A reuelation of the true Minerua The effect of this booke. Who on earth be gods: and by what meanes mortall men may bee made immortall.

A Reuelation of the true Minerua . ALmightie Ioue , he Saturne sage did sende , Commanding Mars , & Mercury to meet , Apollo passing prudent did attend : And Neptune left the seas , and all his fleete , The God of gods , these Goodly Gods did greete : Then thus he saide , let it be knowen by you , Whom I on earth most worthie doe auowe . Forespent with speede , consumde well neere with haste , Pallas , shee there did piteously complaine , Both I , and all the worlde is quite digrast , My deare sister , Minerua mine , in vaine I liue alas , for now there doth remaine , No no , not one Minerua done away , Which in her place is meete to beare the sway . The Muses mourne , and mourne they may for mee Sith goddesse shee of greatest grace is gone , Poore Pallas I perplext with miserie , Am left alone , ( alas ) and all alone : To you , you gods my state I doe bemone , And if you will haue Pallas still remaine , Then you a newe Minerua must ordaine . Apollo sate with Saturne by his side , Hence Mercury , goe get thee hence hee saide , Doe seeke and searche through all the worlde so wide For her , who may bee newe Minerua made , Whose due deserued fame shall neuer fade . The winged God went thence as swift as winde : And Saturne sage did thus declare his minde . All sauage then like tearing Tigers fell , more bruite then beastes , there lust most lewd was law : Men liude when I a man with men did dwell , Then men by men were rent and eaten rawe : From wicked wilde euen I these men did drawe To ciuile life , by my good gouernment : They were inclinde to knowe what reason ment . Then lawes I made , and right at last did raigne , All men with one consent put to their hande : From hilles and woods in the most pleasant plaine men met like friendes , and as they there did stand , Both how , and who , should rule , and till the land I did ordaine , cities and townes they then did builde , of beastes , they were by mee made men . Then none did eate the sweete of others sweat , For thine by right , and merie mine I made , Therefore a God of all the gods most great They me ordainde , my fame can neuer fade Till heauen and all the earth be quite decaide : For Saturne sits aloft in seemely sphere , Euen so doth Mars ( said Mars ) as you shall heare . Thy mine and thine did breede such bitter strife , From out the worlde when thou wert once away , As euerie man did seeke eche others life , That witlesse will might haue the power of may To rule vnruld , to beare the chiefest sway : Then king with king , the weakest went to wracke , And mightie mine made feeble thine his lacke . Then might was right , for all thy lawes were lame , The goodly ground with blood was then imbrude , Then warres and warlike weapons I did frame , And force perforce , I right againe renude , Most quiet peace my bloodie warres insude : My trayned troupes of souldiers kept in awe , All such whose lewdnesse made their luste a lawe . You greatest gods doe graunt and giue me grace , Silenus sage ( all Satier like ) did say : To tell a truth here in this presse and place : Mars halfe amazde , his story there did stay : They gaue him leaue , then he without delay ▪ men may bee gods , euen gods of great degree , Such gods must die like men , and so did wee . Why , howe , and who , by God and men bee made , Of mortall men immortall gods giue eare , when due deserued fame can neuer fade : Report by right aboue the earth shall reare All such , and set their names in seemely sphere , Such liue on earth more happie then the rest : Such haue in heauen a blisse of al the best . Bacchus did plant , and Ceres sowde the grounde , Neptune deuisde the swelling Seas to saile , Apollo for his learning was renownde : Haec prudentiae , illa sapientiae dea . For worldly wit dame Pallas did preuaile , Euen shee who heere Mineruas want doth waile , These all were gods by due desart , and shee A goddesse , next Minerua by degree . For heauenly wisedome * * Minerua shee exceld eche one , Her knowledge was , the soule from sinne to saue , Which knowledge nowe is knowne alas to none , For all the worlde it is so bounsing braue As none , no one doth thinke vpon his graue : If Sapiens diuine wisdome bee dead , Then Pallas may with teares consume her bred . Diuinitie is made a masking coate , To compasse what the diuelishe doe deuise , Deceite and craft hath set their force aflote , All men haue wit , and no man nowe is wise : Like Proteus proude they do themselues disguise , No Gods but Diuels , no men but beastes they bee : Practising craft and deepe hypocrisie . As men before Saturnus time were rude , Nowe much more brute and sauage they will bee , If care of conscience doth not sinne detrude : You must therefore erect diuinitie , And one ordaine of great and good degree , Who must possesse Mineruas former place , So all the worlde true knoweledge will imbrace . Then hee and they all silent sodenlie , Their musing mindes did mourne and maruaile much , That this the last and latter age shoulde bee Forlorne , the greeued Gods heere at did grutch . Then Mercurie his quicke returne was suche , Like hagarde hauke from haughtie heauen hee sell , And thus hee did to them his trauell tell . Where Troy once stood no citie nowe doth stande , A rude vnlearned rowte in Thebs remayne , In Athens nowe there be a beastly bande , And Rome is rude her vaunting is in vayne : Euen so is France , all Italy , and Spayn , No Liuye liues , no Tully can bee found , There is not one good Poët on the ground . That haughtie hill Parnassus heauenly hie For learning where the louly Laurell grewe , The bramble brier hath got the victorie : The bankes once braue with flowres of goodly hewe , All Helecon is blacke with moulded blewe : Permessus springes be drie , the Nymphes be dead , The gorgious garlands gone , the Muses flead . The warres hath wipt what worthie was away , And Barbarye doth Christendom deuoure , The Turke , the Moore , the prince of Persia , They dayly do increase in strength and power , They learning lothe , they build like beastes their bower In igoraunce , they feare nor God nor diuell , They hate the good , they honour what is euill . Yet I am sent that Phoenix rare to finde Whom all in vaine I seeke and can not see , And yet shee liues , and is of Saturns kinde , Begot by Mars , preserud by Ioue , and shee Remaynes aliue , in place not knowne to mee , The firme of all the worlde my selfe haue sought , Yet her to finde the Oracle hath taught . Where Arctike poole with Guardes doth stand L. and two Lacking a third part . degrees from lande Minerua doth remaine : Where want of warre and quiet peace Hath cloid the countrey with increase of gold and goodly graine , Where Troynouant , where Athens newe , where noble Nymphes do dwell , Where manie modest Muses be , euen such as do excell . This greatest goddesse there in throne Of highest dignitie alone doth sit , and beare the sway : Olympus there , Pernassus hie , Permessus springes be neuer drie , the ground is greene and gay : The Palme and Laurell there doth growe , euen there her biding is , Out from the worlde , yet on the grounde , euen in