in hope , who hap did well deserue , Away hée goes the Orenge Prince to serue . And plaste at length , amonge the drunken Dutch , Hée quite forgot , hée went to fight for pence , The marke of fame , was that hée sought to touch , The which he hit , before hée parted thence , With slender pay , at first hée was content , And yet his minde , stil with the foremost went. Though harebrainde youthes , at such preferment spurne , And gape for charge , ere they them selues can guide , Although hée had , of friends to serue his turne , Hée l●●t such sute , till his desert were tride , In all Al-armes , to fight hée soone was prest , In heate of blowes , as forward as the best . That hée vnsawe , syld , skirmishes there were , ( Such paines hée tooke , to scale the fort of fame , ) The coine hée had ▪ hée grudged not to share , For their reliefe , that sickly were or lame , Of euery sort thus wonne hée worthie praise , From best to worst , that seru'd in Holland fraies . Two yeares and more hée tasted souldiers toiles , And did escape when other men were slaine , But kéeping still a coile in bloudie broiles , ( I sighe to show , ) God wot hée caught his baine , Who being dead , though no man may reuiue , Yet shall my Muse , his vertues kéepe aliue . Mors honesta ignominiosae vitae praeferenda .

Whetstons inuectiue against Dice . MY Muse to mount Parnassus hill , Which whilom tokst delight , Faire Venus ioyes to set to vew , And wray blind Cupids spite . Go shrowde thy selfe in Limbo lake , This dririe tale to tell , Of Dice , to figure forth the frute , A second showe of hell . There craue the ayde of wrathfull sprites , The Authors of this art , And ioyne with them such hellish impes , As waytes to woorke our smart . For sure their plagues to paint aright , Beséemeth well the toile , Of him that pend the paines of hell , How Plutoes thralles do broile . The lustie youth , with lyuing left , Whose woe is wealth and ease , To line his purse with powling fines , His tenaunts pence doth fease , Then doth hée beare a loftie saile , As one that dreads no want , These sneaking curs now raunge abrode , A cheating merchaunt lokes like a sneaking cur . To finde this nouis haunt . One bitten dog aboue the rest , Doth great acquaintaunce craue , Whose kindred blasde , and friendship voucht Hée treates of counsell graue . Trust mée good cus , trust mée hée cries , Crosbiting a kinde of cousoning vnder the couler of frendship . When first I left my guide , This towne did weaue my webbe of cares , Before that craft I spyde . Eche shifting slaue , did search the meane , A mate to make mée méete , Then hée the names bewrayes of some , Himselfe to make him swéete . The lustie brute which feares no fraude , Doth count his cunning blist , Who thinkes he hath a saint in hand , Yet shakes syr Sathans fist . Their friendship new , by gréeting oft , Now grafted in their brest , His kindred coynde in cousners stampe , Inuites him as his guest . Who kindly thankes him for his cost , And craues amends to make , Then trudge they to some tabling house , Their hunger for to slake . Where daintie fare great store they finde , Their naperie faire and swéete , And gallants gay , with Conges kinde , Their comming for to gréete . A bounsing gyrle they sildome misse , To furnish forth their messe , Whose chyrping tongue , with pleasaunt speach , Doth cheare her chosen gesse . There shall you heare described plaine , Eche forreine towne and towre , The table exercise . Augmented newes of warlike frayes , Where fortune late did lowre . As cold as snow , some couch their scoffes , And some to rayling prest , In plesaunt speach some play the K. And makes thereon a ieast . And some so plainly figures forth , The fruites of Venus court , That honest eares doth scorne to heare , Their vaine and vile report . Their dinner done , they leaue this speach , The gamsters call for dice , Where posting Iacke to rub the bord , Doth come euen with a trice . To you , you furies , now I leaue , This foule abuse to wray , Their foysting shiftes my Muse doth mase , Their othes my pen doth fray . Tenne mine alowde some cogger cryes , The fearelesse othes that dicers vse . Thrée mine some youth doth say , Gods bloud eleuen , ( well sworne in faith , ) The caster cryes to pay . Sixe is the maine , what do you sett , Well tenne to sixe I haue , Two flues ( gods hart ) then for the house , The boxer streight doth craue . And nine : Come ye and nine this crowne , Well , chaunce at it I say , Aumes ase ( gods wounds ) t' is not my lucke , Two maynes to throwe this day . Murderers of othes . Some hypocrites , do murder othes , Faire Gamsters for to séeme , But of both euils , to choose the best , The doubt were hard I déeme , Perhaps some gallant fortune hauntes , Good hap his hand doth guide , His purse aflote , within his brest , Doth lurke disdainfull pride . Monie lightly wonn , is as lightly spent . Then roists hée in his ratling silkes , And sortes with Venus dames , Whose luring lookes , inforce his heart , To frie in Cupids flames . To traine him in , hee shall inioy , Eche outward show of blisse , In secrete sport they wil be coy , They feare to do amisse . A sute of Laune my Lady lackes , Luers to stoupe a Curtisane . Or else some trifling cheane , A cawle of gold , and other knackes , My nouis purse must gleane . The haggard then that checkt of late , Will stoupe to fancies lure , And inward bend at euery becke , No storme shall chaunge procure . Her christall eyes shall still be fixt , To stare vppon his face , Her daintie armes shall try their force , Her louer to imbrace . Her Rub●e lippes , by stelth shée will , Bée ioyning vnto his , With courage vaunst , her friend to force , To fall to Venus blisse . Then will shée play Galatheas part , To make his ioy more swéete , By striuing yéeld , who neuer thought , A rape vnpunishable . From such deuise to fléete . To frame excuse for late offence , The queane will cog apace , She will alledge his sugred woordes , His gallant giftes of grace : So wrought within her horish minde , As naught auailde defence , For to withstand his sharpe assaultes , Shee lyes it was his pence . Naught crauing for her kindnes showen , Saue constancie in him , Then shée that rues her chastice spoild , In seas of ioyes shall swim . Which subtile speach doth force her friend , Fairewords makes fooles faine . Within his minde to say , In beuties showe , my choice doth passe , Syr Paris pearelesse pray , Aduentrous boye , now bathe in blisse , In scorne of Fortunes rage , Thy good successe , in former sutes , Good happe doth still presage , But all this while , his purse is sicke , It purgeth more and more . Then runnes hée to his former vaine , To cure his soudaine sore . Where coemates , if hee chaunce to lacke , The deuill is in the rome , The maister will supply the want , Till more resort doth come . Who chiefely in this hellish house , Like maister , like scholers . Doth God in péeces teare , With quicke repentaunce then hée cries , A beast hée is to sweare . Which woordes more true is then his othe , When most hee cogs and scowle , For one may shape an Oxes sconce , By patterne of his iowle , My younge mans purse , that earst was sicke , Here reapes but small reliefe , His newe receite doth scowre to fast , Cheape side must cure his griefe . Then to the Goldsmithes straight hée runnes , Where most his credite is , A notable vsurie . Crackt Angels there be currant coyne , Eight shillinges worth a péece . Foure pound in twentie , for a moneth , In faith is pretie gaine , The lender may well liue thereon , The paiment is the paine . Then as a man with loue once matcht , At length yet wonne the fort , His Lady yéelding to his lust , Both infections can hardly bee cured . Doth thyrst for Venus sport . So doth this youth to be at dice , Thinke euery houre thrée , One bone was sure , the frame of both , In nature so they grée . Now fortune frownes , that late did laughe , There is no certaintie in dicers fortunes . To quite him for his scorne , Ill lucke doth chaunge his chaunce of gaine , Good lott is quite forlorne , One by and maine , at euery throw , His Angell runnes astray , He fretts & fumes , he stamps & stares , Hée leaues a maine to pay . His setters some , they loosers bée , They will not so be seru'd , They wil be paid gods wounds his hart Forthwith shall els be caru'd . With monie lost , his couler stirde , Hée bids them do their worst , And if they dare appoint the place , Gods bloud hée wil be first . Dicers quarrells . The box then at his bosom goes , His dagger now hée drawes , They parted are , they do agrée , Abrode to try them dawes . Then Smithféeld ruffians flocke apace , And Fletestrete hacksters hew , The enimies méete , of ircksom hell , They do present the shew . Draw , draw , the villaines kill , they cry , Then some do shewe their strength , Some thrust fiue yeards ere foe do come , To kéepe him out at length . The broken blades they busse about , An il wind that driues no man to profite . The more the Cutlers gaine , Some hops for néede , which faine would go Some lies in streate nie slaine . Some siouins sleues will buttoned bée , That downe theyr weapons fall . The Barber waites , the wounded wights Lookes like the whited wall . To rue his hap on euery side , His fained friends do flocke , His minion kinde to wrap his wounds , Will now bestow her smocke . Not all for gréefe of his mischaunce , Some visite the sicke more in hope of gaine , then deuotion . This kindnes they do showe , But gréedie gaping after gaine , If death should ease his woe . His daunger past , by Surgions art , They do present their bill , The which defraide ( with other charge ) His féeble purse doth kill . He kéeping home when debtes were due . And payment none was made , Doth bréede mistrust in Merchants minds , His credite ginns to vade . To sell his land , full loth hée is , A thred hée fairely spinnes , What ensues after morgaging . To morgage it hée fully minds , To thriue hée now beginnes . Now blewberds bagges doth beare the sway , Old snudges smell him out , Good simple soules they plainly meane , Yet trauerse euery doubt . An hundreth pound they venter will , On land fiue hundreth worth , In Scriueners craft consist their lawe , Poore subtile men forsooth . The ruddockes redde do tempt his eyes , The instruments be made , In faith to sowre his swéete receite , Before digestion had , A statute a perilous bonde . Some vnaduised statute hée , Without defesaunce wrought , Doth enter in , their gold to gaine , Their guiles hée feareth nought , They perchment reape , hée gold doth gleane , Who toyles in straitest yoke , For present state , I will not iudge , Hereafter strikes the stroke . Now hée for feare of sergeants sauce , That sicknes late did faine , In euery streate , which sight presents , His presence you may gaine , The Mercers bookes for silkes bée crost , A welcome guest . His debtes bée now befraide , The remnaunt doth the dice consume , Of all , which worst is paide , Redéeming day , drawes on a pace , His monie cleane is gone , Credite once lost is not easilie obtained againe . His creditors through late mistrust , Forsooth will lend him none . Then doth hée trudge to Holdfastes house , His great distresse to wray , Of him to get a longer time , His monie for to pay . Who aunswers , fayre , that God forbid , My conscience I should stretch , To take aduauntage of a day , ( Oh false dissembling wretch , ) The fained woordes hée simply trustes , The merchaunt did accord , As though bare wordes were good discharge , Bare words an yll plea , against matter of recorde . For matters of recorde , Now is he forst to try his friendes His monie to prouide , Where he on flocks may sée them fléete , Which fawned in his pride . Yet some there be for his distresse , Necessitie tries frend● Whose harts with bale wil bléede , And findes the meane to lend him coyne : Well fare a friend at néede . Aduaunst with ioy , to pay his pence , In haste now is he gone , But cut throte giues a cooling carde , For monie he will none , A cooling carde . His lande is his , by forfaite plaine , Which is too swéete to lose , For kindnesse yet , he will be franke , He playes now with his nose , Holde twentie poundes , besides to drinke , How like ye of this match . For fiue to haue fiftene with him , In faith is but a snatch . The youth againe , will haue his lande , Or else ( Gods wounds ) he sweares , The pillorie for cousining him , Shall moth eate both his eares , And in this chafe , he doth depart , Sub penas for to fetch , Which raunge abroade in euery streate , To catch the cousining wretch , Who caught , his prankes of déepe deceite , The youthlings p●aint bew●●yes , And shewes ere time of forfeit cam● , He gaue him longer dayes , To answere which denying all , The craftie carle now spéedes . With rough reply , the plaintine soothes , His plaint of truth procéedes , The gnawing worme , of conscience vile , Now bites at Blewbeards brech , He feares sol fa , in cousners cliffe , His eares too hye shall stretch , Which makes him trudge , to finde his mates , The frie of Sathans crue , For to consult how to avoyde , The shame that might ensue . The packe of knauerie then they ope , Their craftie bondes ▪ they viewe , One shifting knaue , a forfeit findes , To make their enimie rue . Lewde counsell . The rest with open mouth doth crye , To catch poore cousenée , By durance hard , to make him yeald , Which else would not agrée . Then lay they traines , of Comin séede , Comin a Gauntalias a Serpent . To toll this pigeon in , Whose chiefest feathers soone be pulde , Once snarled in their gin . The counter serues , him for a cage , Where bréeding holes there be ▪ But louer lights , to scape away , This doue cote lackes we sée , For him that ear●t did raunge abroade , This ayre is not fit . The Bench he thinks , more fréedome hath , For to refresh his wit. More haste then néedes , he findes a meane , His cause● to reméeue , And that the body come with him , The writ doth charge the shréene , Well mand then comes he to the barre , The iudge commaundes away , Then tipstaues snatch him vp in haste , They make no long delay . Safe lockt they leaue him vnder charge , Untill the court doth rise , Then guarded to the mershals house , This lustie gallant hies , Who passing through the porters lodge , Then findes no iesting game , For Burton with his booke of doome , Requesteth him his name . Roger Woodcocke of vnthriftes rowe , What gentleman or squire , Ten grotes and two pence you must pay , A gentle admittance I do but right require . Which payd , a while to viewe the house , He lets him go at large , But soone the vermine comes againe , To giue the second charge . Your worship knowes the losse sayth he , A gentle persuasion . My maister should sustaine , If any prisoner should escape , Their ease his little gaine , And therefore each of you he may , By lawe in yrons lay , Yet he for pitie trusteth you , Your penance is to pay . For them thrée halfpence in the pound , Your actions yeald thus much , Which trifle for your ease to giue , Your worship néede not grutch . Then may you in the garden walke , When you haue payd your fées . Thus euery way the poore is pincht , To plucke him on his knées . An answere faire the prisoner makes . Which doth content the time , Then he to séeke his fellow mates , The stayres straight doth clime , Some subtile lawyer soone he findes , The Kings Benche neuer without a subtil Lawyer . Who great acquaintance craues , To whome he shewes , his lucklesse lot , Enforst by shifting slaues . And lastly , to his skill commends , If yron fées be due . Extortion plaine , the Lawyer sayth , His wordes be very true , The statute here at large I haue , Set downe for prisoners ease . The Gaylor can by lawe receiue , A groate , no more for fées , And in your other causes I The snudge will sharply yoke , But looke your counsell lackes no coyne , For monie strikes the stroke . Which monie killes the heart of him , Whome present néede doth pine , Yet he at first , do share him fées , As though he had a mine , And all on hoyh , he rashly reakes , His prisonment a scorne , And vainely vaunts , to plague his foe ▪ Saturday a heauie daye to needie prisoners . Till Saturday at morne . Corrections then be sharply giuen , To them which monie lackes , Now Burton comes for yron fées , My youth now stoutly crakes , If he extort where is no right , The statute to prepare , And sweares to make him pay the paine , And damage for his share . Might ouercomes right . But here no lawen nor right do rule , N● vaileth threats nor crakes . With boltes and shackles on his shins , His loade & héeles he shakes . Where late was golde , an yron chaine , Do well beseeme the necke , His wrystes in steade , of braslets braue , With manacles be deckt , And nowe they will him coole his féete , He cloyde with yrons great , For all his lawe , Necessitie obeys not lawe . is glad to pay , Yea more then that entreate . Thus he that thought Caribdis rockes , By wisedome to escape , By follie fell in Sillaes gulfe , His greater griefes to shape , How spéedes he nowe in all his suites , When all his pence be spent ? Unféed do Lawyers ply his cause , Till newe receit of rent ? Nay , Nihil dicet , a vauntage a cousiner seekes . Niclas nihil dicet sure , To nip him to the hart , In execution layes him vp , For feare that he should start , He fast , his fained friends yet frée , To sée him be not rash , And Mynx his minion hath a mate , And leaues him in the lash . For Haggard like , she will not stoope , But where she gets her pray , His coyne consumd , his courage coolde , In hope she will not stay . What restes nowe , to this lucklesse man , What pen his woes can wray , Of friends forlorne , A miserable estate . of fréedome reft , And he at beggers bay . Thus gaulde with griefe his Lawyer yet , This slender shift doth vse , And sayth that prisoners be opprest , And all men do refuse , To ease their wants , and therefore sure , The best is to agrée , He may the better plague his foes , Abroad when he is frée . Which freedome so doth féede his hart , Whome present bondage nippes , That he through hope before his hap , For ioy now hops and skips , And then in hast , for holdfast sends , Agréement for to make , A nyce companion . But once or twise he must be praid , Ere hée the paines will take , And then with one or two he comes , And vp and downe he iets , Nowe do I smile to shewe the speach , Betwixt these counterfets .