a place of blisse . There comes quoth noble Neptune to my mind That same of yore which sober Sybill saide , When Mercurie in vaine shall seeke to finde : When all the worlde with warres shall be dismaide : When learninges light shall seeme to be decayde : Let Neptune then reioyce with triple mace , Let all the gods depart and giue him place . Where at the gods greatly greeued did frowne , And saide , the sea could not the lande excead : But suddainely there was a goodly crowne With garlandes gay on noble Neptunes head , Imbroderd braue in romane letters redde All percell gilt , and burnished with blewe , The truth was set , and thus it did insewe . The tearing tract of time hath wasted and worne out the worthie , The mightie maine now may mourne such losse , sith the sea hath her glory . The greeued gods did maruell all amazde , Such vnknowne sightes vpon this crowne were seene , About the toppe a swelling sea was raysde : In which a chalkie cliffe with medowes greene , There in on stately throne a royall Queene , A pransing Pegasus stood by the dame , And on his backe sat euerlasting fame . On hiest toppe a heauenly angell stood , Harde by his side a Harraulde had his place , From raging seas , euen from the Ocean flood Appearde a prince , bolde Brutus by his grace , To Harraulde he declarde his royall race : The king at armes his petigree he pende , The Angel markte and did his misse amende , The Queene to noble Brutus blood was found By long desent alied linially , Aeneas he who was so much renownde From him did Brute descende successiuely : The wandering prince had his natiuitie For him who was the eldest sonne , in seat His grandsier sat , of all the gods most great . The seat wherein this courtly Queene did sit was Rubie rare , none seene forsice so great , a golden globe was vnder both her feete , a comely cloude did compasse all the seate , the sea in vayne the cloude and globe did beate with foming froth , about her heauenly heade Pallas persaude a posie , which shee reade . Not such a godesse againe in Asia , Europ , or Affricke , for vertue , great degree , for her magnanimitie , Nowe let Apollo giue place , let Neptune sit in the chiefe seat , sith in his sea she doth dwel , ruling a world at her wil , Blissed & blissed againe , three times thrise happie minerua , with thee and thine estate no mortal man may compare . Then Pan ( when Neptune had Apollos place ) that rurall god and clownishe rustikes king , with shepheardes three attending on his grace , he plide his pipe , the one of them did sing , the second sighth , the third his handes did wring , when pastor Pan persaude their pitious plight , his pipe laide down he made his men resight their cause of care . From walled towne I Bembus wonted was a mightie masse of money once a yeere full xl . crownes I did returne , alas nowe xx . grootes I can not compasse cleere , my stocke , my store , my houshold stuffe most deere , I spend , and spoyle , and all to none auayle , lawgh he that list , Bembus shall weepe and wayle . On pleasant pipe to play did please me much , I did delight sweete ditties to indight : But nowe the woes of wretched warres be such As nothing els but howe in fielde to fight , And howe to keepe the flocke from souldiers sight : That rauening woolfe , whose neuer filled mawe With rage doth make his wicked will a lawe . Poore Colon I , and careful Comma shee My weded wife , once happie , nowe forlorne , Let vs complayne of fortunes crueltie , The countries grace , and nowe the countries scorne , X. men , v. flockes , v. plowes , to sowe my corne I keept , but nowe the greater is my care My flockes be stolne , my fruitfull fieldes be bare . The people for the princes pride are plagde , It falleth to the faultlesse subiectes lot , To double drinke in cruel cuppe of care , When peruerse princes madding minde doth dote : Bellona then doth sounde a dolefull note , Then blooddie men of warre the sweete doth eate Without regard of vs the shepheardes sweate . My Bembus deare thou knowest this Sommer last , Whose armie laide all leuell with the grounde Our corne halfe ripe , our vines were spoild as fast , Our townes be burnt , our woods worth many a pound Be quite destroyde , and where may nowe be founde One hedge , or ditch , not torne nor troden downe , This cursed crop we reape from hie renowne . In winter nowe when Boreas bitter blast Forbiddes in field that armed men shoulde meete , A greater griefe we countrey men do tast , Wee cessed are , the souldier eates the sweete Of all our toile , a thing nor iust nor meete , Such is my state : yet this my hireling when Pan doth pipe what doth he then but sing . And sing thy seruaunt must good Colon , he Doth hope to haue ( as he before hath had ) A place of rest exempt from miserie , You both ( I thinke ) do sinne to be so sadde , Take mine aduise and be you euer glad , Do followe mee , forsake these fieldes though knowne , My selfe can giue the like they be mine owne . For I Epizenes a pastor am , Though nowe thy man yet I my selfe keepe men , With in my fieldes skipes many a lustie lambe , I dwell where beefe and bacon meate for men , where milke and honie floweth like the fenne : I dwell where want of warre and quiet rest Doth plainely proue Brittaine to be the best . Epizenes thou seemst to haue no sence , Bembus shall proue thee mad or ignorant , If so it be , why didst thou runne from thence ? wherefore ? because all thinges they be so scant where thou doest dwell , that naked neede and want Did driue thee thence , my neighbour Colon can Report thy state , when first thou wert his man . Bembus , do heare the storie of my state , Cloyd with the blisse which nowe I doe desire , I knowe not what the frowarde force of fate I being well , did make mee to aspire , By trauell I did thinke to clime vp hier , Thus not content in paradize to dwell , seeking for heauen , I founde out hatefull hell , By sea and lande my selfe with restlesse toyle The circle rounde of all the worlde haue sought , Since first I left my louely natiue soyle with deere expense my knoweledge I haue brought , The spice of Spayne , Canary wine is nought , The grapes of Fraunce , the fruite of Italye , Nor pleasant fieldes in Flanders pleaseth mee , What taxe , what tolle , what tribute do they pay ? with dayly warres , what wretched liues they leade ? Kinges they do cause continuall decay , Their subiectes liue in daily doubt and dread . They wofull wightes , do hate their hurtfull head , They curse their kings , like slaues which make them serue , They till and toile , and yet for food they starue . Oppression rules with cruell tyrannie , In Spayne is spitefull superstition spread : Harde roughnes doth remaine in Germany , Fidelitie from faithlesse Fraunce was flead : In Italie fancie is suprime head : Blinde ignoraunce in Barbary remaine , The Turke doth loue the diuell , and God disdaine . But none of these in Britayne braue abide , Where godesse great Elizabeth doth raine . For God almightie with his grace doth gyde Her highnesse heart , and all her courtly trayne , That happie he who may with her remaine : Both poore and rich doth quietly possesse Their owne , the hauen of heauenly happinesse . When lust most leude made iustice leaue the lawe : And vice destroyd dame vertues stately stile : Diuinitie esteemde not worth a strawe : These three disdaind were banisht to exile , They left the lande , on seas they saild a while , And at the last on Brittayne braue they fell , Where queene Eliza made these Ladies dwel . Religion first a certaine signe of grace , Not next , but in her high●●●s heauenly heart , Amidst her minde vertue 〈◊〉 take her place : Shee did commaund Iustice not to depart From her right hande , nor from her side to start : Then thus shee spake , during my doubtfull date I will bee Queene , you three shall rule my state . Epizenes ( quoth ) Pan if Bembus bee , If Colon with his Comma be content , Wee will depart to place vnknowen with thee , And sell or let the sheep courses for rent : Some god perhappes thy selfe hath hither sent , Vs to conduct to place where as wee may Liue like the men in rich Europia . And better much for libertie and gaine , if so you will , then let vs hence away . The windes bee good , doe neuer thinke it payne to sayle the Seas , within a month wee may haue happie hauen , and bee in blessed bay : my selfe will take that stately charge in hande , to guide your course , and winne the wished land . With this crosse staffe , wherewith I wonted was , height , length , and breadth of euery thing to tell , with that , and with an Astrolob of brasse , Globe , Compasse , a Nocturnall will doe well , with these , and with my Carde which doth excell , I so will saile , as you shall vnderstande : that Palinurus hate the Helme in hande . When Titan sittes in middayes circle seate , when goodly Guardes doth Artike Pole displaie , then shall you see a shephearde doe the feate , and perfectly direct you on your way : ouer the place where as I meane to stay , The North starre stands at fiftie two degree , That height founde out , wee finde felicitie . They were content , and as they did depart , The greatest god of all this goodly traine , I see ( hee saide ) thou hast the Sea mans Art : My Mercurie hath ceaselesse sought in vaine , Minerua there , Minerua doth remaine : Goe foorth my sonne and trauaile to newe Troy : Hee went , and came , and brought encrease of ioy . For as you see the swiftest Swallowes wing , Doth cut the skie , and leaues her haunt behind : So Mercurie the post of Gods did bring His message backe , whome Homer hath assignde : A messenger to them of heauenly kinde : To whome he did with speede his speeche adresse , And thus what hee had seene he did expresse . My trauaile proues the Oracle most true , The workmahship on Neptunes noble crowne , Doth represent halfe the deserued due , Of her the greatest goddesse of renowne : Minerua liues , let Pallas cease to frowne , She is aliue , my selfe her grace haue seene , In maiestie , of Britayne braue the Queene . To whom when first I made my message knowne , And saide , O Queene the gods doe thee salute , Saturne himselfe whose fame about is blowne : Mars Neptune , and Apollo great by brute , Pallas thy younger sister hath a sute vnto thy grace , they all , but chiefly she , Sent mee to know thy state and great degree . The Queene replide , I knowe no God but one And hee of heauen , who guides mee by his grace : The Heathen had their Gods which nowe bee gone , Whose Idols I by Gods spell did deface : There is one God and him I doe imbrace , No sister I , yet what they doe intende declare , for I all goodnes will defend . Most mightie prince Saturne doth signifie good gouernment : Neptune and Mars of might By Sea and land in warre haught valiancie , Apollo how diuinely to indight , Pallas wisdome to rule and raigne aright : Such vertues great from these men did descende , They are and shal be gods vnto the end . Yet banisht nowe they liue in darke exile , For where is valure or good gouernemente ? Learning hath left her former stately stile , From prudence craft her right with rage hath rent : The cause why these destressed Gods haue sent me to this Ile , from that most mightie maine is this , they heare thy highnesse here doth raigne By right , ruling thie Realme with equitie , Heauenlie wisdome and godly zeale doth rest with thee , pitie and perfect pietie : God with his grace aboundantly hath blest thy grace , and thee inritcht aboue the rest , They , ( other ) Princes of another kinde Doe banishe such as thou doest seeke to finde . Hopelesse of helpe which when these gods did heare , They sent in post on message Mercury : I am not fame which flyeth here and there For Mercurie deare dame , doeh signifie A messenger , and for the gods am I Sent with this sute , if it may please thy grace , Both they and I will serue thee in this place . And then the Queene , my seruants ? no , my saints , Copertiners of my crowne and dignitie : Let them leaue off their heeretofore complaints : Bid them come rule this mightie Realme with mee , And let them knowe my state and great degree : Tell them that nothing can delight mee more , Then they whose names I chiefly doe adore . Then might you see the prudent Pallas glade , And all her mourning garments done away , All her assistants sighde and sobd ful sad : Reioyced nowe , and Solemnizde that day With songes , and making garlandes gorgeous gay : Then thus shee spake , good Mercury at large , Report the thinges committed to thy charge . His replie . Her heauenly hewe , her more then mortall grace , ( For vertue may mortall immortall make , ) Her stately steppes , her princelie royall race , Her Maiestie makes mortall men to quake , Her dignitie doth make the gods to shake : When earthly eyes her highnesse doe behold , They doe affirme her forme not from the moulde . Ouer her head , angels with swordes in hande , Betwixt her eyes doth right remorse remaine , Before her face the feare of God doth stande , Salomons blisse abideth in her braine , Her eares bee stopt to matters vilde and vaine : From goodlie lips her learned tongue doth tell The way to heauen , where shee no doubt doth dwell . Contented life within her minde doth rest , Vpon her breast doth perfect blisse abide , And charitie doth sit vpon her chest : A certaine sure state that cannot slide Is fixt as best beseemes fast to her side , Most worthie prayse for her virginitie , Diana neuer halfe so chaste as she . Her arme doth rule a mightie Realme by right , Her hande doth giue eche one his due desart , To walke in righteous wayes is her delight , From perfect path her feete doe not depart , Her steppes most straight doe shew her heauenly heart , Vnder her feete raging reuenge doth couch , At her commaunde her valure to auouche . When treasons spightful , hid conspiracies , They woulde vntwine her worthie warped twist : These heauenly Angels then with Argus eies , Doe force the blooddie blade from traytours fist , Whose gotten gaine is heauie had I wist : When forraigne foes would reaue her princely crown , Then blacke reuenge doth beate their boastings down . This true report whilst Maias sonne hath made , And brought the gods from maruaile to a maze , Withouten shape all substantlesse a shade Appearde in sight , on which they all did gaze , Whose bended browes an inwarde griefe did blaze : This shadowe seemde with all her might in vaine , To turne the wheele where mankinde doth remaine . On toppe whereof Minerua hath her place , A glorious seat by which but one did sit , and hee not knowne , princes of royal race about the sides in place for them most fit , A godly youth and of a worthie wit Was plast with them , whose mothers due desart Quite from the wheele had laid her downe apart . Alecto then , the breader of debate Though pale , and wane yet blewe with ruthfull rage , Fie fortune fie ( quoth she ) fie on thy state , A goddesse ? no , thou wart in elder age , Contemned nowe of plowman , prince and page , No homage done , honour , nor sacrifice , Come take reuenge of this contempt , arise , By nature I all happinesse doe hate , The giftes I giue are bitter griefes like gall , Hate , spight , malice , and madnesse , staie my state , With these I dayly doe deuise to thrall All such as sit aloft in stately stal : My pleasure is the fortunate to foyle , All my delight is in their speedie spoyle . With mightie arme to turne this wheele make hast : Let them belowe aboue in blisse remaine , My gorgeous Galathea is disgrast , Whom to aduance I toyle as yet in vaine , Of thee , and to thy grace shee doth complaine : Heare her at last , and let her not for aye By due desart be drowned in decay . But fortunes force was now of none auaile , When vices vilde to caue of cruell care Doe cast , her power then can not preuaile : When godly life , and vertues very rare , When they aduaunce , what fickle fortune dare molest such one , whom God in highest place hath set , whose steps be guided by his grace . Alecto lewd the hater of good hap when she perceiude dame fortunes feeble force , Shee made about and spide a second gap wherein shee leapt , O Pluto take remorse on vs she said , with voice hollow and hoarce : Shee sits thou sest in highest dignitie , which doth destroy thy mightie monarchie . The worlde thou knowest , I all the worlde was thine , Thy caues were cramd , when heauen all emptie was , Blinde ignorance that mighty mother mine shee ruld , shee rainde , she brought it so to passe That all was thine , euen shee maintaind the masse , And shee it was which gaue the triple crowne To him of Rome , of more then * * Ironi● . muche renowme . But now , ( not from Apollos learned braine ) Out from the stocke of Mars is sprong a maide , Who doth both him , and thee , and mee disdaine , Thou sest by her thy kingdome is decayd , Thou sest her force , her fame can neuer fade , True knowledge shortly so shall stuffe the heauen , That all thy state shal stand at sixe and seuen . Quoth Pluto tell my Metropolitan , To no such end he hath his princely place , Hee keepes the keyes , his might may blisse or ban , Yet dothe hee see and suffer this disgrace , Tell him from mee I him and all his race will quite destroy except he doth pluck down , All suche as bee rebellers to my crowne . Thus did the Diuell with patience replie , But when the Pope had heard his princes minde , His heauie hearte in raging wrath did frie , In hast , post hast a counsaile hee assignde : Bals balling Priestes ( not only bald but blinde , ) From euery coast in flockes like Coutes they came , Thus spake the woolfe clad like a simple lambe . My ghostly care with mercie mixt too muche , Hath brought contempt , cursing shall nowe preuaile : This stubborne wretched wicked worlde is such . Nowe punishment and whippes of bitter bayle : They must and shall refourme , I will not faile , To plucke them downe with vengeance ruthfull reed : Which doe denie mee to bee supreme head . Haue I the power to curse , to blisse , to binde , To lose , to send to heauen or els to hel ? Or is this key and triple crowne assignde To me , to suffer them thus to rebell ? No no , I will subdue them very well : To Fraunce , to mightie Spaine , to Italie I Britane giue , Scotlande , and Germanie . Whose princes proud are fled from former faith , And doe deuise to rob mee of the rest , When as my state was at the hiest haigth Then happie he who with my toe was blest , Then all was mine from the'st vnto the west , Then on the backes of Emperours I trode ▪ Then who but I , there was none other God . But nowe alas I liue in lowe degree , A woman doth mee and my might defie , The Gospel nowe my mortall enemie By meanes of her is preacht both farre and nie : As it reuiues , so I your pope doe die : As I do droupe , so you your selues must mourne , Looke well heereto before you be forlorne . This carefull court in haste it did deuise , It sent forth sectes , it traytors did retaine , Those rebels fled for feare which faine woulde rise , It made them practise matters vilde and vaine , Alectos Galathia did complayne Whome to aduaunce they haue , they do , and will , On feeble fort such show their slender skill . For as the seas do roare against the rocke In vaine , and windes no mountaines maie remooue , So there at Rome these forcelesse priestes did flock None of their popish practizes would proue , Which did so much that mightie monster moue , As straight he did a holie league conclude , Meaning by might the Gospel to detrude . Then Galathia presently was blest , If he may blesse who coulde nor can not curse , Hee made a shotte and yet the marke he mist , Hee stretcht the stringes of his plentifull purse In vaine , and all in vaine hee did disburse His Peterpence , all thinges had such successe , As well descrude his worships worthinesse . Which made him clap a loofe hooke to his saile , Peter put on his considering cappe , A fruitelesse flower passing poore & pale : Without or smell , or tast , or sence , or sappe , A hidden hooke , a traine , a secrete trappe , Away the witch , the windes were not to scant , The fleete was rigde , and yet there was a want . Then from that borde he cast his sayles about , He did and doth an other drift deuise , Alecto with her stobourne seruauntes stoute Doth further forth his diuelishe enterprise , With false report to euery coaste she flies And filles the eares of euerie king with ire Against her grace to make them all conspire . The present gods seeing this great turmoile , Made haste with speede her person to defende , Saide Saturne let vs keepe her from the foile , This wicked world shee all her force doth bend To sinke such as by vertue woulde ascend . This is ( said Mars ) a valiant troupe I trowe : which dare attempt one womans ouerthrowe . And doth the diuell and he his depute there ? Doe kinges consult , and furies fierce of hell , My daughter from her hie estate to teare ? Dare they against both Ioue and vs rebell ? O hie deuise , their courage doth excell : They faine woulde frame the ouerthrowe of one which must and shall remaine when they are gone , Whose pride , but first their rage we will resist , Menacing Mars with eyes like flaming fire , His face showde what was shrowded in his brest : He made all that were present to admire At his reuenge , and dare they thus conspire ? They will ( quoth hee ) and I will doe the deede which shall preuaile , when shee shall stande in neede . Pallas with secrete suddaine ioy reuiude , Forgetting quite her griefes forerunne shee saide , Attende and heare the song I haue contriude , Giue eare you gods , lende me your louing ayd● : Apollo thou the best that euer plaide Take Lute in hand , tune to the waters fall , Minerua liues , whom