The one through necessitie , the other through hypocrisie .

The prouerbe verified .

The youth that roughly rayld of late , A pitious plaint doth paint , The diuell him selfe in Christian shewe , Doth counterfet a Saint , But after many wordes of griefe , That either part can say , The youth perforce the candle holdes , And beares the blame away , And gladly yealdes him selfe in fault , Whose crauing suite nowe is , That cutthrote will , release him of The penance of his mis , And take such order as they both , In friendly league may liue . The more that he in prison spendes , The lesse he hath to giue , As though that conscience mou'd his mynd , The merchant doth lament , Through péeuish pride and hautie hart , His pence and time mispent , And order takes his owne the gaine , The losse he leaues to him , Which thought without dame wisdomes bark In seas of ioyes to swimme . From prison frée he nothing myndes , The lawe prouides a remedy , for extortion , &c. but the lacke of execution emboldeneth churles to breake them , The statute to prefare , Nor for the cousning shiftes he vsde , To cloy the churle with care . But runnes vnto his former vaine , If ought he haue to play , To posting then he somewhat puts , His commons to defray , Some Cheater haply will him teach , Some coging trickes at dice , Whereby he may mainteine him selfe , If therein he be wise . Then is he set a sale to toule , Some other yonkers in , To make them bite at vnthrifts bayte , While he their pence doth win . Some can not brooke this seruile life , Ventures barge . But néedes in ventures barge , Will séeke a price , but howe they spéede , I leaue to shewe at large . The swéete report of souldiers gaine , Souldiers gaine . By them that lacke the sower , Persuadeth straight some ventrous mynde , To scale dame Fortunes bower . But Flushing frayes , Flushing . hath wrought such feare , That they suspend their hope , If one did gaine , then two were slaine , The thirde did stretch a rope , And beggers most returnd againe , Unto their natiue soyle , For Holland yealded litle thrift , In lue of all their toyle . And some with trifles séekes to thriue , But fewe do spéede so well , And with a litle haply learnes ; Repentance for to spell . The seruing man , Of seruingmen . that plyes this vaine , A shorter cut doth make , He hath no fines to fill his purse , Nor racked rents to rake , His way for to supply his want , Is by the Scottish cog . But finely he must strike his dye , Least yrons do him clog . And worse then that , to make him sure . The hangmans cog . In haste doth hangman spéede , Where he in cogging winnes the coate , For that he strikes him dead . Of husbandmen . &c. The plowman , and the poorest sort , Which toyles and sowes the soyle , And sixe pence by the day doth gaine , In recompence of toyle , If he at night , consume at play , The price of all his hire , His wife with hunger well may sterue , His children fréese for fire . O horned hap , of hatefull harme , O venom vile to tell , O gréedie gulfe of endlesse griefe , O horror next to hell , O foule infection , fraught with care , O sinke of such a sent , Which neuer leau'st thy poysned thrals , Till all their wealth be spent For not in vaine , Agrippa writ , The fiends of yre you made , An Art most fit for hellish ympes , And not for Christians trade . Pride . A spring from whence all vice did flowe , Of péeuish Pride the nurse , For note the dicer , roystes in silke , Lecherie . When pence be pert in purse . Then must he prease in pleasures court , To be of Venus traine , Which soone will purge his foggie purse , From all their pinching paine . His body earst that able was , Sloth . To serue at eache assay , By sloth , &c. is so weake , That faintnesse bids him stay , To shewe the valure of his mynde ▪ Till natures griefe be easde . His fearelesse othes will feare the diuell , Blasphemie When losse hath him displeasde , When malice moues him to reuenge , Wrath. His quarels do excell , His carelesse slashing at his foe , Doth wray the fourme of hell . An Epicure for his fare , Gluttonie . Couetousnesse . Such is his costly cates , His mynde is bent to snatch and catch , Yea more to rob his mates , When all is spent and credite crackt , Despaire . Despaire then strikes the stroke , And makes him gape in hope of plumbes , For pence will shun his poke . And thus you heare in ragged ryme , For so be séemes the worke , What veines of vice , what lakes of losse , In dogged dice doth lurke , For loftie verse vnfitly serues , To paint the plagues of hell , Though not the same , yet next thereto , This dogrell rime doth tell . How youthes from rod , The sum of the whole discourse . to fréedome leapt , Are thrall to sharper whips , Whom cousner first , whom cutthrote next , Whome lawyer lastly nips . The braunches of the cousners trée , Are whordome , theft , and pride , From rutthrotes rout , doth bondage spring , With losse on euery side . The Lawyer lickes that they haue left , And lets him sinke or swim , Pure néede then makes him leane on those , That earst did liue by him . Although at large I here do touch , Each vice in his degrée , Exceptions A speciall meaning hath my wordes , To graunt that some there be , By rules of lawe , which rightly liue , And not which rules the lawe , To wrest the sense to serue their turne , Their clyents coyne to clewe , Some merchaunts rise by honest meanes . And not by craftie shiftes , Some tabling halles in fayth I iudge , Are frée from cheters driftes , The which I trust will not repine , Or quite my toyle with blame , Nor yet the guiltie well may grudge , Which wisely wayes the same . Quod nocet docet .

Fiftie apples of admonition , late growing on the tree of good gouernment : bestowed on his especiall friends and companions , the Gentlemen of Furniuals In. SErue , loue , and dread you God on high , obey your Prince on earth , God 1. Prince . 2. Officers . 3 Unto your betters dutie shewe , be they by rule or byrth . Lawe . 4. Expence . 5. Scarcitie . 6. Liue you within the bounds of lawe , and tether of your fée , For lightly after one yeares store , of scarcitie commeth thrée . Studie . 7. Fraude . 8. Use studie when your wits are fresh , and aptest to conceiue , But studie not the fruites of fraud , your neighbour to deceiue . Use exercise with such a meane , as workes your bodies wealth , And too much toyle doth hinder strength , Exercise . 9. Sloth . 10. & sloth impayreth health , Make choice to choose such companie , Companie . 11. Vnthrifts . 12. as are of honest fame , For to be séene with thriftlesse men , impayreth your good name . Use modestie in all your wordes , despraise no man too much , For lauish speach bréeds great vnrest , Modest talke . 13. dispraise . 14 in you and them you tuch . Make you no shewe of such conceit , The conceit of excellencie . 15. how others you excell , For if you doe , the wise will say , wit with a foole doth dwell . Inforce your selfe , silence to vse , when others tell a tale , For babble then , Silence . 16. both troubleth them , and sets your wits to sale . Haue care to vse some recompence , Recompence . 17 Ingratitud . 18 where you beholding are , For trust me with ingratitude , no honest mynde can bare . What so your friend commits to you , Secretnes . 19. Toung . 20. be euer secrete found , Who giues his toung much libertie , doth all his body wound . Beware of taylers curious cuts , for they will shake your bags , The merrie meane I holde for best , Taylers . 21. Apparel . 22. tweene roysting silkes & rags . The tipling tauerne , Tauernes . 23. Drunkenes . 24 and such like , to haunt haue small desire , Of all reports it is the worst , to be a drunken squire . Who quarels much hath care enough , with mischiefe oft he ends , Saunce néed throw not your selus in brals , Quareling . 25 Pertaking . 26 . in néed assist your friends Shun you the trains of wanton dames , Wanton dames . 27. whose bayts are swéet in tast But yet in truth , helth , welth , and fame , the courtesan doth wast . As high way vnto beggerie , beware of dogged dice . The greatest cause of blasphemie , Dice . 28. a vaine of filthy vice . Out of the merchants iurnals kéepe , Wares on trust . 29. buy sildome wares on trust , Such vsurie bites aboue the rest , do try it who so lust . Morgage . 30. Cutthrots . 31. In néede make choice to sell out right , before you morgage lande . What so befalls , looke for no grace , at any cutthrotes hande . Sealing and safe keping of writings . 32.33 Looke what you seale , read ere you seale ▪ therin trust no mans truth And writings seald , kéepe safe your owne , lest had I wist ensuth . Suretiship . 34. Friendship . 35 Haue great regard to suretiship , all is not golde that shines , Yet stretch your selues , to help your friend , with penurie that pines . When wedlock life , doth like your mynd , match with a vertuous maid Marriage . 36. An ill wife . 37 The mischiefe of the contrarie , a plague next hell is sayd . Countrie . 38. London . 39. And married wel , the citie leaue , sing then Pierce Plowmans song , For women vsde , to London once , will euer thether long . Neghbors . 40 Good report . 41. Where so you liue , haue great regarde , to vse your neighbor well , A good report in my conceit , doth riches farre excell . House keeping . 42. Poore . 43. What some consume in painted pride , good house kéep you withal . Relieue the poore in any case , let chaps walke in your hall . Seruant . 44. Flatterer . 45. Intreate your honest seruant well , giue him his hired due , The flatterer and the make bate wretch , in any wise eschue . Wrangling in the lawe . 46. Account that wrangling in the lawe , is enimie to rest , A spoyle of fame , a losse of time , a théefe that robs your chest . Duties of an honest man . 47 This reckoning make to serue your selues , you are not only born , Your countrie , friends , & children looke , each one for som good turn . Reliefe . 48. Thrée sorts of men , with speciall care , salue you their néedy grie●e , The scholer forced from his booke , abroad to séeke reliefe . The souldier spoyled in the wars , whose hassard works your peace , And next the simple husbandman , who toyles for your increase . So spend your time , Fame . 49. Death . 50. as you may leaue , some monument of fame , Preferre an honest death , before a life prorog'd with shame . Quod cauere possis , stultum est admittere .

A caueat to G. W. at his going into Fraunce , written by his friend R.C. POst haste , since so thou mak'st , the coast of Fraunce to sée , Thy frends aduice in baren verse , good George yet take with thée , Haue thou a haught disdaine , which art a Bryttan bred , At thy returne , to proue howe that , French follies filles thy hed , In natiue soyle disguis'd , thy selfe God shield thou showe , In coate , in cloake , in hat , in hose , a French man like to go , French shoes , made fast with pointes , in doublets syde and wide , Which French men weare ( God wot ) for ease , sute not thy selfe through pride What tendeth to thy thrift , to folow , not refuse , Kéepe thou one seruant and no more , but not as french men vse , For wages pay not words , as is the guise of Fraunce . Array him not , in tattered rags , french like , or nakt to daunce . One meale , no more a day , is pittance very small , To like wel of , such french like fare , few English yeomen fall , Let gesture , words , nor wéedes , inforce thy friends to say , Behold a frenchman wher he flaunts , if face be turn'd away . Which face french like to sute , good George take special héede , In taste the baites are very swéete , that do such cankers bréede . For to pronounce thy wordes , yea french and all first lose , Afore thou spoyle thy English tong , with snufling in the nose , Thou knowest what I meane , thy wit is good and quicke : Yet wise men oft before they looke , fast in the myre sticke . But ere thou rashly leape , the ditches I reueale , The plainesse of my Muse bewrayes , my warning is of zeale . My ioy thy profite great , if thy returne do showe , Thy trauell tends to countries good , not french man like to goe . The rage of retchlesse youth , thy trauell did allay , And not thereby with proudest shewe , to royst in garments gay , That thou canst yeald account , what is the countries state , What newes of note , do run abroade , as well of loue as hate . These fruits thy friends expect , at thy returne to reape , But stay I here , into aduice , my Muse too farre doth créepe , She ment not to direct , how thou shouldst vse thy time , She ment french follies , for thy heede , to touch in naked rime , Well , since she rou'd so farre , alowe what she hath sayde , M● inward wish ( for thy auayle ) she hath no more but wrayde . Viue & vale .

Whetstons Dreame . I Waying once , my harmes by others health , By iust account , I found the selfe same thing , Which weaud my wo , did worke anothers wealth , Which wrought my pain , to some did pleasure bring Thus cloyd with care , to s● my lucklesse lot , My senses fayld , as though I ●ere a sot . Yet Sopors beames , so could not cleare my brest , But stormes of care , did shower in my thought , Thus slumber swéete , did yeald but little rest , For pinching paine , supprest that pleasure wrought , But as my woes , did wander here and there , My thought I sawe , an aged man appeare . Yet such a one , as care me séemd to cloy , Patience . And Patience , he did name him selfe to me , Who bad me straight , to bannish all annoy , And of these doubtes , I soone an end should sée , Then I with him , pursude the most resort , Unto a place , which séemde a princes court . Whereas my thought , sat crownd a famous quéene , By due desart , to beare the regall sway , Whose princely rule , hath seldome earst ben séene , As though the Gods , dame nature did obey . That iustice should , degrade them of each grace , Her to inuest , with rule of vertues mace . Upon whose grace , did nobles graue attend , By whose foresight , in peace her subiects liue , And valiaunt péeres , were ready to defend , If forreine force , would once aduenture giue , By warlike frayes , to worke our great vnrest , With fire , sworde , and piercing speare in rest . Within this court , clothed in honest shewe , Was Enuie , Hate , Ambition , and Deceit , On whome to waite , whereas these fiends did go , Base minded wights , were ready at the gate , Which neuer sought , that vertue should aduance , Their hautie mindes , to heigth of happie chance . There might I sée , of men another race , Which séemd to wayle , their woes with wéeping eye , Whom these same sprites , had shaken once of grace , By false suspect , and filthy slatterie , And well I markt , how they did crouch & créepe , And all for grace , which euermore did sleepe , Then I espide , another valiant crewe , Which lookt aloft , by vertue to aspire , Unto the roome , to their desart ydewe , If due desart , had reapt deserued hire , But vertue gapt , and gained nought but plums , For flatterie catcht , before they fell the crums . Quoth grayberd then , such once was my good hap , To be aduaunst , to heigth of great renoune , But I too soone , was caught in Enui●s trap , Where false suspect , by flatterie kept me downe , Then patience I , perforce a vertue made , And left with losse the countries tickle trade . The foorth we go , into another place , By outward shew , wher saints my thought did sit , Whose gentle speach , presaged endlesse grace , There loose their gaine , they voucht by sacred writ , These prelates were , their words deseru'd their roome , But sure their déedes , I leaue to others doome . Hypocrisie did beare a vengeance sway , His double tong , did bleare the clergies eye , He still affirmde , t' was true that they did say , Gainst their deuice , a thousand woes did cry , Mas Ignoraunce , a minister was made , Who babbled much , yet wist not what he sayd . Yet sure this clarke , did so in scriptures créepe , As voucht the same , to cloake each crime he could , Pasce oues , he tooke for grasing sheepe , Which well he fed , and daily viewd his fould , And yet this sot , with pence procur'd such grace , As oft he wrought , true preachers out of place . Then out we goe , into a pleasant plaine , In armour bright , where gallants we espy , The captaine stird , the souldiers rawe to traine , Of some vnwisht , vnwares their foes drewe nye , The cannon crackes , like thunder claps did sing , At trumpets sound , the horse men forward fling . In formost frunt , the fearelesse youthes did fight , Which honour sought , and so with honour dyde , The fencer there , prou'd not the forwardst wight , Base minded Dick , the spoyle , not blowes applyde , The coward yet , a loofe did catch a licke , As soone as he , which throngd among the thicke , When fearelesse blowes , had driuen their foes away , To slash and slay the cowards did not spare , When spoile was giuen , the souldiers paines to pay , Who best deseru'd , did reape the barest share , Thus vallor fought , and falshoode fléest the spoile , The coward thriu'de , who least of all did toile . These bloudie broiles mée thought , wée then forsooke , And soone wée slipt into a stately hall , Now well apayde about the same I looke , For glad I was , I scapt the souldiers thrall , And proudly then , I throngd amid the preace , For that their wéedes bewrayde , the men of peace . Within this hall , were kept the Princes courtes , Where Lawyers sate , as Iudges in the same , To shew their griefes , more hast then néedes resortes , Both hie and lowe , the riche and poore of name , Pro et contra , for pence at euery barre , In right and wronge , the lawyers were at iarre . In faith quoth I , these men deserueth praise , For Iustice cause , which thus imployes their paine , But I to hie a note , their names did raise , In right or wrong , they still did gape for gaine , And as I walkt , I saw one wrapt in woe , Which much complainde , of matter de post facto . Speake English man , what meanes these words ( quoth I , ) Oh syr hee said , a quillet in the lawe Alas it is , which makes mée howle and crie . And looking backe another man I sawe , Of whom I askt , why hée did looke so glum , Hée plagued was , with plées of non est factum . I smyling then , to heare the clownish drone , By néede inforst , to talke hée wist not what , But as I learnd the cause of all his mone , More pittie sure , a lawyers friend how that , To pay him pence did enter into band , The which hée seald , and liuered with his hand . But after catcht , by craft the selfe same bill , The former seale , he falslie toke away , An other seald , the same which he did spill , And vnsuspect the bond there downe did lay , Which forfet once , in law they fall at iarre , The seale was off , was pleaded then in barre . There might I sée releasses finely framde , Prouided yet , that if such thinges were done , Which latter wordes , by former force were lamde , Who so releast , a faire thred then hée spunne , With thousand toyes , which I do here omitt , Did cousening Craft within his capcase knitt . I lately feard , to sée the fearelesse blowes , The proud attempes , assayd by desperate men , Here rouled bookes , my manhoode ouer throwes , I durst not bide , the truncheon of a pen , Yet well I markt , how mercie bared sway , The conquerd wightes , were prisoners sent away . But for this grace , their raunsome sure was great , The gaylor fléest , the lawyer had a share , If pence were spent , cold yrons made him sweate , Hard beds well payde , poore chéere was costly fare , Agréeued much , extortion bare such sway , To patience , I , mée thought these words did say . Can cousening shiftes , thus conscience foyle in sight ? Where is no right , may hellhoundes thus extort ? Shall periurie condemne the guiltlesse wight ? And may it bee , subor●ing , should support ? The lewde in lies , when grace is not their stay ? Can Iustice rule , a right , with parciall sway ? Content thy selfe , quoth patience then to mée , Good lawes are made , to punish their amisse , But pence their wronge , doth couler oft wée sée , And want doth ware , the poore mans right I wisse , And thus thou séest , presented to thy sight , The prouerbe old , how might doth maister right . Then out wée goe , I glad to leaue this hell , But soone wée shipt into as hard a vaine , Where Usurie with bagges of gold did swell , Who much complainde of penall statutes paine , And ioynde with craft , the same for to preuent , Now this , now that , the myser doth inuent . On casuall chaunce , I may my monie lend , A perilous casualtie . Yet hassard small , shall happen by my marte , If I my wife , my seruaunt , child or friend , Do goe to Powles , and home againe reuert , Then twentie in the hundred you shall pay , This gaine is small , forsooth doth Holdfast say . Collusion then , did catch him by the backe , And feasde his pence , which songe loth to depart , To leuey mends , the harmles went to wracke , Thus salued was his sore by others smart , Couetousnes , went myching vpp and downe , His iacket pilde , and threadbare was his gowne . But banckrowte sure , did braue it with the best , His cape of cloth , with veluet linde within , His hoase of silke , with stitches straunglie drest , More cost hée said , more worship did him win , But well I markt , how soone this pride decayd , his héeles he tooke , when debtes should be defrayd . Some kept their house , and durst not shewe their face , Some were betrayde , and came in cutthrotes handes , Then plees of néede , did purchase , litle grace , Past starting now , they tyde in Darbyes bandes , In prison vile , of force must lye and rott , Till they haue paid , their debt and cost God wott , Then forth wée goe , into a paltrie towne , Where vnderprops , eche stagering house did stay , I chaunste to méete , a sillie countrie clowne , Of whom I askt , what wrought their townes decay , Who aunswerd straight , your mast●ips honour sees , Yond goodly place , that pluckt vs on our knées . Yond stately walles , our chiefest stones did steale , UUhich were the stay vnto our féeble farmes , For want of strength , then did our houses reale , And worse then that to worke our greater harmes , Inclosures great , so in our commons créepe , UUhere kine wée kept , wée scase can kéepe a shéepe . Yet racked rentes , increase our landlords gaine , UUée moile , wée toile , wée worke , both morne and Euen , Our landlords reape , reward for all our paine , To pay our rentes , and make the world euen , Doe what wee can , wée compasse very hard , UUith farmers now , the wonted world is mard . UUhen hée did raise , besides his Landlords rent , Old gold good store , to serue him at his néede , The cribel loafe , about his bord then went , Salt béefe , good souce , their hungrie mawes did féede , A stand of ale , hée euer had in store , UUell come gossipe , a cruse of ale to the dore . Then droyling Dicke , and toyling Tom did sturre , To mucke his ground , to make a fatter croppe , To serue his hogges , poore Madge his maide did spurre , For winters cold , he hedge rowes large might loppe , To ride abroade , he seeldome lackt a mare , And in this sort the fermers life did ware . But now god wott , our rentes we hardly pay , To barlie crustes is turnde our cribel bread , Where béefe , brawne , souce , our hungers did allay , On cruddes and chéese , wée hungerly do féede , A pecke of malte , doth make him ale good store : Wellcome gossip , no drinke now to the dore . Where Hicke and Tom , his boyes about did moyle , He delues , hée digges , he labours for his hire , And Ioane his wife , perforce herselfe doth droyle , In steede of woode , now pestrow makes good fire , Where earst hée ridde abroade vppon his nagge , For falling now , on tenne toes hee doth lagge . Thus Iohn Adroynes , did wray the farmers woe , And I mée thought did pittie much their want , Quoth patience then , now time doth serue to showe , The cause why care , thy heauie hart doth haunt , Thou sayest thy want , is weade with others wealth , Thy harmes are payste , with weighes of others health . Good reason why , thou viewdst in courtiers trade , Both good and bad , a like did gaine expecte , A like , not so ▪ the good by vertuous ayde , The bad did s●●ke by traynes of false suspect , The best to throw , from grace despite to spell , Whilst they by craft , did catch such crummes as fell . How hypocrites with shew of honest life , In fauour créepes , when goodmen be disdainde , How souldiers winne the field with bloudy knife , When cowards filch , which their aduenture gainde , How cutthrotes thriue , where conscience beares no sway , When simple men , with want are worne away . Loe thus thou séest the toyle of good and badde , Thy owne the choice , their want or wealth to shunne , The good with care , when craft with cost is cladde , Yet if thou meanst the good mans race to runne , Of patience here receiue dame vertues shéeld , Which to thy fame , a sure force will yéeld , Noe poore mans cry , the conscience large shal blame , Ne common speach a cutthroate wil thée call , Report of craft , then shall not wronge thy fame , Ne men will say , thy pride will haue a fall , This bone he cast , for mée to gnaw vpon , And said Adieu , of force I must begon . I waking then amased in my minde , Through this my dreame , gan checke my busie braine , But better wayde , some fruite therein I finde , Which aunswers full , of this report the paine , And craues a place , of dutie with the rest , Prouided yet , the reader do not wrest , My wordes amisse , which doe no euill import , To taunt the lewde , to praise the good a worke , A fancie framde , to teach the simple fort , What huge deceite , in honest shew doth lurke , A toy to warne , the lewd by others shame , To shunne such faultes , as bréedeth filthie blam●

¶ Inuentions of P. Plasmos touching his hap and hard fortune , vnto the which is annexed the sundrie complaintes 〈◊〉 oure notable couseners , the instrumentes of his greatest troubles : which in the prime of their mischieuous enterprises , with soudaine death and vexation were straungelie visited . At the end of euery of the said inuentions , for the more plaine knowledge of them , is the reporters admonition in prose both pleasant and profitable .