Pallas honor shall . Farewell you kinges of all the continent both farre and neare , Against both gods , and goodnes you be bent with sworde and speare , Therefore with you the furies fierce of hell , We with the vertuous English Queene will dwell , she can not slide for we will side Her steppes , and make her fame excel . For true report with golden trumpe doth sounde her worthie prayse : But your reproch by rumour doth rebounde in the hie wayes Of all the worlde , so you in infamie Must liue , and shee in royall dignitie : howe can shee fade whom vertue made The greatest godesse by degree . Reioyce you gods to sing we will not cease , nowe we haue founde The chiefest place of rest and quiet peace vpon the grounde . For we shall sit euen by her seemely side , Whose mightie mase the golden world doth gide : so worthie a Queene was neuer seene , Whose heauenly state shall neuer slide . From striking of his stringes Apollo stayde , Which brought this suddaine ende to Pallas song , His Lute laide downe hee thus vnto them saide , As wee be godes , so let vs do no wrong , you knowe the charge which doth to vs belong , Howe mightie Ioue the onely god aboue Would vs on earth showe whom he best doth loue . If Pallas and the tried trueth doth proue The English Queene of all most worthie prayse , Then may wee boldely boast that God doth loue Her best , if most shee walketh in his wayes , Which if to proue make we no more delayes But let vs hence , for we with her will dwell If such shee be , if so shee doth excell . Then her we may and will immortall make , A goddesse great Minerua be her name , My Mercury hee shall him selfe betake To all the worlde , and there he shall proclame Both farre and neare her due deserued fame : All men that liue her grace they shall adore Both at this present time , and euermore . Quoth Pallas let it be as you haue saide , wee will depart , yet doubt not of the dame , Shee is by proofe and oracle displayde , Most certainelie I knowe shee is the same : And I before I hence depart , will frame A comely Coronet of goodly greene , which shall right well become a maiden Queene . And wee saide they will breake downe Floras bower Yeelding thereto the floweres of the fielde : Syluanus then stept from his stately towre , And I thereto such branches braue will yeelde ( Saide hee , ) as hath been seene but verie fielde , Of woodes , of groues , of goodly greene the god I am , you knowe they bowe if I but nod . Though hatefull Hyems wasting winters rage , With bitter blastes my tender bowes doth bite : Yet friendly Ver her rigor doth aswage , And all my groues with goodly greene doth dight : The modest Muses flocke for their delight Amidst my greene , they daily march for meede , They sing , they daunce , they there , their fancies feede . Within my groues such sacred trees doe growe As neuer will their louely greene forgoe , Them on your goddesse garlande I 'le bestowe , Not onely them , but many flowres moe , Hearbes of all sortes if you will haue it so . Quoth Neptune , pearles and precious stones great store I will supplie , what woulde Pallas haue more . Then forth they went and gathered all was good , Great mightie bowes and branches home they brought , they did disgrace eche forrest , fielde , and wood . Neptune returnd who had his Indies sought , From thence he Iewels which were neuer bought For price , nor pay , they were so passing rare : To order all Pallas had all the care . Dame Flora with her nimble Nymphes came in , Euen there they did their louely lappes vnlade , And in her hande the prettie fairie Queene Shee helde a glasse , these flowres shall not fade , Them to preserue this water I haue made : They shall not die , nor droup , but florish faire , Nor feele the force of Sommers swelting aire . The Muses ix . ix . colours did present Of sowing silke vntwined yet in twist , To sowe , to weaue , to binde was their intent where need requirde , then with her faire fist A Morian maide when shee the place had blist , Chrystall , Currall , Amber , Bugle shee Laide downe , and saide these for your gerland be . The Graces called Charites came in , Two bagges , the third shee did a bottel beare , In which full twentie seueral roomes there bin All filde with water delicate and deare , Distilled all : and in the bagges there were Muske , Mirre , Siuit , and Ambergreece the best That hath bin seene , from th , est vnto the west . They all as one imploide their second care More busie then the birde which buildes her nest , To take the choice whose vertues were most rare , They litle slippes and branches of the best Did bring , they left and laide away the rest : Pallas her selfe did worke this worthie wreath most passing braue aboue , and braue beneath . Ix. noble worthies mightie Mars they prayde To passe with him to please their chiefe delight : Vij . sages then they thus to Saturne saide wee will with thee to see this worthie wight : Three Marriners indude with deepe insight Of seamans skill , worthie to frame a course where Neptune was in spight of Eols force : A learned troupe vnto Apollo prest , Of which were two inseparable seemde , Silenus , tho like mouners , yet the best Theo●●●● by deedes and doctrine deemd , to him they went , of him they were esteemde : To garnishe Pallas worke with greater grace , By them eche branch and flower had her place . The Firre tree first her branch they did forbid , For it doth speares and warlike weapons make , The Oliues branch ( whose vertue lieth hid ) It hates , his rootes doe growe from Limbo lake , The mourning Cyprus bowe they did forsake : The first with redde , but that with black they bounde For them ( from this ) an other vse was founde . The Flowerdeluce though louely to beholde In question these the wisest did it call , And to refuse the same the gods were bolde : It representes trouble and cruell thrall , The leaues like swoordes do grow both tough & tall , The roote though pleasant , poison is to such As doe it drinke , which made the Muses grutch . These thence for secrete cause they cast away , As too too bad to haue their being there , This comely crewe did solemnize that day , And Pa●●as made her perfite skill appeare , The N●mphes , and Ladies of the fountaines cleare More busie then a swarme of bees , they brought In laden armes such thinges as they had sought . A Pantarbe strange of great & goodly sise , with workemanship as rare as was the stone , Shee there the first foundation did deuise , Grene grasse shee strowde a handfull thereupon , Trefoiles , Cincquefoiles , and caterfoiles among , The chosen slips of the Pomegranet tree , These bound with blacke , with white those did agree , whose secrete sence Libethrides did sing , whilst Dryades did other flowers bring . Within the Salamanders head a precious stone is founde , Of value rich , of vertue rare , none such vpon the grounde : Who doth possesse the same , may stande vnhurt in flame of fiers force with fame . Nor Cupids might Can hurt such one with spight , Thrice happie wight Who hath the Pantarbe found . Grasse is greene common like corne , yet doth it farre surmount , For only grasse maintaineth man , and is of chiefe account . The Romane Captaines wore garlandes thereof of yore , because they did restore the quiet peace , and made the warres surcease . A great increase it plainely doth present , The Primerose or Caterfoile first in the prime doth spring , It is the messenger to May of wilde flowers the king : Who first it findes must note his mistres by her * * Her colours coat , It growes like true loue knot , and doth present shee neuer will repent her voude intent , happie who first it findes . The Cincquefoiles sanctitie is such , the Gentiles did applie It chieflly in their sacrifice when they did purifie , In it nine colours bin , but chiefly white and greene the colours of a Queene , it doth declare The wearer hath great care with vertue rare to keepe her soule from sinne . The Trefoile hath his secrete sense , the vnitie of three It doth declare , and is in league with the Pomegranet tree : Cupid that braunch did beare , Whose hand with cruel speare Eche louers heart doth teare , it doth present All flesh to loue is bent , and must repent their losse of libertie . Thus though eche Ladie needes must loue and seeke for vnitie , Yet shee who doth the Pantarbe finde shall liue at libertie : With her reason shall rest , Fancie shall bilde no nest Within her blessed brest , the great increase of perfit loue , and peace , shall neuer cease , Where these flowers be worne . You happie Hamadryades nowe presse you out a pace , Bring foorth what best may beautifie the seconde ranke or race : This worke is well begunne , For wee our parts haue done , Now you must thither runne , in Pallas lap You must your flowers wrap , Mineruas cap Shee wil therewith adorne . Two branches then of euerlasting wood , which neuer will corrupt nor waste away , But euer greene , their sauour passing good , They doe declare her fame cannot decay Which doth them weare , by due desart I say Pallas them plast , and gaue the next degree Vnto the Cedar and Geniper tree . A thousand orient pearles shee hangde thereon , For white with greene will euer well agree , Sweete Williams then shee placed them among , And Lauinder for liberalitie : For her good workes , a braunche of Sauorie , Al these the worthie woodbind did imbrace : The Honisuckle gaue a greater grace Vnto them all , whose braunch with chrystall dight , Did muche increase the beholders delight . The Double Dill● for her humilitie , Laus tibi ( health ) the Affodill doth shewe , The Oking braunche her diuturnitie , And thereuppon did golden Acornes growe In comely knopps , hanging in seemely rowe : To furnishe these shee set a slip of sage For sustinance , all anger to aswage Next this shee gentle Gezemen did place , And thrifte she tide within our Ladies lace . Pallas a comely Carbuncle did take , whose royall rayse were bright like Phoebus bsames , A triple towred toppe shee ment to make Thereon , for well she wist the glittering gleames Thereof did shine with goodly stately streames , And leand vnto the lookers on such light , That they might iudge of euery thing aright . And when shee had the hearbe Alimon founde , Alaluya by and by shee spide , The Larkesfoote fast with white to Burnet bounde , Dictamum she to Pencryall tyde , with goodly greene shee made them all abide : And beare the branche whose tender twigges did bend , with golden fruite as though their rine would rende : About the Lillies stalke Hearts ease was wrapt , And loue within our Ladies smock shee lapt . The pretie Pincke , the goodly Marie golde , Muske Roses mixt with seemely Sops in wine , Sweete Violets , of colours manifolde , The gentle Gyllyflower florisht fine , Rosemary tide vnto a little Time , with Basell , Balme , Isope ▪ sweete Margerie , These were intrayld with branche of Rasper tree Euen then shee did the double Daseye downe with blewe shee bounde it to the Laurell tree : The little Pauncie greatest of renowme , Cornations came with great humilitie , Doing vnto sweete Eglintine dutie : And then a branch of Palme with goodly grace , Her spreading spraise did beautifie the place . From hiest top out of one stately stemme Two royall Roses white and redde did growe , The Oliue tree most brauely grew by them , And by their rootes were set in seemely rowe Flowers and hearbes whose names I doe not knowe : Pallas her comely Casket did vnlocke , Before her face the Muses all did flocke . The Redrose first with precious pearles they dight , The white rose they inritch with rubies rare , Their stalke with Azure Saphires garnisht bright A secrete hidden vertue did declare , The Oliues goodly branches were not bare , For all her twigges with Emeraulds did bende , The Smarage did the Oliues greene amend . Of Topazes two sortes there haue bin founde , One sort like golde this garnisht Eglintine , Not on but by the Pauncie most renowmde , The other much more greene then grasse did shine , ( By due desart the Ardonix is thine : ) Thou doutie double Dayseie for thy tree The Daintie Diamon doth well agree . The other hearbes with Margarites were mixt , And heere and there did hang an Amatest , And euerie where a Iasynth betwixt Them both , and comely Chrystall to the rest , With guled Currall , Bugle of the best , Spangles of golde and siluer there were seene , All these set foorth dame Chloris goodly greene . The Fayrie Queene did season this with sweet , And when she had consarude it in such wise , As neither Brumas blastes , nor Atumns heate Coulde hurte , shee did with all her wit deuise , From euery branche a sweete perfume did rise , The flowers did retaine their proper smell , Quoth Pallas stay , this worke is passing well . Diana and her daintie damsels did Their friendly fingers vndefiled frame , When sacred solemne rites were finished , To beare being whithout or blot or blame Vnto her grace who was of greatest fame This rare deuise , with double dignitie Meaning to crowne Mineruas maiestie . The Poets Pince , and Harauldes chiefest king Mightie Palaphilos you might persaue To place ech one appointing euerie thing As it shoulde bee : the gods were bounsing braue , No goddesse there , no muse nor Nymphe was graue , All did with ioyfull Iubilie reioyce Shouting Minerua liues with often voyce . Then might you see the rurall dames come in , The youth like frie , olde folke like foules did flocke : With bags and baskits filde vp to the brimme , For Fauni did the Forrest gates vnlocke : And simple Cate clad in a russet frocke Brought branches thence , and flowers aporne full , The waies were woods made by the gadding scull , Apollo tooke in hand his pleasant Lute , And hee his Harp who said Euridicen , Thales did force with louely lippes her Flute , Calliope on Sitarne did begin , Melpomene on Viall prayse did winne , The Napeae with the Nayades They did deuise and singe thes sweete ditties . The Nymphes and Ladies of the lake , Perfourme this great solemnitie All for their new Mineruas sake noble Naiades . And where renowmed Napea Is shee who doth deserue such fame ? In England now Naiades , Elizabeth her name . With flant a flant this flanting flocke , The greatest goddesse by degree , They meane that maiden Queene to make with royall dignitie . Thither goe all this faire flocke with such so great solemnitie , All for their newe Mineruas sake noble Naiades . Thus they at last were come where Lud had laid Though not the first , foundations