The reporter .

I Haue ( good Reader ) at large reported the aduentures of P. Plasmos intermixte with these following inuentions , together with the complaint of certaine couseners . And sure the labour stande very well with my owne contentment , for that the accidents of his euil fortunes , might haue forewarned other younge Gentlemen to haue shunde the like follies : and that the fall of the said Couseners might haue taught other gréedie carrens , to haue respect vnto their consciences . And nowe to the condition of P. Plasmos in the Prime of his vnthriftines it appeareth by his fonde triumph that hée was infected with ( selfe lous ) the ouerthrow of many younge Gentlemen , who séeing sufficiencie in themselues to bee aduaunced , to winne credite and acquaintaunce , so farre passe the boundes of their abilitie , that longe before , countenaunce taketh notice of their desertes , by the inforcemente of necessitie , they are gladde of meane maintenaunce , at home with their friendes . Such Gallantes by the sequele of P. Plasmos Fortunes , maye learne to vnderstande their mishappes , and in reading of his fantasies may likewise sée the counterfet of their owne follies : whose fond triumph in this sort beginneth .

P. Plasmos triumphe . PAris vsurped roome resigne , in Lady Pleasures Court. Thy mungrell choice in such a slurte , deserues a foule report , Whose kytish trickes , in gadding moode with euery checke to stray , God knowes I want both Art and witt , in coulers fresh to wray . Sufficeth yet , thy mart to mare , shée bi tt at euery baite , Wher one good turne , in toile thou reapst , thy passage was not straight , Why wronge I thus , poore Hellen now , shée was to good for thée , Whom fate did cast from Priams court , a sheepeherd poore to bée . Whereas in Ida mount , thou wraydst thy willful will ywisse , Which wealth and wisedome didst refuse , to bathe in wanton blisse , Yet sure thy blisse was brude with bale , thy selfe will iudge the fame , What blush not man to blase a truth , in faith it is no shame . Thy ielous thought supprest thy ioy , thy foes increast thy feare , Thy loue in Armes , lou'de larumes wilde , imbracements to forbeare , Thy kinsemen slaine , thou rest of loue , and life in litle time , What péeuish pride then moues thy thought , dame pleasures mount to clime ? Auaunt , auaunt , giue place to him , whom fortune still doth guide , Whose choice doth passe without her plague , faire Hellen in her pride , Within whose hart doth pittie rule , in whom dame bountie dwells , To whom faire Venus yeeldes her ball , her beautie so excels . Her constant loue , longe wisht I wonne , she mou'de no goddis yre , She shed no bloud , shée slue no friend , shée set no towne on fire , Her modest life eriles mistrust , and ielousie doth chace , In faith I feare no lowde Al'armes , when I my loue embrace . And yet I dare with Paris ioyne , if Paris scorne her praise , I enter now the listes of loue , my Ladyes fame to raise , And proudely there my gauntlet throwes , a quarell streight to snatch , UUith him y● dare maintaine she liues , which may faire Lymos match . Let lingring louers reft of rest , whom scorne hath left in lash . Let carelesse suters try their force , to praise their painted trash . Let happie wightes , which bath in blisse , my sharpe incounter proue , UUhom Venus with aspect of grace , hath linckt to yéelding loue . And let them eake through passing ioy , which stands in pleasures grace , Bestow their force if that they dare , my fortunes to deface . UUho bathes in waues of wished blisse , with braue delight who maskes : UUho findes amends for euery misse , who hath but what hée askes .

The reporter .

It séemeth by this deuise folowing , that Plasmos triumph was but a voluntarie inuention , otherwise if it had beene deuised of any certaintie , his pleasures would a béene of longer continuaunce . Likewise it seemeth his Lady Laymos that he so highly commended , was in very déede as fayre as Flora , as faithful as Faustine , as louing as Layis , as meeke as Medea , as honest as Hellen , as constant as Cressed , and as modest as Maria Bianca , and therefore worthie of estimation . But digressing from the cause of the inuention , for that the circumstances be long and not greatly materiall , the Reader may vew the vanities of a number : who either bewitched with the outward blase of beautie , or blinded with the desire of riches ( neuer examining the behauiour of their best beloued ) hap well , or hap ill , aduenture to marrie , who for the most parte are haunted with Plasmos hard fortune , who pretily toucheth his Laymos inconstancie as followeth .

I Dreaming once ( me thought ) dame beautie bad me craue , The thing that fed my fancie best , & I the same should haue . My choice was quickly made , I beautie likt so well , And yet I su'de my maistresse might , her séemely selfe excell . Who smyling in her thought , to sée my small foresight , Such one ( quoth shée ) thou shalt inioy , make much of thy delight : Unto which ende forsooth , for fortune straight shée sought , UUho did present a sightly girle , vnto my wanton thought . My promise is performde ( quoth shee ) sweete friend adieu , My fancie rendred forth with thankes , as though it had béene true : But when I wooke and miste , this passing louely wight : A murdred sighe , the fancie checkte , that raisde my late delight , And fretting , forth I goe , fonde fancies for to chase , But loe by Lady fortune signde , I chaunst to spy thy face . Then to my selfe I said , cease Plasmos to be sad , This is the Dame , thou didst possesse , in dreame that earst thou had , Acquaintaunce for to craue , aduentrous boy assay , Thou wert not nise , ne I abasht , my secretes to bewray , I showde thée all and some , what I in vision sawe , Thou wart mine owne by beauties dome , vnlesse thou scorndst her law , My wordes did like thée well , or praises that I vsde , And smyling saidst , Dame beauties hest , must no wayes be abusde ; Thus after slender sute , thou knowste , whom I euioyde , But easily wonne , as soone thou wert , through sullon will accoyde , And in thy wrangling rage , I sawe thée raunge for newe : I chafte through sight , Dame beautie blamd , cause Laymos was not true . UUhich soone I did recant , and yéelded for to haue , My sute performde at beauties hands , in forme as I did craue . I askst a gallant gyrle , which vaild at first assault , I askte no faith , nor none I found , in whom was then the fault ? In him who now will learne , to make his match more sure , And as for thée thou dost but kinde , to stoupe to euery lure .

The reporter .

This wrangling hate séemeth to be but a passion , procéeding of Plasmos passing loue , the which digested , made his affection more perfect : Neuerthelesse this following inuention , wrayeth the euill fortunes of rash beléefe and cholericke reuenge , after which ( for the most ) insueth repentaunce : yet for that the Sonet it selfe , foresheweth but a fitt of disquiet minde by loue occasioned , it shal passe for mée without any preface .

FOwle fall thée false suspect , so thriue thou ielous thought , UUoe worth you both , you reard the hate , that all my harme hath wrought : You did enuie my hap , when late I liu'de in ioy , You slaunder forg'd , you mou'd mistrust , you made my souereigne coy . Shée wronged saunce offence , good reason hath to hate , But you no cause of filthie strife , twixt friends to set debate , But sith my heart did yeeld such motions to beléeue , Both heart , head , and euery veine , with fretting thoughtes to gréeue : First loue renue thy force , my ioyes for to consume , And when desire hath blowen the cooles , till all my fancies fume : Then conscience guilt , detect my follies day and houre , And base desert exile remorse , sée dreade , my swéete thou soure , Disdaine , persuade my minde , my Ladies passing loue Is chaungd to scorne , from scorne to hate , from hate reuenge to proue . Tormenting passions eake , abate my pride in showe , Then scaulding sighes present my state , vnto my friendly foe : UUhich when shée once hath séene , with wrecke of my delight , Despaire , end me dole with death , in my swéete mistresse sight ▪ But least shée beare the blame , of this my bloudy hand , I craue vpon my timelesse tumbe , this Epitaphe may stand . Loe heare doth lie his corps , Himselfe for woe who slue , That Ielous thoughts , his Lady blamde , She euer liuing true .

The reporter .

These passionate verses wittingly lost , wheras fayre Laymos might find them , of likelyhoode she perceiuing his singular good loue , hauing sufficient cause of quarell , waxed euery day more straunger then other , vntil poore Plasmos purse to make attonement , prouided some pretie deuise , that appeased her anger : these louers thus reconciled , it séemeth Plasmos to requite the friendship of his purse , in praise whereof , hée wrote these verses insuing .

P. Plasmos in praise of his Purse . COme prettie purse , the iewell of my ioy , The daintie soile , wherein delight is sowen , Thou well deseru'st the title of a Ioy , Who doth not feare , whereas thy force is knowen ? UUho dare rebell , where thou dost rule and reigne ? Thou foylest kinges , by force of treason vile , Thou clokest craft , with flattrie , feare or gaine , UUhen Iustice should vncase his crooked guile . By thée escapes the traytour and the théefe , The murdrous mate , which languisht late in woe , Thou werst to ebb , their tossing tydes of gréefe , And graftest myrth , where mone but late did growe . To maske with pride , thou art a visard fitt , Thou heau'st him vp , which held the plough of late , Thou telst his tale , which wants both Art and witt . Thou wodcocke setst , before the wise estate , The wilie churle , which wronges the wretch full oft . The cousening mate whose mischiefe neuer endes , Should sol fa singe in couseners cliffe aloft . But that thou cloakst their craft with wealthie friends , The thriftlesse childe by thée doth looke full hie , UUhose sparing friends at home the plough doth hold , In Court thou art the badge of brauerie . UUho doth not fawne on gentle maister gold ? Deformed girles , by thée are made full faire , Dame Venus stoupes through thée to Vulcans lure , The coffing churle , doth match with beauties heire ▪ Such straunge consents can Lady Coyne procure , UUhy stay I then , swéete purse thée to embrace ? UUhose ayde I vsde , when fortune most did lowre ▪ My clowdes of scare , thou cleardst with gleames of grace , My bale to blisse , to swéete , thou chaungst my sowre , Thou sa●'dst my life , with passing loue nie pinde , UUhich friendly turnes , are written in my minde .

The reporter .

It is hie time to digresse from the report of Plasmos wanton deuises , vnto other his inuentions , touching his miseries , and repentance , which immediatly followed , his wanton expences : and for that want , is the contrarie vnto wealth , I thought good to pla●e after the praise of his purse , his complaint of wante , the commodities of the one , and the discommodities of the other dulie considered , are meanes to persuade the wise in prosperitie , to haue an eye vnto aduersitie , and once in fauour to make prouision for Fortunes chaunge . For fewe are so happie , but in their time they are visited with miserie : so wel beloued , but once in their life they are as deadly hated : so highly fauoured , but are as vnhappily scorned : not withstanding all these chaunces and chaunges , Coyne in the coffer is an assured friend , whereas if thou haue respect , but to serue thy present tourne , in prosperitie thou art so ouer prodigal , that when pouertie pincheth , the remembraunce of thy former swéete delights , doth increase thy sower passions : proofe appeareth by Plasmos , who being nipped with neede , calleth to remembrance what pleasures he had receiued by his purse , and crossed euery of the said commodities , with the inconueniences occasioned by his want as followeth .

P. Plasmos complaint of want . I Whilome writ a iest , what ioyes my purse did plant , But now I wray with litle lust , the woes of withered want . When Purse with pence did flow , a thousand friends I found , Now wonted wealth doth weare to ebb , their frendship runnes aground . When Coyne I had in claw , my wronges weare doomde for right , Since néede did nippe , my rightfull sutes was ouer● ayde with might . When wealth I had at wil , my wished ioyes were wrought , Now want doth choke those iestes with care , & cloyes my braynes with thought . With wealth I fréedome wonne , by wealth my woes did weare , Through lacke , restrainte of libertie , doth foyle my hope with feare . With Coyne I seruaunts kept , which serued for mine ease , By néede inforst , now am I faine , to pray , to pay , and please . I ratlted then in silkes , by brauerie of my bagges , But pouer man , now am I glad , to royst in rotten ragges . My purse me oft prelerd , to play , in pleasures lappe , Wel may I wish , but want I shal , by want to reach such hap .

The reporter .

This complaint folowing , sufficiently sheweth that Plasmos being somwhat behind hand by reason of his former vnthriftines , hauing notwithstanding very proper liuing , vnhappilie hit in acquaintaunce with certaine couseners , who seing his sufficiente abilitie , supplied his want from time to time with monie , till they had wrapt him in very daungerous and cumbersome bonds , so that hée had no way to winde himselfe out of their daunger , but either by long leasure , or sellinge some parcell of his land : but by reason that it was intayled , none would deale with him , vntil a recouerie were had therof . Plasmos hauing no experience in those causes , and reposing a great confidence in one Liros , one of the said companions committed the trust of his recouery vnto him , Note . who traiterously persuaded and instructed by Frenos his confederate by chaunging and counterfetting o● déedes , had purchaste all Plasmos liuing for nothing , if he and his felowes eagre desire of the possession , by Plasmos vntimely destruction , had not decyphered their deuilish deceites . But sith the circumstances be longe , and in reporting them I should passe my purpose , I leaue their lewdnes vnto their owne reporting : who in the prime of their mischiefes , worthily visited with miseries , to disburden their consciences of a number of villanies , hereafter shall make discourse of their owne dealinges . In the meane while Plasmos hauing new knowledge of ( and not yet remedied ) their indirect practises : and also being a litle before maymed on his right hande , by reason of a certaine quarel that Liros had raysed betwéene certaine youthes , and himselfe , the said Plasmos ioyning the said mischiefes with other his euill fortunes , complayneth as followeth .