long before , Where then this courtly maiden Queene she staide With all her traine , and manie straingers more For then there were Ambassadors great store : Whom to delight , the people did prepare Triumphes , perfourmde with courage passing rare . The court it selfe none such my selfe haue seene In Fraunce , in Spayne , nor curious Italie , The courtiers , first the beautie of the Queene , Her goodly grace , her garments what they bee , No Empresse can make such showe as shee , For gold , for pearle , for precious stones of price , No one like her for robes of rare deuise . Then from the prince vnto the porest page , The worste in silke , the best in cloth of golde Richly inricht , the noble man so sage , The gentleman so ciuell to beholde , The courteous seruing man the boy though bolde , Yet he and they eche one in his degree , Did plainely proue him selfe ciuilitie . When Titans beames had banisht Lunas light And duskish dim which dide the day with darke , Sent foorth from fame report that worthie wight , With trompet shrille made heauen and earth to harke , Immortall gods and mortall men did marke The message which with great solemnitie , was thus declarde to all of each degree . The sheuered staues will well declare the minde Of them who heere this day will showe their might , An Earle by birth and of an noble kinde His chalenge will perfourme euen in despight Of him or them which dare withstande in fight , Therefore you Brutes which would inrich your name Cast armour one and trie the Tilte for fame . The Mertials and the Iudges had their place , The Harraldes prest to pen eche due desart , The Queene was come , there waited on her grace A hundred Ladies beautifull and braue , The forraine princes and her counsaile graue , When all the showe and euery thing was seene No colours cold compare with white and greene . The challenger proudly presumde to say That white and greene had not the brauest hewe , But that his Maistris bore the bell away : Her courtly colours were most worthie vewe Hee saide and swore , wherewith the trumpets blewe , The splents of speares which climde the cloudes aboue Did well declare the force of mightie loue . A Fierce defendant with a counter buffe Of this proud chalenger did chaunge the cheere , Spight of his force and all his cootes of proffe He made him leaue the fielde for feeble feare , Assistantes three forthwith there did appeare , The first did well , the second in his place , So did the thirde but for this one disgrace . In Helmet for the honour of his deare The Ladie whom they all did most commend , Her gallant plume and colours he did weare , Which for her sake like life he did defende : Yet force perforce , them to the ground did sende : And then the people cride God saue the Queene , No colours can compare with white and green . Therewith the cloud which did the gods inclose That they might walke , and see , and not be seene , Was quit with drawne , the people did suppose Heauen was broke loose , so might the royall Queene , So did the court , so all the worlde might deeme , The armed knightes the people in a traunce Did muse , and makt the order of this chaunce . First Saturne and vii . sages past before , Then mightie Mars with him ix . worthies went , Neptune he had three saylers and no more , Apollo * * Castor and Pollux . two for a learned intent , Silenus * * Preachers . v. all v. from heauen were sent , Then Mercury the ruler * * Fame . of report , Thus these vi . gods entred into the court . Next these dame Floras noble Nymphes came in , The Fayerie Queene , and Ladies of the lake , Diana and her Damsels then were seene , A troupe which did to chastitie betake Themselues , come thither for Mineruas sake , There Pallas and the learned Muses staid , And Pallas thus vnto Minerua sayd . Most mightie prince almightie Ioue the iust Would vs on earth showe whom he best doth loue , We haue inquirde , and nowe it is discust It is thy selfe , whom he who sittes aboue Hath so inricht that thou canst not remoue , From that which with his will doth well agree , Being of all the best felicitie . Nowe sith we see thy goodly gouernment , And finde howe passing straight thy steps do stand , We all be come , all wee for this intent To liue with thee , to bee at thy commande , And for that cause Pallas and all her bande , Doth heere resigne vnto thy worthie will Their worldly wit , and all their learned skill , Thy due desert hath thee Minerua made A goddesse great , with whom none can compare , For hee of heauen hath set it downe and said , The Britttain Queene shal be that Phoenix rare , Whom death to touch with dart shall neuer dare : Thou shalt on earth eternally remaine As I haue done , though greater be thy gaine . Beholde these gods all readie to resigne The giftes for which they were eternized , Receiue thou them because they be all thine , Receiue also vnto thy heauenly head This Corronet , this garlande garnished Not like thy minde with gifts of greatest price , But as we coulde inricht with rare deuise , Shee thus adornd with double dignitie They did of mortall her immortall make , As thus shee sat amidst such maiestie The lookers on with louing feare did shake , Her goodly grace did make the gods to quake : The Muses then and all the people said thy due desert hath thee Minerua made . And then the Queene with more then mortall grace , The life ( quoth shee ) of euery liuing thing Must perish quite , for death will it deface : But death to death by due desert to bring Such death on earth is life euerlasting , I knowe right well such immortalitie you haue obtainde , and such remaines for me . And then forth from the slender suttel skies All Angellike there did a shape appeare , Euen as it is of ghosts deuine the gise A heauenly humane forme shee did on there : And yet shee was as Tytans beames so cleare , Immaculate not hauing spot of sinne , All clad in white thus did her grace begin . Within this worlde at last is one who hath inricht her name with euerlasting fame , This Ladie only shee alone shee shall inioy the same : the goddesses diuine , and all the Muses ix . to her they shall resigne : Because the due desartes which them immortal made This Ladie hath obtaind , her fame shall neuer fade . Proceed my Muse assist thy seruaunt nowe , Able his penne to publishe forth her praise Whose life is like dame Sinthias siluer rayse . That mightie God of heauen Ioua great , He doth permit , his highnes doth alowe Vnto her grace all earthly blesse shall bowe , And bide , and bee at her commaundement , With perfit blesse to beautifie her seate , Euen for that cause Euthumia is sent . With her this goddesse euermore shall stay , Then thus bespake blessed Euthumia . Goddesse of great accompt whose due desert doth farre surmount the peoples prayse , in no such wayse did euer woman walke : Faire Ladie sweet with thee , with thee I meane to talke , Talke and resigne to thee , euen to thy selfe my state , of all the world most fortunate , whose happines with perfit blesse is furnished , nowe I must dwell with thee , because thou doest excell . Thy vertues rare Do well declare To what thou art inclinde , The worthines of woman kinde , Thou dost approue that sexe is such As doth mankinde exceed , exceedeth man by much , By muche and moste of all , of all the royall reste , Thy perfite greate estate is beste , Thy birth right great , greater thy fame , Euthumias noble name I yeelde to thee my dignitie . Thy due deserued right , in deede thy right rewarde Rewarded by the gods , for when the gods had harde In what a perfit path you tread , And howe your life you leade , They did ordaine Mee to remaine With her whose state Was fortunate , So sent from them to you , to you , onely to you I bowe , And bende , and bind my selfe , my selfe vnto your will , Your wil ? that is my worke , my worke that to fulfill . Sweet Eglintine shall haue the place , And notice of thy name , Which flowre to defend , euen to defende the same , Of passing pusiant power In hiest throne Hee which doth sit , he shall defende thee from thy fone , and so preserue the seate , the seat where thou dost sit , as neither hatreds heate nor wicked wit , shall bloot thy goodnes with disgrace , amongst the gods thou shalt remaine for euermore . Aglaia most like the morning starre that godesse next Euthumia did appeare , none of the muses might with her compare , muche like her selfe shee found Minerua there : Suche beutie , bountie , personage and grace , Greatlie amazde she pausde a prettie space : Apollo then did downe his mightie mace , He thus describd the fauour of her face . Like newe refined golde Queene Hellens haire , Shee hath the browes of blissed Brissis braue , Egerias eie , shee hath Egestas eare , Chionis cheeke , and Chloris goodly grace , Neeras nose on fayre Venus face , The tongue of Telesilla , Tethis teeth , And Ledas lippes to lende louely reliefe . Of modest Myrta milde the smiling cheere , Dame Floras breth so sweet as violet , Clitias chin , like Collitina cleare , The necke of Nemesis , Doris , or Eudora , Her brests be braue like Diopeia , Shee is of all the worlde the brightest starre , Begot by Mars the mightie god of warre . Apollo staide , Aglaia did proceede Though much amazde to see as t' were her self , Aglaias eyes they on her face did feede , And coulde not satisfie themselues with sight , There was containd in it so great delight : Yet at the last her wordes did well display Her in warde thought , thus did the Ladie say . Lady of all delight Delight of Ladies all , All the most worthie wight Most worthie wight they shall , Shall they ? They shall in deed , Indeed , adore thy name , Thy name wth euerlasting fame . Fame flie thou foorth with speede , With speede let it be knowne to all vnder the Sunne , The Sun hath shinde vpon none such since first the world begun . To whom Aglaia doth resigne , For new Mineruas prayse doth shine More bright then heretofore did mine : With all a flaunt a flaunt , Thou as thou shouldst dost vaunt , The Gods of heauen doe graunt Thee euermore their heauenly grace , To prosper thee in euerie place . That goodly goddesse great renowmed Clytia she prest into the presse , them thus the dame diuine did say , Braue Besse how are delights Of beauties brauest bright Plast in thy passing perfect personage , Stand foorth you worthie wights Beholde you heere in sight , The chiefest glorie of this present age : Vnto this gallant gay Doth worthie Clytia her name and fame resigne , All glory hath beene mine , All glory nowe is thine , With glory thou dost shine , so like the seemly Sunne , Braue Besse shal be thy name when al the world is done . Next her appeard a muse of great degree , And thus bespake comelie Calliope , A Ladie like my selfe at last , at last my selfe haue founde , that shee may be renowmde : Fame telles her name with busie blast To all vpon the ground : The sweetnesse of her voice Doth make the gods reioyce , Therefore Calliope To little Englands worthie Queene Doth giue her great degree . And then the Graces called Charytes With these speeches did all the people please : Amidst a gallant gardine greene , Where natures worthiest worke is seene , Impald with perfect blisse , Wherein one forme our selues haue founde All the good graces on the grounde , Euen there our biding is , With mery mindes wee there remaine , The place doth please vs so , It neuer shall bee seene nor saide , That wee from thence will goe : As foode feedes mortall fleshe , Euen so our mindes doe eate The perfect pleasures there doe grow , Most meete for Angels meate : Dido that courtly Carthage Queene , Of Troyes decay that fine Helen And gallant Venus gay , Iuno nor Pallas neuer dare , Diana chaste may not compare , With mightie Minerua ▪ For shee hath that which all they had , In much more perfect plight Then minde of man imagine may , Or Dittie can indight : We vaunt not then in vaine , For only wee are blest Who doe inioy of all the worlde the very worthiest : Inioy ? wee only doe possesse The highest haight of happinesse , Therefore wee will reioyce , For where all vertue doth remaine Euen shee who all the rest doth staine is made our only choyce . And this to you of heauen we vowe , whilst you her life do lend Only with her we will remaine , our faith shall her defend , her becke wee will obey , I shee shall haue our heart , and we with her wil runne and ride wee neuer will depart . On earth heauenly felicitie euen heere on earth not one but wee , and wee haue found the place , Where euery perfect sweete delight doth rest , and doth remaine by right : wee doe the branche imbrace , whose buds the blossomes bee of blisse , whose fruite Ambrosia , God keepe Minerua from mishap , God keepe her from decay , For with that goddesse greate wee doe possesse our place , And wee will dwell for euermore in her most faire face . Then Clio sister to Calliope , That modest mery Muse of great degree , Found out this Queene who had her goodly grace , shee all her giftes and goodnes did imbrace , Whome longe she did with maruell muche beholde , Thus shee at last her fancies did vnfolde . Macthlesse for musick once I was , none could my note come neere , nowe thou dost passe , thy voyce most cleere From healtfull lights and lounges belowe doth send , Such sweete and pleasant harmonie , The gods their eares doe bende , And after thee we see The rest of all the Muses run , to gaze vpon thy grace , Which as they do behold they finde , thy mothers faire face , to thee I Clio heere Doe giue eternitie , Thou noble Nymphe that hast no peere , Thy name and fame shall liue and neuer fade , The onely peece of worke that euer nature made Thus shee who once was but a mortall Queene , And subiect sate on fortunes turning wheele , The greatest goddesse nowe on earth is seene : Whose hie estate can neither roule nor reele , Nor fortunes force shall neuer hurt her heele : For vertue did and due desart aduaunce Her grace , and not the force of changing chance , Shee is not nowe as other princes bee , Who liue on earth to euery tempest thrall , Desert hath crownde her with eternitie , Her godly zeale in seate sempiternal Hath set her nowe , from thence shee can not fall : But liuely liue on earth eternally : And haue in heauen heauenly felicitie . Therewith this curious court brake vp , and I in ragged rime Was made the trumpet to their talk , the touchstone of the time . Amongst the gods there is none like thee O Lorde , There is none can do as thou doest . Psal. Lxxxvi .