P. Plasmos to his mishap . HOw should I frame my plaint , how shall I tell my tale ? Whom should I blame , whom shall I bane as worker of my bale ? Sith heauen and earth , are bent to bruse mée with their hate , What bootes mée ( wretch ) to rage at fraude , or raile on lucklesse fate ? Whom neuer hap did haunt , but thousand harmes affraide , In prime of youth , vntimely death , first tooke my surest ayde , Then rose a lawlesse friend , that likt my rouing youth , Hée gaue mée will , to sucke my wealth ( alas the more the ruth . ) I lothed forced thrift , hée liked no expence , And Tutors loue not for to toile , without reward of pence , Which lacke to late I rue , The greater mischiefe mine , But yet my thought , at which offence , perforce doth thus repine . Why scornde I merchaunts trade , with baites of fraude to fish ? Sith craft doth onely compasse wealth , and wealth is that wée wish , Or placed at my booke , why plide I not the same ? Why sought I not by morall rules , my madding yeares to tame . Sith rule must leade our life , or els wée liue awry , Why Aristotles wise precepts , then did I not apply ? Why likt I not the Lawe , where huge deceites are sowen , Sith wée by lawe , do hurt our foe , and hold that is our owne . But leapt to libertie , that longe I did desire , Why was my hart , so set on hoygh , beyond my reach t' aspire ? Why was I wedded so to péeuish will and pride ? Sith pride are will and foes to wit , and witt our wayes should guide . But most of all to loue , why was I wretch so thrall ? Why sought I so , by raging lust , my gadding yeares to gall ? Sith neither loue nor lust , doth yéeld a quiet rest , Why made I choice of both the euills , when bad was very best ? Ah ( Laymos ) once my loue , by froward fate my foe , Ah ( Laymos ) first by the I knew , the workers of my woe , But ( Liros ) most vnkinde , both spoild of loue and ruthe , Ah ( Liros ) thou doest wound my hart , to thinke on thine vntruth . Why did I trust thy faith , or fearelesse othes thou sware , Thy fayned vowes , thy sugred woords , of my welfare thy care , Sith faith is turnde to fraude , and woordes to workes vniust , Why likte I wretch thy wilye tongue , sith treason quiteth trust . And did I thus deserue ? in faith thy selfe be iudge : If Plasmos had , did Liros lacke ? O no hée did not grudge , To giue thée what thou wouldst , yea more then thou couldst craue , What cankred thought then mou'de thy minde , his life and all to haue ? Whose murdrous marke ( ay mée ) my maymed fist can showe . Although thou feardst , to strike the stroake , the strife thy hart did sowe , And should I spare thee then , of death to stand in awe ? O , Noe , my conscience bids mee strike , betide what may of lawe . Although the worst befall , death quites but death againe , And sure there is no ioy to death to such as piue in paine , Why miste my hart the blowe , that hitt my harmelesse wrist , My hart it was that wrought offence , and not my faultlesse fist . My hart did trust these mates , my hart did sturre this strife , My hand did naught , but make defence , to saue my sillie life , My hart deuisde the toyes , which puft mée vppe with pride , My hart inforst my eye to loue , which manly fist defide . And yet my hand , not hart , is plagued for others mis , Too parcial sure , in my conceite , the heauens were in this , Too parcial ( wretch ) not so , t' was neither heauen nor happe , But harebrainde youth , which leapt the hedge , and left the open gappe . T' was youth which stouped first , to Laymos wanton lure , T' was youth that likt the wily wordes , which Liros put in vre , T' was youth through smal forsight , that wrought poore Plasmos thral , T' was youth , so present want were scrud , that feard no future fall . T' was youth that made him maske , with visard of delight , Delight ( not so ) but dririe dread , to shunne the merchants sight , And Dread the scourge of youth , for safegard of me wretch , Did lodge me vp with néedie griefe , while craft did play the leach , In déede he playde the leach , to ease my present lacke , But what should serue for future store , his physicke put to sacke . He toylde in my behalfe , God wot I durst not steare , Least , craftie traine should tol me in , the merchants wily snare . And dread did daunt me so , that death I did desire , Before a life of fréedome reft , my hart did so aspire , A tayle yet cloyde the land , which should me frolike make , Where ( Timeles trust ) to curtoule it , did so the ioynt mistake . That land will bléede to death , if conscience worke no cure , Such waste wrought haste , for fréedomes sake , to trust ere I were sure , A pestleuce blowe , forsooth it hurt not lande alone , But spoyld my fist by filthy strife , and maymd my hart with mone . Of which I youth may thanke , he snarld me in this snare , Of force to trust , or else to sterue , with dread , distresse , and care , Where Trust for best I chusd , although it prou'd the worst , Such backward hap , doth euer haunt , the man that is accurst .

The reporter .

Plasmos digression from one action of miserie vnto another , yea vnto all the actions of his mishap , ( although it be some what tedious ) duely considered , is tollerable for the nature of the distressed man , is to call to remembraunce euery speciall matter of his misfortune , to the intent ( although too late ) he may knowe the commodities of their contraries : and sure , although it was inuented to ease his mynde of griefe , there be a number of caueats therein , to forewarne other young Gentlemen , to forestand with good gouernment , their folowing yl fortunes , especially the reprehension of his youth , for this is once , brainsicke brauerie ( besides his own great expence ) inticeth the gréedie churle , to hunger after the gallants liuing , and for truth , if his conscience be corrupted with craft , it is an easie matter for him , to ouerthrowe the mistrustlesse and welmeaning man . But the mischiefe is insuing shame , without a cloke to couer his deceits , who can haue no better colour , to answer any complaint of cousnage preferd-against him , then to say the compleynant is an vnthrift , a quareler , a proude and prodigall person . &c. Who to maintaine his brauerie , departed , bona fide , vnto him being defendaunt , such & such parcels of lande , the compleynants monie wasted by vnthriftinesse , & knowing the defendant , to be desirous of quietnesse , to wring more monie from him to haue the matter quietly ended , surmiseth these true and slaunderous complaints against him , &c. and although that wise men vpon the ripping vp of matters , will smell out such merchants , yet at the first shewe , yea during the tryall , the wronged youth is blamed , so that in the meane time , the gréedie carrion by vnkind verations , enforceth the compleynant to agréement , some proofe appeareth by this inuention folowing , wherein Plasmos supposeth iustice to be diuorced : and Ladie wrong , to be matcht with might . It séemeth on this occasion , being wronged by diuers lewd and deceitfull companions , he preferd his complaint to certaine Commissioners , against them the defendaunts colouring their cousenage , with the report of his vnthriftinesse , & hauing their answeres soothed with the countenance of more wealthy then honest friendes , with suche cheating varlots , haue euermore in store , lead the saide magistrates with such indifferencie , that in stead of redressing , they increased his iniuries , by giuing countenance to his enimies , which Plasmos perceiuing , ( prouoked to impatience ) whereas he came to complaine of one of the two , he departed exclayming on them all , and at leasure , inuented as followeth .

WHy do I liue ( quoth he ) to sée this lothsome light , Sith iustice is this day diuorst , and wrong is matcht with might , Where cousnage was the clarke , where pollage was the priest , Where déepe deceit , which gaue this dame , was father of the feast , Where bryde men were abuse , where briberie bare the cup , Where gréedie earls as chiefest guestes , in euery boll did sup , Where coyne was cater made , where cost the cookerie drest , Where catchpoles false did fill the cups , at this great marriage feast , Where parasites did prate , to frée each sullen moode , Wher cheting churles did fill their paunch , where poore men steru'd for food , Where countenance once dynde , and might haue cheard his mates , Wide open then , but not before , the porter set the gates , Yet thousandes preast to sée , the res'due of the sport , Some cloyd by craft , lome foyld by force , for succour did resort , But well I sawe ( quoth he ) which sight I sore did rue , How blastes of scorne the belly Gods , among the needie blue , How wealth did smile at want , how riches railde on right , How vertue was supprest by vice , how pitie by despight , How false suspect did forge , a thousand flimflam stayes . In rightfull suites to tyre the poore , with cost and long delayes . Anon the musicke soundes , and force his office shewd , Well meaning mindes he wrapt so hard , that they his hart beshrewd , First falshoode makes his choice , next flatterie takes his chaunce , Then tag and rag about the house , deceitfull measures daunce . A curious maske at night , the bridemen doth ordaine . With shews of fraud to féed their thoghts , which care not how they gain , Abuse did leade the bride , extortion maskt with craft , To sée deceit come hobbling on , a hundred carrens laught . Pure néede to get a place , was glad to holde a torch . But iustice during all this sport , was placed in the porch , Good Ladie then ( quoth he ) alas and well away , You sometime did possesse this place , this whilome was your day . How hapneth Lucre , hath infected so your mate , How chaunceth Truth , did suffer Craft , to enter in your gate , What though that gaine did sowe , some seedes of Iealousie , Might not ( Remorse ) attonement make , betwéene thy féere and theée ? Is Conscience nowe exilde , who sometime counseld Might , For to regard dame Iustice suite , and not to striue with right ? Are honest myndes nowe fled , doth rigour rule the roft ? Is Iustice nowe diuorst from might , doth wrong nowe scoure the coste ? Doth countenaunce cloake such crimes , as iustice did vncace ? Dare couseners false defende their faults , with shew of honest face ? They dare and doe God wot , by maintenaunce of might , Why liue I then alas , he sayd , sith no man fauours right ? With that adieu good hope , and welcome woe ( quoth he ) I sée no gleames of grace appeare , my cloudes of scare to frée .

The reporter .

It is more then straunge to sée , the filthy confederacle of couseners , how the wealthy churle , to saue him selfe from shame , when his deceites are discouered , vseth the names of such lewd and carelesse persons , as to compasse gaine haue a regard neither to open shame , nor to their secret consciences : and to tire the compleynant with delayes , such as with bold countenaunce ( bolstred with the credite of the wealthy cousiner and his friendes ) will abide the tryall of the matter , be●ide the worst that may , he can be but punished , for once the benefits of the deceit , is in holdfastes handling , so that lightly , he that is wronged , is like to reape but a colde amendes , by his complaint . Among which fellowship of fiendes , there is euer an odde lawyer , who secretly draweth their subtile déedes and craftie conueyances , and priuily giueth them instructions , how to deale in their lewd causes , to forewarne all men of this packe of pickpurses ( making proofe by his owne hinderaunces ) Plasmos describeth a cousiner as followeth .

P. Plasmos description of couseners . A Lawyers head , to drawe a craftie déede . A Harlots looke , to witch with wanton sight , A Flatterers toung , with sugred words to féede , A Tyrants hart , to wound the harmelesse wight , To toll with cheare , a gréedie gluttons gorge . A Merchants mouth , of falshoode truth to forge . A Scriueners fist , by nimblenesse to race , To scrape , to forge , to counterfet a name , A Lackies leg , to trudge in euery place , A desperate mind , which dreads no kinde of shame : These lims well linckt , and set on couseners soyle , A worke were sure , of all the diuels the toyle . For each of them , a fiende in force can binde , Yet some I graunt , by vertue guides their place , But sildome t is , that Kit ne followes kinde , If one be good , a score doth want the grace , But all in league , their dealings lewde beware , For then they do , the diuell and all of scare .

The reporter .

The Philosopher Diogenes sayth , that Nature to this intent bestowed two eyes , and two eares , and but one toung on any man , that he should heare and sée , more then he should speake . And sure , who soeuer vnaduisedly slaundereth another , hurteth him selfe . In matters of controuersie , who so feeleth his suite colde , straight séeketh by pretie traines , to take some aduauntage of his aduersaries wordes , to whiche effect , the craftie churle complained on , for any notable cousenage , to knowe the compleynants secretes , worketh meanes to bring him into extreame passions of choler , who being greatly wronged , will not onely giue knowledge , by what countenaunce , and in what court he will trounse the defendant for his deceit , but lightly vnaduisedly voweth to strike him , or calleth him craftle knaue , cousening churle , &c. Wherevpon the defendant , to worke the compleynants discredite , declareth to some iustice of account , in what daunger of life he stoode in the compleynant being mischiefously & ruffenly disposed , & hauing colour of wrong for slaunderous words he claps such vnkynde actions on the compleynant , that will he , or nyll he , he enforceth him to agréement : who so , is so wronged , may take warning to temper his toung , by Plasmos penance , who being hugely abused , gaue out hard ( yet true ) speaches of one of his aduersaries , not withstanding , by his owne negligence , together with the extremitie of Lawe , he payde roundly for recompence , who to discharge his stomache of griefe , a ●orrie amendes in fayth , blamed his toung as followeth .

P.P. Inuectiue against his toung . THy rash reuenge ( O tatling toung ) I rue , Although with truth , thou slaundredst late thy foe , The prouerbe olde , by proofe I finde too true , Who fightes with words , doth wound him selfe with woe , The ciuil lawe , so fauours fame and name , As strumpets knowne , by wantons oft resort , Are sildome put to any open shame . Les open sight , makes proofe of Venus sport , Who so is toucht , with any foule abuse , Though common speach , the same for truth confirme , The common lawe , the guiltie will excuse , If proofe by oth , ne makes the knowledge firme , Thus wanton fylthes , and wily churles are scus'd , If secretly , they worke their foule amis , Yet néedely they , which are by these abus'd , Must haue a meanes , to vse reuenge ywis , Where oft their toung , is first addrest to fight , Whose furious threats , forewarnes their foe of yre , Which knowne he straight , doth séeke to match their might , And first begins , their griefes for to conspire , My selfe by such makes proofe , this tale is true , Who wéend to feare , with threatning words my foe , At which he smilde , preuenting what he knewe , Woulde be a m●ane , to worke his ouerthrowe , Yea worse then that , he tryst me for me toung , With actions houge , for slaundering of his fame , For which my purse , an honest quest so stuong , That euer since , in faith it hath béene same . Thus losse to me , no hurt to him at all , O babbling toung , thy rash reuenge hath wrought , Else blowes in lawe , had giuen him cause to brall , Of both the best , though best reuenge be naught , For bobs do feare , when words not ioynd with déede , In wrangling mynds , more ●nackred thoughts doth bréede .

The reporter .

I may now without offence , enter into the plaine discourse of Plasmos , following for tunes , and inuentions , for I haue hetherto , layde the cause of his miseries , vnto his youthfull vnthriftinesse , the which I confesse was an instrument : but there were ouerthriftie executioners of his harde fortunes , whose names and doings , for that it was supposed some of them were aliue , according to my commission , I haue lefte vnreported , wishing them well to fare , vpon their recompence and repentance .

Nowe returning againe vnto P. Plasmos estate , who being wrapped in a thousand miseries and mischiefes , barde of the benefit of his owne liuing , to worke his quietnesse , forsaken of friends in his distresse , & daily tormented with his enimies vnkind vexations , looking vnto the condition of his former life , his exercises and studies , and finding his life full of lewdnesse , his exercise to be dallying , dauncing , and suche counterfet delightes , his studie . Wanton Comedies , Tragedies , and discourses , acknowledging the●e 〈◊〉 , the instruments of his mishap , sought if the refourming of these abuses , would be a meane of his better fortunes , so that vsing one day the reading of scripture for his studie , and lighting on the 102. Psalme , intituled , Domine exaodi orationem meam , imploying his Muse vnto a more better vse . then of yore , he made his humble submission vnto the highest , for the release of his miseries , as followeth .

IN gayle of griefe in clos●e , of worldly friendes forlorne , Thy mercy Lord to ease my mone , vnto my prayers turne , Hide not thy heauenly face , from him that lies in thrall , High time and tide good God it is , to heare my plaint & cast , My dayes consume with griefe , my myrth is maid with mone , My hart doth wast like withred grasse , my graue & I am one My flesh with thoughts doth fret , in shew I am a ghoste , I drencht in bale , my foes in blisse , I harmd , of hap they bost , The world commends their welth , & spites my withered woe , Yea dooms my doings by my dole , theirs by delight in showe Thus wrongd , and scornd I am , which crosse I do imbrace , Attending when thy mercy ( Lord ) my miseries shall chace , Which ioyne with iustice thine , to foyle my foes in sight . So shall I praise , and others feare , thy maiestie and might .

The reporter .

Plasmos in time , wringing him selfe out of all the troubles and mischiefes , that his enimies had wrapt him in , and seing his estate for his troubles ; so sufficient , as with good gouernment , he might liue in indifferent good credite . On the contrarie part , seing some of his enimies , through their lewdnesse starke beggers , and other some of them , to dye soudenly , and miserably , as well to giue God thankes for his deliuerie , as for the ouerthrowe of his enimies , made this sonet following .

TO thée ( O Lord ) with hart and voice I sing , Whose mercy great , from dole to sweete delight , From mone to myrth , my troubled spirite did bring , Yea more thy yre , hath foyld my foes in sight , They liue in want , that flourisht late in wealth , They grone with griefe , yea lacke both help & helth , Their conscience guilt , doth gall them through their gaine , And yet they waste , more faster then they winne , Thus swéete prou'd sowre , their pleasure turnd to paine , Yea liuing dyde , to thinke vpon their sinne , Their shadowes feard , so souden was their fall , But more their death , when destenie did them call . Their mone amasd , a thousand wretches moe , Who sight and shrynkt , through motions of deceit , To heare report , this thundring threat to throwe , Foule fall the fraude , to bréede our bale a baite , A bitter swéete that rots , ere it be ripe , A liuing care , to souls a deadly stripe . But how with hap , the pikes of harme I past , Of murdrous mates , of myndes on mischiefe set ▪ Whose snares for me , them selues did fetter fast , Whose baites for me , them measht in beggers net , Inforst men say , of God , loe here the might , Which heales the harmd , and lames the lewd in sight . But I whose scare , thy heauenly helpe did cleare , Will daily sing , with mynd , with hart and voyce , To thee ( O Lord ) be honour , laude , and feare , Which foyldst my foes , and madst me to reioyce , Laude for thy grace , and honour to thy name , Feare cause thy wrath , doth put the lewde to shame .

The reporter .

After that P. Plasmos had throughly passed the pikes of his troubles , he foorthwith professed , a newe course of life : to witnesse which reformation ( making pouertie his excuse ) he sent this following farewell , vnto fayre Laymos , and other fine dames , of his olde acquaintance ▪ which inuention , he termed his farewel to wanton pleasures .

P. Plasmos farewell to wanton pleasures . DAme Venus be content , thy seruant should depart , Who long hath bath'd in brauties blisse , yet swam in seas of smart , And willing nowe with losse , to leaue his wanton sport , Repentance hath reclaimed him , from pleasures statly court , Good loue my gouernesse , thy charge that erst did raunge , Is well content , to carelesse youth , to leaue his choice in chaunge , My colours fresh and gay , my pride in peacocks plumes , I now resigne to Cupides thralls , whose head with fancie fumes , My sugred wordes that earst , did wray my suites at large , My scalding sighes , to quench mistrust , when iealousie gaue charge , I will to salue their sore , whome false suspect doth byte , My vaunting speach I giue to those , which soiourne with delight , And fansie earst my friend , of force I must forsake . And lust my choice , I leaue to those , which rowes in leachers lake , For wisdome rules my will , and reason bids retire , Least frosen feares , through faythlesse loue , doth followe hote desire , Expence doth nip my purse , my pride is pincht with paine , Aspiring mynde hath caught a fall , my lacke is linckt with gaine , Yet losse this lesson learnd , how pence my pleasure wrought , Not pleasure pence , but purses paine , when néede the bottome sought , A noddie for the nonce , for faithlesse flurtes to flout . Poore want was rayd , in ragged clothes , amongst dame pleasures rout . Which picture when I sawe , in fauour like my lacke , Disdaine my thought , did drowne my ioy , despaire did bruse my backe . Pure néede then prickt me foorth ( in faith ) good mistresse mine , Ere scorne should worke me out of grace , my seruice to resigne . For if you rightly wey , my want by former wealth , Your selfe will iudge , I can not serue , without the ayde of stealth . Then wrong will séeke reuenge , with tryall of his bande , And iustice soone will sentence giue , to truce me out of hande . Then conscience will accuse , my coste in Venus court , And warne my friendes by these my woes , to shun dame pleasures sport , And ( loth to dye ) will curse , the causers of my smart , Thus with your blame , my one the shame ( perforce ) I shall depart .

The reporter .

After P. Plasmos had bid adieu to these counterfet delightes , he made this ensuing recantation , and sith it behoueth euery man that recanteth , to shew with what errours he was led , as well to discharge his owne conscience , as to forewarne others of the like , P. Plasmos in the saide recantation , maketh discourse of loue betwixt faire Laymos and him self . Wherein is discouered the subtile sleights of a cunning courtisane .

P. Plasmos recantation . BEfore the world , I here recant my life , I do renounce , both lingring loue and lust , My wanton will , with wisedome once at strife , Hath lost the fielde , the type of fansies trust . My sugred toung , bepoudred all with teares , To chase mistrust , from my swéete maistresse mynde , With simple speach , from humble sprite now weares , That fauour I , with my swéete Christ may finde . My seattered sighes , which I on earth did strowe , I gather vp , and sende them to the starres , As messengers , of my lamenting woe , Twixt sine and soule , so mortall is the warres . Sith I repent , no shame it is to wray , My former life , how farre from grace it swern'd , Although from truth , I silly shéepe did stray , As good men God , so I my Goddesse seru'd . Her fauour heauen , I reckt her frowning hell , I swam in ioy , when I attaind her grace , I sunke in noy , when she with wrath did swell , Such strange effectes , were shrowded in her face . The religion of wanton louers like the papistes . Saint Pandor then , my aduocate I made , Who pynde my purse , yet fead my foolish vaine , A thousand scornes , with my fond sight did fade , My suite in wordes , such slender grace did gaine , As Gods of olde , my Goddesse honoured is , Which sacrifice , of kine and calues did craue , But she inioynd , in penance of my mis , For fashion sake , that first I yeald her ●laue . With vowe of fayth , my suite then must I showe , But suites of lawne with toyes of déeper coste , The duties were , which I for grace did owe , Such costly grace , then found were better loste . But mi●●es of loue , did so bedim my eyes , That wealth was slaue vnto my wanton thought , Glad was my purse , when he the toy espies , Which with my loue , a perfect liking wrought . But I too sharpe , did spurre so frée a wretch , He pynde to naught , to please her péeuish mynde , Then lacke too late , this lesson did me teach , I seru'd no saint , but one of Sathans kynde . Who when she sawe , pure néede to play his part , With iealous speach , gan straight to faine debate , My second choice she sayde , possest my heart , As though pure loue , had hatcht this souden hate , But well I sawe , despight did forge suspect , And iealous speach , was set to colour scorne . My charge not change , did frame with foule defect . She fained griefe , I wretch with woe forworne . My plées of want , then purchase little grace , She wild me loue , where I my wealth did waste , For my nice choice , she reckt her selfe too base , Which here and there , in change a new was plast . Fonde fansie then , presented to my will , In desperate panges , to pine away with paine , Or purchase pence , on top of Shooters hill , If I escape , my bootie grace would gaine . For him that earst , both hope and hap did vaunce , To desperat thoughts , to vayle his former blisse , Blame not his mynde , to cure this sorrie chaunce , If ventur'd life , did worke amends of misse . And syth ( quoth I ) I must a martyr be , Then burne to naught , with blase of Cupides brands , A gentler death , is hanging on a trée , I may escape , the bowget makers hands . In spight of scorne , which haunts my Ladies hart , Then shall I swim , in seas of former grace , And sorrow shall finde , recompence of smart , With foulded armes , when I my ioy imbrace . These drousie dumps , which driues me to despaire Shall purged be , with drugs of droynses store , I glad , he mad , then mumping in his chaire , When stéede is stolne , too late shall shut the dore . Thus I vile wretche , led on by wanton lust , A triumphe made , within my wicked thought , How I by hap , the harmelesse threw to dust , Ere I escapt , or had the mischiefe wrought , But oh ( swéete Christ ) thy grace this folly stayd , Thou cleardst my sight , which mistes of loue did bleare , Unto whose praise , my conscience hath bewrayd , My former life , deuoyde of godly feare . Thou crau'st ( good Lord ) no other aduocate , But prayer mine , to purchase heauenly grace , The which thou sayst , doth neuer come too late , If I repent , when prayer pleades my case . A contrite hart , is the swéete sacrifice , That thou dost séeke , ere we thy fauour winne , The which , deare God , with sighes & wéeping eyes , I offer vp in recompence of sinne . Attending still , when triall of my fayth , Shall treade downe death , & Sathan force to réele , And boldly say , till latter gaspe of breath , My soul through faith , the ioyes of heauen doth féele .

The reporter .

To make this recantation or repentance more perfect in shewe and in déede , he wrote this following admonition , vnto him selfe , which he termed his farewel to follie .

P. Plasmos farewell to folly . FArewell you fading ioyes , Which fancie forst me loue , Adieu'go trudge , your tickle toyes , Though late , too soone I proue . O wandring head leaue off , Fonde fancies to imbrace , And sugred toung nowe cease to scoffe , Or others to disgrace , Forsake , O luring eyes , To faine the louing art , And scalding sighes be you no spies , To wound a womans hart . O mynde with verses vaine , No more thy selfe acquaint , Forsake in time , faire Venus game , Ere age doth thée attaint . O hart on hoyh y set , Be warnd by wisedomes lawe , So shalt thou scape blinde Cupides net , Of which thou stoodst in awe . Beware of tenne and foure , Which be the cheaters fare , Least hassards hard , thy swéete do soure , And make thy purse full bare . This double charge I giue , To you vnhappie handes , From quarels fond , y frée to liue , As foe to life and landes . Now last to you my legges , Which be my bodies stay , Frame not your gate as men on egges , Whome busting doth affray . Nor yet so stoutly stride , As mens that beares would binde , For stately steps bewrayes the pride , Which harbours in the mynde . My other members all , Be rulde by reasons lore : Let vertue reigne , where vice did stall , And former faults deplore . Least future plagues you pricke , To worke your greater paine , For why against the thornes to kicke , I count it more then vaine . Nunquam sero .

The reporter .

I thinke it good to leaue P. Plasmos in this good moode , vntill time fitteth ( he thus forewarned ) for the report of his better fortunes , naythelesse for others héede , I will make discourse of the souden fal of foure of his enimies , whom Gods iustice worthily cut off , in the prime ( or before the accomplishment ) of their lewde desires : the first of them was Lyros , the only executioner of al his copartners deceites , who vpon the reuealement of his and their mischieues , fell into an extreme quarterne ague , which haunted him vntill his death , he hauing but one only childe , which soudenly , without any shew of sicknesse died , he for feare of arrest , forsooke his house and liued in corners . And yet to comfort his solitarie life , he oft song a counter tenure , he being before a lustie and able man , became soudenly a most weake and miserable creature to accompanie whiche , he lost the vse both of memorie and wit. And to make an end of his miseries , in steade of drinke , he dronke poyson , so that shortly after he was in shewe a most lothsome lepre , who thus distrest , forsaken of friendes , and vexed with his foes , for want of succour miserably ( yet repentauntly ) died , whose complaint almost in order as hée confessed insueth .

The complain● of one Lyros a notable Cousener , supposed at the houre of his death . AMonge their falles , by filthie fraude which fell , Let my mishappe , registred be I pray , Whose wanton toyes , whose wily trickes to tell , But chéefe of all , whose wofull plight to wray , No doubt the lewde , will bring to better stay , For whose behoofe , loe here I paint my thrall , My happ , my harme , my life , my death and all . Noe shame it is for mée to showe my euill , Though gracelesse life , from wisedomes lore did swerue . A sinne it were to liue and die a deuill , So soule and all , with Tantals hope should sterue , My warning here , for others héede may serue : Fresh harmes they say , will force men to beware , When had I wist , comes after still the faire . Then couseners first , to you my tale I streach , God graunt my wordes , to heale your woundes auaile , But you will say , my selfe doth néede a Leach , To heire my head , to helpe eche perisht naile , To ridde my scabbes , my Leprosie to scaile , To cleare my eyes , which are now darke and dim , My nummed ioyntes , to make both lith and trim . I néede God wot , if néede could fauour winne , But out alas , too late doth come the cure , When God is bent to punish filthie sinne , Though longe hée stayes in fine hée striketh sure , Best therefore then , ere you his wrath procure , You sée your helpe ( with his precept agrée ) Ante languorem , medicinam adhibe . Prouide a salue , before that sicknes come , Prouide a mends , for sinne and foule amisse , Before Gods wrath , your due desert doth dome , For note deare friends , I whilome bathde in blisse , I swam in ioy , my heart at woe did hisse , I then had strength , with health , and wealth at will . My hap was cleare , I sawe no clowdes of ill . Then muse you will , to sée so rare a chaunge , As manly force , to faile in prime of youth , As faire to foule , as health to scabbes and maunge , As hap to harme , as ioy to gréefe and ruth , But listen well and marke what woordes ensuthe , And you shall sée what forced mée to fall , What wrought my woe , what turnde by ioy to thrall . First wéene that wealth did puffe mée vp with pride , Next forme and force , enforst me to aspire , Then loue and lust , into my brest did glide , Last fretting thought so set my heart on fire , That mariage néedes , must coole my hoate desire , He was a wanton liuer . My choice was good , if chaunge had béene exilde , But follie , faith and fancie , truth begilde . My wandring will directed mée this course , Which brainesicke youth , did duelie treade and trace , And entred once , I fell from bad to worse , I made a pray , of euery yéelding face ▪ Such wanton lust , doth follow want of grace , Ne was this life , defrayde with small expence , And I ( God wott ) had not a mine of pence . While coyne did last , yet carelesse did I spend , A poore increase , can spring on such a roote , When coyne was spent ne did my fancies end , With youth to striue , for reason t' was no boote , No lacke could treade my follies vnder foote : While land did last , my want I did supplie , With ●urchases , A backward purchase . of Dedi , concessi . My liuing sould , and monie in my purse , My lauish minde , had neuer thought of lacke , To ge●t or saue , I quite forgot the course , For euery toy my Testours went to wracke , Which did my bagges , vnto the bottome sacke , My coyne consumde , and yearely rents thus gon● ▪ What refuge then ? once credite had I none . Yet liue I must , néede doth obey no lawe , To worke for wealth , yet wi●t I not the way , The scourge for sinne , did kéepe mée still in awe , I durst not steale , for feare of Tyborne play ▪ And other shiftes , I knewe not to assay , But to be short , to soone , to soone t' was knowne , My will was good , to take more then mine owne . Then wily mates , whose subtile eyes did sée , In yonkers states , and markt , their youthfull vaine , Made choice of mee , He was made an instrument to execute other cousners deuises . the Instrument to bée , In wanton trackes , vnwayed youthes to traine , Their wiles , my wishe , so swéete was speach of gaine , My tongue was good , my manhoode had in price , My life was lewde , I knewe and vsde eche vice . Companion fitt , for rufflers nowe adayes , Whose wills rule witt , and rage , doth reason yoke , Of which I searcht , a crue of thriftlesse strayes , Whom lewdly I to lewdnes did prouoke , They bi tt my baite , but other did them choke , I bore the name , when others layde the bane , The shame was mine , and others gleande the gaine . But , Plasmos the man hee abused , Oh , I sigh , to wray what wrought my thrall , O Plasmos nowe , I swoone through thought of thée , I must confesse , the goad that did the gall , Was too too sharpe for friendship thine so frée , I turnde my coate , ere thou couldst fettered bée , My wanton toyes , could hardly thée intrap , My falsed trust ( aye mée ) wrought thy ill hap . And must I shewe , wherein I was iniust ? Shame sayes , conceale , my conscience wil not soe , I was a friend , whose treason quited trust , A counseller lewde , that wrought my clientes woe , Where I was lou'd , I hated saue in shoe , Yea twise accurst , for mucke his life I sought , Whose bloud and good , for me hée ventred oft . Hee forged deedes . I forged déedes , when fayled frée consent , I rased roules , to mend what hast did marre , I put in vre , what coemates mine inuent , My woordes , were graue , as firme my friendship ware , And yet forsooth , to showe what mould I bare , I prou'de it true , how Cito ad suam . Redierint , res fictae naturam . For though my wéedes , foreshewde a settled minde , God knowes , my woorkes , my wanton humour wraide , The wyser sort , my follies soone did finde , They sawe full well , my fancies were not staide , Yet Plasmos hée of fraude was not afraide , And truth to tell , I baynde him with such baite , As hardly hée , could smell out my deceite . Officers about the recouery of P.P. land suspected the deceite . Wise officers , my falsehoode yet suspect , To purchase land , they thought my store to small , And all to late , to Plasmos they detect , ( As they supposde ) I sought to worke his thrall , Their sorrie newes , did nip him to the gall , Who like a man of hope , of helpe dismayde , Reportes the trust , through which I him betraide . Our foule deceite amas'de the hearers much , They Plasmos wild , from greement kept aloofe , That open shame our villanies might tuch . Our falles would be a warning of behoofe , Our fraude thus found , before it came to proofe . What course were best ? should wée confesse our fault ? Noe , noe : wée ment to bide the first assault . In euery Court our cousenages did ring ▪ Which bouldly wée , Periurie . vppon our othes denide , For wée that dar'd commit so foule a thing , Uppon our othes , ne cared though wée lyde , Yet durst wée not abide till trueth were tride , In couseners clyffes , wée feard sol fa to chaunt , Howe so wée séemde , on honestie to vaunt . Yea ( wretched ) I , that bore the blame of all , Peccaui soung , through pricke of conscience griefe , How others scapt , I sawe my shamefull fall , I mou'de my mates , to salue our great mischiefe , In time : or wée , should suffer much repreafe , But they that vsde , their ●on●enage in my name , If worst befell , knewe I ●hould bide the shame . To make amends , would neuer yéeld consent , What should I doe ? still Plasmos shot at mee , False Frenos , Frenos the Scriuener tha● deuisde the cousenage . yet the mischiefe did inuent , I plowde the lande , the profite reaped hée , Hée bounde me so , saunce him I could not grée , And thus through néede ( which I to show abhorre ) Against my will , looke what hée would I swore . Our cousenage knowen , our likelyhoode of paine , My earnest sute , to some good end to growe , Once mou'd him not , to leaue ill gotten gaine , Hée neuer blusht , in conscience nor in showe , But craft on craft , hée layde to heape our woe , T' ware straunge to heare , the wealthy friends hée found , Which ioynde with him , to make our fraude séeme sound . And boulstred thus , for slaundring vs with truth , Our actions huge , poore Plasmos ouerlayde , Wée knewe in néede , friends faild , the more the ruth , Thus double wrong'd ( his huge distresses waide ) To cleare his land , good store of coyne hée paide , Least share whereof , in faith , to mée did fall , Yet of this end , I was the glad'st of all . From open shame , my selfe I iudged frée , I tooke no héede , to salue my conscience gall , But God that doth all secrete dealinges sée , Prouided whippes to scourge our sinnes withall , And I that bare the blame of Plasmos thrall , As sure I was the instrument of it , The first man was , that God with vengeaunce smit . His miseries . My onely child , which should haue had the land , With Plasmos bloud , that faine I would haue bought , His sonne sodainly died . Not sicke in sight , first dyed out of hand , Which heauie hap distempered so my thought , As straight I was into a quarterne brought , A quarterne ague . Whose frosen fittes , brought downe my youthfull pride . Do what I could , it held mée till I dide .

He brought himselfe in daunger , to play the cousener for others commoditie .

His instrument

A house I kept , till I to cousening fell , But loe beguilde , euen with mine owne deceite , My house I left , and did in corners dwell , To lay mée vp ▪ still Plasmos lay in waite , Sometimes I was caught with a Sergeaunts baife . And through a grate , Presta quesimus sounge , With care on care , thus daily was I stounge . He lost his wit He lost his memorie . I that sometime , had wily witt good store , As one bestrackt , forgot what late I spake , For all my cheates , His friendes forsoke him in pouertie . still was I very poore , My friends did faile , none would relieue my lacke , On euery side , I ( wretched ) went to wracke , Yea Frenos he that drue the cousening plott , Deuourde the gaine , and gaue mée neuer a iott . Two yeares well nie , I liued in this woe , God wot , not worth the ground whereon I went , And when I thought , my ioyes againe would flowe , Unhappie I , ( that Plasmos murder ment ) Unto such ire , the hie Iehoua bent , That ( ah ) in stéede of drinke my thrist to slake , I poyson dronke , my timelesse ende to make . Sée couseners sée , my present lothsome state , Loe here the ende of all my wanton race , Behold the man , that was so frolicke late , A leaper foule , in body , legges and face , At point of death , cryes out to God for grace , A warning fayre , a mirror full of mone , For greedie churles , a bone to gnawe vppon . Amende in time , before Gods wrath you sturre , Beware by mée , false Frenos and the rest , Quod diffeertur , be sure , non aufertur , Unlesse euen from the bottome of your breast , You both repent , and to amends are preast , Loe here my tale , and life will haue an ende , God pardon mée , and graunt you to amende .

The reporter .

The miserable end of Liros , rather wrought a feare in strangers vnto the horrible cousenage , then any repentance in false Frenos , and other his confederats : So hardeneth , the deuil the heartes , and blindeth the sightes of the raprobate , as neither the example of other mens miseries , nor pricke of their owne consciences , can reclaime them from lewdenes . And yet although a while they wallowe in their wickednes , and seeme to holde the intising dr●sse ( I meane wealth ) of this world at will , in the pride of their prosperitie ( the most part of such worldlinges ) throughe Gods iustice are diuorced from their vaine delightes . The soudaine fall of this Frenos , proueth both the one and the other , for notwithstanding he sawe the wretched death of Liros , and knew that Liros did execute nothing but his deuise and direction , yet séemed hée no wayes to be vexed in conscience for this offences , being the author and only aduauntage reaper of his deceite : and yet in the heate of his vnconscionable prouision , he was soudainly arested with death : Whom you may suppose as one amased with such soudaine visitation , striuing for life , to tell this disordered tale following .

Frenos complaint . I Sée ( quoth hée ) death spares no sortes of men , Our bagges of drosse , may not withstand his might , To moyle and toile for pelfe what bootes it then ? No whit , God knowes , if wée could sée aright . But worldly cares our minds bewitched soe , As thoughtes of heauen , silde in our brestes do dwell , The prouerbe saith ( the more such fathers woe ) Happ'is the childe , whose father goes to hell . But such prouerbes , more common are then true , Silde children kéepe , that fathers lewdly gett , Goods ill got are lewdlye spent . And trust mée wealth , if after want ensue , With double griefe , the néedie thrall doth frett , To what ende then , for mucke , take wée such care ? To damne our selues , and worke our childrens scare , O wicked world , so swéete thy torments séeme , That when men tast , thy drugges of vaine delight , Their onely heauen , thy thralles do thée estéeme , With mistes of mucke , thou blindest so their sight , That ( wretched ) they , whilst that in health they liue , As Swine in myre , do wallowe in their faultes . An other fall , nor conscience can them méeue , To waile their sinnes , till grislie death assaultes , The thought of whom , as thornes do pricke mée ( wretch ) Alas , When death attacheth the wicked , the thought of their sinne is more greuous then death . mée thinkes , I sée his ghastly shape , What did I meane , to name him in my speach , And can I not his furious force escape , Oh noe , my sinnes , beginneth now to swarme , To matche with him , my selfe howe should I arme ? My conscience cryes , confesse thy wicked life , My wicked life , such monstrous fraude presents , As in my selfe , I finde a hell of strife , My gracelesse déedes , the hope of grace preuents , I sée , I sée , howe fierie fiendes do yell , Before hie Ioue my wicked soule to haue , My secrete sinnes , Our owne sinnes giue euidence against vs afore the highest . condemnes mée ( wretch ) to hell , They be so huge , that nothing can me saue , Where is the booke , wherein Gods will is writ ? They say there in , is balme that sinne can cure , What ment I ( wretch ) I neuer studied it ? The booke is large , Bible . my life will not indure , So longe , as I may reade , and reape such grace , The fault is mine , I might , while I had space . I faint , I faint , my life will néedes away , False Frenos now , of force must yéeld to death , These farewell woordes , good friends yet note I pray , Prepare your selues ere latter gaspe of breath , So spend your liues , as if you daily dyde , Leste tarde you , by death ( perhaps ) be tane , Note well my fall , in top of all my pride , Before I wist , hée gaue mée ( wretch ) my bane , My worldly wealth , for which I tooke such care , I néedes must leaue , in no good order sett , A soudaine chaunge , the chaunce yet nothing rare , This is the proofe of goods , that fraude doth get , Loe this is all , that death will let mée say , But what is short , may best be borne away .

The reporter .

This disordered complaint of Frenos , is answerable vnto his disordered dealing , but most of all vnto his sodaine death , who hauing his conscience vnprepared , tormented with the multitude of his sinnes , stoode amazed what to say : and yet howsoeuer it hange together , it conteyneth matter of note , which I leaue to the censure of the discrete reader . And now to the rest of this report , the next that death mett with , in this Tragedie of couseners , was Caphos a merchant , whose name Frenos vsed in diuers of his craftie conueyaunces , for that ( if néede so required ) hée had friendes to countenaunce , monie to defend , and an indifferent honest report , to couler their lewde practises . But notwithstanding his monie , couler , and countenaunce , to set an honest shewe in the sight of the world , of his subtile practises , now that death attacheth him , to make his accompt before the hiest , you shall heare in what arerages he findes himselfe .

Caphos complaint . THe Prouerbe saith , as good wée eate the deuill , As sup the broth , wherein his body boilde , As good wée do , as giue consent to euill , Which sorrie doome , my coloured scuse hath foild , My conscience throbs , though I no fraude deuis'de , My onely name , that shadowed foule deceite , In God his sight with Frenos fall is pris'de , I féele my sinnes , pluckes downe my soule with weight , Yea Lyros and false Frenos both I knowe , But leade the way , that I must shortly goe . Farre yet I am vnfit for such a iournie , My compt falls short , that I to God must giue , If hée charge mée , with filthie periurie , It will not serue ( to saue mée from repreue , ) To say how that , for feare of after shame , A manifest vntrueth , A pretie kind of periurie . I durst not sweare , But Frenos gott , a post knight of my name , In stéede of mée , that did both sweare and steare , I must confesse , I gaue thereto consent , And God no doubt , will punish my intent . My subtile steightes , to shadowe foule abuse , May well lye hid , and no man knowe the same , But God doth knowe , the fraude I put in vse , ( For others heede ) deserued open shame . The man that is with sicknes neuer vext , No●● . Hath séeldome care what kinde of meate hée eates , When such as are , with surfets oft perplext , Séeme daintie still , to féede on diuers meates , In worldly churles , obserued is the like , They feede on fraude , till infamie them strike , Marke well my woordes , you ( worldlinges ) of all sortes , But citizens , your natures best I knowe , There are of you haue méetely good reportes , For riches sake , and outward honest showe , But how you get , your monstrous heapes of gold , Your conscience knowes , and I can somewhat tell , Your secret craft , so séeldome is controld , As what you gett , you thinke you gett it well , But how so héere , your reckonings séemeth true , A day will come , when you shall count a newe . Bée you reclaymde , by others soudaine fall , Sighe for your owne , when others shames you sée , Thinke that they are but patternes of your thrall , If iustice should on you auenged bée , A thousand wayes , the highest séekes to winne , Our worldly mindes , from loue of worldlie ioyes , But if wée still , will wallowe in our sinne , The plagues are sharpe , with which he vs destroyes , To stay whose wrath , I hould the next way is , While wée haue space , to sorrowe our amis . Death comes God wot , euen like a myching théefe , With conscience cleare , some wardes his wily blowe , And some againe hee gawls with soudaine gréefe , Whose thoughtes of sinne , doth worke their double woe , Had I but wayde , the halfe , that now I wray , My coemates endes , had made mée fitt for death , A sweete com●orte . But that is past , this is my onely stay , Gods mercie salues , at latter gaspe of breath , And yet thereof , let no man hope to farre , Presumptious sinnes . Presumptious sinnes , of all , the greatest are .

The reporter .

It séemeth by the deposition in Caphos complaint , that the direction from time to time , ( as concerning the afore reported cousenage ) came from some subtile head . But whose deuise or direction soeuer it were , there is yet an other ( a lawyer it séemeth by the order of his complaint ) that findes his conscience infected , with Lyros , Frenos , and Caphos fellowship : who likewise attached with death you may suppose with a troubled minde , to wreast out this following complaint .

Pimos complaint at the houre of his death . AYe mée ( quoth hée ) the case is altered quite , My wylie skill , that chaungde the sense of lawe , My cunning Pleas , that made a wronge seeme right , Are nowe the bones , whereon my conscience gnawe , They force mée graunt , the good from euill I knewe , The good I left , the euill too late I rue , The common lawe , The common lawe , was taken out of Gods la●● the which I studied longe , I finde condemnes mée wretch of many a crime , The lawe it selfe ( how so we wreast it wronge ) Of God his lawe , was founded in the prime , Then since in one , they both agrée in troth , Abuse of one , must be abuse of both . And sure the one I turned as I list , If I were wrong'd , the lawe amends could make , If I did wronge ▪ the lawe such power mist , The case was chang'de the wronged might go packe . Such helpes I had , such quillets of delay , That all séemde true , that ( subtile ) I did say , But now I am , attached to appeare , Afore a Iudge , at no mannes faultes that winkes , The diuell declares , The diuel declares our offences before God , our conscience is the witnes of our wickednes . how I haue liued here , My conscience guilt , giues euidence me thinkes , To learne the lawe , sith studie I did vowe , For breach of lawe , I am indited nowe . Before my God mée séemes I charged am , For ayding those , with credite , coyne , and skill , Whose lewde deceites , deserued whippes of shame , And that to make me guiltie of their ill , Consentientes ( your lawe sayth Io●e doth say , ) Et agentes , plectentur pari pena . My guiltie minde , confesseth streight the act , False Frenos fraud , was boulstered vp by mée , Condemnde of this , streight comes an other fact , I wronged men , against all equitie , When lawe doth say , Hoc facias alteri , In right and wronge , quod vis tibi sieri . This bitter doome , giuen by the doome of lawe , Mae sinnefull wretch , as guiltie striketh mute , The men I wrong'd within my conscience gnawe ▪ I spared none , through pittie , nor through sute , What lawe did giue , since I for vauntage tooke , In breach of lawe , should I for fauour looke ? Note . O noe , I must , in proper person pleade , Plaine not guiltie , or guiltie of the crime , No forreine Plea , may now delayaunce bréede , Untrauerst goes , the Venu and the time , No aduocate , or letters here may serue , The Iudge is bent to iudge as I deserue . I guiltie am , I must of force confesse , Ignoraunce will not serue . By ignoraunce , these faultes , yet would I scuse , But I , vile I , that had men in distresse , And did their Pleas of ignoraunce refuse , Mee thinkes that God , doth rule mée ore with this , Non excusat , ignorantia iuris . And thus I lye , with deadly sicknes pinde , Yea more , my soule beseng'd , with sinnefull gréefe , The more I séeke , to pacifie my minde , The further off , I ( wretched ) finde reléefe , My dealinges great , or rather great deceite , Fall out so lewde , as I no count can streight . Do what I can , the cause that causde my ioy , When fleshe , and bloud , was fedde with worldly gaine , Is nowe the cause , that causeth my annoye , Now feare of hell , in place of fleshe doth raigne , The soule & flesh are at continuall warre . The soule , and fleshe , impugnes the other so , As what likes one , doth worke the others w●e . What meane wée then ( sith th' one wée must displease , To serue the flesh , that beares no lasting sway ? And leaue the soule , that couets still our ease , Who ( foyling flesh ) in heauen doth liue for aye , What worser match , can any creature make , Incerta then , pro certis thus to take . O sinfull wreth , had I this ende foreséene , I had not nowe , come short vpon account , I would haue lik't , and lou'd the merrie meane , Which euer doth , to reckoning best amount . For violents , do sildome long indure , They alwayes come , from fortune most vnsure . O wicked man , had I séene heauen in thought , Had I seru'd God , like as in shewe of zeale , I had not thus , for poore mens liuings sought , Nor purchast hell , for lande for others weale , Had I well wayde , how tickle was my life , I had ere this , appeasd my conscience strife . Or had I thought , ( O most vnhappie wight ) Looke what I gaue , that measure should I reape , I sure had giuen , to euery man his right , This wicked world , had not luld me asleape , I had not then , bene carelesse of my end , My soule had watcht , deathes furie to defend . But ( oh ) in me , the contrarie was plaste , I was intyste , on baytes of sinne to feede , Which charm'd receits , séemde suger swéete in taste , But ( oh ) they say , sweete meate sowre sauce doth néede , Néede or not néede , I proue the prouerbe true , My brittle ioyes , my endlesse woes do brue . My conscience loathes , what liked well my life , My conscience rues , the gaine I got by guile , My conscience féeles , the woes of wrangling strife , My conscience wéepes , at that my life did smile , My conscience bléedes , through that life thought a blisse , My conscience wailes , what life thought not amisse . Well , sith my life , this wretched woe hath wrought , Would God my life , ( nay death through foule abuse ) Were noted so , as all men might be taught , By scriptures rule , their talents here to vse , And specially , about their studies wall , For lawyers héed , would God were writ my fall . Through sight whereof , no doubt they would refuse , To fish for gaine , with nets of foule deceit , To worke delayes , they would no pleadings vse , They sure would thinke , they had account to straight , My vexed mynde , at death still in their eye , Would will them liue , as they did dayly dye . If to such good , my souden fall would proue , Would life would last , to tell a larger tale , But how it proue , in vaine for life I moue , Death nowe assaults , and ( wretched ) I must vale , My breath doth fade , the bell doth sound away . From whence I came , I néedes must turne to clay .

The reporters conclusion , as touching the report of Paulus Plasmos aduentures , and Lyros , Frenos , Caphos , and Pimos falles . WHo telles a tale at large , of others smart , In his report , some errour néedes must shape , Some blamed are , some praisde , beyond desart , In this discourse ( such slaunder to escape ) It séemd me best , to vse but notes of héede , And leaue at full , for to report the déede . Yet some will say , I wrong poore Plasmos here , To make his youth , the cause of his mishaps , When he good soule ( who fraude did little feare ) Was slily snarld , in sneaking couseners traps , In déede , my heart did bléede , his plaints to showe , And much I blamde , the workers of his woe . And yet forsooth , what so of him is sayde , In my conceit , is nothing sayde but truth , For sure his woes , if they be wisely wayde , Some wayes may be , imputed to his youth , For first of all , his brauerie was the bayte , These couseners mindes , that egged with deceite . Then sith him selfe , was guiltie of his thrall , His fortunes wrayd , may wanton gallants warne , From rash clyming , for feare they catch a fall , And by his woes , vnwayed youthes may learne , To trust them selues , fewe others out of sight , For timelesse trust , wrought Plasmos much despight . And for their falles , by fraude that sought to mount , Although that they , not halfe their faults report , Yet in their plaints , are notes of good account , Forewarnings faire , and words of mylde exhort , And for the rest ( how so they liu'd awry , Let it suffice , they did repentant dye . R.v.

Epilogus . Vide fol. 38. LOe here the fruits , that growe of selfe conceits , Vide fol. 80. vsque . 96. Loe here their falles , that leape before they looke , Loe gallants here , the swéete inticeing baytes , Vi. 24. A. & . 50 Wherein lyes hid , the couseners poysoned hooke . Vide. 50. vs . 66 From maskes of pryde , here are the visards pluckt . Vide. 50. Of dogged dice , loe here the deadly yll . Sée here how drie , the louers purse is suckt , Vide. 98. & . 99 That yealdes to please , a wanton Ladies will . Vide. 87. Who noteth here , what treason lurkes in trust , Before he trust , may haply learne to trie . Vide. 7. A. Who sées faire words , saust here with workes vniust , May haue in scorne , the shewes of flatterie . Who marketh here , the bitter end of frayes , Vide. 36.47 . Of more emprise , may holde a quiet life . Who séeth here , Vide. 73. B. in lawe the long delayes , May loue the worse , to liue in wrangling strife . Vide. 6. Without good héede , who so in court doth plant , May here perceiue , his beggerie in the end . Vide. 85. Who wayeth here , the woes of withered want , Were worse then mad , beyond his boundes to spend . Vide. 17. C. vsque . 25. & . 49. vs . 66. & . 70. vs . 78. Vide. 66.78 . Vide. 46. Who would auoyde , the snares that worldlings set , And who would knowe , their wiles and foule abuse , Who hath desires , an honest fame to get , Who in his kinde , inticing golde would vse , May here finde rules , his life for to direct , Vide. 45. vs . 49 Here liues their fames , that vertues souldiers ware , And here againe , Vide. 16.49.70 . their dealings I detect . To swimme in wealth , that will no vauntage spare . Here here discourst , Vide. 105. A. vsque ad finem . may worldlings sée their falles , Which wey not how , so riches they may winne , Here may they sée , how sore Gods vengeance galles , When he is bent , to punish filthy sinne , All this and more , my Muse at large reports . All this my Muse ( for your auaile ) did hit , In 〈◊〉 whereof , she friendly you exhorts , To take in worth , what of good will is writ . Quod cauere possis , stultum est admitter● .

FINIS .

¶ Imprinted at London for Robert Waley .

Anno. 1576.